JPS6244279A - Network system of game shop - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to a network system for game parlors, and in particular, pinball game parlors such as pachinko parlors or other game parlors are connected through a network line, and players can join the network system by carrying a common card. This invention relates to a network system for game parlors that allows players to freely play pinball games at all game parlors.

[Conventional technology]

As an example of a pinball game machine, let's take a pachinko game machine as an example. In a typical pachinko game parlor, ball lending machines are placed at appropriate intervals within the parlor, and players can borrow balls from these machines. A pachinko game is played by setting pachinko balls on a tray of an arbitrary pachinko game machine, and when a prize ball is obtained in the game process, the pachinko ball is exchanged for a desired prize at a payment counter. In the case of such a general gaming system, players must prepare a large amount of coins in order to rent out pachinko balls.
Furthermore, when exchanging prizes, heavy pachinko balls are required to be transported to the payment counter. Furthermore, in order to supply pachinko balls to the pachinko game machines and ball rental machines located within the store, game parlors are required to install pachinko ball circulation paths throughout the store, which requires a large amount of capital investment. In order to solve these problems, various so-called card-type game systems using magnetic cards or electronic cards have been devised in recent years. That is, in the case of this type of card-type pachinko gaming system,
When the card is issued, information indicating the number of games such as the number of balls held corresponding to the payment amount is written into the card, which is a recording medium, and the game is played within the range of the number of balls held, and the balls remaining on the card at the end of the game. Prizes will be exchanged according to the number of participants. Therefore, when this type of card-based gaming system is adopted, pachinko balls only circulate within one pachinko machine, and players do not have to prepare a large amount of coins to borrow pachinko balls. It is no longer necessary to transport pachinko balls to the payment counter, and a great effect can be expected in that the game parlor does not need to have a circulation route for pachinko balls all over the parlor.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

By the way, the number of balls stored in a card used in a card-based gaming system is essentially a liability of the gaming parlor to the player in that it promises to provide pachinko games or prizes. Therefore, in order to prevent pachinko games and prize exchanges using cards issued by other stores, an identification code is written inside the card to determine the authenticity of the card. Therefore, in order to play games at many gaming parlors, each player must purchase cards at each gaming parlor and must carry many of these cards with him or her.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and is a novel game parlor network system that allows players to play with many game points by simply carrying a single card. The purpose is to provide In summary, the gaming parlor network system of the present invention reads the contents of the storage area of a card, which has at least a storage area for storing information indicating the number of games played and a storage area for storing an identification code of a service area. A plurality of terminal devices including a card reading means and a card writing means for writing information into the storage area, and an area controller for communicating information with each of the plurality of terminal devices are provided for each of the plurality of unit service areas; The above objective can be achieved by connecting the area controller provided for each unit service area to the central controller.

[Effect]

That is, according to the present invention, each time each terminal device provided in each service area discharges a card, information indicating the remaining number of game points is written on the card together with an identification code indicating the service area, and Each time a terminal device installed in each area accepts a card, it reads the information indicating the number of games stored in the storage area of the card and the information indicating the identification code of the service area, and transfers the read information to the area. Since the information can be transmitted to the central controller via the controller, it is possible to adjust the interests between gaming parlors via the central controller, which is a particular problem when the same card is used at different gaming parlors. Therefore, it becomes possible to use the same card in common between different gaming parlors.

【Example】

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the most basic system of the present invention, where 1 is a central controller, a-b
-c indicates a pachinko game parlor, which is an example of a service area under the control of the central controller 1, and d indicates a prize exchange center, which is an example of a service area also under the control of the central controller 1. Each pachinko game parlor a-b-c and the prize exchange center d are provided with area controllers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. It is connected to the central controller 1 through the il. Therefore, these central controllers 1 and area controllers 2a, 2b, 2
c.2d is equipped with transmission control means. Further, to explain pachinko game parlor a as a representative, pachinko game parlor a is equipped with a card issuing machine 3a, a card payment machine 4a, and an electronic card type pachinko game machine 5a, and a prize exchange center d is equipped with a card issuing machine 3d and a card payment machine i4d. It is equipped with The number and location of these electronic card pachinko gaming machines, card issuing machines, card payment machines, etc. are arbitrary. Further, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the electronic card 10 used in the game parlor network system of the present invention. First, the electronic card 10 includes a storage section 11 and a card control section 1.
A terminal group 13 is printed on the edge of the electronic card 1o to provide electrical continuity with an electronic card game, a card payment machine, or a card issuing machine. 11 and card control unit 12 and terminal group 13
There is printed wiring between the two. Furthermore, the storage section 1 is constituted by a non-volatile IC memory that has been realized in recent years, and no power source is required to retain the stored contents. The storage unit 11 includes an area for storing a program for controlling the card control unit 12, an area for storing an area code that is a code for identifying the final issuing area of the electronic card, and an area for storing the area code for identifying the final issuing area of the electronic card. At least an area for storing numerical data indicating the number of balls held is secured. Further, the card control unit 12 is specifically constituted by a microcomputer, and in this embodiment, its power supply is provided by using one terminal 13a of the terminal group 13 as a power supply terminal, and using the electronic card to which the electronic card 10 is connected. It is supplied from pachinko machines, card payment machines, or card issuing machines. The pass line of the card control unit 12 is connected to an electronic card pachinko game machine, a card, a card issuing machine, and a card payment machine via a terminal group 13, and stores the area code and number of balls to be stored in the storage unit 11. The numerical data shown is given from the electronic card pachinko game machine, card issuing machine, or card payment machine connected via the terminal group 13, and is also the numerical data showing the area code and number of balls stored in the storage unit 11. is applied to an electronic card pachinko game machine, a card issuing machine, or a card payment machine connected via the terminal group 13. First, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system obtained by connecting the electronic card 10 to a card issuing machine 3, and the card issuing machine 3 is a device for newly issuing and reissuing the electronic card 10. In FIG. 3, 31 indicates a connector for connecting the electronic card 10 and the card issuing machine 3, and the connector 31 has a contact (not shown) that contacts each of the terminal groups 13 of the electronic card 10. The connector 31 is connected to the bus driver 3.
It is connected to a control device 33 under the control of the area controller 2 via the area controller 2 . The card issuing machine 3 issues new electronic cards 10 and adds the number of balls to already issued electronic cards 10, and is generally essential for electronic card gaming systems. The control device 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a ROM area and a RAM area, and sends numerical data to the electronic card 10 indicating the number of balls in possession corresponding to the amount specified by the player within the range of input amounts. It performs input/output control to provide
The characteristic points of this embodiment are (1) electronic card 10
(2) giving the area code of the gaming parlor (or the prize exchange center) to the electronic card 10 along with the numerical data indicating the number of balls possessed when the electronic card 10 is ejected; When the area code is different from the area code of the game parlor, the area code is transmitted to the area controller 2 together with numerical data indicating the number of balls stored in the electronic card 10. This control device 33 includes, as an example of information generation sources, (1) a mode designation switch 34 through which the player selects either the reissue mode or the new issue mode, (2) the terminal group 13 of the electronic card 10 connected to the connector 31; A card detector 35 that detects electrical continuity; (3) a known coin selector 36 that identifies coins inserted by the player from a coin slot (not shown) and generates amount information; (4) a player A known bill validator 37 that identifies the bill inserted into a bill insertion groove (not shown) and generates amount information; (5) an amount designation switch 38 that allows the player to specify an amount within the input amount range; They are connected via an interface 39. In addition, the control device 33 includes (as an example of a member to be controlled)
1) a card hopper 310 that discharges stored unissued electronic cards 10 to the position of the connector 31; (2) a card feeder 311 that conveys the electronic cards 10 to a card discharge port (not shown); (3) a player 7-segment LED digital display 312) that displays the amount of money inserted or the number of balls you have written in the electronic card 10, (4) a pilot lamp 313 that indicates that the operation is in progress, (5) change that discharges change. A discharge device 314, (6) a display 315 for displaying operating procedures to the player, and the like are connected via an output interface 316. Further, 317 indicates a power supply circuit that supplies power to the card control unit 12 of the electronic card 10 via the terminal 13a. Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system obtained by connecting the electronic card 10 to the card payment machine 4. If you specify the ln calculation amount within the range of the number of balls remaining in the system, the device will settle the number of balls you have corresponding to the settlement amount and issue a receipt corresponding to this. Then, prizes are exchanged in accordance with the gaming frequency displayed on this receipt. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 41 indicates a connector for connecting the electronic card 10 and the card payment machine 4, and the connector 41 has contacts (not shown) that make contact with each of the terminal groups 13 of the electronic card 10. The connector 41 is connected to the bus driver 4.
2 to a control device 43 under the control of the area controller 2. The card payment machine 4 is a device that performs payment for the electronic card 10, and is generally essential for electronic card gaming systems. The control device 43 is composed of a microcomputer including a ROM area and a RAM area, and calculates the number of balls in possession corresponding to the amount specified by the player within the range of the number of balls in possession stored in the electronic card 10. and controls the issuance of corresponding receipts,
The characteristic points of this embodiment are (1) electronic card 10
(2) When the electronic card 10 is received, the area code stored in the electronic card 10 is written in along with the numerical data indicating the number of balls held. When the area code is different from the area code of the game parlor, the area code is transmitted to the area controller 2 together with numerical data indicating the number of balls stored in the electronic card 10. This control device 43 includes, as an example of information generation sources, a card detector 44 that detects electrical continuity between the terminal group 13 of the +11 electronic card 10 and the connector 41; (2) the number of remaining balls held by the player; An amount designation switch 45 and the like for designating a settlement amount within the range of , is connected via an input interface 46 . In addition, the control device 43 includes, as an example of a member to be controlled,
(1) By rotating in the reverse direction, the electronic card 10 connected to the connector 41 is transported to a card ejection port (not shown), and by rotating in the forward direction, the electronic card 10 connected to the connector 41 is transported to a card storage (not shown) (2) A digital display 48 that displays the number of balls remaining, (3) A printer 49 that prints out the amount corresponding to the number of balls that have been settled, (4) Instructions for operation procedures to players. A display 410 for displaying (51), a pilot lamp 411 indicating that the printer is in operation, etc. are connected via the output ink face 412. Also, 413 is a power terminal for the card control unit 12 in the electronic card 10. 13a is shown. Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system obtained by connecting the electronic card 10 to the electronic card pachinko game machine 6. When a player sets the electronic card 10, pachinko is played within the range of the number of balls held in the electronic card 10. In the figure, 51 connects the electronic card 10 and the electronic card type pachinko game machine 5. The connector 51 is a contactor (
(not shown), and the connector 51 is connected to a control device 53 under the control of the area controller 2 via a bus driver 52. This control device 53 is composed of a microcomputer including a ROM area and a RAM area, and generally controls the entire electronic card pachinko game machine 5, as well as controlling the electronic card 10 when the electronic card 10 is inserted. It controls verification, reading of data in the electronic card 10, collection of the electronic card 10 when the number of balls in possession returns to zero, writing of data to the electronic card 10 at the end of the game, etc. In this embodiment, In addition to the above, the characteristic points are (1) when the electronic card 10 is ejected, the area code of the gaming parlor is written along with the numerical data indicating the number of balls held; (2) when the electronic card 10 is received, the electronic When the area code stored on the card 10 is different from the area code of the game parlor, the area code is transmitted to the area controller 2 together with numerical data indicating the number of balls stored on the electronic card 10. This control device 53 includes (1) as an example of an information generation source.
) A card detector 54 that detects that the terminal group 13 of the electronic card 10 is electrically connected to the connector 51; (2) A ball sensor 55 that generates a signal every time a ball hitting device (not shown) fires a pachinko ball. , (3) a foul ball sensor 56 that detects when a fired pachinko ball becomes a so-called foul ball, and (4) a safe ball that generates a signal every time a fired pachinko ball enters a winning area. Sensors 57 and the like are connected via an input interface 58. Further, the control device 53 includes, as an example of a member to be controlled,
(1) Game ready indicator 59 that displays a lamp indicating that the game is in progress, (2) Completion lamp 510 that lights up when the number of playable balls is reached, (3) Digital display 51 that displays the number of balls in hand.
1, (41 Launch device 512 such as a motor for batting balls), (
5) Card feeder 513 that ejects the electronic card 10 when stopping is completed or ejects the electronic card 10 when the number of balls in possession becomes 0, (6) Card storage (not shown) that stores the collected electronic cards. A card stopper 514 that opens and closes the entrance of the section is connected via an output interface 515. Note that 516 is a software selection switch provided as desired, and the software selection switch 516 is for selecting a program for controlling the operation of the accessory. Soft selection switch 516 is also connected to control device 53 via input interface 58 . Further, 517 indicates a power supply circuit that supplies power to the card control section 12 in the electronic card 10 via the terminal 13a. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the above matters and flowcharts showing the operation of each terminal device. In this embodiment, a card issuing machine 3, a card payment machine 4, and an electronic card pachinko game machine 5, which are connected as terminal devices to an area controller 2 provided at each game parlor or at each prize exchange place, each have an intelligent function. have
Each independently performs card issuing operation, card payment operation, and pachinko gaming operation, and each of these operations itself has been conventionally known as an electronic card type gaming system, but the characteristic feature of this embodiment is that these terminal devices It performs common operations as described below. That is, when each terminal device ejects the electronic card 10, it writes numerical data indicating the number of balls held (or information equivalent thereto) and an area code specific to the service area in the storage unit 11 of the electronic card 10, and When each terminal device accepts and attaches the electronic card 10, it reads out the area code written in the storage unit 11 of the electronic card 10 and numerical data indicating the number of balls held, and the area code corresponds to the area code of the own store. If not, the read area code is transmitted to the area controller 2 together with numerical data indicating the number of balls held. Then, the area controller 2 transmits the area code transmitted in this way and numerical data indicating the number of balls held to the central controller 1 via the transmission line, and by offsetting the interests of each gaming establishment, a common electronic card 1o
This allows pachinko games to be played at all game parlors under the control of central controller I. Note that details regarding this point will become clear later. Now, let's explain the operations in the following order: card issuance - pachinko game - card payment. Incidentally, a flowchart for controlling the card issuing machine 2 is shown in FIG. First, when a player plays a pachinko game, he or she plays a pachinko game parlor a-b-c under the control of the central controller 1.
Alternatively, the electronic card 1 is borrowed from the card issuing machine 3 of the prize exchange center d under the control of the central controller l. First, when the card issuing machine 3 is powered on, a display 315 disposed in front of the card issuing machine 3 displays, as a first operation procedure, a message indicating that a mode should be designated by operating the mode designation switch 34. The player selects fl by using the mode designation switch 34.
) New purchase mode, that is, a mode in which you newly borrow an electronic card 1o, (2) Additional issue mode, a mode in which you hit and add the number of balls to the electronic card 1o you currently own, and select the mode. The mode designation signal generated by the measurement switch 34 is applied to the control device 33 via the input interface 39. First, when the new purchase mode is specified, the control device 33
is the display 31 via the output interface 316.
The display in step 5 is rewritten to indicate that you should "insert coins or banknotes." When the player inserts a coin, the coin selector 36 operates, and when the player inserts a banknote, the banknote validator 3
7 generates amount information indicating each input amount, and this amount information is sent to the control device 3 via the input interface 39.
given to 3. Then, the control device 33 displays the inserted amount on the digital display 312 via the output interface 316, and then operates the card hopper 310 to eject the electronic card 10 from the card storage section (not shown).
The terminal group 13 is connected to the connector 31. When the terminal group 13 of the electronic card 10 is connected to the connector 31, the card detector 35 is turned on, and its detection output is given to the control device 33 via the input interface 39, and the control device 33 controls the power supply circuit 317 for the card. Activate. This power supply circuit 317 is connected to the power supply terminal 13a in the terminal group 13 via the connector 31, and the card control section 12 of the electronic card 10 is supplied with power from the power supply circuit 317 and becomes operational. Subsequently, the control device 33 rewrites the display on the display 315 via the output interface 316 to display that the purchase amount should be specified. The purchase amount input by operating the amount designation switch 38 is added to the control device 33 via the input interface 39, and the control device 33 compares the specified purchase amount with the input amount and selects the amount designation switch 38. If the specified purchase amount exceeds the input amount range, after clearing the specified purchase amount, the display on the display 315 is rewritten via the output interface 316,
A message indicating that the purchase amount should be corrected is displayed. Then, when the purchase amount corrected by the player is within the range of the inserted amount, or when the purchase amount is specified from the beginning within the range of the inserted amount, the control device 33 reads out the number of balls in the electronic card 10. (In the case of a new issue, the number of balls in the electronic card 10 is naturally O.) Add the number of balls corresponding to the specified purchase amount to It is displayed on the digital display 312. Subsequently, the control device 33 calculates the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount as change, causes the change discharging device 314 to eject the change via the output interface 316, and then displays the information on the display 315 via the output interface 316. Rewrite the text to indicate that you should "receive change." After that, the control device 33 connects the bus driver 32 to the connector 3.
1 and the terminal group 13, the numerical data indicating the calculated number of balls and the area code of the game parlor or the prize exchange place are transmitted to the card control unit 12 on the electronic card 10 side, and the card control unit 12 This is written in a predetermined area of the storage unit 11. When the transmission of the numerical data indicating the number of balls held and the area code to the electronic card 10 is completed, the control device 33 turns off the power supply circuit 317 to cut off the power to the electronic card 10, and then transmits the data to the display 315 via the output interface 316. The display is rewritten to indicate that the electronic card should be accepted, and then the card feeder 311 is operated via the output interface 316, and the electronic card 10 is ejected from a card ejection port (not shown). Therefore, the storage unit 11 of the electronic card 10 ejected in this manner stores at least numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player and the area code of the gaming parlor. By the way, the number of balls stored in the electronic card 10 is
The game parlor promises to play pachinko games within the range of the number of balls it has, or promises to exchange prizes within the range of the number of balls it has,
The number of balls stored in the electronic card 10 indicates the liability of the gaming parlor to the player. Therefore, when a common electronic card 10 is used to play games at a number of game arcades operated by different businesses, for example, the electronic card 10 issued at the store a or the electronic card 10 whose number of balls has increased as a result of playing at the store a. If pachinko games and prizes are exchanged at parlor B using , then parlor B has taken over the debts that should have been borne by parlor A at its own expense, and the receivables and debts of parlor A and B are borne by parlor B. Offsetting will be necessary. In the present invention, the area code of the issuing store is written into the storage unit 11 when the electronic card 10 is issued, and the area controller 2 provided for each service area is connected to the central controller 1 via the transmission line. Since the electronic card 10 is connected to the card issuing machine 3, the electronic card pachinko game machine 5, or the card payment machine 4, the area code stored in the storage unit 11 is checked, and the However, if the area code of another store is recorded, if the area code is transmitted to the central controller 1 along with numerical data indicating the number of balls held, then the・It becomes possible to offset B-Hiro's credits and debts. Now, in the explanation of the additional issue mode with reference to FIG. 6, the above matters will be explained in more detail. First, in the initial state, the display 315 of the card issuing machine 3 displays a message that "mode should be specified", and when the player selects the additional issuing mode using the mode specifying switch 34, the control device 33 controls the output interface. Rewrite the display on the display 315 via 316,
A message to the effect that "electronic card 10 should be inserted into the card insertion slot" is displayed. When the card detector 35 detects the electronic card 10, the card power supply 317 is activated to supply power to the card control unit 12, and then the card control unit A data transfer request is sent to 12. In response, the card control unit 12 sequentially reads out the identification code, area code, and numerical data indicating the number of balls stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 11, and outputs the data from the terminal group 13, the connector 31, and the bus driver 32. It is transmitted to the control device 33. The control device 33 first checks the identification code and determines whether or not the electronic card 10 can be used at the game parlor under the control of the central controller 1. If the card is not an official card (for example, it is a counterfeit card). (Others), the card feeder 311 via the output interface 316
is reversed, and acceptance of the electronic card 10 is refused. In addition, if the electronic card 10 is an official card,
Furthermore, the area code is checked to determine whether or not the store that ultimately issued the card is the store itself. If the final issuing store of the electronic card 10 is not the own store, the balls stored in the electronic card 10 are originally owned by the gaming store specified by the area code stored in the electronic card 10. Since it is a debt owed to the player, and the debt will be assumed by the store itself,
The area code is transmitted to the area controller 2 together with numerical data indicating the number of balls held. The area of the storage device of the area controller 2 is designed to be addressed by an area code, and when numerical data indicating the number of balls held together with the area code is transmitted from a terminal device under its control, this numerical value is The data is accumulated and stored in the area specified by the area code. On the other hand, if the final issuing store of the electronic card 10 is the store itself, the balls stored in the electronic card 10 are originally a debt owed to the player of the store, so the above transmission to the area controller 2 is Immediately without processing
Display 315 via output interface 316
The display will be rewritten to indicate that "money should be inserted." Thereafter, in the same manner as in the new issuing mode described above, the number of balls corresponding to the purchase amount specified by the player within the input amount is added and transmitted to the electronic card 10 along with the area code, and the change is discharged. Processes and ejects cards. Then, since the area code written in the storage section 11 of the electronic card 10 at this time is the area code of the own store,
Until the electronic card 10 is brought to another store next time, the number of balls stored in the storage section 11 of the electronic card 10 becomes the store's debt to the player. Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic card type pachinko game machine. The electronic card type pachinko game machine becomes playable when the player inserts the electronic card 10 into a card insertion groove (not shown) after the power is turned on, and within the range of numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the electronic card 10. This is a pachinko game. First, the card detector 54 detects that the terminal group 13 of the electronic card 10 is electrically connected to the connector 51, and the detection signal is sent to the control device 5 via the input interface 58.
3, the control device 53 turns on the card power supply 517.
is activated, power is supplied to the card control section 12 via the connector 51-power terminal 13a, and the card control section 12 is made operable. After that, the control device 53 connects the bus driver 52 to the connector 5.
1 - sends a data transfer request to the card control device 12 via the terminal group 13, and in response, the card control section 12 transfers data to the storage section 11.
Numerical data indicating the identification code, area code, and number of balls stored in the controller 53 is transmitted to the control device 53 via the terminal group 13, the connector 51, and the bus driver 52. First, the control device 53 checks the identification code, and if it determines that the card is not an official card, it reverses the card feeder 513 via the output interface 515 to eject the electronic card 10 and refuses to accept the card. . On the other hand, if it is determined that the card is an official card, the control device 53
Verifies the area code sent from the electronic card 10. If the card is determined to be issued by another store as a result of area code verification, the area code is transmitted along with numerical data indicating the number of balls held to the area controller 2, and the area controller 2 receives the card from the card issuing machine 3 described above. In the same way as when the same type of information is transmitted, numerical data indicating the number of balls held is accumulated and stored in the memory area specified by the area code. Next, the control device 53 transmits the area code of its own store to the card control section 12 via the path driver 52 - connector 51 - terminal group 13, and the card control section 12 stores this area code in a predetermined area of the storage section 11. do. Therefore, from now on, the number of balls stored in the electronic card 10 becomes a liability of this gaming parlor to the player. Thereafter, the control device 53 displays the number of balls held on the digital display 511 via the output interface 515, and supplies power to the firing device 512 to enable pachinko play. A normal pachinko game is played. In the case of a pachinko game machine in which the pachinko game mode is controlled by software (more specifically, for example, it is equipped with a so-called electric accessory that is controlled by software, and the electric accessory is advantageous to the player. (In the case of a pachinko game machine in which the probability of providing a certain gaming state and the profit details given to the player when the corresponding gaming state occurs can be controlled by software) By operating the software selection switch 516, The software may also be transmitted from the central controller 1. Specifically, the soft selection switch 516 is configured to be able to select, for example, three positions of high, medium, and low projectile properties, and the control signal generated by the soft selection switch 516 is controlled via the input interface 58. is input to the device 53, and the control device 53 selects this soft selection switch 516.
The generated signal is transmitted to the area controller 2. In response, the area controller 2 transfers the software transmission request to the central controller 1 via the line, and in response, the central controller 1 again transfers the desired software to the area controller 2 via the line, and the area controller 2 provides the thus transmitted software to the control device 53. The control device 53 then writes this software into its own RAM area, and thereafter executes control operations according to this software. In addition, in the case of the embodiment in which the software can be appropriately selected according to the player's preference, the standard software is stored in the ROM of the control device 53 in order to reduce transmission time and line costs. Prepare the area in advance,
The software may be transmitted only when the player operates the software selection switch 516. Also, in order to reduce transmission time and line costs,
Non-standard software is transmitted from the central controller 1 to the area controller 2 when the store opens or when the software is changed (this type of software may require changes due to regulations, etc.). The software may be stored in the RAM area, and the area controller 2 may supply the software in response to a request from each electronic card pachinko game machine 5. Now, when a pachinko game is started in this way, the control operation itself during the game is basically the same as in the case of a conventionally well-known general pachinko game machine, but in this type of electronic card type pachinko In the case of a gaming machine, an increase or decrease in the number of balls held by a player is recorded in the form of an increase or decrease in numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player, which is stored in the storage unit 11, and the numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player is stored in the card control unit in real time. 12 and recorded in the storage unit 11. More specifically, (t), each time the customer operates the well-known ball-striking operation unit and fires one Panko ball, the number of balls held is consumed by one, so the fired ball sensor 55 is activated. Each time the popping motion of a pachinko ball is detected and the detection output of the ball sensor 55 is transmitted via the input interface 58, the control device 53 subtracts 1 from numerical data indicating the number of game balls held. (2) 8 If the fired pachinko ball becomes a so-called foul ball and returns to the firing position, it is necessary to cancel the output of the fired ball sensor 55, so the foul ball sensor 56
detects the occurrence of a foul ball, and each time the detection output of the foul ball sensor 56 is transmitted via the input interface, the control device 53 adds 1 to the numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player. (3) Also, if the fired pachinko ball enters any winning area, a predetermined number (for example, 13) of pachinko balls are given to the player as prize balls, so the safe ball sensor 57 is activated. Every time the occurrence of a ball is detected and the detection output of the safe ball sensor 57 is transmitted via the input interface 58, the control device 53 adds, for example, 13 pieces of numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player. Numerical data indicating the number of balls in hand that fluctuates in this way is given to the digital display 511 via the output interface 515 every time the cause of the change in the number of balls in hand occurs, so the digital display 511 shows the number of balls that fluctuate sequentially. The number of balls held by the player playing the game will be displayed sequentially. In addition, the numerical data indicating the number of balls that fluctuate in this way is sent to the bus driver 52 every time the cause of the number of balls fluctuates.
- Card control unit 12 via connector 51 and terminal group 13
Since the card control unit 12 rewrites the numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player in the storage unit 11 each time, the numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player, which changes sequentially, is stored in the storage unit 11. That will happen. In the above, the control device 53 is configured to calculate numerical data indicating the number of balls held, but the control device 53 uses detection signals generated by the fired ball sensor 55, foul ball sensor 56, and safe ball sensor 57. are sequentially transmitted to the card control unit 12 via the bus driver 52, connector 51, and terminal group 13, and the calculation of numerical data indicating the number of balls held is performed by the card control unit g.
It may be done in the same manner as l12. Now, in such a gaming process, the numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player changes sequentially, and for example, the numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player becomes O. When the numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player becomes 0, the control device 53 turns off the card power supply 517 and cuts off the power supply to the card control unit 12, and then connects the card feeder 515 via the output interface 515. rotate forward and collect the electronic card 10 in a card storage section (not shown),
The power to the launcher 512 is cut off to return to the initial state. On the other hand, during the game process, when the numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player increases and reaches the planned number of balls, the control device 5
3 is the completion lamp 51 via the output interface 515
After turning on 0 and cutting off the card power supply 517,
Card feeder 51 via output interface 515
3 is reversed, the electronic card 10 is ejected from the card insertion groove (not shown), and the power to the ejection device 512 is cut off to return to the initial state. The number of balls the player has is calculated in real time by electronic card 1.
Since the area code of the game parlor is also written in the storage unit 11 after the electronic card is received and before the start of the pachinko game, the storage unit 11 of the electronic card 10 The numerical data written in the bar indicating the number of balls held becomes the liability of the shop itself to the player. Further, when the numerical data indicating the number of balls in possession becomes 0, or when the electronic card 10 is suddenly withdrawn by the player without reaching the scheduled number of balls, the output of the card detector 54 is turned off. When the output of the card detector 54 is turned off, the control device 53 cuts off the card power supply 517 and also cuts off the power supply of the ejection device 512 to return to the initial state. In this case as well, numerical data indicating the number of balls held by the player is stored in the storage unit 11 of the electronic card 10 in real time.
Also, since the area code of the game parlor is written in the storage unit 11 after the electronic card is received and before the pachinko game starts, the area code of the game parlor is also written in the storage unit 11 of the electronic card 10. Numerical data indicating the number of balls held becomes the store's debt to the player. Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the clearing machine 4. First, when the card transaction machine 4 is powered on, a display 410 disposed in front of the card transaction machine 4 displays a message indicating that a card should be inserted. When a player inserts the electronic card 10, its terminal group 13 is electrically connected to the connector 41, and the card detector 44 generates a detection signal, this detection signal is provided to the control device 43 via the input interface 46. The controller 43 operates the card power supply 413 to supply power to the card controller 12, and then connects the path driver 42 to the connector 41.
A data transmission request is sent to the card control section 12 through one terminal group 13. In response, the card control unit 12 sequentially reads out the identification code, area code, and numerical data indicating the number of balls stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 11, and controls the data via the terminal group 13, the connector 41, and the bus driver 42. It is transmitted to device 43. The control device 43 checks the identification code, and if it determines that the electronic card 10 is not an official one, cuts off the card power source 413, reverses the card feeder 47 via the output interface 412, and ejects the electronic card 10. However, acceptance of the electronic card 10 is refused. On the other hand, if it is determined that the card is an official card, the control device 43
Verifies the area code sent from the electronic card 10. If the card is determined to be issued by another store as a result of area code verification, the area code is transmitted along with numerical data indicating the number of balls held to the area controller 2, and the area controller 2 uses the card issuing machine 3 or the electronic card In the same way as when similar information is transmitted from the pachinko game machine 5, numerical data indicating the number of balls held is accumulated and stored in the memory area specified by the area code. Next, the control device 43 causes the digital display 48 to display numerical data indicating the number of balls held via the output interface 412, and also indicates to the display 410 via the output interface 412 that the payment amount should be specified. is displayed and waits for the output of the amount designation switch 45. When a player operates the amount designation switch 45 to specify the amount to be settled, numerical data corresponding to the amount to be settled (for example, the number of balls held, the number of games played, etc.) is input to the control device 43 via the input interface 46, and the control device 43 compares the numerical data indicating the specified settlement amount with the numerical data indicating the number of balls transmitted from the electronic card 10. If the numerical data indicating the settlement amount exceeds the range of the numerical data indicating the number of balls held, after clearing the specified settlement amount, the message "Correct the settlement amount" is displayed on the display 410 via the output interface 412. ”. Then, when the amount corrected by the player using the amount specification switch 45 is within the range of the numerical data indicating the number of balls held, or when the settlement amount is specified from the beginning within the range of the numerical data indicating the number of balls held, the payment amount is specified. The printer 49 is given numerical data indicating the amount of payment that has been made, starts the printer 49, prints the amount of payment on a receipt, and displays on the display 410 via the output interface 412 a message to the effect that the receipt should be received. make them do Then, the player exchanges the prize with the settlement amount written on this receipt. On the other hand, the control device 43 calculates the number of balls in possession after settlement by subtracting the man-hours corresponding to the settlement amount from the number of balls in possession transmitted from the electronic card 10, and outputs the number of balls in possession after settlement via the output interface 412. and displayed on the digital display 342. If the numerical data indicating the number of balls held after settlement is O, the control device 43 shuts off the card power supply 413 and then outputs the card feeder 47 via the output interface 412.
is rotated in the normal direction to collect the electronic card 10 into a card storage section (not shown). Also, if numerical data indicating the number of balls remaining after settlement remains, the bus driver 41 - connector 41 - terminal group 13
Then, numerical data indicating the remaining number of balls is transmitted together with the area code of the gaming parlor to the card control unit 12, and the card control unit 12 stores the transmitted information in a predetermined area of the storage unit 11. . When the transmission of the numerical data indicating the number of balls held and the area code to the electronic card 10 is completed, the control device 43 turns off the power supply circuit 413 to cut off the power to the electronic card 10, and then displays the data via the output ink fader 412. 410 is rewritten to display that "electronic card 10 should be accepted", and then the card feeder 47 is reversed via the output ink feeder 412 to eject the electronic card 10 and return to the initial state. do. Therefore, in the storage unit 11 of the electronic card 10 ejected in this way, numerical data indicating the remaining number of balls is stored together with the area code of the gaming parlor.
The number of balls held becomes the liability of the gaming parlor to the player. As described above, in this embodiment, the electronic card 10 is installed at the card issuing machine 3 located in each game parlor (or prize exchange center).
It circulates between each terminal device such as the electronic card pachinko game machine 5 and the card payment machine 4 as appropriate. When these terminal devices eject the electronic card 10, they write the area code of their own store along with the numerical data indicating the number of balls held, regardless of the area code stored in the electronic card 10. 10
The number of balls stored in the card is always the same as the number of balls stored in the electronic card 1.
0 indicates the debt owed to the player by the gaming parlor that last processed the transaction. When this electronic card 10 is subsequently brought to another gaming parlor (or prize exchange center), the newly brought gaming parlor (or prize exchange center) can offer pachinko games or exchange prizes. This will take over the debt of the previous store to the customer, but the game store to which this electronic card was brought will accept the customer's electronic card 10.
The numerical data indicating the number of balls in possession that was stored in the electronic card 10 at the time of bringing in is transmitted to the area controller 2 along with the area code of the previous store, and the area controller 2
Since the area code is used as an address to accumulate and store numerical data indicating the number of balls held, the memory area of the area controller 2 stores the balls held for other service areas under the control of the same central controller 1. The integrated value of numerical data indicating the number is stored for each issue-bis area. Therefore, the integrated value of the numerical data indicating the number of balls held for each service area stored in the memory area of the area controller 2 is updated, for example, at the end of each business day, every week, or every month. By transmitting the information to the central controller 1 via the computer, it is possible to calculate the total amount of debt that each of the game parlors and prize exchange centers have shouldered to each other, and their interests can be offset. In the above, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game parlor is shown, and an example is shown in which the number of balls held is stored as an example of the playing frequency. The present invention can be widely applied to any game parlor where the number of games is determined and services can be provided in accordance with the number of games played. In addition, although the above example uses an electronic card as an example of a card, it is also possible to use an electronic card that has sufficient storage space to store the area code and number of games played, and that can be read and written freely. The invention can be applied. Further, in the above example, the central controller and the area controllers located at each game parlor or prize exchange center are directly connected, for example, by a VAN line, but the present invention can connect the central controller and the area controller located at each game parlor or prize exchange center directly. This can be applied as long as the area controllers provided for each service area are ultimately controlled by one central controller or by multiple central controllers that communicate with each other, and the system configuration can be expanded to a larger scale. In such a case, it is possible to provide a relay station that controls a plurality of area controllers between the central controller and the area controller, or to interconnect the plurality of central controllers.

【effect】

As explained above, according to the present invention, when a single card is used in common by many gaming parlors with different business entities, the credit/debt relationships between the gaming parlors, together with the area code, can be accumulated and recorded. This allows one card to be shared at many game parlors, eliminating the need for players to carry around many cards. In addition, by connecting many gaming parlors with transmission lines as in the present invention and branching connections between many gaming machines installed in many gaming parlors, for example, even if the ordinance changes, it will be possible to comply with the new ordinance. It becomes possible to comply with the new regulations simply by preparing compatible software in the central controller, and there is no need to make adjustments for each gaming machine at each gaming parlor to comply with the new regulations. The preparation period can also be shortened.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a basic block diagram of the present invention, Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of an electronic card, Figure 3 is a block diagram of a card issuing machine, Figure 4 is a block diagram of a card payment machine, and Figure 5 is an electronic card type. A block diagram of the pachinko game machine, FIG. 6 is a flowchart for controlling the card issuing machine, FIG. 7 is a flowchart for the electronic card type pachinko game machine, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart for controlling the card payment machine. 10...Electronic card 11...Storage section 12...
Card control unit 13...Terminal group l...Central controller 2...Area controller 3...Card issue 1m 31...Connector 33
...Control device 35...Card detector 311.
... Card feeder 4 ... Card payment machine 41 ... Connector 43 ...
・Control device 44...Card detector 47...Card feeder

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) Card reading means for reading the contents of the storage area of a card having at least a storage area for storing information indicating the number of games played and a storage area for storing the identification code of the service area; and a card reading means for reading the contents of the storage area; A plurality of terminal devices provided with a card writing means for writing, and an area controller that communicates information with each of the plurality of terminal devices are provided for each of the plurality of unit service areas, and a plurality of terminal devices provided for each of the unit service areas. A network system for a game parlor in which an area controller is connected to a central controller, and terminal devices under the control of the area controller connected to the central controller can be used with the same card. (2) In the gaming parlor network system according to claim 1, the card reading means provided for each terminal device reads the contents of the storage area of the card when accepting the card, and calculates the number of games played. information indicating the identification code of the service area and information indicating the identification code of the service area are transmitted to the central controller via the area controller, and the card writing means provided for each terminal device reads the remaining card when the card is ejected. A network system for a game parlor, characterized in that information indicating the number of games played and information indicating an identification code of a service area are written in the storage area. (3) In the gaming parlor network system according to claim 1, the central controller has information for controlling the operation of the terminal device, and in response to a request from the terminal device, Information for controlling the operation of the terminal device,
A network system for a game parlor, in which data is transmitted to the terminal device via the area controller. (4) In the network system for a game parlor according to claim 3, the terminal device is constituted by a pinball game machine, and
A network system for a game parlor, characterized in that the information for controlling the operation of the terminal device is information for controlling an electric accessory included in the terminal device. (5) In the game parlor network system according to claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, the card includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and the semiconductor memory and the terminal device. What is claimed is: 1. A network system for a game parlor, comprising an electronic card having a microcomputer that exchanges information between the electronic card and the microcomputer.