JP4485166B2 - Game media rental system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium lending system for accepting cash (banknotes) as a valuable value and lending game media to a game machine, and in particular, an identification number (identification) assigned in advance to a plurality of ball lending processors. The present invention relates to a game medium lending system capable of strictly managing sales by a game store based on individual sales information associated with (ID).

  Currently, when playing a game in a game shop where a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine is installed, a magnetic card (recording medium) such as a prepaid card is once purchased from a card issuing machine and associated with this prepaid card. A gaming medium lending system that borrows gaming media such as pachinko balls and medals based on the value based on the identified ID is generally employed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this conventional game medium lending system, a card processing unit for inserting a prepaid card is juxtaposed at a position adjacent to the gaming machine, and the card processing unit and the card issuing machine are connected to a management device such as a terminal controller (TC). ing. A system for managing the sales information by collecting the card sales information by the card issuing machine and the card usage information by the card processing unit by the management device is constructed.

  More specifically, for example, a prepaid card worth 1000 yen is purchased by a card issuing machine, and the prepaid card is inserted into the card processing unit to obtain 1000 yen of game media (pachinko balls, etc.) You can rent a game and 1000 yen with the identification ID recorded (given) in advance on this prepaid card is sales information.

  In addition, this conventional card system has a function of adding (updating) valuable value in association with the identification ID given to the prepaid card. In other words, if the value of the prepaid card becomes “0” during the game, if the card processing unit is charged, the gaming medium can be lent according to the deposit amount.

  According to such a game media lending system (card system) using a conventional prepaid card, it is possible to accurately grasp sales information and balance information for each card by associating a prepaid card identification ID with sales information. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the total sales amount for each amusement store. Further, since additional payment can be made in association with the identification ID, a new game medium can be borrowed without leaving the gaming machine, so that the game can be continued.

JP 2003-10525 A

  However, the conventional game medium lending system described above has the following problems. That is, according to the card system in the conventional game medium lending system, the sales information can be accurately managed based on the identification ID associated with the card medium such as the prepaid card, but on the other hand, the card medium such as the prepaid card is used. The card manufacturing costs and the running costs associated with the installation of the card issuing machine increase.

  In addition, as described above, since a card medium such as a prepaid card is required, a system for monitoring (preventing) fraudulent acts such as forgery of cards and card copying is required. There is a problem in terms of convenience that it takes time and effort to deal with a lost card etc.

  The present invention was made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and can reduce the running cost without consuming a card medium such as a prepaid card (reduction in the frequency of use). It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium lending system capable of strictly managing the sales amount of each game store.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is arranged in parallel with a gaming machine in a game store, and a lending processing machine that performs a process of lending a gaming medium by accepting a banknote having a valuable value, A gaming medium lending system comprising a management device for acquiring deposit information by banknote as sales information, wherein the lending processor is assigned an identification number for individually identifying each lending processor, Corresponding to the identification number, it comprises a communication means for notifying the management device of the receipt information including the identification number as sales information, and the management device permits the lending processor to lend game media. The lending permission control means is provided.

Further, the present invention is pre-Symbol lending permission control means, when the sales information corresponding to the unique identification number from the lending processor is notified, as a response, lending game media for that rental processor It is characterized by performing control to permit the above.

Further, the present invention is pre-Symbol management device includes an identification number memory means for recording the identification number of the rental processor connected, the lending permission control means, notified the sales information from the rental processor On the condition that the identification number is previously stored in the identification number storage means, the lending processing machine is controlled to permit the lending of game media.

Further, the invention is pre-Symbol lending processor, comprising: a sales information storage unit for storing the said payment information and sales information, and sales information storage table in association with the sales information to the identification number And

In addition, the present invention is arranged in parallel with the gaming machine in the game store, acquires a banknote having a valuable value and performs a process of lending gaming media, and acquires the deposit information by the banknote as sales information. A gaming medium lending system comprising a management device and a central management device that is managed by a third party and manages sales information obtained by each lending processor acquired by the management device, wherein the lending processor A sales information storage unit that stores an identification number for individually identifying each lending processor and stores the payment information as sales information in association with the identification number, and stores the sales information in the sales information storage unit A first communication means for notifying the management device of the sales information, the management device totalizes the individual sales information corresponding to the identification number of the lending processor Sales information management means, lending permission control means for permitting lending of game media to the lending processing machine when sales information corresponding to an individual identification number is notified from the lending processing machine, and the sales information And a second communication means for notifying the central management apparatus of sales information by each lending processor counted by the management means.

Further, the present invention is pre-Symbol lending permission control means, the sales information notified from the lending processor, on the condition that notified to the central management device by said second communication means, with respect to the lending processor It is characterized by performing control for permitting rental of game media.

Further, the present invention is pre-Symbol sales information management means with the sales information for each lending machine to accept banknotes, in association with the identification number, that a function to aggregate the sales information updated individually Features.

Further, the invention is pre-Symbol lending processor, characterized in that it comprises the sales information storage table in association with the sales information stored in the sales information storage unit the identification number.

Further, the present invention is, before Symbol central management device, wherein the sales information notified by the second communication means, further comprising a sales information storage means for storing in association with each management device.

  According to the present invention, a lending processor that performs juxtaposition with a gaming machine in a gaming store and that accepts banknotes of valuable value and lends gaming media, and management that acquires deposit information by the banknotes as sales information The lending processor includes an identification number for individually identifying each lending processor and includes the identification number in association with the identification number. A communication means for notifying the management server of the deposit information as sales information, and the management device, when sales information corresponding to an individual identification number is notified from the lending processor, to the lending processor On the other hand, since the lending permission control means for permitting the lending of game media is provided, card media such as prepaid cards will not be consumed. An effect that it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the running cost associated with forming.

  In addition, since the card media purchase frequency can be reduced, it is not affected by fraudulent acts such as prepaid card counterfeiting and card copying, so a gaming media lending system that can strictly manage the sales amount of each game store is obtained. There is an effect that can be. In addition, for the player, there is no need to purchase a card medium such as a prepaid card every time the game is played, so that the convenience can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, when the lending permission control means is notified of the sales information corresponding to the individual identification number from the lending processor, the lending processor is notified of the game medium as a response. Since the control for permitting the lending is performed, it is unnecessary for the player to purchase a card medium such as a prepaid card every time the game is played, and the convenience can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the management device includes an identification number recording unit that records an identification number of the lending processor to be connected, and the lending permission control unit includes the sales information notified from the lending processor. On the condition that the identification number is stored in the identification number storage means in advance, the lending processing machine is controlled to allow the gaming medium to be rented. Therefore, it is possible to reliably manage the sales information by the management device without causing an unclear lending process.

According to the present invention, the lending processor includes a sales information storage unit that stores the deposit information as sales information, and a sales information storage table that stores the sales information in association with an identification number. There is an effect that the sales information can be reliably managed by the sales information storage table.

Further, according to the present invention, a lending processor that is arranged in parallel with a gaming machine in a gaming store and that accepts banknotes that are of valuable value and lends gaming media, and payment information by the banknotes as sales information A gaming medium lending system comprising: a management device to be acquired; and a central management device that is managed by a third party and manages sales information by each lending processor acquired by the management device, wherein the lending process The machine is provided with an identification number for individually identifying each lending processing machine, and a sales information storage unit for storing the payment information as sales information in association with the identification number, and the sales information storage unit First communication means for notifying the management device of the sales information stored in the management device, wherein the management device collects individual sales information corresponding to the identification number of each lending machine. Sales information management means, lending permission control means for permitting the gaming machine to lend game media when the lending processing machine is notified of sales information corresponding to an individual identification number, and the sales information Since the second communication means for notifying the central management device of the sales information from each lending processor collected by the management means is provided, the card medium such as the prepaid card is not consumed. At the same time, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and running costs, and based on sales information based on the deposit information input to each ball lending processor, a central management device, which is a third-party organization, allows each amusement store to There is an effect that the sales information can be strictly managed.

Further, according to the present invention, the lending permission control means, with respect to the lending processing machine, on condition that the sales information notified from the lending processing machine is notified to the central management device by the second communication means. Thus, the control of permitting the rental of the game media is performed, so that the sales information can be surely grasped by the central management device (third party organization).

Further, according to the present invention, the sales information management means has a function of counting sales information of each lending processing machine as sales information updated individually in association with the identification number in accordance with acceptance of banknotes. As a result, the sales information of the lending processor can be accurately managed as individually updated sales information.

According to the present invention, the lending processor includes a sales information storage table that stores the sales information stored in the sales information storage unit in association with an identification number, so that the sales information is stored by the sales information storage table. There is an effect that it can be managed accurately in association with the identification number.

According to the present invention, the central management device further includes sales information storage means for storing the sales information notified by the second communication means in association with each management device. As a result, the sales information notified by the second communication means can be managed accurately.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a game medium rental system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, the game medium lending system according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko game. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Outline and features of game media lending system)
First, the outline and features of the game medium lending system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the game medium lending system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the game medium lending system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 200, and FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the central management apparatus 100.

  Here, such a game medium lending system includes a ball lending processing machine that performs a process of lending a game medium by accepting a bill inserted from a player, and a management server that acquires deposit information by the bill as sales information. The ball lending processor is assigned an identification number (identification ID) that uniquely identifies each ball lending processor. The gaming medium lending system includes a communication unit that notifies the management server of the payment information including the identification number as sales information in association with the individual identification number. When sales information corresponding to an individual identification number is notified, it is provided with a lending permission control means for permitting lending of game media to the corresponding lending processing machine. The main feature of the control process is that the game media is lent to the company, which allows the running cost to be reduced without consuming prepaid card or other card media, and sales by each game store. The amount is managed strictly.

  Specifically explaining the main feature, the sales information received for the ball lending processor 20 is associated with the identification ID and notified to the management server 200 (identification ID + sales information). When sales information corresponding to an individual identification number is notified from the ball lending processing unit 20 by the lending permission control unit 218, the ball lending processing device 20 is permitted to lend game media. When the lending permission notification is given from the lending permission control unit 218 of the management server 200 to the control unit 25 via the repeater 300 and the communication I / F 26, the ball lending processing machine 20 A ball lending throwing request is given from the control unit 57 to the ball throwing mechanism 13 of the pachinko machine 10 via the communication I / F 54, and the pachinko ball is thrown out. In other words, this makes it possible to reduce running costs without consuming card media such as prepaid cards, and to strictly manage the sales amount of each game store.

  That is, in this gaming medium lending system, a plurality of gaming machines (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko machines”) are arranged in parallel for each group called “island”, and one pair of each of these pachinko machines 10 is paired. A game medium lending processor (hereinafter referred to as “ball lending processor”) is installed so as to be sandwiched between pachinko machines 10 so that each ball lending processor 20 (claims) Deposit information by banknotes (cash) inserted into the lending processor) is sent as sales information to the management server 200 (corresponding to the management device in the claims) connected via the relay 300, The management server 200 manages the sales information (amount) of each ball lending processor 20 individually. Here, the deposit information according to this example is cash information in units of 1000 yen.

  Further, the management server 200 is connected to the central management apparatus 100 managed by a third party, and the sales information of each ball lending processor 20 counted by the management server 200 is transmitted to the central management apparatus 100. Is done. As described above, a game medium lending system that manages the total sales amount of a plurality of amusement stores (amusement stores A, B, C,...) By the central management device 100 is constructed.

  For this reason, each of the ball lending processing machine 20 and the frame 30 is previously assigned with an individual identification ID (the main body identification ID of the ball lending processing machine 20, the frame identification ID of the frame 30). The two IDs are notified by communication from the ball lending processor 20 to the management server 200 when the power is turned on (when opening the amusement store, replacing the lending processor main body, etc.) and provided in the management server 200. Are automatically registered in the management server database 210, and thereafter, each ball lending processor 20 makes a deposit amount (sales amount) to the management server 200 in real time for each deposit by banknote inserted by the player. Notice.

  On the other hand, the management server 200 receives communication information (sales amount) from the ball lending processor 20 and updates and counts it in association with the identification ID of the ball lending processor 20. As will be described in detail later, when a ball lending permission is notified from the management server 200, a ball lending throwing instruction is transmitted to the pachinko machine 10. The game store is provided with a hall computer (not shown) connected to the pachinko machine 10 and the ball lending processor 20, and the hall computer uses the hall computer based on the game information such as prize balls and the rate of balls to be played. To manage the total sales.

  Details of the components in the first embodiment will be described below. That is, the ball lending processing machine 20 in the first embodiment has a function of giving an instruction to the pachinko machine 10 to lend a predetermined number of game balls with a banknote (a cash of 1000 yen bill) inserted by a player. The payment information at the time of insertion is temporarily stored in the memory 27 (FIG. 8), and the payment information is provided as sales information to the management server 200 in real time.

  For this reason, each ball lending processor 20 and the management server 200 are configured to be communicable via the repeater 300. As described above, in this example, as a banknote to be inserted into the ball lending processor 20, a 1000 yen banknote is targeted.

  One repeater 300 (HUB) is installed in each “island” and has a function as a concentrator that bundles network cables in each “island”. In this system, each repeater 300 is configured by serial connection (daisy chain).

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the management server 200 includes a management server database 210 (FIG. 13), a control unit 215, a display unit 216, and a communication I / F 220. The management server 200 has a function of acquiring deposit information by bills inserted into each lending machine 20 as individual sales information.

  Specifically, based on the identification ID of each ball lending processor 20, a function is provided for collecting and managing the deposit information by banknotes inserted for each ball lending processor 20 as sales information. The sales information from the ball lending processor 20 is transmitted to the management server 200 in real time and stored in the management server database 210 provided in the management server 200.

  The management server database 210 is a processing unit that stores the payment information associated with the main body identification ID of the ball lending processor 20 and the frame identification ID of the frame 30 for each installation location (number machine) of the ball lending machine. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, an amusement store code for identifying each amusement store individually, a transaction date indicating the date of transaction (when banknotes are inserted), an identification ID for identifying the ball lending machine 20, and a frame There are seven fields of transaction ID for uniquely identifying a transaction by a combination of a frame identification ID, a game machine number, a sales amount, a ball lending machine identification ID, and a frame identification ID. ing.

  The control unit 215 has a function of controlling the entire management server 200. In this example, the control unit 215 includes a ball lending permission control unit 218, which is transmitted from each ball lending processing machine 20. When the sales information associated with the identification ID is received, the ball lending processor 20 is notified of the ball lending.

  The input unit 217 is an input unit that inputs various settings controlled (instructed) by the management server 200, and includes a keyboard (numeric keypad), a mouse, a trackball, and the like. The operation of the input unit 217 by the management server 200 is performed by a manager in charge of managing the amusement store (store manager, manager, etc.).

  The display unit 216 is an output unit that outputs a menu screen as a display to a manager responsible for operating the management server 200, and includes a monitor or the like.

  The communication I / F 220 has a function of receiving sales information from each ball lending processor 20 via the communication I / F 26 (FIG. 8) of the ball lending processor 20 (FIG. 8) and the repeater 300, and a communication I of the central management device 100. / F130 (FIG. 4) is provided with a function of transmitting sales information of each ball lending processor 20 counted by the management server 200. Note that. The management server 200 is installed in the amusement store, but is installed by a third party that manages the central management device 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the central management device 100 includes a central management control unit 110, a display unit 115, a communication I / F 130, and a game shop management database 120. The central management device 100 mainly communicates with the management server 200 arranged in each game store (amusement store A, B, C,...) So that the ball lending acquired by the management server 200 is mainly used. Based on the sales information of the processing machine 20, a function is provided for total sales totaling for each amusement store, management of each ball lending processing machine 20, and the like. Specifically, the sales information transmitted from the management server 200 by each ball lending processor 20 can be stored in the amusement store management database 120 as the total sales information of the amusement store.

  Next, the details of the configuration of the ball lending processor 20 and the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is an external front view of the ball lending processing machine 20 and the pachinko machine 10 applied in the game medium lending system shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a side view showing the ball lending processing machine 20 (connection with the frame 30). State), FIG. 7 shows a diagram showing a separation state of the frame 30 and the ball lending processor 20. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ball lending processor 20.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the ball lending processing machine 20 is configured to be vertically long in appearance, and is located in front of the main body 21 of the ball lending processing machine 20 and the main body 21 (on the right side in FIG. 6). And a BV unit portion 50 formed so as to protrude slightly.

  As will be described later, the BV unit 50 is configured to be automatically removable from the main body 21 by an unlocking operation by the remote controller 90. Here, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the ball lending processor 20 is detachable from a frame 30 attached and fixed in the amusement store. By connecting the ball lending processor 20 and the connectors located above and below the frame 30 to be connected to the frame 30, the ball lending processor 20 can be installed at a position adjacent to the pachinko machine 10. it can.

  Further, the front panel of the main body portion 21 of the ball lending processor 20 includes a display lamp portion 22, a display portion 23, and a remote control light receiving portion 24. The display lamp unit 22 has a function of notifying the operation state of the ball lending processor 20 by using lamps of three colors (green, red, and yellow). Specifically, when the green lamp is lit, the normal operation is performed, when the red lamp is lit, a state in which some abnormality has occurred and cannot be used, and when the yellow lamp is lit, the upper device (repeater 300, management An offline state in which an abnormality has occurred in a communication path with the server 200 or the like is shown.

  The display unit 23 has a function of displaying a deposit amount at the time of banknote deposit, a loan amount at the time of lending a ball, and an error state when an abnormality occurs in the ball lending processor 20 by an error code or the like. The remote control light receiving unit 24 has a function of receiving an error reset signal and an unlocking instruction signal for resetting an error state of the ball lending processor 20 based on a transmission signal transmitted from the remote control. As will be described later, when the unlocking instruction signal is received from the remote controller 90, the lock (locking) by the BV lock mechanism 53 in the BV unit 50 is unlocked.

  The control unit 25 has a control function for collectively controlling each process in the ball lending processor 20, and stores a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program defining various processing procedures, and necessary data. A processing unit that has an internal memory for executing various processes by using the internal memory, and as a component closely related to the present invention, in terms of functional concept, throwing out a lending ball to the pachinko machine 10 A ball lending control unit 57 having a ball throwing function for instructing

  The communication I / F 26 (interface) has a function of transmitting the payment information of each ball lending processor 20 as sales information to the management server 200 via the relay 300. The memory 27 has a function of storing sales information, and a sales information storage table 28 for storing deposit information associated with the identification ID of the ball lending processor 20 is provided in the memory 27. .

  The BV unit unit 50 includes a bill insertion slot 15, a bill storage unit 51, and a bill recognition unit 52. The bill insertion slot 15 is an opening for accepting bills (in this example, 1000 yen bills) and taking the bills into the bill storage unit 51. The banknote storage unit 51 has a function of storing banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot 15 by a player. That is, in this example, the banknotes stored in the banknote storage unit 51 by the store clerk are collected. For this reason, in this example, the banknote conveyance path which conveys the inserted banknote to an island edge, and the banknote collection box which collects a banknote at an island edge become unnecessary.

  The banknote identification unit 52 has a banknote processing function for storing authenticity and determination (identification) of money amount information and money amount information for a banknote inserted by the player from the banknote insertion slot 15, and banknotes inserted by the player. Is recognized, and the banknote determined to be normal is notified to the control unit 25 of the identification result and the money amount information. On the other hand, banknotes that cannot be identified are returned through the banknote slot 15.

  The BV lock mechanism unit 53 includes a mechanism that locks the BV unit unit 50. The lock (locking) unlocked by the BV lock mechanism unit 53 is unlocked by a remote controller owned by a store clerk or manager of a game shop. This is done by a lock instruction operation.

  The communication I / F 54 (interface) is an interface for communication connection between the ball lending processing machine 20 and the pachinko machine 10, and has a communication function for instructing ball throwing notified from the control unit 25. Reference numeral 58 denotes a power supply unit for supplying a voltage from the AC power supply (100 V) to the ball lending processor 20.

  On the other hand, a joint control board 31 is provided at an upper position of the frame body 30, and this joint board 31 has sales information (when offline) when the ball lending processor 20 is replaced and when the communication state is disconnected (offline). A memory 33 functioning for storing data is provided. Inside this memory 33, there is provided a sales information storage table 33 that corresponds to the gaming machine number of the pachinko machine 10 and stores the payment information associated with the identification ID of the ball lending processing machine 20 and the identification ID of the frame 30. It has been.

  In addition, the pachinko machine 10 that is a gaming machine includes a gaming area 11 and an upper plate 12 provided below, and a ball throwing mechanism 13 is provided therein. The ball throwing mechanism 13 is placed on the upper plate 12 of the pachinko machine 10 when a ball lending throwing request is given from the control unit 25 and when a prize throwing request is given by the pachinko machine 10. It is a part where a predetermined number of pachinko balls are thrown out. As will be described later, in this example, when a lending permission notification is transmitted from the management server 200, a ball lending is thrown to the ball throwing mechanism unit 13 of the pachinko machine 10 from the control unit 25 via the communication I / F 54. A request is given and a pachinko ball is thrown out.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the unlocking operation of the lock (locking) performed at the time of bill collection in the game medium lending system of the present invention. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the lock by the BV lock mechanism 53 provided in the BV unit 50 (FIG. 8) is operated by a remote controller possessed by a manager of a game store (reception of an unlock instruction signal). Thus, the lock mechanism is unlocked.

  Specifically, when the remote control is pointed at the remote control receiving unit 24 of the ball lending processing machine 20 and an unlock key (not shown) of this remote control is pressed (ON), the BV unit unit 50 moves the ball lending processing machine 20. Projecting forward (to the right in FIG. 9), the bill storage unit 51 is opened. Thereby, the banknote stored in the banknote storage part 51 is collected. On the other hand, the locking of the BV unit portion 50 is performed by operating the lock by the BV lock mechanism portion 53 by pushing the protruding BV unit portion 50 by hand.

  As described above, in the case of the lock mechanism portion 53 of the present example, since it can be easily unlocked by operation with a remote controller, and locking (locking) can be easily performed manually, A bank clerk does not need to insert and operate a key for unlocking into the keyhole of the ball lending processor 20 when unlocking and locking, and a banknote transport mechanism or island that transports banknotes in the banknote storage 51 to the island edge. The banknote storage safe at the end is not necessary, which is effective in terms of cost reduction and security.

(Basic control procedure for game media lending system)
Next, the basic control procedure of the game medium rental system of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a basic control procedure of the game medium lending system according to the present invention. That is, the game medium lending system of the present invention is broadly classified into (1) store opening setting process (step SA100), (2) online control process (step SA200), (3) banknote collection process (step SA300), (4) It consists of five processing steps, a regular communication step (step SA400) and a (5) closing time setting step (step SA500). First, the outline about each control process of these (1)-(5) is demonstrated.

(1) Store opening setting process The store opening setting process is a store opening process executed by the management server 200 in the amusement store. The central management device 100 managed by a third party and each ball lending processor 20 in the amusement store. Is a processing step of transmitting a store opening notification.

  That is, as described above, each of the ball lending processor 20 and the frame 30 is previously assigned with an individual identification ID (a main body identification ID of the ball lending processor, a frame identification ID of the frame). The identification ID is notified from the ball rental processing machine 20 to the management server 200 when the ball rental processing machine 20 is turned on, and the main body identification ID of each ball rental processing machine 20 and the frame identification ID of the frame are Are automatically registered in the management server database 210 provided in the management server 200. Thereafter, the management server 200 stores the sales information notified from each ball lending processor 20 in the management server database 210 (FIG. 13) and updates the sales information as the bills are inserted.

(2) Online control process (normal)
The online control process notifies the ball lending instruction to lend a ball from the ball lending processor 20 to the pachinko machine 10 when cash (banknote) is thrown into the ball lending processor 20 by the player. This is a processing step of notifying the management server 200 of sales information based on the inserted bills in association with the main body identification ID of the ball lending processor 20. Here, this control process is a characteristic part of the present invention, and details will be described later, while associating the sales information received with respect to the ball lending processor 20 with an individual identification number (identification ID), When the management server 200 is notified and the lending permission control means 218 of the management server 200 is notified of the sales information corresponding to the individual identification number from the lending processor 200, the game medium is sent to the ball lending processor 20. The lending permission is notified. The ball lending processing machine 20 receives a lending permission from the management server 200 and performs lending processing (instruction for throwing out to a pachinko machine). The notification of sales information transmitted from the management server 200 to the central management apparatus 100 is normally performed sequentially by real-time communication, but may be performed at regular intervals.

(3) Banknote collection process The banknote collection process is performed by unlocking the BV unit 50 provided in the ball lending processor 20 by operating a remote controller owned by the manager of the amusement store, and the banknote storage section of the BV unit 50. 51 is a processing step for collecting banknotes stored in 51, and can be appropriately performed during business hours and when the store is closed.

(4) Regular communication process The regular communication process is a process of regularly confirming the connection state and error log between the management server 200 and the central management apparatus 100 during the business hours of the amusement store. It is a process.

(5) Closing time setting process The closing time setting process is a processing process in which sales information transmitted from each ball lending processor 20 is totaled by the management server 200 and transmitted to the central management apparatus 100 as total data. At this time, a closing notification signal is transmitted from the management server 200 to the central management device 100 and the ball lending processor 20.

  The overall control processing procedure in the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is a processing procedure performed between the management server 200 and the ball lending processor 20.

  That is, when a player inserts a bill (1000 yen bill) into the bill insertion slot 15 of the ball lending processing machine 20 (step S100), the BV unit 50 recognizes the authenticity of the inserted bill as a bill recognition unit 52. To determine whether the banknote is normal (step S110). And when a banknote is determined to be a bad banknote by determination by step S110 (step S110 negative), a bad banknote is returned through the banknote insertion slot 15 (step S112).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the inserted banknote is a normal banknote (Yes at step S110), the banknote is stored in the banknote storage unit 51 (FIG. 8), and the deposit information by the banknote is used as sales information ( Step S111), the process proceeds to the next step S120. This step S120 is a process of storing sales information in the sales information storage table 28 in the memory 27 (FIG. 8) in association with the identification ID of the ball lending processor 20 (step S120).

  Here, FIG. 12 shows an example of the sales information storage table 28 provided in the memory 27 of the ball lending processor 20. As shown in the figure, the sales information storage table 28 includes a game store code for identifying each game store individually, a main unit identification ID for identifying the main body of the ball lending processor, a frame identification ID for identifying the frame, and a game machine. 6 fields are provided: number, sales amount, and transaction identification ID set at the time of transaction.

  That is, FIG. 12 shows sales information storage when a player who plays a game with the pachinko machine 10 with the machine number 100 places 1000 yen into the ball lending processing machine 20 (main body identification ID: XXX1, frame identification ID: YYYY1). The sales information storage table 28 when a player who plays a game on the pachinko machine 10 with the table 28 and the machine number 101 has thrown 1000 yen into the ball lending processing machine 20 (main body identification ID: XXX2, frame identification ID: YYYY2) Show. In each of these fields, each time a player inserts a bill into the ball lending processor 20, the field is stored as storage data in association with the identification ID. Note that the storage process by the sales information storage table 33 similar to FIG. 12 is also performed in the memory 32 of the frame 30.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 11, after the deposit information is stored as sales information in the sales information storage table 28 (step S <b> 120), the ball lending processor 20 transmits the management server via the communication I / F 26 (FIG. 8) and the relay 300. The sales information associated with the identification ID is notified to 200 (step S125). Note that after the notification of the sales information is completed, the sales information in the sales information storage table 28 is initialized (cleared).

  On the other hand, when the management server 200 receives the sales information notification transmitted from the ball lending processor 20 (step S130), it stores the sales information in the management server database 210 (FIG. 13) (step S135). Next, the management server 200 determines whether or not both have the same identification ID by comparing the identification ID stored in the management server database 210 with the identification ID received in step S130. (Step S140) If it is determined in Step S140 that there is the same identification ID (identification ID match) (Yes in Step S140), it is subsequently determined whether or not there is the same “transaction number”. Is performed (step S150).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S140 that the identification ID notified from the ball lending processor 20 does not match the set identification ID, the process proceeds to error processing (step S145). This error process is a process of sending a transaction stop command to the ball lending processor 20 and notifying the operator (manager) of the transaction command.

  If it is determined by the determination in step S150 that there is the same “transaction No.” (Yes in step S150), it is received and stored in step S130 without performing registration processing as duplicate communication. The sales information being discarded is discarded (step S155). If it is determined in step S150 that there is no identical “transaction number” (No in step S150), the corresponding identification ID (received identification ID) is associated and stored in the management server database 210. The stored sales information is updated (step S160).

  Here, FIG. 13 shows an example of the management server database 210 provided in the management server 200. As shown in the figure, the management server database 210 has a game store code for identifying each game store individually, a transaction date indicating a date at the time of transaction (when a bill is inserted), and a main unit identification ID for specifying a ball lending processor main unit. Seven fields are provided: a frame identification ID for identifying a frame, a game machine number, a sales amount, and a transaction identification ID set at the time of transaction.

  Of the fields in the management server database 210, the sales amount is collated based on the sales information associated with the identification ID notified from the ball lending processor 20, and the sales information ( Amount) is transmitted to the central management apparatus 100 by real-time communication.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 11 again, the processing procedure will be described. After the sales information is updated in step S160, it is then determined whether the sales information has been updated in step S170 (step S170). If the sales information has been updated (Yes in step S170), the ball lending permission is obtained. A notification is transmitted to the ball lending processor 20 (step S175). This ball lending permission notification is made by the ball lending permission control unit 128 (FIG. 3).

  Hereinafter, the sales information updated and tabulated in step S160 in the management server 200 is transmitted from the management server 200 to the central management apparatus 100 through the communication I / F 220 (step S190). The central management apparatus 100 manages the total sales information of the amusement shop based on the sales information from each ball lending processor 20 notified from the management server 200.

  On the other hand, the ball lending processor 20 is in a standby state as to whether or not there is a ball lending permission notification from the management server 200, and if there is a ball lending permission notification from the management server 200 by this determination (Yes in step S180). Then, the process proceeds to the ball lending process in step S185 (step S185). Specifically, based on an instruction from the control unit 25 of the ball lending processing machine 20, the ball dispensing mechanism unit 13 (FIG. 5) performs a ball dispensing process for 1000 yen. As a result, balls of 1000 yen are thrown out on the upper plate 12 of the pachinko machine 10, and the player can play the game. Subsequently, the player enters a waiting state for payment by the player (step S188).

  In this flowchart, if the identification IDs do not match in step S140, the process proceeds to error processing (step S145). However, all the ball lending processing machines 20 set in advance in the amusement store are turned on. Since the identification ID is registered in the management server 200 at the time of opening (or when the ball lending processor 20 is replaced), it is usually notified from the preset ID and the ball lending processor 20. A state in which the identification ID does not match does not occur.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the sales information received with respect to the ball lending processor 20 is associated with an individual identification number (identification ID), and the sales information is notified to the management server 200. When the lending permission control means 218 of the management server 200 notifies the ball lending processing machine 20 of the sales information corresponding to the identification ID set, the lending permission of the game medium is notified to the ball lending processing machine 20. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the running cost associated with the manufacture of the card without consuming a card medium such as a prepaid card, and it is possible to strictly manage the sales information of each amusement store.

  Next, the overall control procedure according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the game medium lending system according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the processing procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that a description of the same processing procedure as that of the first embodiment will be omitted. The feature of the second embodiment is that, in principle, sales information is notified from the management server 200 to the central management apparatus 100 in real time, and when the management server 200 is notified of sales information from the ball lending processor 20, the sales information On the condition that the central management device 100 is notified of the information, the ball lending processor 20 is notified of the lending permission.

  That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, after the sales information is updated in step S160, it is then determined whether the sales information has been updated in step S170 (step S170), and the sales information has been updated. Then (step S170 affirmative), then, sales information is transmitted to the central management apparatus 100 (step S176). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not transmission has been executed in step S178 (step S178). If it is determined in step S178 that transmission has been performed (Yes in step S178), a ball lending permission notification is issued as a ball lending process. It transmits to the machine 20 (step S179). Thereafter, the ball lending processor 20 performs the ball lending process in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step S185). According to the second embodiment, since the lending permission is given on the condition that the sales information is notified to the central management apparatus 100, the sales information can be reliably grasped by the central management apparatus 100 (third party organization). .

  Although the first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various other implementations are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It may be implemented in an example.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the game medium rental system according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko game has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same applies to a game system using a pachislot machine. Can be applied to.

  In the first and second embodiments, the ball throwing mechanism 13 (FIG. 5) is provided inside the pachinko machine 10, and a mechanism (so-called CR machine method) in which balls are thrown from the pachinko machine 10 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to a method in which balls are thrown out from the ball lending processor 20 through a nozzle. Specifically, the ball lending processor 20 is provided with a ball throwing mechanism, and in this case, there is no communication with the pachinko machine 20, and the communication line (communication I / F 54, etc.) used in the first embodiment. Is no longer necessary.

  Further, the present invention is not only a ball lending processing machine that accepts only banknotes as shown in the above-described embodiments, but also a card processing machine that can accept both cards (prepaid cards, membership cards, etc.) and banknotes. Can also be applied. That is, in the present invention, the bill may be stored in the machine or may be collected in the bill conveyance path.

  Furthermore, not only in a ball lending processor of a type in which a card medium such as a prepaid card as shown in the first and second embodiments is built in the machine, but also in a ball lending machine in which the card medium is not built in the machine. The present invention can be applied. In this case, it is no longer necessary to discharge the card medium each time a lending process is performed by a ball lending processor, so that running costs can be reduced, and the influence of counterfeiting of the card medium can be eliminated. Management becomes possible.

  In addition, among the processes described in the first and second embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or are described as being manually performed. All or part of the processing can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-described document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

  Each component of each illustrated device is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. Further, all or any part of each processing function performed in each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.

  As described above, the gaming medium lending system according to the present invention is a ball lending processing machine used in a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, etc., in addition to reducing the running cost without consuming a card medium such as a prepaid card. Is suitable.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the game media rental system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the game media rental system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the management server shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the central management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an external front view of a ball lending processor and a pachinko machine applied in the game medium lending system shown in FIG. 2. It is a side view which shows the ball | bending rental processing machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the isolation | separation state of the ball lending processing machine main body and frame shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a ball rental processing machine. It is a side view which shows the unlocking operation | movement of the BV unit part in a ball | bending rental processing machine. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a basic processing procedure of the game medium lending system according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the whole process sequence of the game media rental system which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows a sales information storage table. It is a block diagram which shows a management server database. It is a flowchart which shows the whole process sequence of the game media rental system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine 12 Top plate 13 Ball throwing mechanism part 15 Banknote insertion slot 20 Ball lending processing machine 22 Display lamp 23,115,216 Display part 24 Remote control light receiving part 25,215 Control part 26,54,130,220 Communication I / F
27, 32 Memory 28, 33 Sales information storage table 30 Frame 31 Joint substrate 50 BV unit 51 Banknote storage 52 Banknote identification 53 BV lock mechanism 57 Money lending control 58 Power supply 100 Central management device 110 Central management control Part 120 Amusement store management database 200 Management server 210 Management server database 217 Input part 218 Ball lending permission control part 300 Repeater

Claims (2)

A game provided with a lending processing machine that is arranged in parallel with a gaming machine in a gaming store and that performs processing of lending gaming media by accepting valuable banknotes, and a management device that acquires payment information by the banknotes as sales information A medium lending system,
The management device
Identification number storage means for storing the identification number of the lending processor to be connected;
Provided that the identification number storage means stores an identification number that coincides with the identification number included in the payment information when the payment processing machine is notified of the payment information including the identification number of the loan processing machine. A lending permission notifying means for notifying lending permission to permit lending of game media to a lending processing machine that is a notification source of the payment information as
With
The lending processor is
Deposit information notifying means for notifying the deposit information to the management device when the bill is received;
A lending execution means for lending a game medium based on the accepted banknote when the lending permission is notified from the management device;
Game media lending system comprising the.   A lending processing machine that is arranged in parallel with the gaming machine in the amusement store, performs a process of accepting a valuable banknote and lends a gaming medium, a management device that acquires payment information by the banknote as sales information, and a third A game medium lending system comprising a central management device that is managed by a person organization and manages sales information by each lending processor acquired by the management device,
  The management device
  Identification number storage means for storing the identification number of the lending processor to be connected;
  A central management device notifying means for notifying the central management device of the payment information when notified of the payment information including the identification number of the loan processing device from the loan processing device;
  When the receipt information is notified to the central management device by the central management device notification means, on the condition that an identification number that matches the identification number included in the payment information is stored in the identification number storage means A lending permission notifying means for notifying lending permission to permit lending of game media to a lending processing machine which is a notification source of the payment information;
  With
  The lending processor is
  Payment information notifying means for notifying the payment information to the management device when the banknote is received;
  A lending execution means for lending a game medium based on the accepted banknote when the lending permission is notified from the management device;
  A gaming media rental system characterized by comprising:

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