JP7627725B2 - Gaming Management System - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a gaming management system that has individual machine devices that are attached to gaming machines that play games using gaming media and perform processing related to the gaming media.

Conventionally, gaming establishments offer games that involve gaming media. For example, in pachinko games, gaming balls are used as gaming media, and the game is played by shooting the gaming balls into the gaming board. The gaming board is provided with multiple winning areas (winning holes), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as prize balls based on the passing of a gaming ball through a winning area. In this way, the number of gaming media increases or decreases depending on the outcome of the game, and players can exchange the gaming media they have won for prizes.

It is common for gaming machines to be equipped with individual machine devices. Each machine device accepts deposits and performs a process of lending gaming media. In addition, each machine device manages the number of gaming media acquired through play as the number of owned gaming media, and performs a replay process in which the number of owned gaming media is subtracted and gaming media is paid out (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

If a player leaves the gaming machine temporarily to take a break while playing using gaming media dispensed in the rental process or replay process, the player must call a store attendant to inform them of the player's intention to take a break and request that the gaming machine be secured so that it cannot be used by other players. The store attendant who receives the request will secure the gaming machine by placing a sign indicating that the player is on a break on the gaming machine or by putting each machine into a pause state. When the player returns from the break, he or she can resume playing by informing the store attendant that the break is over.

In addition, to make it easier to take a break, each machine can be put into a pause state by the player's operation. In this case, the player sets a PIN number when starting the pause state, and by requiring the player to enter the PIN number when the pause state is released, it is possible to prevent other players from using the machine.

JP 2011-131037 A

However, conventional technology has the problem that operations for players become complicated and convenience is reduced. Specifically, requiring players to set a PIN every time a pause state is initiated is a burden for players. In particular, if confirmation input is required when setting a PIN to prevent input errors, players will have to input their PIN twice each time they take a break, and then input another PIN to release the pause state.

Given these circumstances, an important issue was how to reduce the burden on players and improve convenience when the game goes into pause mode due to player operation.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a gaming management system and a gaming management method that can reduce the burden on players regarding paused gaming and improve convenience.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a gaming management system having each machine device attached to a gaming machine and performing processing related to playing on the gaming machine, characterized in that it comprises a pause processing means for temporarily pausing the game, a transfer means for transferring the number of gaming machine managed media managed by the gaming machine to the number of held gaming media managed by each machine device, and a restriction means for restricting the ejection of a storage medium associated with the number of held gaming media when the transfer means transfers the number of gaming machine managed media to the number of held gaming media when play is paused by the pause processing means.

In addition, in the above invention, the limiting means is characterized in that when play is paused by the pause processing means and the number of gaming machine managed media is transferred to the number of held gaming media in response to receipt of a predetermined counting operation, the limiting means automatically transfers the number of gaming media transferred to the number of held gaming media to the number of gaming machine managed media.

The present invention reduces the burden on players when gaming is suspended and improves convenience.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a game management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an amusement arcade. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the memory unit of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management device. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management device. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for starting a hibernation state. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the processing steps when the inter-machine card processor releases its own hibernation state. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the processing steps when the inter-machine card processor releases the hibernation state of another device. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the interface of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an inter-machine card processing machine that can be used for both pachinko and slot games. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of fixing the frame. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a pause in an enclosed gaming machine. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of how to deal with fraud in the hibernation state.

Below, a preferred embodiment of the gaming management system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

In this specification, retained balls refer to data indicating game media or the number of game media acquired by a player in a game, which can be used again for play only on that day (before closing time). Saved balls refer to data indicating game media or the number of game media acquired by a player in a game, which can be used again for play on the following day (after closing time). Retained balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when the gaming machine used for play is changed (so-called machine transfer). Saved balls are usually only available to member players, and are used when acquired game media are used for play on the following day or later. A specified fee may be charged for the use of saved balls.

First, the concept of the gaming management system according to this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of the gaming management system according to this embodiment. A gaming establishment is equipped with multiple gaming machines 20, and each gaming machine 20 is equipped with an inter-machine card processing machine 10, which is an individual machine device.

Based on the player's operation, the between-machine card processing machine 10 performs various processes related to game balls, such as the lending process of game balls, the replay process of held and saved balls, and the counting process of counting acquired game balls and adding them to the held balls. When the player finishes playing, he or she operates the return button on the gaming machine, and the between-machine card processing machine 10 associates the number of held balls managed by the machine with the card and then ejects it.

Furthermore, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can temporarily suspend play. In the suspend state, processes that increase or decrease the value used to make game balls available are suppressed. Specifically, some or all of the following processes are prohibited: deposit, ball lending process, replay process of held or saved balls, counting process of counting acquired game balls and adding them to held balls, card insertion, card ejection, etc.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 ejects a release card when entering a paused state, and releases the paused state when the ejected release card is inserted. This release card is the card that has been used for play up until that point. At this time, if the prepaid value and held balls are both zero and the card that was used is in a valueless state, and it is a regular card, the regular card with no associated prepaid value or held balls will be ejected as the release card.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, when the prepaid value and held balls are both zero and there is no value (S1), if an operation to start a pause state is accepted (S2), the inter-machine card processing machine 10 ejects a general card with no associated prepaid value or held balls as a release card (S3), and starts a pause state (S4). In FIG. 1, the release card is a general card with a card ID of "1002", a prepaid value of "0", and held balls of "0".

When this worthless release card is inserted into the original inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 releases the paused state. Also, when the worthless release card is inserted into another inter-machine card processing machine 10, the paused state of the original inter-machine card processing machine 10 is released, but the details of this operation will be described later.

Now, when a worthless release card is inserted into a card issuing machine and prepaid value is purchased, the purchased prepaid value is associated with the inserted release card, and the release card becomes one with value. When the worthless release card becomes one with value, the card issuing machine sets a password as release data.

When a release card that has become valuable is inserted into the original inter-machine card processing machine 10, the pause state is released without password authentication. On the other hand, if a release card that has become valuable is inserted into another inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card is permitted to be used after password authentication, and the pause state of the original inter-machine card processing machine 10 is released.

In this way, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can temporarily suspend play, and when the suspend state begins in a valueless state where the value (prepaid value or held balls) used to make the game medium usable does not meet a standard, the machine controls the ejection of a card, which is a storage medium to which value can be associated, as a release card without associating a value with it. Then, when the corresponding release card is received in the suspended state, the machine releases the suspended state. This reduces the burden on players regarding the suspension of play and improves convenience.

Next, the system configuration of an amusement store will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an amusement store. As shown in Figure 2, the amusement store is equipped with multiple gaming machines 20 and an inter-machine card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is connected to a communication line, which is a network within the store, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, card management device 40, member management device 50, prize management device 60, settlement machine 80, and card issuing machine 90 are connected to the communication line.

The gaming machine 20 is a device for playing games by shooting gaming balls into the gaming board. The gaming board of this gaming machine 20 is provided with a plurality of winning areas (winning holes), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as prize balls based on the passing of the gaming balls through the winning areas. In addition, the gaming board is provided with a predetermined number of starting areas (starting holes), and a predetermined lottery is held based on the passing of the gaming balls through the starting areas. If the lottery is a big win, a predetermined movable member or the like is operated to increase the probability of the gaming ball passing through the winning areas or other starting areas, and other operations that are advantageous in the game are performed. The result of the lottery based on the passing of the balls through the starting holes is displayed on a special pattern display device that displays the result of the lottery. The display of the lottery result on this special pattern display device is performed in a manner that displays a fixed result after a predetermined period of variable display. In addition, the game board is provided with a decorative pattern display device that variably displays decorative patterns such as predetermined numbers based on the results of the lottery, and when the lottery results in a jackpot, a matching pattern such as (7, 7, 7) is displayed to notify the player. It is also possible to provide an area that serves as both a starting area and a winning area.

The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of a game ball into the winning area, and this winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of a game ball shot into the winning area. In addition, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory that stores the number of game balls to be awarded as prize balls for each winning area.

Therefore, when the winning sensor detects the passage of a inserted game ball into a specific winning area, the gaming machine 20 can determine the number of prize balls to be awarded based on the contents of the prize ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed through the winning area, and perform a payout process for the determined number of prize balls. In addition, the inserted game balls are ultimately ejected from the back of the gaming board to the outside of the gaming machine, regardless of whether they have passed through the winning area or not. The game balls that have been ejected to the outside of the gaming machine are detected by an out ball detection device attached to each gaming machine.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends game balls, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a bill inserted by a player, it transmits deposit notification data including the amount of the bill to the card management device 40, and adds a number corresponding to the amount to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Then, when a specified ball lending operation is performed, it transmits a ball lending request to the card management device 40, subtracts the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40, and performs a payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it sends card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives data including the prepaid value, number of held balls, and number of saved balls from the card management device 40, it stores the received prepaid value, number of held balls, and number of saved balls. Then, when the number of held balls has been stored, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 clears the number of held balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero by sending held ball subtraction request data to the card management device 40.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a held ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the held ball count stored in its own machine, and performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted held ball count. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a saved ball replay operation, it transmits saved ball replay request data to the member management device 50 via the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the saved ball count managed by the member management device 50, and performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted saved ball count.

When the inter-machine card processing device 10 accepts a card return operation, it transmits held ball addition request data, including the number of held balls managed by the device, to the card management device 40, and after having the card management device 40 add the number of held balls, it transmits card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 and controls the ejection of the card.

The island controller 30 is a relay device that ties together a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 installed on the gaming island.

The card management device 40 is a device that manages the prepaid value and number of balls held of the card as card data. When the card management device 40 receives card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it manages the card ID of the inserted card in association with the device ID of the inter-machine card processing device 10, and transmits the prepaid value and number of balls associated with the card ID to the inter-machine card processing device 10. Furthermore, if the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of a member card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the member management device 50, and transmits the saved ball replay data received from the member management device 50 to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

When the card management device 40 receives held ball subtraction request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the number of held balls to zero. When the card management device 40 receives held ball addition request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the held ball number included in the held ball addition request data to the held ball number managed by the card management device 40.

When the card management device 40 receives ball loan request data from the machine-to-machine card processing device 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits ball loan permission data to the machine-to-machine card processing device 10. When the card management device 40 receives saved ball replay request data, it transmits the saved ball replay request data to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs saved ball replay data, it transmits the saved ball replay data to the machine-to-machine card processing device 10.

When the card management device 40 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 card management device 40 receives a card ID from the settlement machine 80, it notifies the settlement machine 80 of the prepaid value that is associated with this card ID.

The member management device 50 is a management device that 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., associated with the member card ID issued to the member.

When the member management device 50 receives card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it transmits stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls and the PIN number associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In addition, when the member management device 50 receives stored ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request data, and transmits stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls after subtraction to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Note that communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40.

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

The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange that is attached to the prize exchange counter in the game center, and performs the prize exchange process of exchanging acquired balls, number of saved balls, and number of held balls for prizes. A card reader that reads the card ID from the card and a prize payout device that pays out prizes are connected to this prize management device 60. When the prize management device 60 reads the card ID from a general card or a member card (or when it reads the identification data corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal, etc.), it transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 and requests the number of held balls for that card ID. In addition, when the saved balls are to be exchanged for a prize, it requests the number of saved balls from the member management device 50. Note that the prize management device 60 does not request the number of saved balls from the member management device 50, but the member management device 50 that has received a notification of the card ID from the prize management device 60 may notify the prize management device 60 of the number of saved balls (and the PIN number) in return.

When a card associated with a prepaid value is inserted, the settlement machine 80 transmits the card ID of the card to the card management device 40 and receives the response data, thereby obtaining the prepaid value associated with the card and dispensing money according to the obtained prepaid value. The settlement machine 80 then initializes the prepaid value of the inserted card.

The card issuing machine 90 is a device that issues general cards associated with a prepaid value. The card issuing machine 90 stocks general cards with no value inside, and when it accepts a new card issuance operation and the insertion of cash, it associates the inserted amount of prepaid value and controls the discharge. In addition, when it accepts the insertion of cash after accepting a general card or a membership card, it associates the inserted amount of prepaid value with the accepted card and controls the discharge. Here, if the accepted card is a general card with no value, the card issuing machine 90 sets a password as release data. It is considered that a general card with no value is being used as a release card in one of the inter-machine card processing machines 10. If this release card is inserted into the original inter-machine card processing machine 10, it can be assumed that it has been used legitimately. However, if the release card is inserted into another inter-machine card processing machine 10, it does not necessarily mean that the player wishes to stop playing on the inactive inter-machine card processing machine 10 and use the card on the other inter-machine card processing machine 10, and there is a possibility that another player who has improperly obtained the release card is attempting to use the value. Therefore, by setting release data when the release card is placed in a valuable state and permitting use on the condition of authentication using the release data, it is possible to prevent improper use of the value.

Next, the ball lending process of the gaming system shown in Figure 2 will be explained. When a player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits ball lending request data to the card management device 40. This ball lending request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and an address or any identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender.

When the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the ball lending request data. The card management device 40 then transmits the ball lending permission data to the inter-machine card processing device 10 that sent the data. The inter-machine card processing device 10 that has received the ball lending permission data performs a payout process for the number of game balls that corresponds to the subtracted prepaid value.

Next, the held ball replay process when holding balls are replayed in the gaming system shown in Figure 2 will be explained. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and data for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

When the card management device 40 receives card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it notifies the inter-machine card processing device 10 of the number of balls held for each rate associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of held balls received from the card management device 40. It then transmits to the card management device 40 the card ID, data specifying the rate, and held ball subtraction request data indicating that the number of held balls should be cleared to zero. When the card management device 40 receives the held ball subtraction request data, it clears to zero the number of held balls for each rate specified by the card ID. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a held ball replay operation and performs held ball replay, it subtracts a predetermined number from the stored held ball number and performs a payout process for the corresponding number of game balls. When performing a payout process, it performs a payout process by sending a payout command to the gaming machine for a multiple of the unit that the gaming machine can payout (e.g., 25 balls), and performs a payout process for the remainder (e.g., less than 25 balls) by paying out from the nozzle unit 18a of its own machine.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the card return operation, it transmits held ball addition request data to the card management device 40. This held ball addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, an address or any identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the data, and the number of held balls for each rate.

When the card management device 40 receives the ball addition request data, it adds the number of balls contained in the ball addition request data to the number of balls for each rate associated with the card ID. After that, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 and controls the ejection of the card.

Next, the stored ball replay process in the gaming system shown in Figure 2 will be explained. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 reads the card ID from a membership card or a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and data for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-machine card processing device 10 to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data, it transmits the stored ball replay data including the PIN associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data, the number of stored balls at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data, and the possible number of stored ball replays to the inter-machine card processing device 10. The possible number of stored ball replays indicates the number of balls that can be replayed. This possible number of stored ball replays is a multiple of the number of payout units of game balls in the stored ball replay. If an upper limit is set for the stored ball replay, the maximum value within the range of the number of stored balls and the upper limit becomes the possible number of stored ball replays. Note that the possible number of times stored ball replays can be performed may be used as the number of stored ball replays instead of the possible number of stored ball replays. The number of stored ball replays is the quotient obtained by dividing the number of stored balls by the number of payout units of game balls in the stored ball replay. However, if a limit is set for the number of times you can replay saved balls, this limit will limit the number of times you can replay saved balls.

The inter-machine card processing device 10 stores the received saved ball replay data, and if the number of saved ball replays possible indicated in the saved ball replay data is 1 or more, it becomes capable of accepting 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 determines 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 transmits saved ball replay request data to the card management device 40. This saved ball replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the data, and data for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The card management device 40 transmits the saved ball replay request data to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the saved ball replay request data, it subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of saved balls at the rate specified by the message among the saved balls associated with the card ID in the saved ball replay request data, and recalculates the number of saved balls that can be replayed. It then transmits saved ball replay data including the balance after subtraction and the number of saved balls that can be replayed to the machine-to-machine card processing device 10.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls stored and performs a payout process for the number of game balls equal to the payout unit number of the stored ball replay. It also determines whether the updated number of possible stored ball replays is 1 or more. If the number of possible stored ball replays is 0, the stored ball replay operation cannot be accepted. If the updated number of possible stored ball replays is 1 or more, the stored ball replay operation can be accepted again. For the second and subsequent stored ball replays, it is not necessary to confirm the PIN. Note that the PIN may be confirmed each time. In addition, here, an example is shown in which the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the stored balls and then the inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs the payout process for the game balls, but the balance of the stored balls may be subtracted after the payout process for the game balls is performed based on the stored ball replay request. This is because the number of possible stored ball replays is indicated in the stored ball replay data before the stored ball replay request, and a situation in which a balance shortage is found after the stored ball replay request is accepted does not occur.

Next, the transition from held balls to saved balls during the store closing process will be explained. The card management device 40 checks the number of held balls in the card management data during store closing process, and if a record exists that is associated with a number of held balls greater than zero, it notifies the member management device 50 of the number of held balls in that record along with the card ID and rate. The member management device 50 adds the number of held balls notified by the card management device 40 to the number of saved balls specified by the card ID and rate. The card management device 40 then clears the number of held balls to zero.

Next, the external appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Note that in Figure 3, the external appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 is shown as the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The gaming machine 20 that is attached to it is also shown with a dashed line. Also, while Figure 3 shows an inter-machine card processing machine 10 that only accepts paper money, it is also possible to provide a unit that has the function of accepting electronic money and coins associated with a mobile terminal or card.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a status display unit 11, a bill insertion slot 12a, a display operation unit 13, a card insertion slot 14a, a card holder unit 14b, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

The status display unit 11 is, for example, composed of a multi-color LED, and displays the device status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a predetermined color. The bill insertion slot 12a is an insertion slot for various bills required for lending game balls. The display operation unit 13 is, for example, composed of a full-color touch panel type liquid crystal display, and is a device that displays operation buttons and accepts input operations via the operation buttons. Although detailed illustration of the display operation unit 13 is omitted in Figure 3, it has a flat shape with the long side on the corresponding gaming machine 20 side pivoted and attached to the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and is configured so that the angle between the front panel of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the display surface of the display operation unit 13 can be changed.

The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for a card held by a player. The holding section 14b is a section for holding a mobile terminal used for membership registration. When the mobile terminal is held over the holding section 14b, data such as the mobile terminal's unique ID (e.g., IDm) is read from the mobile terminal. The nozzle unit 18a is a mechanism for dispensing game balls into the gaming machine 20. The nozzle unit 18a is composed of a cylindrical nozzle that is horizontally rotatably provided on the front side of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the tip of the nozzle can be positioned in the storage section of the gaming machine. The nozzle is supplied with game media from a ball supply device in the inter-machine card processing machine that receives game media from a supply mechanism in the island where the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed. The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower tray of the gaming machine 20. The counting unit 18b consists of a tray that receives game balls, a counting section that is located at the bottom of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and counts the game balls using a counting sensor, and a counting passage section that passes the game media from the tray to the counting section. The tray and counting passage section can be removed as a unit from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 based on a predetermined operation (for example, an employee's remote control operation). The counting section has a unit structure, and by removing the counting section, tray, and counting passage section, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can be operated without the counting function.

Next, the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader/writer 14, a holding unit 14b, a communication unit 15, a memory unit 16, a control unit 17, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

The bill transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 12a to a bill storage unit (not shown) while determining the denomination and authenticity of the bills. The display operation unit 13 is an input/output device such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display that has the function of identifying and displaying various information such as the prepaid value, number of balls held, and number of stored balls that can be used for ball lending from the received card, the function of displaying other information not related to the card, and the function of accepting various operations such as ball lending operations. In addition to the above-mentioned displays, the display operation unit 13 also has the function of displaying the surplus or deficiency of the number of cards stored and the communication status with the higher-level device (online, offline, etc.).

The reader/writer 14 is a device that reads the card ID from the card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage section (not shown) through the reader/writer 14. The holding section 14b is an interface section that reads various information such as the unique ID (e.g., IDm) of the mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication when a mobile terminal or the like is held over the card. The reader/writer 14 also has the function of associating value data such as the balls held and prepaid value shown in the card data 16b with the card stored in the card storage section in response to the player's return operation, and issuing it as a new card. However, if the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of balls held is less than a certain number (minimum number of balls held), the card is controlled not to be returned even if a return operation is performed. This is a control to prevent losses to the gaming establishment caused by discarding cards associated with a small number of balls, and applies not only to cards stored inside in advance, but also to cards received from outside (excluding membership cards). The fixed number can be set, for example, so that the value of the card or the lowest priced prize in the gaming establishment is the number of balls held multiplied by the rental cost per ball, but it is not limited to this and can be freely set according to the gaming establishment's policy. Also, when controlling so that the card is not returned even if a return operation is performed, the stored balls can be paid out, but a message may be displayed to the effect that the card cannot be returned and/or a message may be displayed encouraging the user to replay the balls held.

The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30. The nozzle unit 18a is used to pay out some or all of the gaming balls when they are paid out through ball lending or replay. The counting unit 18b is a unit that counts the gaming balls.

The storage unit 16 is a storage device consisting of a hard disk drive, non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 16 stores device status data 16a, card data 16b, and hibernation state data 16c.

The own device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This own device status data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine and game settings. The device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 within the game establishment. The game settings are data indicating the game types and the like set in the inter-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 inter-machine card processing machine 10 selects the rate to be used for the game from these game types and stores it as the game settings.

Card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the player. Card data 16b includes the card ID, prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, the number of saved balls that can be replayed, etc. Data on held balls and saved balls exists for each type of game (rate). The card ID is the card ID read by the reader/writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion port 14a and then ejected, the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this transport. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion port 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this transport.

Hibernation state data 16c is data related to the hibernation state. Specifically, hibernation state data 16c indicates whether or not the device is in a hibernation state, and if the device is in a hibernation state, it further indicates the start time of the hibernation, the card ID of the release card, and the release data.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-machine card processing machine 10, and has a data management unit 17a, a counting processing unit 17b, a pause processing unit 17c, a release card ejection unit 17d, and a pause release unit 17e.

When a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. When the data management unit 17a receives data including value data (at least one of the prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of saved balls) from the card management device 40, it updates the card data 16b with the received value data. The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display of the prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of saved balls indicated in the card data 16b on the display operation unit 13.

In addition, when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits deposit notification data, including the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID, and the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID, to the card management device 40.

When a ball lending operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a transmits ball lending request data including the card ID and device ID to the card management device 40. If ball lending permission data is received in response to this ball lending request data, the data management unit 17a performs a payout process for a predetermined number of game balls.

In addition, when a player performs an operation to replay held balls, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of held balls indicated in the card data 16b and performs a payout process for the corresponding number of game balls.

When the number of possible saved ball replays indicated in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 17a displays a saved ball replay button on the display operation unit 13, and allows the saved ball replay operation to be accepted. When a saved ball replay operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a transmits saved ball replay request data including the card ID and the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID to the member management device 50. When saved ball replay data is received in response to this saved ball replay request data, the number of saved balls in the card data 16b is updated, and a payout process is performed for the number of game balls to be paid out for the saved ball replay. When a saved ball replay operation is performed for the first time, the input of a PIN is requested, and the saved ball replay request data is transmitted on the condition that the PIN matches the PIN indicated in the card data 16b.

In addition, when a player performs a card return operation, the data management unit 17a sends held ball addition request data, including the card ID, device ID, and number of held balls, to the card management device 40, clears the number of held balls in the card data 16b to zero, and then sends card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 and ejects the card.

In addition, when a player performs a ball transfer operation with a member card inserted, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls held indicated in the card data 16b and transfers the held balls to the saved balls by sending saved ball addition request data to the member management unit 50 via the card management unit 40. It should be noted that saved ball transfer can also be performed using a mobile terminal instead of a member card. Specifically, when the number of balls held is equal to or greater than a predetermined number and the mobile terminal is held over the holding unit 14b after a predetermined operation, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls held indicated in the card data 16b and transfers the held balls to the saved balls by sending saved ball addition request data including the IDm read by the holding unit 14b.

The data management unit 17a can also perform processing related to the wagon service. The wagon service is a service in which an amusement store clerk places products such as drinks and cigarettes in a wagon and travels around the amusement store to sell them to players who are playing. In such a wagon service, payment can be made with owned balls or saved balls in addition to payment with cash or the like. When paying for the wagon service with owned balls or saved balls, the amusement store clerk issues instructions to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 through a store clerk terminal (e.g., a remote control terminal) to make the inter-machine card processing machine 10 in a state where the wagon service can be paid for. Then, information that can identify the number of owned balls or saved balls to be subtracted as compensation is input to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This input processing is performed by inputting a numerical value on the display operation unit 13 of the inter-machine card processing machine or the operation unit of the store clerk terminal. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the input, it waits for the acceptance of an employee recording medium (e.g., a wagon card) to be used for the wagon service. When the wagon card is accepted, the data management unit 17a subtracts the input number of balls held or stored from the number indicated by the card data 16b, and discharges the balls in association with the employee recording medium. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the employee recording medium without accepting input of information that can identify the number of balls held or stored to be subtracted as payment, it performs processing to return the employee recording medium without making a payment for the wagon service. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts input of information that can identify the number of balls held or stored to be subtracted as payment during payment for the wagon service, if a replay operation for the held balls or the return operation for the recording medium is accepted, the replay operation or the return operation is restricted by rejecting the replay operation or the return operation, or the payment for the wagon service is cancelled, thereby preventing the two processes from competing with each other.

When game balls are inserted into the counting unit 18b, the counting processing unit 17b causes the counting unit 18b to count the game balls and adds the counting result to the number of balls held in the card data 16b.

The pause processing unit 17c is a processing unit that temporarily pauses play. Specifically, when the pause processing unit 17c receives a pause start operation from a player, it causes the release card ejection unit 17d to eject a release card, and registers the pause start time and the release card ID in the pause state data 16c. Furthermore, when the release data is set, it also registers the release data in the pause state data 16c. The pause processing unit 17c then updates the pause state in the pause state data 16c to "paused", transmits the pause state data 16c to the card management device 40, and starts the pause state.

In the pause state, the pause processing unit 17c prohibits any process that involves an increase or decrease in the value used to make game balls available for use. Specifically, some or all of the following processes are prohibited: deposit, ball lending process, replay process of held or saved balls, counting process that counts acquired game balls and adds them to held balls, card insertion, card ejection, etc.

The release card ejection unit 17d is a processing unit that ejects a release card when the pause state begins. When the pause state begins in a valueless state, the release card ejection unit 17d controls the ejection of a card that can be associated with value as a release card without associating value with the card. A valueless state is a state in which the value used to make a gaming medium usable does not meet a standard, for example a state in which both the prepaid value and the held balls are "0". In contrast, a state in which either the prepaid value or the held balls is not "0" is called a valued state.

When starting a pause state in a valued state, the release card ejection unit 17d controls the ejection of a card associated with value as a release card. Specifically, the prepaid value and balls in the card data 16b are associated with the card shown in the card data 16b and ejected. In addition, when ejecting a general card with value as a release card, the release card ejection unit 17d sets a password as release data. Specifically, it requests the player to input a password, and then confirms the password by accepting confirmation of the entered password.

Furthermore, when a member's card is accepted, that is, when the card ID in the card data 16b is the card ID of a member's card, the release card discharge unit 17d controls the discharge of the member's card as a release card. At this time, the prepaid value and held balls in the card data 16b are associated with the member's card and discharged. When a member's card is used as a release card, a password is set as release data regardless of whether the card has value. The password as release data may be newly set, or a password previously set in the member's card may be used.

The pause release unit 17e is a processing unit that releases the pause state. If the device itself is in a pause state, the pause release unit 17e refers to the pause state data 16c when a card is inserted into the reader/writer 14, and determines whether or not the inserted card is a release card for the device itself. If it is a release card for the device itself, the pause release unit 17e releases the pause state and registers the release of the pause state in the card management device 40. On the other hand, if the inserted card is not a release card for the device itself, the pause release unit 17e returns the card and ends the process.

In addition, the suspension release unit 17e releases the suspension state of its own device when instructed by the card management device 40 to release the suspension state.

Furthermore, the pause release unit 17e can release the pause state of other devices when its own device is not in a pause state. Specifically, when the pause release unit 17e receives a response to the card insertion notification indicating that the card is a release card for another device, it determines whether release data is present, and if release data is not set, it requests the card management device 40 to release the pause state of the original device and allows the card to be used. If release data is set, it requests the player to input release data, and if the appropriate release data is input, it requests the card management device 40 to release the pause state of the original device and allows the card to be used.

If a predetermined time has passed since the start of the pause, the release of the pause state using the release card may be restricted, requiring operation by an arcade attendant. Also, if the pause is not released even after a predetermined time has passed since the start of the pause, the arcade attendant may be notified.

Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will be described. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the memory unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The own device status data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) indicates that the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "3001" and that "Ball 1" is set as the game type of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

Card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 is "1001". Note that here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, with a card with the first digit "1" being a general card and a card with the first digit "2" being a membership card. Card data 16b also indicates that the prepaid value is "2000 points". Note that here, 1 point of the prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen. Card data 16b also indicates that the number of balls held by ball 1 is "375 balls", the number of balls held by ball 2 is "500 balls", and the number of balls held by ball 3 is "2000 balls".

In addition, the card data 16b can store the PIN number, the number of replayable balls, and the number of balls for each game type as data related to the saved balls, but since FIG. 5(b) shows a state in which a general card has been accepted, these data are displayed as "-" to indicate that they are not applicable. Note that, although the configuration in which the number of replayable balls is stored as the number of replays possible is shown here, the number of replays possible may also be stored as the replay frequency. In addition, although not shown, the card management device 40 stores the ON/OFF status of a "lock" flag indicating whether the card is valid or invalid in addition to the balls held, saved balls, and prepaid value in association with the card ID, and this is turned ON by an employee when the card is discovered to be stolen. These data are also stored in the card data 16b. Furthermore, this "lock" flag can be set for each function (such as "use saved balls" and "entering"), and for example, it is possible to use the "lock" flag to prevent erroneous operation by locking only the "entering" function at the request of the player. In this specification, "joining" refers to converting the number of gaming media at one rate into the number of gaming media at another rate based on the ratio of the unit price of the gaming media, and using that. As a specific example, in an inter-machine card processing device 10 associated with a 4 yen rate, the number of balls X at a 1 yen rate is used to process the payout of X x (1 yen/4 yen) = X/4. This "joining" function can be enabled/disabled by the member management device 50 according to the store's management policy.

Hibernation state data 16c shown in FIG. 5(c) is data that associates the hibernation state of the device itself, the hibernation start time, the release card ID, and the release data. In FIG. 5(c), the hibernation state is "Hibernating", the hibernation start time is "12:28", the release card ID is "1002", and the release data is "-", indicating that it has not been set.

Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the card management device 40 has a display unit 41, an input unit 42, an external network communication unit 43, a store network communication unit 44, a memory unit 45, and a control unit 46.

The display unit 41 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The external network communication unit 43 is an interface unit for data communication via a network outside the gaming facility. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, member management device 50, prize management device 60, settlement machine 80, and card issuing machine 90 via a communication line within the gaming facility.

The memory unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, and pause state management data 45d.

The game type setting data 45a is data that associates the lending rate and display name with the game type. The card management data 45b is data that associates the prepaid value, the number of balls held for each game type, and the destination device ID indicating the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 into which the card is inserted with the card ID. The device management data 45c is data related to the devices installed in the gaming facility. This device management data 45c includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine, the address of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the installation location, the gaming machine ID and model data of the gaming machine installed.

The pause state management data 45d is data that manages the pause state of the inter-machine card processing device 10. Specifically, the pause state management data 45d associates the device ID, operating status, pause start time, release card ID, and release data.

The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and has a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, a device management unit 46c, and a pause state management unit 46d. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, thereby causing the game type setting management unit 46a, the card management unit 46b, the device management unit 46c, and the pause state management unit 46d to execute processes corresponding to each of them.

The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that associates the game types, rates, and display names used in the gaming establishment and manages them as game type setting data 45a.

The card management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45b. Specifically, when the card management unit 46b receives card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it sets the destination device ID of the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data to the device ID also indicated in the card insertion notification data. It also notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the prepaid value associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data and the number of balls held for each rate as value data. In addition, if the inserted card is a member card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the member management device. When the card management unit 46b receives held ball subtraction request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the number of held balls for the rate indicated in the held ball subtraction request data to zero.

When the card management unit 46b receives ball lending request data including a card ID from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it determines whether the prepaid value associated with the card ID is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the prepaid value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b subtracts the predetermined value from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 45b and transmits ball lending permission data including the updated prepaid value to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. On the other hand, if the prepaid value is less than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of ball lending disallowance data.

In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives deposit notification data including the amount of the inserted coins, the card ID, and the device ID from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it adds the prepaid value associated with the card ID by the amount indicated in the deposit notification.

When the card management unit 46b receives saved ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it transfers the saved ball replay request data to the member management device 50. It also transfers the response data from the member management device 50 to the saved ball replay request data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

When the card management unit 46b receives held ball addition request data, it adds the number of held balls included in the held ball addition request data to the number of held balls for the corresponding rate. When the card management unit 46b receives card ejection notification data, it erases the destination device ID of the card ID.

When the card management unit 46b receives a card ID from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls held for each rate associated with this card ID. When the card management unit 46b receives a card ID from the settlement machine 80, it notifies the settlement machine 80 of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

The device management unit 46c is a processing unit that manages the device management data 45c. The device management unit 46c generates and updates the device management data 45c based on the device ID acquired from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the address of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID.

When the pause state management unit 46d receives a request to register pause state data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it registers the data in the pause state management data 45d. Similarly, when the pause state management unit 46d receives a request to register a pause state release from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it updates the pause state management data 45d.

Furthermore, when the hibernation management unit 46d receives card insertion notification data, it refers to the hibernation management data 45d, and if the card is set as a release card in any device, it responds to that effect. Then, when it receives a request to release the hibernation state, it instructs the original device to release the hibernation state.

Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 45 of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIGS. 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of data stored in the memory unit 45 of the card management device 40.

The game type setting data 45a shown in FIG. 7(a) associates the game type name "Ball 1" with the rate "4 yen" and the display name "4 Pachi". The game type setting data 45a also associates the game type name "Ball 2" with the rate "2 yen" and the display name "2 Pachi". The game type setting data 45a also associates the game type name "Ball 3" with the rate "1 yen" and the display name "1 Pachi".

In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b), the card ID "1001" is associated with a prepaid value of "2500", the number of held balls for ball 1 "1500", the number of held balls for ball 2 "2300", and the number of held balls for ball 3 "0". In other words, the card with card ID "1001" is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing device 10, and the management of the held balls is performed by the card management device 40.

In addition, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b), the card ID "1002" is associated with a prepaid value of "0", the number of balls held for each rate of "0", and the destination device ID of "3004". In other words, the card with card ID "1002" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with device ID "3004", and management of the number of balls held has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. For this reason, the number of balls held for each rate is zero.

In addition, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b), the card ID "2002" is associated with a prepaid value of "2000", the number of balls held for each rate of "0", and the destination device ID of "3001". In other words, the card with card ID "2002" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing device 10 with device ID "3001", and management of the held balls has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing device 10. For this reason, the number of balls held for each rate is zero.

Furthermore, the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b) associates the prepaid value with the purchase method and shows the balance for each purchase method. Specifically, the prepaid value for card ID "1001" is "2500", which is the sum of the cash purchase amount of "1000" and the Cashless P1 purchase amount of "1500". Similarly, the prepaid value for card ID "2002" is "2000", which is the sum of the Cashless P1 purchase amount of "1000" and the Cashless P2 purchase amount of "1000".

The device management data 45c shown in FIG. 7(c) indicates that the network address of the inter-machine card processing device 10 with ID "3001" is "AB.CD.EF.GH", the installation location is "Island 1-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "P001", the game type is "Ball 3", and the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "EV01". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

The hibernation state management data 45d shown in FIG. 8(d) associates a device ID, an operating status, a hibernation start time, a release card ID, and release data. Specifically, in FIG. 8(d), the device ID "3004" is associated with an operating status of "Hibernation", a hibernation start time of "12:28", a release card ID of "1002", and "-", which indicates that the release data is not set.

Next, the processing procedure for starting the hibernation state will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for starting the hibernation state. When the hibernation processing unit 17c receives a hibernation start operation (step S101), the release card ejection unit 17d determines whether the card being used has value (step S102). If the card has no value (step S102; No), it determines whether the card being used is a membership card (step S104).

If the card in use has value (step S102; Yes), the release card ejection unit 17d associates value with the card in use (step S103), sets release data (step S105), and makes it a release card.

If the card in use is a worthless membership card (step S104; Yes), the release card ejection unit 17d sets release data on the card in use (step S105) and makes it a release card.

If the card in use is a worthless general card (step S104; No), the release card ejection unit 17d treats the card in use as a release card without setting release data on it.

The hibernation processing unit 17c stores the hibernation start time, the release card ID, etc. in the hibernation state data 16c, and updates and stores the hibernation state to "in hibernation" (step S106). The hibernation state data 16c is then registered by transmitting it to the card management device 40 (step S107).

Then, the release card ejection unit 17d ejects the release card (step S108), the pause processing unit 17c starts the pause state (step S109), and the process ends.

Next, the processing procedure when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 releases its own device from a suspended state will be described. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 releases its own device from a suspended state. First, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 in a suspended state accepts a card (step S201), the suspension release unit 17e refers to the suspension state data 16c and determines whether the inserted card is a release card for its own device (step S202).

If the inserted card is a release card for the device itself (step S202; Yes), the suspension release unit 17e releases the suspended state (step S204), registers the release of the suspended state in the card management device 40 (step S205), and ends the process. On the other hand, if the inserted card is not a release card for the device itself (step S202; No), the suspension release unit 17e returns the card (step S203) and ends the process.

Next, the processing procedure when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 releases the pause state of another device will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 releases the pause state of another device. First, when an inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is not in a pause state accepts a card (step S301), the pause release unit 17e acquires pause state management data for the inserted card (step S302). This pause state management data is obtained as a response to the card insertion notification.

If the hibernation management data indicates that the inserted card is not an unlocking card for another device (step S303; No), the hibernation unlocking unit 17e permits use of the card (step S304) and terminates the process.

If the hibernation management data indicates that the inserted card is a release card for another device (step S303; Yes), the hibernation release unit 17e determines whether release data is present (step S305). If release data is not set (step S305; No), the hibernation release unit 17e requests the card management device 40 to release the hibernation of the original device (step S306), permits use of the card (step S304), and ends the process.

If release data has been set (step S305; Yes), the pause release unit 17e requests the player to input the release data. Then, on condition that the appropriate release data has been received (step S307; Yes), the pause release unit 17e requests the card management device 40 to release the pause state of the original device (step S306), permits use of the card (step S304), and ends the process. If the appropriate release data has not been input (step S307; No), the pause release unit 17e returns the card (step S308) and ends the process.

Next, modified examples of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a modified interface of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed by being sandwiched between the gaming machines 20. Generally, in pachinko games, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is associated with the gaming machine 20 on the right side as viewed from the front. On the other hand, in slot games, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is associated with the gaming machine on the left side as viewed from the front. As such, since the gaming machine associated with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 differs, a situation may occur in which a player mistakenly operates the inter-machine card processing machine 10 on the opposite side.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 12 uses a housing cover that is inclined toward the gaming machine it is associated with, to prevent erroneous operation. In addition, by making the housing cover replaceable, it is possible to switch which gaming machine the same inter-machine card processing machine 10 is associated with.

Figure 12 shows a housing cover 10a used when associated with the gaming machine on the left side, and a housing cover 10b used when associated with the gaming machine on the right side. By using these housing covers, it is possible to prevent the insertion of bills into the bill insertion slot 12a from the opposite side. In addition, the display operation unit 13 is provided on the housing cover, which makes it possible to prevent viewing and operation from the opposite side.

Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of an inter-machine card processing machine 10 that can be used for both pachinko and slot games. The shapes of the machines are different for pachinko and slot games, which results in differences in maintainability. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13(a), for pachinko, maintenance is performed by opening the machine, while for slot games, maintenance is performed by opening the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This is because for slot games, the machine cannot be opened to access the inter-machine card processing machine 10 from the side.

To accommodate these differences in table shape, as shown in Figure 13(b), a fulcrum is provided on the frame of the inter-machine card processing device 10, making the frame movable, which allows maintenance of the circuit board and wiring on the back of the frame.

Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of frame fixing. As shown in Figure 14(a), if one were to try to fix the frame of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 directly to the game island, it would be difficult to fix it accurately, and skilled techniques would be required each time the device is replaced. Therefore, as shown in Figure 14(b), a frame fixing member is fixed to the game island in advance, and the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is configured to be slid into the frame fixing member and fitted, making it easy to replace the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

Next, we will explain pausing in an enclosed gaming machine. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of pausing in an enclosed gaming machine. Enclosed gaming machines circulate the enclosed gaming balls internally and are used, so the player does not touch the gaming balls. Therefore, when lending balls or replaying, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 does not pay out gaming balls, but adds to the number of playable balls managed by the gaming machine. In addition, the number of playable balls is transferred to the balls held by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by a counting operation.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 can prevent the counting of actual game balls in the paused state, but cannot prevent the transition from the playable number to the held balls. Therefore, if the transition from the playable number to the held balls occurs in the paused state, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 automatically transitions from the held balls to the playable number.

In FIG. 15(a), the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is in a paused state, the number of balls in hand is "0", and the number of playable balls on the gaming machine 20 is "1000". When a counting operation is accepted in this state, the number of playable balls is transferred to the balls in hand, and the number of playable balls on the gaming machine 20 becomes "0", and the number of balls in hand on the inter-machine card processing machine 10 becomes "1000", as shown in FIG. 15(b). However, since the inter-machine card processing machine 10 in a paused state automatically pays out the balls in hand that have increased due to counting, the number of balls in hand becomes "0", and the number of playable balls on the gaming machine 20 becomes "1000", as shown in FIG. 15(c). This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the number of playable balls is illegally obtained in a paused state.

Next, we will explain how to deal with fraud in the paused state. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of how to deal with fraud in the paused state. Anyone attempting to fraudulently obtain value from an idle inter-machine card processing machine 10 will act in such a way that they can leave before legitimate players return, so by detecting such behavior, it is possible to determine the possibility of fraud.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, situations where there is a possibility of fraud include "returning the card without playing after the pause is lifted," "the time between the counting operation and the card being returned after the pause is lifted is short," "the time between the start of the pause and the pause being lifted is short," and "not being seated when the pause is lifted or the counting is started."

If these conditions are detected, the inter-machine card processing device 10 will take action such as "notifying the store clerk" or "delaying the counting operation until the pause release limit is reached."

As described above, in this embodiment, when a pause state is initiated in a valueless state where the value used to make the game medium usable does not meet a standard, a storage medium to which a value can be associated is controlled for ejection as a pause-resuming medium without associating the storage medium with a value, and the pause state is released when the corresponding pause-resuming medium is received in the pause state. This reduces the burden on players regarding the pause state of play and improves convenience.

In addition, in this embodiment, a value can be added to the storage medium that has been discharge-controlled as a suspension release medium. When adding a value to the suspension release medium, release information can be set, and authentication of the release information can be made a condition when the suspension release medium is used in a device other than the device to be released.

When starting a hibernation state in a valuable state where the value is equal to or greater than a standard, it is also possible to control the discharge of the storage medium associated with the value as a hibernation release medium. When starting the hibernation state in a valuable state where the value is equal to or greater than a standard, release information can be set, and authentication of the release information can be made a condition when using the hibernation release medium in a device other than the device to be released.

In addition, when a pause state is initiated after a member storage medium associated with the member player's identification information has been received, it is also possible to control the ejection of the member storage medium as a medium for resuming pause.

In addition, according to this embodiment, if the hibernation resuming medium is used on a device other than the device to be released, the hibernation state of the device to be released can be released.

In this embodiment, even if the release data is set in the release card, the configuration is described as an example in which the release data is not requested when the pause state is released in the original inter-machine card processing machine 10, but the release data may also be authenticated when the pause state is released in the original inter-machine card processing machine 10.

In addition, in the above embodiment, detailed explanation of the form of the card, which is the medium to which the number of game media is associated, is omitted, but such cards include magnetic cards, IC (Integrated Circuit) cards, etc. Also, for the sake of convenience, a "card" has been used as an example here, but the present invention can also be applied to cases where a contactless chip or stick with an integrated IC, a mobile terminal, etc., is used in addition to such a card.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which game balls are used as the game medium, but the invention can also be applied to the case in which medals for slot machines are used.

The present invention may also be applied to an enclosed gaming machine that uses gaming balls enclosed in the gaming machine. In an enclosed gaming machine, the number of gaming balls that can be thrown onto the gaming board is managed as the playable number, and when lending balls or replaying, the playable number is added up instead of paying out actual gaming balls.

In addition, each configuration shown in the figure is a functional schematic, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

As described above, the gaming management system of the present invention is suitable for reducing the burden on players regarding paused gaming and improving convenience.

10 Inter-machine card processing device 10a, 10b Housing cover 11 Status display unit 12 Bill transport unit 12a Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation unit 14 Reader/writer 14a Card insertion slot 14b Hold unit 15 Communication unit 16, 45 Memory unit 16a Own machine status data 16b Card data 16c Pause state data 17, 46 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Counting processing unit 17c Pause processing unit 17d Released card ejection unit 17e Pause release unit 18a Nozzle unit 18b Counting unit 20 Gaming machine 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41 Display unit 42 Input unit 43 External network communication unit 44 Store network communication unit 45a Game type setting data 45b Card management data 45c Machine management data 45d Hibernation state management data 46a Game type setting management section 46b Card management section 46c Device management section 46d Hibernation state management section 50 Member management device 60 Prize management device 80 Payment device 90 Card issuing machine

Claims (2)

A gaming management system having each machine device that is attached to a gaming machine and performs processing related to the gaming on the gaming machine,
A pause processing means for temporarily pausing the game;
A transfer means for transferring the number of gaming machine-managed media managed by the gaming machine to the number of possessed gaming media managed by each of the machine devices;
a limiting means for limiting the ejection of a storage medium associated with the number of held gaming media when the number of gaming machine managed media is transferred to the number of held gaming media by the transfer means while game play is paused by the pause processing means. The limiting means is
The gaming management system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the pause processing means transfers the number of gaming machine managed media to the number of held gaming media in response to the acceptance of a predetermined counting operation while play is paused, the number of gaming media transferred to the number of held gaming media is automatically transferred to the number of gaming machine managed media.

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