Gaming machine system and computer-implemented method

Abstract

To deal with settlement which cannot be dealt with by an inter-stand machine while utilizing the inter-stand machine.SOLUTION: A disclosed system is configured to reflect settlement by a device different from a game machine inter-stand machine on the game machine inter-stand machine corresponding to the different device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to gaming machine systems and computer-implemented methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses the use of credit cards in gaming parlors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-298219 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Although Patent Document 1 discloses the use of credit cards in gaming facilities, the reality is that gaming facilities are still not fully prepared to accept cashless payments such as credit cards.

[0005] For this reason, currently manufactured and used gaming machines (for example, machines dispensing balls between machines) do not support cashless payments such as credit cards, and only cash payments or cashless payments are accepted. The only thing they can do is use prepaid cards that have been charged with the above.

[0006] However, it is expected that payment by credit card or other means will become more common in gaming parlors in the future.

[0007] On the other hand, for gaming parlors that install inter-machine machines, in order to accept payments by credit card, etc., they must replace the existing inter-machine machines with models that accept payments by credit card, etc. However, replacing all of the inter-machine machines in an gaming parlor with new models requires enormous costs. As a result, it is not easy for gaming parlors to accept credit cards, etc.

[0008] It is also advantageous for manufacturers of machine-to-machine interchanging devices to be able to handle credit card payments and the like while still utilizing the functions of conventional machine-to-machine interchanging devices.

[0009] Therefore, it is desirable to make use of inter-machine machines while also being able to handle payments that could not be handled by inter-machine machines.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is a system configured to reflect a settlement made by a device other than a gaming machine inter-machine device in the gaming machine inter-machine device corresponding to the other device.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method. The disclosed method is a computer-implemented method executed by a computer, and includes performing a process of reflecting a settlement made by a device other than a gaming machine inter-machine device in the gaming machine inter-machine device corresponding to the other device.

[0012] Further details will be described in the following embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the inter-machine machine and additional devices. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the operation of the inter-machine device and the additional device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the operation of the inter-machine device and the additional device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the operation of the inter-machine device and the additional device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the operation of the inter-machine and the mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] <1. Overview of gaming machine system and computer implementation method>

[0015] (1) The system according to the embodiment may be a gaming machine system. The system according to the embodiment is configured to reflect a settlement made by a device other than a gaming machine inter-machine device in the gaming machine inter-machine device corresponding to the other device. In this case, while making use of the gaming machine inter-machine device, it is possible to handle settlements that could not be handled by the gaming machine inter-machine device.

[0016] (2) The inter-machine device may be configured to receive a signal for reflecting a settlement made by another device corresponding to the inter-machine device in the inter-machine device.

[0017] (3) In the system according to the embodiment, a process of associating the other device with the gaming machine may be performed.

[0018] (4) The other device may be a mobile terminal of the user.

[0019] (5) The other device may be a device installed in an amusement center.

[0020] (6) The system according to the embodiment may further include a device for transmitting a signal to reflect a settlement made by another device corresponding to the inter-gaming machine in the inter-gaming machine.

[0021] (7) The payment by the other device may be a cashless payment.

[0022] (8) A method according to an embodiment may be a computer-implemented method executed by a computer. The method according to an embodiment may include executing a process of reflecting a settlement made by a device other than a gaming machine inter-machine on the gaming machine corresponding to the other device.

[0023] <2. Examples of gaming machine systems and computer implementation methods>

[0024] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0025] First Embodiment

[0026] 1 and 2 show a system according to a first embodiment. The system according to the embodiment is a gaming machine system for gaming machines in gaming parlors A and B. Gaming parlors A and B are, for example, stores in which gaming machines 110 are installed. A plurality of gaming machines 110 may be installed in each of gaming parlors A and B. The gaming machines 110 are, for example, pachinko machines or slot machines. The gaming media are, for example, pachinko balls or medals.

[0027] As an example, the system according to the embodiment is for expanding the functions of the gaming machine inter-machine unit 120 provided in correspondence with each gaming machine 110. In the following, the gaming machine inter-machine unit 120 will be simply referred to as the inter-machine unit 120.

[0028] A system according to an embodiment may include one or more devices. Each of the one or more devices constituting the system according to an embodiment may include one or more computers. As an example, a system according to an embodiment may include, in addition to a gaming machine 110 and an inter-machine machine 120, an additional device 130 connected to the inter-machine machine 120. The additional device 130 extends the functionality of the inter-machine machine 120.

[0029] The system according to the embodiment may also include a server 10 connected to a network 50 such as the Internet. The server 10 supports functional expansion of the inter-machine 120 by an additional device 130 as necessary. The functions of the server 10 will be described later, but the functions of the server 10 may be performed by the in-game facility device 100 or the additional device 130.

[0030] The inter-machine device 120 is a device for lending game media (game media lending device). As shown in Fig. 2, a controller 121 of the inter-machine device 120 executes processing for lending game media (pachinko balls, medals, etc.) to be used in the corresponding game machine 110. In Fig. 1, as an example, the inter-machine device 120 corresponding to the game machine 110 is placed on the left side of the game machine 110.

[0031] A user U can use a card 6 (gaming card; gaming prepaid card) such as an IC card to receive gaming media at the inter-machine machine 120. The card 6 is issued, for example, by a card issuing machine 150 installed in the gaming facility. The card issuing machine 150 issues a card 6 on which the amount paid (gaming value) is recorded. The card 6 may be recharged by inserting cash into the inter-machine machine 120 that accepts the card 6.

[0032] Here, the "lending of gaming media" may be a one-stage lending or a two-stage lending.

[0033] In one-stage lending, gaming media corresponding to the amount paid are immediately loaned. For example, when a payment is made at the inter-machine machine 120 (or another device for payment), the number of gaming media corresponding to that amount is immediately loaned. The loan in one-stage lending may be a digital loan in which the number of gaming media loaned is reflected in data, or it may be a loan of physical gaming media. In the case of a digital loan, the physical gaming media are provided (paid out) to the user by a subsequent operation. The digital loan may be stored on a card 6 or other storage means.

[0034] In two-stage lending, the paid amount is recorded on the card 6 or other storage means as the user U's paid gaming fee (gaming value), and then gaming media corresponding to the amount of the paid gaming fee (gaming value) desired by the user are loaned. For example, when a payment is made at the inter-machine machine 120 (or another device for payment), the paid amount is recorded on the card 6 or other storage means. When the user U then operates the inter-machine machine 120 to loan gaming media, the gaming media are loaned to the gaming machine 110 corresponding to the inter-machine machine 120. Also, when a payment is made at the card issuing machine 150, a card 6 is issued on which the paid amount and other information are recorded. The user U uses the card 6 at the inter-machine machine 120 to loan gaming media. In two-stage lending, the loan may be a digital loan, in which the number of loaned gaming media is reflected in the data, or a loan of physical gaming media.

[0035] The record (charge) of the paid amount or the number of gaming media does not need to be recorded on the card 6, but may be recorded in a database of the server 10, for example. The user U can refer to the records in the database using a terminal such as a smartphone 5, and can also use them at the machine 120.

[0036] The inter-machine machine 120 may be provided with a reader / writer (not shown) for the card 6 to enable the use of the card 6 at the inter-machine machine 120. In this case, the user U can use the card 6 at the inter-machine machine 120 to be loaned the required number of gaming media.

[0037] The inter-machine machine 120 may be provided with a cash acceptance device 123 that accepts cash payments at the inter-machine machine 120. In this case, the user U can charge exchangeable gaming value to the gaming medium or receive the gaming medium as a loan by paying cash at the inter-machine machine 120.

[0038] Cash payments are made by the user U by inserting cash such as banknotes 2 into a cash slot (not shown) of the inter-machine machine 120. The amount of cash to be paid can be selected by the user U operating an operation unit 124 provided on the inter-machine machine 120. The value equivalent to the cash paid at the inter-machine machine 120 may be charged to the card 6, or may be used to lend gaming media without being charged to the card 6.

[0039] The inter-machine machine 120 includes an inter-machine machine interface 125. The inter-machine machine 120 is connected to the gaming machine 110 corresponding to the inter-machine machine 120 via the inter-machine machine interface 125. The gaming machine 110 is connected to the inter-machine machine 120 via the gaming machine interface 113. Therefore, the inter-machine machine 120 and the gaming machine 110 corresponding to the inter-machine machine 120 can communicate with each other. Signals related to the lending of gaming media are exchanged between the inter-machine machine 120 and the gaming machine 110, and gaming media can be loaned.

[0040] The gaming machine 110 includes a controller 111 for controlling the gaming machine 110. The gaming machine 110 also includes a gaming medium payout device 112. The payout device 112 pays out loaned gaming media or gaming media (prize balls) acquired by the user on the gaming machine 110.

[0041] In the embodiment, the inter-machine device 120 alone can use only cash or a prepaid card 6 (or both) to lend game media, and other payment methods (for example, credit card payment, debit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, etc.) cannot be used. In other words, the payment function possessed by the inter-machine device 120 alone according to the embodiment is the same as that of a conventional general inter-machine device 120.

[0042] The system according to the first embodiment includes the aforementioned additional device 130 as a separate device for expanding the functions of the inter-machine machine 120. In the first embodiment, the additional device 130 is a device in the gaming parlors A and B. In other words, the additional device 130 is a facility owned by the gaming parlors A and B, and is installed within the gaming parlors A and B.

[0043] The inter-machine machine 120 is equipped with a communication unit 122 (communication interface) for communicating with external devices, and the inter-machine machine 120 and the additional device 130 are communicably connected by this communication unit 122. A plurality of additional devices 130 are installed in the gaming parlors A and B so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the plurality of inter-machine machines 120. The inter-machine machine 120 and the additional device 130 may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0044] By connecting the additional device 130 for expanding the functionality of the inter-machine machine 120 to an existing inter-machine machine 120, it is possible to expand the functionality while effectively utilizing the existing inter-machine machine 120. Since the existing inter-machine machine 120 can be effectively utilized, the cost burden on game parlors A and B can be reduced.

[0045] As an example, the additional device 130 supports payment methods that are not supported by the inter-machine device 120 alone, in order to expand the functionality of the inter-machine device 120. The payment method supported by the additional device 130 is, for example, cashless payment. In this case, the additional device 130 operates as a cashless payment terminal. Cashless payment is, for example, at least one or more of credit card payment, debit card payment, electronic money payment, and code payment. User U can make credit card payment by inserting or touching a credit card 1 to the additional device 130. User U can also make electronic money payment by holding a mobile device such as a smartphone 5 of user U over the additional device 130. User U can also make code payment by reading a code displayed on either the additional device 130 or a mobile device such as a smartphone 5 with the other device.

[0046] After processing the payment, the additional device 130 may cooperate with the inter-machine device 120 as necessary to carry out processing for lending gaming media.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 1, each of the multiple inter-machine machines 120 is connected to an in-game facility device 100. The in-game facility device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is configured by a computer with communication capabilities, and is capable of communicating with off-site devices such as a server 10 via a network 50. The in-game facility device 100 is also capable of communicating with a payment system 20 for the lending of gaming media, etc., via the network 50. The payment system is a system for cashless payments such as credit card payments, debit card payments, electronic money payments, and code payments.

[0048] What user U can acquire by making a payment on the additional device 130 may be gaming media (quantity data). What user U can acquire by making a payment may also be gaming value. Gaming value is value that can be used in the gaming machine 110. Gaming value may be expressed in the same units as a currency such as "yen," or in predetermined point units. Gaming value may be exchanged for gaming media at a predetermined rate.

[0049] Data on what the user U has acquired through payment is recorded in appropriate storage means of the card 6, smartphone 5, and server 10. Based on the recorded data, the user U can receive physical gaming media for loan.

[0050] The in-game facility device 100 is communicably connected to each of a plurality of inter-machine machines 120 (or gaming machines 110) installed in the game facilities A and B via an in-game facility network. The in-game facility device 100 may also be communicably connected to each of a plurality of additional devices 130.

[0051] The in-game facility device 100 can relay communication between the inter-machine device 120 (or the additional device 130 or the gaming machine 110) and the server 10 or the payment system 20 for management. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 , the controller 121 of the inter-machine device 120 (or the additional device 130 or the gaming machine 110) can communicate with the in-game facility device 100, as well as with the server 10 or the payment system 20. Furthermore, the controller 121 of the inter-machine device 120 (or the gaming machine 110) can also communicate with the additional device 130.

[0052] 3 shows the operation of the additional device 130 and the like according to the first embodiment. Here, as an example, the user U makes a payment on the additional device 130 using a credit card 1. First, the user U performs a payment operation by inserting or touching the credit card 1 to the additional device 130 (additional device ID: X001) connected to the inter-machine unit 120 (inter-machine unit ID: Y001) corresponding to the gaming machine 110 (gaming machine ID: Z001) used by the user U (step S301). Note that prior to performing the payment operation, the user U can operate the additional device 130 to input or select the desired payment amount.

[0053] Next, the additional device 130 accesses the payment system 20 and executes the payment process (step S302). Then, when the payment is completed, the payment system 20 transmits a payment completion notice to the additional device 130 (step S303). The additional device 130 notifies the inter-machine 120 that the payment has been made, together with the payment amount (step S304).

[0054] When the inter-machine machine 120 receives the notification of step S304, the payment made by the additional device 130 is reflected in the inter-machine machine 120. For example, the inter-machine machine 120 that receives the notification of step S304 can treat the payment made by the additional device 130 in the same way as a payment made by the inter-machine machine 120 itself (e.g., cash payment). For example, if the inter-machine machine 120 is configured to record the gaming value paid in cash in a storage means such as a card 6, the inter-machine machine 120 may also record the gaming value paid by the additional device 130 in a storage means such as a card 6, similar to a cash payment. In this case, the user U can receive gaming media from the gaming machine 110 by performing an operation to exchange the gaming value recorded on the card 6 for gaming media (step S305). In step S305, in order to receive the gaming media, for example, the inter-machine machine 120 can transmit a signal to the gaming machine 110 instructing the gaming machine 110 to lend the gaming media.

[0055] The inter-machine machine 120 in which the payment at the additional device 130 is reflected (the inter-machine machine 120 that received the notification in step S304) can be treated differently from the payment at the inter-machine machine 120 itself (for example, cash payment). For example, if the inter-machine machine 120 is configured so that the gaming value paid in cash is recorded in a storage means such as a card 6, the inter-machine machine 120 may record the number of gaming media corresponding to the amount of payment for the payment at the additional device 130, rather than recording the gaming value.

[0056] Furthermore, how the payment made at the additional device 130 is handled at the inter-machine device 120 may differ depending on the type of payment made at the additional device 130. The types of payment can be divided, for example, into a first type of immediate payment and a second type of deferred payment. The first type of payment is a payment in which the actual payment is made at the time of payment, such as a debit card payment. The second type of payment is a payment (credit payment) in which the actual payment is made after the payment, such as a credit card payment.

[0057] For example, the method of lending may differ depending on the type of payment. For example, either the one-stage lending or the two-stage lending described above may be selected depending on the type of payment. For example, in the case of a first type of payment, the two-stage lending described above may be performed, and in the case of a second type of payment, the one-stage lending described above may be performed.

[0058] More specifically, the inter-machine machine 120 may record the gaming value for immediate payment (first type of payment), while for deferred payment (second type of payment), it may not record the gaming value but may record the number of gaming media according to the amount of payment.

[0059] In addition, gaming media loaned through deferred payment (second type of payment) may be permitted for use in the gaming machine 110, but may not be permitted for use in exchange for prizes (especially so-called "special prizes").

[0060] For example, the number of gaming media loaned based on deferred payment (second type of payment) can be excluded from the number of gaming media that can be exchanged for special prizes, etc. This makes it possible to prevent gaming media loaned through credit card payment, etc. from being exchanged for special prizes, etc. Here, special prizes are special prizes in the so-called three-store system. Special prizes are items handled by businesses in the three-store system, and user U can exchange them for cash, etc. at the prize exchange center.

[0061] Second Embodiment

[0062] 4 shows the operation of the additional device 130 etc. according to the second embodiment. Regarding the second embodiment, the points that are not particularly explained are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0063] In the second embodiment, the server 10 is used to supplement the functions of the additional device 130. The server 10 operates for a plurality of additional devices 130. Therefore, the processing load on each additional device 130 is preferably reduced.

[0064] In the second embodiment, as an example, the user U also makes a payment on the additional device 130 using a credit card 1. First, the user U performs a payment operation by inserting or touching the credit card 1 to the additional device 130 (additional device ID: X001) connected to the inter-machine unit 120 (inter-machine unit ID: Y001) corresponding to the gaming machine 110 (gaming machine ID: Z001) used by the user U (step S401). Prior to performing the payment operation, the user U can operate the additional device 130 to input or select the desired payment amount.

[0065] Next, the additional device 130 accesses the server 10 (step S402). The server 10 accesses the payment system 20 and executes the payment process (step S402). Then, when the payment is completed, the payment system 20 transmits a payment completion notice to the server 10. The server 10 transmits the payment completion notice to the additional device 130 (step S404). The additional device 130 notifies the inter-machine device 120 that the payment has been made, together with the payment amount (step S405).

[0066] When the inter-machine device 120 receives the notification in step S405, the payment made at the additional device 130 is reflected in the inter-machine device 120. The method of reflection can be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0067] Then, the user U can receive the gaming medium from the gaming machine 110 by exchanging the gaming value recorded on the card 6 or the like for the gaming medium (step S406). In step S406, in order to receive the gaming medium, for example, the inter-machine device 120 can transmit a signal to the gaming machine 110 instructing the gaming machine 110 to receive the gaming medium.

[0068] Note that instead of or in addition to the notification from the server 10 to the additional device 130 (S404), the server 10 may send a notification (steps S404A, S404B) to the inter-machine 120 or the gaming machine 110. When the notification in step S404A is sent, the notification in step S405 becomes unnecessary, and when the notification in step S404B is sent, the notifications in steps S405 and S406 become unnecessary.

[0069] In order for the server 10, which is capable of communicating with multiple additional devices 130, to send the notifications of steps S404A and S404B, it is necessary to identify, as the destination, the inter-machine machine 120 or gaming machine 110 corresponding to the additional device 130 that accessed in step S402. For this identification, the server 10 can use the table shown in FIG. 4. In the table, an inter-machine machine ID or gaming machine ID is registered in association with an additional device ID. For example, in the table, an additional device ID=X001 is registered with a corresponding inter-machine machine ID=Y001 or gaming machine ID=Z001. The server 10 can obtain the additional device ID from the additional device 130 that accessed in step S402 and identify the inter-machine machine ID or gaming machine ID that corresponds to that additional device ID.

[0070] <Third embodiment>

[0071] 5 shows the operation of the additional device 130 etc. according to the third embodiment. Regarding the third embodiment, the points that are not particularly explained are the same as those of the first or second embodiment.

[0072] In the first and second embodiments, the additional device 130 and the payment system 20 or the server 10 are connected without going through the inter-machine device 120. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the additional device 130 and the payment system 20 or the server 10 are connected via the additional device 130.

[0073] In the third embodiment, as an example, the user U also makes a payment on the additional device 130 using a credit card 1. First, the user U performs a payment operation by inserting or touching the credit card 1 to the additional device 130 connected to the inter-machine device 120 corresponding to the gaming machine 110 used by the user U (step S401). Prior to performing the payment operation, the user U can operate the additional device 130 to input or select the desired payment amount.

[0074] Next, the additional device 130 accesses the server 10 via the inter-machine device 120 (step S501). The server 10 accesses the payment system 20 and executes payment processing (step S502). Then, when the payment is completed, the payment system 20 transmits a payment completion notice to the server 10. The server 10 transmits the payment completion notice to the additional device 130 via the inter-machine device 120 (step S503). The additional device 130 notifies the inter-machine device 120 that the payment has been made, along with the payment amount (step S504).

[0075] When the inter-machine device 120 receives the notification in step S504, the payment made at the additional device 130 is reflected in the inter-machine device 120. The method of reflection can be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0076] Then, the user U can receive the gaming medium from the gaming machine 110 by exchanging the gaming value recorded on the card 6 or the like for the gaming medium (step S505). In step S505, in order to receive the gaming medium, for example, the inter-machine device 120 can transmit a signal to the gaming machine 110 instructing the gaming machine 110 to receive the gaming medium.

[0077] The notification in step S503 may also be addressed to the inter-machine device 120. In this case, the inter-machine device 120 can know that payment has been made and the payment amount at the time of receiving the notification in step S503. In other words, the payment made by the additional device 130 may be reflected in the inter-machine device 120 by the server 10. Also, in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the server 10 may be omitted.

[0078] Also, instead of the notification of step S503 from the server 10 to the gaming machine 120, a notification of step S503A may be made from the server 10 to the gaming machine 110. The notification of step S503A is the same as the notification of step S404B in FIG.

[0079] <Fourth embodiment>

[0080] 6 shows the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment is similar to the first to third embodiments except for the points that are not specifically described.

[0081] In the first to third embodiments, an additional device 130 in the gaming facility is used as a device that expands the functions of the inter-machine machine 120. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, a mobile terminal 5 such as a smartphone 5 of a user U is used as a device that expands the functions of the inter-machine machine 120. In the fourth embodiment, payment is made using a credit card, debit card, electronic money, or the like registered in a payment application possessed by the mobile terminal such as the smartphone 5. Therefore, costs can be reduced compared to when the gaming facility installs an additional device 130.

[0082] 6, each inter-machine device 120 has a machine-readable code such as a two-dimensional code 128, such as a QR code (registered trademark), or a barcode. A code such as the two-dimensional code 128 is used, for example, to identify each inter-machine device 120. The two-dimensional code is a machine-readable code that encodes data including an identifier (inter-machine device ID) that is unique to each inter-machine device 120.

[0083] The code such as the two-dimensional code 128 possessed by the inter-machine device 120 may be affixed to the inter-machine device 120 by printing, pasting, engraving, or the like, or may be temporarily displayed on a display possessed by the inter-machine device 120.

[0084] A code such as the two-dimensional code 128 may include data indicating the amount to be paid. For example, multiple codes corresponding to multiple amounts (e.g., 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen) may be attached to the inter-machine device 120. In this case, the user U can perform code payment by reading the code corresponding to the amount to be paid with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone 5. This eliminates the need for the user U to input or select the payment amount. Furthermore, a code indicating the amount corresponding to the amount to be paid by the user U may be displayed on the display. The payment amount may be input by the user U on the mobile terminal.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment, first, the user U reads the two-dimensional code of the inter-machine machine 120 (inter-machine machine ID: Y001) corresponding to the gaming machine 110 that the user U wishes to use, using the smartphone 5 that the user U owns (step S601). The code read by the smartphone 5 is decoded, and data such as the inter-machine machine ID is obtained. This associates the smartphone 5 with the inter-machine machine 120 (inter-machine machine ID: Y001). Therefore, it becomes possible to reflect the payment made on the smartphone 5 in the inter-machine machine 120. The association between the smartphone 5 and the inter-machine machine 120 is transmitted from the smartphone 5 to the server 10 as necessary.

[0086] Furthermore, the user U performs a payment operation for the inter-machine device 120 (inter-machine device ID: Y001) on the smartphone 5. The payment is made using a credit card, debit card, electronic money, or the like registered in the payment application of the smartphone 5.

[0087] Data such as the inter-machine ID is transmitted from the smartphone 5 to the server 10 (step S602). Data related to payment is also transmitted from the smartphone 5 to the server 10 as necessary.

[0088] The server 10 transmits a signal to the inter-machine device 120 indicated by the inter-machine device ID (Y001) to reflect the result of the payment. For example, the server 10 notifies the inter-machine device 120 having the inter-machine device ID (Y001) acquired in step S602 that the payment has been made, together with the payment amount (step S603). When the inter-machine device 120 receives the notification in step S603, the payment made on the smartphone 5 is reflected in the inter-machine device 120. The method of reflection may be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0089] Then, the user U can receive the gaming medium from the gaming machine 110 by performing an operation to exchange the gaming medium (step S604). In step S404, in order to receive the gaming medium, for example, the inter-machine device 120 can transmit a signal to the gaming machine 110 instructing the gaming machine 110 to receive the gaming medium.

[0090] Also, instead of the notification in step S603 from the server 10 to the gaming machine 120, a notification in step S603A may be made from the server 10 to the gaming machine 110. The notification in step S603A is the same as the notification in step S404B in FIG.

[0091] In the fourth embodiment, if the inter-machine device 120 is capable of reading a code such as a two-dimensional code 128 displayed on a mobile terminal such as the smartphone 5, the inter-machine device 120 may associate the two by reading the code displayed on the mobile terminal such as the smartphone 5. Furthermore, the association between the smartphone 5 and the inter-machine device 120 does not have to be performed by reading the two-dimensional code 128, but may be performed by wireless communication between the two devices 5, 110. For example, the inter-machine device 120 may be provided with a wireless communication function such as NFC. In this case, the smartphone 5 can obtain information such as an inter-machine device ID from the inter-machine device 120 by wireless communication.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1: Credit card 2: Paper money 5: Smartphone 6: Prepaid cards 10: Server 20: Payment system 50: Network 100: Equipment in amusement parks 110: Gaming machines 111: Controller 112: Dispensing device 113: Gaming machine interface 120: Gaming machine 121: Controller 122: Communications Department 123: Cash acceptance device 124:Operation unit 125: Machine-to-machine interface 128: 2D code 130: Additional equipment 150: Card issuing machine A:Amusement park B: Amusement park U:User

Claims

1. A gaming machine system configured to reflect a settlement made by a device other than a gaming machine inter-machine device in the gaming machine inter-machine device corresponding to the other device.

2. The inter-gaming machine is configured to receive a signal for reflecting a settlement made by another device corresponding to the inter-gaming machine on the inter-gaming machine. The gaming machine system according to claim 1 .

3. A process of associating the other device with the gaming machine is performed. The gaming machine system according to claim 1 .

4. the other device is a mobile terminal of the user; The gaming machine system according to claim 1 .

5. The other device is a device installed in an amusement center. The gaming machine system according to claim 1 .

6. The gaming machine further includes a device for transmitting a signal for reflecting a settlement made by another device corresponding to the gaming machine inter-machine, The gaming machine system according to claim 1 .

7. The payment by the other device is a cashless payment. The gaming machine system according to claim 1 .

8. 1. A computer-implemented method performed by a computer, comprising: execute a process of reflecting a settlement made by a device other than the inter-game machine in the inter-game machine corresponding to the other device; A computer-implemented method comprising:

Images