Amusement Park Systems

Abstract

To reduce personnel cost or cost for crime prevention related to a purchasing work, stock securing or the like relative to a special prize usable as an exchange object, or to improve convenience of a player.SOLUTION: In a system for game parlor, prize information presented by prize exchange processing is taken by a portable terminal 32 of a player, and further the prize information taken by the portable terminal 32 is exchanged into value information associated with the portable terminal 32 by operation to the portable terminal 32. Thus, special prizes at least usable as an exchange object can be reduced, while obeying a so-cold three shop system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for a playground. [Background technology]

[0002] In typical amusement arcades, the rental process is usually carried out by inserting cash into a gaming device to receive gaming media. However, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, systems are also used that perform the rental process using non-cash payments such as debit cards or credit cards. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-154150 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In light of this background, the applicant has proposed in Patent Application No. 2018-11793 that not only the loan process but also the prize exchange process be handled by non-cash settlement. This proposal is significant in that it can reduce the cost of equipment required for cash processing and crime prevention, but it does not focus on the special prizes, which are the actual prizes to be exchanged, and assumes that gaming value will be exchanged for special prizes as in the past, and that the exchanged special prizes will be exchanged for monetary value. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the labor costs related to the procurement work and inventory securing of special prizes, the crime prevention costs, and the convenience of players, such as the need for players to carry special prizes around.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a system for an amusement park that can reduce labor costs associated with purchasing special prizes and securing inventory, as well as security costs, or can improve convenience for players. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the invention described in claim 1, a prize exchange process for exchanging game value acquired by a player (e.g., game media such as held balls or saved balls) for prizes comprises a prize exchange means (e.g., POS 7) which presents prize information indicating an electronic prize, which is a virtual prize and is the prize to be exchanged; a prize information acquisition means (e.g., control means 33) which acquires the prize information presented by the prize exchange process (e.g., a QR code displayed on the POS) by the player's mobile terminal; and a conversion means (e.g., control means 33) which performs a conversion process of converting the prize information indicating the electronic prize acquired by the mobile terminal by the prize information acquisition means into value information indicating a non-cash value (e.g., electronic money, virtual currency) associated with the mobile terminal by an operation on the mobile terminal (e.g., pressing the confirmation button 34b). A granting means (e.g., a counting and lending unit 2) that performs a granting process to grant a game value to a player in exchange for value information that is separately associated with the mobile terminal by the player, different from the value information converted by the conversion process; The game device is also provided with a suppression means (e.g., control means 33) that suppresses the conversion process in the conversion means until exchange permission information (e.g., a QR code displayed at a prize exchange center) provided outside the game arcade is captured by the mobile terminal (e.g., allowing charging for the day on condition that the QR code displayed at the prize exchange center is read). According to this configuration, prize information indicating the virtual electronic prizes that are presented as prizes to be exchanged in the prize exchange process is loaded into the mobile terminal of the player, and the prize information indicating the electronic prizes loaded into the mobile terminal is converted into value information indicating a non-cash value associated with the mobile terminal by operating the mobile terminal, so that at least the number of special prizes to be exchanged can be reduced. This can reduce labor costs and crime prevention costs related to the procurement and inventory maintenance of the special prizes, and can improve convenience for players. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of an amusement park system according to one embodiment; [Diagram 2] Front view of the gaming machine and the counting rental unit [Diagram 3]Counting unit and peripheral functional block diagram [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of a mobile device [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how to specify a deposit from the balance. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how an electronic prize is captured. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a mode of exchanging and charging electronic prizes. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how to settle a balance. [Figure 9] Diagram explaining the flow of information [Figure 10] Diagram explaining the flow of information [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the transition of value states stored in a mobile terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the transition of value states stored in a mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the overall configuration of a system for an amusement facility. A plurality of gaming machines 1 are installed in the amusement facility, and a counting and lending unit 2 and a gaming information display device 3 are installed as gaming devices corresponding to each gaming machine 1. The gaming machines 1, the counting and lending unit 2, and the gaming information display device 3 are connected to a relay device 4, two by two. The relay device 4 is connected to a management device 6 via a LAN 5. A prize exchange terminal (hereinafter referred to as POS) 7, a settlement terminal 8, and a card issuing terminal 9 are also installed in the amusement facility, and these terminals 7 to 9 are also connected to the management device 6 via the LAN 5. The POS 7 corresponds to a prize exchange means, a value deposit means, and a selection execution means, and the settlement terminal 8 corresponds to a settlement means.

[0009] The management device 6 is installed in, for example, an office in the game center, and is connected to a monitor 6a, a keyboard 6b, etc. The management device 6 receives game data transmitted from the game machines 1 and the counting and lending unit 2, etc., and manages the operating status of various devices, as well as storing and managing the player's deposit balance, number of balls held, number of balls saved, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 1, for example, several hundred game machines 1 are managed by the management device 6, and each game machine 1 corresponds to a game machine that uses game media to play a game. Note that if the game machine 1 is a pachinko machine, the game media are pachinko balls, and if the game machine 1 is a slot machine, the game media are medals.

[0010] 2, the gaming machine 1 is, for example, a CR pachinko machine, and has an operating handle 11, an upper tray 12, and a lower tray 13 that constitute a launching device that launches balls onto a board 10, and also has a liquid crystal display unit 14, a start hole 15, and a big prize hole 16 on the board 10. In addition, a loan button 17 and an end button 18 are arranged side by side on the top surface of the upper tray 12.

[0011] When a player operates the control handle 11, balls are shot onto the board 10, and if the shot ball lands in the starting hole 15, a number of balls according to the winning number is paid out and a jackpot lottery is held. In the jackpot lottery, a pattern change is performed on the liquid crystal display 14 based on so-called special patterns, and a jackpot occurs when the stopped and displayed pattern is a jackpot pattern. When a jackpot occurs, the jackpot winning hole 16 is opened for, for example, 15 rounds.

[0012] The counting and lending unit 2 is installed on the side of the gaming machine 1 and has a so-called machine counting function. As shown in Fig. 2, the counting and lending unit 2 has a status display unit 19 that shows the status of the lending unit 2 and the gaming machine 1, a short-range wireless communication unit 20 equipped with an NFC (Near field Communication) reader / writer, a face authentication camera 21 (camera cover 21a is shown in Fig. 2) including an imaging element such as a well-known CMOS sensor or CCD sensor, a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 22 having a function of receiving touch operations on the screen and a function of displaying the deposit balance, the number of balls held, the number of balls saved, etc. as various information, a payout button 23 for paying out one unit of balls as the unit of the number of balls to be awarded, a payout nozzle 24 through which the paid out balls pass, a removable counting tray 25 located below the lower tray 13 of the gaming machine 1, and the like.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the counting and lending unit 2 has a control unit 26 as an electrical configuration. The control unit 26 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 26a, a ROM 26b, a RAM 26c, an I / O 26d, etc., and executes a stored control program to control the operation of the counting and lending unit 2. The peripheral parts connected to the control unit 26 include the above-mentioned status display unit 19, the short-range wireless communication unit 20, the liquid crystal display unit 22, and the payout button 23, as well as an I / F unit 27 that transmits and receives various signals and various information between the management device 6 and the gaming machine 1, a touch panel 28 provided on the liquid crystal display unit 22, a payout unit 29 that pays out the number of balls from the payout nozzle 24 when the payout button 23 is operated, and a counting unit 30 that counts the number of balls flowing in from the counting tray 25. The face authentication cameras 21 are not connected to the control unit 26, but are connected to the image processing device 31 four at a time as shown in FIG. 1. The image processing device 31 is also connected to the management device 6 via the LAN 5.

[0014] The mobile terminal 32 is, for example, a smartphone, and has a mobile ID that can identify the terminal stored therein, and also has an IC chip that can store information about electronic money, which is a non-cash value. As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile terminal 32 has a control unit 33 as an electrical configuration. The control unit 33 corresponds to a prize information acquisition means, a conversion means, and a suppression means. The control unit 33 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 33a, a ROM 33b, a RAM 33c, an I / O 33d, and the like, and controls the operation of the mobile terminal 32 by executing a stored control program. The peripheral units connected to the control unit 33 include a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 34 having a function of receiving touch operations on a screen and a function of displaying various information, a data communication unit 36 ​​that connects to a public communication line 35 including the Internet and a virtual private network (VPN), a short-range wireless communication unit 37 equipped with, for example, an NFC reader / writer, a microphone 38 that inputs a voice when making a call, a speaker 39 that outputs a voice when making a call, and a camera 40 including an image pickup element such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor.

[0015] When a player performs an operation to install a payment app, the mobile terminal 32 downloads and installs the payment app from an app server (not shown) via a public communication line 35, and becomes able to execute the installed payment app. By executing the installed payment app, the player can register payment source information such as a bank account or credit card in the payment system 41 of the payment center operator, and can charge the balance of the payment app with a desired amount up to a preset upper limit.

[0016] The settlement system 41 will be described. The settlement system 41 includes a settlement institution such as a financial institution such as a bank or a credit agency such as a credit company, and has a settlement institution server 42 operated by the settlement institution, a service provider server 43 operated by an institution that provides services related to electronic money or an external institution that is affiliated with the game arcade, and a bank server 44 that manages the player's account opened at the bank. Although only one bank server 44 is shown in FIG. 1, multiple bank servers 44 are actually involved. That is, even if a player has accounts opened at multiple banks, the settlement institution server 42 and the service provider server 43 can cooperate with the multiple bank servers 44 to handle the case. Also, a credit card or the like may be used for settlement instead of a bank account.

[0017] The settlement institution server 42 performs data communication with the bank server 44 according to the mobile ID, account number, card number, PIN, charge amount, etc. transmitted from the mobile terminal 32, sets the account balance of the player associated with the mobile terminal 32 as the withdrawal upper limit, permits settlement on the condition that there is an account balance of the charge amount, immediately withdraws the charge amount from the player's account and transfers it to the account of the service provider to be paid, and makes the payment. The settlement institution server 42 instructs the service provider server 43 to issue electronic money for the charge amount, and when the service provider server 43 is instructed by the settlement institution server 42 to issue electronic money, it transmits the electronic money for the charge amount to the mobile terminal 32. By receiving the electronic money from the service provider server 43, the mobile terminal 32 stores the received electronic money as a balance.

[0018] The functions and operations of the counting and lending unit 2 are described below in (1) to (6). (1) As shown in FIG. 5, the counting rental unit 2 displays a QR code on the liquid crystal display 22. QR code is a registered trademark. When the mobile terminal 32 reads the QR code displayed on the liquid crystal display 22 with the camera 40, it executes the payment application and displays the charged balance (23,000 yen in FIG. 5), possible deposit amounts that can be deposited within the balance (1,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen in FIG. 5), and the deposit button 34a that can be pressed. When a deposit amount is selected from this state and the deposit button 34a is pressed, the mobile terminal 32 accepts the selected deposit amount and transmits data that can identify the accepted deposit amount to the counting rental unit 2, and instructs the counting rental unit 2 to deposit. FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which a deposit amount of 5,000 yen is accepted. When the mobile terminal 32 instructs the counting and lending unit 2 to deposit money in this manner, the mobile terminal 32 notifies the payment center operator of payment information that can identify the amount of money deposited (see FIG. 10).

[0019] (2) When the counting and lending unit 2 receives data that can identify the deposit amount accepted by the mobile terminal 32 and specifies that a deposit is to be made, it displays the deposit amount, that is, the deposit balance, on the liquid crystal display 22.

[0020] (3) When the loan button 17 of the gaming machine 1 is operated (loan operation), the counting and lending unit 2 performs a loan process (granting process) by paying out balls equivalent to one time (for example, 125 balls) from the payout mechanism inside the gaming machine 1 within the deposited balance.

[0021] (4) When balls fall from the lower tray 13 of the gaming machine 1 and are received in the counting tray 25 and flow into the counting section 30, the counting loan unit 2 counts the flowing balls, displays the counted number of balls on the LCD display section 22, and stores the counted number of balls. (5) When the payout button 23 is operated, the counting and lending unit 2 causes the payout mechanism to pay out one ball at a time within the range of the counted number of balls (number of balls held) or the number of balls stored.

[0022] (6) When the end button 18 of the gaming machine 1 is operated, the counting and lending unit 2 transmits the deposit balance, the number of balls held, the number of saved balls, etc. to the management device 6. That is, the deposit balance, the number of balls held, and the number of saved balls corresponding to the mobile terminal 32 are stored in the management device 6 in association with the mobile ID. Meanwhile, the balance of electronic money stored in the mobile terminal 32 is deducted by the deposit amount in (2) above.

[0023] In the counting and lending unit 2, the face authentication camera 21 captures an image at predetermined intervals (for example, every 4 seconds) and transmits the captured image to the image processing device 31. The imaging field of the face authentication camera 21 is set to be an area including the face of the player when the player is facing the gaming machine 1. The image processing device 31 captures each image transmitted from the four face authentication cameras 21 at 1-second intervals, analyzes the captured image to determine whether or not the face image of the player is present in the image, and transmits the face image to the management device 6 if it is determined that a face image is present. When the management device 6 receives a face image from the image processing device 31, it determines whether or not the received face image is registered in the face image database, assigns a face ID to the new player, stores the face ID in the face image database, and manages the game data in association with the face ID.

[0024] The POS 7 is installed at a prize exchange counter where the player exchanges the game media acquired by the player in the game, that is, the balls held or the saved balls, for prizes, and has a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit having a function of accepting touch operations on the screen and a function of displaying various information, for example, a short-distance wireless communication unit equipped with an NFC reader / writer. When the mobile terminal 32 touches the short-distance wireless communication unit, the number of balls held or the saved balls managed by the management device 6 in correspondence with the touched mobile terminal 32 is identified, and a prize exchange process is performed to exchange for prizes based on the identified number of game media. The number of balls held or the saved balls corresponds to the game value. The balls held are balls counted on the day, and the saved balls are balls counted on the previous day or earlier. Also, various services may be provided without necessarily using the mobile terminal 32, by identifying the number of balls held or the saved balls using a member card or a so-called general card for non-members as in the past.

[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the POS 7 performs an exchange process by combining a special prize and an electronic prize as exchange objects and allowing the user to select how to combine the special prize and the electronic prize as exchange objects. The special prize is a real prize with substance, such as a card embedded with an IC chip in which a prize ID that can identify the prize and monetary amount information are stored. On the other hand, the electronic prize is a virtual prize that has been digitized without substance. When an electronic prize is designated as an exchange object, the POS 7 displays a QR code indicating the gaming value specified as the electronic prize on the liquid crystal display. The QR code displayed on the POS 7 corresponds to prize information. That is, prize information indicating the electronic prize to be exchanged is presented. When the mobile terminal 32 reads the QR code displayed on the liquid crystal display with the camera 40, it displays the details of the electronic prize recorded in the read QR code and a confirmation button 34b that can be pressed. When the confirmation button 34b is pressed in this state, the mobile terminal 32 accepts the electronic prize recorded in the QR code as the exchange target, and the prize information is associated with the payment application. That is, the prize information presented by the prize exchange process is captured by the player's mobile terminal 32. Note that simply reading the prize information is included in the concept of capturing. Figure 6 shows an example in which three large prizes are the special prizes to be exchanged, and the equivalent of three large prizes and five small prizes are the electronic prizes to be exchanged.

[0026] In this way, the electronic prize associated with the payment app on the mobile terminal 32 can be exchanged and charged as the amount for that day in the payment app. shop In order to comply with the system and to allow cashing outside the arcade, recharging is possible for the same day on condition that the QR code displayed at the prize exchange office is read. The QR code displayed at the prize exchange office corresponds to the exchange permission information. In addition, in order to prevent the QR code displayed at the prize exchange office from being reused, it is desirable that the QR code displayed at the prize exchange office be updated every predetermined period (for example, one day or one hour) or at the display timing.

[0027] A purchase terminal 45 for purchasing special prizes is installed in a purchase place, which is a prize exchange place provided outside the game facility, and the purchase terminal 45 is connected to a prize counter 46 and a processor 47 so as to be capable of data communication. When the special prizes received from the player are set, the prize counter 46 reads the IC chips of the set special prizes, specifies the amount of money and counts the number of special prizes, and transmits the specified amount of money and the number of counted special prizes to the purchase terminal 45. When the purchase terminal 45 receives the amount of money and the number of special prizes from the prize counter 46, it calculates the amount to be paid to the player based on the received amount of money and the number of special prizes, accepts the player's mobile terminal 32 by, for example, reading a QR code, and settles the amount by adding the charge amount or other electronic money to the accepted mobile terminal 32. Of course, it is also possible to perform a process in which the special prizes are purchased as in the past and settled by paying cash.

[0028] In this embodiment, since electronic prizes are handled, the redemption terminal 45 is provided with the following configuration in addition to the above processing. That is, the redemption terminal 45 has a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit having a function of receiving touch operations on the screen and a function of displaying various information, and an operation unit consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc. that can perform various input operations. The redemption terminal 45 displays a QR code on the liquid crystal display unit as shown in FIG. 7. When the mobile terminal 32 reads the QR code displayed on the liquid crystal display unit with the camera 40, it displays the amount of the electronic prize (5100 yen corresponding to three large prizes and five small prizes in FIG. 7) and the exchange button 34c that can be pressed. When the exchange button 34c is pressed in this state, the mobile terminal 32 charges the amount of the electronic prize as the amount for that day. That is, a conversion process is performed to convert the prize information captured by the mobile terminal 32 into value information associated with the mobile terminal 32 by an operation on the mobile terminal 32. When the mobile terminal 32 charges the amount of electronic prizes for the day in this manner, the mobile terminal 32 notifies the settlement center operator of settlement information capable of identifying electronic prize exchange information including the charged amount (see FIG. 10). In this embodiment, the buy-back terminal 45, which communicates data with the prize counter 46 and the processor 47 and can update the charged amount of the mobile terminal 32, is provided with a function of presenting a QR code, which is information for permitting the exchange charge, but the buy-back terminal 45 may be provided with only a function of presenting information for permitting the exchange charge, or a paper with information such as a QR code printed on it may be attached to the wall of the buy-back center without providing the buy-back terminal 45.

[0029] The settlement terminal 8 has a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit that has a function of accepting touch operations on the screen and a function of displaying various information, for example, a near field wireless communication unit equipped with an NFC reader / writer. The settlement terminal 8 displays a QR code on the liquid crystal display unit. When the mobile terminal 32 reads the QR code displayed on the liquid crystal display with the camera 40, it displays the charged balance (23,000 yen in FIG. 8), the amount for the day (5,100 yen in FIG. 8), and the settlement amount that can be settled within the balance (1,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and the full amount in FIG. 8) as selectable amounts, and displays the settlement button 34d as pressable. When a settlement amount is selected from this state and the settlement button 34d is pressed, the mobile terminal 32 accepts the selected settlement amount and transmits data that can identify the accepted settlement amount to the settlement terminal 8, and designates settlement. In other words, cash settlement processing is performed by importing value information associated with the player's mobile terminal. FIG. 8 shows an example in which 5,000 yen has been selected as the settlement amount. When settlement is designated to the settlement terminal 8 in this way, the mobile terminal 32 notifies the settlement center operator of payment information that can identify the settlement amount (see FIG. 10).

[0030] In this way, the mobile terminal 32 has the balance charged by the above-mentioned deposit specification and the amount charged on the day for the exchange of electronic prizes, and both the balance charged by the deposit specification on the day and the amount charged on the day for the exchange of electronic prizes can be settled at the settlement terminal 8. On the other hand, the balance charged by the deposit specification up to the previous day can be deposited into the counting and lending unit 2, but cannot be settled at the settlement terminal 8. In addition, the balance charged by the deposit specification is not a balance exclusive to the game arcade, but is managed through the settlement center operator, so it can be used at other game arcades, but there is an upper limit due to the deposit of the settlement center operator. It is preferable to install the settlement terminal 8 inside the game arcade, but it may be installed outside the game arcade, for example, at a purchase counter. Of course, the purchase counter terminal 45 may be provided with a function to settle the charge amount like the settlement terminal 8.

[0031] The upper limit of the charge amount, which is the upper limit of the balance, is set to 50,000 yen overall, and 250,000 yen on the day. The upper limit of the electronic prize exchange, which is the upper limit of the exchange amount of electronic prizes, is set to 50,000 yen or unlimited, and the amount that can be exchanged on the day is set to 250,000 yen. If the upper limit of the charge amount for the exchange amount of electronic prizes is set to a predetermined amount, the exchange amount that is equal to or exceeds the upper limit at the time of prize exchange will be exchanged for a special prize. In addition, during the prize exchange process, the player can select a ball saving process, which is a value deposit process in which the game value acquired by the player is deposited in the game center, and when balls are saved, the saved balls, which are the game value deposited in the game center, can be used for at least one of the prize exchange process in the game center and the granting process in which game value that can be used for games is granted. In addition, there is an upper limit on the saved balls, for example, 1 million balls. The awarding process referred to here is a concept that includes the lending process and the replay process, and the ball saving process can be executed instead of or in addition to the presentation of prize information.

[0032] 9 and 10 show an outline of the flow of information between the settlement center operator, the game center, the prize exchange office, and the prize wholesaler. For special prizes, the prize wholesaler transfers a reserve to the prize exchange office, and the prize exchange office transfers the special prize to the prize wholesaler. The prize wholesaler also stores the special prizes in the game center and requests the amount stored, and the game center pays for the amount stored. For electronic prizes, the settlement center operator notifies the prize wholesaler of the exchange information for the electronic prize and requests the amount to be exchanged, and the prize wholesaler pays for the amount to the settlement center operator. When an electronic prize is exchanged at the POS 7 of the game center, i.e., when the prize information is presented, the game center requests the purchase and simultaneous shipping of the electronic prize, and the requested amount is paid to the prize wholesaler.

[0033] 11 and 12 show an example of the transition of the value state stored in the mobile terminal 32, and the transition of the value state will be described below. Fig. 11 shows a case where the upper limit of the electronic prize exchange is set to a maximum of 50,000 yen, and the upper limit of the charge amount is set to a maximum of 50,000 yen for the entire amount and a maximum of 25,000 yen for the day.

[0034] As the initial value state stored in the mobile terminal 32, the electronic prize is a prize worth 5000 yen, and the charge amount is 30000 yen (30000 yen in the past + 0 yen for the current day). If a prize exchange is made from this state for 60000 yen, the electronic prize portion of the 60000 yen to be exchanged is 45000 yen, which reaches the maximum electronic prize exchange limit of 50000 yen, so the prize worth 45000 yen is added to the electronic prize worth 50000 yen, making the electronic prize worth 50000 yen (maximum). Note that the remaining 15000 yen, obtained by subtracting 45000 yen from 60000 yen, will be exchanged for a special prize.

[0035] Next, when an exchange charge is made, the maximum charge amount of 50,000 yen is reached with a prize worth 20,000 yen out of the electronic prize worth 50,000 yen (maximum), so a prize worth 20,000 yen is exchanged and charged, the 20,000 yen value is subtracted from the electronic prize worth 50,000 yen, making the electronic prize worth 30,000 yen and the charge amount becoming 50,000 yen (30,000 yen in the past + 20,000 yen for the current day).

[0036] If you then deposit 10,000 yen, the past charge amount cannot be settled, but since a prepaid card can be issued, the 10,000 yen is deposited (past amounts take priority), and of the total charge amount of 50,000 yen, 10,000 yen is subtracted from the past charge of 30,000 yen, making the charge amount 40,000 yen (20,000 yen past amount + 20,000 yen for the day).

[0037] When you then settle the transaction, the charge amount for that day, 20,000 yen, will be converted into cash (only the amount for the day is allowed) and the settlement will be made, and the charge amount for that day, 20,000 yen, will be subtracted from the charge amount of 40,000 yen, leaving a charge amount of 20,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 0 yen for the day).

[0038] If an exchange charge is then made, the charge amount will reach the limit of 25,000 yen for that day with the 25,000 yen worth of prizes out of the 30,000 yen worth of electronic prizes, so the 25,000 yen worth of prizes will be exchanged and charged, the 25,000 yen worth of prizes will be subtracted from the 30,000 yen worth of electronic prizes, making the electronic prize worth 5,000 yen, and 25,000 yen will be added to the charge amount of 0 yen for that day, making the charge amount 450,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 25,000 yen for the day).

[0039] When you then settle the transaction, the charge amount for that day, 25,000 yen, will be converted into cash (only the amount for that day is allowed) and the settlement will be made, and the charge amount for that day, 25,000 yen, will be subtracted from the charge amount of 45,000 yen, leaving a charge amount of 20,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 0 yen for the day).

[0040] If an exchange charge is then made, the 5,000 yen worth of electronic prizes does not reach either upper limit, so a prize worth 5,000 yen is exchanged and charged, the 5,000 yen worth of prizes is subtracted from the 5,000 yen worth of electronic prizes, the electronic prize becomes worth 0 yen, and 5,000 yen is added to the 0 yen charge amount for that day, making the charge amount 25,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 5,000 yen for the day).

[0041] When you settle the bill, the charge amount of 5,000 yen for that day will be converted into cash (only the amount for that day is allowed) and the settlement will be made, and the charge amount of 25,000 yen will be deducted by 5,000 yen for that day, leaving a charge amount of 20,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 0 yen for the current day).

[0042] FIG. 12 shows a case where the upper limit of the electronic prize exchange is set to unlimited, and the upper limit of the charge amount is set to a maximum of 50,000 yen for the entire amount and a maximum of 25,000 yen for the day. In this case, the initial value state stored in the mobile terminal 32 is assumed to be an electronic prize worth 5,000 yen and a charge amount of 30,000 yen (30,000 yen in the past + 0 yen for the current day). If an exchange is made for a prize worth 60,000 yen from this state, since there is no limit to the electronic prize exchange limit, a prize worth 60,000 yen is added to the electronic prize worth 5,000 yen, making the electronic prize worth 65,000 yen.

[0043] If an exchange charge is then made, the maximum charge amount of 50,000 yen will be reached with 20,000 yen worth of the 50,000 yen worth of electronic prizes, so the 20,000 yen worth of prizes will be exchanged and charged, and the 20,000 yen worth of prizes will be subtracted from the 65,000 yen worth of electronic prizes, making the electronic prize worth 45,000 yen and the charge amount will be 50,000 yen (30,000 yen in the past + 20,000 yen for the current day).

[0044] If you then deposit 10,000 yen, the past charge amount cannot be settled, but a prepaid card can be issued, so you deposit 10,000 yen (past amounts take priority), and of the total charge amount of 50,000 yen, 10,000 yen is subtracted from the past charge of 30,000 yen, making the charge amount 40,000 yen (20,000 yen past amount + 20,000 yen for the day).

[0045] When you then settle the transaction, the charge amount for that day, 20,000 yen, will be converted into cash (only the amount for the day is allowed) and the settlement will be made, and the charge amount for that day, 20,000 yen, will be subtracted from the charge amount of 40,000 yen, leaving a charge amount of 20,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 0 yen for the day).

[0046] If an exchange charge is then made, the charge amount will reach the limit of 25,000 yen for that day with the 25,000 yen worth of prizes out of the 30,000 yen worth of electronic prizes, so the 25,000 yen worth of prizes will be exchanged and charged, the 25,000 yen worth of prizes will be subtracted from the 45,000 yen worth of electronic prizes, making the electronic prize worth 20,000 yen, and 25,000 yen will be added to the charge amount of 0 yen for that day, making the charge amount 45,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 25,000 yen for the day).

[0047] When you then settle the transaction, the charge amount for that day, 25,000 yen, will be converted into cash (only the amount for that day is allowed) and the settlement will be made, and the charge amount for that day, 25,000 yen, will be subtracted from the charge amount of 45,000 yen, leaving a charge amount of 20,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 0 yen for the day).

[0048] If an exchange charge is then made, the 20,000 yen worth of electronic prizes does not reach either upper limit, so a prize worth 20,000 yen is exchanged and charged, the 20,000 yen worth of prizes is subtracted from the 20,000 yen worth of electronic prizes, the electronic prize becomes worth 0 yen, and 20,000 yen is added to the 0 yen charge amount for that day, making the charge amount 40,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 20,000 yen for the day).

[0049] When settlement is made, the charge amount of 20,000 yen for that day is converted into cash (only the amount for that day is allowed) and settlement is made, and the charge amount of 40,000 yen is deducted by 20,000 yen for that day, leaving a charge amount of 20,000 yen (20,000 yen in the past + 0 yen for the current day).

[0050] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In the game arcade system, the prize information presented by the prize exchange process is captured by the mobile terminal 32 of the player, and the prize information captured by the mobile terminal 32 is converted into value information associated with the mobile terminal 32 by operating the mobile terminal 32, so that it is possible to at least reduce the number of special prizes to be exchanged while adhering to the so-called three-store system. This makes it possible to reduce labor costs and crime prevention costs related to the procurement work and inventory securing related to the special prizes to be exchanged, and to improve convenience for players.

[0051] In addition, a settlement terminal 8 that performs cash settlement processing by inputting value information associated with the player's mobile terminal 32 is provided within the amusement facility, allowing the player to settle the prize information into cash in the same way as for special prizes.Furthermore, since the settlement terminal 8 is provided within the amusement facility, convenience for players can be improved and the storage location of at least some of the cash subject to settlement can be moved to the amusement facility, which has more staff and is easier to prevent crime than conventional prize exchange centers.

[0052] Also, a settlement terminal 8 is provided which performs a cash settlement process by importing value information associated with the player's mobile terminal 32, and the value information is managed separately depending on whether or not the conversion process of converting prize information into value information or the prize exchange process related to the presentation of the prize information from which the value information was converted was performed on the same day, and cash settlement is permitted for value information managed separately on the same day, so that at least prize information that was the subject of exchange on the same day can be the subject of settlement. Also, the settlement process can be suppressed by not treating prize information exchanged on the previous day or earlier as the subject of settlement.

[0053] In addition, an upper limit is set for a player's prize information, and the prize exchange process is carried out by combining the prize information and special prizes according to the conditions. Therefore, for example, it is expected that a payment service provider or the like will manage the value information associated with the player's mobile terminal 32, and an upper limit will be set for the value information when a deposit must be paid depending on the extent to which the value information is stored, but even in this case, appropriate prize exchange processing can be carried out.

[0054] In addition, the conversion process of converting the prize information into value information associated with the player's mobile terminal 32 is suppressed until the exchange permission information provided outside the gaming facility is acquired by the mobile terminal 32. For example, when converting the prize information into value information, the player needs to temporarily leave the gaming facility. shop Conversion can be performed in compliance with the rules.

[0055] In addition, the gaming value deposited at an amusement facility can be used for at least one of the prize exchange process at that amusement facility and the granting process which grants gaming value that can be used for play, and the value information can also be used for the granting process at amusement facilities other than the one where the original prize information was presented, so that when the prize exchange process is carried out, the value deposit process can be selectively executed. Therefore, the response at the time of the prize exchange process can be changed according to the player's needs, for example, if the player plays again at the amusement facility where he or she won a prize, the ball deposit process can be carried out, and if the player plays at an amusement facility other than the amusement facility, the prize information can be used.

[0056] In addition, this embodiment has the following advantages for players, game centers, prize wholesalers, and the National Police Agency. As an advantage for players, it is possible to reduce the need to take special prizes to the prize exchange office to exchange them for cash, or to line up at the prize exchange office at closing time, and it is possible to receive the same advantages as when processing saved balls, improving convenience. It is also possible to envision that the exchange charge from the electronic prizes of the day can be converted into cash at the settlement terminal 8 in the game center without going to the prize exchange office, improving convenience.

[0057] The benefits for the amusement center include the possibility of attracting repeat customers by using the amount exchanged for the electronic prize as funds for the next play. The number of special prizes to be purchased and managed can be reduced, and the amount of work required for storing and replenishing the dispenser can be reduced, which is expected to reduce the labor of employees and reduce labor costs. If the system is operated locally cashlessly without bank settlement, which is a charge from an account, no settlement fee is required (only the system usage fee to the settlement company), and it can be realized with low operating costs. It can be realized without the need for large-scale capital investment, and can be realized with low introduction costs by changing the software of the counting rental unit 2, POS 7, and settlement terminal 8.

[0058] The benefits for prize wholesalers include a reduction in the amount of cash, special prizes, and number of exchanges handled at prize exchange centers, which is expected to reduce the number of personnel required for exchange work and reduce labor costs. The possibility of prize exchange centers being robbed can be reduced, which is expected to reduce transportation risks and reduce the number of security staff required. Since only some or all of the traditional special prizes are replaced with electronic prizes, revenue from prize fees can be secured as before. This can be achieved without the need for large-scale capital investment, and can be achieved by simply preparing a terminal to trade and manage the electronic prizes.

[0059] The benefit for the National Police Agency is that it will reduce the possibility of robbery at the prize exchange center, creating a safe gaming environment for players, including the game center and the prize exchange center. shop By continuing the operation of the system, it will be possible to eliminate the need for troublesome explanations to the various parties involved. By implementing cashless operation with clear personal information registration and exchange history, it is expected that fraud and other problems will be reduced. It is expected that there will be a decrease in exchange problems between players and game facilities, prize cheating, and counterfeit prizes.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but may be modified or extended as described below, or each modified embodiment may be combined with the above-described embodiments or each modified embodiment may be combined with each other in any combination, or configurations may be provided that are not adopted as appropriate. Although electronic money has been exemplified as a non-cash value, virtual currency may also be adopted. In this case, a payment application required for making payments in virtual currency must be downloaded to the mobile terminal 32, and the gaming facility must also be equipped with the necessary components for making payments in virtual currency.

[0061] In the payment system 41, the service provider server 34 may provide one or more types of electronic money. When the service provider server 34 provides multiple types of electronic money, the player may select any one type of electronic money from the multiple types of electronic money and use it for payment.

[0062] The gaming machine 1 may be a sealed gaming machine that adds and stores gaming media as electronic data without dispensing them, or may be, for example, a slot machine, not limited to a pachinko machine. The above numerical values ​​are merely examples, and any numerical values ​​may be used. Each set value may be set by an administrator through operation input, may be set in advance by the manufacturer of the management device 6, or may be set by downloading setting information from an external server (such as the headquarters of a chain store). In addition, past game information may of course be set as a reference value.

[0063] Although the expression "reaches" is used when comparing with a reference value such as an upper limit, "reaches" may mean any case that corresponds to "reaches", such as when it is equal to, greater than or equal to, or exceeds. Similarly, "does not reach" may mean any case that corresponds to "does not reach", such as when it is less than, less than, or does not exceed. Furthermore, while prohibition is given as an example of suppression, it is also possible to adopt a suppression method that makes processing more difficult compared to the case where suppression is not performed, such as allowing on the condition of authentication by an employee.

[0064] All of the game information shown as examples may be specified directly by the input signal or indirectly by using an arithmetic expression. Also, although a pulse signal is shown as an example of the game signal, a signal input such as a message via serial communication or the like may also be used. The numerical values, number of digits, items, etc. are merely examples, and any numerical values ​​may be adopted, and items may be omitted as appropriate. A part of the processing performed by the management device 6 may be performed by the counting and lending unit 2, the game information display device 3, the relay device 4, etc., and the means for identifying and managing the game information may be configured in any manner.

[0065] Other electronic value information such as electronic money using NFC or the like may be adopted as the value information. Although a configuration has been exemplified in which a QR code is displayed when presenting information to a player's mobile terminal 32, such as when presenting prize information from a POS 7, it is of course also possible to present the information using other methods, such as wireless communication including NFC or wired communication. Although the example of the exchange target being actual prizes in POS7 has been given, it is not necessary that the exchange target be actual prizes. Also, when actual prizes are exchanged, not only special prizes but also general prizes may be exchanged.

[0066] Two examples of value states stored in the mobile terminal 32 have been given: an electronic prize and a charge amount (common for both deposit and cash exchange); however, a charge amount may be provided for both deposit and cash exchange, and conditions such as the upper limit may be the same as in the embodiment and modified examples. Although the above embodiment shows a case where the electronic prize exchange upper limit is not set for the day, the electronic prize exchange upper limit may be set for the day. Also, the charge amount upper limit may not be set for the day. Furthermore, no upper limit may be set for the value state stored in the mobile terminal 32.

[0067] Although the above example shows a case where no upper limit is set for the charge amount or the electronic prize, an upper limit may be set for the charge amount or the electronic prize. For example, the upper limit for the charge amount may be 30,000 yen, the upper limit for the exchange charge may be 100,000 yen, and the upper limit for the electronic prize may be 100,000 yen.

[0068] When electronic prizes are made into electronic prizes, information indicating that the prizes were exchanged on the same day may be associated with the prizes, and the association of the information may be made a condition for exchange and charging. Also, electronic prizes may be divided into those for the current day and those for the past days, and only those for the current day may be eligible for exchange and charging. In the POS 7, the value information may be distinguished depending on whether the gift exchange process was performed on the same day or not. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] In the drawing, 1 is a gaming machine, 7 is a POS (prize exchange means, value deposit means, selection execution means), 8 is a settlement terminal (settlement means), and 33 is a control unit (prize information acquisition means, conversion means, suppression means).

Claims

1. a prize exchange means for presenting prize information indicating an electronic prize, which is a virtual prize and is an object of the exchange, as a prize exchange process for exchanging the game value acquired by the player for a prize; a prize information acquisition means for acquiring the prize information presented by the prize exchange process into a mobile terminal of the player; a conversion means for performing a conversion process for converting the prize information indicating the electronic prize, which is input to the mobile terminal by the prize information input means, into value information indicating a non-cash value associated with the mobile terminal through an operation on the mobile terminal; a granting means for performing a granting process for granting a game value to a player in exchange for value information that is separately associated with the mobile terminal by the player, different from the value information converted by the conversion process; A system for an amusement facility, comprising: a suppression means for suppressing the conversion process in the conversion means until exchange permission information provided outside the amusement facility is retrieved by the mobile terminal.

2. 2. The game arcade system according to claim 1, wherein the exchange permission information is updated at a predetermined time interval or at a predetermined display timing.

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