Inter-machine device and game system

Abstract

To appropriately cope with multiple settlement methods in a game parlor.SOLUTION: An inter-machine card processor 10 can purchase a prepaid value by supply of cash and a repaid value by a cashless settlement using a terminal device 110 that a game player carries. A prepaid value that is not used for ball dispensation and remains can be adjusted. Concretely, a card to which a prepaid value is related is discharged from the inter-machine card processor 10, is read by an adjustment machine 80, and performs a cash adjustment by putout of cash and a cashless adjustment for adding a balance for a cashless settlement. A card managing device 40 sets an adjustment charge to a combination of a purchasing method and an adjustment method and manages it. As the result, multiple settlement methods can be coped with appropriately and an appropriate charge can be imposed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pedestal device and a gaming system that can appropriately support a plurality of payment methods in a gaming parlor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming parlors have provided games with gaming media interposed therebetween. For example, in pachinko games, game balls are used as gaming media, and the game is played by shooting the game balls onto the game board surface. A plurality of winning areas (winning holes) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. In this way, the number of gaming media increases or decreases depending on the result of the game, and the player can exchange the acquired gaming media for prizes.

[0003] Generally, each gaming machine is provided with an individual device. Each individual device accepts deposits and performs a lending process for gaming media. In addition, each individual device manages the number of gaming media acquired by the game as the number of held gaming media, and performs a replay process of subtracting the number of held gaming media and paying out the gaming media (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] When the player finishes the game and operates the return button provided on the gaming machine, each individual device associates the number of held gaming media managed by the device with a card and then discharges it. The player can exchange the card for a prize corresponding to the associated number of held gaming media by presenting the card at the prize counter. In addition, a valuable value that can be used for lending gaming media is also associated with the card. The remaining balance of the valuable value remaining at the end of the game can be settled by a cash register.

[0005] In addition, it is also conceivable to give a valuable value that can be used for lending gaming media not only in cash but also by various cashless payment methods.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-131037 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, when value can be imparted by a plurality of methods such as cash settlement and cashless settlement, there is a problem of how to settle unused value. Ordinarily, if it is value purchased by cash settlement, the remainder is returned in cash, and if it is value purchased by cashless settlement, the remainder is returned to the original balance for cashless settlement. This is because there may be a desire to settle collectively the value purchased by a plurality of methods in a specific method, and there is also a possibility that settlement may be required by a method different from the method at the time of purchase.

[0008] Furthermore, when conducting cashless settlement or settlement, a fee may be required. However, when value can be purchased by a plurality of methods, there is a problem of how to collect the fee, particularly when the methods at the time of purchase and settlement are different.

[0009] From these circumstances, it has been an important issue how to realize a pedestal device and a gaming system that can appropriately respond to a plurality of settlement methods in a gaming parlor.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a pedestal device and a gaming system that can appropriately respond to a plurality of settlement methods in a gaming parlor. Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a pedestal device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, having reception means for receiving a storage medium associated with valuable value, and using the valuable value in the order of purchase in the order of purchase of the valuable value imparted by a plurality of purchase methods. Furthermore, the present invention is an under-stage device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, having receiving means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and for the valuable value given by a plurality of purchasing methods, based on a preset priority order for each purchasing method, characterized in that the valuable value is used in order. Furthermore, the present invention is an under-stage device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, having receiving means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and for the valuable value given by a plurality of purchasing methods, characterized in that the valuable values given by the plurality of purchasing methods are combined and used so that the settlement fee at the time of settlement preset for each purchasing method is minimized.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the total of the valuable values and the balance for each purchasing method are managed.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the plurality of purchasing methods are a purchase by cash and a purchase by cashless payment.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the priority order is determined by the game store or determined by the player.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention is a gaming system having an under-stage device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, wherein the under-stage device has receiving means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and in the purchase order of the valuable value given by a plurality of purchasing methods, characterized in that the valuable value is used in the order of purchase first. Furthermore, the present invention is a gaming system having an under-stage device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, wherein the under-stage device has receiving means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and for the valuable value given by a plurality of purchasing methods, based on a preset priority order for each purchasing method, characterized in that the valuable value is used in order. The present invention also relates to a gaming system having an inter-stage device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, wherein the inter-stage device has receiving means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and for the valuable values given by a plurality of purchasing methods, the valuable values given by the plurality of purchasing methods are combined and used so that the settlement fee set in advance for each purchasing method becomes the smallest.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a game parlor can appropriately respond to a plurality of payment methods.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the apron device and the gaming system according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0019] In this specification, the term "held balls" refers to game media obtained by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in the game only on the same day (before closing time). The term "stored balls" refers to game media obtained by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in the game after the next day (after closing time). Held balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used, for example, when changing the gaming machine used in the game (so-called table movement). Stored balls can usually be used only by member players, and are used when using the obtained game media in a game after the next day. A predetermined fee may be imposed for the use of stored balls.

EXAMPLE

[0020] First, the concept of the game management system according to this example will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of the game management system according to this example. A plurality of gaming machines 20 are installed in the game parlor, and each gaming machine 20 is provided with an apron card processor 10 which is each table device.

[0021] The inter-stage card processor 10 performs various processes related to game balls, such as lending process of game balls, replay process of held balls and stored balls, and counting process of counting the acquired game balls and adding them to the held balls, based on the operations of the players. Also, when the player finishes the game and operates the return button provided on the gaming machine, the inter-stage card processor 10 associates the number of held balls managed by itself with the card and then discharges it.

[0022] The card management device 40 can communicate with a plurality of inter-stage card processors 10 in the game parlor, and manages by associating the held balls, prepaid value, etc. with the card. The prepaid value is a valuable value that can be used for lending game balls, is added by depositing money, and is subtracted by lending balls.

[0023] Specifically, if the inter-stage card processor 10 accepts the insertion of banknotes, it transmits deposit notification data including the amount of the banknotes to the card management device 40, and causes the card management device 40 to add a number corresponding to the amount to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Then, if a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, it transmits a ball lending request to the card management device 40, subtracts the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40, and performs a payout process of a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

[0024] Furthermore, in the game management system according to the present embodiment, the prepaid value can be provided by cashless settlement. When the inter-stage card processor 10 accepts an operation to request a deposit by cashless settlement, it generates settlement data, encodes it into a two-dimensional code, and displays it. The terminal device 110 carried by the player can capture the two-dimensional code displayed by the inter-stage card processor 10 with a camera, decode and read the two-dimensional code, read the settlement data, and perform the settlement. Although the details will be described later, the completion of the settlement by the terminal device 110 is notified to the card management device 40, and the settlement amount is added to the prepaid value.

[0025] Since the prepaid value can be purchased by a plurality of methods such as cash settlement and cashless settlement, the card management device 40 manages by associating the remaining balance of the prepaid value with the purchase method.

[0026] The prepaid value remaining without being used for lending can be refunded. Specifically, by discharging the card associated with the prepaid value from the counter card processor 10 and having it read by the refund machine 80, the refund of the unused prepaid value can be performed. For the refund of the unused prepaid value, cash refund by paying out cash and cashless refund by adding the balance for cashless settlement can be used. The cashless refund may be executed by encoding the information related to the refund into a two-dimensional code and displaying it on the refund machine 80, and having the terminal device 110 image and read the two-dimensional code.

[0027] The card management device 40 sets and manages the refund fees for combinations of purchase methods and refund methods. FIG. 1 shows a case corresponding to three types of settlements: cash, cashless P1, and cashless P2.

[0028] Specifically, the refund fee for refunding the prepaid value purchased with cash in cash is "none", the refund fee for refunding the prepaid value purchased with cash in cashless P1 is "1%", and the refund fee for refunding the prepaid value purchased with cash in cashless P2 is "2%".

[0029] Also, the refund fee for refunding the prepaid value purchased with cashless P1 in cash is "2%", the refund fee for refunding the prepaid value purchased with cashless P1 in cashless P1 is "none", and the refund fee for refunding the prepaid value purchased with cashless P1 in cashless settlement P2 is "3%".

[0030] Also, the refund fee for refunding the prepaid value purchased with cashless P2 in cash is "2%", the refund fee for refunding the prepaid value purchased with cashless P2 in cashless P1 is "4%", and the refund fee for refunding the prepaid value purchased with cashless P1 in cashless settlement P2 is "1%".

[0031] In this way, by enabling the granting of prepaid value through a plurality of purchase methods, having the card management device 40 manage the remaining balance of the prepaid value in association with the purchase method, and enabling the settlement of the remaining balance of the prepaid value through a plurality of settlement methods, it is possible to appropriately respond to a plurality of payment methods. Further, by setting a settlement fee for the combination of the purchase method and the settlement method, an appropriate fee can be imposed.

[0032] Next, the system configuration of the game parlor will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. As shown in FIG. 2, in the game parlor, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and pedestal card processors 10 provided corresponding to each of the gaming machines 20 are installed. The pedestal card processor 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via an island controller 30. Connected to the communication line are an island controller 30, a card management device 40, a member management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a payment machine 80.

[0033] The gaming machine 20 is a device that plays a game by inserting game balls into the game board surface. A plurality of winning areas (winning holes) are provided on the game board surface of the gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are given as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the winning area. In addition, a predetermined number of starting areas (starting holes) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the game balls passing through the starting area. If the lottery is a big win, operations that are advantageous in the game, such as improving the passing probability of game balls to the aforementioned winning area or other starting areas, are performed by the operation of a predetermined movable member or the like. The result of the lottery based on the passing of the ball through the starting hole is displayed on a special symbol display device that displays the result of the lottery. The display of the lottery result on this special symbol display device is performed in a mode where it is variably displayed for a predetermined time and then fixedly displayed. Further, a decorative symbol display device that variably displays a predetermined number or the like of decorative symbols based on the result of the lottery is provided on the game board surface, and when the result of the lottery is a big win, for example, a matching symbol such as (7, 7, 7) is displayed for notification. Note that it is also possible to provide an area that serves as both a starting area and a winning area.

[0034] In the above winning area, a winning sensor for detecting the passage of game balls into the winning area is provided, and this winning sensor is configured to detect the passage (winning) of the game balls driven into the winning area. Further, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory that stores the number of game balls to be awarded as prize balls for each winning area.

[0035] Therefore, when the passage of the driven game balls into a specific winning area is detected by the winning sensor, the gaming machine 20 can determine the number of prize balls to be awarded based on the stored content of the prize ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed through the winning area, and perform the payout process for the determined number of prize balls. Also, regardless of whether the driven game balls have passed through the winning area or not, they are finally discharged from the back side of the game board to the outside of the gaming machine. The game balls discharged to the outside of the gaming machine are detected by an out ball detection device attached to each gaming machine.

[0036] The inter-stage card processor 10 accepts deposits, lends out game balls, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the inter-stage card processor 10 accepts banknotes inserted by a player, it transmits deposit notification data including the amount of the banknotes to the card management device 40, and causes the card management device 40 to add an amount corresponding to the amount to the prepaid value it manages. Then, if a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, it transmits a ball lending request to the card management device 40, subtracts the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40, and performs the payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

[0037] Also, when the inter-stage card processor 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. Further, when the inter-stage card processor 10 receives data including the prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of stored balls from the card management device 40, it stores the received prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of stored balls. Then, after storing the number of held balls, the inter-stage card processor 10 transmits held ball subtraction request data to the card management device 40 to clear the number of held balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero.

[0038] In addition, when the inter-stage card processor 10 receives a hold coin replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of hold coins stored in its own device, and performs a payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of hold coins. Further, when the inter-stage card processor 10 receives a stored coin replay operation, it transmits stored coin replay request data to the card management device 40, causing the membership management device 50 to subtract a predetermined number from the number of stored coins it manages, and performs a payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored coins.

[0039] Also, when the inter-stage card processor 10 receives a card return operation, it transmits hold coin addition request data including the number of hold coins managed by its own device to the card management device 40. After the card management device 40 adds the number of hold coins, it transmits card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 to control card ejection.

[0040] The island controller 30 is a relay device that groups a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-stage card processors 10 provided on the gaming island.

[0041] The card management device 40 is a device that manages the prepaid value and the number of hold coins of the card as card data. When the card management device 40 receives card insertion notification data from the inter-stage card processor 10, it manages by associating the card ID of the inserted card with the device ID of the inter-stage card processor 10, and transmits the prepaid value and the number of hold coins associated with the card ID to the inter-stage card processor 10. Also, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of the membership card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the membership management device 50, and transmits the stored coin replay data received from the membership management device 50 to the inter-stage card processor 10.

[0042] In addition, when the card management device 40 receives hold coin subtraction request data from the inter-stage card processor 10, it clears the number of hold coins to zero. Also, when the card management device 40 receives hold coin addition request data from the inter-stage card processor 10, it adds the number of hold coins included in the hold coin addition request data to the number of hold coins managed by the card management device 40.

[0043] Further, if the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data from the between-counter card processor 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits the ball lending permission data to the between-counter card processor 10. And if it receives the stored ball replay request data, it transmits the stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50. If the member management device 50 outputs the stored ball replay data, it transmits the stored ball replay data to the between-counter card processor 10.

[0044] Also, if the card management device 40 receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored balls associated with this card ID. Further, if it receives the card ID from the cashier 80, it notifies the cashier 80 of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

[0045] The member management device 50 is a management device that manages the member management data of members registered as members in the game store. Specifically, it manages the number of stored balls, the number of points, the PIN, the name, etc. in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

[0046] If the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data from the between-counter card processor 10, it transmits the stored ball replay data including the number of stored balls and the PIN associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data to the between-counter card processor 10. Also, if the member management device 50 receives the stored ball replay request data from the between-counter card processor 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request data and transmits the stored ball replay data including the subtracted number of stored balls to the between-counter card processor 10. Note that the communication between the between-counter card processor 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40.

[0047] Also, if the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored balls corresponding to the specified card ID.

[0048] The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange installed alongside the prize exchange counter in the game parlor, and performs a prize exchange process for exchanging acquired balls, stored balls, and held balls for prizes. A card reader for reading the card ID from a card and a prize dispensing device for dispensing prizes are connected to this prize management device 60. When the prize management device 60 reads the card ID from a general card or a membership card (or when reading identification data corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal or the like), it transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 and requests the number of held balls corresponding to the card ID. Also, when exchanging stored balls for prizes, it requests the number of stored balls from the membership management device 50.

[0049] When a card associated with prepaid value is inserted into the payment machine 80, it transmits the card ID of this card to the card management device 40, and by receiving the response data, it acquires the prepaid value associated with the card, and dispenses money according to the acquired prepaid value.

[0050] Next, the ball lending process of the game system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When a game player performs a ball lending operation on the floor card processor 10, the floor card processor 10 transmits ball lending request data to the card management device 40. This ball lending request data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the floor card processor 10 and an address or arbitrary identification data for identifying the floor card processor 10 as the transmission source.

[0051] When the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the ball lending request data. Then, the card management device 40 transmits ball lending permission data to the floor card processor 10 as the transmission source. The floor card processor 10 that has received the ball lending permission data performs a process of dispensing the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

[0052] Next, the holding credit replay process when performing a holding credit replay in the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. If the between-stage card processor 10 receives the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the between-stage card processor 10, an address or arbitrary identification data for identifying the between-stage card processor 10 as the transmission source, and data for specifying the rate of the between-stage card processor 10.

[0053] If the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the between-stage card processor 10, it notifies the between-stage card processor 10 of the number of holding credits for each rate associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data.

[0054] The between-stage card processor 10 stores the number of holding credits received from the card management device 40. Then, it transmits holding credit subtraction request data indicating that the card ID, the data for specifying the rate, and the number of holding credits are to be cleared to zero to the card management device 40. If the card management device 40 receives the holding credit subtraction request data, it clears to zero the number of holding credits for each rate specified by the card ID. Also, when the between-stage card processor 10 accepts a holding credit replay operation and performs a holding credit replay, it subtracts a predetermined number from the stored number of holding credits and performs a payout process for the corresponding number of gaming credits. When performing the payout process, for multiples of the unit that the gaming machine can pay out (for example, 25 credits), the payout process is performed by transmitting a payout instruction to the gaming machine, and for the remainder (for example, less than 25 credits), the payout process is performed by paying out from the nozzle unit 18a of its own machine.

[0055] If the between-stage card processor 10 accepts a card return operation, it transmits holding credit addition request data to the card management device 40. This holding credit addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, an address or arbitrary identification data for identifying the between-stage card processor 10 as the transmission source, and the number of holding credits for each rate.

[0056] If the card management device 40 receives the holding value addition request data, it adds the holding value included in the holding value addition request data to the holding value of each rate associated with the card ID. Then, the inter-stage card processor 10 transmits card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 to control card ejection.

[0057] Next, the stored ball replay process in the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the inter-stage card processor 10 reads the card ID from the membership card or the mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-stage card processor 10, the address or any identification data for identifying the inter-stage card processor 10 as the transmission source, and the data for identifying the rate of the inter-stage card processor 10.

[0058] The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-stage card processor 10 to the membership management device 50. When the membership management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data, it transmits stored ball replay data including the password associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data, the number of stored balls of the rate specified by the card insertion notification data among the stored balls, and the number of possible stored ball replays to the inter-stage card processor 10. The number of possible stored ball replays indicates the number of balls for which a stored ball replay can be performed. This number of possible stored ball replays is a multiple of the payout unit number of the game balls in the stored ball replay. If an upper limit is set for the stored ball replay, the maximum value within the range of the stored ball number and the upper limit becomes the number of possible stored ball replays. Note that, instead of the number of possible stored ball replays, the number of times a stored ball replay is possible may be used as the stored ball replay frequency. The stored ball replay frequency corresponds to the quotient obtained by dividing the stored ball number by the payout unit number of the game balls in the stored ball replay. However, when an upper limit is set for the stored ball replay, the stored ball replay frequency is restricted by this upper limit.

[0059] The between-stage card processor 10 stores the received stored ball replay data, and can accept a stored ball replay operation when the number of possible stored ball replays indicated by the stored ball replay data is 1 or more.

[0060] After storing the stored ball replay data, when the between-stage card processor 10 first accepts a stored ball replay operation, it requests the player to input a password, and determines whether the input password matches the password indicated by the stored ball replay data.

[0061] When the passwords match, the between-stage card processor 10 transmits stored ball replay request data to the card management device 40. This stored ball replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the between-stage card processor 10, an address or arbitrary identification data for identifying the between-stage card processor 10 as the transmission source, and data for specifying the rate of the between-stage card processor 10.

[0062] The card management device 40 transmits the stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the stored ball replay request data, it subtracts a predetermined value from the remaining balance of the stored balls of the rate specified by the telegram among 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 between-stage card processor 10.

[0063] The between-stage card processor 10 updates the stored number of balls to be stored, and performs a payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the number of payout units for the stored ball replay. Further, it determines whether the number of possible stored ball replays after the update is 1 or more. If the number of possible stored ball replays is 0, the stored ball replay operation is made unacceptable. If the number of possible stored ball replays after the update is 1 or more, the stored ball replay operation is made acceptable again. In the second and subsequent stored ball replays, it is not necessary to confirm the PIN number. Note that the PIN number may be confirmed every time. Also, here, the case where the between-stage card processor 10 performs the payout process of the game balls after the membership management device 50 subtracts the remaining amount of the stored balls is illustrated, but the remaining amount of the stored balls may be subtracted after the payout process of the game balls is performed based on the stored ball replay request. This is because the number of possible stored ball replays is shown in the stored ball replay data before the stored ball replay request, and a situation where the remaining amount is insufficient is not found after receiving the stored ball replay request.

[0064] Next, the transfer from the held balls to the stored balls in the closing process will be described. The card management device 40 checks the number of held balls in the card management data at the time of the closing process, and if there is a record associated with a number of held balls greater than zero, it notifies the membership management device 50 of the number of held balls together with the card ID and the rate. The membership management device 50 adds the number of held balls notified from the card management device 40 to the number of stored balls specified by the card ID and the rate. Thereafter, the card management device 40 clears the number of held balls to zero.

[0065] Next, the appearance of the between-stage card processor 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the between-stage card processor 10. Note that in FIG. 3, the appearance of the between-stage card processor 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 is shown as the between-stage card processor 10. Also, the gaming machine 20 installed together is shown by a dashed line. Further, in FIG. 3, a between-stage card processor 10 that accepts only banknotes is illustrated, but a unit having a function of accepting mobile terminals, electronic money associated with cards, or coins may also be provided.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the under-stage card processor 10 includes a status display unit 11, a bill insertion slot 12a, a display operation unit 13, a card insertion slot 14a, a holding unit 14b, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

[0067] The status display unit 11 is composed of, for example, multi-color LEDs, and displays the status of the under-stage card processor 10 device by lighting or blinking in a predetermined color. The bill insertion slot 12a is an insertion slot for various bills required for lending game balls. The display operation unit 13 is composed of, for example, a full-color touch panel type liquid crystal display, etc., and is a device that accepts the display of operation buttons and input operations by operation buttons. Although the detailed illustration of the display operation unit 13 is omitted in FIG. 3, the long side on the corresponding gaming machine 20 side is pivotally supported by the under-stage card processor 10 and has a flat plate shape, and the angle formed by the front panel of the under-stage card processor 10 and the display surface of the display operation unit 13 can be changed.

[0068] The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for the cards held by the players. The holding part 14b is a part where the mobile terminal used for membership registration is held. When the mobile terminal is held at the holding part 14b, data such as the unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal is read from the mobile terminal. The nozzle unit 18a is a mechanism for throwing game balls into the gaming machine 20. The nozzle unit 18a consists of a cylindrical nozzle rotatably provided horizontally on the front surface of the under-stage card processor 10 so that the tip of the nozzle can be positioned in the storage part of the gaming machine. The nozzle is supplied with the game medium from the ball supply device in the under-stage card processor that receives the supply of the game medium from the supply mechanism within the island where the under-stage card processor 10 is installed. The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting the game balls dropped from the lower tray of the gaming machine 20. The counting unit 18b consists of a tray part for receiving the game balls, a counting part provided at the lower part within the under-stage card processor 10 for counting the game balls with a counting sensor, and a counting passage part for passing the game medium from the tray part to the counting part. The tray part and the counting passage part can be integrally removed from the under-stage card processor 10 based on a predetermined operation (for example, the remote control operation by the staff). Also, the counting part has a unit structure, and by removing the counting part, the tray part, and the counting passage part, the under-stage card processor 10 can be operated without the counting function.

[0069] Next, the configuration of the under-stage card processor 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the under-stage card processor 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the under-stage card processor 10 includes a bill transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a holding part 14b, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, a control unit 17, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

[0070] The bill transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports the bills inserted from the bill insertion port 12a to a bill storage unit (not shown) while discriminating the denominations and authenticity of the bills. The display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display that has a function of specifying and displaying various information such as the prepaid value available for lending balls, the number of held balls, the number of stored balls, etc. from a card or the like that has received such information, and a function of displaying information not related to other cards or the like, and also has a function of accepting various operations such as a ball lending operation. In addition to the above-described display, the display operation unit 13 also has a function of displaying an excess or deficiency regarding the number of cards accommodated and a function of displaying the communication state (online / offline, etc.) with a superior device.

[0071] The reader / writer 14 is a device that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion port 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion port 14a is stored in a card storage unit (not shown) via this reader / writer 14. The holding unit 14b is an interface unit that reads various information such as the unique ID (for example, IDm) of a mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication when a mobile terminal or the like is held. Further, the reader / writer 14 also has a function of issuing a new card by associating value data such as the held balls and prepaid value shown in the card data 16b with the card stored in the card storage unit in response to a return operation by a game player. However, when the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of held balls is less than a certain number (the minimum holding number), control is performed so that the card is not returned even if there is a return operation. This is control for preventing losses to the game parlor due to the discarding of cards associated with a small number of held balls, and is applied not only to the cards pre-stored inside but also to the cards received from the outside (except for membership cards). As the certain number, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the number of held balls by the lending unit price per ball can be set to be the value of the card or the prize with the lowest price in the game parlor, but it is not limited to this and can be freely set according to the policy of the game parlor. Also, when controlling so that the card is not returned even if there is a return operation, the stored held balls can be paid out, or a display indicating that the card cannot be returned and / or a display prompting a replay of the held balls may be performed.

[0072] The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30. The nozzle unit 18a is used for part or all of the payout when paying out game balls by lending balls or replaying. The counting unit 18b is a unit for counting game balls.

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

[0074] The self-device state data 16a is data indicating the state of the inter-stage card processor 10. This self-device state data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-stage card processor and the game type setting. The device ID of the inter-stage card processor is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-stage card processor 10 in the game parlor. The game type setting is data indicating the game type or the like set in the inter-stage card processor 10. When handling game balls of multiple rates in the game parlor, the game type name is set and managed for each rate, such as "Ball 1" for 4-yen rate game balls, "Ball 2" for 2-yen rate game balls, and "Ball 3" for 1-yen rate game balls. The inter-stage card processor 10 selects the rate to be used in the game from these game types and stores it as the game type setting.

[0075] The card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the game player. The card data 16b includes the card ID, prepaid value, held balls, stored balls, the number of available stored ball replays, etc. For the held balls and stored balls, data exists for each game type (rate). The card ID is the card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and then discharged, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this conveyance. Also, when a card is conveyed from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this conveyance.

[0076] The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire counter card processor 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a counting processing unit 17b, a cashless payment processing unit 17c, and a cashless settlement processing unit 17d.

[0077] When a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the self-device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including value data (at least any one of prepaid value, number of held balls, and number of stored balls) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received value data. The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display on the display operation unit 13 of the prepaid value, the number of held balls, and the number of stored balls indicated in the card data 16b.

[0078] Also, when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits deposit notification data including the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID, and the counter card processor ID to the card management device 40.

[0079] Further, when a ball lending operation is performed by a game player, the data management unit 17a transmits ball lending request data including the card ID and the device ID to the card management device 40. If ball lending permission data is received as a response to this ball lending request data, the data management unit 17a performs a payout process of a predetermined number of game balls.

[0080] Also, when a held ball replay operation is performed by a game player, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of held balls indicated in the card data 16b and performs a payout process of the corresponding number of game balls.

[0081] In addition, when the number of available stored ball replays shown in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 17a displays a stored ball replay button on the display operation unit 13 and enables acceptance of stored ball replay operations. When a stored ball replay operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a transmits stored ball replay request data including the card ID and the pedestal card processing unit ID to the member management device 50. If stored ball replay data is received as a response to this stored ball replay request data, the data management unit updates the number of stored balls in the card data 16b and performs a payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the payout unit number of the stored ball replay. At the time of the first stored ball replay operation, an input of a password is requested, and the stored ball replay request data is transmitted on the condition that it matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

[0082] In addition, when a player performs a card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits holding ball addition request data including the card ID, the device ID, and the number of holding balls to the card management device 40, clears the number of holding balls in the card data 16b to zero, then transmits card ejection notification data to the card management device 40, and ejects the card.

[0083] In addition, if a player performs a stored ball transfer operation while the membership card is inserted, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of holding balls shown in the card data 16b, and transmits stored ball addition request data including the IDm read by the holding unit 14b to the member management device 50 via the card management device 40, thereby transferring the holding balls to the stored balls. Note that stored ball transfer can also be performed using a mobile terminal instead of the membership card. Specifically, if the number of holding balls is equal to or more than a predetermined number and the mobile terminal is held up to the holding unit 14b after a predetermined operation is performed, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of holding balls shown in the card data 16b, and transmits stored ball addition request data including the IDm read by the holding unit 14b, thereby transferring the holding balls to the stored balls.

[0084] In addition, the data management unit 17a can perform processing related to the wagon service. The wagon service is a service in which a game store employee puts products such as drinks and cigarettes into a wagon, tours the game store, and sells them to game players during the game. In such a wagon service, in addition to payment in cash or the like, payment can be made using stored value or saved value. When settling the wagon service using stored value or saved value, the game store employee gives an instruction to the podium card processor 10 through a store employee terminal (for example, a remote control terminal) to put the podium card processor 10 in a state where the wagon service can be settled. Then, information that can identify the quantity of stored value or saved value to be subtracted as consideration is input to the podium card processor 10. This input process is performed by inputting a numerical value at the display operation unit 13 of the podium card processor or the operation unit of the store employee terminal. When the podium card processor 10 receives the input, it waits to receive an employee recording medium (for example, a wagon card) for use in the wagon service. When the wagon card is received, the data management unit 17a subtracts the stored value or saved value corresponding to the input quantity from the number indicated by the card data 16b and discharges it in association with the employee recording medium. In addition, when the podium card processor 10 receives an employee recording medium without receiving information that can identify the quantity of stored value or saved value to be subtracted as consideration, it performs a process of returning the employee recording medium without settling the wagon service. Also, during the settlement of the wagon service, when information that can identify the quantity of stored value or saved value to be subtracted as consideration is being received and a replay operation or a return operation of the recording medium of the stored value or saved value is received, the two processes are prevented from conflicting by a method such as rejecting the replay operation or return operation or canceling the settlement of the wagon service.

[0085] When game balls are inserted into the counting unit 18b, the counting processing unit 17b causes the counting unit 18b to count the game balls and adds the counting result to the number of stored game balls in the card data 16b.

[0086] The cashless payment processing unit 17c performs the processing necessary for cashless payment. Specifically, when the cashless payment processing unit 17c receives an operation request for obtaining a payment by cashless payment, it generates payment data including a payment ID that uniquely identifies the payment and the payment amount, encodes the payment data, store data, and table data into a two-dimensional code, and displays it on the display operation unit 13. Here, the store data is data that identifies the gaming store, and the table data is data that identifies the inter-table card processor 10. As the table data, for example, the device ID of the own device status data 16a may be used. The terminal device 110 carried by the player captures the two-dimensional code displayed on the display operation unit 13 with a camera, decodes and reads the two-dimensional code, and reads the payment data to perform the payment.

[0087] The cashless settlement processing unit 17d performs the processing necessary for cashless settlement. Specifically, when the cashless settlement processing unit 17d receives an operation request for cashless settlement, it receives a selection of a settlement method from the cashless payment, calculates a settlement fee from the selected settlement method and the remaining balance of the prepaid value. Then, it generates settlement data indicating various information related to the settlement, encodes the settlement data into a two-dimensional code, and displays it on the display operation unit 13. The terminal device 110 carried by the player captures the two-dimensional code displayed on the display operation unit 13 with a camera, decodes and reads the two-dimensional code, and performs cashless settlement. Note that the result of the cashless settlement is notified to the card management device 40 and the prepaid value is subtracted.

[0088] Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-table card processor 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-table card processor 10.

[0089] The own device status data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) indicates that the ID of the inter-table card processor 10 is "3001" and the game type of the inter-table card processor 10 is set to "Ball 1".

[0090] The card data 16b shown in Fig. 5(b) indicates a state where the ID of the card inserted into the inter-stage card processor 10 is "1001". Here, the upper digit of the card ID indicates the type of the card. A card with the upper digit "1" is a general card, and a card with the upper digit "2" is a membership card. Also, the card data 16b indicates a state where the prepaid value is "2000 units". Here, one unit of the prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen. Further, the card data 16b indicates a state where the number of balls held for ball 1 is "375 balls", the number of balls held for ball 2 is "500 balls", and the number of balls held for ball 3 is "2000 balls".

[0091] Also, as data related to stored balls, the card data 16b can store a password, the number of available replay times for stored balls, and the number of stored balls for each game type. However, since Fig. 5(b) shows a state where a general card is received, these data are shown as "-" indicating non-applicability. Here, a configuration is shown where the number of balls that can be replayed is stored as the number of available replay times, but the number of available replay times can also be stored as the number of replay frequencies. Also, although not shown in the figure, in the card management device 40, in association with the card ID, the ON / OFF of a "lock" flag indicating the validity / invalidity of the card is also stored in addition to the held balls, stored balls, and prepaid value. When a card theft is detected, it is turned ON by an employee operation. These data are also included in and stored in the card data 16b. Furthermore, this "lock" flag can be set separately for each function (such as "using stored balls", "boarding", etc.). For example, at the request of a game player, only the "boarding" function can be targeted for "locking" to prevent misoperations. Here, in this specification, "boarding" means converting the number of game media of a certain rate into the number of game media of another rate based on the ratio of the unit prices of the game media and using them. As a specific example, in the inter-stage card processor 10 associated with the 4-yen rate, using the number of balls X of the 1-yen rate, a payout process of X×(1 yen / 4 yen) = X / 4 balls can be exemplified. This "boarding" function can be switched between valid / invalid by the membership management device 50 according to the store operation policy.

[0092] Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the card management device 40 includes a display unit 41, an input unit 42, an external network communication unit 43, a store network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46.

[0093] The display unit 41 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The external network communication unit 43 is an interface unit for data communication via a network outside the game parlor. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the payment terminal 80 via a communication line in the game parlor.

[0094] The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, and payment fee setting data 45d.

[0095] The game type setting data 45a is data associating the rental rate and the display name with the game type. The card management data 45b is data associating the prepaid value, the number of holding balls of each game type, and the destination device ID indicating the device ID of the pedestal card processing machine 10 into which the card is inserted with the card ID. The device management data 45c is data related to the devices arranged in the game parlor. This device management data 45c includes the device ID of the pedestal card processing machine, the address of the pedestal card processing machine 10, the installation location, the game machine ID of the attached game machine, and the model data.

[0096] The payment fee setting data 45d is data for managing the settings related to the fee when prepaid value is paid. Specifically, the payment fee setting data 45d indicates the fee set for the combination of the purchase method and the payment method of the prepaid value.

[0097] The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and includes a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, a device management unit 46c, a value addition unit 46d, and a setting unit 46e. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or a non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, so as to execute processes corresponding to the game type setting management unit 46a, the card management unit 46b, the device management unit 46c, the value addition unit 46d, and the setting unit 46e respectively.

[0098] The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages game type setting data 45a by associating the game types used in the game parlor, the rates, and the display names.

[0099] The card management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages card management data 45b. Specifically, when the card management unit 46b receives card insertion notification data from the between-stage card processor 10, it sets the destination device ID of the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data to the device ID also indicated in the card insertion notification data. In addition, it notifies the between-stage card processor 10 of the prepaid value associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data and the number of held credits for each rate as value data. Also, when the inserted card is a membership card, it transmits the card insertion notification data to the membership management device. When the card management unit 46b receives the held credit subtraction request data from the between-stage card processor 10, it clears the number of held credits for the rate indicated in the held credit subtraction request data to zero.

[0100] In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives the ball lending request data including the card ID from the inter-stage card processor 10, it determines whether the prepaid value associated with the card ID is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the prepaid value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b subtracts the predetermined value from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 45b and transmits the ball lending permission data including the updated prepaid value to the inter-stage card processor 10. On the other hand, if the prepaid value is less than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b notifies the inter-stage card processor 10 of the non-ball-lending data.

[0101] In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives the deposit notification data including the amount of money inserted from the inter-stage card processor 10, the card ID, and the device ID, it adds the amount of prepaid value indicated in the deposit notification to the prepaid value associated with the card ID.

[0102] In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives the ball storage re-play request data from the inter-stage card processor 10, it transfers the ball storage re-play request data to the member management device 50. Also, regarding the response data from the member management device 50 for the ball storage re-play request data, it transfers it to the inter-stage card processor 10.

[0103] In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives the ball addition request data, it adds the number of balls included in the ball addition request data to the number of balls of the corresponding rate. Also, when the card management unit 46b receives the card ejection notification data, it deletes the destination device ID of the card ID.

[0104] In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives the card ID from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls of each rate associated with this card ID. Also, when the card management unit 46b receives the card ID from the cash register 80, it notifies the cash register 80 of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

[0105] The device management unit 46c is a processing unit that manages device management data 45c. The device management unit 46c generates and updates the device management data 45c based on the device ID acquired from the inter-stage card processor 10, the address of the inter-stage card processor 10, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID.

[0106] The value addition unit 46d is a processing unit that purchases and settles prepaid value based on cashless settlement. When the value addition unit 46d receives a settlement completion notice from an external device that manages cashless settlement, it identifies the destination card for the deposit from the various information shown in the settlement completion notice and adds the prepaid value. Also, when the value addition unit 46d receives a settlement completion notice from an external device that manages cashless settlement, it identifies the card subject to settlement from the various information shown in the settlement completion notice and settles the prepaid value.

[0107] The setting unit 46e is a processing unit that sets the fee for settlement of prepaid value and registers it in the settlement fee setting data 45d. The setting unit 46e can set the availability of settlement for combinations of the purchase method available for purchasing prepaid value and the settlement method available for settling prepaid value. For combinations for which settlement is possible, the settlement fee can be set and registered in the settlement fee setting data 45d. Also, when the setting unit 46e receives an inquiry from the inter-stage card processor 10 or the settlement machine 80, it responds with the fee set for the specified combination of purchase method and settlement method.

[0108] Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIGS. 7 to 8 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of the data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40.

[0109] The game type setting data 45a shown in Fig. 7(a) associates the game type name "Ball 1" with a rate of "4 yen" and a display name of "4 Pachi". Also, the game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "Ball 2" with a rate of "2 yen" and a display name of "2 Pachi". Further, the game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "Ball 3" with a rate of "1 yen" and a display name of "1 Pachi".

[0110] In the card management data 45b shown in Fig. 7(b), the prepaid value of "2500", the number of balls of Ball 1 "1500", the number of balls of Ball 2 "2300", and the number of balls of Ball 3 "0" are associated with the card ID "1001". That is, the card with the card ID "1001" is not inserted into the inter-stage card processor 10, and the management of the balls held is performed by the card management device 40.

[0111] Also, in the card management data 45b shown in Fig. 7(b), the prepaid value of "0", the number of balls held for each rate "0", and the destination device ID "3004" are associated with the card ID "1002". That is, the card with the card ID "1002" is inserted into the inter-stage card processor 10 with the device ID "3004", and the management of the number of balls held has been transferred to the inter-stage card processor 10. For this reason, the number of balls held for each rate is zero.

[0112] Also, in the card management data 45b shown in Fig. 7(b), the prepaid value of "2000", the number of balls held for each rate "0", and the destination device ID "3001" are associated with the card ID "2002". That is, the card with the card ID "2002" is inserted into the inter-stage card processor 10 with the device ID "3001", and the management of the balls held has been transferred to the inter-stage card processor 10. For this reason, the number of balls held for each rate is zero.

[0113] Furthermore, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b), the prepaid value is associated with the purchase method, and the remaining balance for each purchase method is shown. Specifically, the prepaid value of card ID "1001" is "2500", which is the sum of "1000" for the purchase in cash and "1500" for the purchase by cashless P1. Similarly, the prepaid value of card ID "2002" is "2000", which is the sum of "1000" for the purchase by cashless P1 and "1000" for the purchase by cashless P2.

[0114] The device management data 45c shown in FIG. 7(c) indicates that the address of the inter-stage card processor 10 with ID "3001" on the network is "AB.CD.EF.GH", the installation location is "Island 1-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "P001", the game type is "Ball 3", and the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "EV01". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

[0115] The settlement fee setting data 45d shown in FIG. 8 shows cash, cashless P1, and cashless P2 as the purchase method and settlement method. Specifically, the settlement fee for settling the prepaid value purchased in cash with cash is "none", the settlement fee for settling the prepaid value purchased in cash with cashless P1 is "1%", and the settlement fee for settling the prepaid value purchased in cash with cashless P2 is "2%".

[0116] Also, the settlement fee for settling the prepaid value purchased by cashless P1 with cash is "2%", the settlement fee for settling the prepaid value purchased by cashless P1 with cashless P1 is "none", and the settlement fee for settling the prepaid value purchased by cashless P1 with cashless settlement P2 is "3%".

[0117] In addition, the settlement fee for cashing out the prepaid value purchased with Cashless P2 in cash is "2%", the settlement fee for cashing out the prepaid value purchased with Cashless P2 with Cashless P1 is "4%", and the settlement fee for cashing out the prepaid value purchased with Cashless P1 with Cashless Settlement P2 is "1%".

[0118] Next, the configuration of the cash register 80 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the cash register 80 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 9, the cash register 80 includes a display unit 81, an operation unit 82, a card reader 83, a currency storage unit 84, a communication unit 85, and a control unit 86.

[0119] The display unit 81 is a display output device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 82 is an input device such as an operation button. Alternatively, a touch panel display that also serves as the display unit 81 and the operation unit 82 may be used.

[0120] The card reader 83 accepts a general card or a membership card and reads the card ID. The currency storage unit 84 stores currencies by denomination and performs currency withdrawal in response to an instruction from the control unit 86. The communication unit 85 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the card management device 40.

[0121] The control unit 86 is a control unit that controls the entire cash register 80, and includes a settlement content determination unit 86a, a cash settlement processing unit 86b, and a cashless settlement processing unit 86c. The settlement content determination unit 86a transmits the card ID read by the card reader 83 to the card management device 40, and acquires the remaining balance of the prepaid value and the purchase method from the card management device 40. Further, the settlement content determination unit 86a accepts the selection of the settlement method, transmits the combination of the purchase method and the settlement method to the card management device 40, and acquires the setting of the settlement fee. Then, the settlement amount, the settlement fee, etc. are determined as the settlement content from the remaining balance of the prepaid value and the setting of the settlement fee.

[0122] When the selected settlement method is cash settlement, the cash settlement processing unit 86b causes the money storage unit 84 to pay out money according to the settlement details determined by the settlement details determination unit 86a.

[0123] When the selected settlement method is cashless settlement, the cashless settlement processing unit 86c generates settlement data indicating the settlement details determined by the settlement details determination unit 86a, encodes the settlement data into a two-dimensional code, and displays it on the display unit 81. The terminal device 110 carried by the player performs cashless settlement by imaging the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 81 with a camera and decoding and reading the two-dimensional code. Note that the result of the cashless settlement is notified to the card management device 40 and the prepaid value is subtracted.

[0124] Next, the processing procedure of the settlement machine 80 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the settlement machine 80. First, the card reader 83 of the settlement machine 80 accepts a card and reads the card ID (step S101).

[0125] The settlement details determination unit 86a transmits the card ID read by the card reader 83 to the card management device 40, and acquires card data including the remaining balance of the prepaid value and the purchase method from the card management device 40 (step S102). Further, the settlement details determination unit 86a accepts the selection of the settlement method (step S103), transmits the combination of the purchase method and the settlement method to the card management device 40, and acquires the setting of the settlement fee (step S104). Then, the settlement amount, settlement fee, etc. are calculated from the remaining balance of the prepaid value and the setting of the settlement fee (step S105).

[0126] If the settlement method is cash settlement (step S106; Yes), the cash settlement processing unit 86b executes cash settlement by causing the money storage unit 84 to pay out money according to the settlement details (step S107), and ends the processing.

[0127] If the settlement method is not cash settlement (step S106; No), the cashless settlement processing unit 86c displays the settlement details as a two-dimensional code, allows the terminal device 110 to read it, and adds the balance for cashless settlement (step S108) to execute cashless settlement and end the process.

[0128] Next, the purchase of prepaid value by cashless settlement will be described. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the purchase of prepaid value by cashless settlement. When the purchase of prepaid value by cashless settlement is performed by the floor card processor 10, there are cases where both the amount selection and settlement are performed by the floor card processor 10, cases where the amount selection is performed by the floor card processor 10 and the settlement is performed by the player's terminal device 110, and cases where both the amount selection and settlement are performed by the player's terminal device 110.

[0129] In the case where both the amount selection and settlement are performed by the floor card processor 10, the following operations will be performed. (1) Select the deposit amount on the floor card processor 10 (2) Activate the code reader of the floor card processor 10 (3) Display the two-dimensional code on the player's terminal device 110 and hold it in front of the floor card processor (4) Settle and deposit on the floor card processor 10

[0130] Also, in the case where the amount selection is performed by the floor card processor 10 and the settlement is performed by the player's terminal device 110, the following operations will be performed. (1) Select the deposit amount on the floor card processor 10 (2) Display the two-dimensional code on the floor card processor 10 (3) Read the two-dimensional code on the player's terminal device 110 (4) Receive the deposit operation on the player's terminal device 110 (5) Settle on the player's terminal device 110 and deposit to the floor card processor

[0131] Also, in the case where both the amount selection and settlement are performed by the terminal device 110, the following operations will be performed. (1) The inter-table card processor 10 displays a two-dimensional code, which is read by the player's terminal device 110. (2) The player selects the deposit amount on the terminal device 110. (3) The terminal device 110 of the player accepts the deposit operation. (4) The player settles the payment on the terminal device 110 and deposits the money into the inter-table card processor.

[0132] It is also possible to purchase prepaid value through cashless payment at the ticket vending machine installed in the game arcade. When purchasing prepaid value through cashless payment at the ticket vending machine, there are cases where both the amount selection and settlement are performed at the ticket vending machine, cases where the amount selection is made at the ticket vending machine and the settlement is performed on the player's terminal device 110, and cases where both the amount selection and settlement are performed on the player's terminal device 110.

[0133] In the case where both the amount selection and settlement are performed at the ticket vending machine, the following operations will be carried out. (1) Select the deposit amount at the ticket vending machine. (2) Activate the code reader of the ticket vending machine. (3) The player's terminal device 110 displays a two-dimensional code and shows it to the ticket vending machine. (4) Settle the payment at the ticket vending machine. (5) Issue a prepaid card at the ticket vending machine.

[0134] Also, in the case where the amount selection is made at the ticket vending machine and the settlement is performed on the player's terminal device 110, the following operations will be carried out. (1) Select the deposit amount at the ticket vending machine. (2) Display a two-dimensional code at the ticket vending machine. (3) The player's terminal device 110 reads the two-dimensional code. (4) The player's terminal device 110 accepts the deposit operation. (5) The player settles the payment on the terminal device 110. (6) Issue a prepaid card at the ticket vending machine.

[0135] Also, in the case where both the amount selection and settlement are performed on the terminal device 110, the following operations will be carried out. (1) The ticket vending machine displays a two-dimensional code, which is read by the player's terminal device 110. (2) Select the deposit amount on the player's terminal device 110 (3) Receive the deposit operation on the player's terminal device 110 (4) Settle the payment on the player's terminal device 110 (5) Issue a prepaid card at the ticket vending machine

[0136] Next, the settlement of the prepaid value by cashless payment will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the settlement of the prepaid value by cashless payment. When the settlement of the prepaid value by cashless payment is performed by the floor card processor 10, there are cases where the settlement itself is performed by the floor card processor 10, cases where the settlement itself is performed by the player's terminal device 110, and cases where it is performed via the settlement machine 80.

[0137] In the case where the settlement itself is performed by the floor card processor 10, the following operations will be performed. (1) Receive the settlement operation on the floor card processor 10 (2) Receive the selection of the settlement method on the floor card processor 10 (3) Activate the code reader of the floor card processor 10 (4) Display the two-dimensional code on the player's terminal device 110 and present it to the floor card processor 10 (5) Settle the payment on the floor card processor 10 and add it to the balance for cashless payment

[0138] In the case where the settlement itself is performed by the player's terminal device 110, the following operations will be performed. (1) Receive the settlement operation on the floor card processor 10 (2) Receive the selection of the settlement method on the floor card processor 10 (3) Display the two-dimensional code on the floor card processor 10 (4) Read the two-dimensional code on the player's terminal device 110 (5) Receive the settlement operation on the player's terminal device 110 (6) Settle the payment on the player's terminal device 110 and add it to the balance for cashless payment

[0139] In the case of passing through the payment machine 80, the inter-stage card processor 10 will first perform the following operations. (1) The inter-stage card processor 10 accepts a card return operation. (2) The inter-stage card processor 10 ejects the card. After that, when performing payment using the ejected card on the payment machine 80, there are two cases: one is where the payment itself is performed on the payment machine 80, and the other is where the payment itself is performed on the player's terminal device 110.

[0140] In the case where the payment itself is performed on the payment machine 80, the following operations will be performed. (1) The payment machine 80 accepts the card. (2) The payment machine 80 accepts the selection of the payment method. (3) The code reader of the payment machine 80 is activated. (4) The player's terminal device 110 displays a two-dimensional code and presents it to the payment machine 80. (5) The player's terminal device 110 performs the payment and adds it to the balance for cashless payment.

[0141] In the case where the payment for the card accepted by the payment machine 80 is performed on the player's terminal device 110, the following operations will be performed. (1) The payment machine 80 accepts the card. (2) The payment machine 80 accepts the selection of the payment method. (3) The payment machine 80 displays a two-dimensional code. (4) The player's terminal device 110 reads the two-dimensional code. (5) The player's terminal device 110 accepts the payment operation. (6) The player's terminal device 110 performs the payment and adds it to the balance for cashless payment.

[0142] Next, a specific example of prepaid value purchase will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of prepaid value purchase. First, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the player operates the display operation unit 13 of the inter-stage card processor 10 and inputs the deposit amount. In FIG. 13(a), the player is shown in a state where "10,000 yen" has been input.

[0143] After that, as shown in FIG. 13(b), a two-dimensional code is displayed on the player's terminal device 110 and presented to the podium card processor 10. This two-dimensional code contains information specifying the account for cashless payment to be used, etc.

[0144] The podium card processor 10 executes a cashless payment using the cashless payment account specified by the two-dimensional code and the input deposit amount, and adds 10,000 yen to the prepaid value. Then, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the deposit completion is displayed on the display operation unit 13. Also, the deposit completion is notified to the player's terminal device 110 as well.

[0145] After the deposit is completed, the player can execute a loan of balls using the prepaid value. Further, even when there is a remaining prepaid value, as shown in FIG. 13(d), additional deposits can be made by cash or cashless payment to add to the prepaid value.

[0146] Next, a specific example of the settlement of the prepaid value will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the settlement of the prepaid value. First, as shown in FIG. 14(a), the player operates the display operation unit 13 of the podium card processor 10 to select a settlement method. FIG. 14(a) shows a state where the player has selected "P1" from among "Cash", "P1", and "P2".

[0147] After that, as shown in FIG. 14(b), a two-dimensional code is displayed on the player's terminal device 110 and presented to the podium card processor 10. This two-dimensional code contains information specifying the cashless payment account to be used for settlement, etc.

[0148] The inter-table card processor 10 obtains the setting of the settlement fee from the purchase method and settlement method of the prepaid value, and calculates the amount of the settlement fee and the settlement amount using the remaining balance of the prepaid value and the setting of the settlement fee. Then, the remaining balance of the prepaid value, the amount of the settlement fee, and the settlement amount are displayed on the display operation unit 13 as the settlement details. In FIG. 14(c), the remaining balance of the prepaid value "6,000 yen", the amount of the settlement fee "10 yen", and the settlement amount "5,990 yen" are displayed as the settlement details. Also, this settlement detail is notified to the terminal device 110 of the player as well.

[0149] If the player checks the settlement details and performs a settlement execution operation, the inter-table card processor 10 performs a cashless settlement using the cashless settlement account specified by the two-dimensional code and the settlement details, adds the settlement amount to the balance for cashless settlement, and sets the prepaid value to zero. Then, as shown in FIG. 14(d), the display operation unit 13 displays the completion of the settlement. Also, the completion of the settlement is notified to the terminal device 110 of the player as well.

[0150] Next, the use of the prepaid value will be described. In this embodiment, the total amount of the prepaid value and the remaining balance for each purchase method are managed. In this state, when lending balls, the problem is which remaining balance of the purchase method to subtract from.

[0151] The first method for determining which remaining balance of the purchase method to subtract is based on the purchase order. That is, when the prepaid value given by a plurality of purchase methods is used, the remaining balance is managed such that the value purchased first is used first.

[0152] The second method for determining which remaining balance of the purchase method to subtract is based on a pre-specified priority. That is, when the prepaid value given by a plurality of purchase methods is used, the remaining balance is managed such that the value purchased by the purchase method with a higher pre-specified priority is used first. The specification of the priority may be performed by the game store or by the player.

[0153] Further, instead of managing the balance for each purchase method, when settling the balance of the value conferred by a plurality of purchase methods, the prepaid value may be used such that the settlement fee is minimized. For example, when a purchase of 1000 yen is made in cash and a purchase of 1000 yen is made using cashless payment P1, the total prepaid value is equivalent to 2000 yen. Thereafter, when a loan of 1500 yen worth of tokens is made, the remaining balance of the prepaid value is equivalent to 500 yen. At this point, it is not specified whether it is the cash purchase portion or the purchase portion by cashless payment P1. If paying in cash, it is assumed that the cash purchase portion has a remaining balance of 500 yen, and if paying by cashless payment P1, it is assumed that the purchase portion by cashless payment P1 has a remaining balance of 500 yen. Here, the settlement amount is restricted by the original purchase amount. That is, if settling 1500 yen worth of prepaid value in cash, 1000 yen worth is for the cash purchase portion and 500 yen worth is for the purchase portion by cashless payment P1.

[0154] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to confer prepaid value, which is the value related to the game medium, by a plurality of purchase methods, manage the remaining balance of the prepaid value in association with the purchase method, and settle the remaining balance of the value by a plurality of settlement methods. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately respond to a plurality of payment methods.

[0155] Here, the plurality of purchase methods can include a purchase by cash and a purchase by cashless payment without using cash.

[0156] Further, the plurality of settlement methods can include a cash settlement that returns cash and a cashless settlement that adds the remaining balance for cashless payment.

[0157] Also, by setting a settlement fee for the combination of the purchase method and the settlement method of the prepaid value, an appropriate fee can be imposed.

[0158] In addition, when the value granted by a plurality of purchase methods is used, the remaining balance of the value can be managed such that the value purchased earlier is used first. Alternatively, when the value granted by a plurality of purchase methods is used, the remaining balance of the value may be managed such that the value purchased by a purchase method with a higher specified priority is used first.

[0159] In addition, when settling the remaining balance of the value granted by a plurality of purchase methods, the value can be used so that the settlement fee is minimized.

[0160] Note that in the above-described embodiments, the case where any method can be used for settlement, whether it is prepaid value purchased by cash settlement or prepaid value purchased by cashless settlement, has been described as an example. However, the available settlement methods may be restricted. For example, for prepaid value purchased by a specific cashless settlement, settlement can be prohibited. The prepaid value for which settlement is prohibited will be used for lending balls or exchanged for prizes until it is used up.

[0161] In the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which information related to cashless settlement is transferred using a two-dimensional code has been described as an example. However, a configuration in which information related to cashless settlement is transferred using short-range wireless communication or the like may also be used.

[0162] In the above-described embodiments, a detailed description of the form of the card, which is a medium related to the number of game media, has been omitted. However, such cards include magnetic cards, IC cards, and the like. Here, for the sake of convenience of explanation, "card" has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied when using a chip, a stick, a mobile terminal, or the like other than such cards.

[0163] In the above-described embodiments, the case where game balls are used as game media has been described as an example. However, the present invention is also applicable when using medals for slot machines.

[0164] In addition, each of the illustrated configurations is a schematic of the functions, and it is not necessarily physically configured as shown. That is, the form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

Industrial Applicability

[0165] As described above, the pedestal device and the gaming system according to the present invention are suitable for appropriately corresponding to a plurality of payment methods in a gaming store.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0166] 10 Pedestal card processor 11 Status display unit 12 Bill transport unit 12a Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation unit 14 Reader / writer 14a Card insertion slot 14b Holding part 15, 85 Communication unit 16, 45 Storage unit 16a Self-device status data 16b Card data 17, 46, 86 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Counting processing unit 17c Cashless payment processing unit 17d, 86c Cashless settlement processing unit 18a Nozzle unit 18b Counting unit 20 Gaming machine 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41, 81 Display unit 42 Input unit 43 External network communication unit 44 Store network communication unit 45a Game type setting data 45b Card management data 45c Equipment Management Data 45d Settlement fee setting data 46a Game type setting management section 46b Card Management Department 46c Equipment management department 46d Value Addition Department 46e Settings section 50 Membership management device 60 Prize Management Device 80 Payment machine 82 Control section 83 Card Reader 84 Coin storage section 86a Settlement details determination section 86b Cash settlement processing section 110 Terminal Equipment

Claims

1. A podium device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, having reception means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and using the valuable values in the order of purchase in the order of purchase of the valuable values given by a plurality of purchase methods. The podium device is characterized by the above.

2. A podium device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, having reception means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and using the valuable values in order based on a preset priority for each purchase method for the valuable values given by a plurality of purchase methods. The podium device is characterized by the above.

3. A podium device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, having reception means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and combining and using the valuable values given by the plurality of purchase methods so that the settlement fee preset for each purchase method is minimized for the valuable values given by the plurality of purchase methods. The podium device is characterized by the above.

4. The podium device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized by managing the total of the valuable values and the balance for each purchase method.

5. The podium device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plurality of purchase methods are purchase by cash and purchase by non-cash settlement.

6. The podium device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the priority is determined by the game store or by the player.

7. A gaming system having a podium device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, wherein the podium device has reception means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and uses the valuable values in the order of purchase in the order of purchase of the valuable values given by a plurality of purchase methods. The gaming system is characterized by the above.

8. A gaming system having a podium device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, wherein the podium device has reception means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, and uses the valuable values in order based on a preset priority for each purchase method for the valuable values given by a plurality of purchase methods. The gaming system is characterized by the above.

9. A gaming system having a podium device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, wherein the podium device has reception means for receiving a storage medium associated with a valuable value, For the valuable value given by a plurality of purchase methods, combine and use the valuable values given by the plurality of purchase methods so that the settlement fee preset for each purchase method is minimized. A gaming system characterized by the above.

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