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

Abstract

To rapidly detect a situation in which a game player brings back canceled prizes although one portion of the prizes is canceled and is exchanged when exchanging prizes in a prize managing device for performing self-operation.SOLUTION: When a general prize is scanned by a bar code reader 63 (S2) after a card is inserted into a card reader / writer 61 (S1), information on the prize is displayed. When the inserted card is a member card, a deletion button is displayed in accordance with the scanned prize name (S3). When the deletion button is depressed, display of the corresponding general prize is disabled, and the deletion of the general prize is reported to an intercom 90 that an employee wears (S4). When the inserted card is a general card, only a scanned prize name is displayed (S5). In this case, when deleting the displayed prize name, an employee's operation is required.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize exchange system, a prize management device, and a prize exchange method that can quickly detect situations in which, when a prize is exchanged using a self-operated prize management device, a player takes home the canceled prize even though part of the prize has been canceled and exchanged. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional gaming establishment such as a pachinko parlor, the number of game media acquired by a player through a game is associated with a storage medium such as a card, and the storage medium is brought to a prize counter. When the player hands over the storage medium to an employee at the prize counter, the employee operates the storage medium to exchange the number of game media associated with the storage medium for a prize.

[0003] In this way, traditionally, prize exchanges have been handled by employees, but recently, an operation in which players themselves exchange game media for prizes (hereinafter referred to as "self-operation") has been adopted. In this self-operation, players themselves carry out a series of processes, including reading the storage media, selecting a prize, exchanging the game media, and receiving the prize (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] For example, if a player desires a specific general prize, the player reads the barcode corresponding to the general prize with a reader, specifies the quantity of the general prize, and then performs the exchange operation, thereby executing the prize exchange. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-054440 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, if a player cancels some of the general prizes he or she selected and then exchanges them, taking all of the general prizes with them, it can take time to detect this fraud. Even if the exchange operation is recorded by an in-store camera, the fraud cannot be discovered until a store employee checks the log information after realizing that there are not enough general prizes in stock.

[0007] Furthermore, even if the player makes a mistake by inputting the wrong number of general prizes and performing an exchange operation, rather than intentionally cheating, and ends up taking home all of the general prizes, it will take time for the gaming establishment to determine the cause of the shortage of general prizes in stock.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional technology, and aims to provide a prize exchange system, prize management device, and prize exchange method that can quickly detect a situation in which, when a prize is exchanged using a self-operated prize management device, a player takes home the canceled prize even though part of the prize has been canceled and exchanged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a prize exchange system including a prize management device that exchanges a number of gaming media associated with the identification information of a storage medium for a prize, and is characterized by comprising a prize selection means that selects the prize to be exchanged, a restriction means that restricts the deselection of a prize selected by the prize selection means, and an exchange processing means that performs the exchange processing of the prize when a predetermined exchange operation to exchange the number of gaming media for the prize selected by the prize selection means is received.

[0010] In addition, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the restriction means allows the operator to deselect the prize if the operator is a registered member of the gaming facility, and restricts the operator from deselecting the prize if the operator is a general player.

[0011] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, if the operator is a registered member of the gaming facility, a delete button is displayed to individually delete the prizes selected by the prize selection means, and if the operator is a general player, a delete button is not displayed to individually delete the prizes selected by the prize selection means.

[0012] In addition, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the restriction means allows the deselection of the prize when the number of gaming media required to exchange the prize selected by the prize selection means is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and restricts the deselection of the prize when the number of gaming media required to exchange the prize selected by the prize selection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0013] In addition, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the restriction means displays a delete button for individually deleting the prize selected by the prize selection means when the number of gaming media required to exchange the prize selected by the prize selection means is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and does not display a delete button for individually deleting the prize selected by the prize selection means when the number of gaming media required to exchange the prize selected by the prize selection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0014] In addition, in the above invention, the restriction means, when it receives an operation from an employee of the gaming facility, displays a delete button to individually delete the prize selected by the prize selection means if the number of gaming media required to exchange for the prize selected by the prize selection means is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value.

[0015] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, it further comprises an alarm means for notifying the in-store devices and / or employees of the gaming facility of the fact that the deselection of the prize selected by the prize selection means has been accepted.

[0016] In the above invention, the prize selected by the prize selection means is a general prize.

[0017] The present invention also provides a prize management device that processes the exchange of a number of gaming media associated with the identification information of a storage medium for a prize, and is characterized by comprising a prize selection means for selecting a prize to be exchanged, a restriction means for restricting the deselection of a prize selected by the prize selection means, and an exchange processing means that performs the exchange processing of the prize when a predetermined exchange operation for exchanging the number of gaming media for the prize selected by the prize selection means is received.

[0018] The present invention also provides a prize exchange method in a prize management device that exchanges a number of gaming media associated with identification information of a storage medium for a prize, and is characterized by including a prize selection process that selects a prize to be exchanged, a restriction process that restricts deselection of a prize selected by the prize selection process, and an exchange processing process that performs the prize exchange process when a predetermined exchange operation is received to exchange the number of gaming media for the prize selected by the prize selection process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, when a prize is exchanged in a self-operated prize management device, it is possible to quickly detect a situation in which a player takes home the cancelled prize even though part of the prize has been cancelled and exchanged for a prize. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the self-service prize management device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self-service prize management device shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the prize data shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the special prize inventory data and the holding value data shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the self-service prize management device according to embodiment 1. In FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for selecting a general prize according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for capturing an image of the prize exchange situation according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing related to the number of remaining balls according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the outline of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the outline of the prize exchange system according to the ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] [Embodiment 1] The prize exchange system, prize management device, and prize exchange method according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0022] In this specification, "reserved balls" refers to data indicating gaming media acquired by a player through gaming, which can only be used again for gaming on the same day (before the gaming establishment's closing time). "Number of retained balls" refers to the number of gaming media acquired by a player through gaming. "Saved balls" refers to data indicating gaming media deposited by a player at a gaming establishment, which can be used again for gaming from the next day onwards (after the gaming establishment's closing time). "Saved balls" refers to the number of gaming media deposited by a player at a gaming establishment. Reserved balls are available to both regular players and member players, and are used when a gaming machine is moved, for example. In principle, only member players can use saved balls, and are used when acquired gaming media are used to play on a gaming machine from the next day onwards. "Number of managed gaming machine balls" refers to the number of playable balls available to a player for gaming. Furthermore, "prizes" are prizes that can be exchanged for the number of gaming media acquired by a player.

[0023] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment> First, an outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1(a), after a card is inserted into a card reader / writer 61 (S1), if a general prize is scanned by a barcode reader 63 (S2), the self-prize management device 60 displays information about the prize.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1(b), if the inserted card is a membership card, a delete button is displayed next to the scanned prize name (S3). For example, a "delete" button is displayed next to the scanned prize name "Lighter 25 balls." When this delete button is pressed, the corresponding general prize is hidden and a notification that the general prize has been deleted is sent to the intercom 90 worn by the employee (S4).

[0026] As shown in Figure 1(c), if the inserted card is a regular card, only the scanned prize name is displayed (S5). For example, "Lighter 25 balls" and "Canned coffee 30 balls" are displayed. In this case, an employee must perform an operation to delete the displayed prize.

[0027] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 1 is configured to control whether the delete button for scanned general prizes is displayed or hidden depending on the type of card accepted by the self-service prize management device, and to notify an employee when the delete button is pressed.Therefore, when prize exchange is performed using a self-service prize management device, it is possible to quickly detect a situation in which a player takes home the canceled prize even though part of the prize has been canceled and exchanged.

[0028] <System configuration> Next, the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a gaming facility is equipped with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and a machine-to-machine card processor 10, each corresponding to one of the gaming machines 20. The machine-to-machine card processor 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-flight network, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, a management device 40, a prize payout device 50, a self-service prize management device 60, a payment machine 70, and a wireless router 80 are connected to the communication line. The wireless router 80 is connected to an intercom 90 worn by an employee via short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The prize payout device 50 and the self-service prize management device 60 are associated one-to-one.

[0029] The gaming machine 20 is a device in which game balls enclosed within the device are shot onto a game board. These game balls are physical "balls" used in the game, and are different from the "game balls" that the gaming machine 20 treats as data. The game board of the gaming machine 20 is provided with multiple prize areas (prize openings), and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls when a game ball passes through a prize area. The game board is also provided with a predetermined number of start areas (start openings), and a predetermined lottery is held when a game ball passes through a start area. If the lottery results in a jackpot, a predetermined movable member or the like is activated, thereby increasing the probability of the game ball passing through the aforementioned prize area or another start area, thereby providing an advantage in the game. An area may also serve as both a start area and a prize area.

[0030] Each of the winning areas is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of a gaming ball into the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of a gaming ball shot into the winning area. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also has a prize ball memory for storing the number of gaming balls to be awarded as prize balls for each winning area, and a playable number memory for indicating the number of balls managed by the gaming machine. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also periodically transmits the number of balls managed by the gaming machine to the machine-to-machine card processing device 10.

[0031] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a deposit from a player, it associates a prepaid value corresponding to the amount of the deposit with a card ID stored inside the machine. This prepaid value can be used to lend game balls. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 can also accept the insertion of a card associated with prepaid value, owned balls, saved balls, etc. Then, at the end of a game, it ejects the card associated with prepaid value, owned balls, saved balls, etc. and returns it to the player. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also transmits a history of operations such as deposits, card insertions, and card ejections to the management device 40.

[0032] When a predetermined number of game balls are shot onto the game board, the gaming machine 20 transmits out data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Furthermore, when a game ball passes through a winning area (so-called winning) and a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the game balls, the gaming machine 20 transmits safe data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Furthermore, when a special state such as a jackpot occurs during play, the gaming machine 20 transmits special prize data indicating the occurrence of such state to the inter-machine card processor 10.

[0033] The out data corresponds to the number of balls inserted, which is the number of balls inserted by the player onto the gaming board. The safe data corresponds to the number of balls won as a result of winning. The special prize data indicates the status of the gaming machine 20, such as a jackpot. Each piece of data is transmitted to the management device 40 via the machine-to-machine card processing device 10, and the management device 40 can obtain the operation history of the gaming machine 20 by accumulating the out data, safe data, and special prize data as operating information.

[0034] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends gaming balls, and communicates with the management device 40 and the gaming machines 20. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts bills inserted by a player, it sends a deposit notification including the deposit amount to the management device 40, thereby adding the prepaid value equivalent to the deposit amount to the prepaid value managed by the management device 40. Then, when a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, it sends a ball lending request to the management device 40, subtracts the prepaid value managed by the management device 40, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value, which is added to the number of balls managed by the gaming machine.

[0035] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it sends a card insertion notification to the management device 40. Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the balance of prepaid value, held balls, or saved balls from the management device 40, it stores the balance. When it receives and stores the balance of held balls, it sends a held ball subtraction request to the management device 40, thereby clearing the balance of held balls (number of held balls) managed by the management device 40 to zero.

[0036] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a held ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of held balls it manages, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted held balls, and adds it to the number of balls managed by the gaming machine. Also, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a saved ball replay operation, it sends a saved ball replay request to the management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of saved balls managed by the management device 40, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted saved balls, and adds it to the number of balls managed by the gaming machine.

[0037] When the inter-machine card processing device 10 receives a card return operation, it sends a ball addition request including the number of balls held to the management device 40, and after having the management device 40 add the number of balls held, it sends a card ejection notification to the management device 40 and controls the ejection of the card. Note that if a counting operation is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the number of balls managed by the gaming machine is added to the number of balls held.

[0038] The inter-machine card processing device 10 has a function of acquiring a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and an authentication key received from the management device 40. This authentication is performed during opening processing, etc., and the gaming machine 20 becomes playable on the condition that the authentication is successful.

[0039] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs various display controls based on the status of the gaming machine 20, and transmits the status of the gaming machine 20 to the management device 40. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of gaming machine balls notified by the gaming machine 20, and periodically notifies the management device 40 of the number of gaming machine balls and the number of balls held.

[0040] The island controller 30 is a device that bundles together a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 provided on the gaming island, and relays various information to the management device 40.

[0041] When the management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it manages the card ID of the inserted card in association with the inter-machine card processing device 10, and transmits the prepaid value and the remaining ball balance associated with the card ID to the inter-machine card processing device 10. In addition, if the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of a membership card, it transmits stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0042] In addition, when the management device 40 receives a request to subtract balls held from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the balance of balls held to zero, and when it receives a request to add balls held from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the number of balls held indicated in the request to add balls held to the balance of balls held.

[0043] In addition, when the management device 40 receives a ball withdrawal notification from the self-prize management device 60, it adds the number of balls held indicated in the ball withdrawal notification to the balance of balls held.

[0044] Furthermore, when the management device 40 receives a ball lending request from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing device 10. When the management device 40 receives a saved ball replay request, it transmits saved ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0045] The management device 40 also acquires gaming machine IDs from the inter-machine card processing device 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own parlor. It also acquires authentication keys for authenticating the gaming machines 20 set in its own parlor from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the parlor, and distributes the authentication keys to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0046] The management device 40 also manages the member management data of members who have registered with the gaming establishment. Specifically, the management device 40 manages the number of balls saved, points, PIN number, name, etc. in association with the card ID of the member card issued to the member.

[0047] Furthermore, when the management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it transmits stored ball replay data including the balance of stored balls and the PIN number corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification to the inter-machine card processing device 10. Furthermore, when the management device 40 receives a stored ball replay request from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the balance of stored balls associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request, and transmits stored ball replay data including the balance of stored balls after the subtraction to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0048] The prize payout device 50 is a device that pays out special prizes. If the inventory of special prizes stored by the prize payout device 50 changes, the prize payout device 50 notifies the self-prize management device 60 of the current inventory as special prize inventory data.

[0049] Furthermore, when the prize payout device 50 receives a payout instruction from the self-prize management device 60, it pays out a special prize based on this payout instruction.

[0050] The self-prize management device 60 is a device that controls the prize exchange. When the self-prize management device 60 receives special prize inventory data from the prize payout device 50, it stores the received data in the special prize inventory data.

[0051] Furthermore, when the self-prize management device 60 reads the card ID, it requests the balance of owned balls and saved balls associated with the card ID from the management device 40. Then, when it receives the balance of owned balls and saved balls associated with the card ID from the management device 40, it stores the balance of owned balls and saved balls in the holding value data, and clears the value data stored in the card to zero.

[0052] Furthermore, when the self prize management device 60 reads the barcode of a general prize, it identifies the corresponding prize data and displays the prize name and the number of balls required to exchange for that prize. Then, based on the following conditions, it displays a delete button for that general prize. If the accepted card is a membership card, it displays the delete button. Note that the delete button is also displayed when the barcode attached to an employee card is read. If the accepted card is a general card, it displays the delete button if the value of the displayed general prize is less than a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen (25 balls for 4 yen pachinko)). Note that the delete button may be configured to display either or both an individual delete button for deleting individual general prizes and a bulk delete button for deleting all general prizes.

[0053] In addition, when the delete button is pressed, the self-prize management device 60 hides the data related to the prize corresponding to this delete button and notifies the intercom 90 of prize deletion information indicating that the registration of the scanned general prize has been deleted.

[0054] In addition, the self prize management device 60 calculates and displays the number of prizes that can be exchanged for each special prize using the balance of the balls held stored in the holding value data.

[0055] Furthermore, when general prizes are accepted by scanning, the self prize management device 60 subtracts the number of balls required to exchange all displayed general prizes from the balance of held balls stored in the holding value data, and uses this result to calculate and display the number of prizes that can be exchanged for each special prize. Note that, even if there are general prizes that have been hidden by pressing the delete button, the number of prizes that can be exchanged for each special prize is similarly calculated and displayed.

[0056] Furthermore, when the self-prize management device 60 receives an exchange instruction, it notifies the management device 40 of a ball withdrawal notice including the number of balls required to exchange for the special prize and general prize. It then writes the prize code and number of the special prize to be exchanged onto a card, and issues a receipt on which the prize names and numbers of the special prize and general prize to be exchanged are printed.

[0057] Furthermore, once the receipt issuing process is completed, the self-prize management device 60 sends a payout instruction to the prize payout device 50. This payout instruction includes the prize code and number of prizes for the special prize to be exchanged.

[0058] The settlement device 70 is a device that settles the balance of the prepaid value associated with the card. When the settlement device 70 accepts a card ID, it notifies the management device 40 of a request for the balance of the prepaid value associated with this card ID. When the settlement device 70 receives the balance of the prepaid value associated with the card from the management device 40, it performs settlement processing.

[0059] The wireless router 80 is a device that relays communication between the management device 40 and the intercom 90 via short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The intercom 90 is a device that notifies the prize deletion information received from the self-prize management device 60 by voice.

[0060] Next, we will explain the ball lending process in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1. When a player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and a ball lending request.

[0061] When the management device 40 receives a message including a ball lending request, it updates the card management data by subtracting a predetermined value (for example, 5 units, which represents 500 yen when 1 unit is 100 yen) from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message, and sends a ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the permission. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission sends an addition signal to the gaming machine 20 requesting that a number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value (for example, "125") be added to the number of balls managed by the gaming machine.

[0062] The gaming machine 20 that receives the addition signal adds up the number of balls managed by the gaming machine and transmits the added number of balls managed by the gaming machine to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of balls managed by the gaming machine before the addition and the number of balls lent with the number of balls managed by the gaming machine after the addition, and determines whether the addition of the number of balls managed by the gaming machine was performed appropriately.

[0063] Next, we will explain the held ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0064] When the management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the balance of the balls held at the rate specified by the message, among the balls held associated with the card ID in the message.

[0065] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the balance of held balls received from the management device 40. It then sends a message to the management device 40 containing information specifying the card ID and rate, and a request to subtract held balls. When the management device 40 receives the request to subtract held balls, it clears the balance of held balls specified by the card ID and rate to zero. Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a request to replay held balls, it subtracts a fixed number from the balance of held balls, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the corresponding number, and adds it to the number of balls managed by the gaming machine.

[0066] When the inter-machine card processing device 10 receives a management transfer request from the gaming machine 20 to transfer its management by making the number of gaming machine managed balls of the gaming machine 20 the balls held by the inter-machine card processing device 10, it adds the number of gaming machine managed balls indicated in the management transfer request to the balls held by its own device. After that, when it accepts a card return operation, it sends a message including a request to add held balls to the management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card to be discharged, an address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing device 10 that sent it, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing device 10, the balance of held balls, and a request to add held balls.

[0067] When the management device 40 receives the request to add the balls in hand, it updates the balance (number of balls in hand) of the balls in hand at the rate specified by the message to the received value among the balls in hand associated with the card ID in the message. After that, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a card ejection notification to the management device 40 and controls the ejection of the card.

[0068] Next, we will explain the stored ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a membership card or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card, it sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal), an address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0069] The management device 40 transmits stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the data including the PIN associated with the card ID in the message and the balance of stored balls at the rate specified by the message.

[0070] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received saved ball replay data, and is able to accept a saved ball replay operation if the balance of saved balls indicated in the saved ball replay data is equal to or greater than the payout unit number of game balls in saved ball replay (saved ball replay unit number, for example, "125 balls").

[0071] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a saved ball replay operation for the first time after storing the saved ball replay data, it requests the player to input a password and checks whether the input password matches the password shown in the saved ball replay data.

[0072] If the PIN numbers match, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message addressed to the local address of the management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a request to replay the saved balls.

[0073] The management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of stored balls at the rate specified by the message among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the message, and transmits stored ball replay data including the balance after subtraction to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

[0074] The inter-machine card processing device 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the balance of stored balls, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units, causing it to be added to the number of balls managed by the gaming machine. It also determines whether the updated balance of stored balls is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the updated balance of stored ball data is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, it can accept another stored ball replay operation, and if it accepts a stored ball replay operation, it sends a stored ball replay request. For the second or subsequent stored ball replay operation, there is no need to confirm the PIN. If the updated balance of stored ball data is less than the number of stored ball replay units, it cannot accept a stored ball replay operation.

[0075] Next, we will explain the transition from held balls to saved balls during the store closing process. The management device 40 checks the balance of held balls in the card management data during the store closing process, and if there are held balls whose balance is greater than "0", it adds the balance of those held balls to the balance of saved balls and updates them. After that, the management device 40 clears the balance of those held balls to zero.

[0076] <Configuration of self-service prize management device 60> Next, we will explain the configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 2.

[0077] 3, the self-service prize management device 60 is a small computer operated by the player himself, and is placed on the table of a prize exchange counter set up in a predetermined location in the gaming parlor. A prize payout device 50 that pays out special prizes is placed in the prize exchange counter and is communicably connected to the self-service prize management device 60.

[0078] The self-service prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader / writer 61, a receipt issuing unit 62, and a barcode reader 63. The card reader / writer 61 is a processing unit that reads the card ID from the player's card and writes the prize code and number onto the card. The receipt issuing unit 62 is a thermal printer or the like, and issues various receipts, such as receipts printed with information identifying the selected prize. The barcode reader 63 reads the barcode affixed to the general prize or employee card. The barcode reader 63 may be either a type with a cable for connection to the self-service prize management device 60 (wired) or a type without a cable (wireless).

[0079] As shown in Figure 4, the self-service prize management device 60 has a display operation unit 64, a communication unit 65, a memory unit 66, and a control unit 67. Although not shown here, a store clerk tag reader can also be provided to read the identification code on the store clerk tag carried by the store clerk. The employee operating the self-service prize management device 60 can be identified by this identification code. A mobile terminal reader can also be provided to read the ID from the mobile terminal of a registered player.

[0080] The display operation unit 64 is an input / output device such as a liquid crystal touch panel. The communication unit 65 is an interface unit that allows the self-prize management device 60 to communicate with the management device 40, the prize payout device 50, and the intercom 90 via a communication line.

[0081] The storage unit 66 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or nonvolatile memory, and stores prize data 66a, special prize inventory data 66b, and holding value data 66c.

[0082] The prize data 66a is data indicating information about the prize. The prize data 66a includes the name of the prize, the value of the prize, etc. The special prize inventory data 66b is data for managing the inventory number of special prizes in the prize payout device 50 installed alongside. The holding value data 66c is data indicating the value associated with the card read by the card reader / writer 61.

[0083] The control unit 67 is a control unit that controls the entire self-service prize management device 60, and includes a special prize inventory management unit 67a, a holding value management unit 67b, a general prize reception unit 67c, a display control unit 67d, a notification unit 67e, a prize exchange control unit 67f, a receipt issuance processing unit 67g, and a prize payout control unit 67h. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, thereby causing the special prize inventory management unit 67a, holding value management unit 67b, general prize reception unit 67c, display control unit 67d, prize exchange control unit 67f, notification unit 67e, receipt issuance processing unit 67g, and prize payout control unit 67h to execute processes corresponding to each unit.

[0084] The special prize inventory management unit 67a is a processing unit that manages the special prize inventory data 66b. When the special prize inventory management unit 67a receives the special prize inventory data from the prize payout device 50, the special prize inventory management unit 67a stores the received data in the special prize inventory data 66b.

[0085] The holding value management unit 67b is a processing unit that manages the holding value data 66c. When the holding value management unit 67b reads the card ID by the card reader / writer 61, it requests the management device 40 for the balance of the held balls and the saved balls associated with the card ID.

[0086] In addition, when the holding value management unit 67b receives the balance of held balls and saved balls associated with the card ID from the management device 40, it stores the balance of held balls and saved balls in the holding value data 66c and clears the value data stored in the card to zero.

[0087] The general prize receiving unit 67c is a processing unit that receives general prizes as exchange targets. When the barcode reader 63 reads the barcode of a general prize, the general prize receiving unit 67c receives the read data, identifies the corresponding prize data from the prize data 66a, and displays the prize name and the number of balls required to exchange for this prize on the display operation unit 64.

[0088] The display control unit 67d is a processing unit that controls the display of the delete button for the general prize. When the general prize receiving unit 67c displays data for the general prize on the display operation unit 64, the display control unit 67d displays the delete button for this general prize based on the following conditions.

[0089] Specifically, if the card accepted by the card reader / writer 61 is a membership card, a delete button is displayed. This control allows members who have provided personal information to have the convenience of selecting a general prize. Similarly, if the barcode attached to an employee card is read by the barcode reader 63, a delete button for the scanned general prize is displayed.

[0090] Furthermore, even if the accepted card is a general card, if the value of the displayed general prize is less than a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen (25 balls for a 4 yen pachinko machine)), a delete button is displayed. In this way, by displaying the delete button only for inexpensive general prizes, it is possible to prevent shoplifting of relatively expensive general prizes and reduce the burden on employees who perform the operation to delete the selected state of the general prizes.

[0091] Furthermore, when a delete button displayed on the display operation unit 64 is pressed, the display control unit 67d hides from the display operation unit 64 the data relating to the prize corresponding to this delete button.

[0092] The notification unit 67e is a processing unit that, when the delete button related to the general prize is pressed, notifies the intercom 90 of prize deletion information. When the delete button displayed by the display control unit 67d is pressed, the notification unit 67e notifies the intercom 90 of prize deletion information indicating that the registration of the scanned general prize has been deleted.

[0093] The prize exchange control unit 67f is a processing unit that controls the prize exchange. The prize exchange control unit 67f calculates the number of prizes that can be exchanged for each special prize using the balance of the held balls stored in the holding value data 66c, and displays this number of prizes on the display operation unit 64.

[0094] Furthermore, when a general prize is accepted by the general prize accepting unit 67c, the prize exchange control unit 67f subtracts the number of balls required to exchange all general prizes displayed on the display operation unit 64, including this general prize, from the balance of held balls stored in the holding value data 66c, and uses this result to calculate the number of prizes that can be exchanged for each special prize and display this on the display operation unit 64. Note that, even if there are general prizes that have not been hidden by the general prize accepting unit 67c, the number of prizes that can be exchanged for each special prize is similarly calculated and displayed on the display operation unit 64.

[0095] Furthermore, when the prize exchange control unit 67f receives an exchange instruction from the display operation unit 64, it notifies the management device 40 of a ball withdrawal notice including the number of balls required for the exchange of the special prize and the general prize. Then, the card reader / writer 61 writes the prize code and the number of prizes of the special prize to be exchanged onto the card.

[0096] The receipt issuing processor 67g is a processor that issues receipts for prize exchange. Once the prize exchange controller 67f has finished writing the prize code and number of the special prize to be exchanged onto the card, the receipt issuing processor 67g issues a receipt on which the prize names and numbers of the special and general prizes to be exchanged are printed.

[0097] The prize payout control unit 67h is a processing unit that controls the payout of prizes. Once the receipt issuance processing unit 67g has completed the receipt issuance processing, the prize payout control unit 67h notifies the prize payout device 50 of a payout instruction. This payout instruction includes the prize code and number of prizes for the special prize to be exchanged for a prize.

[0098] Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 66 of the self-service prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 4 will be described. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are diagrams showing examples of the prize data 66a, special prize inventory data 66b, and holding value data 66c shown in Fig. 4.

[0099] The prize data 66a shown in Figure 5 associates the prize code "0001" with a state in which the prize name is "grand prize," the group code is "01," and the value is "10,000" yen, the prize code "0002" with a state in which the prize name is "medium prize," the group code is "01," and the value is "4,000" yen, and the prize code "0003" with a state in which the prize name is "small prize," the group code is "01," and the value is "2,000" yen.

[0100] In addition, prize data 66a associates prize code "1001" with a state in which the prize name is "stuffed toy," the group code is "02," and the value is "500" yen; prize code "1002" with a state in which the prize name is "lighter," the group code is "02," and the value is "100" yen; and prize code "1003" with a state in which the prize name is "canned coffee," the group code is "02," and the value is "120" yen.

[0101] The special prize inventory data 66b shown in Figure 6(a) associates the prize code "0001" with a state in which the prize name is "grand prize," the group code is "01," and the stock quantity is "20," the prize code "0002" with a state in which the prize name is "medium prize," the group code is "01," and the stock quantity is "150," and the prize code "0003" with a state in which the prize name is "small prize," the group code is "01," and the stock quantity is "230."

[0102] The holding value data 66c shown in Figure 6(b) indicates a state in which the number of balls held by ball 1 is "7700", the number of balls held by ball 2 is "0", the number of balls held by ball 3 is "0", the number of balls saved by ball 1 is "0", the number of balls saved by ball 2 is "0", and the number of balls saved by ball 3 is "0".

[0103] <Example of display on the self-service prize management device 60 according to embodiment 1> Next, an example of the display on the self-prize management device 60 according to this embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the self-prize management device 60 according to this embodiment 1. The self-prize management device 60 controls whether to display or hide the delete button for the general prize according to the type of card inserted and the value of the scanned general prize.

[0104] When a stuffed toy, a storage pouch, and a can of coffee are scanned as general prizes, if the inserted card is a membership card, a delete button will be displayed for all of these general prizes, as shown in Figure 7(a). This control allows members who have provided their personal information to have the convenience of selecting general prizes.

[0105] If the inserted card is a regular card, the delete button is not displayed for regular prizes, as shown in Figure 7(b). In this case, when deleting a scanned regular prize, the deletion process is performed by an employee. To perform this employee operation, the delete button may be displayed on the self-service prize management device 60 by authenticating an employee-only medium, entering a PIN number, etc., or the delete button may be automatically displayed when an employee is detected to be near the self-service prize management device 60 (by a beacon, camera, etc.).

[0106] Furthermore, if the inserted card is a general card and the scanned general prizes are a stuffed toy, a lighter, and a can of juice, a delete button is displayed if the amount is less than a predetermined amount (e.g., 25 balls), as shown in FIG. 7(c). Specifically, the number of balls required to exchange the lighter and can of juice is 25, which is less than the predetermined amount, so the delete button is displayed. In this way, by displaying the delete button only for inexpensive general prizes, shoplifting of relatively expensive general prizes can be prevented and the burden on employees who delete the selected general prizes can be reduced. Note that the number of general prizes scanned may also be used as a condition for displaying the delete button. Specifically, the delete button may be displayed when one lighter is scanned, but not when a predetermined number (e.g., two) or more of the same lighter are scanned.

[0107] <Processing procedure for selecting a general prize according to the first embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure for selecting a general prize according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for selecting a general prize according to the present embodiment 1.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 8, if a card is inserted (step S101; Yes), the self-service prize management device 60 deducts the value stored in the inserted card (step S102).

[0109] If a general prize has not been scanned (step S103; No), the process proceeds to step S108. If a scan of a general prize has been accepted (step S103; Yes), the name of the scanned general prize is displayed on the display operation unit 64 (step S104).

[0110] If the inserted card is a membership card (step S105; Yes), a delete button for the scanned general prize is displayed (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S108.

[0111] If the inserted card is a general card (step S105; No) and the value of the scanned general prize is less than a predetermined amount (step S106; Yes), a delete button for the scanned general prize is displayed (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S108. If the value of the scanned general prize exceeds a predetermined amount (step S106; No), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0112] If the delete button has not been pressed (step S108; No), the process proceeds to step S111. If the delete button has been pressed (step S108; Yes), the prize name of the general prize displayed on the relevant display operation unit 64 is hidden (step S109), and prize deletion information indicating that the registration of the scanned general prize has been deleted is notified to the intercom 90 (step S110).

[0113] If the exchange button has not been pressed (step S111; No), the process proceeds to step S103. If the exchange button has been pressed (step S111; Yes), the prize exchange process is performed (step S112), and the process ends.

[0114] As described above, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment controls whether or not the delete button for the scanned general prize is displayed depending on the type of card accepted by the self-service prize management device, and when the delete button is pressed, an employee is notified. This makes it possible to quickly detect situations in which a player takes home a canceled prize even though a portion of the prize has been canceled and exchanged for a prize when exchanging a prize using a self-service prize management device. The self-service prize management device may be able to freely switch between an operation that allows or does not allow the exchange of general prizes by operating the settings of the self-service prize management device or the management device.

[0115] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize is controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The self-service prize management device can also be configured to control the display / hide of the button for changing the exchange number for special prizes (for example, the "+" and "-" buttons) depending on the type of card accepted. For example, the button for changing the exchange number for special prizes can be configured to be displayed only when a membership card or employee operation is performed.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the self-service prize management device controls whether to display or hide the delete button for the scanned general prize depending on the type of card accepted, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the creditworthiness of members is managed, the display or hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize can also be controlled depending on this creditworthiness. Specifically, if there is registered information indicating that the member is a suspicious member who has shoplifted or caused trouble at the store in the past, the delete button for the scanned general prize may be hidden even if the accepted card is a member card.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize was controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-service prize management device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The self-service prize management device can also be configured to control prize exchange depending on whether the card accepted by the self-service prize management device was ejected due to an absence or rest operation. Specifically, when the self-service prize management device reads a card ejected due to an absence or rest operation, it can be configured to allow only general prize exchange. Furthermore, if a general prize is awarded using a card ejected due to an absence or rest operation, and the value associated with the card is no longer available, the card may be returned without being retrieved using a card reader or the like. The state can be canceled by inserting the returned card into an inter-machine card processing device that is in an absence or rest state.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the self-service prize management device controls the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize depending on the type of card accepted, but the present invention is not limited to this. The self-service prize management device can also be configured to control the acceptance of exchanges for specific general prizes. Specifically, the self-service prize management device can be configured to allow arbitrary switching between operations that allow and do not allow the exchange of specific general prizes that require age verification, by operating the settings of the self-service prize management device or the management device.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize was controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-service prize management device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The self-service prize management device can also be configured to control the exchange acceptance of general prizes depending on the type of card accepted. Specifically, if the accepted card is a membership card, age determination can be performed using age information as membership registration information. Therefore, if it is determined that the user is above a certain age, specific general prizes that require age verification, such as tobacco and alcohol, can be scanned. However, if the accepted card is a general card, age determination cannot be performed using membership registration information. Therefore, specific general prizes that require age verification, such as tobacco and alcohol, cannot be scanned. Note that if the accepted card is a membership card, age determination using membership registration information may not be performed, and specific general prizes may be scanned only if the user is a member. In addition, to enable employees to recognize whether the member performing the exchange operation is above a certain age, marks, text (for example, "adult" or "over 20 years old"), and different background and frame colors may be displayed on the screen of the self-prize management device, and specific general prizes may have different sounds output when scanned so that employees can determine by voice whether the general prize selected in the exchange operation is a specific general prize.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize was controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. When an age-verification prize such as cigarettes or alcohol is scanned in the self-service prize management device, an image of the player's face captured by the self-service prize management device's internal camera or external camera can be sent to an employee terminal (e.g., a tablet terminal) carried by an employee, and the exchange of the age-verification prize can be permitted only if purchase permission is selected on the employee terminal. Furthermore, at the start of a transaction, the captured image of the player's face may be displayed on the customer's screen for a few seconds.

[0121] [Embodiment 2] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize is controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0122] In the self-prize management device, when the delete button for a general prize that has been scanned and accepted is pressed, a mutual consistency check is performed using a video image of the returned general prize, and if it is determined to be normal, the device can be configured to allow the prize exchange process to continue.

[0123] In this embodiment 2, we describe a prize exchange system in which, when the delete button for a general prize that has been scanned and accepted is pressed in a self-prize management device, a mutual consistency check is performed using video footage of the returned general prize, and if it is determined to be normal, the prize exchange process is allowed to continue.

[0124] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment> An outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment will be described below. Figures 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 9, when the self-service prize management device 100 scans a general prize, it displays the name of the general prize and a delete button (S11). When the delete button is pressed (S12), it displays a message urging the user to return the general prize (S13). For example, it displays a message saying, "Please return the deleted prize." At this point, the prize exchange process is temporarily halted. Note that the prize exchange process may continue even if the delete button is pressed, and a message urging the user to return the general prize may be displayed at the end of the prize exchange process.

[0126] As shown in Fig. 10, the camera 110 captures an image of the general prize being returned to the return box, and transmits this image to the self-service prize management device 100 (S14). The location where the camera 110 is placed is not limited to the return box, but may be a prize shelf on which multiple general prizes are displayed, or the return box itself may be equipped with the camera 110. The self-service prize management device 100 uses the received image to identify the prize name and prize value of the returned general prize (S15).

[0127] The self-service prize management device 100 performs a consistency determination between the general prize deleted by the delete button and the general prize identified using the video, and if this determination is normal, it allows the prize exchange process to continue (S16). If the consistency determination is abnormal, the employee may be notified and a message indicating that the consistency determination is abnormal may be displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device 100. If the consistency determination is abnormal or if the state meets a predetermined condition (for example, if the consistency determination is abnormal multiple times, or if the state in which the consistency determination is abnormal continues for 60 seconds or more), the screen of the self-service prize management device 100 may be transitioned to a no-operation screen (for example, only displaying "An employee is being called") to notify the employee.

[0128] As described above, in the prize exchange system of this embodiment 2, when the delete button for a general prize that has been scanned and accepted is pressed in the self-prize management device, a mutual consistency check is performed using video footage of the returned general prize, and if it is determined to be normal, the prize exchange process can be allowed to continue.

[0129] In the second embodiment, a configuration was described in which a video captured by a camera is used to detect returned general prizes, but the present invention is not limited to this. A barcode reader may be installed at the return location, and the returned general prize may be scanned with this barcode reader to identify the returned general prize.

[0130] In addition, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration was described in which a video captured by a camera was used to detect returned general prizes, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration is also possible in which a returned general prize is identified by reading an RFID tag attached to the general prize using an RFID reader installed at the return location.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above-described second embodiment, a configuration was described in which the self-service prize management device displays a delete button for deleting a general prize that has been scanned and accepted, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the "delete" button for returning the prize to the return location, the device can also be configured to display an "employee return" button for returning the prize to an employee. Note that if the "employee return" button is selected, the employee may be notified to go to the player's location, as the returned general prize must be collected.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration was described in which, when the delete button for a general prize that was scanned and accepted is pressed in the self-service prize management device, a mutual consistency determination is performed in the self-service prize management device using an image of the returned general prize, but the present invention is not limited to this. The consistency determination process can also be configured to be performed by a device other than the self-service prize management device (for example, a management device installed in the store or a server installed outside the store).

[0133] [Embodiment 3] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize is controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0134] When exchanging prizes in the self-service prize management device, the processing procedure can be configured to be more efficient depending on whether or not to exchange prizes including general prizes. In this third embodiment, a prize exchange system is described that when exchanging prizes in the self-service prize management device, the processing procedure can be configured to be more efficient depending on whether or not to exchange prizes including general prizes.

[0135] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment> An outline of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment will be described below. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment.

[0136] As shown in Figure 11, when the prize exchange process is initiated, the self-service prize management device according to the third embodiment displays a selection screen (hereinafter referred to as the "exchange condition selection screen") for whether or not to exchange for a general prize. When the "Yes" button is pressed, a screen is displayed prompting the user to read the barcode of the general prize to be exchanged.

[0137] When the barcode of a general prize is read, the prize information for this general prize is displayed, along with the number of exchangeable balls minus the number of exchangeable balls required to exchange for the general prize. Specifically, if the initial exchangeable number is "5,500 balls" and the number of exchangeable balls required to exchange for a general prize (for example, "four stuffed toys") is "500 balls," the updated exchangeable number will be displayed as "5,000 balls."

[0138] When the "Exchange Complete" button is pressed, the exchange process will automatically calculate the special prize that can be exchanged based on the exchangeable number. For example, if the exchangeable number is "5000 balls," the "Grand Prize 1 x 5000 balls" will be automatically calculated and the exchange process will be performed.

[0139] If the "No" button is pressed on the exchange condition selection screen, the type and number of special prizes that can be exchanged according to the exchangeable number will be automatically calculated and displayed. For example, if the exchangeable number is "5500 balls," it will display "1 Grand Prize" and "1 Small Prize." Then, if the "Exchange Complete" button is pressed, the exchange process will be performed for the displayed special prizes.

[0140] As described above, in the prize exchange system of this embodiment 3, when exchanging prizes in a self-prize management device, the processing procedure can be made more efficient by deciding whether or not to exchange prizes including general prizes.

[0141] In the above third embodiment, a configuration was described in which the processing procedure is made more efficient by determining whether or not to exchange for prizes including general prizes when exchanging the number of acquired balls for prizes in the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this.The processing procedure can also be made more efficient by determining whether or not to exchange for prizes including general prizes when exchanging for prizes in the self-service prize management device using the number of acquired medals.

[0142] In addition, in the above-mentioned third embodiment, a configuration was described in which the processing procedure is made more efficient by determining whether or not to exchange prizes including general prizes when exchanging prizes in the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a card is accepted in the self-service prize management device, if there are multiple exchangeable numbers at multiple rates, the exchangeable numbers at each rate can be configured to be displayed in a list.

[0143] In the third embodiment, the self-service prize management device is configured to streamline the processing procedure by selecting whether or not to exchange prizes including general prizes when exchanging prizes, but the present invention is not limited to this. When exchanging prizes using a membership card, it is also possible to set whether or not to exchange for general prizes, and to control whether or not to display the exchange condition selection screen based on this setting.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-described third embodiment, a configuration was described in which the processing procedure is streamlined when exchanging prizes in the self-service prize management device by selecting whether or not to exchange for prizes including general prizes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When selecting to exchange for general prizes on the exchange condition selection screen, the number of exchangeable balls that the user wants to remain on the card after the prize exchange can also be specified. For example, if the number of exchangeable balls is "5,000" and the user wants to use only "4,000" for the prize exchange, the user can specify "1,000" as the number of exchangeable balls that the user wants to remain on the card.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned third embodiment, a configuration was described in which the processing procedure is streamlined by determining whether or not to exchange prizes including general prizes when exchanging prizes in the self-service prize management device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the number of general prizes that can be exchanged falls below the minimum number that can be exchanged for special prizes when the general prizes are read, a message to that effect may be displayed. For example, a message such as "There are leftover balls that cannot be exchanged for special prizes" may be displayed.

[0146] In addition, in the above-mentioned third embodiment, a method for selecting a general prize was described in which a barcode attached to the general prize was scanned with a barcode reader, but the present invention is not limited to this. The general prize eligible for prize exchange can also be identified by displaying a list of general prizes on the self-service prize management device and selecting from it, reading the RFID tag attached to the general prize with an RFID reader, or identifying the selected general prize using an image captured by a camera.

[0147] Furthermore, in the above-described third embodiment, a configuration was described in which the processing procedure is streamlined by determining whether or not to exchange prizes including general prizes when exchanging prizes in the self-service prize management device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The self-service prize management device can also be configured to automatically calculate and display the special prizes that can be exchanged according to the exchangeable number when it accepts a card, update the exchangeable number when a general prize is scanned, and recalculate and display the special prizes that can be exchanged according to the updated exchangeable number. Furthermore, this configuration and the configuration shown in the third embodiment can also be configured to be switchable by setting.

[0148] [Embodiment 4] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize is controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0149] When exchanging prizes in the self-service prize management device, the player can be photographed with a camera, and the image can be stored in the case of a membership card, or the video can be stored in the case of a general card. In this fourth embodiment, a prize exchange system is described in which, when exchanging prizes in the self-service prize management device, the player can be photographed with a camera, and the image can be stored in the case of a membership card, or the video can be stored in the case of a general card.

[0150] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment> An outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 4 will be described below. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 4.

[0151] As shown in Figure 12, when the exchange button is pressed during the prize exchange process, the self-service prize management device 200 captures an image of the player using the camera 210 (S21), stores the image in the case of a membership card, or stores the video in the case of a general card (S22). At this time, information about the prize to be exchanged is also displayed and stored. Note that the camera 210 is not limited to being provided externally to the self-service prize management device 200 as shown in Figure 12, but may also be built into the self-service prize management device 200.

[0152] <Processing procedure for capturing images of the prize exchange situation according to the fourth embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure for capturing images of the prize exchange situation according to the present embodiment 4. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for capturing images of the prize exchange situation according to the present embodiment 4.

[0153] As shown in Figure 13, after the card is inserted (step S201; Yes), the self-prize management device 200 specifies the prize to be exchanged for, and if the exchange is accepted (step S202; Yes), it checks the type of card (step S203).

[0154] If the card is a membership card (step S203; Yes), an image of the player is taken with the camera 210 (step S204), the prize is paid out (step S205), the transaction is completed (step S206), and the process ends. The fact that an image is being taken may be displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device 200 so that the player can recognize it. Furthermore, an audio message may be used to inform the player that an image is being taken.

[0155] If the card is a normal card (step S203; No), the camera 210 starts capturing an image of the player (step S207), the prize is paid out (step S208), and the transaction is completed (step S209). Then, the image capturing is stopped (step S210), and the process is completed. Note that the fact that an image is being captured may be displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device 200 so that the player can recognize it. Furthermore, an audio message may be used to inform the player that an image is being captured.

[0156] As described above, in the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment, when a prize is exchanged at the self-service prize management device, a camera captures an image of the player, and stores an image in the case of a membership card, or a video in the case of a general card. Note that the self-service prize management device or the management device may be configured to switch between storing an image in the case of a membership card and an image in the case of a general card, storing videos for both the membership card and the general card, or storing images for both the membership card and the general card.

[0157] In the above-described fourth embodiment, when a prize is exchanged in the self-service prize management device, an image of the player captured by a camera is stored in the case of a membership card, and a video of the player captured by a camera is stored in the case of a general card. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the device to store an image when a high-value prize is exchanged, and an image when a low-value prize is exchanged. It is also possible to configure the device to store an image when a special prize is paid out in one go, and an image when a special prize is paid out in two or more gos. It is also possible to configure the device to store an image when a locked card is accepted, and to store an image when a normal card is accepted. It is also possible to configure the device to start storing an image when a locked card is accepted, and to notify an employee.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above-described fourth embodiment, when video of a player captured by a camera is stored, a configuration is described in which the video is stored from the time the exchange button is pressed until the transaction is completed, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the system to store video from the time the card is accepted until the transaction is completed. It is also possible to configure the system to store video from 15 seconds before the exchange button is pressed until the transaction is completed. It is also possible to configure the system to store video from the time a moving object is detected until the time it is no longer detected.

[0159] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment 4, a configuration was described in which an image or video of a player taken by a camera is stored when a prize is exchanged in the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a prize is exchanged in the self-service prize management device, an image or video of a player taken by a camera can also be configured to be stored in association with a transaction log of the prize exchange.

[0160] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 4, a configuration was described in which an image or video of a player taken by a camera is stored when a prize is exchanged in the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a prize is exchanged in the self-service prize management device, the characteristics of the player can be extracted from the image or video taken by a camera and stored in association with the image or video.

[0161] [Embodiment 5] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize is controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0162] When the self-prize management device accepts a card, it automatically calculates and displays a special prize according to the total number of exchangeable balls, and when a general prize is scanned, it subtracts the number of balls corresponding to the value of this general prize from the total number of exchangeable balls, and automatically recalculates and displays a special prize according to the result of this subtraction.

[0163] In this embodiment 5, we describe a prize exchange system in which, when a self-prize management device accepts a card, it automatically calculates and displays a special prize based on the total number of exchangeable balls, and when a general prize is scanned, it subtracts the number of balls corresponding to the value of this general prize from the total number of exchangeable balls, and automatically recalculates and displays a special prize based on the result of this subtraction.

[0164] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment> An outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 5 will be described below. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 5.

[0165] As shown in Figure 14, when the self-service prize management device according to the fifth embodiment accepts a card, it automatically calculates and displays special prizes according to the total number of exchangeable balls. For example, if the total number is 5600 balls, it displays "1 grand prize" and "1 small prize." In this case, the number of exchangeable balls is 5500 balls, and the remaining number of balls is 100 balls.

[0166] When the "Scan Prizes" button is pressed and the general prize is scanned, information about the general prize is displayed, and the number of balls corresponding to the value of the general prize is subtracted from the total number, and the special prize corresponding to this subtraction result is automatically calculated and displayed. For example, if the scanned general prizes are "Fountain pen 460 balls" and "Stuffed toy 125 balls," "1 Grand Prize" is calculated and displayed as the special prize.

[0167] When the "Exchange" button is pressed, the displayed special prize will be paid out and the exchange for the scanned general prize will be completed. If there are any leftover balls, they will be exchanged for prizes in the Viking Corner, etc. For example, if there are 15 remaining balls, they will be exchanged for "Viking A."

[0168] As described above, in the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment, when the self-service prize management device accepts a card, it automatically calculates and displays a special prize according to the total number of exchangeable balls, and when a general prize is scanned, it subtracts the number of balls corresponding to the value of the general prize from the total number of exchangeable balls and automatically recalculates and displays a special prize according to the result of this subtraction. Note that it may be possible to switch between a mode (such as a mode) in which the special prize is automatically recalculated and displayed according to the result of the subtraction, and a mode in which the special prize is not automatically recalculated and displayed even when a general prize is scanned without subtracting the number of balls corresponding to the value of the general prize from the total number of exchangeable balls.

[0169] In the above-described fifth embodiment, the self-service prize management device automatically calculates and displays a special prize corresponding to the total number of exchangeable balls when it accepts a card, and when a general prize is scanned, it subtracts the number of balls corresponding to the value of the general prize from the total number of exchangeable balls, and automatically recalculates and displays a special prize corresponding to the result of this subtraction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the device so that the special prize is not automatically calculated when a card is accepted, but rather, after the general prize is scanned, it subtracts the number of balls corresponding to the value of the general prize from the total number of exchangeable balls, and automatically calculates and displays a special prize corresponding to the result of this subtraction.

[0170] Furthermore, in the above-described fifth embodiment, when the self-service prize management device accepts a card, it automatically calculates and displays a special prize according to the total number of exchangeable balls, and when a general prize is scanned, it subtracts the number of balls corresponding to the value of the general prize from the total number of exchangeable balls, and automatically recalculates and displays a special prize according to the result of this subtraction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the self-service prize management device accepts an additional card after accepting a card, the total number of exchangeable balls is updated, and it can also be configured to automatically calculate and display a special prize according to this updated total.

[0171] [Embodiment 6] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize is controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0172] When a prize exchange is made, if a predetermined condition is met, such as the number of prizes to be exchanged being equal to or greater than a specified number, the system can be configured to inquire about the need for carry-out bags. In this sixth embodiment, a prize exchange system will be described that inquires about the need for carry-out bags when a predetermined condition is met, such as the number of prizes to be exchanged being equal to or greater than a specified number.

[0173] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment> An outline of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment will be described below. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment.

[0174] 15, when the self-service prize management device according to the sixth embodiment accepts a card, it automatically calculates and displays a special prize according to the total number of exchangeable balls. When the "Scan Prize" button is pressed and a general prize is scanned, information about the general prize is displayed, and the number of balls corresponding to the value of the general prize is subtracted from the total number, and a special prize according to the subtraction result is automatically calculated and displayed.

[0175] When the "Exchange" button is pressed, if the number of general prizes to be exchanged is equal to or greater than the specified number (e.g., three), a screen will be displayed asking whether a carry-home bag is required. Specifically, the screen will ask, "Do you need a bag to carry your prize home?", along with a "Yes" button and a "No" button. If the "Yes" button is selected, the leftover balls will be exchanged for a plastic bag. Note that the object of the inquiry about the necessity is not limited to a carry-home bag, and can be anything that can hold items, such as a box or basket.

[0176] The user may be asked about the need for carry-out bags or boxes not only when the number of general prizes to be exchanged is equal to or greater than the specified number, but also when the number of special prizes to be exchanged is less than or equal to the specified number (e.g., three). Furthermore, when a special prize is exchanged, the user may be asked about the need for carry-out bags or ice packs. For example, this applies when the prize is exchanged for a prize that requires ice packs or an insulated bag, such as ice cream or crab, or for a large prize, such as a stuffed animal or electrical appliance.

[0177] As described above, in the prize exchange system of this embodiment 6, when exchanging prizes, if certain conditions are met, such as the number of prizes to be exchanged being equal to or greater than a specified number, the user can inquire about the need for carry-out bags.

[0178] In the sixth embodiment, a configuration was described in which, if a predetermined condition is met when exchanging prizes, an inquiry is made about the need for a carry-out bag. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the system to suggest prizes that are highly related to the exchanged prize. For example, if a prize is exchanged for cigarettes, it is also possible to configure the system to suggest the exchange of a lighter.

[0179] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment described above, if a predetermined condition is met when a prize is exchanged, an inquiry is made as to whether a carry-out bag is required. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the system so that an employee is notified if a predetermined condition is met when a prize is exchanged. For example, it is also possible to configure the system so that an employee is notified that a carry-out bag, ice pack, or cart is required based on the number, size, or characteristics of the prize (e.g., frozen product).

[0180] Furthermore, in the above-described sixth embodiment, a configuration was described in which, if a predetermined condition is met when a prize is exchanged, an inquiry is made as to whether a carry-out bag is required. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Carry-out bags can be provided free of charge to members (or free up to a predetermined number), and can be provided in exchange for leftover balls to general customers. For members, if there is a history of exchanges for carry-out bags, etc. in past exchange transactions, a screen may be displayed when the card is accepted, inquiring as to whether a carry-out bag, etc. is required.

[0181] [Embodiment 7] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize is controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0182] In the exchange process of the self-service prize management device, since all operations must be performed by the player, the operation and display screen may become complicated. For this reason, it is possible to configure the system so that the processing related to the number of remaining balls is performed automatically according to the card type and the number of remaining balls. In this embodiment 7, a prize exchange system that automatically performs the processing related to the number of remaining balls according to the card type and the number of remaining balls is described.

[0183] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment> An outline of the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment will be described below. Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment.

[0184] As shown in Figure 16, the self-prize management device of this embodiment 7 processes the remaining balls according to the number of remaining balls when the exchange button is pressed after a prize is selected using a general card.

[0185] Specifically, if the number of remaining balls is less than the minimum number of balls required for exchanging for a special prize and is equal to or greater than the minimum number of balls required for exchanging for a Viking prize, a screen for processing the number of remaining balls is displayed. For example, a "Exchange for Viking prize" button and a "Return to card" button are displayed, and processing is performed according to the selected button.

[0186] If the number of remaining balls is equal to or greater than the minimum number for exchanging for a special prize, or is less than the minimum number for exchanging for a Viking prize, the balls will be automatically returned to the card according to the number of remaining balls. The details of this process will be described later.

[0187] <Example of processing related to the number of remaining balls according to the seventh embodiment> An example of the process relating to the number of remaining balls according to the seventh embodiment will be described below. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the process relating to the number of remaining balls according to the seventh embodiment.

[0188] As shown in Figure 17, when the card type is a normal card, the remaining balls are processed as follows: If the remaining balls are equal to or greater than the minimum number for special prize exchange, they are automatically returned to the card. If the remaining balls are less than the minimum number for special prize exchange and equal to or greater than the minimum number for Viking prize exchange, the player can select either a Viking exchange or a process to return them to the card. If a Viking exchange is selected, the remaining balls are retrieved.

[0189] If the number of remaining balls is less than the minimum number of balls required for a Viking prize exchange and there is one or more balls, the process will automatically be carried out according to the prize selected. Specifically, if only a general prize exchange is being carried out, the balls will be returned to the card, and if the exchange includes a special prize, the balls will be taken in. If there are zero remaining balls, no special process will be carried out.

[0190] If the card type is a membership card, it will automatically be returned to the card regardless of the number of remaining balls.

[0191] As described above, in the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment, processing related to the number of remaining balls can be automatically performed according to the card type and the number of remaining balls.

[0192] In the seventh embodiment, a configuration was described in which the remaining balls are automatically returned to the card depending on the card type and the remaining balls, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the card type is a general card, it is also possible to add options such as "discard" and "donate" so that they can be selected.

[0193] In addition, in the seventh embodiment, a configuration was described in which the remaining balls can be exchanged for a buffet depending on the card type and the remaining balls, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the store does not offer a buffet exchange service, it can also be configured to allow the selection of an exchange for other prizes, etc.

[0194] [Embodiment 8] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize is controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0195] Regarding the selection of a general prize, there are two methods: scanning and selecting the general prize, and selecting from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-prize management device. Therefore, it is possible to configure the system so that it can be set whether to select a general prize by scanning and selecting the general prize, or by selecting from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-prize management device. In this embodiment 8, a prize exchange system is described that allows the user to set whether to select a general prize by scanning and selecting the general prize, or by selecting from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-prize management device.

[0196] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment> An outline of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment will be described below. Figures 18 and 19 are explanatory diagrams showing an outline of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment.

[0197] As shown in Figure 18, in the self-service prize management device according to the eighth embodiment, when the method of selecting general prizes by scanning is set, a "Scan Prize" button is displayed after the card is accepted. Press this "Scan Prize" button to scan the general prize. Note that the scanning process may be performed without pressing the "Scan Prize" button.

[0198] Scanned general prizes will be displayed with the name of the prize and the number of balls required to exchange them. For example, "125 stuffed toys," "25 lighters," and "30 canned coffees."

[0199] As shown in Figure 19, if you have set the method to select from the prize names displayed on the screen, a "Select a Prize" button will be displayed after accepting the card. When you press this "Select a Prize" button, the general prizes that you can select from will be displayed. For example, "Please select from the following prizes," "Plush toy 125 pieces," "Lighter 25 pieces," "Canned coffee 30 pieces," etc. will be displayed.

[0200] By pressing the general prize to be exchanged and pressing the "Select" button, this general prize will be selected and displayed.

[0201] As described above, in the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment, it is possible to set whether to select a general prize by scanning a general prize or by selecting from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device. Note that the method setting may be set only by specific employees (for example, an employee with certain authority, such as the store manager), and after setting, the currently set method may be displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device so that employees and players can recognize whether the currently set method is to scan a general prize or to select from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device.

[0202] In the above-described eighth embodiment, a configuration was described in which the user can select a general prize by scanning it or by selecting it from the prize name displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A barcode table of general prizes can also be placed near the self-service prize management device, and the user can select a general prize by scanning the barcode on this barcode table. The object to be scanned is not limited to a barcode, and can also be a QR code (registered trademark), RFID, etc.

[0203] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 8, a configuration was described in which the general prize can be selected by either scanning the general prize or by selecting from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the method of selecting from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device is set, the device can also be configured to perform facial recognition when the player receives the prize, using a facial image of the player captured by the self-service prize management device, to determine whether the player is the same person. The method of determining whether the player is the same person is not limited to the captured facial image of the player, and any matching or authentication using captured bone structure or acquired biometric information such as fingerprints, voiceprints, or iris data can be used.

[0204] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment 8, a configuration was described in which the general prize can be selected by either scanning the general prize or by selecting from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. By connecting the prize display shelf to the vending machine, it is also possible to configure it so that fraudulent prize retrieval can be detected.

[0205] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment 8, a configuration was described in which the user can select a general prize by scanning the general prize or by selecting from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. If multiple cards are read by the self-service prize management device, the device can also be configured to display recommended prizes.

[0206] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment 8, a configuration was described in which the general prize can be selected by either scanning the general prize or by selecting from the prize names displayed on the screen of the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The self-service prize management device can also be configured to manage the inventory on the prize display shelves, and if the inventory falls below a predetermined number, to notify the employee of this.

[0207] [Embodiment 9] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the display / hide of the delete button for the scanned general prize is controlled depending on the type of card accepted by the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0208] When a predetermined number or more special prizes are selected in the self-service prize management device, the prizes are paid out in multiple installments, which may result in a player forgetting to collect the prize. For this reason, the self-service prize management device may be configured to display a message to the effect that the prizes will be paid out in multiple installments. In this ninth embodiment, a prize exchange system is described in which a message to the effect that the prizes will be paid out in multiple installments is displayed on the self-service prize management device.

[0209] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the ninth embodiment> An outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 9 will be described below. Figures 20 and 21 are explanatory diagrams showing the outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 9.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 20, when the number of special prizes to be paid out is less than a predetermined number (e.g., five), the self-service prize management device according to the ninth embodiment pays out the prizes as they are when the "Exchange" button is pressed. For example, if there are two special prizes, the device displays "Prizes will be issued. Please be careful not to forget to pick them up," and then pays out the prizes. The predetermined number may be set or input by the self-service prize management device or the management device 40.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 21, if the number of special prizes to be paid out exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 5), and the "Exchange" button is pressed, the number of times to be paid out is displayed. For example, if there are 6 special prizes, the message "Payouts will be made in two installments" is displayed. Then, if the "OK" button is pressed, the prizes are paid out.

[0212] As described above, in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 9, when the prize is paid out in multiple installments, this fact can be displayed on the self-service prize management device.

[0213] In the above-mentioned embodiment 9, a configuration was described in which when prizes are paid out in multiple installments, a message to that effect is displayed on the self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. When prizes are paid out in multiple installments, the self-service prize management device (including a connected external speaker) or the prize payout device can be configured to notify by voice guidance that the prizes will be paid out in multiple installments. When prizes are paid out in multiple installments, the self-service prize management device or the prize payout device can be configured to notify a terminal carried by the employee (such as a mobile phone or intercom) or the management device 40.

[0214] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, a configuration in which the present invention is applied to a smart pachinko machine that uses game balls as a game medium has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be configured to be applied to a smart pachislot machine.

[0215] Furthermore, the configurations illustrated in the above embodiments are merely functional schematics and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0216] The prize exchange system, prize management device and prize exchange method of the present invention are suitable for quickly detecting situations in which, when a prize is exchanged using a self-operated prize management device, a player takes home the cancelled prize even though part of the prize has been cancelled and exchanged for a prize. [Explanation of symbols]

[0217] 10 Inter-machine card processing machines 20 Gaming machines 30 Island Controller 40 Management device 50 Prize payout device 60 Self-Prize Management Device 61 Card reader / writer 62 Receipt Issuance Department 63 Barcode reader 64 Display operation section 65 Communications Department 66 Memory section 66a Prize Data 66b Special Prize Inventory Data 66c Holding Value Data 67 Control Unit 67a Special Prize Inventory Management Department 67b Holding Value Management Department 67c General Prize Reception 67d Display control unit 67e Notification Department 67f Prize exchange control unit 67g Receipt issuing processing unit 67h Prize payout control unit 70 Payment machine 80 Wireless Router 90 Income 100 Self-Purchase Control Device 110 Camera 200 Self-Prize Management Device 210 Camera

Claims

1. A prize exchange system including a prize management device that exchanges a number of game media associated with identification information of a storage medium for a prize, a prize selection means for selecting a prize to be redeemed; a restriction means for restricting deselection of the prize selected by the prize selection means; an exchange processing means for performing an exchange process for the prize when a predetermined exchange operation for exchanging the number of game media for the prize selected by the prize selection means is accepted; A prize exchange system comprising:

2. The limiting means is The prize exchange system described in claim 1, characterized in that the deselection of the prize is permitted if the operator is a registered member of the gaming facility, and the deselection of the prize is restricted if the operator is a general player.

3. The prize exchange system described in claim 2, characterized in that if the operator is a registered member of the gaming facility, a delete button is displayed to individually delete the prizes selected by the prize selection means, and if the operator is a general player, a delete button is not displayed to individually delete the prizes selected by the prize selection means.

4. The limiting means is The prize exchange system described in claim 1, characterized in that if the number of gaming media required to exchange the prize selected by the prize selection means is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the prize can be deselected, and if the number of gaming media required to exchange the prize selected by the prize selection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the prize can be deselected and the selection of the prize can be restricted.

5. The limiting means is The prize exchange system described in claim 4, characterized in that if the number of gaming media required to exchange the prize selected by the prize selection means is less than or equal to a predetermined value, a delete button is displayed to individually delete the prize selected by the prize selection means, and if the number of gaming media required to exchange the prize selected by the prize selection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, a delete button is not displayed to individually delete the prize selected by the prize selection means.

6. The limiting means is The prize exchange system described in claim 5, characterized in that when an operation by an employee of an amusement facility is accepted, a delete button is displayed to individually delete the prize selected by the prize selection means if the number of gaming media required to exchange the prize for the prize selected by the prize selection means is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value.

7. A prize exchange system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an alarm means for notifying in-store devices and / or employees of the gaming facility of the deselection of a prize selected by the prize selection means upon acceptance of the deselection of the prize.

8. 2. The prize exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the prize selected by said prize selection means is a general prize.

9. A prize management device that exchanges a number of game media associated with identification information of a storage medium for a prize, a prize selection means for selecting a prize to be redeemed; a restriction means for restricting deselection of the prize selected by the prize selection means; an exchange processing means for performing an exchange process for the prize when a predetermined exchange operation for exchanging the number of game media for the prize selected by the prize selection means is accepted; A prize management device comprising:

10. A prize exchange method in a prize management device that exchanges a number of game media associated with identification information of a storage medium for a prize, comprising: a prize selection step for selecting a prize to be exchanged; a limiting step for limiting deselection of the prize selected by the prize selecting step; an exchange processing step for performing an exchange process for the prize when a predetermined exchange operation for exchanging the number of game media for the prize selected by the prize selection step is accepted; A method of redeeming a prize, comprising:

Images