JP6093397B2 - Each device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to each device provided corresponding to a game machine, and in particular, each device capable of transferring valuable values such as holding balls and prepaid value without using a recording medium other than an existing card. About.

  Conventionally, a lending processing machine (hereinafter referred to as a “table”) that is attached to a game machine such as a pachinko machine or pachislot machine installed in a game shop such as a pachinko shop, accepts money such as banknotes or coins, and rents game media such as pachinko balls and medals. (Referred to as “intermediary device”).

  In addition, a so-called each-counter counting method has been known in which a counting unit connected to each inter-device device counts the number of game media acquired by a player on the game stand (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The inter-device that supports each unit counting method counts the number of game media (hereinafter referred to as “mochitama”) inserted in the counting unit, and can store information such as IC (Integrated Circuit) cards. Can be associated with a simple card-like recording medium (hereinafter simply referred to as “card”). It should be noted that, after the counting of the game media, if the payout of the ball is performed, the ball is subtracted.

  In addition, the inter-table device can associate not only the holding ball but also the prepaid value of cash received from the player with the card.

  Accordingly, the player can move to another game stand by holding only the card associated with the ball or the prepaid value without carrying the actual game medium, and can continue the game.

By the way, there are many cases where a game visitor visits a game store with a plurality of people accompanied by a companion. There is also a game form in which a game is played by sharing the above-mentioned possession balls and cash among the plurality of players .

Conventionally, when performing such a transition , players have actually delivered the actual game media or cash. In recent years, employees, by storing and migrate a part of the lifting balls employees dedicated IC tag, is also emerging technology that enables such migration.

JP 2007-229111 A

However, in the conventional counter counting method, there is a problem that it is difficult for the player to transfer the possession ball when the possession ball or the prepaid value is associated with the card.

Specifically, when a part of the possession ball acquired by one player is to be transferred , the possession ball is only counted by the counting unit of the inter-device, and does not exist as a real game medium. Therefore, it is not convenient in that the actual product cannot be delivered.

  In this regard, it is possible to deliver the actual game media by the payout operation of the holding ball, but the game media payout unit of the inter-device is generally limited to a small predetermined number, and a considerable payout operation for lending Is also inconvenient.

  In addition, when the card is loaned, the time when the ball is associated with the card is when the game is completed when the inter-table device accepts the card return operation, so the lending player needs to end the game once There is. Even in this respect, convenience is still lacking.

  Furthermore, since there is only one card associated with the ball, even if the card is lent, the rented player cannot continue the game with his own acquired ball, and the expected game As a result, entertainment is not enjoyable.

  In addition, the above-described technology using an employee-specific IC tag also requires an employee's operation between the lending device and the lending device, and the employee is forced to respond to this. If this is the case, it may contribute to a decline in the operating rate of amusement stores.

  Furthermore, the technology requires the introduction of an employee-specific IC tag and IC tag mechanism in addition to the cards and card mechanisms that have already been introduced by the amusement store, which may lead to a decrease in cost effectiveness in terms of management. .

From these facts, how to efficiently implement the migration of marketable value has become a major issue.

The present invention was made to solve the problems in the conventional techniques described above, and an object thereof is to provide an individual car apparatus capable of migrating marketable value efficiently.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is provided in correspondence with a game machine, and each machine has a counting unit that counts game media acquired by a player in the game machine. An insertion port into which the recording medium is inserted, a storage unit that can store and hold a plurality of recording media, and a reader / writer unit that is provided between the insertion port and the storage unit and reads / writes information from / to the recording medium Recording medium holding means for holding the recording medium inserted from the insertion slot in the reader / writer unit or the storage unit, storage means for storing the ball value counted by the counting unit, and storage in the storage unit and a receiving means for receiving an instruction to migrate the lifting balls worth to be migrated from has been lifting ball value, when receiving the shift instruction by the receiving unit, with the position recording medium to said reader writer unit When being, after the recording medium is positioned on the writer unit is moved to the storage portion from the position of the reader writer unit, a transition lifting balls worth position the new recording medium to the reader-writer unit associating, if the new recording medium has been discharged from the insertion opening, characterized Rukoto move the recording medium is moved in the storage unit to the position of the reader writer unit.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the transfer means of the ball value is received by the reception unit, the transfer ball value is subtracted from the ball value stored in the storage unit, and the transfer a shifting unit to shift the lifting balls value, and associating means for associating the transition lifting ball value was migrated by the migration unit to the recording medium positioned in the reader writer unit, the transition lifting ball worth associated by said association means Discharge instruction means for instructing the recording medium holding means to discharge the recorded recording medium.

In the present invention, when a transfer instruction is received by the receiving means, if a recording medium is not positioned in the reader / writer unit, a new recording medium is positioned in the reader / writer unit. When a transfer medium value is associated and a recording medium is positioned on the reader / writer unit, a new recording is performed after the recording medium positioned on the reader / writer unit is moved from the position of the reader / writer unit. The medium is positioned in the reader / writer unit, and the transition possession value is associated with the medium.

Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the new recording medium associated with the transition possession value is a new recording medium inserted from the insertion slot.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when the recording medium positioned in the reader / writer unit is a member recording medium, the association unit moves the member recording medium to the storage unit, The transfer possession value is associated with a new recording medium inserted from the insertion slot.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the instruction to shift the transition possession value accepted by the accepting means is a transition instruction by a remote control operation possessed by an employee.
Further, in the present invention according to the above invention, when the accepting unit accepts an instruction to transfer the transfer prepaid value to be transferred from the prepaid value associated with the recording medium, and receives the transfer instruction by the accepting unit, When the recording medium is positioned on the reader / writer unit, the recording medium positioned on the reader / writer unit is moved from the position of the reader / writer unit, and then a new recording medium is positioned on the reader / writer unit. It is characterized by associating transition prepaid values.

According to the present invention, each base device is provided corresponding to a game machine and has a counting unit for counting game media acquired by a player in the game machine, and an insertion slot into which a recording medium is inserted. A storage unit that can store and hold a plurality of recording media, a reader / writer unit that is provided between the insertion port and the storage unit and reads / writes information from / to the recording medium, and a recording medium inserted from the insertion port. a recording medium holding means for holding by the reader writer unit or the storage unit, said storage means for storing a lifting ball value counted by the counting unit, transition to be migrated from the lifting ball value stored in said storage means and a receiving means for receiving an instruction to migrate the lifting ball value, when receiving the shift instruction by the receiving unit, when the recording medium is positioned in the reader writer unit, the reader-writer unit After the recording medium is attached location is moved from the position of the reader writer unit, since a new recording medium is configured to associate the migration lifting ball value positioned on the reader writer unit, a game carrying the lifting ball value while reducing the operational decrease due to migration of the lifting ball value in the customer, there is an effect that can allow the migration of the lifting ball value.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a split card issuing method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an inter-device and a network environment to which the inter-device is connected according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external view of the inter-station apparatus. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the inter-device device and the management device. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in which an operation of an employee is present. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in which no employee operation is involved. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the processing procedure executed by the inter-device apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the processing procedure executed by the inter-device apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of each stand apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the case where the divided recording medium is a card will be mainly described. In the following, after describing the outline of the split card issuing method according to the present invention with reference to FIG. 1, examples of each unit device to which the split card issuing method according to the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. It will be explained using. Moreover, in the following description, each stand device is described as an inter-device device.

  First, prior to detailed description of the embodiment, an outline of a split card issuing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a split card issuing method according to the present invention. The figure shows an example in which a player having a prepaid value of 5000 yen and a holding ball of 10,000 balls as the holding value in the inter-device device 10 desires to divide the holding value.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, in the split card issuance method according to the present invention, the holding value is split using the remote controller 30 carried by the employee. Then, based on the division designation, the holding value is divided, and the possession balls and prepaid value for the division designation are associated with the card, and the card is discharged as the division card 1D.

  Specifically, as shown in (A-1) in the figure, first, the inter-device 10 receives the split mode start instruction from the remote controller 30 by the remote control light receiving unit 53, and transitions to the split mode. . In the division mode referred to here, the inter-device 10 does not accept new banknotes or rent out game media, for example, in order to once determine the possessed value.

  Subsequently, as shown in (A-2) of FIG. 1, the inter-device 10 receives a division designation input from the remote controller 30. In the figure, the case where a prepaid value of 3000 yen and 4000 balls are input as split designations is shown.

  Here, the division designation input pattern will be described. In the split card issuance method according to the present invention, as shown in (A-2) of the figure, it is possible to specify the prepaid value and the individual split of the ball.

  In addition, in such individual division designation, it is possible to designate full amount or non-division. However, the full amount cannot be specified for both, and the undivided specification cannot be specified for both.

  Subsequently, as shown in (A-3) of FIG. 5, the inter-device apparatus 10 performs a dividing process of calculating the residual value by subtracting the value of the division designation from the held value. Here, the residual value of 2000 yen (= 5000 yen-3000 yen) is calculated for the prepaid value, and the residual value of 6000 balls (= 10000-4000 balls) is calculated for the possessed ball.

  And as shown to (A-4) of the figure, the inter-tablet apparatus 10 associates the valuable value for division designation | designated with a card | curd, and discharges | emits this card | curd from the card unit part 57 as a division | segmentation card | curd 1D.

  In the figure, an example of the division instruction operation from the remote control 30 carried by the employee is shown. However, for example, the player can operate the operation / display unit of the inter-device 10 without intervention of the employee. It is good also as performing division instruction | indication operation from (not shown). This will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the split card issuing method according to the present invention, even when the inter-device 10 is handling a card corresponding to a player who is playing a game, it associates the valuable value for the split designation. The divided card 1D can be issued. Therefore, the players who transfer the game only need to transfer the divided card 1D, and after the transfer, both can enjoy the entertainment of the game in the same procedure as usual. The amusement store side can also provide a gaming service with excellent convenience, so that it is possible to increase the operating rate of the amusement store.

  In the following, embodiments of the inter-bed apparatus and the divided recording medium issuing system to which the divided card issuing method described with reference to FIG. 1 is applied will be described in detail.

  In Example 1 shown below, a player who is not using a membership card issued by a game store (mainly a general customer) transfers with a general card. In Example 2, a game in which a member card is being used. The case where a customer (mainly a member) transfers with a general card will be described in turn.

  Moreover, in Example 1 shown below, the network environment to which the inter-device and the management device according to the present invention are connected using FIG. 2, the appearance of the inter-device is shown using FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 is used. The operation of the split card issuing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 for the configuration of the inter-device and the management device according to the present invention. These points will also be described in the second embodiment. Since it is the same, description is abbreviate | omitted in description of Example 2. FIG.

  First, a network environment to which an inter-device and a management device according to the present invention are connected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network environment to which the inter-device and the management device according to the present invention are connected.

  As shown in the figure, the inter-device 10 provided for each game machine 100 is connected via a network such as an in-store LAN (Local Area Network) 20 to a management device 200, an island controller 300, a payment machine 400, and a prize management. It is connected to various devices such as a machine 500, a card processor 600, and a prize dispenser 700. The divided recording medium issuing system according to the present invention includes the inter-device 10 and the management device 200.

  A remote controller 30 carried by an employee of the amusement store is a portable terminal device that can instruct various operations to the inter-device 10. For example, the remote controller 30 transmits a split mode start instruction to the inter-device 10 or an amount of split value (for example, the number of balls or the amount) by an input operation of an employee.

  The island controller 300 is a relay device provided for each gaming island on which the inter-device 10 and the gaming table 100 are installed, and is between the management device 200 / the inter-device 10 or between the management device 200 / the gaming table 100. Relay communication data.

  Here, when the inter-device device 10 returns the card, the player who does not intend to continue the game on the other gaming machine 100 receives the money corresponding to the prepaid value by inserting the card into the checkout machine 400. .

  In addition, the player brings the card to the prize exchange corner, and holds or inserts the card into the card processor 600. Then, when an employee of the game shop operates the prize management machine 500 or the prize dispenser 700, the player receives a prize according to the reward value.

  Also, as shown in the figure, the management apparatus 200 has a division management DB 200a that is a database (hereinafter referred to as “DB”) for managing the division mode state for each inter-device 10. Note that the division management DB 200a includes information on the division mode state for each inter-device 10 such as the division mode start time, end time, and unit number.

  Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the management device 200 has a possession ball DB 200b for managing the possession balls acquired by the player and a prepaid card DB 200c for managing the prepaid value.

  For example, the possession balls and prepaid value for the designated division associated with the division card 1D shown in FIG. 1 are also managed by the possession DB 200b and the prepaid card DB 200c managed by the management device 200.

  In addition, although each said DB was demonstrated as what the single management apparatus 200 has, after having decided to provide the management apparatus for division management separately, this management apparatus for division management manages division management DB200a. It is good to do.

  Next, the inter-device 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is an external view of the inter-device 10. In the figure, only components necessary for explaining the characteristics of the inter-device 10 are shown, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

  Further, (A) in the figure shows an external view of the entire inter-table device 10, and (B) in the figure shows a schematic diagram of the card unit portion 57, respectively. In FIG. 2A, the gaming table 100 provided with the inter-device device 10 is indicated by a broken line. Moreover, although the inter-device 10 which receives only a banknote is shown in the same figure, it is good also as providing the unit for coin reception.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the inter-device 10 includes a status display unit 51 that displays the status of the inter-device 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, and various types of game media lending. A bill insertion unit 52 that accepts bills, a remote control light receiving unit 53 that accepts a split instruction from a remote control 30 carried by an employee of a game shop, an operation / display unit 54 that includes a display unit such as a display and an operation unit such as a numeric keypad It has.

  The inter-device 10 includes a payout unit 55 that includes a nozzle for paying out game media such as pachinko balls, and a mobile communication unit 56 that transmits and receives data to and from a mobile mobile terminal such as a mobile phone.

  Further, the inter-device 10 is a card unit part which is an insertion port for a card-like recording medium such as a general card or a membership card, and which is also a discharge port for a divided card 1D associated with a specified number of balls or a prepaid value. 57, a counting unit 58 for counting the number of the player's balls, and a ball storage unit 59 for storing the actual balls.

  Here, the game media dropped from the lower plate of the gaming table 100 is guided to the counting unit 58 through the ball storage unit 59 and counted. The counted game media are discharged to a game media collection path (not shown) formed in the game island, but the count result (mochitama) is stored in the inter-bed device 10.

  Next, the card unit portion 57 of the inter-device 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of the card unit 57. Also, (B-α) in the figure shows a schematic front view of the card unit portion 57 as viewed from the negative direction of the Z axis in the drawing, and (B-β) shows the unit portion 57 in the drawing. The schematic sectional side view cut | disconnected by the YZ plane of a figure and seeing from the positive direction of the X-axis is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the card unit 57 includes a card transport unit 57a, a reader / writer unit 57b, and a storage unit 57d. The reader / writer unit 57b further includes an antenna unit 57c. The card handled by the card unit 57 is a so-called IC card with a built-in IC chip, in which an identification code (card identifier) is recorded in advance, and information relating to valuable values such as holding balls and prepaid values is recorded. . Further, the possession ball and the prepaid value are managed also in the possession DB 200b and the prepaid card DB 200c of the management apparatus 200.

  When inserting a card-like recording medium such as a membership card issued to a member of an amusement store, the card transport unit 57a transports the medium in the positive direction of the Z axis in FIG. Further, when discharging the medium, the medium is transported in the negative direction of the Z-axis in FIG.

  The reader / writer unit 57b has an antenna unit 57c that performs data transmission / reception with a card-like recording medium. Further, the reader / writer unit 57b holds the same medium on the antenna unit 57c when transmitting and receiving data. Therefore, when the inter-bed device 10 associates the card-type recording medium with the designated division of the possessed value, the medium needs to be transported to the reader / writer unit 57b and positioned.

  The storage unit 57d is a storage area of a so-called general card that is mainly used by general customers who are not members of the amusement store. Note that a predetermined number of such general cards are stored in advance in the storage unit 57d prior to the opening of the amusement store. When a general card associated with a valuable value is inserted from the insertion slot, the association is canceled after the valuable value is read by the reader / writer unit 57b. Then, the general card whose association is canceled is stored in the storage unit 57d.

  By the way, when the inter-device 10 performs the association of the specified value division of the possessed value, among the predetermined number of general cards stored in the storage unit 57d, the general card that is always positioned at the top is the reader / writer unit 57b. It is conveyed.

  Here, when a player plays a game using a member card, the member card is conventionally held on the antenna unit 57c by the reader / writer unit 57b and transported and stored to the storage unit 57d until discharged. It never happened.

  In contrast, in the inter-device 10 according to the first embodiment, when a new card for division (divided card) is inserted from the insertion slot, the membership card held on the antenna unit 57c is stored in the storage unit. Retreat to 57d. Thereby, the inter-device 10 can discharge | release a division | segmentation card | curd, without discharging a member card. As described above, the card 1 shown in (B-β) in the figure may be a general card or a member card. For details of this point, use FIG. 10 and FIG. Will be described later.

  Next, configurations of the inter-bed apparatus 10 and the management apparatus 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-device device 10 and the management device 200. In the figure, only components necessary for explaining the features of the inter-device 10 and the management device 200 are shown, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inter-device 10 includes a communication I / F (interface) 11, an operation unit 12, a counting unit 13, a card holding unit 14, a control unit 15, and a storage unit 16. ing. The card holding unit 14 further includes a reader / writer unit 14a and a storage unit 14b, and the control unit 15 further includes an operation receiving unit 15a, a dividing unit 15b, an associating unit 15c, and a discharging unit 15d. . And the memory | storage part 16 memorize | stores the ball information 16a, the division | segmentation information 16b, and the prepaid value information 16c.

  The communication I / F (interface) 11 includes a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, and performs data transmission / reception with the management apparatus 200 via a network such as the in-store LAN 20 illustrated in FIG.

  The operation unit 12 includes an input device such as a remote control light receiving unit 53 (see FIG. 3) and a numeric keypad. Note that a touch panel type liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as “liquid crystal operation unit”) that accepts an input by pressing a finger or a pointing device and also serves as a display output may be used, or a simple display. An operation / display panel (hereinafter, simply referred to as “7-segment operation unit”) including a display component including a 7-segment LED that performs output and a plurality of operation buttons may be used.

  Here, an operation example of issuing a split card will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation involving an employee's operation, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation not involving an employee's operation. Although not shown in the drawings, it is assumed in the following description that the prepaid value is 5000 yen and the holding ball is 10,000 balls, as shown in FIG.

  First, an example of an operation involving employee operations will be described with reference to FIG. Note that (A) in the figure shows the case where only the remote controller 30 carried by the employee is used, and (B) in the figure shows the 7-segment operation unit 54 a provided in the remote controller 30 and the inter-device 10. Each case is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when only the remote controller 30 carried by the employee is used, the inter-device 10 first receives the split mode start instruction from the remote controller 30 by the remote control light receiving unit 53, and performs the split. Transition to the mode (see (A-1) in the figure).

  Then, the inter-device 10 receives a division designation input from the remote controller 30. Here, the case where a prepaid value of 3000 yen and 4000 balls are input as split designations is shown (see (A-2) in the figure). If the input split designation exceeds the possession value that is the split source, the input is invalidated and re-input is prompted.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, when using the remote control 30 carried by the employee and the 7-segment operation unit 54a, the inter-device 10 first sends a split mode start instruction from the remote control 30 to the remote control. The light is received by the light receiving unit 53 and transitions to the split mode (see (B-1) in the figure).

  Then, the inter-device 10 receives a division designation input from the numeric keypad of the 7-segment operation unit 54a (see (B-2) in the figure). The operation of the 7-segment operation unit 54a may be operated by an employee or may be operated by a player.

  As described above, when the operation of the employee is involved, although the response of the employee is required, there is an advantage that the introduction is easy and an operation error can be prevented. In addition, the employee only needs to issue a division card, and the employee does not need to use the division card at the place where the division card is used (for example, another inter-device 10).

  Next, an operation example in which no employee operation is performed will be described with reference to FIG. (A) of the figure shows a case where the liquid crystal operation unit 54b included in the inter-device 10 is used, and (B) of the figure shows a mobile portable terminal (hereinafter, referred to as a non-contact IC chip) mounted on the player. The case of using a simple mobile phone) is shown. Note that the liquid crystal operation unit 54b may be provided in an information providing terminal connected to the inter-device 10 or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when using the liquid crystal operation unit 54b included in the inter-table device 10, first, the inter-device 10 receives the split mode start instruction at the liquid crystal operation unit 54b and enters the split mode. (Refer to (A-1) in the figure).

  Then, the inter-device 10 receives a division designation input from the liquid crystal operation unit 54b (see (A-2) in the figure). Note that the contents of the division designation input shown in the figure are the same as those in FIG. 5, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5B, when using a mobile phone possessed by a player, first, the inter-device 10 issues a split mode start instruction by a mobile phone touch operation or the like through the mobile communication unit 56. Accept and transition to the split mode (see (B-1) in the figure).

  Then, the inter-device 10 transfers the application 56a that can be divided and designated on the mobile phone to the mobile phone (see (B-2) in the figure). It is assumed that the application 56a is stored in the inter-device apparatus 10 in advance.

  Subsequently, the transferred application 56a runs on the player's mobile phone, receives the input of the division specified by the player, and transmits the received content to the inter-device 10 ((B-3 in the figure)). )reference). Then, the inter-device 10 discharges the card associated with the designated division as a divided card 1D (see (B-4) in the figure).

  Thus, when the operation of the employee is not involved, there is an advantage that the possessed value can be divided only by the operation of the player. Also, for the game store side, the work of employees can be reduced, and an improvement in the operation rate of the game store can be planned.

  In the following, the case where the split card issuing process is performed using only the remote controller 30 carried by the employee shown in FIG. 5A will be mainly described.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the counting unit 13 will be described. The counting unit 13 is a device that counts the number of game media acquired by the player and performs a process of updating the ball information 16a in the storage unit 16 with the counting result.

  The card holding part 14 is a device corresponding to the card unit part 57 shown in FIG. 3, and includes the card transport part 57a shown in FIG. Further, the card holding unit 14 performs a process of discharging the card to the outside of the inter-bed apparatus 10 through the card transport mechanism based on a card discharge instruction from the discharge unit 15d of the control unit 15.

  The reader / writer unit 14a is a device that transmits and receives data to and from a card positioned in the vicinity of the antenna unit 57c (see FIG. 3), and includes the reader / writer unit 57b and the antenna unit 57c shown in FIG. Further, when there is a prepaid value or a ball value associated with the card, the reader / writer unit 14a performs a process of registering the prepaid value or the ball value in the prepaid value information 16c or the ball information 16a, respectively.

  Also, the reader / writer unit 14a associates the value assigned to the card positioned in the reader / writer unit 14a based on the association instruction from the associating unit 15c of the control unit 15.

  The storage unit 14b is a device that stores a predetermined number of general cards in advance (corresponding to the storage unit 57d in FIG. 3). Note that the storage unit 14b may be a retreat area for the membership card. Details of this point will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit 15 is a processing unit that performs processing such as transition to the division mode of the inter-device 10 and reception of division designation input, division of the possessed value, and association with the card for division designation shown in FIG. .

  The operation accepting unit 15a is a processing unit that performs processing for notifying the division management unit 202a of the management apparatus 200 of a division mode start instruction based on the division mode start instruction notified from the operation unit 12. The operation reception unit 15a is also a processing unit that notifies the division unit 15b of the instruction content for the division designation notified from the operation unit 12.

  The dividing unit 15b divides the possessed value based on the notification of start reception completion of the division mode notified from the division management unit 202a of the management apparatus 200 and the instruction content notification for the specified division notified from the operation receiving unit 15a. Is a processing unit. That is, the dividing unit 15b divides the designated division from the possessed value and requests the associating unit 15c to associate with the divided card.

  In addition, the dividing unit 15b subtracts the specified division of the ball from the holding ball information 16a of the storage unit 16 to obtain the remaining ball remaining value, and registers it in the division information 16b of the storage unit 16 together with the specified division of the holding ball. To do. For the prepaid value, the same processing is performed based on the prepaid value information 16c in the storage unit 16 and the prepaid value division designation.

  Furthermore, the dividing unit 15b is also a processing unit that notifies the division management unit 202b of the management apparatus 200 of a division migration instruction. The division transfer instruction includes the division information 16b stored in the storage unit 16.

  The associating unit 15c causes the reader / writer unit 14a to perform associating of the division designation with the card positioned in the reader / writer unit 14a based on the contents of the association instruction to the card notified from the dividing unit 15b. It is a processing unit for instructing.

  In addition, when the card is not positioned in the reader / writer unit 14a and no new card is inserted, the associating unit 15c uses the card stored at the top of the storage unit 14b as the reader / writer unit. It is also a processing unit for instructing to be positioned as 14d and to be associated with the designated division.

  Further, the associating unit 15c is also a processing unit that notifies the associating destination to the division migration unit 202b of the management apparatus 200. Note that the association destination notification includes a card identifier for uniquely identifying the association destination card.

  In addition, the associating unit 15c is also a processing unit that notifies the card discharging instruction to the discharging unit 15d after the division designation is associated with the card. Further, the associating unit 15c is also a processing unit for notifying the division transfer unit 202b of the management apparatus 200 of the association completion notification.

  Further, after the card associated with the division designation is ejected, the associating unit 15c treats the card stored at the top of the storing unit 14b as the associating destination such as the remaining value, and the reader / writer unit 14a. It is also a processing unit for instructing.

  The discharge unit 15d is a processing unit that instructs the card holding unit 14 to discharge a card based on the card discharge instruction notified from the association unit 15c.

  The memory | storage part 16 is a memory | storage part comprised with memory devices, such as a hard disk drive and a non-volatile memory, and memorize | stores the ball information 16a, the division | segmentation information 16b, and the prepaid value information 16c.

  The possession ball information 16 a is a count value of game media and is registered by the counting unit 13. In addition, when a ball is associated with the card inserted into the card holding unit 14, this ball can be used as an initial value of the ball information 16a.

  The division information 16b is the valuable value and the residual value after division, and is registered by the division unit 15b. The division information 16b is included in the division migration instruction when the division unit 15b notifies the management device 200 of a division migration instruction.

  The prepaid value information 16c is a value indicating the prepaid value. The prepaid value information 16c is set as an initial value corresponding to the monetary value of the banknote when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion unit 52 (see FIG. 3). Each time a lending button or the like is pressed, an amount corresponding to the number of payouts is subtracted.

  Next, the configuration of the management apparatus 200 will be described. As shown in the figure, the management apparatus 200 includes a communication I / F (interface) 201, a control unit 202, and a storage unit 203. The control unit 202 further includes a division management unit 202a and a division migration unit 202b, and the storage unit 203 stores division management information 203a, possessed ball information 203b, and prepaid value information 203c.

  The communication I / F (interface) 201 includes a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, and performs data transmission / reception with the inter-device 10 via a network such as the in-store LAN 20 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 202 is a processing unit that performs processing such as management related to division and division transfer of owned value.

  The division management unit 202a is a processing unit that performs a process of registering the division management information 203a including the unit number and the division mode start time based on the division mode start instruction notified from the operation reception unit 15a of the inter-device 10. is there. The division management unit 202a is also a processing unit that notifies the division unit 15b of the inter-device 10 that the division mode start acceptance is completed.

  Also, the division management unit 202a is a processing unit that receives the association completion notification from the association unit 15c of the inter-device 10 via the division migration unit 202b and performs processing for updating the division management information 203a including the division mode end time. is there.

  The division transfer unit 202b updates the holding ball information 203b and the prepaid value information 203c based on the division transfer instruction notified from the division unit 15b of the inter-device 10 and the notification of the association destination notified from the association unit 15c. Perform the process. Specifically, the possession balls and prepaid value for the designated division included in the division transfer instruction are associated with the card identifier included in the association destination notification and registered in the possession information 203b and the prepaid value information 203c.

  The division transfer unit 202b is also a processing unit that performs processing for notifying the division management unit 202a of the association completion notification notified from the association unit 15c of the inter-device 10.

  The storage unit 203 is a storage unit configured by a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a non-volatile memory, and stores division management information 203a, possession information 203b, and prepaid value information 203c.

  The division management information 203a is information related to the division mode for each unit 10 such as a unit number, a division mode start time, and a division mode end time, and is managed by the division management DB 200a shown in FIG.

  The possession ball information 203b is information in which the number of possession balls is associated with each identifier for uniquely identifying a storage medium such as a card identifier, and is updated by the division transfer unit 202b. Similarly, the prepaid value information 203c is information in which a prepaid value or the like is associated with each identifier, and is also updated by the division transfer unit 202b.

  Next, an outline of a processing procedure executed by the inter-device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a processing procedure executed by the inter-device apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, the contents such as the possessed value and the split designation are the same as those shown in FIG.

  As shown in (A-1) of FIG. 7, the inter-device 10 first receives a split mode start instruction and an input for split designation from the remote controller 30 carried by the employee.

  Subsequently, as shown in (A-2) of FIG. 9, the inter-device 10 accepts the insertion of a new card 1n as an association destination for the designated division. The new card 1n is positioned to the reader / writer unit 57b through the card transport mechanism of the card unit unit 57. The general card A1a shown in the figure is a general card located at the top of the storage unit 57d.

  And as shown to (A-3) of the figure, the inter-tablet apparatus 10 subtracts the division | segmentation designation | designated part from the possession value, calculates a residual value, and gives the division | segmentation transfer instruction | indication including a division | segmentation designation | designated part and residual value. This is notified to the management device 200 which is a host device. Although not shown in the figure, the contents of the division transfer instruction include the card identifier of the new card 1n that becomes the association destination for the division designation. Then, the inter-device 10 associates the valuable value for the designated division shown in the frame D in the figure with the new card 1n.

  And as shown to (A-4) of the figure, the new card 1n is discharged | emitted from the card unit part 57 of the inter-unit apparatus 10 as a division | segmentation card | curd 1D (refer FIG. 1).

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the inter-bed apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the inter-device 10 determines whether a split mode start instruction has been received (step S <b> 101). When the start instruction is received (step S101, Yes), the operation receiving unit 15a notifies the management device 200 of the split mode start instruction, and transitions to the split mode (step S102). If the determination condition in step S101 is not satisfied (No in step S101), the process in step S101 is repeated.

  Subsequently, the inter-device apparatus 10 determines whether or not an instruction input for the designated division has been received (step S103). When the instruction input is accepted (step S103, Yes), the division designation is stored in the storage unit 16 (step S104). If the determination condition in step S103 is not satisfied (No in step S103), the process in step S103 is repeated.

  Subsequently, the inter-device 10 determines whether or not insertion of a new card 1n has been accepted (step S105). When the insertion of the new card 1n is accepted (step S105, Yes), the new card 1n is positioned on the reader / writer unit 57b of the card unit 57 (step S106). If the determination condition in step S105 is not satisfied (No in step S105), the process in step S105 is repeated.

  Then, the inter-device 10 calculates the residual value by subtracting the division designation from the possessed value (step S107), and requests the management device 200, which is a higher-level device, to transfer the value division (step S108). Note that the value split transfer request corresponds to the split transfer instruction shown in FIG. 7A-3 and includes a prepaid value for split designation, a card identifier of the new card 1n, and the like.

  Subsequently, the inter-device 10 associates the designated division with the new card 1n (step S109), and ejects the new card 1n from the card unit 57 as the divided card 1D (step S110). Then, a notification of association completion is notified to the management apparatus 200, the division mode is canceled (step S111), and the process ends.

  In this way, when the new card 1n to be newly inserted into the card unit unit 57 is used as the association destination for the division designation, the value for the division designation is discharged to the inserted card in association with the new card 1n. There is a merit that it is easy to understand.

  In addition, when a player who takes over the value specified for division possesses a membership card or possesses a general card with residual value, such a card is handled as a new card 1n, so that a plurality of cards can be obtained. There is also an advantage that you do not have to own.

  By the way, the case where the new card 1n to be inserted into the card unit unit 57 is newly set as the association destination has been described so far, but the general card stored in the storage unit 57d in advance is set as the association destination. It is good as well. Therefore, hereinafter, the case where the general card stored in the storage unit 57d in advance is the split card 1D will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the processing procedure executed by the inter-device apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in (A-1) of FIG. 9, the inter-device 10 first receives a split mode start instruction and a split designation input.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2A-2, the inter-device 10 reads the general card A1a previously stored at the top of the storage unit 57d through the card transport mechanism of the card unit unit 57. Position to writer part 57b.

  Then, as shown in (A-3) of the figure, the inter-device 10 notifies the management apparatus 200, which is a higher-level apparatus, of a division transfer instruction including the division designation and the residual value, The value of the division specified in the frame D is associated with the general card A1a.

  And as shown to (A-4) of the figure, general card | curd A1a is discharged | emitted from the card unit part 57 of the inter-device 10 as a division | segmentation card | curd 1D (refer FIG. 1).

  The general card B1b shown in the figure is a general card that is positioned at the top of the storage unit 57d when the general card A1a is positioned in the reader / writer unit 57b. Therefore, when the remaining value or the like is further associated with the card, the inter-device 10 will handle the general card B1b as a new association destination.

  As described above, when the general card A1a stored in the storage unit 57d in advance is used as the association destination for the division designation, the possessed value is used up by the player who wants to come to the store and start the game or at another game machine. This is suitable when a player who does not have a card, such as a lost player, receives a transfer.

  Further, the association destination for the division designation may be switched as appropriate with the new card 1n or the general card A1a. In such a case, for example, after receiving a split mode start instruction and an input for split designation, the new card 1n is inserted if the new card 1n is inserted within a predetermined time, and the general card A1a is split if not inserted. What is necessary is just to handle as an association of minutes. In addition, an instruction for designating the new card 1n or the general card A1a may be included in the input instruction.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the operation receiving unit receives a division instruction, the dividing unit divides the holding value based on the dividing instruction, and the associating unit divides a part of the holding value. Is connected to the card held by the card holding unit, and the inter-device is configured such that the discharging unit discharges the card as a divided card. Therefore, it is possible to perform transfer by dividing valuable values such as holding balls and prepaid values without using a recording medium other than an existing card.

  So far, a case where a player who is not using a membership card (mainly a general customer) transfers with a general card has been described as Example 1, but in Example 2 shown below, a membership card is used. A case will be described in which a player (mainly a member) makes a transfer with a general card.

  In the second embodiment, first, an outline of a processing procedure executed by the inter-device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the contents such as the operation method, the possessed value, and the division designation are the same as those shown in the first embodiment.

  As shown in (A-1) of FIG. 10, the inter-device 10 first receives a split mode start instruction and a split designation input.

  Subsequently, as shown in (A-2) of FIG. 9, the inter-device 10 accepts the insertion of a new card 1n as an association destination for the designated division. Here, the new card 1n is positioned to the reader / writer unit 57b through the card transport mechanism of the card unit unit 57. When playing a game using the member card 1m, the reader / writer unit 57b has a member card. 1m is positioned.

  Therefore, as shown in (A-3) in the figure, the inter-device 10 temporarily saves the membership card 1m from the reader / writer unit 57b to the storage unit 57d, and then transfers the new card 1n to the reader / writer unit 57b. Position it.

  Then, as shown in (A-4) of the figure, the inter-device apparatus 10 notifies the management apparatus 200, which is a higher-level apparatus, of a division transfer instruction including the division designation and the residual value, The valuable value for the designated division shown in the frame D is associated with the new card 1n.

  And as shown to (A-5) of the figure, the new card 1n is discharged | emitted from the card unit part 57 of the inter-device 10 as a division | segmentation card | curd 1D (refer FIG. 1), and is evacuated to the storage part 57d. The member card 1m is repositioned to the reader / writer 57b.

  Next, a processing procedure executed by the inter-bed apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the inter-station apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the inter-device apparatus 10 determines whether or not a split mode start instruction has been received (step S <b> 201). When the start instruction is received (step S201, Yes), the operation receiving unit 15a notifies the management device 200 of the split mode start instruction, and transitions to the split mode (step S202). If the determination condition in step S201 is not satisfied (step S201, No), the process in step S201 is repeated.

  Subsequently, the inter-device apparatus 10 determines whether or not an instruction input for the designated division has been received (step S203). When the instruction input is accepted (step S203, Yes), the division designation is stored in the storage unit 16 (step S204). In addition, when the determination condition of step S203 is not satisfied (step S203, No), the process of step S203 is repeated.

  Subsequently, the inter-device apparatus 10 determines whether or not insertion of a new card 1n has been accepted (step S205). When the insertion of the new card 1n is accepted (step S205, Yes), the membership card 1m is saved from the reader / writer unit 57b to the storage unit 57d (step S206), and the new card 1n is inserted into the reader / writer unit. 57b (step S207). If the determination condition in step S205 is not satisfied (No in step S205), the process in step S205 is repeated.

  Then, the inter-device 10 calculates the residual value by subtracting the division designation from the possessed value (step S208), and requests the management device 200, which is a higher-level device, to shift the value division (step S209). Note that the value division transfer request corresponds to the division transfer instruction shown in FIG. 10A-4, and includes the prepaid value for the division designation, the card identifier of the new card 1n, and the like.

  Subsequently, the inter-device 10 associates the designated division with the new card 1n (step S210), and ejects the new card 1n from the card unit 57 as the divided card 1D (step S211). Then, after relocating the membership card 1m saved in step S206 to the reader / writer unit 57b (step S212), the management device 200 is notified of the association completion and the division mode is canceled (step S213). Exit.

  By the way, in the second embodiment, the case has been described in which the new card 1n to be newly inserted into the card unit unit 57 is used as the association destination for the division while the member card 1m is being used. However, as in the modification of the first embodiment, a general card stored in the storage unit 57d in advance may be set as the association destination.

  Therefore, in the following, the case where the general card stored in the storage unit 57d in advance while using the membership card 1m is set to the split card 1D will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the processing procedure executed by the inter-device apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in (A-1) of FIG. 12, the inter-device 10 first receives a split mode start instruction and a split designation input.

  Subsequently, the inter-device apparatus 10 positions the general card A1a stored in the top of the storage unit 57d in advance to the reader / writer unit 57b. If the member card 1m is being used, the reader / writer is already in use. The membership card 1m positioned in the portion 57b needs to be discharged.

  Therefore, as shown in (A-2) in the figure, the inter-device 10 notifies the management device 200, which is a higher-level device, of a division transfer instruction including the division designation and the residual value, The remaining value shown in the frame Z is first associated with the member card 1m.

  And as shown to (A-3) of the figure, after ejecting the membership card 1m from the card unit part 57b of the inter-device 10, the general card A1a stored beforehand in the uppermost part of the storage part 57d Is positioned to the reader / writer unit 57b.

  And as shown to (A-4) of the figure, the inter-device 10 associates the valuable value for the division designation shown in the frame D of the figure with the general card A1a.

  And as shown to (A-5) of the figure, general card | curd A1a is discharged | emitted from the card unit part 57 of the inter-device 10 as a division | segmentation card | curd 1D (refer FIG. 1).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when the operation reception unit receives a division instruction while using the membership card, the division unit divides the possessed value based on the division instruction, and the association unit is divided. The inter-card unit is configured so that a part of the stored value is associated with the card held by the reader / writer unit after the card holding unit saves the membership card in the storage unit, and the discharging unit discharges the card as a divided card did. Therefore, it is possible to perform transfer by dividing valuable values such as holding balls and prepaid values without using a recording medium other than an existing card.

  Further, the ball splitting process can be performed even when the player who is splitting is counting the number of balls acquired. The operation procedure in that case will be described below. When a split mode start instruction from a player or employee is received, the split can be performed with the maximum number of possessed balls at that time.

  If it is still counting, the number of balls on the display will continue to count up. The management of data in the above case is to manage two types of the number of balls, that is, the number of balls that can be divided and the current number of balls that are being counted up. Note that the management location may be either an inter-device or a management device. Similarly, the prepaid value can be added even during the division process as long as it is an addition action such as additional payment of money.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the holding balls and the prepaid value are divided has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to the case where the holding balls and the like are added. For example, it is possible to shift to the summing mode by operating a remote control carried by the employee, and summing the possessed value corresponding to the player who is playing the game and the valuable value associated with the newly inserted card. .

  In this case, the association destination of the combined value may be a newly inserted card or a card held by the inter-device. In addition, when associating the total value with the card held by the inter-device, the value of the newly inserted card may be invalidated and then discharged.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the prepaid value is divided as the prepaid value and the holding ball is divided as the holding ball has been described. However, for example, a part of the prepaid value may be divided and transferred to the holding ball. .

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the holding ball is divided has been described. However, the storage ball may be divided and transferred to the holding ball. The storage ball means a game medium value that allows the game medium acquired by the members of the game store to be deposited in the game store, and the member can rent the game medium by using the storage balls when playing again and play a game.

  Further, a part of the configuration of the above-described inter-device device according to the present invention may be configured on another device such as a POS terminal provided in a management device, an in-store counter, or the like. For example, only processing related to the user interface may be arranged on the inter-device, and a division unit, an association unit, and the like may be arranged on the management device. Further, the POS terminal may accept a card that is a division source and a card that is a division destination, and associate the value specified for division with the card that is the division destination, and may associate the remaining value with the card that is the division source. .

As described above, the inter-die apparatus according to the present invention is useful when to migrate a part of the marketable value.

1 card 1a General card A
1b General card B
1D split card 1m membership card 1n new card 10 inter-device 11 communication I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Operation part 13 Counting part 14 Card holding part 14a Reader / writer part 14b Storage part 15 Control part 15a Operation reception part 15b Dividing part 15c Associating part 15d Discharge part 16 Storage part 16a Holding ball information 16b Divided information 16c Prepaid value information 20 In-store LAN
30 remote controller 51 status display section 52 bill insertion section 53 remote control light receiving section 54 operation / display section 54a 7-segment operation section 54b liquid crystal operation section 55 payout section 56 portable communication section 56a application 57 card unit section 57a card transport section 57b reader / writer section 57c Antenna unit 57d Storage unit 58 Counting unit 59 Ball storage unit 100 Game table 200 Management device 200a Division management DB
200b Mochitama DB
200c Prepaid card DB
201 Communication I / F
202 Control Unit 202a Division Management Unit 202b Division Migration Unit 203 Storage Unit 203a Division Management Information 203b Mochitama Information 300 Island Controller 400 Settlement Machine 500 Premium Management Machine 600 Card Processing Machine 700 Premium Gift Dispenser

Claims (7)

Each device is provided corresponding to a game machine, and has a counting unit for counting game media acquired by a player in the game machine,
An insertion slot into which the recording medium is inserted;
A storage unit capable of storing and holding a plurality of recording media;
A reader / writer unit that is provided between the insertion port and the storage unit and reads / writes information from / to a recording medium;
A recording medium holding means for holding the recording medium inserted from the insertion port in the reader / writer unit or the storage unit;
Storage means for storing the ball value counted by the counting unit;
And a receiving means for receiving an instruction to migrate the lifting balls worth to be migrated from the lifting ball value stored in said storage means,
When a transfer instruction is received by the receiving means, if a recording medium is positioned in the reader / writer unit, the recording medium positioned in the reader / writer unit is moved from the position of the reader / writer unit to the storage unit. After that, if a new recording medium is positioned on the reader / writer unit and associated with the transition possession value , and the new recording medium is ejected from the insertion slot, the recording medium moved to the storage unit is moved to the reader / writer. each pedestal and wherein the Before moving to the position of the parts. By the receiving means, when receiving the instruction to shift lifting ball value, a transition means for said transition lifting ball value from lifting ball value stored in the storage means is subtracted, shifts the transition lifting ball value,
Associating means for associating the transferred ball value transferred by the transferring means with the recording medium positioned in the reader / writer unit;
2. Each apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a discharge instructing unit that instructs the recording medium holding unit to discharge the recording medium associated with the transition possession value by the association unit. . When a transfer instruction is received by the receiving means, if a recording medium is not positioned in the reader / writer unit, a new recording medium is positioned in the reader / writer unit and a transfer ball value is associated, and the reader / writer unit If the recording medium is positioned on the reader / writer unit, the recording medium positioned on the reader / writer unit is moved from the position of the reader / writer unit, and then a new recording medium is positioned on the reader / writer unit and transferred. Each stand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a ball value is associated. 4. Each stand apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the new recording medium that associates the transition possession value is a new recording medium that is inserted from the insertion slot. When the recording medium positioned at the reader / writer unit is a member recording medium, the associating unit moves the member recording medium to the storage unit and inserts the new recording medium from the insertion slot. Each stand apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transition possession value is associated with the scrambler. Each stand apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the instruction to transfer the transferred possession value received by the receiving means is a transfer instruction by remote control operation possessed by an employee.   The accepting means accepts an instruction to transfer the transfer prepaid value to be transferred from the prepaid value associated with the recording medium,
  When the transfer instruction is received by the receiving means, if a recording medium is positioned on the reader / writer unit, the recording medium positioned on the reader / writer unit is moved from the position of the reader / writer unit, An appropriate recording medium in the reader / writer unit and associating the migration prepaid value
  Each stand apparatus of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.

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