JP2018153361A - Game control system and game control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently apply a game parlor.SOLUTION: A card processing machine 10 between stands is configured so that, a non-game time passes a first prescribed time T1, detects a card in reception as a left card candidate, and shifts a state to an operation lock state in which an operation performed by a player is not received. Then, when the non-game time passes a second prescribed time T2, detects a card in reception as a left card, and notifies a card management device 40 of the left card. At this time, the notification about the left card with a residual worth is performed. In addition, the card processing machine 10 between stands deletes the worth of the card and takes the card and releases the operation lock. The card management device 40 receives a left card notification from the card processing machine 10 between stands and registers the information related to the left card in the left card data and manages the information. The card management device 40 issues the worth registered in the left card data in association with a new card for reissue.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a game management system and a game management method that are provided in a gaming machine that uses a game medium to play a game, and that include each device that uses a value associated with a recording medium to pay out the game medium.

  Conventionally, a game store provides a game with a game medium interposed therebetween. For example, in a pachinko game, a game ball is used as a game medium, and a game ball is driven into a game board surface to play a game. A plurality of winning areas (winning openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as winning balls based on the passing of the gaming balls through the winning area. In this way, the number of game media increases or decreases depending on the result of the game, and the player can exchange the acquired game media for prizes.

  In order to simplify the handling of the acquired game media, each device provided in the gaming machine is provided with a game media counting function, and the counted number of game media is related to the card as the number of game media. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). When the player finishes the game and operates a return button provided on the gaming machine, each device discharges the number of game media managed by the player after associating it with the card. The player can exchange for a prize according to the number of associated game media by presenting the card at the prize counter. The card is also associated with a valuable value that can be used for lending gaming media. The balance of the valuable value remaining at the end of the game can be settled with a settlement machine.

  As described above, the convenience associated with the handling of the value can be improved by using the card, but there is a case where the player leaves the gaming machine without taking out the card with the remaining value.

  In order to prevent unauthorized use of a card that has not been removed by a third party, if there is a card with a value remaining, it is prohibited to accept the player's operation for each device and notify the game clerk. Conceivable.

JP 2011-131037 A

  However, there is a problem that if the work by the game store clerk is required every time there is a card that has not been taken out, the work load on the game store clerk is large and the operation of the game store is hindered. Furthermore, if the game store clerk always goes to a place where each device is located, the state in which the player cannot operate each device will continue, leading to a decrease in the operating rate of the game machine, Profit may be lost.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a game management system and a game management method capable of dealing with the above-described problems and efficiently operating a game store.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a game management system including each apparatus that is attached to a gaming machine that uses a game medium and performs processing of a recording medium associated with a value. The discharge processing means for discharging the recording medium in association with the value, and the discharge incomplete detecting that the recording medium has a value associated with the recording medium and the recording medium is not discharged by the discharge processing means. A process for setting a value associated with the recording medium to an initial value based on a predetermined condition when it is detected by the detection means and the discharge incomplete detection means that the recording medium has not been discharged. And an initial value returning means for performing.

  Also, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the predetermined condition includes at least that a predetermined time has elapsed without causing an increase or decrease in value associated with the recording medium.

  Further, the present invention provides the pre-return value management means for managing the value before the initial value when performing the process for making the value associated with the recording medium the initial value by the initial value return means in the above invention. It is provided with.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the initial value return means can perform processing for setting the value associated with the recording medium in an operating state to an initial value, and after the processing by the initial value return means is performed, In each of the stand apparatuses, a new process relating to a recording medium can be performed.

  Further, the present invention provides the above-mentioned invention, wherein the use of each recording device is restricted to restrict the use of the recording medium in each device when a state in which the discharging of the recording medium by the discharging processing unit is incomplete is detected. The apparatus further includes means.

  Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein each unit use restriction unit determines whether or not to limit the use of the recording medium in each unit device according to the magnitude of the value associated with the recording medium. It is characterized by changing.

  Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when it is detected that the recording medium is not yet discharged by the discharge processing unit, and after the recording medium is discharged from each of the stand devices after detection, It further comprises a settlement limiting means for limiting the settlement of the value until a predetermined time has elapsed from the discharge.

  The present invention also relates to a game management method in a game management system including each device that is attached to a gaming machine that uses a game medium to perform a game and performs processing of a recording medium associated with a value. A discharge processing step for discharging in association with the value; a discharge incomplete detection step for detecting that there is a value associated with the recording medium and the recording medium has not been discharged in the discharge processing step; and An initial value return step for performing a process for setting a value associated with the recording medium to an initial value based on a predetermined condition when it is detected by the completion detection step that the ejection of the recording medium is incomplete. It is characterized by including.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently operate a game store.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of the game management system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement store. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-card card processing machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-card card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-card card processor. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of the card management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management apparatus (part 1). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management apparatus (part 2). FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing procedure relating to a neglected card. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of determination relating to neglect. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of restrictions on abandoned card candidates. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of processing when the settlement is restricted. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram when the control is changed according to the remaining value.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a game management system and a game management method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  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). Mochidama can be used by both general players and member players, and is used when a gaming machine used for gaming is changed (so-called table movement). 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.

  First, the concept of the game management system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of the game management system according to the present embodiment. A plurality of gaming machines 20 are installed in the game store, and each gaming machine 20 is provided with an inter-card card processing machine 10 which is each unit device. Further, the game store is provided with a card management device 40, and each inter-card card processing machine 10 is connected so as to be communicable with the card management device 40.

  When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the deposit, it adds a prepaid value, which is a valuable value, according to the deposit amount. When the ball lending operation is performed, the prepaid value is subtracted and the game ball is lent. Further, the inter-card processing machine 10 counts the game balls and manages them as a possession ball, and performs a replay process of paying out part or all of the possession balls according to the player's operation. Furthermore, when a return operation is performed, a return process is performed in which the prepaid value and the ball are associated with the card and returned to the player.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 has a function of detecting a neglected card and executing a countermeasure for the neglected card. First, the inter-card processing machine 10 measures how long a non-game state in which a game is not performed while accepting a card continues as a non-game time, and detects a neglected card based on the non-game time. .

  Here, if the accepted card is a general card, and the value that can be used for paying out the game balls (prepaid value, holding ball, etc.) is all zero, the detection target of the abandoned card due to non-game time is do not do. This is because the card is taken up and stocked as a blank card in the inter-card processing machine 10 in response to a state where the value of the card is used up and the game is finished.

  FIG. 1 shows a case where the inter-card card processing machine 10 is accepting a general card and enters a non-game state with the prepaid value “500” left. As shown in FIG. 1, if the non-game time has passed the first predetermined time T1, the inter-card card processor 10 detects the accepted card as a neglected card candidate that may become an abandoned card. Then, the operation shifts to the operation lock state in which the operation from the player is not accepted.

  After that, if the non-game time has passed the second predetermined time T2, the inter-card card processing machine 10 detects the accepted card as a neglected card and notifies the card management device 40 of the neglected card. At this time, the value remaining on the abandoned card is also notified.

  The card management device 40 receives a neglected card notification from the inter-card card processor 10, and registers and manages information related to the neglected card in the abandoned card data. The neglected card data includes information such as detection date and time, machine number, and remaining value. In FIG. 1, the detection date and time “2017/1/26 13:00”, the machine number “3004”, and the prepaid value “500” are registered in association with each other.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the neglected card notification to the card management device 40, erases the value of the card, and takes in the card. The taken-in card is stocked as a blank card in the inter-card card processing machine 10. Then, the inter-card processing machine 10 releases the operation lock and returns to a state in which a game can be played by the player.

  Further, the card management device 40 can reissue a card based on the neglected card data. Specifically, if a player who notices that he / she forgot the card appears and the identity of the player is confirmed, the card management device 40 handles the value registered in the abandoned card data for the new card. Then issue. For this reason, the player can receive the card issue without losing value.

  As described above, when the inter-card processing unit 10 detects a left card as a left card, the association between the left card and the value is canceled, and the value associated with the left card is notified to the card management device 40. Since it is managed as neglected card data and can be reissued by associating values with other cards based on the neglected card data, it is possible to efficiently operate the amusement store.

  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 prize 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 on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is performed based on the game balls passing through the start areas. 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. The result of the lottery by passing the ball to the starting port is displayed on a special symbol display device that displays the result of the lottery. The display of the lottery result of the special symbol display device is performed in such a manner that a fixed display is performed after a fluctuation display for a predetermined time. In addition, the game board surface is provided with a decorative symbol display device that variably displays a decorative symbol such as a predetermined number based on the lottery result. If the lottery result is a big hit, for example, (7, 7 , 7) etc. are displayed and notified. An area that serves as both a start area and a winning area may be provided.

  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. It has become. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory that stores the number of game balls to be given as prize balls for each winning area.

  Therefore, when the passing of a game ball that has been struck to a specific winning area is detected by the winning sensor, the gaming machine 20 should be given from the stored contents of the winning ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed the winning area. The number of prize balls can be determined, and the determined number of prize balls can be paid out. In addition, the game balls that have been struck are finally discharged out of the gaming machine from the back side of the gaming board regardless of whether or not they have passed through the winning area. The game balls discharged to the outside of the gaming machine are detected by an out ball detection device attached to each gaming machine.

  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 device 10 transmits deposit notification data including the amount of the bill to the card management device 40, and the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. The number corresponding to is added. 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 Perform the ball payout process.

  Further, if the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of the card, it transmits the card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. Further, if the inter-card card processing machine 10 receives data including the prepaid value, the number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls from the card management device 40, it stores the received prepaid value, the number of retained balls, and the number of stored balls. If the number of possessed balls is stored, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits the retained ball subtraction request data to the card management device 40, thereby reducing the number of retained balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero. clear.

  In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the holding ball replay operation, the predetermined number is subtracted from the number of holding balls stored in the own device, and the payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of holding balls is performed. Do. In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the stored ball replay operation, it transmits the stored ball replay request data to the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50. The payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls is performed.

  In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card processing machine 10 transmits to the card management device 40 the possession ball addition request data including the number of possession balls managed by the own device, and After the number is added, the card discharge notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control the card discharge.

  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 device that manages the prepaid value of the card, the number of balls, etc. as card data. When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management device 40 manages the card ID of the inserted card and the device ID of the inter-card card processor 10 in association with each other. The prepaid value and the number of possessions associated with are transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10. When the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of the member card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the member management device 50 and receives it from the member management device 50. The stored ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  In addition, when the card management device 40 receives the possession ball subtraction request data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 clears the number of possession balls to zero. In addition, when the card management device 40 receives the ball addition request data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 sets the number of balls included in the ball addition request data to the number of balls managed by the card management device 40. to add.

  Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and uses the inter-card card processing machine 10 Send to. If the storage ball replay request data is received, the stored ball replay request data is transmitted to the member management device 50. If 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 prize management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of 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, the number of points, the password, the 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 data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 stores the stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls and the password associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data. To the inter-card processing machine 10. In addition, when the member management device 50 receives the stored ball replay request data from the inter-card card processor 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request data, The stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls after subtraction 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.

  Further, when the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the prize management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored balls corresponding to the designated card ID.

  The prize management device 60 is a prize exchange terminal device provided in the prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for exchanging the acquired balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of held balls for prizes. The prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader that reads a card ID from a card and a prize dispensing device that dispenses prizes. The prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 when the card ID is read from the general card or the membership card (or when the identification data corresponding to the card ID is read from the portable terminal or the like). Requesting the number of balls with the card ID. When exchanging prizes for the number of 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 the card to the card management device 40 and receives the response data to obtain the prepaid value associated with the card. And pays out money according to the acquired prepaid value.

  Next, the ball lending process of the gaming 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 the ball lending request data to the card management device 40. The ball lending request data includes a card ID of a card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10 and an address or arbitrary identification data for specifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is a transmission source.

  Upon receiving the ball lending request data, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID of the ball lending request data. Then, the card management device 40 transmits the ball lending permission data to the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source. The inter-card card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission data performs payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

  Next, a description will be given of the ball replay process in the case of replaying the ball in the gaming system shown in FIG. When the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of the general card or the membership card, it transmits the card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processor 10, an address or arbitrary identification data for identifying the inter-card card processor 10 that is the transmission source, and the inter-card card processor Data for specifying 10 rates. The data for specifying the rate is not limited to data specifying the rate itself, but is data indicating the order of rates (which number is the highest rate that can be set) and the data storage location. Also good.

  When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card card processor 10, the card management device 40 gives the inter-card card processor 10 the number of balls held at each rate associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data. Notice.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the number of balls received from the card management device 40. Then, data for specifying the card ID, rate, and holding ball subtraction request data indicating that the number of holding balls is cleared to zero are transmitted to the card management device 40. When the card management device 40 receives the ball subtraction request data, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls in each rate specified by the card ID to zero. Further, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts a holding ball replay operation and performs a holding ball replay, the predetermined number is subtracted from the stored number of holding balls, and a payout process for the corresponding number of gaming balls is performed. . When performing the payout process, the payout process is performed by transmitting a payout instruction to the gaming machine for multiples of units that can be paid out by the gaming machine (for example, 25 balls), and the rest is paid out from the nozzle unit 18a of the own machine. The payout process is performed.

  When the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, the inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits the possession ball addition request data to the card management device 40. This possession ball addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, the address or arbitrary identification data that identifies the inter-card processor 10 that is the transmission source, and the number of possessions at each rate. .

  When the card management device 40 accepts the possession ball addition request data, the card management device 40 adds the possession number included in the possession ball addition request data to the number of possessions at each rate associated with the card ID. Thereafter, the inter-card card processor 10 transmits the card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 and controls the ejection of the card.

  Next, the stored ball replay process in the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the inter-card card processor 10 reads the card ID from the membership card or the portable terminal that can be used as the membership card, it transmits the card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processor 10, an address or arbitrary identification data for identifying the inter-card card processor 10 that is the transmission source, and the inter-card card processor Data for specifying 10 rates. The data for specifying the rate is not limited to data specifying the rate itself, but is data indicating the order of rates (which number is the highest rate that can be set) and the data storage location. Also good.

  The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-card card processor 10 to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data, the membership number associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data and the number of stored balls at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data among the stored balls. Then, the stored ball replay data including the possible number of stored ball replays is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10. The possible number of pool replays indicates the number of balls that can be replayed. The possible number of replays of the stored balls is a multiple of the number of payout units of game balls in the replay of stored balls. If an upper limit is set for the replay of stored balls, the maximum value within the range of the number of stored balls and the upper limit is the possible number of replay of stored balls. In addition, you may use the frequency | count in which the stored ball replay is possible instead of the possible number of the stored ball replay as the stored ball replay frequency. The stored ball replay frequency is a quotient obtained by dividing the number of stored balls by the number of payout units of game balls in the stored ball replay. However, in the case where an upper limit is set for the stored ball replay, the upper limit of the stored ball replay frequency is limited by this upper limit.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the received replay data of the stored ball, and the replay of the possible number of replays of the stored ball indicated in the replay data of the stored ball is one or more times or the possible number of replay of the stored ball is 1 time. When the number of units is greater than or equal to the number of units, a replay operation of the stored ball is allowed.

  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. It is determined whether or not it matches the password shown in FIG.

  The inter-card card processing machine 10 transmits the stored ball replay request data to the card management device 40 when the passwords match. This storage ball replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the address or arbitrary identification data for specifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source, and inter-card processing. Data for specifying the rate of the machine 10. The data for specifying the rate is not limited to data specifying the rate itself, but is data indicating the order of rates (which number is the highest rate that can be set) and the data storage location. Also good.

  The card management device 40 transmits the stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50. When the member management apparatus 50 receives the stored ball replay request data, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the stored ball associated with the card ID in the stored ball replay request data at a rate specified by the message. Then recalculate the possible number of replays of the stored ball. Then, stored ball replay data including the balance after subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays is transmitted to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls to be stored, and performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the number of payout units for storing replay. In addition, it is determined whether the number of possible replays of the stored ball replay after the update is one or more (or the number of possible replays of the storedball is equal to or greater than the number of replay units of one time). If the possible number of pool replays is 0, the storage ball replay operation cannot be accepted. If the number of possible replays of the stored balls after the update is 1 or more (or the possible number of replays of the stored balls is equal to or more than the number of replay units of one time), the replay operation of the stored balls can be accepted again. In the second and subsequent replays, it is not necessary to confirm the password. Note that the password may be confirmed every time. Moreover, although the case where the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the stored ball and then the inter-card card processing machine 10 performs the game ball payout process is illustrated here, the game ball payout process is performed based on the stored ball replay request. After doing so, the balance of the stored ball may be subtracted. This is because the storage ball replay data before the storage ball replay request indicates the possible number of storage ball replays, and it does not become a situation where the balance shortage is found after receiving the storage ball replay request.

  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 number of balls in the card management data during the closing process, and if there is a record associated with a number of balls larger than zero, the number of balls in the record is displayed together with the card ID and the rate. The member management apparatus 50 is notified. The member management device 50 adds the number of balls informed from the card management device 40 to the number of balls specified by the card ID and rate. Thereafter, the card management device 40 clears the number of possessed balls to zero.

  Next, the external appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 10. In FIG. 3, the appearance of the inter-card card processing machine 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 is shown as the inter-card card processing machine 10. 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 state display unit 11, a bill insertion slot 12a, a display operation unit 13, a card insertion slot 14a, a holding unit 14b, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

  The status display unit 11 is composed of, for example, a multicolor LED or the like, and displays the status of the inter-card card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color. The banknote insertion slot 12a is an insertion slot for various banknotes necessary for lending game balls. The display operation unit 13 is configured by, for example, a full-color touch panel type liquid crystal display or the like, and is a device that receives display of operation buttons and input operation by the operation buttons.

  The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for cards possessed by the player. The holding part 14b is a part that holds the portable terminal used for member registration. When the portable terminal is held over the holding part 14b, data such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the portable terminal is read from the portable terminal. The nozzle unit 18 a is a mechanism for throwing out game balls to the gaming machine 20. The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower plate of the gaming machine 20.

  Next, the configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a 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 type liquid crystal display that displays various kinds of information such as prepaid value, number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls that can be used for ball lending, and accepts various operations such as ball lending operations. It is.

  The reader / writer 14 is a device 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 unit that reads various kinds of information such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the portable terminal by short-range wireless communication when the portable terminal is held over. The reader / writer 14 also issues a new card by associating value data such as a ball or a prepaid value indicated in the card data 16b with a card stored in the card storage unit in response to a player's return operation. Also have. However, when the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of possessed balls is less than a certain number (minimum holding number), control is performed so that the card is not returned even if a return operation is performed. This is a control for preventing a loss in a game store caused by discarding a card associated with a small amount of balls. As a certain number, for example, the value obtained by multiplying the number of balls held by the lending unit price per ball can be set so that the value of the card or the prize at the lowest price in the game store is not limited to this. Can be set freely according to store policy. In addition, when controlling to not return the card even if there is a return operation, you can pay out the stored ball, but display that the card can not be returned and prompt the player to replay the ball May be.

  The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30. 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 its own device state data 16a and card data 16b.

  The own device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-card card processing machine 10. The own device status data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-card processing machine and the game settings. The device ID of the inter-card card processing machine is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-card card processing machine 10 within the amusement store. The game setting 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 In this way, the game type name is set and managed for each rate. The inter-card processing machine 10 selects a rate used for the game from these game types and stores it as a game setting.

  The card data 16b is data relating to a card that is being used by a player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a prepaid value, a holding ball, a stored ball, a possible number of stored ball replays, and the like. There are data for each game type (rate) for the possession balls and storage balls. The card ID is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and the card is ejected, the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during the transport.

  The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-card card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a counting processing unit 17b, an abandoned card detection unit 17c, an abandoned card processing unit 17d, and a lock control unit 17e.

  When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including value data (at least one of prepaid value, number of possessions and number of balls) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received value data. . The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the number of possessed balls, and the number of stored balls indicated in the card data 16b.

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

  Further, the data management unit 17a transmits the ball lending request data including the card ID and the device ID to the card management device 40 when the ball lending operation is performed by the player. If the ball lending permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management unit 17a performs a predetermined number of game ball payout processing.

  The data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of possessed balls indicated in the card data 16b when the player performs a possession replay operation, and performs a payout process for the corresponding number of game balls. Do.

  In addition, the data management unit 17a performs a display operation when the number of possible replays of the stored ball indicated in the card data 16b is one or more times, or when the possible number of replayed balls is equal to or greater than the number of replay units of one time. The storage ball replay button is displayed on the unit 13 so that the storage ball replay operation can be accepted. The data management unit 17a transmits the stored ball replay request data including the card ID and the inter-card card processor ID to the card management device 40 when the stored ball replay operation is performed by the player. If the stored ball replay data is received as a response to the stored ball replay request data, the number of stored balls in the card data 16b is updated, and a game ball payout process for the number of payout units of the stored ball replay is performed. At the time of the first re-playing operation of the stored ball replay, the user is requested to input a password, and the stored ball re-play request data is transmitted on condition that the password matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

  In addition, when the card return operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 17a transmits to the card management device 40 the ball addition request data including the card ID, the device ID, and the number of balls, and the card data 16b. After clearing the number of holding balls to zero, the card discharge notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

  When the game ball is inserted into the counting unit 18b, the counting processing unit 17b causes the counting unit 18b to count the game ball and performs a process of adding the counting result to the number of balls in the card data 16b.

  The abandoned card detection unit 17c performs processing for detecting a neglected card. The target of detection is a membership card and a general card with a prepaid value or possession remaining. A general card whose prepaid value and possession are both zero (or less than a predetermined value) is taken in at the end of the game and stocked as a blank card.

  The abandoned card detection unit 17c measures the non-game time when a target card is received. The details of the non-game time will be described later. For example, the time that has elapsed without increasing or decreasing the holding ball or the prepaid value is set as the non-game time. Moreover, when the detection result by the out ball detection device can be acquired from the gaming machine 20 as an out signal, the time elapsed without receiving the out signal can be set as the non-game time.

  The abandoned card detection unit 17c detects the accepted card as a neglected card candidate when the non-game time exceeds the predetermined time T1. Thereafter, when the non-game time exceeds the predetermined time T2, the accepted card is detected as an abandoned card. The predetermined time T1 and the predetermined time T2 can be set as appropriate. For example, the predetermined time T1 may be set to about 5 minutes and the predetermined time T2 may be set to about 10 minutes.

  The abandoned card processing unit 17d is a processing unit that executes a process on the abandoned card. First, the abandoned card processing unit 17d notifies the card management device 40 when the abandoned card detection unit 17c detects a neglected card candidate and outputs a lock instruction to the lock control unit 17e. The notification of a neglected card candidate includes a device ID that is identification information of the device itself.

  Also, the abandoned card processing unit 17d notifies the card management device 40 when the abandoned card detection unit 17c detects a neglected card. The notification of the neglected card includes a device ID that is identification information of the device itself. In addition, information about a card such as a prepaid value, a holding ball, and a card ID is notified by at least one of a notification of a neglected card candidate and a notification of a neglected card.

  Furthermore, when the abandoned card processing unit 17d notifies the abandoned card, the card data 16b in the own device is cleared and the accepted card is taken in as a blank card. Then, a lock release instruction is output to the lock control unit 17e. However, if the neglected card is a membership card, the operation lock state is continued without clearing the card data or taking in the card.

  When the lock control unit 17e receives a lock instruction from the abandoned card processing unit 17d, the lock control unit 17e starts the operation lock state and prohibits the reception of the operation from the player. In addition, when an unlock instruction is received from the abandoned card processing unit 17d, the operation lock state is released and the player can return to a state in which a game can be performed.

  When the original player returns, the operation lock state can be released based on the operation of the game store clerk. In this case, the detection of the left card candidate or the left card is canceled and the non-game time is reset.

  Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The own apparatus state data 16a shown in FIG. 5A indicates a state in which the ID of the inter-card card processing machine 10 is “3004” and “ball 3” is set as the game type of the inter-card card processing machine 10. ing.

  The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5B shows a state in which the ID of the card inserted into the inter-card card processor 10 is “1002”. 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 card data 16b indicates a state where the prepaid value is “500 degrees”. Here, the frequency of prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen per frequency. The card data 16b indicates that the number of balls 1 has “375 balls”, the number of balls 2 has “0 balls”, and the number of balls 3 has “2000 balls”. Show.

  Further, the card data 16b can have a password for replaying a stored ball, the number of possible replays of the stored ball, the number of stored balls of each rate, etc. as data related to the stored ball when the member card is being accepted. In addition, although the structure which stores here the number of balls which can be replayed as a possible number of replays was shown, you may store the frequency | count of possible replays as a replay frequency. In addition, the possible number of replays and the replay frequency may be managed for each rate. Although not shown, the card management device 40 also stores ON / OFF of a “lock” flag indicating validity / invalidity of the card in addition to the possession ball, storage ball, and prepaid value in association with the card ID. When a card theft is detected, it is turned ON by an employee operation. These data are also stored in the card data 16b. In addition, this “lock” flag can be set for each function (“use of pool”, “entry”, etc.). For example, only the “entry” function is subject to “lock” as requested by the player. It can also be used to prevent erroneous operation. In this specification, “getting in” means that the number of game media at a certain rate is converted into the number of game media at another rate based on the unit price ratio of the game media. In a specific example, in the inter-card card processing machine 10 associated with the 4-yen rate, the number of balls at the rate of 1-yen is used, and X × (1 yen / 4 yen) = X / 4 balls Can be exemplified. This “entry” function can be switched between valid / invalid by the member management device 50 according to the store management policy.

  Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the card management device 40 includes a display unit 41, an input unit 42, 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 display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. 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 performing data communication with the island controller 30, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the checkout machine 80 via a communication line in the amusement store.

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

  The game type setting data 45a is data in which the lending rate and the display name are associated with the game type. The card management data 45b is data in which a prepaid value, the number of possessions of each game type, and a use destination device ID indicating a device ID of the inter-card processing machine 10 in which the card is inserted are associated with the card ID. is there. The device management data 45c is data relating to a device placed in the amusement store. The device management data 45c includes the device ID of the inter-card card processing machine, the address of the inter-card card processing machine 10, the installation location, the gaming machine ID and model data of the attached gaming machine.

  The abandoned card data 45d is data related to the abandoned card candidate and the abandoned card received from the inter-card card processor 10. The neglected card data 45d includes a detection date and time, a unit number, a prepaid value, a holding ball, a card ID, a state, and the like. The stand number indicates in which inter-card card processor 10 the card is left unattended, and the state indicates what state the unattended card is in. The status of the abandoned card is returned to the player by “lock” that is locked by the inter-card processing machine 10, “collection” that is notified and taken as a neglected card, reissue, etc. There is a status “Returned”.

  The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and includes a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, a device management unit 46c, an abandoned card management unit 46d, and a reissue processing unit 46e. Actually, a program corresponding to these functional units is stored in a ROM or a non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed to thereby execute a game type setting management unit. 46a, the card management unit 46b, the device management unit 46c, the neglected card management unit 46d, and the reissue processing unit 46e are caused to execute corresponding processes.

  The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages the game type used in the game store, the rate, and the display name in association with each other as the game type setting data 45a.

  The card management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45b. Specifically, when the card management unit 46b receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b also notifies the card insertion notification of the used device ID of the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data. The device ID shown in the data is assumed. In addition, the prepaid value associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data and the number of possessions at each rate are notified to the inter-card processing machine 10 as value data. If the inserted card is a member card, card insertion notification data is transmitted to the member management device. When the card management unit 46b receives the ball subtraction request data from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b clears the number of balls having the rate indicated in the ball subtraction request data to zero.

  Further, when receiving the ball lending request data including the card ID from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b determines whether or not the prepaid value associated with the card ID is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. . If the prepaid value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b subtracts the predetermined value from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 45b and includes the updated prepaid value in the inter-card card processor 10. Send ball lending permission data. On the other hand, when the prepaid value is less than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the ball lending impossibility data.

  In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives payment notification data including the amount of money inserted from the inter-card processing machine 10, the card ID, and the device ID, the card management unit 46b notifies the payment to the prepaid value associated with the card ID. Add the prepaid value for the amount shown in.

  In addition, when the stored card replay request data is received from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46 b transfers the stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50. Also, response data from the member management device 50 to the stored ball replay request data is also transferred to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives the possession ball addition request data, the card management unit 46b adds the possession number included in the possession ball addition request data to the number of possessions at the corresponding rate. Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the card discharge notification data, the card management unit 46b deletes the used device ID of the card ID.

  Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management unit 46b notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of possessions of each rate associated with the card ID. Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the card ID from the payment machine 80, the card management unit 46b notifies the payment machine 80 of the prepaid value associated with the card ID.

  The device management unit 46c is a processing unit that manages the device management data 45c. The device management unit 46c generates and updates the device management data 45c based on the device ID acquired from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the address of the inter-card card processing machine 10, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID.

  The abandoned card management unit 46d is a processing unit that performs management related to abandoned cards. Specifically, when the abandoned card management unit 46d receives a notification of the abandoned card candidate, it registers the inter-card card processor 10 as the notification source in the abandoned card data 45d together with the detection date and time. At this time, the state of the card is “locked”. In addition, when information such as a prepaid value, a possession ball, and a card ID is included in the notification of a neglected card candidate, such information is also registered in the abandoned card data 45d.

  Furthermore, when the abandoned card management unit 46d receives a notification of the abandoned card candidate, the abandoned card management unit 46d notifies the game store staff. In response to this notification, the game store clerk makes an in-store announcement and calls the player who left the card.

  Thereafter, the abandoned card management unit 46d updates the abandoned card data 45d when receiving a notice of the abandoned card. At this time, the state of the card is “collected”. Further, when information such as a prepaid value, a possession ball, and a card ID is included in the notice of the neglected card, such information is also registered in the abandoned card data 45d. Furthermore, the abandoned card management unit 46d clears the prepaid value and the possession ball associated with the card ID of the abandoned card in the card management data 45b to zero. As a result, the association between the card ID of the abandoned card and various values is canceled, and the card ID can be newly used as a blank card.

  Furthermore, the abandoned card management unit 46d notifies the game store clerk when a notice of the abandoned card is received. In response to this notification, the game store clerk makes an announcement in the store, collects the neglected card, and informs that the gaming machine 20 can be used.

  The reissue processor 46e is a processor that reissues a card based on the neglected card data 45d. Specifically, when a player who notices that he / she has forgotten the card appears and the identity of the player is confirmed, the reissue processing unit 46e uses the value registered in the abandoned card data 45d (prepaid value or Is issued in association with a new card, and the status of the card is updated to “returned”. For this reason, the player can receive the card issue without losing value.

  The reissuing operation is preferably performed by a game store clerk using an apparatus capable of handling cards, such as a prize management device 60 and a payment machine. In addition, to confirm whether or not the player who appears to have forgotten the card is the person himself / herself, the game store clerk refers to the detection date / time, the unit number, the prepaid value and the holding ball indicated in the neglected card data 45d, This can be done by confirming whether or not it matches the content heard from the player.

  Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 illustrated in FIG. 6 will be described. 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40. FIG.

  The game type setting data 45a shown in FIG. 7A associates the rate “4 yen” and the display name “4 pachis” with the game type name “ball 1”. In addition, the game type setting data 45a associates the rate “2 yen” and the display name “2 pachis” with the game type name “ball 2”. Further, the game type setting data 45a associates the rate “1 yen” and the display name “1 pachi” with the game type name “ball 3”.

  In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7B, the card ID “1001” has a prepaid value “2500”, the number of balls 1 “1500”, the number of balls 2 “2300”, and ball 3 Is associated with “0”. 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 45b shown in FIG. 7B, the prepaid value “500”, the number of possessed balls at each rate “0”, and the used device ID “3004” are associated with the card ID “1002”. That is, the card with the card ID “1002” is inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 with the device ID “3004”, and the management shifts to the inter-card card processing machine 10 regarding the number of balls. For this reason, the number of balls in each rate is zero.

  In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7B, the card ID “2002” is associated with the prepaid value “2000”, the number of balls held at each rate “0”, and the usage destination device ID “3001”. That is, the card with the card ID “2002” is inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 with the device ID “3001”, and the management of the holding ball is transferred to the inter-card card processing machine 10. For this reason, the number of balls in each rate is zero.

  In the device management data 45c shown in FIG. 7C, the network address of the inter-card card processor 10 with ID “3001” is “AB.CD.EF.GH”, and the installation location is “island 1-1. ”, The ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is“ P001 ”, the game type is“ ball 3 ”, and the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is“ EV01 ”. It also shows that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

  The neglected card data 45d shown in FIG. 8 (d) is data in which a detection number is associated with a stand number, a prepaid value, a possession ball of each game type, a card ID, a state, and the like. The detection date / time indicates the date / time detected as a neglected card candidate, but may be updated to the date / time detected as an abandoned card. The date and time detected as a neglected card candidate may be associated with the date and time detected as an abandoned card.

  In FIG. 8D, the date and time of knowledge “2017/1/26 13:00”, the machine number “3004”, the prepaid value “500”, the game ball “375” of the game type “ball 1”, and the game type “ball 2”. , The game ball “2000”, the game ID “2000”, the card ID “1002”, and the state “collected” are associated with each other.

  Next, a processing procedure related to a neglected card will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing procedure relating to a neglected card. The inter-card card processing machine 10 measures the non-game time while accepting the target card, and if the non-game time exceeds the predetermined time T1, the inter-card card processing machine 10 detects the accepted card as a neglected card candidate. (Step S101).

  The inter-card card processor 10 that has detected the abandoned card candidate notifies the card management device 40 of the abandoned card candidate (step S102), and starts operation lock (step S103). The inter-card card processing machine 10 that has started the operation lock displays on the display unit 13 according to the operation lock. Examples of the display according to the operation lock include a display indicating that a neglected card is being processed, such as “Processing forgotten card processing”, and a display capable of recognizing that the operation is temporarily impossible. it can.

  The card management device 40 receives the notification of the neglected card candidate from the inter-card processor 10 and registers information related to the abandoned card candidate in the abandoned card data 45d (step S201), and confirms that the abandoned card candidate is detected. A game clerk is notified (step S202).

  After detecting the abandoned card candidate, if the non-game time exceeds the predetermined time T2, the inter-card card processing machine 10 detects the accepted card as an abandoned card (step S104).

  The inter-card card processor 10 that has detected the abandoned card notifies the card management device 40 of the abandoned card (step S105). Further, the card data 16b is cleared (step S106), the received card is taken as a blank card (step S107), the operation lock is released (step S108), the display corresponding to the operation lock is terminated, and the process is performed. finish. By performing these series of processes during business, the inter-card card processing machine 10 that has received the neglected card can clear the card data 16b to be associated with the neglected card and return it to the initial value. New processing such as deposit processing for cards can be performed. Thus, the next seated player can play a game without being obstructed by the card data 16b of the player who left the card. In this example, the inter-card card processing machine 10 detects that the card is an abandoned card, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 clears the card data 16b. It may be configured to detect that the card is a neglected card and to instruct the inter-card card processor 10 to clear the card data 16b.

  The card management device 40 receives the notification of the neglected card from the inter-card card processor 10 and registers information related to the neglected card in the abandoned card data 45d (step S203). Further, the prepaid value and the possession ball associated with the card ID of the neglected card are cleared to zero and the card management data 45b is updated (step S204). In addition, the game store clerk is notified that the abandoned card has been collected (step S205).

  After that, if a reissue request is received based on the operation of the game clerk (step S206), the value registered in the abandoned card data 45d (the prepaid value or the possession ball) is issued in association with a new card, The value left on the neglected card is reissued with a new card (step S207), and the process is terminated.

Moreover, although not described above, the card management device 40 and the inter-card card processing machine 10 use, for example, the method shown in any of (1) to (3) below when performing the store closing process. The holding balls held by the card processing machine 10 are made unusable.
(1) When there is a store closing request from the card management device 40 to the inter-card card processing machine 10, the inter-card card processing machine 10 determines whether there is a holding ball (or whether there is more than the minimum holding number), If there is a holding ball, the holding ball is associated with the holding card and the card is discharged. Further, the card management device 40 performs a store closing process of the own device. As a result of this processing, the ball that is discharged in association with the card cannot be used because the card management device is closed.
(2) When there is a store closing request from the card management device 40 to the inter-card card processing machine 10, the inter-card card processing apparatus 10 determines whether there is a holding ball (or whether there is more than the minimum holding number), If there is a ball, clear the ball.
(3) When there is a store closing request from the card management device 40 to the inter-card card processing machine 10, the inter-card card processing machine 10 determines whether there is a holding ball (or whether there is more than the minimum holding number), If there is a ball, the error goes down.
With these processes, the store closing operation can be efficiently performed when the ball is remaining in the inter-card card processing machine 10. The processing of (1) to (3) may be switched by setting, or different processing may be performed when the prepaid value remains simultaneously with the holding ball. These processes are similar to the processes related to abandoned cards in that the holding balls associated with the cards are disabled, but the processes are performed during non-business (when closed or during closing), and It is different in terms of its purpose and is a separate process. However, if the inter-card card processing machine 10 performs the same process such as clearing the ball in both processes, some of the signals exchanged between the card management device 40 and the inter-card card processing machine 10 are both It is also possible to use a common process.

  Next, determination regarding a neglected card will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of determination relating to neglect. As shown in FIG. 10, the cards to be determined are a membership card and a general card with a coin or prepaid value remaining.

  The membership card is locked when the non-game time has passed the predetermined time T1, but is not collected when the non-game time T2 has passed. This is because the membership card should be returned to the owner regardless of the remaining value.

  As for the general card, the operation lock is performed when the non-game time has elapsed T1, and the collection is executed when the non-game time has passed the predetermined time T2. As described above, this collection is performed by registering the value left in the abandoned card in the abandoned card data 45d, clearing the card data 16b of the inter-card card processing machine 10, and taking in the card.

  Further, the non-game time can be measured by always operating the timer while accepting the target card and resetting it when a state indicating that a game is being performed is detected. Non-game time resetting items include “out signal detection”, “increase / decrease”, “prepaid value increase / decrease”, “hit state”, “undetermined symbol of start-up winning detection role”, “probability change state”, etc. Can be used.

  The detection of the out signal can be realized by acquiring an out signal that is output when the out ball detection device of the gaming machine 20 detects the discharge of the game ball from the game board surface. The increase / decrease in the number of balls is a decrease in the number of balls due to the replay of the ball, or an increase in the number of balls due to counting. The increase / decrease in the prepaid value is an addition of the prepaid value by deposit or a subtraction of the prepaid value by ball lending.

  The big hit state is a state where the result of the lottery performed based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the starting area of the game board surface is “big hit”, which is advantageous to the game. The probability variation state is a state in which the probability that the lottery result is a “hit” has increased. And, the symbol undecided for the start opening winning combination is from the time when the game ball passes through the start area of the game board surface until the stage showing the lottery result. In these states, the player may daringly stop launching the game ball, and it is determined that the game is in progress even if the out signal is not detected or the value is not increased or decreased.

  A plurality of items for resetting the non-game time may be used in combination, or one of them may be used alone. For example, only “increase / decrease” and “prepaid value increase / decrease” may be used.

  Also, the predetermined time T1 and the predetermined time T2 can be automatically set according to the setting of the item for resetting the non-game time or the ball lending. For example, if a ball is lent once and the prepaid value of 500 degrees is subtracted and 125 balls are paid out, an average of 10 balls will be awarded each time the 125 balls are launched, and 3 balls will be obtained for each prize. Finally, 155 balls can be launched at one time. Since the game ball is launched at a rate of 100 balls per minute, it takes about 1 minute 30 seconds to launch 155 balls. For this reason, if the predetermined time T1 is set to 2 minutes, it can be detected that no game is being played.

  Similarly, if a ball is lent once, the prepaid value of 500 degrees is subtracted and 500 balls are paid out, and an average of 40 balls are awarded every time 500 balls are launched, and 3 balls are awarded for each prize. 620 balls can be finally launched with one lending. Since the game ball is launched at a rate of 100 balls per minute, it takes about 6 minutes and 12 seconds to launch 620 balls. For this reason, if the predetermined time T1 is set to 7 minutes, it can be detected that no game is being played.

  Next, a modified example of restrictions on abandoned card candidates will be described. In the configuration where the operation lock is performed when a neglected card candidate is detected, if the abandoned card candidate is detected early, there is a possibility that the game will be hindered due to a false detection. The risk of being acquired increases. For this reason, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use by detecting the abandoned card candidates at an early stage and setting a limit on the settlement of the abandoned card candidates instead of performing an operation lock.

  Specifically, the card ID of the abandoned card candidate and the time when the card is ejected are managed by the card management device 40, and the settlement of the prepaid value by the settlement machine 80 is prohibited within a predetermined time from the card ejection.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of restrictions on abandoned card candidates. FIG. 11 shows a case where the inter-card card processing machine 10 is accepting a general card and enters a non-game state with the prepaid value “500” remaining. As shown in FIG. 11, when the non-game time has passed the predetermined time T1a, the inter-card card processor 10 detects the accepted card as a neglected card candidate that may become an abandoned card, and manages the card. The device 40 is notified to register a neglected card candidate. At the time of registration, detection date and time, card ID, and the like are registered. Further, the inter-card card processing machine 10 does not shift to the operation lock state, and the player can arbitrarily use and discharge the card.

  After that, if the card is ejected, the inter-card card processor 10 notifies the card management device 40 and registers the card ejection time of the abandoned card candidate. In FIG. 11, the card management device 40 associates the detection date and time “2017/1/26 13:00”, the card ID “1099”, and the card ejection time “2017/1/26 13:10” in association with the neglected card candidate data. Manage as. In addition, a unit number, a prepaid value, a possession ball, and the like may be included. Further, the abandoned card candidate data may be data different from the abandoned card data 45d, or may be used as the abandoned card candidate data by adding a discharge time item to the abandoned card data 45d.

  The checkout machine 80 makes an inquiry to the card management device 40 when checking out the card. Then, the card ID of the accepted card is registered in the neglected card candidate data, and if it is within a certain time from the card ejection time, the settlement is prohibited.

  Similarly, in the prize management device 60, the card ID of the accepted card is registered in the neglected card candidate data, and if it is within a certain time from the card ejection time, the exchange of the coins and storage balls with the prize is prohibited. be able to.

  It is possible to insert the discharged card into another inter-card processing machine 10 and use the value (prepaid value, holding ball, saving ball) for paying out the game ball. When the card is inserted into another inter-card card processor 10 as described above, the card ejection time is updated when the card is ejected from the inter-card card processor 10.

  Further, even if the card ID is registered in the neglected card candidate data and the game store clerk operates within a certain time from the card ejection time, it may be possible to allow payment or prize exchange.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of processing when the settlement is restricted. FIG. 12 (a) shows a process in the case where the settlement is limited instead of the operation lock. In the process shown in FIG. 12 (a), when the non-game time exceeds T1a, it is registered as a neglected card candidate, and thereafter, this card is subject to checkout restrictions. That is, the settlement by the settlement machine 80 is prohibited until a predetermined time has elapsed since the card was discharged. Further, when the non-game time further exceeds T2, the neglected card is notified and the card is taken in.

  FIG. 12B shows a process in the case where the operation lock and the settlement limit are used together. In the process shown in FIG. 12B, when the non-game time exceeds T1a, it is registered as a neglected card candidate, and thereafter, this card is subject to checkout restrictions. That is, the settlement by the settlement machine 80 is prohibited until a predetermined time has elapsed since the card was discharged. Thereafter, when the non-game time exceeds T1, the operation lock is performed, and the operation of the inter-card card processing machine 10 is prohibited. When the non-game time further exceeds T2, the neglected card is notified, the card is taken in, and the operation lock is released.

  Next, a description will be given of a modification in which the control over the abandoned card candidate is changed according to the value left on the card. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram when the control is changed according to the remaining value. In the above description, if the card has value remaining, uniform control is performed regardless of the size. However, even when the value remaining on the card is small, the card management device 40 performs management and re-executes. If it is possible to issue, it may conversely impair the efficiency of the operation of the amusement store.

  Therefore, in the modification shown in FIG. 13, the control is changed according to the value left on the card. FIG. 13A shows the control when the value left on the card exceeds a predetermined value, and FIG. 13B shows the control when the value left on the card is less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value in this case is arbitrarily set by the manager of the game hall in the higher-level device (for example, the card management device 40), and at the timing of communication establishment between the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the higher-level device (for example, at the time of opening the store) , It is distributed to the inter-card processing machine 10. The predetermined value may be set to a value different from the “minimum holding number” described above, or may be controlled using the same value. Also, a different number of balls is set for each rate. In the following, an example of processing when the predetermined value is set to “25 balls” is shown as an example.

  FIG. 13A shows a case where the inter-card card processing machine 10 is in a non-game state while receiving a general card with a prepaid value “0” and a holding ball “2000”. In this case, since the holding ball is sufficiently large, the non-game time shifts to the operation lock state when the first predetermined time T1 has passed, and then the non-game time has passed the second predetermined time T2. The card management device 40 is notified to erase the value of the card, and the card is taken in.

  On the other hand, FIG. 13B shows a case where the inter-card card processing machine 10 is in a non-game state while accepting a general card with a prepaid value “0” and a holding ball “17”. In this case, since the holding ball is small, the value of the card is erased and the card is taken in when the non-game time exceeds the first predetermined time T1. Therefore, the operation lock state does not occur, and since the notification to the card management device 40 is not performed, the operation is not reissued. In this case, an example in which the prepaid value is “0” is shown. However, when the prepaid value is not “0” even if the holding ball is less than the predetermined value (when the prepaid value remains). It is preferable not to perform the process of FIG. 13B, for example, to perform the same process as in FIG. Further, even if the prepaid value is “0” and the possession is “0” (or less than a predetermined value), if the card is a membership card, the process of FIG. 13B is not performed.

  In this way, the operation of the amusement store can be made more efficient by varying the control according to the value left on the card. When evaluating the magnitude of the value remaining on the card, the holding ball and the prepaid value are respectively compared with a predetermined value. The notification to 40 may be performed. Also, the predetermined value for the holding ball and the predetermined value for the prepaid value may be different values. Further, the prepaid value may be set to a predetermined value of zero. In other words, if even a small amount of prepaid value remains, it is a target for notification to the card management device 40 after the operation lock state.

  In addition, the remaining balls less than a predetermined value remaining on the card may not be erased, but may be taken out as a game ball and taken in.

  As described above, in the game management system according to the present embodiment, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 detects a left card as a left card, the association between the left card and the value is canceled and the left card is used as a left card. Since the associated value is notified to the card management device 40 and managed as neglected card data, and the value can be reissued in association with other cards based on the neglected card data, the operation of the amusement store can be performed efficiently. It can be carried out.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the neglected card data 45d is provided separately from the card management data 45b to manage the value of the neglected card has been described as an example. You may manage value. In such a configuration, a return card used for returning the value of the neglected card is prepared in a counter or the like, and after the value associated with the card notified as the neglected card is transferred to the card ID of the return card, What is necessary is just to clear the value of card ID.

  In addition, when the non-game time exceeds a predetermined time T2, the card may not be automatically taken in, but may be executed after an operation of the game clerk is requested.

  Further, instead of transmitting the value of the neglected card to the card management device 40, the value may be transferred to a clerk terminal carried by a game clerk.

  Further, in this embodiment, the card left in the inter-card card processing machine 10 is described as a neglected card for the sake of convenience. However, the present invention relates to a card that has not been removed from the inter-card card processing machine 10 for some reason. Can be widely applied in handling.

  In the present embodiment, the card management apparatus 40 is notified of the value associated with the neglected card, and the configuration for taking in the card has been described. However, the card needs to be taken out depending on specific conditions and settings. You may comprise. For example, an upper limit may be set for the value notified to the card management device 40, and the card may not be taken in when the remaining value exceeds the upper limit. In addition, if the card has different characteristics from normal ordinary cards, such as having a special ticket face, or if a setting operation from a player is received in advance by the display operation unit 13 or the like, the card will not be included. Also good.

  Further, in this embodiment, detailed description of the processing for the card is omitted, but the processing for the card may be held in the reader / writer 14 of the inter-card processing unit 10 only when it has value, for example. It may be configured to always hold in the storage portion and perform writing at the time of ejection. The card inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 may hold the value data, or the card inserted into the inter-card card processing machine 10 may not hold the value data. There may be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the detection of the non-game state is exemplified based on the out signal, but the non-game state detection method is not limited to this. For example, even if cash or a card is not inserted for a certain period of time, seating detection using a proximity sensor, or detection of biological information such as facial information of a player, non-game It is possible to detect the state. In particular, when a camera is attached to the inter-card card processing machine 10 to detect the player's face information, not only the non-gaming state but also the replacement of the player operating the inter-card card processing machine 10 Therefore, even if the non-gaming state has not been detected yet, it is possible to perform the same processing as in the above-described embodiment by the replacement detection.

  Further, in this embodiment, detailed description of the form of the card, which is a medium for associating the number of game media, is omitted, but such a card includes a magnetic card, an IC card, and the like. Further, although the “card” has been described as an example here for convenience of explanation, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a chip, a stick, a portable terminal, or the like is used in addition to such a card.

  In this embodiment, the case where a game ball is used as a game medium has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where a medal for a slot machine is used. In addition, the determination of the number of game media (such as the minimum number of games held) shown in the above-described embodiment may be based not only on the number of game media for one rate but also the total number of game media for a plurality of rates. included. For example, a threshold value may be provided for the value obtained by multiplying the number of game media at a plurality of rates by the unit price of the number of game media. Of course, the case where the value of the game ball for the pachinko machine and the value of the medal for the slot machine are added together is also included.

  Each illustrated configuration is schematic in function, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the 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 and the game management method according to the present invention are suitable for efficiently operating a game store.

10 card processor 11 status display unit 12 banknote transport unit 12a bill insertion slot 13 display operation unit 14 reader / writer 14a card insertion port 14b cover unit 15 communication unit 16, 45 storage unit 16a own device status data 16b card data 17, 46 Control Unit 17a Data Management Unit 17b Counting Processing Unit 17c Abandoned Card Detection Unit 17d Abandoned Card Processing Unit 17e Lock Control Unit 18a Nozzle Unit 18b Counting Unit 20 Game Machine 30 Island Controller 40 Card Management Device 41 Display Unit 42 Input Unit 43 External Network Communication unit 44 Store network communication unit 45a Game type setting data 45b Card management data 45c Device management data 45d Idle card data 46a Game type setting management unit 46b Card management unit 46c Device management unit 46d Idle card tube Parts 46e reissue processing unit 50 member management device 60 prize management device 80 checkout stations

Claims (8)

A game management system including each device that is attached to a gaming machine that uses a game medium and performs processing of a recording medium associated with a value,
A discharge processing means for discharging values in association with recording media;
There is a value associated with the recording medium, and a discharge incomplete detection means for detecting that the recording medium has not been discharged by the discharge processing means;
An initial value for performing a process for setting a value associated with the recording medium to an initial value based on a predetermined condition when the discharging incomplete detection unit detects that the recording medium has not been discharged. A game management system comprising a return means.   The game management system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes at least that a predetermined time has elapsed without causing an increase or decrease in value associated with the recording medium.   5. A pre-return value management unit that manages a value before an initial value when performing processing for setting a value associated with the recording medium to an initial value by the initial value return unit. The game management system according to 1 or 2.   The initial value return means can perform processing for setting the value associated with the recording medium in the business state to an initial value. After the processing by the initial value return means is performed, a new recording medium related to the recording medium is obtained in each of the stand devices. The game management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein processing is possible. And further comprising: each device use restriction means for restricting the use of the recording medium in each device when a state in which the discharge of the recording medium by the discharge processing device is incomplete is detected. The game management system as described in any one of Claims 1-4.   6. The apparatus for restricting use of each device changes whether or not to restrict the use of the recording medium in each device according to the magnitude of the value associated with the recording medium. The game management system described in 1. When a state in which the discharge of the recording medium by the discharge processing unit is incomplete is detected and the recording medium is discharged from each of the stand devices after the detection, until a specified time elapses from the discharge The game management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising settlement limiting means for limiting the settlement of the value. A game management method in a game management system including each device that performs processing of a recording medium associated with a value that is attached to a gaming machine that uses a game medium to perform a game,
A discharge processing step for discharging the recording medium in association with the value;
There is a value associated with the recording medium, and a discharge incomplete detection step of detecting that discharge by the discharge processing step of the recording medium is incomplete,
An initial value for performing processing for setting a value associated with the recording medium to an initial value based on a predetermined condition when it is detected that the discharge of the recording medium is incomplete in the discharge incomplete detection step. A game management method comprising: a return step.

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