Payment settlement device, game system, payment settlement method, and program

Abstract

To provide a payment settlement device that can ensure compatibility and reduce costs associated with introduction of a new system.SOLUTION: A payment settlement device that can dispense and accept an information storage medium 10, store money information in the information storage medium 10, and settle money information stored in the information storage medium 10, acquires an application ID which is unique information of a membership application from a portable terminal of a player that stores the membership application, authenticates whether the player is a member or not, and stores the application ID in the information storage medium 10 when it is authenticated that the player is a member. Moreover, the device dispenses the information storage medium 10 which stores at least the money information and application ID.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a deposit settlement device, a gaming system, a deposit settlement method, and a program for use in gaming establishments. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, in gaming parlors that have gaming machines (pachinko and slot machines), players deposit monetary information such as bills into a unit device attached to the gaming machine, or insert an information storage medium (card medium, medal medium, etc.) on which the monetary information is stored into the unit device, and then perform a lending operation to lend gaming media (gaming balls or gaming medals) to the gaming machine.

[0003] If monetary information remains in the information storage medium when the game is finished (if there is a balance on the card), the monetary information can be refunded by inserting the information storage medium into the settlement machine.

[0004] In addition, at gaming establishments, players register as members according to their wishes, and once a player becomes a member, a specific information storage medium (membership card) is issued for each gaming establishment, and the player can use various member services by using the membership card of that gaming establishment.

[0005] A player who wants to use membership services at multiple gaming establishments must carry a membership card for each gaming establishment. To eliminate this hassle, a gaming system has been proposed that provides membership services by having a unit device attached to the gaming machine read specified information from the player's mobile terminal (cell phone, smartphone, etc.) (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-360898 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-082516 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, if players use their mobile terminals instead of membership cards, multiple dedicated unit devices must be prepared according to the number of gaming machines installed, which places a heavy burden on gaming establishments' expenses, and so the system is not widely adopted at present.

[0008] For this reason, when using the player's mobile terminal instead of a membership card, it was desirable to not only improve convenience by using the player's mobile terminal, but also to ensure compatibility so that conventional unit devices can be used, thereby reducing the costs involved in introducing a new system.

[0009] The present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a deposit settlement device and gaming system that improves convenience by allowing players to use their mobile terminals, while also achieving compatibility to enable the use of conventional unit devices and reducing costs associated with introducing a new system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a deposit settlement device 100 capable of ejecting and receiving an information storage medium 10 capable of storing at least monetary information, the deposit control means depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in the information storage medium (deposit settlement control unit 130 performing member deposit control processing, etc.); information storage medium ejection means (deposit settlement control unit 130 performing application membership card ejection processing, etc.) for ejecting the information storage medium in which the monetary information has been stored by the deposit control means; settlement control means (deposit settlement control unit 130 performing settlement control processing, etc.) for settling the monetary information stored in the information storage medium when monetary information is stored in the received information storage medium; member authentication means (deposit settlement control unit 130 performing member authentication processing, etc.) for acquiring an application ID, which is unique information of the member application, and a player's membership number (store membership number) associated with each gaming store from a mobile terminal of a player in which a member application is stored, and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; and member setting means (deposit settlement control unit 130 performing member information linking processing, etc.) for associating the application ID with the player's membership number and storing them in the information storage medium when the member authentication means authenticates that the player is a member; The information storage medium ejection means ejects the information storage medium on which at least the application ID and the player's membership number are stored in association with each other. This eliminates the hassle of carrying a membership card for each gaming establishment, and improves the convenience of membership services. Also, since the card (information storage medium) stores the membership number for each gaming establishment, compatibility can be achieved that allows the use of conventional unit devices. And, instead of using a large number of unit devices installed in the gaming establishment, the conventional settlement device is replaced with a new settlement device (deposit settlement device) and the app membership card is issued at the new settlement device, so that costs associated with the introduction of a new system can be reduced.

[0011] Preferably, the member authentication means does not obtain unique information about the player's mobile terminal (player mobile terminal 600) from the mobile terminal, but obtains the app ID and the player's membership number, and authenticates whether or not the player is a member. As a result, unique information of the player's mobile device is not obtained, and information is managed using the application ID and the player's membership number, eliminating the need for the system provider to manage personal information, thereby improving the convenience of introducing the new system.

[0012] Preferably, the system includes a member storage means (deposit and settlement storage unit 150) capable of temporarily storing information, and an image capture means (camera 101) for capturing images of a depositor who deposits monetary information and a settler who settles the monetary information, the member setting means stores in the information storage medium the application ID and the member number of the player in association with each other, and stores in the member storage means the application ID and the photographed image of the depositor photographed by the photographing means in association with each other, It is preferable that the settlement control means settles the monetary information when it determines that the image of the depositor photographed by the photographing means and the image of the settler are images of the same person. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of user registration of members and to prevent theft of information storage media.

[0013] Preferably, a unique number (visitor number) of the information storage medium is stored in advance in the information storage medium, when the member authentication means authenticates the player as a member, the member setting means stores the player's member number in the information storage medium in correspondence with the application ID instead of the unique number of the information storage medium; It is desirable that the information storage medium ejection means be capable of ejecting the same type of information storage medium (normal information storage medium 10b) when the member authentication means has authenticated the person as a member and when the person has not been authenticated as a member. This allows the gaming establishment to reduce costs by using the same card as a general card, without the need to prepare a membership card for app members only. Furthermore, the deposit settlement device does not need to prepare a different card stocker for each type of card or perform different discharge processes, preventing the structure from becoming complicated and reducing the control burden.

[0014] Preferably, in a gaming system including the above-described deposit settlement device, a player's mobile terminal having a member application stored therein, and a unit device capable of receiving the information storage medium ejected by the deposit settlement device and being connected to a gaming machine to enable lending of gaming media to be used in the gaming machine, The mobile terminal of the player has a game facility determination means (a mobile control unit 630 that performs a game facility determination process) that determines a game facility where the game will be played, and a code information display means (a mobile control unit 630 that performs a member code information display process) that displays code information including at least the application ID and the player's membership number associated with the game facility determined by the game facility determination means, It is desirable that the member authentication means of the deposit settlement device reads the code information displayed on the code information display means, obtains the app ID and the player's membership number from the read code information, and authenticates whether or not the player is a member. This allows app members to be authenticated by having the deposit settlement device read the code information displayed on the player's mobile device, improving the versatility of available mobile devices without the need for dedicated communication functions and improving the convenience of authentication.

[0015] Preferably, the mobile terminal of the player has an electronic money withdrawal means (a mobile control unit 630 which performs electronic money display processing, etc.) for depositing electronic money into the deposit settlement device, It is preferable that the deposit control means of the deposit settlement device deposits electronic money to be withdrawn by the electronic money withdrawal means when the member is authenticated as a member by the member authentication means. This allows an application member to deposit electronic money into the deposit settlement device, improving convenience of payments.

[0016] Preferably, the mobile terminal of the player has a deposit amount setting means (a mobile control unit 630 which performs a charge amount setting process, etc.) for setting a deposit amount for depositing electronic money into the deposit settlement device at one time, It is preferable that the electronic money withdrawal means deposits electronic money of the deposit amount set by the deposit amount setting means into the deposit settlement device. This allows a preset amount of electronic money to be deposited into the deposit settlement device, eliminating the need to select the amount to be deposited, further improving the convenience of electronic money payments.

[0017] Preferably, the mobile terminal of the player has an upper limit setting means (a mobile control unit 630 which performs upper limit setting processing, etc.) for setting an upper limit of the amount of electronic money that may be deposited into the deposit settlement device per day, It is preferable that the electronic money withdrawal means restricts the deposit of electronic money to the deposit settlement device when the amount exceeds the upper limit set by the deposit amount setting means. This restricts the payment of electronic money that exceeds the upper limit, thereby preventing gaming addiction.

[0018] Preferably, a storage server (member management server 320 or ball storage data center 710) is provided that stores the amount of game media acquired on or before the previous day in association with the member number of the player for each gaming facility, It is desirable that the deposit settlement device has a storage storage instruction means (a deposit settlement control unit 130 which performs stored ball transfer instruction processing, stored ball storage processing, etc.) which, when a player is authenticated as a member by the member authentication means, stores the amount of gaming media stored in the storage server in the information storage medium in correspondence with the player's membership number and the app ID. This allows app members to use the prize exchange service from the next day onwards and the replay service using saved balls and medals without having to carry a membership card for each gaming facility, which can help increase the number of registered app members.

[0019] Preferably, when the member authentication means authenticates the player as a member, the storage storage instruction means stores a portion of the amount of gaming media stored in the storage server in the information storage medium in correspondence with the player's membership number and the app ID. This allows app members to use only the portion of their saved balls and medals that they desire, further improving the service.

[0020] The present invention also provides a deposit and settlement method capable of ejecting and accepting an information storage medium capable of storing at least monetary information, the method comprising: a deposit step of depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in the information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection step of ejecting the information storage medium in which the monetary information has been stored in the deposit step; a settlement step of settling the monetary information stored in the information storage medium when monetary information is stored in the accepted information storage medium; a member authentication step of acquiring an application ID, which is information unique to the member application, and a player's membership number associated with each gaming facility from a mobile terminal of a player in which a member application has been stored, to authenticate whether or not the player is a member; and a member setting step of correlating the application ID with the player's membership number and storing them in the information storage medium when it has been authenticated that the player is a member in the member authentication step, The information storage medium ejection step ejects the information storage medium on which at least the application ID and the player's membership number are stored in association with each other.

[0021] The present invention also provides a program executed by a computer of a deposit settlement device, the program comprising: a deposit control process for depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in an information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection process for ejecting the information storage medium in which the monetary information has been stored by the deposit control process; a settlement control process for settling the monetary information stored in the information storage medium when monetary information is stored in the received information storage medium; a member authentication process for acquiring an application ID, which is information unique to the member application, and a player's membership number associated with each gaming facility from a mobile terminal of a player in which a member application has been stored, and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; and a member setting process for associating the application ID with the player's membership number and storing them in the information storage medium when it has been authenticated that the player is a member by the member authentication process, The information storage medium ejection process is characterized by ejecting the information storage medium on which at least the application ID and the player's membership number are stored in association with each other. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, convenience is improved by using the player's portable terminal, compatibility is achieved that enables the use of conventional unit devices, and costs associated with introducing a new system can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a gaming system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is an example of a block diagram showing a functional configuration 1 of a gaming system of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is an example of a block diagram showing a functional configuration 2 of the gaming system of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a member information database in a member application center of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a processing transition 1 of the gaming system of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a processing transition 2 of the gaming system of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a processing transition 3 of the gaming system of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process 1 of the deposit settlement device of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process 2 of the deposit settlement device of the present invention. [Figure 10] 4 is an example of a flowchart showing a member reception control process of the deposit settlement device of the present invention. [Figure 11] 4 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process of a unit device of the present invention. [Figure 12]13 is an example of a flowchart showing a member application control process of a player mobile terminal of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process 1 of a member application server of the present invention. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process 2 of a member application server of the present invention. [Figure 15] 13 is an example of a display screen 1 displayed on the deposit settlement display unit when the deposit settlement device of the present invention authenticates that the user is an application member. [Figure 16] 13 is an example of a display screen 2 displayed on the deposit settlement display unit when the deposit settlement device of the present invention authenticates that the user is an application member. [Figure 17] 13 is an example of a display screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit when an information storage medium is inserted into the deposit settlement device of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is an example of a display screen 1 displayed on a mobile display unit when a member application is being executed on a player mobile terminal of the present invention. [Figure 19] 1 is an example of a display screen 2 displayed on a mobile display unit when a member application is being executed on a player mobile terminal of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the content of the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the configurations and operations described in each embodiment are necessarily essential as the configurations and operations of the present invention.

[0025] [Gaming system configuration] First, the configuration of the gaming system of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gaming system of the present invention.

[0026] The gaming system 1 of this embodiment is a system used with a gaming machine 2 such as a pachinko or slot machine, and includes the gaming machine 2, a deposit settlement device 100 (also referred to as a "charge device" as appropriate), a unit device 200, a unit management server 310, a member management server 320, a hall computer 330, a unit data center 400, a gaming machine information center 500, a player mobile terminal 600, a member application center 700, a ball storage data center 710, a service center 800, and a hall terminal 900.

[0027] The gaming machines 2, the deposit settlement device 100, the unit devices 200, the unit management server 310, the member management server 320, and the hall computer 330 are installed inside the gaming establishment. The hall terminal 900 may be installed inside the gaming establishment, or may be installed in a management location (such as a head office) that manages multiple gaming establishments.

[0028] [Amusement machines] The gaming machine 2 is equipped with at least a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), a game display unit that displays images and reels, and a game operation unit for operating the game, such as a launch handle, start lever, and stop button.

[0029] The gaming machine 2 in this embodiment is a gaming machine called a smart pachinko or smart pachislot, and has a function of electronically managing gaming media (e.g., gaming balls and gaming medals) used in a game and counting the gaming media used in a game. The gaming machine 2 is connected to the unit device 200 by wire or wirelessly, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various gaming machine information to the unit device 200. When a counting button provided on the gaming machine 2 is operated, the gaming machine 2 transfers held ball information, which is information on the amount of counted gaming media, to the unit device 200, transmits gaming machine information related to the game content (e.g., "jackpot information") to the unit device 200, and receives rental notification information related to the rental of gaming media from the unit device 200.

[0030] In this embodiment, the gaming machine 2 is configured as a gaming machine called a smart pachinko or smart pachislot, but it may also be configured as a gaming machine that lends and pays out physical gaming balls or gaming medals.

[0031] In addition, in this embodiment, the number of balls held or ball information refers to the amount of gaming media acquired on the day or information about that amount, and all of the held balls can be used for games on the day. The number of saved balls or saved ball information refers to the amount of game media acquired on or before the previous day without being exchanged for prizes at the game establishment, or information about such amount. The number of saved balls is a service given to members of the game establishment, and can be used on the day up to a certain upper limit (for example, 2,500 game balls).

[0032] [Deposit settlement device] The deposit settlement device 100 is a device that can deposit monetary information such as coins and electronic money, eject the information storage medium 10 that stores the deposited monetary information, and accept the information storage medium 10 and settle the monetary information stored in the accepted information storage medium 10. The deposit settlement device 100 is also connected to the unit management server 310 and the member application center 700 via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to send and receive various information.

[0033] Here, the information storage medium 10 is used to lend out the game medium used in the game machine 2, and is composed of a portable storage medium such as a magnetic card, an IC card, or an IC medal with an IC chip built in, which can read and write information. The information storage medium 10 is also distinguished into a "specific information storage medium 10a" which corresponds to a conventional membership card issued for each game store in which user's unique information is registered in advance, and a "normal information storage medium 10b" which corresponds to a general card in which user's unique information is not registered in advance. In this embodiment, the normal information storage medium 10b also becomes an "app membership card" by storing the member app ID and the store membership number in association with each other afterwards. In this embodiment, when the specific information storage medium 10a and the normal information storage medium 10b are not distinguished from each other, they will be simply referred to as the information storage medium 10.

[0034] The deposit settlement device 100 also includes, on its outer surface, a camera 101 for photographing a user, a touch panel 102 capable of receiving operations from a user and displaying information, a bill insertion slot 103 capable of depositing monetary information as bills, and a code reader 104 capable of reading code information (e.g., QR code (registered trademark)) displayed on a player mobile terminal 600 or the like. The deposit settlement device 100 also includes a medium insertion and ejection slot 106 into which an information storage medium 10 can be inserted and from which the information storage medium 10 can be ejected, a bill return slot 107 which returns the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 as bills, and a coin return slot 108 which returns the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 as coins. The deposit settlement device 100 also includes, inside thereof, a card stocker 109 capable of storing a plurality of normal information storage media 10b, and the like.

[0035] In addition to the code reader 104 capable of reading code information, the deposit settlement device 100 may also be equipped with an electronic money payment terminal (e.g., an NFC payment terminal) capable of depositing electronic money via non-contact short-range wireless communication with the player mobile terminal 600.

[0036] [Unit equipment] The unit device 200 is provided next to the gaming machine 2, can receive the information storage medium 10 discharged by the deposit settlement device 100, is connected to the gaming machine 2, and instructs the lending of gaming media used in the gaming machine 2 and updates the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10. The unit device 200 is also connected to the gaming machine 2, the unit management server 310, and the hall computer 330 by wire or wirelessly. The unit device 200 is configured to be able to transmit and receive various information to and from the gaming machine 2 and the unit management server 310, and is configured to only be able to transmit various information to the hall computer 330 via the relay board 340.

[0037] The unit device 200 also includes a unit touch panel 201 capable of receiving operations from a user and displaying information, and a unit insertion / ejection opening 202 into which the information storage medium 10 can be inserted and from which the information storage medium 10 can be ejected.

[0038] In this embodiment, the unit device 200 is configured so that monetary information as paper money cannot be deposited (so-called bill-validation-less), but may be configured with a bill validator for depositing monetary information as paper money. Furthermore, the unit device 200 may be configured with an electronic money payment terminal that can deposit monetary information as electronic money.

[0039] [Unit Management Server] The unit management server 310 is a device that transmits and receives various information to and from a unit data center 400 outside the gaming facility (external), and manages the deposit settlement device 100, the multiple unit devices 200, and the member management server 320 installed in the gaming facility. The unit management server 310 is connected to the deposit settlement device 100, the multiple unit devices 200, and the member management server 320 via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to transmit and receive various information.

[0040] The unit management server 310 transmits various information including monetary information and gaming machine information to the unit data center 400, transmits saved ball information or held ball information of the player to the member management server 320, and receives saved ball information or held ball information of the player from the member management server 320. The unit management server 310 also transmits and receives monetary information, saved ball information, held ball information, and the like to the deposit settlement device 100, and transmits and receives monetary information, saved ball information, held ball information, and the like to the unit device 200.

[0041] [Member management server] The member management server 320 is a device that manages and stores the ball storage information of the members of the gaming facility. The member management server 320 is connected to the unit management server 310 and the ball storage data center 710 via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to transmit and receive various information.

[0042] The member management server 320 then transmits (transfers) the player's saved ball information or held ball information to the unit management server 310 or the saved ball data center 710.

[0043] [Hall Computer] The hall computer 330 is a device that collects and compiles statistics on monetary information and gaming machine information used within the gaming parlor. The hall computer 330 is connected to a plurality of unit devices 200 via a relay board 340 by wire or wirelessly, and is configured to be able to receive monetary information and gaming machine information from the unit devices 200.

[0044] [Unit Data Center] The unit data center 400 is a device that receives various information including monetary information and gaming machine information from multiple gaming facilities (gaming facilities nationwide) and performs various processes based on the received information, and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices (various databases) based on various processes. The unit data center 400 is also connected to the gaming machine information center 500, the member application center 700, and the unit management servers 310 installed in multiple gaming facilities via a public line (Internet) so as to be able to transmit and receive various information by wire or wirelessly.

[0045] The unit data center 400 receives various information including monetary information and gaming machine information from the unit management server 310, transmits the received gaming machine information to the gaming machine information center 500, and updates the received monetary information.

[0046] [Amusement Machine Information Center] The gaming machine information center 500 is a device that collects and monitors gaming machine information from multiple gaming arcades (gaming arcades nationwide), and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices based on various processes. The gaming machine information center 500 is also connected to the server of the unit data center 400 via a public line so that various information can be transmitted and received by wire or wirelessly.

[0047] The gaming machine information center 500 receives gaming machine information from the unit data center 400, and compiles and monitors the received gaming machine information.

[0048] [Member App Center] The member application center 700 is a device that performs user member registration, game facility registration, etc., and provides users with predetermined services, and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices based on various processes. In addition, the member application center 700 is connected to the unit data center 400, the deposit settlement device 100, the player mobile terminal 600, the service center 800, and the hall terminal 900 via public lines so as to be able to transmit and receive various information by wire or wirelessly.

[0049] The member app center 700 registers the gaming facility when a request for registration of the gaming facility is received from the hall terminal 900, registers the user as a member when a request for member registration is received from the player mobile terminal 600, and instructs the service center 800 to provide the specified service when a specified service is requested from the player mobile terminal 600.

[0050] [Ball storage data center] The ball storage data center 710 is a device that backs up and stores the ball storage information of members stored in the member management server 320 of each gaming facility, and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices based on various processes. In addition, the ball storage data center 710 is connected to the member management servers 320 installed in multiple gaming facilities (gaming facilities nationwide) via public lines so that various information can be transmitted and received by wire or wirelessly.

[0051] The saved ball data center 710 then stores and updates the saved ball information of the player received from the member management server 320, and transfers (subtracts) the saved ball information of the player in response to instructions from the member management server 320.

[0052] In this embodiment, the gaming system 1 is configured to include the ball storage data center 710, but the gaming system 1 does not necessarily have to include the ball storage data center 710.

[0053] [Service Center] The service center 800 is a device that provides various services (for example, provision of game information, electronic money payment service, etc.) to users who have been registered as members by the member application center 700, and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices based on various processes. The service center 800 is also connected to the member application center 700 via a public line so that various information can be transmitted and received by wire or wirelessly.

[0054] Then, when a predetermined service is requested by the player mobile terminal 600, the service center 800 provides the predetermined service via the member application center 700.

[0055] In this embodiment, the service center 800 is provided separately from the member application center 700, but the member application center 700 may be integrated with the service center 800 to provide various services (various processes) of the service center 800.

[0056] [Player's mobile device] The player mobile terminal 600 is an information terminal device such as a portable mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. owned by a user, and is connected to the member application center 700 via a public line so as to be able to wirelessly transmit and receive various information. In addition, the player mobile terminal 600 stores a program for executing a member application. The program for executing a member application can be downloaded from a specified server via a public line.

[0057] The player mobile terminal 600 registers the user as a member at the member application center 700, requests a specific service via the member application center 700, and deposits electronic money by reading it into the deposit settlement device 100.

[0058] [Hall terminal] The hall terminal 900 is an information terminal device such as a personal computer or tablet terminal managed by the gaming facility, and is connected to the member application center 700 via a public line so as to be able to send and receive various information via wired or wireless communication.

[0059] The hall terminal 900 then registers information about the gaming facility it manages in the member application center 700 .

[0060] [Block diagram of gaming system] Next, the functional configuration of the gaming system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 are examples of block diagrams showing the functional configuration of the gaming system 1 of the present invention.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, the deposit settlement device 100 at least includes a camera 101, a code reader 104, a deposit settlement display unit 110, a deposit settlement operation unit 120, a deposit settlement control unit 130, a deposit settlement program memory unit 140, a deposit settlement memory unit 150, a first insertion / ejection drive unit 160, a monetary information deposit unit 170, and a currency return unit 180.

[0062] The deposit settlement display unit 110 is composed of a display device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and constitutes a part of the touch panel 102. The deposit settlement display unit 110, which will be described in detail later, displays a deposit operation image for depositing monetary information into the information storage medium 10, and displays a settlement operation image for settling the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10.

[0063] The deposit settlement operation unit 120 is made up of a touch sensor of a capacitance type, a resistive film type, or the like, and constitutes a part of the touch panel 102. The deposit settlement operation unit 120 is capable of accepting operations from a manager of an amusement facility, a user, or the like.

[0064] In this embodiment, the deposit settlement display unit 110 and the deposit settlement operation unit 120 are configured together as the touch panel 102, but the deposit settlement operation unit 120 may be configured as a push-type microswitch or the like, and the deposit settlement display unit 110 and the deposit settlement operation unit 120 may be configured separately.

[0065] The deposit settlement control unit 130 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, and performs various controls related to the deposit settlement device 100. For example, the deposit settlement control unit 130 stores deposited monetary information in the information storage medium 10, and settles the monetary information when the monetary information is stored in the accepted information storage medium 10. In addition, the deposit settlement control unit 130 acquires an application ID from the mobile terminal 600 of the player to authenticate whether or not the player is a member, and when authenticating that the player is a member, stores the application ID in the information storage medium 10 in association with the application ID.

[0066] The deposit settlement program storage unit 140 is made up of a non-rewritable non-volatile ROM such as a mask ROM, and stores programs for causing the deposit settlement control unit 130 to carry out various processes.

[0067] The deposit settlement memory unit 150 is a temporary memory device, for example, a readable / writable non-volatile flash memory, and stores information such as the app ID, a user's image, the player's store membership number, monetary information, ball holding information, and saved ball information.

[0068] The first insertion / ejection drive unit 160 is composed of a motor and a belt conveyor, and pulls the information storage medium 10 inserted into the media insertion / ejection port 106 into the interior of the deposit settlement device 100, and ejects one regular information storage medium 10b from the card stocker 109.

[0069] The monetary information deposit section 170 is a deposit section that identifies and deposits monetary information, and has a bill validation unit 171 that identifies bills inserted through the bill insertion slot 103 and deposits cash, and an electronic money deposit section 172 that identifies code information read from the code reader 104 and deposits electronic money.

[0070] In this embodiment, the monetary information deposit unit 170 is configured to include the electronic money deposit unit 172, but it may be configured only with the banknote identification and deposit unit 161 without including the electronic money deposit unit 172. Furthermore, the electronic money deposit unit 172 may be configured as an electronic money payment terminal that can deposit electronic money through non-contact short-range wireless communication with the player mobile terminal 600.

[0071] The currency return unit 180 is comprised of a motor and a belt conveyor, and transports the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 as banknotes to the banknote return slot 107, and transports the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 as coins to the coin return slot 108. When the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 is returned as electronic money, code information of the refund information can be displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110.

[0072] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the deposit settlement device 100 also includes a communication module for enabling transmission and reception of information to and from an external device.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 2, the unit device 200 at least includes a unit display section 210, a unit operation section 220, a unit control section 230, a unit program storage section 240, a unit storage section 250, and a second insertion / ejection driving section 260.

[0074] The unit display unit 210 is made up of a display device that displays images such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and constitutes a part of the unit touch panel 201. The unit display unit 210 displays a lending operation image for consuming monetary information to lend game media to the game machine 2, displays a replay operation image for consuming held ball information or saved ball information to lend game media to the game machine 2, and displays a return operation image for ejecting and returning the information storage medium 10.

[0075] The unit operation unit 220 is composed of a touch sensor of a capacitance type, a resistive film type, or the like, and constitutes a part of the unit touch panel 201. The unit operation unit 220 can accept a user's lending operation or replay operation for causing the gaming machine 2 to lend a gaming medium, and a return operation for ejecting the information storage medium 10.

[0076] In this embodiment, the unit display unit 210 and the unit operation unit 220 are configured together as the unit touch panel 201, but the unit operation unit 220 may be configured as a push-type microswitch or the like, and the unit display unit 210 and the unit operation unit 220 may be configured separately.

[0077] The unit control unit 230 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, and performs various controls related to the unit device 200. For example, when the unit operation unit 220 accepts a lending operation, the unit control unit 230 performs control such as issuing a lending instruction to the gaming machine 2 to lend gaming media by consuming monetary information, and storing held ball information, which is the counting information of the gaming media, when the unit control unit 230 receives counting information of the gaming media from the gaming machine 2.

[0078] The unit program storage section 240 is made up of a non-rewritable non-volatile ROM such as a mask ROM, and stores programs for causing the unit control section 230 to carry out various processes.

[0079] The unit memory unit 250 is a temporary storage device, for example a readable / writable non-volatile flash memory, and stores information such as the player's store membership number, monetary information, ball holding information, and saved ball information.

[0080] The second insertion / ejection driving section 260 is made up of a motor and a belt conveyor, and pulls the information storage medium 10 inserted into the unit insertion / ejection port 202 into the inside of the unit device 200 and ejects the information storage medium 10 from the inside of the unit device 200.

[0081] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the unit device 200 also includes a communication module for enabling transmission and reception of information to and from an external device, a card stocker for storing a plurality of information storage media 10, and the like.

[0082] As shown in Figure 3, the unit data center 400 includes a center control server 410, a gaming machine information compatible server 420, a member application compatible server 430, a monetary information management memory unit 440, a ball holding information management memory unit 450, and a gaming machine information database 460.

[0083] The center control server 410 is a server that manages the unit data center 400 in an integrated manner, and is configured to be able to send and receive various types of information to the unit management server 310, the gaming machine information compatible server 420, the member application compatible server 430, the monetary information management memory unit 440, the ball holding information management memory unit 450, and the gaming machine information database 460.

[0084] When the center control server 410 receives monetary information, held ball information, or gaming machine information from the unit management server 310, it stores the received monetary information in the monetary information management storage unit 440, stores the received held ball machine information in the held ball information management storage unit 450, and stores the received gaming machine information in the gaming machine information database 460. The center control server 410 then instructs various servers (gaming machine information corresponding server 420 and member application corresponding server 430) in the unit data center 400 to carry out various processes, and receives instructions from the various servers.

[0085] The gaming machine information corresponding server 420 is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving various information to and from the gaming machine information center 500, and is a server that transmits gaming machine information to the gaming machine information center 500 in response to an instruction from the center control server 410.

[0086] The member application compatible server 430 is configured to be capable of sending and receiving various information with the member application center 700, and is a server that requests specific instructions from the center control server 410 and receives specific instructions from the center control server 410.

[0087] The monetary information management memory unit 440 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SDD), optical disk drive, magnetic tape device, etc., and is the memory unit of the unit data center 400 that stores monetary information for each player.

[0088] The ball information management storage unit 450 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), an optical disk drive, a magnetic tape device, etc., and is a storage unit of the unit data center 400 that stores ball information for each player. Note that the saved ball information is not stored in the unit data center 400, but is stored in the saved ball data center 710.

[0089] The gaming machine information database 460 is composed of large-capacity storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), an optical disk drive, a magnetic tape device, etc., and is a storage unit of the unit data center 400 that stores gaming machine information.

[0090] The member application center 700 includes a member application server 701 , a member information database 702 , and a hall information database 703 .

[0091] The member application server 701 is a server that comprehensively manages the member application center 700, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various types of information to and from the player mobile terminal 600, the hall terminal 900, and the service center 800.

[0092] The member application server 701 performs member registration of the user when a member registration request is received from the player mobile terminal 600 and stores the user's member information in a member information database 702, and performs game establishment registration when a game establishment registration request is received from the hall terminal 900 and stores the game establishment information in a hall information database 703. In addition, the member application server 701 provides a predetermined service to the player mobile terminal 600 when a predetermined service request is received from the registered player mobile terminal 600.

[0093] The member information database 702 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), an optical disk drive, or a magnetic tape device, and is the storage unit of the member application center 700 that stores user member information.

[0094] The hall information database 703 is composed of large-capacity storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), an optical disk drive, a magnetic tape device, etc., and is the storage unit of the member application center 700 that stores information about game arcades.

[0095] The stored ball data center 710 includes a stored ball server 711 and a stored ball memory unit 712.

[0096] The saved ball server 711 is a server that manages saved ball information for multiple gaming arcades (amusement arcades nationwide) that is associated with each gaming arcade's membership number (store membership number), and updates the saved ball information stored in the saved ball memory unit 712.

[0097] The stored ball memory unit 712 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), an optical disk drive, a magnetic tape device, etc., and stores ball information associated with the player's store membership number.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 3, the service center 800 includes a service server 810 and a service storage unit 820.

[0099] The service server 810 is a server that provides a predetermined service to the player mobile terminal 600 that has been registered as a member via the member application center 700, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various types of information to and from the member application server 701.

[0100] In this embodiment, the service server 810 is a server that provides an electronic money settlement service in the deposit settlement device 100 to the player mobile terminal 600 that has been registered as a member.

[0101] The service memory unit 820 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), an optical disk drive, a magnetic tape device, etc., and is the memory unit of the service center 800 that stores various information for providing specified services.

[0102] The player mobile terminal 600 includes a mobile display unit 610 , a mobile operation unit 620 , a mobile control unit 630 , a mobile storage unit 640 , and a mobile communication unit 650 .

[0103] The mobile display unit 610 is made up of an image display device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is capable of displaying images in response to user operations.

[0104] The mobile operation unit 620 is made up of an input unit such as a keyboard or a touch panel, and is capable of inputting information related to a user's operation.

[0105] The mobile control unit 630 is made up of a processor such as a CPU, and is capable of performing various controls in response to user operations. For example, the mobile control unit 630 determines the gaming facility where the game will be played, sets the amount of electronic money to be deposited in the deposit settlement device 100 per transaction, and sets the upper limit of the amount of electronic money to be deposited in the deposit settlement device 100 per day, using a member application.

[0106] The mobile storage unit 640 is made of a readable / writable non-volatile flash memory and can temporarily store various information. The mobile storage unit 640 also stores a program that causes the mobile control unit 630 to execute a member application.

[0107] The mobile information reading unit 650 is a code reader capable of reading code information displayed on a predetermined display device and analyzing the read code information.

[0108] [Member information database] Next, there will be described the configuration of member information database 702 in the above-mentioned member application center 700. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of member information database 702 in member application center 700 of the present invention.

[0109] As shown in Figure 5, the member information database 702 stores the member application ID, which is unique information of the member application, in correspondence with the user's name, the user's date of birth (age), the user's address, multiple my-hall selection information selected by the user, the store membership number for each my-hall, one selected hall information determined by the user, the charge amount set by the user, and the maximum amount that can be charged per day.

[0110] Here, "my hall selection information" refers to information for registering in advance the gaming hall (hall) where the player wishes to play, and it is possible to register up to five gaming halls from among those registered in the hall information database 703. In this embodiment, it is possible to register up to five gaming halls, but the number of gaming halls that can be registered can be freely changed as appropriate.

[0111] The "store membership number" is a membership number for each gaming establishment that has registered the user as a member in advance by the gaming establishment registered as the My Hall Selection Information. Generally, the membership number is written on a membership card, and in the case of a user who is a member of the gaming establishment registered as the My Hall Selection Information (a user who already has a membership card), the membership number written on the membership card is registered in the membership information database 702 via the player mobile terminal 600. In addition, in the case of a user who is not a member of the gaming establishment registered as the My Hall Selection Information, the player has the gaming establishment issue a membership number before playing at the gaming establishment, and the membership number issued via the player mobile terminal 600 is registered in the membership information database 702.

[0112] The "determined hall information" is information that determines the gaming facility (gaming hall) where the user will play from among the gaming facilities registered in the My Hall Selection Information.

[0113] The "charge amount" is information on the amount to be withdrawn each time a user deposits electronic money into the deposit settlement device 100, and the amount can be set by the user.

[0114] The "maximum amount" is information on the maximum amount of electronic money that can be withdrawn per day when a user deposits electronic money into the deposit settlement device 100. This maximum amount is set in advance to a regulated maximum amount (e.g., 50,000 yen), and the user can set an amount within the range below this regulated amount. In addition, the maximum amount is cumulatively applied to the deposit settlement devices 100 installed in different gaming facilities.

[0115] In addition, the member information database 702 may store user information other than the above in association with the member application ID. For example, a face image of the user may be stored in association with the member application ID. In addition, the user's date of birth, the user's address, the upper limit amount, etc. may not be stored in association with the member application ID.

[0116] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the hall information database 703 stores the hall ID, which is the unique membership information of the amusement facility, in correspondence with the hall name of the amusement facility, the hall address of the amusement facility, the hall contact information of the amusement facility, the name of the person in charge at the amusement facility, etc.

[0117] [Sequence diagram of gaming system] Next, there will be described the process transition of the gaming system 1. Figures 5 to 7 are examples of sequence diagrams showing the process transition of the gaming system 1 of the present invention.

[0118] (Processing transition 1) 5 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a process transition 1 of the gaming system 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a process transition 1 in which various information is registered in the member application center 700 from the player mobile terminal 600 and the hall terminal 900.

[0119] 5, the sequence diagram shows, from the left, the processing of the hall terminal 900, the member application center 700 (member application server 701), and the player mobile terminal 600. The processing of the member application center 700 and the player mobile terminal 600 shown in Fig. 5 is a conceptual summary of representative processing in Figs. 8 to 14 described later, and each processing will be described in detail later.

[0120] In addition, in each process described below, the elements of step S are illustrated in an exemplary order, and are not limited to the specific order illustrated. Therefore, in the flowchart shown in Figure 5, the order can be changed as long as no inconsistency occurs in the process results. This also applies to Figures 6 to 14 described later.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 5, when an administrator or the like of the gaming facility causes the member application center 700 to perform hall registration, the administrator or the like performs hall application processing on the hall terminal 900 (step S1). In this hall application process, the hall terminal 900 transmits hall application information, hall information (e.g., hall name, hall address, hall contact information, name of person in charge), etc., to the member application center 700 to apply for registration of the gaming facility to the member application center 700.

[0122] When the member application center 700 receives the hall application information, hall information, etc. from the hall terminal 900, it performs a hall information registration process (step S2). In this hall information registration process, the member application server 701 generates a hall ID (e.g., a hall number) that is member information unique to the gaming facility, and registers the hall information, etc. in association with the generated hall ID in the hall information database 703. Then, after registering the hall information, etc. in the hall information database 703, the member application server 701 transmits the hall ID and a hall registration completion notice to the hall terminal 900.

[0123] When the user wishes to register as a member at the member application center 700, the user performs a membership application process on the player mobile terminal 600 (step S3). In this membership application process, mobile control unit 630 transmits to member application center 700 membership application information for applying for membership registration, personal information of the user (eg, name, date of birth, address, etc.), and the like.

[0124] When the member application center 700 receives the member application information, the user's personal information, and the like from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs a member information registration process (step S4). In this member information registration process, member application server 701 generates a member application ID, which is member information unique to the user, and registers the user's personal information, etc. in member information database 702 in association with the generated member application ID. Then, after registering the user's personal information, etc. in member information database 702, member application server 701 transmits the member application ID and a member registration completion notice to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0125] When the user registers in advance a gaming facility (my hall) where he / she wishes to play games, the user performs a my hall selection start process on the player mobile terminal 600 (step S5). In this my hall selection start process, the mobile control unit 630 transmits hall disclosure request information requesting disclosure of hall information registered in the hall information database 703 of the member app center 700, the member app ID, etc. to the member app center 700.

[0126] When the member app center 700 receives the member app ID, the hall disclosure request information, and the like from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs a registered hall information providing process (step S6). In this registered hall information providing process, the member application server 701 transmits hall name information indicating the hall name, etc., from among the hall information registered in the hall information database 703 to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0127] When the player mobile terminal 600 receives the hall name information from the member application server 701, it performs a my-hall selection process (step S7). In this hall selection and determination process, the mobile control unit 630 causes the mobile display unit 610 to display the hall name, etc. based on the received hall name information, determines the "my hall" based on the user's operation input to the mobile operation unit 620, and inputs the store membership number of the determined "my hall." Note that the store membership number may be input later, and only the "my hall" may be determined. The mobile control unit 630 then transmits the member app ID, the my hall selection information for the determined "my hall," the store membership number, etc. to the member app center 700.

[0128] When the member application center 700 receives the member application ID, the my-hall selection information, the store membership number, and the like from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs a my-hall registration process (step S8). In this my hall registration process, the member app server 701 registers the my hall selection information in the member information database 702 in association with the member app ID, and also registers the store membership number in the member information database 702 in association with the my hall selection information and the member app ID. After the member app server 701 registers the my hall selection information, etc. in the member information database 702, it transmits a my hall registration completion notification to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0129] When the user sets the charge amount in advance, the user performs a charge amount setting process on the player mobile terminal 600 (step S9). In this charge amount setting process, the charge amount is set by user operation input to the mobile operation unit 620, and the mobile control unit 630 transmits the member app ID, charge amount information indicating the set charge amount, etc. to the member app center 700.

[0130] When the member application center 700 receives the member application ID, charge amount information, and the like from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs a charge amount registration process (step S10). In this recharge amount registration process, the member application server 701 registers the recharge amount information in association with the member application ID in the member information database 702. Then, after the member application server 701 registers the recharge amount information in the member information database 702, it transmits a recharge amount registration completion notification to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0131] In this way, since the charge amount can be set in advance, there is no need to select the amount to be deposited when depositing electronic money into the deposit settlement device 100, improving the convenience of paying with electronic money.

[0132] When the user sets the upper limit amount of electronic money in advance, the user performs the upper limit amount setting process on the player mobile terminal 600 (step S11). In this upper limit amount setting process, a maximum amount is set that is equal to or less than a preset specified upper limit amount through user operation input into the mobile operation unit 620, and the mobile control unit 630 transmits the member app ID, maximum amount information indicating the set upper limit amount, etc. to the member app center 700.

[0133] When the member application center 700 receives the member application ID, the upper limit amount information, and the like from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs an upper limit amount registration process (step S12). In this upper limit amount registration process, the member application server 701 registers the upper limit amount information in the member information database 702 in association with the member application ID. Then, after registering the upper limit amount information in the member information database 702, the member application server 701 transmits a notification of completion of the upper limit amount registration to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0134] Here, if the player mobile terminal 600 does not perform the upper limit amount setting process, a preset specified upper limit amount is applied.

[0135] Since payment of electronic money exceeding a preset upper limit or a specified upper limit is restricted, addiction to gaming can be prevented. In particular, since an upper limit for electronic money below the specified upper limit can be set, addiction to gaming can be prevented more effectively.

[0136] In this embodiment, the upper limit of the amount of electronic money that is lower than the specified upper limit can be set, but the upper limit of the amount of electronic money may not be set.

[0137] (Processing transition 2) Fig. 6 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a process transition 2 of the gaming system 1 of the present invention. Fig. 6 shows a process transition 2 from member authentication in the deposit settlement device 100 to storing ball information in a normal information storage medium 10b.

[0138] In addition, the sequence diagram in FIG. 6 shows, from the left, the processes of the player mobile terminal 600, the deposit settlement device 100, the member application center 700, and the unit management server 310.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 6, when a user wishes to use a member service using a player mobile terminal 600, a member verification operation is performed at the deposit settlement device 100.

[0140] When a member verification operation is performed by a user, the deposit settlement device 100 performs a depositor image capture process (step S21). In this depositor image capture process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 photographs the user who performed the membership verification operation with the camera 101, and stores the photographed image of the user in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 as a depositor image.

[0141] After the depositor image capture process has been performed, the deposit settlement device 100 performs a membership code information request process (step S22). In this membership code information request process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 causes the deposit settlement display unit 110 to display a membership code request screen requesting membership code information, and activates the code reader 104 to perform processing that makes the membership code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 readable.

[0142] When a member game operation is performed by the user indicating an intention to use the member service at the gaming establishment, the player mobile terminal 600 performs a member code information display process (step S23). In the membership code information display process, the mobile control unit 630 causes the mobile display unit 610 to display membership code information including the membership app ID, the store membership number of the gaming hall determined by the user, and the like.

[0143] When the deposit settlement device 100 reads the member code information displayed on the mobile display unit 610, it performs a member authentication process (step S24). In this member authentication process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 acquires the member app ID, store member number, etc. from the member code information, and authenticates whether the person is a member of the gaming facility in which the deposit settlement device 100 is installed via the member app center 700. Specifically, the deposit settlement control unit 130 transmits to the member app center 700 member confirmation instruction information for confirming whether the person is a member, the member app ID, the store member number, etc.

[0144] When the member application center 700 receives the member verification instruction information, the member application ID, the store membership number, and the like from the deposit settlement device 100, it performs an application member verification process (step S25). In this application member confirmation process, member application server 701 checks whether the received member application ID and store member number are registered in member information database 702. If member application server 701 checks that the received member application ID and store member number are registered in member information database 702, it transmits a member confirmation notice, etc. to deposit settlement device 100.

[0145] The member app center 700 may transmit a member confirmation notification or the like to the player mobile terminal 600. By receiving the member confirmation notification or the like from the member app center 700, the player mobile terminal 600 can transition the member code information display process to the next step (next display screen).

[0146] When the deposit settlement device 100 receives a member confirmation notification or the like from the member application center 700, it performs a member information linking process (step S26). In this member information linking process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 stores the store member number and the depositor image in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 in association with the member app ID. Then, instead of the visitor number pre-stored in the normal information storage medium 10b, the store member number is stored in association with the member app ID in the normal information storage medium 10b. Note that the depositor image is not stored in the normal information storage medium 10b, but is stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 and is used at the time of settlement.

[0147] As a result, the member application ID and the store member number are stored in association with each other in the normal information storage medium 10b, and the member service can be used without carrying a member card for each gaming store.

[0148] After performing the member information linking process, when the user performs a saved ball transfer operation, the deposit settlement device 100 performs a saved ball confirmation process (step S27). In this stored ball confirmation process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 confirms the player's stored ball information stored in the member management server 320 or the stored ball data center 710 via the unit management server 310. Specifically, the deposit settlement control unit 130 transmits stored ball confirmation information, the store member number, etc., to the unit management server 310 in order to confirm the player's stored ball information.

[0149] When the unit management server 310 receives the saved ball confirmation information, the store membership number, and the like from the deposit settlement device 100, it performs a saved ball information providing process (step S28). In this saved ball information provision process, the unit management server 310 obtains the saved ball information of the player associated with the received store membership number from the member management server 320, and transmits the obtained saved ball information of the player to the deposit settlement device 100.

[0150] When the deposit settlement device 100 receives the saved ball information of the player from the unit management server 310, it performs saved ball display processing (step S29). In this saved ball display process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 causes the deposit settlement display unit 110 to display the received saved ball information of the player.

[0151] After performing the stored ball display process, when the user performs a transfer instruction operation to designate the number of stored balls to be transferred, the deposit settlement device 100 performs a stored ball transfer instruction process (step S30). In this ball transfer instruction process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 transmits to the unit management server 310 the transfer ball information, the store membership number, and the like, designated by the transfer instruction operation.

[0152] In this embodiment, the ball instruction operation can be selected from a first ball instruction operation for instructing the transfer of the upper limit number of balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day (e.g., 12,500 balls) and a second ball instruction operation for instructing the transfer of the upper limit number of balls that can be replayed per day (e.g., 2,500 balls). The deposit settlement device 100 accepts either the first ball instruction operation or the second ball instruction operation to perform the ball transfer instruction process described above.

[0153] In addition, as a transfer instruction operation, only the first saved ball instruction operation, which instructs the transfer of the maximum number of saved balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, may be selectable, or in addition to the first saved ball instruction operation and / or the second saved ball instruction operation, the all saved ball instruction operation, which instructs the transfer of all saved balls, may be selectable.

[0154] When the unit management server 310 receives the transfer saved ball information, the store member number, and the like from the deposit settlement device 100, it performs a saved ball transfer process (step S31). In this stored ball transfer process, the unit management server 310 causes the member management server 320 to update the stored ball information by subtracting the number of stored balls corresponding to the transferred stored ball information from the stored ball information of the player associated with the received store membership number. Then, when the member management server 320 has completed updating the number of stored balls, it transmits a stored ball update completion notice, stored ball information, etc. to the deposit settlement device 100.

[0155] As a result, when a transfer instruction operation is performed, the stored ball information specified by the transfer instruction operation is transferred from the unit management server 310 to the deposit settlement device 100.

[0156] When the first ball saving instruction operation is performed, if the player's saved ball information stored in the member management server 320 is less than the upper limit number of saved balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, all saved balls will be transferred. This also applies when the player's saved ball information stored in the member management server 320 is less than the upper limit number of saved balls that can be replayed per day, when the second ball saving instruction operation is performed.

[0157] When the deposit settlement device 100 receives a saved ball update completion notice or the like from the unit management server 310, it performs a saved ball storage process (step S32). In this stored ball storage process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 stores the stored ball information received from the unit management server 310 in a normal information storage medium 10b in association with the member application ID and the store member number.

[0158] As a result, the ball information is stored in the normal information storage medium 10b (application membership card) in which the member application ID and the store membership number are stored in correspondence with each other, and the prize exchange service from the next day onwards and the replay service using the so-called saved balls and medals can be used.

[0159] In this embodiment, after the member information linking process is performed, two operations, a ball transfer operation and a transfer instruction operation, are performed so that the ball information stored in the member management server 320 is stored in a normal information storage medium 10b. However, the ball transfer operation may be unnecessary and the ball transfer operation may be performed by performing a transfer instruction operation (or the transfer instruction operation may be unnecessary and the ball transfer operation may be performed). In this way, by performing a single ball transfer operation without requiring a transfer instruction operation, when the ball information stored in the member management server 320 is stored in a normal information storage medium 10b, it is desirable to store the maximum number of balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, but it may also be configured to store all of the balls, or to store the maximum number of balls that can be replayed per day.

[0160] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the member information linking process is performed, a saved ball transfer operation and a transfer instruction operation are performed, and the saved ball information is stored in a normal information storage medium 10b. However, even if the saved ball transfer operation and transfer instruction operation are not performed, the saved ball information stored in the member management server 320 or the saved ball data center 710 may be automatically stored in a normal information storage medium 10b after the member information linking process is performed. In this way, when the saved ball information automatically stored in the member management server 320 or saved ball data center 710 is stored in a normal information storage medium 10b, it is desirable to store the maximum number of saved balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, but it may also be configured to store all saved balls, or to store the maximum number of saved balls that can be replayed per day.

[0161] (Processing transition 3) Fig. 7 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a process transition 3 of the gaming system 1 of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a process transition 3 following the process transition 2, from depositing electronic money in the deposit settlement device 100 to discharging a normal information storage medium 10b.

[0162] Moreover, the sequence diagram in FIG. 7 shows, from the left, the processes of the player mobile terminal 600, the deposit settlement device 100, the member application center 700, and the service center 800 (electronic money center).

[0163] As shown in Fig. 7, when a user wishes to deposit electronic money into the deposit settlement device 100 using the player mobile terminal 600, the user performs an electronic money deposit operation on the deposit settlement device 100. Note that the electronic money deposit operation is one of the member services that can only be performed after authentication of membership has been performed (after the member information linking process has been performed).

[0164] When an electronic money deposit operation is performed, the deposit settlement device 100 performs an electronic money deposit acceptance process (step S41). In this electronic money deposit acceptance process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 causes the deposit settlement display unit 110 to display an electronic money code request screen requesting electronic money code information, and activates the code reader 104 to perform processing that makes the electronic money code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 readable.

[0165] When an electronic money withdrawal operation is performed, the player mobile terminal 600 performs an electronic money display process (step S42). In the electronic money display process, the mobile control unit 630 causes the mobile display unit 610 to display electronic money code information including the member application ID, the charge amount, and the like.

[0166] When the deposit settlement device 100 reads the electronic money code information displayed on the mobile display unit 610, it performs an electronic money deposit confirmation process (step S43). In this electronic money deposit confirmation process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 confirms the deposit of electronic money via the member application center 700. Specifically, the deposit settlement control unit 130 transmits to the member application center 700 money confirmation information, the member application ID, the charge amount, etc., which allow the member application center 700 to confirm the electronic money.

[0167] When the member application center 700 receives the money confirmation information, the member application ID, the charge amount, and the like from the deposit settlement device 100, it performs an electronic money payment request process (step S44). In this electronic money payment request process, the member application server 701 transmits the member application ID, charge amount, etc. to the service center 800 (electronic money center) and requests the electronic money center to make an electronic money payment.

[0168] When the service center 800 (electronic money center) receives the member application ID, the charge amount, and the like from the member application center 700, it performs electronic money settlement processing (step S45). In this electronic money payment process, the service server 810 makes a payment of the charge amount in electronic money to the user of the received member application ID, and when the payment of the charge amount is completed, it sends an electronic money payment completion notice, etc. to the member application center 700.

[0169] In this embodiment, the service center 800 is configured to perform electronic money settlement, but the member application center 700 may be configured to directly perform electronic money settlement. Furthermore, the electronic money settlement may be configured to be performed via multiple service centers 800.

[0170] When the member application center 700 receives the electronic money payment completion notification or the like from the service center 800, it performs an electronic money payment notification process (step S46). In this electronic money payment notification process, the member application server 701 sends deposit confirmation information, etc. to the deposit settlement device 100 notifying that the charge amount has been settled by the electronic money center, and also sends a payment completion notification, etc. to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0171] When the deposit settlement device 100 receives the deposit confirmation information and the like from the member application center 700, it performs an electronic money deposit registration process (step S47). In this electronic money deposit registration process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 stores monetary information on the electronic money recharge amount in the normal information storage medium 10b in association with the member application ID and the store membership number.

[0172] As a result, monetary information of electronic money is stored in the normal information storage medium 10b (application membership card) in which the membership application ID and the store membership number are stored in association with each other, and payment services using electronic money can be enjoyed.

[0173] After the electronic money deposit registration process has been performed, the deposit settlement device 100 performs an application membership card ejection process (step S48). In this app member card ejection process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 drives the first insertion and ejection drive unit 160 to eject a normal information storage medium 10b on which the member app ID, store member number, ball deposit information, and monetary information are stored in association with each other.

[0174] In this embodiment, when depositing electronic money into the deposit settlement device 100, the electronic money code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 is read. However, the deposit settlement device 100 may also be equipped with an electronic money payment terminal (e.g., an NFC payment terminal) so that electronic money is deposited into the deposit settlement device 100 by holding the player mobile terminal 600 over the electronic money payment terminal.

[0175] When the player mobile terminal 600 receives a payment completion notice or the like from the member app center 700, it performs a payment completion display process (step S49). In the electronic money display process, the mobile control unit 630 causes the mobile display unit 610 to display an image notifying that payment has been completed using electronic money.

[0176] It should be noted that the processing of the deposit settlement device 100, member app center 700, player mobile terminal 600, unit management server 310, service center 800 and hall terminal 900 in the above-mentioned sequence diagram does not represent all processing, and processing is also performed to perform many other functions.

[0177] [Control process of the deposit settlement device] Next, a detailed description will be given of the control process of the above-mentioned deposit settlement device 100. Figures 8 and 9 are examples of a flowchart showing the control process of the deposit settlement device 100 of the present invention.

[0178] When the power supply to the deposit settlement device 100 is turned on, in step S101, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs an initialization process for initializing the RAM, registers, and the like of the deposit settlement device 100. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0179] In step S102, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a state display process to display a predetermined screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 according to various states. For example, when in a standby state, a reception screen is displayed. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0180] In step S103, the deposit settlement control unit 130 refers to the deposit settlement storage unit 150 and determines whether the member flag is ON or not. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the member flag is ON, it proceeds to step S104, and if it determines that the member flag is not ON (the member flag is OFF), it proceeds to step S105.

[0181] Here, the "membership flag" is identification data for authenticating that the user is an application member and granting member services. When the member flag is ON, the member acceptance process, which will be described later, is carried out.

[0182] In step S104, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member reception control process to authenticate that the user is an application member and provide the member service. This member reception control process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0183] In step S105, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a member verification operation has been received from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the member verification operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S106, and if it determines that the member verification operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S108.

[0184] In step S106, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a depositor image capture process. This depositor image capture process is also the process of step S21 (see FIG. 6) described above, in which the user who has performed the member verification operation is photographed by the camera 101, and the photographed image of the user is captured as the depositor image. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0185] In step S107, the deposit settlement control unit 130 turns the member flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 ON. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102. As a result, when the user performs a member confirmation operation, the process moves to member admission control processing.

[0186] In step S108, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a non-member confirmation operation has been received from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the non-member confirmation operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S109, and if it determines that the non-member confirmation operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S114.

[0187] In step S109, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a depositor image capture process. This depositor image capture process is similar to the process in step S106, in which the camera 101 captures an image of the user who has performed the non-member confirmation operation, and the captured image of the user is captured as the depositor image. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0188] In step S110, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a cash reception process. This cash reception process causes the deposit settlement display unit 110 to display a cash request screen requesting the deposit of bills, and performs a process that enables the bill validator 171 to deposit bills. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0189] In step S111, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a deposit completion operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the deposit completion operation has been accepted, it transfers the process to step S112, and if it determines that the deposit completion operation has not been accepted, it waits until the deposit completion operation is accepted.

[0190] In step S112, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a cash registration process. This cash registration process determines the cash amount received by the cash reception process in step S110, and stores monetary information of the determined cash amount in the normal information storage medium 10b in association with the visitor number of the normal information storage medium 10b. Also, a depositor image is stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 in association with the visitor number of the normal information storage medium 10b. The depositor image is not stored in the normal information storage medium 10b, but is stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 and is used at the time of settlement. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0191] In step S113, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a card ejection process. In this card ejection process, the first insertion / ejection drive unit 160 is driven to eject the normal information storage medium 10b (general card) in which the visitor number and monetary information of the normal information storage medium 10b are stored in association with each other, from the medium insertion / ejection opening 106. Then, the visitor number and monetary information stored in the ejected normal information storage medium 10b are sent to the unit management server 310 in association with each other. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0192] In step S114, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a return operation has been received from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the back operation has been accepted, it shifts the process to step S115, and if it determines that the back operation has not been accepted, it shifts the process to step S116.

[0193] In step S115, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a state return process to return to the previous display state. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0194] In step S116, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not the information storage medium 10 has been accepted. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the information storage medium 10 has been accepted, it proceeds to step S117, and if it determines that the information storage medium 10 has not been accepted, it returns to step S102.

[0195] In step S117, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not the accepted information storage medium 10 is an application membership card. Specifically, it determines whether or not the accepted information storage medium 10 is an application membership card based on whether or not a member application ID is stored in the accepted information storage medium 10. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the card is an application membership card, it proceeds to step S118, and if it determines that the card is not an application membership card, it proceeds to step S127.

[0196] In step S118, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a deposit operation for additional deposit has been accepted when the application membership card has been accepted. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the deposit operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S119, and if it determines that the deposit operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S128.

[0197] When the deposit settlement control unit 130 has accepted a deposit operation in response to the application membership card, it performs a membership deposit control process shown in steps S119 to S127.

[0198] In step S119, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not an electronic money deposit operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that an electronic money deposit operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S120, and if it determines that an electronic money deposit operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S123.

[0199] In step S120, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs an electronic money deposit acceptance process. This electronic money deposit acceptance process is also the process of step S41 (see Figure 7) described above, and involves displaying an electronic money code request screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 requesting electronic money code information, and activating the code reader 104 so that the electronic money code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 can be read. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S121.

[0200] In step S121, the deposit settlement control unit 130 reads the electronic money code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 and performs an electronic money deposit confirmation process. This electronic money deposit registration and deposit confirmation process is also the process of step S43 (see FIG. 7) described above, and confirmation of the deposit of electronic money is performed via the member application center 700. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S122.

[0201] In step S122, when the deposit settlement control unit 130 receives the deposit confirmation information and the like from the member application center 700, it performs an electronic money deposit registration process. This electronic money deposit registration process is also the process of step S47 (see FIG. 7) described above, and stores monetary information of the electronic money recharge amount in the normal information storage medium 10b in association with the member application ID and the store membership number. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S123.

[0202] In step S123, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs an application membership card ejection process. This application membership card ejection process is also the process of step S48 (see FIG. 7) described above, which turns off the membership flag stored in the deposit settlement memory unit 150 and drives the first insertion and ejection drive unit 160 to eject the normal information storage medium 10b (application membership card) on which the member application ID, store membership number, monetary information, etc. are stored from the medium insertion and ejection port 106. Then, the store membership number and monetary information, etc. stored in the ejected normal information storage medium 10b are associated with each other and transmitted to the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0203] In step S124, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a cash deposit operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that a cash deposit operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S125, and if it determines that a cash deposit operation has not been accepted, it returns to step S119.

[0204] In step S125, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a cash reception process. This cash reception process causes the deposit settlement display unit 110 to display a cash request screen requesting the deposit of bills, and performs a process that enables the bill validator 171 to deposit bills. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S126.

[0205] In step S126, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a deposit completion operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the deposit completion operation has been accepted, it transfers the process to step S127, and if it determines that the deposit completion operation has not been accepted, it waits until the deposit completion operation is accepted.

[0206] In step S127, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a cash registration process. This cash registration process determines the cash amount received in the cash reception process in step S125, and stores the monetary information of the cash amount in the general information storage medium 10b in association with the member application ID and the store member number. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S128.

[0207] In step S128, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs an application membership card ejection process. Similar to step S123 described above, this application membership card ejection process turns off the membership flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 and drives the first insertion and ejection drive unit 160 to eject normal information storage medium 10b (application membership card) storing the member application ID, store membership number, monetary information, etc., from the medium insertion and ejection slot 106. Then, the store membership number and monetary information, etc. stored in the ejected normal information storage medium 10b are associated with each other and transmitted to the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0208] In step S129, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a settlement operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the settlement operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S130, and if it determines that the settlement operation has not been accepted, it returns to step S118.

[0209] In step S130, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a settler image capture process. This settler image capture process acquires information on the visitor number or store member number from the accepted information storage medium 10. Then, the camera 101 captures an image of the user performing the settlement operation or inserting the information storage medium 10 into the medium insertion / ejection slot 106, captures the captured image of the user as a settler image, and stores the settler image in the deposit settlement memory unit 150 in association with the acquired visitor number or store member number. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S131.

[0210] In step S131, the deposit settlement control unit 130 refers to the depositor image and settler image associated with the visitor number or store membership number of the accepted information storage medium 10 from the deposit settlement memory unit 150, and determines whether the depositor and settler correspond (are the same person). If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the depositor and the settler correspond to each other, it proceeds to step S132, and if it determines that the depositor and the settler do not correspond to each other, it proceeds to step S133.

[0211] In step S132, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs settlement control processing. In this settlement control process, information such as a visitor number or a store member number, monetary information, etc. are obtained from the accepted information storage medium 10. Next, information such as monetary information associated with the visitor number or the store member number is also obtained from the unit management server 310, and the consistency of the accepted information storage medium 10 is confirmed. Then, if the consistency of the accepted information storage medium 10 is met, the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 is converted into cash, and the converted banknotes are returned from the banknote return port 107, or the converted coins are returned from the coin return port 108, thereby converting the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 into cash and returning it. Note that if the consistency of the accepted information storage medium 10 is not met, the accepted information storage medium 10 is ejected from the unit insertion and ejection port 202. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0212] In this embodiment, the settlement control process is configured to convert the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 into cash and refund the money, but it may also be configured to convert the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 into electronic money and refund the converted electronic money.

[0213] In step S133, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a card return process. This card return process involves displaying a settlement error screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 to notify the user of a settlement error, and returning the received information storage medium 10 from the medium insertion / ejection slot 106. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0214] In this way, when the information storage medium 10 is inserted into the deposit settlement device 100, if it is an app membership card, the deposit or settlement process is performed by the user's operation, and if it is a general card, the settlement process is performed automatically.

[0215] [Member acceptance control process of the deposit settlement device] Next, a detailed description will be given of the member acceptance control process carried out in step S104 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing the member acceptance control process of the deposit settlement device of the present invention.

[0216] In step S141, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not member authentication of the application member has been completed. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the member authentication has been completed, it proceeds to step S149, and if it determines that the member authentication has not been completed, it proceeds to step S142.

[0217] In step S142, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member code information request process. This membership code information request process is also the process of step S22 (see Figure 6) described above, and involves displaying a membership code request screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 requesting membership code information, and activating the code reader 104 so that the membership code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 can be read. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S143.

[0218] In step S143, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not the member code information has been read. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the membership code information has been read, it proceeds to step S144, and if it determines that the membership code information has not been read, it waits until the membership code information is read.

[0219] In step S144, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member authentication process. This member authentication process is also the process of step S24 (see FIG. 6) described above, where the member app ID, store member number, etc. are obtained from the member code information to authenticate the app member. Specifically, to authenticate the app member, the member confirmation instruction information, member app ID, store member number, etc. are sent to the member app center 700. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S145.

[0220] In step S145, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not the user is an application member. Specifically, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not the user is an application member based on whether or not the user has received a membership confirmation notice or the like from the member application center 700. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the user is an application member, it proceeds to step S146, and if the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the user is not an application member, it proceeds to step S147.

[0221] In step S146, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member information linking process. This member information linking process is also the process of step S26 (see FIG. 6) described above, where the store member number and depositor image are stored in association with the member application ID in the deposit settlement storage unit 150. Then, instead of the visitor number in the regular information storage medium 10b, the store member number is stored in association with the member application ID in the regular information storage medium 10b. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S149.

[0222] In step S147, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member error display process. This member error display process causes the deposit settlement display unit 110 to display a member error screen notifying the application member of an authentication error. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S148.

[0223] In step S148, the deposit settlement control unit 130 turns off the member flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150, and ends the current member reception control process.

[0224] In step S149, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a ball transfer operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the saved ball transfer operation has been accepted, it shifts the process to step S150, and if it determines that the saved ball transfer operation has not been accepted, it shifts the process to step S155.

[0225] In step S150, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a stored ball confirmation process. This saved ball confirmation process is also the process of step S27 (see FIG. 6) described above, and confirms the player's saved ball information stored in the member management server 320 or saved ball data center 710 via the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S151.

[0226] In step S151, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a stored ball display process. This saved ball display process is also the process of step S29 (see Figure 6) described above, and causes the deposit settlement display unit 110 to display the player's saved ball information based on the player's saved ball information received from the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S152.

[0227] In step S152, the deposit settlement control unit 130 judges whether or not a ball saving instruction operation has been received from the user. As described above, in this embodiment, the ball saving instruction operation includes a first ball saving instruction operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, and a second ball saving instruction operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of balls that can be replayed per day. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that any of the ball saving instruction operations has been accepted, it transfers processing to step S153, and if it determines that any of the ball saving instruction operations has not been accepted, it waits until a ball saving instruction operation is accepted.

[0228] In step S153, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a ball transfer instruction process. This saved ball transfer instruction process is also the process of step S30 (see Figure 6) described above, and instructs the transfer of the number of saved balls specified by the saved ball instruction operation from the player's saved ball information stored in the member management server 320 via the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S154.

[0229] In step S154, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a stored ball storage process. This stored ball storage process is also the process of step S32 (see Figure 6) described above, and when a stored ball update completion notification, etc. is received from the unit management server 310, the stored ball information received from the unit management server 310 is stored in the normal information storage medium 10b in correspondence with the member app ID and store membership number. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S155.

[0230] In this way, the saved ball information is stored in the app member card, and the user can use the prize exchange service from the next day onwards, or the so-called replay service using saved balls or medals.

[0231] In step S155, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a deposit operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the deposit operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S156, and if it determines that the deposit operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S158.

[0232] In step S156, the deposit settlement control unit 130 turns off the member flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150, and proceeds to step S157.

[0233] In step S157, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member deposit control process. This member deposit control process performs the same processes as steps S119 to S127 (see FIG. 9) described above, deposits monetary information in the form of electronic money or cash, stores the deposited monetary information in a normal information storage medium 10b in correspondence with the member app ID and the store membership number, and ejects the normal information storage medium 10b as an app member card. When this process is completed, the current member admission control process is terminated.

[0234] In step S158, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a withdrawal operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the ejection operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S159, and if it determines that the ejection operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S160.

[0235] In step S159, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs an application membership card ejection process. Similar to steps S123 and S128 described above, this application membership card ejection process turns off the membership flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150, drives the first insertion and ejection drive unit 160, and ejects the normal information storage medium 10b (application membership card) storing the member application ID, store membership number, etc., from the medium insertion and ejection slot 106. Then, the store membership number and monetary information, etc. stored in the ejected normal information storage medium 10b are associated with each other and transmitted to the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the current member admission control process is terminated.

[0236] In this way, after authentication of the app member has been performed, an ejection operation can be performed to eject an app member card on which only saved ball information is stored, or an app member card on which neither saved ball information nor monetary information is stored can be ejected.

[0237] In step S160, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that a back operation has been received from the user, and performs state return processing to return to the previous display state. When this process is completed, the current member admission control process is terminated.

[0238] In this manner, in the member reception control process of this embodiment, if you are an app member, you can use the player mobile terminal 600 to use member services such as transferring saved balls and depositing electronic money.

[0239] [Unit device control processing] Next, a detailed description will be given of the control process of the unit device 200. Fig. 11 is an example of a flowchart showing the control process of the unit device 200 of the present invention.

[0240] When the unit device 200 is powered on, the unit control section 230 performs an initialization process for initializing the RAM, registers, and the like of the unit device 200 in step S201. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0241] In step S202, the unit control unit 230 determines whether or not an initial setting operation has been received from a manager of the gaming facility or the like. If the unit control unit 230 determines that an initial setting operation by the manager of the gaming establishment or the like has been accepted, the unit control unit 230 proceeds to step S203 to perform the initial setting. On the other hand, if the unit control unit 230 determines that an initial setting operation by the manager of the gaming establishment or the like has not been accepted, the unit control unit 230 proceeds to step S204 without performing the initial setting.

[0242] In step S203, unit control section 230 performs unit initial setting processing. In this unit initial setting process, the manager of the gaming establishment or the like sets the amount of money (for example, 500 yen or 100 yen) to be consumed in lending gaming media in one lending operation. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0243] In step S204, unit control section 230 performs a standby display process for causing unit display section 210 to display a standby screen. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0244] In step S205, unit control section 230 determines whether or not information storage medium 10 has been accepted. If unit control unit 230 determines that information storage medium 10 has been accepted, it moves the process to step S206. On the other hand, if unit control unit 230 determines that information storage medium 10 has not been accepted, it returns the process to step S204 and waits until information storage medium 10 is accepted.

[0245] In step S206, unit control section 230 performs an information storage process. This information storage process acquires information such as the visitor number or store member number, monetary information, held ball information, and saved ball information from the accepted information storage medium 10. Next, information such as monetary information, held ball information, and saved ball information associated with the visitor number or store member number is also acquired from the unit management server 310, and the consistency of the accepted information storage medium 10 is confirmed. Then, when the consistency of the accepted information storage medium 10 is met, the monetary information, held ball information, saved ball information, and date and time information of the acceptance of the information storage medium 10 are stored in the unit storage section 250 in association with the visitor number or store member number acquired from the information storage medium 10. Note that, when the consistency of the accepted information storage medium 10 is not met, the accepted information storage medium 10 is ejected from the unit insertion and ejection port 202. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0246] In step S207, the unit control unit 230 performs an information display process for displaying on the unit display unit 210 the monetary information, held ball information, saved ball information, and the like stored in the unit storage unit 250. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0247] In step S208, the unit control unit 230 determines whether a lending operation for lending gaming media to the gaming machine 2 by consuming the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 has been accepted. If unit control section 230 determines that a lending operation has been accepted, it moves the process to step S209, and if it determines that a lending operation has not been accepted, it moves the process to step S210.

[0248] In step S209, the unit control section 230 performs a money lending control process. This money lending control process updates the money information stored in the unit storage section 250 by subtracting the consumed money information (e.g., 500 yen) for one lending operation from the money information stored in the unit storage section 250, and updates the money information stored in the information storage medium 10 by overwriting the updated money information. Then, the amount of gaming media for one lending operation is lent to the gaming machine 2 (the gaming media information is sent to the gaming machine 2). When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0249] In step S210, the unit control unit 230 determines whether a replay operation for consuming the held ball information or the saved ball information stored in the information storage medium 10 and lending the gaming medium to the gaming machine 2 has been accepted or not. If the unit control section 230 determines that a replay operation has been received, it proceeds to step S211, and if it determines that a replay operation has not been received, it proceeds to step S212.

[0250] In step S211, the unit control unit 230 performs held ball lending control processing. In this held ball lending control process, when held ball information is stored in the information storage medium 10, the held ball information is prioritized even if saved ball information is stored, and the held ball information stored in the unit storage unit 250 is updated by subtracting the consumed saved ball information (for example, 125 balls) for one replay operation from the held ball information, and the updated held ball information is overwritten and updated on the held ball information stored in the information storage medium 10. In addition, when held ball information is not stored in the information storage medium 10 and saved ball information is stored, the saved ball information stored in the unit storage unit 250 is updated by subtracting the consumed saved ball information (for example, 125 balls) for one replay operation from the saved ball information, and the updated saved ball information is overwritten and updated on the saved ball information stored in the information storage medium 10. Then, the amount of game media for one replay operation is lent to the game machine 2 (game medium information is sent to the game machine 2). When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0251] In step S212, the unit control unit 230 determines whether or not counting information has been received from the gaming machine 2. If unit control section 230 determines that the counting information has been received, it proceeds to step S213, and if it determines that the counting information has not been received, it proceeds to step S214.

[0252] In step S213, the unit control unit 230 performs a ball holding information registration process. This ball held information registration process adds the ball held information corresponding to the received counting information to the ball held information stored in the unit memory unit 250 to update it, and also adds the ball held information corresponding to the received counting information to the ball held information stored in the information storage medium 10 to update it. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0253] In step S214, unit control section 230 determines whether or not a return operation has been accepted. If unit control section 230 determines that a return operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S215, and if it determines that a return operation has not been accepted, it returns to step S207.

[0254] In step S 215 , unit control section 230 performs an ejection process to eject information storage medium 10 from unit insertion / ejection port 202 . When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S216.

[0255] In step S216, unit control section 230 performs reception end processing. This reception end process transmits a game end notification, the visitor number or store member number, monetary information, held ball information, and saved ball information stored in the information storage medium 10 to the unit management server 310. Then, the visitor number or store member number, monetary information, held ball information, saved ball information, and date and time information stored in the unit storage unit 250 are cleared. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S204.

[0256] [Member app control process on player's mobile device] Next, a detailed description will be given of the member application control process executed by the member application stored in the above-mentioned player mobile terminal 600. Fig. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing the member application control process of the player mobile terminal 600 of the present invention.

[0257] In step S601, the mobile control unit 630 performs a member application startup process to start up a member application. This member application startup process executes a member application program stored in the mobile storage unit 640 and reads the member application ID and the like. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S602.

[0258] In step S602, the mobile control unit 630 performs a top menu display process to cause the mobile display unit 610 to display a top menu screen based on a member application. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0259] In step S603, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether or not the mobile operation unit 620 has accepted a user operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that a user operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S604, and if it determines that a user operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S620.

[0260] In step S604, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether or not the accepted user operation is a member game operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is a member game operation, it shifts the process to step S605, and if it determines that the operation is not a member game operation, it shifts the process to step S607.

[0261] In step S605, the mobile control unit 630 performs a game hall determination process. In this game hall determination process, the user determines the game facility (game hall) where the game will be played from among the registered "my halls" through operation by the user. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S606.

[0262] In step S606, the mobile control unit 630 performs a member code information display process. This membership code information display process is also the process of step S23 (see FIG. 6) described above, and causes the mobile display unit 610 to display membership code information including the membership app ID, the arcade store membership number, and the like. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S603.

[0263] In step S607, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether the accepted user operation is an electronic money withdrawal operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is an electronic money withdrawal operation, it shifts the process to step S608, and if it determines that the operation is not an electronic money withdrawal operation, it shifts the process to step S609.

[0264] In step S608, the mobile control unit 630 performs an electronic money display process. This electronic money display process is also the process of step S42 (see FIG. 7) described above, and causes the mobile display unit 610 to display electronic money code information including the member application ID, charge amount, and the like. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S603.

[0265] In step S609, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether the accepted user operation is a My Hall setting operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is a my-hall setting operation, it transfers the process to step S610, and if it determines that the operation is not a my-hall setting operation, it transfers the process to step S612.

[0266] In step S610, the mobile control unit 630 performs a my hall selection start process. This my-hall selection start process is also the process of step S5 (see FIG. 5) described above, and requests the member application center 700 to disclose the hall information registered therein. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S611.

[0267] In step S611, the mobile control unit 630 performs a my hall selection determination process. This my hall selection and decision process is also the process of step S7 (see FIG. 5) described above, where the hall name, etc. is displayed on the mobile display unit 610, the my hall is decided by the user's operation input to the mobile operation unit 620, and the shop membership number of the decided my hall is input. Then, the member app ID, my hall selection information of the decided my hall, the shop membership number, etc. are transmitted to the member app center 700. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0268] In step S612, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether the accepted user operation is a charge amount setting operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is a charge amount setting operation, it proceeds to step S613, and if it determines that the operation is not a charge amount setting operation, it proceeds to step S614.

[0269] In step S613, the mobile control unit 630 performs a charging amount setting process. This charge amount setting process is also the process of step S9 (see FIG. 5) described above, and the charge amount is set by a user operation input to the mobile operation unit 620. Then, the member app ID, charge amount information indicating the set charge amount, etc. are transmitted to the member app center 700. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0270] In step S614, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether the accepted user operation is an upper limit amount setting operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is an upper limit amount setting operation, it proceeds to step S615, and if it determines that the operation is not an upper limit amount setting operation, it proceeds to step S616.

[0271] In step S615, the mobile control unit 630 performs an upper limit amount setting process. This upper limit amount setting process is also the process of step S11 (see Figure 5) described above, where an upper limit amount is set by user operation input to the mobile operation unit 620, and the member app ID, upper limit amount information indicating the set upper limit amount, etc. are sent to the member app center 700. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0272] In step S616, the mobile control unit 630 performs other operation response processing in accordance with the accepted user operation. The other operation response process performs a process to move to the next display state if the received user operation is a forward operation, and performs a process to return to the previous display state if the received user operation is a backward operation. Also, if the received user operation is a service operation, a service request process is performed to request the member app center 700 to provide the contents of game information, etc. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0273] In step S620, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether or not a completion notification (my hall registration completion notification, charge amount registration completion notification, upper limit registration completion notification, payment completion notification, etc.) has been received from the member app center 700. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that a completion notification has been received from the member app center 700, it transfers processing to step S621, and if it determines that a completion notification has not been received from the member app center 700, it returns processing to step S602.

[0274] In step S621, the mobile control unit 630 performs various completion display processes based on the completion notification received from the member app center 700. In these various reception processes, when a My Hall registration completion notice is received from the member app center 700, an image notifying that My Hall registration is complete is displayed on the mobile display unit 610, and when a charge amount registration completion notice is received from the member app center 700, an image notifying that charge amount registration is complete is displayed on the mobile display unit 610. In addition, when a maximum amount registration completion notice is received from the member app center 700, an image notifying that the maximum amount registration is complete is displayed on the mobile display unit 610, and when a payment completion notice is received from the member app center 700, an image notifying that payment by electronic money is completed is displayed on the mobile display unit 610. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0275] [Member application server control process] Next, a detailed description will be given of the control process of the member application server 701 in the above-mentioned member application center 700. Figures 13 and 14 are an example of a flowchart showing the control process of the member application server 701 of the present invention.

[0276] When the member application server 701 is powered on, in step S701, the member application server 701 performs an initialization process to initialize the RAM, registers, and the like of the member application server 701. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0277] In step S702, the member application server 701 determines whether or not information has been received from an external source. If member application server 701 determines that the information has been received, it proceeds to step S703, and if it determines that the information has not been received, it waits until the information is received.

[0278] In step S703, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is hall application information from the hall terminal 900 or not. If the member app server 701 determines that the received information is hall application information, it transfers processing to step S704, and if it determines that the received information is not hall application information, it transfers processing to step S705.

[0279] In step S704, the member application server 701 performs hall information registration processing. This hall information registration process is also the process of step S2 (see FIG. 5) described above, where a hall ID is generated and hall information, etc. is registered in hall information database 703 in association with the generated hall ID. Then, once the hall information, etc. has been registered in hall information database 703, the hall ID and a hall registration completion notification are transmitted to hall terminal 900. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0280] In step S705, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is membership application information from the player mobile terminal 600 or not. If member application server 701 determines that the received information is membership application information, it proceeds to step S706, and if it determines that the received information is not membership application information, it proceeds to step S707.

[0281] In step S706, the member application server 701 performs a member information registration process. This member information registration process is also the process of step S4 (see FIG. 5) described above, where a member application ID is generated and the user's personal information, etc. are registered in the member information database 702 in association with the generated member application ID. Then, once the user's personal information, etc. are registered in the member information database 702, the member application ID and a member registration completion notice are transmitted to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0282] In step S707, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is hall opening request information from the player mobile terminal 600 or not. If the member app server 701 determines that the received information is hole disclosure request information, it transfers processing to step S708, and if it determines that the received information is not hole disclosure request information, it transfers processing to step S709.

[0283] In step S708, the member application server 701 performs a registered hall information providing process. This registered hall information provision process is also the process of step S6 (see FIG. 5) described above, and transmits hall name information indicating the hall name, etc., from the hall information registered in the hall information database 703 to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0284] In step S709, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is My Hall selection information from the player mobile terminal 600 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is my hall selection information, it transfers processing to step S710, and if it determines that the received information is not my hall selection information, it transfers processing to step S711.

[0285] In step S710, the member application server 701 performs a My Hall registration process. This my hall registration process is also the process of step S8 (see FIG. 5) described above, in which the my hall selection information is associated with the member app ID and registered in the member information database 702, and the store membership number is associated with the my hall selection information and the member app ID and registered in the member information database 702. Then, once the my hall selection information etc. have been registered in the member information database 702, a my hall registration completion notice is sent to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0286] In step S711, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is charge amount information from the player mobile terminal 600 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is charging amount information, it proceeds to step S712, and if it determines that the received information is not charging amount information, it proceeds to step S713.

[0287] In step S712, the member application server 701 performs a charging amount registration process. This My Hall registration process is also the process of step S10 (see FIG. 5) described above, and registers charge amount information in association with the member application ID in member information database 702. Then, when member application server 701 registers the charge amount information in member information database 702, it transmits a charge amount registration completion notification to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0288] In step S713, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is upper limit amount information from the player mobile terminal 600 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is upper limit amount information, it proceeds to step S714, and if it determines that the received information is not upper limit amount information, it proceeds to step S715.

[0289] In step S714, the member application server 701 performs an upper limit amount registration process. This upper limit amount registration process is also the process of step S12 (see FIG. 5) described above, and registers the upper limit amount information in association with the member application ID in the member information database 702. Then, once the upper limit amount information has been registered in the member information database 702, a notification of completion of the upper limit amount registration is sent to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0290] In step S715, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is member verification instruction information from the deposit settlement device 100 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is member confirmation instruction information, it transfers processing to step S716, and if it determines that the received information is not member confirmation instruction information, it transfers processing to step S717.

[0291] In step S716, the member application server 701 performs an application member verification process. This app member confirmation process is also the process of step S25 (see FIG. 6) described above, and confirms whether or not the member app ID and store member number received from the deposit settlement device 100 are registered in the member information database 702. If it is confirmed that the received member app ID and store member number are registered in the member information database 702, it sends a member confirmation notice, etc. to the deposit settlement device 100, and if it is confirmed that the received member app ID and store member number are not registered in the member information database 702, it sends a non-member confirmation notice, etc. to the deposit settlement device 100. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0292] In step S717, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is money confirmation information from the deposit settlement device 100 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is money confirmation information, it proceeds to step S718, and if it determines that the received information is not money confirmation information, it proceeds to step S719.

[0293] In step S718, the member application server 701 performs an electronic money payment request process. This electronic money payment request process is also the process of step S44 (see FIG. 7) described above, where the member application ID, charge amount, etc. are transmitted to the service center 800 (electronic money center) to request the electronic money center to make an electronic money payment. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0294] In step S719, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is an electronic money payment completion notification from the service center 800 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is an electronic money payment completion notification, it transfers processing to step S720, and if it determines that the received information is not an electronic money payment completion notification, it transfers processing to step S721.

[0295] In step S720, the member application server 701 performs electronic money payment notification processing. This electronic money payment notification process is also the process of step S46 (see FIG. 7) described above, and sends deposit confirmation information and the like to the deposit settlement device 100, and also sends a payment completion notification and the like to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0296] In step S721, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is service request information from the player mobile terminal 600 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is service request information, it proceeds to step S722, and if it determines that the received information is not service request information, it returns to step S702.

[0297] In step S722, the member application server 701 performs a service providing process. In this service providing process, service information indicating the content of the game information and the like is transmitted to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0298] [Display screen of the deposit settlement device] Next, a description will be given of an example of a display screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the above-mentioned deposit settlement device 100. Fig. 15 to Fig. 17 are examples of display screens displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100 of the present invention.

[0299] (Display screen when authenticating app members) 15 and 16 are examples of display screens that are displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 when the deposit settlement device 100 of the present invention authenticates that the user is an application member.

[0300] 15(a) is an example of a member reception screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100. This member reception screen is also a standby screen for accepting an initial operation from a user.

[0301] 15(a), the membership reception screen displays at least a member confirmation operation image 111a (displaying "Yes") for accepting a member confirmation operation, and a non-member confirmation operation image 111b (displaying "No") for accepting a non-member confirmation operation. Also displayed is a card insertion possible image 111c (displaying "Please insert your card when making payment") that indicates that the information storage medium 10 can be accepted for payment.

[0302] When the user touches the member confirmation operation image 111a on the member reception screen, the screen transitions to a member code request screen shown in FIG. 15(b) which will be described later.

[0303] FIG. 15(b) is an example of a membership code request screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0304] As shown in FIG. 15(b), the membership code request screen displays an image requesting that the player display membership code information on the player mobile terminal 600 and have the code reader 104 read the membership code information.

[0305] When the user reads the membership code information with the code reader 104 on the membership code request screen, the screen transitions to a ball transfer acceptance screen shown in FIG. 15(c) which will be described later.

[0306] FIG. 15(c) is an example of a saved ball transfer reception screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0307] As shown in Figure 15 (c), the ball transfer acceptance screen can display the app ID obtained from the membership code information, and at least displays a ball transfer operation image 112a (an image displaying "Yes") that accepts a ball transfer operation, and a non-transfer operation image 112b (an image displaying "No") that accepts a non-transfer operation that does not transfer balls.

[0308] When the user touches the ball transfer operation image 112a on the ball transfer reception screen, the screen transitions to the ball display screen shown in Fig. 15(d) described later. When the user touches the non-transfer operation image 112b, the screen transitions to the deposit reception screen shown in Fig. 16(e) described later.

[0309] FIG. 15(d) is an example of a saved ball display screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0310] As shown in FIG. 15(d), the saved ball display screen can display the app ID, and at least displays a saved ball number image 113a that notifies the player of the saved ball information, and, as images of saved ball instruction operations, a first saved ball transfer instruction operation image 113b (display image of ``transfer of saved balls that can be exchanged for prizes'') that accepts a first saved ball instruction operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of saved balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, and a second saved ball transfer instruction operation image 113c (display image of ``transfer of saved balls that can be replayed'') that accepts a second saved ball instruction operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of saved balls that can be replayed per day.

[0311] When the user touches the first saved ball transfer instruction operation image 113b (or the second saved ball transfer instruction operation image 113c) on the saved ball transfer acceptance screen, the screen transitions to a deposit acceptance screen shown in FIG. 16(e) described later.

[0312] FIG. 16( e ) is an example of a deposit acceptance screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100 .

[0313] As shown in Figure 16 (e), the deposit acceptance screen can display the app ID and, if the player's saved ball information has been transferred, the transferred saved ball information, and also displays at least a deposit operation image 114a (an image displaying "Yes") for accepting a deposit operation, and a discharge operation image 114b (an image displaying "No") for accepting a discharge operation to discharge the app membership card without making a deposit.

[0314] When the user touches the deposit operation image 114a on the deposit reception screen, the screen transitions to a deposit method selection screen shown in Fig. 16 (f-1) described later. When the user touches the ejection operation image 114b, the screen transitions to an application member card ejection screen shown in Fig. 16 (f-2) described later.

[0315] FIG. 16(f-1) is an example of a deposit method selection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0316] As shown in Figure 16 (f-1), the deposit method selection screen can display the app ID and ball information, and also displays at least an electronic deposit operation image 115a (an image displaying "Yes") for accepting an electronic money deposit operation, and a cash deposit operation image 115b (an image displaying "No") for accepting a cash deposit operation.

[0317] When the user touches the electronic deposit operation image 115a on the deposit method selection screen, the screen transitions to the electronic money code request screen shown in Fig. 16(g-1) described later. When the user touches the cash deposit operation image 115b, the screen transitions to the cash acceptance screen shown in Fig. 16(g-2) described later.

[0318] FIG. 16(f-2) is an example of the application member card ejection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0319] As shown in Figure 16 (f-2), the app membership card ejection screen can display the app ID and ball information, and also displays at least an image notifying the user that a normal information storage medium 10b will be ejected from the medium insertion and ejection port 106 as the app membership card.

[0320] FIG. 16(g-1) is an example of an electronic money code request screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0321] As shown in Figure 16 (g-1), the electronic money code request screen can display the app ID and ball information, and also displays an image requesting the player to display the electronic money code information on the player's mobile terminal 600 and have the code reader 104 read the electronic money code information.

[0322] When the user causes the code reader 104 to read electronic money code information on the electronic money code request screen, the screen transitions to an electronic money storage card ejection screen shown in FIG. 16(h-1) which will be described later.

[0323] FIG. 16(h-1) is an example of an electronic money storage card ejection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100. In FIG.

[0324] As shown in Figure 16 (h-1), the electronic money storage card ejection screen can display the app ID and ball information, as well as the charge amount of the deposited electronic money, and at least an image is displayed to notify the user that a regular information storage medium 10b will be ejected from the medium insertion and ejection port 106 as an app membership card.

[0325] FIG. 16(g-2) is an example of a cash reception screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0326] As shown in FIG. 16 (g-2), the cash acceptance screen can display the app ID and ball information, as well as the amount of money deposited from the bill validation unit 171, and at least a deposit completion operation image 116 (an image displaying "deposit completed") that accepts the deposit completion operation is displayed.

[0327] When the user touches a deposit completion operation image 116 on the cash reception screen, the screen transitions to an application member card ejection screen shown in FIG. 16(h-2) which will be described later.

[0328] Figure 16 (h-2) is an example of an app membership card ejection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100, and similar to Figure 16 (f-2), at least an image is displayed notifying the user that a normal information storage medium 10b will be ejected from the medium insertion and ejection port 106 as an app membership card.

[0329] In this way, the deposit settlement device 100 authenticates that the player is an app member using the player's mobile terminal 600, and once authenticated as an app member, it can provide an electronic money deposit service and a ball transfer service.

[0330] (Display screen when inserting information storage medium) FIG. 17 is an example of a display screen that is displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 when the information storage medium 10 is inserted into the deposit settlement device 100 of the present invention.

[0331] FIG. 17(a) is an example of a member reception screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100, and is similar to FIG. 15(a).

[0332] When a user inserts an information storage medium 10 into the membership reception screen, if the inserted information storage medium 10 is an app membership card, the screen transitions to a deposit settlement selection screen shown in FIG. 17(b-1) described later, and if the inserted information storage medium 10 is not an app membership card, the screen transitions to a settlement screen shown in FIG. 17(c-2) described later.

[0333] FIG. 17(b-1) is an example of a deposit settlement selection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0334] As shown in FIG. 17(b-1), the deposit settlement selection screen can display the app ID stored in the normal information storage medium 10b, and at least a deposit operation image 117a (display image of "Deposit") that accepts a deposit operation for additional deposits, and a settlement operation image 117b (display image of "Settlement") that accepts a settlement operation for settlement are displayed.

[0335] When the user touches the deposit operation image 117a on the deposit settlement selection screen, the screen transitions to the deposit method selection screen shown in Fig. 17(c-1) described later. When the user touches the settlement operation image 117b, the screen transitions to the settlement screen shown in Fig. 17(c-2) described later.

[0336] FIG. 17(c-1) is an example of a deposit method selection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100, and is similar to FIG. 16(f-1). Thereafter, electronic money or cash is deposited and the normal information storage medium 10b is ejected, similarly to Figures 16(g-1), 16(g-2), 16(h-1), and 16(h-2).

[0337] FIG. 17(c-2) is an example of a settlement screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0338] As shown in FIG. 17(c-2), the settlement screen displays at least an image notifying the user that the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 has been refunded. It should be noted that the normal information storage medium 10b inserted into the deposit settlement display unit 110 is to be collected in the card stocker 109.

[0339] In this way, when the information storage medium 10 is inserted into the deposit settlement device 100, if it is an app membership card, the deposit or settlement process is performed by the user's operation, and if it is a general card, the settlement process is performed automatically.

[0340] [Display screen of player's mobile device] Next, an example of a display screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when a member application is executed on the player mobile terminal 600 will be described. Figures 18 and 19 are examples of display screens displayed on the mobile display unit 610 when a member application is executed on the player mobile terminal 600 of the present invention.

[0341] FIG. 18(a) is an example of a top menu screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when a member application is being executed.

[0342] As shown in FIG. 18(a), the top menu screen can display the app ID, etc., and also displays at least a member game operation image 611a (display image for "member game") that accepts member game operations, a my hall setting operation image 611b (display image for "my hall settings") that accepts my hall setting operations, a charge amount setting operation image 611c (display image for "charge amount setting") that accepts charge amount setting operations, and a service operation image 611d (display image for "other services") that accepts service operations.

[0343] When the user touches the member game operation image 611a on the top menu screen, the screen transitions to a game hall selection screen shown in FIG. 18(b) which will be described later.

[0344] FIG. 18(b) is an example of a game hall selection screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the member application is being executed.

[0345] As shown in FIG. 18(b), the game hall selection screen can display the application ID and the like, and at least game hall selection images 612a to 612d for selecting one game hall from among a plurality of "my halls" are displayed.

[0346] When the user touches any one of the game hall selection images 612a to 612d on the game hall selection screen, the game hall is determined, and the screen transitions to a membership code information display screen shown in FIG. 18(c) which will be described later.

[0347] FIG. 18(c) is an example of a membership code information display screen that is displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the membership application is being executed.

[0348] As shown in FIG. 18(c), the membership code information display screen can display the app ID, the determined gaming hall, the gaming hall's store membership number, etc., and also displays at least membership code information 613a and a transition image 613b for moving on to the next operation.

[0349] When the user touches transition image 613b on the membership code information display screen, the screen transitions to a payment selection screen shown in FIG. 19(d) which will be described later.

[0350] In this embodiment, the user is configured to transition to the payment selection screen by touching the transition image 613b, but the player mobile terminal 600 may also be configured to transition to the payment selection screen by receiving a membership confirmation notification or the like from the member app center 700.

[0351] FIG. 19(d) is an example of a payment selection screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the member application is being executed.

[0352] As shown in FIG. 19(d), the payment selection screen can display the app ID, etc., and at least displays an electronic money withdrawal operation image 614a (an image displaying "Yes") that accepts an electronic money withdrawal operation to withdraw money from electronic money, and a no operation image 614b (an image displaying "No") that accepts an operation not to withdraw money from electronic money.

[0353] When the user touches the electronic money withdrawal operation image 614a on the payment selection screen, the screen transitions to an electronic money code information display screen shown in FIG. 19(e) which will be described later.

[0354] FIG. 19(e) is an example of an electronic money code information display screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the member application is being executed.

[0355] As shown in FIG. 19(e), the electronic money code information display screen can display the application ID and the like, and also displays at least a charge image 615a indicating the set charge amount and electronic money code information 615b.

[0356] When the player mobile terminal 600 receives a payment completion notice from the member application center 700 on the electronic money code information display screen, the screen transitions to a payment completion screen shown in FIG. 19(f) which will be described later.

[0357] FIG. 19(e) is an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the member application is being executed.

[0358] As shown in FIG. 19(e), the payment completion screen can display the application ID, remaining balance information regarding the upper limit amount, etc., and also displays at least an image notifying that payment with electronic money has been completed.

[0359] In this way, the player mobile terminal 600 can authenticate the app member by having the member code information read by the deposit settlement device 100, and can make payments using electronic money by having the electronic money code information read by the deposit settlement device 100.

[0360] In this embodiment, the member can be authenticated by the player mobile terminal 600, eliminating the trouble of carrying a membership card for each gaming establishment, and improving the convenience of the membership service. In addition, since the membership number for each gaming establishment is stored in the normal information storage medium 10b, compatibility that allows the use of conventional unit devices can be achieved. Instead of a large number of unit devices installed in the gaming establishment, the conventional settlement device is replaced with the new deposit settlement device 100, and the application membership card is issued by the deposit settlement device 100, so that the cost of introducing a new system can be reduced.

[0361] Furthermore, in this embodiment, instead of obtaining unique information about the player mobile terminal 600 from the player mobile terminal 600, the app ID and store membership number are obtained to authenticate whether or not the player is an app member, so the system provider is exempt from managing personal information, improving the convenience of introducing the new system.

[0362] In addition, in this embodiment, since the same type of normal information storage medium 10b can be discharged when the application member is authenticated and when the application member is not authenticated, the gaming establishment does not need to prepare a membership card exclusively for the application member, and the card can be shared with a general card, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, in the deposit settlement device, there is no need to prepare a different card stocker for each type of card or perform a different discharge process, which prevents the structure from becoming complicated and reduces the control burden.

[0363] In addition, in this embodiment, once a user is authenticated as an app member, the user can use the payment service using electronic money, the prize exchange service from the next day onwards, and the replay service using saved balls and medals, thereby improving the service.

[0364] In addition, in this embodiment, since it is possible to use only a desired portion of the saved balls and medals, it is possible to further improve the service.

[0365] [Other variations] In this embodiment, the deposit settlement device 100 is configured to provide c. a game information provision service as membership services for app members, but it may be configured to provide only one of the above-mentioned services, or it may be configured to provide other services (such as a prize exchange service).

[0366] In addition, in this embodiment, even if the user is an app member, the card is configured to eject a normal information storage medium 10b similar to that of a general card, but if the user is an app member, the card may be configured to eject an information storage medium 10 exclusively for app members.

[0367] In the present embodiment, the information storage medium 10 is configured using a magnetic card, an IC card, an IC medal, or the like that can be inserted into the deposit settlement device 100 and the unit device 200. However, the information storage medium 10 may also be configured using a player mobile terminal 600 to which member application software has been downloaded. In this way, when the information storage medium 10 is configured using the player mobile terminal 600, the unit device 200 can also be configured to include a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication with the player mobile terminal 600, a code information display unit capable of displaying code information, and a code reader capable of reading code information.

[0368] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0369] The terms used in the specification and claims should be interpreted as open ended terms. For example, the term "including" should be interpreted as "not limited to what is described as including." The term "comprises" should be interpreted as "not limited to what is described as comprising." The term "having" should be interpreted as "not limited to what is described as having." [Explanation of symbols]

[0370] 1 Gaming System 2. Gaming machines 10 Information storage medium 10b Normal information storage medium (general card or app membership card) 100 Deposit settlement device 101 Camera 130 Deposit settlement control unit 140 Deposit settlement program memory unit 150 Deposit settlement memory section 200 Unit Equipment 310 Unit Management Server 320 Membership Management Server 600 Player mobile terminal 630 Mobile Control Section 640 Mobile Storage Unit 700 Member App Center 701 Membership Application Server 703 Membership information database

Claims

1. A deposit settlement device capable of ejecting and receiving an information storage medium capable of storing at least monetary information, a deposit control means for depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in the information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection means for ejecting the information storage medium in which monetary information has been stored by the deposit control means; a settlement control means for settling the monetary information stored in the information storage medium when monetary information is stored in the received information storage medium; a member authentication means for acquiring an application ID, which is unique information of the member application, and a member number of the player associated with each gaming facility from a mobile terminal of the player in which the member application is stored, and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; a member setting means for storing, in the information storage medium, the application ID and the player's membership number in association with each other when the player is authenticated as a member by the member authentication means; Equipped with The information storage medium ejection means includes: Discharge the information storage medium in which at least the application ID and the player's membership number are stored in association with each other. A deposit settlement device characterized by the above.

2. The member authentication means includes: The application ID and the member number of the player are acquired without acquiring information unique to the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal of the player, and whether or not the player is a member is authenticated.

2. The deposit settlement device according to claim 1.

3. A member storage means capable of temporarily storing information; a photographing means for photographing a depositor who deposits monetary information and a settler who settles the monetary information; The member setting means includes: storing said application ID and the player's membership number in said information storage medium in association with each other, and storing said application ID and the image of the depositor photographed by said photographing means in said membership storage means in association with each other; The settlement control means is When it is determined that the image of the depositor photographed by the photographing means and the image of the settlement person are images of the same person, the monetary information is settled.

3. The deposit settlement device according to claim 2.

4. A unique number of the information storage medium is stored in advance in the information storage medium, The member setting means includes: When the member is authenticated by the member authentication means, the member number of the player is associated with the application ID and stored in the information storage medium instead of the unique number of the information storage medium; The information storage medium ejection means includes: The information storage medium of the same type can be ejected whether the member is authenticated by the member authentication means or not.

4. The deposit settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the deposit settlement device is a deposit settlement device.

5. A deposit settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a mobile terminal of a player having a member application stored therein; a unit device capable of receiving the information storage medium discharged by the deposit settlement device and being connected to a gaming machine to be able to lend out gaming media to be used in the gaming machine; In a gaming system equipped with The player's mobile device A gaming facility determination means for determining a gaming facility where a game will be played; a code information display means for displaying code information including at least the application ID and a membership number of a player associated with the gaming facility determined by the gaming facility determination means; having The member authentication means of the deposit settlement device includes: The code information displayed on the code information display means is read, and the application ID and the member number of the player are obtained from the read code information, thereby authenticating whether or not the player is a member. A gaming system comprising:

6. The player's mobile device an electronic money withdrawal means for depositing electronic money into the deposit settlement device; having The deposit control means of the deposit settlement device When the member is authenticated by the member authentication means, the electronic money to be withdrawn by the electronic money withdrawal means is deposited.

6. The gaming system according to claim 5.

7. The player's mobile device a deposit amount setting means for setting a deposit amount for depositing electronic money into the deposit settlement device at one time; having The electronic money withdrawal means deposits the electronic money of the deposit amount set by the deposit amount setting means into the deposit settlement device.

7. The gaming system according to claim 6.

8. The player's mobile device an upper limit setting means for setting an upper limit of the amount of electronic money that can be deposited into the deposit settlement device per day; having The electronic money withdrawal means restricts the electronic money from being deposited into the deposit settlement device when the electronic money exceeds the upper limit set by the deposit amount setting means.

8. The gaming system according to claim 7.

9. A storage server is provided for storing the amount of game media acquired by a player on or before the previous day in association with the membership number of the player for each game facility; The deposit settlement device is and a storage instruction means for storing, in the information storage medium, the amount of game media stored in the storage server in association with the player's membership number and the application ID when the member is authenticated by the member authentication means.

6. The gaming system according to claim 5.

10. The storage instruction means is When the member is authenticated by the member authentication means, a part of the amount of game media stored in the storage server is stored in the information storage medium in association with the player's membership number and the application ID.

10. The gaming system according to claim 9.

11. A method for settling a deposit that is capable of discharging and receiving an information storage medium capable of storing at least monetary information, comprising: a deposit step of depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in the information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection step of ejecting the information storage medium in which monetary information has been stored by the deposit step; a settlement step of settling the monetary information stored in the information storage medium when monetary information is stored in the accepted information storage medium; a member authentication step of acquiring an application ID, which is unique information of the member application, and a member number of the player associated with each gaming facility from a mobile terminal of the player in which the member application is stored, and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; a member setting step of, when the member is authenticated in the member authentication step, storing the application ID and the member number of the player in association with each other in the information storage medium; Equipped with The information storage medium ejection step includes: Discharge the information storage medium in which at least the application ID and the player's membership number are stored in association with each other. A method for settling a deposit, comprising:

12. A program for causing a computer of a deposit settlement device to execute the following: a deposit control process for depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in an information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection process for ejecting the information storage medium in which monetary information has been stored by the deposit control process; a settlement control process for settling the monetary information stored in the information storage medium when monetary information is stored in the received information storage medium; a member authentication process for acquiring an application ID, which is unique information of the member application, and a member number of the player associated with each gaming facility from a mobile terminal of the player in which the member application is stored, and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; a member setting process for storing the application ID and the player's membership number in the information storage medium in association with each other when the player is authenticated as a member by the member authentication process; Equipped with The information storage medium ejection process includes: Discharge the information storage medium in which at least the application ID and the player's membership number are stored in association with each other. A program characterized by:

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