JP4628826B2 - GAME MEDIA LENDING PROCESSING DEVICE AND GAME MEDIA LENDING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is a game hall in which game machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines are installed, and game media such as pachinko balls arranged between the game machines are used for various cards (recording media) and cash (money). More particularly, the present invention relates to a game medium lending processor and a game medium lending system in which one or more recording media are always stored in the game medium lending processor.

  Conventionally, there are known gaming machines such as a pachinko machine and a slot machine for playing games by putting gaming media such as pachinko balls and medals into the gaming machine. When a player plays a pachinko game using a pachinko machine, it is necessary to borrow a pachinko ball from a lending machine provided in advance between the pachinko machine tables.

  Conventional lending technology for lending pachinko balls includes technology for lending pachinko balls equivalent to coins or banknotes inserted into lending machines, prepaid cards, storage cards or membership cards inserted into lending machines, and the player presses the throw button. For example, there is a technique of lending a pachinko ball worth 500 yen each time the button is pressed.

  In particular, in the latter card system, if a prepaid card is issued to a player, the ball is lent out when the player inserts the prepaid card into a lending machine arranged between the stands and performs a predetermined operation. An identification code (card ID) set for each card is recorded in the prepaid card, and the remaining frequency for each identification code is recorded in the management device. When the card is used, the remaining frequency of the management device is rewritten. It is done.

  As a technique for lending pachinko balls with this type of card, as described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to read a plurality of different types of cards, such as prepaid cards and membership cards, and to perform necessary processing with a single device. What is known. Further, as described in Patent Document 2, there is also known one that issues a prepaid card by a lending machine itself and performs a pachinko ball lending process using the card.

  By the way, in the lending machine as described above, the cash that can be accepted in order to prevent the change from occurring is limited to 100 yen, 500 yen coins, or thousand yen bills. Therefore, a player who has only a large amount of bills (10,000 yen bill, 5,000 yen bill, etc.) goes to the money changer with the game table kept in spite of the game, and changes to a thousand yen bill, etc. There was a need.

  As a solution to such problems, if you are playing with a membership card, you can accept high-value banknotes and lend out pachinko balls, or store IC coins inside, and the player has a balance It has been proposed that if the end of the game is instructed, the balance is returned to the IC coin after being valued.

For example, in a configuration in which IC coins are stored inside, if a ten thousand yen bill is inserted into a lending machine and a pachinko ball of 1,000 yen is borrowed, an IC coin equivalent to 9,000 yen as change after the game ends. Is thrown out. IC coins purchased as change can be used for lending game media in the same way as banknotes (thousand-yen bills), and can be settled and exchanged as they are at the time of settlement.
JP 2002-301260 A JP 2002-172258 A

  Various lending machines for accepting high-value banknotes and lending pachinko balls have been proposed in the past, but have problems. For example, in a configuration that accepts high-paid bills and lends pachinko balls, a player must borrow a pachinko ball by inserting a membership card when accepting high-paid bills, and non-member players use high-paid bills. I couldn't borrow a pachinko ball.

  Further, in the configuration in which IC coins are stored inside, when cash is inserted, the IC coins stored in the inside are valued corresponding to the amount of money inserted, and ball lending is performed from there. When the player gives an instruction to return the coin with the balance remaining, the IC coin is thrown out to the player. When this process is repeated and the number of IC coins stored in the lending machine becomes 0, the same value is given to the internal memory instead of the IC coins, and the ball lending is performed. When lending a ball using the internal memory, the cash that can be deposited is limited to a thousand yen bill, and the ball lending process of the value (full amount) is performed as the thousand yen bill is inserted.

  That is, in the configuration in which the above-described IC coins are stored inside, an extra component (internal memory) is increased inside the lending machine. In the amusement hall, the company aims to increase sales by arranging as many game machines as possible. Therefore, securing an extra space for the arrangement of the lending machine decreases the sales, and it is not desirable to increase the extra components inside the lending machine. In addition, there is a problem that the cost is increased due to the extra memory, and the number of IC coins stored inside is reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by always storing at least one recording medium inside the game medium lending processing apparatus, an extra memory becomes unnecessary, saving space and reducing costs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium lending processing apparatus and a game medium lending system which can be achieved.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a game medium lending processing apparatus for lending a game medium in association with a recording medium with a valuable value corresponding to the amount of money received by the money accepting means. A storage medium storing a recording medium not associated with a valuable value, receiving a recording medium associated with the valuable value, and storing the recording medium, and a valuable associated with the recording medium stored in the recording medium storage means Control means for controlling lending of game media using value, recording medium return means for returning the recording medium when there is a return instruction when the valuable value associated with the recording medium has a residual valuable value, Counting means for counting the number of recording media stored in the recording medium storing means that increase / decrease by receiving and returning the recording medium, and a count by the counting means When the value becomes 1, characterized by comprising a prohibiting means for prohibiting the return of the recording medium by the recording medium returning means.

  The invention of claim 2 further comprises denomination limiting means for limiting the denomination of money received by the money receiving means when the count value by the counting means becomes 1 in the invention of claim 1. And when the money of the denomination limited by the denomination limiting means is received by the money receiving means, the control means corresponds to all of the valuable value corresponding to the denomination of the accepted money. It is characterized by controlling lending.

  The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notifying means for notifying replenishment of a recording medium when the count value by the counting means reaches a predetermined number. To do.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming medium lending processing device that performs a gaming medium lending process based on a recording medium on which an identification code is recorded, and a management device that manages the identification code in association with a valuable value. In the gaming medium lending system, the gaming medium lending processing apparatus accepts money and stores a money receiving means for specifying a denomination of the received money and a recording medium that is not associated with the valuable value in advance. A recording medium storing means for receiving and storing the recording medium associated with the valuable value; an identification code recorded on the recording medium stored by the recording medium storing means; and an amount of money received by the money receiving means. Transmitting to the management apparatus information indicating the value of the value corresponding to the amount of money received in the recording medium; and The control means for controlling the lending of the game medium using the valuable value associated with the recording medium valued according to the instruction, and when the valuable value associated with the recording medium has a residual valuable value A recording medium returning means for returning the recording medium when instructed, a counting means for counting the number of recording media stored in the recording medium storing means that is increased or decreased by receiving and returning the recording medium, and the counting means. And a prohibiting unit for prohibiting the return of the recording medium by the recording medium returning unit when the count value becomes 1, and the management device is recorded on the recording medium instructed by the instructing unit An identification code and a valuable value corresponding to the amount of money are managed in association with each other.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming medium lending processing device that performs a gaming medium lending process based on a recording medium on which an identification code is recorded, and a management device that manages the identification code in association with a valuable value. In the gaming medium lending system, the gaming medium lending processing apparatus accepts money and stores a money receiving means for specifying a denomination of the received money and a recording medium that is not associated with the valuable value in advance. A recording medium storing means for receiving and storing the recording medium associated with the valuable value; an identification code recorded on the recording medium stored by the recording medium storing means; and an amount of money received by the money receiving means. Transmitting to the management apparatus information indicating the value of the value corresponding to the amount of money received in the recording medium; and The control means for controlling the lending of the game medium using the valuable value associated with the recording medium valued according to the instruction, and when the valuable value associated with the recording medium has a residual valuable value Recording medium return means for returning the recording medium when instructed, and recording medium number notification for notifying the management apparatus of increase / decrease of the recording medium stored in the recording medium storage means that is increased / decreased by receiving and returning the recording medium And a prohibiting unit for prohibiting the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return unit in response to a recording medium return prohibiting instruction from the management device, the management device notifying the number of recording media In response to the increase / decrease of the recording medium notified from the means, the stored number counting means for counting the number of recording media stored in the recording medium storing means, and the stored number counting means When the count value becomes 1, the prohibition instruction means for instructing prohibition of return of the recording medium by the recording medium return means, the identification code recorded on the recording medium instructed by the instruction means, And management means for managing the value corresponding to the amount of money in association with each other.

  According to the present invention, a recording medium that is not associated with a valuable value is stored in the game medium lending processing apparatus, the number of the recording medium is counted, and when the count value becomes 1, the recording medium is returned. Since the prohibition is configured, the recording medium is always stored in the game medium lending processing apparatus, so that it is not necessary to provide a memory to replace the recording medium.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the game medium lending processing apparatus and not to add extra cost (because it is not necessary to provide a memory to replace the recording medium).

  In addition, when the number of recording media stored in the game medium processing apparatus becomes 1, the game accepts all the valuable values corresponding to the accepted money denominations while limiting the denominations of the accepted money denominations. Since the medium is lent out, no change is generated. In this case, the recording medium is always stored in the game medium processing apparatus, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Embodiments of a game medium lending system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko game is mainly shown.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a game medium lending system according to the present invention.

  In this game medium lending system, a plurality of game machines 50 are arranged for each group called “island (60)”. Each gaming table 50 is provided with a card processing unit (game medium lending processing device) 40 that lends pachinko balls as game media.

  The card processing unit 40, which is the main part of the present invention, is disposed between the game stand 50 and the game stand 50 (between the stands), and in cooperation with a ball throwing mechanism provided in the game stand 50, is a pachinko ball. Lending.

  The front panel of the card processing unit 40 is provided with a bill insertion slot, a card insertion slot, a display unit, an operation unit, and the like, and the game table 50 is provided with a frequency display unit, a lending button, and the like.

  For example, when playing a game with a card, the player inserts various cards such as prepaid cards and membership cards (in some cases, further money) into the card processing unit 40 in advance, and a lending unit (one time) as necessary. Frequency) that is lent by the lending operation.

  When the player operates the lending button disposed on the gaming table 50, the ball throwing mechanism is activated, and a pachinko ball corresponding to the lending unit is thrown onto the upper plate of the gaming table 50. This investment price is subtracted from the frequency registered in advance corresponding to the card identification data.

  When money is directly inserted in a state where a prepaid card or a membership card is loaded in the card processing unit 40, it is also possible to accept money and add value to the prepaid card or membership card. A player plays a game on the gaming table 50 using the pachinko balls lent in this way.

  On the other hand, when playing a game using money, if a player inserts a bill such as a thousand yen bill, a 5,000 yen bill, or a 10,000 yen bill into the card processing unit 40, the card processing unit 40 is stored in advance. The card is issued with a value corresponding to the amount of the bill, and the card is issued. The player plays a game on the gaming table 50 using the pachinko balls lent out by the card thus issued.

  For example, here, if the player instructs the end of the game with a balance, a card worth a valuable value corresponding to change will be returned after the end of the game. The card purchased as a change can be used for renting game media in the same way as the card issued by the card issuing machine 70, and when it is settled, it is settled by the card settlement machine 80 as it is. Can do.

  An island edge safe (not shown) is installed at the end of the island 60, and the money inserted into the card processing unit 40 is installed on the back side of the gaming table 50 or the like so as not to touch the player's eyes. It is collected by a transport mechanism (not shown) and stored in this island edge safe. In addition, a counter for counting pachinko balls and a prize management device for exchanging prizes based on the counting results are provided as appropriate in the hall. A LAN (Lacal Area Network) is provided between these devices. The network is configured to be communicable through a network composed of 90 and the like.

  The terminal controller 10 as a management device is connected to an island controller 30 that manages the island 60, and performs overall control of the game medium lending system.

  The terminal controller 10 manages information including sales information of each gaming machine 50 in the sales information data database 20 and manages information including frequency information (value value) of each card in the card management database 21. In addition, the payment information and usage information for each card managed by the sales information database 21 and the card management database 21 can be totaled and output (screen display, printout, etc.). If a prepaid card or a membership card is inserted into the card processing unit 40, the identification data in this card is transferred to the terminal controller 10 via the island controller 30, and value data (corresponding to the identification data from the terminal controller 10) (Remaining number: valuable value) is returned to the card processing unit 40.

  Here, a first embodiment of the game medium lending system having the basic configuration as shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal controller 10, the card processing unit 40, and the game table 50 used in the first embodiment. Here, only the constituent elements according to the present invention will be described. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

  The terminal controller 10 is a controller that performs overall control of the entire game medium lending system, and as various processing function units, a T / C communication unit 11 that communicates with each device connected to the network, and various data temporarily. Supervises the T / C memory 12 to be stored, the T / C operation unit 13 which is an input device for inputting various data, the T / C display unit 14 which is a display device for displaying various information, and the terminal controller 10. T / C control unit 15 for controlling, T / C storage unit 16 for storing various data, database management unit 17 for managing data managed in various databases, and management of sales information of each gaming machine 50 Sales information data database 20 and a card management database 21 for managing the frequency of each card. The above is an explanation of each functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal controller 100.

  Next, the card processing unit 40 is a unit for receiving and processing various cards or cash. As described above, the pachinko ball lending in this game medium lending system is realized mainly by the cooperation of the card processing unit 40 and the ball throwing mechanism 55 provided in the game stand 50.

  The card processing unit 40 includes a host communication unit 41, a display operation unit 42, a bill processing unit 43, a control unit 44, a card processing unit 45, and a gaming table communication unit 46 as various processing function units. It is provided and configured.

  The upper communication unit 41 is an interface device that connects the card processing unit 40 and the LAN 90. Specifically, sales information based on various cards or cash processed in the card processing unit 40 is transmitted to the terminal controller 10, and various control signals are received from the terminal controller 10.

  The display operation unit 42 is a liquid crystal display provided outside the card processing unit 40. Specifically, the display operation unit 42 is for input devices such as operation buttons, LED (Light Emitting Diode), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the like. A user interface including a device.

  The bill processing unit 43 has a bill insertion slot for a player to insert a bill to borrow a pachinko ball, identifies the authenticity and denomination of the inserted bill, and based on the identification result, A processing unit that performs reading. The banknote processing unit 43 can accept and process high-value banknotes such as 5,000 yen bills and 10,000 yen bills in addition to thousand yen bills. For example, if a 10,000-yen bill is inserted into the banknote processing unit 43, the card processing unit 45, which will be described later, issues a card valued at an amount corresponding to the banknote (10,000 yen), By subtracting from the frequency information associated with the card, the pachinko balls are lent out. In addition, if the player is requested to return (game end) with a balance, the card described above is returned to the player. That is, change is returned to the player by the card.

  The control unit 44 performs overall control of the card processing unit 40. That is, the various processing function units constituting the card processing unit 40 operate according to instructions from the control unit 44. The control unit 44 also exchanges various control signals and data with the game table 50, and can directly or indirectly control the ball throwing mechanism 55 provided in the game table 50. Further, the control unit 44 includes a remaining number management unit 44 a that manages the number of cards stored in the card processing unit 40.

  If the control unit 44 is requested to return (game completion) to the player with a balance, the control unit 44 inquires the remaining number management unit 44a about the number of stored cards, and the remaining number is one or less. In order to prompt the store clerk to replenish the card, notification control is performed by displaying the fact on the display operation unit 42.

  In this way, the remaining number management unit 44a manages the remaining number of sheets, stores one or more cards in the unit, and manages the memory such as the remaining number with such a card, so that it is necessary to separately mount a memory. Disappear. As will be described in detail later, there are two ways to store one or more cards in the unit. The method of prohibiting the return of cards and the denomination of bills that can be used are limited (only 1000 yen bills can be used) There is a method.

  The card processing unit 45 has a card insertion slot for inserting a prepaid card or a membership card so that a player can borrow a pachinko ball, and is a processing unit that processes a card inserted from the card insertion slot. Each card inserted from here is given an individual identification code (card ID), and the remaining frequency information corresponding to the identification data is managed by the terminal controller 10. Further, in the card processing unit 45, a card read / write unit 45a, a card count unit 45b, and a card storage unit 45c are provided.

  The card read / write unit 45a reads and writes card information. Specifically, if a card is inserted from the card insertion slot, the type of the card is determined, and the card information is read based on the determination result, while if a banknote is inserted by the player, The card stored inside is given a value corresponding to the amount of the bill and the card is issued. As described above, if the player instructs the end of the game with a balance, the card issued here is returned as change. Cards issued as change can be settled and exchanged with the card settlement machine 80.

  The card count unit 45b has a sensor, detects a card entering / exiting the card insertion slot by the sensor, and links information (insertion detection signal, discharge detection signal) to the remaining number management unit 44a. For example, if a card is inserted by the player, the card count unit 45b detects that fact and transmits an insertion detection signal to the remaining number management unit 44a. In the remaining number management unit 44a, one is added to the number of cards stored in the unit when the insertion detection signal is received.

  The card storage unit 45c is a processing unit that collects cards with a remaining frequency of 0 and manages such cards using a first-in first-out method (in the present embodiment, up to eight cards can be stored). That is, the card storage unit 45c collects the card whose remaining number has become 0 by the game without discharging it. Furthermore, if a card with a remaining count of 0 is inserted by a store clerk for replenishment, the card is collected.

  The gaming table communication unit 46 is an interface device that connects the card processing unit 40 and the gaming table 50. With this connection, the card processing unit 40 can exchange control signals for controlling the operation of the gaming table 50. it can. The above is an explanation of each functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card processing unit 40.

  Next, the gaming table 50 will be described. The gaming table 50 is controlled by the card processing unit 40 and cannot operate unless the card processing unit 40 is connected.

  The gaming table 50 includes a gaming table operation unit 51 in which a lending button, a card return button, and the like are arranged as various processing function units, a gaming table display unit 52 that displays the remaining number of money or cards, and the gaming table 50. And a gaming machine communication unit 54 that communicates with the card processing unit 40, and a ball throwing mechanism 55 that operates in cooperation with the card processing unit 40.

  The above is the internal configuration of the terminal controller 10, the card processing unit 40, and the game table 50 according to the present invention. Since one or more cards are always stored inside the card processing unit 40, there are no cards in the unit. In addition, there is no need to provide a memory for replacing the card.

  Next, the external appearance of the card processing unit 40 and the game table 50 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as the said FIG.

  The figure shows the external appearance of an example of the front surface portion of the card processing unit 40 and the game table 50 described with reference to FIG.

  The card processing unit 40 includes a bill insertion slot 43a through which a player inserts bills, a display operation unit 42 capable of displaying and operating various information, and a card insertion through which the player inserts cards. 45 d. Further, a status display lamp, a monetary amount display unit, a monetary setting button, etc. are disposed on the front surface of the card processing unit 40, but the description thereof is omitted because it is not a main part of the present invention.

  On the other hand, the game machine 50 displays a lending button 51a for instructing lending of pachinko balls for the number of times set in the lending unit, a return button 51b for instructing discharging of the inserted card, and a card remaining number. And a table display unit 52. For example, if the lending button 51a disposed on the gaming table 50 is pressed with the card inserted in the card processing unit 40, pachinko balls are lent out for the number of times set in the lending unit and returned. If the button 51b is pressed, the inserted card is ejected.

  Here, the details of the card processing unit 45 described above will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, a vertical sectional view and a horizontal sectional view of the card processing unit 45 are shown.

  As shown in the figure, the card processing unit 45 is provided with a card storage unit 45c adjacent to the card read / write unit 45a, and reading is performed by the card read / write unit 45a. The determined card is stored in the card storage unit 45c.

  In addition, a card count unit 45b is provided immediately behind the card insertion slot 45d (as viewed from the player), and a card passing through the card insertion slot 45d is detected by a sensor to indicate whether the card is inserted or discharged. The number management unit 44a is linked.

  The card storage unit 45c manages the collected cards by a first-in last-out method (specifically, the first collected card is the position farthest from the card insertion slot 45d, that is, the code). The card that is stored in the position (1) and then collected is stored in the position of the code (2)... The card that was collected last is stored in the position of the code (8). Become. On the other hand, when the collected card is discharged, it is discharged from the card stored at the position closest to the card insertion slot 45d, that is, at the position of the code (8).

  In this way, the card processing unit 45 manages the collected cards by the first-in, first-out method. Therefore, if the remaining number remains in the previously collected card, the remaining number is transferred to the later collected card. Processing to change occurs. For example, when two cards with the remaining number are inserted and the card return is instructed immediately afterwards, the remaining number of the card inserted first is added to the remaining number of the card inserted (discharged) later Thus, it is necessary to eject one card. In this case, information including the identification code of the card inserted later and the added remaining number is transmitted to the terminal controller 10, and the terminal controller 10 associates the remaining number (valuable value) and the like with the identification code of the card. When writing to the management table 21 is performed, the remaining card number is transferred.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the game medium lending system according to the present invention. Here, a case will be described in which return of a card is prohibited if the number of cards stored in the card processing unit 40 is one or less.

  The card processing unit 40 stands by until a bill or a card is inserted (NO in step S101 and NO in step S105). Here, when a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 43a by the player (YES in step S101), the bill processing unit 43 identifies the authenticity and denomination of the bill.

  When the banknote is normally identified, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 sends the card issuance request together with the identification code and the issuance amount of the card (the frontmost one) stored in the card storage unit 45c to the terminal controller. 10 (step S102). The terminal controller 10 that has received the card issuance request writes the card issuance amount (valuable value) or the like to the card management table 21 in association with the card identification code, and returns a card completion notice to the card processing unit 40. To do.

  When the card issuance is completed, the card processing unit 40 determines whether or not the number of cards stored in the unit exceeds one (step S103). That is, the control unit 44 determines whether or not the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S103).

  Here, when the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (YES in step S103), the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 displays the frequency information of the card on the gaming table. Ask 50. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S109). On the other hand, if the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a is 1 or less (NO in step S103), the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 displays that fact in order to prompt the card to be replenished. The clerk is notified by displaying on the operation unit 42 or blinking the LED (step S104).

  Further, when the card is inserted from the card insertion slot 45d by the player while waiting for the card processing unit 40 in step S101 (NO in step S101, YES in step S105), the card count unit 45b indicates that the card is inserted. Is detected, and an insertion detection signal is transmitted to the remaining number management unit 44a. The remaining number management unit 44a adds one to the number of managed cards (step S106).

  Subsequently, the card processing unit 40 transmits information including the card identification code given to the card to the terminal controller 10 and inquires about the remaining frequency information of the card (step S107). In the terminal controller 10 that has received the inquiry request, the database management unit 17 scans the card management database 21 to obtain the remaining number information corresponding to the received card identification code, and the remaining number information is transferred to the card processing unit 40. Return it.

  When the remaining frequency information of the card is received, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 determines whether or not the received remaining frequency information is 0, and when the remaining frequency information is 0 (YES in step S108). After the card is taken in and stored in the card storage unit 45c, the process returns to step S101 and enters the standby state again. On the other hand, if the remaining frequency information is not 0 (NO in step S108), the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 The game machine 50 is requested to display the frequency information of the card. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S109).

  When the remaining frequency information is displayed on the gaming table display unit 52, the card processing unit 40 waits until some operation is performed by the player (NO in step S110, NO in step S114, and then in step S115). NO). Specifically, the process waits until either the lending button 51a or the return button 51b disposed on the gaming table 50 is pressed by the player or a card is additionally inserted.

  Here, when a card is additionally inserted by the player (YES in step S110), the card count unit 45b detects that the card is inserted, and an insertion detection signal is transmitted to the remaining number management unit 44a. The remaining number management unit 44a adds one to the number of managed cards (step S111).

  Subsequently, the card read / write unit 45a of the card processing unit 40 reads the identification code of the card after a predetermined check, and acquires the remaining frequency information of the card from the terminal controller 10 in the same manner as in Step S107. Step S112). When the remaining frequency information is acquired, according to the instruction of the control unit 44, the remaining frequency number of the card issued or inserted first is added to the remaining frequency number of the card inserted later, and the remaining frequency information is transferred. The game machine 50 is requested to update and display the transferred remaining frequency information. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 updates and displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S113). Thereafter, the card processing unit 40 returns to step S110 and waits again until some operation is performed by the player.

  In addition, when the lending button 51a disposed on the gaming table 50 is pressed by the player while waiting for the card processing unit 40 in step S110 (NO in step S110, YES in step S114), the gaming table control unit The lending request is transmitted from 53 to the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40.

  When the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 receives the lending request from the gaming machine 50, the controller 44 instructs the ball dispensing mechanism 55 of the gaming machine 50 to throw out balls for a predetermined lending unit. (Step S121). Along with this instruction, a ball rental is thrown out from the gaming machine 50, and a pachinko ball is loaned out to the player.

  Along with this throwing, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 subtracts the frequency corresponding to the aforementioned lending unit from the remaining frequency information possessed by the card, and includes the subtracted remaining frequency information and the card identification code. Is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 via the host communication unit 41 (step S122), and the game machine 50 is requested to update and display the subtracted remaining frequency information. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S123).

  When the remaining number is updated and displayed on the game machine 50, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 determines whether or not the remaining number of the card is 0, and if the remaining number is 0 (step S124). YES), after the card is captured and stored in the card storage unit 45c, the process returns to step S101 and waits until a bill or a card is inserted again. On the other hand, if the remaining number remains (NO in step S124), It returns to step S110 and waits again until some operation is performed by the player.

  In addition, when the player presses the return button 51b disposed on the gaming table 50 while waiting for the card processing unit 40 in step S110 (NO in step S110, NO in step S114, and then in step S115). YES), a return request is transmitted from the gaming table control unit 53 to the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40. Upon receiving the return request, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 determines whether or not the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S116).

  Here, when the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a is one or less (NO in step S116), the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 informs the user of that fact in order to prompt the card to be replenished. The store clerk is notified by displaying on the display operation unit 42 or blinking the LED (step S125). Further, a display indicating that the card cannot be returned is displayed on the display operation unit 42, and the card return control is performed so that the card is not returned even when the return button 51b is pressed (step S126). Then, it returns to step S110 and waits again until some operation is performed by the player.

  On the other hand, if the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (YES in step S116), the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 ejects the card from the card insertion slot 45d ( Step S117). The card count unit 45b that has detected the ejection of the card transmits a ejection detection signal to the remaining number management unit 44a, and the remaining number management unit 44a subtracts one from the number of cards managed (step S118).

  Along with this card ejection, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 again determines whether or not the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S119), and the number of cards is one. If YES in step S119, the process returns to step S101 and again waits until a bill or a card is inserted, but if the number of cards is one or less (NO in step S119), the card processing unit In order to prompt the replenishment of the card, the control unit 44 of 40 displays the fact on the display operation unit 42 or flashes the LED to notify the store clerk (step S120), returns to step S101, and again. Wait until a bill or card is inserted.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the game medium lending system according to the present invention. Here, a case will be described in which, if the number of cards stored in the card processing unit 40 is one or less, the denomination to be accepted is limited, that is, only a thousand yen bill is accepted. Since the processing for the card is the same as in FIG. 5 described above, the description of the operation when the card is inserted is omitted, and only the processing for the banknote is described here.

  When this process is started, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 determines whether or not the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S201). If the number exceeds one (YES in step S201), the process waits until a bill (or card) is inserted, but if the number of cards is one or less (NO in step S201), the display operation unit 42 receives a bill. Is displayed to indicate that only a thousand yen bill is accepted (step S202), and waits until a bill (or card) is inserted (NO in step S203).

  Here, when a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 43a by the player (YES in step S203), the bill processing unit 43 identifies the authenticity and denomination of the bill.

  When the banknote is normally identified, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 determines whether or not the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S204). Here, if it is determined that the number of cards stored in the unit is 1 or less, the card processing unit 40 will accept only a thousand yen bill that does not generate change.

  Here, if the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a is one or less (NO in step S204), it is determined whether or not the bill inserted into the bill processing unit 43 is a thousand yen bill. If it is not a thousand yen bill (NO in step S207), after the bill is returned (step S210), the process returns to step S201 and again enters a standby state, but is a thousand yen bill. If so (YES in step S207), the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 uses the card issuance request and the entire amount to be used together with the identification code of the card stored in the card storage unit 45c and the issue amount (thousand yen). Is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 (step S208). The terminal controller 10 that has received the card issuance request writes the card issuance amount (valuable value) or the like to the card management table 21 in association with the card identification code, and returns a card completion notice to the card processing unit 40. To do.

  When the card issuance is completed, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 instructs the ball throwing mechanism 55 of the gaming table 50 to throw a ball of the value (full amount) (step S209). Along with this instruction, a ball rental is thrown out from the gaming machine 50, and a pachinko ball is loaned out to the player. Thereafter, the process returns to step S201, and the card processing unit 40 again enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, when the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (YES in step S204), the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 stores the cards stored in the card storage unit 45c. A card issuance request is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 together with the identification code and the issuance amount (step S205). The terminal controller 10 that has received the card issuance request writes the card issuance amount (valuable value) or the like to the card management table 21 in association with the card identification code, and returns a card completion notice to the card processing unit 40. To do. When the card issuance is completed, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 requests the gaming machine 50 to display the frequency information of the card. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S206).

  When the remaining frequency information is displayed on the gaming table display unit 52, the card processing unit 40 stands by until some operation is performed by the player. Specifically, the player waits until either the lending button 51a or the return button 51b disposed on the gaming table 50 is pressed or a card is additionally inserted (NO in step S211; After NO in step S215, NO in step S216).

  Here, when a card is additionally inserted by the player (YES in step S211), the card count unit 45b detects that the card is inserted, and an insertion detection signal is transmitted to the remaining number management unit 44a. The remaining number management unit 44a adds one to the number of managed cards (step S212).

  Subsequently, after a predetermined check, the card read / write unit 45a of the card processing unit 40 reads the identification code of the card and acquires the remaining frequency information of the card from the terminal controller 10 (step S213). When the remaining frequency information is acquired, according to the instruction of the control unit 44, the remaining frequency number of the card issued or inserted first is added to the remaining frequency number of the card inserted later, and the remaining frequency information is transferred. Then, the game machine 50 is requested to update and display the transferred remaining frequency information. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 updates and displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S214). Thereafter, the card processing unit 40 returns to Step 211 and waits again until some operation is performed by the player.

  In addition, when the lending button 51a disposed on the gaming table 50 is pressed by the player while waiting for the card processing unit 40 in step S211 (NO in step S211, YES in step S215), the gaming table control unit The lending request is transmitted from 53 to the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40.

  When the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 receives the lending request from the gaming machine 50, the controller 44 instructs the ball dispensing mechanism 55 of the gaming machine 50 to throw out balls for a predetermined lending unit. (Step S221). Along with this instruction, a ball rental is thrown out from the gaming machine 50, and a pachinko ball is loaned out to the player.

  Along with this throwing, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 subtracts the frequency corresponding to the aforementioned lending unit from the remaining frequency information possessed by the card, and includes the subtracted remaining frequency information and the card identification code. Is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 via the host communication unit 41 (step S222), and the game machine 50 is requested to update and display the subtracted remaining frequency information. The gaming machine 50 that has received this request displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S223).

  When the remaining number is updated and displayed on the game machine 50, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 determines whether or not the remaining number of the card is 0, and if the remaining number is 0 (step S224). YES), after the card is taken in and stored in the card storage unit 45c, the process returns to step S201 and waits again until a bill (or card) is inserted. On the other hand, if the remaining number remains (in step S224). NO), the process returns to step S211, and waits again until some operation is performed by the player.

  Further, when the player presses the return button 51b disposed on the gaming table 50 while waiting for the card processing unit 40 in step S211 (NO in step S211, NO in step S215, and step S216). YES), a return request is transmitted from the gaming table control unit 53 to the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40. The control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 that has received the return request ejects the card from the card insertion slot 45d (step S217). The card count unit 45b that has detected the ejection of the card transmits a discharge detection signal to the remaining number management unit 44a, and the remaining number management unit 44a subtracts one from the number of managed cards (step S218).

  Along with this card ejection, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 again determines whether or not the number of cards managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S219), and the number of cards is one. If the number of cards is less than 1 (YES in step S219), the process returns to step S201 and waits until a bill (or card) is inserted again. The control unit 44 of the processing unit 40 notifies the store clerk by displaying the fact on the display operation unit 42 or blinking the LED in order to urge the replenishment of the card (step S220), and then returns to step S201. Then, it waits again until a bill (or card) is inserted.

  As described above, in the present invention, the number of cards stored in the card processing unit 40 is managed, and when the remaining number is 1 or less, the return of the card is prohibited. Since one or more cards are always stored in the unit, there is no need for cards, and there is no need to provide a memory for replacing the cards. Therefore, the card processing unit 40 can be reduced in size and no extra cost (because it is not necessary to provide a memory to replace the card) is not required.

  In addition, when the remaining number in the unit becomes 1 or less, the accepted denomination is limited (thousand-yen bills only), and it is configured to lend out the full amount of pachinko balls as the bills are inserted, so no change occurs In this case, one or more cards are always stored in the unit, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Next, a second embodiment of the game medium lending system having the basic configuration as shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the case of accepting money and a card and lending a pachinko ball has been described. In the second embodiment, an embodiment in the case of accepting money or an IC coin and lending a pachinko ball will be described. . The IC coin is a recording medium that plays substantially the same function and function as various cards such as the prepaid card and the membership card described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal controller 10, the lending processing unit 40a, and the game table 50 used in the second embodiment. In addition, since the thing which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG. 2 which demonstrated the said 1st Example operate | moves substantially the same, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The lending processing unit 40a is a unit for accepting input of IC coins or cash and processing it. That is, it has substantially the same function as the card processing unit 40 described in the first embodiment, and the difference is whether a card is received or a coin is received.

  The lending processing unit 40a includes a higher-level communication unit 41, a display operation unit 42, a banknote processing unit 43, a control unit 44, a gaming table communication unit 46, and a coin processing unit 47 as various processing function units. It is provided and configured. That is, the coin processing unit 47 is provided in place of the card processing unit 45 having the configuration shown in FIG.

  The coin processing unit 47 is a processing unit that has a coin insertion slot for inserting an IC coin so that a player can borrow a pachinko ball, and processes the IC coin inserted from the coin insertion slot. Each identification coin (coin ID) is given to each IC coin inserted from here, and the remaining frequency information corresponding to the identification data is managed by the terminal controller 10. Furthermore, the coin processing unit 47 includes a coin read / write unit 47a, a coin count unit 47b, and a coin storage unit 47c.

  The coin read / write unit 47a reads and writes coin information. Specifically, if an IC coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot, the coin information is checked after checking whether the coin is usable in the game hall and whether the data held by the coin is damaged. On the other hand, if it is necessary to return the change at the end of the game of the player, an IC coin with a value equivalent to the change is issued. IC coins issued as change can be settled and converted by a coin settlement machine (not shown).

  The coin count unit 47b has a sensor, detects an IC coin entering / exiting the coin insertion slot or coin return slot by the sensor, and manages the remaining number information (insertion detection signal, throwing detection signal). It cooperates with the unit 44a. For example, if an IC coin is inserted by the player, the coin count unit 47b detects that fact and transmits an insertion detection signal to the remaining number management unit 44a. In the remaining number management unit 44a, one coin is added to the number of coins stored in the unit when the insertion detection signal is received.

  The coin storage unit 47c is a processing unit that collects IC coins having a remaining frequency of 0 and manages such coins using a first-in first-out method. That is, the IC coin whose remaining number is 0 by the game is collected by the coin storage unit 47c without being discharged. Further, if an IC coin with a remaining number of 0 is inserted by a store clerk for replenishment, the coin is collected.

  The above is the internal configuration of the terminal controller 10, the lending processing unit 40a, and the gaming table 50 according to the second embodiment, and an IC coin is placed in the lending processing unit 40a in place of the card described in the first embodiment. It is configured to always store one or more sheets. As in the first embodiment, the IC coins in the unit are not lost, and there is no need to provide a memory to replace the IC coins.

  Next, the external appearance of the lending processing unit 40a and the game machine 50 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as the said FIG.

  This figure shows the external appearance of an example of the front surface portion of the lending processing unit 40a and the gaming table 50 described in FIG.

  The lending processing unit 40a includes a bill insertion slot 43a for a player to insert a bill, a display operation unit 42 capable of displaying and operating various information, and a coin for the player to insert an IC coin. It is configured to include an insertion slot 47d and a coin return slot 447e for returning IC coins to the player. Moreover, although a status display lamp, a money amount display portion, a money amount setting button, etc. are disposed on the front surface portion of the lending processing unit 40a, the description thereof is omitted because it is not a main part of the present invention.

  On the other hand, the gaming machine 50 displays a lending button 51a for instructing lending of pachinko balls for the number of times set as a lending unit, a return button 51b for instructing to discharge IC coins being inserted, and the number of remaining coins. And a gaming table display unit 52.

  Here, the details of the above-described coin processing unit 47 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, a schematic diagram of the coin processing unit 47 is shown.

  As shown in the figure, the coin processing unit 47 reads the IC coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 47d by the coin read / write unit 47a, stores the coin in the coin storage unit 47c, and inserts it first. The IC coins are returned in order from the coin return slot 47e.

  In addition, a coin count portion 47b is provided immediately behind the coin insertion slot 47d and the coin return slot 47e (as viewed from the player), and a coin passing through the coin detection section 47b is detected by a sensor. The effect of return is linked to the remaining number management unit 44a.

  The coin storage unit 47c manages the collected coins by the first-in first-out method (specifically, first-in first-out), and specifically, the first inserted coin is the closest position from the coin return port 47e, that is, the sign The coin inserted next is stored in the position of (1), and the coin inserted next is stored in the position of code (2)... The coin inserted last is stored in the position of code (5). Become. On the other hand, when the inserted coin is returned to the player, it is returned to the player from the coin stored in the position closest to the coin return port 47e, that is, the position of the code (1).

  The coin read / write unit 47a can transfer the remaining number of coins stored in the coin storage unit 47c to another coin. That is, since the coin storage unit 47c manages the stored coins by the first-in first-out method, for example, when a coin having a remaining number is inserted and a coin return is instructed immediately after that, It is necessary to transfer the remaining frequency to the coin stored (discharged) at the position closest to the coin return port 47e and return it. In this case, information including the identification code of the coin to be ejected and the remaining degree to be transferred (or added) is transmitted to the terminal controller 10, and the terminal controller 10 uses the remaining degree (valuable value) and the like as the coin identification code. When writing is performed in association with the card management table 21, the remaining number of coins is transferred.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the game medium lending system according to the second embodiment. Here, a case will be described in which return of an IC coin is prohibited if the number of coins stored in the lending processing unit 40a is one or less.

  The lending processing unit 40a stands by until a bill or a coin is inserted (NO in step S301, NO in step S305). Here, when a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 43a by the player (YES in step S301), the bill processing unit 43 identifies the authenticity and denomination of the bill.

  When the banknote is normally identified, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a sends the coin issuance request together with the identification code and the issuance amount of the coin (the lowest one) stored in the coin storage unit 47c to the terminal controller. 10 (step S302). Upon receiving the coin issuance request, the terminal controller 10 writes the coin issuance amount (valuable value) or the like to the coin management table 21 in association with the coin identification code, and returns a coin issuance completion message to the lending processing unit 40a. To do.

  When the coin issuance is completed, the lending processing unit 40a determines whether or not the number of coins stored in the unit exceeds one (step S303). That is, the control unit 44 determines whether or not the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S303).

  When the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (YES in step S303), the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a displays the coin frequency information display on the gaming table. Ask 50. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S310). On the other hand, when the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a is 1 or less (NO in step S303), the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a displays that fact in order to prompt the coin replenishment. The store clerk is notified by displaying on the operation unit 42 or blinking the LED (step S304). Further, when an IC coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 47d by the player while waiting for the lending processing unit 40a in step S303 (NO in step S301, YES in step S305), the coin counting unit 47b inserts a coin. This is detected, and the insertion detection signal is transmitted to the remaining number management unit 44a. The remaining number management unit 44a adds one to the managed number of coins (step S306).

  Subsequently, the lending processing unit 40a transmits information including the coin identification code given to the coin to the terminal controller 10 and inquires about the remaining frequency information of the coin (step S307). In the terminal controller 10 that has received the inquiry request, the database management unit 17 scans the card management database 21 to acquire the remaining number information corresponding to the received coin identification code, and transfers the remaining number information to the lending processing unit 40a. Return it.

  When receiving the remaining number information of the coin, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a determines whether or not the received remaining number information is 0, and when the remaining number information is 0 (YES in step S308). Then, after the coin is taken in and stored in the coin storage unit 47c, the process returns to step S301 and enters the standby state again. On the other hand, if the remaining frequency information is not 0 (NO in step S308), the coin is Is transferred to the coin that has been inserted first (positioned closest to the coin return slot 47e) (step S309), and the game machine 50 is requested to display the transferred remaining frequency information. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S310).

  When the remaining frequency information is displayed on the gaming table display unit 52, the lending processing unit 40a waits until some operation is performed by the player (NO in step S311, NO in step S316, and then in step S317). NO). Specifically, it waits until one of the lending button 51a and the return button 51b disposed on the gaming table 50 is pressed by the player or a coin is additionally inserted.

  Here, when a coin is additionally inserted by the player (YES in step S311), the coin count unit 47b detects that the coin has been inserted, and an insertion detection signal is transmitted to the remaining number management unit 44a. The remaining number management unit 44a adds one to the managed number of coins (step S312).

  Subsequently, after a predetermined check, the coin read / write unit 47a of the lending processing unit 40a reads the identification code of the coin, and acquires the remaining number information of the coin from the terminal controller 10 as in step S307 ( Step S313). When the remaining frequency information is acquired, the control unit 44 determines whether or not the received remaining frequency information is 0. If the remaining frequency information is 0 (YES in step S314), the control unit 44 takes in the coin and stores the coin storage unit. After storing in 47c, the process returns to step S311, and waits again until some operation is performed by the player. On the other hand, if the remaining frequency information is not 0 (NO in step S314), the coin is Is added to the remaining number of coins that have been inserted first (positioned closest to the coin return slot 47e) to transfer the remaining number information, and the transferred remaining number information Is requested to the game machine 50 to be updated. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 updates and displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S315).

  In addition, when the lending button 51a disposed on the gaming table 50 is pressed by the player while waiting for the lending processing unit 40a in step S311 (NO in step S311 and YES in step S316), the gaming table control unit A lending request is transmitted from 53 to the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a.

  When the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a receives a lending request from the gaming machine 50, it instructs the ball dispensing mechanism 55 of the gaming machine 50 to throw out a lending unit for a preset lending unit. (Step S323). Along with this instruction, a ball rental is thrown out from the gaming machine 50, and a pachinko ball is loaned out to the player.

  Along with this throwing, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a subtracts the frequency corresponding to the aforementioned lending unit from the remaining frequency information possessed by the coin, and includes the subtracted remaining frequency information and the coin identification code. Is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 via the host communication unit 41 (step S324), and the game machine 50 is requested to update and display the subtracted remaining frequency information. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S325).

  When the remaining number is updated and displayed on the game machine 50, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a determines whether or not the remaining number of coins is 0, and if the remaining number is 0 (step S326). YES), after the coin is taken in and stored in the coin storage unit 47c, the process returns to step S301 and waits again until a bill or a coin is inserted, but if the remaining number remains (NO in step S326), The process returns to step S311, and waits again until some operation is performed by the player.

  In addition, when the player presses the return button 51b disposed on the gaming table 50 at the time of waiting for the lending processing unit 40a in step S311 (after NO in step S311, after NO in step S316, in step S317). YES), a return request is transmitted from the gaming table control unit 53 to the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a. The control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a that has received the return request determines whether or not the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S318).

  Here, when the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a is one or less (NO in step S318), the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a notifies the fact to prompt the coin replenishment. The store clerk is notified by displaying on the display operation unit 42 or blinking the LED (step S327). Further, a display indicating that the coin cannot be returned is displayed on the display operation unit 42, and the coin return control is performed so that the coin is not returned even when the return button 51b is pressed (step S328). Then, it returns to step S311 and waits again until some operation is performed by the player.

  On the other hand, when the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (YES in step S318), the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a throws out the coin from the coin return port 47e. (Step S319). The coin counting unit 47b that has detected the coin throw-in transmits a throw-out detection signal to the remaining number managing unit 44a, and the remaining number managing unit 44a subtracts one coin from the managed number of coins (step S320). ).

  Along with this coin return, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a determines again whether or not the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S321), and the number of coins is one. If the number of coins is less than one (NO in step S321), the lending processing unit returns to step S301 and waits until a bill or coin is inserted again (NO in step S321). In order to prompt the coin replenishment, the control unit 44a 40a notifies the store clerk by displaying the fact on the display operation unit 42 or blinking the LED (step S322), and then returns to step S301 and again. Wait until a bill or coin is inserted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the game medium lending system according to the second embodiment. Here, a case will be described in which, if the number of coins stored in the lending processing unit 40a is one or less, the accepted denominations are limited, that is, only a thousand yen bill is accepted. Since the processing for coins is the same as that in FIG. 10 described above, the description of the operation when a coin is inserted will be omitted, and only the processing for bills will be described here.

  When this process is started, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a determines whether or not the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S401). If the number of coins exceeds one (YES in step S401), the process waits until a bill (or coin) is inserted. If the number of coins is one or less (NO in step S401), the display operation unit 42 receives a bill. Is displayed (step S402), and waits until a bill (or coin) is inserted (NO in step S403).

  Here, when a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 43a by the player (YES in step S403), the bill processing unit 43 identifies the authenticity and denomination of the bill.

  When the banknote is normally identified, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a determines whether or not the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S404). Here, if it is determined that the number of coins stored in the unit is 1 or less, the lending processing unit 40a accepts only a thousand yen bill that does not generate change.

  Here, when the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a is 1 or less (NO in step S404), it is determined whether or not the bill inserted into the bill processing unit 43 is a thousand yen bill. If it is not a thousand yen bill (NO in step S407), after the bill is returned (step S410), the process returns to step S401 and again enters a standby state, but is a thousand yen bill. If so (YES in step S407), the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a, together with the coin identification code stored in the coin storage unit 47c, the issued amount (thousand yen), the coin issuance request and the use of the full amount Is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 (step S408). Upon receiving the coin issuance request, the terminal controller 10 writes the coin issuance amount (valuable value) or the like to the coin management table 21 in association with the coin identification code, and returns a coin issuance completion message to the lending processing unit 40a. To do.

  When the coin issuance is completed, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a instructs the ball throwing mechanism 55 of the game table 50 to throw a ball of the value (full amount) (step S409). Along with this instruction, a ball rental is thrown out from the gaming machine 50, and a pachinko ball is loaned out to the player. Thereafter, the process returns to step S401, and the lending processing unit 40a again enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, when the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (YES in step S404), the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a stores the coins stored in the coin storage unit 47c ( A coin issuance request is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 together with the identification code of the least significant one and the issuance amount (step S405). Upon receiving the coin issuance request, the terminal controller 10 writes the coin issuance amount (valuable value) or the like to the coin management table 21 in association with the coin identification code, and returns a coin issuance completion message to the lending processing unit 40a. To do. When the coin issuance is completed, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a requests the gaming machine 50 to display the frequency information of the coin. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S406).

  When the remaining frequency information is displayed on the gaming table display unit 52, the lending processing unit 40a stands by until some operation is performed by the player. Specifically, the player waits until either the lending button 51a or the return button 51b disposed on the gaming table 50 is pressed or a coin is additionally inserted (NO in step S411, After NO in step S416, NO in step S417).

  Here, when a coin is additionally inserted by the player (YES in step S411), the coin count unit 47b detects that the coin has been inserted, and an insertion detection signal is transmitted to the remaining number management unit 44a. The remaining number management unit 44a adds one to the managed number of coins (step S412).

  Subsequently, after a predetermined check, the coin read / write unit 47a of the lending processing unit 40a reads the identification code of the coin and acquires the remaining frequency information of the coin from the terminal controller 10 (step S413). When the remaining frequency information is acquired, the control unit 44 determines whether or not the received remaining frequency information is 0. If the remaining frequency information is 0 (YES in step S414), the control unit 44 takes in the coin and stores the coin storage unit. After storing in 47c, the process returns to step S411 and waits again until some operation is performed by the player. On the other hand, if the remaining frequency information is not 0 (NO in step S414), the coin is Is added to the remaining number of coins that have been inserted first (positioned closest to the coin return slot 47e) to transfer the remaining number information, and the transferred remaining number information Is requested to the game machine 50 to be updated. Upon receiving this request, the gaming machine 50 updates and displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S415).

  In addition, when the lending button 51a disposed on the gaming table 50 is pressed by the player while waiting for the lending processing unit 40a in step S411 (NO in step S411, YES in step S416), the gaming table control unit A lending request is transmitted from 53 to the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a.

  When the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a receives a lending request from the gaming machine 50, it instructs the ball dispensing mechanism 55 of the gaming machine 50 to throw out a lending unit for a preset lending unit. (Step S422). Along with this instruction, a ball rental is thrown out from the gaming machine 50, and a pachinko ball is loaned out to the player.

  Along with this throwing, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a subtracts the frequency corresponding to the aforementioned lending unit from the remaining frequency information possessed by the coin, and includes the subtracted remaining frequency information and the coin identification code. Is transmitted to the terminal controller 10 via the higher-level communication unit 41 (step S423), and the game machine 50 is requested to update and display the subtracted remaining frequency information. The gaming machine 50 that has received this request displays the received frequency information on the gaming machine display unit 52 (step S424).

  When the remaining number is updated and displayed on the game machine 50, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a determines whether or not the remaining number of coins is 0, and if the remaining number is 0 (step S425 YES). ) After taking in the coin and storing it in the coin storage unit 47c, the process returns to step S401, and waits again until a bill (or coin) is inserted. On the other hand, if the remaining number remains (NO in step S425). Then, the process returns to step S411, and waits again until some operation is performed by the player.

  In addition, when the player presses the return button 51b disposed on the gaming table 50 while waiting for the lending processing unit 40a in step S411 (after NO in step S411, after NO in step S416, in step S417). YES), a return request is transmitted from the gaming table control unit 53 to the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a. The control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a that has received the return request throws out the coin from the coin return port 47e (step S418). The coin count unit 47b that has detected the coin throw-in transmits a throw-out detection signal to the remaining number management unit 44a, and the remaining number management unit 44a subtracts one from the number of coins managed (step S419). ).

  Along with this coin return, the control unit 44 of the lending processing unit 40a again determines whether or not the number of coins managed by the remaining number management unit 44a exceeds one (step S420), and the number of coins is one. If the number of coins is less than 1 (NO in step S420), the process returns to step S401 and waits until a bill (or coin) is inserted again. The control unit 44 of the processing unit 40a notifies the store clerk by displaying the fact on the display operation unit 42 or blinking the LED to prompt the coin replenishment (step S421), and then returns to step S401. Then, it waits again until a bill (or coin) is inserted.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the number of coins stored in the lending processing unit 40a is managed, and the return of coins is prohibited when the remaining number is less than one. Since it is configured, one or more IC coins are always stored in the unit, so there is no need for IC coins to be lost, and there is no need to provide a memory to replace IC coins. Therefore, the lending processing unit 40a can be reduced in size and no extra cost (because it is not necessary to provide a memory for replacing coins) is not required.

  In addition, when the remaining number in the unit becomes 1 or less, the accepted denomination is limited (thousand-yen bills only), and it is configured to lend out the full amount of pachinko balls as the bills are inserted, so no change occurs In this case as well, one or more coins are always stored in the unit, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the above and the drawings, and can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope not changing the gist thereof. Others in the game medium lending system described in the above embodiments Several modified examples are listed below.

  a) In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a store clerk is notified if the remaining number of stored cards or IC coins is 1 or less. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may comprise so that it may alert | report if it becomes the following.

  b) In the said Example, although the card processing unit 40 which receives a banknote and performs the lending process of the pachinko ball was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this, You may receive a coin. In this case, if the remaining number of cards or IC cards in the unit is 1 or less and the accepted denominations are limited (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 11), about 1000 yen bills and coins (100 yen, 500 yen) Accepts the full amount of lending.

  c) In the above embodiment, if the remaining number of cards or IC cards in the unit is 1 or less, the clerk displays the fact on the display operation unit 42 of the card processing unit 40 or blinks the LED. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a message to that effect may be transmitted to the terminal controller 10, or a stand lamp or an island edge lamp may be lit or blinked. In addition to this, a sound to that effect may be output to the store clerk's income.

  d) The notification method described in the above c) may be changed for each time or timing.

  e) The gaming table display unit 52, the lending button 51a, and the return button 51b arranged on the front side of the gaming table 50 may be arranged on the front side of the card processing unit 40.

  f) In the above embodiment, the case where the remaining number management unit 44a of the card processing unit 40 manages the number of stored cards has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each card processing unit 40 is connected to the terminal controller 10 side. The number of cards being stored may be managed. In this case, a remaining number management unit is arranged in the T / C control unit 15 of the terminal controller 10 so that the card processing unit 40 inserts and returns a card and information detected by the card count unit 45b (insertion detection signal). , A discharge detection signal) is notified from the control unit 44 to the terminal controller 10 together with an identification code for specifying the card processing unit 40. In the terminal controller 10, the remaining number management unit manages the increase / decrease in the number of cards stored in each card processing unit 40 in response to the notification. When the number of cards stored in the card processing unit 40 becomes 1, the terminal controller 10 transmits a return prohibition instruction from the T / C control unit 15 to the card processing unit 40. Upon receipt of this return prohibition instruction, the control unit 44 of the card processing unit 40 displays a message indicating that the card cannot be returned to the display operation unit 42 as in the above embodiment, and even if the return button 51b is pressed, Do not return, do card return impossible control.

  g) In the above embodiment, the case where a pachinko ball is lent out to the player from the ball throwing mechanism 55 of the gaming table 50 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. And a pachinko ball may be lent out to the player through the nozzle from the ball throwing mechanism.

  h) The present invention may be applied to a medal lending machine.

  i) The card processing unit 40 may have a storage ball replay function.

  Since the game medium lending processing apparatus and the game medium lending system of the present invention always store one or more recording media in the game medium lending processing apparatus, it is not necessary to provide an extra memory, saving space and cost. This is effective in the case of reduction, and in particular, can be effectively used in pachinko halls where pachinko machines are provided to provide gaming services.

It is a figure showing the whole game media rental system composition concerning the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the terminal controller 10, the card processing unit 40, and the game stand 50 concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the card processing unit 40 and the game stand 50 concerning this invention. It is the vertical sectional view and horizontal sectional view which show the internal structure of the card | curd process part 45 concerning this invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the game media rental system concerning this invention (card return prohibition). It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the game media rental system concerning this invention (reception money type limitation). It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the terminal controller 10, the rental processing unit 40a, and the game stand 50 concerning a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the lending processing unit 40a and the game stand 50 concerning a 2nd Example. It is the schematic which shows the internal structure of the coin process part 47 concerning a 2nd Example. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the game media rental system concerning a 2nd Example (coin return prohibition). It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the game media rental system concerning a 2nd Example (acceptance money type limitation).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Terminal controller 11 T / C communication part 12 T / C memory 13 T / C operation part 14 T / C display part 15 T / C control part 16 T / C memory | storage part 17 Database management part 20 Sales information database 21 Card management database 30 island controller 40 card processing unit 40a lending processing unit 41 host communication unit 42 display operation unit 43 banknote processing unit 44 control unit 44a remaining number management unit 45 card processing unit 45a card read / write unit 45b card count unit 45c card storage unit 45d Card insertion slot 46 Game table communication unit 47 Coin processing unit 47a Coin read / write unit 47b Coin count unit 47c Coin storage unit 47d Coin insertion port 47e Coin return port 50 Game table 51a Lending button (game table operation unit: 51)
51b Return button (game table operation unit: 51)
52 gaming table display unit 53 gaming table control unit 54 gaming table communication unit 55 ball throwing mechanism 60 island 70 card issuing machine 80 card settlement machine 90 LAN (Local Area Network)

Claims (5)

In a gaming medium lending processing apparatus for lending gaming media by associating a valuable value corresponding to the amount of money received by the currency receiving means with a recording medium,
Recording medium storage means for storing a recording medium not associated with the valuable value in advance and receiving and storing the recording medium associated with the valuable value;
Control means for controlling the lending of game media using the valuable value associated with the recording medium stored in the recording medium storage means;
A recording medium return means for returning the recording medium when there is a return instruction when the valuable value associated with the recording medium has a residual value;
Counting means for counting the number of recording media stored in the recording medium storage means that increase or decrease by receiving and returning the recording medium;
And a prohibiting means for prohibiting the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return means when the count value by the counting means becomes 1. A denomination limiting means for limiting the denomination of money received by the money receiving means when the count value by the counting means becomes 1,
The control means includes
Controlling the lending of game media corresponding to all of the valuable value corresponding to the denomination of the accepted money when the money of the denomination limited by the denomination limiting means is received by the money receiving means; The game medium rental processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The game medium lending processing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notifying means for notifying replenishment of a recording medium when a count value obtained by the counting means reaches a predetermined number. In a gaming medium lending system having a gaming medium lending processing device that lends gaming media based on a recording medium on which an identification code is recorded, and a management device that manages the identification code in association with a valuable value,
The gaming medium rental processing device is
Money accepting means for accepting money and identifying the denomination of the accepted money;
Recording medium storage means for storing a recording medium not associated with the valuable value in advance and receiving and storing the recording medium associated with the valuable value;
Information including the identification code recorded on the recording medium stored by the recording medium storage means and the amount of money received by the money receiving means is transmitted to the management device, and the amount of money received by the recording medium An instruction means for instructing the value of the valuable value corresponding to
Control means for controlling the lending of gaming media using the valuable value associated with the recording medium valued by the instruction means;
A recording medium return means for returning the recording medium when there is a return instruction when the valuable value associated with the recording medium has a residual value;
Counting means for counting the number of recording media stored in the recording medium storage means that increase or decrease by receiving and returning the recording medium;
A prohibiting means for prohibiting the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return means when the count value by the counting means becomes 1,
The management device
The game medium lending system characterized by managing the identification code recorded on the recording medium instructed by the instruction means and the value corresponding to the amount of money. In a gaming medium lending system having a gaming medium lending processing device that lends gaming media based on a recording medium on which an identification code is recorded, and a management device that manages the identification code in association with a valuable value,
The gaming medium rental processing device is
Money accepting means for accepting money and identifying the denomination of the accepted money;
Recording medium storage means for storing a recording medium not associated with the valuable value in advance and receiving and storing the recording medium associated with the valuable value;
Information including the identification code recorded on the recording medium stored by the recording medium storage means and the amount of money received by the money receiving means is transmitted to the management device, and the amount of money received by the recording medium An instruction means for instructing the value of the valuable value corresponding to
Control means for controlling the lending of game media using the valuable value associated with the recording medium valued by the instruction means;
A recording medium return means for returning the recording medium when there is a return instruction when the valuable value associated with the recording medium has a residual value;
Recording medium number notifying means for notifying the management device of increase / decrease in the number of recording media stored in the recording medium storing means that increase / decrease by receiving and returning the recording medium;
In response to a recording medium return prohibition instruction from the management device, the recording medium return means prohibits the return of the recording medium by the recording medium return means, and
The management device
In response to the increase / decrease in the number of recording media notified from the recording medium number notifying unit, the stored number counting unit for counting the number of recording media stored in the recording medium storing unit,
A prohibition instructing means for instructing prohibition of return of the recording medium by the recording medium returning means when the count value by the stored number counting means becomes 1;
A game medium lending system comprising: an identification code recorded on the recording medium instructed by the instruction means, and a management means for managing the value corresponding to the amount of money in association with each other.

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