JPH10263172A - Management system for game house - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a player from having a data memory medium stolen while the player is away from the game machine in case that a game by the game machine is played with a memory medium for the game data memory taken in a data reading means installed at a corresponding position in the game machine. SOLUTION: A ball lending machine 9, with a membership card or a premium ball card taken in by a card reader/writer 35 of a game machine, releases pachinko balls within the range of pachinko ball data memorised corresponding to the card. In this condition that the card is taken in by the card reader/writer, the card will be ejected when an eject switch 16 is on. But if once a pause switch is pressed, the mechanism of the eject switch 16 is made ineffective and ejection of the card is prohibited. When a secret code applied to the card is inputted by means of a numeric pad, the ineflectiveness of the eject switch will be canceled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an amusement arcade in which a plurality of gaming machines for releasing a predetermined number of gaming media in accordance with a winning of the gaming media are provided at positions corresponding to the respective gaming machines.
The present invention relates to a management system for a game arcade provided with lending means configured to discharge a game medium using a storage medium storing game medium number data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in a pachinko hall, a ball counter for counting the number of pachinko balls acquired by a player at a position corresponding to a pachinko game machine on a one-to-one basis and storing the count data in a storage carrier is provided. In a state where the storage carrier is set, by installing a ball lending machine capable of lending operation of pachinko balls based on the count data stored in the storage carrier, it is unnecessary to carry the acquired pachinko balls. In addition, the pachinko balls once counted by the ball counter are configured to be returned through the ball rental machine, so that the game can be played in the same state as when there is actually a pachinko ball at hand (so-called system). A unit-based counting replay system) has been proposed.

In this case, the storage carrier is constituted by a magnetic card, an IC card, or the like, and is issued in such a manner that an ID code assigned to the registered player is assigned to the registered player. A configuration is considered in which the data is included in advance as a member card storing data, or a configuration in which a ball counter is used to temporarily issue a temporary card when a pachinko ball counting operation is performed.

[0004]

When the above system is constructed, a card reader for reading out count data from a storage carrier (member card or temporary card) is installed in association with a ball lending machine. And therefore
When playing a game with a pachinko gaming machine, it is common to leave a storage carrier set in a card reader. However, in such a case, when the player temporarily stops playing the game and leaves the pachinko gaming machine, there is a risk that the storage carrier may be stolen, and the storage carriers are taken out of the card reader one by one. In such a case, there is a problem that the operation for carrying the storage medium becomes very troublesome for a player. Further, such a problem is not limited to the above-described system, but also occurs when a pachinko game machine (a so-called CR machine) using a prepaid card as a storage carrier is installed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game in a game machine and a storage medium for storing game medium data in a data reading means provided at a position corresponding to the game. In the case where the game is performed in a state in which the storage medium is fetched, even when the game player is separated from the gaming machine, the situation in which the storage carrier is stolen can be prevented by a simple operation before the game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a management system for a game arcade that can improve the convenience of the customer.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is provided in a game arcade in which a plurality of gaming machines for discharging a predetermined number of game media in accordance with a winning of the game media are provided. A game storage carrier used for storing the number of game media data, and the storage carrier are provided so as to be able to be taken in a position corresponding to the gaming machine in a one-to-one correspondence. Data reading means for reading stored data, and game medium number data provided at a position corresponding to the gaming machine, and stored in association with the storage carrier with the data reading means taking in the storage carrier. And a lending means capable of releasing a game medium based on the security card, wherein a security code for assigning a randomly selected security code to the storage carrier is provided. When the suspending switch is operated in a state where the providing terminal, the suspending switch provided for each of the gaming machines, the code input means provided for each of the gaming machines, and the data reading means take in the storage medium. In at least, a prohibiting means for disabling at least the function of canceling the capture of the storage medium by the data reading means, and when a password code given to the storage medium being captured by the data reading means is input through the code input means,
A canceling means for canceling the invalidation operation by the prohibiting means is provided (claim 1).

[0007] According to such a configuration, the gaming machine and one-to-one.
In the state where the data reading means provided at the corresponding position has taken in the storage carrier, the lending means can be released from the game medium based on the count data stored in association with the storage carrier. The player can play a game using the game medium released through the lending means. In this case, for example, when the storage carrier is issued to a player, a security code is assigned to the storage carrier using a security code assignment terminal.

[0008] In the above-mentioned gaming state, when a player temporarily stops playing and leaves the gaming machine, he operates a suspending switch provided for each gaming machine. Then, the prohibiting means invalidates at least the function of releasing the storage carrier by the data reading means, so that there is no danger of the storage carrier being stolen. After this,
When the above-mentioned player returns to the gaming machine and resumes the game, the personal identification code given to the storage carrier being taken in by the data reading means is inputted through the code input means. Then, the canceling means cancels the invalidating operation by the prohibiting means, so that the state of taking in the storage medium by the data reading means can be canceled as necessary.

Therefore, in the case where a game is played on a gaming machine while the storage medium is being taken into the data reading means provided at the corresponding position, the player is separated from the gaming machine. In this case, the storage carrier can be prevented from being stolen by a simple operation of operating the suspend switch and then inputting the security code, which is convenient for the player. Can be improved.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management system for a game arcade having the same premise as that of the invention according to claim 1, wherein an interruption switch provided for each of the game machines, A code input means provided in the storage means, and when a code having a predetermined number of digits or more is input by the code input means in a state where the data reading means takes in the storage carrier, the input code is stored in the storage medium as a password. Password code providing means for providing as a code, and prohibiting means for disabling at least the function of canceling the loading of the storage medium by the data reading means when the interrupt switch is operated in a state where the data reading means has loaded the storage medium. And the security code assigned to the storage medium being read by the data reading means is input through the code input means. When it is, it may be configured to include a canceling means for canceling invalidation operation by the inhibiting means (claim 2).

According to this configuration, when the data reading means provided at a position corresponding to the gaming machine on a one-to-one basis takes in the storage carrier, the lending means operates the counting device stored in association with the storage carrier. Since the game medium can be released based on the data, the player can play the game using the game medium released through the lending unit.

In the above-mentioned gaming state, when the player temporarily stops the game and leaves the gaming machine, before that, the player enters a predetermined number of digits or more through code input means provided for each gaming machine. Enter an arbitrary password and operate the suspend switch. Then, the password code assigning means,
Since the input code will be given as a security code to the storage medium being read by the data reading means, and the prohibition means will invalidate at least the data reading means's function of canceling the loading of the storage medium, There is no danger of the storage carrier being stolen. Thereafter, when the above-mentioned player returns to the gaming machine and resumes the game, as described above, the security code assigned to the storage carrier, that is, the security code assigned by the player himself before the interruption of the game, the code Input through input means. Then, the canceling means cancels the invalidating operation by the prohibiting means, so that the state of taking in the storage medium by the data reading means can be canceled as necessary.

[0013] Therefore, in the case where the game is played on the gaming machine in a state where the storage medium is taken into the data reading means provided at the corresponding position, the player is separated from the gaming machine. In the event that the security card becomes stolen, the situation in which the storage carrier is stolen can be prevented by operating the suspend switch with the security code set, and then simply entering the security code. Thus, the convenience of the player can be improved.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, in a management system for a game arcade having the same premise as the invention according to claim 1, a code input means provided for each of the gaming machines, When a code having a predetermined number of digits or more is input by the code input means in a state where the means takes in the storage carrier, the input code is given as a personal identification code to the storage carrier and stored by at least the data reading means. Prohibiting means for disabling the carrier release function, and canceling the disabling operation by the prohibiting means when a password code given to the storage carrier being read by the data reading means is input through the code input means. And a canceling means (claim 3).

According to this configuration, in the state where the data reading means provided at the position corresponding to the gaming machine in one-to-one correspondence takes in the storage carrier, the lending means operates the counter stored in association with the storage carrier. Since the game medium can be released based on the data, the player can play the game using the game medium released through the lending unit.

In the above-mentioned gaming state, when the player temporarily stops the game and leaves the gaming machine, an arbitrary password having a predetermined number of digits or more is provided through code input means provided for each gaming machine. Enter the code. Then, the prohibiting means gives the input code to the storage carrier as a personal identification code and invalidates at least the function of releasing the storage carrier by the data reading means, so that the storage carrier may be stolen. Disappears. Thereafter, when the above-mentioned player returns to the gaming machine and resumes the game, the security code given to the storage carrier as described above, that is, the security code input by the player himself before the game was interrupted, Re-enter via the input means. Then, the canceling means cancels the invalidating operation by the prohibiting means, so that the state of taking in the storage medium by the data reading means can be canceled as necessary.

Therefore, in the case where a game is played on a gaming machine in a state in which the data carrier is taken in the data reading means provided at a position corresponding to the gaming machine, when the player is away from the gaming machine. In the event that the security carrier becomes stolen, the situation where the storage carrier is stolen can be prevented by a simple operation of inputting the security code and then re-entering the security code. Can be improved.

In each of the above constructions, the prohibiting means may be used when the function of canceling the loading of the storage medium by the data reading means is disabled.
A configuration may also be adopted in which the game medium release function of the lending unit is invalidated at the same time (claim 4). According to such a configuration, in the case where the game in the gaming machine is performed in a state where the storage medium storing the game medium data is taken in the data reading means provided in the corresponding position,
When the player is separated from the gaming machine, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a third-party performs an operation of releasing the game medium based on the count data stored in the storage carrier.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the storage medium has a unique I / O.
After storing the D code, the I
Storage means for storing a combination of a D code and a personal identification code given to the storage carrier;
When a security code is input through the code input means, a combination of a security code in which a combination of a security code and an ID code in the storage means is input and an ID code of a storage carrier being captured by the data reading means. A configuration may be adopted in which the invalidating operation by the prohibiting means is canceled only when the value matches the above (claim 5).

Further, counting means provided at a position corresponding to the gaming machine in a one-to-one correspondence so as to be able to count game media discharged from the gaming machine, and a counting result by the counting means corresponding to the storage carrier. It is also possible to provide a configuration including data writing means for storing the data as the number of game media attached (claim 6).

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a front view of a membership card 1 as a storage carrier used in the system of the present embodiment. The membership card 1 is issued to a player who has become a gaming member of a pachinko hall, for example, and has a tape-shaped magnetic recording section 1a provided on the surface thereof and a pachinko hall name 1b. Are formed by printing, and furthermore, the numeral string 1c corresponding to the data unique to the pachinko hall and the member, the character string 1d indicating the member's name, the character and numeral string 1e indicating the card validity date are embossed. Is formed.

In this case, the magnetic recording section 1a includes, for example, a game hall ID code for specifying a pachinko hall,
A membership number, which is an ID code assigned to the member (player), expiration date data indicating the card expiration date, and the like are stored.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a prize ball card 2 as a storage carrier used in the system of this embodiment. The prize ball card 2 functions as a temporary card issued as needed to a player who is not a gaming member of the pachinko hall (a player who has not been issued the membership card 1). On the surface thereof, a tape-shaped magnetic recording portion 2a is provided, and a pachinko hall name 2b, data unique to the pachinko hall and a numeric string 2c corresponding to the serial number of the prize ball card 2, and the prize ball card A character string 2d indicating that 2 is valid only on the current day is formed by printing and embossing.

In this case, the magnetic recording unit 2a has, for example, a game hall ID code for specifying a pachinko hall,
A card number corresponding to the serial number of the prize ball card 2, issue date data indicating a card issue date, and the like are stored. However, in the prize ball card 2, only the game hall ID code is stored in the initial state (unused state before issuance), and the card number and the issue date data are stored when the prize ball card 2 is issued. It is configured to be.

In the present embodiment, the prize ball card 2 is issued by directly handing the prize ball card 2 from a pachinko hall employee to a player.
A pachinko gaming machine in which a player is playing a game (reference numeral 3 in FIGS. 1 and 3)
), When a specific condition such as a prize or a hit occurs, the pachinko hall employee who has confirmed the condition directly hands it. In this case, as will be described later, the prize ball card 2 is issued using a personal identification code providing terminal carried by a pachinko hall employee (the electrical configuration is indicated by reference numeral 100 in FIG. 40). Yes, at the time of issuance, the gift card 2
, A password (for example, about 3 or 4 digits) composed of a random number selected at random.

Referring to FIG. 40 which shows the electrical configuration of the security code providing terminal 100,
0 has a function of storing and issuing a card number, issue date data, and the like with respect to a prize ball card in an initial state (for example, a card in which only a game arcade ID code is stored). Card reader / writer 101 capable of setting 2 and display unit 1 capable of displaying information such as a personal identification code
02, for example, a printer 103 for printing on a built-in roll paper, and a transmission / reception unit 104 for transmitting / receiving data to / from a management device (shown by reference numeral 36 in FIG. 3) using radio waves or the like. , The card reader / writer 101, the display unit 102, the printer 103, and the transmitting / receiving unit 1
04 is provided with a control unit 105 for controlling the control unit 04. The control unit 105 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU and the like, and inside the control unit 105, a date generation unit 105a and a random number generation unit 105b are constructed by a microcomputer program.

FIG. 41 shows an outline of the contents of control by the control unit 105, which will be described below along with the related operations. That is, in FIG.
Performs a standby display such as "Please insert a card" on the display unit 102 in a state where the power is turned on (step A1). In this display state, the card reader / writer 101 takes in the card. It waits until it becomes a state (step A2).

When the card reader / writer 101 takes in the card ("YES" in step A2), the card inserted based on the data read through the card reader / writer 101 is replaced with the card of the shop (the member card 1 or the member card 1). It is determined whether or not it is a prize ball card 2) (step A3). In this case, if the inserted card is not a card of the shop, an error display is displayed on the display unit 102 (step A4), and the inserted card is ejected (step A5).
Are sequentially executed, and the process returns to the display step A1.

When it is determined that the inserted card is the card of the shop, it is determined whether or not the inserted card is the premium ball card 2 (step A6), and when it is determined to be "NO" (step A6). If the inserted card is the membership card 1), the steps A4 and A5 are sequentially executed, and the process returns to the determination step A1.

On the other hand, if "YES" is determined, the date of the day is read from the date generator 105a (step A7), and the prize ball card 2 set in the card reader / writer 101 is read. The read date is written as issue date data (step A8). still,
In step A8, a card number and the like are also written at the same time. When the premium ball card 2 set in the card reader / writer 101 is unused, the card number and the date of issue are newly written. Will be overwritten.

After the execution of the step A8, a random number is read at random from the random number generation section 105b, and the random number is used as the password code of the premium ball card 2 (step A8).
9). Next, a password registration signal including a combination of the card number of the premium ball card 2 and the password is transmitted to the management device 36 (step A10).

Here, the management device 36 has the function of the storage means referred to in the present invention.
An individual data file group for management as shown in FIG. 39 is provided. In the management device 36, when receiving the password registration signal, the card number in the password registration number is newly added to the prize ball data file (see FIG. 39 (c)) in the individual data file group. In addition to the registration, the personal identification code in the personal identification number is registered (stored) in association with the card number, and when the registration is completed, the confirmation signal is answered back to the corresponding personal identification code providing terminal 100. ing. The prize ball data file has a format in which data indicating the number of prize balls is stored in correspondence with the card numbers stored in all issued prize ball cards 2.

After the execution of step A10, the control unit 36 waits until the confirmation signal is answered back from the management unit 36 (step A11). When the answer back is received, the paper sheet on which the password registered as described above is printed is printed. Step A12 issued through the printer 103, display unit 1
Step A13 for displaying that the registration of the personal identification code has been completed for No. 02 and the card ejection step A5 are sequentially executed, and the process returns to step A1. The prize ball card 2 discharged in this manner is issued by directly handing the prize ball card 2 to the player, and the prize ball card 2 issued in such a manner has a password code of It will be handed to the player along with the printed piece of paper.

Now, in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 3
Is configured to fire the pachinko balls (game media) in the upper plate 4 to the board 6 through an electric ball firing mechanism (only the operation dial is denoted by the reference numeral 5). in this case,
Although not specifically shown, the board surface 6 is provided with a start winning hole for a special prize operation, a movable winning hole, an electric accessory attached thereto, and the like in addition to a normal winning hole. It is configured to selectively present a special prize state in which a winning rate in the gaming machine 1 is greatly increased.

In the pachinko gaming machine 3, pachinko balls serving as prize balls are released to the upper plate 4. When the upper plate 4 becomes full, the overflowed pachinko balls flow into the lower plate 7. It is supposed to. still,
The pachinko balls in the upper plate 4 can be dropped into the lower plate 7 by sliding the knob 4a.

On the other hand, the lower plate 7 is also provided with a knob 7a. When the knob 7a is slid, a drop opening (not shown) formed in the bottom of the lower plate 7 is opened to open the inside. The pachinko ball is configured to flow into a guide tube 8 described later. However, the knob 7a is provided with a lock mechanism 7b having an electric drive unit, and the operation of the knob 7a (and the counting operation of pachinko balls described later) is selectively performed by the lock mechanism 7b. It can be banned.

The ball lending machine 9 as a lending means is installed on the left side of the pachinko gaming machine 3 in an adjacent state corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 3 on a one-to-one basis.
The ball lending machine 9 will be described.

That is, the ball lending machine 9 is formed in the shape of a vertically long rectangular box, and a front face thereof displays a calling lamp 10a and a state in which a special prize and a hit have occurred in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3. Prize display lamp 10b and hit display lamp 10c, remote control receiving unit 11, panel unit 12 described later, nozzle 13 for discharging pachinko balls, coin return port 14, member card 1 or prize ball card 2
A card insertion slot 15 for inserting a card, an eject switch 16 for ejecting a card, and a counter unit 17 to be described later to which a base of the guide tube 8 is connected are provided.

In this case, the nozzle 13 is provided with a discharge mechanism (shown by reference numeral 18 in FIG. 4) provided in the ball lending machine 9.
The tip is provided so as to be able to reciprocate between a normal position where the tip faces the upper plate 4 of the pachinko gaming machine 3 from above and a retracted position that is rotated forward. It is normally urged to a normal position by a spring means (not shown).

The panel unit 12 has a coin slot 19 and a coin return button 2 as shown in FIG.
0, a call switch 21a, an interruption switch 21b, a display unit 22 composed of a flat display capable of displaying images (for example, a dot display type liquid crystal display), and various management data (pachinko) provided to the display unit 22 from the pachinko hall side. A data screen selection switch 23 for selecting a state of displaying a special prize occurrence number data relating to the gaming machine 3), and a total of two for switching the display screen.
Data screen changeover switches 24, a TV screen selection switch 25 for selecting a state of displaying a television broadcast screen on the display unit 22, and adjusting a volume of audio output supplied to the player through an earphone (not shown) or the like. , A total of two volume switches 26, a channel changeover switch 27 for the TV screen, and a switch panel 28.

In particular, the switch panel 28 has a ten-key switch 28a for inputting a password or the like.
(Corresponding to the code input means in the present invention), a correction switch 28b for correcting the input contents by the ten-key switch 28a, and a return switch 28c for returning (discharging) pachinko balls are provided.

Referring back to FIG. 1, a ball counter 29 (corresponding to a counting means in the present invention) for counting the pachinko balls flowing through the guide tube 8 is provided in the counter unit 17. A digital display 30 for displaying the count value of the pachinko ball, a count start switch 31 operated when starting counting of pachinko balls, and a count end switch 32 operated when finishing the counting. still,
The digital display 30 displays the number of special prizes for cash exchangeable with the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the count value, in addition to the count value of the ball counter 29.

Here, the guide tube 8 reciprocates between a normal position in which a tip faces a falling port (not shown) formed in the lower plate 7 of the pachinko gaming machine 3 and a retracted position rotated forward. It is rotatably provided, and is normally urged to a normal position by spring means (not shown). Note that a support leg 8a is provided on the distal end side of the guide tube 8.

A check mechanism 33 provided in the ball lending machine 9 so as to communicate with the coin slot 19 is provided with the coin slot 1.
9 has a function of judging the authenticity of coins inserted from 9 and sends a judgment signal indicating the judgment result to a control unit (shown by reference numeral 34 in FIG. 4) described later. Has become.

A card reader 35 (corresponding to data reading means in the present invention) provided in the ball lending machine 9 so as to correspond to the card insertion slot 15 is provided with the card insertion slot 15.
The card inserted from the device is taken in, and the operation of reading the data stored in the card is performed. The ejection operation of the card taken in is performed by a command from the control unit 34. It has a configuration.

FIG. 3 shows the overall system configuration including all the pachinko gaming machines 3 and ball rental machines 9 installed in the pachinko hall by combining functional blocks.
3 shows the electrical configuration of the ball lending machine 9 by combining functional blocks.

In FIG. 3, each pair of the pachinko gaming machine 3 and the ball lending machine 9 performs a data transmission / reception operation with a management device 36 to be described later via a terminal device 37 corresponding thereto. In addition, the ball lending machine 9 is configured to receive a signal from a later-described remote controller 38 carried by the pachinko hall employee via the remote controller receiver 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

In this case, the pachinko gaming machine 3 has an out-ball count signal indicating the number of driven pachinko balls associated with the game, a safe ball count signal indicating the number of pachinko balls released as prize balls associated with the game, and the special prize state described above. A special prize signal that continuously rises during the period of occurrence is provided to the management device 36 via the terminal device 37. In particular, the special prize signal is also provided to the ball rental machine 9. ing.

Further, the management device 36 manages the management data (the difference between the number of out balls and the number of safe balls, the payout rate, the number of special prizes, etc.) for each pachinko gaming machine 3 based on the signal from each pachinko gaming machine 3. ) And a hitting control function based on the result of the calculation.

In FIG. 4, the control unit 3 included in the ball lending machine 9
Numeral 4 is provided with each function of a prohibiting unit, a releasing unit and a data writing unit according to the present invention, and includes a CPU and a storage unit 34a. This control unit 34
The remote control receiver 11, the switch group in the panel unit 12 (a call switch 21a, an interruption switch 21b, a data screen selection switch 23, a data screen switching switch 24, a TV screen selection switch 25, a volume switch 26, a numeric key switch shown in FIG. 28a, the correction switch 28b, the return switch 28c), the operation signal from the eject switch 16, and the switch group in the counter unit 17 (the counting start switch 3 shown in FIG. 1).
1, a counting end switch 32), an operation signal and a numerical signal from the ball counter 29, a judgment signal from the check mechanism 33, data read by the card reader 35, for example, a return mode setting switch 34 constituted by a dip switch.
b, based on transmission data from the management device 36 and a program stored in advance, the display unit 22 in the panel unit 12, the calling lamp 10a, the special display lamp 10
b, the stop indicator lamp 10c, the release mechanism 18, the lock mechanism 7b, and the card reader 35, and the terminal device 37 controls the transmission and reception of data with the management device 36.
Through the system.

FIG. 5 schematically shows the appearance of the remote controller 38. In this FIG.
Is formed in a flat rectangular shape, and is capable of transmitting a remote signal using an airborne signal (for example, infrared rays) as a medium from a signal transmitting section 38a provided at an end thereof. The remote controller 38 also has a lucky chance start switch 39a and a lucky chance stop switch 39b for transmitting a lucky signal and a lucky stop signal, which are remote signals for starting and stopping a so-called lucky chance, respectively. And a remote start signal for transmitting a hit signal and a hit release signal, which are remote signals for canceling, respectively. A call release switch 41 for transmitting a certain light-off command signal is provided.

Here, the above-mentioned lucky chance means that the pachinko gaming machine 3 displays a special prize state in a state where a symbol display device that fluctuates according to a prize in a starting winning prize hole displays a combination of specific symbols. In the case of a so-called fever type of configuration to be presented, when the display content of the symbol display device at the time of the occurrence of the special prize is a predetermined combination (for example, when the symbol display device is a three-digit numeral roulette, “333”, 777 "), the right is granted to the player of the pachinko gaming machine 3, and in this lucky chance, the gaming condition is advantageous to the player.

In this case, when a special prize is generated in the pachinko gaming machine 3, whether or not the pachinko hall employee who has gone to the pachinko gaming machine should take a lucky chance is determined based on the display contents of the symbol display device. If the condition for giving a lucky chance is satisfied, the remote controller 38 performs an operation of transmitting a remote signal (lucky signal) for starting the lucky chance. Thereafter, when the special prize state is over,
The remote controller 38 performs an operation of transmitting a remote signal (lucky stop signal) for stopping a lucky chance.

Now, in the control unit 34 of the ball lending machine 9,
The return mode setting switch 34 sets one of five types of ball return modes (one-time exchange mode, lucky chance mode, hitting mode, non-quantitative mode, and carry-in ball mode).
b can be selectively set. In the present embodiment, a predetermined return mode is set for each model of the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3.

In this case, the one-time exchange mode is the ball counter 2
This is a mode in which all the pachinko balls counted according to 9 are transferred to so-called ball storage, and the counted pachinko balls are released by the release mechanism 18.
Any operation of returning through is prohibited.

In the lucky chance mode, when the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 enters the aforementioned lucky chance state, counting is performed by the ball counter 29 only during a period from the start of the lucky chance to the end thereof. This is to shift the pachinko balls to a so-called holding ball that can be returned at the same ratio, and the operation of returning the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the holding ball through the release mechanism 18 is allowed.

In the hitting mode, the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3
Is switched to the hitting state described above, all the pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 are transferred to the ball storage, and the operation of returning the counted pachinko balls through the release mechanism 18 is completely prohibited, and the ball storage is performed. This is a mode in which the above-described prohibited state is released when the stopped state is released after the transition to.

The non-quantitative mode is a mode in which all the pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 are transferred to the holding balls.
The operation of returning the counted pachinko balls through the release mechanism 18 is allowed.

In the carry-in ball mode, the pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 in the hitting mode and the non-quantitative mode are transmitted to the pachinko gaming machine 3 corresponding to the ball counter 29.
Therefore, this mode allows only pachinko gaming machines 3 of the same model to carry in.

In this case, although not specifically shown, the control unit 34 is configured to store the ball return mode set by the return mode setting switch 34b in the internal storage unit 34a. The storage unit 34a is provided with a ball number storage area for storing the number of held balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of prize balls in a divided state.

FIGS. 8 to 23 show the contents of control by the control unit 34, which will be described below together with related operations. In FIG. 8 showing the main program, after turning on the power, the control unit 34 first reads the ball return mode set through the return mode setting switch 34b and stores it in the storage unit 34a (step S).
0) After that, the process waits until an operation of inserting a card into the card insertion slot 15 is performed (step S1).

When the card is inserted, it is determined based on the data read by the card reader 35 whether or not the inserted card is a card of the shop (member card 1 or premium card 2) (step S2). ). In this case, when the inserted card is not the card of the own shop, the process returns to the determination step S1 after executing the step S3 of discharging the inserted card.

If "YES" is determined in the step S2, that is, if the member card 1 of the shop or the prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, the inserted card is the prize ball card 2. It is determined whether or not there is (step S4). If "YES" is determined here,
It is determined whether or not the issue date of the prize ball card 2 is the current day (step S5).

If it is determined "NO" in step S5, that is, if the issue date of the inserted premium ball card 2 is before the previous day (if the expiration date has passed),
After executing the card discharging step S3, the process returns to the determination step S1, but if "YES" is determined, a prize ball number display processing routine S6 is executed.

The specific contents of the prize ball number display processing routine S6 are shown in FIG. That is, in the prize ball number display processing routine S6 shown in FIG. 15, first, a prize ball data request signal Rk is transmitted to the management device 36 (step a).
1) After that, the control device 36 waits until the prize ball data ΔK or the prize ball and possessed ball data Δ か ら 1 is answered back (steps a2 and a3).

Here, the prize ball data request signal Rk
As shown in FIG. 24 (a), the card number read from the premium ball card 2 through the card reader 35, the model code of the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3, and the machine number of the pachinko gaming machine are combined. It has become.

As described above, the management device 36 is provided with a group of individual data files for management as shown in FIG. 39. The management device 36 receives the prize ball data request signal Rk. As will be clear from the following description, based on the prize ball data file and the possessed ball data file in the individual data file group, data corresponding to the prize ball data request signal Rk (prize ball data ΔK or prize ball). And the ball data Δ バ ッ ク 1) are created and the answer back is performed.

The individual data file group specifically includes a member data file, a coin storage data file, and an interruption data file, in addition to the above-mentioned prize ball data file and possessed ball data file. The individual data file has the following configuration.

The member data file shown in FIG. 39 (a) corresponds to the member numbers stored in all the issued member cards 1 and has, for example, a four-digit personal identification code registered in advance for each member. It has a format in which data indicating the expiration date of the membership card 1 is stored.

The ball storage data file shown in FIG. 39B has a format in which data indicating the number of stored balls is stored in association with the member numbers stored in all issued member cards 1.

The prize ball data file shown in FIG. 39 (c) is used only for prize exchange in correspondence with the card numbers stored in all issued prize ball cards 2 as described above. The format stores data indicating the number of prize balls that can be used.

The possessed ball data file shown in FIG. 39D corresponds to each of the member numbers stored in all issued membership cards 1 and the card numbers stored in all issued premium ball cards 2. The number of pachinko balls indicating the number of pachinko balls that can be returned at the same ratio,
Is stored in a format in which data indicating the model code is stored.

The interruption data file shown in FIG. 39 (e) corresponds to each of the membership numbers stored in all issued membership cards 1 and the card numbers stored in all issued premium ball cards 2. The format is such that data indicating the machine number of the pachinko gaming machine 3 is stored.

The prize ball data ΔK is data including the number of prize balls in the prize ball data file.
The prize ball and possession ball data ΔΣ1 is data including the number of prize balls in the prize ball data file and the number of possession balls in the possession ball data file.

In step a2 of FIG. 15, "YE
S, that is, when the prize ball data ΔK is answered back from the management device 36, the number of prize balls in the data ΔK is stored in the storage unit 34a, and the stored number of prize balls is displayed. After executing step a4 of displaying the data in the format as shown in FIG.

If "YES" is determined in the step a3, that is, if the prize ball and possessed ball data ΔΣ1 is answered back from the management device 36, the data Δ
The step a5 of storing the number of prize balls and the number of possessed balls in # 1 in the storage unit 34a and displaying the number of stored prize balls and the number of possessed balls on the display unit 22 in a format as shown in FIG. Will return later.

Referring back to FIG. 8, in step S4, "N
If it is determined to be "O", that is, if the card which has been taken in by the card reader 35 is the membership card 1, it waits until a password is input through the ten-key switch 28a (step S7). In this standby state, a message may be displayed on the display unit 22 for prompting the player to input a password.

If the password has been input ("YES" in step S7), a stored coin count display processing routine S8 is executed. FIG. 16 shows the specific contents of the stored coin count display processing routine S8. That is, in the number-of-storage display processing routine S8 shown in FIG. 16, first, a storage-ball data request signal Rc is transmitted to the management device 36 (step b).
1) After that, the control unit 36 waits until one of the stored ball data ΔC, the stored ball data and the stored ball data ΔΣ2, and the rejection signal SN is answered back (steps b2, b3, b).
4).

Here, the ball storage data request signal Rc is
As shown in FIG. 24B, the member number read from the member card 1 through the card reader 35, the model code of the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3, the machine number of the pachinko gaming machine 3, and the input through the ten key switch 28a. It is in the form of a combination of the security codes.

In this case, in the management device 36 which has received the ball storage data request signal Rc, the member data file (see FIG. 39A) and the ball storage data file (FIG. (See (b)) and the ball data file (see FIG. 39 (d)) based on the data (ball data Δ) corresponding to the ball data request signal Rc.
C, any of the accumulated ball data and the retained ball data ΔΣ2) or the rejection signal SN, and the answer back is performed.

The ball storage data ΔC is data including the number of balls stored in the ball data file, and the ball storage and ball data ΔΣ2 is the number of prize balls and ball data in the ball data file. Is the data including the number of balls. The rejection signal SN is transmitted to the card slot 1
5 is invalid (the member card 1
The answer back is made when the personal identification code registered in advance does not match the input personal identification code or the membership card 1 has expired.

In step b2 of FIG.
S ”, that is, when the ball storage data ΔC is answered back from the management device 36, the data Δ
After executing step b5 of storing the number of stored coins in C in the storage unit 34a and displaying the stored number of stored coins on the display unit 22 in a format as shown in FIG.

If "YES" is determined in the step b3, that is, if the ball storage and ball data ΔΣ2 is answered back from the management device 36, the data ΔΣ
Step b6 of storing the number of stored balls and the number of held balls in the storage unit 34a and displaying the stored number of stored balls and the number of held balls on the display unit 22 in a format as shown in FIG.
And then return.

Further, if "YES" is determined in the step b4, that is, if the rejection signal SN is answered back from the management device 36 side, the display unit 22 is displayed as shown in FIG.
After executing step b7 of displaying a rejection message screen having the contents shown in FIG. Note that the rejection message screen is an example of a screen that prompts re-entry of the rejection signal SN when the cause of the rejection signal SN is an input error of the personal identification code. If there is, a screen may be displayed to that effect, and at this time, a step of discharging the membership card 1 may be executed.

Referring back to FIG. 8, after executing the prize ball number display routine S6 or the stored ball number display processing routine S8, the counting start switch 31 and the counting end switch 3
2. Determine whether the eject switch 16, the suspend switch 21b, and the return switch 28c are on (step S).
9, S10, S11, S12, S13).

When the counting start switch 31 is turned on ("YES" in step S9), the lock mechanism 7b provided on the lower plate 7 is locked (the counting operation of the pachinko balls by the ball counting machine 29 is prohibited). State) is determined (step S14). If "NO" is determined here, the process proceeds to the determination step S10, but "YES".
When it is determined that the lock mechanism 7b is unlocked, the operation of the knob 7a is permitted (step S1).
5. After sequentially executing step S16 for starting the timer operation (for example, about 10 to 15 seconds) of the counter timer, the process proceeds to determination step S11.

Therefore, when the count start switch 31 is turned on with the proper membership card 1 or the gift card 2 inserted in the card insertion slot 15, the knob 7a is turned on.
, Ie, the pachinko ball counting operation prohibited state by the ball counter 29 is released. This allows the pachinko balls in the lower plate 7 to flow into the guide tube 8 in response to the operation of the knob 7a, whereby the pachinko balls in the lower plate 7 can be counted by the ball counter 29.

The counter timer is realized by, for example, a program of the control unit 34. As will be apparent from the following description, the timer operates while the ball counter 29 is performing the counting operation. It has a retrigger function that the time is returned to the initial state.

On the other hand, if the count end switch 32 is turned on ("YES" in step S10), the data transfer processing routine S17 is executed, and then a decision step S11 is made.
Move to.

The specific contents of the data transfer processing routine S17 are shown in FIG. That is, in the data transfer processing routine S17 shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the count value is zero (step c1).

If the determination is "YES", the process returns as it is. If the determination is "NO", that is, if the ball counter 29 starts counting pachinko balls,
It waits until the counting operation by the ball counter 29 ends (step c2).

When the counting operation as described above is completed, the ball return mode set in step S0 is the one-time exchange mode (a mode in which all the pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 are transferred to the ball storage). It is determined whether or not (step c3). If "NO" is determined here, the count value of the ball counter 29 is added to the number of balls held in the storage unit 34a (step c4).

If the determination at step c3 is "YES" (when the one-time exchange mode has been set),
The count value of the ball counter 29 is selectively added to the number of stored balls or the number of premium balls stored in the storage unit 34a (step c5). Specifically, when the member card 1 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, the above count value is added to the number-of-stored-balls data, and when the prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, The count value is added to the number of prize balls.

After the addition step c4 or c5 is executed, the count value of the ball counter 29 (and the display on the digital display 30) is initialized (step c).
6) After that, it is determined whether or not the ball return mode set in the pachinko gaming machine 3 is a non-quantitative mode (a mode in which all the pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 are transferred to possessed balls) ( Step c7).

If the determination is "YES", the process directly proceeds to step c12. If the determination is "NO", it is determined whether or not the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is in a hit state. A judgment is made (step c8).

If the pachinko gaming machine 3 is in the hit state, the process proceeds to step c12 after executing the data change step c11. If the pachinko gaming machine 3 is not hit, the setting is made in step S0. The ball return mode is the carry-in ball mode (pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 are brought in only from the pachinko gaming machine 3 corresponding to the ball counter 29 to other pachinko gaming machines 3 of the same model. Is determined (step c).
9). If "YES" is determined here, the process directly proceeds to step c12. If "NO" is determined, it is determined whether the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is in a lucky chance state ( Step c10).

If the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 does not exhibit the lucky chance state, the process proceeds to step c12 after executing the data change step c11, and the pachinko gaming machine 3 exhibits the lucky chance state. , The process directly proceeds to step c12.

In the data change step c11, when the membership card 1 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15,
The number of balls held in the storage unit 34a is added to the number of stored balls to change the number of balls held to zero, and when the prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, the number of balls in the storage unit 34a is changed. A process of adding the number of balls to the number of prize balls and changing the number of possessed balls to zero is performed. In step c12, the lock mechanism 7b is switched to the locked state to prohibit the operation of the knob 7a, and the process returns after execution of step c12.

Referring back to FIG. 8, when the eject switch 16 is turned on (“YES” in step S11),
After executing the card ejection processing routine S18, the process returns to the determination step S1.

The specific contents of the card ejection processing routine S18 are shown in FIG. That is, in the card ejection processing routine S18 shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the count value is zero (step d1).

If "NO" is determined in step d1, that is, if the processing of the count value by the ball counter 29 has not been completed, the process returns as it is. If "YES" is determined, the storage unit It is determined whether the number of possessed balls stored in 34a is zero (step d2).

If the determination in step d2 is "YES", the process proceeds to determination step d11 described later.
If “NO” is determined, the display unit 22 is displayed as shown in FIG.
Is displayed (step d3).

Specifically, the discharge message screen is
A message notifying that the possessed ball game (game based on the possessed ball number data) is to be terminated, and when the game is to be terminated as it is, the operation of the "1" key of the ten-key switch 28a is urged, and the possessed ball game is terminated ( When canceling the operation of the eject switch 16), the ten-key switch 28
In addition to the message urging the operation of the “9” key of a, the content of the pachinko ball number data acquired by the player is displayed. As the acquired pachinko ball number data, the number of stored balls and the number of possessed balls are displayed when the membership card 1 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, and when the premium ball card 2 is inserted. , The number of prize balls and the number of possessed balls are displayed. However, FIG. 31 shows an example in which the number of accumulated balls and the number of retained balls are displayed.

After the execution of the display step d3 as described above, the process stands by until either the "1" key or the "9" key of the numeric key switch 28a is operated (steps d4 and d5). In this case, when the "9" key of the ten-key switch 28a is operated, the process returns after executing the step d6 for deleting the discharge message displayed on the display unit 22.

On the other hand, when the "1" key of the numeric key switch 28a is operated, it is determined whether or not the ball return mode set in the step S0 is the carry-in ball mode (step d7).

If "YES" is determined here, after the step d8 of transmitting the ball-bearing signal ΔM to the management device 36, the step d13 of initializing the display on the display unit 22, and the card discharging step d14 are sequentially executed, Returning, if a ball return mode other than the carry-in ball mode is set ("NO" in step d7), a data change step d9 and a data transmission step d10 are sequentially executed.

Here, the above-mentioned ball-bearing signal ΔM is obtained by comparing FIG.
As shown in (d), the member card 1 on the ball lending machine 9 side.
Alternatively, either the membership number or the card number read from the premium ball card 2 through the card reader 35, the model code of the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3, and the same number of balls as described above are combined.

In the data change step d9, when the membership card 1 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, the number of balls held in the storage section 34a is added to the number of stored balls to change the number of held balls to zero. Also, giveaway card 2 in card slot 15
Is inserted, the number of possessed balls in the storage unit 34a is added to the number of premium balls to change the possessed ball number to zero.

In the data transmission step d10, the latest number of stored coins or prize balls stored in the storage unit 34a and the member number or prize ball card of the member card 1 inserted into the card insertion slot 15 at that time. The update data ΔN is created by associating the update data ΔN with the card number of No. 2 and the update data ΔN is transmitted to the management device 36.

Note that the update data ΔN is as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, either the member number or the card number read from the member card 1 or the prize ball card 2 on the ball lending machine 9 through the card reader 35, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls or the number of prize balls. It is in the form of a combination with either one.

In this case, when the membership card 1 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, the update data ΔN is obtained by associating the membership number with the number of balls and the number of coins to be stored. When the prize ball card 2 is inserted in the number 15, the card number is associated with the number of possessed balls and the number of prize balls. However, the update data Δ
The number of possessed balls included in N may be zero.

After the execution of the data transmission step d10, the flow shifts to the decision step d11. This judgment step d11
Is also executed when "YES" is determined in the step d2, and it is determined whether or not the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is in a lucky chance state. And when it is in the lucky chance state, the step d12 of releasing the lucky chance state is executed,
Further, the process returns after the display initialization step d13 and the card ejection step d14 are sequentially executed. On the other hand, when the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is not in the lucky chance state, the display initialization step d13 and the card discharge step d14 are sequentially executed after jumping the step d12, and the process returns.

Referring back to FIG. 8, when the interruption switch 21b is turned on ("YES" in step S12), the interruption step routine S19 is executed, and then the judgment step S19 is executed.
Return to 1.

The specific contents of the interruption processing routine S19 are shown in FIG. That is, in the interruption processing routine S19 shown in FIG. 19, first, an interruption message screen (see FIG. 32) indicating that the game in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is temporarily interrupted is displayed on the display unit 22. Step j1 and a step j2 of transmitting the interruption signal ΔP to the management device 36 are sequentially executed, and thereafter, the process stands by until a predetermined number of passwords are inputted through the ten-key switch 28a (step j3).

Here, the interruption signal ΔP is
As shown in (c), the member card 1 is set on the ball lending machine 9 side.
Alternatively, either the membership number or the card number read from the prize ball card 2 through the card reader 35 and the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 number are combined.

When the personal identification code is input, a confirmation request signal Rx is transmitted to the management device 36 (step j4).
Thereafter, the process waits until the interruption release signal SC or the rejection signal SN is answered back from the management device 36 (steps j5 and j6).

Here, the confirmation request signal Rx corresponds to FIG.
As shown in (f), the membership number or card number read from the member card 1 or the premium ball card 2 through the card reader 35 is combined with the personal identification code input as described above.

In the management device 36 that has received the confirmation request signal Rx, as will be apparent from the following description,
Member data files in the individual data file group (FIG. 39)
(See FIG. 39 (a)), the prize ball data file (see FIG. 39 (c)) and the interruption data file (see FIG. 39 (e)) to determine whether or not the input personal identification code is appropriate. Then, the suspension cancellation signal SC is answered back if it is appropriate, and the rejection signal SN is answered back if it is inappropriate.

When the interruption release signal SC is received (in the pachinko gaming machine 3 in which the game is temporarily interrupted, the personal identification code input through the ten-key switch 28a is inserted into the card insertion slot 15; (Corresponding to the case where the password matches the personal identification code corresponding to the membership card 1 or the gift card 2), the flow returns after executing the step j7 for deleting the interruption message displayed on the display unit 22.

On the other hand, when the rejection signal SN is received (in the pachinko gaming machine 3 in which the game is temporarily interrupted, the personal identification code input through the ten key switch 28a is inserted into the card insertion slot 15). (Corresponding to a case where the password does not match the personal identification code corresponding to the membership card 1 or the gift card 2), the rejection message to the effect that the game in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is not permitted on the display unit 22. Is displayed, and then the process returns to step j3.

Referring back to FIG. 8, when the return switch 28c is turned on ("YES" in step S13), the process returns to the judgment step S9 after executing the ball return processing routine S20.

The specific contents of the ball return processing routine S20 are shown in FIGS. That is, in the ball return processing routine S20, first, as shown in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is in a hit state (step e1). If the pachinko gaming machine 3 is in the hitting state, the process returns as it is. If the pachinko gaming machine 3 is not in the hitting state, it is determined whether or not the count value of the ball counter 29 is zero (step e2).

If "NO" is determined in this determination step e2, that is, if the processing of the count value by the ball counter 29 has not been completed, the process returns as it is, but "YES".
If it is determined that the ball return mode set for the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is the one-time exchange mode (step e3).

If a ball return mode other than the one-time exchange mode has been set, the flow proceeds to decision step e4. If the one-time exchange mode has been set, the flow proceeds to decision step e6.

In the determination step e4, the storage unit 34a
Is to determine whether the number of possessed balls stored in is zero or not,
If the determination is “NO”, that is, if the number of possessed balls is “1” or more, the possessed ball return processing routine e5 is executed.

FIG. 21 shows the contents of the ball holding return routine e5. That is, the ball return processing routine e5
First, the number of balls held in the storage unit 34a (this is displayed on the display unit 22) is changed to a predetermined reference value n.
It is determined whether or not it is equal to or more than the reference amount of pachinko balls released by one operation of the return switch 28c (for example, "25") (step e21).

If "YES" is determined in the step e21, a step e22 of releasing (returning) the pachinko balls through the release mechanism 18 is performed, and the number of balls held in the storage unit 34a is set to the above-mentioned specified value. After sequentially executing step e23 of subtracting the amount corresponding to n, the process proceeds to the display updating step e26.

On the other hand, in step e21, "N
If it is determined as “O”, that is, if the number of balls held in the storage unit 34a is less than the specified value n, the step of discharging the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of balls held through the release mechanism 18 e24, and step e25 for initializing the number of balls held in the storage unit 34a to zero is sequentially performed, and then the process proceeds to the display updating step e26.

In the display updating step e26, the number of balls being displayed on the display unit 22 is changed to data (possibly zero) according to the new number of balls after the subtraction. After executing step e26, the process returns.

Referring back to FIG. 20, at decision step e4, "Y
If "ES" is determined, that is, if the number of possessed balls stored in the storage unit 34a is zero, the determination step e6
Move to. This judgment step e6 is the same as the step e.
This is also executed when "YES" is determined in step 3, and here, it is determined whether or not the number of stored balls or the number of premium balls stored in the storage unit 34a is equal to or more than a preset minimum reference value. to decide.

The minimum reference value is determined based on the discount rate W when the pachinko balls are returned using the number-of-balls data or the number-of-prize-balls data. Is set to "2" when the discount rate W is 50% or less and "3" when the discount rate W exceeds 50%.

If "NO" is determined in the step e6, the process returns as it is. If "YES" is determined, the process returns after executing the stored ball / prize ball return processing routine e7.

FIG. 22 shows the contents of the above-described stored and premium ball return processing routine e7. That is, in the prize ball return processing routine e7, first, it is determined whether or not the number of stored balls or the number of prize balls stored in the storage unit 34a is equal to or greater than the sum of the reference value n and the preset addition value δn. (Step e31).

Here, the added value δn is determined by the discount rate W
Is determined according to the following equation. δn = W · n / (100−W) However, when the calculated value obtained by the above equation has a fractional part below the decimal point, this is an integer value obtained by rounding up.

Specifically, when the discount rate W is, for example, 30% when the reference value n is 25, δn = 11, 40
%, Δn = 17, and 50%, δn = 25.

If "YES" is determined in the above step e31, a step e32 of releasing (returning) the n pachinko balls through the release mechanism 18, the number of stored balls or the number of premium balls stored in the storage unit 34a. Is sequentially reduced by an amount corresponding to the sum of the specified value n and the added value δn, and then the process proceeds to the display updating step e36.

On the other hand, in step e31, "N
If it is determined to be "O", that is, if the number of stored balls or the number of prize balls stored in the storage unit 34a is less than (n + δn), the number of stored balls or the number of prize balls is multiplied by the discount rate W. Step e34 of releasing a number of pachinko balls (the fractions after the decimal point are rounded down) through the release mechanism 18.
After sequentially executing step e35 for initializing the number of stored balls or the number of premium balls stored in the storage unit 34a to zero, the process proceeds to the display updating step e36.

In the display updating step e36, the number of stored balls or prize balls displayed on the display unit 22 is converted into data (possibly zero) according to the new number of stored balls or prize balls after the subtraction. Change this step e
After executing step 36, the process returns.

Returning to FIG. 8, "NO" is determined in the step S13.
If it is determined that the time has expired, it is determined whether or not the timer for the counter has expired (step S21). Here, when it is determined as “YES”, that is, after the timer operation of the counter timer is started as described above when the count start switch 31 is turned on, a period until the timer operation time of the timer elapses. If the counting operation of the ball counter 29 is not performed at all and the timer operation time elapses after the counting operation is completed, the lock mechanism 7b is switched to the locked state to prohibit the operation of the knob 7a. After execution, the process proceeds to the determination step S9.

During the period when the determination in step S21 is "NO", that is, while the timer of the counter is being operated, the counting process routine S23, the data display process routine S24, and the TV display process routine S25 are executed. After the sequential execution, the process proceeds to the determination step S9.

The specific contents of the counting routine S23 are shown in FIG. That is, in the counting process routine S23 shown in FIG. 23, first, it is determined whether or not the ball counter 29 is in a state of detecting a pachinko ball (step f).
1). Here, in the state determined as “YES”, that is, in the state where the pachinko balls are flowing into the ball counter 29 via the guide tube 8, the count value of the ball counter 29 is updated and displayed on the digital display 30. (Step f2).

Next, it is determined whether or not the counter timer realized by the program of the control unit 34 or the timer circuit of the ball counter 29 is operating (step f).
3) If "NO", execute step f4 to start the timer operation (for example, about several seconds) of the counter timer from the initial state, and proceed to determination step f6.
If "YES", the step f5 of restarting the timer operation of the counter timer from the initial state is executed, and the process proceeds to the judgment step f6.

In the determination step f6, it is determined whether or not the counting timer is operating. If "NO" is determined here, the determination step f1 is performed.
Return to step f, but if it is determined to be "YES", return the timer operation time of the counter timer to the initial state.
After executing step 7, the process returns to the decision step f1.

In the state where "NO" is determined in step f1, that is, when the ball counter 29 has not detected the pachinko ball, it is determined whether or not the timer for the counter has expired (step f8). If the time has not expired, the routine returns. On the other hand, when the timer for the counter has expired, the process returns to step f9 in which the display unit 22 displays a count end message screen having the contents shown in FIG.

Turning to FIG. 8, in the data display processing routine S24, when the data screen selection switch 23 is turned on, a data screen as shown in FIG. In this data screen, management data such as the number of occurrences of special prizes in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is called out from the management device 36 and displayed. (In the example of FIG. 35, the number of accumulated balls and the number of retained balls) are also displayed.

Furthermore, the TV display processing routine S25
When the TV screen selection switch 25 is turned on, a TV screen for displaying a TV image as shown in FIG. 36 is displayed on the display unit 22. This TV screen switching operation can be performed by the channel changeover switch 27. The TV screen also displays the acquired pachinko ball number data (the number of balls stored and the number of balls held in the example of FIG. 36) on the player side. ) Is also displayed.

FIGS. 9 to 14 show the contents of an interrupt processing routine provided in association with the main program of FIG. 8, which will be described below.

The first interrupt processing routine shown in FIG. 9 is performed when a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 19 ("YES" in step g1), and is lent according to the insertion of the coin. Execute the processing routine g2 and return.
In the lending process routine g2, the authenticity and value of the inserted coin are determined based on a signal from the check mechanism 33, and when the coin is other than, for example, 500 yen coin and 100 yen coin, the coin is returned. When the coin is returned to the mouth 14 and the coin is a 500 yen coin or a 100 yen coin, the pachinko ball in an amount corresponding to the value is released through the release mechanism 18.

The second interrupt processing routine shown in FIG. 10 is executed when a special prize signal is given from the pachinko gaming machine 3 ("YES" in step h1).
In the next determination step h2, it is determined whether the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15. If "YES" is determined here,
Step h5 for turning on the special prize display lamp 9b is executed and the routine returns.

On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step 2, an operation for generating an alarm is performed by, for example, blinking the calling lamp 9a (step h).
3). This alarm generation step h3 is performed at the card slot 15
Is performed until the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2 is inserted (until “YES” is determined in step h4). If "YES" is determined in the step h4, a step h5 for turning on (or blinking) the special prize display lamp 9b is executed, and the process returns.

Here, the above-mentioned alarm indicates that the counting operation by the ball counter 29 cannot be started when the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2 is not inserted into the card insertion slot 15 (the operation prohibited state of the knob 7a cannot be released). Therefore, it is intended to cope with a situation in which a large amount of released pachinko balls cannot be processed due to occurrence of the special prize. In response to such a warning, the player inserts the member card 1 or the premium ball card 2 held by the player into the card insertion slot 15 and turns on the counting start switch 31 after the insertion, whereby the above-described operation is performed. Since the operation prohibition state of the knob 7a is released as described above, the pachinko balls in the lower plate 7 can be counted.

In addition, the pachinko hall employee goes to the site where the above-mentioned alarm is generated, and when the corresponding player does not hold the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2, the pachinko hall employee is notified of the prize ball card 2. Is handed over (or inserted directly into the card slot 15). It should be noted that, at the time of occurrence of the above-mentioned alarm, it is also possible to use an in-store broadcast to issue an alarm in the store.

Further, although not specifically shown, the above-mentioned alarm generation state by the calling lamp 9a is based on a remote signal (switching the calling lamp 9a off) from the remote controller 38 carried by the pachinko hall employee. When the light-off command signal is transmitted to the remote control receiving unit 11 (when the call release switch 41 is operated), the signal is released.

The third interrupt processing routine shown in FIG. 11 is performed when a lucky signal for starting a lucky chance is received from the remote controller 38 (“YE” in step i1).
S ”), and is performed in the next determination step i2.
Then, it is determined whether or not the ball return mode set in step S0 is the lucky chance mode.

If "NO" is determined here, the process returns as it is. If "YES" is determined, step i is stored to indicate that the vehicle has shifted to the lucky chance state.
3. Step i4 of displaying a lucky chance screen as shown in FIG. In addition, a display means for indicating that the player is in the lucky chance state is installed in, for example, the pachinko gaming machine 3, and when the state shifts to the lucky chance state (“YE in step i2”).
S "), the display means may be operated.

The fourth interrupt processing routine shown in FIG. 12 is performed when a lucky stop signal for stopping a lucky chance is received from the remote controller 38 (“Y” in step j1).
ES ”), and the next decision step j
In 2, it is determined whether or not the ball return mode set in step S0 is the lucky chance mode. If “NO” is determined here, the process returns as it is, but if “YES” is determined, the lucky chance state is eliminated (the storage of the transition to the lucky chance state is initialized), and a display is performed on step j3. Step j of returning the display contents of the unit 22 to the state before the start of the lucky chance
4 and then return.

The fifth interrupt processing routine shown in FIG. 13 is executed when a stop signal for starting the stop is received from the remote controller 38 ("YES" in step k1). In step k2 of the step, the step S
It is determined whether or not the ball return mode set at 0 is the hitting mode.

If "NO" is determined here, the process returns as it is. If "YES" is determined, the stop display lamp 9c is turned on (or blinks). Step k4 for displaying a hit screen as shown in FIG. 34 is sequentially executed, and the process returns.
When it is determined whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 3 is in a hit state (see step e1), the determination is made based on whether or not the lighting control of the hit display lamp 9c is performed. Will be.

The sixth interrupt processing routine shown in FIG. 14 is performed when a strike release signal for canceling the strike is received from the remote controller 38 ("YES" in step m1). In the next determination step m2, it is determined whether or not the ball return mode set in step S0 is the hitting mode.

If the determination is "NO", the process returns as it is. If the determination is "YES", the stop indicator lamp 9c is turned off, step m3, and the display unit 2
Step m4 for returning the display contents of No. 2 to the state before the start of hitting is sequentially executed, and the process returns.

The main control contents of the control unit 34 described above are summarized as follows. (1) When the membership card 1 of the shop is inserted into the card insertion slot 15 attached to the pachinko gaming machine 3 in a state where anyone can play a game, a four-digit password is input by the ten-key switch 28a. When it is input, the management server 36 transmits a coin storage data request signal Rc including the member number of the member card 1, the model code and the machine number of the pachinko gaming machine 3, and the input personal identification code.

(2) The ball storage data request signal R as described above
c, the rejection signal SN is sent from the management device 36 side.
2 is displayed on the display unit 22 when
7 shows a rejection message screen as an example. Also,
When the ball storage data ΔC or the ball storage and ball data ΔΣ2 is returned from the management device 36, the number of ball storage or the number of ball storage and ball holding in the data is stored in the storage unit 34a, and the stored data is stored. To the display unit 2
2 is displayed in a format as shown in FIG. 25 or FIG.

(3) Similarly, a prize ball card 2 (a valid one issued on the day) of the shop is inserted into the card insertion slot 15 attached to the pachinko gaming machine 3 in a state where anyone can play a game. Then, a prize ball data request signal Rk including the card number of the prize ball card 2, the model code of the pachinko gaming machine 3 and the machine number is transmitted to the management device 36.

(4) When the prize ball data ΔK or the prize ball and possessed ball data ΔΣ1 are returned from the management device 36 in response to the transmission of the prize ball data request signal Rk as described above, the data of those data is returned. The number of prize balls or the number of prize balls and the number of possessed balls are stored in the storage unit 34a, and the stored data is displayed on the display unit 22 in a format as shown in FIG. 28 or FIG.

(5) When a genuine 100 yen coin or 500 yen coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 19, a pachinko ball of an amount corresponding to the value of the inserted coin is released.
Release through.

(6) When a special prize state occurs in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3, the special prize display lamp 9b is turned on. In this case, the appropriate member card 1 or prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15. If not, an alarm is generated by blinking the call lamp 9a. This warning is to urge the card insertion slot 15 to insert the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2. If the player does not have the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2, The hall employee issues a new premium ball card 2.

(7) In this case, the issuance of the prize ball card 2 as described above is performed using the personal identification code providing terminal 100 carried by the pachinko hall employee.
At the time of issuance, a PIN code composed of a random number selected at random is given to the prize ball card 2, and the PIN code is registered in the management device 36 along with the card number of the corresponding prize ball card 2 ( Is memorized). When issuing the above-mentioned prize ball card 2, the security code providing terminal 100 issues a piece of paper on which the personal identification code assigned to the prize ball card 2 is printed.
And a piece of paper is handed to the player.

(8) When a lucky signal is received from the remote controller 38 carried by the pachinko hall employee, the return mode preset for the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is set to the lucky chance mode (the pachinko gaming machine 3 is in the lucky chance state). Only in a certain period, the pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 are shifted to the returned balls at the same ratio), and the pachinko gaming machine 3 is shifted to the lucky chance state and displayed. A lucky chance screen as shown in FIG.

(9) When a lucky stop signal is received from the remote controller 38, if the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 has shifted to the lucky chance state as described above, the lucky chance state is canceled and displayed. The display content of the unit 22 is returned to the state before the start of the lucky chance.

(10) When a hit signal is received from the remote controller 38, the return mode preset for the corresponding pachinko game machine 3 is set to the hit mode (when the pachinko game machine 3 is switched to the hit state). In a mode in which all the pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 are transferred to the ball storage, the corresponding hit display lamp 9c is turned on, and a hit screen as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

(11) When the hit release signal is received from the remote controller 38, if the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is in the hit state, the hit display lamp 9c is turned off and the display contents of the display section 22 are displayed. Is returned to the state before shifting to the stop state.

(12) When the interruption switch 21b is turned on with the card reader 35 taking in the member card 1 or the premium ball card 2 inserted through the card insertion slot 15, the member number of the member card 1 or The interruption signal ΔP including the card number of the prize ball card 2 and the number of the pachinko gaming machine 3 is transmitted to the management device 36, and an interruption message screen as shown in FIG. In the display state, the process stands by until an appropriate password is input through the numeric key switch 28a.

Thus, when the interruption switch 21b is once turned on while the card reader 35 is taking in the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2, the ejecting period is a period until an appropriate password is input. The operations of the switch 16, the return switch 28c, the count start switch 31, and the count end switch 32 are invalidated.

(12) From the above display state of the interruption message screen, when a password is inputted through the numeric key switch 38a, the member number of the member card 1 or the card number of the prize ball card 2 and the inputted password are inputted. Is transmitted to the management device 36.

In response to such transmission, when the interruption release signal SC is answered back from the management device 36, the interruption message being displayed on the display unit 22 is deleted, and the standby state is released. Thereby, the eject switch 1
6. The state in which the operations of the return switch 28c, the count start switch 31, and the count end switch 32 are invalidated is released.

When the refusal signal SN is answered back from the management device 36, a rejection message indicating that the game in the pachinko gaming machine 3 is not permitted is displayed on the display unit 22 and an interruption message screen is displayed. In this state, the apparatus waits again until an appropriate password is input through the numeric key switch 28a.

(13) A state in which an appropriate membership card 1 or a prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15 (one of the number of stored balls, the number of prize balls and the number of possessed balls, or When the counting start switch 31 is turned on in a state where two are displayed), the lock mechanism 7b
Is switched to an unlocked state to allow the operation of the knob 7a, thereby switching to a state where the pachinko balls in the lower plate 7 can be counted by the ball counter 29.

(14) After the lock mechanism 7b is switched to the unlocked state as described above, the ball counter 29 is operated until the timer operation time (about 10 to 15 seconds) of the counter timer elapses. If the pachinko ball counting operation is not started, the lock mechanism 7b is returned to the locked state to prohibit the counting operation. On the other hand, when the counting operation by the ball counter 29 is started within the timer operation time, the contents of the counting are sequentially displayed on the digital display 30. When the counting operation is completed, the display 22 In response to this, a count end message screen as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed, and the operation of the count end switch 32 is prompted.

(15) When the counting end switch 32 is turned on after the end of the counting operation as described above, the counting result (indicating a pachinko ball obtained by the player).
Is selectively added to any of the number of held balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of prize balls stored in the storage unit 34a, and the display of the digital display 30 is initialized.
b is returned to the locked state to prohibit the counting operation.

Specifically, when the ball return mode set in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is the one-time exchange mode, the counting result is stored in the card insertion slot 15 and the member card 1 is inserted. When the prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15, it is added to the number of prize balls. When the set ball return mode is the non-quantitative mode or the carry-in ball mode, the counting result is unconditionally added to the number of possessed balls.

If the set ball return mode is the lucky chance mode, the counting result is added to the number of possessed balls only while the pachinko gaming machine 3 is in the lucky chance state. In the period, as described above, it is added to either the number of stored balls or the number of premium balls.

If the set ball return mode is the hitting mode, when the pachinko gaming machine 3 is not in the hitting state, the counting result is added to the number of balls held, but the hitting state is exhibited. If so, it is added to either the number of stored balls or the number of prize balls as described above.

(16) When the eject switch 16 is turned on with the appropriate membership card 1 or prize ball card 2 inserted in the card insertion slot 15, the inserted card is ejected. However, when the processing of the count value by the ball counter 29 has not been completed at the time when the eject switch 16 is turned on (the counting end switch 32 is turned on after the counting operation by the ball counter 29 is performed). If not, the operation of the eject switch 16 is invalidated to prohibit the ejection of the inserted card.

(18) When the card is ejected when the eject switch 16 is turned on as described above, the storage unit 3
When the number of possessed balls stored in 4a is zero, the display on the display unit 22 is initialized as it is. At this time, if the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is in the lucky chance state, the lucky chance state is released.

(19) If the number of balls held in the storage unit 34a is not zero when the card is ejected when the eject switch 16 is turned on, as shown in FIG. By displaying the discharge message screen, the player is notified that the possessed ball game is to be ended, and it is confirmed whether the game is to be ended as it is or the operation of turning on the eject switch 16 is canceled. In this case, by selectively operating the "1" key or the "9" key of the numeric key switch 28a, the player indicates whether the game is to be terminated as it is or the ON operation of the eject switch 16 is canceled. it can.

When canceling the operation of turning on the eject switch 16 is selected (when the "9" key is operated), the discharge message displayed on the display unit 22 is deleted.

When the end of the game is selected (when the “1” key is operated), the return mode set in advance for the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is the carry-in ball mode (pachinko gaming machine 3). When the acquired pachinko ball is in a mode in which the pachinko ball is brought into another pachinko gaming machine 3 of the same model), the management device 36 sends the held ball signal ΔM (either the member number or the card number to the corresponding pachinko machine). (Signal that combines the model code of gaming machine 3 and the number of balls held)
Send

On the other hand, when the end of the game is selected and the return mode preset for the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is other than the carry-in ball mode, the possession ball in the storage section 34a is stored. The number is added to the number of stored coins (when the membership card 1 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15) or the number of prize balls (when the prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15), Accordingly, the number of possessed balls is set to zero.

Further, the latest number of balls held, the number of balls stored, and the number of prize balls stored in the storage section 34a, and the member number of the member card 1 or the prize ball card 2 inserted into the card insertion slot 15 at that time. Update data ΔN is created in association with the card number and transmitted to the management device 36.

(20) If the return switch 28c is turned on with the appropriate membership card 1 or prize ball card 2 inserted in the card insertion slot 15, the release mechanism 1
8, the operation of returning (discharging) the pachinko balls is performed. However, when the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is in a hit state,
If the processing of the count value by the ball counter 29 has not been completed, the operation of turning on the return switch 28c is ignored.

In this case, when the number of balls held in the storage section 34a is "1" or more, the operation of returning pachinko balls based on the number of balls held is performed, and the number of balls held is returned to the number of returned pachinko balls. Is reduced by the number corresponding to. In the operation of returning a pachinko ball based on the number of balls held as described above,
The reference value n (the number corresponding to the data when the number of possessed balls is less than n) pachinko balls are returned.

That is, during a pachinko ball returning operation based on the number of balls held in the storage unit 34a, an equivalent return process of controlling the number of returned balls to be the same as the number of held balls is executed. become.

If the number of possessed balls has become zero in accordance with the above-described equivalent return processing, and if the number of possessed balls has been zero from the beginning, the number of accumulated balls or prizes stored in the storage unit 34a The operation of returning pachinko balls based on the number of balls is performed.

At the time of the return operation in this case, the storage unit 3
4a is the reference value n and a preset addition value δn (this is a preset discount rate W
Is determined, the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the reference value n is returned, and the number of stored balls or prize balls is equivalent to the sum of the specified value n and the added value δn. Decrease by the number you did.

When the number of stored balls or prize balls in the storage section 34a is less than the total value of the reference value n and the added value δn, the discount rate W is applied to the number of stored balls or prize balls.
The number of pachinko balls multiplied by (rounded down to the nearest whole number) is returned, and the number of stored balls or premium balls is initialized to zero.

Thus, at the time of the above-described pachinko ball returning operation based on the number of stored balls or the number of prize balls, the number of actually returned pachinko balls is (100−W / 100) is multiplied by 100 (the fractional part below the decimal point is rounded down). That is, at the time of the discount return process, the number of stored balls or the number of prize balls stored in the storage unit 34a is reduced by an extra predetermined increment from the number of released pachinko balls.

The management device 36 has a CPU and an R
It is configured to include peripheral circuits such as OM and RAM,
Pachinko ball lending operation by ball lending machine 9 and ball counting machine 2
The control related to the management of the counting result by the control unit 9 is executed based on the transmission data from the control unit 34 of the ball rental machine 9.

As described above, the transmission data from the control unit 34 includes a prize ball data request signal Rk, a ball storage data request signal Rc, a confirmation request signal Rx, and an interruption signal Δ
P, the ball signal ΔM, and the update data ΔN.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show the contents of control by the management device 36, which will be described below together with related operations. In FIG. 37, the management device 36
Premium ball data request signal Rk, ball storage data request signal Rc, update data ΔN, interruption signal ΔP, holding ball signal ΔM, confirmation request signal Rx transmitted from the control unit 34 of the ball lending machine 9
Each step U for determining whether or not each is input
A standby loop for sequentially executing 1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 is formed.

When the prize ball data request signal Rk is received (“YES” in step U 1), that is, when the appropriate prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15 on the ball lending machine 9 side, The number of prize balls corresponding to the card number in the prize ball data request signal Rk is read from the stored prize ball data file (see FIG. 39C) (step U7).

Next, access is made to the ball data file (see FIG. 39 (d)) also stored in advance (step U).
8) It is determined whether or not data indicating the card number in the received prize ball data request signal Rk exists in the possessed ball data file (step U9).

If "NO" is determined in the step U9, the prize ball data ΔK including the number of the prize balls read in the step U7 is transferred to the ball lending machine 9 which has transmitted the prize ball data request signal Rk. Step U13 to answer back
After executing (step U1 to U6)
Return to

In response to the execution of step U13 as described above, the control unit 34 of the ball lending machine 9 determines "YES" in step a2 as shown in FIG. Storage and display of the number of prize balls during ΔK (FIG. 28)
Step a4).

On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in the step U9, the received premium ball data request signal Rk
It is determined whether the model code in the middle matches the model code in the combination data corresponding to the card number in the prize ball data request signal Rk in the possessed ball data file (step U10).

When the model codes match (after the player using the premium ball card 2 has played the pachinko gaming machine 3 in which the carry-in ball mode has been set, another pachinko gaming machine 3 In this case, the prize ball and the ball data ΔΣ1 including the number of the prize balls read in step U7 and the number of the corresponding ball in the ball data file are created, and the data thereof is created. The answer of ΔΣ1 is returned to the ball lending machine 9 serving as the transmission source of the premium ball data request signal Rk (step U11), and thereafter, the process returns to the standby loop.

In response to the execution of step U11 as described above, the control unit 34 of the ball rental machine 9 determines "YES" in step a3 as shown in FIG. Step a5 for storing and displaying the number of prize balls and the number of possessed balls in the ball data ΔΣ1 (see FIG. 29) is executed.

On the other hand, if the model codes do not match ("NO" in step U10), the number of possessed balls corresponding to the card number in the received prize ball data request signal Rk in the possessed ball data file is set to the card number. It is added to the number of prize balls in the prize ball data file corresponding to the number (step U
12). After the execution of step U12, the process returns to the standby loop by executing step U13.

[0208] Thus, when the player using the prize ball card 2 moves to another type of pachinko game machine 3 after playing on the pachinko game machine 3 in which the carry-in ball mode is set. Means that on the management device 36 side, the number of possessed balls in the possessed ball data file stored in association with the card number of the premium ball card 2 is shifted to the number of premium balls in the premium ball data file. The prize ball data ΔK including the number of prize balls after the shift is answered back to the ball lending machine 9.

On the other hand, when the ball storage data request signal Rc is received (“YES” in step U2),
When the appropriate member card 1 is inserted into the card insertion slot 15 on the side, the stored ball data request signal R is obtained from the previously stored member data file (see FIG. 39A).
The personal identification code and the expiration date corresponding to the member number in c are read (step U14).

Next, it is determined whether or not the security code read as described above matches the security code in the received coin storage data request signal Rc, and based on the read expiration date data, the member card 1 is determined. Is determined to be valid (steps U15 and U16), and if one of them is determined to be “NO”, a rejection signal is sent to the ball lending machine 9 that has become the transmission source of the ball storage data request signal Rc. After executing step U17 for answering back, the process returns to the standby loop.

In response to the execution of step U17 as described above, the control unit 34 of the ball lending machine 9 determines "YES" in step b4 as shown in FIG. Step b7 for displaying (see 27)
Will be executed.

In contrast, steps U15 and U15
If the answer is YES in both cases, the number of coins stored in the received coin data request signal Rc is read from the previously stored coin data file (see FIG. 39 (b)) (step S16). U18).

Next, the possessed ball data file (FIG. 39)
(See step (d)) (step U19), and the received ball storage data request signal R
It is determined whether there is data indicating the member number in c (step U20).

If "NO" is determined in the step U20, the stored ball data ΔC including the number of stored balls read in the step U18 is returned to the ball lending machine 9 which is the transmission source of the stored ball data request signal Rc. After performing step U24, the process returns to the standby loop.

In response to the execution of step U24 as described above, the control unit 34 of the ball lending machine 9 determines "YES" in step b2 as shown in FIG. Step b5 for storing and displaying the number of stored coins (see FIG. 25) will be executed.

[0216] On the other hand, "YES" in step U20.
Is determined, the received ball data request signal Rc
It is determined whether or not the model code in the middle matches the model code in the combination data corresponding to the member number in the ball storage data request signal Rc in the possessed ball data file (step U21).

If the model codes match (member card 1
(Equivalent to a case where the player using the game machine moves to another pachinko gaming machine 3 of the same model after playing on the pachinko gaming machine 3 in which the carry-in ball mode is set).
A ball storage and ball data ΔΣ2 including the number of stored balls read in step 18 and the number of balls held in the ball data file are created, and the data ΔΣ2 is used as a ball data request signal Rc.
The answer is back to the ball lending machine 9 that has become the transmission source (step U22), and thereafter, the process returns to the standby loop.

In response to the execution of step U22 as described above, the control unit 34 of the ball lending machine 9 determines "YES" in step b3 as shown in FIG. Step b6 for storing and displaying the number of accumulated balls and the number of retained balls in the data ΔΣ2 (see FIG. 26) will be executed.

On the other hand, if the model codes do not match ("NO" in step U21), the number of diving balls corresponding to the member number in the received ball storing data request signal Rc in the diving ball data file is replaced by the member number. Is added to the number of stored coins in the stored coin data file (step U23). After the execution of the step U23, the step U24 is executed to return to the standby loop.

[0220] Thus, when the player using the membership card 1 moves to another type of pachinko gaming machine 3 after playing on the pachinko gaming machine 3 in which the carry-in ball mode is set. On the management device 36 side, the member card 1
The number of balls in the ball data file stored in association with the member number of the ball is shifted to the number of balls in the ball data file, and the ball storage data ΔC including the number of balls after the shift is used for ball lending. The answer is back to the machine 9.

If the update data ΔN has been received (“YES” in step U3), the accumulated ball data file (see FIG. 39B) and the prize ball data file (FIG. 39)
(See (c)) and access to the possessed ball data file (see FIG. 39 (d)) (step U25).

Specifically, when the membership number is included in the update data ΔN (the card slot 1
5 is equivalent to the case where the membership card 1 is inserted)
When the accumulated ball data file and the possessed ball data file are accessed, and the update data ΔN includes the card number (corresponding to the case where the prize ball card 2 is inserted into the card slot 15 on the ball lending machine 9 side). Accesses the prize ball data file and the possession ball data file.

Next, among the data of the number of stored balls, the number of prize balls, and the number of possessed balls in the accessed file, data corresponding to the member number or card number in the update data ΔN is included in the update data ΔN. Step U26 of updating the data of the number of stored balls, the number of premium balls, and the number of possessed balls is executed, and the process returns to the standby loop.

On the other hand, when the interruption signal ΔP is received (“YES” in step U4), the interruption data file (see FIG. 39 (e)) is accessed (step U27).
Then, among the unit numbers in the accessed interruption data file, the data corresponding to the member number or card number in the interruption signal ΔP is updated to the unit number included in the interruption signal ΔP, and the step U28 is executed. Return to the loop.

Further, when the ball-holding signal ΔM is received (“YES” in step U5), the ball-holding ball data file (see FIG. 39D) is accessed (step U2).
9). Then, of the number of balls and the model code in the accessed ball data file, the data corresponding to the membership number or card number in the ball signal ΔM is converted to the number of balls and the model included in the ball signal ΔM. Execute the step U30 of updating to the code and return to the standby loop.

If the confirmation request signal Rx has been received ("YES" in step U6), the routine returns to step U1 after executing a personal identification code confirmation routine U31 having specific contents shown in FIG. In FIG. 38, in the personal identification code confirmation routine U31, first, the member data file (FIG. 39A)
(See step U31). Then, it is determined whether or not the accessed member data file contains member data having the contents matching the combination of the member number and the password in the received confirmation request signal Rx (step U32), and “YES” is determined. If it is determined, the process returns to the standby loop (step U1) after executing step U33 of answering back the interruption release signal SC to the ball lending machine 9 that has transmitted the confirmation request signal Rx. If the confirmation request signal Rx is composed of a combination of a card number and a password, it goes without saying that step U3
2 will be determined to be "NO".

On the other hand, "NO" in step U32.
If it is determined that the prize ball data file (FIG. 39)
(See (c)) (step U34). Then, it is determined whether or not the accessed prize ball data file contains prize ball data having contents matching the combination of the card number and the password in the received confirmation request signal Rx (step U35). , The process returns to the standby loop after executing step U33 of answering back the interruption release signal SC. still,
If the confirmation request signal Rx is composed of a combination of the member number and the personal identification code, "NO" is determined in the above step U35.

If "NO" is determined in the above step U35 (corresponding to the case where the password included in the confirmation request signal Rx is incorrect), the rejection signal SN becomes the transmission source of the confirmation request signal Rx. After executing step U36 of answering back to the ball lending machine 9, the process returns to the standby loop.

As a result, the control unit 34 of the ball rental machine 9 that has received the interruption release signal SC executes the control from step j7 in FIG. 19 onward. Therefore, in the ball lending machine 9, the state in which the operations of the eject switch 16, the return switch 28c, the count start switch 31, and the count end switch 32 are invalidated as described above is released. Further, in the control unit 34 of the ball lending machine 9 which has received the rejection signal SN, FIG.
The control from step j8 onward is executed. For this reason, in the ball lending machine 9, as described above, the display unit 2
2 displays a rejection message indicating that the game in the pachinko gaming machine 3 is not permitted, and waits until an appropriate password is input through the ten key switch 28a while the interruption message screen is displayed. .

According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained. That is, the player can play a game with the pachinko gaming machine 3 by inserting a coin into the ball lending machine 9 and renting a new pachinko ball. Also, if you use Member Card 1 or Premium Card 2,
The pachinko ball can be returned through the ball rental machine 9 based on the ball storage data or premium ball data (possibly possessed ball data) stored in the management device 36 in association with the card 1 or 2 concerned. A game can also be played using the pachinko balls.

When playing a game using the membership card 1 or the premium ball card 2, the management device is operated in accordance with the insertion of the card 1 or 2 into the card insertion slot 15 provided in the ball lending machine 9. The ball storage data or prize ball data (possibly possessed ball data) corresponding to the inserted card is transmitted from the 36 side to the ball lending machine 9 and the storage unit 3 in the ball lending machine 9 is transmitted.
4a, and the stored data is used for a pachinko ball returning operation. However, when returning a pachinko ball based on ball storage data or premium ball data, a discount return process is performed, and when returning a pachinko ball based on possessed ball data, an equivalent return process is performed.

If the player inserts a proper membership card 1 or a gift card 2 into the card insertion slot 15,
By turning on the counting start switch 31, the pachinko balls (pachinko balls in the lower plate 7 and the upper plate 4) obtained by the game in the pachinko gaming machine 3 are provided along with the pachinko gaming machine 3. The ball can be counted by a ball counter 29.

In this case, the operation of the knob 7a for causing the pachinko balls in the lower plate 7 (and the upper plate 4) to flow into the ball counter 29, that is, the counting operation by the ball counter 29, turns on the count start switch 31. Since it is configured to be enabled only when operated, there is no danger that the counting operation of the pachinko balls will be performed erroneously.

When the counting end switch 32 is turned on after the counting is completed, the data of the number of pachinko balls counted by the ball counting machine 29 is incremented by one in accordance with the ball return mode set in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3. Data on the number of balls to be returned that can be equivalently returned in a ratio of one to one, or data on the number of balls to be returned with a discounted return in which a predetermined discount rate (for example, 20% to 80%) is added. And prize ball number data. Whether to convert the data to the number of stored coins or the number of prize balls depends on the type of the card inserted into the card insertion slot 15. Specifically, the conversion is performed as shown below.

In the case where the ball return mode set in the pachinko gaming machine 3 is the one-time exchange mode In this case, the data of the number of pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 is the data of the number of accumulated balls (the inserted card is the member card 1).
) And prize ball number data (when the inserted card is the prize ball card 2). Therefore, the equivalent return of the pachinko balls once counted by the ball counter 29 is prohibited at all, and it is only possible to receive a discount return of the pachinko balls.

When the ball return mode set in the pachinko gaming machine 3 is the lucky chance mode In this case, the pachinko ball number data counted by the ball counting machine 29 indicates that the pachinko gaming machine 3 is in a lucky chance state. During this period, the data is converted into the possessed ball count data, and during the other periods, it is converted into either one of the stored ball count data (in the case of the membership card 1) and the prize ball count data (in the case of the prize ball card 2). Therefore, the pachinko balls acquired during the period when the pachinko gaming machine 3 is in the lucky chance state can be equivalently returned through the ball lending machine 9, and the pachinko balls acquired during other periods are offered for discount return. However, the equivalent return as described above is effective only when a pachinko ball is returned from the same ball rental machine 9 (when the game is continued with the same pachinko game machine 3).

When the ball return mode set in the pachinko gaming machine 3 is the hitting mode In this case, the pachinko ball number data counted by the ball counting machine 29 indicates that the pachinko gaming machine 3 is in the hitting state. The pachinko gaming machine 3 is once converted to the hitting state during the absence period, but when the pachinko gaming machine 3 is temporarily switched to the hitting state, the number of balls stored (in the case of the membership card 1) and the number of prize balls (prize ball card 2 (In the case of (1)) (after the batting is released, it is converted into the ball number data). Therefore, the pachinko balls obtained without bringing the pachinko gaming machine 3 into a hit state can be returned equivalently, and the pachinko gaming machine 3
The pachinko ball obtained by setting the to the stop state will be offered for discount return. In this case, also in this case,
The equivalent return as described above is effective only when a pachinko ball is returned from the same ball rental machine 9.

In the case where the ball return mode set in the pachinko gaming machine 3 is the non-quantitative mode, in this case, all the data of the number of pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 is converted to data of the number of possessed balls. Become. Even in this case, the equivalent return of pachinko balls based on the above-mentioned ball number data is effective only when the pachinko balls are returned from the same ball rental machine 9, and therefore, the same pachinko gaming machine 3 As long as the game is continued, it is possible to receive an equivalent return of the pachinko ball acquired by the pachinko gaming machine 3.

In the case where the ball return mode set in the pachinko gaming machine 3 is the carry-in ball mode Also in this case, the data of the number of pachinko balls counted by the ball counter 29 must be converted into the data of the number of possessed balls. In addition, even when the game machine is moved to another pachinko gaming machine 3 of the same model, the ball number data becomes effective as it is. Therefore, the pachinko balls obtained by the game can be returned equivalently only when the game with the same pachinko game machine 3 is continued and when the game is played with another pachinko game machine 3 of the same model.

As described above, the data converted as described above together with the ball storage data or premium ball data (possibly held ball data) transmitted from the management device 36 are used in the pachinko ball return operation. Can be offered.

When the pachinko ball is to be returned, the return switch 28c is turned on. However, when the return switch 28c is turned on, when the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is in a hitting state, and when the counting operation by the ball counter 29 is continued,
The on operation is ignored.

When the pachinko gaming machine 3 is set to the single exchange mode, when the return switch 28c is turned on, the data on the number of balls held is ignored, and the pachinko balls based on the stored ball data or the prize ball data are ignored. , That is, only the discount return.

If the pachinko gaming machine 3 has been set to a ball return mode other than the one-time exchange mode, when the return switch 28c is turned on, the equivalent return based on the ball number data is preferentially performed. After the returned ball count data becomes zero in response to the return, pachinko ball discount return is performed based on the stored ball data or the premium ball data.

As described above, as a result of the selective execution of the discount return processing, even if the pachinko balls acquired by the player are reused for the game at the pachinko gaming machine 3, the sales and the sales on the pachinko hall side and It is possible to prevent a situation where profits are reduced. In this case, since the form of the discount processing can be arbitrarily adjusted for each pachinko gaming machine 3 according to the ball return mode set by the pachinko hall side, it becomes possible to perform various and fine-grained management of the pachinko gaming machines 3,
The effect of preventing a situation in which sales and profits on the pachinko hall side are compressed can be accurately obtained. Further, depending on the ball return mode set in the pachinko gaming machine 3, the pachinko balls acquired by the player and once counted by the ball counter 29 can be selectively discharged on the same day, so that the player side This eliminates the possibility that convenience is impaired.

When the player ends the game at the pachinko gaming machine 3, the eject switch 16 is turned on and the member card 1 or the prize ball card 2 is returned.
In this case, when the counting operation by the ball counter 29 is continued, the on operation of the eject switch 16 is ignored. In addition, when the number of balls held is stored in the ball lending machine 9 when the eject switch 16 is turned on, a discharge message screen as shown in FIG. When the operation is terminated as it is, by operating the "1" key of the numeric key switch 28a, the card is ejected.

If such an operation is performed, and if the ball return mode of the pachinko gaming machine 3 is set to a mode other than the carry-in ball mode, the ball data stored in the ball lending machine 9 will have the ball data stored therein. , Savings data (when the inserted card is the membership card 1)
Alternatively, the prize ball data is shifted to the prize ball data (when the inserted card is the prize ball card 2), and is stored in the management device 36 in a state of being associated with the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2. On the other hand, when the carry-in ball mode of the pachinko gaming machine 3 is set, the possessed ball data stored in the ball lending machine 9 stores the membership card 1 or the premium ball card in the management device 36 side. This is stored as ball possession data associated with 2.

[0247] However, the above-mentioned possessed ball data is such that the corresponding member card 1 or prize ball card 2 is transferred to the pachinko gaming machine 3 of a different model from the pachinko gaming machine 3 from which the possessed ball data was acquired. When the user tries to start the game, the data is automatically shifted to the ball storage data or the premium ball data.
As a result, the situation where the pachinko balls acquired by the pachinko gaming machine 3 in which the carry-in ball mode is set are brought into another type of pachinko gaming machine 3 at the same ratio is prohibited.

As described above, the pachinko ball can be returned using the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2 (the member card 1 is inserted into the card slot 15).
If the player temporarily suspends the game at the pachinko gaming machine 3 for a break or the like in a state in which the premium ball card 2 is inserted), the interruption switch 21b provided on the pachinko gaming machine 3 Turn on.

Then, the control unit 34 provided in the ball lending machine 9
However, the interruption message screen as shown in FIG. 32 is displayed on the display unit 22, and the operations of the eject switch 16, the return switch 28c, the count start switch 31, and the like are invalidated.

Therefore, the function of releasing the membership card 1 or the gift card 2 by the card reader 35 (card return function) is invalidated with the invalidation of the operation of the eject switch 16. During the period when the player is away from the pachinko gaming machine 3, there is no possibility that the membership card 1 or the premium ball card 2 will be stolen.

In addition, since the operation of the return switch 28c is invalidated, the pachinko ball discharging function of the ball rental machine 9 is invalidated, and therefore, during the period when the player is away from the pachinko gaming machine 3, the card is inserted. A situation in which a pachinko ball is released by a third party based on data stored in association with the membership card 1 or the premium ball card 2 inserted into the mouth 15 can be prevented beforehand. Further, with the operation of the counting start switch 31 being invalidated, there is a mischief that the counting operation by the ball counter 29 is started by a third party unnecessarily while the player is away from the pachinko gaming machine 3. Be able to deal with it.

In this case, the member card 1 and the premium ball card 2 are given a personal identification code at the time of their issuance (in particular, the pachinko hall employee carries the premium card 2 with the personal identification code). In the case of releasing the above-described game pausing state of the pachinko gaming machine 3, that is, in the case where the player returns to the pachinko gaming machine 3 and resumes the game, Then, the personal identification code given to the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2 being taken in by the card reader 35 is inputted through the ten key switch 28a.

Then, the control circuit 34 deletes the interruption message being displayed on the display unit 22, and simultaneously operates the eject switch 16, the return switch 28c, and the counting start switch 3.
Since the operation invalidation state such as 1 is canceled, the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2 can be discharged, and the pachinko ball discharging operation through the ball lending machine 9 can be performed. Therefore, the convenience for the player can be improved while the security against theft of the membership card 1 or the premium ball card 2 is improved.

During the counting operation of the ball counter 29, the ON operation of the return switch 28c and the eject switch 16 is invalidated, and the counting operation by the ball counter 29 is performed, and the counted data is used as ball data, ball storage data or premium. The operation of converting to ball data can be performed reliably.

A ball counter 29 for allowing the player to count the acquired pachinko balls, and a card reader 35 which requires an operation when the player receives the pachinko balls using the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2. , The switch panel 28
Since each of them is provided in the ball rental machine 9 adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 3, the player can count the number of acquired pachinko balls or use the membership card 1 or the premium ball card 2 to make pachinko balls. It is not necessary to separate from the pachinko gaming machine 3 when receiving the return. As a result, the operation of counting the pachinko balls and receiving the returned pachinko balls is not likely to be complicated for the player, so that the convenience for the player can be improved, and the attendant power of the pachinko hall is expected to be improved accordingly. become able to. In addition, since the time spent for counting and returning the pachinko balls as described above can be greatly reduced, the situation in which the operating rate of the pachinko gaming machine 3 is reduced can be prevented beforehand, The pachinko hall will be able to improve sales.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment,
The configuration is such that the personal identification code providing terminal 100 for providing the personal identification code to the prize ball card 2 is provided, but such a personal identification code providing terminal 100 is not always necessary. FIG. 42 shows a second embodiment of the present invention which is adapted to a case where the personal identification code providing terminal 100 is omitted. Only parts different from the first embodiment will be described below.

That is, the second embodiment replaces the judgment step S12 and the interruption processing routine S19 in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment with each step V1 shown in FIG.
-V17 is executed.

Referring to FIG. 42, in step V1, it is determined whether or not a code having a predetermined number of digits (a code having a number of digits corresponding to the password) has been input through numeric key switch 28a. If "NO" is determined here, it is determined whether or not the interruption switch 21b is turned on (step V).
2) If it is determined “NO” in step V2, the process proceeds to step S1 (see FIG. 8).

If "YES" is determined in the above step V1, it is determined whether or not the card taken in by the card reader 35 is the premium ball card 2 (step V1).
3). If the determination is "NO" here (the member card 1 has been imported), the process proceeds to step V2.
If it determines "YES", it transmits a registration request signal to the management device 36 (step V4), and thereafter, returns to step S4.
Move to 1.

Here, the registration request signal is a combination of the membership number or card number read from the membership card 1 or the premium ball card 2 through the card reader 35 and a code of a predetermined number of digits input through the numeric key switch 28a. It has a form. Also, in the management device 36 that has received the registration request signal, the personal identification code in the member data file (see FIG. 39A) and the prize ball data file (see FIG. 39C) in the individual data file group. The code included in the received registration request signal is registered (stored) as a new password in the column.

On the other hand, when the interruption switch 21b is turned on ("YES" in step V2), it is determined whether the card taken by the card reader 35 is the premium ball card 2 (step V5). . If the determination is "NO" (when the member card 1 has been imported), the process proceeds to step V10 described later. If the determination is "YES", the prize ball card being imported to the management device 36 2 (step V6), and waits until the registered signal or the unregistered signal is answered back from the management device 36 (steps V7 and V8).

In the management device 36 that has received the card number, the personal identification code corresponding to the received card number is registered in the prize ball data file (see FIG. 39C) in the individual data file group (see FIG. 39C). It is configured to search whether the password is stored or not, and answer back the registered signal when the password is registered, and answer back the unregistered signal when the password is not registered.

When the unregistered signal is answered back ("YES" in step V8), a message prompting registration of the personal identification code is displayed on display unit 22 by the registration method (a predetermined number of digits through numeric key switch 28a). Step V9, which is displayed together with the guidance to input a code), is executed, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1.

On the other hand, when the registered signal is answered back ("YES" in step V7), the control in step V10 and thereafter is executed.

At step V10, an interruption message screen (see FIG. 32) indicating that the game at the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is temporarily interrupted is displayed on the display section 22. Next, the interruption signal ΔP is sent to the management device 36.
After the execution of step V12 for transmitting a password, the process stands by until a predetermined number of passwords are input through the numeric key switch 28a (step V12).

When a password is input (step V
12 (“YES”), a confirmation request signal Rx is transmitted to the management device 36 (step V13), and thereafter the management device 3
6 waits until the interruption release signal SC or the rejection signal SN is answered back (steps V14 and V1).
5).

When the interruption release signal SC is received, the process goes to step S1 after executing step V16 for deleting the interruption message being displayed on the display section 22, and
When the rejection signal SN is received, the display unit 22
After executing Step V17 of displaying a rejection message indicating that the game is not permitted in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3, the process returns to Step V12.

The present embodiment having such a configuration also provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In particular, according to the present embodiment, the security code providing terminal 100 becomes unnecessary, so that Can be simplified.

(Third Embodiment) It is also possible to adopt a configuration that eliminates the need for the interruption switch 21b together with the security code providing terminal 100. FIG. 43 shows the security code providing terminal 10
A third embodiment of the present invention which is applicable to a case where both the 0 and the interruption switch 21b are omitted is shown, and only the portions different from the first embodiment will be described below.

That is, the third embodiment replaces the judgment step S12 and the interruption processing routine S19 in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment with each step W1 as shown in FIG.
~ W13 is executed.

In FIG. 43, in step W1, it is determined whether or not a code of a predetermined number of digits (a code of a number of digits corresponding to the password) has been input through the ten-key switch 28a. If "NO" is determined here, the process proceeds to step S1.
Returning to FIG. 8, if it is determined to be "YES", it is determined whether or not the card reader 35 is in the state of taking in the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2 (steps W2 and W3).

If the member card 1 or the prize ball card 2 has not been loaded, the process returns to step S1, but if it has been loaded, a registration request signal is transmitted to the management device 36 (step W4). Waits until the registration confirmation signal is answered back from the side (step W
5).

Here, the registration request signal is obtained by combining the membership number or card number read from the membership card 1 or the prize ball card 2 through the card reader 35 with the code of the predetermined number of digits input as described above. It has a form. The management device 36 that has received the registration request signal
In the member data file (see FIG. 39 (a)) in the individual data file group and the personal identification code column in the prize ball data file (see FIG. 39 (c)), the received registration request signal The included code is registered (stored) as a new personal identification code, and when the registration is completed, the above-described registration confirmation signal is answered back.

When the registration confirmation signal is answered back ("YES" in step W5), the display unit 22 indicates that the game in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is temporarily interrupted. Message screen (see Fig. 32)
W6 to display the interruption signal ΔP to the management device 36
Are sequentially executed, and thereafter, the process stands by until a predetermined number of passwords are inputted through the ten-key switch 28a (step W8).

When a personal identification code is input (step W
8 "YES"), the confirmation request signal Rx is sent to the management device 3
6 (step W9), and thereafter waits until the interruption release signal SC or the rejection signal SN is answered back from the management device 36 (steps W10, W11).

When the interruption cancel signal SC is received, the process goes to step S1 after executing step W12 for deleting the interruption message being displayed on the display unit 22, and
When the rejection signal SN is received, the display unit 22
After executing step W13 of displaying a rejection message indicating that the game in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 3 is not permitted, the process returns to step W8.

The present embodiment having such a configuration also provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In particular, according to the present embodiment, both the security code providing terminal 100 and the interruption switch 21b are unnecessary. Therefore, there is an advantageous effect that the entire configuration can be greatly simplified.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified or expanded as follows. Although the system using the member card 1 and the prize ball card 2 is premised, the present invention is not limited to this, and the member card 1 and the prize ball card 2
A system that does not use one or both of them (a prepaid card system is an example of a rate that does not use both) can also be premised.

The data transfer processing routine S17 (see FIG. 17) is executed by turning on the count end switch 32 in response to the end of counting by the ball counter 29, but the end of counting is automatically detected. If the means is provided and the data transfer processing routine S17 is executed when the detecting means is in the detecting state, the counting end switch 32 can be dispensed with.

The count start switch 31 is also
For example, if the function is replaced with the operation knob 7a, it becomes unnecessary. In the case of the prize ball card 2, the pachinko hall employee hands the player to the pachinko game machine 3 when a special prize state occurs, for example, when the special prize state occurs in the pachinko game machine 3, If no card is inserted into the card insertion slot 15 to be inserted, a means for automatically issuing the prize ball card 2 may be provided.

An IC card can be used as a storage carrier. Although the pachinko gaming machine 3 using a pachinko ball as a game medium is managed, a gaming machine (slot machine) using a game metal as a pachinko ball may be managed. The remote controller 38 and the security code providing terminal 100 may be integrated into a single unit.

[0282]

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the above description, a management system provided in a game arcade provided with a large number of gaming machines for releasing a predetermined number of game media in accordance with the winning of the game media, In particular, a game storage carrier used for storage of game medium number data, and the storage carrier are provided so as to be able to be taken in a position corresponding to the gaming machine in a one-to-one correspondence, and in the taken-in state, the storage carrier is provided in the storage carrier. Data reading means for reading stored data; and game medium number data provided in a position corresponding to the gaming machine, and stored in association with the storage carrier in a state where the data reading means has taken in the storage carrier. And a lending unit capable of releasing a game medium based on the game machine. When the game is performed with the storage carrier for data storage taken in, the situation where the storage carrier is stolen can be prevented by a simple operation even when the player is separated from the gaming machine. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience on the part of the player, which is a beneficial effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine and a ball rental machine showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a main part of the ball rental machine.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the entire system configuration;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ball lending machine.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a remote controller.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a member card.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a premium ball card.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing control contents of a control unit of the ball lending machine, part 1

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control contents of a control unit of the ball lending machine, part 2

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control contents of a control unit of the ball rental machine, Part 3

FIG. 11 is a flowchart 4 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart 5 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control contents of a control unit of the ball lending machine, part 6

FIG. 14 is a flowchart 7 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball rental machine.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart 8 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart 9 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart 10 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine, part 11

FIG. 19 is a flowchart 12 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart 13 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball rental machine, part 14

FIG. 22 is a flowchart 15 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball rental machine.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart 16 showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a format example of a signal transmitted from the control unit of the ball lending machine to the management device.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on a display unit.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit, part 2

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a display example by the display unit, FIG.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a display example by the display unit, part 4;

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a display example by the display unit, part 5

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a display example by the display unit.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a display example by the display unit.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a display example by the display unit.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a display example by the display unit.

FIG. 34 shows a display example by the display unit.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a display example by the display unit.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a display example by the display unit.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing control contents of the management device, part 1

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing control contents of the management device, part 2

FIG. 39 is a view showing a format example of a management individual data file provided on the management device side;

FIG. 40 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the personal identification code providing terminal.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control unit of the personal identification code providing terminal;

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control unit of the ball lending machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing control contents of a control unit of the ball lending machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a membership card (memory carrier), 2 is a prize ball card (memory carrier), 3 is a pachinko machine, 9 is a ball lending machine (lending means), 17 is a counter unit, 21b is a suspend switch,
Reference numeral 22 denotes a display unit, 28 denotes a switch panel, 28a denotes a numeric key switch (code input unit), 29 denotes a ball counter (counting unit), 34 denotes a control unit (prohibiting unit, release unit, data writing unit), and 34a denotes a storage unit. (Storage means), 35 is a card reader (data reading means) 36 is a management device, 1
00 is a security code assigning terminal, 103 is a printer, 105
Indicates a control unit.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A game machine provided with a plurality of gaming machines for releasing a predetermined number of game media in accordance with a prize of a game medium, wherein the gaming machine is used for storing game media number data. And a data reading means which is provided so as to be able to take in the storage carrier at a position corresponding to the gaming machine in a one-to-one correspondence, and reads data stored in the storage carrier in the taken-in state, A lending unit which is provided at a corresponding position and which is in a state in which game data can be released based on game medium number data stored in association with the storage carrier in a state where the data reading unit has taken in the storage carrier; In a management system for a game arcade, comprising: a security code providing terminal for providing a randomly selected security code to the storage carrier, and a suspension switch provided for each gaming machine A code input means provided for each of the gaming machines; and a function for canceling the loading of the storage medium by at least the data reading means when the interruption switch is operated in a state where the data reading means has loaded the storage medium. Prohibiting means for invalidating, and a release means for canceling the invalidating operation by the prohibiting means when a password provided to the storage medium being read by the data reading means is input through the code input means. A management system for a game arcade, comprising: 2. A game machine provided with a plurality of gaming machines for releasing a predetermined number of game media in accordance with a prize of game media, wherein the game machine is used for storing game media number data. And a data reading means for reading the data stored in the storage medium in a state where the storage medium is fetched and provided in a position corresponding to the gaming machine in a one-to-one correspondence. A lending unit which is provided at a corresponding position and which is in a state in which a game medium can be released based on game medium number data stored in association with the storage carrier in a state where the data reading unit has taken in the storage carrier; In the management system for a game arcade comprising: a suspend switch provided for each of the gaming machines; a code input means provided for each of the gaming machines; and the data reading means When a code having a predetermined number of digits or more is input by the code input unit in a state where the storage carrier is loaded, a password code adding unit that gives the input code as a password to the storage carrier; and the data reading unit. Prohibiting means for disabling at least the function of canceling the capture of the storage medium by the data reading means when the interruption switch is operated in a state in which the storage medium is being captured; and And a canceling means for canceling the invalidating operation by the prohibiting means when the inputted personal identification code is inputted through the code inputting means. 3. A game machine provided with a plurality of game machines for releasing a predetermined number of game media in accordance with a prize of game media, wherein the game machine is used for storing game media number data. And a data reading means which is provided so as to be able to take in the storage carrier at a position corresponding to the gaming machine in a one-to-one correspondence, and reads data stored in the storage carrier in the taken-in state, A lending unit which is provided at a corresponding position and which is in a state in which game data can be released based on game medium number data stored in association with the storage carrier in a state where the data reading unit has taken in the storage carrier; In a management system for a game arcade, comprising: a code input means provided for each of the gaming machines; and When a code having a predetermined number of digits or more is input by the input unit, the input code is given as a personal identification code to the storage carrier, and a prohibiting unit that invalidates at least a function of canceling the loading of the storage carrier by the data reading unit. Releasing means for canceling the invalidation operation by the prohibition means when a password provided to the storage medium being read by the data reading means is input through the code input means. Playground management system. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said prohibiting means invalidates a function of releasing said game medium by said renting means when disabling the function of releasing the storage carrier by the data reading means. The management system for a game arcade according to any one of the above. 5. A storage means for storing an ID code unique to the storage carrier, and storing the ID code of the storage carrier in combination with a password assigned to the storage carrier. The cancellation means, when a security code is input through the code input means, a security code in which a combination of a security code and an ID code in the storage means is input, and a storage carrier being read by the data reading means. The management system for a game arcade according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the invalidation operation by the prohibition means is canceled only when the combination with the ID code is matched. 6. A counting means provided at a position corresponding to the gaming machine in a one-to-one correspondence so as to be able to count gaming media discharged from the gaming machine, and a counting result by the counting means corresponding to the storage carrier. The management system for a game arcade according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising data writing means for storing the data as the number of game media attached.