JP2022110917A - Prize exchange system and prize exchange method - Google Patents

Abstract

To efficiently execute prize exchange while preventing a card with a value from being left behind.SOLUTION: When a card is inserted into a self-prize managing device 60, the self-prize managing device 60 displays guidance prompting reception of the card after prize exchange if there are a plurality of rates in the value associated with the card (S1), and when prize exchange processing is finished, it displays the guidance prompting reception of the card again (S2). When a general card is inserted into the self-prize managing device 60, the self-prize managing device 60 displays guidance to insert a member card last if there is an additional card (S3). When the member card is inserted, the self-prize managing device 60 displays guidance to the effect that the member card is to be discharged once and the member card is to be inserted last if there is an additional card (S4).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method capable of efficiently exchanging prizes while preventing a valuable card from being left untaken.

Conventionally, in amusement parlors such as pachinko parlors, a player associates a game medium obtained as a result of a game with a recording medium, brings the game medium to a prize counter, and exchanges the game medium for a prize in the presence of an employee. Exchange operation is in progress.

In such a conventional prize exchange operation, an employee causes the prize management device to read the recording medium presented by the player, specifies the number of game media to be exchanged, and receives instructions from the player within the range of the game media. The prize exchange process is performed in such a manner that the employee selects a prize and delivers the selected prize to the player.

On the other hand, in recent years, there has been an operation (hereinafter referred to as "self-exchange operation") in which the prize exchange process is performed by the player himself/herself without an employee being present. In this self-prize exchange operation, the player himself/herself performs a series of processes of reading the recording medium, selecting the prize, and receiving the prize. In this mode of operation, it is not necessary for the employee to attend the prize exchange, so the burden on the employee can be reduced, and by increasing the number of available prize counters, the efficiency of the prize exchange process can be improved ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-065787 A

However, in the conventional self-exchange operation for prizes, there is a possibility that the player throws the card into the return box even though the value remains on the card after the player completes the prize exchange process. may lead to It should be noted that the return box is a box installed in the hall to collect the cards that have lost their associated value after the exchange of prizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides a prize exchange system and prize exchange method that can efficiently exchange prizes while preventing the user from forgetting to take a valuable card. intended to provide

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a prize exchange system installed in a game parlor for exchanging a first number of game media acquired by a player in a game for a prize, wherein a valuable value and the first number of game media are exchanged. Receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the number of game media; specifying player information, the value, and the first number of game media related to the player associated with the recording medium received by the receiving means; specifying means; prize exchange processing means for performing a prize exchange process for a prize that can be selected within the range of the first number of game media specified by the specifying means based on the player's operation; residual value specifying means for specifying a second number of game media indicating the number of game media after prize exchange processing by the exchange processing means; and display output means for performing a predetermined display output based on the display output.

Further, in the above-described invention, the display output means further includes an additional recording medium for receiving by adding to the reception means when the player information indicates that the player is a general customer. If there is, it is characterized by displaying and outputting so that the member's recording medium is accepted last.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the player information indicates that the player is a member, the display output means has an additional recording medium for receiving in addition to the receiving means. If there is, it is characterized in that the received recording medium is ejected and the recording medium for the member is finally received.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, when there are a plurality of the first number of game media, the display output means, when receiving the recording medium by the receiving means and/or by the prize exchange processing means At the end of the prize exchange process, it is characterized by outputting a display so as to receive the recording medium.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when the second number of game media exists, the display output means outputs a The present invention is characterized in that a display is output to receive the recording medium at the end of processing.

Further, the present invention is a prize exchange method in a prize exchange system installed in a game parlor for exchanging a first number of game media acquired by a player in a game for a prize, wherein the value and the first game a receiving step of receiving recording media associated with the number of media; and a specification of specifying the player information, the valuable value, and the first number of game media related to the player associated with the recording media received in the receiving step. a prize exchange processing step of performing prize exchange processing for prizes that can be selected within the range of the number of game media identified in the identification step based on the operation of the player; and the prize exchange. a remaining value specifying step of specifying a second number of game media indicating the number of game media after prize exchange processing by a processing step; and a display output step of performing a predetermined display output.

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently exchange prizes while preventing a valuable card from being left untaken.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine and the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the device state data and card data shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management device shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data, device management data, member management data and selected prize data shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self prize management device shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master, holding value data, and prize inventory data shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing display patterns according to the first embodiment. 12 is a flowchart (part 1) showing a processing procedure of the self-prize management device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing procedure of the self-prize management device according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a prize exchange control pattern according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an exchange pattern for prize exchange according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a management procedure for left-to-be-taken data according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the prize exchange system according to the tenth embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
The prize exchange system and prize exchange method according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

In this specification, "balls in possession" are data indicating the game media acquired by the player in the game, and can be used again in the game only during the day (the time before the closing time of the game parlor). Say what you can. It should be noted that the “number of balls” means the number of game media acquired by the player through the game. "Accumulated balls" is data indicating the game media deposited by the player at the game parlor, and is data that can be used again for games on the next day or later (time after the amusement shop closes). Note that the “stored number of balls” refers to the number of game media deposited by the player at the game parlor. Possessed balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when the game machine is moved. In principle, the accumulated balls can be used only by member players, and are used when the obtained game media are used in the game of the gaming machine from the next day onwards. Also, "the number of game balls" means the number of playable balls that a player can use in a game.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 1>
First, an overview of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment, when a card is inserted into the self-prize management device 60, the self-prize management device 60 receives the card from a management device (not shown). Associated values are obtained, and if there is value in multiple rates, a guidance is displayed prompting receipt of the card after exchanging the prize (S1).

When the end button of the self-prize management device 60 is pressed and the prize exchange process is completed, the guidance prompting the player to receive the card is displayed again (S2). In this way, by superimposing the guidance prompting to receive the card with remaining value, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing trouble.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1(b), when a general card is inserted into the self-prize management device 60, the self-prize management device 60 indicates that if there is an additional card, the membership card is to be inserted last. Guidance is displayed (S3).

When the membership card is inserted into the self-prize management device 60, the self-prize management device 60 ejects the card once if there is an additional card and displays guidance to insert the membership card last (S4). ). In this way, by informing the players of the usage method when inserting a plurality of cards in succession, it is possible to reduce the possibility of increasing the workload of the employees.

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment can efficiently exchange prizes while preventing a valuable card from being forgotten.

<System configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2 , a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-machine card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming parlor. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is connected via an island controller 30 to a communication line, which is a network within the store. An island controller 30, a management device 50, a self prize management device 60, a prize management device 70 and a prize dispensing device 80 are connected to the communication line.

The gaming machine 20 is a device for playing a game by hitting game balls enclosed inside the device onto a game board surface. The game balls are physical "balls" used in games, and are different from "game balls" handled as data by the gaming machine 20. FIG. A plurality of winning areas (award winning openings) are provided on the game board surface of the gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are provided as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. It's becoming A predetermined number of starting areas (starting openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the passage of game balls through the starting areas. If the lottery results in a big hit, an operation that is advantageous in terms of the game is performed by operating a predetermined movable member, etc., such as improving the probability of the game ball passing through the winning area or another starting area. It should be noted that there may be an area that serves as both the starting area and the winning area.

The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of game balls into the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of the game balls hit into the winning area. ing. Further, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize memory for storing how many game balls are given as prize balls for each winning area, and a playable number memory for indicating the number of game balls. Also, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 periodically transmits the number of game balls to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts payment from a player, it associates a prepaid value corresponding to the amount of payment with the identification information (card ID) of the card housed inside itself. This prepaid value can be used for lending game balls. In addition, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can accept insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, owned balls, accumulated balls, and the like. Then, at the end of the game, the card associated with the prepaid value, owned balls, stored balls, etc. is ejected and returned to the player. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also transmits to the management device 50 a history of operations such as deposit, card insertion, and card ejection.

The game machine 20 transmits out data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 when a predetermined number of game balls are hit on the game board surface. Also, the gaming machine 20 transmits safe data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 when the game balls pass through the prize winning area (so-called winning) and a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the game balls. Furthermore, when a special state such as a big win occurs in the game, special prize data indicating the occurrence of such state is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

The out data corresponds to the number of balls hit by the player on the game board surface. The safe data corresponds to the number of winning balls obtained by winning. Also, the special prize data indicates the state of the gaming machine 20 such as a big hit. Each data is transmitted to the management device 50 via the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the management device 50 accumulates the out data, the safe data and the special prize data as operation information to obtain the operation history of the gaming machine 20. Obtainable.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts payment, lends out game balls, communicates with the management device 50 and the gaming machine 20 . When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts banknotes inserted by a player, it transmits a payment notification including the payment amount to the management device 50, whereby the prepaid value corresponding to the payment amount is managed by the management device 50. add to the value. When a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is transmitted to the management device 50, the prepaid value managed by the management device 50 is subtracted, and a number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is added to the gaming machine 20. to be added to the number of game balls.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a card insertion notification to the management device 50 when the insertion of the card is accepted. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the balance of the prepaid value, the balls owned or the accumulated balls from the management device 50, it stores the balance. Then, when the balance of the balls on hand is received and stored, the balance of the balls on hand (the number of balls on hand) managed by the management device 50 is set to zero by transmitting a ball subtraction request to the management device 50. clear.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls managed by itself, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the number of balls that has been subtracted. add to the number. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a stored ball replay operation, it transmits a stored ball replay request to the management device 50, thereby causing the number of stored balls managed by the management device 50 to be subtracted by a predetermined number. The game machine 20 is notified of the number corresponding to the accumulated number of balls, and is added to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the card return operation, it transmits a request to add the number of balls held to the management device 50, and after having the management device 50 add the number of balls held, the card discharge notification is made. is sent to the management device 50 to control card ejection. Incidentally, when a counting operation is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the number of game balls is added to the number of possessed balls.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a function of acquiring a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and the authentication key received from the management device 50 . This authentication is performed at the time of the opening process or the like, and the gaming machine 20 is allowed to play on condition that the authentication is successful.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs various display controls based on the state of the gaming machine 20 and transmits the state of the gaming machine 20 to the management device 50 .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of game balls notified from the gaming machine 20, and periodically notifies the management device 50 of the number of game balls and the number of possessed balls.

The island controller 30 is a device for bundling a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 provided on a game island and relaying various information to the management device 50 .

When receiving the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processor 10, the management device 50 manages the identification information of the inserted card (hereinafter referred to as "card ID") in association with the inter-machine card processor 10. Then, the prepaid value associated with the card ID and the balance of the balls in hand are transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . Further, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of the membership card, the accumulated ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

Further, when receiving a ball-in-hand subtraction request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the management device 50 clears the balance of the ball-in-hand to zero, and when receiving a ball-in-hand addition request from the card processing machine 10 between machines. , the number of balls indicated in the ball addition request is added to the balance of the balls.

Further, when receiving a ball lending request from the inter-machine card processor 10, the management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processor 10. do. Then, when the accumulated ball replay request is received, the accumulated ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

Further, when the management device 50 receives the card ID from the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70, the management device 50 stores the number of owned balls, the number of stored balls and the prepaid value associated with this card ID with the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70. The prize management device 70 is notified. Furthermore, when the card ID is received from the prize payout device 80, the prize payout device 80 is notified of the selected prize data associated with this card ID.

In addition, the management device 50 acquires the gaming machine ID from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own shop. Then, an authentication key for authenticating the game machine 20 set in the own store is acquired from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the game store, and distributed to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

In addition, the management device 50 manages member management data of members who are registered as members of the amusement arcade. Specifically, the number of stored balls, points, personal identification number, name, etc. are managed in association with the membership card ID issued to the member.

When the management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the management device 50 transmits the accumulated ball replay data including the balance of the accumulated balls and the personal identification number corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification to the inter-machine card. Send to processor 10 . Further, when receiving the accumulated balls replay request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the balance of the accumulated balls associated with the card ID indicated in the accumulated balls replay request. The accumulated ball replay data including the balance of the accumulated balls is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. - 特許庁

The prize management device 70 is a prize exchange terminal installed at a prize exchange counter in the amusement arcade, and performs prize exchange processing for owned balls and stored balls. When the prize management device 70 reads a card ID from a general card or a membership card (or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal or the like), the prize management device 70 transmits the card ID to the management device 50. , request the balance of balls, stored balls, and prepaid value of the card ID.

The prize management device 70 performs inventory management by associating states such as "unselected", "selected", and "exchanged" with prizes. The inventory of physical prizes is the sum of the "unselected" prizes and the "selected" prizes, but the prize management device 70 allows the player to select a prize from the "unselected" prizes and the selected prizes. The selected prize is “Selected”. Then, when the prize exchange is executed, the status is changed from "selected" to "exchanged". That is, the prize selected by the player becomes "selected" and is not available for selection by other players. Therefore, the prize selected by the player is secured until the prize exchange is executed.

The prize management device 70 associates the selected prize with the card ID as a selected prize, registers it in the management device 50, and then returns the card. The management device 50 stores the selected prize data in which the card ID and the selected prize are associated.

The self prize management device 60 is a prize management device 70 added with a self function in which the player himself/herself selects a prize. The self-prize management device 60 accepts a prize selection operation from a player.

If the read card is a general card, the self-prize management device 60 displays that the member card is to be read last when reading a plurality of cards in succession. If the read card is a membership card, the self-prize management device 60 ejects the card and displays that the membership card is read last when reading a plurality of cards in succession.

When the value associated with the read card has a balance remaining in multiple rates, the self-prize management device 60 displays a prompt to receive the card after the prize exchange is completed when the card is read and when the prize exchange is completed. do. A self-prize management device 60 displays, when the prize is selected and when the prize exchange is finished, that the player is prompted to receive the card after the prize exchange is finished, when the number of balls in his possession calculated at the time of prize selection remains.

The prize payout device 80 is a device that stores and pays out prizes. When the prize payout device 80 accepts the card, it transmits the card ID to the management device 50, receives the associated selected prize data, and pays out the prize.

Next, ball lending processing in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. When a player performs a ball lending operation to the inter-machine card processor 10, the inter-machine card processor 10 transmits a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. - 特許庁This electronic message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, an address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and a ball lending request.

When the management device 50 receives a telegram containing a ball lending request, the management device 50 sets the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the telegram to a predetermined value (for example, 5 indicating 500 yen when one frequency is 100 yen). frequency) is decremented to update the card management data, and permission for ball lending is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission transmits to the gaming machine 20 an addition signal requesting addition of the number (for example, "125") corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value to the number of game balls.

The gaming machine 20 that has received the addition signal adds the number of game balls and transmits the number of game balls after the addition to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . The inter-machine card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of game balls before addition and the number of balls lent out with the number of game balls after addition, and determines whether the addition of the number of game balls has been properly performed. judge.

Next, the ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50 when the insertion of a general card or a membership card is accepted. This electronic message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the rate of the inter-machine card processor 10. and a card insertion notification.

When the management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the balance of the balls at the rate specified by the electronic message among the balls associated with the card ID in the electronic message is calculated. The interim card processing machine 10 is notified.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the balance of balls in hand received from the management device 50 . Then, it transmits to the management device 50 a telegram containing information specifying the card ID and rate, and a request for subtraction of balls on hand. When receiving the ball-on-hand subtraction request, the management device 50 clears the balance of the ball-on-hand specified by the card ID and the rate to zero. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a ball replay operation, it subtracts a fixed number from the balance of the balls in hand, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the corresponding number, and adds it to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives from the gaming machine 20 a management transfer request for transferring the management by changing the number of game balls of the game machine 20 to the possession balls of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the management transfer request. Adds the number of game balls shown in . After that, when the card return operation is accepted, a telegram including a request for adding balls to possession is transmitted to the management device 50 . This telegram includes the card ID of the card to be ejected, the address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, the information for specifying the rate of the inter-machine card processor 10, and the It includes the balance of balls and the request for addition of balls.

When receiving the ball addition request, the management device 50 receives the balance (number of balls) of the balls at the rate specified by the electronic message among the balls associated with the card ID in the electronic message. value. Thereafter, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a card discharge notification to the management device 50 and controls card discharge.

Next, the accumulated ball replay processing in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a membership card or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from the portable terminal 110 that can be used as a membership card, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. to send. This electronic message specifies the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal 110) and the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender. It includes an address or arbitrary identification information, information for specifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and card insertion notification.

The management device 50 transmits to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 the accumulated ball replay data including the personal identification number associated with the card ID in the electronic message and the balance of the accumulated balls at the rate specified by the electronic message. do.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received ball replay data, and the balance of the accumulated balls indicated in the accumulated ball replay data is the payout unit number of game balls (the accumulated ball replay unit number. For example, "125"). ball") or more, it is possible to accept the stored ball replay operation.

After storing the accumulated ball replay data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 requests the player to enter a personal identification number when receiving the accumulated ball replay operation for the first time. Confirm that it matches the PIN number shown in .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50 when the personal identification numbers match. This electronic message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification information specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the rate of the inter-machine card processor 10. and a request to replay the accumulated balls.

The management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of the accumulated balls at the rate specified by the electronic message among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the electronic message, and transmits the accumulated ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction to the inter-machine card. Send to processor 10 .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the accumulated ball replay data, updates the balance of the accumulated balls, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the unit number of accumulated ball replays, and adds it to the number of game balls. Also, it is determined whether or not the updated balance of accumulated balls has become less than the number of replay units for accumulated balls. If the updated balance of accumulated ball data is equal to or greater than the number of units for replaying accumulated balls, it is possible to accept a replay operation for replaying accumulated balls. It is not necessary to confirm the personal identification number in the second and subsequent stored ball replay operations. If the balance of the accumulated ball data after updating becomes less than the number of units for replaying the accumulated balls, the operation for replaying the accumulated balls cannot be accepted.

Next, a description will be given of the transition from ball possession to ball storage in the closing process. The management device 50 checks the balance of balls in the card management data at the time of closing processing, and if there is a ball whose balance is greater than "0", adds the balance of the balls to the balance of stored balls. to update. After that, the management device 50 clears the balance of the balls to zero.

<External configuration of inter-machine card processing machine 10 and gaming machine 20>
Next, the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. Although the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only bills is illustrated in the figure, a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-stand card processing machine 10 includes a status display unit 11 for displaying the device status of the inter-stand card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, and a banknote insertion slot for receiving various banknotes. 12a, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, and a card slot 14a for receiving a card associated with a card ID are provided.

The game machine 20 is provided with a game board surface, a handle 21 and a counting button 22 used when the enclosed game balls are thrown onto the game board surface.

The counting button 22 subtracts the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20 and adds the corresponding number to the balls possessed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, thereby managing the number of balls that can be thrown out from the gaming machine 20 to the machine. This is an operation button for performing management transfer to transfer to the card processing machine 10 . This management shift corresponds to a counting process in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 counts the put-out game balls and adds them to the balls held in the open-type game machine 20 in which the actual game balls are put out by winning a prize.

<Configuration of inter-machine card processing machine 10>
Next, the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a banknote transport section 12 , a display operation section 13 , a reader/writer 14 , a communication section 15 , a storage section 16 , a control section 17 and a game management section 18 .

The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that determines the denomination and authenticity of a banknote inserted from the banknote insertion slot 12a and transports the banknote to a banknote storage unit (not shown). The display operation unit 13 is an input/output device such as a touch panel display that displays various information such as value and accepts various operations such as ball lending operation.

The reader/writer 14 is a reading unit that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card slot 14a. A card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a passes through the reader/writer 14 and is stored in a card storage section (not shown). The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the management device 50 via the island controller 30 .

The storage unit 16 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 16 stores self-device status data 16a and card data 16b.

The own device state data 16a is data indicating the state of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. FIG. The own device status data 16a includes inter-machine card processing machine ID, game machine ID, game type, and the like. The inter-machine card processing machine ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 within the amusement arcade. The game type is data indicating a rate set in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . When handling game balls with multiple rates in the amusement arcade, "Ball 1" for game balls with a rate of 4 yen, "Ball 2" for game balls with a rate of 2 yen, and "Ball 3" for game balls with a rate of 1 yen. , the game type name is set and managed for each rate. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 selects a rate to be used for a game from these game types and stores it as a game type. The game type may be fixed for each section in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed, or may be changed by the player's operation.

The card data 16b is data relating to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a personal identification number, a prepaid value, owned balls, accumulated balls, and the like. The card ID is the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 . When a card is transported from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and ejected, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during transport. Also, when the card is conveyed from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this conveyance. The prepaid value indicates the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, and the owned balls and stored balls indicate their respective balances.

The game management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20 . It is desirable that the game management unit 18 be formed on a substrate different from that of the control unit 17 . The game management unit 18 has an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine state management unit 18c. In practice, by loading these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executing them, the authentication processing unit 18a, the authentication key management unit 18b, and the gaming machine state management unit 18c are caused to execute their corresponding processes. Become.

The authentication processing unit 18 a authenticates the gaming machine 20 using the authentication key received from the management device 50 . The authentication processing unit 18a transmits operation permission to the gaming machine 20 when the authentication is successful. The authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20 when the authentication fails. Even if the authentication fails, if it is within a predetermined period from the last successful authentication, the operation permission is transmitted to the game machine 20, and after the predetermined period has passed since the last successful authentication, the game machine 20 may be configured to prohibit the use of the game machine 20 without transmitting the operation permission.

The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages authentication keys. A usage time is set for the authentication key, and the authentication key becomes unusable when the cumulative operation time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b manages the usage time of the authentication key by using the power-on time of the board on which the game management unit 18 is formed as the operation time of the gaming machine 20 . When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b acquires a new authentication key from the authentication key management center outside the store via the management device 50, and updates the authentication key.

The gaming machine state management unit 18 c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the state of the gaming machine 20 . Specifically, the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, transmits a request for addition to the number of game balls by lending balls, and increases the number of game balls from the balls to the number of games by replaying the balls. Transmission of management transfer request, transmission of addition request to the number of game balls by replaying accumulated balls, reception of game results such as the number of hit balls and the number of winning balls in the gaming machine 20, conversion from the number of game balls to the number of balls by counting Receives a management transfer request. The communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the game machine 20 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

In addition, the gaming machine status management unit 18c further acquires the status set for the game such as the current number of game balls of the gaming machine 20, the start, the big win, the big win type, and the number of lotteries. The time interval at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 is preferably set shorter than the interval at which the gaming machine 20 shoots (uses) game balls. Further, when the gaming machine state management unit 18 c acquires the number of game balls from the gaming machine 20 , it transfers the number of game balls to the control unit 17 .

The timing at which the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires a new gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 is not limited to before opening the store. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is turned on or off, during regular communication, when processing related to the number of game balls (ball lending, replay, counting, etc.), when returning from an offline state, etc. Acquisition of the game machine ID and determination of replacement of the game machine 20 can be performed immediately. Also, these timings may be used in combination.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that performs overall control of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . In practice, a process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the control unit 17 into the CPU and executing it. The data management unit 17a is a processing unit that manages the card data 16b.

Specifically, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the management device 50 when the card is inserted. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a value (at least one of prepaid value, owned balls, and accumulated balls) from the management device 50, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received value.

Further, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits a deposit notification including the amount of the inserted banknote, the card ID, and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the management device 50 .

Further, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball lending request including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the management device 50 when the player performs the ball lending operation. When ball lending permission is received as a response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a subtracts the prepaid value of the card data 16b and adds a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20. The game management unit 18 is instructed.

Further, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b by subtracting the number of balls held in the card data 16b when the operation to replay the balls held is received, and manages the game so as to add the corresponding number of balls to the number of balls played in the gaming machine 20. instruct the unit 18.

Further, when the balance of accumulated balls indicated in the card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of units for replaying accumulated balls, the data management unit 17a displays a replay button for accumulated balls on the display operation unit 13, and accepts an operation for replaying accumulated balls. make it possible. The data management unit 17a transmits a stored-balls replay request including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the management device 50 when the player performs the stored-balls replay operation. When the accumulated ball replay data is received as a response to the accumulated ball replay request, the balance of the accumulated balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the number of balls corresponding to the unit number of the accumulated ball replays is added to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20. The game management unit 18 is instructed to let it run. At the time of the first ball-pool replay operation, the input of the personal identification number is requested, and matching with the personal identification number indicated in the card data 16b is set as a condition for transmitting the ball-pool replay request.

Further, when the game management unit 18 receives a transfer request for game balls from the game machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed by the game management unit 18 to the balls in the card data 16b. Update.

Further, when the data management unit 17a receives the card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits to the management device 50 a ball-in-hand addition request including the card ID, the inter-machine card processor ID, and the balance in the ball-in-hand. After clearing the card data 16b, a card ejection notification is transmitted to the management device 50, and the card is ejected.

Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the device state data 16a and the card data 16b shown in FIG.

5(a), the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "A101", the gaming machine ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", and the inter-machine card processing machine 16a shown in FIG. This shows a state in which "ball 1" is set as one of ten game types.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "2001". Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, a card with the first digit "1" is a general card, and a card with the first digit "2" is a membership card. Also, the card data 16b indicates a state where the personal identification number for replaying the stored balls is "1234" and the prepaid value is "3000" points. Here, one degree of the prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen.

Further, the card data 16b indicates that the balance of balls held by ball 1 is "1500", the balance of balls held by ball 2 is "2500", and the balance of balls held by ball 3 is "0". , and indicates a state in which the stored ball balance of ball 1 is "500" balls, the stored ball balance of ball 2 is "0" balls, and the stored ball balance of ball 3 is "0" balls.

<Configuration of gaming machine 20>
Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6 , the gaming machine 20 has a communication control section 23 , an effect control section 24 , a game control section 25 and a game ball control section 26 . The communication control unit 23 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . Communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

When the game machine 20 is activated, the communication control unit 23 reads identification information from the control CPU provided in the game control unit 25 and/or the game ball control unit 26, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if appropriate, , establish communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and enter a standby state. In the standby state, if an operation permission is received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the effect control section 24, the game control section 25 and the game ball control section 26 are activated to make the game ready.

The game control unit 25 is a control unit that controls games by the gaming machine 20 . Actually, the process is executed by loading the program corresponding to the game control unit 25 into the CPU and executing it.

Specifically, the game control unit 25 controls the shooting of game balls to the game board surface by detecting the handle operation, detects game balls that have entered the winning opening on the game board surface, and random numbers (from 0 to Acquisition and lottery (special symbols and normal symbols) of the random numbers of 65535, which are assigned big hits, small hits, and losing numbers for each predetermined range, movable members provided on the game board (tulips, etc.) ), display control of the special symbol display device provided on the game board surface, detection of abnormalities that may be fraudulent (front frame is open, detection of vibration, etc.) and notification to the host device.

A large number of obstacle nails are planted on the game board surface, and a game ball launched onto the game board surface by operating the handle falls between the obstacle nails and enters the winning opening and the starting opening or does not win. It is discharged out of the game board surface from the out port of the game board surface. A lottery is performed when a game ball enters a starting hole, and when a big win is achieved, a big win game is performed in which a predetermined winning hole on the game board surface is controlled to be opened multiple times, and the game balls enter the winning hole. prize balls are given to the players by facilitating the

Also, the big win includes a big win game with a privilege in which a predetermined privilege game is given to the player after the big win game is finished. The bonus jackpot game includes a probability variable jackpot and a time-saving jackpot. The probability variation jackpot and the time reduction jackpot are respectively provided with the probability variation game and the time reduction game as privilege games after the jackpot. The time-saving game is the fluctuation time of the normal pattern lottery (opening and closing lottery of the movable members described above) and / or the special pattern lottery (big hit lottery by winning the game ball described above) (from the start of the lottery process to the display of the results Time) is shortened to increase the number of lotteries per unit time, thereby increasing the probability of winning a jackpot per unit time. This privilege game may include a normal symbol probability variation that increases the probability of winning a normal symbol. The time-saving game by the time-saving jackpot is terminated when the special pattern lottery is performed a predetermined number of times after the jackpot. The probability variation game will be described later.

The game control unit 25 has a probability variation function. The probability variation function changes the random number range of the big win to be used for the next lottery when the lottery result falls within a particularly defined random number range among the big wins (generally increases it to about 10 times). It is a function. The probability variation game is to perform a special symbol lottery using the probability after this change. The probability variation game is continued until the next big win is won. Moreover, you may provide a probability variation game and a time-saving game simultaneously. However, in order to prevent unexpected damage to the amusement arcade, if a player acquires a certain amount of game media after the start of a variable probability game or a time-saving game, the game will be stopped (the card will be ejected once, and the prize will be exchanged or the machine will be requested to move). ) processing. In this case, the game machine 20 counts the number of game media after entering the probability variable game state, and performs game stop control such as stopping the shooting of game balls when the count reaches a predetermined value. can be realized by

The performance control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the performance during the game, and has a performance symbol lottery unit 24a and a performance lottery unit 24b. Actually, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the effect symbol lottery section 24a and the effect lottery section 24b are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The performance symbol lottery unit 24a draws lots of performance symbols (symbols displayed on a performance symbol display device such as a display device in the game board surface) based on the special symbol lottery in the game control unit 25 (specifically, the display is finally displayed. whether to stop at 7, 7, 7, etc.).

A performance lottery part 24b performs a lottery for the type of performance to be performed before displaying the lottery result of performance symbols (e.g., a ready-to-win performance with a character appearing). Such an effect is set so that the effect selected for the main lottery result is different.

The performance control unit 24 stores performance data for each performance. Furthermore, the effect control unit 24 controls the display of the effect pattern display device, and when the effect is executed, the effect display is performed by superimposing the effect data on the background pattern data. Also, when the probability fluctuates, background color data different from that in the normal state is set.

The game ball control section 26 is a control section that controls the number of game balls. Actually, the process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the game ball control section 26 into the CPU and executing it. The playable number management section 26a is a management section that manages the playable number, that is, the number of game balls.

Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in the playable number memory, subtracts "1" from the number of game balls each time a game ball is shot, and determines the number of winning balls obtained by winning. is added to the number of game balls. Further, when the number of balls is notified from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of game balls, and the fact that the number of game balls has been added to the number of game balls is sent to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. send an acknowledgment signal indicating The game ball control unit 26 can also perform cleaning control of game balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the gaming machine 20 .

In addition, the game ball control unit 26 periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the playable number memory to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . In this case, the game ball control unit 26 continues to update the number of game balls according to the game state without clearing the contents of the memory for the number of playable games to zero. Send the number of pitches.

The game machine 20 is also provided with a counting button 22 , and a signal indicating that the counting button 22 has been pressed is input to the game ball control section 26 . The game ball control unit 26 detects the pressing operation of the count button 22, and if the detection signal rises and falls for less than a certain period of time, the number of game balls is increased by a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation). A management transfer request is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 together with the data. Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. Further, when the pressing operation of the count button 22 is detected, and the fall of the detection signal is not detected for a predetermined time or more after the rise of the detection signal, a certain number (for example, every 5 seconds) 200 balls), along with the data of the number of game balls, a management transfer request is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. When subtracting from the number of game balls, the value to be subtracted is decremented from the value of 1 stored in the memory, or the value stored in the memory is updated with the value after subtraction, and the value before subtraction is deleted or logically. A method of deleting and invalidating is conceivable, but there is no particular limitation as long as the value after subtraction can be specified.

The game control unit 25 and the game ball control unit 26 are configured on separate substrates. The game control board on which the game control unit 25 is configured and the game ball control board on which the game ball control unit 26 is configured each have a unique ID. The game machine 20 combines the ID of the game control board and the ID of the game ball control board and uses it as a game machine ID.

<Configuration of management device 50>
Next, the configuration of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7 , the management device 50 is connected to the display section 51 and the input section 52 and has an external network communication section 53 , a store network communication section 54 , a storage section 55 and a control section 56 .

The display unit 51 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display device. The input unit 52 is an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication with an authentication key management center (not shown) via an external network. The shop network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the self prize management device 60, the prize management device 70, and the prize delivery device 80 via the communication line in the amusement arcade.

The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or non-volatile memory, and stores card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, and selected prize data 55d.

The card management data 55a is data in which the card ID is associated with the balance of prepaid value, the balance of balls, and the like. The device management data 55b is data relating to the devices installed in the amusement arcade. The device management data 55b includes inter-machine card processing machine ID, installation location, gaming machine number, gaming machine ID, model data of the gaming machine 20, and the like. The member management data 55c is data in which the card ID of the member card issued to the member is associated with the name of the member, information on accumulated balls, mobile phone IDm, and the like.

The selected prize data 55d is data for managing selected prizes selected by the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70. FIG. The selected prize data 55d includes the card ID and information specifying the selected prize.

The control unit 56 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management device 50, and has a card management unit 56a, a device management unit 56b, a member management unit 56c, and a selected prize management unit 56d. Actually, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the card management section 56a, the device management section 56b, the member management section 56c, and the selected prize management section 56d execute corresponding processes.

The card management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the card management data 55a. The card management unit 56a communicates with the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the self prize management device 60, and the prize management device 70 to update the prepaid value and the ball balance associated with the card ID. Further, when the card management unit 56a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management unit 56a notifies the valuable value and the balance of balls associated with the card.

The device management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages the device management data 55b. The device management unit 56b generates and updates the device management data 55b based on the inter-machine card processing machine ID, installation location, and game machine ID acquired from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

The member management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55c. The member management unit 56c communicates with the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the self prize management device 60, and the prize management device 70 to update the balance of the accumulated balls associated with the card ID. Further, when receiving a member registration request, the member management unit 56c updates the member management data 55c by adding the member.

Here, the accumulated ball replay processing by the member management unit 56c will be described. Upon receiving the accumulated ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management unit 56c checks the balance of the accumulated balls at the payout destination rate among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the accumulated ball replay request data. is withdrawn by the number of payout units, and the number of possible replays of stored balls is recalculated. Then, stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays are transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

The selected prize management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages selected prizes selected by the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70. FIG. When the selected prize management unit 56d receives a registration request including the card ID and the selected prize from the self prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70, it associates the selected prize with the card ID and registers it in the selected prize data 55d.

Further, when receiving an inquiry including a card ID from the prize dispensing device 80, the selected prize management unit 56d reads the selected prize associated with the card ID from the selected prize data 55d and transmits it to the prize dispensing device 80 as a response. do.

Further, when the selected prize managing unit 56d receives a notification indicating that the selected prize has been exchanged from the prize dispensing device 80, it deletes the corresponding data from the selected prize data 55d.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 55 of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c and selected prize data 55d shown in FIG.

In the card management data 55a shown in FIG. 8(a), the card ID "1001" is associated with the prepaid value "0", the ball balance of each rate "0", and the destination ID "A101". . That is, the card with the card ID "1001" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with the device ID "A101", and the management of the ball is transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. For this reason, the balance of balls held for each rate is zero.

In the card management data 55a, the card ID "2001" is associated with the prepaid value "3000". In addition, as the balls, the ball 1 has a balance of "1500", the ball 2 has a balance of "2500", and the ball 3 has a balance of "0". However, the user ID is not associated. That is, the card with the card ID “2001” is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the management device 50 manages the balls in hand.

The device management data 55b shown in FIG. 8(b) indicates that for the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with the ID "A101", the installation location is "Island 1-1" and the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201". , the gaming machine number is "11", the game type is "ball 1", the model of the gaming machine 20 is "EV01", and the serial number is "a". It also shows that the game machine 20 is in use.

Further, the device management data 55b includes, for the inter-machine card processing machine 10 having the ID "A201", the installation location is "Island 2-1", the ID of the connected game machine 20 is "B506", and the game machine number is "B506". is "21", the game type is "ball 3", the model of the gaming machine 20 is "DX03", and the serial number is "g". It also shows that the game machine 20 is in use.

The member management data 55c shown in FIG. 8(c) indicates the name, accumulated balls, etc. associated with the card ID. Specifically, the member management data 55c includes card ID "2005", name "Taro Tokkyo", ball balance "1500" for "ball 1" and ball balance "200" for "ball 2". It shows a state in which the balance of the stored balls of the ball and "ball 3" is "0".

The selected prize data 55d shown in FIG. 8(d) is data in which the card ID and the selected prize are associated. Selected prizes include a prize code, prize name and quantity. The selected prize data 55d associates three grand prizes with prize code "0001" with card ID "1008", one grand prize with prize code "0001" with card ID "2015", and a small prize with prize code "0002". Five prizes and three racks with prize code "0101" are associated.

<Configuration of self-prize management device 60>
Next, the configuration of the self prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self prize management device 60 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the self prize management device 60 includes a display unit 61, an operation unit 62, a receipt issuing unit 63, a store clerk tag reader 64a, a card reader 64b, a portable terminal reader 64c, a communication unit 65, a storage unit 66, and a control unit. 67.

The display unit 61 is an output interface that performs display output, and is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like. The operation unit 62 is an input interface that accepts operations of game players and store clerks. The receipt issuing unit 63 is a thermal printer or the like, and issues various receipts such as a receipt printed with information specifying the selected prize.

The clerk tag reader 64a is a reading device that reads the clerk ID from the clerk tag of the game clerk. This tag contains an identification code that uniquely identifies the employee, and the identification code included in the tag read by the store clerk tag reader 64a identifies the employee who operates the self-service prize management device 60. FIG. The card reader 64b reads the card ID from the player's card. In addition, the card reader 64b can transport cards that are no longer needed after prize selection to a storage unit (not shown). The mobile terminal reader 64c reads information corresponding to the card ID from the mobile terminal when a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card is held up.

The communication unit 65 is an interface unit for the self-prize management device 60 to communicate with other devices via a communication line.

The storage unit 66 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a non-volatile memory, and stores a prize master 66a, possessed value data 66b, and prize inventory data 66c.

The prize master 66a is data used when game balls are exchanged for prizes, and is received from the management device 50 and stored, for example. The held value data 66b is data indicating the value associated with the card read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c. The prize inventory data 66c is data for managing the prize inventory.

The control unit 67 is a control unit that controls the entire self-prize management device 60, and includes a prize management unit 67a, a possessed value management unit 67b, a display control unit 67c, a prize selection control unit 67d, a prize inventory management unit 67e, and a prize association unit. It has a processing unit 67f and a return unit 67g. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed so that the prize management unit 67a and the possessed value management unit 67b, the display control unit 67c, the prize selection control unit 67d, the prize inventory management unit 67e, the prize association processing unit 67f, and the return unit 67g are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The prize management unit 67a is a management unit that uses the prize master 66a stored in the storage unit 66 to manage the number of exchange balls for special prizes and general prizes to be handled by the self-prize management device 60, and the like. The prize management unit 67a acquires the prize master from the management device 50 and stores it in the storage unit 66 as the prize master 66a.

The owned value management unit 67b is a processing unit that manages the owned value data 66b. The owned value management unit 67b stores the value associated with the card read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c in the owned value data 66b. The owned value management unit 67b stores "present" in "multiple rates/remaining value" of the owned value data 66b if there are remaining balls in multiple rates of the value of the card or if there is a balance in the prepaid value. . If the card is a membership card, the owned value management unit 67b stores "present" in "membership card" of the owned value data 66b.

The owned value management unit 67b clears the owned value data 66b when an end button (not shown) is pressed. After the card is read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c, if another card is read before the end button (not shown) is pressed, the possessed value management unit 67b associates the card with this other card. The obtained value is added to the holding value data 66b.

The display control unit 67c is a processing unit that controls display such as card receipt according to the type of card and the value associated with the card. If the card read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c is a general card, the display control unit 67c displays a message that the member card is read last when reading a plurality of cards in succession. 61.

If the read card is a membership card, the display control unit 67c displays on the display unit 61 that when a plurality of cards are read in succession, the card is ejected and the membership card is read last. do.

If the card is read and the "multiple rates/remaining value" of the possessed value data 66b is "yes", the display control unit 67c displays the card after the prize exchange is completed when the card is read and when an end button (not shown) is pressed. is displayed on the display unit 61.

If a prize is selected and the "remaining balls" of the value data 66b is "present", the display control unit 67c receives the card after the prize exchange is completed when the prize is selected and when the end button (not shown) is pressed. is displayed on the display unit 61.

The prize selection control unit 67d is a processing unit that selects a prize to be exchanged for a prize. The prize selection control unit 67d accepts the selection of special prizes and general prizes based on the prize master 66a within the range of the balance of balls and accumulated balls.

Specifically, when a special prize is designated by the player's operation, the prize selection control unit 67d obtains a combination of types and numbers of special prizes that can be exchanged within the range of the balance of the balls and the accumulated balls. as a prize of choice. In addition, the prize selection control unit 67d selects the prize designated by the player through the operation of the operation unit 62 as the general prize. The odd ball prize may be selected by accepting the designation of the player, or may be selected by the prize selection control section 67d according to the balance of the player's own balls and stored balls.

The prize selection control unit 67d stores "yes" in the "balls remaining" of the owned value data 66b when the balls remain when the prize is selected.

The prize inventory management unit 67e stores prize inventory data 66c in the storage unit 66 in association with states such as "unselected", "selected", and "exchanged" for prizes, thereby managing the inventory of prizes. conduct. The inventory of real prizes is the sum of the "unselected" prizes and the "selected" prizes, but the prize inventory management unit 67e allows the player to select a prize from the "unselected" prizes, The selected prize is "selected". Then, when the prize exchange is executed, the status is changed from "selected" to "exchanged". That is, the prize selected by the player becomes "selected" and is not available for selection by other players. Therefore, the prize selected by the player is secured until the prize exchange is executed.

In addition, the prize inventory management unit 67e can perform cancellation processing for canceling the selection of prizes when a predetermined time limit has passed. Specifically, if the “selected” prize is not exchanged on the day and the store is closed, the “selected” prize will be changed to “unselected” and the number of exchange balls will be held. Take in the ball and process it. Alternatively, when a member player is associated, the number of balls in possession corresponding to the number of exchange balls may be transferred to stored balls.

The prize association processing unit 67f is a processing unit that associates the prize selected by the prize selection control unit 67d with the card ID as the selected prize. The prize association processing unit 67f transmits to the management device 50 a registration request including the selected prize and the card ID.

Here, the prize association processing unit 67f can determine whether the selected prize is associated with the card or printed and issued on a receipt depending on the type of the prize. Specifically, the prize association processing unit 67f associates the special prize and the general prize with the card, and issues the rare prize with a receipt. A prize code, a prize name, the number of prizes, the number of redeemed balls, and the like are printed on the receipt. Further, an ID for uniquely identifying the receipt and information for identifying the player may be printed.

The return unit 67g is a processing unit that causes the card reader 64b to return the card to the player when the selected prize is associated with the card. In addition, a guidance output may be output so that the returned card is read by the prize dispensing device 80 to receive the prize. Cards that are no longer needed after selection of prizes are transported to the storage section and are not returned. A card that is no longer needed after selection of a prize is a general card that has a prepaid value and a ball owned that are each less than a predetermined value (for example, both are 0) and is not associated with a selected prize. Membership cards will be returned with or without prepaid value, balls, and optional prizes.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 66 of the self-prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master 66a, possessed value data 66b, and prize inventory data 66c shown in FIG.

The prize master 66a shown in FIG. 10(a) is data that associates a prize code that uniquely identifies a prize with a prize name, group code, prize value, and the number of redeemable balls. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing prizes. Group code "01" indicates a special prize that can be transferred for a predetermined value through a certain procedure. Group codes from "02" onward are general prizes including daily necessities other than special prizes.

The prize master 66a stores the prize code "0001", the prize name "grand prize", the group code "01", the prize value "1000", the number of balls exchanged for ball 1 "250", and the number of balls exchanged for ball 2 "500". ” and the exchange ball number “1000” of the ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 66a stores the prize code "0002", the prize name "small prize", the group code "01", the prize value "500", the number of balls exchanged for ball 1 "125", and the number of balls exchanged for ball 2. "250" and the exchange ball number "500" of the ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 66a stores the prize code "0100", the prize name "M Seven", the group code "02", the prize value "400", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "100", and the number of exchange balls for ball 2. "200" and the exchange ball number "400" of the ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 66a stores the prize code "0101", the prize name "rack", the group code "02", the prize value "420", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "105", and the number of exchange balls for ball 2 " 210” and the exchange ball number of the ball 3 “420” are associated with each other.

Also, the prize master 66a stores the prize code "0600", the prize name "end ball candy", the group code "04", the prize value "12", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "3", and the exchange balls for ball 2. The number "6" and the exchange ball number "12" of the ball 3 are associated.

Possessed value data 66b shown in FIG. 10(b) is data indicating owned balls, accumulated balls, prepaid value, etc., which are values associated with the read card. When multiple cards are read in succession, the total value of each card is stored.

Possessed value data 66b indicates that the balance of balls held by ball 1 is "1500", the balance of balls held by ball 2 is "2500", and the balance of balls held by ball 3 is "0". , as stored balls, the balance of stored balls of ball 1 is "500", the balance of stored balls of ball 2 is "0", the balance of stored balls of ball 3 is "0", and the prepaid value is "3000", It shows a state where the multiple rate/value balance is "yes", the ball balance is "yes", and the membership card is "yes".

The prize stock data 66c shown in FIG. 10(c) is data in which the prize code, prize name, and group code are associated with the total number of stocks and details of the stock. Inventory details indicate the number of unselected, selected and redeemed prizes. Total Inventory is the number of physical prizes in stock, equal to the sum of unselected prizes and selected prizes.

The prize stock data 66c contains the prize code "0001", the prize name "grand prize", the group code "01", the total number of stocks "500", the unselected "480", the selected "20", and the exchanged "200". is associated with

In addition, the prize inventory data 66c is such that for the prize code "0002", the prize name "small prize", and the group code "01", the total number of stocks is "400", the unselected "350", the selected "50", the exchanged " 300” are associated.

In addition, the prize stock data 66c includes the prize code “0100”, prize name “M Seven”, group code “02”, total stock “100”, unselected “90”, selected “10”, exchanged “ 50” are associated.

In addition, the prize stock data 66c is as follows: for prize code "0101", prize name "rack", group code "02", total stock "100", unselected "100", selected "0", exchanged "30" ” is associated.

In addition, the prize inventory data 66c includes the prize code “0600”, the prize name “Tama-ame”, the group code “04”, the total inventory “700”, the unselected “670”, the selected “30”, and the exchanged "300" is associated.

<Display pattern according to the first embodiment>
Next, display patterns according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing display patterns according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the display patterns are classified into patterns 1 to 4 according to the timing and conditions of display determination.

In pattern 1, it is determined when the card is inserted, and if the card is a general card, the message "If there is an additional card, please insert it. Please insert the membership card last."

In pattern 2, determination is made when the card is inserted, and if the card is a membership card, the message "If there are additional cards, please eject the membership card. Please insert the membership card last." .

In Pattern 3, it is determined when the card is inserted, and if there are multiple rates in the card value or there is a balance in the prepaid value, when the card is inserted, the message "This is a card with multiple rates or a balance in the prepaid value. When the exchange is completed, Don't forget to pick up the card." is displayed, and at the end of the exchange, "This is a card with multiple rates or a prepaid value with a balance. Please remember to pick up the card."

In pattern 4, it is determined when selecting a prize, and if there are remaining balls in the card's value, the message "There are remaining balls. Please remember to receive the card when the exchange is complete." At the end of the exchange, the message "You still have balls left. Don't forget to pick up your card." is displayed.

<Processing procedure of the self prize management device 60 according to the first embodiment>
Next, a processing procedure of the self-prize management device 60 according to the first embodiment will be described. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the self prize management device 60 according to the first embodiment.

If the card is inserted (step S101; Yes), the self-prize management device 60 receives the value associated with the card from the management device 50, and the value has multiple rates or the prepaid value has a balance. If so (step S102; Yes), the display section 61 displays that the card should be removed when the exchange is completed (step S103). At this time, "present" is stored in "multiple rates/value remaining" of the holding value data 66b.

If the inserted card is a membership card (step S104; Yes), the card is taken out if there is an additional card, and a message indicating that the membership card is to be inserted last is displayed on the display unit 61 (step S105). At this time, "present" is stored in the "membership card" of the holding value data 66b.

If the inserted card is a general card (step S104; No), the display section 61 displays that the membership card is to be inserted last if there is an additional card (step S106).

If the card return operation is accepted (step S107; Yes), the process proceeds to step S101. If the operation to return the card has not been accepted (step S107; No), the owned balls, stored balls and prepaid value associated with the card are stored in the owned value data 66b (step S108).

If an additional card has been inserted (step S109; Yes), the process proceeds to step S108. If no additional card is inserted (step S109; No) and a prize selection operation is received (step S110; Yes), the remaining number of balls in possession is calculated (step S111).

If there are any remaining balls (step S112; Yes), the display section 61 displays that the card should be taken out when the exchange is completed (step S113). At this time, "present" is stored in the "ball remaining" of the holding value data 66b.

If the end button is pressed and the prize exchange is completed (step S114; Yes), the selected prize is notified to the management device 50 (step S115).

If the value associated with the card has multiple rates or the prepaid value has a balance, specifically, if the "multiple rates/value balance" of the held value data 66b is "yes" (step S116). ; Yes), the display section 61 displays that the card is to be taken out (step S117).

If there are remaining balls in the possession, specifically, if the "remaining balls" in the possession value data 66b is "present" (step S118; Yes), the display unit 61 displays that the card should be taken out ( step S119).

If there are no remaining balls, accumulated balls, or prepaid value after the prize exchange is completed, and if the card is a general card (step S120; No), the process is terminated as it is.

If there are remaining balls, accumulated balls, or prepaid value after the prize exchange is completed, or if it is a membership card (step S120; Yes), the card is returned (step S121), and the process ends.

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment can efficiently exchange prizes while preventing a valuable card from being forgotten.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the prize exchange system is installed in amusement arcades and exchanges the number of balls possessed and the number of stored balls acquired by a player in a game for a prize as a prize, Since it is configured to output a display prompting to receive a card based on the card type, the number of balls held, the number of stored balls, or the number of balls held after prize exchange processing, it is possible to prevent forgetting to take out a valuable card. While doing so, it is possible to efficiently exchange prizes.

In the first embodiment described above, the self-prize management device is configured to display a prompt to receive a card with remaining value, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a card that is suspected of being fraudulent is inserted, it can be notified to the prize management device 70 that operates the manned prize exchange. Not only the prize management device 70 but also the prize management device 70 and the self prize management device 60 can be notified. Also, when a good player's card is inserted, it is possible to similarly notify the player.

[Embodiment 2]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the self-prize management device is configured to display a message to the effect that the user is encouraged to receive a card with remaining value. It can also be configured to display the required number of exchange balls for a card having a value exceeding the upper limit.

Conventionally, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit number of accumulated balls is inserted into the self-prize management device, and an attempt is made to accumulate balls exceeding the upper limit, the self-prize management device judges an error and interrupts the exchange process. Therefore, the self-prize exchange operation was inefficient.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit number of accumulated balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the upper limit number is displayed and the self-prize exchange operation is performed. will be described.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, when a card is inserted, the self-prize management device 100 reads the card ID of the card and notifies the management device 150 (S11).

The management device 150 compares the total number of balls and accumulated balls associated with the card ID with the upper limit number of accumulated balls, and notifies the self-prize management device 100 of the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the upper limit number of accumulated balls. (S12).

Specifically, if the number of owned balls is 5,000, the number of accumulated balls is 6,000, and the maximum number of accumulated balls is 10,000, the total number of owned and accumulated balls exceeds the maximum number of accumulated balls by 1,000. The ball is notified as the required number of exchange balls.

The self-prize management device 100 displays the notified required number of balls to be exchanged (S13). Specifically, it is displayed that 4000 balls can be saved by exchanging 1000 balls for prizes.

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment provides, when a card having a value exceeding the maximum number of accumulated balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, The number can be displayed to streamline the self-prize exchange operation.

In the above-described second embodiment, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit number of accumulated balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the upper limit number is displayed. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be configured to notify the employee when the number of accumulated balls exceeds the upper limit.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit number of accumulated balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, the configuration for displaying the number of exchange balls necessary for not exceeding the upper limit number is displayed. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be configured to display an employee call button when the number of accumulated balls exceeds the upper limit. The employee call button can also be configured to be displayed when reading a stolen lock card or when reading a lock membership card.

In addition, in the above-described second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the upper limit number of stored balls is set to a fixed value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper limit number can be changed by setting. can.

[Embodiment 3]
By the way, in the above-described Embodiment 1, the self-prize management device is configured to display a message to the effect that the player is encouraged to receive a card with remaining value, but the present invention is not limited to this. is in the process of redeeming prizes, it can be configured to control the prize redemption process for the next player.

Conventionally, when a player is in the middle of exchanging prizes, when the next player starts the prize exchange process, the values associated with the respective cards are mixed up, or a device such as a self-service prize management device is occupied and paid out. There is concern about the occurrence of troubles between players.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 3>
In the third embodiment, when a player is exchanging prizes, the configuration for controlling the prize exchange process for the next player will be described.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the prize exchange process is performed by reading a card with the card reader 260, selecting a prize with the self-prize managing device 200, and paying out the prize with the prize dispensing device 250. FIG.

When a player is in the process of exchanging prizes, for example, during prize payout, operations by other players are prohibited (S21). As a specific example, while a player is paying out prizes with the prize payout device 250, the card reader 260 and self-prize management device 200 display that other players are exchanging prizes and cannot be operated.

When the payout of the player's prize is completed, the prohibition of operation by other players is lifted (S22). Specifically, when the prize payout by the prize payout device 250 is completed, the card reader 260 and the self-prize management device 200 display that the operation is possible.

<Control pattern for exchanging prizes according to the third embodiment>
Next, a control pattern for exchanging prizes according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a control pattern for exchanging prizes according to the third embodiment. The control patterns are classified into patterns 1 to 3 depending on whether or not the next customer can operate according to the previous customer's operation. Player operations are categorized into card reading, prize selection and prize payout.

In pattern 1, reading of the next customer's card is prohibited from reading of the card of the preceding customer to completion of the prize payout process. After finishing the prize payout process for the first customer, all the operations for the next customer become possible.

In pattern 2, reading of the next customer's card is prohibited from reading of the previous customer's card to completion of prize selection. From the end of prize selection by the first customer to the end of prize putting-out processing, the next customer's card reading and prize selection are possible, and after the first customer's prize putting-out processing is finished, the next customer's all operations are enabled.

In pattern 3, reading of the next customer's card is prohibited from reading the card of the previous customer until before the start of prize selection, and reading of the next customer's card is allowed from the start of the selection of the previous customer's prize to the end of prize selection processing. From the end of prize selection by the first customer to the end of prize putting-out processing, the next customer's card reading and prize selection are possible, and after the first customer's prize putting-out processing is finished, the next customer's all operations are enabled.

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment can reduce the occurrence of troubles between players by controlling the prize exchange process of the next player when a player is exchanging prizes. can.

In the third embodiment, the configuration for controlling a device related to prize exchange, such as a self-service prize management device, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be configured to control processing.

Further, in the above-described third embodiment, when a player is exchanging prizes, the structure for prohibiting the next player from exchanging prizes has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the following It is also possible to configure so that the prohibition/suspension of the player's prize exchange process can be switched.

[Embodiment 4]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the self-prize management device is configured to display a message to prompt the player to receive a card with remaining value. It can also be configured to include and display prizes based on the prize exchange history of .

Conventionally, when selecting prizes with a self-service prize management device, it was possible to select from a plurality of patterns such as exchange of all the prizes, but it was not always possible to meet the individual needs of the players.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 4>
In the fourth embodiment, when a player selects a prize using the self-prize management device 350, a configuration will be described in which a prize based on the player's prize exchange history is included in the selected prize and displayed.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, when the player starts the prize exchange operation with the self-prize management device 350, the facial image taken by the camera 380 is notified to the management device 300 as identification information (S31).

The management device 300 performs face authentication from the notified identification information to identify the player, retrieves the player's prize exchange history from the prize exchange history data, and notifies the self-prize management device 350 of the result. (S32).

The self-prize management device 350 uses the notified prize exchange history of the player to display prizes recommended to the player (S33). For example, the combination of the special prize and the cigarette selected at the previous prize exchange is displayed as one of the prize options.

<Exchange Pattern for Prize Exchange According to Embodiment 4>
Next, a prize exchange pattern according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an exchange pattern for prize exchange according to the fourth embodiment. The exchange pattern is classified into pattern 1 to pattern 6 according to the player's preference. 1 to 6 of these 6 patterns are selected and set by the management device 300 and displayed on the self prize management device 350 .

Pattern 1 is a prize based on recent prize exchange history. Pattern 2 is the largest number of prizes in the player's prize exchange history. Pattern 3 is the maximum number of special prizes that can be exchanged with the balls on the card.

Pattern 4 is a special prize of the number obtained by adding 1 to the maximum number of redeemable balls in the card. Pattern 4 targets only the membership card, and uses stored balls for the shortage of the number of balls required for exchange. Pattern 5 is a general prize that is often exchanged at stores. Pattern 6 is a general prize recommended by the store.

As described above, in the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment, when a player selects a prize using the self-prize management device 350, a prize based on the player's prize exchange history is included in the prize to be selected. By displaying, the convenience of the player can be improved.

In the above-described fourth embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a prize based on the player's prize exchange history is included in the options for prize selection and displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. The management device 300 can also be configured to store exchange patterns selected by players and use them as a database.

Further, in the above-described fourth embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a prize based on the player's prize exchange history is displayed as an option when selecting a prize. Instead, it may be configured to display prize advertisements related to generic prizes selected by the player.

[Embodiment 5]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the self-prize management device is configured to display a message to the effect that the user is encouraged to pick up a card with remaining value. In a self-prize management device capable of both manned prize exchange operation by a player and self-prize exchange operation by a player, it can be configured to record whether exchange is performed by manned or self-prize exchange operation.

Conventional self-prize management devices capable of manned/self-prize exchange operation cannot determine whether prizes are exchanged by manned/self-prize exchange operation, which may cause troubles with players. was there.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 5>
In the fifth embodiment, in a self-prize management device capable of manned/self-prize exchange operation, it is possible to record which of the manned/self-prize exchange operation was used for the exchange, and to improve the efficiency of the manned/self-prize exchange operation. explain.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the self-prize management device 450 and the prize management device 480 notify the prize exchange information to the management device 400 when the prize is exchanged (S41).

The management device 400 classifies the notified prize exchange information into manned/self and stores it in the prize exchange history data (S42). Specifically, the prize exchange information notified from the self-prize management device 450 (device ID: 101) is stored with the transaction details as "self-prize exchange" and the device ID as "101". The prize exchange information notified from ID: 201) is stored with transaction details as "prize exchange" and device ID as "201".

In addition, the management device 400 analyzes the prize exchange history data and displays the achievements of prize exchanges by classifying them into manned/self-exchange (S43). For example, it is displayed that the prize exchange record is 150,000 balls for manned machines and 90,000 balls for self-service machines.

As a result, it is possible to determine whether the prize has been exchanged by a manned or self-organized operation, and to appropriately respond to inquiries from players. In addition, it is possible to analyze the usage rate and transaction details of the self-prize exchange operation.

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment records whether the prize exchange has been performed in the self prize management device capable of the manned/self prize exchange operation, Prize exchange operation can be made more efficient.

In the above-described fifth embodiment, a configuration has been described in which it is possible to record and analyze by which of the manned/self prize exchange operation the exchange was made, but the present invention is not limited to this, and manned prize exchange operation is possible. It is also possible to automatically analyze the usage rate of /self prize exchange operation and switch between manned/self prize exchange operation according to the analysis result.

[Embodiment 6]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the self-prize management device is configured to display a message to the effect that the user is encouraged to receive a card with remaining value. If a prize is forgotten in the device, the prize can be returned to the number of balls and managed as data.

Conventionally, when a prize is left behind in a prize dispensing device, an employee has to collect and keep the prize and respond to inquiries from players. There was a possibility that trouble would occur between players.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Sixth Embodiment>
In the sixth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, when a prize is forgotten in the prize payout device, the prize is returned to the number of balls and managed as data.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, when a prize is forgotten to be taken, the prize dispensing device 550 detects the prize and takes it into the device (S51). The management device 500 is notified (S52).

The management device 500 stores the notified forgotten-to-take information including the number of balls according to the member/general customer classification (S53). Specifically, the date and time, the classification of members/general customers, and the number of balls are stored as the forgotten prize data. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the employees and to appropriately respond to the players.

<Guidelines for managing forgotten data according to the sixth embodiment>
Next, a management point of left-to-be-taken data according to the sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a management procedure for left-to-be-taken data according to the sixth embodiment. The management procedure for the forgotten data differs depending on the member/general customer.

In the case of a member, the prize is converted into the number of balls, and linked to the member data including transaction time and transaction details. In addition, the number of balls is managed in the member account, and returned to the player by replaying with the member card or exchanging prizes.

In the case of general customers, prizes are converted into the number of balls, and linked to face data, including transaction time and transaction details. In addition, the number of balls is managed in a forgotten account, and when the balls are returned to the player, the identity of the player is confirmed by face data authentication, and the prize is returned by redistribution.

In this way, the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment reduces the burden on employees by restoring the number of balls and managing the prize as data when a prize is forgotten in the prize dispensing device. At the same time, it is possible to appropriately respond to players.

In the sixth embodiment described above, in the case of a general customer, an employee is present to confirm the identity by face data authentication, and the prize is redistributed. However, the present invention is limited to this. Instead, it can be configured to automate the process from personal identification by face data authentication to redistribution of prizes.

[Embodiment 7]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the self-prize management device has been described with a configuration for displaying, for example, prompting the user to receive a card with remaining value. It is also possible to accept cards in succession and, if there is a residual value, to return a single card all at once.

Conventionally, in self-prize exchange operations, many stores restrict the exchange of prizes with multiple cards so that players do not mistakenly return the cards to the collection box when there is residual value on the cards. There was a situation where convenience was not good.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 7>
In the seventh embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, in the self-prize management device, a plurality of cards are successively accepted, and when there is a residual value, a single card is returned.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, prize exchange by manned prize exchange operation and self-prize exchange operation will be described.

In the case of manned prize exchange operation, a card is inserted into the prize management device 600, an exchange rate is selected, and if there is residual value, the employee returns the card to the player (S61). Similarly, when there is a next card, the card is inserted to select the exchange rate, and if there is a residual value, the employee returns the card to the player (S62). After reading the card, the player selects a prize (S63).

In the case of the self-prize exchange operation, a plurality of cards are continuously inserted into the self-prize management device 650 (S64), and the exchange rate and prize are selected (S65). If there is a residual value, it is returned as a single card (S66).

If the value of the last card inserted cannot be combined into one card, such as an exchange rate of 4 or more, or a prepaid value of a certain amount or more, the last card inserted cannot be accepted. be returned as

In this way, in the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment, the self-prize management device 650 can continuously accept a plurality of cards and, if there is a residual value, can collectively return a single card.

It should be noted that in the above-described Embodiment 7, when the card inserted last cannot be combined into one card due to its value, the card inserted last is returned as unacceptable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the exchange rate is 4 rates and all 1 rate cards are exchanged, the last inserted card may be accepted.

Further, in the above-described Embodiment 7, a configuration has been described in which a plurality of cards are continuously received, and if there is residual value, they are grouped into a single card. When a membership card is included in the card, it can be configured so that it is possible to specify the timing of insertion of the membership card.

[Embodiment 8]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the self-prize management device has been described as having a configuration for displaying a message to the effect that the user is encouraged to receive a card with remaining value. It can also be configured to leave a certain number of a particular rate when redeeming a prize with a card having a value of .

Conventionally, adding up values between rates is prohibited, so when exchanging prizes with cards that have values of multiple rates, insert cards for each rate and exchange them, or use all of each rate. are required to be exchanged at the same time, and it is not possible to meet the needs of keeping a certain number of coins at a specific rate, which is inconvenient for players.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 8>
In the eighth embodiment, in the self-prize managing apparatus, when exchanging prizes with cards having values of multiple rates, a configuration will be described in which a certain number of specific rates are left.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, if a card with multiple rate values is read, the rate to be exchanged is selected (S71). Specifically, the value to be held is displayed with respect to the exchange rate (for example, 4000 balls for 4 pachis), and it is selected whether to exchange all/part of each exchange rate.

If the user selects to exchange a portion of the card, the value to be left on the card is entered (S72). For example, if 1000 balls are left at a rate of 4 pachis, the number of exchange balls is displayed as 3000 balls. After inputting the value to be left on the card, the contents of prize exchange are displayed based on the specified exchange value (S73).

In this way, the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment can leave a certain number of specific rates when exchanging prizes with cards having values of multiple rates in the self-prize management device.

In the eighth embodiment described above, a configuration has been described in which the value to be left on the card is input in order to leave a certain number of a specific rate. It can also be configured to leave a fixed number of a particular rate by specifying and number.

Also, in the above eighth embodiment, the configuration for inputting the value to be left on the card in order to leave a certain number of a specific rate has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the type of prize to be exchanged has been described. and the optimal number of numbers can be automatically displayed.

[Embodiment 9]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the self-prize management device is configured to display a message to the effect that the user is encouraged to receive a card with remaining value. It is also possible to configure so as to specify the destination of the remaining surplus balls later.

Conventionally, when there are a number of balls in the player's possession and in the reserve, if surplus balls remain after exchanging prizes, the surplus balls are returned to the reserve. As a result, it is not possible to meet the needs of some players who wish to return to their possession of a certain number of balls and play the game again, resulting in poor convenience for the players.

<Overview of Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 9>
In the ninth embodiment, a configuration for designating the destination of the surplus balls remaining after the exchange of prizes will be described.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, when the player has balls and stored balls, a prize exchange operation is performed (S81).

When the player designates the ball in his possession as the destination of return, the surplus balls are returned to the player's possession (S83).

Specifically, when 100 balls are held and 600 balls are stored, if 500 balls are exchanged, 200 balls become surplus balls. When the player designates his own balls as the destination of the return, the number of owned balls becomes 100 and the number of stored balls becomes 100, and when the reserved balls is designated as the destination of the return, the number of owned balls becomes 0 and the number of stored balls becomes 200. It should be noted that since the number of balls initially held was 100, it is not possible to return more than 100 balls.

In this way, the prize exchange system according to the ninth embodiment can specify the destination of the surplus balls remaining after the prize exchange.

In the above-described ninth embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the destination for returning the surplus balls remaining after the prize exchange is specified. It is also possible to configure such that the deposit destination is automatically transferred to the ball storage on the day. Further, when a replay upper limit value is set for the same day's accumulated balls, it can be configured to control whether or not to automatically transfer to the same day's accumulated balls.

[Embodiment 10]
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, the self-prize management device is configured to display a message to the effect that the user is encouraged to receive a card with remaining value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case where the security function is disabled in the self-prize management device that performs the exchange operation, the operation of the self-prize management device can be stopped.

Conventionally, a prize management device has a security function that enables operation to be started on condition that a password is entered. Even in the self-prize exchange operation using the self-prize management device, if the security function is disabled, there is a possibility that the function that can only be used by the employee may be operated by the player. could cause problems.

<Overview of prize exchange system according to the tenth embodiment>
In the tenth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, in a self-prize management device that performs self-prize exchange operation, the operation of the self-prize management device is stopped when the security function is disabled.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the tenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, the self-prize management device 800 whose security function is disabled is activated (S91), and whether or not self-prize exchange operation is to be performed is specified (S92).

If the self-prize exchange operation is performed, the operation of the self-prize management device 800 is stopped (S93). is started (S94).

As a result, in the self-prize management device 800 in which the security function is invalidated, it is possible to prevent a player from operating a function that can be used only by an employee, and prevent deterioration of security in the prize exchange operation. .

As described above, the prize exchange system according to the tenth embodiment stops the operation of the self-prize management device 800 that performs the self-prize exchange operation when the security function is disabled. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration of security in prize exchange operations.

In the tenth embodiment described above, the configuration for preventing the deterioration of security in the self-prize exchange operation of the self-prize management apparatus has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the employee-dedicated terminals are made self-service. It is also possible to configure such terminals that the operation of the terminal is stopped when the security function is invalidated.

Further, in the tenth embodiment described above, the self-prize management device whose security function is disabled stops the self-prize exchange operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. A security function may not be added to the self-prize management device dedicated to exchange operation, and a security function may be added to the self-prize management device capable of switching manned/self prize exchange operation.

Also, each configuration illustrated in each of the above-described embodiments is functionally schematic, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the form of distribution/integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed/integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The prize exchange system and prize exchange method according to the present invention are suitable for efficiently exchanging prizes while preventing a valuable card from being forgotten.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 inter-machine card processing machine 11 status display unit 12 banknote transport unit 12a banknote insertion slot 13 display operation unit 14 reader/writer 14a card insertion slot 15 communication unit 16 storage unit 16a own device state data 16b card data 17 control unit 17a data management unit 18 game management unit 18a authentication processing unit 18b authentication key management unit 18c gaming machine state management unit 20 game machine 21 steering wheel 22 counting button 23 communication control unit 24 effect control unit 24a effect symbol lottery unit 24b effect lottery unit 25 game control unit 26 game Ball control unit 26a Number-of-games management unit 30 Island controller 50 Management device 51 Display unit 52 Input unit 53 External network communication unit 54 Store network communication unit 55 Storage unit 55a Card management data 55b Device management data 55c Membership management data 55d Selected prize data 56 control unit 56a card management unit 56b device management unit 56c member management unit 56d selected prize management unit 60 self prize management device 61 display unit 62 operation unit 63 receipt issuing unit 64a clerk tag reader 64b card reader 64c portable terminal reader 65 communication unit 66 storage Section 66a Prize master 66b Retained value data 66c Prize inventory data 67 Control section 67a Prize management section 67b Retained value management section 67c Display control section 67d Prize selection control section 67e Prize inventory management section 67f Prize association processing section 67g Return section 70 Prize management Device 80 prize dispensing device 100 self prize management device 150 management device 200 self prize management device 250 prize distribution device 260 card reader 300 management device 350 self prize management device 380 camera 400 management device 450 self prize management device 480 prize management device 500 management device 550 prize dispensing device 600 prize management device 650 self prize management device 700 prize management device 800 self prize management device

Claims (6)

A prize exchange system installed in a game parlor for exchanging a first number of game media acquired by a player in a game for a prize,
receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with a value and the first number of game media;
identifying means for identifying player information, the valuable value, and the number of first game media related to the player associated with the recording medium received by the receiving means;
prize exchange processing means for performing a prize exchange process for a prize that can be selected within the range of the first game medium number specified by the specifying means based on the player's operation;
residual value specifying means for specifying a second number of game media indicating the number of game media after the prize exchange processing by the prize exchange processing means;
and display output means for performing a predetermined display output based on the player information, the first number of game media, or the second number of game media. The display output means is
When the player information indicates that the player is a general player, if there is an additional recording medium to be additionally accepted by the accepting means, a display is made to accept the member's recording medium last. 2. The prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the prize exchange system outputs. The display output means is
When the player information indicates that the player is a member, if there is an additional recording medium to be additionally accepted by the accepting means, the accepted recording medium is ejected and the member's record is made. 2. A prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the display output indicates that the medium is to be accepted last. The display output means is
When there are a plurality of first game media, when the receiving means receives the recording medium and/or when the prize exchange processing means finishes prize exchange processing, a display is output to receive the recording medium. 2. The prize redemption system of claim 1, wherein: The display output means is
When the second number of game media exists, when a prize is selected by the prize exchange processing means and/or when the prize exchange processing is completed by the prize exchange processing means, a display is output to receive the recording medium. The prize redemption system of claim 1, wherein: A prize exchange method in a prize exchange system installed in a game parlor for exchanging a first number of game media acquired by a player in a game for a prize, comprising:
a receiving step of receiving a recording medium associated with a value and the first number of game media;
a specifying step of specifying the player information, the valuable value, and the number of the first game media related to the player associated with the recording medium accepted in the accepting step;
a prize exchange processing step of performing a prize exchange process for a prize that can be selected within the range of the first game medium number specified in the specifying step, based on the player's operation;
a residual value identifying step of identifying a second number of game media indicating the number of game media after the prize exchange process in the prize exchange process;
and a display output step of performing a predetermined display output based on the player information, the first number of game media, or the second number of game media.

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