JP6261024B2 - Game management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game management system for managing a game for game arcade in which a plurality of game machine is installed.

  Conventionally, a game store such as a pachinko store manages various information related to the player in association with identification information for identifying the player and provides various services to the player. For example, Patent Document 1 provides a storage service that manages the number of game media in association with a member ID of a player registered as a member of a game store, and can use the number of game media for game and prize exchange from the next day. A storage management device is disclosed.

  The player can make a transition from holding balls to storing balls by registering the number of holding balls, which is the number of game media acquired in the game, in the above-described storage ball management device. Mochitama can be used for games and prize exchange only within a predetermined time limit (for example, until the closing time of the day), but it can be used beyond a predetermined time limit by shifting to a storage ball. When the game medium is a medal, the same service is performed as a medal and a stored medal.

JP 2011-217846 A

  However, in the conventional technology, when the above-described saving service is performed, it is assumed that the same service is uniformly provided in the store, and there is a problem that flexible operation cannot be performed. .

  This point will be specifically described. In order to obtain game media for use in gaming, ball lending (medal lending) using the prepaid value added by depositing, and holding balls repaid for the game (held medals) earned by the game of the day are repaid. It is necessary to perform either a play or a replay of a stored ball (a stored medal) to be paid out again for a game.

  If all the gaming machines in the game store support all of the ball lending, the holding ball replay, and the storage ball replay, the differentiation of the game is performed only by the type of the gaming machine and its game setting. For this reason, for example, the handling cannot be changed between when a member player plays a game using a stored ball and when a general player who is not a member plays a game by lending a ball.

  For these reasons, it has become an important issue how to realize a technology that allows flexible operation by varying restrictions on the method of paying out game media in the same game store.

The present invention includes aims was made to solve the above problems of the prior art, which realizes various settings in gaming store, to provide a game management system capable of performing flexible operation To do.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a game management system for managing a game in a game hall in which a plurality of gaming machines are installed, and a plurality of gaming machines each provided with a plurality of gaming machines . Each table device is provided with a limit setting means for setting a predetermined limit for each table device in the group, and each table device includes a recording medium receiving unit for receiving a recording medium, and A value use processing means for providing a game medium to a game on a gaming machine using the value associated with the received recording medium, and a game associated with the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means. A game medium use processing means for using the game medium deposited by the customer to use the game medium for a game on a gaming machine, wherein the limit setting means uses the valuable value by the valuable value use processing means. And the use of the stored game medium is permitted while the use of the valuable value by the valuable value use processing means is permitted, while the use of the stored game medium is prohibited. The second setting is possible.

Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein each device is associated with a recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means and uses an acquired game medium acquired by a player in a game on a gaming machine. And further comprising an acquired game medium use processing means for providing the game medium to a game on the gaming machine, wherein the acquired game medium use processing means uses the acquired game medium to provide the game medium for a game on the game machine. A function for providing a predetermined number of game media to the game by instructing the game machine to pay out, and for a game medium less than the predetermined number to be provided to the game by paying out to the game machine by the payout mechanism of its own device It is provided with.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, each of the platform devices further comprises a portable terminal communication means for communicating with a portable terminal possessed by a player .

  According to the present invention, for the gaming machine or each device installed in the gaming machine, the restriction on the reception of the gaming medium used for the game is set, and the use of the gaming medium is within the set restriction. Since it is configured to perform processing, various settings can be realized in the amusement store, and flexible operation can be performed.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of game management according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the determination of the payout setting. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit of the inter-card card processor. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the card management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit of the card management apparatus. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the member management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit of the member management apparatus. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a restriction setting process performed by the card management apparatus. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a restriction setting process performed by the inter-card card processor. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the card management apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the card management apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments of the gaming management system according to the present invention in detail.

  In this specification, “mochitama” refers to data indicating the number of game media acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and may be used again for the game only during that day (time before closing). Say what you can do. The stored ball is data indicating the game media acquired by the player in the game or the number of the game media, and can be used again for the game after the next day (time after closing). Mochitama can be used by both general and member players, and is used when a gaming machine is moved. The stored ball is normally only available to member players, and is used when the acquired game medium is used for games from the next day. A predetermined fee may be imposed on the use of the stored ball.

  In this specification, a case where money and a card are used as game media for paying out game media will be described. When money is used as a game medium, the prepaid value corresponding to the deposited money is managed in association with the card, and the prepaid value is subtracted to pay out the game medium. When a card is used as a game medium, the game medium is paid out by subtracting a prepaid value, a ball or a stored ball associated with the card in advance.

  First, the concept of game management according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of game management according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of game islands are provided in the game store, and a plurality of game machines 20 are installed in each game island. Each gaming machine 20 is also provided with an inter-card processing machine 10.

  Each inter-card card processor 10 is connected to the card management device 40. The card management device 40 performs restriction setting on the payout of game balls to the inter-card card processing machine 10. In FIG. 1, the card management device 40 does not perform restriction settings for paying out game balls for the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed on the game island P1. For this reason, the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed on the game island P1 can use all of deposit, ball lending, holding ball replay, and storage ball replay. That is, the game island P1 becomes a normal game island.

  Further, the card management device 40 prohibits payment to the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed on the game island P2. For this reason, in the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed on the game island P2, ball lending, holding ball replay, and storage ball replay can be used. That is, the game island P2 is a game island dedicated to card use.

  Moreover, the card management apparatus 40 permits only replaying to the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed on the game island P3. For this reason, in the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed on the game island P3, it is not possible to use the deposit and the ball lending, and it is possible to use the holding ball replay or the storage ball replay. That is, the game island P3 becomes a game island dedicated to replay.

  Moreover, the card management apparatus 40 permits only the re-playing of stored balls to the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed on the game island P4. For this reason, in the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed on the game island P4, the deposit, the ball lending, and the holding ball replay cannot be used, and the stored ball replay can be used. In other words, the game island P4 is a game island dedicated to the replay of savings by members.

  In this way, by performing settings that limit the payout method of game balls that can be used in the inter-card card processing machine 10, flexible operation in the game store can be realized. For example, in order to play on the game island P4, it is necessary to become a member and deposit the savings in advance, so if you install a model that is popular on the game island P4, you can give preferential treatment to members and members Motivate registration.

  In addition, since no payment is accepted on the game islands P2 to P4, if you want to play on the game islands P2 to P4, you must first play on the game island P1 and have a card associated with prepaid value, money, or money. Will be obtained. For this reason, strategy can be given to selection of a gaming machine.

  Furthermore, since no payment is accepted on the game islands P2 to P4, there is no need to stop the operation due to an abnormality in the conveyance of money and the like, and a reduction in operating rate can be prevented.

  Next, the system configuration of the amusement store will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-card card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming store. The inter-card processing machine 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via the island controller 30. The island controller 30, the card management device 40, the member management device 50, the free gift management device 60, and the checkout machine 80 are connected to the communication line.

  The gaming machine 20 is a device that plays a game by driving game balls into the game board surface. The gaming board surface of the gaming machine 20 is provided with a plurality of winning areas (winning openings), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are given as prize balls based on the passing of the gaming balls through the winning area. It has become. 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 game balls of the determined number of prizes are paid out.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 accepts payment, rents out game balls, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts a bill inserted by the player, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits a payment notification including the deposit amount to the card management device 40, thereby converting the prepaid value into a prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Let them add. If a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value Pay out the balls.

  Further, if the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the card insertion, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits a card insertion notification to the card management device 40. Further, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 receives the prepaid value, the balance or the balance of the stored ball from the card management device 40, the balance is stored. And when the balance of a possession ball is received and memorize | stored, the balance of the possession ball which the card management apparatus 40 manages is cleared to zero by transmitting a possession ball subtraction request | requirement with respect to the card management apparatus 40.

  Further, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the possession ball replay operation, the predetermined number of possession balls managed by the own device is subtracted, and the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of possession balls is paid out. In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the stored ball replay operation, it transmits a stored ball replay request to the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50, The number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls is paid out.

  When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits a possession ball addition request including the number of possessed balls managed by the own device to the card management device 40 and causes the card management device 40 to add the possession balls. After that, a card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is controlled to be discharged.

  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. The card management device 40 is a management device that manages the prepaid value of a card, the number of balls, etc. as card data.

  When the card management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management device 40 manages the card ID of the inserted card and the inter-card card processor 10 in association with each other, and is associated with the card ID. The prepaid value and the remaining balance are transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10. Further, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of the member card, the card insertion notification is transmitted to the member management device 50, and the replay data received from the member management device 50 is used as the interbank card. It transmits to the processor 10.

  In addition, when the card management device 40 receives a possession ball subtraction request from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the possession account to zero and receives an inter-card addition request from the inter-card card processing machine 10. If so, the number of balls indicated in the request for adding balls is added to the ball account.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives a ball lending request from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a corresponding prepaid value by a predetermined value, and transmits the ball lending permission to the inter-card card processing machine 10. Then, when the storage ball replay request is received, the storage ball replay request is transmitted to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 outputs the storage ball replay data, Transmit to the card processor 10.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card ID from the premium management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the premium management device 60 of the number of possessed balls associated with the card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the settlement machine 80, the prepaid value associated with the card ID is notified to the settlement machine 80.

  The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered as members in the amusement store. Specifically, the number of stored balls, points, password, name, etc. are managed in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

  When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 stores the stored ball replay data including the balance of the stored account corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification and the personal identification number. To the inter-card processing machine 10. In addition, when the member management device 50 receives the stored ball replay request from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number of balances of the stored account associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request. The stored ball replay data including the balance of the later stored ball account is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10. Note that communication between the inter-card card processor 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40.

  In addition, when the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the gift management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the gift management device 60 of the balance of the stored account corresponding to the designated card ID.

  The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes attached to a prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for earned balls, storage balls, and holding balls. The premium management device 60 is connected to a reader / writer that reads the card ID of the card and a premium dispensing device that dispenses premiums. When the reader / writer accepts the card, the gift management device 60 transmits the card ID of the card read by the reader / writer to the card management device 40, and requests the number of balls held by the card. In addition, when exchanging prizes for the stored balls, the member management device 50 is requested for the number of stored balls.

  When the card associated with the prepaid value is inserted, the checkout machine 80 transmits the card ID of this card to the card management device 40, acquires the prepaid value associated with the card, and adds the prepaid value to the acquired prepaid value. Withdraw cash equivalents.

  The ball lending process when performing the ball lending with the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-card card processing machine 10, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination. This electronic message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, and a ball rental request.

  When the card management device 40 receives a message including a ball lending request, the card management device 40 subtracts a prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message by a predetermined value (for example, 100 yen = 5 times when the frequency is 1). The data is updated, and the ball lending permission is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. Upon receiving the ball lending permission, 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, a description will be given of the ball replay process in the case where the ball replay is performed in the system shown in FIG. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of the general card or the membership card, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, and the rate of the inter-card card processing machine 10 Information for identifying the card and a card insertion notification.

  When the card management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management apparatus 40 notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the balance of the money account at each rate associated with the card ID in the message. To do.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the balance of the coins received from the card management device 40. And the message containing the information which specifies card ID and a rate, and a possession subtraction request | requirement is transmitted to the card management apparatus 40. FIG. When the card management device 40 receives the money subtraction request, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the money account at each rate specified by the card ID to zero. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the possession ball replay operation, the predetermined number is subtracted from the stored balance of possession balls, and the 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 telegram including a request for adding coins to the card management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card to be ejected, the address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-card card processor 10 that is the transmission source, the information for identifying the rate of the inter-card card processor 10, It includes the balance of the ball of the rate and the request for adding the ball.

  When the card management device 40 accepts a request to add money, it updates the balance of the money account at each rate associated with the card ID in the message to the value of the received balance.

  Thereafter, the inter-card card processor 10 transmits a card discharge notification to the card management device 40 and controls the card discharge.

  Next, a stored ball replay process when the replay of the stored ball is performed with the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The inter-card processing machine 10 designates the local address of the card management device 40 as a destination when a membership card is inserted or when identification information corresponding to a card ID is read from a portable terminal that can be used as a membership card. Send a message. 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. An address for identifying the machine 10 or arbitrary identification information, information for identifying the rate of the inter-card card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

  The card management device 40 transmits a card insertion notification message to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification message, the member management device 50 stores the personal identification number associated with the card ID in the message and the balance of the savings account at the rate specified by the message out of the savings account. Are transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the received pool replay data, and the balance of the pool account indicated in the pool replay data is the number of game balls paid out in the pool replay (the number of pool replay units. For example, 125 Ball)), it is possible to accept a replay operation of the stored ball. In addition, although the case where the stored ball replay operation can be accepted when the balance of the stored ball account is equal to or greater than the number of payout units has been described here, the number of times the stored ball replay can be performed is indicated in the stored ball replay data. Then, the stored ball replay operation may be accepted when the number of times the stored ball replay is possible is 1 or more.

  When the storage card replay data is stored for the first time after the storage ball replay data is stored, the inter-card processing machine 10 requests the player to input a password, and the input password is the stored ball replay data. Confirm that it matches the PIN number shown in.

  The inter-card card processor 10 transmits a message specifying the local address of the card management device 40 as the destination when the passwords match. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the address or arbitrary identification information for identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, and the rate of the inter-card card processing machine 10 And information for identifying the storage ball replay request.

  The card management device 40 transmits a telegram of a storage ball replay request to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the message of the savings replay request, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of the savings account at the rate specified by the message among the savings accounts associated with the card ID in the message. Then, the stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the balance of the stored ball account, and pays out game balls by the number of stored ball replay units. Also, it is determined whether the balance of the updated storage account is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the balance is less than the number of stored ball replay units, the stored ball replay operation is not accepted. If the updated balance of the savings account is equal to or greater than the number of savings replay units, a savings replay operation can be accepted again, and if a savings replay operation is accepted, a savings replay request is transmitted. In the second and subsequent replay operations of the stored ball, it is not necessary to confirm the password. In addition, you may set so that confirmation of a PIN code may be performed every time.

  Next, the transition from the holding ball to the storage ball in the closing process will be described. The card management device 40 checks the balance of the holding account in the card management data during the closing process, and if there is a holding account whose holding balance is greater than “0”, the card management device 40 uses the balance of the holding account as a card. The member management apparatus 50 is notified together with the ID and rate. The member management device 50 adds and updates the notified holding account balance to the balance of the savings account specified by the card ID and the rate. Thereafter, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the possession account to zero.

  Next, the external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows an external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 connected to the gaming machine 20. Moreover, the gaming machine 20 provided side by side is illustrated with a broken line. Moreover, in FIG. 3, although the inter-card processing machine 10 which receives only a banknote was illustrated, the unit for coin reception can also be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a status display unit 11 that displays the status of the apparatus of the inter-card card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a predetermined color lamp, and various types of gaming balls. And a bill insertion slot 12a for receiving bills. In addition, the inter-card card processing machine 10 throws a game ball into the gaming machine, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, a card insertion slot 14a for receiving a card, a holding part 14b for holding a portable terminal or the like. It has a nozzle unit 18a and a counting unit 18b for counting game balls dropped from the lower pan of the gaming machine.

  Next, the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a holding unit 14 b, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, and a control unit 17. And a nozzle unit 18a and a counting unit 18b.

  The banknote conveyance part 12 is a conveyance part conveyed to the banknote storage part which is not shown in figure, discriminating the money type and authenticity of the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion port 12a. The display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various types of information such as valuable value and accepts various operations such as a ball lending operation.

  The reader / writer 14 is a reading unit that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage section (not shown) through the reader / writer 14. The holding unit 14b is an interface that reads various information such as a card ID by short-range wireless communication when a portable terminal or the like is held over.

  The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and a communication line. The nozzle unit 18a is used for part or all of the payout when the game balls are paid out by lending or replaying balls. The counting unit 18b is a unit that counts game balls.

  The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk device, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The storage unit 16 stores a card ID 16a, valuable value data 16b, device ID 16c, game setting data 16d, and restriction data 16e.

  The card ID 16 a is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. If the deposit is performed in a state where no card is inserted, the card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the reader / writer 14, and the card ID 16a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card ID 16a is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport.

  The valuable value data 16b is data indicating a valuable value that can be used to receive a payout of game balls. This valuable value includes the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for lending the ball, the balance of the holding account, the password for replaying the stored ball, and the balance of the stored ball account.

  The device ID 16c is identification information for uniquely identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 within the game store. The game setting data 16d is data indicating a game type or the like set in the inter-card card processing machine 10. When handling multiple rate game balls in a game store, “ball 1” for 4 yen game balls, “ball 2” for 2 yen game balls, “ball 3” for 1 yen rate game balls As shown, the game type name is set and managed for each rate. Accordingly, the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed in the 4-yen section stores “ball 1” as the game setting data 16d, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 installed in the 1-yen section is used as the game setting data 16d. "Ball 3" will be memorized.

  Furthermore, the game setting data 16d has a money error setting and a payout setting. The money error setting is a setting as to whether or not to invalidate money-related errors such as money transport errors and identification machine errors. In the payout setting, which payout mechanism of the inter-card card processing machine 10 or the gaming machine 20 is used when paying out the game balls by ball lending using the prepaid value, holding ball replay or saving ball replay It is a setting.

  The restriction data 16e is data in which either permission or prohibition is set for deposit, ball lending using a prepaid value, holding ball replay, and storage ball replay.

  The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the inter-card card processing machine 10 as a whole, and includes a data management unit 17a, a counting processing unit 17b, a restriction processing unit 17c, a money abnormality detecting unit 17d, and an abnormality invalidating unit 17e.

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID 16a and the device ID 16c to the card management device 40. In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a valuable value (at least one of prepaid value, holding ball, and storage ball) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the valuable value data 16b with the received valuable value. The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the retained ball value, and the stored ball value indicated in the valuable value data 16b.

  Further, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball lending request including the card ID 16a and the device ID 16c to the card management device 40 when a ball lending operation is performed by the player. If a ball lending permission is received as a response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a pays out a predetermined number of game balls. The payout of game balls by ball lending is performed using either or both of the nozzle unit 18a of the own device and the payout function of the gaming machine 20 in accordance with the payout setting indicated in the game setting data 16d.

  The data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number of the balance of the possession account indicated in the valuable value data 16b when the player performs a possession replay operation, and pays the corresponding number of game balls. put out.

  The game balls are paid out by the replay of the holding ball according to the payout setting shown in the game setting data 16d, using either or both of the nozzle unit 18a of the own device and the payout function of the gaming machine 20.

  In addition, when the balance of the savings account indicated in the value data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of savings replay units, the data management unit 17a displays a savings replay button on the display operation unit 13 to perform a savings replay operation. Can be accepted. The data management unit 17a transmits a stored ball replay request including the card ID 16a and the device ID 16c to the card management device 40 when the player performs a stored ball replay operation. When the stored ball replay data is received as a response to the stored ball replay request, the balance of the stored ball account is updated, and game balls corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units are paid out. In addition, at the time of the first storage replay operation, a password is requested to be input, and a condition for transmitting a storage ball replay request is to match the password indicated in the valuable value data 16b. Further, the display unit operation unit 13 displays which values can be used for the player by displaying the types of values that can be used, such as “prepaid value”, “mochidama”, “stored ball”, etc. according to the restriction data 16e. It has a function to notify. In addition, when the stored ball cannot be used due to the inability to communicate with the host device, the notification is performed by deleting the display of the stored ball or displaying it in reverse.

  The game balls are paid out by replaying the stored balls according to the payout setting shown in the game setting data 16d using either or both of the nozzle unit 18a of the own device and the payout function of the gaming machine 20.

  In addition, when a card return operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball addition request including the card ID 16a, the device ID 16c, and the number of balls to the card management device 40, so that the own device After clearing the balance of the account to 0, a card discharge notification is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

  Moreover, if a banknote is inserted in the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management part 17a will transmit the payment notification containing the money amount of inserted banknote, card ID16a, and apparatus ID to the card management apparatus 40. FIG.

  The counting processing unit 17b performs processing for causing the counting unit 18b to count the gaming balls when the gaming balls are inserted into the counting unit 18b, and adding the counting result to the number of possessed balls in the valuable value data 16b.

  The restriction processing unit 17c is a processing unit that sets the restriction data 16e based on an instruction from the card management device 40 and restricts the processing by the data management part 17a according to the set restriction data 16e.

  The restriction processing unit 17c prohibits the receipt of payment by the data management unit 17a when the restriction data 16e is set to "prohibited", and accepts the payment when "permitted" is set. To give permission.

  The restriction processing unit 17c prohibits the ball lending by the data management unit 17a when prepaid use of the restriction data 16e is set, and uses the prepaid value when “permitted” is set. Permits ball lending.

  The restriction processing unit 17c prohibits the ball replay by the data management unit 17a when “prohibited” is set for the ball replay of the restriction data 16e, and when “permitted” is set. Allow replay of Mochitama.

  The restriction processing unit 17c prohibits the replay of the stored ball by the data management unit 17a when the prohibition is set in the replay of the restriction data 16e, and the replay of the stored ball when the “permitted” is set. Allow play. If all of deposit, prepaid use, holding ball replay and storage ball replay are “prohibited”, the game balls will not be paid out and the game will not be possible. “Replay” is “permitted”.

  In addition, the restriction processing unit 17c sets “invalid” to the money error of the game setting data 16d and sets “permitted” to the payment of the restriction data 16e when “inhibition” is set in the payment of the restriction data 16e. If set, “valid” is set in the currency error of the game setting data 16d.

  Furthermore, the restriction processing unit 17c performs a process of determining the payout setting of the game setting data 16d according to the connection state with the gaming machine 20 and the setting contents of the restriction data 16e. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the determination of the payout setting.

  FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the payout setting. As shown in FIG. 5A, the inter-card card processing machine 10 can be set by selecting one of the payout settings P1 to P4. If the payout setting P1 is selected, the total number is paid out from the inter-card card processing machine 10 in the replay, and the whole number is paid out to the gaming machine 20 in the lending. If the payout setting P2 is selected, in replay, the game machine 20 pays out in units of 25 balls, and the inter-card card processor 10 pays out the fraction. In lending, all the machines are paid out to the gaming machine 20.

  If the payout setting P3 is selected, in the replay, the game machine 20 pays out in units of 25 balls, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 pays out the fraction. Also in lending, the game machine 20 pays out in units of 25 balls, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 pays out the fraction. If the payout setting P4 is selected, all of the payouts are paid out from the inter-card card processing machine 10 in the replay, and all the payouts are paid out to the inter-card card processing machine 10 in the lending.

  FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing conditions for determining the payout setting. As shown in FIG. 5B, if the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 are not connected, the gaming machine 20 cannot be paid out, so that prepaid use or replaying is possible. Regardless of the setting, the payout setting P4 is selected.

  If the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 are connected and prepaid use is permitted, the payout setting P1 is selected as the default setting. This does not prevent changing to another payout setting by the operation of the game store clerk, and means that the payout setting P1 is selected with priority. Priority is given to the payout setting P1 to distinguish whether a payout is made by a ball loan or a payout is made by a replay when both the prepaid use and the replay are used. Because you can. That is, if the payout setting P1 is selected, it can be distinguished that the game balls paid out from the own device are for replay and the game balls paid out from the gaming machine 20 are ball lending. .

  If the inter-card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 are connected and prepaid use is prohibited, the payout setting P2 is selected as the default setting. This does not prevent changing to another payout setting by the operation of the game store clerk, and means that the payout setting P2 is selected with priority. The reason why the payout setting P2 is given priority is that the replacement interval of the gaming machine 20 is generally shorter than the replacement interval of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and is considered to be replaced before the payout mechanism of the gaming machine 20 is worn out. This is because the payout mechanism of the gaming machine 20 is utilized.

  In addition, although the case where the same-ball replay and the stored-ball replay are handled in the same manner has been described here, when prepaid use is prohibited, all of the remaining balls replay are paid out from the inter-card processing machine 10 In the storage ball replay, a payout setting in which handling is different for the holding ball replay and the storage ball replay may be used, such as letting the gaming machine 20 pay out all of them.

  The money abnormality detection unit 17d illustrated in FIG. 4 is a processing unit that performs abnormality notification and operation stop when it detects a conveyance abnormality that has occurred in the banknote conveyance unit 12 or an error when identifying money. Moreover, when it is the structure which the banknote conveyance part 12 discharges | emits a banknote to the back side of an apparatus, and throws it out to the collection | recovery mechanism which collects a banknote per island, it detects also about abnormality of this collection | recovery mechanism.

  When the money error in the game setting data 16d is “invalid”, the abnormality invalidating unit 17e invalidates the operation of the money abnormality detecting unit 17d. For this reason, the money abnormality detection unit 17d operates only when the money error is “valid”.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The card ID 16a shown in FIG. 6A indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-card card processor 10 is “2002”. Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, the card with the first digit “1” being a general card, and the card with the first digit “2” being a membership card.

  The valuable value data 16b shown in FIG. 6B shows a state where the prepaid value is “20 degrees”. Here, the frequency of the prepaid value is equivalent to 100 yen per frequency. Further, the valuable value data 16b indicates that the balance of the holding account of the ball 1 is “1200 balls”, the balance of the holding account of the ball 2 is “0 balls”, and the balance of the holding account of the ball 3 is “500 balls”. It shows a certain state. Further, the valuable value data 16b has a password for replaying the storage ball of “7777”, the balance of the storage account of the ball 1 is “1000 balls”, the balance of the storage account of the ball 2 is “0 ball”, and the ball 3 This shows a state where the balance of the storage account of “0” is “0 ball”.

  The device ID 16c shown in FIG. 6C indicates a state in which the ID of the inter-card card processor 10 is “5006”. Also, the game setting data 16d shown in FIG. 6D shows a state in which “ball 1” is set as the game type of the inter-card processing machine 10. Further, the game setting data 16d shows a state where the money error is set to “invalid” and the payout setting is set to “P1”.

  In the restriction data 16e shown in FIG. 6E, the deposit is set to “prohibited”, the prepaid use is set to “prohibited”, the holding ball replay is set to “permitted”, and the stored ball replay is “permitted”. The state set in is shown. Note that the inter-card card processor 10 has a function of determining whether or not communication with a higher-level device (the card management device 40 or the member management device 50) is possible, and communication with the higher-level device is not possible. If possible, the operation shifts to a degenerate operation that accepts only a low-priced banknote (for example, 1000 yen). At the time of transition to the degenerate operation, if the replay of the stored ball is set to “permitted” and the other prepaid use and the replay of the holding ball are set to “prohibited”, the medium used for the game cannot be used ( Since the stored ball data cannot be used when communication with the host device is not possible, an error display or error down control is performed to alert the store clerk. In addition, the settings “prohibited” and “permitted” to be applied when the operation is shifted to the reduced operation may be specified in advance, and this setting may be automatically applied when the operation is shifted to the reduced operation. For example, the inter-card card processing machine 10 that has been set to accept only the replay of the stored ball may be automatically changed to “permitted” for prepaid by shifting to the degenerate operation.

  Next, the internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the card 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 data communication via a network outside the game store. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the inter-card card processor 10, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the like via a communication line. In addition, when the display unit 41 cannot communicate with the inter-card card processing machine 10 in which the restriction setting of “permitted” is performed only for the replay of the stored ball, the inter-card card processing machine cannot be operated. Therefore, a warning is displayed to prompt the store clerk to deal with it.

  The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores card management data 45a, restriction type data 45b, and restriction setting data 45c.

  The card management data 45a associates a prepaid value balance, a balance account balance at each rate, and a usage ID indicating the ID of the inter-card processing machine in which the card is inserted, with the card ID. Data.

  The restriction type data 45b is data in which the restriction type set for the inter-card card processor 10 is associated with the content of restriction when the type is selected. The restriction setting data 45c is data in which the set restriction type is associated with the device ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and includes a card management unit 46a, a restriction setting unit 46b, and a notification unit 46c. 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 process corresponding to each of the restriction setting unit 46b and the notification unit 46c is executed.

  The card management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45a. Specifically, when the card management unit 46a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-card processing unit 10, the card ID used in the card insertion notification is also indicated in the card insertion notification. Let it be a device ID. In addition, the prepaid value associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification and the balance of the coin account at each rate are notified to the inter-card card processing machine 10 as valuable values. If the inserted card is a member card, a card insertion notice is transferred to the member management apparatus 50. When the card management unit 46a receives a possession ball subtraction request from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46a clears the balance of the possession account indicated in the possession ball subtraction request to zero and updates the card management data 45a.

  Moreover, when the card management part 46a receives the ball lending request | requirement containing card ID from the inter-card card processing machine 10, it determines whether the prepaid value linked | related with this card ID is more than predetermined value. If the prepaid value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the card management unit 46a updates the card management data 45a by subtracting the prepaid value by a predetermined value, and the inter-card processing machine 10 receives the ball loan including the updated prepaid value. Send permission. On the other hand, when the prepaid value is less than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46a notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 that ball lending is not possible.

  Further, when the card management unit 46a receives a payment notification including the amount, the card ID 16a and the device ID 16c from the inter-card processing machine 10, the prepaid value associated with the card ID is set to the amount indicated in the payment notification. The card management data 45a is updated by adding the corresponding frequency.

  Further, when the card management unit 46 a receives a stored ball replay request from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management unit 46 a transfers the stored ball replay request to the member management device 50. The card management unit 46a also performs transfer control for the response from the member management device 50 to the stored ball replay request.

  Further, when the card management unit 46a receives the possession ball addition request, the card management unit 46a updates the card management data 45a by adding the received number of possession balls to the balance of the possession account indicated in the possession ball addition request. . In addition, when the card management unit 46a receives a card ejection notification, the card management unit 46a deletes the value for the usage destination of the card ID and updates the card management data 45a.

  In addition, when the card management unit 46a receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management unit 46a notifies the prize management device 60 of the balance of the money account of each rate associated with the card ID.

  The restriction setting unit 46b is a processing unit that sets a restriction on each inter-card card processing machine 10 in the amusement store. The setting of the restriction may be performed individually for the inter-card card processing machine 10 or may be performed collectively for a plurality of inter-card card processing machines 10 such as an island unit or a gaming machine model unit. . Alternatively, a group may be set for the inter-card card processor 10 and the restriction setting may be collectively performed for a plurality of inter-card card processors 10 belonging to the same group.

  The restriction setting unit 46 b registers the set restriction in the restriction setting data 45 c in association with the device ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10, and transmits the setting contents to the inter-card card processing machine 10. The processor 10 is set to be restricted.

  The notification unit 46c is a processing unit that performs notification to a server outside the store using the external network communication unit 43 when there is an inter-card card processing machine 10 in which payment or prepaid use is set to “prohibited”.

  In the inter-card card processing machine 10 in which the deposit or prepaid use is set to “prohibited”, no ball lending is performed, so that even if it is used for a game, no sales are generated. Since it is a suspicious state that sales are not generated if normal settings are made, it is recognized as an abnormal situation from a server outside the store. Therefore, by notifying the presence of the inter-card card processing machine 10 in which payment or prepaid use is set to “prohibited”, it is recognized that the inter-card card processing machine 10 is in an abnormal situation even if no sales are generated. To prevent this.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40.

  In the card management data 45a shown in FIG. 8A, the prepaid value “30 degrees” for the card ID “1001”, the balance “2500” for the ball 1 and the balance “900” for the ball 2 ”And the balance“ 0 ”of the holding account of the ball 3 are associated with each other. Further, the usage ID is not associated. That is, the card with the card ID “1001” is not inserted into the inter-card processing machine 10, and the management of the possession balls is performed by the card management device 40.

  Further, in the card management data 45a shown in FIG. 8A, the card ID “2002” includes the prepaid value “20 degrees”, the balance “0” of the money account for each rate, and the usage ID “5006”. Associated. That is, the card with the card ID “2002” is inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 with the device ID “5006”, and the management of the holding balls has been transferred to the inter-card card processing machine 10. For this reason, the balance of the money account at each rate is zero.

  The restriction type data 45b shown in FIG. 8B associates the deposit “permission” with the type “no restriction”, associates the prepaid use “permission”, associates the holding ball replay “permission”, and stores the replay “ It shows a state in which “permitted” is associated.

  Further, the restriction type data 45b shown in FIG. 8B associates the payment “prohibited” with the type “card-only”, associates the prepaid use “permitted”, associates the holding ball replay “permitted”, A state in which play “permission” is associated is shown.

  Further, the restriction type data 45b shown in FIG. 8B associates the payment “prohibited” with the type “replay exclusive”, associates the prepaid use “prohibited”, associates the holding ball replay “permitted”, A state in which replay “permitted” is associated is shown.

  Further, the restriction type data 45b shown in FIG. 8 (b) associates the payment “prohibited” with the type “dedicated for replaying the stored ball”, associates the prepaid use “prohibited”, and associates the “restricted” replay “prohibited”. A state in which the storage ball replay “permission” is associated is shown.

  Further, the restriction type data 45b shown in FIG. 8 (b) associates the payment “arbitrary” with the type “individual”, associates the prepaid use “arbitrary”, associates the holding ball replay “arbitrary”, and stores the replay A state in which “arbitrary” is associated is shown. When this type “individual” is selected, an input of “permitted” or “prohibited” is accepted from the input unit 42 for deposit, prepaid use, holding ball replay, and stored ball replay.

  In the restriction setting data 45c shown in FIG. 8C, the type “no restriction” is set for the inter-card processor 10 having the device ID “5001”. For this reason, the inter-card processing machine 10 with the device ID “5001” sets the deposit “permission”, sets the prepaid use “permission”, sets the holding ball replay “permission”, and stores the replay “reception” "Is set.

  Further, in the restriction setting data 45c shown in FIG. 8C, the type “replay only” is set for the inter-card card processor 10 having the device ID “5006”. For this reason, the inter-card processing machine 10 with the device ID “5006” sets the deposit “prohibited”, sets the prepaid use “prohibited”, sets the holding ball replay “permitted”, and sets the replay “accepted” "Is set.

  Further, in the restriction setting data 45c shown in FIG. 8C, the type “individual” is set for the inter-card card processor 10 having the device ID “5020”. In the case of the type “individual”, permission or prohibition is specified for payment, prepaid use, holding ball replay, and stored ball replay. FIG. 8C shows a state in which the deposit “prohibited” is set, the prepaid use “permitted” is set, the holding ball replay “permitted” is set, and the stored ball replay “prohibited” is designated.

  In addition, you may link the restriction | limiting with respect to money_receiving | payment, use of a prepaid, holding ball replay, and storage ball replay, and the restriction | limiting with respect to another function. For example, for the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is “inhibited”, the unlocking instruction to the banknote storage unit by a remote controller or the like may be prohibited during business hours.

  Moreover, it is good also as setting possible only with respect to the inter-card processing machine 10 which has the nozzle unit 18a. This is because in the inter-card card processing machine 10 that does not have the nozzle unit 18a, it is not possible to pay out less than the number of payout units (for example, 25 balls) from the gaming machine 20.

  Further, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 having the nozzle unit 18a and the inter-card card processing machine 10 not having the nozzle unit 18a are mixed in the game store, the inter-card card processing machine 10 having the nozzle unit 18a. When returning the card, the ball may be registered so as to be a multiple of the number of payout units from the gaming machine 20, and the fraction may be paid out with the game medium.

  Next, the internal configuration of the member management apparatus 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the member management apparatus 50 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the member management apparatus 50 is connected to a display unit 51 and an input unit 52. The display unit 51 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like, and the input unit 52 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

  The member management apparatus 50 includes a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the prize management device 60, the card management device 40, and the like via a communication line in the amusement store.

  The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores member management data 55a and a prize master 55b. The member management data 55a is data in which a name, a storage ball, a mobile ID m, an address, a telephone number, and the like are associated with the card ID of the member card issued to the member. The prize master 55b is data used when exchanging game balls for prizes.

  The control unit 56 is a control unit that controls the entire member management apparatus 50, and includes a member management unit 56a and a premium master management unit 56b. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or a non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, whereby the member management unit 56a and The corresponding process is executed by the free gift master management unit 56b.

  The member management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55a. The member management unit 56a communicates with the card management device 40 and the gift management device 60 to update the balance of the savings account associated with the card ID. In addition, when the member management unit 56a receives a member registration request, the member management unit 56a performs an update for adding a member to the member management data 55a.

  Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 55 of the member management apparatus 50 will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data stored in the storage unit 55 of the member management apparatus 50. The member management data 55a shown in FIG. 10 (a) includes a card ID “2002”, a name “BC”, a balance “1000” for the ball 1 and a balance “0” for the ball 2 The balance “0” of the storage account of the ball 3, the password “7777”, and the like are associated with each other. Although illustration is omitted, the member management data 55a can be associated with mobile IDm, address, contact information, store visit point, and the like. The mobile ID m is identification data that can specify a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, and is used when the mobile terminal is used as a membership card.

  The prize master 55b shown in FIG. 10B is data in which a prize name, a group code, a prize value, and the number of exchange balls are associated with a prize code that uniquely identifies a prize. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing prizes. The group code “01” indicates a special prize that can be transferred with a predetermined value through a certain procedure. The group code “02” and later are general prizes including daily necessities other than special prizes.

  The prize master 55b has the prize code “0001”, the prize name “large prize”, the group code “01”, the prize value “1000”, the exchange number of balls 1 “400”, and the exchange number of balls 2 “625”. ”And the number of exchange balls“ 2000 ”of the balls 3 are associated with each other.

  In addition, the prize master 55b has the prize name “small prize”, the group code “01”, the prize value “100”, the exchange number of balls 1 “40”, the exchange number of balls 2 with respect to the prize code “0002”. “62.5” and the number of exchange balls “200” of the ball 3 are associated with each other.

  In addition, the prize master 55b, for the prize code “0100”, the prize name “M Seven”, the group code “02”, the prize value “400”, the number of exchanged balls “100”, the number of exchanged balls 2 “200” and the number of exchange balls “400” of the balls 3 are associated with each other.

  In addition, the prize master 55b, for the prize code “0101,” the prize name “rack”, the group code “02”, the prize value “420”, the exchanged number of balls 1 “105”, and the exchanged number of balls 2 “ 210 ”and the number of exchange balls“ 420 ”of the ball 3 are associated with each other.

  In addition, the prize master 55b, for the prize code “0600”, gives the prize name “Tamatama Kaoru”, the group code “04”, the prize value “12”, the number of exchanged balls “3”, and the exchanged balls 2 The number “6” and the number of exchange balls “12” of the ball 3 are associated with each other.

  Next, a restriction setting process performed by the card management apparatus 40 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a restriction setting process performed by the card management apparatus 40. As shown in FIG. 11, the limit setting unit 46b of the card management device 40 determines whether or not the input unit 42 has received a limit setting operation (step S101). If the limit setting operation has not been received (step S101; No), the process is terminated as it is.

  If the input unit 42 receives the limit setting operation (step S101; Yes), the limit setting unit 46b updates the limit setting data 45c based on the content received from the input unit 42 (step S102), and the limit setting is performed. The restriction setting data 45c is distributed to the updated inter-card card processor 10 (step S103).

  The notification unit 46c determines whether or not there is a change in the restriction on deposit or prepaid use in the update of the restriction setting data 45c by the restriction setting unit 46b (step S104). Exit.

  If there is a change in the restrictions on deposit or prepaid use (step S104; Yes), the notification unit 46c notifies the server of the change outside the store using the external network communication unit 43 (step S105). The process ends.

  Next, a processing procedure for restriction setting by the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a restriction setting process performed by the inter-card card processor 10. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the restriction processing unit 17c determines whether or not the restriction setting distributed from the card management device 40 has been received (step S201). If the restriction setting has not been received (step S201; No) ) And the process is terminated.

  If the restriction setting distributed from the card management device 40 is received (step S201; Yes), the restriction processing unit 17c updates the restriction data 16e with the received restriction setting (step S202).

  In the updated limit data 16e, if the deposit is set to “prohibited” (step S203; Yes), the limit processing unit 17c sets “invalid” to the money error in the game setting data 16d (step S204). ).

  On the other hand, if the deposit is set to “permitted” in the updated limit data 16e (step S203; No), the limit processing unit 17c sets “valid” to the money error in the game setting data 16d ( Step S205).

  After step S204 or step S205, the restriction processing unit 17c determines whether or not the inter-card card processing machine 10 is connected to the gaming machine 20 (step S206).

  If the inter-card processing machine 10 is connected to the gaming machine 20 (step S206; Yes), the restriction processing unit 17c selects the payout setting according to the prepaid use and replay settings of the restriction data 16e. The game setting data 16d is updated (step S207), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the inter-card processing machine 10 is not connected to the gaming machine 20 (step S206; No), the restriction processing unit 17c selects the payout setting P4 and updates the gaming setting data 16d (step S208). The process is terminated.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, a restriction on the method of providing game balls is set for the inter-card card processing machine 10 provided in the gaming machine 20, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 follows the restrictions. Therefore, flexible operation at the amusement store can be realized.

  For this reason, preferential treatment for members, such as providing a game corner dedicated to Mochitama replay, can be easily performed. Further, in the inter-card card processing machine 10 that prohibits payment, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the operating rate by invalidating the error detection related to the conveyance of money.

  Further, the inter-card processing machine 10 that permits only the replaying of the holding ball and the replaying of the storage ball is configured not to pay out the game balls from the own device at the time of executing the replay, but to pay out from the gaming machine 20. Thus, it is possible to prevent the wear of the payout mechanism from being biased toward the inter-card card processing machine 10 side. Generally, the replacement interval of the gaming machine 20 is shorter than the replacement interval of the inter-card card processing machine 10, and the replacement is performed before the payout mechanism of the gaming machine 20 is worn out. Therefore, by preferentially using the payout mechanism of the gaming machine 20, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wear in the payout mechanism of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and thereby make it possible to use the inter-card card processing machine 10 for a long period of time. it can.

  In addition, by notifying the server outside the store of the presence of the inter-card card processing machine 10 for which payment or prepaid use is set to “prohibited”, even if no sales have occurred in the inter-card card processing machine 10, It can be prevented from being recognized as a situation.

  In the first embodiment, the inter-card card processing machine 10 has been described based on an instruction from the card management device 40, and the depositing, prepaid value use, holding ball replay, and storage ball replay are limited. May be performed by a card management device. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the card management device performs restriction will be described.

  The inter-card card processing machine according to the second embodiment does not have the limit processing unit 17c and the abnormality invalidating unit 17e in the control unit, and the inter-card card process shown in the first example is that the limit data 16e is not stored in the storage unit. Different from machine 10. That is, the inter-card card processing machine in the second embodiment is a normal inter-card card processing machine that does not have a function related to restriction, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the card management apparatus 140 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 46 of the card management device 140 further includes a restriction processing unit 141 in addition to the card management unit 46a, the restriction setting unit 46b, and the notification unit 46c. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the card management device 40 shown in the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The restriction processing unit 141 performs a process of restricting the operation by the card management unit 46a based on the restriction content indicated in the restriction setting data 45c. This process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the card management apparatus 140 according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the restriction processing unit 141 determines whether a card insertion notification is received from the inter-card card processing machine (step S301). If the restriction processing unit 141 receives the card insertion notification (step S301; Yes), the restriction processing unit 141 reads the restriction for the inter-card card processing machine as the transmission source from the restriction setting data 45c, and determines whether or not the ball replay is permitted. Is determined (step S302).

  If the possession replay is permitted (step S302; Yes), the card management unit 46a notifies the inter-card card processing machine of the balance of the possession account (step S303). On the other hand, if the holding ball replay is not permitted (step S302; No), the restriction processing unit 141 transmits a holding ball replay prohibition notification to the inter-card card processing machine (step S304).

  Here, if the inter-card card processing machine has a function of notifying about the ball replay prohibition, it is only necessary to notify that the ball replay is prohibited. If the inter-card processing machine does not have a function for notifying the replay prohibition of the possession ball, it is prohibited to replay the possession ball by notifying the balance of the possession account as “0”.

  After step S303 or step S304, the restriction processing unit 141 determines whether or not the replay of the stored ball is permitted (step S305).

  When the storage ball replay is permitted (step S305; Yes), the card management unit 46a transfers the card insertion notification to the member management device 50, and stores the storage ball replay data received from the member management device 50. By transmitting to the card processor, the balance of the savings account is notified (step S306). On the other hand, if the storage ball replay is not permitted (step S305; No), the restriction processing unit 141 transmits a storage ball replay prohibition notification to the inter-card card processor (step S307).

  Here, if the inter-card processing machine has a function of notifying the prohibition of replaying the stored ball, it may be notified that the replay of the stored ball is prohibited. If the inter-card processing machine does not have a function of notifying the prohibition of savings replay, the savings replay is prohibited by notifying the balance of the savings account as “0”.

  After step S306 or step S307, or when a card insertion notification has not been received (step S301; No), the restriction processing unit 141 determines whether a payment notification has been received (step S308). When receiving the payment notification (step S308; Yes), the restriction processing unit 141 reads the restriction for the inter-card card processing machine as the transmission source from the restriction setting data 45c and determines whether or not the payment is permitted ( Step S309).

  If the deposit is permitted (step S309; Yes), the card management unit 46a adds the prepaid value (step S310). On the other hand, if the deposit is not permitted (step S309; No), the restriction processing unit 141 transmits a deposit rejection instruction to the inter-card processing machine (step S311). The inter-card processing machine that has received the deposit rejection instruction performs a process of discharging the accepted money.

  After step S310 or step S311, or when a payment notification has not been received (step S308; No), the restriction processing unit 141 determines whether a ball lending request has been received (step S312). When the restriction processing unit 141 receives the ball lending request (step S312; Yes), the restriction processing unit 141 reads the restriction on the inter-card card processor of the transmission source from the restriction setting data 45c, and determines whether or not prepaid use is permitted. (Step S313).

  When the prepaid use is permitted (step S313; Yes), the card management unit 46a subtracts the prepaid value and transmits the ball lending permission to the inter-card processing machine (step S314). On the other hand, if the prepaid use is not permitted (step S313; No), the restriction processing unit 141 transmits a ball lending prohibition notice to the inter-card processing machine (step S315). After step S314 or step S315, or when no ball lending request has been received (step S312; No), the inter-card card processing device 140 ends the process.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, since the card management device 140 is configured to provide game balls in accordance with restrictions, the same effect as the first embodiment depends on the function of the inter-card processing machine. Is feasible.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the card management device sets a restriction on the inter-card card processing machine has been described as an example. However, other devices such as a member management device are connected to the inter-card card processing machine. A restriction may be set and distribution may be performed.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where a game ball is used as a game medium has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied even when another game medium such as a medal is used. is there.

  Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the description has been given by taking as an example the configuration in which the inter-card processing machine provided in the gaming machine performs ball lending or paying out game balls by replaying. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a configuration in which game balls are paid out by replay. In this case, a restriction on the method of providing game balls is set for the gaming machine itself.

  In the first and second embodiments, detailed description of the form of a card that 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 such a card. In particular, when a mobile terminal with an IC chip is used as a medium, since the mobile terminal can be uniquely identified using identification information that can be obtained in a non-contact manner from the IC chip of the mobile terminal, the game medium is associated with the identification information. You can manage the number.

  Each illustrated configuration is schematic in function, 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 game management system according to the present invention achieves a variety of settings in the game store, it is suitable to perform flexible operation.

10 inter-card processing machine 11 status display unit 12 banknote transport unit 12a bill insertion slot 13 display operation unit 14 reader / writer 14a card insertion slot 14b holding unit 15 communication unit 16, 45, 55 storage unit 16a card ID
16b Valuable value data 16c Device ID
16d Game setting data 16e Limit data 17, 46, 56 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Count processing unit 17c, 141 Limit processing unit 17d Money abnormality detection unit 17e Abnormality invalidation unit 18a Nozzle unit 18b Count unit 20 Game machine 30 Island controller 40, 140 Card management device 41, 51 Display unit 42, 52 Input unit 43 External network communication unit 44, 54 Store network communication unit 45a Card management data 45b Restriction type data 45c Restriction setting data 46a Card management unit 46b Restriction setting unit 46c Notification Department 50 Member management apparatus 55a Member management data 55b Premium master 56a Member management section 56b Premium master management section 60 Premium management apparatus 80 Settlement machine P1-P4 Game Island

Claims (3)

A game management system for managing games in a game hall where a plurality of gaming machines are installed,
A plurality of each device attached to each of a plurality of gaming machines as a group, with a restriction setting means for setting a predetermined restriction for each device in the group ,
Each of the stand devices is
A recording medium receiving means for receiving the recording medium;
Valuable value use processing means for using the valuable value associated with the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means to use the gaming medium for gaming on a gaming machine;
A storage medium use processing means associated with the recording medium received by the recording medium reception means, and using the stored storage medium deposited by the player for use in gaming on a gaming machine;
The limit setting means includes a first setting that allows both the use of the valuable value by the valuable value use processing means and the use of the game medium by the game medium use processing means, and the value use processing means. A game management system characterized in that a second setting for permitting the use of the valuable value and prohibiting the use of the stored game media is possible. Each of the stand devices is
Acquired game medium use processing in which a game medium is used for a game on a gaming machine by using the acquired game medium that is associated with the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means and acquired by a player in a game on a gaming machine. Further comprising means,
The acquired game medium use processing means, when the acquired game medium is used for a game on the gaming machine, the predetermined number of game media are given to the game by instructing the game machine to pay out. The game management system according to claim 1 , further comprising a function of serving a game by paying out the game media less than the predetermined number to a gaming machine by a payout mechanism of the own device. Each of the stand devices is
Game management system according to claim 1 or 2 gaming customers and further comprising a mobile terminal communication means for communicating with a mobile terminal possessed.

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