Gaming system, individual machine devices, ticket vending machines, and prize management devices

Abstract

To support cashless payments while minimizing the burden on amusement parlors. [Solution] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 encodes payment data, store data, and machine data into a two-dimensional code and displays it (s1). The terminal device 110 reads the two-dimensional code (s2) and sends a payment request including payment data and store data to the payment device 100 (s3). The terminal device 110 receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100 (s4) and sends a deposit request to the card management device 40 (s5). Based on the payment completion notification (s4a) and deposit request from the payment device 100, the card management device 40 performs a deposit process, assigns prepaid value (s6), and notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (s7).

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] This invention relates to a gaming system, each device, a ticket vending machine, and a prize management device that can appropriately and efficiently perform settlement of valuable values when a gaming parlor introduces cashless settlement.

Background Art

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

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

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] However, with conventional technology, when entering the establishment and starting to play for the first time, it was necessary to deposit cash into the machine's device and receive a monetary value that could be used to lend out gaming media. As various cashless payment methods become widely used, requiring cash to start playing is inconvenient for users, so there is a demand for the ability to start playing using cashless payment methods. In particular, the settlement of monetary value when using cashless payment methods is also an issue.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a gaming system, individual machine devices, ticket vending machines, and prize management devices that can properly and efficiently settle the value of goods when a gaming parlor introduces cashless payment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides a gaming system having a machine device attached to a gaming machine and a terminal device, comprising: a receiving means for receiving a storage medium; a determination means for determining whether the value associated with the storage medium received by the receiving means is a cashless payment amount; a display control means for displaying refund settlement information on a predetermined display unit when the determination means determines that the value is a cashless payment amount and a refund operation for the value is accepted; and a settlement information including the settlement amount and settlement identification information corresponding to the cashless payment amount when a refund operation for the value is accepted. The device comprises a generation means for generating a payment information, the display control means, when the determination means determines that the payment is of value for the cashless payment and accepts a refund operation for the value, displays the payment information generated by the generation means on the display unit, the generation means, when it accepts a refund operation for the value, generates payment information consisting of a two-dimensional code including the payment amount and payment identification information corresponding to the value for the cashless payment, the terminal device reads the payment information consisting of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit and, when a refund destination account is selected, executes a refund settlement process.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device for each unit attached to a gaming machine, comprising: a receiving means for receiving a storage medium; a determination means for determining whether the value associated with the storage medium received by the receiving means is for cashless payment; a display control means for displaying refund payment information on a predetermined display unit when the determination means determines that the value is for cashless payment and a refund operation for the value is accepted; and a generation means for generating payment information including a payment amount and payment identification information corresponding to the value for cashless payment when a refund operation for the value is accepted. The device is characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the cashless payment has value and accepts a refund operation for the value, the device displays the payment information generated by the generation means on the display unit, and when the generation means accepts a refund operation for the value, it generates payment information consisting of a two-dimensional code including the payment amount corresponding to the cashless payment's value and the payment identification information, and when a predetermined terminal device reads the payment information consisting of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit and selects a refund destination account, it enables the execution of the refund settlement process. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a ticket vending machine that issues a storage medium that can be accepted by each machine device attached to a gaming machine, comprising: an acceptance means for accepting the storage medium; a determination means for determining whether the value associated with the storage medium accepted by the acceptance means is for cashless payment; a display control means for displaying refund settlement information on a predetermined display unit when the determination means determines that the value is for cashless payment and accepts a refund operation for the value; and a generation means for generating settlement information including a settlement amount and settlement identification information corresponding to the value for cashless payment when a refund operation for the value is accepted. The display control means, when determined by the determination means, determines that the cashless payment has value and accepts a refund operation for the value, displays the payment information generated by the generation means on the display unit; the generation means, when it accepts a refund operation for the value, generates payment information consisting of a two-dimensional code including the payment amount corresponding to the cashless payment's value and the payment identification information; and when a predetermined terminal device reads the payment information consisting of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit and selects a refund destination account, it enables the execution of the refund settlement process. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a prize management device that performs prize exchange processing, comprising: a receiving means for receiving a storage medium; a determination means for determining whether the value associated with the storage medium received by the receiving means is for cashless payment; a display control means for displaying refund settlement information on a predetermined display unit when the determination means determines that the value is for cashless payment and a refund operation for the value is accepted; and a generation means for generating settlement information including a settlement amount and settlement identification information corresponding to the value for cashless payment when a refund operation for the value is accepted, and the display control The means is characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the cashless payment has value and accepts a refund operation for the value, the means controls the display unit to display the payment information generated by the generation means, when the means accepts a refund operation for the value, the generation means generates payment information consisting of a two-dimensional code including the payment amount corresponding to the cashless payment's value and the payment identification information, and when a predetermined terminal device reads the payment information consisting of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit and a refund destination account is selected, the means enables the execution of the refund settlement process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when amusement parlors introduce cashless payment, the settlement of valuable assets can be carried out appropriately and efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the concept of the game management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the system configuration of a gaming parlor. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the external appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the between-stage card processor. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the terminal device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management device. (Part 1) [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management device. (Part 2) [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to cashless settlement. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram regarding the refund process by cashless settlement. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration for transmitting a deposit request to the card management device via the between-stage card processor. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the card management device performs a deposit process based on a deposit request from the terminal device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the card management device performs a deposit process based on a deposit request from the between-stage card processor. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram regarding the release of restrictions by a two-dimensional code.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the gaming system, each device, the ticket vending machine, and the prize management device according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0013] In this specification, "held balls" refer to game media acquired by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in the game only during the same day (before the store closes). "Stored balls" refer to game media acquired by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in the game after the next day (after the store closes). Held balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when changing the gaming machine used for the game (so-called changing the machine). Stored balls can usually be used only by member players, and are used when using the acquired game media in games after the next day. A predetermined fee may be imposed for using stored balls.

Example

[0014] First, the concept of the game management system according to this example will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of the game management system according to this example. A plurality of gaming machines 20 are installed in the game arcade, and each gaming machine 20 is provided with an inter-machine card processor 10 which is a device for each machine.

[0015] Based on the operation of the player, the inter-machine card processor 10 performs various processes related to game balls, such as lending process of game balls, replay process of held balls and stored balls, and counting process of acquired game balls and adding them to the held balls. Also, when the player finishes the game and operates the return button provided on the gaming machine, the inter-machine card processor 10 discharges the number of held balls managed by the device after associating them with the card.

[0016] The card management device 40 can communicate with a plurality of inter-machine card processors 10 in the game arcade, and manages by associating held balls, prepaid value, etc. with the card. The prepaid value is a valuable value that can be used for lending game balls, which is added by depositing money and subtracted by lending balls.

[0017] Specifically, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a banknote, it sends deposit notification data including the amount of the banknote to the card management device 40, which then adds a number corresponding to the amount to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Then, when a predetermined ball dispensing operation is performed, it sends a ball dispensing request to the card management device 40, which then subtracts the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40, and dispenses a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

[0018] Furthermore, the gaming management system shown in Figure 1 allows for the addition of prepaid value through cashless payment. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an operation requesting a deposit via cashless payment, it generates payment data including a payment ID and a payment amount. The payment ID is data that uniquely identifies the payment and can be determined by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, for example. The payment amount indicates the amount deposited via cashless payment and can be determined by the player, for example. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 encodes the generated payment data, store data, and machine data into a two-dimensional code and displays it (s1). The store data is data that identifies the gaming store, and the machine data is data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0019] The terminal device 110 carried by the player captures a two-dimensional code displayed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 using its camera, decodes the two-dimensional code, and reads it to acquire payment data, store data, and machine data (s2).

[0020] The terminal device 110 stores payment data, store data, and machine data. The terminal device 110 adds information necessary for payment, such as the account used for payment, to the payment data, and performs payment processing by sending a payment request including the payment data and store data to the payment device 100 (s3).

[0021] Upon receiving a payment request, the payment device 100 executes the payment by deducting the payment amount from the account indicated in the payment data of the payment request, and then notifies the payment completion. The notification of payment completion is sent to the requesting terminal device 110 and to the card management device 40 of the amusement parlor indicated in the store data of the payment request.

[0022] Specifically, the payment device 100 sends a payment completion notification including the payment ID to the terminal device 110 (s4), and sends a payment completion notification including the payment ID and payment amount to the card management device 40 (s4a).

[0023] When terminal device 110 receives a payment completion notification, it sends a deposit request to card management device 40 (s5). The deposit request can be sent, for example, using a wireless communication network installed in the amusement parlor. The deposit request also includes the payment ID and machine data.

[0024] When the card management device 40 receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100 and a deposit request from the terminal device 110, it performs deposit processing and grants prepaid value (s6). Specifically, when the card management device 40 receives a payment completion notification and a deposit request with the same payment ID, it identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by the machine data of the deposit request, performs deposit processing for the payment amount of the payment completion notification for the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and grants prepaid value. After that, the card management device 40 notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the completion of the deposit and the granting of prepaid value (s7).

[0025] In this configuration, the inter-machine card processing machines 10, which are individual devices attached to the gaming machines 20, output payment data indicating payment information as a two-dimensional code, and the terminal device 110 carried by the player acquires the payment data and performs the payment processing. The card management device 40 then identifies the corresponding machine when payment processing is performed and assigns prepaid value. With this configuration, instead of each inter-machine card processing machine 10 performing cashless payment, prepaid value can be assigned based on the cashless payment performed by the terminal device 110. This makes it possible to support cashless payments while suppressing the burden on the gaming establishment.

[0026] Next, we will explain the system configuration of the amusement parlor. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the amusement parlor. As shown in Figure 2, the amusement parlor is equipped with multiple gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10, each of which is provided in conjunction with a gaming machine 20. The inter-machine card processing machines 10 are connected to the store's network, which is a communication line, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, a card management device 40, a membership management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a settlement machine 80 are connected to the communication line.

[0027] The gaming machine 20 is a device that allows players to play by shooting game balls onto the game board. The game board of the gaming machine 20 is provided with multiple prize areas (prize slots), and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prizes based on when a game ball passes through these prize areas. The game board is also provided with a predetermined number of starting areas (start slots), and a predetermined lottery is conducted based on when a game ball passes through these starting areas. If the lottery is a jackpot, predetermined movable parts are activated to improve the probability of the game ball passing through the aforementioned prize areas or other starting areas, thereby providing an advantage in the game. The result of the lottery based on the ball passing through the start slots is displayed on a special symbol display device that displays the lottery results. The display of the lottery results on this special symbol display device is performed in a manner that shows fluctuations for a predetermined time before confirming the result. Furthermore, the game board is equipped with a decorative symbol display device that variably displays predetermined numbers and other decorative symbols based on the results of the lottery. When the lottery result is a jackpot, it notifies the player by displaying matching symbols such as (7,7,7). It is also possible to provide an area that serves as both the starting area and the winning area.

[0028] The prize-winning area is equipped with a prize-winning sensor to detect when a game ball passes into that area. This sensor detects when a game ball is played into the prize-winning area (winning). The control unit of the game machine 20 also has a prize-winning memory that stores the number of game balls to be awarded as prizes for each prize-winning area.

[0029] Therefore, when the entry sensor detects that a launched game ball has passed into a specific winning area, the game machine 20 can determine the number of prize balls to be awarded based on the contents of the prize ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed through the winning area, and can then perform the payout process for the determined number of prize balls. In addition, regardless of whether the launched game ball has passed through the winning area or not, it is ultimately discharged from the back of the game board to the outside of the game machine. The game balls discharged to the outside of the game machine are detected by an out-ball detection device attached to each game machine.

[0030] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, dispenses game balls, and communicates with the card management device 40. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives banknotes inserted by a player, it sends deposit notification data including the amount of the banknotes to the card management device 40, and the card management device 40 adds a number corresponding to the amount to the prepaid value it manages. Then, when a predetermined ball dispensing operation is performed, it sends a ball dispensing request to the card management device 40, which subtracts the prepaid value it manages, and dispenses a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

[0031] Furthermore, if the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it sends card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. Also, if the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives data from the card management device 40 including the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls, it stores the received prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls. Once the number of balls held has been stored, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a ball deduction request data to the card management device 40, thereby clearing the number of balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero.

[0032] Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a request to replay held balls, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls stored in its own device and performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number. Also, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a request to replay stored balls, it sends a request data for replaying stored balls to the card management device 40, causing the member management device 50 to subtract a predetermined number from the number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50, and performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls.

[0033] Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a card return operation, it sends a request data for adding balls, including the number of balls it manages, to the card management device 40. After the card management device 40 adds the number of balls, it sends a card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 and controls the ejection of the card.

[0034] The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles together a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 installed on a gaming island.

[0035] The card management device 40 is a device that manages the prepaid value and number of tokens held by a card as card data. When the card management device 40 receives card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it associates the card ID of the inserted card with the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and transmits the prepaid value and number of tokens associated with the card ID to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Furthermore, if the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of a member card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the member management device 50 and transmits the token replay data received from the member management device 50 to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0036] Furthermore, when the card management device 40 receives a request to deduct balls from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it resets the number of balls held to zero. Also, when the card management device 40 receives a request to add balls from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the number of balls included in the request to add balls to the number of balls managed by the card management device 40.

[0037] Furthermore, when the card management device 40 receives ball dispensing request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits ball dispensing permission data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. When it receives stored ball replay request data, it transmits the stored ball replay request data to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs stored ball replay data, it transmits the stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0038] Furthermore, if the card management device 40 receives a card ID from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls associated with this card ID. In addition, if it receives a card ID from the payment machine 80, it notifies the payment machine 80 of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

[0039] The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered with the amusement parlor. Specifically, it manages the number of balls stored, points, PIN, and name, etc., in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

[0040] When the member management device 50 receives card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it transmits stored ball replay data, including the number of stored balls and PIN associated with the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data, to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Furthermore, when the member management device 50 receives stored ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID shown in the stored ball replay request data, and transmits stored ball replay data, including the number of stored balls after the subtraction, to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the member management device 50 is conducted via the card management device 40.

[0041] Furthermore, if the member management device 50 receives an inquiry from the prize management device 60 regarding the number of stored balls, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored balls corresponding to the specified card ID.

[0042] The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange located next to the prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and it performs prize exchange processing to exchange acquired balls, stored balls, and held balls for prizes. The prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader that reads card IDs from cards and a prize dispensing device that dispenses prizes. When the prize management device 60 reads a card ID from a general card or a membership card (or reads identification data corresponding to a card ID from a mobile terminal, etc.), it transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 and requests the number of balls held for that card ID. Also, when exchanging stored balls for prizes, it requests the number of stored balls from the membership management device 50.

[0043] When a card associated with prepaid value is inserted into the payment machine 80, it transmits the card ID of the card to the card management device 40, receives the response data, obtains the prepaid value associated with the card, and dispenses money according to the obtained prepaid value.

[0044] Next, the ball dispensing process of the gaming system shown in Figure 2 will be explained. When a player performs a ball dispensing operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits ball dispensing request data to the card management device 40. This ball dispensing request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and an address or arbitrary identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the sender.

[0045] When the card management device 40 receives a ball dispensing request data, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID of the ball dispensing request data. The card management device 40 then transmits the ball dispensing permission data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the data. Upon receiving the ball dispensing permission data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs a payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

[0046] Next, we will explain the process for replaying held tokens in the gaming system shown in Figure 2. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an insertion of a general card or a membership card, it sends card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the sender, and data to identify the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0047] When the card management device 40 receives card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the number of balls held for each rate associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data.

[0048] The inter-machine card processing unit 10 stores the number of balls held by the player, as received from the card management device 40. It then transmits the card ID, data identifying the rate, and ball deduction request data indicating that the number of balls should be reset to zero to the card management device 40. When the card management device 40 receives the ball deduction request data, it resets the number of balls held for each rate identified by the card ID to zero. Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing unit 10 accepts a ball replay operation and performs a ball replay, it subtracts a predetermined number from the stored number of balls and performs the payout process for the corresponding number of game balls. When performing the payout process, for multiples of the unit that the game machine can pay out (e.g., 25 balls), the payout process is performed by sending a payout instruction to the game machine, and for the remainder (e.g., less than 25 balls), the payout process is performed by dispensing from the nozzle unit 18a of the machine itself.

[0049] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a card return operation, it sends a request data to the card management device 40 to add balls to the player's hand. This request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, an address or arbitrary identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the source of the transmission, and the number of balls held for each rate.

[0050] When the card management device 40 receives a request data for adding balls, it adds the number of balls included in the request data to the number of balls held for each rate associated with the card ID. Subsequently, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 and controls the ejection of the card.

[0051] Next, the process for replaying stored tokens in the gaming system shown in Figure 2 will be explained. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 reads a card ID from a member card or a mobile terminal that can be used as a member card, it sends card insertion notification data to the card management device 40. This card insertion notification data includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the sender, and data to identify the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0052] The card management device 40 transmits card insertion notification data received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 to the member management device 50. Upon receiving the card insertion notification data, the member management device 50 transmits to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 the PIN associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data, the number of stored balls at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data, and stored ball replay data including the number of available stored balls for replay. The number of available stored balls for replay indicates the number of balls that can be used for stored ball replay. This number of available stored balls for replay is a multiple of the number of game balls dispensed in stored ball replay. If an upper limit is set for stored ball replay, the maximum value within the range of the number of stored balls and the upper limit will be the number of available stored balls for replay. Alternatively, the number of times stored ball replay is possible may be used as the number of stored ball replay frequencies instead of the number of available stored balls for replay. The number of stored ball replay frequencies is the quotient obtained by dividing the number of stored balls by the number of game balls dispensed in stored ball replay. However, if there is a limit on the number of times you can replay using stored tokens, this limit will restrict the number of times you can replay using stored tokens.

[0053] The inter-machine card processing unit 10 stores the received stored ball replay data, and if the number of available stored ball replays indicated in the stored ball replay data is 1 or more, it accepts a stored ball replay operation.

[0054] After storing the stored ball replay data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10, upon receiving the first stored ball replay operation, prompts the player to enter a PIN and determines whether the entered PIN matches the PIN shown in the stored ball replay data.

[0055] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a request data for replaying stored tokens to the card management device 40 when the PIN matches. This request data for replaying stored tokens includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the sender, and data to identify the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0056] The card management device 40 transmits a request data for replaying stored tokens to the member management device 50. Upon receiving the request data for replaying stored tokens, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined amount from the balance of stored tokens associated with the card ID in the request data, specifically those at the rate specified by the message, and recalculates the number of available tokens for replay. It then transmits the replay data, including the subtracted balance and the number of available tokens for replay, to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0057] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls and processes the payout of the number of game balls corresponding to the payout unit for stored ball replay. It also determines whether the number of available stored ball replays after the update is 1 or more. If the number of available stored ball replays is 0, the stored ball replay operation is not accepted. If the number of available stored ball replays after the update is 1 or more, the stored ball replay operation is accepted again. For the second and subsequent stored ball replays, verification of the PIN is not required. However, verification of the PIN may be required each time. In addition, although this example shows the case where the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of stored balls before the inter-machine card processing machine 10 processes the payout of game balls, the balance of stored balls may also be subtracted after processing the payout of game balls based on the stored ball replay request. This is because the number of available stored ball replays is indicated in the stored ball replay data before the stored ball replay request, so a situation where insufficient balance is discovered after the stored ball replay request is accepted will not occur.

[0058] Next, we will explain the transition from held balls to stored balls during the closing process. The card management device 40 checks the number of held balls in the card management data during the closing process, and if there is a record associated with a number of held balls greater than zero, it notifies the member management device 50 of the number of held balls in that record along with the card ID and rate. The member management device 50 adds the number of held balls notified by the card management device 40 to the number of stored balls identified by the card ID and rate. After that, the card management device 40 resets the number of held balls to zero.

[0059] Next, the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 3 shows the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Note that in Figure 3, the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 is shown as the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The gaming machine 20, which is installed next to it, is shown with a dashed line. In addition, although Figure 3 shows the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only banknotes, it is also possible to provide a unit that has the function of accepting electronic money and coins associated with mobile terminals or cards.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 includes a status display unit 11, a banknote insertion slot 12a, a display operation unit 13, a card insertion slot 14a, a scanning unit 14b, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

[0061] The status display unit 11 is composed of, for example, a multi-color LED and displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by lighting or flashing a predetermined color. The banknote slot 12a is an insertion slot for various banknotes necessary for dispensing game balls. The display operation unit 13 is composed of, for example, a full-color touch panel type liquid crystal display and is a device that displays operation buttons and accepts input operations from operation buttons. Although the display operation unit 13 is not shown in detail in Figure 3, it has a flat plate shape in which the long side on the corresponding game machine 20 side is pivotally supported and attached to the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the angle between the front panel of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the display surface of the display operation unit 13 can be changed.

[0062] The card slot 14a is for inserting cards held by players. The tapping area 14b is the area where a mobile terminal used for member registration is held. When a mobile terminal is held over the tapping area 14b, data such as the mobile terminal's unique ID (e.g., IDm) is read from the mobile terminal. The nozzle unit 18a is a mechanism for dispensing game balls into the game machine 20. The nozzle unit 18a consists of a cylindrical nozzle that is rotatably mounted horizontally on the front of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the tip of the nozzle can be positioned in the storage area of ​​the game machine. The nozzle is supplied with game media from a ball supply device inside the inter-machine card processing machine, which receives game media from a supply mechanism within the island where the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed. The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower tray of the game machine 20. The counting unit 18b consists of a tray for receiving game balls, a counting unit located at the bottom of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that counts the game balls using a counting sensor, and a counting passage that passes the game balls from the tray to the counting unit. The tray and the counting passage can be removed as a single unit from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 based on a predetermined operation (for example, operation by an employee using a remote control). Furthermore, the counting unit has a unit structure, and by removing the counting unit, tray, and counting passage, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can be operated without its counting function.

[0063] Next, the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a scanning unit 14b, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, a control unit 17, a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

[0064] The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot 12a to a banknote storage unit (not shown) while determining the denomination and authenticity of the banknotes. The display and operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel liquid crystal display that has the function of identifying and displaying various information such as the prepaid value usable for ball dispensing, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls from the received card, as well as the function of displaying other information unrelated to the card, and the function of receiving various operations such as ball dispensing operations. In addition to the above-mentioned displays, the display and operation unit 13 also has the function of displaying the surplus or deficit of the number of cards stored and the communication status with the host device (online, offline, etc.).

[0065] The reader / writer 14 is a device that reads the card ID from a card inserted into the card slot 14a. The card inserted into the card slot 14a is stored in a card storage compartment (not shown) via the reader / writer 14. The tapping unit 14b is an interface unit that reads various information, such as the unique ID (e.g., IDm) of a mobile terminal, via short-range wireless communication when a mobile terminal is held over it. The reader / writer 14 also has the function of issuing a new card by associating value data, such as the number of balls held and the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b, with the card stored in the card storage compartment in response to the player's return operation. However, if the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of balls held is less than a certain number (minimum number to hold), the system controls the system not to return the card even if a return operation is made. This is a control mechanism designed to prevent losses to the arcade due to the discarding of cards associated with a small amount of tokens held, and it applies not only to cards pre-stored internally but also to cards received from external sources (excluding membership cards). As a certain number, for example, the value of the card or the lowest-priced prize in the arcade can be set to the value obtained by multiplying the number of tokens held by the rental price per token, but it is not limited to this and can be freely set according to the arcade's policy. In addition, when controlling the system to prevent the card from being returned even if a return operation is performed, the stored tokens can be dispensed, or a message indicating that the card cannot be returned and / or a message prompting the player to replay with their tokens may be displayed.

[0066] The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30. The nozzle unit 18a is used for dispensing some or all of the game balls when dispensing balls through ball lending or replay. The counting unit 18b is a unit for counting the game balls.

[0067] The storage unit 16 is a storage device consisting of a hard disk drive, non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 16 stores self-device status data 16a, card data 16b, and payment data 16c.

[0068] The self-device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This self-device status data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine and the game type setting. The device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 within the gaming establishment. The game type setting is data indicating the game type, etc., set in the inter-machine card processing machine 10. When handling game balls of multiple rates within the gaming establishment, a game type name is set and managed for each rate, such as "Ball 1" for 4-yen rate game balls, "Ball 2" for 2-yen rate game balls, and "Ball 3" for 1-yen rate game balls. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 selects the rate to be used for gameplay from these game types and stores it as the game type setting.

[0069] Card data 16b is data relating to the card being used by the player. Card data 16b includes card ID, prepaid value, number of tokens held, stored tokens, and the number of available tokens for replay. Data exists for each type of game (rate) for the number of tokens held and stored. The card ID is the card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card slot 14a and then ejected, card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this transport. Similarly, when a card is transported from the card slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this transport. Payment data 16c indicates payment-related data such as payment ID and payment amount.

[0070] The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-unit card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a counting unit 17b, a settlement data generation unit 17c, an encoding unit 17d, a settlement data output unit 17e, and a refund unit 17f.

[0071] When a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40, which includes the device ID from the device status data 16a and the card ID from the card data 16b. Furthermore, when the data management unit 17a receives data from the card management device 40 that includes value data (at least one of prepaid value, number of balls held, and number of stored balls), it updates the card data 16b with the received value data. The data management unit 17a then appropriately displays the prepaid value, number of balls held, and number of stored balls shown in the card data 16b on the display operation unit 13.

[0072] Furthermore, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits deposit notification data, including the amount of the inserted banknote, the card ID, and the inter-machine card processing machine ID, to the card management device 40.

[0073] Furthermore, when a player performs a ball dispensing operation, the data management unit 17a transmits ball dispensing request data, including the card ID and device ID, to the card management device 40. Upon receiving ball dispensing permission data in response to this ball dispensing request data, the data management unit 17a performs the dispensing process for a predetermined number of game balls.

[0074] Furthermore, when a player performs a replay operation using their remaining balls, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls indicated in the card data 16b and performs a payout process for the corresponding number of game balls.

[0075] Furthermore, if the number of available stored balls for replay indicated in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 17a displays a stored ball replay button on the display operation unit 13, making it possible to accept a stored ball replay operation. When a player performs a stored ball replay operation, the data management unit 17a transmits stored ball replay request data, including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID, to the member management device 50. Upon receiving stored ball replay data in response to this stored ball replay request data, the unit updates the number of stored balls in the card data 16b and performs the payout process for the number of game balls corresponding to the payout unit for stored ball replay. Note that for the first stored ball replay operation, the player is prompted to enter a PIN, and the stored ball replay request data is transmitted only if it matches the PIN indicated in the card data 16b.

[0076] Furthermore, when a player returns the card, the data management unit 17a sends the card ID, device ID, and ball count addition request data including the number of balls held to the card management device 40, clears the number of balls in the card data 16b to zero, then sends card ejection notification data to the card management device 40 and ejects the card.

[0077] Furthermore, if a player performs a ball transfer operation with a membership card inserted, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls indicated in the card data 16b and transmits ball addition request data to the membership management device 50 via the card management device 40, thereby transferring the balls to the stored balls. It is also possible to transfer balls to the stored balls using a mobile terminal instead of a membership card. Specifically, if the number of balls is above a predetermined number and a predetermined operation is performed, and the mobile terminal is held over the tapping unit 14b, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls indicated in the card data 16b and transmits ball addition request data including the IDm read by the tapping unit 14b, thereby transferring the balls to the stored balls.

[0078] Furthermore, the data management unit 17a can perform processing related to the wagon service. The wagon service is a service in which amusement store staff circulate around the amusement store with products such as drinks and cigarettes in a wagon and sell them to customers who are playing games. In addition to cash payments, payment for this wagon service can also be made using tokens or stored tokens. When paying for the wagon service with tokens or stored tokens, the amusement store staff instructs the inter-machine card processing machine 10 via a staff terminal (e.g., a remote control terminal) to put the inter-machine card processing machine 10 into a state where payment for the wagon service can be made. Then, information that can identify the number of tokens or stored tokens to be deducted as payment is entered into the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This input process is performed by entering a numerical value on the display operation unit 13 of the inter-machine card processing machine or on the operation unit of the staff terminal. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the input, it waits for the acceptance of an employee recording medium (e.g., a wagon card) to be used for the wagon service. When a wagon card is received, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls held or stored equal to the entered quantity from the number indicated by the card data 16b and discharges it associated with the employee recording medium. Furthermore, if the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an employee recording medium without receiving input of information that can identify the number of balls held or stored to be deducted as consideration, it returns the employee recording medium without settling the wagon service. Also, if, during the settlement of the wagon service, information that can identify the number of balls held or stored to be deducted as consideration is received, and an operation to replay the balls or return the recording medium is received, the system prevents the two processes from conflicting by either rejecting or restricting the replay or return operation, or by canceling the settlement of the wagon service.

[0079] When a game ball is inserted into the counting unit 18b, the counting processing unit 17b causes the counting unit 18b to count the game ball and adds the counting result to the number of balls held in the card data 16b.

[0080] The payment data generation unit 17c is a processing unit that generates payment data indicating information related to a payment. The payment data includes a payment ID and a payment amount. The payment ID is data that uniquely identifies the payment. The payment amount indicates the amount of the payment received via cashless payment.

[0081] When the payment data generation unit 17c receives an operation requesting a deposit via cashless payment, it determines the payment ID, generates payment data 16c with the amount of deposit specified by the customer as the payment amount, and stores it in the storage unit 16.

[0082] The encoding processing unit 17d is a processing unit that encodes the payment data 16c, store data, and machine data into a two-dimensional code. The store data is data that identifies the gaming store, and the machine data is data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10. For the machine data, for example, the device ID from the self-device status data 16a may be used.

[0083] The payment data output processing unit 17e outputs the two-dimensional code generated by the encoding processing unit 17d to the display operation unit 13. In other words, the payment data output processing unit 17e outputs store data and machine data along with the payment data 16c.

[0084] The refund processing unit 17f is a processing unit that refunds prepaid value via cashless payment. When the refund processing unit 17f receives a refund request for a refund via cashless payment, it sets the refund settlement amount to the amount corresponding to the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b. It then determines the settlement ID, encodes the refund settlement data, including the settlement ID and the refund settlement amount, into a two-dimensional code, displays it on the display operation unit 13, and clears the prepaid value to zero. The player can read the two-dimensional code with the terminal device 110 to obtain the refund settlement data and execute the refund settlement process to receive a refund for the cleared prepaid value.

[0085] Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will be described. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0086] The self-device status data 16a shown in Figure 5(a) indicates that the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "3001" and that "Ball 1" is set as the game type for the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0087] The card data 16b shown in Figure 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "1001". Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card; a card with the first digit "1" is a general card, and a card with the first digit "2" is a membership card. The card data 16b also indicates that the prepaid value is "2000 units". Here, one unit of prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen. The card data 16b also indicates that ball 1 has "375 balls", ball 2 has "500 balls", and ball 3 has "2000 balls".

[0088] Furthermore, card data 16b can store data related to stored tokens, such as the PIN, the number of tokens that can be replayed, and the number of tokens stored for each type of game. However, since Figure 5(b) shows the state when a general card has been accepted, these data are displayed as "-" indicating that they are not applicable. Here, the configuration shows the number of tokens that can be replayed as the number of possible replays, but the number of times that can be replayed may also be stored as the replay frequency. In addition, although not shown in the diagram, the card management device 40 also stores the ON / OFF status of a "lock" flag indicating the validity / invalidity of the card, in addition to the number of tokens held, stored, and prepaid value, associated with the card ID. This "lock" flag is turned ON by an employee when card theft is detected. This data is also included and stored in card data 16b. Furthermore, this "lock" flag can be set separately for each function ("use stored tokens," "transfer," etc.), and for example, at the request of a player, only the "transfer" function can be "locked" to prevent accidental operation. In this specification, "cross-referencing" means converting the number of gaming media at one rate to the number of gaming media at another rate based on the ratio of the unit prices of the gaming media. For example, in an inter-machine card processing machine 10 associated with a 4 yen rate, it is possible to use the number of balls X at a 1 yen rate to dispense X × (1 yen / 4 yen) = X / 4 balls. This "cross-referencing" function can be enabled or disabled by the member management device 50 according to the store's operating policy.

[0089] The payment data 16c shown in Figure 5(c) indicates a state where the payment ID, which is the unique identifier for the payment, is "A001" and the amount is "10000".

[0090] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 110 shown in Figure 1 will be described. Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 110 shown in Figure 1. The terminal device 110 is, for example, a smartphone and has a display and operation unit 111, a speaker 112, a camera 113, a communication unit 114, a storage unit 115, and a control unit 116.

[0091] The display operation unit 111 is an input / output interface that performs display output and operation input, such as a touch panel display. The speaker 112 is an output interface that performs audio output. The camera 113 is an imaging device used to capture images of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display operation unit 13 of the inter-unit card processing machine 10. The communication unit 114 is a communication interface for data communication with the card management device 40, payment device 100, etc., via a predetermined network such as the Internet.

[0092] The memory unit 115 is a storage device such as non-volatile memory, and stores various programs, as well as user data 115a, payment management data 115b, etc. User data 115a is various data about the user of the terminal device 110, and may include name, address, email address, financial institution account, etc. Payment management data 115b is data for managing cashless payments, and associates the processing status with various information obtained from the inter-unit card processing machine 10.

[0093] The control unit 116 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and by reading a predetermined program from the storage unit 115 and executing it, it realizes functions such as the decryption processing unit 116a and the payment processing unit 116b.

[0094] The decryption processing unit 116a is a processing unit that decrypts a two-dimensional code when the camera 113 captures an image of the two-dimensional code and acquires payment data, machine data, and store data. The decryption processing unit 116a associates processing data with the payment data, machine data, and store data acquired through decryption and registers it in the payment management data 115b. The processing data includes the reading date and time indicating the date and time when the two-dimensional code was read, the payment request date and time indicating the date and time when a payment request was sent to the payment device 100, the payment completion date and time indicating the date and time when a payment completion notification was received from the payment device 100, and the deposit request date and time indicating the date and time when a deposit request was made to the card management device 40. At the time of registration by the decryption processing unit 116a, only the reading date and time is registered, and the payment request date and time, payment completion date and time, and deposit request date and time are registered as appropriate by the payment processing unit 116b.

[0095] The payment processing unit 116b is a processing unit that performs payment processing based on payment data. When payment management data 115b is registered, the payment processing unit 116b adds information necessary for payment, such as the account to be used for payment, to the payment data, and performs payment processing by sending a payment request including the payment data and store data to the payment device 100.

[0096] When a payment request is sent, the payment processing unit 116b registers the date and time of the payment request for the payment management data 115b. Subsequently, upon receiving notification of payment completion from the payment device 100, the payment processing unit 116b sends a deposit request to the card management device 40. Specifically, the payment processing unit 116b identifies the corresponding payment management data 115b based on the payment ID included in the payment completion notification for the payment management data 115b, and registers the date and time of payment completion for the identified payment management data 115b. Then, it sends a deposit request including the machine data and payment ID of the identified payment management data 115b to the card management device 40, and registers the date and time of the deposit request for the payment management data 115b. This deposit request is sent, for example, using a wireless communication network installed in the amusement parlor.

[0097] Furthermore, when the payment processing unit 116b receives a payment request for a refund, it registers the date and time of payment completion, notifies the completion of the refund by displaying it on the display operation unit 111 or by other means, and then terminates the process.

[0098] Here, we will explain how to determine the account to be used for payment. The account to be used for payment can be one of the accounts stored in user data 115a, for example. If multiple accounts are available, the player can choose which account to use, or the account to be used can be set in advance. It is also possible to select the account to be used by setting conditions.

[0099] Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 115 of the terminal device 110 will be described. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit 115 of the terminal device 110.

[0100] The payment management data 115b shown in Figure 7 associates payment data, store data, machine data, and processing data. The payment data includes payment ID, account details, and amount. The processing data includes reception date and time, payment date and time, and grant date and time.

[0101] Figure 7 shows the settlement data with settlement ID "A001", amount "10000", and account "Bank B, Branch C, Ordinary Account 123456". It also shows the store data with store ID: Y012 and device data with device ID: 3001. Furthermore, it shows the processing data read date and time "2019 / 01 / 10 13:31", the processing data settlement request date and time "2019 / 01 / 10 13:32", the processing data settlement completion date and time "2019 / 01 / 10 13:33", and the processing data deposit request date and time "2019 / 01 / 10 13:34".

[0102] Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 8, the card management device 40 has a display unit 41, an input unit 42, an external network communication unit 43, a store network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46.

[0103] The display unit 41 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. The external network communication unit 43 is an interface unit for data communication via a network outside the amusement store. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, member management device 50, prize management device 60, and settlement machine 80 via a communication line within the amusement store.

[0104] The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, and payment processing data 45d.

[0105] Game type setting data 45a is data that associates the lending rate and display name with the game type. Card management data 45b is data that associates the prepaid value, the number of balls held for each game type, and the destination device ID, which indicates the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 into which the card is inserted, with the card ID. Device management data 45c is data concerning devices installed in the amusement parlor. This device management data 45c includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine, the address of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the installation location, and the game machine IDs and model data of the adjacent amusement machines.

[0106] The payment processing data 45d is data that manages deposits made via cashless payment and the granting of prepaid value at amusement parlors. Specifically, the payment processing data 45d is data that associates the payment ID, payment amount, machine data, payment completion notification date and time, deposit request reception date and time, and value granting date and time.

[0107] The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40 and includes a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, a device management unit 46c, and a value assignment unit 46d. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, causing the processes corresponding to the game type setting management unit 46a, the card management unit 46b, the device management unit 46c, and the value assignment unit 46d to execute, respectively.

[0108] The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages the game types used in a gaming parlor, the rates, and the display names in association with each other as game type setting data 45a.

[0109] The card management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45b. Specifically, when the card management unit 46b receives card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it sets the device ID of the card ID used by the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data to the device ID also shown in the card insertion notification data. It also notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the prepaid value associated with the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data and the number of balls held for each rate as value data. Furthermore, if the inserted card is a membership card, it sends card insertion notification data to the membership management device. When the card management unit 46b receives a ball deduction request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the number of balls held for the rate shown in the ball deduction request data to zero.

[0110] Furthermore, when the card management unit 46b receives ball lending request data including a card ID from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it determines whether the prepaid value associated with the card ID is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the prepaid value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b subtracts the predetermined value from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 45b and sends ball lending permission data including the updated prepaid value to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. On the other hand, if the prepaid value is less than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that ball lending is not possible.

[0111] Furthermore, when the card management unit 46b receives deposit notification data including the amount of money inserted from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card ID, and the device ID, it adds the amount of prepaid value indicated in the deposit notification to the prepaid value associated with the card ID.

[0112] Furthermore, when the card management unit 46b receives a request data for replaying stored tokens from the inter-machine card processing unit 10, it forwards the data to the member management device 50. It also forwards the response data from the member management device 50 to the request data for replaying stored tokens to the inter-machine card processing unit 10.

[0113] Furthermore, if the card management unit 46b receives a request data for adding balls, it adds the number of balls included in the request data to the number of balls held for the corresponding rate. Also, if the card management unit 46b receives a card ejection notification data, it erases the device ID used by the card ID.

[0114] Furthermore, if the card management unit 46b receives a card ID from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls held for each rate associated with this card ID. Also, if the card management unit 46b receives a card ID from the payment machine 80, it notifies the payment machine 80 of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

[0115] The device management unit 46c is a processing unit that manages the device management data 45c. Based on the device ID, the address of the inter-machine card processing unit 10, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID obtained from the inter-machine card processing unit 10, the device management unit 46c generates and updates the device management data 45c.

[0116] The value-granting unit 46d is a processing unit that performs deposits and grants prepaid value based on cashless payments. When the value-granting unit 46d receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100, it registers the payment ID and payment amount of the payment completion notification in the payment processing data 45d. Also, when the value-granting unit 46d receives a deposit request from the terminal device 110, it registers the payment ID and transaction data of the deposit request in the payment processing data 45d.

[0117] If both a payment completion notification and a deposit request with the same payment ID are received, the value-granting unit 46d identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 based on the machine data of the deposit request, performs a deposit process for the payment amount specified in the payment completion notification for the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and grants prepaid value. Subsequently, the value-granting unit 46d notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the completion of the deposit and the granting of prepaid value.

[0118] Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 shown in Figure 9 will be explained. Figures 9 to 10 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40.

[0119] The game type setting data 45a shown in Figure 9(a) associates the game type name "Tama 1" with a rate of "4 yen" and a display name of "4 Pachi". Furthermore, the game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "Tama 2" with a rate of "2 yen" and a display name of "2 Pachi". Additionally, the game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "Tama 3" with a rate of "1 yen" and a display name of "1 Pachi".

[0120] In the card management data 45b shown in Figure 9(b), card ID "1001" is associated with a prepaid value of "2500", the number of balls held by ball 1 "1500", the number of balls held by ball 2 "2300", and the number of balls held by ball 3 "0". In other words, the card with card ID "1001" is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the management of the balls held is performed by the card management device 40.

[0121] Furthermore, in the card management data 45b shown in Figure 9(b), card ID "1002" is associated with a prepaid value of "500", the number of balls held for each rate of "0", and the usage device ID "3004". In other words, the card with card ID "1002" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with device ID "3004", and the management of the number of balls held has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. For this reason, the number of balls held for each rate is zero.

[0122] Furthermore, in the card management data 45b shown in Figure 9(b), card ID "2002" is associated with a prepaid value of "2000", the number of balls held for each rate is "0", and the usage device ID is "3001". In other words, the card with card ID "2002" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with device ID "3001", and the management of the number of balls held has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. For this reason, the number of balls held for each rate is zero.

[0123] The device management data 45c shown in Figure 9(c) indicates that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with ID "3001" has the network address "AB.CD.EF.GH", is located at "Island 1-1", has ID "P001", is a game type "Ball 3", and is a model of the connected gaming machine 20 "EV01". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

[0124] The payment processing data 45d shown in Figure 10(d) is data that associates the payment ID, payment amount, device data, payment completion notification date and time, deposit request reception date and time, and value assignment date and time. In Figure 10(d), the payment ID is "A001", the payment amount is "10000", the device data is "Device ID: 3001", the payment completion notification date and time is "2019 / 01 / 10 13:33", the deposit request reception date and time is "2019 / 01 / 10 13:34", and the value assignment date and time is "2019 / 01 / 10 13:35".

[0125] Next, the processing procedure for cashless payments will be explained. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for cashless payments. First, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an operation requesting a deposit via cashless payment, the payment data generation unit 17c determines the payment ID and generates payment data with the amount of deposit specified by the player as the payment amount (step S101). The encoding processing unit 17d encodes the payment data, store data, and machine data into a two-dimensional code (step S102), and the payment data output processing unit 17e outputs the two-dimensional code to the display operation unit 13 (step S103).

[0126] When the camera 113 of the terminal device 110 captures a two-dimensional code displayed on the display operation unit 13 of the inter-unit card processing machine 10, the decoding processing unit 116a of the terminal device 110 reads the two-dimensional code (step S201), decodes the read two-dimensional code (step S202), acquires the data, and stores it in the storage unit 115 (step S203).

[0127] The payment processing unit 116b adds the necessary payment information, such as the account to be used for payment, to the payment data, and performs the payment processing by sending a payment request including the payment data and store data to the payment device 100 (step S204). After receiving notification of payment completion from the payment device 100 (step S205), the payment processing unit 116b sends a deposit request including the payment ID and store data to the card management device 40 (step S206).

[0128] The value-adding unit 46d of the card management device 40 receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100 (step S301) and registers the payment ID and payment amount of the payment completion notification in the payment processing data 45d. If both a payment completion notification and a deposit request with the same payment ID are received, the value-adding unit 46d identifies the machine data from the payment completion notification and the deposit request (step S302), and performs a deposit process for the inter-machine card processing machine 10 indicated by the identified machine data, adding prepaid value (step S303). After that, the value-adding unit 46d notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the completion of the deposit and the addition of prepaid value (step S304), and terminates the process.

[0129] Next, we will explain the refund process using cashless payment. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the refund process using cashless payment. When the refund processing unit 17f of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a refund operation requesting a refund using cashless payment (s21), it sets the amount corresponding to the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b as the payment amount (s22). Then, it determines the payment ID, encodes the refund payment data, including the payment ID and the refund payment amount, into a two-dimensional code, and displays it on the display operation unit 13 (s23), while also clearing the prepaid value to zero.

[0130] Subsequently, when the terminal device 110 reads the two-dimensional code (s24) and obtains the refund settlement data, the settlement processing unit 116b of the terminal device 110 selects the refund recipient account (s25) and executes the refund settlement process (S26).

[0131] In the explanation so far, we have described an example configuration in which a wireless communication network is installed in the amusement parlor and the terminal device 110 transmits a deposit request to the card management device 40 via the wireless communication network, but the transmission route of the deposit request can be changed as appropriate.

[0132] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which a deposit request is sent to the card management device 40 via the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In the configuration shown in Figure 13, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 converts the payment data and store data into a two-dimensional code (s1b). That is, in this configuration, the machine data does not need to be included in the two-dimensional code. When the terminal device 110 receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100 (s4), it sends a payment completion notification including the payment ID to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (s4b). When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the payment completion notification, it sends a deposit request including the payment ID and the machine data to the card management device 40 (s5b). If the source of the deposit request is to be the machine data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 only needs to send a deposit request including the payment ID. Other operations are the same as in Figure 1, so the explanation is omitted.

[0133] Furthermore, while the explanation so far has focused on a configuration in which the card management device 40 processes payments using payment completion notifications from the payment device 100 and payment requests from the terminal device 110, payment completion notifications from the payment device 100 are not necessarily required.

[0134] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the card management device 40 processes a deposit based on a deposit request from the terminal device 110. In the configuration shown in Figure 14, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 encodes the settlement data and machine data into a two-dimensional code (s1c). In other words, in this configuration, the store data does not need to be included in the two-dimensional code. When the terminal device 110 receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement device 100 (s4), it sends a deposit request including the settlement amount and machine data to the card management device 40 (s5c). The card management device 40 processes the deposit and assigns prepaid value based on the machine data and settlement amount indicated in the deposit request (s6c). Other operations are the same as in Figure 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0135] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the card management device 40 processes a deposit request based on a deposit request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In the configuration shown in Figure 15, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 converts the settlement data into a two-dimensional code (s1d). That is, in this configuration, it is not necessary to include machine data or store data in the two-dimensional code. When the terminal device 110 receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement device 100 (s4), it sends a settlement completion notification including the settlement ID to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (s4d). When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the settlement completion notification, it sends a deposit request including the settlement amount and machine data to the card management device 40 (s5d). If the source of the deposit request is to be machine data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 only needs to send a deposit request including the settlement amount. Other operations are the same as in Figure 14, so the explanation is omitted.

[0136] Next, we will explain the restrictions on player operations. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 can request a PIN or other credentials for certain operations such as card return, and can return the card only if the correct PIN is received. It can also switch to a rest mode that temporarily prohibits all operations when a player leaves their seat, and can deactivate the rest mode only if the correct PIN is received.

[0137] Here, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 can use the payment data as a substitute for the PIN to remove the restriction. The payment data acquired by the payment data generation unit 17c is displayed as a two-dimensional code on the display operation unit 13 and read by the terminal device 110 to be used for cashless payment deposits. The payment data 16c that has been used in this way cannot be used for payment again, but by keeping the used payment data 16c in the storage unit 16, its payment ID can be used as a substitute for the PIN.

[0138] In other words, when a player reads a two-dimensional code from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 using the terminal device 110 and makes a cashless payment, they display the two-dimensional code on the terminal device 110 and hold it up to the camera installed on the inter-machine card processing machine 10 to have it read, which allows them to return their card or deactivate the rest mode.

[0139] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of the removal of restrictions using a two-dimensional code. In Figure 16, first, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 generates payment data including the payment ID and payment amount, encodes the payment data, store data, and machine data into a two-dimensional code, and displays it (s1). The terminal device 110 captures the two-dimensional code displayed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with a camera, decodes the two-dimensional code, and reads it to acquire the payment data, store data, and machine data (s2).

[0140] In Figure 16, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 then begins restricting operations (s31). When the terminal device 110 displays a two-dimensional code (s32) and holds it up to the camera of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 reads the two-dimensional code (s33). The inter-machine card processing machine 10 decodes the read two-dimensional code and, on the condition that the obtained payment ID matches a payment ID previously generated by its own device, releases the restriction (s34).

[0141] In order to restrict and release operations in this manner, a camera should be provided on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the control unit 17 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 should be configured to include a restriction unit for restricting operations and a reading unit for reading two-dimensional codes.

[0142] As described above, in this embodiment, the inter-machine card processing machine 10, which is a device attached to each gaming machine 20, outputs payment data as payment information indicating information related to payment. A terminal device 110 carried by the player acquires the payment data and performs payment processing. When payment processing is performed, the card management device 40 or the like identifies the corresponding machine and assigns prepaid value, which is the value related to the gaming medium. With this configuration, instead of each inter-machine card processing machine 10 performing cashless payment, prepaid value can be assigned based on the cashless payment made by the terminal device 110. This makes it possible to support cashless payments while suppressing the burden on the gaming establishment.

[0143] Furthermore, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 outputs payment data including a payment ID as payment identification information to identify a payment, store data as amusement store identification information to identify a gaming store, and machine data as machine identification information to identify each machine. The terminal device sends a payment request including the payment data and store data to the payment device. When a payment is processed, the payment device notifies the card management device 40, which is a management device for the gaming store identified by the store data, of the payment ID. When a payment is processed, the terminal device 110 notifies the card management device 40 of the payment ID and machine data. The card management device 40 can then use the payment ID notified by the payment device and the payment ID and machine data notified by the terminal device 110 to identify each machine.

[0144] Furthermore, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can output machine data as machine identification information to identify each machine, and the terminal device 110 can notify the card management device 40, which is the management device of the amusement parlor, of the machine data when payment processing is performed, and the card management device 40 can use the machine data notified from the terminal device 110 to identify each machine.

[0145] Furthermore, the inter-unit card processing machine 10 displays and outputs a code that encodes information including payment data, and the terminal device 110 can acquire the payment data by optically reading and decrypting the code.

[0146] Furthermore, the inter-machine card processing unit 10 can be configured to restrict the player's operation and to release the restriction when it reads a previously outputted code.

[0147] Furthermore, the inter-machine card processing unit 10 subtracts the prepaid value and outputs refund data indicating information related to the refund of the subtracted prepaid value, thereby enabling refunds via cashless payment.

[0148] Furthermore, when the terminal device 110 reads the refund data and receives a refund, it can select the recipient of the refund from multiple accounts.

[0149] In the above embodiment, a configuration was shown in which the prepaid value is refunded via cashless payment. However, if a refund cannot be made via cashless payment for any reason, such as a communication error, it is also possible to configure the system to return the card associated with the prepaid value and have the customer settle the payment at the payment machine 80.

[0150] Furthermore, although not explained in the above-mentioned examples, if there is an upper limit on the prepaid value that can be associated with a single card, the deposit amount should be set within the range determined by the current prepaid value and the upper limit. For example, if the upper limit is 11,000 yen and the prepaid value balance is equivalent to 3,000 yen, the amount of deposit that can be accepted should be set to 8,000 yen or less.

[0151] Furthermore, while this embodiment describes the case where cashless payment is used to purchase prepaid value at the inter-machine card processing machine 10, other devices may also be configured to handle cashless payments. For example, a ticket vending machine that sells cards with prepaid value added via currency or debit card payments may be configured to support cashless payments. Alternatively, the prize management device 60 may be configured to support cashless payments.

[0152] Additionally, a minimum transaction amount may be set for cashless payments, and the use of cashless payments may be restricted for amounts below this minimum.

[0153] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a configuration in which information related to cashless payments is exchanged using a two-dimensional code, a configuration in which information related to cashless payments is exchanged using short-range wireless communication or the like may also be used.

[0154] Furthermore, if the prepaid balance includes both cash deposits and cashless payments, when settling at a payment machine, the cash deposit portion can be settled in cash, and the cashless payment portion can be refunded to the account. Alternatively, both the cash deposit and cashless payment portions can be refunded in cash or to the account. It is also possible to selectively allow settlement of either the cash deposit portion or the cashless payment portion. Additionally, it is possible to set either the cash deposit portion or the cashless payment portion to be unavailable for settlement.

[0155] Furthermore, although a detailed explanation of the form of the card, which is the medium that links the number of game media, was omitted in the above-described embodiment, such cards include magnetic cards, IC cards, etc. Also, although "cards" were used as an example in this explanation for convenience, the present invention can also be applied when using chips, sticks, portable terminals, etc., in addition to such cards.

[0156] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using the case where game balls are used as the game medium, it is also applicable when using tokens for slot machines.

[0157] Furthermore, the illustrated configurations are functional schematics and do not necessarily have to be physically represented as shown. In other words, the distributed and integrated forms of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. [Industrial applicability]

[0158] As described above, the gaming system, individual machine devices, ticket vending machine, and prize management device according to the present invention are suitable for appropriately and efficiently settling monetary value when a gaming parlor introduces cashless payment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0159] 10-unit card processing machine 11 Status display section 12. Banknote transport section 12a Banknote slot 13, 111 Display operation section 14 Reader / Writer 14a Card slot 14b The part that holds up 15, 114 Communications Department 16, 45, 115 storage section 16a Device status data 16b Card Data 16c Payment Data 17, 46, 116 Control Unit 17a Data Management Department 17b Counting Processing Unit 17c Payment Data Generation Unit 17d Encoding Processing Unit 17e Payment Data Output Processing Unit 17f Refund Processing 18a Nozzle Unit 18b Counting Unit 20 Gaming Machines 30 Island Controllers 40 Card Management Devices 41 Display section 42 Input section 43 External Network Communication Unit 44 Store Network Communications Department 45a Game type setting data 45b Card Management Data 45c Device Management Data 45d Payment Processing Data 46a Game Type Setting Management Department 46b Card Management Department 46c Equipment management department 46d Value creation section 50 Member Management Device 60 Prize Management Device 80 Payment machine 100 Payment devices 110 Terminal device 112 speakers 113 Camera 115a User data 115b Payment Management Data 116a Decryption Processing Unit 116b Payment Processing Unit

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising individual machine devices and terminal devices attached to the gaming machine, A means of receiving a storage medium, A determination means for determining whether the valuable value associated with the storage medium received by the reception means is a cashless payment amount, When the determination means determines that the cashless payment has monetary value and accepts a refund operation for the monetary value, the display control means displays the refund settlement information on a predetermined display unit. When a refund operation for the aforementioned value is received, a generation means generates the payment information including the payment amount and payment identification information corresponding to the value of the cashless payment. Equipped with, The display control means, when the determination means determines that the payment is of value for the cashless payment and accepts a refund operation for the value, displays the payment information generated by the generation means on the display unit. When the generation means receives a request for a refund of the value, it generates payment information consisting of a two-dimensional code that includes the payment amount corresponding to the value of the cashless payment and the payment identification information. The terminal device reads the payment information consisting of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit, and if a refund recipient account is selected, it executes the refund settlement process. A gaming system characterized by the following features.

2. These are individual devices attached to the gaming machines, A means of receiving a storage medium, A determination means for determining whether the valuable value associated with the storage medium received by the reception means is a cashless payment amount, When the determination means determines that the cashless payment has monetary value and accepts a refund operation for the monetary value, the display control means displays the refund settlement information on a predetermined display unit. When a refund operation for the aforementioned value is received, a generation means generates the payment information including the payment amount corresponding to the value of the cashless payment and payment identification information. Equipped with, The display control means, when the determination means determines that the payment is of value for the cashless payment and accepts a refund operation for the value, displays the payment information generated by the generation means on the display unit. When the generation means receives a request for a refund of the value, it generates payment information consisting of a two-dimensional code that includes the payment amount corresponding to the value of the cashless payment and the payment identification information. A predetermined terminal device reads the payment information consisting of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit, and when the refund recipient account is selected, the refund payment process can be executed. Each unit is characterized by the following features.

3. A ticket vending machine that issues a storage medium that can be accepted by each machine attached to a gaming machine, A receiving means for receiving the aforementioned storage medium, A determination means for determining whether the valuable value associated with the storage medium received by the reception means is a cashless payment amount, When the determination means determines that the cashless payment has monetary value and accepts a refund operation for the monetary value, the display control means displays the refund settlement information on a predetermined display unit. When a refund operation for the aforementioned value is received, a generation means generates the payment information including the payment amount and payment identification information corresponding to the value of the cashless payment. Equipped with, The display control means, when the determination means determines that the payment is of value for the cashless payment and accepts a refund operation for the value, displays the payment information generated by the generation means on the display unit. When the generation means receives a request for a refund of the value, it generates payment information consisting of a two-dimensional code that includes the payment amount corresponding to the value of the cashless payment and the payment identification information. A predetermined terminal device reads the payment information consisting of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit, and when the refund recipient account is selected, the refund payment process can be executed. A ticket vending machine characterized by the features of the

4. A prize management device that performs prize exchange processing, A means of receiving a storage medium, A determination means for determining whether the valuable value associated with the storage medium received by the reception means is a cashless payment amount, When the determination means determines that the cashless payment has monetary value and accepts a refund operation for the monetary value, the display control means displays the refund settlement information on a predetermined display unit. When a refund operation for the aforementioned value is received, a generation means generates the payment information including the payment amount and payment identification information corresponding to the value of the cashless payment. Equipped with, The display control means, when the determination means determines that the payment is of value for the cashless payment and accepts a refund operation for the value, displays the payment information generated by the generation means on the display unit. When the generation means receives a request for a refund of the value, it generates payment information consisting of a two-dimensional code that includes the payment amount corresponding to the value of the cashless payment and the payment identification information. A predetermined terminal device reads the payment information consisting of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit, and when the refund recipient account is selected, the refund payment process can be executed. A prize management device characterized by the following features.

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