JP7809449B2 - Prize exchange system and prize exchange method - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a prize exchange system and method that allows for efficient prize exchange while preventing valuable cards from being left behind.

Traditionally, in gaming establishments such as pachinko parlors, players associate the gaming media they have obtained as a result of playing with a recording medium and bring it to the prize counter, where, in the presence of an employee, they exchange the gaming media for prizes.

In this conventional prize exchange process, an employee has the prize management device read the recording medium presented by the player to identify the number of gaming media to be exchanged, selects a prize within the range of gaming media in accordance with the player's instructions, and then hands the selected prize over to the player.

In recent years, however, an operation has been introduced in which the prize exchange process is not performed by an employee, but rather by the player themselves (hereinafter referred to as "self-prize exchange operation"). In this self-prize exchange operation, the player performs the entire process of reading the recording medium, selecting the prize, and receiving the prize. In this type of operation, there is no need for an employee to be present during the prize exchange, which reduces the burden on the employee, and by increasing the number of available prize counters, the efficiency of the prize exchange process can be improved (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-065787

However, with conventional self-prize exchange operations, there is a risk that after a player has completed the prize exchange process, they may accidentally place the card in a return box even though the card still has value, which could lead to trouble. The return box is a box installed in the hall to collect cards that no longer have any associated value after being exchanged for a prize.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a prize exchange system and prize exchange method that allows for efficient prize exchange while preventing valuable cards from being left behind.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a prize exchange system that is installed in a gaming facility and exchanges a first number of gaming media that a player has acquired through a game for a prize, the system comprising: a receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with a valuable value and the first number of gaming media; a specifying means for specifying player information, the valuable value, and the first number of gaming media associated with the recording medium received by the receiving means; a prize exchange processing means for performing a prize exchange process for a prize selectable within the range of the first number of gaming media specified by the specifying means based on an operation by the player; The device is characterized by having a residual value determination means for determining a second number of gaming media indicating the number of gaming media after the prize exchange processing by the prize exchange processing means, and a display output means for displaying that the member's recording medium will be accepted last when the reception means has already accepted a general recording medium and is able to accept additional recording media that can be exchanged for prizes, and for ejecting the member's recording medium and displaying that the member's recording medium will be accepted last when the reception means has already accepted a member's recording medium and is able to accept additional general recording media that can be exchanged for prizes.

The present invention also provides a prize exchange method for a prize exchange system installed in a gaming establishment, which exchanges a first number of gaming media acquired by a player through a game for a prize, the prize exchange method including: a receiving step for receiving a recording medium associated with a valuable value and the first number of gaming media; a specifying step for specifying player information, the valuable value, and the first number of gaming media associated with the recording medium received in the receiving step; a prize exchange processing step for performing a prize exchange process for a selectable prize within the range of the first number of gaming media specified in the specifying step, based on an operation by the player; The system is characterized by including a residual value determination process for determining a second number of gaming media indicating the number of gaming media after the prize exchange processing by the prize exchange processing process, and a display output process for, if a general recording medium has already been accepted by the acceptance process and an additional recording medium eligible for prize exchange can be accepted, displaying and outputting a message indicating that the member's recording medium will be accepted last , and, if a member's recording medium has already been accepted by the acceptance process and an additional general recording medium eligible for prize exchange can be accepted , ejecting the member's recording medium and displaying and outputting a message indicating that the member's recording medium will be accepted last .

This invention makes it possible to efficiently exchange prizes while preventing valuable cards from being forgotten.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange 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, member management data, and selected prize data shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self-service prize management device shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master, the holding value data, and the prize inventory data shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display pattern according to the first embodiment. Figure 12 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedure of the self-prize management device of embodiment 1. Figure 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing procedure of the self-prize management device of embodiment 1. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a control pattern for prize exchange according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the exchange pattern for prizes in embodiment 4. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a management procedure for left-behind data according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system related to embodiment 7. Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system related to embodiment 8. Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system related to embodiment 9. Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system related to embodiment 10.

[Embodiment 1]
The prize exchange system and prize exchange method according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

In this specification, "reserved 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 retained 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 an amusement establishment, which can be used again for gaming from the following day onwards (after the gaming establishment closes). "Saved balls" refers to the number of gaming media deposited by a player at an amusement establishment. Reserved balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when a gaming machine is moved, for example. Saved 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 following day onwards. "Number of gaming balls" refers to the number of playable balls available to a player for gaming.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment>
First, an outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1, when a card is inserted into the self-prize management device 60, the self-prize management device 60 obtains the value associated with the card from a management device (not shown), and if the card has value at multiple rates, displays guidance encouraging the player to receive the card after prize exchange (S1).

Once the end button on the self-prize management device 60 is pressed and the prize exchange process is completed, the guidance urging the player to collect the card is displayed again (S2). In this way, by overlapping the guidance urging the player to collect the card that still has value, the possibility of trouble being caused can be reduced.

Also, as shown in Figure 1(b), when a general card is inserted into the self-prize management device 60, the self-prize management device 60 displays guidance that, if there are additional cards, the member card should be inserted last (S3).

When a membership card is inserted into the self-prize management device 60, the self-prize management device 60 displays guidance instructing the player, if there are additional cards, to eject the cards first and insert the membership card last (S4). In this way, by informing players how to use the device when inserting multiple cards consecutively, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an increase in employee workload.

In this way, the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1 allows for efficient prize exchange while preventing players from forgetting to take valuable cards.

<System Configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, a gaming facility is equipped with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-machine card processor 10 provided for each gaming machine 20. The inter-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 management device 70, and a prize payout device 80 are connected to the communication line.

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 identification information (card ID) of the card 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 device 10 performs various display controls based on the status of the gaming machine 20 and transmits the status of the gaming machine 20 to the management device 50.

The inter-machine card processing device 10 stores the number of game balls notified by the gaming machine 20 and periodically notifies the management device 50 of the number of game 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 identification information of the inserted card (hereinafter referred to as the "card ID") in association with the inter-machine card processing device 10, and transmits the prepaid value and 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 transmits stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

In addition, when the management device 50 receives a request to subtract balls from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the balance of 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.

Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives a card ID from the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70, it notifies the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70 of the number of balls held, the number of balls saved, and the prepaid value associated with this card ID. Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives a card ID from the prize payout device 80, it notifies the prize payout device 80 of the selected prize data associated with this card ID.

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

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.

The prize management device 70 is a terminal device for prize exchange located next to the prize exchange counter in the gaming facility, and processes the prize exchange of owned and saved balls. When the prize management device 70 reads a card ID from a general card or membership card (or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal, etc.), it sends the card ID to the management device 50 and requests the balance of owned balls, saved balls, and prepaid value for that card ID.

The prize management device 70 manages inventory by associating prizes with states such as "unselected," "selected," and "exchanged." The inventory of physical prizes is the sum of "unselected" prizes and "selected" prizes, but the prize management device 70 allows the player to select a prize from the "unselected" prizes, and marks the selected prize as "selected." When a prize exchange is executed, the status is changed from "selected" to "exchanged." In other words, a prize selected by a player becomes "selected" and is no longer available for selection by other players. Therefore, the prize selected by the player is secured until a prize exchange is executed.

The prize management device 70 associates the selected prize with the card ID as a selected prize and registers it in the management device 50, then returns the card. The management device 50 stores selected prize data that associates the card ID with the selected prize.

The self-service prize management device 60 is a device that adds a self-service function to the prize management device 70, allowing players to select their own prizes. The self-service prize management device 60 accepts prize selection operations from players.

If the card read is a regular card, the self-prize management device 60 displays a message indicating that if multiple cards are read in succession, the member card will be read last. If the card read is a member card, the self-prize management device 60 displays a message indicating that if multiple cards are read in succession, the member card will be ejected and the member card will be read last.

If there are remaining balls in the multiple rates of value associated with the read card, the self-prize management device 60 will display a message prompting the player to collect the card after the prize exchange is complete when the card is read and at the end of the prize exchange.If there are remaining balls in the number of balls calculated when the prize was selected, the self-prize management device 60 will display a message prompting the player to collect the card after the prize exchange is complete when the prize was selected and at the end of the prize exchange.

The prize payout device 80 is a device that can store and pay out prizes. When the prize payout device 80 accepts a card, it transmits the card ID to the management device 50, receives the associated selected prize data, and pays out the prize.

Next, we will explain the ball lending process in the prize exchange 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 ball replay process in the prize exchange 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, we will explain the saved ball replay processing in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a membership card or reads identification information corresponding to a card ID from a mobile terminal 110 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 110), 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 block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a 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 processing machine ID to the management device 50. Furthermore, when the data management unit 17a receives data including value (at least one of prepaid value, held balls, and saved balls) from the management device 50, it updates the card data 16b with the received value.

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 specific examples 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 examples 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 "2001." 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 "3000" 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 1500 balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is 2500 balls, and the balance of held balls for ball 3 is 0 balls, and, in terms of saved balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 1 is 500 balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 2 is 0 balls, and the balance of saved balls for ball 3 is 0 balls.

<Configuration of gaming machine 20>
Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the gaming machine 20 has a communication control unit 23, a 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 block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 50 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the management device 50 is connected to a display unit 51 and an input unit 52, and has an external network communication unit 53, a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56.

The display unit 51 is 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-prize management device 60, prize management device 70, and prize payout device 80 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, and selected prize data 55d.

Card management data 55a is data that associates a 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 membership card issued to the member with the member's name, ball storage information, mobile IDm, etc.

The selected prize data 55d is data that manages the selected prize selected by the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70. This selected prize data 55d includes the card ID and information that identifies the selected prize.

The control unit 56 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management device 50, and includes a card management unit 56a, a device management unit 56b, a member management unit 56c, and a selected prize management unit 56d. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the processes corresponding to the card management unit 56a, the device management unit 56b, the member management unit 56c, and the selected prize management unit 56d to be executed.

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 machine 10, the self-prize management device 60, and the prize management device 70 to update the prepaid value and the balance of held balls associated with the card ID. In addition, when the card management unit 56a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the value and the balance of held balls 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, the self-prize management device 60, and the prize management device 70 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 selected prize management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages the selected prize selected by the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70. When the selected prize management unit 56d receives a registration request including a card ID and a selected prize from the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70, it associates the selected prize with the card ID and registers it in the selected prize data 55d.

In addition, when the selected prize management unit 56d receives an inquiry including a card ID from the prize payout device 80, it reads the selected prize associated with the card ID from the selected prize data 55d and transmits it as a response to the prize payout device 80.

Furthermore, when the selected prize management unit 56d receives a notification from the prize payout device 80 indicating that the exchange of the selected prize has been carried out, it deletes the corresponding data from the selected prize data 55d.

Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 55 of the management device 50 shown in Figure 7 will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, and selected prize data 55d 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, card ID "2001" is associated with a prepaid value of "3000". Furthermore, the remaining balls are associated with ball 1's remaining balance of "1500", ball 2's remaining balance of "2500", and ball 3's remaining balance of "0". However, there is no association with a usage ID. In other words, the card with card ID "2001" is not inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing device 10, and the remaining balls are managed 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 "2005," the name is "Takken Taro," the saved ball balance for "Ball 1" is "1500," the saved ball balance for "Ball 2" is "200," and the saved ball balance for "Ball 3" is "0."

The selected prize data 55d shown in Figure 8(d) is data that associates the card ID with the selected prize. The selected prize includes the prize code, prize name, and quantity. The selected prize data 55d associates three grand prizes with prize code "0001" with card ID "1008," and one grand prize with prize code "0001," five minor prizes with prize code "0002," and three racks with prize code "0101" with card ID "2015."

<Configuration of self-service prize management device 60>
Next, we will explain the configuration of the self-service prize management device 60 shown in Figure 2. Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self-service prize management device 60 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 9, the self-service prize management device 60 has a display unit 61, an operation unit 62, a receipt issuing unit 63, a store clerk tag reader 64a, a card reader 64b, a mobile terminal reader 64c, a communication unit 65, a memory unit 66, and a control unit 67.

The display unit 61 is an output interface that displays output and is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. The operation unit 62 is an input interface that accepts operations from players and store staff. The receipt issuing unit 63 is a thermal printer or the like, and issues various receipts, including receipts printed with information identifying the selected prize.

The clerk tag reader 64a is a reading device that reads the clerk ID from the clerk tag of the gaming clerk. This tag contains an identification code that uniquely identifies the employee, and the employee operating the self-prize management device 60 is identified by the identification code contained in the tag read by the clerk tag reader 64a. The card reader 64b reads the card ID from the player's card. The card reader 64b can also transport cards that are no longer needed after a prize has been selected to a storage unit (not shown). The mobile terminal reader 64c reads information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card when the mobile terminal is held over the reader.

The communication unit 65 is an interface unit that allows the self-prize management device 60 to communicate with other devices via a communication line.

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

The prize master 66a is data used when exchanging game balls for prizes, and is received and stored, for example, from the management device 50. The holding value data 66b is data indicating the value associated with the card read by the card reader 64b or mobile terminal reader 64c. The prize inventory data 66c is data for managing prize inventory.

The control unit 67 is a control unit that controls the entire self-prize management device 60, and includes a prize management unit 67a, a holding value management unit 67b, a display control unit 67c, a prize selection control unit 67d, a prize inventory management unit 67e, a prize association processing unit 67f, and a return unit 67g. 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, thereby executing the processes corresponding to the prize management unit 67a, holding value management unit 67b, display control unit 67c, prize selection control unit 67d, prize inventory management unit 67e, prize association processing unit 67f, and return unit 67g.

The prize management unit 67a is a management unit that uses the prize master 66a stored in the memory unit 66 to manage the number of exchange balls for special prizes and general prizes handled by the self-service prize management device 60. The prize management unit 67a obtains the prize master from the management device 50 and stores it in the memory unit 66 as the prize master 66a.

The holding value management unit 67b is a processing unit that manages the holding value data 66b. The holding value management unit 67b stores the value associated with the card, read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c, in the holding value data 66b. If there are remaining balls in the multiple rates of the card's value, or if there is a remaining amount in the prepaid value, the holding value management unit 67b stores "Yes" in the "Multiple Rates/Remaining Value" field of the holding value data 66b. If the card is a membership card, the holding value management unit 67b stores "Yes" in the "Membership Card" field of the holding value data 66b.

If the end button (not shown) is pressed, the holding value management unit 67b clears the holding value data 66b. If another card is read after a card is read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c and before the end button (not shown) is pressed, the holding value management unit 67b adds the value associated with this other card to the holding value data 66b.

The display control unit 67c is a processing unit that controls the display of card receipt, etc., depending on the type of card and the value associated with the card. If the card read by the card reader 64b or mobile terminal reader 64c is a general card, the display control unit 67c displays on the display unit 61 that, when multiple cards are read in succession, the membership card will be read last.

If the card read is a membership card, the display control unit 67c displays on the display unit 61 that if multiple cards are to be read consecutively, the card will be ejected and the membership card will be read last.

When a card is read and the "Multiple Rates/Remaining Value" in the holding value data 66b is "Yes," the display control unit 67c will display on the display unit 61 a message urging the user to collect the card after the prize exchange is complete when the card is read and when the end button (not shown) is pressed.

When a prize is selected and the "remaining balls" in the holding value data 66b is "yes," the display control unit 67c displays on the display unit 61 a message urging the player to collect the card after the prize exchange is complete, when the prize is selected and when the end button (not shown) is pressed.

The prize selection control unit 67d is a processing unit that selects the prizes that can be exchanged for prizes. The prize selection control unit 67d accepts the selection of special prizes and general prizes based on the prize master 66a, within the range of the remaining balls in possession and saved balls.

Specifically, when a special prize is designated by a player's operation, the prize selection control unit 67d determines the combination of types and numbers of special prizes that can be exchanged within the balance of owned and saved balls, and sets these as the selected prize. For general prizes, the prize selection control unit 67d sets the prize designated by the player by operating the operation unit 62 as the selected prize. For leftover ball prizes, the selection may be made by accepting the player's designation, or the prize selection control unit 67d may select them based on the balance of owned and saved balls.

If there are balls remaining when a prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67d stores "Yes" in the "Remaining balls" field of the holding value data 66b.

The prize inventory management unit 67e manages prize inventory by associating prizes with states such as "unselected," "selected," and "exchanged," and storing these states in the memory unit 66 as prize inventory data 66c. The inventory of physical prizes is the sum of "unselected" prizes and "selected" prizes, but the prize inventory management unit 67e allows the player to select a prize from the "unselected" prizes, and marks the selected prize as "selected." When a prize exchange is executed, the status is changed from "selected" to "exchanged." In other words, a prize selected by a player becomes "selected" and is no longer available for selection by other players. Therefore, the prize selected by the player is secured until a prize exchange is executed.

The prize inventory management unit 67e can also perform a cancellation process to cancel the prize selection if a specified deadline has passed. Specifically, if a "selected" prize is not exchanged within the day and the store is closed, the "selected" prize is changed to "unselected" and the number of balls held equal to the number of exchange balls is taken in. Alternatively, if a member player is associated, the number of balls held equal to the number of exchange balls may be transferred to the saved balls.

The prize association processing unit 67f is a processing unit that associates the prize selected by the prize selection control unit 67d with the card ID as a selected prize. The prize association processing unit 67f sends a registration request including the selected prize and the card ID to the management device 50.

The prize association processing unit 67f can determine whether the selected prize is associated with a card or printed on a receipt, depending on the type of prize. Specifically, the prize association processing unit 67f associates special prizes and regular prizes with cards, and issues extra prizes as receipts. The receipt prints the prize code, prize name, quantity, number of exchange balls, etc. Additionally, an ID that uniquely identifies the receipt and information that identifies the player may also be printed.

The return unit 67g is a processing unit that causes the card reader 64b to return the card to the player when a selected prize is associated with the card. The returned card may also be read by the prize payout device 80, which may output a message instructing the player to collect the prize. Cards that are no longer needed after a prize has been selected are transported to the storage unit and are not returned. Cards that are no longer needed after a prize has been selected are general cards whose prepaid value and balls are below a predetermined value (for example, both are 0) and which are not associated with a selected prize. Membership cards are returned regardless of whether they contain prepaid value, balls, or a selected prize.

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 9. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master 66a, holding value data 66b, and prize inventory data 66c shown in Figure 9.

The prize master 66a shown in Figure 10(a) is data that associates the prize name, group code, prize value, and number of balls available for exchange with a prize code that uniquely identifies the prize. Here, the group code is identification information used to classify and manage prizes. Group code "01" indicates a special prize that can be transferred for a specified value after completing certain procedures. Group codes "02" and above are general prizes that include everyday items other than special prizes.

The prize master 66a associates the prize code "0001" with the prize name "Grand Prize", group code "01", prize value "1000", number of exchange balls for ball 1 "250", number of exchange balls for ball 2 "500", and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "1000".

Furthermore, the prize master 66a associates the prize code "0002" with the prize name "small prize", group code "01", prize value "500", number of exchange balls for ball 1 "125", number of exchange balls for ball 2 "250", and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "500".

Furthermore, the prize master 66a associates the prize code "0100" with the prize name "M Seven", group code "02", prize value "400", number of exchange balls for ball 1 "100", number of exchange balls for ball 2 "200", and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "400".

Furthermore, the prize master 66a associates the prize code "0101" with the prize name "Luck", group code "02", prize value "420", number of exchange balls for ball 1 "105", number of exchange balls for ball 2 "210", and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "420".

Furthermore, the prize master 66a associates the prize code "0600" with the prize name "Candy, Leftover Balls," group code "04," prize value "12," number of exchange balls for ball 1 "3," number of exchange balls for ball 2 "6," and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "12."

The held value data 66b shown in Figure 10(b) is data indicating the value associated with the scanned card, such as the number of balls held, saved balls, prepaid value, etc. If multiple cards are scanned consecutively, the total value of each card is stored.

Held value data 66b shows that, for held balls, the balance of held balls for ball 1 is "1500" balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is "2500" balls, and the balance of held balls for ball 3 is "0" balls; for saved balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 1 is "500" balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 2 is "0" balls, and the balance of saved balls for ball 3 is "0" balls; the prepaid value is "3000" points; multiple rates/remaining value is "yes"; remaining held balls are "yes"; and a membership card is "yes".

The prize inventory data 66c shown in Figure 10(c) is data that associates the total number of prizes in stock and inventory details with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The inventory details indicate the number of unselected, selected, and exchanged prizes. The total number of prizes in stock is the number of physical prizes in stock, and is equal to the sum of unselected prizes and selected prizes.

Prize inventory data 66c associates prize code "0001," prize name "Grand Prize," and group code "01" with total inventory of "500," unselected items of "480," selected items of "20," and exchanged items of "200."

Furthermore, the prize inventory data 66c associates the total inventory quantity of "400", unselected quantity of "350", selected quantity of "50", and exchanged quantity of "300" with the prize code "0002", prize name "small prize", and group code "01".

Furthermore, prize inventory data 66c associates prize code "0100," prize name "M Seven," and group code "02" with total inventory quantity "100," unselected quantity "90," selected quantity "10," and exchanged quantity "50."

Furthermore, prize inventory data 66c associates prize code "0101," prize name "rack," and group code "02" with total inventory of "100," unselected "100," selected "0," and exchanged "30."

Furthermore, prize inventory data 66c associates prize code "0600," prize name "Hand-meal candy," and group code "04" with total inventory of "700," unselected items of "670," selected items of "30," and exchanged items of "300."

<Display Pattern According to First Embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of the display patterns according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the display patterns according to the present embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 11, the display patterns are classified into pattern 1 to pattern 4 according to the timing and conditions of the display determination.

In pattern 1, the card is checked when it is inserted, and if it is a general card, the message "If you have additional cards, please insert them. Please insert your membership card last." is displayed when the card is inserted.

In pattern 2, the card is checked when it is inserted, and if it is a membership card, the message "If you have additional cards, please remove the membership card. Please insert the membership card last." is displayed when the card is inserted.

In pattern 3, the card is checked when it is inserted, and if the card's value has multiple rates or there is a balance in the prepaid value, the message "This card has multiple rates or there is a balance in the prepaid value. Please remember to collect your card when the exchange is complete" is displayed when the card is inserted, and the message "This card has multiple rates or there is a balance in the prepaid value. Please remember to collect your card" is displayed when the exchange is complete.

In pattern 4, a determination is made when a prize is selected, and if there are remaining balls of the card's value, the message "You have remaining balls. Please remember to collect your card when the exchange is complete" is displayed when the prize is selected, and the message "You have remaining balls. Please remember to collect your card" is displayed when the exchange is complete.

<Processing procedure of the self-service prize management device 60 according to the first embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure of the self-service prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment 1. Figures 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the self-service prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment 1.

When a card is inserted (Step S101; Yes), the self-prize management device 60 receives the value associated with the card from the management device 50, and if the value has multiple rates or there is a remaining balance in the prepaid value (Step S102; Yes), it displays on the display unit 61 a message indicating that the card should be removed when the exchange is complete (Step S103). At this time, "Yes" is stored in the "Multiple Rates/Remaining Value" field of the held value data 66b.

If the inserted card is a membership card (Step S104: Yes), if there are additional cards, remove them and display a message on the display unit 61 indicating that the membership card will be inserted last (Step S105). At this time, "Yes" is stored in the "Membership Card" field of the holding value data 66b.

If the inserted card is a general card (step S104; No), if there are additional cards, the display unit 61 will display a message indicating that the membership card should be inserted last (step S106).

If the card return operation is accepted (Step S107; Yes), proceed to Step S101. If the card return operation is not accepted (Step S107; No), the held balls, saved balls, and prepaid value associated with the card are stored in the held value data 66b (Step S108).

If an additional card is inserted (Step S109; Yes), proceed to Step S108. If an additional card is not inserted (Step S109; No) and a prize selection operation is accepted (Step S110; Yes), the remaining number of balls is calculated (Step S111).

If there are remaining balls in the player's possession (Step S112: Yes), a message is displayed on the display unit 61 indicating that the card should be removed when the exchange is complete (Step S113). At this time, "Remaining balls in possession" in the holding value data 66b is stored as "Yes."

Once the end button is pressed and the prize exchange is complete (step S114; Yes), the selected prize is notified to the management device 50 (step S115).

If the value associated with the card has multiple rates or if there is a remaining balance in the prepaid value, specifically if the "Multiple Rates/Remaining Value" in the held value data 66b is "Yes" (Step S116; Yes), a message indicating that the card should be removed is displayed on the display unit 61 (Step S117).

If there are remaining balls in the player's possession, specifically if the "remaining balls in possession" in the holding value data 66b is "yes" (step S118; Yes), a message to remove the card is displayed on the display unit 61 (step S119).

If there are no remaining balls, saved balls, or prepaid value after the prize exchange is complete, and the card is a regular card (Step S120: No), the process ends.

If there are any remaining balls, saved balls, or prepaid value after the prize exchange is complete, or if the card is a membership card (step S120; Yes), the card is returned (step S121) and processing ends.

In this way, the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1 allows for efficient prize exchange while preventing players from forgetting to take valuable cards.

As described above, this embodiment 1 is a prize exchange system that is installed in an amusement facility and allows players to exchange the number of balls they have and the number of balls they have saved through their games for prizes. It is configured to output a message prompting players to pick up their cards, etc., based on the card type, the number of balls they have, the number of balls saved, or the number of balls they have after the prize exchange process. This prevents players from forgetting to pick up valuable cards, and allows for efficient prize exchange.

In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-service prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect a card with remaining value, but the present invention is not limited to this. If a card suspected of fraud is inserted, a notification can be sent to the prize management device 70 operating the manned prize exchange. Notification can also be sent not only to the prize management device 70, but also to the prize management device 70 and the self-service prize management device 60. A similar notification can also be sent if a card belonging to a player in good standing is inserted.

[Embodiment 2]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards that still have value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured to display the number of balls required to exchange for cards that have a value that exceeds the upper limit of the number of balls that can be saved.

Previously, when a card with a value exceeding the maximum number of balls that can be stored was inserted into a self-service prize management device, and an attempt was made to store more balls than the maximum, the self-service prize management device would determine this as an error and halt the exchange process, making self-service prize exchange operations inefficient.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment>
In this embodiment 2, we will explain a configuration that makes self-prize exchange operations more efficient by displaying the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the upper limit when a card with a value exceeding the upper limit of stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100.

Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 14, when a card is inserted, the self-service prize management device 100 reads the card ID of the card and notifies the management device 150 (S11).

The management device 150 compares the total number of owned and saved balls associated with the card ID with the maximum number of saved balls, and notifies the self-prize management device 100 of the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the maximum number of saved balls (S12).

Specifically, if the player has 5,000 balls in hand, 6,000 saved balls, and the maximum number of saved balls is 10,000, the total number of held and saved balls will exceed the maximum number of saved balls by 1,000, and these 1,000 balls will be notified as the number of balls required for replacement.

The self-prize management device 100 displays the notified number of required exchange balls (S13). Specifically, it displays that if 1,000 balls are exchanged for prizes, 4,000 balls can be saved.

In this way, when a card with a value exceeding the upper limit of the number of stored balls is inserted into the self-service prize management device 100, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 2 can improve the efficiency of self-service prize exchange operations by displaying the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the upper limit.

In the above-mentioned second embodiment, we described a configuration in which, when a card with a value exceeding the upper limit of the number of stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the upper limit is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to notify an employee when a setting is made to store balls that exceed the upper limit.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration was described in which, when a card with a value exceeding the upper limit of the number of stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the upper limit is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to display an employee call button when a stored ball setting exceeds the upper limit. The employee call button can also be configured to be displayed when a stolen lock card or a locked membership card is read.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration was described in which the upper limit of the number of stored balls is set to a fixed value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper limit can also be configured to be changeable by setting.

[Embodiment 3]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards with remaining value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured to control the prize exchange process for the next player when a player is in the middle of exchanging a prize.

Conventionally, if a player is in the middle of exchanging a prize and the next player begins the prize exchange process, there is a concern that the value associated with each card may become confused, or that problems may arise between players over the occupation or payout of devices such as self-service prize management devices.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment>
In this third embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, when a player is currently exchanging a prize, the prize exchange process for the next player is controlled.

Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 15, the prize exchange process is carried out by reading a card with the card reader 260, selecting a prize with the self-service prize management device 200, and paying out the prize with the prize payout device 250.

When a player is in the process of exchanging a prize, for example while a prize is being paid out, operation by other players is prohibited (S21). For example, while a player is using the prize payout device 250 to pay out a prize, the card reader 260 and self-service prize management device 200 display a message indicating that another player is exchanging a prize and that operation is prohibited.

Once the player has finished paying out the prize, the prohibition on operation by other players is lifted (S22). Specifically, once the prize payout device 250 has finished paying out the prize, the card reader 260 and the self-service prize management device 200 display a message indicating that operation is possible.

<Control pattern of prize exchange according to the third embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of the control patterns for prize exchange according to this embodiment 3. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the control patterns for prize exchange according to this embodiment 3. The control patterns are classified into Pattern 1 to Pattern 3 depending on whether the next customer's operation is possible in response to the previous customer's operation. The operations of the player are classified into card reading, prize selection, and prize payout.

In pattern 1, the next customer's card is prohibited from being read from the time the previous customer's card is read until the prize payout process is completed. After the previous customer's prize payout process is completed, the next customer is allowed to perform all operations.

In pattern 2, the next customer's card is prohibited from being read from the time the previous customer's card is read until the prize selection is complete. The next customer's card can be read and a prize can be selected from the time the previous customer's prize selection is complete until the prize payout process is complete, and after the prize payout process for the previous customer is complete, the next customer can perform all operations.

In pattern 3, the next customer's card cannot be read from the time the previous customer's card is read until prize selection begins, and the next customer's card can be read from the time the previous customer starts prize selection until the prize selection process ends. The next customer's card can be read and prize selection can be performed from the time the previous customer's prize selection ends until the prize payout process ends, and after the previous customer's prize payout process ends, all operations for the next customer are possible.

In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 3 controls the prize exchange process for the next player while a player is currently exchanging a prize, thereby reducing the occurrence of problems between players.

In the above third embodiment, a configuration for controlling devices related to prize exchange, such as a self-service prize management device, was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be configured to control self-service processing in devices such as an island-end counter.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned third embodiment, a configuration was described in which the prize exchange process for the next player is prohibited when a player is currently exchanging a prize, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the system so that the prize exchange process for the next player can be switched between prohibited and suspended.

[Embodiment 4]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards with remaining value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to display prizes based on the player's prize exchange history as part of the prizes to be selected.

Previously, when selecting a prize using a self-service prize management device, players could choose from multiple options, such as exchanging all prizes, but this did not necessarily meet the individual needs of the player.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment>
In this embodiment 4, a configuration is described in which, when a player selects a prize using the self-prize management device 350, prizes based on the player's prize exchange history are included in the prizes to be selected and displayed.

Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, when a player starts a prize exchange operation on the self-service prize management device 350, a facial image captured by the camera 380 is notified to the management device 300 as identification information (S31).

The management device 300 performs facial recognition using the notified identification information to identify the player, searches the prize exchange history data for the player's prize exchange history, and notifies the self-service prize management device 350 of the results (S32).

The self-prize management device 350 uses the notified player's prize exchange history to display recommended prizes for the player (S33). For example, the combination of a special prize selected during the previous prize exchange and cigarettes may be displayed as one of the prize options.

<Purchase exchange pattern according to the fourth embodiment>
Next, the exchange patterns for prize exchange according to this embodiment 4 will be described. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the exchange patterns for prize exchange according to this embodiment 4. The exchange patterns are divided into patterns 1 to 6 according to the player's preferences, etc. Patterns 1 to 6 are selected and set from these six patterns by the management device 300 and displayed on the self-service prize management device 350.

Pattern 1 is a prize based on recent prize exchange history. Pattern 2 is the most popular prize in the player's prize exchange history. Pattern 3 is the maximum number of special prizes that can be exchanged with the balls on the card.

Pattern 4 is a special prize equal to the maximum number of balls that can be exchanged for with the card's balls plus one. Pattern 4 is only available to membership cards, and any shortfall in the number of balls required for exchange is made from saved balls. Pattern 5 is a general prize that is often exchanged at the store. Pattern 6 is a general prize recommended by the store.

In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 4 can improve convenience for players by displaying prizes based on the player's prize exchange history when the player selects a prize on the self-service prize management device 350, including the prizes that can be selected.

In the above fourth embodiment, we described a configuration in which prizes based on a player's prize exchange history are displayed as options when selecting a prize, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the management device 300 can also be configured to store the exchange patterns selected by the player and use them as a database.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, a configuration was described in which prizes based on the player's prize exchange history are displayed as options when selecting a prize. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it may also be configured to display advertisements for prizes related to the general prize selected by the player.

[Embodiment 5]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-service prize management device displays a message encouraging players to collect cards with remaining value, but the present invention is not limited to this.A self-service prize management device that is capable of both manned prize exchange operations by employees and self-service prize exchange operations by players can also be configured to record whether the exchange was made through manned or self-service prize exchange operations.

Previously, with self-service prize management devices that allow both manned and self-service prize exchange operations, it was not possible to determine whether the prize was exchanged through manned or self-service operation, which could lead to problems with players.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment>
In this embodiment 5, a self-prize management device capable of manned/self-operated prize exchange operations is described, which records whether the exchange was made through manned or self-operated prize exchange operations, thereby making manned/self-operated prize exchange operations more efficient.

Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 5. As shown in Figure 19, the self prize management device 450 and the prize management device 480 notify the management device 400 of prize exchange information once a prize exchange has been performed (S41).

The management device 400 classifies the notified prize exchange information as attended/self-service and stores it in the prize exchange history data (S42). Specifically, the prize exchange information notified from the self-service prize management device 450 (device ID: 101) is stored with the transaction content set to "self-service prize exchange" and the device ID set to "101," and the prize exchange information notified from the prize management device 480 (device ID: 201) is stored with the transaction content set to "prize exchange" and the device ID set to "201."

The management device 400 also analyzes the prize exchange history data and displays the prize exchange results, divided into manned and self-service machines (S43). For example, it displays that the prize exchange results are 150,000 balls for manned machines and 90,000 balls for self-service machines.

This makes it possible to determine whether a prize was exchanged through manned or self-service prize exchange, allowing for appropriate responses to player inquiries. It also makes it possible to analyze the utilization rate and transaction details of self-service prize exchange.

In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 5 records whether the exchange was made through manned or self-operated prize exchange in a self-operated prize management device that is capable of manned or self-operated prize exchange operations, thereby making manned and self-operated prize exchange operations more efficient.

In the above-mentioned fifth embodiment, a configuration was described that records whether an exchange was made through manned or self-operated prize exchange operations and enables analysis. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the system so that the utilization rate of manned or self-operated prize exchange operations is automatically analyzed and the system can switch between manned and self-operated prize exchange operations depending on the analysis results.

[Embodiment 6]
Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to pick up cards that still have value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the prize payout device can also be configured so that if a prize is forgotten to be picked up, the prize is returned to the number of balls and managed as data.

Previously, if a prize was left behind at a prize payout device, an employee had to retrieve the prize, set it aside, and respond to any inquiries from players, which placed a heavy burden on employees and could lead to problems between employees and players.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment>
In this sixth embodiment, a configuration is described in which, when a prize is forgotten to be taken from the prize payout device, the prize is returned to the number of balls and managed as data.

Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this sixth embodiment. As shown in Figure 20, when a prize is left behind, the prize payout device 550 detects the prize and takes it into the device (S51), and notifies the management device 500 of the prize information indicating that the prize has been returned to its original number of balls (S52).

The management device 500 stores the notified forgotten prize information, including the number of balls, by member/general customer classification (S53). Specifically, the date and time, member/general customer classification, and number of balls are stored as forgotten prize data. This reduces the burden on staff and enables appropriate responses to be made to players.

<Managing procedure for left-behind data according to the sixth embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of the management procedure for left-behind data according to the present embodiment 6. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the management procedure for left-behind data according to the present embodiment 6. The management procedure for left-behind data differs depending on whether the customer is a member or a general customer.

For members, prizes are converted into the number of balls and linked to member data, including the transaction time and details. The number of balls is managed in the member's account, and the balls are returned to the player by replaying using the member's card or by exchanging them for a prize.

For regular customers, the prize is converted into the number of balls, which is then linked to facial data, including the transaction time and details. The number of balls is managed in a forgotten account, and the balls are returned to the customer after identity verification using facial data authentication, and the prize is paid out again.

In this way, if a prize is forgotten to be taken from the prize payout device, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 6 returns the prize to the number of balls and manages it as data, thereby reducing the burden on employees and allowing appropriate responses to be made to players.

In the above-mentioned sixth embodiment, we have described a configuration in which, in the case of general customers, an employee is present to verify their identity using facial data authentication and then re-pay the prize. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the process from verifying their identity using facial data authentication to re-paying the prize to be automated.

[Embodiment 7]
Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the user to pick up cards that still have value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to accept multiple cards consecutively and, if there is any remaining value, return them all together on one card.

In the past, in self-prize exchange operations, many stores restricted the exchange of multiple cards for prizes to prevent players from accidentally returning cards with residual value to the collection box, which was inconvenient for players.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment>
In this embodiment 7, a configuration is described in which a self-service prize management device accepts multiple cards consecutively and, if there is remaining value, returns them all together on a single card.

Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this seventh embodiment. As shown in Figure 22, prize exchange using manned prize exchange operations and self-prize exchange operations will be explained.

In the case of manned prize exchange operations, a card is inserted into the prize management device 600 and an exchange rate is selected, and if there is remaining value, an employee returns the card to the player (S61). If there is a next card, the card is inserted in the same way and an exchange rate is selected, and if there is remaining value, an employee returns the card to the player (S62). Once the card has been read, the player selects a prize (S63).

For self-prize exchange operations, multiple cards are inserted consecutively into the self-prize management device 650 (S64), and the exchange rate and prize are selected (S65). If there is any remaining value, it is returned together on a single card (S66).

In addition, if the value of the last inserted card means that the exchange rate is 4 or higher, the prepaid value is above a certain amount, or other reasons make it impossible to combine all the cards onto one card, the last inserted card will be returned as unacceptable.

In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 7 can accept multiple cards consecutively at the self-prize management device 650, and if there is remaining value, they can be returned together on a single card.

In the seventh embodiment described above, if the value of the last inserted card makes it impossible to combine them into a single card, the last inserted card is returned as unacceptable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if there are four exchange rates and all cards of one rate are being exchanged, the last inserted card can also be configured to be accepted.

Furthermore, in the above seventh embodiment, a configuration was described in which multiple cards are accepted consecutively and, if there is residual value, are combined into a single card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the multiple cards include a membership card, it is also possible to configure the timing for inserting the membership card to be specified.

[Embodiment 8]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards with remaining value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when exchanging cards with values of multiple rates for prizes, it can also be configured to leave a certain number of cards of a specific rate.

Previously, it was prohibited to combine values across rates, so when exchanging cards with values at multiple rates for prizes, players had to insert and exchange each card for each rate, or exchange all of the cards at the same time. This did not meet the needs of players who wanted to keep a certain number of cards at a particular rate, and was inconvenient for players.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment>
In this embodiment 8, a configuration is described in which, in a self-service prize management device, when a prize is exchanged using cards with values of multiple rates, a certain number of cards of a specific rate are left.

Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this eighth embodiment. As shown in Figure 23, when a card with multiple rates of value is read, the rate to be exchanged is selected (S71). Specifically, the value held is displayed for each exchange rate (for example, 4000 balls for a 4-yen machine), and the user can select whether to exchange all or part of each exchange rate.

If you choose to exchange a portion of the balls, enter the value to be left on the card (S72). For example, if you specify that you want to leave 1,000 balls at a 4-pachi rate, the number of balls to be exchanged will be displayed as 3,000. After entering the value to be left on the card, the prize exchange details will be displayed based on the specified exchange value (S73).

In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 8 allows a certain number of cards with a specific rate to remain when exchanging cards with multiple rates for prizes in the self-service prize management device.

In the above eighth embodiment, a configuration was described in which the value to be left on the card is input in order to leave a certain number of points at a specific rate, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to specify the type and number of prizes to be exchanged and leave a certain number of points at a specific rate.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 8, a configuration was described in which the value to be left on the card is input in order to leave a certain number at a specific rate, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to automatically display the optimal number and type of prize to be exchanged.

[Embodiment 9]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to pick up cards that still have value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured to specify a destination for returning any remaining balls after the prize exchange.

Previously, if there were balls in the player's possession and in the reserve balls, and any balls remaining after a prize exchange were made, the remaining balls would be returned to the reserve balls. This meant that some players wanted to return a certain number of balls to their possession so they could play again, which was inconvenient for players.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the ninth embodiment>
In this embodiment 9, a configuration for specifying a return destination for the remaining balls remaining after the prize exchange will be described.

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this ninth embodiment. As shown in Figure 24, when a player has both retained and saved balls, the player performs a prize exchange operation (S81), and if any remaining balls remain, the player specifies the destination for the remaining balls (S82).

If the held balls are specified as the return destination, the remaining balls are returned to the held balls (S83); if the saved balls are specified as the return destination, the remaining balls are returned to the saved balls (S84).

Specifically, if you have 100 balls in your possession and 600 balls in your reserve, and you exchange 500 balls, 200 balls will remain. If you specify the balls you have as the return destination, the balls you have will become 100 and the reserve will become 100, and if you specify the reserve balls as the return destination, the balls you have will become 0 and the reserve will become 200. Note that since you initially had 100 balls in your possession, you cannot return more than 100 balls.

In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 9 allows you to specify where to return any remaining balls after prize exchange.

In the above embodiment 9, a configuration was described in which the destination for returning surplus balls remaining after prize exchange was specified, but the present invention is not limited to this. The destination for returning surplus balls remaining after prize exchange can also be configured to automatically transfer them to the current day's saved balls. Also, if a replay upper limit is set for the current day's saved balls, the configuration can also control whether or not to automatically transfer them to the current day's saved balls.

[Embodiment 10]
In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the user to collect cards that still have value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the self-prize management device that performs self-prize exchange operations can also be configured to stop operation if the security function is disabled.

Conventionally, prize management devices have a security function that allows operation to begin only after a password is entered, but in manned prize exchange operations operated by employees, this security function has often been disabled. Even in self-service prize exchange operations using self-service prize management devices, disabling the security function could result in players being able to operate functions that are only available to employees, potentially creating security issues.

<Outline of the prize exchange system according to the tenth embodiment>
In this embodiment 10, a configuration is described in which, in a self-prize management device that performs self-prize exchange operations, the operation of the self-prize management device is stopped when the security function is disabled.

Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 10. As shown in Figure 25, the self-prize management device 800 with its security function disabled is started (S91), and a user is prompted to specify whether or not to perform the self-prize exchange operation (S92).

If self-prize exchange operation is to be performed, operation of the self-prize management device 800 is stopped (S93); if self-prize exchange operation is not to be performed, i.e., if manned prize exchange operation is to be performed, operation of the self-prize management device 800 is started (S94).

This prevents players from operating functions that can only be used by employees on the self-service prize management device 800, where the security functions are disabled, and prevents a decrease in security during prize exchange operations.

In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 10 can stop operation of the self-prize management device 800 that performs self-prize exchange operations if the security function is disabled, thereby preventing a decrease in security during prize exchange operations.

In the above embodiment 10, a configuration was described that prevents a decrease in security during the self-prize exchange operation of the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. In various terminals that have been converted into self-service employee terminals, the terminal can also be configured to stop operation if the security function is disabled.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment 10, a self-service prize management device with disabled security functions is configured to stop self-service prize exchange operations, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure a self-service prize management device dedicated to self-service prize exchange operations without adding security functions, and a self-service prize management device that can be switched between manned and self-service prize exchange operations to add security functions.

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 prize exchange system and prize exchange method of the present invention are suitable for efficiently exchanging prizes while preventing valuable cards from being left behind.

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 Selected prize data 56 Control unit 56a Card management unit 56b Device management unit 56c Member management unit 56d Selected prize management unit 60 Self-service prize management device 61 Display unit 62 Operation unit 63 Receipt issuing unit 64a Store clerk tag reader 64b Card reader 64c Mobile terminal reader 65 Communication unit 66 Memory unit 66a Prize master 66b Holding value data 66c Prize inventory data 67 Control unit 67a Prize management unit 67b Holding value management unit 67c Display control unit 67d Prize selection control unit 67e Prize inventory management unit 67f Prize association processing unit 67g Return unit 70 Prize management device 80 Prize payout device 100 Self-service prize management device 150 Management device 200 Self-service prize management device 250 Prize payout device 260 Card reader 300 Management device 350 Self-service prize management device 380 Camera 400 Management device 450 Self-service prize management device 480 Prize management device 500 Management device 550 Prize payout device 600 Prize management device 650 Self-service prize management device 700 Prize management device 800 Self-service prize management device

Claims (2)

A prize exchange system that is installed in a gaming facility and exchanges a number of first game media acquired by a player through a game for a prize, comprising:
a receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the value and the first number of game media;
an identification means for identifying player information, the value, and the number of first game media related to the player associated with the recording medium received by the reception means;
a prize exchange processing means for performing a prize exchange process for a selectable prize within the range of the first game medium number specified by the specifying means based on the operation of the player;
a residual value specifying means for specifying a second number of game media indicating the number of game media after the prize exchange processing by the prize exchange processing means;
A prize exchange system characterized by having a display output means which, when a general recording medium has been accepted by the reception means and an additional recording medium eligible for prize exchange can be accepted , displays an indication that the member's recording medium should be accepted last , and, when a member's recording medium has been accepted by the reception means and an additional general recording medium eligible for prize exchange can be accepted , ejects the member's recording medium and displays an indication that the member's recording medium should be accepted last . A prize exchange method in a prize exchange system that is installed in a gaming facility and exchanges a number of first game media acquired by a player through a game for a prize, comprising:
a receiving step of receiving a recording medium associated with the value and the first number of game media;
an identification step of identifying player information, the value, and the number of first gaming media related to the player associated with the recording medium received in the reception step;
a prize exchange processing step for performing a prize exchange process for a selectable prize within the range of the first game media number specified in the specifying step based on the operation of the player;
a residual value determination step of determining a second number of game media indicating the number of game media after the prize exchange processing by the prize exchange processing step;
A prize exchange method characterized by including a display output process for, if a general recording medium has been accepted through the acceptance process and an additional recording medium eligible for prize exchange can be accepted , outputting a display indicating that the member's recording medium should be accepted last , and, if a member's recording medium has been accepted through the acceptance process and an additional general recording medium eligible for prize exchange can be accepted , ejecting the member's recording medium and outputting a display indicating that the member's recording medium should be accepted last .