JP7579660B2 - Gaming device and method for leaving a seat temporarily - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming device and a method for temporarily leaving a seat that can prevent problems that occur when a new player starts playing after the temporary leaving state is released.

Conventionally, in gaming establishments such as pachinko parlors, an inter-machine card processing machine is installed so that it can communicate with the gaming machines. This inter-machine card processing machine may be equipped with a temporary leave function. This is to allow a player to temporarily leave the gaming machine to go to the restroom, smoke, make a phone call, etc. For example, when a player wants to temporarily leave the gaming machine, he or she selects "temporarily leave" on the menu screen of the inter-machine card processing machine.

If the player does not return to the gaming machine within a certain period of time, the temporary absence state is released, either by an employee or automatically, allowing another player to play. However, if the machine still has balls remaining and another player deposits coins, the number of balls held by the previous player and the number of balls held by the new player will be added together, which could cause trouble. For this reason, Patent Document 1 discloses technology that prohibits the acceptance of coin deposits when a specified operation is received by the machine-to-machine card processing machine.

JP 2015-077443 A

However, since the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not target enclosed gaming machines in which gaming media are not thrown out of the machine, even if a player performs a card return operation before leaving the seat temporarily, there is a possibility that the number of playable balls (hereinafter referred to as the "number of game balls") that the player can use for playing may remain in the gaming machine.

As a result, if the temporary absence state is released while the previous player still has balls remaining, the next player may insert coins, and the previous player's balls and the new player's balls may be added together, potentially creating a problem that could lead to new trouble.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems (problems) of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a gaming device and a method for temporarily leaving a seat that can prevent problems that arise when a new player starts playing after the temporary leaving state is released.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming device communicatively connected to an enclosed gaming machine that provides games based on a number of gaming media stored in a predetermined memory unit, and is characterized in that it comprises an acquisition means for acquiring the number of gaming media of the gaming machine, a reception means for accepting at least a predetermined temporary absence operation, a temporary absence means for transitioning to a temporary absence state that at least restricts the insertion of coins if the temporary absence operation is accepted by the reception means, and a temporary absence release means for releaseing the temporary absence state that restricts the insertion of coins by the temporary absence means when a predetermined time has elapsed after accepting the temporary absence operation and transitioning to the temporary absence state , if the number of gaming media acquired by the acquisition means is no longer remaining.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the device further comprises a notification means for notifying a player that, if a predetermined time has elapsed after the temporary absence operation is accepted and the player transitions to the temporary absence state, the device further comprises a notification means for notifying a player of the remaining number of gaming media acquired by the acquisition means.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the predetermined time is a pre-set time during which a player can temporarily leave his/her seat.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the temporary absence canceling means cancels the temporary absence state if a temporary absence canceling operation is accepted by the accepting means before a predetermined time has elapsed after accepting the temporary absence operation and transitioning to the temporary absence state.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the above invention, the reception means receives any one of authentication information input by a player, authentication information stored in a storage medium, and authentication information stored in a mobile terminal device.

In addition, the present invention, in the above invention, is characterized in that it further comprises a setting acquisition means for acquiring setting information including the predetermined time .

The present invention also provides a temporary absence method in a gaming device communicatively connected to an enclosed gaming machine that provides gaming based on a number of gaming media stored in a predetermined memory unit, comprising: an acquisition step in which the gaming device acquires the number of gaming media of the gaming machine; a reception step in which the gaming device accepts at least a predetermined temporary absence operation; a temporary absence step in which, if the gaming device accepts the temporary absence operation through the reception step, the gaming device transitions to a temporary absence state that at least restricts the insertion of coins; and a temporary absence release step in which, if a predetermined time has elapsed after the gaming device accepts the temporary absence operation and transitions to the temporary absence state, the restriction on the insertion of coins imposed by the temporary absence step is lifted if no more gaming media remain after the number of gaming media acquired through the acquisition step.

This invention makes it possible to prevent problems that may occur when a new player starts playing after the temporary absence state is lifted.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of a gaming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processor and the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the player's own device status data, card data, game ball count data, set time data, time-overtime setting data, minimum number of return data, and seat leaving start method data shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the game type setting data, the card management data, the device management data, and the member management data shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the set time data, the time-exceeded set data, and the minimum return quantity data shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation pattern when the temporary absence time has expired according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the inter-machine card processing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a gaming system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen display pattern of the inter-machine card processing machine when the user temporarily leaves his/her seat in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a gaming system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation when a break time has elapsed according to the third embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
The gaming device and the method for temporarily leaving a seat according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

In this specification, "held balls" refers to data indicating game media acquired by a player in a game, which can only be used again on the same day (before the closing time of the game establishment). "Number of held balls" refers to the number of game media acquired by a player in a game. "Saved balls" refers to data indicating game media deposited by a player in a game establishment, which can also be used again on the following day (after the closing time of the game establishment). "Saved balls" refers to the number of game media deposited by a player in a game establishment. Both general and member players can use held balls, and are used when a game machine is moved, etc. In principle, only member players can use saved balls, and are used when acquired game media are used to play a game machine on the following day or later. "Number of game balls" refers to the number of playable balls that a player can use in a game.

Overview of the gaming system according to the first embodiment
First, an outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1. The inter-machine card processing machine of the present embodiment 1 is provided with a temporary leaving function. This is to enable a player to temporarily leave the gaming machine for the purpose of going to the toilet, smoking, making a phone call, etc.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, if a player wishes to temporarily leave a gaming machine, the player selects "temporarily leaving" on the menu screen of the inter-machine card processing machine (S1), and the inter-machine card processing machine prohibits the acceptance of operations such as the deposit of currency, and displays on the display unit that the player is temporarily away (S2).

The inter-machine card processing machine determines the amount of time that has elapsed since the selection operation for leaving the seat temporarily was performed, and if this amount of time exceeds a preset time (e.g., 10 minutes) (S3), it changes the subsequent processing depending on whether or not there are any gaming balls remaining in the gaming machine.

If there are any game balls remaining in the gaming machine, an employee is notified (S4). This is to allow the employee to clear the game balls remaining in the gaming machine and prevent new game balls from being generated when the next player accepts money. This makes it possible to prevent problems from occurring due to the game balls of different players being added together.

In response to this, if there are no gaming balls remaining in the gaming machine, the machine-to-machine card processing machine automatically cancels the temporary absence state (S4'). By automatically canceling the state, the time it takes busy employees to deal with the gaming machine can be reduced, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be increased.

<System Configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, a gaming establishment is equipped with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-machine card processor 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20. The inter-machine card processor 10 is connected to a communication line, which is a network within the establishment, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, a management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a settlement machine 70 are connected to the communication line.

The gaming machine 20 is a device that plays games by shooting gaming balls enclosed inside the device onto the gaming board. The gaming balls are physical "balls" used in the game, and are different from the "game balls" that the gaming machine 20 treats as data. The gaming board of the gaming machine 20 is provided with a number of winning areas (winning holes), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as prize balls based on the passing of the winning area. The gaming board is also provided with a predetermined number of starting areas (starting holes), and a predetermined lottery is held based on the passing of the game ball through the starting area. If the lottery results in a jackpot, a predetermined movable member or the like is operated to increase the probability of the game ball passing through the winning area or another starting area, thereby providing an advantage in the game. An area may serve as both a starting area and a winning area.

The winning areas are provided with winning sensors to detect the passage of game balls into the winning areas, and the winning sensors detect the passage (winning) of game balls shot into the winning areas. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also has a prize ball memory that stores the number of game balls to be awarded as prize balls for each winning area, and a playable number memory that indicates the number of game balls. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also periodically transmits the number of game balls to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a deposit from a player, it associates a prepaid value corresponding to the amount of the deposit with the identification information (card ID) of the card stored inside the machine. This prepaid value can be used to lend out game balls. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 can also accept the insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, etc. Then, at the end of a game, it ejects the card associated with the prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, etc. and returns it to the player. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also transmits a history of operations such as deposits, card insertion, and card ejection to the management device 50.

When a predetermined number of game balls are shot onto the game board, the gaming machine 20 transmits out data to the inter-machine card processor 10. In addition, when a game ball passes through a winning area (a so-called winning) and a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the game balls, the gaming machine 20 transmits safe data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Furthermore, when a special state such as a jackpot occurs during play, special prize data indicating the occurrence of such state is transmitted to the inter-machine card processor 10.

The out data corresponds to the number of balls that the player has shot onto the game board. The safe data corresponds to the number of balls won as a result of winning. The special prize data indicates the status of the gaming machine 20, such as a jackpot. Each piece of data is transmitted to the management device 50 via the machine-to-machine card processing device 10, and the management device 50 can obtain the operation history of the gaming machine 20 by accumulating the out data, safe data, and special prize data.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends game balls, and communicates with the management device 50 and the gaming machines 20. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts bills inserted by a player, it sends a deposit notification including the amount of the deposit to the management device 50, thereby adding the prepaid value equivalent to the amount of the deposit to the prepaid value managed by the management device 50. Then, when a specified ball lending operation is performed, it sends a ball lending request to the management device 50, subtracts the prepaid value managed by the management device 50, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value, which is added to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it sends a card insertion notification to the management device 50. In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the prepaid value, the balance of held balls, or the balance of saved balls from the management device 50, it stores the balance. Then, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives and stores the balance of held balls, it sends a request to subtract held balls to the management device 50, thereby clearing the balance of held balls (number of held balls) managed by the management device 50 to zero.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a held ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of held balls managed by its own device, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of held balls, and adds it to the number of game balls. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a saved ball replay operation, it sends a saved ball replay request to the management device 50, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of saved balls managed by the management device 50, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of saved balls, and adds it to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a card return operation, it sends a ball addition request including the number of held balls to the management device 50, and after having the management device 50 add the number of held balls, it sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and controls the ejection of the card. Note that if a counting operation is accepted from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the number of game balls is added to the number of held balls.

The inter-machine card processing device 10 has a function of acquiring a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and an authentication key received from the management device 50. This authentication is performed during the opening process, etc., and the gaming machine 20 becomes available for play if the authentication is successful.

The inter-machine card processing device 10 performs various display controls based on the status of the gaming machine 20 and transmits the status of the gaming machine 20 to the management device 50.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the set time, time-exceeded setting, and minimum number of items to be returned from the management device 50, it stores each piece of data.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the selection operation for leaving the seat temporarily, as well as the operation of returning the card, inputting a PIN number, touching a transportation IC card, etc., and then transitions to a temporary absence state. If the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts an operation to cancel the temporary absence state while in this temporary absence state, it cancels the temporary absence state. For example, if input of a PIN number is accepted at the start of the temporary absence, input of the same PIN number becomes the cancellation operation. Also, if a touch operation of a transportation IC card, etc. is accepted at the start of the temporary absence, touching the same transportation IC card, etc. becomes the cancellation operation.

When the time-over state exceeds the set time, if the preset time-over setting is "automatic cancellation," the inter-machine card processing machine 10 cancels the temporary absence state, provided that the number of game balls in the gaming machine is less than the minimum number to be returned. Note that even if the time-over setting is "automatic cancellation," if there are more than the minimum number of game balls in the gaming machine, automatic cancellation is not performed, and a notification to the management device 50 is sent to the employee. This is to allow the employee to clear the number of game balls, etc.

When the time period during which a player is away from the machine exceeds the set time, if the preset time-exceeded setting is "employee notification," the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will notify the management device 50 of an employee notification regardless of the number of game balls in the gaming machine.

The island controller 30 is a device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 installed on the gaming island and relays various information to the management device 50.

When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it manages the identification information of the inserted card (hereinafter referred to as the "card ID") in association with the inter-machine card processing device 10, and transmits the prepaid value and ball balance associated with the card ID to the inter-machine card processing device 10. In addition, if the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of a membership card, it transmits stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives a request to subtract balls from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the balance of held balls to zero, and when it receives a request to add balls from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the number of held balls indicated in the request to add balls to the balance of held balls.

When the management device 50 receives a ball lending request from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing device 10. When the management device 50 receives a request to replay saved balls, it transmits saved ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

When the management device 50 receives a card ID from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls held that is associated with this card ID. Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives a card ID from the settlement machine 70, it notifies the settlement machine 70 of the prepaid value that is associated with this card ID.

The management device 50 also obtains gaming machine IDs from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own arcade. It also obtains authentication keys for authenticating the gaming machines 20 set in its own arcade from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the arcade, and distributes them to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The management device 50 also manages the member management data of members who are registered with the gaming establishment. Specifically, it manages the number of balls, points, PIN number, name, etc., in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it transmits stored ball replay data including the remaining ball balance and PIN number corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In addition, when the management device 50 receives a stored ball replay request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the remaining ball balance associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request, and transmits stored ball replay data including the remaining ball balance after subtraction to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives an inquiry about the number of saved balls from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the remaining balance of saved balls corresponding to the specified card ID.

The management device 50 accepts and stores the time setting for the temporary absence state for the temporary absence function of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the setting.

In addition, the management device 50 accepts and stores a setting for whether to automatically cancel the temporary absence state or to notify an employee when the set time for the temporary absence state is exceeded, and notifies the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 of the setting.

The management device 50 also accepts and stores the minimum number of game balls to be returned, and notifies the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 of this setting.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives an "employee notification" from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the employee that the set time for the temporary absence state related to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has been exceeded.

The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange that is attached to the prize exchange counter in the gaming facility, and performs the prize exchange process for won balls, saved balls, and held balls. This prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader that reads the card ID of the card, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes. When the prize management device 60 reads the card ID from a general card or member card (or when it reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal, etc.), it sends the card ID to the management device 50 and requests the remaining balance of held balls for that card ID. In addition, when saved balls are to be exchanged for a prize, it requests the remaining balance of saved balls from the management device 50.

When a card associated with a prepaid value is inserted, the settlement machine 70 transmits the card ID of the card to the management device 50, obtains the prepaid value associated with the card, and dispenses cash equivalent to the obtained prepaid value.

Next, the ball lending process in the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. When a player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and a ball lending request.

When the management device 50 receives a message including a ball lending request, it updates the card management data by subtracting a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message, and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the message. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission transmits an addition signal to the gaming machine 20 requesting the addition of a number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value (e.g., "125") to the number of game balls.

The gaming machine 20 that receives the addition signal adds up the number of gaming balls and transmits the number of gaming balls after the addition to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of gaming balls before the addition and the number of balls lent with the number of gaming balls after the addition to determine whether the addition of the number of gaming balls was performed appropriately.

Next, the ball replay process in the gaming system according to this embodiment 1 will be described. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it notifies the inter-machine card processing device 10 of the balance of the balls held at the rate specified by the message, among the balls held associated with the card ID in the message.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the balance of held balls received from the management device 50. It then transmits a message to the management device 50, including information identifying the card ID and rate, and a request to subtract held balls. When the management device 50 receives a request to subtract held balls, it clears the balance of held balls identified by the card ID and rate to zero. In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a request to replay held balls, it subtracts a fixed number from the balance of held balls, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the corresponding number, and adds it to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a management transfer request from the gaming machine 20 to transfer management by making the number of gaming balls of the gaming machine 20 the balls held by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 adds the number of gaming balls indicated in the management transfer request to the balls held by the gaming machine 20. After that, when the card return operation is accepted, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a message including a request to add balls held to the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card to be discharged, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the message, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the balance of balls held, and a request to add balls held.

When the management device 50 receives a request to add balls in hand, it updates the balance (number of balls in hand) of the balls in hand associated with the card ID in the message, at the rate specified by the message, to the received value. After that, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and controls the ejection of the card.

Next, the stored ball replay process in the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a membership card or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card, it sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal), an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

The management device 50 transmits stored ball replay data, including the PIN number associated with the card ID in the message and the remaining balance of stored balls at the rate specified by the message, to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

The inter-machine card processing device 10 stores the received saved ball replay data, and if the balance of saved balls indicated in the saved ball replay data is equal to or greater than the number of payout units of game balls in saved ball replay (number of saved ball replay units, for example "125 balls"), it is able to accept a saved ball replay operation.

When the inter-machine card processing device 10 receives the first saved ball replay operation after storing the saved ball replay data, it asks the player to input a PIN number and checks whether the input PIN number matches the PIN number shown in the saved ball replay data.

If the PIN numbers match, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a request to replay the saved balls.

The management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of the stored balls at the rate specified by the message among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the message, and transmits stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the stored ball balance, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units to add it to the number of game balls. It also determines whether the updated stored ball balance is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the updated balance of the stored ball data is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, it is possible to accept a stored ball replay operation again, and if a stored ball replay operation is accepted, a stored ball replay request is sent. For the second or subsequent stored ball replay operations, there is no need to confirm the PIN number. If the updated balance of the stored ball data is less than the number of stored ball replay units, it is not possible to accept a stored ball replay operation.

Next, we will explain the transition from held balls to saved balls during the store closing process. The management device 50 checks the balance of held balls in the card management data during the store closing process, and if there are held balls whose balance is greater than "0", it adds the balance of the held balls to the saved ball balance to update it. The management device 50 then clears the balance of the held balls to zero.

<External configuration of the inter-machine card processing device 10 and the gaming machine 20>
Next, the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. In the figure, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only paper money is shown, but a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is provided with a status display unit 11 that displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by turning on or blinking lamps of a predetermined color, a bill insertion slot 12a that accepts various types of bills, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, and a card insertion slot 14a that accepts cards associated with a card ID.

The gaming machine 20 is provided with a gaming board, a handle 21 used to throw enclosed gaming balls onto the gaming board, and a counting button 22.

The count button 22 is an operation button for performing a management transfer, which transfers management of the number of balls that can be dispensed from the gaming machine 20 to the inter-machine card processor 10 by subtracting the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20 and adding the corresponding number to the balls held by the inter-machine card processor 10. In an open-type gaming machine 20 in which actual game balls are dispensed upon winning, this management transfer corresponds to a counting process in which the inter-machine card processor 10 counts the dispensed game balls and adds them to the balls held.

<Configuration of inter-machine card processing machine 10>
Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a bill transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader/writer 14, a communication unit 15, a memory unit 16, a control unit 17, and a game management unit 18.

The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports the banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion port 12a to a banknote storage unit (not shown) while determining the denomination and authenticity of the banknotes. The display operation unit 13 is an input/output device such as a touch panel display that displays various information such as value and accepts various operations such as ball lending operations.

The reader/writer 14 is a reading unit that reads the card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage unit (not shown) via the reader/writer 14. The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the management device 50 via the island controller 30.

The memory unit 16 is a storage device consisting of a hard disk drive, non-volatile memory, etc. The memory unit 16 stores the machine's own status data 16a, card data 16b, number of game balls data 16c, set time data 16d, time-exceeded setting data 16e, minimum number of return data 16f, and leaving start method data 16g.

The machine status data 16a is data indicating the status of the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. The machine status data 16a includes the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID, the game machine ID, the game type, etc. The machine-to-machine card processing machine ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 within the game establishment. The game type is data indicating the rate set in the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. When game balls of multiple rates are handled within the game establishment, game type names are set and managed for each rate, such as "Ball 1" for game balls with a 4 yen rate, "Ball 2" for game balls with a 2 yen rate, and "Ball 3" for game balls with a 1 yen rate. The machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 selects a rate to be used for a game from these game types and stores it as the game type. The game type may be a fixed game type for each section in which the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 is installed, or may be changeable by the player's operation.

Card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the player. Card data 16b includes card ID, PIN, prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, etc. Card ID is the card ID read by reader/writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage section (not shown) to card insertion port 14a and then ejected, card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by reader/writer 14 during this transport. Also, when a card is transported from card insertion port 14a to a card storage section (not shown), card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by reader/writer 14 during this transport. Prepaid value indicates the balance of prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, and held balls and saved balls indicate their respective balances.

The number of game balls data 16c is data indicating the number of game balls held by the gaming machine 20. The set time data 16d is data that sets the time for which the momentary absence state can be continued.

The time-exceeded setting data 16e is data that sets whether to automatically cancel the absent state or to notify an employee when the absent state exceeds the set time data 16d. The minimum number of balls to be returned data 16f is data that sets the minimum number of balls to be returned to a player if there are any remaining balls.

The absence start method data 16g is data that sets the operation method by the player to transition to/cancel a temporary absence state. The absence start method data 16g includes a card ID, a PIN number, and an IC touch. The IC touch is an item for reading the ID of an IC card by holding the IC card over a holding section (not shown) and storing the read ID.

The gaming management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20. It is preferable that the gaming management unit 18 is formed on a different board from the control unit 17. The gaming management unit 18 has an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine status management unit 18c. In practice, these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, causing the authentication processing unit 18a, the authentication key management unit 18b, and the gaming machine status management unit 18c to execute processes corresponding to each of them.

The authentication processing unit 18a uses the authentication key received from the management device 50 to authenticate the gaming machine 20. If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 20. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20. Note that even if the authentication fails, the authentication processing unit 18a may be configured to transmit an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 if it is within a predetermined period of time since the last successful authentication, and not transmit an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 after the predetermined period of time has elapsed since the last successful authentication, and to prohibit the use of the gaming machine 20.

The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages the authentication key. A usage time is set for the authentication key, and when the cumulative operating time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key, the authentication key becomes unusable. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b uses the power-on time of the board on which the game management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the gaming machine 20 to manage the usage time of the authentication key. When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b obtains a new authentication key from an authentication key management center outside the store via the management device 50, and updates the authentication key.

The gaming machine status management unit 18c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the status of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, transmits a request to add to the number of gaming balls by ball lending, transmits a request to switch management from held balls to the number of gaming balls by replaying held balls, transmits a request to add to the number of gaming balls by replaying saved balls, receives game results such as the number of balls inserted and the number of winning balls in the gaming machine 20, and receives a request to switch management from the number of gaming balls to held balls by counting. The communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 is encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

The gaming machine status management unit 18c also acquires the status set for the game, such as the current number of gaming balls in the gaming machine 20, start, jackpot, jackpot type, and number of lottery draws. It is desirable to set the time interval at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 shorter than the interval at which gaming balls are shot (used) in the gaming machine 20. Furthermore, once the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 20, it passes the number of gaming balls to the control unit 17.

The timing when the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires a new gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 is not limited to before the store opens. The gaming machine status management unit 18c can acquire a gaming machine ID or determine whether to replace the gaming machine 20 when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is turned on or off, during regular communication, when processing related to the number of gaming balls (ball lending, replay, counting, etc.) is performed, when returning from an offline state, etc. Also, a combination of these timings may be used.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that performs overall control of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and has a data management unit 17a, a number of game balls management unit 17b, a temporary absence setting unit 17c, a temporary absence reception unit 17d, a time-exceeded determination unit 17e, a temporary absence control unit 17f, and a temporary absence cancellation unit 17g. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the data management unit 17a, number of game balls management unit 17b, temporary absence setting unit 17c, temporary absence reception unit 17d, a time-exceeded determination unit 17e, a temporary absence control unit 17f, and a temporary absence cancellation unit 17g to execute processes that correspond to each of them.

When a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a sends a card insertion notification including the card ID and the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID to the management device 50. In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a value (at least one of prepaid value, held balls, and saved balls) from the management device 50, it updates the card data 16b with the received value.

When a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a sends a deposit notification to the management device 50, which includes the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID, and the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID.

When a ball lending operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a sends a ball lending request including the card ID and the machine-to-machine card processor ID to the management device 50. If permission to lend balls is received in response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a instructs the gaming management unit 18 to subtract the prepaid value of the card data 16b and add a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20.

In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives a held ball replay operation, it instructs the game management unit 18 to subtract and update the held balls in the card data 16b and add the corresponding number of balls to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20.

When the balance of the balls shown in the card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of ball replay units, the data management unit 17a displays a ball replay button on the display operation unit 13, making it possible to accept a ball replay operation. When a ball replay operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball replay request including a card ID and a machine-to-machine card processor ID to the management device 50. When ball replay data is received in response to the ball replay request, the data management unit 17a updates the ball balance in the card data 16b and instructs the game management unit 18 to add the number of balls corresponding to the number of ball replay units to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20. When a ball replay operation is performed for the first time, the data management unit 17a requests input of a PIN number, and the condition for transmitting a ball replay request is that the PIN number matches the PIN number shown in the card data 16b.

In addition, when the game management unit 18 receives a request to transfer game balls from the gaming machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed by the game management unit 18 to the held balls in the card data 16b to update it.

When the data management unit 17a receives a card return operation, it sends a ball addition request including the card ID, the inter-machine card processing machine ID, and the remaining balls to the management device 50. After clearing the card data 16b, it sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and ejects the card.

The game ball count management unit 17b is a processing unit that manages game ball count data 16c that indicates the number of game balls held by the game machine 20. The game ball count management unit 17b stores the number of game balls received from the game machine 20 in the game ball count data 16c.

When the temporary absence setting unit 17c receives the set time, time-overtime setting, and minimum number of items to be returned from the management device 50, it stores each piece of data in set time data 16d, time-overtime setting data 16e, and minimum number of items to be returned data 16f.

When the temporary absence reception unit 17d receives an instruction to start a temporary absence and an absence start method from the display operation unit 13 or the like, it transitions to a temporary absence state, stores the received absence start method in the absence start method data 16g, and passes an instruction to start timing to the time-exceeded determination unit 17e.

The time-exceeded determination unit 17e starts timing when it receives an instruction to start timing from the absence reception unit 17d. When the time elapsed from the start of timing is equal to or greater than the set time data 16d, the time-exceeded determination unit 17e passes a time-exceeded instruction to the absence control unit 17f.

When the temporary absence control unit 17f receives a time-over instruction from the time-over determination unit 17e, it checks the setting contents of the time-over setting data 16e, and if the setting contents are "employee notification," it notifies the management device 50 to notify the employee.

In addition, if the setting content of the time-overtime setting data 16e is "automatic cancellation," the temporary absence control unit 17f compares the number of game balls data 16c with the minimum number of return data 16f, and if the number of game balls data 16c is equal to or greater than the minimum number of return data 16f, it notifies the management device 50 to notify the employee, and if the number of game balls data 16c is less than the minimum number of return data 16f, it passes a cancellation instruction to the temporary absence cancellation unit 17g.

When the temporary absence cancellation unit 17g receives the absence start method stored in the absence start method data 16g from the display operation unit 13 or the like during the temporary absence state, or receives a cancellation instruction from the temporary absence control unit 17f, the temporary absence state is cancelled.

Next, specific examples of data stored in the memory unit 16 of the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 4 will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing examples of the machine status data 16a, card data 16b, number of game balls data 16c, set time data 16d, time-exceeded setting data 16e, minimum number of return data 16f, and seat leaving start method data 16g shown in Figure 4.

The own device status data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) indicates a state in which the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "A101", the gaming machine ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", and "Ball 1" is set as the game type of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 is "2001." Note that here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, with a card whose first digit is "1" being a general card and a card whose first digit is "2" being a membership card. Additionally, the card data 16b indicates that the PIN code for replaying saved balls is "1234" and the prepaid value is "3000" yen.

In addition, card data 16b indicates that, in terms of held balls, the balance of held balls for ball 1 is 1500 balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is 2500 balls, and the balance of held balls for ball 3 is 0 balls, and, in terms of saved balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 1 is 500 balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 2 is 0 balls, and the balance of saved balls for ball 3 is 0 balls.

The game ball count data 16c shown in FIG. 5(c) indicates that the game ball count is 500. The set time data 16d shown in FIG. 5(d) indicates that the set time is set to 10 minutes.

The time-overtime setting data 16e shown in FIG. 5(e) indicates that the time-overtime setting is set to "auto-cancel." The minimum number of balls to be returned data 16f shown in FIG. 5(f) indicates that the minimum number of balls to be returned is set to "5."

The away from seat initiation method data 16g shown in FIG. 5(g) is that the card ID is "-", the PIN is "1234", and the IC touch is "-", indicating that the PIN "1234" is set as the away from seat initiation method.

<Configuration of Gaming Machine 20>
Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the gaming machine 20 has a communication control unit 23, a performance control unit 24, a game control unit 25, and a game ball control unit 26. The communication control unit 23 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

When the gaming machine 20 is started, the communication control unit 23 reads the identification information from the control CPU provided in the gaming control unit 25 and/or gaming ball control unit 26, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if it is appropriate, establishes communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and goes into standby mode. In the standby mode, if operation permission is received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it starts the performance control unit 24, gaming control unit 25, and gaming ball control unit 26, making the machine ready for play.

The game control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the game played by the gaming machine 20. In practice, a program corresponding to the game control unit 25 is loaded into the CPU and executed to execute the process.

Specifically, the game control unit 25 controls the launch of game balls onto the game board by detecting handle operation, detects game balls that have entered the winning hole on the game board, obtains random numbers (random numbers from 0 to 65535, with numbers assigned to big wins, small wins, and losses within a predetermined range) using game balls that have entered the starting hole and draws lots (special and normal symbols), controls movable members (tulips, etc.) on the game board, controls the display of a special symbol display device on the game board, detects abnormalities that may be fraudulent (front frame open, vibration detected, etc.) and notifies the host device, etc.

A large number of obstacle pins are set on the game board, and game balls that are launched onto the game board by operating the handle fall between the obstacle pins and either enter a prize hole or a starting hole, or are ejected from the game board through an outlet hole on the game board without entering a prize. When a game ball enters a starting hole, a lottery is held, and if a jackpot is awarded, a jackpot game is played in which a specific prize hole on the game board is controlled to be open multiple times, and by making it easier for game balls to enter these prize holes, prize balls are awarded to the player.

In addition, there is a special jackpot game that gives the player a special bonus game after the jackpot game ends. The special jackpot game includes a probability-varying jackpot and a time-saving jackpot. The probability-varying jackpot and the time-saving jackpot give the probability-varying game and the time-saving game as bonus games after the jackpot, respectively. The time-saving game is a bonus game that increases the number of lotteries per unit time by shortening the fluctuation time (the time from the start of the lottery process to the display of the result) of the normal pattern lottery (the lottery for opening and closing the movable member described above) and/or the special pattern lottery (the lottery for the jackpot lottery by the winning game ball described above), thereby increasing the probability of winning the jackpot per unit time. This bonus game may include a normal pattern probability fluctuation that increases the probability of winning the normal pattern. The time-saving game due to the time-saving jackpot ends when the number of lotteries for the special pattern lottery has been held a specified number of times after the jackpot. We'll discuss probability-varying games later.

The game control unit 25 has a probability fluctuation function. The probability fluctuation function is a function that controls the change of the random number range of the jackpot used in the next lottery (generally to about 10 times) when the lottery result is a jackpot that falls within a particularly specified random number range. The probability fluctuation game is a game in which a special pattern is drawn using this changed probability. The probability fluctuation game continues until the next jackpot is won. In addition, the probability fluctuation game and the time-saving game may be granted at the same time. However, in order to prevent unexpected losses to the gaming facility, if a player acquires a certain number of game media after the probability fluctuation game or the time-saving game has started, a process of stopping the game (discharging the card once and requesting a prize exchange or a machine move) may be performed. In this case, the number of game media after the probability fluctuation game state is entered is counted by the gaming machine 20, and when this count value reaches a predetermined value, game stop control such as stopping the release of game balls is performed.

The effect control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the effects during play, and has an effect pattern selection unit 24a and an effect selection unit 24b. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the effect pattern selection unit 24a and the effect selection unit 24b to execute processes corresponding to each of them.

The effect symbol selection unit 24a selects effect symbols (symbols to be displayed on effect symbol display devices such as display devices on the game board) based on the special symbol selection by the game control unit 25 (specifically, whether or not the display should ultimately stop at 7, 7, 7, etc.).

The effect selection unit 24b selects the type of effect to be performed before the result of the selection based on the effect pattern is displayed (such as a character appearing to perform a reach effect). Such effects are set so that the effect selected differs depending on the main selection result.

The performance control unit 24 stores performance data for each performance. Furthermore, the performance control unit 24 controls the display of the performance pattern display device, and when a performance is executed, the performance data is superimposed on the background pattern data to display the performance. Furthermore, when the probability fluctuates, background color data different from the normal state is set.

The game ball control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the number of game balls. In practice, a program corresponding to the game ball control unit 26 is loaded into the CPU and executed to execute the process.

Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in a playable number memory, subtracts "1" from the number of game balls each time a game ball is released, and adds the number of prize balls acquired by winning to the number of game balls. Furthermore, when the number of balls is notified by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the notified number of balls to the number of game balls and sends a confirmation signal to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 indicating that the number of game balls has been added. The game ball control unit 26 can also perform cleaning control of the game balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the game machine 20.

The game ball control unit 26 also periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the playable number memory to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. In this case, the game ball control unit 26 continues to update the number of game balls according to the game status without clearing the contents of the playable number memory to zero, and transmits the number of game balls at the time of data acquisition to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

The gaming machine 20 is also provided with a counting button 22, and a signal indicating that the counting button 22 has been pressed is input to the gaming ball control unit 26. The gaming ball control unit 26 detects the pressing of the counting button 22, and if the detection signal rises and falls within a certain period of time, it transmits a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of gaming balls by a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation). Then, it subtracts (invalidates) the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 from the number of gaming balls. Also, if it detects the pressing of the counting button 22 and does not detect a fall for a certain period of time or more after the detection signal rises, it transmits a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of gaming balls by a certain number (for example, 200 balls per 5 seconds) each time the detection signal rises and continues for a certain period of time. Then, it subtracts (invalidates) the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 from the number of gaming balls. When subtracting from the number of game balls, possible methods include decrementing the value to be subtracted from the value of 1 stored in memory, or updating the value stored in memory with the value after the subtraction and deleting or logically deleting the value before the subtraction to invalidate it, but there are no particular limitations as long as the value after the subtraction can be identified.

The game control unit 25 and the game ball control unit 26 are each configured on a separate board. The game control board on which the game control unit 25 is configured and the game ball control board on which the game ball control unit 26 is configured each have their own unique ID. The gaming machine 20 combines the ID of the game control board and the ID of the game ball control board and uses this as the gaming machine ID.

<Configuration of management device 50>
Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the management device 50 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 50 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the management device 50 is connected to a display unit 51 and an input unit 52, and has an external network communication unit 53, a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56.

The display unit 51 is an LCD panel, a display device, etc. The input unit 52 is a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication with an authentication key management center via an external network. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the prize management device 60, and the settlement machine 70 via a communication line within the gaming facility.

The memory unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores game type setting data 55a, card management data 55b, device management data 55c, member management data 55d, set time data 55e, time-overtime setting data 55f, and minimum return quantity data 55g.

Game type setting data 55a is data that associates the lending rate and display name with the game type. Card management data 55b is data that associates the card ID with the prepaid value balance, the ball balance, etc.

The device management data 55c is data related to the devices installed in the gaming establishment. This device management data 55c includes the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID, the installation location, the gaming machine ID, the model data of the gaming machine 20, etc. The member management data 55d is data that associates the card ID of the member card issued to the member with the member's name, ball storage information, etc.

The set time data 55e is data that sets the time for which the Away status can be continued. The time-exceeded setting data 55f is data that sets whether the Away status is automatically cancelled or whether the employee is notified when the Away status exceeds the set time data 55e.
The minimum return number data 55g is data that sets the minimum number of game balls to be returned to a player when game balls remain.

The control unit 56 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management device 50, and has a game type setting management unit 56a, a card management unit 56b, a device management unit 56c, a member management unit 56d, a temporary absence management unit 56e, and a notification unit 56f. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed to execute processes corresponding to the game type setting management unit 56a, the card management unit 56b, the device management unit 56c, the member management unit 56d, the temporary absence management unit 56e, and the notification unit 56f.

The game type setting management unit 56a is a processing unit that associates the game types, rates, and display names used in the gaming establishment with each other and manages them as game type setting data 55a.

The card management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages the card management data 55b. The card management unit 56b communicates with the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the prize management device 60, and the settlement machine 70 to update the prepaid value and the balance of held balls associated with the card ID. In addition, when the card management unit 56b receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the valuable value and the balance of held balls associated with the card.

The device management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages the device management data 55c. The device management unit 56c generates and updates the device management data 55c based on the inter-machine card processing machine ID, installation location, and gaming machine ID obtained from the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The member management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55d. The member management unit 56d communicates with the prize management device 60 to update the balance of balls associated with the card ID. In addition, when the member management unit 56d receives a member registration request, it updates the member management data 55d to add the member.

Here, the stored ball replay processing by the member management unit 56d will be explained. When the member management unit 56d receives stored ball replay request data from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10, it deducts the remaining number of stored balls at the payout rate from among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the stored ball replay request data by the payout unit number, and recalculates the number of stored balls that can be replayed. It then transmits stored ball replay data including the remaining balance after the deduction and the number of stored balls that can be replayed to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

The temporary absence management unit 56e is a processing unit that manages the set time data 55e, the time exceeded setting data 55f, and the minimum number of items to be returned data 55g. The temporary absence management unit 56e accepts the set time, the time exceeded setting, and the minimum number of items to be returned from the input unit 52, stores each data in the set time data 55e, the time exceeded setting data 55f, and the minimum number of items to be returned data 55g, and notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

When the notification unit 56f receives a notification instruction from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 to an employee, it notifies the employee terminal, etc. of the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the fact that the set time for temporary absence has been exceeded.

Next, specific examples of data stored in the memory unit 55 of the management device 50 shown in Figure 7 will be described. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of the game type setting data 55a, card management data 55b, device management data 55c, member management data 55d, set time data 55e, time-exceeded setting data 55f, and minimum return quantity data 55g shown in Figure 7.

In the game type setting data 55a shown in FIG. 8(a), the game type name "Ball 1" is associated with the rate "4 yen" and the display name "4 Pachi". In addition, the game type name "Ball 2" is associated with the rate "2 yen" and the display name "2 Pachi", and the game type name "Ball 3" is associated with the rate "1 yen" and the display name "1 Pachi".

In the card management data 55b shown in FIG. 8(b), the card ID "1001" is associated with a prepaid value of "0" yen, a balance of held balls for each rate of "0", and a destination ID of use of "A101". In other words, the card with card ID "1001" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with device ID "A101", and management of held balls has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. For this reason, the balance of held balls for each rate is zero.

In addition, in the card management data 55b shown in FIG. 8(b), the card ID "2001" is associated with a prepaid value of "3000" yen, and the remaining balls for ball 1 are "1500", "2500", and "0" for ball 3, but is not associated with a usage ID. In other words, the card with the card ID "2001" is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the management of the remaining balls is performed by the management device 50.

The device management data 55c shown in FIG. 8(c) indicates that the location of the inter-machine card processing device 10 with ID "A101" is "Island 1-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", the game type is "Ball 1", the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "EV01", and the serial number is "a". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

The device management data 55c also indicates that the location of the inter-machine card processing device 10 with ID "A201" is "Island 2-1," the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B506," the game type is "Ball 3," the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "DX03," and the serial number is "g." It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

Member management data 55d shown in FIG. 8(d) indicates the name, balls, email address, etc. associated with the card ID. Specifically, member management data 55d associates the name "Takken Taro," the balance of balls saved for "Ball 1" of "1500," the balance of balls saved for "Ball 2" of "200," the balance of balls saved for "Ball 3" of "0," and the email address "Abc123@△△△.co.jp" with the card ID "2005."

The set time data 55e shown in FIG. 9(a) indicates that the set time is set to "10 minutes." The time-overtime setting data 55f shown in FIG. 9(b) indicates that the time-overtime setting is set to "auto-cancel." The minimum number of balls to be returned data 55g shown in FIG. 9(c) indicates that the minimum number of balls to be returned is set to "5."

<Operation pattern when temporary absence time exceeds according to the first embodiment>
Next, an explanation will be given of the operation pattern when the temporary absence time has expired according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the operation pattern when the temporary absence time has expired according to the present embodiment 1. The operation when the temporary absence time has expired is determined by the time-exceed setting, the absence start method, and the presence or absence of the minimum number of return game balls.

Specifically, if the time-over setting is "automatic release," the method for starting the absence is "card return," and the minimum number of game balls to be returned is "present" (number "1"), the employee is notified. If the time-over setting is "automatic release," the method for starting the absence is "card return," and the minimum number of game balls to be returned is "not present" (number "2"), the system is automatically released.

In addition, if the time-over setting is "automatic release", the method for starting the absence is "entering the PIN number or touching the IC chip", and the minimum number of game balls to be returned is "present" (number "3"), the employee will be notified. If the time-over setting is "automatic release", the method for starting the absence is "entering the PIN number or touching the IC chip", and the minimum number of game balls to be returned is "not present" (number "4"), the system will be automatically released.

In addition, if the time-over setting is "notify employee," the employee will be notified regardless of the method used to start leaving and whether or not the minimum number of balls has been returned (numbers "5" to "8").

<Processing procedure of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 according to the first embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 according to the present embodiment 1.

First, when an instruction to leave the room temporarily is received (step S101; Yes), the method for starting the leave is accepted and stored in the leave start method data 16g (step S102), the system transitions to the leave temporary state (step S103), and timing is started with t=0 (step S104).

If the absence start method set in the absence start method data 16g is accepted (step S105; Yes), the temporary absence state is cancelled (step S110) and the process ends.

If the set method for starting leaving the seat has not been accepted (step S105; No), t is compared with the set time data 16d (step S106). If t is less than the set time data 16d (step S106; No), the process proceeds to step S105.

If t is equal to or greater than the set time data 16d (step S106; Yes), the setting of the time-overtime setting data 16e is checked (step S107). If the time-overtime setting is "employee notification" (step S107; No), the management device 50 is notified of the notification to the employee (step S109), and the process ends.

If the time-overtime setting is "automatic release" (step S107; Yes), the game ball count data 16c is compared with the minimum number of balls to be returned data 16f (step S108). If the game ball count data 16c is equal to or greater than the minimum number of balls to be returned data 16f (step S108; Yes), a notification to the employee is sent to the management device 50 (step S109), and the process ends.

If the number of game balls data 16c is less than the minimum number of balls returned data 16f (step S108; No), the temporary absence state is cancelled (step S110) and the process ends.

In this way, the gaming system can improve the security of the value held by players by notifying employees when a set time has elapsed during a temporary absence and there are still gaming balls remaining.

[Embodiment 2]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which an employee is notified if game balls remain when the set time for the temporary absence state has elapsed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the display to indicate that game balls remain when the temporary absence state is set. In this embodiment 2, a configuration will be described in which a display to indicate that game balls remain when the temporary absence state is set.

Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the gaming system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, when a player wants to leave the gaming machine temporarily, he or she operates the menu display (S11) and selects to leave temporarily (S12), a message is displayed indicating that gaming balls remain when the card is discharged (S13).

Next, the screen display pattern of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 when the player leaves the seat temporarily according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the screen display pattern of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 when the player leaves the seat temporarily according to the second embodiment. The screen display when the player leaves the seat temporarily is determined by the card type, the remaining balance or the presence or absence of balls, the method for starting the leave, and the presence or absence of game balls.

Specifically, if the card type is "member card", there is a balance or balls in hand, the method for starting the absence is "return card", and there are game balls (number "1"), it will display that there are game balls. If the card type is "member card", there is a balance or balls in hand, the method for starting the absence is "return card", and there are no game balls (number "2"), nothing will be displayed.

In addition, if the card type is "member card", the remaining balance or balls in hand is "no", the method for starting the absence is "return card" and there are game balls (number "3"), it will display that there are game balls. If the card type is "member card", the remaining balance or balls in hand is "no", the method for starting the absence is "return card" and there are game balls (number "4"), no special display will be made.

In addition, if the card type is "normal card", there is a balance or balls in hand, the method for starting the absence is "return card", and there are game balls (number "5"), it will display that there are game balls. If the card type is "normal card", there is a balance or balls in hand, the method for starting the absence is "return card", and there are no game balls (number "6"), nothing will be displayed.

In addition, if the card type is "normal card", the remaining balance or balls in hand is "no", the method for starting the absence is "PIN input or IC touch" and there are game balls (number "7"), it will display that there are game balls. If the card type is "normal card", the remaining balance or balls in hand is "no", the method for starting the absence is "PIN input or IC touch" and there are game balls (number "8"), there will be no special display.

In this way, the gaming system according to the second embodiment can improve the security of the value held by the player by displaying a message indicating that game balls remain when the player is set to leave the seat temporarily.

In the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which a message was displayed indicating that game balls remain when the temporary absence setting was enabled, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration may also be such that, after a message was displayed indicating that game balls remain, the player is not transitioned to the temporary absence state unless the confirmation button is pressed.

In addition, in the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which a message was displayed indicating that game balls remain when returning a card when a temporary absence is set, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration is also possible in which a message was displayed indicating that game balls remain when a temporary absence is set using a smartphone app or the like.

[Embodiment 3]
Incidentally, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, a configuration has been described in which returning a card, entering a PIN number, or touching an IC card is set as the method for starting an absence from your seat temporarily, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the method for starting an absence from your seat to be registration of a face image when setting a break, etc. In this embodiment 3, a configuration will be described in which the method for starting an absence from your seat is registration of a face image when setting a break, etc.

Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the gaming system according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, when a player selects a break to temporarily leave the gaming machine 20, an image of the player's face is captured and the image is registered (S21).

During the break, the display operation unit 13 displays a message indicating that the user is taking a break along with the registered image (S22). Alternatively, the display operation unit 13 can display only that the user is taking a break without displaying an image (S22'). To cancel the break state, the user selects to cancel the break and then performs face authentication to cancel the state (S23).

Next, the operation when the break time has expired according to this embodiment 3 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the operation when the break time has expired according to this embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 15, during the break, a message is displayed with a registered image to indicate that the user is on a break (S31), or no image is displayed and only the message is displayed that the user is on a break (S31').

If the set break time is exceeded, the employee is notified (S32), and the employee confirms the image of the registered player and dispenses the card (S33).

When a player visits the prize exchange counter to receive the card, an employee uses the registered image to verify the player's identity and returns the card (S34).

In this way, the gaming system according to the third embodiment can improve the security of the value held by the player by setting the registration of a facial image as the method for initiating an absence when setting a break, etc.

In the above third embodiment, a configuration was described in which a facial image can be registered as a method for initiating an absence from the seat and setting up a break, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the game machine to be reserved by registering a facial image using a specific smartphone app, etc.

Specifically, a facial image is registered on a specific smartphone app or internet site to reserve a gaming machine 20. At the reserved time, the display operation unit 13 of the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 displays the facial image of the player who made the reservation and a message that the machine is reserved. When the player arrives at the store, the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 captures an image of the player's face and performs facial authentication. If the player is authenticated, the reserved state is cancelled and the player is allowed to play. In addition, if a certain amount of time has passed since the reserved time, the reserved state is automatically cancelled.

In addition, the configurations illustrated in the above embodiments are merely functional schematics, and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

The gaming device and temporary absence method of the present invention are suitable for preventing problems that may occur when a new player begins playing after the temporary absence state is lifted.

10 Inter-machine card processing machine 11 Status display unit 12 Bill transport unit 12a Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation unit 14 Reader/writer 14a Card insertion slot 15 Communication unit 16 Memory unit 16a Own machine status data 16b Card data 16c Number of game balls data 16d Set time data 16e Time-exceeded setting data 16f Minimum number of balls to be returned data 16g Leave start method data 17 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Number of game balls management unit 17c Temporary leave setting unit 17d Temporary leave reception unit 17e Time-exceeded determination unit 17f Temporary leave control unit 17g Temporary leave release unit 18 Game management unit 18a Authentication processing unit 18b Authentication key management unit 18c Gaming machine status management unit 20 Gaming machine 21 Handle 22 Counting button 23 Communication control unit 24 Performance control unit 24a Performance symbol lottery unit 24b Performance lottery unit 25 Game control unit 26 Game ball control unit 26a Playable number management unit 30 Island controller 50 Management device 51 Display unit 52 Input unit 53 External network communication unit 54 Store network communication unit 55 Memory unit 55a Game type setting data 55b Card management data 55c Device management data 55d Member management data 55e Set time data 55f Time overtime setting data 55g Minimum return number data 56 Control unit 56a Game type setting management unit 56b Card management unit 56c Device management unit 56d Member management unit 56e Temporary absence management unit 56f Notification unit 60 Prize management device 70 Adjustment machine

Claims (7)

A gaming device communicably connected to an enclosed gaming machine that provides a game based on a number of gaming media stored in a predetermined storage unit,
An acquisition means for acquiring the number of game media of the gaming machine;
A reception unit for receiving at least a predetermined temporary absence operation;
a temporary absence means for transitioning to a temporary absence state in which at least the insertion of currency is restricted when a temporary absence operation is accepted by the accepting means;
and a temporary absence release means for releasing the temporary absence state which restricts the insertion of coins by the temporary absence means if a predetermined time has elapsed after the temporary absence operation is accepted and the device transitions to the temporary absence state , and if there are no gaming media remaining acquired by the acquisition means. The gaming device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying a player that, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the player has accepted the temporary absence operation and transitioned to the temporary absence state, if the player has any gaming media remaining that have been acquired by the acquisition means. The gaming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the predetermined time is a pre-set time during which a player can temporarily leave his/her seat. The temporary absence canceling means includes:
A gaming device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that after accepting the temporary absence operation and transitioning to the temporary absence state, if a temporary absence cancellation operation is accepted by the acceptance means before a predetermined time has elapsed, the temporary absence state is cancelled. The receiving means is
5. A gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it accepts authentication information input by a player, authentication information stored in a storage medium, or authentication information stored in a mobile terminal device. The gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a setting acquisition means for acquiring setting information including the predetermined time. A method for temporarily leaving a seat in a gaming device that is communicably connected to an enclosed gaming machine that provides games based on a number of gaming media stored in a predetermined storage unit, comprising:
an acquisition step in which the gaming device acquires the number of gaming media of the gaming machine;
a receiving step of the gaming device receiving at least a predetermined temporary leaving operation;
a temporary absence step of transitioning to a temporary absence state in which at least the insertion of currency is restricted, when the gaming device receives a temporary absence operation through the receiving step;
and a temporary absence release step of releasing the restriction on coin insertion imposed by the temporary absence step when a predetermined time has elapsed after the gaming device has accepted the temporary absence operation and transitioned to the temporary absence state and if there are no gaming media remaining that were acquired by the acquisition step.

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