JP6082196B2 - Management device, management system, and management method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a management apparatus, a management system, and a management method for managing a game store.

  Conventionally, at game stores such as pachinko parlors, valuable values and game media are managed in association with cards, and it is possible to rent game media and pay out game media using such cards. In addition, the acquired game media can be stored in a game store as a stored game media, and can be used later for exchanging premiums or games.

  Here, the possessed game medium is data indicating the game medium acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and can be used again for the game only during that day (time before closing). is there. On the other hand, the game media acquired by the player in the game and the data indicating the number of the game media, which can be used again for the game or prize exchange after the next day (time after closing) are stored game media. Called. The game media can usually be used only by members.

  As a technique for managing a valuable value, a game medium, and a stored game medium, Patent Document 1 discloses a management device that communicates with an inter-card card processor installed in a gaming machine. In response to a request from the inter-card card processing machine 10, this management device makes it possible to use the valuable value, the game media and the game media managed by the device itself for the game.

JP 2001-218970 A

  However, in an actual game store, a system for managing valuable value and possessed game media and a system for managing stored game media are often configured as different systems. Specifically, it is common that the valuable value and the possession ball are associated with a card and managed by a card management system, and the game medium is associated with member information and managed by a member management system. Further, the card management system and the member management system may be supplied from different companies.

  When the card management system and the member management system are different systems, a security problem arises. To explain this point in detail, the communication destination of the inter-card card processor is generally centralized in the card management system. Therefore, when using the stored ball, the stored ball managed by the member management system via the card management system It is necessary to make data accessible, but since the card management system handles data that requires high security such as valuable value, the card management system must be able to access data managed by the card management system from the member management system. There is a possibility that data such as valuable value held by the company will be leaked or falsified, leading to a decrease in security.

  In addition, there is a problem that if the function is fixed like a card management system or a member management system, it is difficult to flexibly meet the needs of the amusement store. Specifically, the cost of the manufacturer increases because the card management system and the member management system are separately developed and manufactured, and it is difficult to change the configuration such as adding a function desired by the game store. .

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and is capable of improving the security of data management related to the management of a game store while suppressing costs, a management system, and a management An object is to provide providing a method.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a management apparatus for managing a game store, which includes a value management means for managing information related to value and a member management for managing information related to a member. And setting of operation for the value management unit and the member management unit are obtained from outside the game shop by communication , and setting of permission or prohibition of the operation is performed for the value management unit and the member management unit. It is characterized by comprising operation setting means and communication setting means for performing communication settings when communicating with other devices in accordance with the setting state of the operation by the operation setting means.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the valuable value management means manages information relating to the storage medium associated with the valuable value, and the communication setting means uses the operation setting means to control the valuable value management means. When the operation is permitted, a setting for rejecting a reference request for the value from another device having the value management means or the member management means is performed.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the member management means manages the number of game media that can be used across days as the number of stored game media in association with the member, and the communication setting means performs the operation When the setting means prohibits the operation of the valuable value management means and permits the operation of the member management means, the reference to the number of game media from other devices having the valuable value management means or the member management means It is characterized by setting to accept a request.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the valuable value management means manages the number of game media usable during the day as information on the storage medium as the number of game media, and the communication setting means When the operation of the valuable value management means is permitted by the setting means, a setting for rejecting a reference request for the number of game media from another device having the valuable value management means or the member management means is performed. And

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the operation setting means prohibits the operation of the value management means when detecting a communication connection with another device having the value management means installed in the amusement store. The operation of the member management means is prohibited when a communication connection with another device having the member management means installed in the amusement store is detected.

In the above invention, the present invention further includes a premium management means for managing information related to a premium, and the operation setting means further sets permission or prohibition of the operation for the premium management means.
Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the management device is provided corresponding to the gaming machine, and the mobile terminal identification information reading means for reading the mobile terminal identification information from the mobile terminal possessed by the member, the prepaid value and the portable game A general-purpose recording medium processing means for processing a general-purpose recording medium associated with the medium, and capable of communicating with an inter-device that performs processing related to a game medium used for a game in a gaming machine, wherein the member The management means has a function of managing a member's game media corresponding to the mobile terminal identification information.

Further, the present invention is a management system including a management device for managing a game store, wherein the value management means for managing information related to the valuable value , the member management means for managing information related to the member, and the value management Operation setting means for acquiring operation settings for the means and the member management means by communication from outside the amusement store, and setting permission or prohibition of operation for the valuable value management means and the member management means, and the operation Corresponding to the setting state of the operation by the setting means, communication setting means for performing communication settings when communicating with other devices is provided.
Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the management device is provided corresponding to the gaming machine, and the mobile terminal identification information reading means for reading the mobile terminal identification information from the mobile terminal possessed by the member, the prepaid value and the portable game A general-purpose recording medium processing means for processing a general-purpose recording medium associated with the medium, and capable of communicating with an inter-device that performs processing related to a game medium used for a game in a gaming machine, wherein the member The management means has a function of managing a member's game media corresponding to the mobile terminal identification information.

Further, the present invention is a management method of a management apparatus for a game store comprising a valuable value management unit that manages information related to valuable value and a member management unit that manages information related to members, wherein the valuable value management unit and An operation setting step for acquiring operation settings for the member management unit by communication from outside the amusement store, and setting operation permission or prohibition for the valuable value management unit and the member management unit; and the operation setting step And a communication setting step for performing communication settings when communicating with other devices in correspondence with the setting state of the operation.

According to the present invention, there is provided valuable value management means for managing information relating to valuable value and member management means for managing information relating to members, and setting of operations for the valuable value management means and member management means is performed outside the amusement store. acquired by communication from performs permission or prohibition setting of the operation for valuable resource managing means and the member management means, in response to the setting state of said operating and configured to perform communication setting for communicating with other devices Therefore, it is possible to improve the security of data management related to the management of the amusement store while suppressing the cost.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the store management apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the management center shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a function setting process performed by the function setting unit. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the store management apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining connection when the store management apparatus is used as a card management apparatus. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining connection when the store management apparatus is used as a member management apparatus. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of operation setting by the operation setting unit. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of access management by the communication processing unit.

  Exemplary embodiments of a management device, a management system, and a management method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, a store management apparatus that is a management apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the store management apparatus according to the embodiment. The store management device 40 shown in FIG. 1 is a device installed in a game store, and has a card management unit 46a and a member management unit 46b. The card management unit 46a is a processing unit having a card management function for managing cards associated with prepaid values and possessions, and the member management unit 46b is a processing unit having a member management function for managing data related to members. is there. The data relating to this member includes savings balls and the like. In this embodiment, assuming that a game ball such as a pachinko ball is used as a game medium, the game medium is called a ball and the game medium is called a stored ball.

  The card management unit 46a and the member management unit 46b included in the store management device 40 can be individually set to valid / invalid. When the card management unit 46a is set to be valid and the member management unit 46b is set to be invalid, the store management device 40 operates as a card management device. When the card management unit 46a is set to invalid and the member management unit 46b is set to valid, the store management device 40 operates as a member management device. When both the card management unit 46a and the member management unit 46b are set to be valid, the store management device 40 operates as an integrated management device having the functions of the card management device and the member management device.

  Validity / invalidity setting for the card management unit 46a and the member management unit 46b of the store management apparatus 40 is performed by the management center 50. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the management center 50 sets the card management function of the store management apparatus 40 installed in the game store A1 to be valid, and sets the member management function to be invalid. In addition, the management center 50 sets the card management function of the store management apparatus 40 installed in the amusement store A2 to be invalid and sets the member management function to be valid.

  The management center 50 transmits the setting data to the store management devices 40 installed in the game stores A1 and A2. The store management device 40 installed in the game stores A1 and A2 sets validity / invalidity of the card management unit 46a and the member management unit 46b based on the setting data received from the management center 50.

  Specifically, the store management apparatus 40 installed in the game store A1 sets the card management unit 46a to be valid and sets the member management unit 46b to be invalid. For this reason, the store management device 40 installed in the game store A1 operates as a card management device. The store management device 40 installed in the amusement store A1 is connected to the member management device 150. The store management device 40 installed in the amusement store A1 can refer to data such as stored balls managed by the member management device 150. On the other hand, reference to data managed by the store management device 40 by the member management device 150 is prohibited.

  Further, the store management device 40 installed in the amusement store A2 sets the card management unit 46a to be invalid and sets the member management unit 46b to be valid. For this reason, the store management apparatus 40 installed in the game store A2 operates as a member management apparatus. The store management device 40 installed in the amusement store A2 is connected to the card management device 140. The store management device 40 installed in the amusement store A2 manages data such as stored balls, and allows the card management device 140 to refer to such data. On the other hand, the store management device 40 installed in the game store A2 does not refer to data managed by the card management device 140.

  In this way, by sending setting data from the management center 50 to the store management apparatus 40 having the card management unit 46a and the member management unit 46b, the card management unit 46a and the member management unit 46b are set to be valid / invalid. The necessary functions among the functions of the store management device 40 can be selectively operated and used flexibly according to the configuration of the amusement store. For this reason, by providing the store management device 40 at a price corresponding to the function used by the amusement store, the introduction cost on the amusement store side can be reduced. Moreover, since the same apparatus can be manufactured as a manufacturer of the store management apparatus 40 and a function can be changed by setting, manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

  Further, when the store management device 40 is operated as a card management device, access from the other member management device 150 is restricted, and when the store management device 40 is operated as a member management device, another card is used. By making the management device 140 accessible, it is possible to improve the security of data management related to the management of the amusement store.

  Next, the internal configuration of the management center 50 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the management center 50 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the management center 50 is connected to the display unit 51 and the input unit 52 and includes an external network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56.

  The display unit 51 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 52 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The external network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the store management apparatus 40 installed in the game stores A1 and A2.

  The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores function setting data 55a and function total data 55b. The function setting data 55a is data for managing the setting of validity / invalidity of functions for the store management apparatus installed in each game store. The function total data 55b is data obtained by totaling the number of stores used for each function.

  The control unit 56 is a control unit that controls the entire management center 50, and includes a function setting unit 56a and a function totaling unit 56b. The function setting unit 56a is a processing unit that sets the validity / invalidity of each function for the store management device installed in each game store based on the input from the input unit 52. The function setting unit 56a stores the validity / invalidity of each function set for the store management apparatus installed in each game store in the storage unit 55 as function setting data 55a.

  Further, the function setting unit 56a receives the setting data from the store management device when the store management device has set the validity / invalidity of the function in its own device, and updates the function setting data 55a based on the received setting data. To do.

  The function totaling unit 56b is a processing unit that counts the number of stores used for each function based on the function setting data 55a and stores it in the storage unit 55 as the function totaling data 55b. With this function total data 55b, it is possible to grasp the needs of the game shop and evaluate what functions are required for the management apparatus of the game shop.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 55 illustrated in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit 55. The function setting data 55a shown in FIG. 3A sets the card management function to be valid, the member management function to be invalid, and the prize management function to be invalid for the store management apparatus 40 installed in the amusement shop A1. Set and enable the customer management function. Also, the function setting data 55a shown in FIG. 3 (a) sets the card management function invalid, the member management function valid, and the prize management function for the store management device 40 installed in the amusement store A2. Enabled and customer management function disabled. The prize management function is a function for managing the types and stocks of prizes provided by the amusement shop, and the customer management function is a function for analyzing the customer base of the amusement shop and game trends.

  In the function total data 55b shown in FIG. 3B, among the amusement stores that have introduced the store management device 40, 100 amusement stores that have the card management function enabled are set, and the member management function is enabled. It shows that there are 90 amusement stores, 50 amusement stores in which the prize management function is enabled, and 80 amusement stores in which the customer management function is enabled. Yes.

  Next, a function setting processing procedure by the function setting unit 56a will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a function setting processing procedure by the function setting unit 56a. As shown in FIG. 4, the function setting unit 56a first determines whether or not an input of function setting has been received from the input unit 52 (step S101).

  If function setting input is not received from the input unit 52 (step S101; No), the function setting unit 56a determines whether or not setting data has been received from the store management device 40 (step S102). If setting data has not been received from the store management device 40 (step S102; No), the function setting unit 56a determines whether or not the process has shifted to step S101 and a setting input has been accepted.

  When function setting input is received from the input unit 52 (step S101; Yes) or when setting data is received from the store management apparatus 40 (step S102; Yes), the function setting unit 56a stores the function setting data 55a. The setting data is updated (step S103), the setting data is transmitted to the store management apparatus 40 in which the function setting is updated (step S104), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the store management device 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the store management device 40 is connected to a display unit 41 and an input unit 42, and includes an external network communication unit 43, a store network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46.

  The display unit 41 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 42 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The external network communication unit 43 is an interface unit for transmitting / receiving setting data to / from the management center 50. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with other devices installed in the amusement store, and has interfaces L1 to L3.

  The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores card management data 45a, member management data 45b, premium management data 45c, customer management data 45d, and operation setting data 45e.

  The card management data 45a is data in which a prepaid value balance and the number of balls are associated with a card ID. The member management data 45b is data in which stored balls, points, the number of visits, a game history, a personal identification number, a name, and the like are associated with the card ID of the member card issued to the member.

  The prize management data 45c is data indicating the types and stocks of prizes provided by the amusement store. The customer management data 45d is data indicating the customer base of the game store and the game tendency. The operation setting data 45e is data indicating a setting state of validity / invalidity of each function of the store management device 40.

  The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the store management apparatus 40 as a whole, and includes a card management unit 46a, a member management unit 46b, a gift management unit 46c, a customer management unit 46d, an operation setting unit 46e, and a communication processing unit 46f. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, whereby the card management unit 46a, The member management unit 46b, the free gift management unit 46c, the customer management unit 46d, the operation setting unit 46e, and the communication processing unit 46f are caused to execute processes corresponding thereto.

  The card management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45a. The card management unit 46a communicates with the inter-card card processing machine 10, the prize management device 70, and the checkout machine 80, and updates the prepaid value and the number of possessed balls associated with the card ID.

  The member management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages the member management data 45b. The member management unit 46b communicates with the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the prize management device 70 to update the number of stored balls associated with the card ID.

  The prize management unit 46c is a processing unit that manages the types and stocks of prizes provided by the amusement store. The prize management unit 46c updates the prize management data 45c when the type or stock of the prize changes due to exchange or receipt of the prize. The customer management unit 46d is a processing unit that analyzes a customer base of a game store and a game tendency. The customer management unit 46d stores the analysis result in the storage unit 45 as customer management data 45d.

  The operation setting unit 46e is a processing unit that sets operation validity / invalidity for the card management unit 46a, the member management unit 46b, the prize management unit 46c, and the customer management unit 46d. The operation setting unit 46e stores the validity / invalidity of the card management unit 46a, the member management unit 46b, the gift management unit 46c, and the customer management unit 46d in the storage unit 45 as operation setting data 45e.

  When the setting data is received from the management center 50, the operation setting unit 46e sets validity / invalidity of each function according to the received setting data. Further, when the connection with the card management device 140 is detected, the card management unit 46a is set to be invalid, and when the connection with the member management device 150 is detected, the member management unit 46b is set to be invalid.

  The card management unit 46a, the member management unit 46b, the prize management unit 46c, and the customer management unit 46d operate on the condition that “valid” is set by the operation setting data 45e, and “invalid” by the operation setting data 45e. Does not work if set.

  The communication processing unit 46f is a processing unit that performs setting and communication processing related to communication with other devices based on the operation setting data 45e. Specifically, when the card management unit 46a is set to be valid, the communication processing unit 46f sets the access from other management devices so that the card management unit 46a is set to invalid. If so, the setting is made so that access from other management apparatuses is possible. If the card management function is enabled, the card issuance / sales data collected from the inter-card processing machine etc. is sent to the card third party management device outside the store, and the member management function If it is valid, the data related to the stored ball is transmitted to a stored ball third party management device outside the store (not shown).

  For this reason, when the card management unit 46a is set to be valid, other management devices such as the card management device 140 and the member management device 150 cannot refer to the card management data 45a. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent information such as prepaid value and possession balls from being referred to and leaked by other management devices, and to ensure high security.

  When the card management unit 46a is set to be invalid and the member management unit 46b is set to be valid, the other management devices such as the card management device 140 and the member management device 150 have the member management data 45b. Can be referred to. Therefore, information such as storage balls can be provided to the inter-card processing machine 10 and the prize management device 70 via another management device.

  Next, connection of the store management device 40 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining connection when the store management device 40 is used as a card management device. The store management device 40 is used by connecting the spare store management device 40b to the main store management device 40a that performs the operation effectively set by the operation setting unit 46e. The main store management device 40a and the spare store management device 40b have the configuration shown in FIG. 5, and data managed by the main store management device 40a is always backed up in the spare store management device 40b. Therefore, when a problem occurs in the main store management device 40a, the spare store management device 40b can take over the operation at an arbitrary timing. When the handover is performed, the spare store management device 40b until then operates as the main store management device.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which the main store management device 40a enables the card management function and is connected to the member management device 150. When the card management function of the main store management device 40a is enabled, the ticket issuing / sales data of the cards and the like collected by the main store management device 40a from the inter-card processing machine etc. is not shown in the figure outside the store card third party It is controlled to be transmitted to the management apparatus. Further, when the card management function of the main store management device 40a is enabled, the interface L3 of the main store management device 40a is used for connection with the member management device 150. The interface L3 has a router function, and controls access from the member management apparatus 150.

  The interface L2 of the main store management device 40a is connected to the interface L2 of the spare store management device 40b. The connection between the interfaces L2 of the main store management device 40a and the spare store management device 40b becomes a replication line for backing up data held by the store management device 40. Data backup using the replication line is one-way communication from the main store management device 40a to the spare store management device 40b.

  The interface L1 of the main store management device 40a and the interface L1 of the spare store management device 40b are connected to the communication line 90. The interface L1 between the main store management device 40a and the spare store management device 40b is used for checking the survival (operation) of the devices via the communication line 90. When it is determined that the store management device 40 is not operating normally in communication through the interface L1, the spare store management device 40b activates the same function as that of the previous main store management device 40a and independently. Operate. When the previous main store management device 40a is restored or when another store management device is connected for backup, the backup store management device (the restored main store management device 40a or a new store management device). ) To send backup data.

  Further, the island controller 30, the inter-card card processing machine 10, and the payment machine 80 are connected to the communication line 90.

  The inter-card card processing machine 10 is provided corresponding to each of a plurality of gaming machines 20 installed in a gaming store. Communication from the inter-card processing machine 10 is transmitted in a telegram to the main store management device 40a based on the local IP address. Direct messages from the inter-card card processor 10 to the member management apparatus 150 are not defined, and direct communication is not performed. For this reason, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 communicates with the member management apparatus 150, the store management apparatus 40 is used.

  The gaming machine 20 is a device that plays a game by driving game balls into the game board surface. In the gaming machine 20, a plurality of winning areas (winning openings) are provided on the gaming board surface, and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as prize balls based on the passing of the gaming balls through the winning area. It is like that. In addition, a predetermined number of start areas (start ports) are provided in the game area, and a predetermined lottery is performed based on a game ball passing through the start area. If the lottery is a big win, an operation that is advantageous in terms of game is performed, for example, by increasing the probability of passing the game ball to the winning area or other starting area by operating a predetermined movable member or the like. There may be an area that doubles as a starting area and a winning area.

  The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passing of a game ball to the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passing (winning) of the game ball that has been driven into the winning area. ing. In addition, the control device of the gaming machine has a prize ball memory that stores how many game balls are awarded as prize balls for each winning area.

  Therefore, when the winning game ball is detected to pass through a specific winning area, the winning sensor determines the number of winning balls to be awarded from the stored contents of the winning ball memory and the number of gaming balls that have passed the winning area. The determined number of prizes will be paid out.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 performs management of prepaid value, rental of game balls, and communication with the card management device 140. The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the prepaid value for the banknote in the main store management device 40a if the banknote inserted by the player is received, and if a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, The main store management device 40a subtracts the number of prepaid values, and pays out the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

  Further, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the card, the pre-paid value, the number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls associated with the card are acquired from the main store management device 40a and stored. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the holding ball replay operation, the predetermined number is subtracted from the number of balls managed by the own device, and the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of balls is paid out. In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the replay operation of the stored ball with the membership card inserted, the predetermined number of stored balls managed by the main store management device 40a and the own device is subtracted, and the number of stored balls is subtracted. Pay out the corresponding number of game balls. In the following description, when processing related to the stored ball is performed, the card inserted into the inter-card processing machine 10 is a membership card.

  When the inter-card processing machine 10 receives the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the number of possessed balls managed by the own apparatus together with the card ID to the main store management apparatus 40a, and performs a process of discharging the card.

  The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-card card processing machines 10 provided on the gaming island.

  When the card associated with the prepaid value is inserted, the checkout machine 80 transmits the card ID of this card to the main store management device 40a, acquires the prepaid value associated with the card, and acquires the prepaid value acquired. Cash out equivalent to.

  The main store management device 40a is set to enable the card management function and manages the card. Specifically, when the main store management device 40a receives a card insertion notification including a card ID from the inter-card card processor 10, the main store management device 40a obtains the prepaid value associated with the card ID and the number of possessions. Notification is made, and the number of possessions associated with the card ID is cleared to zero. With this process, the inter-card card processing machine 10 manages the number of held balls after the card is inserted.

  When the main store management device 40a receives a ball lending request including a card ID from the inter-card processing machine 10, the main store management device 40a subtracts the prepaid value associated with the card ID and is the source of the ball lending request. The ball lending permission is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10.

  In addition, when the main store management device 40a receives a card discharge notification including the card ID and the number of balls from the inter-card processing machine 10, the main ball management device 40a that has received the number of balls associated with the card ID. Update the card management data by rewriting the number.

  Moreover, if the main store management apparatus 40a receives card ID from the payment machine 80, it will notify the payment machine 80 of the prepaid value matched with this card ID.

  The member management device 150 is a device that manages information related to members registered as members in the amusement store using member management data. The member management data is data in which a name, the number of stored balls, points, the number of visits, a game history, a personal identification number, and the like are associated with the card ID of the member card issued to the member.

  When the main store management device 40a receives a card insertion notification including the card ID of the member card from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the member management device 150 stores the number of balls stored at each rate associated with the card ID. The inter-card card processor 10 is notified via the store management device 40a. In addition, when the member management apparatus 150 receives a reclaimed ball replay request from the inter-card processing machine 10 via the main store management apparatus 40a, the member management apparatus 150 subtracts the number of reserved balls and transmits a replay permission.

  A ball lending process in the case of lending a ball with the system shown in FIG. 6 will be described. When the player performs a ball lending operation with respect to the inter-card card processing machine 10, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local IP address of the main store management device 40a as the destination. This message includes a card ID of a card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10, an IP address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is a transmission source, and a prepaid value subtraction request. Including.

  When the main store management device 40a receives a message including a request for subtraction of a prepaid value, the main store management device 40a subtracts a prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message (for example, 500 degrees when 1 yen = 1 degree). The card management data is updated, and the inter-card card processor 10 as the transmission source is notified that the update has been performed. Upon receiving the notification, the inter-card card processing machine 10 pays out the number of game balls (for example, 125 balls) corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

  Next, the holding ball replay process in the case of performing the replaying of the holding ball in the system shown in FIG. 6 will be described. When the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of the general card or the membership card, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local IP address of the main store management device 40a as the destination. This electronic message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-card card processor 10, an IP address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-card card processor 10 that is the transmission source, and a card insertion notification.

  When the main store management device 40a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-card card processor 10, the main store management device 40a notifies the inter-card card processor 10 of the number of balls associated with the card ID in the message, The number of balls managed by the device is updated to “0”.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the number of balls received from the main store management device 40a. Then, when a holding ball replay operation is accepted, a predetermined number is subtracted from the stored number of holding balls, and a corresponding number of game balls are paid out.

  When the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits a message including a card discharge notice to the main store management device 40a. This telegram includes the card ID of the card to be ejected, the IP address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, the number of balls, and the card ejection notification.

  When the main store management device 40a receives a card discharge notification, the main store management device 40a updates the number of possessed balls associated with the card ID in the message to the received balance value.

  Next, a stored ball replay process when replaying the stored ball with the system shown in FIG. 6 will be described. The inter-card processing machine 10 manages the main store when the storage ball replay operation is accepted for the first time after insertion of the card, or when the identification information corresponding to the card ID is read from a portable terminal that can be used as a membership card. A message specifying the local IP address of the device 40a as a destination is transmitted. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal; hereinafter referred to as the card ID), and the inter-card process that is the transmission source. It includes an IP address that identifies the machine 10 or arbitrary identification information, and a storage ball replay request. In addition, when requesting the input of a password at the time of replaying the stored ball, the input of the password is requested before the transmission of the message, and the input password is included in the message.

  When the main store management device 40a receives a telegram requesting a stored ball replay, the main store management device 40a transfers the telegram to the member management device 150. The member management device 150 subtracts a predetermined value from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID in the electronic statement, and grants a replay allowance including the number of stored balls after subtraction via the main store management device 40a. Send to.

  When the inter-card processing machine 10 receives the storage ball replay permission, it throws out the game balls one by one until the number of stored balls managed by the device reaches the number of stored balls after subtraction included in the storage ball replay permission. The number of stored balls managed by the device is updated.

  Next, the transition from the holding ball to the storage ball in the closing process will be described. The main store management device 40a confirms the number of possessed balls in the card management data during the closing process, and for the card ID whose associated number of retained balls is larger than “0”, the member managing device 150 By sending to, the number of balls is added by the number of balls, and the number of balls is cleared to zero.

  Next, connection when the store management device 40 is used as a member management device will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining connection when the store management device 40 is used as a member management device. Also in this case, backup is performed by connecting the spare store management device 40b to the main store management device 40a.

  When the main store management device 40a enables the member management function and connects to the card management device 140, the interface L1 of the main store management device 40a is connected to the communication line 91, and the interface L3 is not used. The interface L3 at this time is set to disable (disable) by the communication processing unit 46f. Note that the IP address may not be set. When the member management function of the main store management device 40a is enabled, control is performed so that data related to the stored balls held by the main store management device 40a is transmitted to a third-party storage device management device outside the store (not shown). Is done.

  The communication line 91 is connected to the prize management device 70 and the hub 140b. The hub 140b is connected to the router 140a, the card management device 140 and the island controller 30 are connected to the router 140a, and the inter-card card processor 10 is connected to the island controller 30. In this configuration, access control is performed so that communication from the inter-card card processor 10 is transmitted to the card management device 140 by the hub 140b and the router 140a.

  In addition, access from the main store management device 40a to the card management device 140 is restricted by the router 140a. Note that the card management device 140 may include the router 140a.

  Even if a message is transmitted from the inter-card card processing machine 10 to the main store management apparatus 40a, if the card management function of the main store management apparatus 40a is invalid, the communication processing unit 46f In response to an error message, an error is displayed and an alert is displayed to prevent unauthorized use. It may be configured to respond to a message without replying an error, but it is desirable to display at least an alert or a predetermined notification.

  Communication from a terminal such as the prize management device 70 is transmitted toward the local IP address of the main store management device 40a. In addition, although illustration was abbreviate | omitted here, the counter etc. which count game balls may be connected to the communication line 91, and it is good also as communication with the main store management apparatus 40a.

  Also in this configuration, the interface L2 of the main store management device 40a is connected to the interface L2 of the spare store management device 40b and is used for data backup of the main store management device 40a. Further, the connection via the communication line 91 between the interfaces L1 of the main store management device 40a and the spare store management device 40b is used to check the survival (operation) of the devices. When the spare store management device 40b determines that the store management device 40 is not operating normally in communication through the interface L1, the spare store management device 40b activates the same function as that of the previous main store management device 40a by itself. Operate. When the previous main store management device 40a is restored or when another store management device is connected for backup, the backup store management device (the restored main store management device 40a or a new store management device). ) To send backup data.

  The main store management apparatus 40a in which the member management function is enabled manages information related to members registered as members in the amusement store using member management data. The member management data is data in which a name, the number of stored balls, points, the number of visits, a game history, a personal identification number, and the like are associated with the card ID of the member card issued to the member.

  When the card management device 140 receives a card insertion notification including the card ID of the membership card from the inter-card card processor 10, the main store management device 40a indicates the number of stored balls associated with the card ID. The inter-card card processor 10 is notified via Further, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 makes a stored ball replay request, the main store management device 40a subtracts the number of stored balls and transmits a replay permission. When the main store management device 40a receives the card ID from the prize management device 70, the main store management device 40a notifies the prize management device 70 of the number of stored balls associated with the card ID.

  The prize management device 70 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes provided at a prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for stored balls and holding balls. The premium management device 70 is connected to a reader / writer that reads a card ID from a card and a premium dispensing device that dispenses premiums. When the reader / writer accepts the card, the gift management device 70 transmits the card ID of the card read by the reader / writer to the card management device 140 and the main store management device 40a, and is associated with the card ID. Get the number of balls and the number of balls.

  Next, a stored ball replay process when the stored ball is replayed with the system shown in FIG. 7 will be described. When the inter-card processing unit 10 receives a replay operation for the first time after inserting the card, or when reading the identification information corresponding to the card ID from a portable terminal that can be used as a membership card, the card management device A message specifying 140 local IP addresses as a destination is transmitted. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal; hereinafter referred to as the card ID), and the inter-card process that is the transmission source. It includes an IP address that identifies the machine 10 or arbitrary identification information, and a storage ball replay request. In addition, when requesting the input of a password at the time of replaying the stored ball, the input of the password is requested before the transmission of the message, and the input password is included in the message.

  When the card management device 140 receives a telegram requesting a stored ball replay request, the card management device 140 transfers the telegram to the main store management device 40a. The main store management device 40a subtracts a predetermined value from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID in the message, and transmits a stored ball replay permission together with the number of stored balls to the inter-card card processing machine 10. The transmission of the storage ball replay permission is performed via the card management device 40.

  When the inter-card processing machine 10 receives the storage ball replay permission, the inter-card processing machine 10 sequentially throws out the game balls until the number of stored balls managed by the device reaches the number of stored balls after subtraction received together with the storage ball replay permission. The number of stored balls managed by the device is updated.

  Next, the transition from the holding ball to the storage ball in the closing process will be described. The card management device 140 confirms the number of balls in the card management data during the closing process, and for the card ID whose associated number of balls is larger than “0”, the card management device 40a determines the card ID and the number of balls in the main store management device 40a. To clear the number of balls to zero. The main store management device 40a adds the number of stored balls corresponding to the received card ID for the received holding ball.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 45 illustrated in FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit 45. The card management data 45a shown in FIG. 8A shows a state in which the prepaid value “2500” and the holding ball “3000” are associated with the card ID “1001”.

  Further, the member management data 45b shown in FIG. 8B includes a name “BC”, a storage ball “2500”, an address “D prefecture E city...” And a contact “090” for the card ID “2001”. “-XXXX-XXXX” and the like are associated with each other. Although illustration is omitted, the member management data 45b can associate points, store visits, game histories, passwords, etc. with card IDs.

  Further, the free gift management data 45c shown in FIG. 8C shows a state in which the free gift code “0001” is associated with the free gift name “big free gift”, the stock quantity “1000”, and the like. Further, the customer management data 45d shown in FIG. 8D shows a state where a male of the age group “˜30” tends to select a game machine of the model “F1”.

  Further, in the operation setting data 45e shown in FIG. 8E, the card management function by the card management unit 46a is set to “valid”, the member management function by the member management unit 46b is set to “invalid”, and the prize management unit The premium management function by 46c is set to “invalid”, and the customer management function by the customer management unit 46d is set to “valid”.

  Next, a setting processing procedure by the operation setting unit 46e will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of operation setting by the operation setting unit 46e. As shown in FIG. 9, the operation setting unit 46e first determines whether or not the automatic setting of the operation based on the identification of the connected device is valid (step S201). If the automatic setting is valid (step S201; Yes), the operation setting unit 46e determines whether the store management apparatus 40 is connected to another management apparatus having a card management function such as the card management apparatus 140 in the amusement store. Is determined (step S204). The determination of “whether it is connected to another management device having a card management function” and “whether it is connected to another management device having a member management function” described later is as follows, for example: Do. First, it is determined whether or not a predetermined interface (connection port) is used, and if it is used, a certain request signal is transmitted through the interface. In response to this request signal, if another device has a card management function or a member management function, a response signal in a certain format is transmitted, and the content of this response signal is constant. If it matches the format, it is determined that another device having a card management function or a member management function is connected.

  If the store management device 40 is connected to another management device having a card management function (step S204; Yes), the operation setting unit 46e sets the card management function by the card management unit 46a to “invalid” ( Step S207).

  If the store management device 40 is not connected to another management device having a card management function (step S204; No), the store management device 40 has another member management function such as a member management device 150 in the game store. It is determined whether it is connected to (step S205).

  If the store management device 40 is connected to another management device having a member management function (step S205; Yes), the operation setting unit 46e sets the card management function by the member management unit 46b to “invalid” ( Step S206).

  After setting the member management function or the card management function to be invalid (step S206 or S207), the operation setting unit 46e transmits the setting content to the management center 50 (step S208) and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the automatic setting is invalid (step S201; No), the operation setting unit 46e determines whether or not setting data has been received from the management center 50 (step S202). If setting data has not been received (step S202; No), the operation setting unit 46e proceeds to step S202 and waits for reception of setting data from the management center 50.

  If setting data is received from the management center 50 (step S202; Yes), the operation setting unit 46e sets validity / invalidity of each function according to the received setting data, and updates the operation setting data (step S203). The process is terminated.

  Next, an access management processing procedure by the communication processing unit 46f will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of access management by the communication processing unit 46f. As shown in FIG. 10, the communication processing unit 46f determines whether access has been received from another management device in the game store (step S301), and if access has not been received from another management device in the game store ( Step S301; No), the process ends.

  When the communication processing unit 46f receives access from another management device in the amusement store (step S301; Yes), the communication processing unit 46f refers to the operation setting data 45e and determines whether or not the card management function by the card management unit 46a is valid. Is determined (step S302).

  If the card management function is valid (step S302; Yes), since the card is managed by the own device, access from another management device is denied (step S303), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the card management function is invalid (step S302; No), the communication processing unit 46f permits access from another management device (step S304) and ends the process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the store management apparatus 40 installed in the game store and managing the game store has a card management unit 46a for managing information about cards, and a member management unit for managing information about members. 46b, the operation setting unit 46e sets whether to permit or prohibit the operation of the card management unit 46a and the member management unit 46b, and the communication processing unit 46f is connected to other devices based on the setting state by the operation setting unit 46e. Therefore, it is possible to improve the security of data management related to the management of the amusement store while suppressing the cost.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a game store in which a gaming machine using a game ball as a game medium is installed is described as an example. However, the game medium is not limited to a game ball, such as a medal. The present invention can also be applied when using any of the above game media.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which a setting function for automatically setting the function of the own device by determining connection with another device is shown. However, this automatic setting function is not installed, and an instruction from the center side is provided. The function setting may be performed only by using the above. Further, even when the automatic setting is enabled, the setting data from the management center 50 may be accepted. In this case, the contents to be set by the automatic setting, If the setting data does not match, it is preferable to output a warning to that effect.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the interface L3 is used when the store management device 40 is connected to the member management device 150 and the interface L1 is used when connected to the card management device 140 has been described. In this way, the present invention is not limited to managing communication by using different interfaces, and the communication may be managed by access control by software while using the same interface.

  In the above-described embodiments, detailed description of the form of the card, which is a medium for associating the number of game media, is omitted, but such a card includes a magnetic card, an IC card, and the like. Further, although the “card” has been described as an example here for convenience of explanation, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a chip, a stick, a portable terminal, or the like is used in addition to the card. In particular, when a portable terminal with an IC chip is used as a medium, the portable terminal can be uniquely identified using identification information that can be obtained in a non-contact manner from the IC chip of the portable terminal. You can manage the number.

  Each configuration illustrated in the present embodiment is functionally schematic and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally / physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

  As described above, the management device, management system, and management method according to the present invention are useful for data management related to management of an amusement store.

10 inter-card processing machine 20 gaming machine 30 island controller 40 store management device 40a main store management device 40b spare store management device 41, 51 display unit 42, 52 input unit 43, 54 external network communication unit 44 store network communication unit 45, 55 storage unit 45a card management data 45b member management data 45c free gift management data 45d customer management data 45e operation setting data 46, 56 control unit 46a card management unit 46b member management unit 46c free gift management unit 46d customer management unit 46e operation setting unit 46f communication Processing Unit 50 Management Center 55a Function Setting Data 55b Function Total Data 56a Function Setting Unit 56b Function Total Unit 70 Premium Management Device 80 Settlement Machine 90, 91 Communication Line 140 Card Management Device 140a Router 140b Hub 150 Member Management Device A1, A2 game arcade L1~L3 interface

Claims (10)

A management device for managing an amusement store,
Valuable value management means for managing information related to valuable value;
Member management means for managing information about members,
Operation setting means for acquiring operation settings for the valuable value management means and the member management means by communication from outside the amusement store, and setting operation permission or prohibition for the valuable value management means and the member management means. When,
A management apparatus comprising: a communication setting unit configured to perform communication setting when communicating with another device in response to a setting state of an operation by the operation setting unit. The valuable value management means manages information related to the storage medium associated with the valuable value,
The communication setting unit rejects a reference request for the value from another device having the value management unit or the member management unit when the operation of the value management unit is permitted by the operation setting unit. 2. The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein setting is performed. The member management means manages the number of game media that can be used across days as the number of game media stored in association with the member,
The communication setting means, when the operation of the valuable value management means is prohibited by the operation setting means and the operation of the member management means is permitted, from the valuable value management means or another device having the member management means The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a setting for accepting a reference request for the number of game media is performed. The valuable value management means manages the number of game media usable during the day as information on the storage medium as the number of game media,
The communication setting means, when the operation of the value management means is permitted by the operation setting means, makes a reference request for the number of game media from another device having the value management means or member management means. 4. The management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a setting for refusal is performed.   The operation setting means prohibits the operation of the valuable value management means when detecting a communication connection with another device having the valuable value management means installed in the amusement store, and a member installed in the amusement store. The management device according to claim 1, wherein when the communication connection with another device having the management unit is detected, the operation of the member management unit is prohibited. A premium management means for managing information related to the premium is further provided.
It said operation setting means, the management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein further to perform the permission or prohibition setting of the operation for the prize management unit.   The management device
  General-purpose processing that is provided in correspondence with the gaming machine and that reads the mobile-terminal identification information from the mobile terminal held by the member, and the general-purpose recording medium in which the prepaid value and the mobile game medium are associated with each other. Having a recording medium processing means, and capable of communicating with an inter-device that performs processing relating to a game medium used for gaming in a gaming machine,
  The member management means has a function of managing a member's stored game media corresponding to the mobile terminal identification information
  The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management apparatus is a management apparatus. A management system including a management device for managing an amusement store,
Valuable value management means for managing information related to valuable value;
Member management means for managing information about members,
Operation setting means for acquiring operation settings for the valuable value management means and the member management means by communication from outside the amusement store, and setting operation permission or prohibition for the valuable value management means and the member management means. When,
A management system comprising: communication setting means for performing communication settings when communicating with another device in response to a setting state of an operation by the operation setting means.   The management device
  General-purpose processing that is provided in correspondence with the gaming machine and that reads the mobile-terminal identification information from the mobile terminal held by the member, and the general-purpose recording medium in which the prepaid value and the mobile game medium are associated with each other. Having a recording medium processing means, and capable of communicating with an inter-device that performs processing relating to a game medium used for gaming in a gaming machine,
  The member management means has a function of managing a member's stored game media corresponding to the mobile terminal identification information
  The management system according to claim 8. A management method for a management apparatus of an amusement store comprising a valuable value management unit that manages information related to valuable value and a member management unit that manages information related to members,
An operation setting step of acquiring operation settings for the valuable value management unit and the member management unit by communication from outside the amusement store, and setting operation permission or prohibition for the valuable value management unit and the member management unit When,
A management method comprising: a communication setting step for performing communication setting when communicating with another device in response to the setting state of the operation in the operation setting step.

Images