JP5180342B2 - Game media payout system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game medium payout system that pays out game media and supplies the game media to a game machine at the time of test hitting for confirming a malfunction of the game machine.

In general, when a gaming machine is introduced into a game arcade, first, a test is performed to confirm a malfunction of the gaming machine. This test hit is to play a game in an environment close to that of a player who normally plays. At the time of test hitting, conventionally, a game hall employee put a game medium such as a pachinko ball into the upper plate of the game machine and fixes the handle of the game machine.

However, in this method, when there is a shortage of game media on the upper plate, it is necessary for the employee to carry the game media and put it into the upper plate, which increases the work burden on the employee. Moreover, since there are usually a plurality of gaming machines that are introduced into the amusement hall at a time, for example, when there are a large number of gaming machines that perform test hits, such as when opening a new store, the work burden of test hits is enormous. Become. In order to reduce such a work burden, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. This is to provide a tray at the bottom of the gaming machine and a lifting device for feeding the game medium flowing down from the tray to the upper tray of the gaming machine. The medium is input.
JP 2006-175171 A

However, in the apparatus, the employee must first put the game medium into the receiving tray, and further, the employee needs to put the gaming medium into the receiving tray even when the game medium is insufficient in the receiving tray. The work burden on employees remains large. In addition, when the devices disclosed in Patent Document 1 are provided in each gaming machine, the cost becomes enormous. In addition, when the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used in a plurality of gaming machines in a single test, it is necessary to move the device, creating a new work burden on the employee, The burden is not alleviated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium payout system that can suppress the work burden of an employee of a game hall at the time of test hit as much as possible.

The invention of claim 1 is a switching means for switching an operation mode of a game medium payout device arranged corresponding to a gaming machine between a test mode and a mode other than the test mode;
A payout operation means used for a predetermined payout operation for paying out game media;
A payout command means for sending out a payout signal for requesting payout of a game medium when a payout operation using the payout operation means is performed or when there is a request from a calculation means described later;
A payout means for paying out a predetermined amount of game media upon receiving a payout signal from the payout command means;
First calculation means for cumulatively calculating the number of game media that have been driven into the gaming machine ;
Second calculation means for cumulatively calculating the number of game media to be paid out from the payout means in accordance with winning in the gaming machine ;
Third calculation means for calculating the number of game media paid out to the outside of the gaming machine from an upper plate or a lower plate provided in the gaming machine ;
Fourth calculation means for cumulatively calculating the number of game media paid out from the payout means to the upper or lower plate of the gaming machine;
Based on the values calculated by the first calculation means to the fourth calculation means, the number of game media remaining in the upper and lower dishes provided in the gaming machine is calculated, and the calculated value is preset. When the number of game media is less than the required number of game media, the payout command means is requested to send out the payout signal. On the other hand, if the number of possessed balls data is less than or equal to a predetermined value at the time of the request, the virtual sales corresponding to the number of withdrawals according to the request is calculated without subtracting the number of withdrawals according to the request from the number of retained balls data. An arithmetic means, and
When the operation mode of the game medium payout device is switched to the test mode, the payout command means accepts a payout operation using the payout operation means, and sends a payout signal request from the calculation means. The game media payout system is configured to be able to accept.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the calculation of the number of game media remaining in the upper and lower plates provided in the gaming machine is a value calculated by the second calculation means and a value calculated by the fourth calculation means. The game medium payout system according to claim 1, which is an operation of subtracting the value by the value calculated by the first calculation means and the value calculated by the third calculation means .

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, when the payout operation means is operated, the game medium is paid out, and provided in the gaming machine based on the values calculated by the first calculation means to the fourth calculation means. When the number of game media remaining in the upper and lower plates is calculated, and the calculated value is compared with a preset required number of game media, the calculated value is smaller than the required number of game media Since the game media is paid out again, the game media will be automatically supplemented to the gaming machine, and the work burden on the game hall employees at the time of test hitting can be suppressed as much as possible. it can. Further , based on the values calculated by the first calculation means to the fourth calculation means, the amount of game media remaining in the upper and lower plates of the gaming machine is calculated as accurately as possible, and this amount and the required game media By comparing with the number, the amount of game media remaining in the upper and lower plates of the gaming machine is reduced, and it is configured to determine whether or not supply of new game media is necessary. This is convenient because it is possible to pay out game media again in a timely manner after grasping the decrease in game media as accurately as possible.

Further, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, by configuring the virtual sales , for example, when adjusting the nail of the gaming machine, how much sales are predicted for the gaming machine in the adjusted state It is convenient from a management point of view.

Switching means for switching the operation mode of the game medium payout device arranged corresponding to the gaming machine between a test mode and a mode other than the test mode;
A payout operation means used for a predetermined payout operation for paying out game media;
A payout command means for sending out a payout signal for requesting payout of a game medium when a payout operation using the payout operation means is performed or when there is a request from a calculation means described later;
A payout means for paying out a predetermined amount of game media upon receiving a payout signal from the payout command means;
First calculation means for cumulatively calculating the number of game media that have been driven into the gaming machine ;
Second calculation means for cumulatively calculating the number of game media to be paid out from the payout means in accordance with winning in the gaming machine ;
Third calculation means for calculating the number of game media paid out to the outside of the gaming machine from an upper plate or a lower plate provided in the gaming machine ;
Fourth calculation means for cumulatively calculating the number of game media paid out from the payout means to the upper or lower plate of the gaming machine;
Based on the values calculated by the first calculation means to the fourth calculation means, the number of game media remaining in the upper and lower dishes provided in the gaming machine is calculated, and the calculated value is preset. When the number of game media is less than the required number of game media, the payout command means is requested to send out the payout signal. On the other hand, if the number of possessed balls data is less than or equal to a predetermined value at the time of the request, the virtual sales corresponding to the number of withdrawals according to the request is calculated without subtracting the number of withdrawals according to the request from the number of retained balls data. An arithmetic means, and
When the operation mode of the game medium payout device is switched to the test mode, the payout command means accepts a payout operation using the payout operation means, and sends a payout signal request from the calculation means. By adopting a configuration that allows the game machine to be filled with game media, it is possible to minimize the work burden on the game hall employees at the time of the test hitting, and the upper and lower dishes of the game machine. This is convenient because it is possible to pay out game media again in a timely manner after grasping the amount of game media remaining in the game as accurately as possible.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a game medium payout system A. The game medium payout system A includes an employee recording medium 1, a game medium payout device 2, a management device 3, and a game machine 5. The game medium payout device 2 and the management device 3 are connected through a communication line. Thus, information and signals can be transmitted and received. The employee recording medium 1 may be any medium that can write information therein and read information recorded therein, such as a member ID card incorporating an integrated circuit, an IC coin, or the like. . In particular, the employee recording medium 1 has identification information recording means 4 for recording unique identification information allocated to the employee recording medium 1. In this embodiment, the unique identification information allocated to the employee recording medium 1 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any information can be used as long as each employee recording medium 1 can be identified. May be used. As shown in FIG. 2, the game medium payout device 2 is a table machine provided corresponding to the game machine 5, and is a payout machine for a pachinko ball (game medium). In particular, the game medium payout device 2 includes a switching means 9, a payout means 10, and a third counting means 22. In addition, in the business mode used in the business hours of the game hall other than the test mode, for example, the game medium payout device 2 accepts cash or a card and plays a game such as ball lending within the range of the accepted amount and number of balls. The medium is paid out.

The switching means 9 changes the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 on condition that the employee of the game hall operates the switching operation means 8 such as pressing a button and the authentication of the employee recording medium 1 described later is successful. Switch between test mode and non-test mode. When this switching is completed, a switching completion signal is transmitted to the management apparatus 3. Here, unlike the sales mode, the test mode may be a mode in which the game medium can be paid out from the game medium payout device 2 at the time of test hit. The payout means 10 is a control mechanism that, when receiving a payout signal from the payout command means 12, pays out a predetermined amount of game media or an arbitrary amount of game media and supplies it to the gaming machine 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the third counting means 22 is a counter provided corresponding to the gaming machine 5 and connected to the gaming medium payout device 2, and an upper plate 24 or a lower plate provided in the gaming machine 5. While counting the amount of game media paid out to the outside of the gaming machine 5 from the plate, a count signal corresponding to the count is sent to a third counting means described later.

The management device 3 is a computer that operates under program control. The management device 3 particularly includes a reading unit 6, a payout button 7, a switching operation unit 8, a display unit 11, a payout command unit 12, an identification information storage unit 14, and an authentication unit. 15, payout number setting means 17, first counting means 19, second counting means 20, second counting means 21, calculation means 23, mode control means 29, state storage means 30, third counting means 31, number of payout game media Storage means 33 is provided. The reading unit 6 performs wired or wireless communication with the employee recording medium 1 and reads the identification information recorded in the identification information recording unit 4 of the employee recording medium 1. The switching operation means 8 can be operated from the outside of the game medium payout device 2 by employees of the game hall such as buttons and levers. The display means 11 displays various information, for example, information related to the game and operating information of the gaming machine 5, or displays a command for controlling the game medium payout system A of the present invention, a response output to the CRT, etc. , Liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, monitors and the like.

The payout instruction means 12 sends out a payout signal for requesting payout of the game medium to the payout means 10 when a payout operation using the payout operation means is performed by an employee of the game hall or the like. The payout operation means the employee recording medium 1, the reading means 6, the payout button 7, the identification information storage means 14, and the authentication means 15. The payout operation by the payout operation means is the employee recording medium 1. Between the identification information recorded in the employee recording medium 1 and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means 14 is compared with the authentication means 15 to match. The authentication of whether or not, and the pressing of the payout button 7. The number-of-payout setting means 17 includes a user interface represented by a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse), a touch panel, etc. that can input the number of game media payouts, a CRT that can confirm the number of game media input, a liquid crystal display, It consists of a display such as a plasma display and a monitor. An employee of the game hall can freely set the amount of game media to be paid out by the payout means 10 by operating the payout operation means by setting the payout number of game media using the payout number setting means 17. . Specifically, for example, a payout number storage means (not shown) for storing the number of game media to be paid out by the game medium payout device 2 is provided in the management device 3, and a predetermined amount of the payout number storage means is provided by default. Although the number of game media is stored, when an arbitrary value is input by the number-of-payout setting unit 17, the arbitrary value is stored as the number of game media to be paid out to the game media payout device 2. When the payout means 10 receives the payout signal, the payout means 10 calls out the payout number stored in the payout number storage means and pays out the game medium corresponding to the payout number. The payout number storage means may store the number of payouts of each game medium payout device 2 so that the number of payouts can be set for each game medium payout device 2, and the payout number storage means includes a single payout number storage means. The number of payouts may be stored, and the number of payouts of all game medium payout devices 2 in the game hall may be set collectively.

The identification information storage means 14 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores each identification information of the employee recording medium 1 possessed by the employee of the game hall.

If the identification information storage means 14 is provided with an external storage drive for realizing access to the recording medium (medium), the program recorded on the recording medium can be loaded into the system of the management apparatus 3. The recording medium includes a flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, PC card, DVD, IC memory card, MO, memory stick, and the like.

The authentication unit 15 and the calculation unit 23 can be constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The authentication unit 15 calls the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 14, compares it with the identification information of the employee recording medium 1 read by the reading unit 6, and authenticates whether or not they match. In particular, the calculation means 23 receives the first total value, the second total value, and the third total value, performs a predetermined calculation using these total values, and compares the calculation value with the first predetermined value. When the calculated value is smaller than the first predetermined value, the payout command means 12 is requested to send out a payout signal. The predetermined calculation performed by the calculation means 23 is a calculation for subtracting the first total value and the third total value from the second total value. That is, the amount of out balls is subtracted from the amount of safe balls to calculate the so-called difference ball number, the number of payouts stored in the payout game medium number storage means 33 is added to this difference ball number, The amount of game media remaining in the upper plate 24 and the lower plate of the gaming machine 5 is calculated by subtracting the third total value calculated by the three totaling means 31.

The first counting means 19 receives and counts the count signals sent from the first counting means 18 and sends the first count value. That is, the first total value is a total of the amount of game media inserted into the gaming machine 5, that is, the amount of so-called out balls. The second counting means 20 counts the number of game media paid out from the payout means in response to a winning in the gaming machine and sends a count signal corresponding to the count. The second counting means 21 receives and counts the count signals sent from the second counting means 20, and sends the second total value. That is, the second total value is a total of the amount of game media paid out from the gaming machine 5, that is, the amount of so-called safe balls. Further, the third counting means 31 receives and counts the count signals sent from the third counting means 22 and sends a third total value. This 3rd total value shows the amount of possessed balls (held ball data) made into data.

The mode control means 29 can be constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and when the authentication success signal indicating that the authentication based on the switching operation is successful is received from the authentication means 15, the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 In order to switch between them, a command is given to the switching means 9 from the management device 3 side. The state storage means 30 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2. When the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 is switched to, for example, the test mode by the switching unit 9 and a switching completion signal is received from the switching unit 9, the game stored in the state storage unit 30 based on the signal The state information of the medium dispensing device 2 is rewritten to the test mode.

The payout game medium number storage means 33 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and cumulatively stores the number of game media paid out from the game medium payout device 2.

The gaming machine 5 is provided with a first counting means 18 correspondingly, and the first counting means 18 counts the gaming media thrown into the gaming machine 5 and outputs a counting signal corresponding to the counting. A tray that can be sent out and receives the inserted game media at the lower back side of the gaming machine 5 and a sensor that counts the game media and normally sends out one count signal every time 10 game media are counted. This is a so-called outbox (not shown).

In the present embodiment, the first totaling means 19, the second totaling means 21, and the third totaling means 31 are provided in the management device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The second counting means 21 may be provided in a computer (not shown) or a computer called an island computer located below the management device 3, and the third counting means 31 may be provided in the game medium payout device 2. And when calculating, it receives and receives required information from these.

Next, a specific processing flow of the game medium payout system A will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, when an employee of the game hall operates the switching operation means 8 of the management device 3 (step S101), the management device 3 accepts a switching operation signal (step S102), and the reading means 6 receives the employee's switching operation signal. A notification prompting the user to flick the recording medium 1 is given by display on the display means 11 or voice. Then, an employee of the amusement hall communicates between the employee recording medium 1 and the reading means 6 by placing the employee recording medium 1 on the reading means 6 of the management device 3 (step S103). Then, the reading unit 6 reads the identification information recorded in the identification information recording unit 4 of the employee recording medium 1 and transmits it to the authentication unit 15 (step S104). Upon receiving the identification information, the authentication unit 15 calls each employee identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 14, compares it with the identification information, and authenticates whether or not they match (step S105). . When the authentication is successful, an authentication success signal indicating that the authentication based on the switching operation is successful is transmitted to the mode control unit 29. The mode control means 29 transmits a mode switching signal instructing switching to the mode (test mode) designated by the switching operation to the switching means 9 of the game medium payout device 2. When the switching means 9 switches the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 to the test mode (step S106), the switching means 9 transmits a switch completion signal to the management device 3. Upon receiving this switching completion signal, the state storage means 30 rewrites the state information of the game medium payout device 2 to the test mode (step S107), and the display means 11 switches the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 to the test mode. A message is displayed (step S108). On the other hand, if the authentication fails, the display unit 11 displays that the authentication has failed (step S109). The mode switching signal may not be transmitted unless the switching operation by the switching operation means 8 and the authentication using the employee recording medium 1 are performed within a certain time.

In this embodiment, the order of performing authentication by the authentication unit 15 is next to the switching operation of the switching unit 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the switching operation is performed after successful authentication by the authentication unit 15. It is good also as a structure which performs switching operation with respect to the means 8. FIG. Further, the authentication unit 15 may perform authentication while the switching operation unit 8 is being operated. For example, when the switching operation means 8 is constituted by a button, the employee recording medium 1 is put on the reading means 6 while the button is pressed. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which receives the switching operation of the switching operation means 8 while putting the employee recording medium 1 in the reading means 6. FIG. In this case, the switching unit 9 is configured to operate when the switching operation unit 8 performs a switching operation while the employee recording medium 1 and the reading unit 6 are in communication. Further, the game medium payout device 2 may be switched to the test mode by performing a predetermined operation on the management device 3 or the game medium payout device 2 without using the employee recording medium 1. The management device 3 switches the game medium payout device 2 to the test mode when the state information of the game medium payout device 2 stored in the state storage means 3 in FIG. This mode switching signal may be transmitted, and the game medium dispensing device 2 that has received this mode switching signal may switch itself to the test mode.

When a payout operation using the payout operation means is performed in the test mode, the payout instruction means 12 transmits a payout signal to the payout means 10 of the game medium payout device 2, and the payout means 10 pays out the game medium. Do. This will be specifically described below. As shown in FIG. 4, when an employee of the game hall pushes down the payout button 7 of the management device 3 while the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 is in the test mode (Step S201), the management device 3 performs the payout operation. A signal is received (step S202), and a notification for prompting the reading means 6 to pick up the employee recording medium 1 is made on the display means 11 or by voice. Then, an employee of the amusement hall communicates between the employee recording medium 1 and the reading means 6 by placing the employee recording medium 1 on the reading means 6 of the management device 3 (step S203). Then, the reading unit 6 reads the identification information recorded in the identification information recording unit 4 of the employee recording medium 1 and transmits it to the authentication unit 15 (step S204). Upon receiving the identification information, the authentication means 15 calls each employee's identification information stored in the identification information storage means 14, compares it with the identification information, and authenticates whether or not they match (step S205). . If the authentication is successful, an authentication success signal indicating that the authentication based on the payout operation is successful is transmitted to the payout command means 12. On the other hand, if the authentication has failed, the display unit 11 displays that the authentication has failed (step S206). Note that the authentication success signal may not be transmitted unless the depressing of the payout button 7 and the authentication using the employee recording medium 1 are performed within a predetermined time.

The payout command means 12 that has received the authentication success signal sends the payout signal to the payout means 10 of the game medium payout device 2, the first totaling means 19, the second totaling means 21, the third totaling means 31, and the payout game medium number storage means 33. (Step S207). The payout means 10 that has received the payout signal pays out a predetermined amount of game media and supplies it to the gaming machine 5 (step S208). Alternatively, a predetermined amount of game media is paid out by an input operation of the payout number setting means 17 in advance. In addition, the first totaling unit 19, the second totaling unit 21, and the third totaling unit 31 that have received the payout signal clear the total value held by themselves (step S209). The payout game medium number storage means 33 that has received the payout signal clears the accumulated value held by itself, and adds the number of game media to be paid out in accordance with the payout signal (step S210).

In this embodiment, the authentication unit 15 performs authentication after the push-out of the payout button 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and after the authentication by the authentication unit 15 is successful, the payout button 7. It is good also as a structure which pushes down. Further, the authentication unit 15 may perform authentication while pressing the payout button 7. Furthermore, the payout button 7 may be pressed while the employee recording medium 1 is held on the reading means 6. In this case, the payout means 10 is configured to operate when the payout button 7 is pressed while the employee recording medium 1 and the reading means 6 are in communication. Furthermore, the authentication unit 15 may not be authenticated, and the payout command unit 12 may send out a payout signal only by pressing down the payout button 7. Further, a payout button 7 or the like may be provided in the game medium payout device 2 so that the game medium payout device 2 is directly operated to pay out the game media from the game medium payout device 2.

Further, in order to inject the game medium paid out to the upper plate 24 of the gaming machine 5 into the gaming machine 5, the handle 28 provided in the gaming machine 5 is fixed at a predetermined position. At this time, if necessary, a member for grounding the handle 28 is attached. By fixing the handle 28 in this manner, the game medium introduced into the gaming machine 5 from the upper plate 24 can be automatically ejected into the gaming machine 5, so that an employee of the game hall can handle the handle 28. It is only necessary to carry out the fixing work, and the work burden on the employee is reduced. In addition, a flow path for the game medium to flow from the gaming machine 5 to the third counting means 22 is secured. Specifically, when an upper plate 24 and a lower plate (not shown) are present in the gaming machine 5, a shutter (not shown) provided to allow game media to flow from the lower plate is fixed in an open state. Thus, a passage for the game medium to flow into the third counting means 22 is secured. Further, in the case of the gaming machine 5 having only the upper plate 24 without the lower plate, the game medium can be changed by fixing the shutter (not shown) provided on the upper plate 24 in the open state or the half open state. 3 A passage for flowing into the counting means 22 is secured.

When a game medium, that is, a so-called out ball thrown into the gaming machine 5 flows down from the gaming machine 5 to the first counting means 18, the first counting means 18 starts counting, and the count value is sent to the first counting means 19. Send it out. The 1st totalization means 19 sends out the 1st total value which totaled this count value to the calculating means 23 (step S211). In addition, the second counting means 20 counts the number of game media paid out from the paying means in accordance with the winning in the gaming machine 5, so-called safe balls, and sends the count value to the second counting means 21. The second counting means 21 sends the second counting value obtained by counting the count values to the calculating means 23 (step S212). The third counting means 22 counts the amount of game media paid out to the outside of the gaming machine 5 from the upper plate 24 or the lower plate provided in the gaming machine 5 (step S213), and the counted value is the third counting means 31. (Step S214). The third totalization means 31 sends the third total value (in-game data) obtained by totaling the count values to the calculation means 23. Receiving these total values, the calculation means 23 performs a predetermined calculation (step S215), compares the calculated value with the first predetermined value, and pays out when the calculated value is smaller than the first predetermined value. A request signal is transmitted to the payout command means 12 to request the payout command means 12 to send out a payout signal (step S216). Note that the predetermined calculation performed by the calculation means 23 is, as described above, calculating the so-called difference ball number by subtracting the amount of out balls from the amount of safe balls, and paying out game medium number storage means to this difference ball amount. The number of payouts stored in 33 is added, and the third total value calculated by the third totaling means 31 is subtracted to calculate the amount of game media remaining in the upper plate 24 and the lower plate of the gaming machine 5. This calculation only needs to be able to calculate the amount of game media remaining in the upper plate 24 and the lower plate of the gaming machine 5, and the calculation method is not limited.

The payout command means 12 that has received the payout request signal transmits the payout signal to the payout means 10 and the payout game medium number storage means 33 of the game medium payout device 2 (step S217). Upon receiving the payout signal, the payout means 10 pays out a predetermined amount of game media and supplies it to the gaming machine 5 (step S218). The payout game medium number storage means 33 that has received the payout signal adds the number of game media to be paid out in accordance with the payout signal to the accumulated value stored in itself (step S219).

The first predetermined value can be an arbitrary value. For example, it may be 125, which is the number of balls that are generally used for 500 yen, or may be a value that does not interrupt the injection of game media in the gaming machine 5, for example, 20. The number of game media to be paid out in response to the payout request signal from the calculation means 23 can also be arbitrarily set by inputting the number of game media payouts in advance using the user interface of the payout number setting means 17. Value. By performing the calculation using the first predetermined value in this way, when the number of game media remaining in the upper plate 24 and the lower plate of the gaming machine 5 becomes smaller than the first predetermined value, the game media is additionally added. Can be paid out. Further, the calculation by the calculation means 23 may be always performed, or at a predetermined timing (for example, a relatively short timing of about 1 second or 5 seconds, or every 10 minutes from the first payout (step S208)). The game medium can be dispensed from the game medium dispensing device 2 so that the ejection of the game medium in the gaming machine 5 is not interrupted or is eliminated as quickly as possible even if it is interrupted. It is sufficient if it is timing.

When the game medium payout system A ends the game medium payout, the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 is switched from the test mode to a mode other than the test mode, for example, the normal mode. The specific flow is the same as switching to the test mode. As shown in FIG. 5, the employee of the game hall operates the switching operation means 8 of the management device 3 (step S301), and the employee recording medium 1 is placed on the reading means 6 (step S303). Then, communication is performed between the employee recording medium 1 and the reading unit 6, and the authentication unit 15 performs authentication (step S305). As a result, when the authentication is successful, an authentication success signal indicating that the authentication based on the switching operation is successful is transmitted to the mode control means 29. The mode control means 29 that has received this authentication success signal transmits a mode switching signal instructing switching to the mode designated by the switching operation (for example, the normal mode) to the switching means 9 of the game medium payout device 2. Then, the switching unit 9 switches the operation mode of the game medium dispensing device 2 to the normal mode (step S306), and transmits a switching completion signal to the management device 3 when the switching is completed. When this switching completion signal is received, the state storage means 30 rewrites and stores the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 as the normal mode (step S307), and the display means 11 operates as the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2. Is displayed to have switched to the normal mode (step S308).

In addition to the above-described method, the payout termination method includes a configuration in which a cancel button is provided in the game medium payout device 2, for example, and a predetermined operation such as pressing of the cancel button (not shown) is performed, or reading means 6 or the like, a cancel button may be provided in the game medium payout device 2, and the operation may be performed by a combination of the cancel button operation and authentication using the employee recording medium 1. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which performs operation of the completion | finish of payout of the game media payout apparatus 2 from the management apparatus 3. FIG. Specifically, an upper limit value of the number of game media paid out by the game medium payout device 2 is set in advance by the management device 3, and when the payout number reaches the upper limit value, the game medium payout device 2 automatically issues the payout. Configure to finish. In addition, when the management device 3 performs a payout end operation at an arbitrary timing, the management device 3 transmits a signal to the game medium payout device 2 to stop paying out the game media, and the game medium payout device 2 It is also possible to configure so as to end the payout. Furthermore, the management device 3 may be configured to transmit a mode switching signal for switching the game medium payout device 2 from the test mode to a mode other than the test mode, for example, the normal mode when the payout is stopped. That is, the end of payout and the switching from the test mode to a mode other than the test mode may be performed simultaneously, or may be performed by separate operations. Further, the method of switching from the test mode to other modes is an example, and any method can be used as long as the test mode is switched to other modes.

As described above, by configuring the game medium payout system A, the employees of the game hall can manage the management device 3 in either case of switching the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 or paying out the game media. This is convenient because it is only necessary to perform an operation on. Also, the first to third counting means are used to receive the first to third total values, and using these total values, the amount of game media remaining in the upper and lower plates of the gaming machine is as accurately as possible. By calculating and comparing this amount with the first predetermined value, the amount of game media remaining in the upper and lower plates of the gaming machine has decreased, and whether or not a new game medium needs to be supplied Therefore, it is possible to pay out game media again in a timely manner, which is convenient.

In the first embodiment, the first counting unit and the first counting unit are examples of the first calculating unit. The second counting means and the second counting means are examples of second calculating means. The third counting unit and the third counting unit are examples of the third calculating unit. The function of calculating the number of game media paid out from the game media payout device 2 is an example of a fourth calculation means.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the game medium payout system B. The game medium payout system B includes an employee recording medium 1, a game medium payout device 2, a management device 43, and a game machine 5. The game medium payout device 2 and the management device 43 are connected through a communication line. Thus, information and signals can be transmitted and received. In particular, the game medium payout device 2 includes a switching means 9, a payout means 10, and a third counting means 22. In addition, in the business mode used in the business hours of the game hall other than the test mode, for example, the game medium payout device 2 accepts cash or a card and plays a game such as ball lending within the range of the accepted amount and number of balls The medium is paid out. The management device 43 is a computer that operates under program control. In particular, the reading means 6, the payout button 7, the switching operation means 8, the display means 11, the payout command means 12, the identification information storage means 14, the authentication means 15, and the payout Number setting means 17, first counting means 19, second counting means 20, second counting means 21, calculation means 23, virtual sales storage means 25, unit price information storage means 26, virtual sales calculation means 27, mode control means 29, A state storage means 30, a third totaling means 31, a virtual sales payout number storage means 34, and a virtual game medium payout number storage means 35 are provided. Further, first counting means 18 is provided corresponding to the gaming machine 5.

As the virtual sales storage unit 25 and the unit price information storage unit 26, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory can be used. And the virtual sales memory | storage means 25 memorize | stores virtual sales especially. Furthermore, the unit price information storage means 26 stores the unit price of game media such as pachinko balls.

If the virtual sales storage means 25 and the unit price information storage means 26 are provided with external storage drives for realizing access to the recording medium (media), the programs recorded on the recording medium are loaded into the system of the management apparatus 43. can do. The recording medium includes a flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, PC card, DVD, IC memory card, MO, memory stick, and the like.

The virtual sales calculation means 27 can be constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), calculates virtual sales by multiplying the number of game media paid out from the game media payout device 2 by the unit price of the game media, and The sales are stored in the virtual sales storage means 25. Or it is good also as a structure which multiplies the unit price of a game medium by multiplying the number of game media paid out from the game medium payout device 2 and dividing it by a unit amount once and stores it in the virtual sales storage means 25 as virtual sales. .

Further, when the amount of game media to be paid out from the payout means 10 is determined based on the preset sales equivalent and the unit price of the game media, the virtual sales calculation means 27 calculates the sales equivalent. The virtual sales may be calculated by dividing by the unit price once, and the sales may be stored in the virtual sales storage means 25.

As the virtual sales payout number storage means 34 and the virtual portable game medium payout number storage means 35, for example, a hard disk (HD) functioning as a large-capacity memory can be used. The virtual sales payout number storage means 34 cumulatively stores the number of game media to be paid out when virtual sales are recorded, and the virtual game medium payout number storage means 35 does not count virtual sales. When the game media is paid out, the number of game media to be paid out is stored cumulatively.

Next, a specific processing flow of the game medium payout system B will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the processing flow in this embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

When the authentication of the employee recording medium 1 is successful, an authentication success signal is transmitted to the payout command means 12, and the payout command means 12 that has received this authentication success signal sends the payout signal to the payout means 10 of the game medium payout device 2, The data is transmitted to the first totaling unit 19, the second totaling unit 21, and the third totaling unit 31 (step S207). The payout means 10 that has received the payout signal pays out a predetermined amount of game media and supplies it to the gaming machine 5 (step S208). Alternatively, a predetermined amount of game media is paid out by an input operation of the payout number setting means 17 in advance. In addition, the first totaling unit 19, the second totaling unit 21, and the third totaling unit 31 that have received the payout signal clear the total value held by themselves (step S209). At the same time, the virtual sales value stored in the virtual sales storage means 25, the payout number stored in the virtual sales payout number storage means 34, and the payout number stored in the virtual game media payout number storage means 35 are cleared. To do.

Then, from the number of game media of the predetermined amount paid out in the above payout (step S208), the virtual sales calculation means 27 calculates virtual sales and stores them in the virtual sales storage means 25 (step S401). The number of payout game media corresponding to the virtual sales is stored in the virtual sales payout number storage means 34 (step S402).

The first counting means 19 and the second counting means 21 are respectively a count value from the first counting means 18 (= out ball count value) and a count value from the second counting means 20 (= safe ball count value). ) Is performed (step S211, step S212). The third counting means 22 counts the amount of game media paid out to the outside of the gaming machine 5 from the upper plate 24 or the lower plate provided in the gaming machine 5 (step S213), and the counted value is sent to the third counting means. Send it out. The 3rd totaling means 31 sends out the 3rd total value (ball data) which totaled this count value to the calculating means 23 (step S214).

In the calculation means 23, a predetermined calculation is performed based on the first total value received from the first total means 19, the second total value received from the second total means 21, and the third total value received from the third total means 31. (Step S215), the calculated value is compared with the first predetermined value (step S216), and if the calculated value is equal to or smaller than the first predetermined value, the fact is transmitted to the virtual sales calculating means 27. The virtual sales calculating means 27 compares the third total value with the second predetermined value (step S403). If the third total value is less than or equal to the second predetermined value, the virtual sales are calculated from the number of game media of a predetermined amount to be paid out from the game media payout device 2 after the virtual sales calculation process is completed, and the virtual sales are calculated. Add to the virtual sales storage means 25 and store (step S404). Further, a predetermined amount of game media paid out from the game media payout device 2 after the end of the virtual sales calculation processing is added and stored in the virtual sales payout number storage means 34 (step S405). On the other hand, if the third total value is larger than the second predetermined value, the virtual possessed game medium payout number storage means 35 stores the number of game media of a predetermined amount to be paid out from the game medium payout device 2 after the virtual sales calculation process is completed. Add and store (step S406). If step S406 is selected, the number of game media corresponding to payout is subtracted from the third total value.

That is, when the calculated value is equal to or less than the first predetermined value, it indicates that the number of game media remaining in the upper plate 24 and the lower plate of the gaming machine 5 is small, and the third total value is the second predetermined value. In the following cases, it is indicated that the number of game media that flow out from the lower plate of the gaming machine 5 to the third counting means 22 and are counted, that is, so-called holding data is small. In such a case, the player usually pays a consideration and receives a so-called ball lending. From the viewpoint of the game hall, the ball lending can be regarded as sales. On the other hand, if the number of game media remaining in the upper plate 24 and the lower plate of the gaming machine 5 is small, but the third total value is larger than the second predetermined value, it indicates that there is so-called ball data. . In such a case, the player usually receives a payout based on the possession data. The virtual sales calculation process is based on such a premise.

When this virtual sales calculation process ends, the calculation means 23 transmits a payout request signal to the payout command means 12 and requests the payout command means 12 to send out the payout signal. The payout command means 12 transmits a payout signal to the payout means 10 of the game medium payout device 2 (step S217), and the payout means 10 that has received this payout signal pays out a predetermined amount of game media (step S218). .

Here, the predetermined calculation performed by the calculation unit 23 in step S215 calculates the so-called difference ball number by subtracting the amount of the out ball from the amount of the safe ball, and stores the difference ball number in the virtual sales payout number storage unit 34. The number of payouts stored is added, the third summed value summed up by the third summing means 31 is subtracted, and the number of payouts stored in the virtual hand-held game medium payout number storage means 35 is added, thereby giving the gaming machine 5 The amount of game media remaining in the upper plate 24 and the lower plate is calculated. This calculation only needs to be able to calculate the amount of game media remaining in the upper plate 24 and the lower plate of the gaming machine 5, and the calculation method is not limited.

Further, the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value can be set to arbitrary values, and can be set to 125, which is the number of balls for 500 yen that is generally used, for example. By performing the calculation using the first predetermined value in this way, when the number of game media remaining in the upper plate 24 and the lower plate of the gaming machine 5 becomes smaller than the first predetermined value, the game media is additionally added. Can be paid out. In addition, by performing an operation using the second predetermined value for accumulating virtual sales, payout of game media in a state where the third total value (in-game data) is small is a ball lending by a player in a normal game. For example, when the nail of the gaming machine 5 is adjusted, it can be estimated how much sales are expected for the gaming machine 5 in the adjusted state.

Further, as described above, the virtual sales calculating means 27 is configured to calculate virtual sales from the number of game media paid out from the game medium payout device 2, and the game media payout from the game media payout device 2 is performed in advance. It is necessary to detect what is being done and how many game media are being paid out. Therefore, for example, a payout number storage means (not shown) for storing the number of game media to be paid out to the game medium payout device 2 is provided in the management device 43. The payout number storage means has a predetermined amount of game media by default. However, when an arbitrary value is input by the payout number setting means 17, the arbitrary value is stored as the number of game media to be paid out to the game medium payout device 2. When the virtual sales calculating means 27 receives the payout signal from the payout command means 12, the virtual sales calculating means 27 calls the payout number stored in the payout number storage means and calculates virtual sales. Further, when the virtual sales calculating means 27 receives from the calculating means 23 that the calculated value is equal to or less than the first predetermined value, the virtual sales calculating means 27 compares the third total value with the second predetermined value, and the third total value is the second predetermined value. If the value is less than the value, the number of payouts stored in the number-of-payout storage means is called to calculate virtual sales. The configuration shown here is merely an example, and any configuration may be used as long as the game media is paid out from the game media payout device 2 in advance and the number of game media to be paid out can be detected.

In addition, since the other structure and effect | action in a present Example are the same as that of Example 1, description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the contents of each constituent means not detailed in the present embodiment are also the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, by configuring the gaming medium payout system B, for example, when the nail of the gaming machine 5 is adjusted, it is estimated how much sales are expected for the gaming machine 5 in the adjusted state. Can be convenient from a management point of view.

In the second embodiment, the first counting unit and the first counting unit are examples of the first calculating unit. The second counting means and the second counting means are examples of second calculating means. The third counting unit and the third counting unit are examples of the third calculating unit. The function of calculating the virtual sales payout number and the virtual mobile game medium payout number from the game medium payout device 2 is an example of a fourth calculation means.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the operation mode switching condition of the game medium payout device 2 requires two switching operations: the switching operation of the switching operation means 8 and the successful authentication performed by the authentication means 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and only the switching operation of the switching operation means 8 or the success of the authentication of the authentication means 15 may be used as a condition for switching the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2. good. When only the success of authentication by the authentication means 15 is used as a condition for switching the operation mode, if the authentication is successful, the mode stored in the state storage means 30 is checked, and a mode other than the test mode, for example, the normal mode is stored. If it is, the mode can be switched to the test mode, and if the test mode is stored, a mode other than the test mode, for example, the normal mode can be switched. Further, a mode other than the test mode, for example, switching from the normal mode to the test mode is subject to two conditions: switching operation of the switching operation means 8 and successful authentication performed by the authentication means 15, and a mode other than the test mode to the test mode, For example, switching to the normal mode can be performed only for authentication. In this case, if authentication is successful when switching from the test mode to a mode other than the test mode, for example, the normal mode, the state of the state storage means 30 can be checked and switched. In this way, modes other than the test mode, for example, the normal mode can be switched to a plurality of other modes using the switching operation unit 8 as a basic axis, and when returning to the normal mode, a simple operation can be performed. it can.

In the first and second embodiments, the game medium payout condition is shown as a condition that requires two of the push-down of the payout button 7 and the successful authentication performed by the authentication means 15. The present invention is not limited to this, and any one of pressing down of the payout button 7 or successful authentication of the authentication means 15 may be used as a game medium payout condition.

Therefore, for example, when the success of authentication is not used as the condition for switching the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 and the condition for paying out the game medium, the employee recording medium 1, reading means 6, identification information necessary for authentication The components of the storage unit 14 and the authentication unit 15 are not necessary. On the other hand, when only the success of authentication is used as the condition for switching the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 and the condition for paying out the game medium, the components of the payout button 7 and the switching operation means 8 are not necessary. Further, for example, when the success of authentication is set as the condition for switching the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 and only the pressing of the payout button 7 is set as the condition for paying out the game medium, the employee recording medium 1, the reading means 6. The constituent elements of the identification information storage means 14 and the authentication means 15 are used only when the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 is switched. In other words, the combination of the operation mode switching condition of the game medium payout device 2 and the game medium payout condition shown in the first and second embodiments is merely an example, and the combination of the condition and the accompanying components is free. is there.

In this embodiment, the management apparatus 3 is provided with the identification information storage means 14 and the authentication means 15 and the management apparatus 3 performs authentication. However, the game medium payout apparatus 2 may perform authentication. In this case, for example, each game medium payout device 2 is provided with reading means 6, identification information storage means 14, and authentication means 15, and is stored in the identification information storage means 14 of the management device 3 at a predetermined timing such as at the opening of a game hall. The stored identification information of each player can be received and stored in the identification information storage means 14 of the game medium payout device 2 and used for authentication.

In the first and second embodiments, when the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2 is switched, the operation mode of the management device 3 is switched between the test mode and a mode other than the test mode by this switching operation simultaneously or separately. You may comprise so that it may switch. When switching the operation modes of the game medium payout device 2 and the management device 3 at the same time, the operation modes of the game medium payout device 2 and the management device 3 other than the test mode and the test mode are performed when the above switching operation / authentication operation is performed. Switch to and from mode. When switching the operation mode of the management device 3 separately from the switching of the operation mode of the game medium payout device 2, the game medium payout device 2 and the management device 3 are each provided with a configuration means necessary for the switching operation. It can be configured to perform switching.

In addition, the operation mode switching and game media payout command from the management device 3 can be performed simultaneously for all the game media payout devices 2 installed in the game hall, individually or in advance. It can also be performed on the game medium payout device 2 belonging to the unit (for example, island unit).

In the first and second embodiments, each component is provided in the game medium payout device 2 or the management device 3, but this is not limited to the description of the embodiment, and a device including the component is provided. Even if it is different from the description of the examples, it is included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the third counting means 31 is provided in the management device 3 or the management device 43 in the first and second embodiments, but may be provided in the game medium payout device 2.

Moreover, in the said Example 1 and 2, although the structure provided with the paying-out means 10 in the game medium payout apparatus 2 was shown, it is not limited to this structure, It is good also as a structure provided in the game machine 5. FIG. Therefore, in that case, when the payout signal is received from the payout command means 12, the gaming machine 5 pays out the game medium itself.

Moreover, in the said Example 1 and 2, although the case of the gaming machine 5 provided with the upper plate 24 and the lower plate was shown, this invention is provided also with respect to the gaming machine 5 provided with only the upper plate 24 without the lower plate. Applicable. In this case, the game medium flowing into the third counting means 22 includes a part of the game medium paid out from the game medium payout device 2 in addition to a part of the game medium paid out from the gaming machine 5. There is a case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an entire gaming medium payout system according to a first embodiment. It is a front view which shows a game medium payout apparatus, a game machine, and a counting means. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the game medium payout system according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the game medium payout system according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the game medium payout system according to the first embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole game-medium payout system of Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game media payout system of Example 2.

A: Game media payout system, B: Game media payout system,
1: Employee recording medium, 2: gaming medium payout device, 3: management device, 4: identification information recording means, 5: gaming machine, 6: reading means, 7: payout button, 8: switching operation means, 9: Switching means, 10: payout means, 11: display means, 12: payout command means, 14: identification information storage means, 15: authentication means, 17: payout number setting means, 18: first counting means, 19: first counting Means: 20: second counting means, 21: second counting means, 22: third counting means, 23: calculating means, 24: top plate, 25: virtual sales storing means, 26: unit price information storing means, 27: virtual Sales calculation means, 28: handle, 29: mode control means, 30: status storage means, 31: third counting means, 33: payout game medium number storage means, 34: virtual sales payout number storage means, 35: virtual handheld game Medium payout number storage means 43: management device

Claims (2)

Switching means for switching the operation mode of the game medium payout device arranged corresponding to the gaming machine between a test mode and a mode other than the test mode;
A payout operation means used for a predetermined payout operation for paying out game media;
A payout command means for sending out a payout signal for requesting payout of a game medium when a payout operation using the payout operation means is performed or when there is a request from a calculation means described later;
A payout means for paying out a predetermined amount of game media upon receiving a payout signal from the payout command means;
First calculation means for cumulatively calculating the number of game media that have been driven into the gaming machine ;
Second calculation means for cumulatively calculating the number of game media to be paid out from the payout means in accordance with winning in the gaming machine ;
Third calculation means for calculating the number of game media paid out to the outside of the gaming machine from an upper plate or a lower plate provided in the gaming machine ;
Fourth calculation means for cumulatively calculating the number of game media paid out from the payout means to the upper or lower plate of the gaming machine;
Based on the values calculated by the first calculation means to the fourth calculation means, the number of game media remaining in the upper and lower dishes provided in the gaming machine is calculated, and the calculated value is preset. When the number of game media is less than the required number of game media, the payout command means is requested to send out the payout signal. On the other hand, if the number of possessed balls data is less than or equal to a predetermined value at the time of the request, the virtual sales corresponding to the number of withdrawals according to the request is calculated without subtracting the number of withdrawals according to the request from the number of retained balls data. An arithmetic means, and
When the operation mode of the game medium payout device is switched to the test mode, the payout command means accepts a payout operation using the payout operation means, and sends a payout signal request from the calculation means. A game medium payout system, characterized in that it can be received. The calculation of the number of game media remaining in the upper plate and the lower plate provided in the gaming machine is performed by adding the value calculated by the second calculation means and the value calculated by the fourth calculation means , 2. The game medium payout system according to claim 1, wherein the game medium payout system is an operation of subtracting the value calculated by the first calculation means and the value calculated by the third calculation means .

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