JP3706344B2 - Game system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Field of the Invention]
The present invention relates to a game record such as a prepaid card in which information on the value of a game value used for playing a game on a game machine installed in a game hall and identification information unique to each recording medium are recorded. The present invention relates to a game system comprising a settlement apparatus that performs settlement of a medium and a recording medium management apparatus that authorizes settlement processing in the settlement apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, at game arcades, a third-party issuance type or amusement hall that is issued and managed by a card company, which is a third-party organization, in order to reduce labor for collecting money and improve management transparency Is used, and game recording media such as self-issued prepaid cards managed by a card company are often used.
[0003]
Many of these pre-paid card game recording media are used for games when all of the amount at the time of issuance is used, and it is necessary to purchase new game recording media again. In order to purchase these new game recording media, there is a problem that the operating rate of the gaming machine decreases due to leaving the game machine occupied, so these problems are solved. In order to do so, a payment device for adjusting the game value remaining on the game recording medium is provided so that the unused game value can be returned to cash. It has been studied to promote the purchase of an amount of game recording media to avoid a decrease in the operating rate of gaming machines due to the purchase of new game recording media.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of using these checkout devices, in order to prevent fraud in which the recorded information on the game recording medium such as a prepaid card is illegally taken and the cash is taken, a license for the checkout process by checking these recorded information is permitted. Usually, the system is a system in which a recording medium management device to be installed is installed. However, when the processing such as the collation is performed using these recording medium management devices, the recording medium management device and the settlement When a trouble occurs in communication with the device and the checkout device is in an offline state, it is not possible to obtain a collation judgment in the recording medium management device, so that the player can use a game recording medium such as a prepaid card. The remaining game value cannot be settled, causing inconvenience to the player and also causing problems for the game venue with the player. It was.
[0005]
Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and even when the settlement apparatus is in an offline state, the settlement of the game value remaining on the game recording medium such as a prepaid card is performed. The object is to provide a gaming system that can be implemented.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problems, the gaming system of the present invention has a value corresponding to the payment of money, information on the amount of gaming value that can be used for gaming, and identification information unique to each recording medium A recording medium management device for managing the magnitude of the gaming value of the gaming recording medium recorded with the identification information of each gaming recording medium,
  Based on the recording medium processing means that is communicable with the recording medium management device, receives the gaming recording medium, reads at least the recording information of the received gaming recording medium, and the recording information of the gaming recording medium A checkout device that performs a checkout process for paying out an amount of money corresponding to the magnitude of the game value, and the game value read from the game recording medium by the recording medium processing means. Based on the size information and the identification information, and the value of the game value managed by the recording medium management apparatus in association with the identification information, the recording medium for the game being received by the recording medium processing means In the gaming system that determines whether or not payment is possible, and performs the payment processing by the payment means when the determination result can be settled,
  The settlement apparatus is a communication state confirmation unit for confirming whether the communication state with the recording medium management apparatus is a communicable state or a communication impossible state;Means for determining whether or not there is a settlement processing request operation by operating a key possessed by a staff member;With
  The settlement means is
  In the case where it is confirmed by the communication state confirmation means that communication is impossible,When it is determined that there is a settlement processing request operation by operating a key possessed by the attendant,Performing a non-communication settlement process for paying out money of an amount corresponding to the magnitude of the game value based on the record information read from the game recording medium;
  When it is confirmed that the communication is possible by the communication status confirmation means, the settlement process when the communication is impossible is disabled.It is characterized by that.
  According to this feature, even when the communication state confirmation unit confirms that the communication state with the recording medium management apparatus is the communication impossible state (offline state),When it is determined that there is a settlement processing request operation by operating a key possessed by the attendant,The non-communication settlement process for paying out an amount of money corresponding to the value of the game value based on the recording information read from the game recording medium without requiring the settlement determination result is performed. Therefore, the player can receive payment even in such a communication disabled state (offline state), and troubles with the player can be avoided for the game hall.In addition, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized settlement from being performed by the settlement process when communication is not possible during the communication enabled state (online state).
[0007]
  In the gaming system of the present invention, the settlement apparatus includes an operator confirmation information storage unit that stores operator confirmation information for determining whether an operator of the settlement operation unit is a regular operator. The settlement operation means is theBy key operationThe operator confirmation information is received from the operator in addition to the settlement processing request operation, and the settlement means collates the received operator confirmation information with the operator confirmation information stored in the operator confirmation information storage means. In the case where the collation results match, it is preferable to perform the settlement process when communication is impossible.
  In this way, theBy key operationIn addition to performing the settlement process requesting operation, the operator confirmation information is accepted, and by checking the received operator confirmation information to determine whether the operator is a legitimate operator, an unauthorized operator It becomes possible to prevent the settlement process when communication is impossible, and the security performance of the system can be improved.
[0009]
The gaming system of the present invention includes an operator confirmation information generating unit that generates the operator confirmation information, and updates the operator confirmation information generated by the operator confirmation information generation unit to the operator confirmation information storage unit. It is preferable to memorize.
In this way, the operator confirmation information is appropriately changed, and even if the operator confirmation information is stolen, the use of the operator confirmation information is effectively prevented and an unauthorized operation is performed. The risk of settlement can be greatly reduced.
[0010]
The gaming system of the present invention includes a notifying unit for notifying that the settlement process based on the determination result of the settlement possibility determination is impossible when the communication impossible state is confirmed by the communication state confirmation unit. It is preferable.
In this way, the player can perceive that he / she cannot perform the settlement process based on the judgment result of the judgment of availability of settlement by the normal recording medium management device. It becomes prevention.
[0011]
  In the gaming system of the present invention, the recording medium management device includes a management device-side black list storage unit that stores black list information in which identification information of a gaming recording medium that cannot be settled is registered. Blacklist information stored in the apparatus-side blacklist storage means is transmitted to the settlement apparatus, and the settlement apparatus includes a settlement apparatus-side blacklist storage means for storing the transmitted blacklist information, The identification information read from the game recording medium is collated with the identification information registered in the black list, and when the collation matches, the settlement processing by the settlement meansAnd settlement processing when communication is impossibleIt is preferable not to carry out.
  By doing this, it is possible to avoid the settlement of the game recording medium registered in the black list in the communication impossible state (offline state).
[0012]
In the gaming system of the present invention, the settlement apparatus stores a settlement game value memory for storing a settlement game value size which is a game value scaled up in the settlement process when communication is not possible. And the storage medium stored in the settlement game value storage means after the recovery from the communication disabled state to the communicable state, the storage medium after the recovery from the communication disabled state to the communicable state It is preferable to transmit to the management device.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the management data of the value of the checkout game value in the recording medium management apparatus from causing an error (missing) due to the occurrence of the communication disabled state (offline state).
[0013]
In the gaming system of the present invention, the settlement apparatus includes a processing history storage means for storing a processing history of the settlement process when the communication is impossible.
It is preferable to provide an output means for outputting the processing history stored in the processing history storage means.
In this way, the processing history during the communication disabled state (offline state) can be confirmed by the output from the output means.
[0015]
The gaming system of the present invention includes a setting unit for setting a feasible condition for the settlement process when the communication is impossible, and the settlement apparatus satisfies the feasible condition set by the setting unit. In the case where the communication is not possible, it is preferable to enable the settlement process when communication is impossible.
In this way, not only will it be possible to set the feasible conditions for the settlement process when communication is not possible according to the operation mode of the individual game halls, but by setting these setting conditions appropriately, When the implementation condition is deviated, the settlement process when the communication is impossible is not performed, so that even if fraud is made, the damage can be minimized.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, an example using a normal pachinko machine in which a pachinko ball as a game medium is paid out as a gaming machine is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other gaming machines, For example, it can also be applied to a game machine such as a sealed pachinko machine in which pachinko balls are inaccessible, a slot machine or a patty lot that uses coins or pachinko balls as a game medium, or a fully credit type slot machine. .
[0017]
Example 1
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an amusement island 1 used in the present embodiment. The amusement island 1 has a pachinko machine 2 as a gaming machine and a pachinko machine 2 on its front and rear surfaces (rear surface not shown). A plurality of card units 3 installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the side positions of the game island 1 are arranged side by side, and an IC card 37 as a game recording medium to be described later (see FIG. 6) is provided, and the card unit 3 and the card issuing machine 500 are capable of data communication with a management computer 50 (see FIG. 5) installed at a predetermined place in the game hall. It is connected.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, a banknote transport path 4 for transporting banknotes discharged from each card unit 3 to a banknote collection box (not shown) provided at the end of the game island is provided at a substantially central portion in the game island 1. Is constructed so as to cross the longitudinal direction of the game island, and the card collection path 12 for discharging the IC card 37 collected by each card unit 3 to the card transport path 13 described later, and the card A card transport path 13 is provided for transporting the IC card 37 discharged from the recovery path 12 to a card recovery box (not shown) at the predetermined direction island end.
[0019]
In addition, a supply rod (not shown) for supplying a pachinko ball to each pachinko machine 2 and a pachinko machine 2 installed corresponding to each pachinko machine 2 are used inside the game island 1 and used in the pachinko machine 2. An out ball tank (not shown) in which the pachinko balls are accommodated, and a lifting device (not shown) for collecting the pachinko balls discharged from the out ball tank and feeding them to the supply basket are provided.
[0020]
Next, the pachinko machine 2 which is the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 2 has a game area 207 whose front surface is covered with a glass frame. A hitting ball supply tray 203 is provided at the lower portion of the ball. In addition, an operation unit 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the hitting ball supply tray 203, and a lower portion thereof is provided with a hitting operation handle 205 for firing a pachinko ball in the hitting ball supply tray 203. The pachinko balls stored in the hit ball supply tray 203 are fired into the game area 207 by the operation of the hit ball operation handle 205, and a predetermined number of the pachinko balls are awarded to various winning holes provided in the game area 207. It is considered as a normal pachinko machine where the prize balls are paid out.
[0021]
On the upper surface of the operation unit 14, as shown in FIG. 3, a frequency display unit 17 for displaying the frequency read from the IC card 37 being received by the player in the card unit 3, and the start of the game or the Lending button 16 for lending a predetermined number of pachinko balls when the number of balls in the batting supply tray 203 is pressed when there is little or no ball holding, and the frequency is displayed in the frequency display unit 17, and the game ends A return button 15 is provided for causing the IC card 37 to be overwritten and updated with the remaining number of times at the time when it is pressed, and these parts are provided inside the operation unit 14. It is mounted on the operation board 18.
[0022]
The configuration of these pachinko machines 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The pachinko machine 2 is supplied to a display control board 280 that performs display control of the variable display unit 209 provided in the game area 207 and a ball tank (not shown). Is connected to a ball payout device 297 for paying out the pachinko balls, and performs payout control of the pachinko balls based on a prize ball signal output from a game control board 231 described later and various signals input / output from the card unit 3. Based on the operation of the hitting ball operating handle 205, the lamp control board 235 for controlling the award ball control board 237, the game effect lamp, etc., the voice control board 270 for controlling the voice output from the speaker, and the hitting ball operating handle 205. The launch control board 291 that controls the ball hitting device that launches the pachinko balls that have been paid out to the game area 207, and the control of these parts A game control board 231 to implement, is provided with, and these are connected as shown in FIG.
[0023]
The prize ball control board 237 is connected to a coin unit control board (not shown) of the card unit 3 via a signal cable, and a lending completion signal (EXS) and a pachinko machine ready signal (PRDY) which will be described later. Is output to a micro processing unit (MPU) 313, which will be described later, provided in the card unit 3, and a coin unit ready signal (BRDY), which will be described later, which is output from the MPU 313 of the card unit 3, or lending. A request completion confirmation signal (BRQ) is input.
[0024]
The operation board 18 is connected to the card unit 3 together with the signal cable of the award ball control board described above, and is output when the lending button 16 is operated and a player performs a ball lending operation. An input signal and a return input signal that is output when the return button 15 is operated and the player performs a return operation are output to the MPU 313 of the card unit 3 and output from the MPU 313. The frequency display signal of the frequency display unit 17 is input.
[0025]
Next, the card unit 3 used in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (a), 4 (b) and FIG. 5. On the front surface of the card unit 3, as shown in FIG. The operation lamp 301 for notifying the operation of the card unit 3 by means of the above, the bill insertion slot 302 capable of inserting a bill, the bill indicator 303 for notifying the discharge of the bill from the bill insertion slot 302 by flashing, and the IC card The card insertion slot 305 in which the card 37 can be inserted, the card indicator 306 for notifying the player of the discharge of the IC card 37 from the card insertion slot 305, and the re-insertion of the IC card 37 discharged by the additional deposit process described later. When the insertion button 308 for performing insertion and the frequency read from the IC card 37 inserted into the card insertion slot 305 remain, a paper to be described later The total amount display unit 304 the total amount of the banknote recognized by the recognition unit 311 are sequentially displayed, it is provided.
[0026]
The configuration of the card unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4B and FIG. 5. The card unit 3 includes the operation lamp 301, the bill indicator 303, the card indicator 306, the insertion button 308, and the total amount. In addition to the display unit 304, the banknote identification unit 311 connected to the banknote insertion slot 302 for identifying the inserted banknote, and the reading and writing of the record information of the IC card 37 inserted into the card insertion slot 305 are read and written. Are identified by the IC card reader / writer 310, the display driver 307 that performs display control of the total amount display unit 304, the information read or written from the inserted IC card 37, or the bill recognition unit 311. Control unit executed by a storage unit 315 for storing the amount of money and the like and MPU 313 described later Via a communication cable 8, a ROM 316 that stores a written control program and the like, an I / O port 314 that inputs and outputs various signals to and from the prize ball control board 237 and the operation board 18 of the pachinko machine 2. A communication unit 312 for performing data communication with the management computer 50; and a microprocessing unit (MPU) 313 for controlling each unit, controlling the frequency display unit 17 mounted on the operation board 18, and the like. These parts are connected as shown in FIG.
[0027]
Moreover, as shown in FIG.4 (b), the said banknote identification unit 311 is connected to the banknote conveyance path 5 via the banknote collection | recovery path 21, and the banknote inserted in this banknote identification unit 311 is shown in FIG. When the banknote is identified as a regular banknote, the inserted banknote is sent out to the banknote transport path 4 via the banknote collection path 21.
[0028]
Further, in the IC card reader / writer 310, the frequency read from the inserted IC card 37 is used in the lending process described later to become 0 degrees, and the unidentified in the storage unit 315 by the banknote identification unit 311. When the deposit amount is not stored, the inserted IC card 37 remains inside, and the IC card 37 is newly inserted into the remaining IC card 37. Are discharged to the card transport path 13 via the card collection path 12 and collected.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 315 is equipped with a backup power source 317. For example, even when the power supply to the card unit 3 is unexpectedly interrupted due to a power failure or the like, the backup power source 317 is stored. As a result, the storage unit 315 is energized, and the stored contents in the storage unit 315 are held until the power is restored.
[0030]
The structure of the IC card 37 which is the game recording medium of the present embodiment used in these card units 3 is a predetermined thickness as shown in FIG. 6, and the resin base 381 having a concave shape inside is shown in FIG. An IC chip 382 containing a memory (not shown) is mounted inside the recess at a predetermined position by tape autobonding (TAB) mounting, and is provided from the IC chip 382 along the outer periphery of the base body 381. A flexible printed circuit board 384 having a pattern coil 383 formed therein is inserted, and the entire surface of the concave portion is covered with a top film 385. These IC cards 37 are the IC card reader / writer 310 and the card issuing unit. To be inserted into the IC card reader / writers 415 and 515 of the machine 500 and the settlement apparatus 400 described later. The electromagnetic wave output from the reader / writer generates an induced electromotive force in the pattern coil 383 to urge the IC chip 382 operably, and the IC card reader / writer 310, via the pattern coil 383, It is a non-contact IC card that can perform various data communications with 415 and 515 by electromagnetic waves in a non-contact manner.
[0031]
In addition, in the memory of the IC chip 382 in these IC cards 37, a card ID, which is identification information individually assigned to each IC card 37, is recorded in advance so as not to be rewritten, and by reading the card ID, The individual IC cards 37 are identified, and data and the like are recorded so as to be rewritable every time they remain by data communication with the IC card reader / writers 310, 415, and 515.
[0032]
In addition to the card ID and remaining frequency information recorded on the IC card 37, the issue amount, additional payment amount and settlement amount of each IC card 37, and the card unit 3 in which the IC card 37 has been used most recently. And the device ID of the issuing device 500 or the settlement device 400 are registered for each ID in the card management DB (see FIG. 14) of the management computer 50, and each time the record information of each IC card 37 is changed. Information for each ID registered in the card management DB of the management computer 50 is also updated, and the recorded contents of these IC cards 37 are managed by the management computer 50.
[0033]
Further, in the card unit 3 of this embodiment, when the IC card 37 is inserted, the card ID and the frequency read from the IC card 37 are stored in the storage unit 315 and read out. When the received information and the use permission request are transmitted to the management computer 50 and the use permission is received from the management computer 50, the inserted IC card 37 is usable, and when the use disapproval is received. A reception process for returning the IC card 37 inserted as unusable is performed.
[0034]
Further, in the card unit 3 of this embodiment, when the IC card 37 is inserted and made usable by the above-described reception process, the frequency read from the IC card 37 and stored in the storage unit is the frequency. A lending process for lending a pachinko ball to be used for a game of the pachinko machine 2 using the stored frequency is possible while being displayed on the display unit 17.
[0035]
The control status of the lending process will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the state before the pachinko machine 2 is turned on, the above-mentioned PRDY, BRDY, BRQ, and EXS signals are in a high state, and the pachinko machine 2 prize ball When the control board 237 is connected to the card unit 3 and can communicate, the control board 237 enters a standby state and sets the PRDY to LOW (S1).
[0036]
When the lending button 16 is operated in such a state where PRDY is being output, the MPU 313 of the card unit 3 sets the BRDY to LOW (S2), and further sets the BRQ to LOW in this state (S3). ).
[0037]
Next, when the prize ball control board 237 detects the BRQ LOW in the state where the BRDY LOW is detected, the prize ball control board 237 checks whether the pachinko ball can be paid out, and if so, sets the EXS as LOW. (S4).
[0038]
The MPU 313 that has detected the LOW of the EXS sets the BRQ to HIGH (S5), and the prize ball control board 237 that has detected the HIGH of the BRQ outputs a ball payout signal to the ball payout device 297. Is paid out (25 balls in this embodiment), and the EXS is set to HIGH based on the end of the payout (S6).
[0039]
The MPU 313 that has detected the HIGH of the EXS subtracts 1 degree from the frequency stored in the storage unit 315 and subtracts 1 degree from the frequency displayed on the frequency display unit 17 to update the display.
[0040]
The MPU 313 repeatedly performs the signal control of (S3) to (S6) and the frequency subtraction update control in the storage unit 315 and the frequency display unit 17 for the number of times lent based on the operation of the lending button 16 once, After these controls are finished, BRDY is set to HIGH (S7), and the lending process is finished.
[0041]
In this way, based on the number of BRQ HIGH detections output from the MPU 313 of the card unit 3, the prize ball control board 237 rents pachinko balls of a quantity corresponding to one degree (25 balls). Thus, a player can play a game in the pachinko machine 2 using the pachinko balls lent out in this way.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, 1 degree is subtracted from the frequency in the storage unit 315 and the frequency in the frequency display unit 17 at the stage when the S6 is finished, but the frequency of the processing in the steps S3 to S6 is lent. After repeated execution (for example, 5 times if the loan is for 5 degrees), that is, after the pachinko balls for the number of the loan are paid out, the loaned frequency (for example, 5 if the loan is for 5 degrees) Frequency) may be subtracted from the frequency in the storage unit 315 and the frequency in the frequency display unit 17.
[0043]
Further, in the card unit 3, even when these lending processes are performed and the frequency read from the inserted IC card 37 becomes 0 degrees, the IC card 37 whose frequency is 0 degrees is stored. The IC card 37 remains inside without being collected, and the IC card 37 remaining is inserted into the card collection path 12 (FIG. 1) by inserting a new IC card 37 through the card insertion slot 305. , See FIG. 4 (b)), and is discharged to the card conveying path 13 provided continuously and collected, and the IC card 37 whose internal residual frequency becomes 0 degrees Therefore, it is possible to carry out additional deposits, which will be described later. If the IC card 37 with the frequency “0” remains, even if the return button 15 is operated, the IC card 37 is not returned.
[0044]
Further, in the card unit 3, a bill is inserted while the IC card 37 is being received (including the IC card 37 having a frequency of 0 degrees remaining inside), and the inserted bill is inserted into the bill recognition unit 311. When identified, the identified amount is stored in the storage unit 315 as an unpaid amount, and the amount is displayed on the total amount display unit 304.
[0045]
The deposit amount stored in the storage unit 315 is converted into a frequency corresponding to the amount, and the frequency corresponding to the amount is added to the frequency remaining in the IC card 37 being accepted to obtain a new frequency. Is calculated, and the calculated new frequency is recorded in the accepted IC card 37, and the information on the additional deposit is transmitted to the management computer 50, so that the new frequency is added to the lending process. Can be used.
[0046]
Further, the IC card 37 whose frequency is updated and recorded by these additional deposit processes is ejected from the card insertion slot 305 so that the front end portion can be visually observed.
[0047]
These ejected IC cards 37 are ejected when they are inserted inward, when an insert button 308 is input, or when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has not been removed. Is automatically taken in, and the above reception process is executed to make it usable again, and the lending process can be executed again using the frequency added by the additional deposit process. In addition, in this embodiment, the IC card 37 that has been additionally paid in is thus discharged once so that the tip of the IC card 37 can be visually checked. This is because the player has made additional payment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to make it possible to use the number of times of additional payment immediately in the game without performing these discharges.
[0048]
Further, in the card unit 3 of the present embodiment, the return button 15 when the frequency read from the inserted IC card 37 remains and when the amount not yet received is not stored in the storage unit 315. Is input, the frequency stored in the storage unit 315 is updated and recorded in the recording information of the inserted IC card 37, and then is discharged from the card insertion slot 305 and returned to the player. Yes.
[0049]
In the card unit 3 of this embodiment, the storage unit 315 is energized by the backup power source 317 even when the external power supply is unexpectedly interrupted, for example, at the time of a power failure. The contents stored in the unit 315 are held until the power is restored, and when the external power supply is restored and restarted, the state is restored to the power-off state. For example, when the power supply is cut off until the banknote is identified and the additional deposit process is performed (until the frequency reaches 0 degree), the storage of the identified unpaid amount is deleted. The inconvenience can be avoided.
[0050]
Further, in the card unit 3 of the present embodiment, every time the lending process is executed, lending information indicating that the lending process has been performed, the card ID of the inserted IC card 37 and the lending are used. The frequency and the device ID of the card unit 3 are transmitted to the management computer 50.
[0051]
Moreover, in the state where the frequency read from the inserted IC card 37 remains, each time a bill is inserted and the amount is identified, bill identification information indicating that the bill has been identified is inserted. The card ID of the IC card 37 and the identified amount and device ID are transmitted to the management computer 50.
[0052]
In addition, each time the additional deposit process is performed, the deposit information indicating that the additional deposit process has been performed, the card ID of the IC card 37 on which the additional deposit has been made, and the updated frequency are transmitted to the management computer 50. It has become so.
[0053]
Next, a card issuing machine 500 that issues the IC card 37 as a prepaid card, which is a game recording medium, will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The card issuing machine 500 is connected to the end of the gaming island 1. The external appearance shape is arranged as shown in FIG. 8, and an operation display unit 501 for informing the player that the IC card 37 can be purchased is issued on the front surface. A card issuing port 502 through which the IC card 37 is discharged, a card indicator 503 for notifying that the IC card 37 has been discharged from the card issuing port 502 by flashing, and a banknote into which a banknote can be inserted and which can be changed Banknote insertion / exhaust port 504 from which the banknote is discharged, a bill indicator 505 for notifying the return of the banknote from the banknote insertion / exhaust port 504 by blinking, An amount display unit 507 for displaying the total amount of bills inserted into the mouth 504, and a purchase amount selection button 508 for selecting the purchase amount of the new IC card 37 issued from 1000 yen, 3000 yen, 5000 yen And a stop button 509 for interrupting the issuance of the IC card 37.
[0054]
The configuration of the card issuing machine 500 will be described. The card issuing machine 500 includes the operation display unit 501, the amount display unit 507, the purchase amount selection button 508, the cancel button 509, the card indicator 503, and the bill indicator. In addition to 505, as shown in FIG. 9, the IC card 37 is connected to the card issuing port 502 to read out, write and erase recorded information of the IC card 37, and stores the IC card 37 issued to the rear. An IC card reader / writer 515 having a supply unit (not shown) to be supplied, and a banknote identification unit connected to the banknote insertion / ejection port 504 for identifying the inserted banknote and returning the banknote as change. 516, a display driver 520 for controlling the display operation of the amount display unit 507, and the IC card 37 Various kinds of data to be read or written are stored, and a data communication with the management computer 50 is performed via the communication cable 8 and a storage unit 521 in which a control program in which control contents of the MPU 523 described later are described is stored. A communication unit 522 for performing the control, and a microprocessing unit (MPU) 523 for controlling the respective units and calculating the amount of change, etc., and these units are connected as shown in FIG. The IC card 37 can be issued.
[0055]
Next, the issue processing when purchasing the IC card 37 which is a new prepaid card using the card issuing machine 500 will be described. Insert more.
[0056]
The inserted banknote is identified by the banknote identification unit 516, and the identification information is output to the MPU 523. Based on this, the MPU 523 calculates the total amount of the inserted banknote and displays it on the amount display unit 507. At the same time, it is temporarily stored in the storage unit 521.
[0057]
In this state, when the purchase amount (1000 yen, 3000 yen, 5000 yen) in the purchase amount selection button 508 is selected and input, the MPU 523 specifies the purchase amount of the IC card 37 that has been selected and input. The purchase amount is converted into a frequency, the IC card 37 to be issued is set at a predetermined position of the IC card reader / writer 515, the card ID of the IC card 37 to be issued is read and the converted frequency is recorded, and then the IC card 37 is discharged / issued from the card issuing port 502. At this time, the card ID and the issue frequency of the IC card 37 to be issued and the device ID of the card issuing machine 500 are transmitted to the management computer 50, the registration data of the card management DB is updated, and the The inserted banknote is collected by a banknote stocker (not shown) connected to the banknote identification unit 516.
[0058]
Next, the settlement apparatus 400 used in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. The settlement apparatus 400 is similar to the issuing apparatus 500 in that the predetermined position in the game hall such as the end position of the gaming island 1 is determined. The operation display unit 401 for notifying the player that the IC card 37, which is a prepaid card, can be settled on the front surface thereof, is arranged at the position and has an appearance shape as shown in FIG. A card insertion slot 402 in which an IC card 37 to be settled can be inserted, a card indicator 403 for notifying that the IC card 37 is being received in the card insertion slot 402 by flashing, and the card issuing slot 402 Settlement amount corresponding to the number of game values recorded on the inserted IC card 37 and various messages associated with online / offline A display unit 407 as a notification means for displaying a message, a settlement button 410 that is input when the settlement amount displayed on the display unit 407 is settled, and when the settlement process is interrupted. A cancel button 409 that is operated for input, a coin discharge port 411 through which coins to be paid out when the IC card 37 is settled, a coin indicator 412 that notifies the discharge of coins from the coin discharge port 411 by flashing, an IC A banknote discharge port 413 for discharging banknotes to be paid out as the card 37 is settled and a banknote indicator 414 for notifying the discharge of banknotes from the banknote discharge port 413 by blinking are provided.
[0059]
Further, the front surface of the settlement apparatus 400 is an openable / closable door, and the control unit 425 which is the settlement operation means shown in FIG. 12 is exposed by releasing the open / close door. The control unit 425 includes a microprocessing unit (MPU) 423, a communication unit 422, a storage unit 421 as a settlement device side blacklist storage unit, and the like. Various keys such as a numeric keypad for accepting a personal identification number, which is operator confirmation information, a history print button for printing out a settlement history when offline, a setting print button for printing out setting contents, a cancel button, a setting button, etc. Operation unit 426 provided with operation buttons, and the payment history and setting contents when offline are printed out A small printer 430 serving as an output means, an off-line notification lamp 428 that is turned on when communication with the management computer 50 is off-line, and a predetermined key that rotates in a predetermined direction by inserting a key held by an attendant. An electronic key switch 427 for performing a settlement process request operation and a main switch 429 for turning on / off the power are provided. These units are arranged inside the control unit 425 as shown in FIG. Are connected to the MPU 423 mounted on a control board (not shown).
[0060]
Further, the MPU 423 includes an operation display unit 401, a display unit 407, a settlement button 410, a stop button 409, a card indicator 403, a bill indicator 414, and a coin indicator 412 as shown in FIG. In addition, an IC card reader / writer 415 that is connected to the card insertion slot 402 and serves as a recording medium processing means for reading, writing, and erasing recording information of the IC card 37, and a coin discharge slot 411. A coin dispensing unit 418 that performs the dispensing of coins, a banknote dispensing unit 419 that is connected to the banknote discharge port 413 and that performs the dispensing of banknotes, and a display driver 420 that controls the display operation of the display unit 407. , Various data read from the IC card 37 are stored, and MPU 23, a control program in which processing contents such as blacklist matching processing and control contents performed by the control program 23 are described, a setting file described later, a blacklist (BL) distributed from the management computer 50, a device ID, a settlement history, and the like are stored. A communication state for performing data communication with the management computer 50 via the communication cable 8 and a storage unit 421 serving as an operator confirmation information storage means, a black list storage means, a settlement game value storage means, and a processing history storage means. A communication unit 422 as a confirmation unit is connected, and the microprocessing unit (MPU) 423 controls the operation of each connected unit to perform a predetermined settlement process. Yes.
[0061]
Next, the flow of normal settlement processing of the IC card 37 by the settlement apparatus 400 when communication with the management computer 50 is online will be described with reference to FIG. 15. First, the player wants to settle the IC card 37. When doing so, the IC card 37 is inserted into the card insertion slot 402.
[0062]
The insertion is detected at Sd1, and after proceeding to Sd2 and reading the recorded information from the inserted IC card 37 by the IC card reader / writer 515, the card ID and frequency included in the read recorded information and the The apparatus ID of the settlement apparatus 400 and the availability determination request are transmitted to the management computer 50 (Sd3).
[0063]
Based on the reception of the transmission data including the permission determination request, the management computer 50 extracts the remaining frequency data registered in the card management DB corresponding to the card ID in the received data, and receives the received frequency. If it matches and does not correspond to the black list, it is determined that settlement is possible, and if it does not match, a settlement determination process is performed to determine that settlement is not possible (SK1). A reply is sent to the device 400 (SK2).
[0064]
After receiving the returned determination result (Sd4), the settlement apparatus 400 determines whether or not the received determination result can be settled. If settlement is not possible, the process proceeds to Sd8 and proceeds to a predetermined process. Error processing (in this embodiment, a predetermined message indicating an error is displayed on the display unit 407 without returning the accepted IC card 37) is performed, and if adjustment is possible, the process proceeds to Sd6. Then, after paying out the money corresponding to the frequency read from the IC card 37, the payment information including the payment amount, the card ID of the IC card 37 and the device ID and the predetermined data indicating completion of the payment, It transmits to the management computer 50 (Sd7).
[0065]
Based on the receipt of the settlement information, the management computer 50 updates each data registered corresponding to the card ID received in the card management database, and registers the settlement history in the settlement history table.
[0066]
Next, the recording medium management apparatus of this embodiment to which the card unit 3, the card issuing machine 500, and the payment apparatus 400 are connected and the management computer 50 that is an operator confirmation information generation unit will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, a central processing unit (CPU) 113 that performs various processes performed by the management computer, a RAM 108, and real-time time information and calendar information are output to a data bus 112 that transmits and receives data inside the computer. A clock 114, a display device 107, an input device 110 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a storage device 109 as a blacklist storage means on the management device side comprising a magnetic disk and a magneto-optical disk, the card units 3 and card issuing machines 500, and checkout Communication data communication with the device 400 Tafeisu 106, a normal computer connected.
[0067]
Further, in addition to the processing program for performing various processes of the management computer 50, the storage device 109 has a corresponding ID corresponding to each IC card 37 as a prepaid card, as shown in FIG. Issuance frequency equivalent to the purchase amount at the time of issuance of the IC card 37, additional payment amount added in the card unit 3, usage frequency used in the game, remaining frequency, settlement frequency, and most recently A card management database (DB) in which device IDs of devices using IC cards are registered, and a black list in which card IDs in which theft or fraud has been performed are registered are stored.
[0068]
Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the management computer 50 according to the present embodiment performs offline settlement when the settlement apparatus 400 becomes unable to communicate with the management computer 50 (offline). In addition, whether or not to implement offline checkout conditions, specifically, the offline checkout setting screen that allows you to set the maximum number of offline checkouts and the maximum amount of offline checkout, so that each of the above settings can be performed This makes it possible to set feasible conditions for the after-communication settlement process, which will be described later, in accordance with the operation form of each game arcade, and to set these setting conditions, for example, the upper limit number of times And set the upper limit amount appropriately, so that when the above conditions are exceeded, settlement processing is not performed when communication is not possible. Therefore, even if fraud is made, it is preferable because the damage can be minimized, but the present invention is not limited to this and does not have these setting functions. There may be.
[0069]
The setting contents set on the offline execution condition setting screen are transmitted as a setting file to the settlement apparatus 400, and the setting file stored in the storage unit 421, which will be described later, is updated. These settings can be confirmed by printing with the small printer by operating the setting print button.
[0070]
Further, in this embodiment, when the execution of the off-line settlement is selected on the off-line execution condition setting screen, the current password generated by the management computer 50 is displayed. The personal identification number generated by the management computer 50 is distributed and included in the setting file from the management computer 50 to each checkout device 400 when the system is started before the business starts. It is stored in the part 421.
[0071]
In this way, the management computer 50 generates different passwords every day, and the generated passwords are distributed and stored in the settlement apparatus 400, so that the password that is the operator confirmation information is changed daily. This is preferable because it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of fraudulent settlement due to the use of these passwords compared to the case where these passwords are fixed, but this embodiment is not limited to this. However, it may be configured to be generated and stored in the settlement apparatus 400, or these passwords may be fixed. In addition, the setting of the personal identification number may be configured so that the store clerk can manually set / change the management computer 50 or the checkout apparatus 400 as the management apparatus, and further, the personal identification number is not used. Also good.
[0072]
In addition, the management computer 50 according to the present embodiment simultaneously transmits broadband packets to each connected device at predetermined time intervals, and each connection device determines whether or not each of the connection devices has received the broadband packet. The connection status can be checked.
[0073]
Hereinafter, the flow of the settlement process when the settlement apparatus 400 communicates with the management computer 50 is offline will be described below.
[0074]
First, whether the communication with the management computer 50 is in a communication impossible state (offline) or a communication possible state (online) is determined by the communication unit 422 serving as a communication state confirmation unit performing offline detection processing shown in FIG. Thus, the communication status is monitored.
[0075]
In this offline detection process, as shown in FIG. 16, whether or not there is reception of the broad packet transmitted from the management computer 50 to all connection devices periodically (every 5 seconds in this embodiment). (Sa1), and if a broad packet is received in the determination, the process proceeds to Sa6 to reset the count of the monitor timer built in the communication unit 422 and restart the monitor timer. At the same time, the process proceeds to Sa7 and is determined to be online, and the online state is output to the MPU 423 (Sa8), and the process returns to S1.
[0076]
In the case where no broadcast packet is received in Sa1, the process proceeds to Sa2 to determine whether the monitoring timer is timed up (counted up). In this determination, the time is still up (counted up). If not, the process returns to Sa1, and if it is determined that a predetermined offline determination time has elapsed due to the time-up (count-up), the process proceeds to Sa3 and is determined to be offline. After the count is reset and the monitoring timer is restarted (Sa4), the offline state is output to the MPU 423 (Sa5), and by returning to S1, the online state or offline state is sequentially transferred to the MPU 423. It is output.
[0077]
The output in the online state or the offline state is detected by the interrupt process shown in FIG. 17 performed by the MPU 423, and the process associated with the online settlement and recovery to the offline state is performed.
[0078]
The interrupt process will be described. First, the output of the online state or the offline state from the communication unit 422 is detected by Sb1 or Sb14.
[0079]
When an output in the offline state is made from the communication unit 422, the output is detected at Sb1, and the process proceeds to Sb2. The offline notification lamp 428 is turned on and whether or not there is an IC card 37 being received. Make a decision.
[0080]
In the determination, if there is an IC card 37 that is already accepted, the process proceeds to Sb3, where it is determined whether the management computer 50 has already performed the determination process, and if the determination process has already been completed. Proceeds to Sb4, pays out the amount of money corresponding to the frequency read from the IC card 37 being accepted, proceeds to Sb6, and proceeds to Sb5 if the above-described determination process is not completed. After the IC card 37 inside is returned, the process proceeds to Sb6.
[0081]
Next, in Sb6, it is determined whether the setting content of the setting file stored in the storage unit 421 has an offline settlement execution setting. If the setting content does not have an execution setting, the process proceeds to Sb8. A predetermined error process is executed, and if the setting content is an execution setting, the process proceeds to Sb7, the offline settlement invalid flag is cleared, and then the process proceeds to Sb9.
[0082]
In Sb9, the operation display unit 401 is turned off to prevent acceptance of a new card, and a predetermined offline message is displayed on the display unit 407. Specifically, “Current payment is not possible. Please call a clerk for payment.” This message is displayed so that the player who wants to checkout can perceive that the normal checkout process cannot be performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these offline messages may not be displayed.
[0083]
Next, the process proceeds to Sb10, where it is determined whether or not there is a rotation operation of the electronic key switch 427, which is a predetermined offline settlement operation. If there is no rotation operation, the process proceeds to Sb11 and the communication unit 421 In the determination, if there is no online output, the process returns to Sb10. If there is an online output, the process proceeds to Sb15. Sb10 and Sb11 In FIG. 2, a state of waiting for a rotating operation of the electronic key switch 427 or online output is formed.
[0084]
If the electronic key switch 427 is rotated in this state, the process proceeds to Sb12 and after confirming whether or not there is an offline settlement invalid flag, that is, whether the communication state is the online state. , Sb13 shifts to the non-communication settlement process (offline settlement process), and the offline settlement shown in FIG. 18 is performed. If the offline settlement invalid flag is present in Sb12, the process returns to Sb10. It is like that.
[0085]
Here, the processing contents of offline settlement in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18. First, in Sc1, it is determined whether or not a password is entered from the numeric keypad provided on the operation unit 426, and the password is verified. When the number is input, the process proceeds to Sc2, and the password in the setting file stored in the storage unit 421 is compared with the input password (Sc3). If they match, the process proceeds to Sc4 and waits for card insertion. If the verification does not match, the process proceeds to Sc12 and 1 is added to the number of errors, and then it is determined whether the number of errors has reached 3. (Sc13).
[0086]
If the number of errors does not reach 3 times in the determination of Sc13, the process returns to Sc1 and again waits for input of a personal identification number, and if the number of errors reaches 3, the process proceeds to Sc14, After displaying a warning to the effect that the operation is illegal on the display unit 407, the content of the setting file is rewritten to invalidate offline settlement, and predetermined error processing is performed to disable offline settlement (Sc15), and the number of errors Is reset (Sc16), and the offline processing is terminated.
[0087]
If the collation result of the personal identification number in Sc3 matches, the process waits for the insertion of the IC card 37 from the card insertion slot 402 in Sc4, and if the IC card 37 is not inserted, the process proceeds to Sc17. Thus, it is determined whether or not there is a release (clear) operation of the electronic key switch 427 that is the predetermined off-line settlement operation. If the release operation is present in the determination, the process proceeds to the end. If there is no release operation, the process proceeds to Sc18 to determine whether there is an online output from the communication unit 422. If there is an online output, the process proceeds to Sb15. If there is no online output, the process proceeds to Sb15. By returning to Sc4, waiting for the insertion of the IC card 37 or releasing the electronic key switch 427 by these Sc4, Sc17 and Sc18. Clear) state of the operation waiting or online output queue is formed. In this embodiment, after the electronic key switch 427 and the password are input, the switch operation and the password input are omitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the input of the electronic key switch 427 and the password are not limited. May be accepted every time.
[0088]
In this state, when the IC card 37 is inserted from the card insertion slot 402, the card insertion is detected at Sc4, and the process proceeds to Sc5. The recorded information of the inserted IC card 37 is read and the recorded information The card ID is identified, and whether or not the card ID is registered in the black list (BL) stored in the storage unit 421 is checked (Sc6, Sc7).
[0089]
In the verification of Sc6, if the card ID is registered in the black list (BL), the process proceeds to Sc14, the processing from Sc14 to Sc16 is performed, and the off-line settlement is completed, and the black list (BL) If there is no registration, the process proceeds to Sc8 and Sc9, and based on the offline settlement history that has already been implemented up to that time, based on the settlement upper limit number and settlement upper limit amount in the setting file stored in the storage unit 421 It is determined whether the number of settlements and the settlement amount have been reached, and if any of the upper limits has been reached, after performing the processing of Sc15 and Sc16, offline settlement is terminated.
[0090]
Further, when the settlement number and settlement amount based on the offline settlement history have not reached the settlement upper limit number and settlement upper limit amount in the setting file, the process proceeds to Sc10 and corresponds to the frequency read from the inserted IC card 37. After paying out the amount of money to be paid, the settled amount and the card ID are stored in the storage unit 421 as a settlement history, and the process returns to Sc4 and waits for the IC card 37 again or cancels (clears) the electronic key switch 427. ) Waiting for operation or waiting for online output.
[0091]
If the communication status with the management computer 50 is in a communicable state (online) during the interruption processing or the settlement processing when communication is impossible (offline settlement processing), and the online output is output from the communication unit 422, The online output is detected by either Sb14, Sb11, or Sc18, and the process proceeds to Sb15 in FIG.
[0092]
In Sb15, it is confirmed whether the change is from the offline state. If the change is from the offline state, the process proceeds to Sb16 and the operation display unit 401 turned off in Sb9 is turned on to accept a new card. The display unit 407 displays a predetermined online message, specifically a message “You can pay. Insert a card”.
[0093]
Next, the process proceeds to Sb17, where it is confirmed whether there is an offline settlement history registration in the storage unit 421 during the offline, and if there is an offline settlement history registration, the process proceeds to Sb18 and the offline settlement history ( After the settlement amount and card ID) are transmitted to the management computer 50, the process proceeds to Sb19.
[0094]
In Sb19, it is determined whether or not the offline settlement invalidation flag is present so that the offline settlement is not performed when online. If there is no offline settlement invalidation flag, the offline settlement invalidation flag is set in Sb20. Thus, after the offline settlement is not performed while online, the routine returns to the normal processing routine.
[0095]
In the present embodiment, the history of offline settlement performed during the offline is operated by operating a history print button provided in the operation unit 426 of the control unit 425, thereby printing the offline settlement history shown in FIG. The output is output from the small printer 430, and the output means of the present invention is formed by the small printer 430. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these offline settlement histories. May be output on the management computer 50 side.
[0096]
(Example 2)
Next, the gaming system is substantially the same as in the first embodiment, but as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the interruption process and the settlement process when communication is impossible (offline settlement process) in the settlement apparatus 400 of the first embodiment. The processing contents of the processing) are different. Specifically, even if there is no operation by the electronic key switch 427, the settlement process when communication is impossible (offline settlement process) is performed only by inputting the personal identification number as the operator confirmation information. ) Can be implemented.
[0097]
The configuration of the settlement apparatus 400 and the management computer 50 and the configuration of the card unit 3, the pachinko machine 2, the issuing machine 500, etc. in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0098]
As shown in FIG. 21, the contents of the interrupt processing in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment because the flow from Sb1 to Sb9 and the flow from Sb14 to Sb20 are omitted.
[0099]
As shown in FIG. 21, in Sb10 + of the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not a password has been input from the operation unit 426 as an operator confirmation information receiving means, and there is no password input. In step Sb11, it is determined whether or not there is an online output from the communication unit 421 serving as a communication status confirmation unit. If there is no online output in the determination, the process returns to the Sb10 + and the online output is performed. If there is a password, the process proceeds to Sb15. In Sb10 + and Sb11, a state of waiting for an input of a personal identification number from the operation unit 426 or online output from the communication unit 421 is formed. ing.
[0100]
In this state, when the password is entered from the operation unit 426 as the account settlement confirmation information receiving means, the process proceeds to Sb12 to determine whether there is an offline settlement invalid flag, that is, the communication status is online. After confirming whether or not there is, the process proceeds to Sb13 settlement process when communication is not possible (offline settlement process), and the offline settlement shown in FIG. 22 is performed. In Sb12, there is an offline settlement invalidation flag. In this case, the process returns to Sb10 +.
[0101]
Here, the processing contents of the off-line settlement in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 22. First, the personal identification number in the setting file stored in the storage unit 421 in Sc2 and the Sb10 + are input. After the collation with the personal identification number is performed (Sc3), if the collation matches, the process proceeds to Sc4 to wait for card insertion. If the collation does not match, the process proceeds to Sc12 and 1 is added to the number of errors. Then, it is determined whether the number of errors has reached 3 (Sc13).
[0102]
If the number of errors has not reached 3 in the determination of Sc13, the process returns to Sb10 + and again waits for the input of the personal identification number. If the number of errors has reached 3, the process proceeds to Sc14. After displaying a warning that the operation is illegal on the display unit 407, the contents of the setting file are rewritten to invalidate the offline settlement, and a predetermined error process is performed to disable offline settlement (Sc15), and the error The number of times is reset (Sc16), and the offline processing is terminated.
[0103]
If the collation result of the personal identification number in Sc3 is coincident, the process waits for the insertion of the IC card 37 from the card insertion slot 402 in Sc4, and if there is no insertion of the IC card 37, the process proceeds to Sc17 +. By proceeding, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed. If the predetermined time has passed in the determination, the process proceeds to the end of the process. If the predetermined time has not passed, the process proceeds to Sc18. Then, it is determined whether there is an online output from the communication unit 422. If there is an online output, the process proceeds to Sb15. If there is no online output, the process returns to the Sc4. In addition, Sc18 forms a state waiting for insertion of the IC card 37 or waiting for online output within a predetermined time.
[0104]
In this state, when the IC card 37 is inserted from the card insertion slot 402, the card insertion is detected at the Sc4, the processing of Sc5 to Sc11 is performed, the black list (BL), the upper limit of settlement, After the determination of the settlement upper limit amount, if there is no problem, the payout of money is performed, and after registering the settlement history, the process returns to Sc4 and waits for the insertion of the IC card 37 again within a predetermined time. Become.
[0105]
If the communication status with the management computer 50 is in a communicable state (online) during the interruption processing or the settlement processing when communication is impossible (offline settlement processing), and the online output is output from the communication unit 422, The online output is detected by either Sb11, Sb14, or Sc18, and the process proceeds to Sb15 in FIG. 21, and returns to the normal process through the processes of Sb15 to Sb20 as in the first embodiment. .
[0106]
As described above, as in the above embodiments, the communication unit 422 monitors the communication status with the management computer 50, and when an offline state occurs, FIG. The interruption process shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 and the settlement process when communication is not possible (offline settlement process) can be performed, so that even in the offline state, in the first embodiment, the electronic key switch 427 is turned on. In the second embodiment, it is not possible to determine the result of the determination process of the management computer 50 by the input of the password and the password, and in the second embodiment, the settlement processing when communication is impossible (offline) shown in FIG. (Checkout process) will be carried out, so that the player can receive payment even in these communication disabled state (offline state) Ri, also will be able to avoid trouble with the player for the game arcade.
[0107]
Each element in each of the embodiments corresponds to the present invention as follows. Claim 1 of the present invention provides information on the value of a game value (frequency) that can be used for a game and a value corresponding to the payment of money, and the game recording medium (prepaid card; IC card 37). The magnitude of the game value (frequency) of the game recording medium (IC card 37) in which the identifiable identification information (card ID) is recorded is set as the identification information (card) of each game recording medium (IC card 37). ID) and a recording medium management device (management computer 50) managed in correspondence with the recording medium management device (management computer 50), accepting the game recording medium (IC card 37), Recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writer 415) for reading at least the recorded information of the received game recording medium (IC card 37), and the game recording medium (IC card 37) A settlement apparatus comprising settlement means (a microprocessing unit 423, a coin dispensing unit 418, and a banknote dispensing unit 419) that performs a settlement process for paying out an amount of money corresponding to the value of a game value (frequency) based on recorded information. 400, information on the value of the game (frequency) read from the game recording medium (IC card 37) by the recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writer 415) and identification information (card ID), The recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writer) based on the game value (frequency) managed by the recording medium management apparatus (management computer 50) in association with the identification information (card ID). 415) when it is determined whether or not the game recording medium (IC card 37) being accepted can be settled, and the judgment result can be settled. In the game system that performs the settlement process by the settlement means (microprocessing unit 423, coin dispensing unit 418, bill dispensing unit 419), the settlement apparatus 400 communicates with the recording medium management apparatus (management computer 50). A communication state confirmation means (communication unit 422) for confirming whether the state is a communicable state (online) or a communication impossible state (offline), and a settlement operation means (control unit) for receiving a predetermined settlement processing request operation 425), and when the communication state confirmation unit (communication unit 422) confirms that communication is impossible, the settlement operation unit (control unit 425) performs a predetermined settlement processing request operation (electronic key). When the key of the switch 427 is rotated, the settlement means (microprocessor) In the settlement process of the single unit 423, the coin dispensing unit 418, and the banknote dispensing unit 419), an uncommunication settlement process (offline settlement process; Sb13) that does not require the determination result of the settlement possibility determination is performed.
[0108]
According to claim 2 of the present invention, the settlement apparatus 400 stores operator confirmation information (password) for determining whether the operator of the settlement operation means (control unit 425) is a regular operator. In addition to the operator confirmation information storage means (storage unit 421), the settlement operation means (control unit 425) accepts the operator confirmation information (password) from the operator in addition to the settlement process request operation, The received operator confirmation information (password) is collated with the operator confirmation information (code number included in the setting file) stored in the operator confirmation information storage means (storage unit 421). In the case of coincidence, the settlement process when communication is impossible (offline settlement process) is performed.
[0109]
Claim 3 of the present invention provides information on the value of a game value (frequency) that can be used for a game and a value corresponding to the payment of money, and the game recording medium (prepaid card; IC card 37). The magnitude of the game value (frequency) of the game recording medium (IC card 37) in which the identifiable identification information (card ID) is recorded is set as the identification information (card) of each game recording medium (IC card 37). ID) and a recording medium management device (management computer 50) managed in correspondence with the recording medium management device (management computer 50), accepting the game recording medium (IC card 37), Recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writer 415) for reading at least the recorded information of the received game recording medium (IC card 37), and the game recording medium (IC card 37) A settlement apparatus comprising settlement means (a microprocessing unit 423, a coin dispensing unit 418, and a banknote dispensing unit 419) for performing a settlement process for paying out an amount of money corresponding to the magnitude of a game value (frequency) based on recorded information. 400, information on the value of the game (frequency) read from the game recording medium (IC card 37) by the recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writer 415) and identification information (card ID), The recording medium processing means (IC card reader / writer) based on the game value (frequency) managed by the recording medium management apparatus (management computer 50) in association with the identification information (card ID). 415), whether or not the game recording medium (IC card 37) being accepted can be settled, and the judgment result can be settled. In the game system that performs the settlement process by the settlement means (microprocessing unit 423, coin dispensing unit 418, bill dispensing unit 419), the settlement apparatus 400 communicates with the recording medium management apparatus (management computer 50). A communication state confirmation means (communication unit 422) for confirming whether the state is a communicable state (online) or a communication impossible state (offline), and a pre-determining whether the operator is a regular operator An operator confirmation information storage unit (storage unit 421) for storing predetermined predetermined operator confirmation information (setting file including a password), and for receiving the operator confirmation information (password) from the operator Operator confirmation information receiving means (operation unit 426), and communicating by the communication state confirmation means (communication unit 422). When it is confirmed that it is in an impossible state (offline), the operator confirmation information (password) received from the operator confirmation information accepting unit (operation unit 426) is the operator confirmation information storage unit (storage unit). 421) in the settlement process of the settlement unit (microprocessing unit 423, coin dispensing unit 418, banknote dispensing unit 419) when it matches the operator confirmation information stored in the setting file (the password included in the setting file), A non-communication settlement process (offline settlement process; Sb13) that does not require the settlement availability determination result is performed.
[0110]
Claim 4 of the present invention comprises operator confirmation information generating means (management computer 50) for generating the operator confirmation information (password), and is generated by the operator confirmation information generating means (management computer 50). The operator confirmation information (password in the setting file) is updated and stored in the operator confirmation information storage means (storage unit 421).
[0111]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the communication state confirmation unit (communication unit 422) confirms the communication impossible state (offline state), the recording medium management apparatus (management computer 50) determines whether or not the payment is possible. An informing means (display unit 407) for informing that the settlement process based on the determination result (normal settlement process) is impossible is provided.
[0112]
According to claim 6 of the present invention, the recording medium management device (management computer 50) stores blacklist information in which identification information (card ID) of a game recording medium (IC card 37) that cannot be settled is registered. The management device side black list storage means (storage device 109) for storing is transmitted, the black list information stored in the management device side black list storage means (storage device 109) is transmitted to the settlement apparatus 400, and the settlement apparatus 400 Includes a blacklist storage means (storage unit 421) on the settlement apparatus side for storing the blacklist information transmitted from the recording medium management apparatus (management computer 50) in the communication enabled state (online), and the game Identification information (card ID) read from the recording medium (IC card 37) and the black list Matches with are identification information (card ID), the settlement means when the collating match (microprocessing unit 423, the coin payout unit 418, the bill payout unit 419) does not perform settlement processing by.
[0113]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the settlement apparatus 400 stores a settlement game value that is a game value (frequency) settled in the settlement process when the communication is impossible. The game value storage means (storage unit 421) is provided, and after the communication disabled state (offline state) is restored to the communication enabled state (online state), the game value storage means (storage unit 421) is stored. The stored information (settlement history) is transmitted to the recording medium management device (management computer 50) after the communication disabled state (offline state) is restored to the communicable state (online state).
[0114]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the settlement apparatus 400 includes a processing history storage unit (storage unit 421) for storing a processing history of the settlement process when communication is impossible, and the processing history storage unit (storage unit 421). The output means (small printer 430) for outputting the processing history stored in () is provided.
[0115]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the settlement apparatus 400 is confirmed to be in a communicable state (online) by the communication state confirmation unit (communication unit 422), the settlement process (Sb13) when the communication is impossible. ) Is disabled.
[0116]
A tenth aspect of the present invention includes setting means (management computer 50) for setting a feasible condition for the settlement process when communication is impossible, and the settlement apparatus 400 includes the setting means (management computer 50). In the case where the feasible conditions (the upper limit of settlement amount and the upper limit of settlement amount) set in the above are satisfied, the settlement process when communication is impossible is made possible.
[0117]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described in the said Example by drawing, this invention is not limited to these Examples, Even if there exists a change and addition in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention. It goes without saying that it is included in the present invention.
[0118]
For example, in each of the above embodiments, the settlement upper limit number of times and the settlement upper limit amount can be set as feasible conditions for the settlement process when communication is not possible (offline settlement process), but the present invention is not limited to this. Rather, as items for these feasible conditions, items other than this, for example, items such as an effective time setting capable of performing offline settlement may be added, and these items for feasible conditions are selected as appropriate. Just do it.
[0119]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, it is possible to set the feasibility condition of the settlement process when communication is not possible (offline settlement process) in the management computer 50, but the present invention is not limited to this, These feasible conditions may be set by the operation unit 426 provided in the control unit 425 of the settlement apparatus 400.
[0120]
Further, in each of the embodiments, by registering a black list in the management computer 50, online black list collation is performed, and the black list is distributed to each checkout device 400 and the card unit 3. Since the IC card 37 registered in the black list is not used even if each settlement apparatus 400 and the card unit 3 are in an offline state by being stored, the present invention is limited to this. However, the black list collation may be performed by the card unit 3 or the settlement apparatus 400 even when online, and the use of the black list and the settlement may not be limited.
[0121]
Further, in each of the embodiments, a settlement history including a settlement frequency that is a game value settled offline in the settlement apparatus 400 is registered in the storage unit 421, and the settlement status is restored to the online state. At this stage, the data is transmitted to the management computer 50. This is because the registration data of the card management database of each IC card 37 managed by the management computer 50 is inconsistent with the actual contents. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured not to store a settlement history including these settlement frequencies.
[0122]
Further, in the above embodiment, at the time of the checkout process, it is not configured to accept a personal identification number or the like from the player and specify whether or not the player is the person himself. When using a membership card carried by a member player who has registered as a member, data such as a personal identification number that can identify the player is stored in the IC card 37 as the membership card, The personal identification number may be accepted at the time of payment, and it may be determined whether or not the player who is going to pay is the authorized owner himself.
[0123]
Further, in the embodiment, the settlement apparatus 400 is installed alone, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the settlement apparatus 400 is integrated with another apparatus, for example, the card issuing machine 500. You may make it provide.
[0124]
Further, in the above embodiment, the operator confirmation information is the password, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the information includes information that can confirm the operator, for example, fingerprint, iris, and so on. You may make it specify using the blood vessel pattern etc. of a hand.
[0125]
In the first embodiment, the password is input as the operator confirmation information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the input of the password may be omitted as appropriate.
[0126]
In the above embodiment, the non-contact type IC card 37 is used as the game recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and this may be a magnetic card or a contact type IC card. As these game recording media, any recording media can be used as long as the value of the game value and the card ID, which is information unique to each recording medium, can be recorded in a readable manner.
[0127]
Further, the shape of the IC card 37 as the game recording medium used in the above embodiment is a card shape, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a disk shape, a spherical shape, a chip shape, etc. It may be the shape of.
[0128]
Moreover, in the said Example, although frequency is used as a form of the game value used in the pachinko machine 2 which is a game machine, this invention is not limited to this, These values for game are obtained by the player. You may make it correspond with the amount of money so that it can be grasped in monetary terms, and further, these gaming values may be given points, the corresponding number of pachinko balls or coins, and the form may be arbitrarily selected .
[0129]
In the above embodiment, pachinko balls are used as game media used in the pachinko machine 2 which is a game machine. However, these game media are used for coins, points, and image-type pachinko machines, slot machines, and patty lots which will be described later. It may be a pachinko ball or a coin formed by an image in the above, and these game media are included in the game media of the present invention as long as they are media used in the game, and their forms are limited. is not.
[0130]
In the above embodiment, a normal pachinko machine 2 in which a pachinko ball as a game medium is paid out to the outside is used as a gaming machine, but the present invention uses not only these normal pachinko machines but also coins and pachinko balls. Slot machines and pachilots that play games, enclosed pachinko machines that can be played without pachinko balls and coins being discharged outside, complete credit type slot machines and pachilots, and data etc. without using these game media It can be applied to gaming machines that can be used for gaming, image-type pachinko machines that display game boards and pachinko balls as images, and image-type slot machines and patty lots that display images as reels. Needless to say, these gaming machines are not limited.
[0131]
In the embodiment, the management computer 50, which is a recording medium management device, determines whether or not the settlement apparatus 400 can settle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the management computer 50 includes Information on the magnitude of the frequency as the gaming value registered in association with the card ID which is the identification information of the gaming recording medium is obtained from the management computer 50, and the settlement apparatus 400 determines whether or not the settlement is possible. You may make it implement.
[0132]
【The invention's effect】
  The present invention has the following effects.
  (A) According to the invention of claim 1, even when the communication state confirmation unit confirms that the communication state with the recording medium management apparatus is a communication impossible state (offline state),When it is determined that there is a settlement processing request operation by operating a key possessed by the attendant,The non-communication settlement process for paying out an amount of money corresponding to the value of the game value based on the recording information read from the game recording medium without requiring the settlement determination result is performed. Therefore, the player can receive payment even in such a communication disabled state (offline state), and troubles with the player can be avoided for the game hall.In addition, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized settlement from being performed by the settlement process when communication is not possible during the communication enabled state (online state).
[0133]
  (B) According to the invention of claim 2, theBy key operationIn addition to performing the settlement process requesting operation, the operator confirmation information is accepted, and by checking the received operator confirmation information to determine whether the operator is a legitimate operator, an unauthorized operator It becomes possible to prevent the settlement process when communication is impossible, and the security performance of the system can be improved.
[0135]
  (cClaim3According to the invention, the operator confirmation information is appropriately changed, and even when the operator confirmation information is stolen, the use of the operator confirmation information is effectively prevented and an unauthorized operation is performed. The risk of settlement can be greatly reduced.
[0136]
  (dClaim4According to the invention, since the player can perceive that the settlement process based on the judgment result of the settlement possibility judgment by the normal recording medium management device cannot be performed, it is possible to respond quickly by calling a store clerk or the like. It becomes prevention.
[0137]
  (eClaim5According to the invention, it is possible to avoid the settlement of the game recording medium registered in the black list in the communication impossible state (offline state).
[0138]
  (fClaim6According to this invention, it is possible to prevent the management data of the value of the checkout game value in the recording medium management apparatus from causing an error (missing) due to the occurrence of the communication disabled state (offline state).
[0139]
  (gClaim7According to the invention, the processing history during the communication disabled state (offline state) can be confirmed by the output from the output means.
[0141]
  (H) Claim8According to the invention, in addition to being able to set the feasible conditions for the settlement process when communication is not possible according to the operation mode of each game hall, by setting these setting conditions appropriately, When the implementation condition is deviated, the settlement process when the communication is impossible is not performed, so that even if fraud is made, the damage can be minimized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an amusement island used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a pachinko machine arranged side by side on an amusement island in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the pachinko machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
4A is a front view of a card unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a partially cutaway side view of the card unit.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card unit and a pachinko machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partially broken front view showing the IC card used in Example 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an output state of each signal output from the prize ball control board and the card unit of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the card issuing machine used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card issuing machine used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the card settlement apparatus used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card settlement apparatus used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a control unit of the card settlement apparatus used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management computer used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a registration status of a card management database recorded in the management computer used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of a normal checkout process in the card checkout apparatus used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of offline detection processing in the communication unit of the card settlement apparatus used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of interrupt processing in the card settlement apparatus used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of a settlement process when communication is not possible (offline settlement process) in the card settlement apparatus used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an offline execution condition setting screen in the management computer used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an off-line settlement history printed by the settlement apparatus used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of interrupt processing in the card settlement apparatus used in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a flow of a settlement process when communication is not possible (offline settlement process) in the card settlement apparatus used in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Amusement Island
2 Pachinko machines
3 Card unit
4 bill transport path
8 Communication cable
12 Card collection path
13 Card transport path
14 Operation unit
15 Return button
16 Lending button
17 Frequency display
18 Operation board
21 bill collection path
37 IC card (game recording medium)
50 management computer (recording medium management device; setting means; operator confirmation information generation means)
106 Communication interface
107 Display device
108 RAM
109 Storage device (management device side blacklist storage means)
110 Input device
112 Data bus
113 Central processing unit (CPU)
114 Real time clock (RTC)
203 Ball supply tray
205 Hitting control handle
207 Game area
209 Variable display
231 Game control board
235 Lamp control board
237 Prize ball control board
270 Voice control board
280 Display control board
291 Launch control board
297 Ball dispenser
301 Operation lamp
302 bill insertion slot
303 bill indicator
304 Total amount display
305 Card slot
306 Card indicator
307 Display driver
308 Insert button
310 IC card reader / writer
311 Banknote recognition unit
312 Communication unit
313 Microprocessing unit (MPU)
314 I / O port
315 Storage unit (value storage means)
316 ROM
317 Backup power supply
381 substrate
382 IC chip
383 pattern coil
384 Flexible printed circuit board
385 Top film
400 checkout device
401 Operation display section
402 Card insertion slot
403 Card indicator
407 Display unit (notification means)
409 Cancel button
410 Checkout button
411 coin outlet
412 coin indicator
413 bill outlet
414 Banknote indicator
415 IC card reader / writer (recording medium processing means)
418 Coin dispensing unit (payment means)
419 Banknote dispensing unit (payment means)
420 Display driver
421 storage unit (operator confirmation information storage unit, settlement device side blacklist storage unit, settlement game value storage unit, processing history storage unit)
422 communication unit (communication state confirmation means)
423 Microprocessing unit (MPU; payment means)
425 Control unit (settlement operation means)
426 operation unit (operator confirmation information receiving means)
427 Electronic key switch
428 Offline notification lamp
429 Main switch
430 Small printer (output means)
500 card issuing machine
501 Operation display section
502 Card issuing slot
503 Card indicator
504 bill insertion outlet
505 bill indicator
507 Amount display
508 Purchase amount selection button
509 Cancel button
515 IC card reader / writer
516 banknote recognition unit
518 Coin dispensing unit
520 Display driver
521 storage unit
522 Communication Department
523 Microprocessing Unit (MPU)

Claims (8)

The value of the game value of the game recording medium in which the information about the value of the game value that can be used for the game and the identification information unique to each recording medium is recorded, according to the payment of money. A recording medium management apparatus that manages the game recording medium in association with the identification information;
Based on the recording medium processing means that is communicable with the recording medium management device, receives the gaming recording medium, reads at least the recording information of the received gaming recording medium, and the recording information of the gaming recording medium A checkout device that performs a checkout process for paying out an amount of money corresponding to the magnitude of the game value, and the game value read from the game recording medium by the recording medium processing means. Based on the size information and the identification information, and the value of the game value managed by the recording medium management apparatus in association with the identification information, the recording medium for the game being received by the recording medium processing means In the gaming system that determines whether or not payment is possible, and performs the payment processing by the payment means when the determination result can be settled,
The settlement apparatus has a communication status confirmation means for confirming whether the communication status with the recording medium management apparatus is a communicable state or a communication impossible state, and a settlement processing request operation by operating a key possessed by a staff member And a means for determining whether or not
The settlement means is
When it is confirmed by the communication status confirmation means that communication is impossible, if it is determined that there is a settlement processing request operation by operating a key possessed by the attendant, it is read from the game recording medium. Perform settlement processing when communication is not possible to pay out money equivalent to the value of gaming value based on recorded information,
The game system , wherein when the communication state confirmation means confirms that the communication is possible, the settlement process when the communication is impossible is disabled . The settlement apparatus includes an operator confirmation information storage unit that stores operator confirmation information for determining whether an operator of the settlement operation unit is a regular operator, and the settlement operation unit includes the key The operator confirmation information is received from the operator in addition to the settlement processing request operation by the operation of the operator , and the settlement means is the operator confirmation information stored in the received operator confirmation information and the operator confirmation information storage means. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the settlement process is performed when the communication is impossible when the collation results match. Comprising a operator confirmation information generating means for generating the operator confirmation information, the operator confirmation information generated by該操author confirmation information generating unit according to claim 2, updated and stored in the operator confirmation information storage means Game system. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the settlement process based on the determination result of the settlement availability determination is impossible when the communication state confirmation unit confirms the communication impossible state. The gaming system described in 1. The recording medium management device includes a management device-side blacklist storage unit that stores blacklist information in which identification information of a game recording medium that cannot be settled is registered, and is stored in the management device-side blacklist storage unit The adjusted blacklist information is transmitted to the settlement apparatus, and the settlement apparatus includes a settlement apparatus-side blacklist storage means for storing the transmitted blacklist information, and is read from the game recording medium. matches with identification information registered as identification information in the blacklist, claim 1 is not carried out settlement processing and the time of communication impossible settlement processing by the settlement means when the collating matches The gaming system described in 1. The settlement apparatus includes a settlement game value storage means for storing a settlement game value that is a magnitude of the game value settled in the settlement process when communication is not possible. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the storage information stored in the value storage means is transmitted to the recording medium management device after the communication disabled state is restored to the communication enabled state. The settlement apparatus includes processing history storage means for storing a processing history of the settlement process when the communication is impossible.
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising output means for outputting a processing history stored in the processing history storage means. A setting unit configured to set a feasible condition for the settlement process when the communication is impossible; The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , which enables time settlement processing.

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