Prize exchange system, prize management device, and prize exchange method

Abstract

To efficiently perform prize exchange while preventing a card having a value from being left behind.SOLUTION: A self prize management device 60, when a card is inserted into the self prize management device 60, performs: a step (S1) of displaying a guidance for promoting reception of the card after prize exchange in the case that a value associated with the card has a plurality of rates; and a step (S2) of displaying again the guidance for promoting reception of the card when prize exchange processing is terminated. The self prize management device 60, when a general card is inserted into the self prize management device 60, performs a step (S3) of displaying a guidance showing that a membership card is to be inserted at last in the case of existence of an additional card. The self prize management device 60, when the membership card is inserted, performs a step (S4) of displaying a guidance showing that the card is to be discharged and the membership card is to be inserted at last in the case of existence of an additional card.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize exchange system, a prize management device, and a prize exchange method that can efficiently exchange prizes while preventing valuable cards from being left behind. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, in gaming establishments such as pachinko parlors, players associate the gaming media they have obtained as a result of playing with a recording medium and bring it to a prize counter, where, in the presence of an employee, they exchange the gaming media for prizes.

[0003] In such conventional prize exchange operations, an employee has the prize management device read the recording medium presented by the player to identify the number of gaming media to be exchanged, selects a prize within the range of gaming media in accordance with the player's instructions, and then hands over the selected prize to the player, thereby completing the prize exchange process.

[0004] Meanwhile, in recent years, an operation has been introduced in which an employee is not present during the prize exchange process, but the player performs the process by operating the prize themselves (hereinafter referred to as "self-prize exchange operation"). In this self-prize exchange operation, the player performs a series of processes, from reading the recording medium, selecting the prize, and receiving the prize. In this type of operation, since an employee does not need to be present during the prize exchange, the burden on the employee can be reduced, and the number of available prize counters can be increased to make the prize exchange process more efficient (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-065787 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in conventional self-prize exchange operations, after a player has performed the prize exchange operation, there is a possibility that the next player will insert their card into the prize management device before the prize has been completely paid out, which could lead to trouble.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a prize exchange system, prize management device, and prize exchange method that can prevent problems during self-prize exchange operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a prize exchange system comprising a prize management device which allows players to perform prize exchange operations, and a prize payout device which pays out prizes, and which is characterized by having a reception means which accepts recording media which are associated with a playable number, and a restriction means which restricts the acceptance of new recording media from the time the reception means accepts the recording media to the time the prize payout device completes paying out the prize.

[0009] The present invention also provides a prize exchange system that includes a prize management device that allows players to perform prize exchange operations, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, and is characterized by having a reception means that accepts recording media with which a playable number is associated, and a restriction means that restricts the acceptance of new recording media from the time the reception means accepts the recording media to the time the player has finished selecting the prize.

[0010] The present invention also provides a prize exchange system that includes a prize management device that allows players to perform prize exchange operations, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, and is characterized by having a reception means that accepts recording media with which a playable number is associated, and a restriction means that restricts the acceptance of new recording media from the time the reception means accepts the recording media to the time the player begins to select the prize.

[0011] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the restriction means displays on the display unit of the prize management device that the exchange process is in progress while the prize is being paid out by the prize payout device. In addition, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the restriction means displays on the display unit of the prize management device that the exchange process is in progress while the prize is being paid out by the prize payout device. In addition, in the above invention, the restriction means displays on the display unit of the prize management device that the recording medium is available for acceptance when the prize payout device has completed paying out the prize. The present invention also provides a prize management device that is communicably connected to a prize payout device that pays out prizes and allows players to exchange prizes, A receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the available number of plays; a limiting means for limiting the acceptance of a new recording medium during the period from the time when the receiving means accepts the recording medium until the prize payout device finishes paying out the prize; The present invention is characterized by having the following. The present invention also provides a prize exchange method in a prize exchange system including a prize management device that allows a player to perform a prize exchange operation and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, the method comprising: A receiving step of receiving a recording medium associated with the playable number; a limiting step of limiting the acceptance of new recording media during the period from the reception of the recording media by the receiving step to the completion of the payout of the prize by the prize payout device; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, problems occurring during self-prize exchange operations can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processor and the gaming machine shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the host device status data and card data shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the management device illustrated in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data, the device management data, the member management data, and the selected prize data shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self prize management device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master, the holding value data, and the prize inventory data shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display pattern according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedure of the self prize management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing procedure of the self prize management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a control pattern for prize exchange in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a prize exchange pattern according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a management procedure for left-behind data according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system relating to embodiment 7. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the ninth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system relating to embodiment 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] [Embodiment 1] The prize exchange system, the prize management device, and the prize exchange method according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0015] In this specification, "held balls" refers to data indicating game media acquired by a player in a game, which can be used again only on the same day (before the closing time of the game establishment). "Number of held balls" refers to the number of game media acquired by a player in a game. "Saved balls" refers to data indicating game media deposited by a player in a game establishment, which can be used again on the following day (after the closing time of the game establishment). "Saved balls" refers to the number of game media deposited by a player in a game establishment. Both regular and member players can use held balls, and are used when a game machine is moved. In principle, only member players can use saved balls, and are used when acquired game media are used to play a game machine on the following day. "Number of game balls" refers to the number of playable balls that a player can use for a game.

[0016] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment> First, an overview of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the overview of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1(a), in the prize exchange system of this embodiment 1, when a card is inserted into the self-prize management device 60, the self-prize management device 60 obtains the value associated with the card from a management device not shown, and if there is value at multiple rates, displays guidance encouraging the user to receive the card after prize exchange (S1).

[0018] When the end button of the self prize management device 60 is pressed and the prize exchange process is completed, the guidance for encouraging the player to pick up the card is displayed again (S2). In this way, by overlapping the guidance for encouraging the player to pick up the card that still has value, the possibility of trouble being caused can be reduced.

[0019] Also, as shown in FIG. 1(b), when a general card is inserted into the self prize management device 60, the self prize management device 60 displays guidance that, if there are additional cards, the membership card should be inserted last (S3).

[0020] When the member's card is inserted into the self prize management device 60, the self prize management device 60 displays guidance to the effect that if there is an additional card, the card should be ejected once and the member's card should be inserted last (S4). In this way, by informing the player of how to use the device when inserting multiple cards consecutively, it is possible to reduce the possibility of this leading to an increase in the workload of employees.

[0021] In this way, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment can efficiently exchange prizes while preventing players from forgetting to take back valuable cards.

[0022] <System configuration> Next, the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a gaming establishment is equipped with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-machine card processor 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20. The inter-machine card processor 10 is connected to a communication line, which is a network within the establishment, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, a management device 50, a self-prize management device 60, a prize management device 70, and a prize payout device 80 are connected to the communication line.

[0023] The gaming machine 20 is a device that plays games by shooting gaming balls enclosed inside the device onto a gaming board. The gaming balls are physical "balls" used in the game, and are different from "game balls" that the gaming machine 20 treats as data. The gaming board of the gaming machine 20 is provided with a plurality of winning areas (winning holes), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as prize balls based on the passing of the gaming balls through the winning areas. In addition, the gaming board is provided with a predetermined number of starting areas (starting holes), and a predetermined lottery is performed based on the passing of the gaming balls through the starting areas. If the lottery is a jackpot, a predetermined movable member or the like is operated to increase the probability of the gaming balls passing through the winning areas or other starting areas, and other operations that are advantageous in the game are performed. It is possible for there to be an area that serves as both a starting area and a winning area.

[0024] The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball into the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of the game ball shot into the winning area. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also has a prize ball memory that stores the number of game balls to be awarded as prize balls for each winning area, and a playable number memory that indicates the number of game balls. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also periodically transmits the number of game balls to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

[0025] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a deposit from a player, it associates a prepaid value corresponding to the amount of the deposit with the identification information (card ID) of the card stored inside the machine. This prepaid value can be used to lend game balls. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 can also accept the insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, retained balls, saved balls, etc. Then, at the end of a game, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 ejects the card associated with the prepaid value, retained balls, saved balls, etc. and returns it to the player. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also transmits a history of operations such as deposits, card insertion, and card ejection to the management device 50.

[0026] When a predetermined number of game balls are shot onto the game board, the game machine 20 transmits out data to the inter-machine card processor 10. When a game ball passes through a winning area (so-called winning) and a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the game balls, the game machine 20 transmits safe data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Furthermore, when a special state such as a jackpot occurs during play, the game machine 20 transmits special prize data indicating the occurrence of such state to the inter-machine card processor 10.

[0027] The out data corresponds to the number of balls inserted, which is the number of balls inserted by the player onto the game board. The safe data corresponds to the number of balls won as a result of winning. Furthermore, the special prize data indicates the status of the gaming machine 20, such as a jackpot. Each piece of data is transmitted to the management device 50 via the inter-machine card processing device 10, and the management device 50 can obtain the operation history of the gaming machine 20 by accumulating the out data, safe data, and special prize data as operating information.

[0028] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends game balls, and communicates with the management device 50 and the gaming machines 20. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts bills inserted by a player, it sends a deposit notification including the amount of the deposit to the management device 50, thereby adding the prepaid value equivalent to the amount of the deposit to the prepaid value managed by the management device 50. Then, when a prescribed ball lending operation is performed, it sends a ball lending request to the management device 50, subtracts the prepaid value managed by the management device 50, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value, which is added to the number of game balls.

[0029] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it sends a card insertion notification to the management device 50. Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the prepaid value, the balance of held balls, or the balance of saved balls from the management device 50, it stores the balance. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives and stores the balance of held balls, it sends a request to subtract held balls to the management device 50, thereby clearing the balance of held balls (number of held balls) managed by the management device 50 to zero.

[0030] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a held ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of held balls managed by itself, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of held balls, and adds it to the number of game balls. In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a saved ball replay operation, it sends a saved ball replay request to the management device 50, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of saved balls managed by the management device 50, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of saved balls, and adds it to the number of game balls.

[0031] When the inter-machine card processor 10 accepts a card return operation, it sends a ball addition request including the number of held balls to the management device 50, and after having the management device 50 add the number of held balls, it sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and controls the ejection of the card. Note that if a counting operation is accepted from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the number of game balls is added to the number of held balls.

[0032] The inter-machine card processing device 10 has a function of acquiring a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and an authentication key received from the management device 50. This authentication is performed at the time of opening a store, etc., and the gaming machine 20 becomes available for play on condition that the authentication is successful.

[0033] The inter-machine card processor 10 performs various display controls based on the status of the gaming machine 20 and transmits the status of the gaming machine 20 to the management device 50.

[0034] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of game balls notified by the gaming machine 20, and periodically notifies the management device 50 of the number of game balls and the number of balls in hand.

[0035] The island controller 30 is a device that bundles together a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processors 10 installed on the gaming island, and relays various information to the management device 50.

[0036] When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it manages the identification information of the inserted card (hereinafter referred to as the "card ID") in association with the inter-machine card processing device 10, and transmits the prepaid value and the remaining balls associated with the card ID to the inter-machine card processing device 10. Also, if the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of a membership card, it transmits the stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0037] In addition, when the management device 50 receives a request to subtract balls held from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the balance of held balls to zero, and when it receives a request to add balls held from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the number of held balls indicated in the request to add balls held to the balance of held balls.

[0038] Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives a ball lending request from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing device 10. When the management device 50 receives a saved ball replay request, it transmits saved ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0039] Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives a card ID from the self prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70, it notifies the self prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70 of the number of held balls, the number of saved balls, and the prepaid value associated with this card ID. Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives a card ID from the prize payout device 80, it notifies the prize payout device 80 of the selected prize data associated with this card ID.

[0040] The management device 50 also acquires a gaming machine ID from the inter-machine card processor 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own arcade. It also acquires an authentication key for authenticating the gaming machines 20 set in its own arcade from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the arcade and distributes it to the inter-machine card processor 10.

[0041] The management device 50 also manages the member management data of the members who are registered with the gaming establishment. Specifically, the management device 50 manages the number of balls, points, PIN, name, etc., in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

[0042] When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it transmits stored ball replay data including the balance of stored balls and the PIN number corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In addition, when the management device 50 receives a stored ball replay request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the balance of stored balls associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request, and transmits stored ball replay data including the balance of stored balls after the subtraction to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0043] The prize management device 70 is a terminal device for prize exchange that is attached to the prize exchange counter in the game facility, and performs the prize exchange process for the owned balls and saved balls. When the prize management device 70 reads the card ID from a general card or a membership card (or when it reads the identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal, etc.), it transmits the card ID to the management device 50 and requests the balance of the owned balls, saved balls, and prepaid value for that card ID.

[0044] The prize management device 70 manages inventory by associating states such as "unselected," "selected," and "exchanged" with prizes. The inventory of physical prizes is the sum of "unselected" prizes and "selected" prizes, but the prize management device 70 allows the player to select a prize from the "unselected" prizes, and marks the selected prize as "selected." When a prize exchange is executed, the status is changed from "selected" to "exchanged." In other words, the prize selected by the player becomes "selected," and is no longer available for selection by other players. As a result, the prize selected by the player is secured until a prize exchange is executed.

[0045] The prize management device 70 registers the selected prize as a selected prize in the management device 50 in association with the card ID, and then returns the card. The management device 50 stores selected prize data in association with the card ID and the selected prize.

[0046] The self-service prize management device 60 is a device in which a self-service function that enables a player to select a prize by himself / herself is added to the prize management device 70. The self-service prize management device 60 accepts a prize selection operation from a player.

[0047] If the card read is a general card, the self prize management device 60 displays a message that the membership card will be read last if multiple cards are read in succession.If the card read is a membership card, the self prize management device 60 displays a message that the card will be ejected and the membership card will be read last if multiple cards are read in succession.

[0048] If there is a balance in the multiple rates of value associated with the read card, the self prize management device 60 displays a message urging the user to pick up the card after the prize exchange is completed when the card is read and when the prize exchange is completed.If there is a balance in the number of balls held calculated when the prize is selected, the self prize management device 60 displays a message urging the user to pick up the card after the prize exchange is completed when the prize is selected and when the prize exchange is completed.

[0049] The prize payout device 80 is a device that can store and pay out prizes. When the prize payout device 80 accepts a card, it transmits the card ID to the management device 50, receives associated selected prize data, and pays out the prize.

[0050] Next, a description will be given of the ball lending process in the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1. When a player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and a ball lending request.

[0051] When the management device 50 receives a message including a ball lending request, it updates the card management data by subtracting a predetermined value (for example, 5 units, which represents 500 yen when 1 unit is 100 yen) from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message, and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the message. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission transmits an addition signal to the gaming machine 20, requesting the addition of a number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value (for example, "125") to the number of game balls.

[0052] The gaming machine 20 that has received the addition signal adds up the number of gaming balls and transmits the added number of gaming balls to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of gaming balls before the addition and the number of balls lent with the number of gaming balls after the addition, and determines whether the addition of the number of gaming balls has been performed appropriately.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it transmits a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0054] When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the balance of balls held at the rate specified by the message, among the balls held associated with the card ID in the message.

[0055] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the balance of held balls received from the management device 50. Then, it transmits a message including information specifying the card ID and rate, and a request to subtract held balls to the management device 50. When the management device 50 receives the request to subtract held balls, it clears the balance of held balls specified by the card ID and rate to zero. Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a request to replay held balls, it subtracts a fixed number from the balance of held balls, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the corresponding number, and adds it to the number of game balls.

[0056] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a management transfer request from the gaming machine 20 to transfer the management by making the number of gaming balls of the gaming machine 20 the balls held by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 adds the number of gaming balls indicated in the management transfer request to the balls held by the gaming machine 20. After that, when the card return operation is accepted, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a message including a request to add the balls held to the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card to be discharged, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the balance of the balls held, and a request to add the balls held.

[0057] When the management device 50 receives the request to add the balls in hand, it updates the balance (number of balls in hand) of the balls in hand associated with the card ID in the message to the received value. After that, the card processor 10 transmits a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and controls the ejection of the card.

[0058] Next, the stored ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a membership card or reads identification information corresponding to a card ID from a mobile terminal 110 that can be used as a membership card, it transmits a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal 110), an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0059] The management device 50 transmits stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the data including the PIN number associated with the card ID in the message and the remaining balance of stored balls at the rate specified by the message.

[0060] The inter-machine card processing device 10 stores the received saved ball replay data, and when the balance of saved balls indicated in the saved ball replay data is equal to or greater than the number of game ball payout units in saved ball replay (number of saved ball replay units, for example "125 balls"), it is capable of accepting a saved ball replay operation.

[0061] When the inter-machine card processor 10 receives a saved ball replay operation for the first time after storing the saved ball replay data, it requests the player to input a PIN number and checks whether the input PIN number matches the PIN number shown in the saved ball replay data.

[0062] If the PIN numbers match, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a request to replay the stored balls.

[0063] The management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of stored balls at the rate specified by the message among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the message, and transmits stored ball replay data including the balance after subtraction to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0064] The inter-machine card processing device 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the balance of stored balls, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units to add it to the number of game balls. It also determines whether the updated balance of stored balls is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the updated balance of stored ball data is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, it is possible to accept a stored ball replay operation again, and if a stored ball replay operation is accepted, it transmits a stored ball replay request. For the second or subsequent stored ball replay operations, it is not necessary to confirm the PIN number. If the updated balance of stored ball data is less than the number of stored ball replay units, it is not possible to accept a stored ball replay operation.

[0065] Next, the transition from held balls to saved balls during the store closing process will be explained. The management device 50 checks the balance of held balls in the card management data during the store closing process, and if there are held balls whose balance is greater than "0", it adds the balance of the held balls to the balance of saved balls to update it. After that, the management device 50 clears the balance of the held balls to zero.

[0066] <External configuration of the inter-machine card processing device 10 and the gaming machine 20> Next, the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. In the figure, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only paper money is illustrated, but a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is provided with a status display unit 11 which displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by turning on or blinking lamps of a predetermined color, a bill insertion slot 12a which accepts various types of bills, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, and a card insertion slot 14a which accepts cards associated with a card ID.

[0068] The gaming machine 20 is provided with a gaming board, a handle 21 used to throw enclosed gaming balls onto the gaming board, and a counting button 22.

[0069] The count button 22 is an operation button for performing a management transfer, which transfers management of the number of balls that can be dispensed from the gaming machine 20 to the inter-machine card processor 10, by subtracting the number of gaming balls in the gaming machine 20 and adding the corresponding number to the balls held by the inter-machine card processor 10. In the open-type gaming machine 20 in which actual gaming balls are dispensed upon winning, this management transfer corresponds to a counting process in which the inter-machine card processor 10 counts the dispensed gaming balls and adds them to the balls held.

[0070] <Configuration of the inter-machine card processing device 10> Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a communication unit 15, a memory unit 16, a control unit 17, and a game management unit 18.

[0071] The bill transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports the bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 12a to a bill storage unit (not shown) while determining the denomination and authenticity of the bills. The display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various information such as value and accepts various operations such as ball lending operations.

[0072] The reader / writer 14 is a reading unit that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage unit (not shown) through the reader / writer 14. The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the management device 50 via the island controller 30.

[0073] The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk drive, a non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 16 stores the device status data 16a and the card data 16b.

[0074] The own machine status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The own machine status data 16a includes the inter-machine card processing machine ID, the game machine ID, the game type, etc. The inter-machine card processing machine ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 within the gaming establishment. The game type is data indicating the rate set in the inter-machine card processing machine 10. When game balls of multiple rates are handled within the gaming establishment, game type names are set and managed for each rate, such as "Ball 1" for game balls of a 4 yen rate, "Ball 2" for game balls of a 2 yen rate, and "Ball 3" for game balls of a 1 yen rate. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 selects a rate to be used for a game from these game types and stores it as the game type. The game type may be fixed for each section in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed, or may be changeable by the operation of the player.

[0075] The card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a PIN number, a prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, etc. The card ID is a card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and then ejected, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this transport. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this transport. The prepaid value indicates the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, and the held balls and saved balls indicate their respective balances.

[0076] The gaming management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20. It is preferable that the gaming management unit 18 is formed on a board different from that of the control unit 17. The gaming management unit 18 has an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine status management unit 18c. In practice, these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, causing the authentication processing unit 18a, the authentication key management unit 18b, and the gaming machine status management unit 18c to execute processes corresponding thereto.

[0077] The authentication processing unit 18a performs authentication of the gaming machine 20 using the authentication key received from the management device 50. If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 20. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20. Note that even if the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication processing unit 18a may be configured to transmit an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 if it is within a predetermined period from the last successful authentication, and not transmit an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 after the predetermined period has elapsed from the last successful authentication, and to prohibit the use of the gaming machine 20.

[0078] The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages the authentication key. A usage time is set for the authentication key, and when the cumulative operating time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key, the authentication key becomes unusable. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b uses the power-on time of the board on which the game management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the gaming machine 20, and manages the usage time of the authentication key. When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b obtains a new authentication key from an authentication key management center outside the store via the management device 50, and updates the authentication key.

[0079] The gaming machine status management unit 18c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the status of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, transmits a request to add to the number of gaming balls by ball lending, transmits a request to shift management from held balls to the number of gaming balls by replaying held balls, transmits a request to add to the number of gaming balls by replaying saved balls, receives game results such as the number of balls inserted and the number of winning balls in the gaming machine 20, and receives a request to shift management from the number of gaming balls to held balls by counting. The communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 is encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

[0080] The gaming machine status management unit 18c also acquires the status set for the game, such as the current number of gaming balls, start, jackpot, jackpot type, and number of lotteries of the gaming machine 20. It is desirable to set the time interval at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 shorter than the interval at which gaming balls are shot (used) in the gaming machine 20. Furthermore, when the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 20, it passes the number of gaming balls to the control unit 17.

[0081] The timing when the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires a new gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 is not limited to before opening. The acquisition of the gaming machine ID and the determination of replacement of the gaming machine 20 can be performed when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is powered on or off, during regular communication, when processing related to the number of gaming balls (ball lending, replay, counting, etc.) is performed, when returning from an offline state, etc. Also, these timings may be used in combination.

[0082] The control unit 17 is a control unit that performs overall control of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In practice, the process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the control unit 17 into the CPU and executing it. The data management unit 17a is a processing unit that manages the card data 16b.

[0083] Specifically, when a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID and the inter-machine card processor ID to the management device 50. In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a value (at least one of a prepaid value, a held ball, and a saved ball) from the management device 50, it updates the card data 16b with the received value.

[0084] Furthermore, when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits a deposit notification to the management device 50, the notification including the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID, and the inter-machine card processor ID.

[0085] In addition, when a ball lending operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball lending request including the card ID and the inter-machine card processor ID to the management device 50. If permission to lend balls is received as a response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a instructs the game management unit 18 to subtract the prepaid value of the card data 16b and add a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20.

[0086] In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives a command to replay the held balls, it instructs the game management unit 18 to subtract and update the held balls in the card data 16b and add the corresponding number of balls to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20.

[0087] In addition, when the balance of the stored balls shown in the card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of the stored ball replay units, the data management unit 17a displays a stored ball replay button on the display operation unit 13, and allows the stored ball replay operation to be accepted. When the stored ball replay operation is performed by the player, the data management unit 17a transmits a stored ball replay request including the card ID and the inter-machine card processor ID to the management device 50. If the data management unit 17a receives stored ball replay data in response to the stored ball replay request, it updates the balance of the stored balls in the card data 16b and instructs the game management unit 18 to add the number of balls corresponding to the number of the stored ball replay units to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20. In addition, when the stored ball replay operation is performed for the first time, the input of a PIN is requested, and the condition for transmitting a stored ball replay request is that the PIN matches the PIN shown in the card data 16b.

[0088] In addition, when the game management unit 18 receives a request to transfer game balls from the game machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed by the game management unit 18 to the held balls in the card data 16b to update it.

[0089] In addition, when the data management unit 17a accepts a card return operation, it transmits a ball addition request including the card ID, the inter-machine card processing machine ID, and the remaining balls to the management device 50. Then, after clearing the card data 16b, it transmits a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and ejects the card.

[0090] Next, a specific example of data stored in the memory unit 16 of the inter-machine card processor 10 shown in Fig. 4 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the own device status data 16a and card data 16b shown in Fig. 4.

[0091] The own device status data 16a shown in Figure 5 (a) indicates a state in which the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "A101", the gaming machine ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", and "1 ball" is set as the game type of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0092] The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processor 10 is "2001." Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, with a card with the first digit "1" being a general card and a card with the first digit "2" being a membership card. The card data 16b also indicates that the PIN number for replaying saved balls is "1234" and the prepaid value is "3000" points. Here, the prepaid value points are equivalent to 1 yen per point.

[0093] In addition, card data 16b indicates that, in terms of held balls, the balance of held balls for ball 1 is "1500" balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is "2500" balls, and the balance of held balls for ball 3 is "0" balls, and, in terms of saved balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 1 is "500" balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 2 is "0" balls, and the balance of saved balls for ball 3 is "0" balls.

[0094] <Configuration of the gaming machine 20> Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the gaming machine 20 has a communication control unit 23, a performance control unit 24, a game control unit 25, and a game ball control unit 26. The communication control unit 23 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

[0095] When the gaming machine 20 is started up, the communication control unit 23 reads out the identification information from the control CPU provided in the gaming control unit 25 and / or gaming ball control unit 26, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if it is appropriate, establishes communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and goes into standby mode. In the standby mode, if an operation permission is received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the performance control unit 24, the gaming control unit 25, and the gaming ball control unit 26 are started up, making the gaming machine ready for play.

[0096] The game control unit 25 is a control unit that controls games played by the gaming machine 20. In practice, a program corresponding to the game control unit 25 is loaded into the CPU and executed to execute a process.

[0097] Specifically, the game control unit 25 controls the launch of game balls onto the game board by detecting handle operation, detects game balls that have entered the winning hole on the game board, obtains random numbers (random numbers from 0 to 65535, with numbers assigned to a jackpot, small jackpot, or miss within a predetermined range) using game balls that have entered the starting hole and draws lots (special and normal symbols), controls movable members (tulips, etc.) installed on the game board, controls the display of a special symbol display device installed on the game board, detects abnormalities that may be fraudulent (the front frame is open, vibration is detected, etc.) and notifies a higher-level device, etc.

[0098] A large number of obstacle pins are set on the game board, and a game ball is shot onto the game board by operating the handle, falls between the obstacle pins, and either enters a prize hole or a starting hole, or is ejected from the game board through an outlet hole without entering a prize. When a game ball enters a starting hole, a lottery is held, and if a jackpot is awarded, a jackpot game is played in which a specific prize hole on the game board is controlled to be open multiple times, and by making it easier for game balls to enter the prize hole, a prize ball is awarded to the player.

[0099] In addition, there is a special jackpot game that gives a player a special bonus game after the jackpot game ends. The special jackpot game includes a probability-varying jackpot and a time-saving jackpot. The probability-varying jackpot and the time-saving jackpot give the probability-varying game and the time-saving game as special bonus games after the jackpot, respectively. The time-saving game is a bonus game that increases the number of lotteries per unit time by shortening the fluctuation time (the time from the start of the lottery process to the display of the result) of the normal pattern lottery (the lottery for opening and closing the movable member described above) and / or the special pattern lottery (the lottery for the jackpot lottery by the winning of the game ball described above), thereby increasing the probability of winning the jackpot per unit time. This bonus game may include a normal pattern probability fluctuation that increases the probability of winning the normal pattern. The time-saving game by the time-saving jackpot ends when the number of lotteries for the special pattern lottery has been performed a predetermined number of times after the jackpot. Probability-changing games will be described later.

[0100] The game control unit 25 has a probability variation function. The probability variation function is a function that performs control to change the random number range of the jackpot used in the next lottery (generally to about 10 times) when the lottery result is a jackpot that falls within a particularly specified random number range. The probability variation game is a game in which a special symbol is drawn using the changed probability. The probability variation game continues until the next jackpot is won. In addition, the probability variation game and the time-saving game may be given at the same time. However, in order to prevent unexpected losses to the gaming facility, if a player acquires a certain number of game media after the probability variation game or the time-saving game starts, a process of stopping the game (discharging the card once and requesting a prize exchange or a machine move) may be performed. In this case, the number of game media after the probability variation game state is entered is counted by the gaming machine 20, and when the count value reaches a predetermined value, the game can be stopped by performing a game stop control such as stopping the release of game balls.

[0101] The performance control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the performance during a game, and has a performance symbol lottery unit 24a and a performance lottery unit 24b. In practice, by loading these programs into a CPU and executing them, the performance symbol lottery unit 24a and the performance lottery unit 24b will execute processes corresponding to them, respectively.

[0102] The effect pattern lottery unit 24a performs lottery (specifically, whether to stop the display at 7, 7, 7, etc.) for effect patterns (patterns to be displayed on an effect pattern display device such as a display device on the game board surface) based on the special pattern lottery in the game control unit 25.

[0103] The effect selection unit 24b selects the type of effect to be performed before the result of the selection based on the effect symbols is displayed (such as a character appearing and a reach effect). Such effects are set so that the effects selected are different from the main selection result.

[0104] The performance control unit 24 stores performance data for each performance. Furthermore, the performance control unit 24 controls the display of the performance pattern display device, and when a performance is executed, the performance data is superimposed on the background pattern data to display the performance. In addition, when the probability fluctuates, background color data different from that in the normal state is set.

[0105] The game ball control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the number of game balls. In practice, a program corresponding to the game ball control unit 26 is loaded into the CPU and executed to execute the process. The playable number management unit 26a is a management unit that manages the playable number, i.e., the number of game balls.

[0106] Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in a playable number memory, subtracts "1" from the number of game balls each time a game ball is shot, and adds the number of prize balls acquired by winning to the number of game balls. When the number of balls is notified by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the game ball control unit 26 adds the notified number of balls to the number of game balls and transmits a confirmation signal to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 indicating that the number of game balls has been added. The game ball control unit 26 can also perform cleaning control of the game balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the game machine 20.

[0107] In addition, the game ball control unit 26 periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the playable number memory to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In this case, the game ball control unit 26 transmits the number of game balls at the time of data acquisition to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 while continuing to update the number of game balls according to the game status without clearing the contents of the playable number memory to zero.

[0108] The gaming machine 20 is also provided with a counting button 22, and a signal indicating that the counting button 22 has been pressed is input to the gaming ball control unit 26. The gaming ball control unit 26 detects the pressing of the counting button 22, and if the detection signal rises and falls within a certain period of time, it transmits a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 together with data on the number of gaming balls by a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation). Then, it subtracts (invalidates) the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 from the number of gaming balls. Also, if it detects the pressing of the counting button 22 and does not detect a fall for a certain period of time or more after the detection signal rises, it transmits a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 together with data on the number of gaming balls by a certain number (for example, 200 balls per 5 seconds) each time the detection signal rises and continues for a certain period of time. Then, it subtracts (invalidates) the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 from the number of gaming balls. When subtracting from the number of game balls, possible methods include decrementing the value to be subtracted from the value of 1 stored in memory, or updating the value stored in memory with the value after the subtraction and deleting or logically deleting the value before the subtraction to invalidate it, but there are no particular limitations as long as the value after the subtraction is identifiable.

[0109] The game control unit 25 and the game ball control unit 26 are each configured on a separate board. The game control board on which the game control unit 25 is configured and the game ball control board on which the game ball control unit 26 is configured each have their own unique ID. The game machine 20 combines the ID of the game control board and the ID of the game ball control board and uses them as the game machine ID.

[0110] <Configuration of management device 50> Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the management device 50 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 50 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the management device 50 is connected to a display unit 51 and an input unit 52, and has an external network communication unit 53, a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56.

[0111] The display unit 51 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display device. The input unit 52 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication with an authentication key management center (not shown) via an external network. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the self prize management device 60, the prize management device 70, and the prize payout device 80 via a communication line within the gaming facility.

[0112] The memory unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, and selected prize data 55d.

[0113] The card management data 55a is data associating a card ID with a balance of prepaid value, a balance of owned balls, etc. The device management data 55b is data related to devices installed in the gaming establishment. This device management data 55b includes an inter-machine card processing machine ID, an installation location, a gaming machine number, a gaming machine ID, model data of the gaming machine 20, etc. The member management data 55c is data associating a member's name, balls information, mobile IDm, etc. with a card ID of a membership card issued to a member.

[0114] The selected prize data 55d is data for managing the selected prize selected by the self prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70. This selected prize data 55d includes the card ID and information for identifying the selected prize.

[0115] The control unit 56 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management device 50, and has a card management unit 56a, a device management unit 56b, a member management unit 56c, and a selected prize management unit 56d. In practice, by loading these programs into a CPU and executing them, the processes corresponding to the card management unit 56a, the device management unit 56b, the member management unit 56c, and the selected prize management unit 56d are executed.

[0116] The card management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the card management data 55a. The card management unit 56a communicates with the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the self prize management device 60, and the prize management device 70 to update the prepaid value and the balance of the balls associated with the card ID. In addition, when the card management unit 56a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the value and the balance of the balls associated with the card.

[0117] The device management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages the device management data 55b. The device management unit 56b generates and updates the device management data 55b based on the inter-machine card processor ID, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID acquired from the inter-machine card processor 10.

[0118] The member management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55c. The member management unit 56c communicates with the inter-machine card processor 10, the self prize management device 60, and the prize management device 70 to update the balance of the balls associated with the card ID. In addition, when the member management unit 56c receives a member registration request, it updates the member management data 55c to add the member.

[0119] Here, the stored ball replay process by the member management unit 56c will be explained. When the member management unit 56c receives the stored ball replay request data from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts the payout unit number of the remaining balls of the payout rate from the stored balls associated with the card ID in the stored ball replay request data, and recalculates the number of possible stored ball replays. Then, it transmits the stored ball replay data including the remaining balance after subtraction and the number of possible stored ball replays to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

[0120] The selected prize management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages the selected prize selected by the self prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70. When the selected prize management unit 56d receives a registration request including a card ID and a selected prize from the self prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70, it associates the selected prize with the card ID and registers it in the selected prize data 55d.

[0121] In addition, when the selected prize management unit 56d receives an inquiry including a card ID from the prize payout device 80, it reads the selected prize associated with the card ID from the selected prize data 55d and transmits it to the prize payout device 80 as a response.

[0122] In addition, when the selected prize management unit 56d receives a notification from the prize payout device 80 indicating that the exchange of the selected prize has been carried out, it deletes the corresponding data from the selected prize data 55d.

[0123] Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 55 of the management device 50 shown in Fig. 7 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data 55a, the device management data 55b, the member management data 55c, and the selected prize data 55d shown in Fig. 7.

[0124] In the card management data 55a shown in Fig. 8(a), the card ID "1001" is associated with a prepaid value of "0" points, the remaining balls of each rate "0", and the destination ID "A101". That is, the card with the card ID "1001" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with the device ID "A101", and the management of the remaining balls has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Therefore, the remaining balls of each rate are zero.

[0125] In the card management data 55a, the card ID "2001" is associated with a prepaid value of "3000". In addition, the remaining balls for ball 1 are associated with "1500", the remaining balls for ball 2 with "2500", and the remaining balls for ball 3 with "0". However, there is no association with a usage ID. In other words, the card with the card ID "2001" is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing device 10, and the management of the remaining balls is performed by the management device 50.

[0126] The device management data 55b shown in Fig. 8(b) indicates that for the inter-machine card processor 10 with ID "A101", its installation location is "island 1-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", the gaming machine number is "11", the game type is "ball 1", the model of the gaming machine 20 is "EV01", and the serial number is "a". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

[0127] The device management data 55b indicates that the location of the inter-machine card processor 10 with the ID "A201" is "island 2-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B506", the gaming machine number is "21", the game type is "ball 3", the model of the gaming machine 20 is "DX03", and the serial number is "g". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

[0128] Member management data 55c shown in Fig. 8(c) indicates the name, saved balls, etc. associated with the card ID. Specifically, member management data 55c indicates the state in which, for card ID "2005", the name is "Tokutei Taro", the balance of saved balls for "Ball 1" is "1500", the balance of saved balls for "Ball 2" is "200", and the balance of saved balls for "Ball 3" is "0".

[0129] The selected prize data 55d shown in Fig. 8(d) is data associating the card ID with the selected prize. The selected prize includes the prize code, the prize name, and the number of prizes. The selected prize data 55d associates the card ID "1008" with three grand prizes with prize code "0001", and associates the card ID "2015" with one grand prize with prize code "0001", five minor prizes with prize code "0002", and three racks with prize code "0101".

[0130] <Configuration of the self-service prize management device 60> Next, the configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 9, the self-prize management device 60 has a display unit 61, an operation unit 62, a receipt issuing unit 63, a store clerk tag reader 64a, a card reader 64b, a mobile terminal reader 64c, a communication unit 65, a memory unit 66, and a control unit 67.

[0131] The display unit 61 is an output interface that displays and is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like. The operation unit 62 is an input interface that accepts operations from players and store clerks. The receipt issuing unit 63 is a thermal printer or the like, and issues various receipts, such as receipts on which information identifying the selected prize is printed.

[0132] The clerk tag reader 64a is a reading device that reads the clerk ID from the clerk tag of the gaming clerk. This tag contains an identification code that uniquely identifies the employee, and the employee operating the self prize management device 60 is identified by the identification code contained in the tag read by the clerk tag reader 64a. The card reader 64b reads the card ID from the card of the player. The card reader 64b can also transport cards that are no longer needed after the selection of a prize to a storage unit (not shown). The mobile terminal reader 64c reads information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card when the mobile terminal is held over the mobile terminal.

[0133] The communication unit 65 is an interface unit that enables the self prize management device 60 to communicate with other devices via a communication line.

[0134] The memory unit 66 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores a prize master 66a, holding value data 66b, and prize inventory data 66c.

[0135] The prize master 66a is data used when exchanging game balls for prizes, and is received and stored, for example, from the management device 50. The held value data 66b is data indicating the value associated with the card read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c. The prize inventory data 66c is data for managing the inventory of prizes.

[0136] The control unit 67 is a control unit that controls the entire self-prize management device 60, and has a prize management unit 67a, a holding value management unit 67b, a display control unit 67c, a prize selection control unit 67d, a prize inventory management unit 67e, a prize association processing unit 67f, and a return unit 67g. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, thereby causing the prize management unit 67a, the holding value management unit 67b, the display control unit 67c, the prize selection control unit 67d, the prize inventory management unit 67e, the prize association processing unit 67f, and the return unit 67g to execute processes corresponding thereto.

[0137] The prize management unit 67a is a management unit that manages the number of exchange balls for special prizes and general prizes that are handled by the self prize management device 60, etc., using the prize master 66a stored in the memory unit 66. The prize management unit 67a obtains the prize master from the management device 50 and stores it in the memory unit 66 as the prize master 66a.

[0138] The held value management unit 67b is a processing unit that manages the held value data 66b. The held value management unit 67b stores the value associated with the card, read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c, in the held value data 66b. If there are remaining balls in the multiple rates of the value of the card, or if there is a remaining amount in the prepaid value, the held value management unit 67b stores "Yes" in "Multiple Rates / Remaining Value" in the held value data 66b. If the card is a membership card, the held value management unit 67b stores "Yes" in "Membership Card" in the held value data 66b.

[0139] The holding value management unit 67b clears the holding value data 66b when an end button (not shown) is pressed. If another card is read after a card is read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c and before an end button (not shown) is pressed, the holding value management unit 67b adds the value associated with this other card to the holding value data 66b.

[0140] The display control unit 67c is a processing unit that controls the display of card receipt, etc., according to the type of card and the value associated with the card. If the card read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c is a general card, the display control unit 67c displays on the display unit 61 that the membership card will be read last when multiple cards are read in succession.

[0141] If the card that has been read is a membership card, the display control unit 67c displays on the display unit 61 that, when multiple cards are to be read in succession, the card in question will be ejected and the membership card will be read last.

[0142] When the card is read and the "multiple rates / remaining value" in the held value data 66b is "yes", the display control unit 67c will display on the display unit 61 a message urging the player to collect the card after the prize exchange is completed when the card is read and when the end button (not shown) is pressed.

[0143] When a prize is selected and the "remaining balls" in the holding value data 66b is "yes", the display control unit 67c displays on the display unit 61 a message urging the player to collect the card after the prize exchange is completed, when the prize is selected and when the end button (not shown) is pressed.

[0144] The prize selection control unit 67d is a processing unit that selects prizes to be exchanged for prizes. The prize selection control unit 67d accepts the selection of special prizes and general prizes based on the prize master 66a within the range of the balance of the held balls and the saved balls.

[0145] Specifically, when a special prize is designated by the player, the prize selection control unit 67d determines a combination of the type and number of special prizes that can be exchanged within the balance of the held and saved balls, and sets the selected prize. For general prizes, the prize selection control unit 67d sets the prize designated by the player through the operation of the operation unit 62 as the selected prize. For end-of-game ball prizes, the selection may be made by accepting the designation of the player, or the prize selection control unit 67d may select the prize according to the balance of the held and saved balls.

[0146] If there are balls remaining when a prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67d stores "yes" in the "remaining balls" field of the holding value data 66b.

[0147] The prize inventory management unit 67e manages the inventory of prizes by associating prizes with states such as "unselected," "selected," and "exchanged," and storing them in the memory unit 66 as prize inventory data 66c. The inventory of actual prizes is the sum of "unselected" prizes and "selected" prizes, but the prize inventory management unit 67e allows the player to select a prize from the "unselected" prizes, and marks the selected prize as "selected." When a prize exchange is executed, the status is changed from "selected" to "exchanged." In other words, the prize selected by the player becomes "selected," and is not available for selection by other players. Therefore, the prize selected by the player is secured until the prize exchange is executed.

[0148] In addition, the prize inventory management unit 67e can perform a cancellation process to cancel the selection of the prize when a specified time limit has passed. Specifically, when the "selected" prize is not exchanged on the same day and the store is closed, the "selected" prize is changed to "not selected" and the balls equivalent to the number of exchange balls are taken in. Alternatively, when a member player is associated with the store, the balls equivalent to the number of exchange balls may be transferred to the saved balls.

[0149] The prize association processing unit 67f is a processing unit that associates the prize selected by the prize selection control unit 67d with the card ID as a selected prize. The prize association processing unit 67f transmits a registration request including the selected prize and the card ID to the management device 50.

[0150] Here, the prize association processing unit 67f can vary whether the selected prize is associated with a card or printed on a receipt depending on the type of prize. Specifically, the prize association processing unit 67f associates special prizes and general prizes with cards, and issues end-of-game prizes as receipts. The receipts are printed with the prize code, prize name, number of prizes, number of balls to be exchanged, etc. Also, an ID that uniquely identifies the receipt and information that identifies the player may be printed.

[0151] The return unit 67g is a processing unit that causes the card reader 64b to return the card to the player when a selected prize is associated with the card. The returned card may also be read by the prize payout device 80 to output a guide so that the player can receive the prize. Cards that are no longer needed after a prize has been selected are transported to the storage unit and are not returned. A card that is no longer needed after a prize has been selected is a general card whose prepaid value and balls are each below a predetermined value (for example, both are 0) and which is not associated with a selected prize. Membership cards are returned regardless of whether they contain prepaid value, balls, or a selected prize.

[0152] Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 66 of the self prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 9 will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master 66a, the holding value data 66b, and the prize inventory data 66c shown in Fig. 9.

[0153] The prize master 66a shown in Figure 10(a) is data that associates the prize name, group code, prize value, and number of balls to the prize code that uniquely identifies the prize. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing the prizes. Group code "01" indicates a special prize that can be transferred at a specified value after going through a certain procedure. Group codes "02" and above are general prizes that include everyday items other than special prizes.

[0154] The prize master 66a associates the prize code "0001" with the prize name "Grand Prize", group code "01", prize value "1000", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "250", the number of exchange balls for ball 2 "500", and the number of exchange balls for ball 3 "1000".

[0155] In addition, the prize master 66a associates the prize code "0002" with the prize name "small prize," group code "01," prize value "500," the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "125," the number of exchange balls for ball 2 "250," and the number of exchange balls for ball 3 "500."

[0156] In addition, the prize master 66a associates the prize code "0100" with the prize name "M Seven," the group code "02," the prize value "400," the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "100," the number of exchange balls for ball 2 "200," and the number of exchange balls for ball 3 "400."

[0157] In addition, the prize master 66a associates the prize code "0101" with the prize name "Luck", group code "02", prize value "420", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "105", the number of exchange balls for ball 2 "210", and the number of exchange balls for ball 3 "420".

[0158] In addition, the prize master 66a associates the prize code "0600" with the prize name "End Ball Candy", group code "04", prize value "12", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "3", the number of exchange balls for ball 2 "6", and the number of exchange balls for ball 3 "12".

[0159] The held value data 66b shown in Fig. 10(b) is data indicating the value associated with the read card, such as held balls, saved balls, prepaid value, etc. When multiple cards are read in succession, the total value of each card is stored.

[0160] The held value data 66b indicates that, in terms of held balls, the balance of held balls for ball 1 is "1500" balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is "2500" balls, and the balance of held balls for ball 3 is "0" balls, and, in terms of saved balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 1 is "500" balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 2 is "0" balls, and the balance of saved balls for ball 3 is "0" balls, the prepaid value is "3000" points, multiple rates / remaining value is "yes", remaining held balls are "yes", and a membership card is "yes".

[0161] The prize inventory data 66c shown in Fig. 10(c) is data that associates the total number of prizes in stock and the details of the inventory with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The details of the inventory indicate the number of prizes that have not been selected, have been selected, and have been exchanged. The total number of prizes in stock is the number of physical prizes in stock, and is equal to the sum of the unselected prizes and the selected prizes.

[0162] The prize inventory data 66c associates a total inventory quantity of "500," unselected quantities of "480," selected quantities of "20," and exchanged quantities of "200" with prize code "0001," prize name "grand prize," and group code "01."

[0163] In addition, the prize inventory data 66c associates the total inventory quantity "400", unselected "350", selected "50", and exchanged "300" with the prize code "0002", prize name "small prize", and group code "01".

[0164] In addition, the prize inventory data 66c associates the total inventory quantity "100", unselected "90", selected "10", and exchanged "50" with the prize code "0100", prize name "M Seven", and group code "02".

[0165] In addition, the prize inventory data 66c associates the total inventory quantity "100", unselected "100", selected "0", and exchanged "30" with the prize code "0101", prize name "rack", and group code "02".

[0166] In addition, the prize inventory data 66c associates the total inventory quantity "700", unselected "670", selected "30", and exchanged "300" with the prize code "0600", prize name "end ball candy", and group code "04".

[0167] <Display Pattern According to the First Embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the display patterns according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the display patterns according to the present embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 11, the display patterns are classified into pattern 1 to pattern 4 according to the timing and conditions of the display determination.

[0168] In pattern 1, the card is checked when it is inserted, and if it is a general card, the message "Please insert any additional cards. Please insert your membership card last." is displayed when the card is inserted.

[0169] In pattern 2, the card is checked when it is inserted, and if it is a membership card, the message "If you have additional cards, please remove the membership card. Please insert the membership card last." is displayed when the card is inserted.

[0170] In pattern 3, the card is determined when it is inserted, and if the card's value has multiple rates or there is a remaining balance in the prepaid value, the message "This card has multiple rates or there is a remaining balance in the prepaid value. Please don't forget to collect your card when the exchange is complete" is displayed when the card is inserted, and the message "This card has multiple rates or there is a remaining balance in the prepaid value. Please don't forget to collect your card" is displayed when the exchange is complete.

[0171] In pattern 4, a judgment is made when the prize is selected, and if there are any remaining balls of the card's value, the message "You have remaining balls. Please don't forget to collect your card when the exchange is complete" is displayed when the prize is selected, and the message "You have remaining balls. Please don't forget to collect your card" is displayed when the exchange is complete.

[0172] <Processing procedure of the self-prize management device 60 according to embodiment 1> Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure of the self prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment 1. Figures 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the self prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment 1.

[0173] When a card is inserted (Step S101; Yes), the self prize management device 60 receives the value associated with the card from the management device 50, and if the value has multiple rates or there is a remaining balance in the prepaid value (Step S102; Yes), it displays on the display unit 61 that the card should be removed when the exchange is complete (Step S103). At this time, "Yes" is stored in the "Multiple Rates / Remaining Value" field of the held value data 66b.

[0174] If the inserted card is a membership card (step S104; Yes), if there is an additional card, the card is removed, and a message is displayed on the display unit 61 indicating that the membership card is to be inserted last (step S105). At this time, "Yes" is stored in the "membership card" field of the holding value data 66b.

[0175] If the inserted card is a general card (step S104; No), if there are additional cards, a message is displayed on the display unit 61 indicating that the membership card should be inserted last (step S106).

[0176] If the operation to return the card is accepted (step S107; Yes), the process proceeds to step S101. If the operation to return the card is not accepted (step S107; No), the held balls, saved balls, and prepaid value associated with the card are stored in the held value data 66b (step S108).

[0177] If an additional card is inserted (step S109; Yes), the process proceeds to step S108. If an additional card is not inserted (step S109; No) and a prize selection operation is accepted (step S110; Yes), the remaining number of balls is calculated (step S111).

[0178] If there are balls remaining (step S112; Yes), a message to remove the card at the end of the exchange is displayed on the display unit 61 (step S113). At this time, "yes" is stored in the "balls remaining" field of the holding value data 66b.

[0179] When the end button is pressed and the prize exchange is completed (step S114; Yes), the selected prize is notified to the management device 50 (step S115).

[0180] If the value associated with the card has multiple rates or if there is a remaining balance in the prepaid value, specifically, if the "multiple rates / remaining value" in the held value data 66b is "yes" (step S116; Yes), a message is displayed on the display unit 61 indicating that the card should be removed (step S117).

[0181] If there are remaining balls, specifically, if the "remaining balls" in the holding value data 66b is "yes" (step S118; Yes), a message to remove the card is displayed on the display unit 61 (step S119).

[0182] After the prize exchange is complete, if there are no balls remaining in the player's possession, saved balls, or prepaid value, and if the card is a general card (step S120; No), the process ends.

[0183] After the prize exchange is completed, if there are any remaining balls, saved balls or prepaid value, or if the card is a membership card (step S120; Yes), the card is returned (step S121) and the process ends.

[0184] In this way, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment can efficiently exchange prizes while preventing players from forgetting to take back valuable cards.

[0185] As described above, in this embodiment 1, a prize exchange system is installed in an amusement facility and allows players to exchange the number of balls they have acquired and the number of balls they have saved through playing for prizes as awards. The system is configured to display and output a message encouraging players to collect cards, etc., based on the card type, the number of balls they have acquired, the number of balls saved, or the number of balls they have acquired after the prize exchange process. This prevents players from forgetting to pick up valuable cards and allows for efficient prize exchange.

[0186] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration has been described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to pick up a card that still has value remaining, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a card suspected of fraud is inserted, a notification can be sent to the prize management device 70 operating the manned prize exchange. Notification can also be sent not only to the prize management device 70, but also to the prize management device 70 and the self-prize management device 60. A similar notification can also be sent when a card belonging to a good player is inserted.

[0187] [Embodiment 2] Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards with remaining value, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured to display the number of exchange balls required for cards with a value that exceeds the upper limit of stored balls.

[0188] Previously, when a card with a value exceeding the upper limit of the number of stored balls was inserted into a self-prize management device, and an attempt was made to store more balls than the upper limit, the self-prize management device would determine this as an error and interrupt the exchange process, making self-prize exchange operations inefficient.

[0189] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment> In this embodiment 2, a configuration is described that, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit of the number of stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, displays the number of exchange balls required so as not to exceed the upper limit, thereby making self-prize exchange operations more efficient.

[0190] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the prize exchange system according to the embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 14, when a card is inserted, the self prize management device 100 reads the card ID of the card and notifies the management device 150 (S11).

[0191] The management device 150 compares the total number of owned balls and saved balls associated with the card ID with the maximum number of saved balls, and notifies the self prize management device 100 of the number of exchange balls required so as not to exceed the maximum number of saved balls (S12).

[0192] Specifically, if the number of balls held is 5,000, the number of saved balls is 6,000, and the maximum number of saved balls is 10,000, the total number of held and saved balls exceeds the maximum number of saved balls by 1,000, so these 1,000 balls are notified as the number of balls required for replacement.

[0193] The self prize management device 100 displays the notified number of required exchange balls (S13). Specifically, it displays that if 1000 balls are exchanged for prizes, 4000 balls can be saved.

[0194] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 2 can make self-prize exchange operations more efficient by displaying the number of balls required to be exchanged so as not to exceed the upper limit when a card with a value exceeding the upper limit for stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100.

[0195] In the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit of the number of stored balls is inserted into the self prize management device 100, the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the upper limit is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured to notify an employee when a setting is made to store balls that exceed the upper limit.

[0196] In the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit of the number of stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, the number of exchange balls required to avoid exceeding the upper limit is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when a setting for stored balls exceeding the upper limit is made, an employee call button can also be displayed. The employee call button can also be configured to be displayed when a stolen lock card or a locked member card is read.

[0197] In addition, in the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which the upper limit number of stored balls is operated as a fixed value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper limit number can also be configured to be changeable by settings.

[0198] [Embodiment 3] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards that still have value remaining, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured to control the prize exchange process for the next player when a player is in the middle of exchanging a prize.

[0199] Conventionally, if a player is in the middle of exchanging a prize and the next player begins the prize exchange process, there is a concern that the values ​​associated with each card may become confused, or that problems may arise between players regarding the occupation of devices such as self-prize management devices, or payouts.

[0200] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment> In the third embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, when a player is currently exchanging a prize, the prize exchange process for the next player is controlled.

[0201] Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the prize exchange system according to the embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 15, the prize exchange process is carried out by reading a card with the card reader 260, selecting a prize with the self prize management device 200, and paying out the prize with the prize payout device 250.

[0202] When a player is in the process of exchanging a prize, for example while a prize is being paid out, operations by other players are prohibited (S21). For example, while a player is using the prize payout device 250 to pay out a prize, the card reader 260 and the self prize management device 200 display a message indicating that another player is exchanging a prize and that operations cannot be performed.

[0203] When the player has finished paying out the prize, the prohibition on other players from operating the device is lifted (S22). Specifically, when the prize payout device 250 has finished paying out the prize, the card reader 260 and the self prize management device 200 display a message indicating that they can be operated.

[0204] <Control pattern for prize exchange according to the third embodiment> Next, the control patterns of the prize exchange according to the present embodiment 3 will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the control patterns of the prize exchange according to the present embodiment 3. The control patterns are classified into Pattern 1 to Pattern 3 depending on whether the next customer's operation is possible according to the previous customer's operation. The operations of the player are classified into card reading, prize selection, and prize payout.

[0205] In pattern 1, the next customer is prohibited from reading their card from the time the previous customer's card is read until the prize payout process is completed. After the prize payout process of the previous customer is completed, all operations of the next customer are allowed.

[0206] In pattern 2, the next customer is prohibited from reading their card from the time the previous customer's card is read until the prize selection is completed. The next customer is allowed to read their card and select a prize from the time the previous customer's prize selection is completed until the prize payout process is completed, and after the previous customer's prize payout process is completed, all operations by the next customer are allowed.

[0207] In pattern 3, the next customer's card cannot be read from the time the previous customer's card is read until the prize selection starts, and the next customer's card can be read from the time the previous customer's prize selection starts until the prize selection process ends. The next customer can read their card and select a prize from the time the previous customer's prize selection ends until the prize payout process ends, and after the previous customer's prize payout process ends, all operations for the next customer are allowed.

[0208] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 3 can reduce the occurrence of trouble between players by controlling the prize exchange process for the next player when a player is in the middle of exchanging a prize.

[0209] In the above embodiment 3, a configuration for controlling devices related to prize exchange, such as a self-prize management device, was described; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration can also be made to control self-processing in devices such as an island-end counting machine.

[0210] In addition, in the above embodiment 3, a configuration was described in which the prize exchange process for the next player is prohibited when a player is in the middle of exchanging a prize, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure it so that the prize exchange process for the next player can be switched between being prohibited / suspended.

[0211] [Embodiment 4] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards with remaining value, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured to display prizes based on the player's prize exchange history as part of the prizes to be selected.

[0212] Conventionally, when selecting a prize using a self-prize management device, it was possible to choose from a number of options, such as exchanging all prizes, but this did not necessarily meet the individual needs of the player.

[0213] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment> In this embodiment 4, a configuration is described in which, when a player selects a prize using the self prize management device 350, prizes based on the player's prize exchange history are displayed as part of the prizes to be selected.

[0214] Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the prize exchange system according to the embodiment 4. As shown in Fig. 17, when a player starts a prize exchange operation on the self-service prize management device 350, a face image captured by the camera 380 is notified to the management device 300 as identification information (S31).

[0215] The management device 300 performs facial recognition based on the notified identification information to identify the player, searches for the player's prize exchange history from the prize exchange history data, and notifies the self prize management device 350 of the result (S32).

[0216] The self prize management device 350 uses the notified prize exchange history of the player to display prizes recommended to the player (S33). For example, the combination of a special prize and cigarettes selected at the previous prize exchange is displayed as one of the prize options.

[0217] <Prize exchange pattern according to embodiment 4> Next, the exchange patterns of the prize exchange according to this embodiment 4 will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the exchange patterns of the prize exchange according to this embodiment 4. The exchange patterns are classified into pattern 1 to pattern 6 according to the player's preferences, etc. Patterns 1 to 6 are selected and set by the management device 300 from these six patterns, and are displayed on the self prize management device 350.

[0218] Pattern 1 is a prize based on the player's recent prize exchange history. Pattern 2 is the most popular prize in the player's prize exchange history. Pattern 3 is the maximum number of special prizes that can be exchanged with the balls on the card.

[0219] Pattern 4 is a special prize that is one more than the maximum number of balls that can be exchanged with the card's balls. Pattern 4 is only available to membership cards, and any shortfall in the number of balls needed for the exchange is made using stored balls. Pattern 5 is a general prize that is often exchanged at stores. Pattern 6 is a general prize recommended by the store.

[0220] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 4 can improve convenience for players by displaying, when the player selects a prize on the self prize management device 350, prizes based on the player's prize exchange history as well as other prizes to be selected.

[0221] In the above embodiment 4, a configuration was described in which prizes based on a player's prize exchange history are displayed as options when selecting a prize, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the management device 300 can also be configured to store the exchange pattern selected by the player and use it as a database.

[0222] In addition, in the above embodiment 4, a configuration has been described in which prizes based on a player's prize exchange history are displayed as options when selecting a prize.However, although a configuration has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may also be configured to display advertisements for prizes related to the general prize selected by the player.

[0223] [Embodiment 5] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards that still have value remaining, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a self-prize management device that is capable of both manned prize exchange operations by employees and self-prize exchange operations by players can also be configured to record whether the exchange was made through manned or self-prize exchange operations.

[0224] Conventionally, in self-prize management devices capable of both manned and self-prize exchange operations, it was not possible to determine whether the prize was exchanged through manned or self-prize exchange operation, which could lead to problems with players.

[0225] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment> In this embodiment 5, a configuration is described for a self-prize management device capable of manned / self-operated prize exchange operations, which records whether the exchange was made through manned or self-operated prize exchange operations, thereby making the manned / self-operated prize exchange operations more efficient.

[0226] Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 19, the self prize management device 450 and the prize management device 480 notify the management device 400 of prize exchange information after a prize exchange is performed (S41).

[0227] The management device 400 classifies the notified prize exchange information as attended / self-operated and stores it in the prize exchange history data (S42). Specifically, the prize exchange information notified from the self prize management device 450 (device ID: 101) is stored with the transaction content as "self prize exchange" and the device ID as "101," and the prize exchange information notified from the prize management device 480 (device ID: 201) is stored with the transaction content as "prize exchange" and the device ID as "201."

[0228] In addition, the management device 400 analyzes the prize exchange history data and displays the prize exchange results classified as manned / self-service (S43). For example, the management device 400 displays that the prize exchange results are 150,000 balls in manned machines and 90,000 balls in self-service machines.

[0229] This makes it possible to determine whether the prize was exchanged through a manned or self-service prize exchange operation, and to respond appropriately to inquiries from players. Also, it is possible to analyze the utilization rate and transaction details of the self-service prize exchange operation.

[0230] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 5 can record whether the exchange was made through manned or self-operated prize exchange operation in a self-prize management device capable of manned / self-operated prize exchange operations, thereby making the manned / self-operated prize exchange operations more efficient.

[0231] In the above embodiment 5, a configuration was described that allows for recording and analysis of whether an exchange was made through manned or self-operated prize exchange operation, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to automatically analyze the utilization rate of manned / self-operated prize exchange operation and switch between manned and self-operated prize exchange operation depending on the analysis results.

[0232] [Embodiment 6] Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards that still have value remaining, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured so that if a prize is forgotten to be collected from the prize payout device, the prize is returned to the number of balls and managed as data.

[0233] Conventionally, if a prize was left behind at the prize payout device, an employee had to retrieve the prize, set it aside, and respond to inquiries from players, which placed a heavy burden on employees and could lead to problems between the employees and players.

[0234] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment> In this embodiment 6, a configuration is described in which, when a prize is forgotten to be taken from the prize payout device, the prize is returned to the number of balls and managed as data.

[0235] Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to the embodiment 6. As shown in Fig. 20, when a prize is left behind, the prize payout device 550 detects the prize and takes it into the device (S51), and notifies the management device 500 of the prize as left-behind prize information that the prize has been returned to the number of balls (S52).

[0236] The management device 500 stores the notified information on the left behind balls, including the number of balls, according to the member / general customer classification (S53). Specifically, the date and time, the member / general customer classification, and the number of balls are stored as the left behind prize data. This reduces the burden on employees and makes it possible to respond appropriately to the players.

[0237] <Management procedure for left-behind data according to the sixth embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the management procedure for left-behind data according to the present embodiment 6. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the management procedure for left-behind data according to the present embodiment 6. The management procedure for left-behind data differs depending on whether the customer is a member or a general customer.

[0238] In the case of members, the prize is converted into the number of balls, and the number of balls is linked to the member data including the transaction time and transaction details. The number of balls is managed in the member's account, and the balls are returned to the player by replaying with the member's card or by exchanging them for a prize.

[0239] For regular customers, the prize is converted into the number of balls, and the transaction time and transaction details are linked to the face data. The number of balls is managed in the forgotten balls account, and the balls are returned to the customer after identity verification by face data authentication.

[0240] In this way, in the case where a prize is left behind at the prize payout device, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 6 reverts the prize to the number of balls and manages it as data, thereby reducing the burden on employees and enabling appropriate responses to be made to players.

[0241] In the above embodiment 6, a configuration was described in which, in the case of general customers, an employee is present to verify the identity of the customer using facial data authentication and then the prize is re-paid. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the process from verifying the identity of the customer using facial data authentication to re-paying the prize can also be configured to be automated.

[0242] [Embodiment 7] Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the user to pick up cards that still have value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the device to accept multiple cards in succession and return them all together on a single card if there is any remaining value.

[0243] Conventionally, in self-prize exchange operations, many stores have placed restrictions on the exchange of multiple cards for prizes to prevent players from accidentally returning cards to collection boxes if the cards have residual value, resulting in inconvenient situations for players.

[0244] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment> In this embodiment 7, a configuration is described in which a self prize management device accepts multiple cards in succession, and if there is residual value, returns them all together on a single card.

[0245] Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to the embodiment 7. As shown in Fig. 22, prize exchange by manned prize exchange operation and self-prize exchange operation will be described.

[0246] In the case of manned prize exchange operation, a card is inserted into the prize management device 600 and an exchange rate is selected, and if there is remaining value, an employee returns the card to the player (S61). Similarly, if there is a next card, the card is inserted and an exchange rate is selected, and if there is remaining value, an employee returns the card to the player (S62). Once the card has been read, the player selects a prize (S63).

[0247] In the case of self-prize exchange operation, multiple cards are inserted consecutively into the self-prize management device 650 (S64), and an exchange rate and prize are selected (S65). If there is any residual value, it is returned together on one card (S66).

[0248] In addition, if the value of the last inserted card makes it impossible to combine the cards into one card, such as when the exchange rate is 4 or more or the prepaid value is above a certain amount, the last inserted card will be returned as unacceptable.

[0249] In this way, the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment can accept multiple cards consecutively in the self prize management device 650, and if there is residual value, return them all together on a single card.

[0250] In the above embodiment 7, a configuration was described in which if the value of the last inserted card prevents the cards from being combined into a single card, the last inserted card is returned as unacceptable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if there are four exchange rates and all cards of one rate are being exchanged, the last inserted card can also be configured to be accepted.

[0251] In addition, in the above embodiment 7, a configuration was described in which multiple cards are accepted in succession and, if there is residual value, are combined into a single card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured so that, if the multiple cards include a membership card, the timing for inserting the membership card can be specified.

[0252] [Embodiment 8] Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards with remaining value, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this, and when exchanging cards with multiple rates of value for prizes, it can also be configured to leave a certain number of cards of a specific rate.

[0253] Previously, because it was prohibited to combine values ​​between different rates, when exchanging a card with multiple rates of value for a prize, the player had to insert a card for each rate, or exchange all of the rates at the same time. This did not meet the need to keep a certain number of a particular rate, making it inconvenient for players.

[0254] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment> In the eighth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, in a self-prize management device, when a card having values ​​of multiple rates is used for prize exchange, a certain number of a specific rate is left.

[0255] Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 8. As shown in Fig. 23, when a card having values ​​of multiple rates is read, the rate to be exchanged is selected (S71). Specifically, the value held is displayed for each exchange rate (for example, 4000 balls for 4 Pachi), and whether to exchange all or part of each exchange rate is selected.

[0256] If a player selects to exchange a portion of the balls, the player inputs the value to be left on the card (S72). For example, if the player selects to leave 1,000 balls at a rate of 4 pachinko, the number of balls to be exchanged is displayed as 3,000 balls. After the player inputs the value to be left on the card, the details of the prize exchange are displayed based on the specified exchange value (S73).

[0257] In this way, the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment can leave a certain number of points of a particular rate when a card having values ​​of multiple rates is used for prize exchange in the self-prize management device.

[0258] In the above embodiment 8, a configuration was described in which the value to be left on the card is input in order to leave a certain number at a specific rate, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the configuration so that a certain number at a specific rate is left by specifying the type and number of prizes to be exchanged.

[0259] In addition, in the above embodiment 8, a configuration was described in which the value to be left on the card is input in order to leave a certain number at a specific rate, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to automatically display the optimal number and type of prize to be exchanged.

[0260] [Embodiment 9] Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the player to collect cards that still have value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured to specify a destination for returning any remaining balls after prize exchange.

[0261] In the past, when there were balls in the held balls and the saved balls, if there were any balls left over after the prize exchange, the remaining balls were returned to the saved balls. This meant that some players wanted to return a certain number of balls to their held balls so they could play again, which was inconvenient for players.

[0262] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the ninth embodiment> In this embodiment 9, a configuration for specifying a return destination for the remaining balls after the prize exchange will be described.

[0263] Fig. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 9. As shown in Fig. 24, when there are held balls and saved balls, a prize exchange operation is performed (S81), and if there are any remaining balls, a destination for returning the remaining balls is designated (S82).

[0264] When the user designates a held ball as the return destination, the remaining balls are returned to the held balls (S83), and when the user designates a saved ball as the return destination, the remaining balls are returned to the saved balls (S84).

[0265] Specifically, if you have 100 balls in your possession and 600 in your reserve, and you exchange 500 balls, you will have 200 left over. If you specify the balls you have as the destination for the balls to be returned, then the balls you have will be 100 and the reserve will be 100, and if you specify the reserve balls as the destination for the balls to be returned, then the balls you have will be 0 and the reserve will be 200. Note that since you initially had 100 balls in your possession, you cannot return more than 100 balls.

[0266] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 9 makes it possible to specify the destination to which the remaining balls left over after the prize exchange are returned.

[0267] In the above embodiment 9, the configuration for specifying the return destination of the remaining balls after the prize exchange was described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the return destination of the remaining balls after the prize exchange can be automatically transferred to the day's saved balls. Also, if a replay upper limit is set for the day's saved balls, it can be configured to control whether or not to automatically transfer the balls to the day's saved balls.

[0268] [Embodiment 10] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the user to collect cards that still have value remaining, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the self-prize management device that performs self-prize exchange operations can also be configured to stop operation if the security function is disabled.

[0269] Conventionally, prize management devices have a security function that allows operation to begin only when a password is entered, but in manned prize exchange operations operated by employees, the security function is often disabled. Even in self-service prize exchange operations using a self-service prize management device, if the security function is disabled, players may be able to operate functions that are only available to employees, which may cause security problems.

[0270] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the tenth embodiment> In this embodiment 10, a configuration is described in which, in a self-prize management device that performs self-prize exchange operation, when the security function is disabled, the operation of the self-prize management device is stopped.

[0271] Fig. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 10. As shown in Fig. 25, the self-prize management device 800 with the security function disabled is started (S91), and it is specified whether or not to carry out the self-prize exchange operation (S92).

[0272] If a self-prize exchange operation is to be performed, operation of the self-prize management device 800 is stopped (S93), and if a self-prize exchange operation is not to be performed, i.e., if a manned prize exchange operation is to be performed, operation of the self-prize management device 800 is started (S94).

[0273] This prevents players from operating functions that can only be used by employees in the self-prize management device 800, where the security functions are disabled, and prevents a decrease in security during prize exchange operations.

[0274] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 10 can stop operation of the self-prize management device 800 that performs self-prize exchange operations when the security function is disabled, thereby preventing a decrease in security during prize exchange operations.

[0275] In the above embodiment 10, a configuration for preventing a decrease in security during the self-prize exchange operation of the self-prize management device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in various terminals that have been made self-operated as employee-only terminals, the device can also be configured to stop operation of the terminal if the security function is disabled.

[0276] In addition, in the above embodiment 10, a self-prize management device with disabled security functions is configured to stop self-prize exchange operations, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure a self-prize management device that is dedicated to self-prize exchange operations to not have security functions, and to add security functions to a self-prize management device that can be switched between manned and self-prize exchange operations.

[0277] In addition, the configurations illustrated in the above embodiments are merely functional schematics, and are not necessarily physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0278] The prize exchange system, prize management device, and prize exchange method of the present invention are suitable for preventing problems during self-prize exchange operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0279] 10 Card Processing Machines 11 Status display section 12 Banknote transport section 12a Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation section 14 Reader / Writer 14a Card slot 15 Communications Department 16 Memory section 16a Device status data 16b Card Data 17 Control Unit 17a Data Management Department 18 Gaming Management Department 18a Authentication processing section 18b Authentication key management unit 18c Gaming Machine Status Management Department 20 Gaming Machines 21 Handle 22 Count button 23 Communication control section 24 Production Control Unit 24a Design drawing lottery section 24b Production Lottery Section 25 Game control unit 26 Game ball control unit 26a Playable Number Management Department 30 Island Controller 50 Management device 51 Display section 52 Input section 53 External network communication section 54 Store Network Communication Department 55 Storage section 55a Card Management Data 55b Equipment Management Data 55c Membership Management Data 55d Selection Prize Data 56 Control section 56a Card Management Department 56b Equipment management department 56c Membership Management Department 56d Selection Prize Management Department 60 Self-prize management device 61 Display section 62 Operation section 63 Receipt Issuance Department 64a Clerk Tag Reader 64b Card reader 64c Mobile Terminal Reader 65 Communications Department 66 Memory section 66a Prize Master 66b Holding Value Data 66c Prize inventory data 67 Control Unit 67a Prize Management Department 67b Holding Value Management Department 67c Display control unit 67d Prize selection control unit 67e Prize Inventory Management Department 67f Prize-related processing section 67g Return section 70 Prize Management Device 80 Prize payout device 100 Self-prize management device 150 Management device 200 Self-prize management device 250 Prize Payout Device 260 Card Reader 300 Management device 350 Self-prize management device 380 Camera 400 Management device 450 Self-prize management device 480 Prize Management Device 500 Management device 550 Prize Payout Device 600 Prize Management Device 650 Self-prize management device 700 Prize Management Device 800 Self-prize management device

Claims

1. A prize exchange system including a prize management device that allows a player to exchange prizes, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, A receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the available number of plays; a limiting means for limiting the acceptance of a new recording medium during the period from the time when the receiving means accepts the recording medium until the prize payout device finishes paying out the prize; A prize exchange system comprising:

2. A prize exchange system including a prize management device that allows a player to exchange prizes, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, A receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the available number of plays; a limiting means for limiting the acceptance of a new recording medium during the period from the acceptance of the recording medium by the accepting means to the completion of the selection of the prize by the player; A prize exchange system comprising:

3. A prize exchange system including a prize management device that allows a player to exchange prizes, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, A receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the available number of plays; a limiting means for limiting the acceptance of a new recording medium during the period from the acceptance of the recording medium by the accepting means to the start of the selection of the prize by the player; A prize exchange system comprising:

4. The limiting means is A prize exchange system as described in claim 1, characterized in that the display unit of the prize management device displays, while the prize is being paid out by the prize payout device, that the exchange process is in progress.

5. The limiting means is The prize exchange system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the prize payout device has completed paying out the prize, the display unit of the prize management device displays a message indicating that the recording medium is available for acceptance.

6. A prize management device that is communicably connected to a prize payout device that pays out prizes and allows a player to exchange prizes, A receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the available number of plays; a limiting means for limiting the acceptance of a new recording medium during the period from the time when the receiving means accepts the recording medium until the prize payout device finishes paying out the prize; A prize management device comprising:

7. A prize exchange method in a prize exchange system including a prize management device that allows a player to exchange prizes and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, comprising: A receiving step of receiving a recording medium associated with the playable number; a limiting step of limiting the acceptance of new recording media during the period from the reception of the recording media by the receiving step to the completion of the payout of the prize by the prize payout device; A method of exchanging prizes, comprising:

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