Information storage medium discharging device, information storage medium discharging method, and program

Abstract

To provide a payment adjusting device capable of suppressing expenses of introducing a new system while realizing compatibility.SOLUTION: A payment adjusting device 100 capable of discharging and receiving an information storage medium 10 that can store money information acquires an application ID that is inherent information of a member application from a player mobile terminal 600 for storing the member application, and performs authentication regarding whether the player is a member. When it is authenticated that the player is a member, the payment adjusting device stores the application ID and a unified shop number that can identify a game parlor in the information storage medium 10 in association with each other, and discharges the information storage medium 10 for storing at least the application ID, the unified shop number, and the money information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information storage medium ejection device, an information storage medium ejection method, and a program for use in gaming establishments. [Background technology]

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

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

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

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

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-360898 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-082516 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0008] Therefore, when using the player's mobile terminal instead of a membership card, it was desirable to improve convenience by using the player's mobile terminal, as well as to ensure compatibility so that conventional unit devices can be used, thereby reducing costs associated with introducing a new system.

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

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an information storage medium ejection device (deposit settlement device 100) capable of ejecting and accepting an information storage medium 10 capable of storing at least monetary information, the device comprising: deposit control means (deposit settlement control unit 130 performing member deposit control processing, etc.) for depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in the information storage medium; information storage medium ejection means (deposit settlement control unit 130 performing application membership card ejection processing, etc.) for ejecting the information storage medium in which the monetary information has been stored by the deposit control means; member authentication means (deposit settlement control unit 130 performing member authentication processing, etc.) for acquiring an application ID, which is information unique to the application, from a mobile terminal of a player in which a membership application has been stored, and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; and member setting means (deposit settlement control unit 130 performing member information linking processing, etc.) for, when the player is authenticated as a member by the member authentication means, associating the application ID with a unified store number capable of identifying the gaming facility in which the information storage medium ejection device is installed, and storing the associated application ID and a unified store number in the information storage medium; The information storage medium ejection means is characterized in that, when the member authentication means authenticates that the person is a member, it ejects the information storage medium in which at least the app ID and the unified store number are stored in correspondence with each other by the member setting means. This eliminates the hassle of having to carry a membership card for each gaming facility, improving the convenience of membership services. Also, because app membership cards will be issued at a new information storage medium dispensing device (for example, a deposit settlement device) rather than at multiple unit devices installed at gaming facilities, costs associated with introducing a new system can be reduced.

[0011] Preferably, the information storage medium ejection means is capable of ejecting the same type of information storage medium (the same general card, that is, ordinary information storage medium 10b) when the member authentication means has authenticated the person as a member and when the member authentication means has not authenticated the person as a member. This allows the gaming establishment to reduce costs by using the same card as a general card, without having to prepare a separate membership card for app members. Furthermore, the deposit settlement device does not need to prepare different card stockers for each type of card or perform different discharge processes, preventing the structure from becoming complicated and reducing the control burden.

[0012] Preferably, the member authentication means acquires the app ID and the player's membership number (store membership number) associated with each gaming store from the player's mobile terminal and authenticates whether or not the player is a member, and when the member authentication means authenticates that the player is a member, the member setting means acquires the number of stored balls of the gaming medium associated with the membership number and stores the acquired number of stored balls in the information storage medium in association with the app ID, the unified store number, and the membership number, and when the member authentication means authenticates that the player is a member, the information storage medium ejection means ejects the information storage medium in which the app ID, the unified store number, the membership number, and the number of stored balls are stored in association with each other by the member setting means. As a result, since the card (information storage medium) stores the membership number for each gaming parlor, it can also be used as a conventional pre-issued membership card, enabling compatibility with conventional unit devices. Furthermore, instead of using multiple unit devices installed in the gaming parlor, the conventional settlement device is replaced with the new deposit settlement device 100, and the app membership card is issued by the deposit settlement device 100, thereby reducing the costs associated with introducing a new system. Furthermore, since the number of saved balls is stored on the card, app members can use the prize exchange service and the so-called saved ball / medal replay service from the next day onwards without having to carry their own membership card for each gaming parlor, thereby increasing the number of registered app members.

[0013] Preferably, when the member is authenticated by the member authentication means, the member setting means obtains the number of stored balls of the gaming medium associated with the member number, the number of stored balls being below a specific regulatory number, with the specific regulatory number as the upper limit, and stores the obtained number of stored balls in the information storage medium in association with the app ID, the unified store number, and the member number. This allows the gaming establishment to manage the number of balls stored in the gaming medium up to a specific regulated amount, and ensures the safety of the storage of the number of balls stored by preventing tampering with the number of balls stored, and also allows the establishment of an upper limit for the service of replaying the so-called stored balls and medals, which also helps to stabilize cash flow.

[0014] The present invention also provides an information storage medium ejection method for an information storage medium used for gaming and capable of storing at least monetary information, comprising: a deposit step of depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in the information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection step of ejecting the information storage medium in which the monetary information has been stored in the deposit step; a member authentication step of acquiring an application ID, which is information unique to the member application, from a mobile terminal of a player in which the member application has been stored and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; and a member setting step of, when the player is authenticated as a member in the member authentication step, associating the application ID with a unified store number capable of identifying the gaming facility and storing the associated application ID in the information storage medium, The information storage medium ejection step is characterized in that, when the member is authenticated as a member in the member authentication step, the information storage medium in which at least the application ID and the unified store number are stored in correspondence with each other in the member setting step is ejected.

[0015] The present invention also provides a program for causing a computer used in a game to execute the following: a deposit control process for depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in an information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection process for ejecting the information storage medium in which the monetary information has been stored by the deposit control process; a member authentication process for acquiring an application ID, which is information unique to the member application, from a mobile terminal of a player in which the member application has been stored and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; and a member setting process for, when the player is authenticated as a member by the member authentication process, associating the application ID with a unified store number capable of identifying the gaming facility and storing the associated application ID in the information storage medium, The information storage medium ejection process is characterized in that, when the member is authenticated by the member authentication process, the information storage medium in which at least the app ID and the unified store number are stored in correspondence with each other by the member setting process is ejected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, convenience is improved by using the player's mobile terminal, compatibility is achieved so that conventional unit devices can be used, and costs associated with introducing a new system can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gaming system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an example of a block diagram showing a functional configuration 1 of a gaming system of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an example of a block diagram showing a functional configuration 2 of the gaming system of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a member information database in a member application center according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a processing transition 1 of the gaming system of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a sequence diagram showing processing transition 2 of the gaming system of the present invention. [Figure 7]10 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a processing transition 3 of the gaming system of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a conceptual diagram of an example of a storage area of ​​a typical information storage medium according to the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process 1 of the deposit settlement device of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process 2 of the deposit settlement device of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a member reception control process of the deposit settlement device of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process of a unit device according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a member application control process of a player mobile terminal of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process 1 of a member application server of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a control process 2 of the member application server of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is an example of a display screen 1 displayed on the deposit settlement display unit when the deposit settlement device of the present invention authenticates that the user is an application member. [Figure 17] 10 is an example of a display screen 2 displayed on the deposit settlement display unit when the deposit settlement device of the present invention authenticates that the user is an application member. [Figure 18] 10 is an example of a display screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit when an information storage medium is inserted into the deposit settlement device of the present invention. [Figure 19] 1 is an example of a display screen 1 displayed on a mobile display unit when a member application is being executed on a player mobile terminal of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is an example of a display screen 2 displayed on a mobile display unit when a member application is executed on a player mobile terminal of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below show some examples of the present invention and do not limit the content of the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the configurations and operations described in each embodiment are necessarily essential as the configurations and operations of the present invention.

[0019] [Gaming system configuration] First, the configuration of the gaming system of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the gaming system of the present invention.

[0020] The gaming system 1 of this embodiment is a system used for gaming machines 2 such as pachinko and slot machines, and includes the gaming machine 2, a deposit settlement device 100 (also referred to as a "charge device" as appropriate), a unit device 200, a unit management server 310, a member management server 320, a hall computer 330, a unit data center 400, a gaming machine information center 500, a player mobile terminal 600, a member application center 700, a ball storage data center 710, a service center 800, and a hall terminal 900.

[0021] The gaming machines 2, the deposit settlement device 100, the unit devices 200, the unit management server 310, the member management server 320, and the hall computer 330 are installed inside the gaming facility. The hall terminal 900 may be installed inside the gaming facility, or may be installed at a management location (such as a head office) that manages multiple gaming facilities.

[0022] [Amusement machines] The gaming machine 2 is equipped with at least a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), a game display unit that displays images and reels, and a game operation unit for operating the game such as a launch handle, start lever, and stop button.

[0023] The gaming machine 2 in this embodiment is a gaming machine known as a smart pachinko or smart pachislot, and has the function of electronically managing gaming media (e.g., gaming balls and gaming medals) used in a game and counting the gaming media used in a game. The gaming machine 2 is connected to the unit device 200 by wire or wirelessly, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various gaming machine information to the unit device 200. When a counting button provided on the gaming machine 2 is operated, the gaming machine 2 transfers held ball information, which is information on the amount of counted gaming media, to the unit device 200, transmits gaming machine information related to the game content (e.g., "jackpot information") to the unit device 200, and receives rental notification information related to the rental of gaming media from the unit device 200.

[0024] In this embodiment, the gaming machine 2 is configured as a gaming machine called a smart pachinko or smart pachislot, but it may also be configured as a gaming machine that lends and pays out physical gaming balls or gaming medals.

[0025] In addition, in this embodiment, the number of balls held or ball information refers to the number of gaming media acquired on the day or information about such number, and all of the balls held can be used for gaming on the day. The number of saved balls or saved ball information refers to the number of gaming media acquired at the gaming establishment on or before the previous day without being exchanged for prizes. The number of saved balls is a service provided to members of the gaming establishment, and can be used on the same day up to a specified number of replays (for example, 2,500 gaming balls).

[0026] [Deposit settlement device] The deposit settlement device 100 is a device that can deposit monetary information such as coins and electronic money, eject information storage media 10 that store the deposited monetary information, and accept information storage media 10 and settle the monetary information stored in the accepted information storage media 10. The deposit settlement device 100 is also connected to the unit management server 310 and the member application center 700 via wired or wireless connections so as to be able to send and receive various types of information.

[0027] Here, the information storage medium 10 is used to lend out game media used in the gaming machine 2, and is composed of portable storage media such as magnetic cards, IC cards, and IC medals with built-in IC chips that can read and write information. The information storage medium 10 is classified into a "specific information storage medium 10a" that corresponds to a conventional membership card issued for each gaming parlor and on which user-specific information (store membership number) is registered in advance, and a "normal information storage medium 10b" that corresponds to a general card on which user-specific information is not registered in advance.

[0028] In this embodiment, the regular information storage medium 10b used as a general card can also become an "app membership card" by subsequently storing a member app ID, a unified store number, and a store membership number in association with each other. In this embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between the specific information storage medium 10a and the regular information storage medium 10b, they will be simply referred to as the information storage medium 10.

[0029] Here, the "universal store number" is unique information for identifying a gaming facility, and different information is assigned in advance to each gaming facility across the country. The deposit settlement device 100 stores in advance a unified store number that can identify the gaming facility in which the deposit settlement device 100 is installed, and the unified store number stored in the deposit settlement device 100 is stored in association with the information storage medium 10. Furthermore, the "store membership number" is the membership number of the user that the gaming establishment has registered in advance as a member, and a different membership number can be assigned to each gaming establishment.

[0030] The deposit settlement device 100 also has, on its exterior, a camera 101 for photographing the user, a touch panel 102 that can accept operations from the user and display information, a bill insertion slot 103 that can deposit monetary information in the form of bills, and a code reader 104 that can read code information (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 or the like. The deposit settlement device 100 also has a medium insertion and ejection slot 106 that can insert an information storage medium 10 and eject the information storage medium 10, a bill return slot 107 that returns the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 as bills, and a coin return slot 108 that returns the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 as coins. The deposit settlement device 100 also has, inside, a card stocker 109 that can store a plurality of ordinary information storage media 10b, etc.

[0031] In addition to the code reader 104 capable of reading code information, the deposit settlement device 100 may also be equipped with an electronic money payment terminal (e.g., an NFC payment terminal) capable of depositing electronic money via contactless short-range wireless communication with the player mobile terminal 600.

[0032] [Unit equipment] The unit device 200 is provided adjacent to the gaming machine 2, can accept the information storage medium 10 ejected by the deposit settlement device 100, is connected to the gaming machine 2, and instructs the lending of gaming media used in the gaming machine 2 and updates the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10. The unit device 200 is also connected to the gaming machine 2, the unit management server 310, and the hall computer 330 by wire or wirelessly. The unit device 200 is configured to be able to send and receive various information to and from the gaming machine 2 and the unit management server 310, and is configured to only be able to send various information to the hall computer 330 via a relay board 340.

[0033] The unit device 200 also includes a unit touch panel 201 that can accept operations from the user and display information, and a unit insertion / ejection port 202 into which the information storage medium 10 can be inserted and from which the information storage medium 10 can be ejected.

[0034] In this embodiment, the unit device 200 is configured so that monetary information as paper money cannot be deposited (so-called bill validation-less), but may be configured with a bill validation unit that deposits monetary information as paper money. Furthermore, the unit device 200 may be configured with an electronic money payment terminal that can deposit monetary information as electronic money.

[0035] [Unit Management Server] The unit management server 310 is a device that transmits and receives various information to and from a unit data center 400 outside (external to) the gaming facility, and manages the deposit settlement device 100, the multiple unit devices 200, and the member management server 320 installed within the gaming facility. The unit management server 310 is connected to the deposit settlement device 100, the multiple unit devices 200, and the member management server 320 via wired or wireless connections so as to be able to transmit and receive various information.

[0036] The unit management server 310 then transmits various information including monetary information and gaming machine information to the unit data center 400, transmits information on saved balls or balls held by players to the member management server 320, and receives information on saved balls or balls held by players from the member management server 320. The unit management server 310 also transmits and receives information on monetary information, saved balls and balls held by players with the deposit settlement device 100, and transmits and receives information on monetary information, saved balls and balls held by players with the unit device 200.

[0037] [Membership management server] The member management server 320 is a device that manages and stores information about the balls stored by members of the gaming facility. The member management server 320 is connected to the unit management server 310 and the ball storage data center 710 via wired or wireless connections so as to be able to send and receive various information.

[0038] The member management server 320 then transmits (transfers) the player's saved ball information or held ball information to the unit management server 310 or saved ball data center 710.

[0039] [Hall Computer] The hall computer 330 is a device that compiles and collects statistics on monetary information and gaming machine information used within the gaming parlor. The hall computer 330 is connected to multiple unit devices 200 via a relay board 340 by wire or wirelessly, and is configured to be able to receive monetary information and gaming machine information from the unit devices 200.

[0040] [Unit Data Center] The unit data center 400 is a device that receives various information, including monetary information and gaming machine information, from multiple gaming facilities (gaming facilities nationwide) and performs various processes based on the received information, and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices (various databases) based on the various processes. The unit data center 400 is also connected via a public line (Internet) to the gaming machine information center 500, the member application center 700, and the unit management servers 310 installed in multiple gaming facilities via wired or wireless connections so as to be able to send and receive various information.

[0041] The unit data center 400 receives various information including monetary information and gaming machine information from the unit management server 310, transfers the received gaming machine information to the gaming machine information center 500, and updates the received monetary information.

[0042] [Amusement Machine Information Center] The gaming machine information center 500 is a device that collects and monitors gaming machine information from multiple gaming parlors (all over the country), and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices for various processes. The gaming machine information center 500 is also connected to the server of the unit data center 400 via a public line so that various information can be sent and received by wire or wirelessly.

[0043] The gaming machine information center 500 receives gaming machine information from the unit data center 400, and compiles and monitors the received gaming machine information.

[0044] [Member App Center] The member application center 700 is a device that performs user membership registration, game parlor registration, etc., and provides predetermined services to users, and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices based on various processes. In addition, the member application center 700 is connected via public lines to the unit data center 400, deposit settlement device 100, player mobile terminal 600, service center 800, and hall terminal 900 via wired or wireless connections so as to be able to send and receive various information.

[0045] The member application center 700 registers the gaming facility when a request for registration of the gaming facility is received from the hall terminal 900, registers the user as a member when a request for member registration is received from the player mobile terminal 600, and instructs the service center 800 to provide the specified service when a request for a specified service is received from the player mobile terminal 600.

[0046] [Ball storage data center] The ball storage data center 710 is a device that backs up and stores the member's ball storage information stored in the member management server 320 of each gaming parlor, and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices based on various processes. The ball storage data center 710 is also connected to the member management servers 320 installed in multiple gaming parlors (gaming parlors nationwide) via public lines so that various information can be sent and received via wired or wireless communication.

[0047] The saved ball data center 710 stores and updates the saved ball information of the player received from the member management server 320, and transfers (subtracts) the saved ball information of the player in response to instructions from the member management server 320.

[0048] In this embodiment, the gaming system 1 is configured to include the ball storage data center 710, but the gaming system 1 does not necessarily have to include the ball storage data center 710.

[0049] [Service Center] The service center 800 is a device that provides various services (for example, provision of game information, electronic money payment services, prize exchange, etc.) to users who have been registered as members by the member application center 700, and is configured with multiple servers and various storage devices based on various processes. The service center 800 is also connected to the member application center 700 via a public line so that various information can be sent and received by wire or wirelessly.

[0050] When a predetermined service is requested by the player mobile terminal 600, the service center 800 provides the predetermined service via the member application center 700.

[0051] In this embodiment, the service center 800 is provided separately from the member application center 700, but the member application center 700 may be integrated with the service center 800 to provide various services (various processes) of the service center 800.

[0052] [Player's mobile device] The player mobile terminal 600 is an information terminal device such as a portable mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet device owned by a user, and is connected to the member application center 700 via a public line so as to be able to wirelessly send and receive various information. The player mobile terminal 600 also stores a program for executing a member application (so-called member app). The program for executing the member application can be downloaded from a predetermined server via the public line.

[0053] The player mobile terminal 600 then registers the user as a member at the member application center 700, requests certain services via the member application center 700, and deposits electronic money by reading it into the deposit settlement device 100.

[0054] [Hall terminal] The hall terminal 900 is an information terminal such as a personal computer or tablet terminal managed by the gaming parlor, and is connected to the member application center 700 via a public line so as to be able to send and receive various information via wired or wireless means.

[0055] The hall terminal 900 then registers information about the gaming parlors it manages in the member application center 700 .

[0056] [Block diagram of gaming system] Next, the functional configuration of the gaming system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 are examples of block diagrams showing the functional configuration of the gaming system 1 of the present invention.

[0057] (Functional configuration of the deposit settlement device) As shown in Figure 2, the deposit settlement device 100 includes at least a camera 101, a code reader 104, a deposit settlement display unit 110, a deposit settlement operation unit 120, a deposit settlement control unit 130, a deposit settlement program memory unit 140, a deposit settlement memory unit 150, a first insertion / ejection drive unit 160, a monetary information deposit unit 170, and a currency refund unit 180.

[0058] The deposit settlement display unit 110 is made up of a display device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and constitutes part of the touch panel 102. The deposit settlement display unit 110, which will be described in detail later, displays a deposit operation image for depositing monetary information into the information storage medium 10, and a settlement operation image for settling the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10.

[0059] The deposit settlement operation unit 120 is made up of a touch sensor such as a capacitance type or a resistive type, and constitutes part of the touch panel 102. The deposit settlement operation unit 120 can accept operations from the manager of the gaming facility, users, etc.

[0060] In this embodiment, the deposit settlement display unit 110 and the deposit settlement operation unit 120 are configured together as a touch panel 102, but the deposit settlement operation unit 120 may be configured as a push-type microswitch or the like, and the deposit settlement display unit 110 and the deposit settlement operation unit 120 may be configured separately.

[0061] The deposit settlement control unit 130 is made up of a processor such as a CPU, and performs various controls related to the deposit settlement device 100. For example, the deposit settlement control unit 130 stores deposited monetary information in the information storage medium 10, and settles the monetary information when the monetary information is stored in the accepted information storage medium 10. The deposit settlement control unit 130 also acquires an app ID from the player's mobile terminal 600 to authenticate whether or not the player is a member, and if it authenticates that the player is a member, stores the app ID in the information storage medium 10 in association with the app ID.

[0062] The deposit settlement program storage unit 140 is made up of a non-rewritable non-volatile ROM such as a mask ROM, and stores programs that cause the deposit settlement control unit 130 to carry out various processes.

[0063] The deposit settlement memory unit 150 is a temporary memory device, and is composed of, for example, a readable / writable non-volatile flash memory, and stores information such as the unified store number, app ID, user image, player's store membership number, monetary information, ball holding information, and saved ball information.

[0064] The first insertion / ejection drive unit 160 consists of a motor and a belt conveyor, and pulls the information storage medium 10 inserted into the medium insertion / ejection port 106 into the interior of the deposit settlement device 100, and ejects one regular information storage medium 10b from the card stocker 109.

[0065] The monetary information deposit section 170 is a deposit section that identifies and deposits monetary information, and has a bill validation unit 171 that identifies banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot 103 and deposits cash, and an electronic money deposit section 172 that identifies code information read from the code reader 104 and deposits electronic money.

[0066] In this embodiment, the monetary information deposit unit 170 is configured to include the electronic money deposit unit 172, but it may also be configured to include only the banknote identification deposit unit 161 without including the electronic money deposit unit 172. Furthermore, the electronic money deposit unit 172 may be configured as an electronic money payment terminal that can deposit electronic money via contactless short-range wireless communication with the player mobile terminal 600.

[0067] The money return unit 180 is made up of a motor and a belt conveyor, and transports the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 as banknotes to the banknote return slot 107, or transports the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 as coins to the coin return slot 108. When the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 is to be refunded as electronic money, the code information of the refund information can be displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110.

[0068] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the deposit settlement device 100 is also provided with a communication module and the like for enabling transmission and reception of information to and from external devices.

[0069] (Functional configuration of unit device) As shown in FIG. 2, the unit device 200 includes at least a unit display unit 210, a unit operation unit 220, a unit control unit 230, a unit program storage unit 240, a unit storage unit 250, and a second insertion / ejection driving unit 260.

[0070] The unit display unit 210 is made up of a display device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and constitutes part of the unit touch panel 201. The unit display unit 210 displays a lending operation image for consuming monetary information to lend game media to the gaming machine 2, a replay operation image for consuming held ball information or saved ball information to lend game media to the gaming machine 2, and a return operation image for ejecting and returning the information storage medium 10.

[0071] The unit operation unit 220 is made up of a touch sensor such as a capacitance type or a resistive type, and constitutes part of the unit touch panel 201. The unit operation unit 220 can accept a user's lending operation or replay operation to cause the gaming machine 2 to lend gaming media, and a return operation to eject the information storage medium 10.

[0072] In this embodiment, the unit display unit 210 and the unit operation unit 220 are configured together as the unit touch panel 201, but the unit operation unit 220 may be configured as a push-type microswitch or the like, and the unit display unit 210 and the unit operation unit 220 may be configured separately.

[0073] The unit control unit 230 is made up of a processor such as a CPU, and performs various controls related to the unit device 200. For example, when the unit operation unit 220 accepts a lending operation, the unit control unit 230 performs control such as issuing a lending instruction to the gaming machine 2 to lend gaming media by consuming monetary information, and when receiving counting information of gaming media from the gaming machine 2, storing held ball information, which is counting information of gaming media.

[0074] The unit program storage section 240 is made up of a non-rewritable non-volatile ROM such as a mask ROM, and stores programs that cause the unit control section 230 to perform various processes.

[0075] The unit memory unit 250 is a temporary storage device, and is composed of, for example, a readable / writable non-volatile flash memory, and stores information such as the unified store number, the player's store membership number, monetary information, ball holding information, and saved ball information.

[0076] The second insertion / ejection drive unit 260 is made up of a motor and a belt conveyor, and pulls the information storage medium 10 inserted into the unit insertion / ejection port 202 into the inside of the unit device 200, and ejects the information storage medium 10 from the inside of the unit device 200.

[0077] In addition to the above-described configuration, the unit device 200 also includes a communication module for enabling transmission and reception of information with an external device, a card stocker for storing a plurality of information storage media 10, and the like.

[0078] (Functional configuration of unit data center) As shown in Figure 3, the unit data center 400 includes a center control server 410, a gaming machine information compatible server 420, a member application compatible server 430, a monetary information management memory unit 440, a ball holding information management memory unit 450, and a gaming machine information database 460.

[0079] The center control server 410 is a server that comprehensively manages the unit data center 400, and is configured to be able to send and receive various information to the unit management server 310, the gaming machine information corresponding server 420, the member application corresponding server 430, the monetary information management memory unit 440, the ball holding information management memory unit 450, and the gaming machine information database 460.

[0080] When the center control server 410 receives monetary information, held ball information, or gaming machine information from the unit management server 310, it stores the received monetary information in the monetary information management storage unit 440, stores the received held ball machine information in the held ball information management storage unit 450, and stores the received gaming machine information in the gaming machine information database 460. The center control server 410 then instructs the various servers (gaming machine information compatible server 420 and member application compatible server 430) of the unit data center 400 to carry out various processes, and receives instructions from the various servers.

[0081] The gaming machine information corresponding server 420 is configured to be able to send and receive various information to and from the gaming machine information center 500, and is a server that transmits gaming machine information to the gaming machine information center 500 in response to instructions from the center control server 410.

[0082] The member application compatible server 430 is configured to be able to send and receive various information with the member application center 700, and is a server that requests specific instructions from the center control server 410 and receives specific instructions from the center control server 410.

[0083] The monetary information management memory unit 440 is composed of large-capacity storage devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SDDs), optical disk drives, and magnetic tape devices, and is the memory unit of the unit data center 400 that stores monetary information for each player.

[0084] The ball holding information management memory unit 450 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), an optical disk drive, a magnetic tape device, etc., and is a memory unit of the unit data center 400 that stores ball holding information for each player. Note that saved ball information is not stored in the unit data center 400, but is stored in the saved ball data center 710.

[0085] The gaming machine information database 460 is composed of large-capacity storage devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SDDs), optical disk drives, and magnetic tape devices, and is the storage section of the unit data center 400 that stores gaming machine information.

[0086] (Functional configuration of member app center) The member application center 700 includes a member application server 701 , a member information database 702 , and a hall information database 703 .

[0087] The member application server 701 is a server that comprehensively manages the member application center 700, and is configured to be able to send and receive various information to and from the player mobile terminal 600, the hall terminal 900, and the service center 800.

[0088] When a member registration request is received from the player mobile terminal 600, the member application server 701 performs member registration of the user and stores the user's member information in the member information database 702, and when a gaming facility registration request is received from the hall terminal 900, the member application server 701 registers the gaming facility and stores the gaming facility information in the hall information database 703. Furthermore, when a predetermined service is requested by the registered player mobile terminal 600, the member application server 701 provides the predetermined service to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0089] The member information database 702 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SDD), optical disk drive, or magnetic tape device, and is the storage unit of the member application center 700 that stores user member information.

[0090] The hall information database 703 is composed of large-capacity storage devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SDDs), optical disk drives, and magnetic tape devices, and is the storage unit of the member application center 700 that stores information about gaming parlors.

[0091] (Functional configuration of ball storage data center) The saved ball data center 710 includes a saved ball server 711 and a saved ball storage unit 712.

[0092] The saved ball server 711 is a server that manages saved ball information for multiple gaming parlors (gaming parlors nationwide), which is associated with each gaming parlor's membership number (store membership number), and updates the saved ball information stored in the saved ball memory unit 712.

[0093] The ball storage unit 712 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SDD), optical disk drive, magnetic tape device, etc., and stores ball information associated with the player's store membership number.

[0094] (Service Center Functional Configuration) As shown in FIG. 3, the service center 800 includes a service server 810 and a service storage unit 820.

[0095] The service server 810 is a server that provides predetermined services to the player mobile terminal 600 that has been registered as a member via the member application center 700, and is configured to be able to send and receive various information to and from the member application server 701.

[0096] In this embodiment, the service server 810 is a server that provides the electronic money settlement service in the deposit settlement device 100 to the player mobile terminal 600 that has registered as a member.

[0097] The service memory unit 820 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), an optical disk drive, or a magnetic tape device, and is the memory unit of the service center 800 that stores various information for providing specified services.

[0098] (Functional configuration of player's mobile terminal) The player mobile terminal 600 includes a mobile display unit 610 , a mobile operation unit 620 , a mobile control unit 630 , a mobile storage unit 640 , and a mobile communication unit 650 .

[0099] The mobile display unit 610 is made up of an image display device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is capable of displaying images in response to user operations.

[0100] The mobile operation unit 620 is made up of an input unit such as a keyboard or a touch panel, and is capable of inputting information related to user operations.

[0101] The mobile control unit 630 is made up of a processor such as a CPU, and is capable of performing various controls in response to user operations. For example, the mobile control unit 630 determines the gaming parlor where a game will be played, sets the amount of electronic money to be deposited into the deposit settlement device 100 per transaction, and sets the upper limit of the amount of electronic money to be deposited into the deposit settlement device 100 per day, using a member application.

[0102] The mobile storage unit 640 is a readable / writable non-volatile flash memory that can temporarily store various information. The mobile storage unit 640 also stores a program that causes the mobile control unit 630 to execute a membership application.

[0103] The mobile information reading unit 650 is a code reader that can read code information displayed on a predetermined display device and analyze the read code information.

[0104] [Member information database] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the member information database 702 in the above-mentioned member application center 700. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the member information database 702 in the member application center 700 of the present invention.

[0105] As shown in Figure 5, the member information database 702 stores the member application ID, which is unique information of the member application, in association with the user's name, the user's date of birth (age), the user's address, multiple my-hall selection information selected by the user, the store membership number for each my-hall, one selected hall information determined by the user, the charge amount set by the user, and the maximum amount that can be charged per day.

[0106] Here, "my parlor selection information" refers to information that allows a user to register in advance the gaming parlor (parlor) where the user wishes to play games, and it is possible to register up to five gaming parlors from among the gaming parlors registered in the parlor information database 703. In this embodiment, it is possible to register up to five gaming parlors, but the number of gaming parlors that can be registered can be freely changed as needed. In this embodiment, the my parlor selection information is also stored as a unified parlor number corresponding to the gaming parlor registered by the user.

[0107] The "store membership number" is a user's membership number for each gaming facility, and is generally printed on a membership card that has already been issued. In the case of a user who is a member of the gaming facility registered as My Hall Selection Information (a user who already possesses a membership card), the membership number printed on the membership card is registered in the membership information database 702 via the player mobile terminal 600. In the case of a user who is not a member of the gaming facility registered as My Hall Selection Information, the player is issued a membership number by the gaming facility before playing at the gaming facility, and the issued membership number is registered in the membership information database 702 via the player mobile terminal 600.

[0108] The "determined hall information" is information that determines the gaming facility (gaming hall) where the user will play from among the gaming facilities registered in the "My Hall Selection Information." In this embodiment, the determined hall information is also stored as a unified store number corresponding to the gaming facility determined by the user.

[0109] The "charge amount" is information on the amount to be withdrawn per transaction when a user deposits electronic money into the deposit settlement apparatus 100, and the amount can be set by the user.

[0110] The "maximum amount" is information about the maximum amount of electronic money that can be withdrawn per day when a user deposits electronic money into the deposit settlement device 100. This maximum amount is set in advance to a regulated maximum amount (for example, 50,000 yen), and the user can set an amount within the range below this regulated amount. In addition, the maximum amount is cumulatively applied to deposit settlement devices 100 installed in different gaming parlors.

[0111] Note that user information other than that described above may be stored in association with the member application ID in the member information database 702. For example, a user's facial image (unique information obtained by facial recognition) may be stored in association with the member application ID. Also, the user's date of birth, address, upper limit amount, etc. may not necessarily be stored in association with the member application ID.

[0112] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the hall information database 703 stores a hall ID, which is the unique membership information of the amusement parlor, in correspondence with a unified store number, the hall name of the amusement parlor, the hall address of the amusement parlor, the contact information for the amusement parlor, the name of the person in charge at the amusement parlor, etc.

[0113] [Sequence diagram of gaming system] Next, a description will be given of the process transition of the gaming system 1. Figures 5 to 7 are examples of sequence diagrams showing the process transition of the gaming system 1 of the present invention.

[0114] (Processing transition 1) 5 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a process transition 1 of the gaming system 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a process transition from the player mobile terminal 600 and the hall terminal 900 to the member application center 700 to register various information.

[0115] 5 shows, from the left, the processing of the hall terminal 900, the member application center 700 (member application server 701), and the player mobile terminal 600. The processing of the member application center 700 and the player mobile terminal 600 shown in Fig. 5 is a conceptual summary of the representative processing in Figs. 9 to 15, which will be described later, and each processing will be described in detail later.

[0116] In the processes described below, the elements of step S are illustrated in an exemplary order, and are not limited to the specific order shown. Therefore, in the flowchart shown in Figure 5, the order can be changed as long as no contradiction occurs in the processing results. This also applies to Figures 6 to 15 described below.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 5, when an administrator or the like of the gaming facility wants to have the member application center 700 perform hall registration, the administrator or the like performs hall application processing on the hall terminal 900 (step S1). In this hall application process, the hall terminal 900 transmits hall application information, hall information (e.g., unified store number, hall name, hall address, hall contact information, name of person in charge), etc. to the member application center 700 to apply for registration of the gaming facility to the member application center 700.

[0118] When the member application center 700 receives the hall application information, the hall information, etc. from the hall terminal 900, it performs a hall information registration process (step S2). In this hall information registration process, the member application server 701 generates a hall ID (e.g., a hall number) that is member information unique to the gaming facility, and registers the hall information, etc. in association with the generated hall ID in the hall information database 703. After registering the hall information, etc. in the hall information database 703, the member application server 701 transmits the hall ID and a hall registration completion notice to the hall terminal 900.

[0119] When the user wishes to register as a member at the member application center 700, the user performs a membership application process on the player mobile terminal 600 (step S3). In this membership application process, the mobile control unit 630 transmits to the member application center 700 membership application information for applying for membership registration, the user's personal information (for example, name, date of birth, address, etc.), and the like.

[0120] When the member application center 700 receives the member application information, the user's personal information, etc. from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs a member information registration process (step S4). In this member information registration process, member application server 701 generates a member application ID, which is member information unique to the user, and registers the user's personal information, etc. in member information database 702 in association with the generated member application ID. After registering the user's personal information, etc. in member information database 702, member application server 701 transmits the member application ID and a member registration completion notice to player mobile terminal 600.

[0121] When the user registers in advance the gaming parlor (my parlor) where he / she wishes to play games, the user performs a my parlor selection start process on the player mobile terminal 600 (step S5). In this my hall selection start process, the mobile control unit 630 transmits hall disclosure request information, a member app ID, etc., requesting disclosure of hall information registered in the hall information database 703 of the member app center 700, to the member app center 700.

[0122] When the member application center 700 receives the member application ID, hall disclosure request information, etc. from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs a registered hall information providing process (step S6). In this registered hall information providing process, the member application server 701 transmits the unified store number, the hall name of the gaming facility, etc. registered in the hall information database 703 to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0123] When the player mobile terminal 600 receives the unified store number, the hall name of the gaming facility, etc. from the member application server 701, it performs a my-hall selection determination process (step S7). In this hall selection and determination process, the mobile control unit 630 displays the hall name, etc. on the mobile display unit 610 based on the received hall name information, and determines the "my hall" based on the user's operation input to the mobile operation unit 620, and inputs the store membership number for the determined "my hall." Note that the store membership number may be entered later, and only the "my hall" may be determined. The mobile control unit 630 then transmits the member app ID, the "my hall selection information" for the determined "my hall," the store membership number, etc. to the member app center 700.

[0124] When the member application center 700 receives the member application ID, my hall selection information, store membership number, etc. from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs my hall registration processing (step S8). In this my hall registration process, the member application server 701 registers the unified store number corresponding to the received my hall selection information as my hall selection information in the member information database 702 in association with the member application ID, and also registers the store membership number in association with the my hall selection information (unified store number) and the member application ID in the member information database 702. After registering the my hall selection information, etc. in the member information database 702, the member application server 701 transmits a my hall registration completion notification to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0125] Furthermore, when the player mobile terminal 600 receives a notification of completion of my hall registration from the member application center 700, it stores the unified store number corresponding to the my hall selection information.

[0126] When the user sets the charge amount in advance, the user performs a charge amount setting process on the player mobile terminal 600 (step S9). In this charge amount setting process, the charge amount is set by user operation input into the mobile operation unit 620, and the mobile control unit 630 transmits the member app ID, charge amount information indicating the set charge amount, etc. to the member app center 700.

[0127] When the member application center 700 receives the member application ID, charge amount information, etc. from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs a charge amount registration process (step S10). In this charging amount registration process, the member application server 701 registers charging amount information in association with the member application ID in the member information database 702. After registering the charging amount information in the member information database 702, the member application server 701 transmits a charging amount registration completion notification to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0128] In this way, since the charge amount can be set in advance, when depositing electronic money into the deposit settlement device 100, the operation of selecting the deposit amount is not required, improving the convenience of electronic money payments.

[0129] When the user sets the upper limit of the amount of electronic money in advance, the user performs the upper limit setting process on the player mobile terminal 600 (step S11). In this upper limit amount setting process, a user sets an upper limit amount that is less than a predetermined specified upper limit amount through user operation input into the mobile operation unit 620, and the mobile control unit 630 transmits the member app ID, upper limit amount information indicating the set upper limit amount, etc. to the member app center 700.

[0130] When the member application center 700 receives the member application ID, the maximum amount information, etc. from the player mobile terminal 600, it performs a maximum amount registration process (step S12). In this upper limit amount registration process, the member application server 701 registers the upper limit amount information in association with the member application ID in the member information database 702. After registering the upper limit amount information in the member information database 702, the member application server 701 transmits a notification of completion of upper limit amount registration to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0131] Here, if the player mobile terminal 600 does not perform the upper limit amount setting process, a predetermined upper limit amount is applied.

[0132] Furthermore, since payments of electronic money exceeding a preset upper limit or a specified upper limit are restricted, addiction to gaming can be prevented. In particular, since an upper limit for electronic money below the specified upper limit can be set, addiction to gaming can be prevented more effectively.

[0133] In this embodiment, the upper limit of the amount of electronic money that is lower than the specified upper limit can be set, but the upper limit of the amount of electronic money may not be set.

[0134] (Processing transition 2) 6 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a process transition 2 of the gaming system 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the process transition from member authentication in the deposit settlement device 100 to storing saved ball information in the normal information storage medium 10b.

[0135] 6, the process of the player mobile terminal 600, the deposit settlement device 100, the member application center 700, and the unit management server 310 is shown in order from the left.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 6, when a user wishes to use a member service using a player mobile terminal 600, the user performs a member verification operation at the deposit settlement device 100.

[0137] When a member verification operation is performed by the user, the deposit settlement device 100 performs a depositor image capture process (step S21). In this depositor image capture process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 photographs the user who performed the member verification operation using the camera 101, and stores the photographed image of the user in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 as a depositor image.

[0138] After the depositor image capture process has been performed, the deposit settlement device 100 performs a membership code information request process (step S22). In this member code information request process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 displays a member code request screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 requesting member code information, and activates the code reader 104 to make the member code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 readable.

[0139] When the user decides on a gaming facility and performs a member game operation indicating an intention to use the member service at the decided gaming facility, the player mobile terminal 600 performs a member code information display process (step S23). In the member code information display process, the mobile control unit 630 causes the mobile display unit 610 to display member code information including the member app ID, the unified store number of the gaming facility determined by the user, the store member number, and the like.

[0140] The deposit settlement apparatus 100 reads the member code information displayed on the mobile display unit 610 and then performs member authentication processing (step S24). In this member authentication process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 first acquires the member app ID, unified store number, store member number, etc. from the member code information. Next, it determines whether the acquired unified store number corresponds to (is the same as) the unified store number stored in the deposit settlement device 100, and if it determines that the acquired unified store number corresponds to the unified store number stored in the deposit settlement device 100, it authenticates whether the person is a member of the gaming facility where the deposit settlement device 100 is installed via the member application center 700. Specifically, if the acquired unified store number is the same as the unified store number stored in the deposit settlement device 100, the deposit settlement control unit 130 transmits member confirmation instruction information for confirming whether the person is a member, the member app ID, unified store number, store member number, etc. to the member application center 700. Furthermore, if it is determined that the acquired unified store number does not correspond to the unified store number stored in the deposit settlement device 100, the information is not transmitted to the member application center 700 and an error is displayed.

[0141] When the member application center 700 receives the member verification instruction information, the member application ID, the unified store number, the store member number, etc. from the deposit settlement device 100, it performs application member verification processing (step S25). In this application member verification process, member application server 701 checks whether the received member application ID, unified store number, and store member number are registered in member information database 702. If member application server 701 checks that the received member application ID, unified store number, and store member number are registered in member information database 702, it sends a member verification notice, etc. to deposit settlement device 100.

[0142] The member application center 700 may transmit a member confirmation notification or the like to the player mobile terminal 600. By receiving the member confirmation notification or the like from the member application center 700, the player mobile terminal 600 can transition the member code information display process to the next step (next display screen).

[0143] When the deposit settlement device 100 receives the member confirmation notification or the like from the member application center 700, it performs a member information linking process (step S26). In this member information linking process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 stores the unified store number, store member number, and depositor image in association with the member app ID in the deposit settlement storage unit 150. Then, the store member number is stored in place of the visitor number pre-stored as card identification information in the normal information storage medium 10b, and is stored in the normal information storage medium 10b in association with the store member number, unified store number, and member app ID. Note that the depositor image is not stored in the normal information storage medium 10b, but is stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 and is used at the time of settlement.

[0144] As a result, the member application ID, the unified store number, and the store member number are stored in association with each other in the normal information storage medium 10b, and the member service can be used without carrying a member card for each gaming store.

[0145] After performing the member information linking process, when the user performs a saved ball confirmation operation, the deposit settlement device 100 performs a saved ball confirmation process (step S27). In this stored ball confirmation process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 confirms the player's stored ball information stored in the member management server 320 or the stored ball data center 710 via the unit management server 310. Specifically, the deposit settlement control unit 130 transmits stored ball confirmation information, the unified store number, the store member number, etc. to the unit management server 310 in order to confirm the player's stored ball information.

[0146] When the unit management server 310 receives the saved ball confirmation information, the unified store number, the store member number, etc. from the deposit settlement device 100, it performs saved ball information provision processing (step S28). In this saved ball information provision process, the unit management server 310 obtains the player's saved ball information associated with the received unified store number and store member number from the member management server 320, and transmits the obtained player's saved ball information to the deposit settlement device 100.

[0147] When the deposit settlement device 100 receives the saved ball information of the player from the unit management server 310, it performs saved ball display processing (step S29). In this saved ball display process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 causes the deposit settlement display unit 110 to display the received saved ball information of the player.

[0148] After performing the stored ball display process, when the user performs a transfer instruction operation to specify the number of stored balls to be transferred, the deposit settlement device 100 performs a stored ball transfer instruction process (step S30). In this stored ball transfer instruction process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 transmits to the unit management server 310 the transferred stored ball information, the unified store number, the store member number, etc., specified by the transfer instruction operation.

[0149] In addition, in this embodiment, the stored ball transfer operation is configured to be selectable between a first stored ball transfer operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of stored balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day (for example, 12,500 balls), and a second stored ball transfer operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of stored balls that can be replayed per day (for example, 2,500 balls).When the deposit settlement device 100 accepts either the first stored ball transfer operation or the second stored ball transfer operation, the above-mentioned stored ball transfer instruction process is performed.

[0150] In addition, the transfer instruction operation may be configured to be selectable only for the first stored ball transfer operation, which instructs the transfer of the maximum number of stored balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, or it may be configured to be selectable for the all stored ball transfer operation, which instructs the transfer of all stored balls, in addition to the first stored ball transfer operation and / or the second stored ball transfer operation.

[0151] When the first saved ball transfer operation is performed, if the saved ball information of the player stored in the member management server 320 is less than the maximum number of saved balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, all saved balls will be transferred. This also applies when the saved ball information of the player stored in the member management server 320 is less than the maximum number of saved balls that can be replayed per day when the second saved ball transfer operation is performed.

[0152] When the unit management server 310 receives the transfer saved ball information, the unified store number, the store member number, and the like from the deposit settlement device 100, it performs a saved ball transfer process (step S31). In this stored ball transfer process, the unit management server 310 causes the member management server 320 to update the stored ball information by subtracting the number of stored balls corresponding to the transferred stored ball information from the stored ball information of the player associated with the received store membership number. Then, when the member management server 320 has completed updating the number of stored balls, it sends a stored ball update completion notice, stored ball information, etc. to the deposit settlement device 100.

[0153] As a result, when a transfer instruction operation is performed, the stored ball information specified by the transfer instruction operation is transferred from the unit management server 310 to the deposit settlement device 100.

[0154] When the deposit settlement device 100 receives a saved ball update completion notice or the like from the unit management server 310, it performs saved ball storage processing (step S32). In this stored ball storage process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 stores the stored ball information received from the unit management server 310 in a normal information storage medium 10b in association with the member application ID, unified store number, and store member number.

[0155] As a result, the saved ball information is stored in the normal information storage medium 10b (app membership card) in which the member app ID and the store member number are stored in association with each other, and the prize exchange service from the next day onwards and the so-called saved ball / medal replay service can be used.

[0156] In this embodiment, after the member information linking process is performed, two operations, a stored ball confirmation operation and a transfer instruction operation, are performed, so that the stored ball information stored in the member management server 320 is stored in a normal information storage medium 10b. However, it may also be configured so that the stored ball information stored in the member management server 320 is stored in a normal information storage medium 10b by performing a transfer instruction operation without the need for a stored ball confirmation operation (or by performing a stored ball confirmation operation without the need for a transfer instruction operation). In this way, when the stored ball information stored in the member management server 320 is stored in a normal information storage medium 10b by performing either the stored ball confirmation operation or the transfer instruction operation, it is desirable that the maximum number of stored balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day be stored, but it may also be configured to store all stored balls, or to store the maximum number of stored balls that can be replayed per day.

[0157] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the member information linking process is performed, the stored ball information is stored in the normal information storage medium 10b by performing the stored ball confirmation operation and the transfer instruction operation, but it may also be configured so that after the member information linking process is performed, the stored ball information stored in the member management server 320 or the stored ball data center 710 is automatically stored in the normal information storage medium 10b even if the stored ball confirmation operation and the transfer instruction operation are not performed. In this way, when the stored ball information automatically stored in the member management server 320 or the stored ball data center 710 is stored in a normal information storage medium 10b, it is desirable that the maximum number of stored balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day be stored, but it may also be configured to store all stored balls, or to store the maximum number of stored balls that can be replayed per day.

[0158] (Processing transition 3) Fig. 7 is an example of a sequence diagram showing process transition 3 of the gaming system 1 of the present invention. Following process transition 2, Fig. 7 shows process transition 3 from depositing electronic money in the deposit settlement device 100 to discharging a normal information storage medium 10b.

[0159] In addition, the sequence diagram of FIG. 7 shows, from the left, the processes of the player mobile terminal 600, the deposit settlement device 100, the member application center 700, and the service center 800 (electronic money center).

[0160] As shown in Fig. 7, when a user wishes to deposit electronic money into the deposit settlement device 100 using the player mobile terminal 600, the user performs an electronic money deposit operation on the deposit settlement device 100. Note that the electronic money deposit operation is one of the member services that can only be performed after membership authentication has been performed (after the member information linking process has been performed).

[0161] When an electronic money deposit operation is performed, the deposit settlement device 100 performs an electronic money deposit acceptance process (step S41). In this electronic money deposit acceptance process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 displays an electronic money code request screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 requesting electronic money code information, and activates the code reader 104 to perform processing that makes the electronic money code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 readable.

[0162] When an electronic money withdrawal operation is performed, the player mobile terminal 600 performs an electronic money display process (step S42). In the electronic money display process, the mobile control unit 630 causes the mobile display unit 610 to display electronic money code information including the member application ID, the charge amount, and the like.

[0163] When the deposit settlement device 100 reads the electronic money code information displayed on the mobile display unit 610, it performs an electronic money deposit confirmation process (step S43). In this electronic money deposit confirmation process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 confirms the deposit of electronic money via the member application center 700. Specifically, the deposit settlement control unit 130 transmits to the member application center 700 money confirmation information, the member application ID, the charge amount, etc., which cause the member application center 700 to confirm the electronic money.

[0164] When the member application center 700 receives the money confirmation information, the member application ID, the charge amount, etc. from the deposit settlement device 100, it performs an electronic money payment request process (step S44). In this electronic money payment request process, the member application server 701 transmits the member application ID, charge amount, etc. to the service center 800 (electronic money center) and requests the electronic money center to make an electronic money payment.

[0165] When the service center 800 (electronic money center) receives the member application ID, charge amount, etc. from the member application center 700, it performs electronic money payment processing (step S45). In this electronic money payment process, the service server 810 pays the charge amount in electronic money to the user of the received member application ID, and when the charge amount payment is completed, it sends an electronic money payment completion notification to the member application center 700.

[0166] In this embodiment, the member application center 700 is configured to have the service center 800 perform electronic money settlement, but the member application center 700 may be configured to perform electronic money settlement directly. Furthermore, the electronic money settlement may be configured to be performed via multiple service centers 800.

[0167] When the member application center 700 receives the electronic money payment completion notification from the service center 800, it performs an electronic money payment notification process (step S46). In this electronic money payment notification process, the member application server 701 sends deposit confirmation information, etc. to the deposit settlement device 100 notifying that the charge amount has been settled by the electronic money center, and also sends a payment completion notification, etc. to the player mobile terminal 600.

[0168] When the deposit settlement device 100 receives the deposit confirmation information and the like from the member application center 700, it performs electronic money deposit registration processing (step S47). In this electronic money deposit registration process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 stores monetary information on the electronic money recharge amount in the ordinary information storage medium 10b in association with the member application ID, the unified store number, and the store member number.

[0169] As a result, the ordinary information storage medium 10b (application membership card) in which the member application ID, unified store number, and store member number are stored in association with each other stores electronic money monetary information, and payment services using electronic money can be enjoyed.

[0170] After the electronic money deposit registration process has been performed, the deposit settlement device 100 performs the application member card ejection process (step S48). In this app member card ejection process, the deposit settlement control unit 130 drives the first insertion and ejection drive unit 160 to eject a normal information storage medium 10b on which the member app ID, unified store number, store member number, saved ball information, and monetary information are stored in association with each other.

[0171] In this embodiment, when depositing electronic money into the deposit settlement device 100, the electronic money code information displayed on the player's mobile terminal 600 is read, but the deposit settlement device 100 may also be equipped with an electronic money payment terminal (e.g., an NFC payment terminal), and electronic money may be deposited into the deposit settlement device 100 by holding the player's mobile terminal 600 over the electronic money payment terminal.

[0172] When the player mobile terminal 600 receives a payment completion notice or the like from the member application center 700, it performs a payment completion display process (step S49). In the electronic money display process, the mobile control unit 630 causes the mobile display unit 610 to display an image informing that payment has been completed using electronic money.

[0173] It should be noted that the processing of the deposit settlement device 100, member application center 700, player mobile terminal 600, unit management server 310, service center 800 and hall terminal 900 in the above sequence diagram does not represent all processing, and processing is also performed to perform many other functions.

[0174] (Conceptual diagram of the storage area of ​​a typical information storage medium) Next, we will explain the information stored in the normal information storage medium 10b in the above-mentioned gaming system 1. Figure 8 is an example of a conceptual diagram of the storage areas of the normal information storage medium 10b of the present invention. Note that the order of the first to sixth storage areas of the normal information storage medium 10b can be freely changed as needed.

[0175] FIG. 8(a) is an example of a conceptual diagram of a storage area of ​​a normal information storage medium 10b when it is an application membership card.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 8(a), in the first storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when it is an application membership card, a "visitor number" and a "store membership number" are stored as card identification information.

[0177] In this embodiment, when the card is an app membership card, the first storage area of ​​the information storage medium 10b normally stores a "visitor number" and a "store membership number" as card identification information, but the visitor number may be overwritten with the store membership number so that only the store membership number is stored.

[0178] Furthermore, in the second storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when it is an application membership card, a "universal store number" for identifying the gaming store is stored.

[0179] Furthermore, in the third storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when it is an application membership card, "monetary information" of the bills or electronic money deposited in the deposit settlement apparatus 100 is stored.

[0180] Furthermore, in the fourth storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when it is an application membership card, "date and time information" when the monetary information is initially deposited is stored.

[0181] In addition, in the fifth storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when it is an application membership card, "held ball information" indicating the number of game media acquired on the day is stored. Note that before playing a game, zero is stored because no game media have been acquired.

[0182] Furthermore, in the sixth storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when it is an application membership card, "saving ball information" indicating the number of game media acquired on or before the previous day is stored.

[0183] Furthermore, in the seventh storage area of ​​normal information storage medium 10b when it is an application membership card, a "membership application ID" that is information unique to the user of the membership application is stored.

[0184] In this way, when it is an app membership card, the store membership number, unified store number, monetary information, date and time information, ball holding information, saved ball information, and member app ID are stored in the memory area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b, in association with each other.

[0185] FIG. 8(b) is an example of a conceptual diagram of a storage area of ​​a normal information storage medium 10b when it is a general card.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 8(b), in the first storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b for a general card, a "visitor number" is stored as card identification information.

[0187] Furthermore, in the second storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when the card is a general card, a "universal store number" is stored.

[0188] Furthermore, in the third storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when the card is a general card, "monetary information" is stored. In this embodiment, since electronic money cannot be deposited into a general card, the "monetary information" of paper money is stored.

[0189] Furthermore, in the fourth storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when it is a general card, the "date and time" is stored.

[0190] In addition, in the fifth storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when the card is a normal card, "held ball information" is stored.

[0191] In this way, when the card is a general card, the memory area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b stores the visitor number, unified store number, monetary information, date and time information, and ball holding information in correspondence with each other, but does not store the store member number, ball holding information, or member app ID.

[0192] It should be noted that other information (update information) may be stored in the storage area of ​​the normal information storage medium 10b when the card is an application member card or a general card.

[0193] [Control process of deposit settlement device] Next, a detailed description will be given of the control process of the above-mentioned deposit settlement device 100. Figures 9 and 10 are examples of flowcharts showing the control process of the deposit settlement device 100 of the present invention.

[0194] When the power supply to the deposit settlement device 100 is turned on, in step S101, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs an initialization process to initialize the RAM, registers, etc. of the deposit settlement device 100. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0195] In step S102, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a status display process to display a predetermined screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 according to various statuses. For example, when in a standby state, a reception screen is displayed. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0196] In step S103, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether the member reception flag is ON by referring to the deposit settlement storage unit 150. Here, the "member reception flag" is identification data that is turned ON when a member confirmation operation is received from the user in step S105, which will be described later, and is used to perform the member reception control process, which will be described later. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the member reception flag is ON, it proceeds to step S104, and if it determines that the member reception flag is not ON (the member reception flag is OFF), it proceeds to step S105.

[0197] In step S104, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member reception control process to authenticate that the user is an application member and grant the member service. This member reception control process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0198] In step S105, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a member verification operation has been received from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the member verification operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S106, and if it determines that the member verification operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S108.

[0199] In step S106, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a depositor image capture process. This depositor image capture process is also the process of step S21 (see FIG. 6) described above, in which the user who performed the member verification operation is photographed by the camera 101, and the photographed image of the user is captured as the depositor image. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0200] In step S107, the deposit settlement control unit 130 turns on the member reception flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102. As a result, when the user performs a member verification operation, the process moves to member reception control processing.

[0201] In step S108, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a non-member confirmation operation has been received from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the non-member confirmation operation has been received, it proceeds to step S109, and if it determines that the non-member confirmation operation has not been received, it proceeds to step S114.

[0202] In step S109, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a depositor image capture process. This depositor image capture process is similar to the process in step S106, in which the camera 101 captures an image of the user who performed the non-member confirmation operation, and the captured image of the user is captured as the depositor image. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0203] In step S110, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a cash reception process. This cash reception process displays a cash request screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 requesting the deposit of bills, and performs a process that allows the bill validation unit 171 to deposit bills. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0204] In step S111, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a deposit completion operation has been received from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that a deposit completion operation has been received, it proceeds to step S112, and if it determines that a deposit completion operation has not been received, it waits until a deposit completion operation is received. Note that even if a predetermined time has passed since the banknotes were deposited, it is still considered that a deposit completion operation has been received, and proceeds to step S112.

[0205] In step S112, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a cash registration process. This cash registration process determines the cash amount received in the cash reception process of step S110, and stores monetary information of the determined cash amount in the normal information storage medium 10b in association with the visitor number and unified store number of the normal information storage medium 10b. Also, a depositor image is stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 in association with the visitor number of the normal information storage medium 10b. Note that the depositor image is not stored in the normal information storage medium 10b, but is stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150 and is used at the time of settlement. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0206] In step S113, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a card ejection process. This card ejection process drives the first insertion / ejection drive unit 160 to eject the normal information storage medium 10b (general card) on which the visitor number, unified store number, and monetary information of the normal information storage medium 10b are stored in association with each other from the medium insertion / ejection slot 106. Then, the visitor number, unified store number, and monetary information stored in the ejected normal information storage medium 10b are sent to the unit management server 310 in association with each other. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0207] In step S114, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a return operation has been received from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that a back operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S115, and if it determines that a back operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S116.

[0208] In step S115, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a state return process to return to the previous display state. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0209] In step S116, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether the information storage medium 10 has been accepted. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the information storage medium 10 has been accepted, it proceeds to step S117, and if it determines that the information storage medium 10 has not been accepted, it returns to step S102.

[0210] In step S117, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether the accepted information storage medium 10 is an application membership card. Specifically, it determines whether the accepted information storage medium 10 is an application membership card based on whether a member application ID is stored in the accepted information storage medium 10. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the card is an application membership card, it proceeds to step S118, and if it determines that the card is not an application membership card, it proceeds to step S127.

[0211] In step S118, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a deposit operation for additional deposit has been accepted when the application membership card has been accepted. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the deposit operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S119, and if it determines that the deposit operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S128.

[0212] When the deposit settlement control unit 130 receives a deposit operation in the case where the application membership card is accepted, it performs a membership deposit control process shown in steps S119 to S127.

[0213] In step S119, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not an electronic money deposit operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that an electronic money deposit operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S120, and if it determines that an electronic money deposit operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S123.

[0214] In step S120, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs an electronic money deposit acceptance process. This electronic money deposit acceptance process is also the process of step S41 (see Figure 7) described above, and involves displaying an electronic money code request screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 requesting electronic money code information, and activating the code reader 104 so that the electronic money code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 can be read. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S121.

[0215] In step S121, the deposit settlement control unit 130 reads the electronic money code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 and then performs an electronic money deposit confirmation process. This electronic money deposit registration and deposit confirmation process is also the process of step S43 (see FIG. 7) described above, and confirmation of the deposit of electronic money is performed via the member application center 700. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S122.

[0216] In step S122, upon receiving the deposit confirmation information and the like from the member application center 700, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs electronic money deposit registration processing. This electronic money deposit registration process is also the process of step S47 (see Figure 7) described above, and stores monetary information on the amount of electronic money charged in association with the member application ID, unified store number, and store member number in the normal information storage medium 10b. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S123.

[0217] In step S123, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs an application membership card ejection process. This application membership card ejection process is also the process of step S48 (see FIG. 7) described above, in which the member reception flag stored in the deposit settlement memory unit 150 is turned OFF, and the first insertion and ejection drive unit 160 is driven to eject the normal information storage medium 10b (application membership card) storing the member application ID, unified store number, store membership number, monetary information, etc., from the medium insertion and ejection slot 106. Then, the unified store number, store membership number, monetary information, etc. stored in the ejected normal information storage medium 10b are associated with each other and transmitted to the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0218] In step S124, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a cash deposit operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that a cash deposit operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S125, and if it determines that a cash deposit operation has not been accepted, it returns to step S119.

[0219] In step S125, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a cash reception process. This cash reception process displays a cash request screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 requesting the deposit of bills, and performs a process that allows the bill validation unit 171 to deposit bills. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S126.

[0220] In step S126, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a deposit completion operation has been received from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the deposit completion operation has been received, it proceeds to step S127, and if it determines that the deposit completion operation has not been received, it waits until the deposit completion operation is received. Note that even if a predetermined time has passed since the banknotes were deposited, it is still considered that the deposit completion operation has been received, and proceeds to step S127.

[0221] In step S127, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a cash registration process. This cash registration process determines the cash amount received in the cash reception process in step S125, and stores the monetary information of the cash amount in the normal information storage medium 10b in association with the member application ID, unified store number, and store member number. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S128.

[0222] In step S128, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs the application member card ejection process. Similar to step S123 described above, this application membership card ejection process turns off the membership reception flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150, drives the first insertion and ejection drive unit 160, and ejects the regular information storage medium 10b (application membership card) storing the member application ID, unified store number, store membership number, monetary information, etc. from the medium insertion and ejection slot 106. Then, the store membership number and monetary information, etc. stored in the ejected regular information storage medium 10b are associated with each other and transmitted to the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0223] In step S129, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a settlement operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the settlement operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S130, and if it determines that the settlement operation has not been accepted, it returns to step S118.

[0224] In step S130, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a settler image capture process. This checkout person image capture process acquires the visitor number or store member number from the accepted information storage medium 10. Then, the camera 101 captures an image of the user performing the checkout operation or inserting the information storage medium 10 into the medium insertion / ejection slot 106, and the captured image of the user is captured as a checkout person image. The checkout person image is stored in the deposit / clearance memory unit 150 in association with the acquired visitor number or store member number. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S131.

[0225] In step S131, the deposit settlement control unit 130 refers to the depositor image and the settler image associated with the visitor number or store membership number of the accepted information storage medium 10 from the deposit settlement memory unit 150, and determines whether the depositor and the settler correspond (are the same person). If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the depositor and the settler correspond, it proceeds to step S132, and if it determines that the depositor and the settler do not correspond, it proceeds to step S133.

[0226] In step S132, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs settlement control processing. This settlement control process acquires information such as a visitor number or store membership number, monetary information, etc. from the accepted information storage medium 10. Next, information such as monetary information associated with the visitor number or store membership number is also acquired from the unit management server 310, and the integrity of the accepted information storage medium 10 is confirmed. If the integrity of the accepted information storage medium 10 is met, the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 is converted into cash and the converted banknotes are returned through the banknote return slot 107, or the converted coins are returned through the coin return slot 108, thereby converting the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 into cash and refunding it. Note that if the integrity of the accepted information storage medium 10 is not met, the accepted information storage medium 10 is ejected from the unit insertion and ejection slot 202. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0227] In this embodiment, the settlement control process is configured to convert the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 into cash and refund it, but it may also be configured to convert the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 into electronic money and make the converted electronic money refundable.

[0228] In step S133, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a card return process. This card return process displays a settlement error screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 to notify the user of a settlement error, and returns the accepted information storage medium 10 from the medium insertion / ejection slot 106. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0229] In this way, when the information storage medium 10 is inserted into the deposit settlement device 100, if it is an app membership card, the deposit or settlement process is performed by the user's operation, and if it is a general card, the settlement process is performed automatically.

[0230] [Member acceptance control process for deposit settlement device] Next, we will explain in detail the member acceptance control process carried out in step S104 of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is an example of a flowchart showing the member acceptance control process of the deposit settlement device of the present invention.

[0231] In step S141, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not member authentication of the application member has been completed. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the member authentication has been completed, it proceeds to step S149, and if it determines that the member authentication has not been completed, it proceeds to step S142.

[0232] In step S142, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member code information request process. This member code information request process is also the process of step S22 (see Figure 6) described above, and involves displaying a member code request screen on the deposit settlement display unit 110 that requests member code information, and activating the code reader 104 so that the member code information displayed on the player mobile terminal 600 can be read. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S143.

[0233] In step S143, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not the member code information has been read. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the member code information has been read, it proceeds to step S144, and if it determines that the member code information has not been read, it waits until the member code information is read.

[0234] In step S144, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs member authentication processing. This member authentication process is also the process of step S24 (see FIG. 6) described above, and acquires the member app ID, unified store number, store member number, etc. from the member code information to authenticate the app member. Specifically, it determines whether the acquired unified store number corresponds to the unified store number stored in the deposit settlement device 100, and if it is determined that the acquired unified store number corresponds to the unified store number stored in the deposit settlement device 100, it transmits member confirmation instruction information, the member app ID, unified store number, store member number, etc. to the member application center 700. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S145.

[0235] In step S145, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not the user is an application member. Specifically, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not the user is an application member based on whether or not the acquired unified store number corresponds to the unified store number stored in the deposit settlement device 100 and whether or not a member confirmation notice or the like has been received from the member application center 700. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the user is an application member, it proceeds to step S146, and if it determines that the user is not an application member, it proceeds to step S147.

[0236] In step S146, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member information linking process. This member information linking process is also the process of step S26 (see FIG. 6) described above, and stores the unified store number, store member number, and depositor image in association with the member application ID in the deposit settlement storage unit 150. Then, the store member number is stored in place of the visitor number pre-stored as card identification information in the normal information storage medium 10b, and is stored in association with the store member number, unified store number, and member application ID in the normal information storage medium 10b. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S149.

[0237] In step S147, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a member error display process. This member error display process causes the deposit settlement display unit 110 to display a member error screen informing the user of an authentication error of the application member. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S148.

[0238] In step S148, the deposit settlement control unit 130 turns off the member reception flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150, and ends this member reception control process.

[0239] In step S149, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a saved ball confirmation operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the saved ball confirmation operation has been accepted, it transfers the process to step S150, and if it determines that the saved ball confirmation operation has not been accepted, it transfers the process to step S155.

[0240] In step S150, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a stored ball confirmation process. This stored ball confirmation process is also the process of step S27 (see FIG. 6) described above, and confirms the player's stored ball information stored in the member management server 320 or the stored ball data center 710 via the unit management server 310. Specifically, the deposit settlement control unit 130 transmits stored ball confirmation information, the unified store number, the store member number, etc. to the unit management server 310 in order to confirm the player's stored ball information. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S151.

[0241] In step S151, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a stored ball display process. This saved ball display process is also the process of step S29 (see Figure 6) described above, and displays the player's saved ball information on the deposit settlement display unit 110 based on the player's saved ball information received from the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S152.

[0242] In step S152, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a saved ball transfer operation has been received from the user. As described above, in this embodiment, the saved ball transfer operation includes a first saved ball transfer operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of saved balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, and a second saved ball transfer operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of saved balls that can be replayed per day. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that any of the saved ball transfer operations has been accepted, it proceeds to step S153, and if it determines that any of the saved ball transfer operations has not been accepted, it waits until a saved ball transfer operation is accepted.

[0243] In step S153, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a stored ball transfer instruction process. This stored ball transfer instruction process is also the process of step S30 (see Figure 6) described above, and instructs the transfer of the number of stored balls specified by the stored ball transfer operation from the player's stored ball information stored in the member management server 320 via the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S154.

[0244] In step S154, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs a stored ball storage process. This stored ball storage process is also the process of step S32 (see Figure 6) described above, and when a stored ball update completion notification or the like is received from the unit management server 310, the stored ball information received from the unit management server 310 is stored in a normal information storage medium 10b in association with the member app ID, unified store number, and store member number. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S155.

[0245] In this way, the saved ball information is stored on the app member card, and you can use the prize exchange service from the next day onwards, or the so-called saved ball / medal replay service.

[0246] In step S155, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a deposit operation has been accepted from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that a deposit operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S156, and if it determines that a deposit operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S158.

[0247] In step S156, the deposit settlement control unit 130 turns off the member reception flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150, and moves the process to step S157.

[0248] In step S157, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs member deposit control processing. This member deposit control process performs the same processing as steps S119 to S127 (see Figure 10) described above, deposits monetary information in the form of electronic money or cash, stores the deposited monetary information in association with the member app ID and store member number in a normal information storage medium 10b, and ejects the normal information storage medium 10b as an app member card. When this process is completed, the current member admission control process is terminated.

[0249] In step S158, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines whether or not a withdrawal operation has been received from the user. If the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that the ejection operation has been received, it proceeds to step S159, and if it determines that the ejection operation has not been received, it proceeds to step S160.

[0250] In step S159, the deposit settlement control unit 130 performs an application membership card ejection process. Similar to steps S123 and S128 described above, this application membership card ejection process turns off the membership reception flag stored in the deposit settlement storage unit 150, drives the first insertion and ejection drive unit 160, and ejects the normal information storage medium 10b (application membership card) storing the member application ID, unified store number, store membership number, etc. from the medium insertion and ejection slot 106. Then, the unified store number, store membership number, monetary information, etc. stored in the ejected normal information storage medium 10b are associated with each other and transmitted to the unit management server 310. When this process is completed, the current member admission control process is terminated.

[0251] In this way, after the app member is authenticated, by performing a discharge operation, it is possible to discharge an app member card that stores only saved ball information, or to discharge an app member card that stores neither saved ball information nor monetary information.

[0252] In step S160, the deposit settlement control unit 130 determines that a back operation has been received from the user, and performs a state return process to return to the previous display state. When this process is completed, the current member admission control process is terminated.

[0253] In this way, in the member reception control process of this embodiment, if you are an app member, you can use the player mobile terminal 600 to use member services such as transferring saved balls and depositing electronic money.

[0254] [Unit device control processing] Next, a detailed description will be given of the control process of the above-mentioned unit device 200. Fig. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing the control process of the unit device 200 of the present invention.

[0255] When the unit device 200 is powered on, the unit control section 230 performs an initialization process to initialize the RAM, registers, etc. of the unit device 200 in step S201. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0256] In step S202, the unit control section 230 determines whether or not an initial setting operation has been received from the manager of the gaming facility or the like. If the unit control unit 230 determines that the initial setting operation by the gaming facility manager or the like has been accepted, the unit control unit 230 proceeds to step S203 to perform the initial setting. On the other hand, if the unit control unit 230 determines that the initial setting operation by the gaming facility manager or the like has not been accepted, the unit control unit 230 proceeds to step S204 without performing the initial setting.

[0257] In step S203, unit control section 230 performs unit initial setting processing. In this unit initial setting process, the manager of the gaming establishment or the like sets the amount of money (for example, 500 yen or 100 yen) to be consumed to lend gaming media in one lending operation. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0258] In step S204, unit control section 230 performs a standby display process to cause unit display section 210 to display a standby screen. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0259] In step S205, unit control section 230 determines whether information storage medium 10 has been accepted. If the unit control unit 230 determines that the information storage medium 10 has been accepted, it proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the unit control unit 230 determines that the information storage medium 10 has not been accepted, it returns to step S204 and waits until the information storage medium 10 has been accepted.

[0260] In step S206, the unit control unit 230 performs information storage processing. This information storage processing acquires information such as a visitor number or store membership number, a unified store number, monetary information, held ball information, and saved ball information from the accepted information storage medium 10. Next, information such as a unified store number, monetary information, held ball information, and saved ball information associated with the visitor number or store membership number is also acquired from the unit management server 310, and the consistency of the accepted information storage medium 10 is confirmed. Then, if the consistency of the accepted information storage medium 10 is met, the monetary information, held ball information, saved ball information, and date and time information of the acceptance of the information storage medium 10 are stored in the unit storage unit 250 in association with the visitor number or store membership number acquired from the information storage medium 10. Note that if the consistency of the accepted information storage medium 10 is not met, the accepted information storage medium 10 is ejected from the unit insertion and ejection port 202. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0261] In step S207, the unit control unit 230 performs information display processing to display on the unit display unit 210 information such as monetary information, held ball information, and saved ball information stored in the unit storage unit 250. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0262] In step S208, the unit control unit 230 determines whether a lending operation for lending gaming media to the gaming machine 2 by consuming the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 has been accepted. If the unit control section 230 determines that a lending operation has been received, it proceeds to step S209, and if it determines that a lending operation has not been received, it proceeds to step S210.

[0263] In step S209, the unit control unit 230 performs a money lending control process. This money lending control process updates the money information stored in the unit storage unit 250 by subtracting the consumed money information (e.g., 500 yen) for one lending operation from the money information stored in the unit storage unit 250, and updates the money information stored in the information storage medium 10 by overwriting the updated money information. Then, the amount of gaming media for one lending operation is lent to the gaming machine 2 (the gaming medium information is sent to the gaming machine 2). When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0264] In step S210, the unit control unit 230 determines whether a replay operation for consuming the held ball information or saved ball information stored in the information storage medium 10 and lending the gaming medium to the gaming machine 2 has been accepted. If the unit control section 230 determines that a replay operation has been received, it proceeds to step S211, and if it determines that a replay operation has not been received, it proceeds to step S212.

[0265] In step S211, the unit control unit 230 performs a held ball lending control process. In this held ball lending control process, if held ball information is stored in the information storage medium 10, the held ball information is given priority even if saved ball information is stored, and the held ball information stored in the unit storage unit 250 is updated by subtracting the consumed saved ball information (for example, 125 balls) for one replay operation from the held ball information stored in the unit storage unit 250, and the updated held ball information is overwritten and updated on the saved ball information stored in the information storage medium 10. In addition, if held ball information is not stored in the information storage medium 10 but saved ball information is stored, the saved ball information stored in the unit storage unit 250 is updated by subtracting the consumed saved ball information (for example, 125 balls) for one replay operation from the saved ball information stored in the unit storage unit 250, and the updated saved ball information is overwritten and updated on the saved ball information stored in the information storage medium 10. Then, the amount of gaming media for one replay operation is lent to the gaming machine 2 (gaming medium information is sent to the gaming machine 2). When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0266] In step S212, the unit control section 230 determines whether or not the counting information has been received from the gaming machine 2. If unit control section 230 determines that counting information has been received, it proceeds to step S213, and if it determines that counting information has not been received, it proceeds to step S214.

[0267] In step S213, the unit control unit 230 performs a ball information registration process. This ball information registration process adds the ball information corresponding to the received counting information to the ball information stored in the unit memory unit 250 to update it, and also adds the ball information corresponding to the received counting information to the ball information stored in the information storage medium 10 to update it. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0268] In step S214, unit control section 230 determines whether or not a return operation has been accepted. If unit control section 230 determines that a return operation has been received, it proceeds to step S215, and if it determines that a return operation has not been received, it returns to step S207.

[0269] In step S215, the unit control section 230 performs an ejection process to eject the information storage medium 10 from the unit insertion / ejection opening 202. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S216.

[0270] In step S216, the unit control unit 230 performs an acceptance end process. This acceptance end process sends a game end notification and the visitor number or store member number, unified store number, monetary information, held ball information, and saved ball information stored in the information storage medium 10 to the unit management server 310. Then, the visitor number or store member number, unified store number, monetary information, held ball information, saved ball information, and date and time information stored in the unit storage unit 250 are cleared. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S204.

[0271] [Member app control processing on player's mobile device] Next, we will explain in detail the member application control process executed by the member application stored in the above-mentioned player mobile terminal 600. Figure 13 is an example of a flowchart showing the member application control process of the player mobile terminal 600 of the present invention.

[0272] In step S601, mobile control unit 630 performs a member application startup process to start a member application. This member application startup process executes the member application program stored in mobile storage unit 640 and reads the member application ID, etc. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S602.

[0273] In step S602, the mobile control unit 630 performs a top menu display process to display a top menu screen by the member application on the mobile display unit 610. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0274] In step S603, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether the mobile operation unit 620 has accepted a user operation. If mobile control unit 630 determines that a user operation has been accepted, it proceeds to step S604, and if it determines that a user operation has not been accepted, it proceeds to step S620.

[0275] In step S604, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether or not the accepted user operation is a member game operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is a member game operation, it shifts the process to step S605, and if it determines that the operation is not a member game operation, it shifts the process to step S607.

[0276] In step S605, the mobile control unit 630 performs a game hall determination process. In this game hall determination process, a game parlor (game hall) where a game is to be played is determined from among registered "my halls" by a user operation. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S606.

[0277] In step S606, the mobile control unit 630 performs a membership code information display process. This membership code information display process is also the process of step S23 (see FIG. 6) described above, and causes the mobile display unit 610 to display membership code information including the member app ID, the gaming hall's unified store number, the store member number, etc. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S603.

[0278] In step S607, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether the accepted user operation is an electronic money withdrawal operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is an electronic money withdrawal operation, it proceeds to step S608, and if it determines that the operation is not an electronic money withdrawal operation, it proceeds to step S609.

[0279] In step S608, the mobile control unit 630 performs electronic money display processing. This electronic money display process is also the process of step S42 (see FIG. 7) described above, and causes the mobile display unit 610 to display electronic money code information including the member application ID, charge amount, and the like. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S603.

[0280] In step S609, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether the accepted user operation is a My Hall setting operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is a my hall setting operation, it moves the process to step S610, and if it determines that the operation is not a my hall setting operation, it moves the process to step S612.

[0281] In step S610, the mobile control unit 630 performs a my-hall selection start process. This my-hall selection start process is also the process of step S5 (see FIG. 5) described above, and requests the member app center 700 to disclose the hall information registered therein. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S611.

[0282] In step S611, the mobile control unit 630 performs a "my hall" selection and determination process. This "my hall" selection and determination process is also the process of step S7 (see FIG. 5) described above, and displays the hall name, etc. on the mobile display unit 610. The user selects the "my hall" through input of a user operation into the mobile operation unit 620, and inputs the store membership number of the selected "my hall." The member app ID, the "my hall" selection information (unified store number) for the selected "my hall," the store membership number, etc. are then transmitted to the member app center 700. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0283] In step S612, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether the accepted user operation is a charge amount setting operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is a charge amount setting operation, it proceeds to step S613, and if it determines that the operation is not a charge amount setting operation, it proceeds to step S614.

[0284] In step S613, the mobile control unit 630 performs a charging amount setting process. This charge amount setting process is also the process of step S9 (see FIG. 5) described above, and the charge amount is set by the user's operation input to the mobile operation unit 620. Then, the member app ID, charge amount information indicating the set charge amount, etc. are sent to the member app center 700. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0285] In step S614, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether the accepted user operation is an upper limit amount setting operation. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that the operation is a maximum amount setting operation, it proceeds to step S615, and if it determines that the operation is not a maximum amount setting operation, it proceeds to step S616.

[0286] In step S615, the mobile control unit 630 performs a process for setting an upper limit amount. This upper limit amount setting process is also the process of step S11 (see Figure 5) described above, in which the upper limit amount is set by user operation input to the mobile operation unit 620, and the member app ID, upper limit amount information indicating the set upper limit amount, etc. are sent to the member app center 700. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0287] In step S616, the mobile control unit 630 performs other operation response processing in accordance with the accepted user operation. The other operation response process performs a process to move to the next display state if the received user operation is a forward operation, and a process to return to the previous display state if the received user operation is a backward operation. Also, if the received user operation is a service operation, a service request process is performed to request the member app center 700 to provide the contents of game information, etc. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0288] In step S620, the mobile control unit 630 determines whether or not a completion notice (my hall registration completion notice, charge amount registration completion notice, upper limit amount registration completion notice, payment completion notice, etc.) has been received from the member application center 700. If the mobile control unit 630 determines that a completion notification has been received from the member app center 700, it transfers processing to step S621, and if it determines that a completion notification has not been received from the member app center 700, it returns processing to step S602.

[0289] In step S621, the mobile control unit 630 performs various completion display processes based on the completion notification received from the member application center 700. In these various reception processes, when a my hall registration completion notification is received from the member application center 700, the mobile control unit 630 causes an image notifying that my hall registration is complete to be displayed on the mobile display unit 610, and when a charge amount registration completion notification is received from the member application center 700, the mobile control unit 630 causes an image notifying that charge amount registration is complete to be displayed on the mobile display unit 610. Furthermore, when a maximum amount registration completion notification is received from the member application center 700, the mobile control unit 630 causes an image notifying that maximum amount registration is complete to be displayed on the mobile display unit 610, and when a payment completion notification is received from the member application center 700, the mobile control unit 630 causes an image notifying that payment by electronic money is complete to be displayed on the mobile display unit 610. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0290] [Member application server control process] Next, a detailed description will be given of the control processing of the member application server 701 in the above-mentioned member application center 700. Figures 14 and 15 are examples of flowcharts showing the control processing of the member application server 701 of the present invention.

[0291] When the member application server 701 is powered on, in step S701, the member application server 701 performs an initialization process to initialize the RAM, registers, and the like of the member application server 701. When this process is completed, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0292] In step S702, the member application server 701 determines whether or not information has been received from an external source. If member application server 701 determines that the information has been received, it proceeds to step S703, and if it determines that the information has not been received, it waits until the information is received.

[0293] In step S703, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is hall application information from the hall terminal 900. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is hall application information, it transfers processing to step S704, and if it determines that the received information is not hall application information, it transfers processing to step S705.

[0294] In step S704, the member application server 701 performs a hall information registration process. This hall information registration process is also the process of step S2 (see FIG. 5) described above, in which a hall ID is generated and hall information, etc. is registered in association with the generated hall ID in the hall information database 703. Then, once the hall information, etc. is registered in the hall information database 703, the hall ID and a hall registration completion notice are transmitted to the hall terminal 900. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0295] In step S705, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is membership application information from the player mobile terminal 600. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is membership application information, it proceeds to step S706, and if it determines that the received information is not membership application information, it proceeds to step S707.

[0296] In step S706, the member application server 701 performs a member information registration process. This member information registration process is also the process of step S4 (see FIG. 5) described above, in which a member application ID is generated and the user's personal information, etc. is registered in the member information database 702 in association with the generated member application ID. Then, once the user's personal information, etc. has been registered in the member information database 702, the member application ID and a member registration completion notice are transmitted to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0297] In step S707, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is hall opening request information from the player mobile terminal 600 or not. If the member app server 701 determines that the received information is hole disclosure request information, it transfers processing to step S708, and if it determines that the received information is not hole disclosure request information, it transfers processing to step S709.

[0298] In step S708, the member application server 701 performs a registered hall information providing process. This registered hall information providing process is also the process of step S6 (see FIG. 5) described above, and transmits hall name information indicating the hall name, etc., from the hall information registered in the hall information database 703 to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0299] In step S709, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is My Hall selection information from the player mobile terminal 600. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is my hall selection information, it transfers processing to step S710, and if it determines that the received information is not my hall selection information, it transfers processing to step S711.

[0300] In step S710, the member application server 701 performs a my hall registration process. This my hall registration process is also the process of step S8 (see FIG. 5) described above, in which the unified store number corresponding to the received my hall selection information is registered as my hall selection information in the member information database 702 in association with the member application ID, and the store membership number is registered in association with the my hall selection information (unified store number) and the member application ID in the member information database 702. Then, after the my hall selection information and the like are registered in the member information database 702, a my hall registration completion notice is sent to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0301] In step S711, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is charging amount information from the player mobile terminal 600 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is charging amount information, it proceeds to step S712, and if it determines that the received information is not charging amount information, it proceeds to step S713.

[0302] In step S712, the member application server 701 performs a charge amount registration process. This My Hall registration process is also the process of step S10 (see FIG. 5) described above, and registers charge amount information in the member information database 702 in association with the member application ID. Then, after registering the charge amount information in the member information database 702, the member application server 701 transmits a charge amount registration completion notification to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0303] In step S713, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is upper limit amount information from the player mobile terminal 600. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is upper limit amount information, it proceeds to step S714, and if it determines that the received information is not upper limit amount information, it proceeds to step S715.

[0304] In step S714, the member application server 701 performs a maximum amount limit registration process. This maximum amount limit registration process is also the process of step S12 (see FIG. 5) described above, and registers maximum amount limit information in the member information database 702 in association with the member application ID. Then, once the maximum amount limit information has been registered in the member information database 702, a maximum amount limit registration completion notice is sent to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0305] In step S715, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is member verification instruction information from the deposit settlement apparatus 100 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is member verification instruction information, it transfers processing to step S716, and if it determines that the received information is not member verification instruction information, it transfers processing to step S717.

[0306] In step S716, the member application server 701 performs an application member confirmation process. This application member confirmation process is also the process of step S25 (see FIG. 6) described above, and checks whether the member application ID, unified store number, and store member number received from the deposit settlement device 100 are registered in the member information database 702. If it is confirmed that the received member application ID, unified store number, and store member number are registered in the member information database 702, it sends a member confirmation notice, etc. to the deposit settlement device 100. If it is confirmed that the received member application ID, unified store number, and store member number are not registered in the member information database 702, it sends a non-member confirmation notice, etc. to the deposit settlement device 100. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0307] In step S717, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is money confirmation information from the deposit settlement apparatus 100 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is money confirmation information, it proceeds to step S718, and if it determines that the received information is not money confirmation information, it proceeds to step S719.

[0308] In step S718, the member application server 701 performs electronic money payment request processing. This electronic money payment request processing is also the processing of step S44 (see FIG. 7) described above, and transmits the member application ID, charge amount, etc. to the service center 800 (electronic money center) to request electronic money payment from the electronic money center. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0309] In step S719, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is an electronic money payment completion notification from the service center 800 or not. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is an electronic money payment completion notification, it transfers processing to step S720, and if it determines that the received information is not an electronic money payment completion notification, it transfers processing to step S721.

[0310] In step S720, the member application server 701 performs electronic money payment notification processing. This electronic money payment notification processing is also the processing of step S46 (see FIG. 7) described above, and includes sending deposit confirmation information and the like to the deposit settlement device 100 and sending a payment completion notification and the like to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0311] In step S721, the member application server 701 determines whether the received information is service request information from the player mobile terminal 600. If the member application server 701 determines that the received information is service request information, it proceeds to step S722, and if it determines that the received information is not service request information, it returns to step S702.

[0312] In step S722, the member application server 701 performs a service provision process, which transmits service information indicating the content of the game information and the like to the player mobile terminal 600. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S702.

[0313] [Display screen of the deposit settlement device] Next, we will explain an example of a display screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the above-mentioned deposit settlement device 100. Figures 16 to 18 show an example of a display screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100 of the present invention.

[0314] (Display screen when authenticating app members) 16 and 17 are examples of display screens that are displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 when the deposit settlement apparatus 100 of the present invention authenticates that the user is an application member.

[0315] 16(a) is an example of a member reception screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100. This member reception screen is also a standby screen for accepting the first operation from the user.

[0316] 16(a), the member reception screen displays at least a member confirmation operation image 111a (displaying "Yes") for accepting a member confirmation operation and a non-member confirmation operation image 111b (displaying "No") for accepting a non-member confirmation operation. Also displayed is a card insertion possible image 111c (displaying "Please insert your card when settling") that indicates that the information storage medium 10 is acceptable for settlement.

[0317] When the user touches the member confirmation operation image 111a on the member reception screen, the screen transitions to a member code request screen shown in FIG. 16(b) which will be described later.

[0318] FIG. 16(b) is an example of a membership code request screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0319] As shown in FIG. 16(b), the membership code request screen displays an image requesting that the player display the membership code information on the player mobile terminal 600 and have the code reader 104 read the membership code information.

[0320] When the user reads the membership code information into the code reader 104 on the membership code request screen, the screen transitions to a saved ball transfer acceptance screen shown in FIG. 16(c) to be described later.

[0321] FIG. 16(c) is an example of a saved ball transfer reception screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0322] As shown in Figure 16(c), the saved ball transfer acceptance screen displays the app ID obtained from the member code information, and at least displays a saved ball confirmation operation image 112a (an image displaying "Yes") that accepts the saved ball confirmation operation, and a non-transfer operation image 112b (an image displaying "No") that accepts the non-transfer operation that does not transfer the saved balls.

[0323] On the saved ball transfer reception screen, when the user touches the saved ball confirmation operation image 112a, the screen moves to the saved ball display screen shown in Fig. 16(d) described later. Also, when the user touches the non-transfer operation image 112b, the screen moves to the deposit reception screen shown in Fig. 17(e) described later.

[0324] FIG. 16(d) is an example of a saved ball display screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0325] As shown in Figure 16(d), the saved ball display screen displays the app ID, as well as a saved ball number image 113a that notifies the player of saved ball information, and as saved ball transfer operation images, at least a first saved ball transfer instruction operation image 113b (display image for "transfer of saved balls that can be exchanged for prizes") that accepts a first saved ball transfer operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of saved balls that can be exchanged for prizes per day, and a second saved ball transfer instruction operation image 113c (display image for "transfer of saved balls that can be replayed") that accepts a second saved ball transfer operation that instructs the transfer of the maximum number of saved balls that can be replayed per day.

[0326] On the saved ball transfer acceptance screen, when the user touches the first saved ball transfer instruction operation image 113b (or the second saved ball transfer instruction operation image 113c), the screen transitions to the deposit acceptance screen shown in Figure 17(e) described below.

[0327] FIG. 17( e ) is an example of a deposit acceptance screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100 .

[0328] As shown in Figure 17(e), the deposit acceptance screen can display the app ID and, if the player's saved ball information has been transferred, the transferred saved ball information, and also displays at least a deposit operation image 114a (an image displaying "Yes") that accepts the deposit operation and a discharge operation image 114b (an image displaying "No") that accepts the discharge operation to discharge the app member card without making a deposit.

[0329] When the user touches the deposit operation image 114a on the deposit reception screen, the screen transitions to a deposit method selection screen shown in Fig. 17(f-1) described later. When the user touches the ejection operation image 114b, the screen transitions to an application member card ejection screen shown in Fig. 17(f-2) described later.

[0330] FIG. 17(f-1) is an example of a deposit method selection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0331] As shown in Figure 17 (f-1), the deposit method selection screen can display the app ID and saved ball information, and also displays at least an electronic deposit operation image 115a (an image displaying "Yes") that accepts an electronic money deposit operation and a cash deposit operation image 115b (an image displaying "No") that accepts a cash deposit operation.

[0332] On the deposit method selection screen, when the user touches the electronic deposit operation image 115a, the screen transitions to the electronic money code request screen shown in Fig. 17(g-1) described later. Also, when the user touches the cash deposit operation 115b, the screen transitions to the cash acceptance screen shown in Fig. 17(g-2) described later.

[0333] FIG. 17(f-2) is an example of the application member card ejection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement apparatus 100.

[0334] As shown in Figure 17 (f-2), the app membership card ejection screen can display the app ID and ball storage information, and also displays at least an image informing users that a regular information storage medium 10b will be ejected from the medium insertion and ejection port 106 as an app membership card.

[0335] FIG. 17(g-1) is an example of an electronic money code request screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement apparatus 100.

[0336] As shown in Figure 17 (g-1), the electronic money code request screen can display the app ID and ball storage information, and also displays an image requesting that the electronic money code information be displayed on the player's mobile terminal 600 and that the code reader 104 read the electronic money code information.

[0337] When the user reads electronic money code information with the code reader 104 on the electronic money code request screen, the screen transitions to an electronic money storage card ejection screen shown in FIG. 17(h-1) which will be described later.

[0338] FIG. 17(h-1) is an example of an electronic money storage card ejection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement apparatus 100. In FIG.

[0339] As shown in Figure 17 (h-1), the electronic money storage card ejection screen can display the app ID and saved ball information, as well as the charge amount of the deposited electronic money, and at least an image is displayed to notify that the regular information storage medium 10b will be ejected from the medium insertion and ejection port 106 as an app membership card.

[0340] FIG. 17(g-2) is an example of a cash reception screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement apparatus 100.

[0341] As shown in Figure 17 (g-2), the cash reception screen can display the app ID and saved ball information, as well as the amount of money deposited from the bill validation unit 171, and at least a deposit completion operation image 116 (an image displaying "deposit completed") that accepts the deposit completion operation is displayed.

[0342] When the user touches the deposit completion operation image 116 on the cash reception screen, the screen transitions to an application member card ejection screen shown in FIG. 17(h-2) described later.

[0343] Figure 17(h-2) is an example of an app member card ejection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100, and similar to Figure 17(f-2), at least an image is displayed notifying the user that a regular information storage medium 10b will be ejected from the medium insertion and ejection port 106 as an app member card.

[0344] In this way, the deposit settlement device 100 authenticates that the player is an app member using the player's mobile terminal 600, and once authenticated as an app member, it can provide electronic money deposit services and saved ball transfer services.

[0345] (Display screen when inserting information storage medium) FIG. 18 shows an example of a display screen that is displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 when the information storage medium 10 is inserted into the deposit settlement device 100 of the present invention.

[0346] FIG. 18(a) is an example of a member reception screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100, and is similar to FIG. 16(a).

[0347] When a user inserts an information storage medium 10 into the membership reception screen, if the inserted information storage medium 10 is an application membership card, the screen will transition to the deposit settlement selection screen shown in Figure 18(b-1) described below, and if the inserted information storage medium 10 is not an application membership card, the screen will transition to the settlement screen shown in Figure 18(c-2) described below.

[0348] FIG. 18(b-1) is an example of a deposit settlement selection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0349] As shown in Figure 18 (b-1), the deposit / settlement selection screen can display the application ID stored in the normal information storage medium 10b, and also displays at least a deposit operation image 117a (display image of "deposit") that accepts a deposit operation for additional deposits, and a settlement operation image 117b (display image of "settlement") that accepts a settlement operation for settlement.

[0350] On the deposit settlement selection screen, when the user touches the deposit operation image 117a, the screen transitions to the deposit method selection screen shown in Fig. 18(c-1) described later. Also, when the user touches the settlement operation image 117b, the screen transitions to the settlement screen shown in Fig. 18(c-2) described later.

[0351] FIG. 18(c-1) is an example of a deposit method selection screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100, and is similar to FIG. 17(f-1). Thereafter, electronic money or cash is deposited and the normal information storage medium 10b is ejected, as in Figures 17(g-1), 17(g-2), 17(h-1), and 17(h-2).

[0352] FIG. 18(c-2) is an example of a settlement screen displayed on the deposit settlement display unit 110 of the deposit settlement device 100.

[0353] As shown in FIG. 18(c-2), the settlement screen displays at least an image notifying that the monetary information stored in the information storage medium 10 has been refunded. It should be noted that the normal information storage medium 10b inserted into the deposit settlement display unit 110 will be collected into the card stocker 109.

[0354] In this way, when the information storage medium 10 is inserted into the deposit settlement device 100, if it is an app membership card, the deposit or settlement process is performed by the user's operation, and if it is a general card, the settlement process is performed automatically.

[0355] [Display screen of player's mobile device] Next, an example of a display screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when a member application is executed on the player mobile terminal 600 will be described. Figures 19 and 20 show examples of display screens displayed on the mobile display unit 610 when a member application is executed on the player mobile terminal 600 of the present invention.

[0356] FIG. 19(a) is an example of a top menu screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the member application is being executed.

[0357] As shown in Figure 19(a), the top menu screen can display the app ID, etc., and at least displays a member game operation image 611a (display image for "member game") that accepts member game operations, a my hall setting operation image 611b (display image for "my hall settings") that accepts my hall setting operations, a charge amount setting operation image 611c (display image for "charge amount setting") that accepts charge amount setting operations, and a service operation image 611d (display image for "other services") that accepts service operations.

[0358] When the user touches the member game operation image 611a on the top menu screen, the screen transitions to a game hall selection screen shown in FIG. 19(b) which will be described later.

[0359] FIG. 19(b) is an example of a game hall selection screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the member application is being executed.

[0360] As shown in FIG. 19(b), the game hall selection screen can display the application ID and the like, and also displays at least game hall selection images 612a to 612d for selecting one game hall from a plurality of "My Halls."

[0361] On the game hall selection screen, the user touches any one of the game hall selection images 612a to 612d to determine the game hall, and the screen transitions to a membership code information display screen shown in FIG. 19(c) which will be described later.

[0362] FIG. 19(c) is an example of a membership code information display screen that is displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the membership application is being executed.

[0363] As shown in Figure 19(c), the membership code information display screen can display the app ID, the determined gaming hall, the gaming hall's store membership number, etc., and also displays at least membership code information 613a and a transition image 613b that moves to the next operation.

[0364] When the user touches transition image 613b on the membership code information display screen, the screen transitions to a payment selection screen shown in FIG. 20(d), which will be described later.

[0365] In this embodiment, the user is configured to transition to the payment selection screen by touching the transition image 613b, but the player mobile terminal 600 may also be configured to transition to the payment selection screen by receiving a member confirmation notification or the like from the member app center 700.

[0366] FIG. 20(d) is an example of a payment selection screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the member application is being executed.

[0367] As shown in Figure 20(d), the payment selection screen can display the application ID, etc., and also displays at least an electronic money withdrawal operation image 614a (an image displaying "Yes") that accepts an electronic money withdrawal operation to withdraw from electronic money, and a negation operation image 614b (an image displaying "No") that accepts an operation not to withdraw from electronic money.

[0368] When the user touches the electronic money withdrawal operation image 614a on the payment selection screen, the screen transitions to an electronic money code information display screen shown in FIG. 20(e), which will be described later.

[0369] FIG. 20(e) is an example of an electronic money code information display screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the member application is being executed.

[0370] As shown in FIG. 20(e), the electronic money code information display screen can display the application ID and the like, and also displays at least a charge image 615a indicating the set charge amount and electronic money code information 615b.

[0371] When the player mobile terminal 600 receives a payment completion notice from the member application center 700 on the electronic money code information display screen, the screen transitions to a payment completion screen shown in FIG. 20(f), which will be described later.

[0372] FIG. 20(f) is an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the mobile display unit 610 of the player mobile terminal 600 when the member application is being executed.

[0373] As shown in FIG. 20(f), the payment completion screen can display the application ID, remaining balance information regarding the upper limit amount, etc., and also displays at least an image notifying that payment has been completed using electronic money.

[0374] In this way, the player mobile terminal 600 can authenticate the app member by having the member code information read into the deposit settlement device 100, and can make payments using electronic money by having the electronic money code information read into the deposit settlement device 100.

[0375] In this embodiment, member authentication can be performed using the player mobile terminal 600, eliminating the hassle of carrying a membership card for each gaming parlor and improving the convenience of membership services. Furthermore, since the regular information storage medium 10b stores the store membership number for each gaming parlor, it can also be used as a conventional pre-issued membership card, enabling compatibility with conventional unit devices. Furthermore, instead of using multiple unit devices installed in the gaming parlor, the conventional settlement device is replaced with the new deposit settlement device 100, and app membership cards are issued by the deposit settlement device 100, thereby reducing the costs associated with introducing a new system.

[0376] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the unique information of the player mobile terminal 600 is not obtained from the player mobile terminal 600, but the app ID and store membership number are obtained to authenticate whether the player is an app member, so the system provider is exempt from managing personal information, improving the convenience of introducing the new system.

[0377] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the same type of normal information storage medium 10b can be ejected when the user is authenticated as an app member and when the user is not authenticated as an app member, the gaming establishment does not need to prepare a membership card exclusively for app members, and commonality with general cards can be achieved, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, in the deposit settlement device, there is no need to prepare different card stockers for each type of card or perform different ejection processes, which prevents the structure from becoming complicated and reduces the control burden.

[0378] In addition, in this embodiment, once a user is authenticated as an app member, the user can use the electronic money payment service, the prize exchange service from the next day onwards, and the replay service using saved balls and medals, thereby improving the service.

[0379] In addition, in this embodiment, only a portion of the saved balls and medals can be used, which allows for further improvement of the service.

[0380] [Other variations] In this embodiment, the membership services for app members are configured to allow them to use an electronic money payment service, a prize exchange service from the next day onwards, and a replay service using saved balls and medals, but it may also be configured to allow only one of the above-mentioned services to be provided, or to allow other services (such as providing information on gaming machines or a prize exchange service on the Internet) to be provided.

[0381] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the deposit settlement device 100 is configured to store the member app ID, unified store number, store member number, and saved ball information in association with each other in a normal information storage medium 10b, but if a service for replay using saved balls and medals is not provided (for example, if only a payment service using electronic money is provided), the store member number and saved ball information may not be stored in the normal information storage medium 10b, but may be configured to store the member app ID and unified store number in association with each other in a normal information storage medium 10b.

[0382] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even for app members, the card is configured to eject a normal information storage medium 10b similar to that of a general card, but if the card is an app member, the card may be configured to eject an information storage medium 10 exclusively for app members.

[0383] In this embodiment, the information storage medium 10 is configured using a magnetic card, IC card, IC medal, etc. that can be inserted into the deposit settlement device 100 and the unit device 200. However, the information storage medium 10 may also be configured using a player mobile terminal 600 to which member application software has been downloaded. In this way, when the information storage medium 10 is configured using a player mobile terminal 600, the unit device 200 may also be configured to include a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication with the player mobile terminal 600, a code information display unit capable of displaying code information, and a code reader capable of reading code information.

[0384] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0385] The terms used in this specification and claims should be construed as open-ended terms. For example, the term "including" should be construed as "not limited to what is described as including." The term "comprises" should be construed as "not limited to what is described as comprising." The term "having" should be construed as "not limited to what is described as having." [Explanation of symbols]

[0386] 1 Gaming System 2. Gaming machines 10 Information storage medium 10b Regular information storage media (general cards or app membership cards) 100 Deposit settlement device 101 Camera 130 Deposit settlement control unit 140 Deposit settlement program memory unit 150 Deposit settlement memory unit 200 unit equipment 310 Unit Management Server 320 Membership Management Server 600 Player mobile terminal 630 Mobile Control Unit 640 Mobile Storage Unit 700 Member App Center 701 Membership Application Server 703 Membership Information Database

Claims

1. An information storage medium ejection device capable of ejecting and receiving an information storage medium capable of storing at least monetary information, a deposit control means for depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in the information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection means for ejecting the information storage medium on which monetary information is stored by the deposit control means; a member authentication means for acquiring an application ID, which is information unique to the member application, from a mobile terminal of a player in which the member application is stored, and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; a member setting means for, when the member is authenticated as a member by the member authentication means, storing in the information storage medium the application ID and a unified store number that can identify the gaming facility where the information storage medium ejection device is installed, in association with each other; The information storage medium ejection means When the member authentication means authenticates the member, the information storage medium in which at least the application ID and the unified store number are stored in association with each other by the member setting means is ejected.

1. An information storage medium ejection device comprising:

2. The information storage medium ejection means The same type of information storage medium can be ejected when the member is authenticated by the member authentication means and when the member is not authenticated by the member authentication means.

2. The information storage medium ejection device according to claim 1.

3. The member authentication means Acquires the application ID and the player's membership number associated with each gaming facility from the player's mobile terminal, and authenticates whether the player is a member; The member setting means When the member is authenticated by the member authentication means, the number of stored balls of the gaming medium associated with the member number is acquired, and the acquired number of stored balls is stored in the information storage medium in association with the application ID, the unified store number, and the member number; The information storage medium ejection means When the member authentication means authenticates the member, the member setting means ejects the information storage medium in which the application ID, the unified store number, the member number, and the number of stored balls are stored in association with each other.

3. The information storage medium ejection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The member setting means When the member is authenticated by the member authentication means, the number of stored balls equal to or less than a specific regulation number, with a specific regulation number as an upper limit, is obtained from the number of stored balls of the game medium associated with the member number, and the obtained number of stored balls is stored in the information storage medium in association with the application ID, the unified store number, and the member number.

4. The information storage medium ejection device according to claim 3.

5. 1. A method for ejecting an information storage medium used for gaming and capable of storing at least monetary information, comprising: a deposit step of depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in the information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection step of ejecting the information storage medium on which the monetary information has been stored by the deposit step; a member authentication step of acquiring an application ID, which is information unique to the member application, from a mobile terminal of a player in which the member application is stored, and authenticating whether or not the player is a member; a member setting step of, when the member is authenticated as a member in the member authentication step, associating the application ID with a unified store number capable of identifying the gaming facility and storing the associated information in the information storage medium; The information storage medium ejection step includes: When the member is authenticated in the member authentication step, the information storage medium in which at least the application ID and the unified store number are stored in association with each other in the member setting step is ejected.

10. An information storage medium ejection method comprising:

6. In a program executed by a computer used for gaming, a deposit control process for depositing monetary information for playing a game and storing the deposited monetary information in an information storage medium; an information storage medium ejection process for ejecting the information storage medium in which monetary information has been stored by the deposit control process; a member authentication process for acquiring an application ID, which is information unique to the member application, from a mobile terminal of a player on which the member application is stored, and authenticating whether the player is a member; a member setting process for, when the member is authenticated as a member by the member authentication process, associating the application ID with a unified store number capable of identifying the gaming facility and storing the associated information in the information storage medium; The information storage medium ejection process includes: When the member is authenticated by the member authentication process, the information storage medium in which at least the application ID and the unified store number are stored in association with each other by the member setting process is ejected. A program characterized by:

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