JP4339897B2 - Game machine management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine management system that manages gaming machines that perform games using gaming values associated with storage media (for example, IC cards).

In a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko machine), when a special gaming state (for example, a big hit state) occurs due to the progress of the game, while the special gaming state continues for a predetermined duration, a game using the gaming value is used. There are some special benefits (big benefits) that can be obtained.
Some of these gaming machines play a game using a game value recorded on a recording medium instead of a game using cash directly. For example, in a pachinko machine, a prepaid card with a game value according to the purchase amount is purchased before a game is played, and the game value recorded on the prepaid card is converted into a rental ball and played. There is.

  However, in a gaming machine using such a prepaid card, when the game value given to the prepaid card becomes 0, it becomes impossible to rent game balls using the prepaid card, and it is necessary to purchase a new prepaid card. is there. For this reason, when the game value of the prepaid card becomes 0 in the above-mentioned special game state, the player needs to prepare a new prepaid card in order to receive the rental of the game ball. In the meantime, the duration of the special gaming state elapses. Therefore, it has become necessary for the player to always prepare a new prepaid card in preparation for a special game state in which it is not known when it will occur.

  The present invention has been made by paying attention to such problems, and when the gaming value of the storage medium has disappeared in a gaming machine that uses the gaming value associated with the recording medium. It is an object to provide a device capable of taking appropriate remedies even when a special gaming state occurs.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is a one-to-one correspondence between value conversion means for converting a game value associated with a storage medium issued by a player's operation from a card issuing machine into a rental ball used for a game, And a management means provided with a storage area for storing the corresponding card ID and the game value in association with each other. When the game is played using the rental ball and the game is in a jackpot state, the player In the gaming machine management system for managing gaming machines that can give special benefits to the game machine, in addition to the gaming value, the storage medium has a value that is stored in the card issuing machine in exchange for depositing the card to the player. When a certain storage medium inherent value is associated, and the value conversion means determines the storage medium inherent value when the gaming state is a jackpot and there is no gaming value balance associated with the gaming medium. When there is no game value balance associated with the game medium, the management means converts the card ID and the game value associated with the card ID into the storage area. It is characterized by deleting more.

  According to a second invention, in the first invention, the storage medium issued by the player's operation from the card issuing machine is stored in the card issuing machine in exchange for the gaming value and depositing the card to the player. When “card payment is present” is recorded as card payment information indicating that the value to be stored is stored, the gaming state is a big hit, and there is no balance of gaming value associated with the storage medium In addition, when a ball rental request is made, the card storage information of the storage medium is rewritten to “no card payment” and the value conversion means converts the inherent value of the storage medium. It is characterized by being converted into game value.

  According to a third invention, there is provided a card clearing machine according to the second invention, wherein the storage medium storing the card deposit information is settled, the storage medium intrinsic value and the settlement balance are refunded, and the used storage medium is collected. In the clearing of the storage medium, the card clearing information of the storage medium is stored in the card clearing machine regardless of whether the storage area of the management means stores the card ID and the game value. As long as “there is card deposit”, the unique value of the storage medium is returned.

  According to the first invention, the value conversion means for converting the game value associated with the storage medium issued by the player's operation from the card issuing machine into the rental ball used for the game, and the storage medium And a management means provided with a storage area for storing the corresponding card ID and the game value in association with each other. When the game is played using the rental ball and the game is in a jackpot state, In a gaming machine management system for managing gaming machines that can give a special benefit to a player, the storage medium has a value to be stored in the card issuing machine in exchange for depositing the card to the player in addition to the gaming value And the value converting means has the storage medium specific value when the gaming state is a big hit and there is no balance of the gaming value associated with the gaming medium. The value is converted into the game value, and the management means, when there is no balance of the game value associated with the game medium, the card ID and the game value associated with the card ID, Since it is deleted from the storage area, the amount of game value data stored in the storage area and the card ID assigned to the storage medium can be kept to a minimum, and management of the recording medium is facilitated.

  In addition, a game using a game value associated with a storage medium (for example, an IC card) issued by a player's operation from a card issuing machine (for example, a value that allows a game ball to be rented in a ball game machine). However, if there is no gaming value balance associated with the storage medium and the gaming state becomes a special gaming state (a jackpot state), the storage medium inherent value associated with the storage medium is It is possible to use a rental ball converted into a game value and converted from the converted game value in a game. As a result, even when the gaming state is shifted to the special gaming state when there is no gaming value balance associated with the storage medium, the storage medium inherent value associated with the storage medium is converted into a recreational gaming value. Thus, the game can be continued (for example, a game ball can be rented immediately), so that the special game state can be quickly dealt with. In particular, even when a time limit is provided for the continuation of the special gaming state, the continuation time of the special gaming state is not wasted.

  According to the second invention, the storage medium issued by the player's operation from the card issuing machine holds the game value and the value to be stored in the card issuing machine in exchange for depositing the card to the player. Is recorded as card payment information indicating that there is a card payment, the game status is a big hit, and there is no balance of game value associated with the storage medium, When a request is made, the card storage information of the storage medium, that is, “with card payment” is rewritten to “no card payment”, and the value conversion means converts the storage medium intrinsic value into a game value. Therefore, if the storage medium intrinsic value of the storage medium is not converted into a game value, "with card payment" remains recorded, The engineer can receive a corresponding value (for example, an amount corresponding to the price of the storage medium itself) in exchange for the return of the storage medium to the amusement store, so that the recovery rate of the storage medium increases, The cost for the storage medium can be reduced.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the card clearing machine comprises a card clearing machine for clearing a storage medium storing card deposit information, repaying the storage medium intrinsic value and clearing balance, and collecting the used storage medium. Regardless of whether or not the storage area of the management means stores the card ID and the game value, the card storage information of the storage medium indicates that the card has been stored in the liquidation of the storage medium. As long as the storage medium inherent value is returned to the game store, the player can return the storage medium to the game store in exchange for the return of the storage medium inherent value. Value (for example, an amount corresponding to the price of the storage medium itself) can be received, so that the recovery rate of the storage medium is increased and there are few recording media left unused. Ri, it is possible to reduce the cost of the storage medium in the game arcade.

  FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the gaming machine management system.

  As shown in the figure, the gaming store 1 includes a host computer 10, a card clearing machine 20, a plurality of card issuing machines 30, a gaming machine body 40 and a card unit 50, which are management means. These are connected to each other via a communication line 5. The player inserts the IC card 1 issued from the card issuing machine 30 into the card unit 50, and uses the game value (added amount) associated (recorded) with the IC card 1 to play a game. Do.

  Each card unit 50 is provided with an abnormality notification lamp 54 that notifies the occurrence of an abnormal state. The host computer 10 is also connected to the card company 7 via an external communication line (telephone line) 6.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the gaming machine 9.

  As shown in the drawing, the gaming machine main body 40 includes a ball lending switch 41 for instructing the card unit 50 to lend gaming balls, a return switch 42 for instructing the return of the IC card 1, and the addition of the IC card 1 at that time. A balance display unit 43 that displays a balance of money (currently added amount), a ball discharge device 44 that discharges game balls, and a ball discharge control device 45 that controls the ball discharge device 44 are provided. The ball discharge control device 45 has a ball lending signal for instructing how many game balls to lend based on an operation in the card unit 40, occurrence of an abnormal state in the card unit 50, and the gaming machine main body 40 and the card unit 50. A status signal for notifying the disconnection from the card unit 40 is input from the card unit 40.

  In addition, the gaming machine main body 40 is provided with a launching device 46 that launches a game ball for gaming, and a launch control device that controls driving and stopping of the launching device 46. The launch control device 47 receives a permission signal from the ball discharge control device 45, and the game ball is fired from the launch device 46 only when permission is given by the permission signal. This permission signal indicates the occurrence of a state in which the above-described state signal should stop the game in the gaming machine 9, such as occurrence of an abnormal state in the card unit 50 or disconnection between the gaming machine main body 40 and the card unit 50. If it is a thing, it is not transmitted, and the game ball firing from the launching device 46 is stopped.

  The gaming machine main body 40 is provided with a game control device 48 that comprehensively controls the games in the gaming machine 9. The game control device 48 shifts the game to a special game state (a big hit state) in accordance with a lottery executed in accordance with the progress of the game. This special game state is provided with a predetermined time limit, and the game returns to the normal game state as the time limit elapses.

  In addition, a signal indicating the occurrence of a special gaming state (a jackpot signal) is transmitted to the card unit control device 51 of the card unit 50. As a result of this transmission, the card unit 50 can use the game value for the card price of the IC card 1 for a game when a big win occurs with no additional amount of the IC card 1 as will be described later. .

  The card unit 50 is a storage medium processing device that performs processing of the IC card 1 that is a storage medium. The card unit 50 includes a card unit control device 51 that includes a ROM, a RAM, and a CPU, and an IC card 1 that is inserted into a predetermined insertion slot. On the other hand, a card R / W (card reader / writer) for reading / writing information, a card transport device 53 for taking the IC card 1 into and out of the insertion slot, and an abnormality notification lamp 54 are provided. I have. When the player inserts the IC card 1 into the insertion slot of the card unit 40 and operates the ball lending switch 41, the card unit control device 51 transmits a ball lending signal to the ball discharge control device 45 in accordance with this command. As a result, when the game ball is discharged from the ball discharge device 44, the card R / W 52 writes to the IC card 1 so that the additional amount of the IC card 1 is reduced by this discharge amount.

  The card unit 50 (storage medium processing device) may be formed integrally with the gaming machine main body 40, or the gaming machine main body 40 itself may have the function of the card unit 50. .

  FIG. 3 shows configurations of the host computer 10, the card clearing machine 20, and the card issuing machine 30.

  As shown in the figure, the host computer 10 includes a calculation / control device 11, an input device 12 for an operation by an administrator, an output device 13, and a storage device 14, and card clearing via a communication interface 15. Is connected to an external card company 7 via a communication interface (modem) 16.

  The host computer 10 is a computer that manages and manages various gaming facilities in the game store. Information relating to the IC card 1 is issued from the card issuing machine 30, used in the gaming machine 9 (card unit 50), and card settlement. The data is read at each stage of settlement at the machine 20, transmitted to the host computer 10, and centrally managed in the card balance database in the storage device 14.

  The host computer 10 appropriately sorts a set of numbers (candidate group of card ID numbers) that may be given to each card issuing machine 30 as a card ID number on that day so that different card issuing machines 30 do not overlap each other. Send. Here, the card ID number is numerical data given so as to correspond one-to-one to the IC card 1 whose additional amount is not 0 (see FIG. 4). Can be identified by this card ID number.

  Note that the card ID number of the IC card 1 with the additional amount 0 is deleted (set to 0H), and information regarding the IC card 1 is also deleted from the card balance database of the host computer 10. As a result, the amount of data in the card balance database and the card ID number assigned to the IC card 1 can be minimized, and the management of the IC card 1 is facilitated.

  The card issuing machine 30 includes a control device 31 having a ROM, a RAM, and a CPU, a money amount selection switch 32, a card return switch 33, a bill processing device 34A, a coin processing device 34B, a change dispensing device 35, a card R / W 36, a card transport The device 37, the display unit 38, the interface 39, and the like are configured to issue the IC card 1 to which the additional amount is given according to the operator's amount selection and to give a new additional amount to the already issued IC card 1. In this new card issuance, the card ID number is selected from the above-mentioned card ID candidate group so as not to overlap, and is given to the issued IC card 1.

  Further, in addition to the additional amount given to the IC card 1, a card deposit (card price) is associated with the price of the newly issued IC card 1, and the issued IC card 1 itself is charged with this card price. In exchange, it is treated as being deposited with the player. Then, as will be described later, when the IC card 1 is returned to the card clearing machine 20, this card deposit is returned from the card clearing machine 20. In the present embodiment, this card deposit corresponds to the storage medium inherent value in the claims.

  The card clearing machine 20 includes a control device 21 including a ROM, a RAM, and a CPU, a coin dispensing device 24, a card R / W 25, a card transport device 26, a display unit 27, an interface 28, and the like. The card clearing machine 20 collects the used IC card 1 and refunds the card deposit and the clearing balance.

  In the collection of the IC card 1 by the card clearing machine 20, the card deposit is returned as long as the card payment information (described later) of the IC card 1 is “with card deposit”. Therefore, the collection rate of the used IC card 1 is increased, and the number of IC cards 1 that are left unused without being used is reduced. Therefore, card ID numbers that are wasted while being assigned to the IC card 1 are reduced, and the management of the IC card 1 by the host computer 10 is facilitated.

  FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the IC card 1.

  As shown in the figure, the IC card 1 includes a non-rewritable memory area 2 and a rewritable memory area 3. In the non-rewritable memory area 2, data related to the manufacture of the IC card 1 such as a card manufacturing number and a fixed security code is recorded. In the rewritable memory area 3, a card ID number, a current additional amount, a cumulative additional amount, card deposit information, a variable security code, and the like are rewritten and stored as needed. Here, the cumulative additional amount is the total of the game value (amount) added to the IC card 1 in the card issuing machine 30 and is used, for example, for service to the player by the game store.

  The card deposit information is data for allowing the card clearing machine 20 to reimburse the card deposit when this information is “with card deposit”. This card custody information is usually “card custody”, but if the gaming value of the card deposit is used for a game in a special gaming state as described later, “card custody” It will be rewritten as “None”.

  The non-rewritable memory area 2 and the rewritable memory area 3 are connected to the contact portion 4, and are read and rewritten via the contact portion 4. The IC card 1 may take a form in which an IC is provided between the non-rewritable memory area 2 and the rewritable memory area 3 and the contact portion 4.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a card balance database stored in the storage device 14 of the host computer 10. As shown in the figure, the current balance is stored in the card balance database in a one-to-one correspondence with the card ID numbers. Thereby, the state of the current additional amount can be uniformly managed for the IC card 1 to which the card ID number is assigned.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processes in each of the host computer 10, the card clearing machine 20, the card issuing machine 30, and the card unit 50.

  After performing the initialization process in step S1, the host computer 10 determines a card ID number candidate group to be issued on the day in step S2. In step S3, the card ID number candidate groups determined in step S2 are appropriately distributed so as not to overlap and transmitted to a plurality of card issuing machines 30. Thereafter, the loop of the clearing operation corresponding process in step S4, the card issuing corresponding process in step S5, and the ball lending operation corresponding process in step S6 is repeated.

  After the initialization process in step S11, the card clearing machine 20 repeats the clearing operation acceptance process in step S12 in cooperation with the clearing operation handling process (step S4) in the host computer 10.

  The card issuing machine 30 stores the card ID number candidate group received from the host computer 10 in step S22 after the initialization process in step S21. Thereafter, in cooperation with the card issue handling process (step S5) in the host computer 10, the card issue acceptance process in step S23 is repeated.

  The card unit 50 repeats the ball lending operation acceptance process in step S32 in cooperation with the ball lending operation corresponding process (step S6) in the host computer after the initialization process in step S31.

  7 to 10 show detailed processing procedures of the card issue handling process in the host computer 10 (step S5 in FIG. 6) and the card issue acceptance process in the card issuing machine 30 (step S23 in FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the card issuance handling process of the host computer 10, the amount addition handling process (1) in step S40, the amount addition handling process (2) in step S50, and the amount addition handling process (3) in step S60. Are executed sequentially.

  On the other hand, in the card issue acceptance process of the card issuer 30, it is determined whether or not the IC card 1 has been inserted into the card issuer 30 in step S <b> 71. In the case of issuing the card 1, the money amount addition receiving process (1) in step S80 is executed in relation to the money amount addition corresponding process (1), and the routine is terminated. When the IC card 1 is inserted, that is, when the additional amount of the already issued IC card 1 is updated (adding the amount), the card ID number is recorded on the IC card 1 in step S72. A determination is made whether or not. If there is no record, it is necessary to give a new card ID number to the card 1. Therefore, the amount addition acceptance processing (2) in step S90 is related to the amount addition correspondence processing (2). Execute and end the routine. If there is a record, the money amount addition receiving process (3) in step S110 is executed in relation to the money amount addition corresponding process (3), and the routine ends.

  FIG. 8 shows the detailed processing procedure of the money addition processing (1) and the money addition reception processing (1).

  In the amount addition acceptance process (1), first, in step S81, acceptance processing of various operations, that is, insertion of a bill into the card issuing machine 30 is accepted, or an addition amount to the IC card 1 (newly added to the IC card 1). For example, an amount corresponding to the game value to be played) is received.

  In the subsequent step S82, it is determined whether or not there has been an operation of adding an amount of money (an operation requesting that the additional amount is given to the IC card 1) by the player (operator of the card issuing machine 30). If this is the case, the routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if there is an additional operation, the amount selected by the player in step S83 is set as an additional amount (current additional amount), and a new IC card 1 to be issued is prepared in step S84. To do. In step S85, the card ID number and the additional amount are written in the IC card 1 to be issued. In step 86, "card payment is present" is recorded as the card payment information of the IC card 1.

  In step S87, issuance information of the IC card 1 (including the card ID number written in the IC card 1 to be issued and the additional amount data) is transmitted to the host computer 10. Thereafter, change is paid out in step S88, the IC card 1 is discharged in step S89, and the routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, in the amount addition processing (1), it is determined in step S41 whether or not card issue information has been received from the card issuing machine 30, and if received, based on the card issue information in step S42. The card balance database is updated, and if there is no reception, the routine is terminated.

  FIG. 9 shows a detailed processing procedure of the money amount reception process (2) and the money amount addition handling process (2).

  In the money amount reception process (2), first, a reception process for various operations (a process similar to step S81 in FIG. 8) is executed in step S91. In the subsequent step S92, it is determined whether or not there has been a return operation (operation for requesting return) of the IC card 1. If there is a return operation, the process proceeds to step S99, and the IC card 1 is discharged to the player side. The routine ends. On the other hand, if there is no return operation, it is determined in step S93 whether or not an addition operation has been performed. If there is no addition operation, the process returns to step S91, and if there is an addition operation, the process proceeds to step S94.

  In step S94, the additional amount is set based on the additional operation, and in step S95, the card payment information is reset to “card payment is present”. In other words, the IC card 1 for which the card fee is not used is regarded as “with card deposit” as it is, and for the IC card 1 for which the card fee is used, the card deposit information is exchanged in exchange for the input of the amount of the card fee. Is changed from "No card payment" to "Card payment available".

  In the subsequent step S96, the cumulative additional amount is recorded on the IC card 1, and in step S97, the card ID number and the additional amount are recorded on the IC card 1.

  The processing of step S98 to step S100 is processing equivalent to the processing of step S87 to step S89 in FIG. 8, and transmits card issue information (step S98), change change (step S99), and card discharge (step S100). ) Are executed sequentially, and the routine ends.

  On the other hand, in the money addition processing (2), as in the money addition processing (1), it is determined whether or not the card issuance information has been received in step S51, and if received, this card issuance is performed in step S52. Update the card balance database based on the information.

  FIG. 10 shows a detailed processing procedure of the money amount addition receiving process (3) and the money amount addition corresponding process (3).

  In the amount addition receiving process (3) by the card issuing machine 30, first, in step S111, the host computer 10 is inquired about the balance (current addition amount) of the additional amount of the IC card 1 inserted into the card issuing machine 30. On the other hand, in the amount addition processing (3) in the host computer 10, it is determined whether or not the inquiry information has been received in step S61. If there is an inquiry, in step S62, the inquiry information is received. The current additional amount of the corresponding card ID number is searched from the card balance database, and the searched current additional amount is transmitted to the card issuing machine 30 in the subsequent step S63. When the card balance information is transmitted from the host computer 10 in this way, the additional amount of the IC card 1 is received in step S112 of the additional amount acceptance processing (3) by the card issuing machine 30, and this additional amount (balance) ) Is displayed on the display unit 38.

  The processing from step S113 to step S121 following step S112 is processing equivalent to step S91 to step S100 in the money amount reception processing (2), and whether or not there has been various types of operation reception processing (step S113) and card return operation. Determination (step S114), determination of whether or not an operation for adding an amount has been made (step S115), setting of the additional amount (step S116), recording of the accumulated additional amount to the IC card 1 (step S117), the IC card 1 is sequentially recorded (step S118), card issue information is transmitted (step S119), change is paid out (step S110), and the card is discharged (step S111), and the routine ends.

  In this amount acceptance process (2), since the balance of the additional amount already added (current additional amount) remains in the IC card 1 to be processed, an additional operation is added to the balance of the additional amount in step S116. The additional amount is set by adding the amount of minutes. Further, in the cumulative additional amount recording process in step S117, the additional amount set in step S116 is added to the cumulative amount data previously recorded on the IC card 1 to calculate a new cumulative amount, This new cumulative amount is recorded on the IC card 1. Further, since the card ID number is already recorded in the IC card 1, in step S118, the card ID number is not newly recorded, but only the additional amount is recorded.

  On the other hand, in the amount addition corresponding process (3) in the host computer, the issue information reception determination process (step S64), the card balance database, similar to the amount addition corresponding processes (2) and (3), following step S63. The update process (step S65) is executed.

  FIG. 11 shows the detailed processing procedure of the ball lending operation handling process in the host computer 10 (step S6 in FIG. 6) and the ball lending operation acceptance process in the card unit 50 (step S32 in FIG. 6).

  In the ball lending operation acceptance process by the card unit 50, first, in step S131, it is determined whether or not the insertion of the IC card 1 into the card unit 50 is detected. If there is a detection, the process proceeds to step S132. If there is no detection, the routine ends. In step S132, it is determined whether or not the inserted IC card 1 has a card ID number. If no card ID number exists, the card is returned to the player in step S143 and the routine is terminated. If the card ID number exists, the process proceeds to step S133.

  In step S133, inquiry information (including the card ID number of the IC card 1) is transmitted to the host computer 10 for the inserted IC card 1. In step S134, the information transmitted from the host computer 1 that has received the inquiry information is received, and the current additional amount of the IC card 1 included in the information is set as the current balance. In step S135, the current balance is set to the balance. It is displayed on the display unit 43.

  In step S136, ball lending processing (lending game balls) based on the ball lending operation performed by the player is performed. In this ball lending process, a process of reducing the current additional amount of the IC card 1 by the amount of game ball lending is also executed.

  In a succeeding step S137, it is determined whether or not the current balance becomes 0 by the ball lending. If it is determined that the current balance is 0, the balance 0 card generation information (including the card ID number of the IC card 1) is transmitted to the host computer 10 in step S138, and the card ID number is deleted in step S139. (Write 0H) is performed, and the special lending process 140 is executed in the subsequent step S140, and the process proceeds to step S143.

  On the other hand, if the current balance is not 0, the process proceeds to step S141, where it is determined whether or not the return button has been operated. If the return button has not been operated, the process returns to step S126. If the return button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S142, where card usage information (including the card ID number and additional amount (balance) of the IC card 1) is transmitted to the host computer 10 and step S143 is executed. Proceed to

  In step S143, the IC card 1 is returned to the player side and the routine ends.

  On the other hand, in the ball lending operation handling process by the computer 10, it is determined whether or not inquiry information (inquiry information transmitted in step S133 of the ball lending operation acceptance process) has been received from the card unit 50 in step S151. If there is no reception, the process directly proceeds to step S154. On the other hand, if received, in step S152, the additional amount of the IC card 1 is searched from the card balance database using the card ID number included in the inquiry information. In the subsequent step S153, the searched additional amount is transmitted to the card unit 30, and the process proceeds to step S154.

  In step S154, it is determined whether or not the balance 0 card generation information (information transmitted in step S138 of the ball lending operation process) has been received from the card unit 50. If there is no reception, the process proceeds to step S156. On the other hand, if received, the card ID number of the IC card 1 is deleted from the card balance database in step S155, and the process proceeds to step S156.

  In step S156, it is determined whether or not the card usage information from the card unit 50 has been received. If there is no reception, the routine ends. On the other hand, if there is reception, in step S157, the card balance database is updated based on the card ID number and the recorded game value of the IC card 1 included in the card usage information, and the routine ends.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the special lending process (the process of step S140 in FIG. 11). This special lending process is a feature of the present invention.

  In step S161, it is determined whether or not the game of the gaming machine 9 is in the big hit state (special game state). This determination is made based on the jackpot signal transmitted from the gaming machine main body 40 to the card unit 50 at the time of the jackpot.

  If it is determined in step S161 that the game is not in the big hit state, the process proceeds to step S162, and it is determined whether or not the card return switch (button) 42 is operated. If there is no operation, the process returns to step S161, and if there is an operation, the routine ends. That is, if the game is not a big hit, the IC card 1 whose predetermined additional amount has been used up is returned as it is after a request for card return.

  On the other hand, if the game is in the big hit state, the process proceeds to step S163, and it is determined whether or not the ball lending switch (button) 41 is operated. If there is no operation of the ball lending switch 41, the process proceeds to step S162, and if there is an operation, the process proceeds to step S164.

  In step S164, “no card deposit” is recorded as the card deposit information on the IC card 1, and in the subsequent step S165, a ball lending process in which the card deposit is converted into a ball lending amount is performed. That is, when a big hit state occurs when the additional amount of the IC card 1 inserted into the card unit 50 is 0, and the player requests a ball rental, the card clearing machine 20 uses the IC In exchange for the fact that the deposit of the card 1 cannot be refunded, game balls equivalent to the price of the IC card 1 are lent out. As a result, even when the game ball is lost in the big hit state, the game ball is lent out in a relieving manner, and the player does not have to waste the duration of the big hit state.

  FIG. 13 shows detailed processing procedures of the clearing operation handling process in the host computer 10 (the process in step S4 in FIG. 6) and the clearing operation accepting process in the card clearing machine 20 (the process in step S12 in FIG. 6).

  In the clearing operation acceptance process, first, in step S171, it is determined whether or not the insertion of the IC card 1 into the card clearing machine 20 has been detected. If there is a detection, the routine ends and the detection is not performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S172.

  In step S172, it is determined whether or not a card ID number exists in the inserted IC card 1. If not, the process proceeds to step S178, and if present, the process proceeds to step S173.

  In step S 173, inquiry information (including the card ID number) regarding the IC card 1 is transmitted to the host computer 10. In the subsequent step S174, the additional amount (balance) of the IC card 1 is set as a clearing balance based on the information transmitted by the host computer 10 that has received this inquiry information. In step S175, the set clearing balance amount is set. The amount (coin) is discharged to the player side. In step S176, the balance 0 card generation information (including the card ID number) is transmitted to the host computer 10, and in step S177, the card ID number of the IC card 1 is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S178.

  In step S178, it is determined whether or not the card receipt information of the IC card 1 is “with card receipt”. Then, if “there is card deposit”, the card fee is returned in step S179, the card is collected in step S180, and the routine ends. On the other hand, if “no card payment”, in step S181, the IC card 1 is returned without returning the card fee, and the routine ends.

  On the other hand, in the clearing operation handling process in the host computer 10, it is determined in step S191 whether or not inquiry information from the card clearing machine 20 (information transmitted in step S173 of the clearing operation acceptance process) has been received. If there is no reception, the process proceeds to step S194. On the other hand, if received, in step S192, the card ID number included in the inquiry information is used to retrieve the additional amount of the IC card 1 from the card balance database, and in step S193, the retrieved additional amount is retrieved from the card. The data is transmitted to the clearing machine 20, and the process proceeds to step S194.

  In step S194, a determination is made as to whether or not the balance 0 card generation information from the card clearing machine 20 (information transmitted in step S176 of the clearing operation acceptance process) has been received. To do. On the other hand, if received, in step S195, the card ID number data included in the balance 0 card generation information is deleted from the card balance database, and the routine ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the player receives a game ball in exchange for the additional amount associated with the IC card 1 and plays the game, but the additional amount of the IC card 1 is 0. When the gaming state becomes a big hit state at a certain time, it is possible to continue the game by receiving a gaming ball corresponding to the card deposit (card price) of the IC card 1. Therefore, even if the game is in the big hit state, the game ball is not lost and the duration of the big hit state is not wasted.

  Further, since the card fee of the IC card 1 is not normally used for lending game balls, the card deposit is returned when the IC card 1 is collected in the card clearing machine 20. Therefore, the collection rate of the IC card 1 is increased, and the cost for issuing the IC card 1 at the game store can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the IC card 1 is used as a storage medium. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form, and the storage medium may have any form.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the processing for converting the card deposit (storage medium intrinsic value) into the gaming value is performed entirely inside the gaming machine 9 (card unit 50). For example, the host computer 10 may manage the conversion of the card deposit into the game value. It should be noted that the processing related to the credit card deposit is processed only inside the gaming machine 9 by trusting only the information stored in the IC card 1 as in this embodiment, and the additional amount is managed by the host computer 10 side. When processing is performed based on the received information, it is not necessary to store information on the card deposit for each IC card 1 on the host computer 10 side, so that the storage capacity of the host computer 10 can be reduced and added. High reliability can be maintained for information on monetary amounts. Also, in this case, even if there is an illegal act such as falsification of information related to card deposits, the card deposits are set at a low price, so the fraud that can be obtained against the effort of fraud Profits are small and damage caused by fraud does not matter.

  In addition, the following can be given as typical ones of the aspects of the present invention other than those described above.

  (1) In a gaming machine having a special gaming state that can be played using a gaming value associated with a storage medium and that can give a player a special benefit as a gaming state, the storage medium includes a storage medium A storage medium inherent value that can be converted into a value corresponding to the return of the storage medium is associated, and when the gaming state is a special gaming state, the storage medium inherent value can be converted into a gaming value and used for gaming. A gaming machine characterized by having value conversion means.

  (2) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein a predetermined time limit is provided for a duration of the special gaming state.

(3) The gaming machine according to (1) or (2), wherein the gaming machine is a ball and ball gaming machine, and the gaming value is a value that enables rental of gaming balls. In the inventions of (2) and (3), the player can rent game balls in a ball game machine as in the invention of (3), associated with a storage medium (for example, an IC card). When the gaming state becomes the special gaming state, the storage medium intrinsic value associated with the storage medium can be converted into the gaming value and used. As a result, even if the gaming state is shifted to the special gaming state when there is no gaming value associated with the storage medium, the storage medium inherent value associated with the storage medium is converted into a gaming value in a remedy manner. Since the game can be continued (for example, in the invention of (3), the game ball can be rented immediately), it is possible to respond quickly to the special game state, for example, the special game state as in the invention of (2) Even if there is a time limit for continuation of the game, the continuation time of the special game state is not wasted. Further, when the storage medium intrinsic value of the storage medium is not converted into the game value, the player returns the storage medium to the game store in exchange for the corresponding value (for example, the amount corresponding to the price of the storage medium itself). ) Can be received, the collection rate of the storage medium is increased, and the cost of the storage medium at the amusement store can be reduced.

It is a whole lineblock diagram showing the game equipment management system in an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram which similarly shows a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which similarly shows a host computer, a card clearing machine, and a card issuing machine. It is explanatory drawing which similarly shows an IC card. It is explanatory drawing which similarly shows a card balance database. It is explanatory drawing which similarly shows the database of a card issuing machine. It is explanatory drawing which similarly shows the database of a card unit. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the process sequence in a host computer, a card issuing machine, and a card unit. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the process sequence of the card issue reception process in a card issuing machine, and the card issue corresponding | compatible process in a host computer. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the processing procedure of the ball lending operation reception process in a card unit, and the ball lending operation corresponding | compatible process in a host computer. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the processing procedure of the ball lending operation reception process in a card unit, and the ball lending operation corresponding | compatible process in a host computer. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the special ball rental process in a card unit similarly. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the processing procedure of the ball lending operation reception process in a card unit, and the ball lending operation corresponding | compatible process in a host computer.

Explanation of symbols

1 IC card 3 rewritable memory 5 communication line 9 gaming machine 10 host computer 30 card issuing machine 40 gaming machine main body 48 gaming control device 50 card unit 51 card unit control device

Claims (3)

Value conversion means for converting a game value associated with a storage medium issued by a player's operation from a card issuing machine into a rented ball used for the game;
A management means provided with a storage area for storing the card ID corresponding to the storage medium on a one-to-one basis and the game value;
Consists of
In a gaming machine management system that manages a gaming machine that performs a game using the rental ball and that can give a special benefit to the player when the game becomes a big hit state,
In addition to the game value, the storage medium is associated with a storage medium inherent value that is a value that is stored in the card issuing machine in exchange for depositing a card to the player,
The value converting means converts the storage medium intrinsic value into the gaming value when the gaming state is a jackpot and there is no gaming value balance associated with the gaming medium,
The management means deletes the card ID and the game value associated with the card ID from the storage area when there is no game value balance associated with the game medium. A gaming machine management system. Card storage indicating that the storage medium issued by the player's operation from the card issuing machine holds the gaming value and the value to be stored in the card issuing machine in exchange for depositing the card to the player The information “Card Deposited” is recorded,
When the game state is a big hit and there is no balance of game value associated with the storage medium, when a request for ball rental is made, the card storage information of the storage medium is “card payment available” The game machine management system according to claim 1, wherein the value conversion means converts the unique value of the storage medium into a game value. A card clearing machine for clearing the storage medium in which the card deposit information is stored, repaying the storage medium intrinsic value and the clearing balance, and collecting the used storage medium;
Regardless of whether or not the storage area of the management means stores the card ID and the game value, the card clearing machine stores the card storage information of the storage medium in the clearing of the storage medium. The gaming machine management system according to claim 2, wherein the storage medium inherent value is returned as long as the card payment is present.

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