Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine enabling a confirmation of a settlement content, when lending of game values is performed through a settlement by using the game machine.SOLUTION: A game machine is provided, including a sub-PCB, a lending PCB, and an information device. Settlement of a credit to the game machine can be performed by using the information device capable of communicating with a settlement server. The lending PCB or the information device transmits information related to the performed settlement to the sub-PCB. Based on the received information, the sub-PCB performs a notification of the information related to the settlement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines are known in which payment is made by holding a mobile terminal or an IC card over the gaming machine (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] However, with conventional gaming machines, there were few ways to grasp what type of payment had been made. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-097914 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with conventional gaming machines, there are few ways to check what kind of payment has been made.

[0006] The present invention aims to address such problems, that is, to enable a player to easily check the details of a payment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve such problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a main board, a sub-board that executes control related to the presentation based on the control of the main board, a gaming value board that executes control related to gaming value information, a lending board capable of transmitting the gaming value information related to lending to the gaming value board, and an information device that is capable of communicating with the lending board and capable of reading and / or displaying payment information, wherein the information device or the lending board is capable of communicating regarding the payment information with a payment server capable of payment processing, and the sub-board is characterized in that the information device executes the reading or display of the payment information and executes a notification regarding the payment completion information when the payment server completes the payment processing.

[0008] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the information device is provided with a card reader function and / or a terminal reader function.

[0009] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the information device includes an operation section for inputting the settlement information.

[0010] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the notification is made by displaying the settlement completion information on a liquid crystal screen and / or by sound from a speaker. Effect of the Invention

[0011] With a gaming machine having such features, the player can check the payment details on the gaming machine while playing the game. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the cabinet of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the peripheral structure of a gaming value display device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]11 is an animation diagram of an information device when depositing money into the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is an animation diagram of a mobile terminal when depositing money into the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a communication flow diagram when making a deposit into the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an animation diagram of an information device when settling the balance and game value of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 11 is an animation diagram of a mobile terminal when the balance and game value of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention are settled. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a communication flow diagram when settling the balance and game value of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an animation diagram of an information device when replaying a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an animation diagram of a mobile terminal when replaying a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a communication flow diagram when replaying a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a process flow diagram for settlement, adjustment, and replay in the information device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal display when notifying settlement completion information of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal display when notifying settlement completion information of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal display when notifying settlement completion information of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 13 is an animation diagram of the gaming value display device when the counting button of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is pressed for less than a predetermined time. [Figure 18] 13 is an animation diagram of the gaming value display device when the count button of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is pressed for a predetermined period of time or longer. [Figure 19]11 is an animation diagram of an information device during counting processing of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a communication flow diagram during counting processing of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a processing flow diagram of a gaming value board during counting processing of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a processing flow diagram of the information device during counting processing of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 11 is an animation diagram of an information device when lending out gaming value of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 24] 13 is an animation diagram of the gaming value display device when lending out the gaming value of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a communication flow diagram when lending out the gaming value of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] A processing flow diagram of a lending board when lending out game value of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a first modified example of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] A communication flow diagram when lending out gaming value in variant 1 of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is an animation diagram of an information device when depositing money into the gaming machine in the second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is an animation diagram of a mobile terminal when depositing money into the gaming machine in the second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a communication flow diagram when making a deposit into the gaming machine in the second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] FIG. 11 is an animation diagram of an information device when depositing money into the gaming machine in the third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is an animation diagram of a mobile terminal when depositing money into the gaming machine in the third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a communication flow diagram when making a deposit into the gaming machine in the third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a fourth modified example of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] FIG. 11 is a front view of a cabinet of a gaming machine according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 11 is an animation diagram of an information device when depositing money into the gaming machine in the fourth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 11 is a communication flow diagram when making a deposit into the gaming machine in the fourth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote parts having the same functions, and duplicated descriptions in each drawing will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] (Terminology explanation) In this specification, the meanings of the terms are as follows: "Game value" refers to electronic information of game media such as loan balls and loan medals used in playing the game machine 1, and in this embodiment, it is converted into electronic information corresponding to the settled (deposited) money, and part or all of the electronic information can be credited to the game machine 1 as game media for playing games on the game machine 1. Also, "game value information" refers to information on the value of the game value stored in the main board 10, the game value board 30, the lending board 40, and the information device 50 described later, information on the addition and subtraction of the game value and the number of the game values ​​transmitted by the main board 10 to the game value board 30 and the lending board 40, and information on the addition and subtraction of the game value and the number of the game values ​​transmitted and received by the game value board 30, the lending board 40, and the information device 50.

[0015] The "payment information" refers to information or a part of information on the content of a payment when the payment server 90 described later executes a payment process related to a deposit into the gaming machine 1. Specifically, the information includes information on the amount to be paid, who, when, and to which gaming machine 1 at which gaming facility the deposit is made, and the like. Also, the "payment completion information" refers to information or a part of information on the content of a payment when the payment server 90 described later executes a payment process related to a deposit into the gaming machine 1. Specifically, the information includes information on the amount paid, information on the available balance after the payment process, information on who, when, and to which gaming machine 1 at which gaming facility the deposit was made, and the like. Also, if the payment process is not completed normally due to a lack of available balance or other reasons, information on the result of the payment process not being completed normally is also included in the payment completion information. Other terms will be explained as necessary.

[0016] (Configuration of gaming machine 1) FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called pachislot gaming machine. Each board, switch, device, etc. shown in FIG. 1 can communicate in the direction of the arrows shown in the figure via a bus. In addition, the rental board 40 and information device 50 can communicate with a server outside the gaming machine 1. In FIG. 1, communication within the gaming machine 1 is shown by solid lines, and communication with the outside of the gaming machine 1 is shown by dashed lines.

[0017] Each board, information device 50, each server, and hall computer 70 shown in FIG. 1 can be configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), electrical circuits, and storage elements such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The CPU executes various processes based on programs stored in the ROM. In this embodiment, the CPU loads a program stored in the ROM into a memory such as a RAM and executes it. Although not shown, each board, information device 50, each server, hall computer 70, and mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a storage unit and is capable of storing the results of the executed processes.

[0018] The main board 10 receives signals from each switch 11 such as the game lever 111, the stop button 112, the BET button 113, and the MAXBET button, and executes control related to the game. Specifically, when the game lever 111 is operated, a lottery is performed for a winning combination, a big win, etc., and a game value addition signal is transmitted to the game value board 30 according to the established small combination. In addition, information regarding the result of the game and the increase or decrease in the game value is transmitted to the lending board 40. In addition, the result of the winning combination, the big win lottery, etc. is transmitted to the sub-board 20. In addition, the display unit 12 connected to the main board 10 includes, for example, a lamp that notifies the player that the game state is advantageous to the player, a notification of the type of the winning push order bell or push order replay, and a segment that displays the value of the granted game value.

[0019] Based on signals received from the main board 10 and the information device 50, the sub-board 20 controls the game presentation, displaying payment completion information such as the amount paid and the available balance after the payment process on the LCD 21, providing audio notification using the speaker 22, moving the performance props 23, and lighting and blinking the lamps 24.

[0020] The gaming value board 30 executes control over gaming value information based on signals received from the main board 10, the lending board 40, and the counting switch 32. Specifically, it executes addition and subtraction of gaming value based on signals received from the main board 10 and the lending board 40, and executes subtraction of gaming value based on a signal received from the counting switch 32. It also displays on the gaming value display device 31 based on the executed control, and transmits gaming value information to the lending board 40. Specific controls will be described later.

[0021] The lending board 40 is connected to a lending button 41A via a lending switch 41, and lends out game value by communicating with the information device 50 and the game value board 30 in response to the operation of the lending button 41A. The lending board 40 is also connected to a replay button 42A via a replay switch 42, and lends out game value by communicating with the information device 50 and the game value board 30 in response to the operation of the replay button 42A. Based on a signal received from the main board 10, the lending board 40 transmits "game information" to the hall computer 70 and the ball information server 60. The "game information" is, for example, information on the number of games played, jackpot information, the number of game values ​​awarded when a prize is won, the number of game values ​​subtracted, and the like. When the game value is counted, the counted game value information is transmitted to the hall computer 70.

[0022] The information device 50 mainly communicates with the settlement server 90 to process deposits into the gaming machine 1 using the mobile terminal 100, and communicates with the hall computer 70 to execute settlement processing of balances and game values. The information device 50 also has a liquid crystal panel 51 for displaying information related to these processes and for the player to operate. The liquid crystal panel 51 is touch operable and is composed of a display panel 511 that displays a screen and an operation panel 512 that operates the screen. The "settlement processing" refers to a process in which the balance and game value stored in the information device 50 of the gaming machine 1 are settled and the settled balance and game value are updated and stored by the hall computer 70. The specific processing content will be described later.

[0023] The hall computer 70 manages the game information and game value information received from the rental board 40 of the gaming machine 1. Although not shown, in the gaming facility, a liquid crystal display provided above the gaming machine 1 can notify the player of jackpot information and slump graph information of the gaming machine 1 based on the received game information.

[0024] The hall computer 70 also manages the membership information of the players. The "membership information" of the players is stored as personal information such as the player's name and age, and information on the value of the game value and the player's balance.

[0025] In addition, the hall computer 70 transmits the player's membership information and update information thereof to the gaming facility server 71. The player can check the gaming value information and the like that he / she owns by accessing the gaming facility server 71 using, for example, the mobile terminal 100 that the player owns.

[0026] The ball information server 60 manages the performance of the gaming machine 1 based on information received from the lending board 40 of the gaming machine 1. The performance of the gaming machine 1 refers to, for example, information on how much gaming value the player has acquired as a result of playing, relative to the value of the gaming value lent to the gaming machine 1, and information on the increase or decrease in gaming value during a jackpot or non-jackpot. For example, it is designed to detect abnormalities such as when there is a gaming machine 1 in which the gaming value is unnaturally increasing even when it is not a jackpot.

[0027] The external server 80 manages the payment completion information received from the gaming machine 1. Specifically, the external server 80 stores information regarding who deposited how much money, when, and to which gaming machine 1 at which gaming facility, and accumulates the information.

[0028] The payment server 90 is a server of a payment company such as a credit card company, and is capable of executing payment processing when a player deposits money into the gaming machine 1, and transmits payment completion information regarding the payment processing to the gaming machine 1 and the player's mobile terminal 100.

[0029] The mobile terminal 100 is used to deposit money into the gaming machine 1 using a settlement company application provided by a credit card company, and to settle balances and game values, replay, and the like, using a gaming store application provided by a gaming store. In the configuration diagram of FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100 is illustrated with a dashed line because it does not communicate with the information device 50 via an electric line. Specific details will be described later. In addition, the gaming store application may not be provided by the gaming store, but may be provided by a company or organization that governs the gaming store. Specifically, if the gaming store is operated by a group company, the application may be provided by the company so that it can be used at different gaming stores, or if the gaming store is a member of a specific organization, the application may be provided by the organization so that it can be used at gaming stores that are members of that organization.

[0030] (Explanation of the gaming machine) Next, the cabinet of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a front view of the cabinet of the gaming machine 1, and Figure 3 is a view of the gaming value display device 31 and its surroundings.

[0031] In the gaming machine 1, a player bets a gaming value stored in the gaming value board 30 by operating the BET button 113 or the MAXBET button 114, drives the reel unit by operating the gaming lever 111, and stops the reel unit by operating the stop button 112 to play. As described above, when the gaming lever 111 is operated, a winning combination or a big win is drawn, and the main board 10 transmits gaming value information to the gaming value board 30 according to the established minor combination when the reel is stopped by the stop button 112, and the gaming value board 30 adds the gaming value based on the received gaming value information. Also, when the BET button 113 or the MAXBET button 114 is operated to bet a gaming value, the main board 10 transmits gaming value information to the gaming value board 30, and the gaming value board 30 subtracts the gaming value based on the received gaming value information.

[0032] The value of the game value stored in the game value board 30 is displayed on the game value display device 31. A count button 32A is provided on the left side of the game value display device 31, and the player counts the game value stored in the game value board 30 by operating the count button 32A.

[0033] The lower panel 13 of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50, and a lending button 41A and a replay button 42A connected to the lending board 40. The player touches the operation panel 512 of the information device 50 to perform operations for depositing money and making a settlement. Specific operation contents and processing will be described later.

[0034] (Deposit into gaming machine 1) Next, the settlement regarding the deposit for lending out the gaming value will be described with reference to Figs.

[0035] First, the operation of the information device 50 when making a deposit for lending out a gaming value will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an animation diagram of the liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50 when making a payment using the mobile terminal 100.

[0036] Fig. 4(a) is the standby screen of the liquid crystal panel 51. When the player is not operating the liquid crystal panel 51, it displays a screen showing the balance and gaming value information, as shown in Fig. 4(a). For example, in Fig. 4(a), "0 yen" and "0 coins" are displayed as the current balance and gaming value information. When the player deposits money to lend out gaming value, he or she operates the "Menu" button displayed in Fig. 4(a).

[0037] Fig. 4(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "Menu" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 4(a). The screen of Fig. 4(b) displays a "Deposit" button, a "Settlement" button, a "Replay" button, and a "Back" button. When making a deposit to lend out gaming value, the player operates the "Deposit" button displayed in Fig. 4(b).

[0038] FIG. 4(c) is a screen that is displayed when the "Deposit" button is operated on the screen of FIG. 4(b). On the screen of FIG. 4(c), the deposit amount buttons "1000 yen", "2000 yen", "3000 yen", "5000 yen", and "10000 yen" as well as a "Back" button are displayed. The player operates the deposit amount button that he or she desires on the screen of FIG. 4(c). In FIG. 4(c), for example, it is assumed that the "2000 yen" button is operated.

[0039] Fig. 4(d) is a screen that is displayed when the "2000 yen" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 4(c). Fig. 4(d) displays information on the amount to be paid, code information, an instruction to read the displayed code information, and a "Back" button. The "code information" displayed in Fig. 4(d) includes information on the amount to be deposited, information on the gaming facility and gaming machine, date and time information, etc. The player reads the code information displayed in Fig. 4(d) on the mobile terminal 100 that he or she possesses and makes the payment.

[0040] Fig. 4(e) is a screen displayed when the payment process is completed by the payment server 90 and the information device 50 of the gaming machine 1 receives payment completion information from the payment server 90. Fig. 4(e) displays a notification that the payment has been completed and information such as the available balance for today. The display of Fig. 4(e) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the liquid crystal panel 51 is touched, and when the display of Fig. 4(e) ends, Fig. 4(f) is displayed.

[0041] Fig. 4(f) is a screen that is displayed when the display of Fig. 4(e) ends, and is a standby screen similar to Fig. 4(a). Unlike Fig. 4(a), Fig. 4(f) reflects the player's payment, and displays "2000 yen" and "0 coins" as the current balance and gaming value information.

[0042] In the example of Fig. 4, the deposit amount button displayed in Fig. 4(c) is operated to display code information in Fig. 4(d), but for example, an input numeric keypad may be displayed instead of the deposit amount button in Fig. 4(c) so that any amount can be entered to generate code information for any amount. When inputting using the input numeric keypad, the amount that can be deposited is limited to a predetermined unit (e.g., 1000 yen), and an error occurs if any other amount is entered.

[0043] Next, the operation of the mobile terminal 100 when making a payment for lending a gaming value will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an animation diagram of the screen of the mobile terminal 100 when making a deposit into the gaming machine using the information device 50. The player makes a payment for lending a gaming value using a payment company application installed in the mobile terminal 100. The payment company application is an application linked to credit card information owned by the player, and a deposit for lending a gaming value on the gaming machine 1 can be made by payment with a credit card.

[0044] 5(a) shows the login screen of the payment company application. A player logs into his / her account by inputting the user ID and password he / she registered and operating the "Login" button displayed on the screen.

[0045] Fig. 5(b) is the screen that is displayed when the "Login" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 5(a) and login is successful. The screen of Fig. 5(b) displays a "Read Code Information" button, a "Check Available Balance" button, a "Menu" button, and a "Logout" button. When making a deposit to lend out gaming value, the player operates the "Read Code Information" button displayed in Fig. 5(b).

[0046] Fig. 5(c) is a screen that is displayed when the "Read code information" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 5(b). The screen of Fig. 5(c) displays the imaging area 101 of the camera of the mobile terminal 100, an instruction to read the displayed code information, and a "Back" button. The player places the code information shown in Fig. 4(d) in the imaging area 101 of the camera of the mobile terminal 100 of Fig. 5(c) to read the code information.

[0047] Fig. 5(d) is the screen that is displayed when the code information is successfully read on the screen of Fig. 5(c). The screen of Fig. 5(c) displays information about the amount to be paid, information about the available balance for the day, and a "Yes" button and a "No" button. The player checks the information about the amount to be paid and the available balance information and presses the "Yes" button.

[0048] Fig. 5(e) is a screen that is displayed when the "Yes" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 5(d), the payment is completed by the payment server 90, and the mobile terminal 100 receives payment completion information from the payment server 90. Fig. 5(e) displays a notification that the payment has been completed and information such as the available balance for today. The display of Fig. 5(e) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the screen of the mobile terminal 100 is touched, and when the display of Fig. 5(e) ends, Fig. 5(f) is displayed.

[0049] Fig. 5(f) is a screen that is displayed when the display of Fig. 5(e) ends, and is the same as Fig. 5(b). When the "Logout" button displayed on the screens of Fig. 5(b) and Fig. 5(f) is operated, the logout process is executed and the screen returns to the login screen shown in Fig. 5(a).

[0050] Fig. 5(g) is a menu screen that is displayed when the "Menu" button displayed on the screens of Fig. 5(b) and Fig. 5(f) is operated. On the menu screen, for example, a "User Information" button for displaying a screen that displays the user's registration information, a "Usage History" button for displaying a screen for checking the usage history of payment, a "Withdrawal Account" button for displaying a screen for registering or changing the withdrawal account for payment, and a "Notice" button for displaying a screen for checking notices from the payment company are displayed.

[0051] Next, a communication flow when making a settlement regarding a deposit for lending a gaming value will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] The gaming machine 1 (information device 50) displays the code information shown in FIG. 4(d) by the operations shown in FIG. 4(a) to FIG. 4(c) (step A01). When the code information is displayed on the gaming machine 1, the player reads the displayed code information on the screen of the payment company application of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 5(c) (step A02). When the code information is successfully read, the screen of FIG. 5(d) is displayed on the mobile terminal 100, and when the player operates the "Yes" button, the mobile terminal 100 transmits the payment information to the payment server 90 (step A03).

[0053] When the payment server 90 receives the payment information from the mobile terminal 100, it executes a payment process related to the received payment information (step A04). When the payment process is completed, the payment server 90 stores payment completion information related to the payment process (step A05), and transmits the payment completion information to the gaming machine 1 and the mobile terminal 100 (step A06).

[0054] When the gaming machine 1 and the mobile terminal 100 acquire the payment completion information from the payment server 90 (steps A07 and A08), the gaming machine 1 updates the stored balance based on the received payment completion information, and also displays a notification that the payment has been completed on the screen as shown in FIG. 4(e) and information such as the available balance for today (step A09). Based on the received payment completion information, the mobile terminal 100 displays a notification that the payment has been completed on the screen as shown in FIG. 5(e) and information such as the available balance for today (step A10).

[0055] When the gaming machine 1 finishes storing and updating the balance, it transmits the payment completion information acquired from the payment server 90 to the external server 80 (step A11). The external server 80 stores the payment completion information acquired from the gaming machine 1 (step A12).

[0056] Although not shown, if the payment process in step A04 is not completed normally due to, for example, insufficient available balance, the payment server 90 transmits payment completion information indicating that the payment was not completed normally in step A06. At that time, the gaming machine 1 and the mobile terminal 100 display a notice that the payment was not completed normally in the processing of steps A09 and A10. If the payment process is not completed normally, the payment completion information is not transmitted to the external server 80 in step A11.

[0057] (Settlement of balance and gaming value) Next, the settlement of the balance and the gaming value stored in the gaming machine 1 (information device 50) will be described with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG.

[0058] First, the operation of the information device 50 when settling the balance and game value stored in the gaming machine 1 (information device 50) will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an animation diagram of the liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50 when settling the balance and game value.

[0059] Fig. 7(a) is a standby screen of the liquid crystal panel 51 similar to Fig. 4(a). When the player does not operate the liquid crystal panel 51, it displays a screen showing balance information and gaming value information, as shown in Fig. 7(a). For example, in Fig. 7(a), "3000 yen" and "1350 coins" are displayed as the current balance information and gaming value information. When the player wants to settle the balance and gaming value, he or she operates the "Menu" button displayed in Fig. 7(a).

[0060] Fig. 7(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "Menu" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 7(a). The screen of Fig. 7(b) displays a "Deposit" button, a "Settlement" button, a "Replay" button, and a "Back" button. When a player wishes to settle their balance and game value, they operate the "Settlement" button displayed in Fig. 7(b).

[0061] Fig. 7(c) is a screen that is displayed when the "Settlement" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 7(b). The screen of Fig. 7(c) displays the balance to be settled, the value of the game value to be settled, a "Yes" button, and a "No" button. The player checks the balance and the value of the game value and operates the "Yes" button.

[0062] Fig. 7(d) is a screen that is displayed when the "Yes" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 7(c). Fig. 7(d) displays code information, an instruction to read the displayed code information, and a "Back" button. The "code information" displayed in Fig. 7(d) includes information on the gaming facility and gaming machine 1, balance information, and gaming value information. The player reads the code information with the mobile terminal 100 that he or she owns to settle the balance and gaming value.

[0063] Figure 7(e) is a screen that is displayed when the settlement update process is completed by the hall computer 70 and the gaming machine 1 (information device 50) receives settlement update information from the hall computer 70. Figure 7(e) displays a notification that settlement has been completed. The display of Figure 7(e) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the liquid crystal panel 51 is touched, and when the display of Figure 7(e) ends, Figure 7(f) is displayed.

[0064] The "settlement update process" refers to the settlement process executed by communication between the gaming machine 1 (information device 50) and the hall computer 70, which includes the process of updating the member information stored and managed regarding the settled balance and gaming value, and the "settlement update information" refers to information about the contents updated by the settlement update process or a part of that information. Specifically, it refers to information about how much balance or gaming value each member has settled. It can also refer to information only about how much balance or gaming value has been settled, excluding member information.

[0065] Fig. 7(f) is a screen that is displayed when the display of Fig. 7(e) ends, and is a standby screen similar to Fig. 7(a). Fig. 7(f) differs from Fig. 7(a) in that the settlement process is reflected, and "0 yen" and "0 coins" are displayed as the current balance and game value information.

[0066] Next, the operation of the mobile terminal 100 when settling the balance and gaming value stored in the gaming machine 1 (information device 50) will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is an animation diagram of the screen of the mobile terminal 100 when settling the balance and gaming value stored in the information device 50 of the gaming machine 1. The player settles the balance and gaming value using an amusement store application installed on the mobile terminal 100. The amusement store application can be used for settling the balance and gaming value, exchanging for prizes, etc. based on the player's membership information managed by the hall computer 70.

[0067] Fig. 8(a) is a login screen of the gaming facility application. The screen of Fig. 8(a) displays the name of the gaming facility and input fields for a user ID and password. A player logs into his / her account by inputting the user ID and password he / she registered and operating the "Login" button displayed on the screen.

[0068] Fig. 8(b) is the screen that is displayed when the "Login" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 8(a) and login is successful. The screen of Fig. 8(b) displays a "Settlement" button, a "Replay" button, a "Prize Exchange" button, a "Detailed Information" button, and a "Logout" button. When a player wishes to settle their balance and game value, they operate the "Settlement" button displayed in Fig. 8(b).

[0069] Figure 8(c) is the screen that is displayed when the "Settlement" button is operated on the screen of Figure 8(b). The screen of Figure 8(c) displays a "Balance / Medal Settlement" button, a "Balance Settlement" button, and a "Back" button. When a player settles their balance and gaming value, they operate the "Balance / Medal Settlement" button displayed in Figure 8(c).

[0070] Fig. 8(d) is a screen that is displayed when the "Balance & Medal Settlement" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 8(c). The screen of Fig. 8(d) displays the imaging area 101 of the camera of the mobile terminal 100, an instruction to read the displayed code information, and a "Back" button. The player places the code information shown in Fig. 7(d) in the imaging area 101 of the camera of the mobile terminal 100 of Fig. 8(d) to read the code information.

[0071] Fig. 8(e) is a screen that is displayed when the code information is successfully read on the screen of Fig. 8(d). The screen of Fig. 8(e) displays the balance information to be settled, the gaming value information to be settled, a "Yes" button, and a "No" button. The player checks the balance information and the gaming value information and presses the "Yes" button.

[0072] FIG. 8(f) is a screen that is displayed when the "Yes" button is operated on the screen of FIG. 8(e), the settlement update process is completed by the hall computer 70, and the mobile terminal 100 receives settlement update information from the hall computer 70. FIG. 8(f) displays a notification that settlement has been completed, as well as information such as the total amount of the player's remaining balance and the total number of game values. The display of FIG. 8(f) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the mobile terminal 100 screen is touched, and when the display of FIG. 8(f) ends, FIG. 8(g) is displayed. FIG. 8(g) is a screen that is displayed when the display of FIG. 8(f) ends, and is a standby screen similar to FIG. 8(b).

[0073] Next, a communication flow when performing a settlement process for the balance and gaming value will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] The gaming machine 1 (information device 50) displays the code information shown in FIG. 7(d) by the operations shown in FIG. 7(a) to FIG. 7(c) (step B01). When the code information is displayed on the gaming machine 1, the player reads the displayed code information on the screen of the gaming shop application of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 8(d) (step B02). If the code information is successfully read, the screen of FIG. 8(e) is displayed on the mobile terminal 100, and when the player operates the "Yes" button, the mobile terminal 100 transmits the settlement information to the hall computer 70 (step B03). "Settlement information" refers to information including information on the balance and game value to be settled, information on the member to be settled, and information on the gaming machine 1 to be settled.

[0075] When the hall computer 70 receives the settlement information from the mobile terminal 100, it executes a settlement update process based on the received settlement information (step B04). When the settlement update process is completed, the hall computer 70 stores the settlement update information related to the settlement update process (step B05), and transmits the settlement update information to the gaming machine 1, the mobile terminal 100, and the gaming shop server 71 (step B06).

[0076] When the gaming machine 1, the mobile terminal 100, and the gaming shop server 71 acquire the settlement update information from the hall computer 70 (steps B07, B08, and B09), the gaming machine 1 updates the stored balance and gaming value information based on the received settlement update information, and displays a notice that the settlement has been completed on the screen as shown in Fig. 7(e) (step B10), and the mobile terminal 100 displays a notice that the settlement has been completed on the screen as shown in Fig. 8(f) based on the received payment completion information (step B11). Also, the gaming shop server 71 updates the player's membership information based on the received settlement update information (step B12).

[0077] The settlement update information received by the gaming machine 1 in step B07 may not include information on the member who has made the settlement.

[0078] (Replay of gaming value) Next, replay using the gaming value stored in the member information will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12.

[0079] First, the operation of the information device 50 when replaying a game using the game value stored in the member information will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an animation diagram of the liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50 when the player replays a game.

[0080] Fig. 10(a) is a standby screen of the liquid crystal panel 51 similar to Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 7(a). When the player does not operate the liquid crystal panel 51, it displays a screen showing the balance and gaming value information, as shown in Fig. 10(a). For example, in Fig. 10(a), "0 yen" and "0 coins" are displayed as the current balance and gaming value information. When the player wishes to play again, he or she operates the "Menu" button displayed in Fig. 10(a).

[0081] Fig. 10(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "Menu" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 10(a). The screen of Fig. 10(b) displays a "Deposit" button, a "Settlement" button, a "Replay" button, and a "Back" button. When the player wants to play again, he or she operates the "Replay" button displayed in Fig. 10(b).

[0082] Fig. 10(c) is a screen that is displayed when the "replay" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 10(b). Fig. 10(c) displays code information, an instruction to read the displayed code information, and a "back" button. The code information displayed in Fig. 10(c) includes information on the gaming facility and the gaming machine 1. The player reads the code information with the mobile terminal 100 that he or she owns and plays the game again.

[0083] Fig. 10(d) is a screen that is displayed when the re-play process is completed by the hall computer 70 and the gaming machine 1 receives re-play completion information from the hall computer 70. Fig. 10(d) displays a notification that the re-play process is completed, the gaming value information of the re-play process, and the gaming value information stored in the player's membership information after the re-play process. The display of Fig. 10(d) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the liquid crystal panel 51 is touched, and when the display of Fig. 10(d) ends, Fig. 10(e) is displayed.

[0084] "Replay processing" refers to a process of updating the stored balance and game value information when a player in the member information managed by the hall computer 70 replays a game using the balance and game value owned by the player. Specifically, when a player whose member information stores a game value of "1000" replays a game with a game value of "300", the hall computer 70 updates the game value stored in the member information from "1000" to "700". Also, "replay completion information" refers to information about the content updated by the replay processing or a part of that information. Specifically, it refers to information about which member has replayed how much of their balance or game value. It may also refer to information about how much of the balance or game value has been replayed, excluding the member information. In addition, in the re-play processing, if the re-play processing is not completed normally, for example, because the value of the play value to be re-played is greater than the value of the play value stored in the member information, information regarding the result that the re-play processing was not completed normally is also included in the re-play completion information.

[0085] Fig. 10(e) is a screen that is displayed when the display of Fig. 10(d) ends, and is a standby screen similar to Fig. 10(a). Unlike Fig. 10(a), Fig. 10(e) reflects the replay process, and displays "0 yen" and "500 coins" as the current balance and play value information.

[0086] Next, the operation of the mobile terminal 100 when replaying a game using the game value stored in the member information of the player will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is an animation diagram of the screen of the mobile terminal 100 when the player replays a game. The player replays a game using a game store application installed on the mobile terminal 100.

[0087] Fig. 11(a) is a login screen of the gaming store application similar to Fig. 8(a). A player logs into his / her account by inputting the user ID and password he / she registered and operating the "Login" button displayed on the screen.

[0088] Fig. 11(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "Login" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 11(a), which is similar to Fig. 8(b), and login is successful. The screen of Fig. 11(b) displays a "Settlement" button, a "Replay" button, a "Prize Exchange" button, a "Detailed Information" button, and a "Logout" button. When the player wants to play again, he or she operates the "Replay" button displayed in Fig. 11(b).

[0089] Fig. 11(c) is a screen that is displayed when the "replay" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 11(b). The screen of Fig. 11(c) displays the imaging area 101 of the camera of the mobile terminal 100, an instruction to read the displayed code information, and a "back" button. The player places the code information shown in Fig. 10(c) in the imaging area 101 of the camera of the mobile terminal 100 of Fig. 11(c) to read the code information.

[0090] Fig. 11(d) is a screen that is displayed when the code information is successfully read on the screen of Fig. 11(c). The screen of Fig. 11(d) displays information about the gaming machine 1 on which the game will be played again, a "Play with balance" button, a "Play with held medals" button, and a "Back" button. The player operates the "Play with balance" button when playing again with the balance stored in the member information, and operates the "Play with held medals" button when playing again with the game value. In Fig. 11(d), for example, it is assumed that the "Play with held medals" button is operated.

[0091] FIG. 11(e) is a screen that is displayed when the "Play with held medals" button is operated on the screen of FIG. 11(d). The screen of FIG. 11(e) displays an instruction to input the value of the game value to be replayed, the game value possessed by the player stored in the player's membership information, an input field for the game value to be replayed, and an "OK" button. In the input field for the value of the game value to be replayed, a value equal to or less than the game value possessed by the player stored in the player's membership information displayed on the screen is input. In FIG. 11(e), for example, it is assumed that "500" coins are input. After the player inputs the value of the game value that he or she wishes to replay, he or she operates the "OK" button.

[0092] 11(d), for example, instead of an instruction to input the value of the game value to be replayed, an instruction to input the value of the balance to be replayed is displayed, instead of the game value possessed by the player stored in the player's membership information, the balance possessed by the player stored in the player's membership information is displayed, and instead of an input field for the value of the game value to be replayed, an input field for the value of the balance to be replayed is displayed. A value equal to or less than the balance possessed by the player stored in the player's membership information displayed on the screen is input into the input field for the value of the balance to be replayed.

[0093] FIG. 11(f) is a screen displayed when the replay process is completed by the hall computer 70 and the mobile terminal 100 receives replay completion information from the hall computer 70. FIG. 11(f) displays a notification that the replay process is completed, the value of the replay processed play value, and the play value information stored in the player's membership information after the replay process. The display of FIG. 11(f) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the liquid crystal panel 51 is touched, and when the display of FIG. 11(f) ends, FIG. 11(g) is displayed. FIG. 11(g) is a screen displayed when the display of FIG. 11(f) ends, and is a standby screen similar to FIG. 11(b).

[0094] Next, the communication flow when replaying a game will be described with reference to FIG.

[0095] The gaming machine 1 (information device 50) displays the code information shown in FIG. 10(c) by the operations shown in FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b) (step C01). When the code information is displayed on the gaming machine 1, the player reads the displayed code information on the screen of the gaming shop application of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 11(c) (step C02). When the code information is successfully read, the screen of FIG. 11(d) is displayed on the mobile terminal 100, and the player operates the "Play with balance" button or the "Play with held medals" button, inputs the balance value or the game value on the screen of FIG. 11(e), and when the "OK" button is operated, the mobile terminal 100 transmits replay information to the hall computer 70 (step C03).

[0096] When the hall computer 70 receives the re-play information from the mobile terminal 100, it executes a re-play process related to the received re-play information (step C04). When the re-play process ends, the hall computer 70 stores re-play completion information related to the re-play process (step C05), and transmits the re-play completion information to the gaming machine 1, the mobile terminal 100, and the gaming store server 71 (step C06).

[0097] When the gaming machine 1, the mobile terminal 100, and the gaming shop server 71 acquire the re-play completion information from the hall computer 70 (steps C07, C08, and C09), The gaming machine 1 updates the stored balance and gaming value information based on the received re-play completion information, and displays a notice on the screen that the re-play process has been completed, as shown in Fig. 10(d) (step C10), and the mobile terminal 100 displays a notice on the screen that the settlement has been completed, as shown in Fig. 11(f) based on the received re-play completion information (step C11). Also, the gaming shop server 71 updates the player's membership information based on the received re-play completion information (step C12).

[0098] Also, although not shown, in the re-play process of step C04, if the re-play process is not completed normally for reasons such as the value of the play value to be re-played being greater than the value of the play value stored in the member information, the hall computer 70 transmits re-play completion information to the effect that the re-play process was not completed normally in step C06. At that time, the gaming machine 1 and the mobile terminal 100 display a notification that the re-play process was not completed normally in the processes of steps C10 and C11.

[0099] (Payment, settlement, and replay processing) Next, the process flow of settlement, adjustment, and replay in the information device 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0100] As described above, when no operation is performed by the player, the liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50 displays a screen showing the balance and gaming value information, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(a) (step D01). The information device 50 monitors the operation of the "menu" button (step D02). The operation of the "menu" button is monitored until the "menu" button is operated (NO in step D02). When the "menu" button is operated (YES in step D02), the liquid crystal panel 51 displays the "deposit" button, the "settlement" button, and the "replay" button, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(b) (step D03).

[0101] The information device 50 monitors the operation of the "deposit" button, or the "settlement" button, or the "replay" button (step D04). If none of the buttons are operated (NO in step D04), it monitors whether the "back" button has been operated (step D05). If the "back" button is not operated (NO in step D05), it again monitors the operation of the "deposit" button, or the "settlement" button, or the "replay" button (step D04). The monitoring of the operation of the "deposit" button, or the "settlement" button, or the "replay" button (step D04) and the monitoring of the operation of the "back" button (step D05) are continued until the "deposit" button, or the "settlement" button, or the "replay" button is operated (YES in step D04) or the "back" button is operated (YES in step D05). When the "Back" button is operated (YES in step D05), a screen showing the balance and gaming value information is displayed (step D01).

[0102] When the "Deposit" button, "Settlement" button, or "Replay" button is operated (YES in step D04), the information device 50 judges whether the operated button is the "Deposit" button (step D06). If it is judged that the "Deposit" button has been operated (YES in step D06), the liquid crystal panel 51 displays various deposit amount buttons shown in Fig. 4(c) (step D07).

[0103] The information device 50 monitors the operation of the deposit amount button (step D08). If none of the deposit amount buttons are operated (NO in step D08), it monitors whether the "Back" button has been operated (step D09). If the "Back" button is not operated (NO in step D09), it again monitors the operation of the deposit amount button (step D08). It continues to monitor the operation of the deposit amount button (step D08) and the operation of the "Back" button (step D09) until the deposit amount button is operated (YES in step D08) or the "Back" button is operated (YES in step D09). If the "Back" button is operated (YES in step D09), it displays the "Deposit" button, the "Settlement" button, and the "Replay" button (step D03).

[0104] When the deposit amount button is operated (YES in step D08), the code information based on the operated deposit amount button is displayed (step D10) as shown in FIG. 4(d). The information device 50 judges whether the payment completion information has been acquired while displaying the code information (step D11). If it is not judged that the payment completion information has been acquired (NO in step D11), it monitors whether the "Back" button has been operated (step D12). If the "Back" button has not been operated (NO in step D12), it judges again whether the payment completion information has been acquired (step D11). The judgment of whether the payment completion information has been acquired (step D11) and the monitoring of the operation of the "Back" button (step D12) are performed until it is judged that the payment completion information has been acquired (YES in step D11) or the "Back" button is operated (YES in step D12). When the "Back" button has been operated (YES in step D12), various deposit amount buttons are displayed (step D07).

[0105] When it is determined that the payment completion information has been acquired (YES in step D11), the information device 50 updates the stored balance (step D13) and transmits the payment completion information to the sub-board 20 and the external server 80 (step D14). Then, the liquid crystal panel 51 displays a screen notifying that the payment has been completed, as shown in FIG. 4(e) (step D15).

[0106] In the process of step D06, if it is not determined that the "Deposit" button has been operated (NO in step D06), the information device 50 determines whether the operated button is the "Settlement" button (step D16). If it is determined that the "Settlement" button has been operated (YES in step D16), the liquid crystal panel 51 displays the balance information to be settled, the gaming value information to be settled, and other information shown in Fig. 7(c), as well as the "Yes" button and the "No" button (step D17).

[0107] The information device 50 monitors the operation of the "Yes" button (step D18). If the "Yes" button is not operated (NO in step D18), it monitors whether the "No" button has been operated (step D19). The monitoring of the operation of the "Yes" button (step D18) and the monitoring of the operation of the "No" button (step D19) is continued until the "Yes" button is operated (YES in step D18) or the "No" button is operated (YES in step D19). If the "No" button is operated (YES in step D19), the "Deposit" button, the "Settlement" button, and the "Replay" button are displayed (step D03).

[0108] When the "Yes" button is operated (YES in step D18), the information on the gaming facility and gaming machine 1, the balance information to be settled, and the settlement code information including the gaming value information are displayed (step D20) as shown in FIG. 7(d). The information device 50 judges whether settlement completion information has been acquired while displaying the settlement code information (step D21). If it is not judged that settlement completion information has been acquired (NO in step D21), it monitors whether the "Back" button has been operated (step D22). If the "Back" button has not been operated (NO in step D22), it again judges whether settlement completion information has been acquired (step D21). The judgment of whether settlement completion information has been acquired (step D21) and the monitoring of the operation of the "Back" button (step D22) are continued until it is judged that settlement completion information has been acquired (YES in step D21) or the "Back" button is operated (YES in step D22). When the "Back" button is operated (YES in step D22), a screen showing the balance and gaming value information is displayed (step D01).

[0109] When it is determined that settlement completion information has been acquired (YES in step D21), the information device 50 updates the stored balance and game value information (step D23), and the liquid crystal panel 51 displays a screen notifying the user that settlement has been completed, as shown in FIG. 7(e) (step D24).

[0110] In the process of step D16, if it is not determined that the "settlement" button has been operated (NO in step D16), the information device 50 determines that the "replay" button has been operated, and displays code information including information on the gaming facility and the gaming machine 1 as shown in FIG. 10(c) (step D25). The information device 50 determines whether replay completion information has been acquired while displaying the code information (step D26). If it is not determined that replay completion information has been acquired (NO in step D26), it monitors whether the "back" button has been operated (step D27). If the "back" button has not been operated (NO in step D27), it again determines whether replay completion information has been acquired (step D26). The determination of whether replay completion information has been acquired (step D26) and the monitoring of the operation of the "back" button (step D27) are performed until it is determined that replay completion information has been acquired (YES in step D26) or the "back" button is operated (YES in step D27). When the "Back" button is operated (YES in step D27), a screen showing the balance and gaming value information is displayed (step D01).

[0111] When it is determined that the re-play completion information has been acquired (YES in step D26), the information device 50 updates the stored balance and play value information (step D28), and the liquid crystal panel 51 displays a screen notifying the user that the re-play process has been completed, as shown in FIG. 10(d) (step D29).

[0112] Although the process flow of settlement, adjustment, and replay in the information device 50 has been described above using FIG. 13, the lending board 40 may perform part of the above-mentioned process. Specifically, for example, the lending board 40 may acquire settlement completion information, settlement completion information, and replay completion information, and may store balance and game value information related to settlement, adjustment, and replay. In that case, in the configuration diagram of the gaming machine 1 described in FIG. 1, the hall computer 70, the external server 80, and the settlement server 90 communicate with the lending board 40, not the information device 50. Then, for example, the lending board 40 transmits the settlement completion information to the sub-board 20 and the external server 80, as described in step D14.

[0113] As described above, if the gaming machine 1 is equipped with the rental board 40 and the information device 50, the player can play the game without using a rental unit, etc., and the gaming establishment does not need to purchase a new rental unit exclusively for smart gaming machines, and does not need to move the rental unit when changing the installation location of the gaming machine. In addition, since payment, settlement, and replay can be performed using a mobile terminal, the player does not need to carry cash or a membership card of the gaming establishment when playing the gaming machine.

[0114] (Notification of payment completion information) Next, with reference to Figs. 14 to 16, the notification of payment completion information by the sub-board 20 when the payment process is completed will be described. The sub-board 20 notifies the player of the payment completion information based on the payment completion information received by the processing of step D14 in Fig. 13. Figs. 14 to 16 are animation diagrams showing the time when payment completion information is notified on the liquid crystal 21 of the gaming machine 1. In the explanation of Figs. 14 to 16, the payment completion information notified by the sub-board 20 is information on the amount paid and information on the available balance after the payment process.

[0115] 14(a) shows a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 of the gaming machine 1. The liquid crystal display 21 of the gaming machine 1 is controlled by the sub-substrate 20 to display effects and the like relating to the game.

[0116] Fig. 14(b) is a screen that is displayed when the payment related to the deposit explained in Figs. 4 and 5, for example, is completed and the sub-board 20 receives payment completion information from the information device 50. In Fig. 14(b), the sub-board 20 displays information on the deposit amount and available balance as payment completion information on the LCD 21 of the gaming machine 1 based on the received payment completion information. In Fig. 14(b), the deposit amount of "2000" yen and the available balance of "48000" yen are displayed as payment completion information. The payment completion information displayed in Fig. 14(b) will disappear after a predetermined time has passed.

[0117] FIG. 15(a) shows a screen displayed on the liquid crystal 21 of the gaming machine 1 similar to that shown in FIG. 14(a). Figure 15(b) shows the display of payment completion information when the available balance is below a specified amount. In Figure 15(b), the deposit amount of "2000" yen and the available balance of "5000" yen are displayed as payment completion information. In Figure 15(b), the area in which the payment completion information is displayed is larger than in Figure 14(b), and unlike Figure 14(b), the available balance is written in bold.

[0118] In the example of FIG. 15(b), when the available balance is below a predetermined amount, the area displaying the payment completion information is enlarged and the available balance is written in bold, but it is also possible to implement only one of these.

[0119] In addition, as a control of the sub-substrate 20 when displaying the payment completion information, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the liquid crystal 21 other than the payment completion information may be temporarily darkened so that the payment completion information stands out.

[0120] The notification of the settlement completion information may be made by voice using the speaker 22 instead of displaying it on the liquid crystal 21 of the gaming machine 1. In addition to the notification on the liquid crystal 21, the notification may also be made by the speaker 22.

[0121] (Counting gaming value) Next, the calculation of the gaming value will be described with reference to Figs.

[0122] First, the display of the game value display device 31 during the game value counting process will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figures 17 and 18 are animation diagrams of the game value display device 31 when the counting switch 32 is turned on and the game value is counted.

[0123] FIG. 17 shows a counting animation when the counting button 32A is pressed for a short time. In Fig. 17(a), the gaming value information of "1350" is stored in the gaming value board 30, and the gaming value display device 31 displays "1350", which is the stored gaming value information. As described in Fig. 3, the count button 32A is disposed on the left side of the gaming value display device 31. In the state of Fig. 17(a), the count button 32A is not pressed, so the count switch 32 is in the OFF state.

[0124] FIG. 17(b) shows a state in which the count button 32A is pressed. When the count button 32A is pressed, the count switch 32 turns ON, and the game value board 30 starts the counting process. Specifically, a "game value subtraction process" is executed. The counting process differs depending on the duration of the pressed state of the count button 32A, that is, the duration of the ON state of the count switch 32. If the pressing duration of the count button 32A is less than a predetermined time, the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (1)", and if the pressing duration of the count button 32A is more than the predetermined time, the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)". The specific process will be described later with reference to FIG. 21. In FIG. 17(b), it is assumed that the pressing duration of the count button 32A is less than a predetermined time.

[0125] Fig. 17(c) shows a state in which pressing of the counting button 32A has ended and the counting switch 32 has turned OFF. In the example of Fig. 17, since the pressing of the counting button 32A has continued for less than the predetermined time, the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (1)" and subtracts the game value information stored in the game value board 30 from "1350" to "1349". Then, as shown in Fig. 17(c), "1349", which is the game value information stored in the game value board 30, is displayed on the game value display device 31.

[0126] FIG. 18 shows a counting animation when the counting button 32A is pressed and held. In FIG. 18(a), the game value information "1350" is stored on the game value board 30, and the game value display device 31 displays "1350" which is the stored game value information.

[0127] Fig. 18(b) shows a state in which the count button 32A is pressed. When the count button 32A is pressed, the count switch 32 is turned ON and the game value board 30 starts the counting process. In Fig. 18(b), it is assumed that the count button 32A has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer.

[0128] Fig. 18(c) shows a state in which the count button 32A continues to be pressed and the count switch 32 remains ON. In the example of Fig. 18, because the count button 32A has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)" and subtracts the game value information stored in the game value board 30 from "1350" to "1300". Then, as shown in Fig. 18(c), the game value display device 31 displays "1300", which is the game value information stored in the game value board 30.

[0129] Fig. 18(d) shows a state in which the count button 32A is further pressed down from the state of Fig. 18(c), and the count switch 32 remains ON. Since the count button 32A has been pressed down for a predetermined period of time since the state of Fig. 18(c), the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)" and subtracts the game value information stored in the game value board 30 from "1300" to "1250". Then, as shown in Fig. 18(d), the game value display device 31 displays "1250", which is the game value information stored in the game value board 30.

[0130] Fig. 18(e) shows a state in which the counting button 32A is further pressed down from the state of Fig. 18(d), the counting switch 32 continues to be ON, and the counting process continues to be executed until the game value information stored in the game value board 30 becomes "0". Fig. 18(e) shows a state in which the counting button 32A has been pressed down for 25 times or more for a predetermined time since the state of Fig. 18(d), so the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)" 25 times, subtracting the game value information stored in the game value board 30 from "1250" to "1200", from "1200" to "1150", ..., and subtracting from "50" to "0" by the 25th "game value subtraction (50)". Then, as shown in FIG. 18(e), the gaming value display device 31 displays "0", which is the gaming value information stored in the gaming value board 30.

[0131] Next, the display screen of the liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50 during the counting process will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is an animation diagram of the liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50 during the counting process. Fig. 19 describes an example in which the pressing duration of the counting button 32A described in Fig. 18 is longer than a predetermined time, and the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)" in the counting process.

[0132] Fig. 19(a) is a standby screen of the liquid crystal panel 51 similar to Fig. 4(a) etc. When the player does not perform any operation, the liquid crystal panel 51 displays a screen showing the balance and gaming value information as shown in Fig. 19(a). In Fig. 19(a), "0 yen" and "0 coins" are displayed as the current balance and gaming value information.

[0133] FIG. 19(b) is a screen displayed when the counting button 32A is pressed and the counting switch 32 is turned ON as shown in FIG. 18(b). When the game value board 30 executes the counting process, it transmits the counting information to the information device 50 via the lending board 40. When the information device 50 receives the counting information, it updates the game value information based on the received counting information and displays the contents on the liquid crystal panel 51. When the counting switch 32 is turned ON and the game value board 30 transmits the counting information, the information device 50 displays a notification that the counting process is being executed and the value of the counted game value. At the moment when the counting switch 32 is turned ON, the game value board 30 does not determine whether the pressing duration of the counting button 32A is equal to or longer than the predetermined time or shorter than the predetermined time, and therefore does not execute the "game value subtraction (1)" and the "game value subtraction (50)".

[0134] Fig. 19(c) is a screen displayed when the count button 32A is pressed for a predetermined period of time or longer and the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)" as shown in Fig. 18(c). When the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)" and transmits counting information, the information device 50 updates the game value information stored therein based on the received counting information, and the liquid crystal panel 51 displays that the game value has been counted to "50".

[0135] Fig. 19(d) is a screen displayed when the count button 32A has been pressed for a predetermined period of time or more since the state of Fig. 18(c) and the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)". When the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)" and transmits counting information, the information device 50 updates the game value information stored therein based on the received counting information, and the liquid crystal panel 51 displays that the game value has been counted to "100".

[0136] Fig. 19(e) is a screen when counting processing is continued from the state of Fig. 18(d) until the game value information stored in the game value board 30 becomes "0", as shown in Fig. 18(e). When the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)" until the stored game value information becomes "0" and transmits the counting information, the information device 50 updates the stored game value information based on the received counting information, and the liquid crystal panel 51 displays the counted game value as "150", "200", ..., and when the game value information stored in the game value board 30 becomes "0", it is displayed that the game value has been counted to "1350".

[0137] Figure 19(f) is a screen displayed when the gaming value board 30 finishes transmitting the counting information. When the gaming value board 30 finishes transmitting the counting information, it displays a screen showing the balance and gaming value information, as in Figure 19(a). Unlike Figure 19(a), Figure 19(f) reflects the counting process, and displays "0 yen" and "1350 coins" as the current balance and gaming value information.

[0138] Next, the communication flow when performing the counting process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0139] When the counting switch 32 is turned ON (step E01), the game value board 30 starts the counting process (step E02) and transmits counting information related to the counting process to the lending board 40 while executing the counting process (step E03). When the lending board 40 receives counting information from the game value board 30, it stores the received counting information and transmits the stored counting information to the information device 50 and the hall computer 70 (step E04). The information device 50 stores the counting information received from the lending board 40 and updates the game value information (step E05). The hall computer 70 also stores the counting information received from the lending board 40 (step E06).

[0140] Next, the process flow during the counting process of the game value board 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0141] The game value board 30 monitors whether the counting switch 32 is ON (step F01). The monitoring of whether the counting switch 32 is ON is continued until the counting switch 32 is ON (NO in step F01). When the counting switch 32 is ON (YES in step F01), the game value board 30 checks whether the stored game value information is greater than "0" (step F02). If the stored game value information is not greater than "0" (NO in step F02), the game value board 30 monitors whether the counting switch 32 is ON (step F01). If the stored game value information is greater than "0" (YES in step F01), the game value board 30 starts transmitting the counting information to the lending board 40 (step F03). The lending board 40 then transmits the received counting information to the information device 50, and the liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50 displays the screen shown in FIG. 19(b).

[0142] The game value board 30 judges whether the ON state of the counting switch 32 is a predetermined time or more, i.e., whether the counting button 32A has been pressed and held (step F04). If the ON state of the counting switch 32 is less than the predetermined time, i.e., if it is judged that the counting button 32A has not been pressed and held (NO in step F04), the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (1)" and transmits counting information related to the executed counting information to the lending board 40 (step F05). When the transmission of the counting information is completed, the series of counting processes is terminated.

[0143] If the counting switch 32 has been ON for a predetermined time or longer, that is, if it is determined that the counting button 32A has been pressed and held (YES in step F04), it is confirmed whether the game value information stored in the game value board 30 is "50" or more (step F06). If the stored game value information is "50" or more (YES in step F06), the game value board 30 executes "game value subtraction (50)" and transmits the counting information related to the executed counting information to the lending board 40 (step F07).

[0144] After transmitting the counting information, it is determined whether the ON state of the counting switch 32 is sustained, i.e., whether the counting button 32A is being pressed and held down (step F08). If it is determined that the counting button 32A is being pressed and held down (YES in step F08), the game value board 30 checks whether the stored game value information is "50" or more (step F06). If it is determined that the counting button 32A is not being pressed and held down (NO in step F08), the series of counting processes is terminated.

[0145] In the processing of step F06, if the game value information stored in the game value board 30 is less than "50" (NO in step F06), a "game value subtraction (ALL)" is executed to subtract the amount of the stored game value information, and counting information regarding the executed counting information is transmitted to the lending board 40 (step F09). For example, if the game value information stored in the game value board 30 is "30", "game value subtraction (ALL)" executes a "game value subtraction (30)" to subtract all game value information. When transmission of the counting information is completed, the series of counting processes is terminated.

[0146] Next, the process flow of the counting process of the information device 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0147] The information device 50 monitors whether or not counting information has been received from the lending board 40 (step G01). The information device 50 continues to monitor the reception of counting information until it receives counting information from the lending board 40 (NO in step G01). When the information device 50 receives counting information, it starts a "game value addition process" (step G02). At this time, the screen shown in FIG. 19(b) is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 51.

[0148] The information device 50 judges whether the received counting information is "game value subtraction (1)" (step G03). If it is judged that the received counting information is "game value subtraction (1)" (YES in step G03), the information device 50 executes "game value addition (1)" and adds "1" to the stored game value information, updating it (step G04). Then, the information device 50 updates the counting information displayed on the liquid crystal panel 51 based on the contents of the executed "game value addition process" (step G05), and ends the series of processes.

[0149] In the process of step G03, if it is determined that the received counting information is not "game value subtraction (1)" (NO in step G03), it is determined that the received counting information is "game value subtraction (50)" (step G06). If it is determined that the received counting information is "game value subtraction (50)" (YES in step G06), the information device 50 executes "game value addition (50)" to add "50" to the stored game value information and update it (step G07). Then, it updates the counting information displayed on the liquid crystal panel 51 based on the contents of the executed "game value addition process" (step G08).

[0150] After processing step G08, the information device 50 judges whether or not it has received a "game value subtraction (50)" again (step G09). If it judges that it has received a "game value subtraction (50)" again (YES in step G09), it executes a "game value addition (50)" and adds "50" to the stored game value information to update it (step G07). Then, it updates the counting information displayed on the liquid crystal panel 51 based on the contents of the executed "game value addition process" (step G08).

[0151] In the process of step G09, if it is determined that the "game value subtraction (50)" has been received again (NO in step G09), the information device 50 determines whether or not the "game value subtraction (ALL)" has been received (step G10). If it is determined that the "game value subtraction (ALL)" has not been received (NO in step G10), the series of processes ends.

[0152] In the process of step G06, if it is not determined that the received counting information is "game value subtraction (50)" (NO in step G06), or if it is determined that "game value subtraction (ALL)" is received in the process of step G10, the information device 50 executes "game value addition (ALL)" to add the received game value subtraction number to the stored game value information and update it (step G11). Then, the counting information displayed on the liquid crystal panel 51 is updated based on the contents of the executed "game value addition process" (step G12).

[0153] (Lending of gaming value) Next, lending of gaming value will be described with reference to Figs.

[0154] First, the operation of the lending button 41A during lending processing and the display on the liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is an animation diagram of the liquid crystal panel 51 of the information device 50 accompanying the operation of the lending button 41A when a player performs lending. The lending processing is executed by communication between the lending board 40, the information device 50, and the gaming value board 30 due to the operation of the lending button 41A. Specific communication contents will be described later with reference to Fig. 25.

[0155] Fig. 23(a) is a standby screen of the liquid crystal panel 51 similar to Fig. 4(a) and the like. When the player does not operate the liquid crystal panel 51, it displays a screen showing the balance and gaming value information as shown in Fig. 23(a). For example, in Fig. 23(a), "2000 yen" and "0 coins" are displayed as the current balance and gaming value information. When the player wishes to lend gaming value, he or she operates the lending button 41A provided on the right side of the liquid crystal panel 51 displayed in Fig. 23(a).

[0156] Fig. 23(b) is a screen that is displayed when the lending button 41A is operated. The screen of Fig. 23(b) notifies the user that the lending process is in progress and displays that the balance is being subtracted as the lending proceeds. In the example of Fig. 23(b), as the gaming value of "50" is lent, the information device 50 executes the balance subtraction process and subtracts the stored balance from "2000 yen" to "1000 yen."

[0157] Fig. 23(c) is the screen displayed when the lending process is completed. When the lending process is completed, a screen is displayed showing the balance and gaming value information, as in Fig. 23(a). Unlike Fig. 23(a), Fig. 23(c) reflects the lending process, and shows "1000 yen" and "0 coins" as the current balance and gaming value information.

[0158] Next, the display of the gaming value display device 31 during the lending process will be described with reference to Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is an animation diagram of the gaming value display device 31 when the lending button 41A is operated and the gaming value is lent out.

[0159] In FIG. 24(a), the game value information of "0" is stored on the game value board 30, and the game value display device 31 displays "0", which is the stored game value information.

[0160] Figure 24(b) shows the display when the game value information stored on the game value board 30 is updated by the lending process. When the lending process is executed, the game value information stored on the game value board 30 is added and updated by the lending process. The game value board 30 then displays the stored game value information on the game value display device 31. In the example of Figure 24(b), a game value of "50" is lent as in Figure 23(b), "50" is added to the game value information stored on the game value board 30, and the game value display device 31 displays "50", which is the stored game value information.

[0161] Next, the communication flow when performing the lending process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0162] When a player operates the loan button 41A (step H01), the loan board 40 transmits a loan request signal to the information device 50 (step H02). When the information device 50 receives the loan request signal from the loan board 40, it executes a loan availability judgment (step H03). The loan availability judgment involves consulting the balance information stored in the information device 50, confirming whether the balance stored in the information device 50 is sufficient to execute the loan process, and judging whether the loan process can be executed. If the result of the loan availability judgment shows that the loan process can be executed, the information device 50 transmits a loan availability signal to the loan board 40 (step H04). If the result of the loan availability judgment shows that the loan process cannot be executed, the information device 50 transmits a loan unavailable signal to the loan board 40.

[0163] When the lending board 40 receives the lending possible signal from the information device 50, it transmits lending information to the information device 50 and the playing value board 30 (step H05). At this time, the lending information transmitted from the lending board 40 to the playing value board 30 includes playing value information, and the playing value board 30 executes playing value addition processing based on the received playing value information, and updates the stored playing value information (step H06). When the information device 50 receives the lending information from the lending board 40, it executes balance subtraction processing, and updates the stored balance information (step H07).

[0164] When the game value board 30 executes the game value addition process and updates the stored game value information, it transmits a game value display information update signal to the game value display device 31 (step H08). Then, the game value display device 31 displays the game value information based on the received game value display information update signal (step H09).

[0165] Next, the processing flow of the rental board 40 during rental processing will be described with reference to FIG.

[0166] The lending board 40 monitors the operation of the lending button 41A (step I01). The operation of the lending button 41A is monitored until the lending button 41A is operated (NO in step I01). When the lending button 41A is operated (YES in step I01), the lending board 40 transmits a lending request signal to the information device 50 (step I02).

[0167] After transmitting the lending request signal, the lending board 40 monitors for receipt of a lending permission signal (step I03). The board continues to monitor for receipt of the lending permission signal until it receives the lending permission signal (NO in step I03). When it receives the lending permission signal (YES in step I03), it determines whether the received lending permission signal is a lending permission signal or a lending prohibition signal (step I04). When the received lending permission signal is a lending prohibition signal (NO in step I04), the board ends the series of processes.

[0168] If the received lending permission signal is a lending permission signal (YES in step I04), the lending board 40 transmits lending information to the information device 50 and the game value board 30 (step I05). When the transmission of the lending information is completed, the series of processes is terminated.

[0169] In Figures 23 to 26, the lending of game value using the balance has been explained, but when the game value information stored in the information device 50 is greater than "0", the game value can be lent by operating the re-play button 42A instead of the lending button 41A.

[0170] (Configuration of Gaming Machine 1A and Lending of Gaming Value in Modification 1) Next, a first modified example of the configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 27 and Fig. 28. Fig. 27 is a configuration diagram of the gaming machine 1A, and Fig. 28 is a communication flow diagram when the gaming value of the gaming machine 1A in the first modified example is lent.

[0171] In the gaming machine 1A of the modified example 1 shown in FIG. 27, unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the lending board 40A is provided on the gaming value board 30A. By providing the lending board 40 on the gaming value board 30, the communication that the lending board 40 transmits and receives in FIG. 1 is performed by the gaming value board 30A, and the lending board 40A and the gaming value board 30A communicate on the same board and execute processing. That is, the gaming value board 30A executes control of the gaming value information based on signals received from the main board 10, the information device 50, and the counting switch 32. Specifically, it executes addition and subtraction of the gaming value based on a signal received from the main board 10, execution of addition of the gaming value based on a signal received from the information device 50, and execution of subtraction of the gaming value based on a signal received from the counting switch 32. It also displays the gaming value display device 31 based on the executed control, and transmits the gaming value information to the information device 50.

[0172] Also, unlike the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the lending button 41A and the replay button 42A are connected to the game value board 30 via the lending switch 41 and the replay switch 42. The other configurations are the same as those described in Fig. 1. This allows the gaming machine 1A to be constructed with fewer parts than the gaming machine 1.

[0173] Also, instead of the lending board 40A, a game value board 30A2 having the functions of the lending board 40 and the game value board 30 may be provided. Using Fig. 28, a communication flow when lending a game value when a game value board 30A2 having the functions of the lending board 40 and the game value board 30 is provided instead of the lending board 40A will be described.

[0174] When a player operates the loan button 41A (step J01), the game value board 30A2 transmits a loan request signal to the information device 50 (step J02). When the information device 50 receives the loan request signal from the game value board 30A2, it executes a loan possibility judgment (step J03). If the result of the loan possibility judgment indicates that the loan process can be executed, the information device 50 transmits a loan possibility signal to the game value board 30A2 (step J04). If the result of the loan possibility judgment indicates that the loan process cannot be executed, the information device 50 transmits a loan impossible signal to the game value board 30A2.

[0175] When the game value board 30A2 receives the lending possible signal from the information device 50, it transmits lending information to the information device 50 (step J05), and the game value board 30A executes a game value addition process and updates the stored game value information (step J06). When the information device 50 receives the lending information from the game value board 30A, it executes a balance subtraction process and updates the stored balance information (step J07).

[0176] When the game value board 30A2 executes the game value addition process and updates the stored game value information, it transmits a game value display information update signal to the game value display device 31 (step J08). Then, the game value display device 31 displays the game value information based on the received game value display information update signal (step J09).

[0177] As described above, by providing the game value board 30A2, the lending process can be executed with fewer communications than in the communication flow when performing the lending process described with reference to FIG.

[0178] (Deposit into the gaming machine 1B in the second modified example) Next, the settlement regarding the deposit for lending out the gaming value in the second modification of the gaming machine 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs.

[0179] First, the operation of the information device 50B when making a payment for depositing money to lend out a gaming value in Modification 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is an animation diagram of the liquid crystal panel 51B of the information device 50B when making a payment using the mobile terminal 100B.

[0180] Fig. 29(a) is a standby screen of the liquid crystal panel 51B, similar to Fig. 4(a) etc. When the player does not operate the liquid crystal panel 51B, it displays a screen showing the balance and gaming value information, as shown in Fig. 29(a). For example, in Fig. 29(a), "0 yen" and "0 coins" are displayed as the current balance and gaming value information. When the player deposits money to lend out gaming value, he operates the "Menu" button displayed in Fig. 29(a).

[0181] Fig. 29(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "Menu" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 29(a). The screen of Fig. 29(b) displays a "Deposit" button, a "Settlement" button, a "Replay" button, and a "Back" button. When making a deposit to lend out gaming value, the player operates the "Deposit" button displayed in Fig. 29(b).

[0182] FIG. 29(c) is a screen that is displayed when the "Deposit" button is operated on the screen of FIG. 29(b). On the screen of FIG. 29(c), the deposit amount buttons of "1000 yen", "2000 yen", "3000 yen", "5000 yen", and "10000 yen" as well as a "Back" button are displayed. The player operates the desired deposit amount button on the screen of FIG. 29(c). In FIG. 29(c), for example, it is assumed that the "2000 yen" button is operated.

[0183] Fig. 29(d) is a screen that is displayed when the "2000 yen" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 29(c). Fig. 29(d) displays information on the amount to be paid, an instruction to touch the liquid crystal panel 51B with the mobile terminal 100B, and a "back" button. The player brings the mobile terminal 100B he or she possesses close to the liquid crystal panel 51B of the information device 50B, and reads the payment information on the information on the amount to be paid from the information device 50B.

[0184] Fig. 29(e) is a screen displayed when the payment process is completed by the payment server 90 and the gaming machine 1B receives payment completion information from the payment server 90. Fig. 29(e) displays a notification that the payment has been completed and information such as the available balance for today. The display of Fig. 29(e) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the liquid crystal panel 51B is touched, and when the display of Fig. 29(e) ends, Fig. 29(f) is displayed.

[0185] Fig. 29(f) is a screen that is displayed when the display of Fig. 29(e) ends, and is a standby screen similar to Fig. 29(a). Unlike Fig. 29(a), Fig. 29(f) reflects the player's payment, and displays "2000 yen" and "0 coins" as the current balance and gaming value information.

[0186] In the example of Figure 29, the deposit amount button displayed in Figure 29(c) is operated to cause the payment information to be read into the player's mobile terminal 100B in Figure 29(d). However, for example, a numeric keypad may be displayed instead of the deposit amount button in Figure 29(c), and an arbitrary amount may be entered to cause mobile terminal 100B to read payment information regarding the amount to be paid for the arbitrary amount.

[0187] Next, the operation of the mobile terminal 100B when making a settlement for lending a gaming value in the gaming machine 1B will be described with reference to Fig. 30. Fig. 30 is an animation diagram of the screen of the mobile terminal 100B when making a settlement using the information device 50B. The player makes a settlement for lending a gaming value using a settlement company application installed in the mobile terminal 100B. The use of the settlement company application is the same as that described above.

[0188] 30(a) shows the login screen of the payment company application. A player logs into his / her account by inputting the user ID and password he / she registered and operating the "Login" button displayed on the screen.

[0189] Fig. 30(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "Login" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 30(a) and login is successful. On the screen of Fig. 5(b), a "Touch payment" button, a "Available balance inquiry" button, a "Menu" button, and a "Logout" button are displayed. When making a deposit to lend out gaming value, the player operates the "Touch payment" button displayed in Fig. 30(b).

[0190] Fig. 30(c) is a screen that is displayed when the "touch payment" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 30(b). The screen of Fig. 30(c) displays an instruction to touch the mobile terminal 100B to the liquid crystal panel 51B of the information device 50B, and a "back" button. The player brings the mobile terminal 100B close to the liquid crystal panel 51B of the information device 50B, which has the screen shown in Fig. 29(d), to read the payment information.

[0191] Fig. 30(d) is a screen that is displayed when the payment information is successfully read on the screen of Fig. 30(c). The screen of Fig. 30(d) displays information about the amount to be paid, information about the available balance for the day, and a "Yes" button and a "No" button. The player checks the information about the amount to be paid and the available balance information and presses the "Yes" button.

[0192] Fig. 30(e) is a screen that is displayed when the "Yes" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 30(d), the payment is completed by the payment server 90, and the mobile terminal 100B receives payment completion information from the payment server 90. Fig. 30(e) displays a notification that the payment has been completed and information such as the available balance for today. The display of Fig. 30(e) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the screen of the mobile terminal 100B is touched, and when the display of Fig. 30(e) ends, Fig. 30(f) is displayed.

[0193] Fig. 30(f) is a screen that is displayed when the display of Fig. 30(e) ends, and is the same as Fig. 30(b). When the "Logout" button displayed on the screens of Fig. 30(b) and Fig. 30(f) is operated, the logout process is executed and the screen returns to the login screen shown in Fig. 30(a). The content displayed when the "Menu" button is operated is the same as that described in Fig. 5.

[0194] Next, a communication flow when making a settlement regarding a deposit for lending a gaming value in the gaming machine 1B will be described with reference to FIG.

[0195] The gaming machine 1B transmits payment information while displaying a touch instruction screen shown in FIG. 29(d) by the operations of FIG. 29(a) to FIG. 29(c) (step K01). When the screen shown in FIG. 29(d) is displayed on the gaming machine 1B, the player reads the payment information from the gaming machine 1B by bringing the mobile terminal 100B close to the liquid crystal panel 51B on the screen of the payment company application of the mobile terminal 100B shown in FIG. 30(c) (step K02). If the payment information is successfully read, the screen of FIG. 30(d) is displayed on the mobile terminal 100B, and when the player operates the "Yes" button, the mobile terminal 100B transmits the payment information to the payment server 90 (step K03).

[0196] When the payment server 90 receives the payment information from the mobile terminal 100B, it executes a payment process related to the received payment information (step K04). When the payment process is completed, the payment server 90 stores payment completion information related to the payment process (step K05) and transmits the payment completion information to the gaming machine 1B and the mobile terminal 100B (step K06).

[0197] When the gaming machine 1B and the mobile terminal 100B acquire the payment completion information from the payment server 90 (steps K07 and K08), the gaming machine 1B updates the stored balance based on the received payment completion information, and displays a notice that the payment has been completed on the screen as shown in Fig. 29(e) and information such as the available balance for today (step K09). Based on the received payment completion information, the mobile terminal 100B displays a notice that the payment has been completed on the screen as shown in Fig. 30(e) and information such as the available balance for today (step K10). Here, the information updated by the mobile terminal 100B is, for example, information related to the display of the available balance and the usage history.

[0198] When the storage and update of the balance information is completed, the gaming machine 1B transmits the settlement completion information acquired from the settlement server 90 to the external server 80 (step K11). The external server 80 stores the settlement completion information acquired from the gaming machine 1B (step K12).

[0199] Although not shown, if the payment process in step K04 is not completed normally due to, for example, insufficient available balance, the payment server 90 transmits payment completion information indicating that the payment was not completed normally in step K06. At that time, the gaming machine 1B and the mobile terminal 100B display a notice indicating that the payment was not completed normally in the processing of steps K09 and K10. If the payment process is not completed normally, the payment completion information is not transmitted to the external server 80 in step K11.

[0200] (Deposit into the gaming machine 1C in the third modification) Next, a settlement regarding a deposit for lending a gaming value in the gaming machine 1 of the present invention in the third modification will be described with reference to Figures 32 to 34. The information device 50C of the gaming machine 1C in the third modification has a terminal reader function for reading information from the mobile terminal 100C.

[0201] First, the operation of the information device 50C when making a payment for depositing money to lend out a gaming value in Modification 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Fig. 32 is an animation diagram of the liquid crystal panel 51C of the information device 50C when making a payment using the mobile terminal 100C.

[0202] Fig. 32(a) is a standby screen of the liquid crystal panel 51C, similar to Fig. 4(a) etc. When the player does not operate the liquid crystal panel 51C, it displays a screen showing the balance and gaming value information, as shown in Fig. 32(a). For example, in Fig. 32(a), "0 yen" and "0 coins" are displayed as the current balance and gaming value information. When the player deposits money to lend out gaming value, he operates the "Menu" button displayed in Fig. 32(a).

[0203] Fig. 32(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "Menu" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 32(a). The screen of Fig. 32(b) displays a "Deposit" button, a "Settlement" button, a "Replay" button, and a "Back" button. When making a deposit to lend out gaming value, the player operates the "Deposit" button displayed in Fig. 32(b).

[0204] Fig. 32(c) is a screen that is displayed when the "Deposit" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 32(b). The screen of Fig. 32(c) displays an instruction to touch the mobile terminal 100C to the liquid crystal panel 51C and a "Back" button. The player brings the mobile terminal 100C he or she possesses close to the liquid crystal panel 51C of the information device 50C and reads the payment information from the mobile terminal 100C.

[0205] Fig. 32(d) is a screen that is displayed when the payment information is successfully read on the screen of Fig. 32(c). The screen of Fig. 32(d) displays information about the amount to be paid, information about the available balance for the day, and a "Yes" button and a "No" button. The player checks the information about the amount to be paid and the available balance information and presses the "Yes" button.

[0206] Fig. 32(e) is a screen displayed when the payment process is completed by the payment server 90 and the gaming machine 1 receives payment completion information from the payment server 90. Fig. 32(e) displays a notification that the payment has been completed and information such as the available balance for today. The display of Fig. 32(e) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the liquid crystal panel 51C is touched, and when the display of Fig. 32(e) ends, Fig. 32(f) is displayed.

[0207] Fig. 32(f) is a screen that is displayed when the display of Fig. 32(e) ends, and is a standby screen similar to Fig. 32(a). Unlike Fig. 32(a), Fig. 32(f) reflects the player's payment, and displays "2000 yen" and "0 coins" as the current balance and gaming value information.

[0208] Next, the operation of the mobile terminal 100C when making a payment for lending of a gaming value in the third modification will be described with reference to Fig. 33. Fig. 33 is an animation diagram of the screen of the mobile terminal 100C when making a payment using the information device 50C. The player makes a payment for lending of a gaming value using a payment company application installed in the mobile terminal 100C. The use of the payment company application is the same as that described above.

[0209] 33(a) shows the login screen of the payment company application. A player logs into his / her account by inputting the user ID and password he / she registered and operating the "Login" button displayed on the screen.

[0210] Fig. 33(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "Login" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 33(a) and login is successful. The screen of Fig. 5(b) displays a "Touch Payment" button, a "Available Balance Inquiry" button, a "Menu" button, and a "Logout" button. When making a deposit to lend out gaming value, the player operates the "Touch Payment" button displayed in Fig. 33(b).

[0211] FIG. 30(c) is the screen that is displayed when the "touch payment" button is operated on the screen of FIG. 30(b). The screen of FIG. 30(c) displays instructions to input the deposit amount, information on the available balance for the day, an input field for the deposit amount, an "OK" button, and a "Back" button. In the input field for the deposit amount, a value equal to or less than the available balance displayed on the screen should be entered. Once the player has entered the desired deposit amount, they press the "OK" button.

[0212] Fig. 33(d) is a screen that is displayed when the player inputs the desired deposit amount in the input field on the screen of Fig. 33(c) and operates the "OK" button. The screen of Fig. 33(d) displays information on the amount to be paid, an instruction to touch the mobile terminal 100C to the liquid crystal panel 51, and a "Back" button. The player brings the mobile terminal 100C close to the liquid crystal panel 51C of the information device 50C whose screen is shown in Fig. 32(c) to have the information device 50 read the payment information.

[0213] Fig. 33(e) is a screen displayed when the payment process is completed by the payment server 90 and the mobile terminal 100C receives payment completion information from the payment server 90. Fig. 33(e) displays a notification that the payment has been completed and information such as the available balance for today. The display of Fig. 33(e) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the screen of the mobile terminal 100C is touched, and when the display of Fig. 33(e) ends, Fig. 33(f) is displayed.

[0214] Fig. 33(f) is a screen that is displayed when the display of Fig. 33(e) ends, and is the same as Fig. 33(b). When the "Logout" button displayed on the screens of Fig. 33(b) and Fig. 33(f) is operated, the logout process is executed and the screen returns to the login screen shown in Fig. 33(a). The content when the "Menu" button is operated is the same as that explained in Fig. 5 etc.

[0215] Next, a communication flow when making a settlement regarding a deposit for lending of a gaming value in the third modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0216] The player operates the mobile terminal 100C as shown in Figures 33(a) to 33(c) and transmits payment information by touching the mobile terminal 100C to the liquid crystal panel 51C of the information device 50C shown in Figure 32(c) (step L01). The gaming machine 1C (information device 50C) reads the payment information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100C (step L02), and when reading is complete, operates the "Yes" button shown in Figure 32(d) to transmit the payment information to the payment server 90 (step L03).

[0217] When the settlement server 90 receives the settlement information from the gaming machine 1C (information device 50C), it executes settlement processing related to the received settlement information (step L04). When the settlement processing is completed, the settlement server 90 stores settlement completion information related to the settlement processing (step L05), and transmits the settlement completion information to the gaming machine 1C (information device 50C) and the mobile terminal 100C (step L06).

[0218] When the gaming machine 1C (information device 50C) and the mobile terminal 100C acquire the payment completion information from the payment server 90 (steps L07 and L08), the gaming machine 1C (information device 50C) updates the stored balance based on the received payment completion information, and displays a notice that the payment has been completed on the screen as shown in FIG. 32(e) and information such as the available balance for today (step L09). Based on the received payment completion information, the mobile terminal 100C displays a notice that the payment has been completed on the screen as shown in FIG. 33(e) and information such as the available balance for today (step L10). Here, the information updated by the mobile terminal 100 is, for example, information related to the display of the available balance and the usage history.

[0219] When the gaming machine 1C (information device 50C) finishes storing and updating the balance information, it transmits the settlement completion information acquired from the settlement server 90 to the external server 80 (step L11). The external server 80 stores the settlement completion information acquired from the gaming machine 1 (step L12).

[0220] Also, although not shown, if the payment process in step L04 cannot be completed normally due to, for example, insufficient available balance, the payment server 90 transmits payment completion information to the effect that the payment was not completed normally in step L06. At that time, the gaming machine 1B and the mobile terminal 100B display a notice that the payment was not completed normally in the processing of steps L09 and L10. Also, if the payment process is not completed normally, the payment completion information is not transmitted to the external server 80 in step L11.

[0221] (Deposit into the gaming machine 1D in the fourth modified example) Next, the settlement regarding the deposit for lending out the gaming value in the fourth modification of the gaming machine 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs.

[0222] In the configuration diagram of the fourth modification shown in Fig. 35, unlike the configuration shown in Fig. 1, a card insertion section 52 is connected to an information device 50D. A credit card can be inserted into the card insertion section 52, and the card insertion section 52 has a card reader function for reading credit card information. The card insertion section 52 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal panel 51D as shown in the front view of the housing in Fig. 36. The other configurations are the same as those described in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0223] First, an operation of the information device 50D when making a payment for depositing money to lend out a gaming value in the modified example 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 37. Fig. 37 is an animation diagram of the liquid crystal panel 51D of the information device 50D when making a payment using the mobile terminal 100D.

[0224] Fig. 37(a) is a standby screen of the liquid crystal panel 51D similar to Fig. 4 etc. When the player does not operate the liquid crystal panel 51D, it displays a screen showing the balance and gaming value information as shown in Fig. 37(a). For example, in Fig. 37(a), "0 yen" and "0 coins" are displayed as the current balance and gaming value information. When the player deposits money to lend out gaming value, he operates the "Menu" button displayed in Fig. 37(a).

[0225] Fig. 37(b) is a screen that is displayed when the "Menu" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 37(a). On the screen of Fig. 4(b), a "Deposit" button, a "Settlement" button, a "Replay" button, and a "Back" button are displayed. When making a deposit to lend out gaming value, the player operates the "Deposit" button displayed in Fig. 37(b).

[0226] FIG. 37(c) is a screen that is displayed when the "Deposit" button is operated on the screen of FIG. 37(b). On the screen of FIG. 4(c), the deposit amount buttons "1000 yen", "2000 yen", "3000 yen", "5000 yen", and "10000 yen" as well as a "Back" button are displayed. The player operates the desired deposit amount button on the screen of FIG. 4(c). In FIG. 37(c), for example, it is assumed that the "2000 yen" button is operated.

[0227] Fig. 37(d) is a screen that is displayed when the "2000 yen" button is operated on the screen of Fig. 37(c). Fig. 37(d) displays information on the amount to be paid, an instruction to insert a credit card into the card insertion section 52, and a "Back" button. The player inserts his / her credit card into the card insertion section 52.

[0228] Figure 37(e) is a screen that is displayed when a credit card is inserted on the screen of Figure 37(d) and the credit card has been read. The screen of Figure 37(e) displays an instruction to enter a PIN number and a numeric input keypad. The player enters the PIN number of the credit card and presses the "OK" button on the numeric input keypad.

[0229] Fig. 37(f) is a screen displayed when the settlement process is completed by the settlement server 90 and the gaming machine 1D receives settlement completion information from the settlement server 90. Fig. 37(f) displays a notification that the settlement is completed, an instruction to remove the ejected credit card, and information such as the available balance for today. The display of Fig. 37(f) ends, for example, when a predetermined time has passed or when the liquid crystal panel 51D is touched, and when the display of Fig. 32(e) ends, Fig. 37(a) is displayed.

[0230] Next, a communication flow when making a settlement regarding a deposit for lending of a gaming value in the fourth modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0231] The player performs the operations shown in Figures 38(a) to 38(c) on the gaming machine 1D and inputs a PIN on the screen shown in Figure 38(d) (step M01). When the PIN is input and the "OK" button is operated, the gaming machine 1D transmits payment information to the payment server 90 (step M02).

[0232] When the settlement server 90 receives the settlement information from the gaming machine 1D, it executes settlement processing related to the received settlement information (step M03). When the settlement processing is completed, the settlement server 90 stores settlement completion information related to the settlement processing (step M04) and transmits the settlement completion information to the gaming machine 1D (step M05).

[0233] When the gaming machine 1D obtains payment completion information from the payment server 90 (step M06), the gaming machine 1D updates the stored balance based on the received payment completion information, and also displays on the screen a notification that payment has been completed and information such as the available balance for today, as shown in FIG. 37(f) (step M07).

[0234] When the gaming machine 1D finishes storing and updating the balance information, it transmits the payment completion information acquired from the payment server 90 to the external server 80 (step M08) and returns the inserted credit card (step M09). The external server 80 stores the payment completion information acquired from the gaming machine 1D (step M10).

[0235] Although not shown, if the payment process in step M03 cannot be completed normally due to, for example, an insufficient available balance or an incorrect PIN, the payment server 90 transmits payment completion information indicating that the payment was not completed normally in step M05. At that time, the gaming machine 1D displays a notice that the payment was not completed normally in the processing of step M07. Also, if the payment process is not completed normally, the payment completion information is not transmitted to the external server 80 in step M08.

[0236] (Regarding external server 80) In the settlement described above, the external server 80 stores and manages the settlement completion information received from the gaming machines 1 to 1D. Specifically, the external server 80 stores the settlement completion information of when and how much was deposited for each gaming machine of each gaming facility, and accumulates the information. For example, the external server 80 can use the accumulated information to perform the total amount of deposits into the gaming machine 1 etc. for a given period, or to compare the amount of deposits into each gaming machine 1 etc.

[0237] The information accumulated in the external server 80 allows, for example, a gaming machine manufacturer to know the deposit status of its own products, such as gaming machines 1, at each gaming parlor, and can use that information to, for example, earn profits from the gaming parlors.

[0238] As a method of obtaining profits, the gaming machine manufacturer may check the external server 80 and request the distribution amount from the gaming facility, or the gaming facility may register for a remittance system using the external server 80, so that the gaming facility can automatically distribute profits to the gaming machine manufacturer through processing by the external server 80.

[0239] Moreover, such distribution of profits is not limited to gaming establishments, and profits may be distributed by, for example, a credit card company by referring to information stored in the external server 80.

[0240] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined by utilizing each other's technologies as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in the purpose, configuration, etc.

[0241] For example, in the embodiments, a plurality of patterns of operations on the liquid crystal panels 51-51D of the information devices 50-50D and processes of the gaming machines 1-1D have been described, but one information device may be capable of executing a plurality of patterns of processes. Specifically, the information device may be capable of executing both a method of making a payment by displaying code information and a method of making a payment by reading payment information from a mobile terminal. In addition, a card insertion section may be provided, and a method of making a payment by inserting a credit card may be executed.

[0242] Although the information device 50 is described as being provided with the operation panel 512 that allows touch operation, it is sufficient that the information device 50 is provided with an operation section such as physical buttons that allow necessary operations to be performed.

[0243] Furthermore, the gaming machines 1 to 1D may store the payment completion information received from the payment server 90 in a memory unit within the gaming machines 1 to 1D and accumulate the payment completion information. In this case, the gaming machine manufacturer checks the accumulated information of the payment completion information stored in the gaming machine 1 by directly checking the gaming machine 1 installed in the gaming facility. Furthermore, when the payment completion information is stored and accumulated in the memory unit within the gaming machine 1 to 1D, the payment completion information may or may not be transmitted to the external server 80.

[0244] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the above-mentioned pachislot gaming machines, but also to pachinko gaming machines and other gaming machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0245] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D: gaming machines, 10: Main board, 11: Switches, 12: Display, 13: Lower panel, 111: game lever, 112: stop button, 113: BET button, 114: MAXBET button, 20: Sub-board, 21: LCD, 22: Speaker, 23: Stage props, 24: Lamp, 30, 30A, 30A2: gaming value board, 31: gaming value display device, 32: Count switch, 32A: Count button, 40, 40A: rental board, 41: rental switch, 41A: rental button, 42: replay switch, 42A: replay button, 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D: information device, 51, 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D: liquid crystal panel, 511: display panel, 512: operation panel, 52: card insertion section, 60: Ball information server, 70: hall computer, 71: game parlor server, 80: External server, 90: Payment server, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D: mobile terminal, 101, Imaging area

Claims

1. The main board, A sub-board that executes control related to performance based on the control of the main board; A gaming value board that executes control related to gaming value information; A lending board capable of transmitting the game value information relating to lending to the game value board; An information device capable of communicating with the rental board and reading and / or displaying payment information; The information device or the rental board is A payment server capable of performing payment processing and communication regarding the payment information are capable of performing payment processing. The sub-substrate is A gaming machine characterized in that the information device reads or displays the payment information, and when the payment server completes the payment process, it notifies the user of payment completion information.

2. The information device includes:

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a card reader function and / or a terminal reader function.

3. The information device includes:

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit for inputting the settlement information.

4. The notification is 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the settlement completion information is displayed on a liquid crystal display and / or is audible through a speaker.

Images