JP2012055773A - Prize exchange system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To extremely simplify prize-exchange processing in the so-called wagon service.SOLUTION: A prize exchange system includes: units 32 arranged corresponding to a game machine; and a server 33 communicably connected to each unit 32. The prize exchange system includes: an input means 41 for receiving the input of prize identification information to identify a prize; an information memory means 10 on the number of the balls on hand, for storing the number of game media owned by a player as a result of a game with the game machine; a control means 39 for subtracting the number of the game media required for prize exchange from the number of the game media stored in the information memory means 10 with the number of game media, stored in the information memory means on the number of the balls on hand, as a limit; and a subtraction ball number information memory means 48 for storing the number of subtraction game media subtracted in subtraction processing by the control means 39. The control means 39 is arranged in each unit 32. The subtraction ball number information memory means 48 stores the number of the subtraction game media subtracted in the prize-exchange processing by association with the prize identification information.

Description

The present invention relates to a prize exchange system that uses a game medium as a reward for exchanging a prize with the prize.

Conventionally, a small prize is put on the loading platform and an employee patrolls the game hall, and when the player stops calling, the small prize and the amount of game media necessary for exchanging the small prize are exchanged on the spot. A so-called wagon service is provided. However, in recent years, a counter is provided in the vicinity of a gaming machine, and a game medium such as a pachinko ball obtained as a result of the game is counted by the counter, and the count data is held via a storage medium such as a membership card. Each counter system is spreading. In each of the counter counter systems, as described above, pachinko balls are counted by the counter counters and used as count data, resulting in inconvenience in exchanging premiums in the wagon service.

If game media such as pachinko balls remain on the top plate of the gaming machine, the game hall can provide the same wagon service as before, but it is necessary for exchange with small prizes. It is a condition that a large number of balls remain on the upper plate of the gaming machine, and the provision of the wagon service is limited, and there is a concern that the quality of service for the player may be deteriorated. On the other hand, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a technique for exchanging premiums using a portable terminal device (handy terminal) is known.
JP 2006-325929 A

However, since the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a handy terminal, the cost of the device increases. In addition, since it is necessary to input necessary information to the handy terminal at the time of exchange, it takes time to exchange small prizes that should be completed in a short time as much as possible, and there is a problem that the interest of the player in the game may be reduced. is doing.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to make a free gift exchange process in a so-called wagon service as simple as possible.

In order to achieve the above object, in the invention of claim 1, a prize exchange system comprising an information processing device provided corresponding to a gaming machine and a management device communicably connected to each information processing device. There,
An input means for receiving input of prize identification information for identifying a prize;
A number-of-balls information storage means for storing the number of game media held by the player as a result of the game on the gaming machine;
Control means for subtracting the number of game media necessary for prize exchange from the number of game media up to the number of game media stored in the number-of-balls information storage means;
Subtraction game medium number information storage means for storing the number of subtraction game media subtracted by the subtraction processing by the control means,
The control means is provided in the information processing apparatus,
The subtraction game medium number information storage means is a prize exchange system that stores the number of subtraction game media subtracted by the prize exchange process in association with the prize identification information.

In the invention of claim 2, premium information storage means for storing premium information associated with the premium identification information;
A prize exchange processing apparatus communicably connected to the management apparatus;
A prize exchange processing control unit provided in the prize exchange processing apparatus, and performing a premium information update process with reference to the prize information storage means and the subtraction game medium number information storage means;
2. The premium exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the premium exchange processing control means performs an update process of the premium information with reference to the subtraction game medium number information storage means.

According to the present invention, even if the holding ball is converted into counting data, the gift exchange process in the so-called wagon service can be performed with a simple operation as much as possible, which is convenient.

The present invention is a prize exchange system comprising an information processing apparatus provided corresponding to a gaming machine and a management apparatus communicably connected to each information processing apparatus, wherein the prize identification information for identifying a prize Input means for receiving the input of the game, number-of-balls information storage means for storing the number of game media possessed by the player as a result of the game in the gaming machine, and games stored in the number-of-balls information storage means Control means for subtracting the number of game media necessary for prize exchange with the number of media as a limit from the number of game media, and subtraction game medium number information storage for storing the number of subtraction game media subtracted by subtraction processing by the control means And the control means is provided in the information processing device, and the subtraction game medium number information storage means associates the subtraction game medium number subtracted by the prize exchange process with the prize identification information. By the structure where 憶, even if the lifting balls is counted data of, can perform prize exchange process in so-called trolley service as much as possible simple operation, it is convenient.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the entire gift exchange system A. The prize exchange system A includes an IC tag 1 as an example of a storage medium, a unit 2 as an example of an information processing apparatus, a server 3 as an example of a management apparatus, and a POS 4 as an example of a prize exchange processing apparatus. . The unit 2 and the server 3 and the server 3 and the POS 4 are connected through a communication line, and usually can transmit and receive information and signals. The IC tag 1 may be any medium that can write information in and read information stored therein, and can be realized by, for example, an IC card or IC coin incorporating an integrated circuit. It can also be realized with tags, cards, coins, etc. using magnetic tape. In particular, the IC tag 1 has an identification information storage unit 5 for storing unique identification information allocated to the IC tag 1 and a prize exchange information storage unit 6. The prize exchange information storage means 6 stores prize exchange information such as a prize code and a prize name. The prize name indicates a specific name of the prize, and the prize code is information including characters, figures, symbols, or a combination thereof for identifying each prize for management in the game hall.

The unit 2 is a pedestrian machine provided corresponding to each of the gaming machines 7 provided in the game hall as shown in FIG. 2, and rents a certain gaming medium when cash is inserted. It also has a function as a lending machine and a function of paying out a so-called holding ball that the player possesses as a result of the game.

Each unit 2 is connected to a counter 8 as shown in FIG. The counter 8 counts the game media paid out from the gaming machine 7 and transmits the counting result to the number-of-balls information storage means 10 of the unit 2 at a predetermined timing. The number-of-balls information storage means 10 counts these numbers. The results are sequentially received, and the number of holding balls is stored cumulatively. Similarly, these counting results are also transmitted to the server possession number information storage means 19 of the server 3 at a predetermined timing, and the number of possessions of each unit 2 is also stored in the server possession number information storage means 19. Yes. Further, the unit 2 includes a reading / writing means 9, a holding ball number information storage means 10, a control means 11, an input means 12, a display means 13, an identification information storage means 14, an identification information authentication means 15, a writing information storage means 16, and a return. An hour transmission information storage means 17 and a transmission information storage means 18 are provided.

The reading / writing means 9 performs wired or wireless communication with the IC tag 1 and reads the identification information stored in the identification information storage means 5 of the IC tag 1 and also gives a prize code, a prize name, etc. to the prize exchange information storage means 6. Write free gift exchange information.

For example, a hard disk (HD) functioning as a large-capacity memory can be used as the number-of-balls information storage unit 10. The number-of-balls information storage means 10 is the number of game media obtained by adding up the number of game media obtained as a result of the game played by the player at the gaming machine 7 and the number of game media borrowed from the unit 2 by the player. The so-called number of balls of the player is stored.

The control means 11 can be constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. In particular, the input information exchange means 16 is stored in the writing information storage means 16, and the apparatus number of the unit 2 and the number of balls after subtraction are stored in the transmission information storage means 18. Further, the control means 11 receives the number of exchange game media inputted, calls the number of possession balls stored in the possession number information storage means 10, and subtracts the number of exchange game media from the number of possession balls. The subsequent number of balls is calculated, and the number of balls after the subtraction is updated and stored in the ball number information storage means 10. Also, the prize exchange information such as the prize name stored in the writing information storage means 16 is stored in the prize exchange information storage means 6 of the IC tag 1. Also, the device number of the unit 2 and the number of balls after subtraction are called from the return transmission information storage means 17 and the transmission information storage means 18 and transmitted to the server 3. Various information is displayed on the display means 13 of the unit 2. Further, the number of holding balls after subtraction and the device number of the unit 2 are stored in the return transmission information storage means 17.

The input means 12 is configured by, for example, a numeric keypad, a touch panel, etc., which receives information from a game hall employee or the like. At least the input means 12 is configured to satisfy a function of accepting input of prize exchange information such as the number of exchanged game media, prize names and prize codes.

The display means 13 displays various information, for example, information related to the game and operating information of the gaming machine 7, and displays a command for controlling the unit 2 and a response output to the CRT, liquid crystal display, plasma display, etc. , Monitors, segments, etc. In particular, the display means 13 displays the number of possessed balls, processing completion, errors, etc. stored in the possessed ball number information storage means 10.

The identification information storage means 14 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores identification information of all the IC tags 1 used in the game arcade.

The identification information authentication means 15 can be configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In particular, the identification information authentication unit 15 calls the identification information of each IC tag 1 from the identification information storage unit 14 and authenticates whether or not it matches the received identification information.

As the writing information storage means 16, the return transmission information storage means 17, and the transmission information storage means 18, for example, a hard disk (HD) functioning as a large-capacity memory can be used. In particular, the writing information storage unit 16 stores premium exchange information such as a premium code and a premium name to be written in the premium exchange information storage unit 6 of the IC tag 1. The return transmission information storage unit 17 and the transmission information storage unit 18 store the number of balls after subtraction and the unit number of the unit 2 for transmission to the server 3.

The server 3 is a computer that operates under program control, and particularly includes a server calculation unit 20, a server possession number information storage unit 19, and a server premium information storage unit 21.

The server computing means 20 can be constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In particular, the server computing means 20 receives the prize exchange information from the unit 2, searches the server prize information storage means 21 based on the prize exchange information, identifies the corresponding prize information, and determines 1 from the stock quantity of the prize information. And the premium information is updated by adding 1 to the number of sales. For prizes that do not have a stock quantity (for example, coffee that has been drip at the game hall), subtraction from the stock quantity is not performed, and only an addition update to the sales quantity is performed. Then, the updated premium information is transmitted to the POS 4. In addition, based on the device number of the unit 2 received from the unit 2, the number of balls possessed by the server 2 is searched to identify the number of balls possessed by the unit 2. Further, the number of possessed balls of the specified unit 2 is updated and stored in the received number of retained balls after subtraction, and a processing completion notification is transmitted to the unit 2.

The server possession number information storage means 19 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory. In particular, the server possession number information storage means 19 receives the possession number of each unit 2 provided in the game hall at a predetermined timing, and updates and stores the possession number information.

The server prize information storage means 21 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory. As shown in FIG. 9, the server premium information storage means 21 is divided into premium codes and premium names, and stores premium information such as unit price information, exchange quantity, inventory quantity, sales quantity, and the like. Therefore, for example, if a search is made based on a premium code, from the premium code, the premium name “cigarette A”, the unit price “130 yen”, the number of exchanges “pachinko ball 1 = 1 yen, 130 medals, 1 medal = 5” Information such as “26 in the case of a circle” and “456” in stock can be derived. The unit price information indicates the price per gift. The number of exchanges indicates how much the prize is exchanged for a pachinko ball or a slot machine medal. The number of stocks is the number of remaining free gifts, and the number of sales shows here the number of goods issued at that time of the day. That is, when the prize information is updated and the number of sales of a prize increases, the number of inventory decreases in proportion to this.

The POS 4 is a so-called POS for a game hall that counts the results of prize exchange in units of single items, and is a device that serves as a terminal device of the server 3. In particular, the POS 4 includes a display unit 13, a reading unit 22, a POS control unit 23, an identification information storage unit 14, an identification information authentication unit 15, a return transmission information storage unit 24, and a POS premium information storage unit 25.

The reading unit 22 performs wired or wireless communication with the IC tag 1 and reads premium exchange information such as a premium code and a premium name stored in the premium exchange information storage unit 6 of the IC tag 1.

The POS control means 23 can be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. In particular, the POS control means 23 receives the prize exchange information stored in the prize exchange information storage means 6 of the IC tag 1 through the reading means 22 and transmits it to the server 3. Further, when the POS 4 and the server 3 are in an offline state where communication is not possible, when receiving the free gift exchange information stored in the free gift exchange information storage means 6 of the IC tag 1, the POS 4 and the server 3 are POS based on the free gift exchange information. The prize information storage means 25 is searched to identify the corresponding prize information, and 1 is subtracted from the stock quantity of the prize information and 1 is added to the sales quantity to update the prize information. For prizes that do not have a stock quantity (for example, coffee that has been drip at the game hall), subtraction from the stock quantity is not performed, and only an addition update to the sales quantity is performed. Then, the updated premium information is temporarily stored in the return transmission information storage means 24, and when the POS 4 and the server 3 return to an online state where communication is possible, the updated premium information is appropriately transmitted to the server 3.

For example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory can be used as the return-time transmission information storage unit 24 and the POS premium information storage unit 25. In particular, the return-time transmission information storage unit 24 stores updated premium information.

In the same way as the server prize information storage means 21, the POS prize information storage means 25 is classified according to a prize code and a prize name, and prize information such as unit price information, the number of exchanges, and the number of inventory is stored.

As described above, in this embodiment, the identification information storage unit 14 and the identification information authentication unit 15 are provided in each unit 2 and each POS 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, at a predetermined timing before or after the opening of the game hall where there is no player, the server 3 transmits the identification information of all the IC tags 1 used in the game hall, The identification information storage means 14 of each unit 2 and each POS 4 is updated and stored. The authentication of the identification information is not limited to this method. For example, when each unit 2 or each POS 4 and the server 3 is online, the server 3 performs authentication, and when offline, each unit 2 or each POS 4 is authenticated. The POS 4 is configured to perform authentication, and each unit 2 or each POS 4 is not provided with the identification information storage unit 14 and the identification information authentication unit 15, but the identification information read by the unit 2 or POS 4 is transmitted to the server 3. (In this case, when offline with the server 3, the processing can be advanced without performing authentication).

Next, a specific processing flow of the prize exchange system A will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 4, when the IC tag 1 is put on the reading / writing means 9 of the unit 2, the reading / writing means 9 reads the identification information stored in the IC tag 1 (S101) and receives the identification information. The identification information authentication means 15 calls each identification information stored in the identification information storage means 14 and authenticates whether or not it matches the received identification information (S102). If they match as a result of authentication, the identification information authenticating unit 15 transmits an authentication completion signal to the control unit 11. On the other hand, if they do not match, the identification information authenticating means 15 transmits an error signal to the control means 11 and displays on the display means 13 that the IC tag 1 is read and written to the writing means 9 again. Next, the control means 11 that has received the authentication completion signal causes the display means 13 to display that a prize exchange information such as a prize code or a prize name is input. The employee of the amusement hall who sees the display inputs prize exchange information such as a prize name and a prize code using the numeric keypad of the input means 12 (S103). When receiving the input of the prize exchange information, the control means 11 stores the prize exchange information in the writing information storage means 16. Then, the control means 11 displays on the display means 13 that the number of exchange game media necessary for the exchange with the prize is input. The employee of the game hall who sees the display inputs the number of exchange game media using the numeric keypad of the input means 12 (S104). When receiving the input of the exchange game medium number, the control means 11 that has received the input exchange game medium number calls the number of possessions stored in the possession number information storage means 10 and exchanges from the number of possession balls. Subtract the number of game media to calculate the number of balls after subtraction (S105), update the number of balls in the number-of-balls information storage means 10 (S106), and store the number of balls after subtraction. The information is stored in the transmission information storage unit 18. The control means 11 stores the device number of the unit 2 in the transmission information storage means 18.

Next, the control means 11 causes the display means 13 to display that the IC tag 1 is deceived. An employee of the game hall who saw the display puts the IC tag 1 on the reading / writing means 9. The identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 5 is read through the reading / writing unit 9 (S107), and the identification information authentication unit 15 that has received the identification information reads the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 14. Calling and authenticating whether or not it matches the received identification information (S108). If they match as a result of authentication, the identification information authenticating unit 15 transmits an authentication completion signal to the control unit 11. On the other hand, if they do not match, the identification information authenticating means 15 transmits an error signal to the control means 11 and displays on the display means 13 that the IC tag 1 is read and written to the writing means 9 again. The control means 11 that has received the authentication completion signal stores the prize exchange information such as the prize name and the prize code stored in the writing information storage means 16 in the prize exchange information storage means 6 of the IC tag 1 (S109).

And the control means 11 calls the apparatus number of the unit 2 and the number of balls after subtraction from the transmission information storage means 18, and transmits it to the server 3 (S110). When the unit 2 and the server 3 are in an online state in which communication is possible, as shown in FIG. 5, the server computing means 20 of the server 3 receives the device number of the unit 2 and receives the device number. Based on the above, the number of balls possessed by the server is searched for, and the number of balls possessed by the unit 2 is specified (S201). Then, the number of possessed balls after subtraction is received, and the number of possessed balls is updated and stored in the server possessing number information storage means 19 as the number of possessed balls of the unit 2 (S202). Thereafter, a process completion notification is transmitted to the unit 2 (S203). The control means 11 of the unit 2 that has received the processing completion notification (S111) causes the display means 13 to display the processing completion notification and the latest number of possessed balls after subtraction (S112).

On the other hand, when the control unit 11 transmits the device number of the unit 2 and the number of possessed balls after the subtraction to the server 3, the unit 2 and the server 3 are in an offline state incapable of communication, and transmission fails. (If transmission could not be made in S110, ie, if NO in S113), the number of held balls and the device number of the unit 2 are stored in the return transmission information storage means 17 and the number of held balls after the subtraction is stored. The number of balls is displayed on the display means 13. Thereafter, when the unit 2 and the server 3 return to an online state where communication is possible, the number of held balls and the unit number of the unit 2 are called from the return transmission information storage unit 17 and transmitted to the server 3. To do. As shown in FIG. 6, the server calculation means 20 of the server 3 receives the device number of the unit 2 (S301), searches the server holding ball number information storage means 19 based on the device number, and The number of holding balls of 2 is specified (S302). Then, the number of possessed balls after subtraction is received, and the number of possessed balls is updated and stored in the server possessing number information storage means 19 as the number of possessed balls of the unit 2 (S303).

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, an employee of the game hall puts the IC tag 1 in which the prize exchange information is stored in the prize exchange information storage means 6 to the reading means 22 of the POS 4. The identification information authentication means 15 of the POS 4 that has received the identification information stored in the identification information storage means 5 of the IC tag 1 through the reading means 22 (S401), stores each identification information stored in the identification information storage means 14. Called to authenticate whether or not it matches the received identification information (S402). If they match as a result of the authentication, the identification information authenticating means 15 transmits an authentication completion signal to the POS control means 23. On the other hand, if they do not match, the identification information authenticating means 15 sends an error signal to the POS control means 23 and displays on the display means 13 of the POS 4 that the IC tag 1 is again sent to the reading means 22 (S403). When the POS 4 and the server 3 are in an online state in which communication is possible, the POS control means 23 that has received the authentication completion signal uses the prize exchange information stored in the prize exchange information storage means 6 of the IC tag 1. The data is received through the reading means 22 (S404) and transmitted to the server 3 (S405). The server computing means 20 that has received the prize exchange information (S406) searches the server prize information storage means 21 on the basis of the prize exchange information, identifies the corresponding prize information (S407), and stores the number of the prize information in stock. 1 is subtracted and 1 is added to the number of sales to update the free gift information (S408). Then, the updated premium information is transmitted to the POS 4 (S409), and the POS control means 23 stores the updated premium information in the POS premium information storage means 25 (S410).

On the other hand, when the communication between the POS 4 and the server 3 is in an off-line state (when transmission to the server 3 fails in step S405), as shown in FIG. 8, the POS control means 23 that has received the authentication completion signal. Receives the prize exchange information stored in the prize exchange information storage means 6 of the IC tag 1 through the reading means 22 (S501), searches the POS prize information storage means 25 based on the prize exchange information, The corresponding premium information is specified (S502), 1 is subtracted from the stock quantity of the premium information, and the premium information is updated by adding 1 to the number of sales (S503). The updated premium information is temporarily stored in the return transmission information storage means 24 (S504), and when the POS 4 and the server 3 return to an online state where communication is possible, the updated premium information is appropriately stored in the server 3. And the corresponding premium information in the server premium information storage means 21 is updated.

In the above embodiment, the configuration is shown in which the updated premium information is stored in the return transmission information storage means 24 only when the POS 4 and the server 3 are in an offline state in which communication is impossible. Regardless of the communication state, the updated prize information is always stored in the return transmission information storage means 24. For example, the updated prize information is transmitted to the server 3 at a predetermined time, such as during a game store closing process. Thus, the corresponding premium information in the server premium information storage means 21 may be updated. In the case of such a configuration, the prize exchange information is not transmitted to the server 3, and the server calculation means 20 corresponds to the corresponding prize information stored in the server prize information storage means 21 based on the prize exchange information. Also does not update.

In this way, by configuring the prize exchange system A, prize exchange in the so-called wagon service can be performed from the player's possession regardless of the communication state between the unit 2 and the server 3, which is convenient.

In the present embodiment, the case of exchanging prizes based on the number of balls counted by the counter 8 has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called enclosed game machine. Further, in the above embodiment, a pachinko ball is taken as an example of the game medium, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where prizes are exchanged based on a slot machine medal. In the above embodiment, each storage means is provided in one apparatus. However, one storage means is provided in one apparatus, and each storage area is provided in one storage means. Good. In the first embodiment, identification information unique to the IC tag 1 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, identification information stored in a game arcade or the like may be used. Any information may be used.

In the present embodiment, the input means 12 accepts the input of the number of exchanged game media and the prize exchange information such as the prize name and the prize code, but the prize name is stored in the prize exchange information storage means 6 of the IC tag 1. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which prize exchange information such as a prize code is stored in advance in the exchange game medium number storage means (not shown) of the IC tag 1. Also, prize exchange information such as a prize name and a prize code is stored in advance in the prize exchange information storage means 6 of the IC tag 1, or the number of exchange game media in the exchange game medium number storage means (not shown) of the IC tag 1. May be stored in advance. In these configurations, an IC tag is required for each type of prize for which a wagon service is provided.

Also, in this embodiment, a game hall employee or the like inputs the number of exchanged game media, but in advance, the unit 2 associates premium information such as a prize name and a prize code with the number of game media necessary for exchange. By receiving the prize exchange information input, the number of exchange game media required is derived based on the prize exchange information, and the subtraction process is performed from the number of possession balls based on the exchange game media number. It is also good. Further, in this case, when a plurality of rental rates (or exchange rates) are set for each game medium type, the number of exchange game media may be appropriately calculated based on this.

In this embodiment, the unit 2 determines whether it is online or offline based on whether it has transmitted its own device number and the number of balls after subtraction to the server 3. The communication state determination unit determines the communication state between the unit 2 and the server 3 in advance, and refers to the determination result to transmit to the server 3 or to the return transmission information storage unit 17. It may be configured to select whether to store the number of holding balls after subtraction and the device number of unit 2. In this case, the transmission information storage means 18 may be omitted. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the POS 4 determines whether the online exchange is normal or offline depending on whether or not the prize exchange information stored in the prize exchange information storage means 6 of the IC tag 1 can be transmitted to the server 3. Separately, a POS communication state determination unit (not shown) is provided. The POS communication state determination unit previously determines the communication state between the POS 4 and the server 3 and refers to the determination result to transmit to the server 3 or POS. You may comprise so that the premium information memorize | stored in the premium information storage means 25 may be selected.

In the first embodiment, the information related to the prize exchange is written in the IC tag. However, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which the information related to the prize exchange is not written in the IC tag will be described. By not writing to the IC tag in this way, the time required for this writing is shortened, contributing to the prompt provision of the wagon service.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the entire gift exchange system B. The prize exchange system B includes an IC tag 31 as an example of a storage medium, a unit 32 as an example of an information processing apparatus, a server 33 as an example of a management apparatus, and a POS 34 as an example of a prize exchange processing apparatus. Has been. The unit 32 and the server 33, and the server 33 and the POS 34 are connected through a communication line, and can transmit and receive information and signals.

The IC tag 31 may be any medium that can write information in and read information stored therein, and can be realized by, for example, an IC card incorporating an integrated circuit, an IC coin, or the like. In particular, the IC tag 31 has identification information storage means 5 for storing unique identification information allocated to the IC tag 31.

Each of the units 32 is a pedestrian machine provided corresponding to each of the game machines (not shown) provided in the game hall, and rents out a certain game medium when cash is inserted. It also has a function as a machine and a function of paying out the possession balls possessed by the player as a result of the game.

Each unit 32 is connected to the counter 8. The counter 8 counts game media paid out from a gaming machine (not shown), and transmits the counting result to the number-of-balls information storage unit 10 of the unit 32 at a predetermined timing. The number-of-balls information storage unit 10 These count results are sequentially received, and the number of balls is accumulated. The unit 32 includes a reading unit 37, a number-of-balls information storage unit 10, a control unit 39, a lending rate information storage unit 40, an input unit 41, a display unit 42, an identification information storage unit 14, and an identification information authentication unit 15. Yes.

The reading unit 37 performs wired or wireless communication with the IC tag 31 and reads the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 5 of the IC tag 31.

The control means 39 can be comprised by CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. In particular, the control means 39 displays various information on the display means 42. In addition, the premium code, the rental rate information, and the number of subtraction balls are transmitted to the server 33. Further, the control means 39 subtracts the received number of exchange game media from the number of balls in the unit 32 and calculates the number of balls after subtraction. Further, the number of possessed balls after the subtraction is updated and stored in the retained ball number information storage means 10.

The lending rate information storage means 40 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory. If the gaming machine (not shown) provided corresponding to the unit 32 is a pachinko machine, the lending rate information storage means 40 is 1 yen or 4 yen per pachinko ball, or a gaming machine (illustrated). If the (omitted) is a slot machine, for example, the gaming medium lending ratio (= lending rate information) in the gaming machine (not shown) provided corresponding to the unit 32, such as 5 yen or 20 yen per medal Is remembered.

The input means 41 is configured by, for example, a numeric keypad, a touch panel, etc., which receives information from a game hall employee or the like. In particular, the input means 41 receives an input of a prize code and execution of processing from an employee of a game hall. The prize code is information including characters, figures, symbols, or a combination thereof for identifying each prize for management in the game hall.

The display means 42 displays various information, for example, information related to the game and operating information of the gaming machine, displays a command for controlling the unit 32, a response output to the CRT, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, Monitor, segment, etc. In particular, the display means 42 displays the number of possessed balls, the number of retained balls after subtraction, processing completion, errors, and the like stored in the possessed ball number information storage means 10.

The server 33 is a computer that operates under program control, and particularly includes a server calculation unit 45, a prize information storage unit 47, and a subtraction ball number storage unit 48.

The server computing means 45 can be constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The server calculation unit 45 calls the premium information stored in the premium information storage unit 47, compares the received premium code with the premium code stored along with the premium information, and matches the premium. Search for information. When matching prize information is found, the number of game media necessary for exchange is specified by referring to the exchange number information corresponding to the loan rate information received from the prize information, and the number of exchange game media Is transmitted to the unit 32.

Further, the server computing unit 45 calls the subtraction ball number information stored in the subtraction ball number information storage unit 48, and receives the received identification information and premium code, the identification information stored in association with the subtraction ball number information, and The matched identification information and premium code are searched by comparing with the premium code. If matching identification information and a gift code are found, the received subtraction ball number is added to and stored in the subtraction ball number information related to the identification information and the gift code. Further, the received exchange prize number is added to and stored in the exchange prize number information stored in association with the subtraction ball number information. Then, the server calculation unit 45 transmits a process completion notification to the unit 32.

Further, when receiving the identification information, the server computing unit 45 calls the premium information stored in the premium information storage unit 47 and transmits it to the POS 74.

Further, when receiving the confirmation processing execution signal, the server computing unit 45 calls the subtraction ball number information stored in the subtraction ball number information storage unit 48 and stores it in association with the received identification information and subtraction ball number information. The matching identification information is compared to search for matching identification information. When matching identification information is found, the premium information stored in the premium information storage means 47 is called up. Then, the prize code included in the subtraction ball number information related to the found identification information is compared with the prize code stored in association with the prize information, and a matching prize code is searched. If a matching prize code is found, the number of subtracted balls is classified according to the type of game media and the loan rate, and cumulatively added to the exchange result of the prize information related to the prize code. By referring to the exchanged prize information stored in association with the quantity information, the prize information is updated by subtracting the number of exchangeable prizes from the stocked quantity of the prize in the prize information and adding the number of exchangeable prizes to the number of sales. To do. For prizes that do not have a stock quantity (for example, coffee that has been drip at the game hall), subtraction from the stock quantity is not performed, and only an addition update to the sales quantity is performed. When these processes are completed, the information in the subtraction ball number information storage means 48 used for these processes is cleared. Further, the server calculation unit 45 transmits a processing completion notification to the POS 34.

As the premium information storage means 47 and the subtraction ball number storage means 48, for example, a hard disk (HD) functioning as a large-capacity memory can be used. In particular, as shown in FIG. 11, the prize information storage means 47 is classified for each prize code and stores a prize name, unit price information, the number of exchanges, the number of inventory, the number of sales, and the like. Therefore, if a search is performed based on the premium code or the identification information, for example, the premium name “cigarette A”, the unit price “130 yen”, the number of exchanges “pachinko ball 1” from the premium code “0001” or the identification information “A01” = Information such as 130 in the case of 1 yen, 26 in the case of 1 medal = 5 yen, and “456” in stock can be derived. The prize name indicates a specific name of the prize. The unit price information indicates the price per one prize. The number of exchanges indicates how much the prize is exchanged with a pachinko ball or a slot machine medal. The number of stocks is the number of remaining free gifts, and the number of sales shows here the number of goods issued at that time of the day. In other words, when the prize information is updated and the number of goods delivered for a certain prize increases, the number of inventory decreases in proportion to this. In addition, the exchange result indicates the exchange result of the day for each game medium type and the rental rate, and in this embodiment, the exchange number is the cumulative number of exchange balls. In other words, as shown in FIG. 11, the replacement record of the cigarette A with the premium code 0001 shows that there is a replacement record with 260 balls (= 2 cigarettes A) when one pachinko ball = 1 yen.

The subtraction ball number information storage means 48 stores the number of subtraction balls (= the number of balls subtracted from the number of holding balls) divided into identification information and premium codes. That is, the subtraction ball number information storage means 48 is configured to be able to search for the subtraction ball number information based on the identification information or the premium code. Further, when a plurality of prize exchanges are performed with the same identification information and premium code, the number of subtracted balls and the number of exchange prizes at the time of each prize exchange are added together and stored. In the present embodiment, the game media are classified and stored for each type of game medium and rental rate. The subtraction ball number information storage means 48 may be configured to store the number of subtraction balls at the time of each prize exchange.

The POS 34 is a so-called POS for a game hall that counts the results of prize exchange in units of single items, and is a device that serves as a terminal device of the server 33. In particular, the POS 34 includes an input unit 51, a display unit 52, a reading unit 37, a POS control unit 54, an identification information storage unit 14, and an identification information authentication unit 15.

The input means 51 is configured by, for example, a numeric keypad, a touch panel, or the like that receives information from a game hall employee or the like. In particular, the input means 51 receives an input of execution of a confirmation process for a prize exchange from an employee of a game hall.

The display means 52 displays various information, for example, information related to the game and operation information of the gaming machine, displays a command for controlling the POS 34, a response output to the CRT, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, a monitor, etc. Segment. In particular, the display unit 52 displays a display requesting confirmation of execution of the confirmation process for the prize exchange, a process completion, an error, and the like.

The POS control means 54 can be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. Further, the POS control unit 54 transmits identification information to the server 33. When the POS control means 54 receives the prize information, the POS control means 54 causes the display means 52 to display a display requesting confirmation of execution of the prize information and the prize exchange confirmation process, and also displays that the prize confirmation process has been completed. To display. Further, the POS control unit 54 transmits a confirmation process execution signal to the server 33 when the input unit 51 receives an input of the process execution from an employee of the game hall.

Next, a specific processing flow of the prize exchange system B will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 12, when an employee of the game hall puts the IC tag 31 on the reading means 37, the control means 39 is stored in the identification information storage means 5 of the IC tag 31 through the reading means 37. The identification information is read (step S601). The identification information authentication unit 15 that has received the identification information calls each identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 14 and authenticates whether or not it matches the received identification information (step S602). If they match as a result of authentication, an authentication completion signal is transmitted to the control means 39, and the control means 39 displays on the display means 42 that a premium code is input. Further, the lending rate information is called from the lending rate information storage means 40. On the other hand, in the case of mismatch, as shown in FIG. 13, the identification information authenticating means 15 transmits an error signal to the control means 39 and displays on the display means 42 that the IC tag 31 is again sent to the reading means 37. (Step S603). When the input means 41 receives an input of a premium code (step S604), the control means 39 transmits the premium code and rental rate information to the server 33 (step S605).

Next, the server calculation unit 45 calls the premium information stored in the premium information storage unit 47, compares the received premium code with the premium code stored in association with the premium information, and matches the premium. Search for code. When a matching prize code is found, the number of game media necessary for exchange is specified by referring to the exchange number information corresponding to the received loan rate information from the prize information related to the prize code ( Step S606). For example, when the unit price information of the prize information is “130 yen” and the received loan rate information is “4 yen”, the number of exchanged game media is “33”. Then, the specified number of exchange game media is transmitted to the unit 32 (step S607). In this embodiment, the number of exchange game media is rounded up. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the unit price may be set in advance so that the fraction is rounded down.

The control means 39 of the unit 32 that has received the number of exchanged game media causes the display means 42 to display a display requesting confirmation of the number of possessed balls and execution of the process of subtracting the number of exchanged game media from the number of possessed balls. When the input means 41 receives an input of processing execution from an employee of the game hall (step S608), the control means 39 subtracts the number of exchanged game media from the number of balls stored in the number of balls information storage means 10. Then, the number of retained balls after subtraction is calculated (step S609), and the number of retained balls after the subtraction is updated and stored in the retained ball number information storage means 10. Then, the control means 39 transmits the identification information, the prize code, the number of subtracted balls (= the number of balls subtracted from the number of possessed balls), and the number of exchange prizes to the server 33 (step S610).

The server calculation unit 45 calls the subtraction ball number information stored in the subtraction ball number information storage unit 48 and receives the received identification information and premium code, and the identification information and premium stored in association with the subtraction ball number information. The codes are compared to search for matching identification information and premium codes. When matching identification information and a prize code are found, the received subtraction ball number is added to and stored in the subtraction ball number information related to the identification information and the prize code, and is stored in association with the subtraction ball number information. The received exchange prize number is added to the exchange prize number information stored and stored (step S611) (see FIG. 16 for the configuration example of the data table in the subtraction ball number information storage means 48. One type of game When a plurality of lending rates or exchange rates are employed on the medium, the number of balls is stored in the subtraction ball number information for each rate). Then, the server calculation unit 45 transmits a process completion notification to the unit 32. The control means 39 of the unit 32 displays on the display means 42 the number of balls remaining after subtraction and the fact that the processing is completed (steps S612 and S613).

Next, a prize exchange confirmation process is performed between the server 33 and the POS 34. This confirmation process may be performed before the opening or after the closing of the game hall employee or the like where no player is present, or may be performed each time a prize is exchanged. As shown in FIG. 14, when an employee of the game hall puts the IC tag 31 on the reading unit 37, the POS control unit 54 is stored in the identification information storage unit 5 of the IC tag 31 through the reading unit 37. The identification information is read (step S701). The identification information authenticating unit 15 that has received the identification information calls each piece of identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 14 and authenticates whether or not it matches the received identification information (step S702). If they match as a result of the authentication, an authentication completion signal is transmitted to the POS control unit 54, and the POS control unit 54 causes the display unit 52 to display a display requesting confirmation of execution of the giveaway exchange confirmation process (step S704). On the other hand, in the case of mismatch, as shown in FIG. 15, the identification information authenticating means 15 transmits an error signal to the POS control means 54 and displays on the display means 52 that the IC tag 31 is again sent to the reading means 37. (Step S703).

When the input unit 51 receives an input of processing execution from an employee of the game hall (step S705), the POS control unit 54 transmits identification information and a confirmation processing execution signal to the server 33. The server computing unit 45 that has received the confirmation processing execution signal calls the subtraction ball number information stored in the subtraction ball number information storage unit 48 and stores it in association with the received identification information and subtraction ball number information. The identification information is compared to search for matching identification information (step S706).

When matching identification information is found, the premium information stored in the premium information storage means 47 is called up. Then, the prize code included in the subtraction ball number information related to the found identification information is compared with the prize code stored in association with the prize information, and a matching prize code is searched. If a matching prize code is found, the number of subtracted balls is classified according to the type of game media and the loan rate, and cumulatively added to the exchange result of the prize information related to the prize code. With reference to the exchange prize number information included in the quantity information, the exchange information is updated by subtracting the exchange prize number from the inventory quantity of the prize in the prize information and adding the exchange prize number to the sales number ( Step S707). For prizes that do not have a stock quantity (for example, coffee that has been drip at the game hall), subtraction from the stock quantity is not performed, and only an addition update to the sales quantity is performed. When these processes are completed, the information in the subtraction ball number information storage means 48 used for these processes is cleared.

Then, the server calculation unit 45 transmits a process completion notification to the POS 34. The POS control means 54 of the POS 34 displays on the display means 52 that the finalizing process of the prize has been completed (step S708).

The configuration and operation of the prize exchange system B other than those described above are the same as those of the prize exchange system A according to the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the confirmation process for the prize exchange performed between the server 33 and the POS 34 is shown as a process separate from the prize exchange process performed between the unit 32 and the server 33. When exchanging the prize, the server 33 may be configured to update the prize information. In this case, the subtraction ball number information storage means 48 and the POS 34 are not necessary. By configuring in this way, the confirmation process for prize exchange becomes unnecessary, and a simpler system can be obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, the unit 32 and the POS 34 are provided with the identification information storage unit 14 and the identification information authentication unit 15, respectively, and the identification information of the IC tag 31 is authenticated by the unit 32 and the POS 34. The identification information storage unit 14 and the identification information authentication unit 15 may be provided, and the identification information authentication of the IC tag 31 may be performed by communication between the unit 32 and the server 33 or between the POS 34 and the server 33. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the subtraction ball number information storage means 48 is configured to store the subtraction ball number together with the identification information and the premium code, but may be configured to store the premium code and the subtraction ball number. In this case, in the confirmation process for the prize exchange, the employee or the like inputs the prize code that he / she exchanged for the prize, identifies the prize, and proceeds with the confirmation process.

Further, in this embodiment, the unit 72 performs the subtraction process of the number of exchanged game media from the number of possessed balls, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the server 73 has a number of ball possession information storage unit (not shown). It is good also as a structure which memorize | stores the number of possessions in this server possession number information storage part, and subtracts the number of exchange game media from this memorized number of possessions.

In the first and second embodiments, the configuration using POS as the terminal device for the server is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a client computer (terminal device) for the server may be used instead. good.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the prize exchange system A of Example 1 which concerns on this invention. 1 is a front view showing a storage medium processing device, a gaming machine, and a counter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system A of Example 1 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system A of Example 1 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system A of Example 1 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system A of Example 1 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system A of Example 1 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system A of Example 1 which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the prize information of the prize exchange system A of Example 1 which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the prize exchange system B of Example 2 which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the prize information of the prize exchange system B of Example 2 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system B of Example 2 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system B of Example 2 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system B of Example 2 which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the prize exchange system B of Example 2 which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the subtraction ball | bowl number information of Example 2 which concerns on this invention.

A: free gift exchange system, B: free gift exchange system 1: IC tag, 2: unit, 3: server, 4: POS, 5: identification information storage means, 6: free gift exchange information storage means, 7: gaming machine, 8: Counter: 9: Reading / writing means, 10: Number of balls information storage means, 11: Control means, 12: Input means, 13: Display means, 14: Identification information storage means, 15: Identification information authentication means, 16: Write Information storage means, 17: return return information storage means, 18: transmission information storage means, 19: server possession number information storage means, 20: server calculation means, 21: server premium information storage means, 22: reading Means: 23: POS control means, 24: return transmission information storage means, 25: POS premium information storage means, 31: IC tag, 32: unit, 33: server, 34: POS, 37: reading means, 39: control Step: 40: Lending rate information storage means, 41: Input means, 42: Display means, 45: Server calculation means, 47: Premium information storage means, 48: Subtraction ball number information storage means, 51: Input means, 52: Display Means 54: POS control means

Claims (2)

A prize exchange system comprising an information processing device provided for a gaming machine and a management device communicably connected to each information processing device,
An input means for receiving input of prize identification information for identifying a prize;
A number-of-balls information storage means for storing the number of game media held by the player as a result of the game on the gaming machine;
Control means for subtracting the number of game media necessary for prize exchange from the number of game media up to the number of game media stored in the number-of-balls information storage means;
Subtraction game medium number information storage means for storing the number of subtraction game media subtracted by the subtraction processing by the control means,
The control means is provided in the information processing apparatus,
The subtraction game medium number information storage means stores the subtraction game medium number subtracted by the premium exchange process in association with the premium identification information. Premium information storage means for storing premium information associated with the premium identification information;
A prize exchange processing apparatus communicably connected to the management apparatus;
A prize exchange processing control unit provided in the prize exchange processing apparatus, and performing a premium information update process with reference to the prize information storage means and the subtraction game medium number information storage means;
2. The prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the prize exchange process control means performs an update process of the prize information with reference to the subtraction game medium number information storage means.