JPH11319293A - Game card distributing method on game card system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To flexibly transfer game cards among multiple grouped game halls. SOLUTION: Game halls 5-7 are grouped chain shops optionally transferring game cards and are registered in a control center 4. A game card ordered from the game hall 5 is recorded with its valuable information and identification information and is shipped from a shipping center 3. The shipping information specifying this game card is registered in the control center 4 for each game hall, and the control center 4 transmits the shipping information to the terminal controllers TC of the game halls 5-7. Each game hall judges the propriety for issuing a game card based on this shipping information. When the terminal controller TC of each game hall receives a transfer request, the transfer request is reported to the control center 4. If the shipping information of a transfer origin is registered, the control center 4 rewrites the shipping information from the transfer origin to a transfer destination, sends a transfer allowing report to the transfer origin to have the shipping information deleted, and sends a shipping information report to the transfer destination to have the shipping information added.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game card in which a valuable card and identification information are stored.
By inserting the gaming card into the gaming medium lending device at the gaming store, the gaming medium is lent out within a range of the amount corresponding to the valuable information, and the gaming store allocates the receivable of the amount corresponding to the lent gaming medium, The present invention relates to a game card system for making a payment to a management center that manages the game card, and in particular, to a game card of a game card system capable of appropriately transferring game cards at a game store with a chain store contract. Regarding the distribution method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game card which is a storage medium storing valuable data and the like is issued at a card issuing center by ordering a game card at a game store, and the issued game card is provided in the game store. Sold to players at card vending machines. A player plays a game at a game store by using the game card to borrow a game medium from a ball rental machine. The game store sends the sales data calculated between the card vending machine and the ball rental machine to the card issuing center, and the card issuing center makes a payment with the game store based on the sales data. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-385)
No. 91).

[0003] On the other hand, a customer window that accepts orders for game cards from a game store, a shipping center that sends game cards to the game store based on a card shipping instruction from the customer window, and a communication line between the game store and a predetermined communication line. Connect, send out the shipping information of the game card sent by the shipping center to the game store, manage the usage status of the game card based on the card issuance data from the game store, and communicate with the game store based on the card transaction data There is a gaming card system that is separated in function from a management center that performs settlement during the period. In this game card system, a game card dispatched from a dispatch center stores at least valuable information and identification information of the game card. In addition, each game store manages a game card to be used based on the shipping information sent from the management center.

Therefore, in this game card system, shipping information is determined for each game store, and only game cards having issue information sent from the management center to each game store are issued and managed in the game store. , Can prevent the use of counterfeit cards.

[0005]

However, in this game card system, only game cards having dispatch information sent to the game store can be used at the game store. When a contract is made, there is a problem in that it is not possible to transfer a game card from one game store in a chain store to another game store and to exchange them with each other.

[0006] That is, the use of game cards between game stores that are grouped in terms of management is also restricted for security, and it is not possible to transfer game cards flexibly between game stores, and the operating efficiency of the entire chain store is reduced. Could not be improved.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game card distribution method of a game card system capable of removing such a problem and flexibly transferring game cards among a plurality of grouped game stores. And

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game card which is sent out according to a customer's order and has at least valuable information and identification information recorded therein, and a plurality of stores provided with the game card. A plurality of card management devices for centrally managing issuance, use status, and settlement of cards, and a plurality of card management devices provided outside the store and connected to the plurality of card management devices via a communication line to store the game cards in a plurality of stores. In a game card distribution method of a game card system having a management center for overall management of issuance, use status, and settlement, a specific store group that arbitrarily transfers the game card between specific stores is managed. When registering with the center and sending out the game card to each store of the specific store group, the management center sends the game card along with sending out the game card. In addition to registering the shipping information to be set for each store, the card management device of each store notifies and registers the shipping information for each store via the communication line, and the card management device is used to store information between stores in a specific store group. When the input of the transfer request of at least a part of the game card is received, the content of the transfer request is notified to the management center, and the management center sends the shipping information indicated by the content of the transfer request to the shipping information of the store of the transfer request source. To determine if they are registered
If it is registered, the transfer information is transferred from the transfer information of the transfer request source store (sender store) to the transfer request destination store (reception side store) of the transfer request destination store, and the transfer request is transmitted to the transfer request destination store. Notifying the information, the card management device of the transfer request source store deletes the transfer information requested for the transfer, and the card management device of the transfer request destination store registers the transfer information requested for the transfer. And

In the first invention, when registered as a group of specific stores, any store in the specific store group can be changed from any store in the specific store group by a transfer request of any store in the specific store group. Can transfer game cards to other stores, flexibly adjust the excess or deficiency of game cards in a specific store group, etc., and enable efficient management according to the situation of each store between stores in the specific store group Becomes

[0010] The use of a game card in each store is
Only the determined stores can be used, and each store in the specific store group is managed in exactly the same manner as the management of game cards conventionally performed separately, and security is sufficiently ensured.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game card which is sent out according to a customer's order and has at least valuable information and identification information recorded therein, and is provided in a plurality of stores and issuance and use status of the sent out game card. , And a plurality of card management devices for centrally managing the settlement, and provided outside the store, connected to the plurality of card management devices via a communication line, issuance of the gaming card in a plurality of stores, usage status, and In a game card distribution method of a game card system having a management center that comprehensively manages settlement, a group of specific stores that arbitrarily transfers the game card between specific stores is registered in the management center, When the game card is sent to each store in the specific store group, the management center sends out the shipping information for specifying the game card along with sending the game card. In addition to registering for each store, the card management device of each store notifies and registers shipping information for each store via the communication line, and registers the card management device. When the input of the transfer request of the card is received, the content of the transfer request is notified to the management center, and the management center sends the transfer information indicated by the content of the transfer request to the store (own store) of the transfer request notification source.
Judge whether or not it is registered in the shipping information of the transfer request, and if it is registered, transfer the shipping information from the shipping information of the store (the other store) of the transfer request notification source to the shipping information of the store to which the transfer request is notified. The transfer request notification destination store is notified of the shipping information, the transfer request notification source store management card management device deletes the transfer request notification shipping information, the transfer request notification destination store management card management device of the transfer request notification destination store. The transmission information notified of the transfer request is registered.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a game card can be transferred from a store that has issued a transfer request notification to another store in a specific store group, and the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained.

A third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the transfer request for the game cards is made for each bundle of actual game cards in a predetermined number unit.

[0014] Thereby, the transfer of the game card according to the reality is performed, and it is possible to prevent the management of the game card accompanying the transfer from becoming complicated.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game card system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the gaming card system is roughly divided into a card company 1 and a grouped A that has a chain store contract or the like.
A plurality of game stores 5 to 7 including a store, a store B, and a store C, and a financial institution 8. Such a gaming card system,
In order to facilitate the management of the sales at the game stores, the management of the game cards used in the game stores 5 to 7 is performed by the card company 1 independent of the game stores. Note that the gaming stores 5 to 7 grouped by a chain store contract or the like are registered with the card company 1 as chain stores.

The card company 1 has a customer window 2, a shipping center 3, and a management center 4, and provides game cards used by each of the game stores 5-7. Each game store 5-7 is customer contact 2
In, when placing an order for a gaming card, the customer contact 2
It issues a shipping instruction to the shipping center 3. The shipping center 3 sends out the ordered gaming cards to the gaming stores 5 to 7 by truck or the like in accordance with the shipping instruction. At the time of this shipment, the valuable information and identification information of the gaming card are already stored in the gaming card. The shipping center 3 sends the valuable information, the identification information, and the shipping information including the store code of the sent game card to the management center 4 together with the sending of the game card. This sent valuable information includes
It has a card amount and the number of each card amount, and the identification information has a start number and an end number as a card ID of each game card. The shop code is the shop code of the gaming shop where the order was placed. The shipping center 3 has a terminal 10 connected to the center computer 9 of the management center 4 via the communication line L1, and the above-mentioned shipping information is transmitted from the terminal 10 to the management center 4.

The center computer 9 of the management center 4
Transmits the dispatch information notified from the dispatch center 3 to each game store via the communication line L2 which is an ISDN line, and the center computer 9 also stores the dispatch information in the dispatch information storage section 9a. The management center 4 determines whether or not the game card can be used based on the shipping information, transmits a black list to the game store, and calculates and manages the sales amount.

Each of the amusement stores 5 to 7 has a terminal controller TC, and each terminal controller TC is connected to a center computer 9 of the management center 4 via an ISDN router RT and a communication line L2. Each of the terminal controllers TC is LA
N and a plurality of island controllers SC via a communication line L3 such as N
And a card issuing machine 11 that issues game cards via the island controller SC, and a card processing machine 40 that is installed in the game unit 12 as a game console and executes various processes on the game cards during a game. They are connected via communication lines L5 and L4, respectively.

In each terminal controller TC,
The shipping information transmitted from the management center 4 is held in the shipping information holding unit TCa. Each terminal controller T
C manages valuable information and the like of the game card issued by the card issuing machine 11 in the own game shop based on the dispatch information. For example, the amount of money at the time of issuance of the game card and the management of the remaining amount by using the game card are performed in real time,
Further, when the game card is inserted into the card processing machine 40, it is determined whether or not the inserted game card is usable in the store. That is, it is checked whether or not the identification information such as the card ID of the inserted game card is registered, and whether or not the balance of the game card is equal to the balance registered in the terminal controller TC. . If the judgment or check does not conform, the use of the game card is not permitted.

To explain the payment and settlement of the game card, first, the game stores 5 to 7 give the card company 1 the amount of the game card type (for example, 1000 yen, 3000 yen) when the game card is received from the shipping center 3. Etc.) x number + commission (payment for one game card x number).
The game stores 5 to 7 then collect the number of game media borrowed by the game player using the game card, notify the card company 1 of the price, and have the card company 1 pay for the payment, whereby the settlement is performed. Normally, the game store 5 aggregates the price of the number of game media used via the game card for each predetermined period, and offsets the amount paid by the game store 5 to the card company 1 and the amount received from the card company 1. Game store 5
Pays the credit card company 1. For this payment, the financial institution 8 is used.

The terminal controller TC will be described in more detail. The terminal controller TC is a controller for at least managing a game card in the store and preventing illegal use of a forged card, and performs card processing of the game unit 12 disposed in the store. And data from the card issuing machine 11 and the card issuing machine 11.

The terminal controller TC communicates information on the trend of the day and night during the night after the business end, that is, the ID number of the newly issued game card and the data of the balance of the game card updated by the use of the player. It is sent to the management center 4 via the line L2. On the other hand, in the daytime, the state is confirmed between the management center 4 and the terminal controller TC at predetermined time intervals, and it is monitored whether the terminal controller TC is operating normally.

The main functions of the terminal controller TC are as follows: (1) Receive and store dispatch information from the management center 4. (2) When the card issuing machine 11 issues a game card, it checks whether or not the ID number of the game card exists in the stored shipping information, and manages the game card after the card is issued. (3) When a game card is used by the card processor 40, it is checked whether or not the ID number of the game card is already registered. Manage balance. (4) Collection function of sales data, that is, card issuing machine 1
The two types of data, ie, the sales data of the game card issued in 1 and the usage data of the game card used in the card processor 40 of the game unit 12, are stored in the memory. (5) Output function of management form, that is, card issuing machine 11
Sales data and card processing machine 4 of gaming unit 12
Based on the game card usage data updated by 0, a management form required for the operation and management of the game store is output. (6) The function of transmitting the total data, that is, the total data is transmitted to the management center 4. Here, the card processing machine 40
Performs reading and writing of a game card, outputting a lending signal for a game medium, transmitting information about the game card to the terminal controller TC, and the like.

Next, the configuration relating to the game medium supply system including the terminal controller TC in each of the game stores 5 to 7 will be described in further detail. Here, the processing between the terminal controller TC and the card processing machine 11 will be described first, and the processing with the card issuing machine 11 will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration related to a game medium supply system in the game store 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal controller TC includes a control unit 20, a communication interface unit 21, an availability determination unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

The communication interface unit 21 performs interface processing for data transfer between the card processor 40 and the card issuer 11 via the island controller SC.

The storage unit 23 has a shipping information storage unit TCa, and stores information on game cards that can be issued by the game store. When the card issuing machine 11 issues a new game card (see FIG. 3), issue data of the game card is generated, and the issue data information storage unit T is issued as issue data information.
When the issued game card is used while being stored in Cb, the issued data is updated based on the updated remaining number. Further, it has a card transaction information storage unit TCc, in which card transaction information for each day calculated based on issued card information is stored, and this card transaction information is sent to the management center 4.

The availability judging section 22 includes a card processor 40
When a game card is inserted in the card processing machine 4
When a ball lending request is received from 0, the ID number stored in the storage unit 23 is compared with the ID number and the balance notified from the card processor 40 to determine whether the game card can be used.

The control unit 20 performs at least overall control of the terminal controller TC and operation control of the card processor 40. Specifically, the terminal controller TC
Receives the data related to the game card from the card processor 40 via the island controller SC, the use determination unit 22 stores the ID number of the game card and the ID of the storage unit 23.
The numbers are compared with each other, and if they do not match, the card processor 40 is notified that an error has occurred.

When receiving the ball lending request, the control unit 20 checks the balance of the game card stored in the storage unit 23, and permits the ball lending if there is a balance. Since the balance obtained by subtracting the amount corresponding to the number of times the game media have been thrown out is sent from the card processor 40, the issue data in the storage unit 23 is updated with this balance.

On the other hand, the card processor 40 includes a communication interface unit 26 for performing communication processing with the terminal controller TC, a card reader / writer 28 for reading and rewriting card information magnetically recorded on the game card,
The card reader / writer 28 has a card information transmitting unit 27 for transmitting card information read from a game card to the terminal controller TC.

After transmitting the card information to the terminal controller TC and accepting the permission from the terminal controller TC, the card processor 40 regards the game card inserted into the card insertion slot as a legitimate game card. Then, the supply of the pachinko balls to the gaming table 30 is permitted. On the other hand, when the card processor 40 receives a notification from the terminal controller TC that an error has occurred, the card processor 40 regards the game card inserted into the card insertion slot as an invalid game card and generates an error. To go down.

When the player presses the return button provided on the gaming table 30, the card reader / writer 28 magnetically records a new balance on the gaming card and then ejects the gaming card.

Further, the gaming unit 12 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of the gaming unit.
In FIG. 4, the gaming unit 12 has a gaming table 30, a card processing machine 40 installed on the left side thereof, and a table lamp unit 50 arranged on the upper side thereof.

The game console main body 31 has a balance display section 32 for displaying the balance of the game card, a ball lending possible display lamp 33 for indicating that ball lending is possible, and a predetermined value set in advance by a pressing operation by the player. There is provided a ball lending button 34 for discharging pachinko balls for the amount (e.g., 5000 yen), a return button 35 used when returning a game card, and the like.

The table lamp section 50 includes two main lamps 51 provided on the left and right, a jackpot number display section 52 provided near the center, a meal display section 53, a lucky display section 54,
Unlimited display section 55, meal button 56, call button 57
And a switching button 58.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of the card processor 40 shown in FIG. 4. The status display lamp 41 is turned on when a game card can be inserted, and when an alarm such as the removal of a game card occurs, or the like. Flashes when a game console is connected.

The handle 42 is a handle used when pulling out the entire card processing machine 40, and a table direction indicator lamp 43 is provided below the handle 42 so that the available gaming table 3 can be used.
0 is displayed on the right or left side of the card processor 40. Here, since the platform direction display lamp 43 is a right-pointing arrow, the gaming table 30 is located on the right side of the card processor 40.

The type display lamp 44 is a lamp for displaying whether the type of the game medium is a pachinko ball or a medal, and is set by an amount setting button 46 on an amount display section 45 disposed therebelow. The displayed amount is displayed.

The amount setting button 46 is a button for changing the number of payouts at a time each time the player presses the amount. For example, the amount 5 (for 500 yen), the amount 3 (30)
0 yen), frequency 1 (100 yen), frequency 10 (1000
Yen), and can be changed cyclically.

A fraction display button 47 is a button for instructing a fraction display, an insertion slot 48 is an insertion slot for inserting a game card, and a reset key 49 is for resetting a set amount of money and the like to an initial state. Key.

When a game card is inserted into the insertion slot 48, the card processor 40 having such a front arrangement outputs card information to the terminal controller TC via the island controller SC, and the terminal controller TC
When a new use permission is received from, balls can be lent.

Therefore, when a ball lending request from the gaming table 30 is received thereafter, the balance is calculated and stored, and
The balance information is transmitted to the game console 30, and the ball purchase amount information is transmitted to the terminal controller T via the island controller SC.
Output to C.

Next, management processing relating to a game card in each of the game stores 5 to 7 and the card company 1 including the management center 4 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, referring to FIG. 6, a description will be given of the sending information notifying process. In FIG. 6, first, the shipping center 3
The terminal 10 sends out the dispatch information D1 to the management center 4 by inputting the dispatch information D1 of the ordered gaming card at the terminal 10. The shipping information D1 includes a store code (003160, 004338, 004892), an ordered card amount (3000 yen, 1000 yen, etc.) for each of the game stores 5 to 7,
Information such as the start number and end number of the card ID, the number of cards in each unit of the card ID, and the like are included. In addition, the minimum unit is determined for the order number of each game card, and here,
The minimum unit is set to 1000 sheets. Therefore,
As described above, the card IDs are serially assigned in units of 1000 cards, and are represented by their start numbers and end numbers.

When receiving the dispatch information D1, the management center 4 stores the dispatch information D1 in the dispatch information storage section 9a as the dispatch information D2. Thereafter, the management center 4 refers to the store code of the shipping information D2, and corresponds to each of the game stores 5
The sending information D3a to D3c corresponding to the communication line L2
To send over.

The terminal controllers T of the game stores 5 to 7
Upon receiving the dispatch information D3a to D3c, C registers the respective pieces of dispatch information D3 in the dispatch information storage unit TCa. From this management center 4 to the terminal controller T
The sending of the shipping information D3a to D3c to C may be sent by the management center 4 to each terminal controller TC, or each terminal controller TC may download the information from the management center 4 at regular connection with the management center 4. You may do so. In this way, the shipping information D3 is registered in each terminal controller TC of each of the game stores 5 to 7.

Here, each of the game stores 5 to 7 has shipping information D
The game cards corresponding to 3a to D3c have been sent out from the shipping center 3, and thereafter, for example, in the game store 5, the processing at the time of issuing the card as shown in FIG.

First, the game card sent out by the card issuing machine 11 in the game store 5 is read (S11).
The card issuing machine 11 inquires of the terminal controller TC in the game store 5 about issuance permission via the island controller SC (S12). In this issuance permission inquiry,
Card ID of the read game card (for example, 303000
3), the issuer of the card issuing machine (for example, 003160-01-0
1), and an issue amount (for example, 3000 yen) which is a card amount of the game card. It should be noted that the issuer data is composed of "store code-island controller number-card issuer number".

The terminal controller TC, which has received the inquiry about the issuance of the issuance, first determines whether or not information matching the sent card ID and the issuance amount exists in the shipping information D3 in the shipping information storage unit TCa. (S13). If there is, the information of the game card is issued card information D
4 in the issued card information storage unit TCb (S1).
4). This issuance card information D4 is registered for each game card, and includes, in addition to the card ID, issue machine, and issue amount, the current amount associated with the use of the game card, the issue date that is the date on which the game card was issued, and A change date, which is the date when the current amount has been changed, is included, whereby each game card is managed. Based on the renewal date and the issue date, it can be determined whether or not the validity period of each game card has elapsed.
However, since it was not updated at the time of issuance, the update date is set as a space or null.

After the registration of the issued card information D4, the terminal controller TC sends the card issuing machine 11
An issuance permission response for the inquired game card is made (S1).
5). Then, the card issuing machine 11 receiving the issuance permission response
Adds the information of issue machine number, issue date and current amount (equal to the issue amount) to the lead gaming card,
A game card is issued (S16).

On the other hand, if the information relating to the issuance permission inquiry does not exist in the shipping information D3, the information of the corresponding game card is not registered in the game store. An issuance rejection response is made (S17), and the card issuing machine 11 performs an error down (S18).

The issuing card information is generated in the game store every time the game card is issued by the card issuing machine 11, the shipping information is checked, and if the read game card exists, it is equivalent to the card ID. Only the issued card information to be generated is generated and registered in the issued card information storage unit TCb. There are various methods for this registration.

For example, when issuing a game card corresponding to the first card ID in the dispatch information in the unit of a predetermined number of cards to be dispatched, a predetermined number of cards to which the game card to be issued belongs in advance in the issued card information storage unit TCb. Of the issued card information, and the card ID of the issued card information
Or the amount of the card (issued amount) may be developed in advance, and thereafter the information determined at the time of issuance may be added or updated. According to this, the processing load on the terminal controller TC is reduced.

At the time when the dispatch information is received from the management center 4, the card ID, the card amount, and the like of the issued card information may be developed in the issued card information storage unit TCb in advance.

Next, a process when the game card issued in this way is used will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process between the card processor 40 and the terminal controller TC.

In FIG. 8, when the issued game card is inserted into the card processor 40, the card processor 40
Reads the card information recorded on the game card, and inquires of the terminal controller TC using the card information (S21). This use permission inquiry includes data of the card ID, the issue machine, and the current amount.

The terminal controller TC, which has received the use permission inquiry, checks whether or not information corresponding to the inquired card ID and the current amount exists in the issued card information storage unit TCb (S22). If it exists, the use permission response is notified to the inquired card processor 40 (S23). Thereafter, the card processor 40 is set in a ball lending possible state (S24).

On the other hand, if there is no information in the issued card information storage section TCb that matches the inquired card ID and the current amount, the terminal controller TC notifies the card processing machine 40 of a use rejection response (S31). Thereafter, the card processor 40 goes down in error (S32).

The card processing machine 40 in a ball lending ready state
, When the ball is lent, the card processing machine 40
Sends a subtraction notification to the terminal controller TC (S
25). This subtraction notification includes the card ID, the issue machine, and the current amount. The terminal controller TC which has received the subtraction notification updates the issued card information corresponding to the card ID (S26), and sends a response to the effect that the update processing has been completed to the card processor 40 (S27). The update of the issued card information performed by the terminal controller TC is the current amount and the update date. On the other hand, the card processor 40 receiving the response indicating that the update processing has been completed holds the current amount and the like, and rewrites the card information such as the current amount when the game card is returned from the card processor 40.

In the game card thus issued, unauthorized use of the game card is prevented by the confirmation processing between the card processor 11 and the terminal controller TC, and the use state of the game card is managed. ing.

Here, when the card issuing machine 11 and the terminal controller TC or the card processing machine 40 and the terminal controller TC perform the above-described processing, all of them pass through the island controller SC due to the configuration. Therefore, the island controller SC registers the data passing through them as log data.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the island controller SC when issuing a card. In FIG. 9, when an inquiry about issuance permission is transmitted from the card issuing machine 11 to the island controller SC (S41), the island controller SC directly transmits the issuance permission inquiry to the terminal controller TC (S42). After that, there is an issuance permission response from the terminal controller TC (S4
3), the island controller SC registers, as log data, data relating to the issuance permission performed between the card processor 11 and the terminal controller TC (S44).
In the log data, a date, a card ID, an issuing machine, a current amount, and a processing category are registered, and the processing category at the time of issuing the card is registered as “issue”. Thereafter, the island controller SC notifies the card issuing machine 11 of the issuance permission response received from the terminal controller TC (S4).
5) Then, the card issuing machine 11 issues a game card (S46).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the island controller SC when using the card.
In FIG. 10, a use permission inquiry is transmitted from the card processor 40 to the island controller SC (S51), and the island controller SC transmits this use permission inquiry to the terminal controller TC (S52). Thereafter, there is a use permission response from the terminal controller TC (S5).
3), the island controller SC transmits a use permission response to the card processor 4 (S54). As a result, the card processor 40 is in a ball lending enabled state (S55), and thereafter, when ball lending is performed (S56), a subtraction notification corresponding to the ball lending is sent to the island controller SC (S57). The island controller SC transmits the subtraction notice to the terminal controller TC (S58). Thereafter, the terminal controller TC notifies the island controller SC of a response indicating that the updating process accompanying the subtraction notification has been completed (S59). The island controller SC receiving this notification sends the card processing machine 40
Data relating to ball lending accompanying the use permission made between the terminal controller TC and the terminal controller TC is registered as log data (S60). This log data is registered in the same format as the log data when the card was issued, but the processing category is
Registered as "subtraction". Then, the island controller S
C sends a response to the effect that the update process received from the terminal controller TC has been completed to the card processor 40 (S61).

In this way, the island controller SC
Since the data passing through the island controller is traced and registered as log data, it is possible to quickly perform fault exclusion in the event of a failure or the like.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, a description will be given of a process of registering information relating to a game card used and managed in the game store in the management center 4 with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 11, after each game store is closed (when the store is closed), each terminal controller TC issues issue card information of the game card issued on that day and issue card information on which the game card balance is updated on that day. Then, card transaction information is generated on the day. This day's card transaction information includes the number of issued game cards for each amount, the total amount of issued cards, and the total amount of ball lending. Then, each terminal controller TC transmits the issued card information of the game card issued on that day, the issued card information in which the balance of the game card is updated on that day, and the card transaction information on that day to the management center 4 (S71). .

On the other hand, when the management center 4 receives the new or updated issued card information and the day's card transaction information, the management center 4 stores the issued card information for each game store in the issued card information storage section 9b. Is newly registered or updated, and the current day card transaction information is dated and stored (S72). This day's card transaction information is then tabulated as monthly cumulative card transaction information for each game store for each month, and sales settlement is made with each game store at the end of the month. When the current amount of the issued card information is 0 yen, the issued card information notified from each terminal controller TC is thereafter deleted from the issued card information storage unit 9b, and further, a deletion notification of the issued card information is transmitted. Each terminal controller TC may be notified and deleted. Thereby, the memory of the management center 4 and the memory of each terminal controller TC can be effectively utilized.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, a description will be given of a process of transferring dispatch information between game stores, which is a feature of the present invention. Here, as described above, the game stores 5 to 7
(Store A to Store C) are registered as a chain store with respect to the card company 1, and the game store 5 (store A) to the game store 6
The process of transferring some shipping information to (Store B) will be described. In this case, the distribution of actual gaming cards is
Performed between game stores.

First, in FIG. 12, a game store registered as a chain store is displayed on the display screen of the display device shown in FIG. 14, and a transfer destination game store 6 (store B) is selected (S81). . Note that this display device is included in the terminal controller TC, and is included in all terminal controllers TC in each game store. In the issuance card transfer setting menu on the display screen shown in FIG. 14, two transferable game stores “B store” and “C store” are displayed as transfer destination game stores, of which “B store” is displayed. Selected. The choice here is indicated by an underbar.

Further, the unissued shipping information of the shipping information of the gaming store 5 (store A) as the transfer source is displayed on the display screen, and a game card to be transferred is selected (S82). The selection of this game card is made in units of 1000 as described above. In the shipping card transfer setting menu on the display screen shown in FIG. 14, the game cards to be transferred are 3000 yen and 1000 yen cards, and 30 yen.
The card ID of the 00 yen game card is the start number "303000
0 "to the end number" 3030999 ", and the card ID of the game card of 1000 yen is from the start number" 1081000 "to the end number" 1 ".
081999 "and start number" 1082000 "-end number" 1082999 "
Is shown.

After that, the terminal controller TC in the game store 5 performs a temporary rewriting process of the dispatch information in the selected game store 5 (S83). This rewriting process is a process of deleting shipping information transferred from the shipping information in the gaming store 5, but the deletion is not confirmed. This is in order to prevent a game card to be transferred from being issued until the sending information transfer notification is received from the management center 4.

Thereafter, in FIG. 13, the terminal controller TC in the game store 5 transmits the contents of the dispatch information to be transferred to the management center 4 via the communication line L2 as the dispatch information transfer notice (S84). This shipping information transfer notification includes the transfer destination store code, card amount, card I
D includes a start number and an end number, and the number of sheets.

The management center 4 which has received the dispatch information transfer notification first determines whether or not the notified dispatch information exists in the dispatch information of the transfer source game store (S85). If the shipping information exists, the sending information transfer permission notice is notified to the transfer source gaming store 5 (S86). The terminal controller TC of the game store 5 that has received the shipping information transfer permission notification determines to delete the shipping information for which the rewriting process is in a provisional state (S87). Meanwhile, management center 4
If there is no shipping information of the transfer source game store 5,
A rejection response for rejecting the transfer of the shipping information is transmitted to the game store 5 (S91).

The management center 4 that has sent the sending information transfer permission notification, thereafter, of the sending information in the managing center 4,
The shipping information for which the sending information transfer notification has been deleted from the sending information of the game store 5 (store A), and the sending information for which the sending information transfer notification has been sent is registered in the sending information of the gaming store 6 (store B). (S88). Thereafter, a shipping information notice of the shipping information on which the rewriting process has been performed is transmitted to the transfer destination gaming store 6 (store B) (S89).

The terminal controller TC of the transfer destination gaming store 6 (store B) that has received the dispatch information notification performs a process of adding the notified dispatch information to the dispatch information storage unit TCa of the terminal controller TC (S90). ). As a result, the game store 6 (store B) can issue and use the game card indicated by the notified shipping information.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, even if the shipping information once determined between each of the game stores registered with the chain stores and the management center, the game card can be exchanged between the game stores registered with the chain stores. Can be transferred and the distribution of game cards in the chain store can be freely adjusted, and excess and deficiency can be adjusted. In addition, since the use of game cards is specified and managed by any of the game stores, the chain store can be used. Even so, the security of each game store is ensured.

In the above-described embodiment, the game card is transferred from the game store that has notified the transfer request to the transfer destination game store. However, the present invention is not limited to this. With the terminal controller TC, transfer from any game store to any game store can be performed. For example, the terminal controller TC of the store C changes from the store A to the terminal controller TC.
By making a transfer request to the store, it is possible to transfer the game card from the store A to the store B (deletion and registration of shipping information).

In the above embodiment, the card issuing machine 11 or the card processing machine 40 has an error. However, without issuing an error, the issuance or use of a game card is prohibited, and an alarm is issued. Alternatively, notification may be made to the terminal controller TC or the like.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that the game medium is a pachinko ball, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a game coin may be used. Further, the system may be a system for an enclosed pachinko machine. In short,
Any system using a game card may be used.

[0082]

As described in detail above, in the first to third inventions, when registered as a group of specific stores, a specific store is requested by a transfer request of any store in the specific store group. It is possible to transfer game cards from any store in the group to any store in the specific store group, flexibly adjust the excess or deficiency of game cards in the specific store group, etc. This has the effect of enabling efficient management according to the situation of each store.

The use of a game card in each shop is as follows.
Only the determined stores can be used, and each store in the specific store group is managed in exactly the same manner as the management of game cards conventionally performed separately, and has the effect of ensuring sufficient security.

Further, the transfer of the actual game cards is carried out for each bundle of a predetermined number of actual game cards, thereby realizing the transfer of the game cards in accordance with the actual situation, thereby preventing the management of the game cards accompanying the transfer from becoming complicated. It has the effect that can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game card system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration related to a game medium supply system in the game store 6.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game card.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a gaming unit.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of a card processing machine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a notification process of sending information.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing when a game card is issued.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing when using a game card.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a log data registration process of the island controller when a card is issued.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a log data registration process of the island controller when using a card.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a registration process to the management center when the store is closed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a transfer process of shipping information between chain stores (part 1).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a transfer process of shipping information between chain stores (part 2).

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a setting screen for performing a transfer process of shipping information between chain stores.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Card company 2. Customer contact 3. Shipping center 4.
... Management Centers 5-7 ... Amusement Stores 8 ... Financial Institutions 9 ... Center Computers TC ... Terminal Controllers 9a, TCa ... Sending Information Storage Units 9b, TCb ... Issued Card Information Storage Units 9c, TCc ... Card Transaction Information Storage Units RT ... ISDN
Router 11 Card issuing machine 12 Game unit 40 Card processing machine L1 to L5 Communication line

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Akira Sakakibara 1-3-1, Shimoteno, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture Inside Glory Industries Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akiyoshi Takenaka 1-3-3 Shimoteno, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture No. 1 Glory Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A game card sent out according to a customer's order and having at least valuable information and identification information recorded therein, and a game card provided in a plurality of stores for issuing, using, and adjusting the sent out game card. A plurality of card management devices for overall management; and a plurality of card management devices provided outside the store and connected to the plurality of card management devices via a communication line to integrally manage issuance, use status, and settlement of the game cards in a plurality of stores. In the game card distribution method of the game card system having a management center, a group of specific stores for arbitrarily transferring the game card between specific stores is registered in the management center, When sending the game card to each store,
With the shipment of the gaming card, the management center,
The shipping information specifying the gaming card is registered for each store, and the card management device of each store is notified of the shipping information for each store via the communication line and registered, and the card management device is a specific store group. When the input of the transfer request of at least some of the gaming cards between the stores is received, the contents of the transfer request are notified to the management center, and the management center sends the transfer information indicated by the contents of the transfer request to the transfer request source. It determines whether or not it is registered in the store's shipping information, and if it is registered, moves the shipping information from the transfer information of the transfer request source store to the transfer request destination store's shipping information,
Notifying the transfer request destination store of the shipping information, the card management device of the transfer request source store deletes the transfer information requested to be transferred, and the card management device of the transfer request destination store receives the transfer request. A game card distribution method for a game card system, wherein shipping information is registered. 2. A game card sent out according to an order of a customer and having at least valuable information and identification information recorded therein, and a game card provided in a plurality of stores and issued, used, and settled out of the game card sent out. A plurality of card management devices for general management; and a plurality of card management devices provided outside the store and connected to the plurality of card management devices via a communication line to integrally manage issuance, use status, and settlement of the game cards in a plurality of stores. In the game card distribution method of the game card system having a management center, a group of specific stores for arbitrarily transferring the game card between specific stores is registered in the management center, When sending the game card to each store,
With the shipment of the gaming card, the management center,
The shipping information specifying the gaming card is registered for each store, and the card management device of each store is notified of the shipping information for each store via the communication line and registered, and the card management device is a specific store group. Receiving the input of the transfer request for at least some of the gaming cards between the stores, notifies the management center of the contents of the transfer request, and the management center sends the transfer information indicated by the contents of the transfer request to the transfer request notification source. Judge whether or not it is registered in the shipping information of the store, and if it is registered, transfer the shipping information from the shipping information of the transfer request notification source store to the shipping information of the transfer request notification destination store, and make the transfer request Notifying the store of the notification destination of the shipping information, the card management device of the store of the transfer request notification source deletes the shipping information of the transfer request notification, and the card management device of the store of the transfer request notification destination transmits the transfer information. A game card distribution method for a game card system, wherein the dispatch information notified of the replacement request is registered. 3. The game card distribution method for a game card system according to claim 1, wherein the request for transferring the game cards is made for each bundle of actual game cards in a predetermined number unit.