JP7780982B2 - Gaming system, prize management device, settlement machine, and device linking method - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a gaming system, prize management device, settlement machine, and device linkage method that can efficiently handle errors in the linked operation of a self-service prize management device and settlement machine.

Traditionally, at pachinko parlors and other gaming establishments, the number of gaming media acquired by a player through play is associated with a storage medium such as a card, and this number of gaming media is then exchanged for prizes in a prize management device. Furthermore, if prepaid value is associated with the storage medium, a settlement process is carried out in a settlement machine, and currency is dispensed.

In gaming parlors, if the prize management device and the settlement machine are not installed adjacent to each other, the player will exchange the prize at the prize management device, then go to the location of the settlement machine and settle the prepaid value at the settlement machine. In such cases, there is a risk that the player will forget to settle at the settlement machine, so there is known technology that performs the prize exchange and settlement processes all at once in the prize management device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In recent years, self-service prize management devices, which allow players to exchange prizes themselves, have become increasingly common, and there is a growing possibility that these self-service prize management devices will be installed alongside payment machines, allowing players to perform both prize exchange and payment processing (hereinafter referred to as "linked operation").

JP 2017-144111 A

However, the system described in Patent Document 1 above has the problem that if an error occurs in the self-service prize management device and/or the settlement machine during linked operation, the login and reset procedures specified for each device must be performed individually, placing a heavy burden on employees.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a gaming system, prize management device, settlement machine, and device linkage method that can efficiently handle errors in the linked operation of a self-service prize management device and settlement machine.

To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming system comprising a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired through play on a gaming machine and the prepaid value used for play by associating them with the identification information of the storage medium; a prize management device that exchanges the number of gaming media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for prizes; and a settlement machine that is communicatively connected to the prize management device and processes the settlement of the prepaid value, and is characterized by having a linkage processing means that, when one of the prize management device and the settlement machine transitions from normal operation mode to employee mode operated by an employee, transitions the other device from the normal operation mode to the employee mode.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that, when one of the prize management device and the settlement machine transitions from the employee mode to the normal operation mode, the interlocking processing means transitions the other device from the employee mode to the normal operation mode.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that, when both the prize management device and the settlement machine are in the employee mode, if one of the prize management device and the settlement machine is reset, the other device is reset.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the prize management device and the settlement machine are further equipped with display control means that, when the linked processing means switches to employee mode, if a predetermined error has occurred, controls the display of information related to the error on a predetermined display unit, and if no error has occurred, controls the display of an employee menu on the display unit.

In the above invention, the display control means controls the display of the employee menu on the display unit, and is further characterized by controlling the display of a menu based on the authority granted to the employee.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the settlement machine further includes an unlocking means for unlocking the door based on the authority granted to the employee if the error occurs in the prize management device or the settlement machine when the interlocking processing means switches to the employee mode.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention provides a prize management device that is communicatively connected to a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired through play on a gaming machine and the prepaid value used for play by associating them with the identification information of the storage medium, and a settlement machine that performs settlement processing for the prepaid value, and that exchanges the number of gaming media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for prizes, and is characterized by having a linkage processing means that, when the device itself transitions from normal operation mode to employee mode operated by an employee, transitions the settlement machine from the normal operation mode to the employee mode.

The present invention also provides a settlement machine that is communicatively connected to a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired through play on a gaming machine and the prepaid value used for play by associating them with the identification information of the storage medium, and a prize management device that exchanges the number of gaming media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for prizes, and that performs settlement processing for the prepaid value. The settlement machine is characterized by having a linkage processing means that, when the device itself transitions from normal operation mode to employee mode, transitions the prize management device from the normal operation mode to the employee mode.

The present invention also provides a device linkage method for a gaming system having a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired through play on a gaming machine and the prepaid value used for play by associating them with the identification information of the storage medium; a prize management device that exchanges the number of gaming media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for prizes; and an adjustment machine that is communicatively connected to the prize management device and processes the settlement of the prepaid value. The method includes a transition step of transitioning one of the prize management device and the adjustment machine from a normal operation mode to an employee mode operated by an employee; and a linkage processing step of transitioning the other device from the normal operation mode to the employee mode when the transition step causes one of the prize management device and the adjustment machine to transition from the normal operation mode to the employee mode.

This invention makes it possible to efficiently handle errors when operating a self-service prize management device and a payment machine in conjunction with each other.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating 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 processing machine 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 device status data and card 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 card management data, device management data, and member management data shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the device management data and employee management data shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self-service prize management device shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the holding value data and prize inventory data shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the corresponding device data and employee data shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the settlement machine shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the corresponding device data and employee data shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error processing pattern according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of authority by business rank according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an employee menu display screen in the payment machine according to the first embodiment. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for error processing in the self-prize management device of embodiment 1. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure for error processing in the settlement machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a gaming system according to the second embodiment. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for employee ID authentication in the self-service prize management device and prize payout device of embodiment 2. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a gaming system according to the third embodiment. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for settlement processing and prize exchange processing in the self-service prize management device of embodiment 3. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) for explaining an overview of the gaming system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) for explaining an overview of the gaming system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the fifth embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
The gaming system, prize management device, settlement machine, and device linkage method according to this embodiment 1 will be described in detail below.

In this specification, "held balls" refers to data indicating gaming media acquired by a player through gaming, which can only be used again for gaming on the same day (before the gaming establishment closes). "Number of held balls" refers to the number of gaming media acquired by a player through gaming. "Saved balls" refers to data indicating gaming media deposited by a player at a gaming establishment, which can be used again for gaming from the next day onwards (after the gaming establishment closes). "Saved balls" refers to the number of gaming media deposited by a player at a gaming establishment. Holding balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when a gaming machine is moved, etc. Saving balls can, in principle, only be used by member players, and are used when acquired gaming media are used to play on a gaming machine from the next day onwards. "Number of gaming balls" refers to the number of playable balls available to a player for gaming. Additionally, "prizes" are prizes that can be exchanged for the number of gaming media acquired by a player.

<Outline 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 ID key is used as a storage medium for storing the employee ID used by the employee to log in to the self-service prize management device 60. If an error occurs in the self-service prize management device 60, the employee ID stored in the ID key is read from the ID key reader 63, and the employee's login process is performed (S1).

The self-service prize management device 60 notifies the settlement machine 90 of the login information (S2), and the settlement machine 90 automatically performs the employee's login process using this login information (S3).

Once the self-service prize management device 60 has performed the reset process (S4), it notifies the settlement machine 90 of the reset information (S5), and the settlement machine 90 automatically performs the reset process using this reset information (S6).

Once the self-service prize management device 60 has performed the employee logout process (S7), it notifies the settlement machine 90 of the logout information (S8), and the settlement machine 90 automatically performs the employee logout process using this logout information (S9).

In this way, in the gaming system according to this embodiment 1, by linking the login, logout, and reset processes of the self-service prize management device and the settlement machine, error response processing can be efficiently performed in the linked operation of the self-service prize management device and the settlement machine.

<System Configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a gaming facility is equipped with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and a machine-to-machine card processor 10 provided for each gaming machine 20. The machine-to-machine card processor 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-flight network, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, a management device 50, a self-service prize management device 60, a prize payout device 80, and a cashier 90 are connected to the communication line. The self-service prize management device 60 and the prize payout device 80 are in one-to-one correspondence. The remote control 100 is connected to the cashier 90 so as to be able to communicate with it using short-range communication such as infrared.

The gaming machine 20 is a device in which game balls enclosed inside the device are shot onto the gaming board. These game 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 multiple prize areas (prize openings), and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls when a game ball passes through a prize area. The gaming board is also provided with a predetermined number of start areas (start openings), and a predetermined lottery is held when a game ball passes through a start area. If the lottery results in a jackpot, a predetermined movable member or the like is activated, thereby increasing the probability of the game ball passing through the aforementioned prize area or another start area, thereby providing an advantage in the game. An area may also serve as both a start area and a prize area.

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

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a deposit from a player, it associates prepaid value corresponding to the amount of the deposit with the card ID stored inside the machine. This prepaid value can be used to lend game balls. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 can also accept the insertion of cards associated with prepaid value, owned balls, saved balls, etc. When play is completed, the machine ejects the card associated with prepaid value, owned 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 have been shot onto the game board, the gaming machine 20 sends out data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Furthermore, 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 sends safe data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Furthermore, when a special state, such as a jackpot, occurs during play, the gaming machine 20 sends special prize data indicating the occurrence of such state to the inter-machine card processor 10.

Out data corresponds to the number of balls inserted, which is the number of balls inserted by the player onto the gaming board. Safe data corresponds to the number of balls won as a result of winning. 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 operating history of the gaming machine 20 by accumulating the out data, safe data, and special prize data as operating information.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends gaming balls, and communicates with the management device 50 and the gaming machines 20. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts banknotes inserted by a player, it sends a deposit notification including the deposit amount to the management device 50, thereby adding the prepaid value equivalent to the deposit amount 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 gaming 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. Furthermore, 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 it 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 accepts a held ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of held balls it manages, 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. Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts 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 device 10 accepts a card return operation, it sends a ball addition request including the number of balls held to the management device 50, and after having the management device 50 add the number of balls held, 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 balls held.

The inter-machine card processing device 10 has the 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 opening procedures, etc., and the gaming machine 20 becomes playable if the authentication is successful.

The inter-machine card processing machine 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. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of gaming balls notified by the gaming machine 20 and periodically notifies the management device 50 of the number of gaming balls and the number of balls in hand.

The island controller 30 is a device that manages 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 card ID of the inserted card in association with the inter-machine card processing device 10, and sends the prepaid value and remaining ball balance associated with the card ID to the inter-machine card processing device 10. Furthermore, if the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of a membership card, it sends 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 balls in possession to zero, and when it receives a request to add balls in possession from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the number of balls in possession indicated in the request to add balls to the balance of balls in possession.

Furthermore, 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 sends a ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing device 10. And when it receives a saved ball replay request, it sends saved ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

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

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

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

Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives the association between the self-service prize management device 60 and the settlement machine 90, it stores this association and notifies the associated self-service prize management device 60 and settlement machine 90 of this association as corresponding device information.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives data related to an employee, it stores this data and notifies the self-prize management device 60 and the settlement machine 90 as employee information.

The self-prize management device 60 is a device that processes prize selection when exchanging prizes, and is associated with the settlement machine 90 in linked operation. When the self-prize management device 60 reads a card ID, it requests the management device 50 for the balance of prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of saved balls associated with the card ID, and when it receives the balance of prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of saved balls associated with the card ID from the management device 50, it stores this balance of prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of saved balls.

The self-prize management device 60 also accepts the selection of a prize within the balance of the owned and saved balls, notifies the prize payout device 80 of the payout instruction for the selected prize, and notifies the settlement machine 90 of the remaining prepaid value. The self-prize management device 60 prints the type and number of the selected prize, as well as the number of leftover balls, on the exchange receipt and issues it as an exchange receipt.

Furthermore, when the self-prize management device 60 receives corresponding device information and employee information from the management device 50, it stores the respective information. When the self-prize management device 60 performs the login process, it notifies the settlement machine 90 associated with the device of the login information, including the employee ID. When the self-prize management device 60 receives login information from the settlement machine 90, it performs the login process using the employee ID included in this login information.

Furthermore, once the self-service prize management device 60 has performed a reset process for its own device, it notifies the associated settlement machine 90 of the reset information. Once the self-service prize management device 60 receives the reset information from the settlement machine 90, it performs a reset process for its own device.

Furthermore, once the self-prize management device 60 has performed the logout process, it notifies the settlement machine 90 associated with the device of the logout information. When the self-prize management device 60 receives the logout information from the settlement machine 90, it performs the logout process.

Furthermore, when a login process is performed, the self-prize management device 60 displays an employee menu according to the job rank corresponding to the employee ID used in this login process. When the self-prize management device 60 receives an employee menu selection operation, it performs the selected process.

The prize payout device 80 is a device that pays out prizes. When the prize payout device 80 receives a payout instruction from the self-prize management device 60, it pays out the prize based on this payout instruction.

The settlement device 90 is a device that settles the remaining balance of prepaid value associated with the card, and is associated with the self-prize management device 60 in linked operation. When the settlement device 90 accepts a card ID, it notifies the management device 50 of a request for prepaid value associated with this card ID. When the settlement device 90 receives the remaining balance of prepaid value associated with the card from the management device 50 or the self-prize management device 60, it performs the settlement process.

Furthermore, when the settlement machine 90 receives corresponding device information and employee information from the management device 50, it stores the respective information. When the settlement machine 90 performs the login process, it notifies the self-prize management device 60 associated with the settlement machine 90 of the login information, including the employee ID. When the settlement machine 90 receives login information from the self-prize management device 60, it performs the login process using the employee ID included in the login information.

Furthermore, once the settlement machine 90 has performed the reset process for its own device, it notifies the associated self-prize management device 60 of the reset information. Once the settlement machine 90 receives the reset information from the self-prize management device 60, it performs the reset process for its own device.

Furthermore, once the settlement machine 90 has performed the logout process, it notifies the self-prize management device 60 associated with the settlement machine 90 of the logout information. When the settlement machine 90 receives the logout information from the self-prize management device 60, it performs the logout process.

Furthermore, when the login process is performed, the settlement machine 90 displays an employee menu according to the job rank corresponding to the employee ID used in this login process. When the settlement machine 90 accepts an employee menu selection operation, it performs the selected process.

In addition, the settlement machine 90 will unlock its own door if the employee corresponding to the employee ID used during the login process has been granted the authority to unlock the door based on their job rank.

The remote control 100 is a terminal that uses short-range communication such as infrared to issue employee login instructions to devices such as the payment machine 90. The remote control 100 accepts an employee ID and notifies the payment machine 90 of the employee's login instruction.

Next, we will explain the ball lending process in the gaming system according to this embodiment 1. 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 arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the message, and a ball lending request.

When the management device 50 receives a message containing a ball lending request, it updates the card management data by subtracting a predetermined value (for example, 5 units, which represents 500 yen when 1 unit is 100 yen) from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message, and sends a ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing device 10 that sent the message. Upon receiving the ball lending permission, the inter-machine card processing device 10 sends an addition signal to the gaming machine 20 requesting that the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value (for example, "125") be added to the number of game balls.

Upon receiving the addition signal, the gaming machine 20 adds up the number of gaming balls and transmits the added number of gaming balls 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 added number of gaming balls to determine whether the addition of the number of gaming balls was performed appropriately.

Next, we will explain the held ball replay process in the gaming system according to this embodiment 1. 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 arbitrary 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 in 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 sends a message to the management device 50 containing information identifying the card ID and rate, and a request to subtract held balls. When the management device 50 receives the request to subtract held balls, it clears the balance of held balls identified by the card ID and rate to zero. Furthermore, 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 device 10 receives a management transfer request from a gaming machine 20 to transfer its management by making the number of gaming balls held by the inter-machine card processing device 10 the balls held by the gaming machine 20, it adds the number of gaming balls indicated in the management transfer request to the balls held by its own device. After that, when it accepts a card return operation, it sends a message to the management device 50 containing a request to add balls held. This message contains the card ID of the card to be ejected, an address or arbitrary identification information identifying the inter-machine card processing device 10 that sent the message, information to identify the rate of the inter-machine card processing device 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 associated with the card ID in the message at the rate specified by the message to the received value. The inter-machine card processing device 10 then sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and controls the ejection of the card.

Next, the stored ball replay processing in the gaming system according to this embodiment 1 will be explained. 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 in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal), an address or arbitrary identification information identifying 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 to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10, including the PIN associated with the card ID in the message and the remaining balance of stored balls at the rate specified in the message.

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

When the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 receives the first saved ball replay operation after storing the saved ball replay data, it asks the player to enter a PIN number and checks whether the entered PIN number matches the PIN number indicated 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 contains the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary 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, and a request to replay the saved balls.

The management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of 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 machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

The inter-machine card processing device 10 receives the saved ball replay data, updates the saved ball balance, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the saved ball replay unit number to add it to the number of game balls. It also determines whether the updated saved ball balance is less than the saved ball replay unit number. If the updated saved ball data balance is equal to or greater than the saved ball replay unit number, it can accept another saved ball replay operation, and if the saved ball replay operation is accepted, it sends a saved ball replay request. For saved ball replay operations from the second time onwards, there is no need to confirm the PIN number. If the updated saved ball data balance is less than the saved ball replay unit number, it cannot accept the saved ball replay operation.

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

<External Configuration of the Inter-machine Card Processing Machine 10 and the Gaming Machine 20>
Next, the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing device 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 device 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. While Fig. 3 illustrates an inter-machine card processing device 10 that accepts only paper money, it is also possible to provide a unit that can accept electronic money.

As shown in Figure 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is equipped with a status display unit 11 that displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by lighting or flashing a lamp 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 equipped with a gaming board, a handle 21 used to release enclosed gaming balls onto the gaming board, and a counting button 22.

The count button 22 is an operation button for transferring management of the number of balls available for dispensing from the gaming machine 20 to the inter-machine card processor 10 by subtracting the number of gaming 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 gaming machine 20 where actual gaming balls are dispensed upon winning, this management transfer corresponds to the counting process in which the inter-machine card processor 10 counts the dispensed gaming balls and adds them to the balls held.

<Configuration of inter-machine card processing machine 10>
Next, the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 4 is a 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 banknote 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 transports banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot 12a to a banknote storage unit (not shown) while determining their denomination and authenticity. The display and 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 that performs 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 device status data 16a and card data 16b.

The machine status data 16a indicates the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This machine status data 16a includes the machine ID, gaming machine ID, game type, etc. The machine ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the machine ID within the gaming parlor. The game type is data indicating the rate set in the machine ID. When gaming balls of multiple rates are handled within the gaming parlor, a game type name is assigned and managed for each rate, such as "Ball 1" for 4-yen rate balls, "Ball 2" for 2-yen rate balls, and "Ball 3" for 1-yen rate balls. The machine ID data 16a indicates the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The machine ID data 16a indicates the machine ID, gaming machine ID, game type, etc ...

Card data 16b is data related to the card currently being used by the player. Card data 16b includes the card ID, PIN number, prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, etc. 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 slot 14a and then ejected, 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 slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this transport. The 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 gaming management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20. It is desirable to form this gaming management unit 18 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, authentication key management unit 18b, and gaming machine status management unit 18c to execute their respective processes.

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

The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages authentication keys. A usage time is set for each authentication key, and the authentication key becomes unusable when the cumulative operating time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b uses the power-on time of the board on which the gaming management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the gaming machine 20 to manage the usage time of the authentication key. If the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b obtains a new authentication key from an authentication key management center outside the parlor 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 obtains the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, sends a request to add to the number of gaming balls when a ball is loaned, sends a request to switch management from held balls to the number of gaming balls when held balls are replayed, sends a request to add to the number of gaming balls when saved balls are replayed, 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 when counted. Such communication between the inter-machine card processing device 10 and the gaming machine 20 uses 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. The time interval at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 is preferably set shorter than the interval at which gaming balls are released (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 at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c obtains a new gaming machine ID from a gaming machine 20 is not limited to before opening. The gaming machine status management unit 18c can obtain a gaming machine ID or determine whether to replace a gaming machine 20 when the inter-machine card processing device 10 is powered on or off, during regular communication, when processing related to the number of gaming balls (ball lending, replay, counting, etc.) is performed, or when returning from an offline state. A combination of these timings may also be used.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that performs overall control of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In practice, processes are executed by loading and executing a program corresponding to the control unit 17 into the CPU. The data management unit 17a is a processing unit that manages card data 16b.

Specifically, 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 processor ID to the management device 50. Furthermore, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a value (prepaid value, held balls, or saved balls) and a PIN number from the management device 50, it updates the card data 16b with the received value and PIN number.

In addition, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a sends a deposit notification to the management device 50, including the amount of the inserted banknote, the card ID, and the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID.

In addition, when a player performs a ball lending operation, the data management unit 17a sends a ball lending request including the card ID and the machine-to-machine card processing machine 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 from the card data 16b and add a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20.

Furthermore, 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.

Furthermore, if the balance of saved balls indicated in card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of saved ball replay units, the data management unit 17a displays a saved ball replay button on the display operation unit 13, making it possible to accept a saved ball replay operation. When a saved ball replay operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a sends a saved ball replay request including the card ID and the machine-to-machine card processing device ID to the management device 50. If saved ball replay data is received in response to this saved ball replay request, the data management unit 17a updates the saved ball balance in card data 16b and instructs the gaming management unit 18 to add the number of balls corresponding to the number of saved ball replay units to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20. Note that when a saved ball replay operation is performed for the first time, a PIN is required to be entered, and a match with the PIN indicated in card data 16b is a condition for sending a saved ball replay request.

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

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

Next, we will explain an example of data stored in the memory unit 16 of the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the machine status data 16a and card data 16b shown in Figure 4.

The host device status data 16a shown in Figure 5(a) indicates that 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.

Card data 16b shown in Figure 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 is "2015." Note that here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, with cards with the first digit "1" being a general card and cards with the first digit "2" being a member card. Card data 16b also indicates that the PIN number for replaying saved balls is "1234" and the prepaid value is "0" points. Note that here, 1 point of prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen.

In addition, card data 16b indicates that, in terms of held balls, the balance of held balls for ball 1 is "990" balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is "0" 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 "0" balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 2 is "0" balls, and the balance of saved balls for ball 3 is "0" balls.

<Configuration of gaming machine 20>
Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 6 is a 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 presentation 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 up, the communications 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 so, establishes communication with the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 and enters a standby state. In the standby state, if permission to operate is received from the machine-to-machine card processing device 10, the communications control unit 23 starts up the presentation control unit 24, gaming control unit 25, and gaming ball control unit 26, making the machine playable.

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 slot on the game board, obtains random numbers (random numbers between 0 and 65535, with numbers assigned to indicate a big win, small win, or loss within a predetermined range) using game balls that have entered the starting slot and performs lottery draws (for special and regular symbols), controls movable members (tulips, etc.) on the game board, controls the display of the special symbol display device on the game board, detects abnormalities that may indicate fraud (such as the front frame being open or vibrations being detected) and notifies the host device, etc.

A large number of obstacle pins are set into the game board, and game balls are launched onto the game board by operating the handle. They fall between the obstacle pins and either enter a prize slot or a starting slot, or are ejected from the game board through an exit slot without winning. When a game ball enters a starting slot, a lottery is held, and if a jackpot is awarded, a jackpot game is played in which a specific prize slot on the game board is kept open multiple times. By making it easier for game balls to enter these prize slots, prize balls are awarded to the player.

Furthermore, jackpot games include bonus jackpot games that grant players a specified bonus game after the jackpot game ends. Bonus jackpot games include probability-changing jackpots and time-saving jackpots. Probability-changing jackpots and time-saving jackpots grant probability-changing and time-saving games as bonus games, respectively, after a jackpot. Time-saving games are bonus games that increase the number of draws per unit time by shortening the fluctuation time (the time from the start of the lottery process to the display of the results) of the normal pattern lottery (the lottery for opening and closing the movable member described above) and/or the special pattern lottery (the jackpot lottery resulting from the entry of a game ball described above), thereby increasing the number of draws per unit time and increasing the probability of winning a jackpot per unit time. This bonus game may also include normal pattern probability fluctuation, which increases the probability of winning a normal pattern. Time-saving games resulting from a time-saving jackpot end when the special pattern lottery has been drawn a specified number of times after a jackpot. Variable probability games will be discussed later.

The game control unit 25 has a probability fluctuation function. This probability fluctuation function controls the random number range for the next jackpot lottery to be changed (typically by about 10 times) when the lottery result falls within a specifically defined random number range for the jackpot. The probability fluctuation game uses this changed probability to draw a special symbol. The probability fluctuation game continues until the next jackpot is won. Probability fluctuation game and time-saving game may be granted simultaneously. However, to prevent unexpected losses to the gaming parlor, if a player acquires a certain number of gaming media after the probability fluctuation game or time-saving game has started, the game may be stopped (the card is temporarily ejected and a prize exchange or a request to move the machine is made). In this case, this can be achieved by having the gaming machine 20 count the number of gaming media after the probability fluctuation game state is entered, and by performing game stop control such as stopping the release of gaming balls when this count reaches a predetermined value.

The effect control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the effects during play, and includes an effect symbol lottery unit 24a and an effect lottery unit 24b. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the effect symbol lottery unit 24a and the effect lottery unit 24b to execute their respective processes.

The effect symbol lottery unit 24a performs lottery (specifically, whether to stop the display at 7, 7, 7) for effect symbols (symbols to be displayed on effect symbol display devices such as display devices on the game board) based on the special symbol lottery performed by the game control unit 25.

The effect selection unit 24b selects the type of effect to be performed before the result of the effect pattern selection 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 being 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 that in 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. The playable number management unit 26a is a management unit that manages the playable number, i.e., the number of game balls.

Specifically, the gaming ball control unit 26 stores the number of gaming balls in a playable number memory, subtracts "1" from the number of gaming balls each time a gaming ball is fired, and adds the number of prize balls won by winning to the number of gaming 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 gaming balls and sends a confirmation signal to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 indicating that the number of gaming balls has been added. The gaming ball control unit 26 can also control the cleaning of the gaming balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the gaming 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 this 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 sends a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of gaming balls in increments of a certain number (e.g., 100 balls per operation). The number of balls transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10's management is then subtracted (invalidated) from the number of gaming balls. Furthermore, if the counting button 22 is detected as being pressed, and no fall is detected for a predetermined period of time after the detection signal rises, the control unit 26 sends a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of gaming balls in increments of a certain number (e.g., 200 balls per 5 seconds) each time the detection signal remains in an up state for a certain period of time. The control unit 26 then subtracts (invalidates) the number of balls transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10's management 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 separate boards. 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, the configuration of the management device 50 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 7 is a 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 a display device such as an LCD panel or display device. The input unit 52 is an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for communicating data with an authentication key management center (not shown) via an external network. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for communicating data with the island controller 30, self-service prize management device 60, and settlement machine 90 via communication lines within the gaming store.

The memory unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, compatible device management data 55d, and employee management data 55e.

Card management data 55a is data that associates the card ID with the remaining prepaid value and the remaining balls held. Device management data 55b is data related to the devices installed in the gaming facility. This device management data 55b includes the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID, installation location, gaming machine number, gaming machine ID, model data of the gaming machine 20, etc.

Member management data 55c is data that associates the card ID of the member card issued to the member with the member's name, ball collection information, etc. Corresponding device management data 55d is data that indicates the correspondence between the self-service prize management device 60 and the settlement machine 90. Employee management data 55e is data that associates the employee ID, name, and job rank.

The control unit 56 is responsible for overall control of the management device 50, and includes a card management unit 56a, a device management unit 56b, a member management unit 56c, a corresponding device management unit 56d, and an employee management unit 56e. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the card management unit 56a, the device management unit 56b, the member management unit 56c, the corresponding device management unit 56d, and the employee management unit 56e to execute their respective processes.

The card management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the card management data 55a. The card management unit 56a communicates with the inter-machine card processing device 10, the self-service prize management device 60, and the settlement machine 90 to update the prepaid value and ball balance associated with the card ID.

In addition, when the card management unit 56a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10 or a request for the value associated with the card from the self-prize management device 60, it notifies the player of the value associated with the card and the remaining balls.

In addition, when the card management unit 56a receives a request for the value associated with the card from the settlement machine 90, it notifies the remaining balance of the value associated with the card.

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

The member management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55c. The member management unit 56c communicates with the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 and the self-prize management device 60 to update the balance of saved balls associated with the card ID. In addition, when the member management unit 56c receives a member registration request, it updates the member management data 55c to add the member.

Here, we will explain the saved ball replay processing by the member management unit 56c. When the member management unit 56c receives saved ball replay request data from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10, it deducts the remaining saved balls at the payout rate from the saved balls associated with the card ID in the saved ball replay request data by the payout unit number, and recalculates the number of saved balls that can be replayed. It then sends saved ball replay data including the remaining balance after the subtraction and the number of saved balls that can be replayed to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

The corresponding device management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages the corresponding device management data 55d. When the corresponding device management unit 56d receives an association between a self-service prize management device 60 and a settlement machine 90 from the input unit 52, it stores this association in the corresponding device management data 55d and notifies the self-service prize management device 60 and the settlement machine 90 of this association as corresponding device information.

The employee management unit 56e is a processing unit that manages the employee management data 55e. When the employee management unit 56e receives employee-related data from the input unit 52, it stores this data in the employee management data 55e and notifies the self-service prize management device 60 and the settlement machine 90 of the data as employee information.

Next, an example 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 card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, supported device management data 55d, and employee management data 55e shown in Figure 7.

In the card management data 55a shown in Figure 8(a), card ID "1001" is associated with a prepaid value of "0" points, a balance of "0" balls for each rate, and a destination ID of "A101." In other words, the card with card ID "1001" is inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 with device ID "A101," and management of the balls has been transferred to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. As a result, the balance of the balls for each rate is zero.

In addition, in the card management data 55a, a prepaid value of "0" is associated with card ID "2015." Furthermore, the remaining balls associated with ball 1 are "990" balls, the remaining balls associated with ball 2 are "0" balls, and the remaining balls associated with ball 3 are "0" balls. However, there is no association with a usage ID. In other words, the card with card ID "2015" is not inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing device 10, and the management of the remaining balls is performed by the management device 50.

The device management data 55b shown in Figure 8(b) indicates that for the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 with ID "A101," its installation location is "Island 1-1," the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201," the gaming machine number is "11," the game type is "Ball 1," the gaming machine 20 model is "EV01," and the serial number is "a." It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

Furthermore, the device management data 55b indicates that for the machine-to-machine card processing device 10 with ID "A201," its installation location is "Island 2-1," the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B506," the gaming machine number is "21," the game type is "Ball 3," the gaming machine 20 model is "DX03," and the serial number is "g." It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

Member management data 55c shown in Figure 8(c) indicates the name, saved balls, etc. associated with the card ID. Specifically, member management data 55c indicates that for card ID "2015," the name is "Takken Taro," the saved ball balance for "Ball 1" is "0," the saved ball balance for "Ball 2" is "0," and the saved ball balance for "Ball 3" is "0."

The corresponding device management data 55d shown in Figure 9(a) associates the self-service prize management device ID "SPOS001" with the payment machine ID "SK001", and associates the self-service prize management device ID "SPOS002" with the payment machine ID "SK002".

The employee management data 55e shown in Figure 9(b) associates employee ID "JG001", name "Hatsumei Jiro", and job rank "Manager", associates employee ID "JG011", name "Toku Kaiko", and job rank "Manager", and associates employee ID "JG101", name "Chizai Saburo", and job rank "General".

<Configuration of self-service prize management device 60>
Next, we will explain the configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in Figure 2. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 10, the self-prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader/writer 61, a receipt issuing unit 62, and an ID key reader 63, and has a display operation unit 64, a communication unit 65, a memory unit 66, and a control unit 67.

The card reader/writer 61 is a device that reads the card ID from the player's card and may also write some data to the card. The receipt issuing unit 62 is a device such as a thermal printer that issues various receipts, including receipts printed with information identifying the selected prize. The ID key reader 63 is a device that reads the employee ID from the ID key.

The display operation unit 64 is an input/output device such as an LCD touch panel. The communication unit 65 is an interface unit that enables the self-service prize management device 60 to communicate with the management device 50, prize payout device 80, and settlement machine 90 via a communication line.

The memory unit 66 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores holding value data 66a, prize inventory data 66b, corresponding device data 66c, and employee data 66d.

The holding value data 66a is data indicating the value associated with the card read by the card reader/writer 61. The prize inventory data 66b is data for managing the inventory of prizes in the prize payout device 80 installed alongside.

The associated device data 66c is data indicating the device ID of the device itself and the device ID of the settlement machine 90 associated with the device itself. The employee data 66d is data indicating information about employees.

The control unit 67 is a control unit that controls the entire self-service prize management device 60, and includes a holding value management unit 67a, a prize inventory management unit 67b, a prize selection control unit 67c, a receipt issuance processing unit 67d, a corresponding device management unit 67e, an employee management unit 67f, an interlocking device control unit 67g, and an employee work control unit 67h. In practice, the programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into and executed by the CPU, causing the holding value management unit 67a, the prize inventory management unit 67b, the prize selection control unit 67c, the receipt issuance processing unit 67d, a corresponding device management unit 67e, an employee management unit 67f, an interlocking device control unit 67g, and an employee work control unit 67h to execute their respective processes.

The held value management unit 67a is a processing unit that manages the held value data 66a. When a card ID is read by the card reader/writer 61, the held value management unit 67a requests the management device 50 for the balance of prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of saved balls associated with the card ID. When the held value management unit 67a receives the balance of prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of saved balls associated with the card ID from the management device 50, it stores the balance of prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of saved balls in the held value data 66a.

The prize inventory management unit 67b is a processing unit that manages the prize inventory data 66b. When the prize inventory management unit 67b receives prize inventory data from the prize payout device 80, it stores the received data in the prize inventory data 66b.

The prize selection control unit 67c is a processing unit that selects the prize to be exchanged for. The prize selection control unit 67c accepts the selection of a prize based on the prize inventory data 66b, within the range of the remaining balls in possession and the remaining balls in reserve.

Furthermore, once a prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67c notifies the prize payout device 80 of a payout instruction including the prize code and number of the selected prize, and treats the remaining balls in possession and saved balls as the number of leftover balls, passing the type and number of the paid-out prize and the number of leftover balls to the receipt issuance processing unit 67d. It then notifies the settlement machine 90 of the remaining prepaid value associated with the card.

The receipt issuance processing unit 67d is a processing unit that issues exchange receipts. When the receipt issuance processing unit 67d receives the type and number of selected prizes and the number of leftover balls from the prize selection control unit 67c, it prints the received data on an exchange receipt and issues it as an exchange receipt.

The corresponding device management unit 67e is a processing unit that manages the corresponding device data 66c. When the corresponding device management unit 67e receives corresponding device information from the management device 50, it stores this corresponding device information in the corresponding device data 66c.

The employee management unit 67f is a processing unit that manages the employee data 66d. When the employee management unit 67f receives employee information from the management device 50, it stores this employee information in the employee data 66d.

The interlocking device control unit 67g is a processing unit that controls the interlocking processing between its own device and the settlement machine 90 associated with it. When the interlocking device control unit 67g receives an employee ID from the ID key reader 63, it performs login processing and notifies the settlement machine 90 corresponding to the settlement machine ID in the associated device data 66c of login information including the employee ID. When the interlocking device control unit 67g receives login information from the settlement machine 90, it performs login processing using the employee ID included in this login information.

Furthermore, when the interlocking device control unit 67g receives a reset instruction from the display operation unit 64, it performs a reset process for its own device and notifies the settlement machine 90 corresponding to the settlement machine ID in the corresponding device data 66c of the reset information. When the interlocking device control unit 67g receives reset information from the settlement machine 90, it performs a reset process for its own device.

Furthermore, when the interlocking device control unit 67g receives a logout instruction from the display operation unit 64, it performs the logout process and notifies the payment machine 90 corresponding to the payment machine ID in the corresponding device data 66c of the logout information. When the interlocking device control unit 67g receives the logout information from the payment machine 90, it performs the logout process.

The employee work control unit 67h is a processing unit that performs processing related to employee work. When the interlocking device control unit 67g performs login processing using an employee ID, the employee work control unit 67h displays an employee menu on the display operation unit 64 according to the work rank of the employee data 66d corresponding to this employee ID.

In addition, when the employee operation control unit 67h receives an employee menu selection operation from the display operation unit 64, it performs the selected process.

Next, we will explain an example of data stored in the memory unit 66 of the self-service prize management device 60 shown in Figure 10. Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams showing examples of holding value data 66a, prize inventory data 66b, corresponding device data 66c, and employee data 66d shown in Figure 10.

The held value data 66a shown in Figure 11(a) is data indicating the value associated with the read card, such as the number of balls held, the number of saved balls, and the prepaid value. The held value data 66a indicates that the number of balls held by ball 1 is "990", the number of balls held by ball 2 is "0", the number of balls held by ball 3 is "0", the number of saved balls for ball 1 is "0", the number of saved balls for ball 2 is "0", the number of saved balls for ball 3 is "0", and the prepaid value is "0".

The prize inventory data 66b shown in Figure 11(b) associates prize codes with prize names, group codes, storage capacity, and stock quantities. Prize inventory data 66b associates prize code "0001" with prize name "grand prize," group code "01," storage capacity "100," and stock quantity "20." Prize code "0002" associates prize name "medium prize," group code "01," storage capacity "300," and stock quantity "150." Prize code "0003" associates prize name "small prize," group code "01," storage capacity "500," and stock quantity "230."

The corresponding device data 66c shown in Figure 12(a) associates the self-service prize management device ID "SPOS001" and the payment machine ID "SK001." The employee data 66d shown in Figure 12(b) associates the employee ID "JG001," the name "Hatsumei Jiro," and the job rank "Manager," associates the employee ID "JG011," the name "Toku Kaiko," and the job rank "Manager," and associates the employee ID "JG101," the name "Chizai Saburo," and the job rank "General."

<Payment machine 90>
Next, we will explain the settlement machine 90 shown in Figure 2. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the settlement machine 90 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 13, the settlement machine 90 has a card reader 91, an infrared receiving unit 92, a display operation unit 94, a communication unit 95, a memory unit 96, and a control unit 97.

The card reader 91 is a device that reads the card ID from the player's card. The infrared receiving unit 92 is a device that receives infrared light from the remote control 100 and reads various data from this infrared light. The display operation unit 94 is an input/output device such as an LCD touch panel. The communication unit 95 is an interface unit for communicating with the management device 50 and self-prize management device 60 via a communication line.

The memory unit 96 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores corresponding device data 96a and employee data 96b. Corresponding device data 96a is data indicating the device ID of the device itself and the device ID of the self prize management device 60 associated with the device itself. Employee data 96b is data indicating information about employees.

The control unit 97 is a control unit that controls the entire settlement machine 90, and includes a settlement control unit 97a, a corresponding device management unit 97b, an employee management unit 97c, an interlocking device control unit 97d, and an employee work control unit 97e. In practice, the programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the settlement control unit 97a, the corresponding device management unit 97b, the employee management unit 97c, the interlocking device control unit 97d, and the employee work control unit 97e to execute their respective processes.

The settlement control unit 97a is a processing unit that settles the prepaid value associated with the card. When the settlement control unit 97a receives a card ID from the card reader 91, it notifies the management device 50 of a request for the prepaid value associated with this card ID. When the settlement control unit 97a receives the remaining balance of the prepaid value associated with the card from the management device 50 or the self-prize management device 60, it performs the settlement process.

The corresponding device management unit 97b is a processing unit that manages the corresponding device data 96a. When the corresponding device management unit 97b receives corresponding device information from the management device 50, it stores this corresponding device information in the corresponding device data 96a.

The employee management unit 97c is a processing unit that manages the employee data 96b. When the employee management unit 97c receives employee information from the management device 50, it stores this employee information in the employee data 96b.

The interlocking device control unit 97d is a processing unit that controls the interlocking processes between its own device and the self-prize management device 60 associated with its own device. When the interlocking device control unit 97d receives an employee ID from the infrared receiving unit 92, it performs login processing and notifies the self-prize management device 60 corresponding to the self-prize management device ID in the corresponding device data 96a of login information including the employee ID. When the interlocking device control unit 97d receives login information from the self-prize management device 60, it performs login processing using the employee ID included in this login information.

Furthermore, when the interlocking device control unit 97d receives a reset instruction from the display operation unit 94, it performs a reset process for its own device and notifies the self-prize management device 60 corresponding to the self-prize management device ID in the corresponding device data 96a of the reset information. When the interlocking device control unit 97d receives reset information from the self-prize management device 60, it performs a reset process for its own device.

Furthermore, when the interlocking device control unit 97d receives a logout instruction from the display operation unit 94, it performs the logout process and notifies the self-prize management device 60 corresponding to the self-prize management device ID in the corresponding device data 96a of the logout information. When the interlocking device control unit 97d receives logout information from the self-prize management device 60, it performs the logout process.

The employee work control unit 97e is a processing unit that performs processing related to employee work. When the interlocking device control unit 97d performs login processing using an employee ID, the employee work control unit 97e displays an employee menu on the display operation unit 94 according to the work rank of the employee data 96b corresponding to this employee ID.

In addition, the employee operation control unit 97e unlocks the door of its own device when the interlocking device control unit 97d performs login processing using an employee ID and the employee has been granted door unlocking authority based on the job rank in the employee data 96b corresponding to this employee ID. When the employee operation control unit 97e receives an employee menu selection operation from the display operation unit 94, it performs the selected process.

Next, we will explain an example of data stored in the memory unit 96 of the settlement machine 90 shown in Figure 13. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the corresponding device data 96a and employee data 96b shown in Figure 13.

The corresponding device data 96a shown in Figure 14(a) associates the self-service prize management device ID "SPOS001" and the payment machine ID "SK001." The employee data 96b shown in Figure 14(b) associates the employee ID "JG001," the name "Hatsumei Jiro," and the job rank "Manager," associates the employee ID "JG011," the name "Toku Kaiko," and the job rank "Manager," and associates the employee ID "JG101," the name "Chizai Saburo," and the job rank "General."

<Example of Error Handling Pattern According to First Embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of an example of an error processing pattern according to the first embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an error processing pattern according to the first embodiment.

As shown in Figure 15, in the error processing of this embodiment 1, the error processing patterns are classified depending on whether the employee performs the login processing, reset processing, and logout processing on the self-service prize management device 60 or the settlement machine 90.

Pattern 1 is a case where the login process, reset process, and logout process are all performed on the self-prize management device 60. Pattern 2 is a case where the reset process is not performed in pattern 1, i.e., the login process and logout process are performed on the self-prize management device 60.

Pattern 3 is a case where the login process and reset process are performed on the self-service prize management device 60, and the logout process is performed on the settlement machine 90. Pattern 4 is a case where the reset process is not performed in pattern 3, i.e., the login process is performed on the self-service prize management device 60, and the logout process is performed on the settlement machine 90.

Pattern 5 is a case where the login process is performed on the self-service prize management device 60, and the reset process and logout process are performed on the settlement machine 90.

Pattern 6 is a case where the login process, reset process, and logout process are all performed at the settlement machine 90. Pattern 7 is a case where the reset process is not performed in pattern 6, i.e., a case where the login process and logout process are performed at the settlement machine 90.

Pattern 8 is a case where the login process and reset process are performed at the settlement machine 90, and the logout process is performed at the self-prize management device 60. Pattern 9 is a case where the reset process is not performed in pattern 8, i.e., the login process is performed at the settlement machine 90, and the logout process is performed at the self-prize management device 60.

Pattern 10 is a case where the login process is performed at the settlement machine 90, and the reset process and logout process are performed at the self-prize management device 60.

<Example of authority by business rank according to the first embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of an example of authority by business rank according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of authority by business rank according to the present embodiment 1.

As shown in Figure 16, there are four types of authority related to business rank authority. The first is the authority to unlock the door of the settlement machine 90. The second is the card inquiry authority related to card inquiry, renewal, settlement rescue, and transfer processing. The third is the authority related to ball holding adjustment processing. The fourth is processing without authority management, such as resetting and daily totals.

Business ranks are divided into Manager, Administrator, and General, and permissions are granted according to each rank. Specifically, business rank "Manager" is granted all four types of permissions. Business rank "Administrator" is granted all permissions except for those related to adjusting ball holdings, i.e., unlocking doors, inquiring about cards, and performing processes without permission management. Business rank "General" is granted only permissions for processes without permission management.

<Example of employee menu display screen on payment machine 90 according to embodiment 1>
Next, a description will be given of an example of an employee menu display screen in the settlement machine 90 according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an employee menu display screen in the settlement machine 90 according to the present embodiment 1.

As shown in Figure 17(a), the employee menu screen for the "Manager" job rank displays all menus. Specifically, "Last Transaction," "Card Inquiry," "Daily Total," "Monthly Total," "Loss Adjustment," and "Loss Adjustment Log" are displayed.

Also, as shown in Figure 17(b), the employee menu screen for the "Manager" job rank displays menus excluding those related to adjusting the number of balls held. Specifically, "Previous Transaction," "Card Inquiry," "Daily Total," and "Monthly Total" are displayed.

<Error processing procedure in the self-prize management device 60 according to embodiment 1>
Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure for error handling in the self prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for error handling in the self prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 18, once the self-service prize management device 60 receives the employee ID from the ID key reader 63 and performs the login process (step S101; Yes), it notifies the payment machine 90 corresponding to the payment machine ID in the corresponding device data 66c of the login information including the employee ID (step S102).

If the login process is not performed on the device itself (step S101; No) and login information is received from the settlement machine 90 (step S103; Yes), the login process is performed using the employee ID included in the login information (step S104).

If an error has occurred in the device itself (Step S105; Yes), an error processing screen is displayed on the display operation unit 64 (Step S106). If a reset instruction is received and the reset process is executed (Step S107; Yes), reset information is notified to the settlement machine 90 (Step S108).

If a reset instruction has not been received (step S107; No) and reset information has been received from the settlement machine 90 (step S109; Yes), reset processing is performed (step S110).

If no error has occurred in the device itself (step S105; No), the employee menu screen is displayed on the display operation unit 64 (step S111), and the menu selection is accepted and processing is executed (step S112).

If a logout instruction is received from the display operation unit 64 and the logout process is performed (step S113; Yes), the logout information is notified to the settlement machine 90 (step S114), and the process ends.

If the device does not perform the logout process (step S113; No) and receives logout information from the settlement device 90 (step S115; Yes), the device performs the logout process (step S116) and terminates the process.

<Error handling procedure in the settlement machine 90 according to the first embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure for error handling in the settlement machine 90 according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for error handling in the settlement machine 90 according to the present embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 19, once the settlement machine 90 receives the employee ID from the infrared receiver 92 and performs the login process (step S201; Yes), it notifies the self-prize management device 60 corresponding to the self-prize management device ID in the corresponding device data 96a of the login information including the employee ID (step S202).

If the login process is not performed on the device itself (step S201; No) and login information is received from the self-prize management device 60 (step S203; Yes), the login process is performed using the employee ID included in this login information (step S204).

If an error has occurred in the device itself (Step S205; Yes), an error processing screen is displayed on the display operation unit 94 (Step S206). If the employee ID has been granted permission to unlock the door (Step S207; Yes), the door is unlocked (Step S208).

Once the reset instruction is received and the reset process is executed (step S209; Yes), the reset information is notified to the self-prize management device 60 (step S210).

If a reset instruction has not been received (step S209; No) and reset information has been received from the self-prize management device 60 (step S211; Yes), the reset process is performed (step S212).

If no error has occurred in the device itself (step S205; No), the employee menu screen is displayed on the display operation unit 94 (step S213), and the menu selection is accepted and processing is executed (step S214).

If a logout instruction is received from the display operation unit 94 and the logout process is performed (step S215; Yes), the logout information is notified to the self-prize management device 60 (step S216), and the process is then terminated.

If the logout process is not performed on the device itself (step S215; No) and logout information is received from the self-prize management device 60 (step S217; Yes), the logout process is performed (step S218) and the process ends.

As described above, in the gaming system according to this embodiment 1, by linking the login, logout, and reset processes of the self-service prize management device and the settlement machine, error response processing can be efficiently performed in the linked operation of the self-service prize management device and the settlement machine.

In the above embodiment 1, we described a configuration in which when either the self-service prize management device or the settlement machine performs the login process and switches to employee mode, the other device also automatically switches to employee mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure a device that has switched to employee mode to allow the user to choose whether or not to switch the other device to employee mode.

[Embodiment 2]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which when either the self-prize management device or the settlement machine performs a login process and switches to employee mode, the other device also automatically switches to employee mode, but the present invention is not limited to this.

A self-service prize management device associated with a prize payout device may be installed on top of the prize payout device. To unlock the door of the prize payout device to replenish prizes, etc., an ID key must be held over the operation section of the prize payout device, but the installation of the self-service prize management device makes it difficult to hold up the ID key, which places a burden on employees.

To solve this problem, the present invention can be configured so that when an ID key needs to be held over a prize payout device, a self-service prize management device associated with the prize payout device can act as a proxy for holding up the ID key.

In this second embodiment, we describe a gaming system in which, when an ID key needs to be held over a prize payout device, a self-service prize management device associated with the prize payout device can act as a substitute for the ID key holding operation.

<Outline of the gaming system according to the second embodiment>
First, an outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 2.

The prize refill operation is performed on the prize payout device 180 (S11), and the ID key required to continue the operation is held up on the self-prize management device 160 (S12). Specifically, the ID key is held up over the ID key reader 63 connected to the self-prize management device 160.

When the ID key is held up on the self-service prize management device 160, the read employee ID is notified to the prize payout device 180, and the prize payout device 180 performs an authentication process and authorizes the replenishment process (S13).

<Processing procedure for employee ID authentication in the self-service prize management device 160 and the prize payout device 180 according to the second embodiment>
Next, we will explain the processing procedure for employee ID authentication in the self-service prize management device 160 and the prize payout device 180 according to this embodiment 2. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for employee ID authentication in the self-service prize management device 160 and the prize payout device 180 according to this embodiment 2.

As shown in FIG. 21, when the prize payout device 180 receives a replenishment operation (step S301; Yes), it notifies the self-prize management device 160 of an employee ID request (step S302).

When the self-prize management device 160 receives an employee ID request from the prize payout device 180, it enters a standby state for reading the ID key (step S303). When it receives an employee ID from the ID key reader (step S304; Yes), it notifies the prize payout device 180 of the employee ID (step S305).

When the prize payout device 180 receives the employee ID from the self-prize management device 160 (step S306), it uses this employee ID to perform an employee ID authentication process (step S307), authorizes the replenishment process (step S308), and terminates the process.

As described above, in the gaming system according to this second embodiment, when it is necessary to hold an ID key over a prize payout device, the self-service prize management device associated with this prize payout device can perform the operation of holding the ID key on behalf of the player, thereby allowing the prize payout device to process the prize payout device efficiently.

In the above second embodiment, we have described the case of replenishing prizes in the prize dispensing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The self-service prize management device can also be configured to perform the operation of holding up the ID key in the case of error resolution, tallying, setting, training, payout testing, and maintenance in the prize dispensing device.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration was described in which the self-service prize management device performs the operation of holding up an ID key when replenishing prizes in the prize dispensing device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the self-service prize management device to perform all processing in the prize dispensing device, or a set portion of the login processing or the operation of holding up an ID key.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration was described in which the self-service prize management device takes over the operation of holding up the ID key when replenishing prizes in the prize dispensing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the self-service prize management device can also be configured to take over the operation of holding up the ID key if an error occurs in the function related to the operation of holding up the ID key in the prize dispensing device.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration was described in which the self-service prize management device performs the operation of holding up an ID key when replenishing prizes in the prize payout device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure it so that it is possible to select whether the login process for the self-service prize management device and the prize payout device is performed separately, or whether the login process for one device automatically performs the login process for the other device when the login process for the other device is performed.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration was described in which the self-service prize management device performs the operation of holding up an ID key when replenishing prizes in the prize dispensing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. By making the self-service prize management device a portable tablet terminal, it is also possible to configure it so that login processing for various devices within the gaming facility can be performed from this tablet terminal.

[Embodiment 3]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which when either the self-prize management device or the settlement machine performs a login process and switches to employee mode, the other device also automatically switches to employee mode, but the present invention is not limited to this.

When the self-service prize management device and the settlement machine are operated in conjunction with each other, if the self-service prize management device accepts a card associated with prepaid value and retained balls and/or saved balls (hereinafter referred to as "exchange balls"), the exchange balls are used to exchange for prizes, and then the remaining prepaid value is automatically settled at the settlement machine. In this case, it is not possible to adequately meet the needs of players who only want to exchange for prizes or only want to settle their accounts.

To solve this problem, the present invention can also be configured to enable the self-service prize management device to perform processing according to the value associated with the card.

In this third embodiment, we describe a gaming system in which a self-service prize management device can perform processing according to the value associated with a card.

<Outline of the gaming system according to the third embodiment>
First, an outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 3 will be described. Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 3.

As shown in FIG. 22(a), if the value associated with the accepted card is prepaid value, the self-prize management device 260 displays a settlement process selection screen for the user to select whether or not to settle the transaction.

As shown in FIG. 22(b), if the value associated with the accepted card is exchange balls, the self-prize management device 260 displays an exchange process selection screen for selecting whether or not to exchange for a prize.

As shown in FIG. 22(c), if the value associated with the accepted card is prepaid value and exchange balls, the self-prize management device 260 displays a settlement processing selection screen, and then displays an exchange processing selection screen.

<Processing procedure for settlement processing and prize exchange processing in the self-service prize management device 260 according to embodiment 3>
Next, a description will be given of the processing procedures for the settlement process and the prize exchange process in the self-service prize management device 260 according to the present embodiment 3. Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing procedures for the settlement process and the prize exchange process in the self-service prize management device 260 according to the present embodiment 3.

As shown in FIG. 23, once the self-prize management device 260 reads the card (step S401; Yes), it requests the remaining value from the management device 50.

If the only value received from the management device 50 is the prepaid balance (Step S402; Yes), a settlement process selection screen is displayed. If settlement is selected (Step S403; Yes), the settlement process is carried out (Step S404) and the process proceeds to Step S412. If not settlement is selected (Step S403; No), the process proceeds to Step S412.

If the only valuable item received from the management device 50 is exchange balls (step S402; No, step S405; Yes), an exchange process selection screen is displayed. If prize exchange is selected (step S406; Yes), the prize exchange process is carried out (step S407) and the process proceeds to step S412. If prize exchange is selected not to be performed (step S406; No), the process proceeds to step S412.

If the value received from the management device 50 is the prepaid balance and exchange balls (step S402; No, step S405; No), the settlement process selection screen is displayed. If settlement is selected (step S408; Yes), the settlement process is performed (step S409).

The exchange process selection screen is displayed, and if prize exchange is selected (step S410; Yes), the prize exchange process is carried out (step S411) and processing proceeds to step S412. If prize exchange is not selected (step S410; No), the card is returned (step S412) and processing ends.

As described above, in the gaming system according to this third embodiment, the self-service prize management device can perform processing according to the value associated with the card.

In the above third embodiment, a configuration was described in which both the settlement processing screen and the exchange processing screen are displayed when the value associated with the card is prepaid value and exchange balls, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the system so that it is possible to select whether to display either the settlement processing screen or the exchange processing screen, or both.

[Embodiment 4]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which when either the self-prize management device or the settlement machine performs a login process and switches to employee mode, the other device also automatically switches to employee mode, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The self-service prize management device accepts general cards and membership cards and displays a prize exchange screen for players to perform the exchange operation. Meanwhile, the prize management device installed at the counter is operated by an employee, and can accept wagon cards in addition to general cards and membership cards. However, with the prize management device, all prizes are displayed on the prize selection screen regardless of which card is accepted, which creates the problem of not being able to select a prize efficiently.

To solve this problem, the present invention can be configured so that the prize management device and self-service prize management device can display a prize exchange screen according to the accepted card.

In this fourth embodiment, we describe a gaming system in which the prize management device and the self-service prize management device can display a prize exchange screen according to the accepted card.

<Outline of the gaming system according to the fourth embodiment>
First, an outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 4 will be described. Figures 24 and 25 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 4.

The following describes the prize exchange screens in the conventional self-service prize management device 300 and prize management device 310. As shown in Figure 24(a), when the self-service prize management device 300 accepts a general card or a membership card, it displays a prize exchange screen for the player. For example, grand prizes, medium prizes, small prizes, etc. are displayed.

As shown in Figure 24 (b), when the prize management device 310 accepts a general card, membership card, or wagon card, it displays a prize exchange screen for employees. For example, all prizes are displayed, including grand prizes, medium prizes, small prizes, large prizes, and medium prizes.

The prize management device 310 displays all prizes regardless of the type of card accepted, which can be cumbersome to search for the desired prize and potentially hinder efficient business operations.

Next, we will explain the gaming system according to this fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 25(a), when the self-prize management device 320 accepts a general card or a membership card, it displays a prize exchange screen for the player. Also, as shown in Figure 25(b), when the self-prize management device 320 accepts a wagon card, it displays a prize exchange screen for employees that is only for wagon prizes. Displaying a prize exchange screen according to the accepted card can also be applied to the prize management device.

As described above, in the gaming system according to this fourth embodiment, the prize management device and the self-service prize management device can display a prize exchange screen according to the accepted card.

In the above fourth embodiment, a configuration was described in which a prize exchange screen is displayed according to the accepted card, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a wagon card is accepted, it is also possible to configure the screen to display only the wagon prizes that can be exchanged according to the number of balls held.

[Embodiment 5]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which when either the self-prize management device or the settlement machine performs a login process and switches to employee mode, the other device also automatically switches to employee mode, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The self-service prize management device keeps track of the prize inventory status of the prize dispensing device associated with it. When the number of prizes in stock falls below a predetermined number and prizes need to be replenished, this is called a "near empty" situation. When this occurs, the self-service prize management device notifies the employee terminal held by the employee that the situation is near empty.

However, even if employees were aware of the near-empty notification, if they were busy with other tasks, they might forget about it, which could result in prizes not being properly replenished.

To solve this problem, the present invention can be configured to ensure that near-empty notifications are sent to employees by setting the notification frequency for near-empty notifications.

In this fifth embodiment, we describe a gaming system that can reliably notify employees of near-empty notifications by setting the notification frequency for near-empty notifications.

<Outline of the gaming system according to the fifth embodiment>
First, an outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 5 will be described. Figures 26 and 27 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 5.

As shown in Figure 26, the self-prize management device 400 keeps track of the prize inventory status of the prize payout device 410 associated with it, and when it becomes near empty, it notifies the employee terminal 420 held by employee A and the intercom 430 worn by employee B of the near empty situation.

This near-empty occurrence notification is resent according to a pre-set setting so that the employee who receives the notification can refill the prizes without fail. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, once the employee terminal 420 receives the near-empty notification frequency setting, it notifies the self-prize management device 400 of this near-empty notification frequency setting, which is then set in the self-prize management device 400. For example, the near-empty occurrence notification can be set to be sent at 10-minute intervals until the prize corresponding to the near-empty occurrence is replenished.

When the self-prize management device 400 detects a near-empty state, it notifies the employee terminal 420 of the near-empty state. The employee terminal 420 then notifies the employee of the near-empty state and accepts the employee's operation to cancel the notification.

The self-prize management device 400 will resend the near-empty occurrence notification if a set time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed since the notification was sent. It is possible that the employee was performing other tasks during those 10 minutes and was therefore unable to replenish the prizes.

The employee terminal 420 will again notify the employee that the machine is near empty, and will cancel this notification upon receipt of an employee's operation. If the employee then replenishes the prizes, the self-prize management device 400 will detect this and will not resend the near-empty notification.

As described above, in the gaming system of this fifth embodiment, by setting the frequency of near-empty notifications, it is possible to reliably notify employees of near-empty notifications.

In the above-mentioned fifth embodiment, we have described a configuration in which near-empty notifications are reliably communicated to employees by setting the notification frequency of the near-empty notification. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be configured to allow notification frequency settings to be made for devices other than the self-service prize management device, which sends various notifications to terminals such as employee terminals and display devices such as PATLITE (registered trademark).

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 5, a configuration was described in which near-empty notifications are reliably communicated to employees by setting the notification frequency of the near-empty notification, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the device so that the notification frequency can be set individually for each type of notification sent by each device.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fifth embodiment, a configuration was described in which near-empty notifications are sent to employee terminals and intercoms, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be configured to send notifications to other information and communication devices, such as management devices and wearable devices.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 5, a controlled gaming machine was used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to gaming machines equipped with counters for each machine.

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

The gaming system, prize management device, settlement machine, and device linkage method of the present invention are suitable for efficiently performing error response processing in the linked operation of a self-service prize management device and settlement machine.

10 Inter-machine card processing machine 11 Status display unit 12 Banknote transport unit 12a Banknote 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 17 Control unit 17a Data management 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 pattern 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 Card management data 55b Device management data 55c Member management data 55d Corresponding device management data 55e Employee management data 56 Control unit 56a Card management unit 56b Device management unit 56c Member management unit 56d Corresponding device management unit 56e Employee management unit 60 Self-service prize management device 61 Card reader/writer 62 Receipt issuing unit 63 ID key reader 64 Display operation unit 65 Communication unit 66 Memory unit 66a Holding value data 66b Prize inventory data 66c Corresponding device data 66d Employee data 67 Control unit 67a Holding value management unit 67b Prize inventory management unit 67c Prize selection control unit 67d Receipt issuing processing unit 67e Corresponding device management unit 67f Employee management unit 67g Interlocking device control unit 67h Employee business control unit 80 Prize payout device 90 Adjustment machine 91 Card reader 92 Infrared receiving unit 94 Display operation unit 95 Communication unit 96 Memory unit 96a Compatible device data 96b Employee data 97 Control unit 97a Adjustment control unit 97b Compatible device management unit 97c Employee management unit 97d Interlocking device control unit 97e Employee business control unit 100 Remote control 160 Self-service prize management device 180 Prize payout device 181 Operation unit 260 Self-service prize management device 300 Self-service prize management device 310 Prize management device 320 Self-service prize management device 400 Self-service prize management device 410 Prize payout device 420 Employee terminal 430 Intercom

Claims (9)

A gaming system comprising: a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired through games on a gaming machine and the prepaid value used for the games in association with identification information of a storage medium; a prize management device that exchanges the number of gaming media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for prizes; and a settlement machine that is arranged adjacent to the prize management device and can communicate with the prize management device and performs settlement processing for the prepaid value,
A gaming system characterized by having a linkage processing means that, when one of the prize management device and the settlement machine transitions from normal operation mode to employee mode operated by an employee, transitions the other device from the normal operation mode to the employee mode. The interlocking processing means
A gaming system as described in claim 1, characterized in that when one of the prize management device and the settlement machine transitions from the employee mode to the normal operation mode, the other device transitions from the employee mode to the normal operation mode. The interlocking processing means
A gaming system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when both the prize management device and the settlement machine are set to the employee mode, if one of the prize management device and the settlement machine is reset, the other device is reset. The prize management device and the settlement machine are
A gaming system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the linked processing means transitions to employee mode, if a specified error occurs, the system controls the display of information related to the error on a specified display unit, and if the error does not occur, the system controls the display of an employee menu on the display unit. The display control means
5. The gaming system according to claim 4, wherein when the employee menu is displayed on the display unit, the menu is displayed based on the authority given to the employee. The settlement machine is
A gaming system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the linked processing means transitions to the employee mode, if an error occurs in the prize management device or the settlement machine, the system further comprises an unlocking means for unlocking a door based on the authority granted to the employee. A management device manages the number of game media acquired through play on a game machine and the prepaid value used for the game in association with the identification information of the storage medium, and a prize management device that is communicably connected to a settlement machine that performs settlement processing of the prepaid value and exchanges the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for prizes,
A prize management device characterized by having a linkage processing means that transitions the settlement machine from normal operation mode to employee mode when the device transitions from normal operation mode to employee mode operated by an employee. A settlement machine is communicably connected to a management device that manages the number of game media acquired through play on a gaming machine and the prepaid value used for play by associating them with identification information of storage media, and a prize management device that exchanges the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage media for prizes, and performs settlement processing of the prepaid value,
A settlement machine characterized by having a linkage processing means that transitions the prize management device from normal operation mode to employee mode when the device itself transitions from normal operation mode to employee mode operated by an employee. A device linking method in a gaming system having a management device that manages the number of gaming media acquired through play on a gaming machine and the prepaid value used for play by associating them with identification information of a storage medium, a prize management device that exchanges the number of gaming media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for prizes, and a settlement machine that is arranged adjacent to the prize management device so as to be able to communicate with the prize management device and performs settlement processing of the prepaid value,
A transition process in which one of the prize management device and the settlement machine is transitioned from a normal operation mode to an employee mode operated by an employee;
A device linkage method characterized by including a linkage processing step of transitioning the other device from the normal operation mode to the employee mode when one of the prize management device and the settlement machine transitions from the normal operation mode to the employee mode due to the transition step.