GAME SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING GAME SYSTEM

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a gaming machine, and a game system that allows a player to play a game on a rolling program, in the gaming machine.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: an information medium processing unit capable of transmitting and receiving to and from a portable information medium game value information that can be used in a game; and an interface capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from a gaming machine. The information medium processing unit reads out, from the information medium as the game value information, first game value information given on the condition of exchange for a monetary value, capable of being used for playing the game, and restricted in cash conversion; provides the read-out first game value information to the game; and restricts writing the first game value information read out from the information medium into the information medium as second game value information that can be exchanged for cash.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine installed in a gaming facility such as a casino and an information processing device communicably provided with the gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a slot machine that scrolls and displays a plurality of symbols and then stops displaying them, and awards a game value (for example, coins) based on the combination of the symbols that have stopped displaying (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, for example, in a gaming facility such as a casino having a slot machine, when a player participates in a program called a rolling program, the player can participate in the game using a gaming medium called a non-negotiation chip that cannot be exchanged for currency in principle. The rolling program is a program in which, instead of a player depositing a deposit in a gaming facility such as a casino, the player can receive benefits such as a hotel accommodation voucher or an airline ticket (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the rolling program is a program that is only carried out in games on a gaming table in that it uses a dedicated gaming chip called a non-negotiation chip, and is not operated in a gaming machine called a so-called EGM (Electronic Gaming Machine) such as a slot machine. A non-negotiation chip is a chip that can be bet on a game and cannot be directly cashed in without betting on the game in principle.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, a gaming machine, and a game system that enable a game on a rolling program to be performed by the gaming machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The game system of the present invention includes a gaming machine capable of playing a game according to the input game value, an information processing apparatus connected to be able to transmit and receive information to and from the gaming machine, a player information storage device that stores player information, and a management device connected to be able to transmit and receive information to and from the player information storage device. The information processing apparatus receives the game value information that can be used in the game included in the player information stored in the player information storage device, The management device sets the amount and expiration date of the game value corresponding to the game value information included in the player information stored in the player information storage device, determines whether the amount of the game value is used up within the expiration date by inputting the set game value into the game, and when it is determined that the game value has been used up within the expiration date, awards privilege information to the player stored in the player information storage device. The game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, The management device is characterized in that when it is determined that the amount of the game value has not been used up within the expiration date, the player is deprived of the right to acquire the privilege information. The game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, The management device is characterized by converting the remaining amount of the game value that has not been used in the game within the expiration date into points. In the game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, The game value is provided to the game by a package purchased by the player. The management device sets a plurality of packages and allows the player to purchase a desired package from among the plurality of packages. 、 If it is before the provision of the game value by the package purchased by the player to the game is started, the purchased package can be changed. and is characterized by this. In the game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, Each of the plurality of packages includes, as content, at least one of the amounts of the plurality of game values, at least one of the plurality of expiration dates, and at least one of the plurality of privilege information. In the game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, The management device permits the player to change the content of the package purchased by the player before the game value corresponding to the game value information is used. In the game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, The management device prohibits the player from changing the content of the package purchased by the player after the game value corresponding to the game value information is used. In the game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, The privilege information includes at least one of cash, credit, points, prizes, and preferential measures. In the game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, The game value is provided to the game by a package purchased by the player. The management device sets a plurality of packages and causes the player to purchase a desired package from among the plurality of packages. The plurality of packages have different privileges given when the game value is used up. The management device is characterized in that it associates the amount of money of the game value by the package purchased by the player from among the plurality of packages with the player's information and stores it in a database. In the game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, The management device is connected to a plurality of the gaming machines, and when the player's information is input to any of the plurality of gaming machines, it enables the provision of the game value by the package purchased by the player to the game and starts counting down the expiration date. In the game system of the present invention, in the above configuration, The game value is provided to the game by a package purchased by the player. The management device monitors the consumption of the amount of money of the game value related to the package associated with the player's information, and when it is determined that the set game value has been used up within the expiration date, it gives the player the privilege previously associated with the package. A management method for a game system of the present invention is as follows: A gaming machine capable of playing a game according to the input game value, An information processing device connected to be able to transmit and receive information to and from the gaming machine, A player information storage device for storing player information, A management device connected to be able to transmit and receive information to and from the player information storage device, and a management method for a game system comprising: Setting an amount and an expiration date of a game value corresponding to the skill value information included in the player information stored in the player information storage device; ru you Determining whether the amount of the game value is used up within the expiration date by inputting the set game value into the game; When it is determined that the game value is used up within the expiration date, awarding privilege information to the player stored in the player information storage device. The method is characterized by comprising: The management method for a game system of the present invention, in the above method, When it is determined that the amount of the game value is not used up within the expiration date, causing the player to lose the right to acquire the privilege information. The management method for a game system of the present invention, in the above method, Converting the remaining amount of the game value not used in the game within the expiration date into points. The management method for a game system of the present invention, in the above method, The game value is provided to the game by a package purchased by the player, The management device sets a plurality of packages and causes the player to purchase a desired package from among the plurality of packages. 、 If it is before the provision of the game value by the package purchased by the player to the game is started, the purchased package can be changed. The method is characterized by comprising: The management method for a game system of the present invention, in the above method, Each of the plurality of packages includes, as content, at least one of the amounts of the plurality of game values, at least one of the plurality of expiration dates, and at least one of the plurality of privilege information. The game system management method of the present invention is, in the above method, The management device permits the player to change the content of the package purchased by the player before the game value corresponding to the game value information is used. The game system management method of the present invention is, in the above method, The management device prohibits the player from changing the content of the package purchased by the player after the game value corresponding to the game value information is used. The game system management method of the present invention is, in the above method, The privilege information includes at least one of cash, credit, points, prizes, and preferential measures. In the management method of the game system of the present invention, in the above method, The game value is provided to the game by a package purchased by the player. The management device sets a plurality of packages and causes the player to purchase a desired package from among the plurality of packages. The plurality of packages have different privileges given when the game value is used up. The management device is characterized in that it associates the amount of money of the game value by the package purchased by the player from among the plurality of packages with the player's information and stores it in a database. In the management method of the game system of the present invention, in the above method, The management device is connected to a plurality of the gaming machines, and when the player's information is input into any one of the plurality of gaming machines, it enables the provision of the game value by the package purchased by the player to the game and starts counting down the expiration date. The management method of the game system of the present invention is, in the above method, The game value is provided to the game by a package purchased by the player, The management device monitors the consumption of the amount of money of the game value related to the package associated with the player's information, and when it is determined that the set game value has been used up within the expiration date, it gives the player a privilege previously associated with the package. The management device of the present invention is A management device connected to be able to transmit and receive information to and from a player information storage device that stores information of a player who plays a game, sets the amount and expiration date of the game value corresponding to the game value information included in the player's information stored in the player information storage device, determines whether the amount of the game value is used up within the expiration date by inputting the set game value into the game, When it is determined that the game value has been used up within the effective period, privilege information is given to the player stored in the player information storage device.

[0008] According to this configuration, in a gaming machine that uses an information medium to play a game, an information processing device capable of playing a game by a rolling program can be realized by reading first game value information that can be used for playing a game and whose exchange is restricted from the information medium and providing it for the game, and restricting writing the first game value information read from the information medium to the information medium as second game value information that can be exchanged.

[0009] The information processing device of the present invention has the above configuration. The information medium processing unit is characterized by writing information representing the prize amount generated as a result of the game to the information medium as the second game value information.

[0010] After using the first game value information that can be used for the game, by writing the prize amount generated by the use to the information medium as the second game value information that can be exchanged, the first game value information can be converted into the second game value information that can be exchanged through the game.

[0011] The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game according to the input game value, including a game execution unit that executes the game, and an information medium processing unit capable of transferring monetary value information to and from a portable information medium, and is provided with The information medium processing unit reads, as the game value information, first game value information that is given on the condition of exchange with a monetary value, can be used for playing the game, and whose exchange is restricted from the information medium, and provides the read first game value information for the game, and Restricting writing the first game value information read from the information medium to the information card as second game value information that can be exchanged for money.

[0012] According to this configuration, the first game value information that can be used to play a game and whose exchange is restricted is read from the information medium and used for the game, and writing the first game value information read from the information medium to the information medium as second game value information that can be exchanged for money is restricted. Thus, in a gaming machine that plays a game using an information medium, it becomes possible to play a game by a rolling program.

[0013] The game system of the present invention includes a gaming machine capable of playing a game according to the input game value, and an information processing device connected to be able to transmit and receive information to and from the gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a game execution unit that executes a game, and an interface capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the information processing device. The information processing device includes an information medium processing unit capable of transferring game value information that can be used for the game to and from a portable information medium, and an interface capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the gaming machine. The information medium processing unit reads, as the game value information, first game value information that is given on the condition of exchange with a monetary value, can be used to play the game, and whose exchange is restricted, from the information medium, and supplies the read first game value information to the game. At the same time, it is characterized by restricting writing the first game value information read from the information medium to the information medium as second game value information that can be exchanged for money.

[0014] According to this configuration, in a game system that uses an information medium to play a game, by reading first game value information that can be used to play a game and whose cashing is restricted from the information medium and providing it for the game, and restricting writing the first game value information read from the information medium to the information medium as second game value information that can be cashed, it becomes possible to play a game according to a rolling program.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] In a gaming machine, it becomes possible to provide an information processing apparatus, a gaming machine, and a game system capable of playing a game on a rolling program with the gaming machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1(a) is a block diagram showing a casino system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the casino system 100 includes a plurality of gaming machines (e.g., slot machines 1010A, 1010B,...) installed in a gaming facility such as a casino, a plurality of gaming tables (e.g., gaming tables 2010A, 2010B,...), and a hotel server 500 communicably connected to these in a bidirectional manner.

[0018] A membership information card and a game chip issuing device 601 are connected to the hotel server 500. In this membership information card and game chip issuing device 601, an IC card 1500 as an information medium is issued as a membership information card, and a game chip 1600 is also issued. In this embodiment, the case where the IC card 1500 is used as an information medium used as a membership information card or a non-membership information card (described later) will be described. However, the information medium is not limited to this, and for example, a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone may be used. In short, various devices or media that can read and write game value information can be used.

[0019] The membership information card stores unique information card identification information (information card number (No)) for identifying the IC card 1500. In the hotel server 500, membership information is stored in the member database in association with each information card number. A player who becomes a member registers personal information (for example, name, address, phone number, nationality, passport number, personal identification information issued by the government, etc.) as membership information in the member database. In the member database, the personal information is registered in association with the information card identification information (information card number) that identifies the information card.

[0020] The information card with this information card number is issued from the membership information card and game chip issuing device 601 and will be used when a player who has registered as a member plays a game on the slot machines 1010A, 1010B,....

[0021] The game chip 1600 is issued from the membership information card and game chip issuing device 601 and will be used when playing a game on the gaming tables 2010A, 2010B,....

[0022] In addition, a cashier 600 for cashing based on the IC card 1500 (membership information card, non-membership information card) or the game chip is connected to the hotel server 500.

[0023] A player who has played a game using the IC card 1500 as a member information card or a non-member information card (described later) inserts the IC card 1500 paid out from the slot machines 1010A, 1010B, … into the card reader of the cashier 600 after the game, and pays out to the player the currency corresponding to the remaining balance held by the player stored in association with the information card identification information (information card number) of the IC card 1500. In the case of this embodiment, the information on the remaining balance associated with the information card is directly written on the IC card 1500, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be stored in the hotel server 500 in association with the information card number. In this case, the remaining balance information stored in the memory of the hotel server 500 corresponding to the card number of the IC card 1500 read by the card reader of the cashier 600 may be read out, and the currency may be paid back based on this.

[0024] In addition, the IC card 1500 (member information card and non-member information card) is provided with four types of game value storage areas as game value information representing the amount of game value used for BET in the game. Specifically, a first storage area AR1 that stores the first game value credited as cash and only permitted to be used in the game, a second storage area AR2 that stores the second game value credited as cash and can be exchanged for money without playing the game, a third storage area AR3 that stores the third game value credited as a game value other than cash, which cannot be exchanged for money in principle and is only permitted to be used in the game, and a fourth storage area AR4 that stores the fourth game value credited as a game value other than cash, which cannot be exchanged for money in principle and is permitted to be used not only in the game but also in various services within the facility (so-called bonus credit). Hereinafter, the information representing the type and amount of the game value stored in the first storage area AR1 is called the first game value information, the information representing the type and amount of the game value stored in the second storage area AR2 is called the second game value information, the information representing the type and amount of the game value stored in the third storage area AR3 is called the third game value information, and the information representing the type and amount of the game value stored in the fourth storage area AR4 is called the fourth game value information. In addition, these game value information written on the information card are collectively called balance information.

[0025] Among the IC cards 1500, the non-member information card is for players who have not registered as members. First, they insert currency into the slot machines 1010A, 1010B, … to play the game. The dividend (prize money) awarded to the player based on the result of the game or the amount corresponding to the credit remaining after BET on the inserted amount is written on it, and it is newly paid out from the slot machines 1010A, 1010B, … where the game was played. The player can insert this newly paid-out non-member information card (IC card 1500) into other slot machines 1010A, 1010B, … and use the credit amount corresponding to the remaining balance information written on the non-member information card to play a new game. When the non-member information card (IC card 1500) is inserted into the slot machines 1010A, 1010B, … to play the game, the game value based on the credit amount such as the dividend (prize money) given as a result of the game play is written as remaining balance information on the non-member information card (IC card 1500) inserted into the slot machines 1010A, 1010B, … during the game play. That is, the remaining balance information of the non-member information card is updated and the non-member information card is paid out. As a result, players who have not registered as members can play games on multiple slot machines 1010A, 1010B, … while using one non-member information card.

[0026] Even when the inserted IC card 1500 is a member information card issued to a player who has registered as a member, in the same way, the remaining balance information is updated and paid out for the inserted member information card.

[0027] Also, players who have played games on the gaming tables 2010A, 2010B, … using gaming chips can receive the currency corresponding to the gaming chips when they present the gaming chips 1600 as dividends (prize money) received from the dealer after the game to the cashier 202.

[0028] In the case of this embodiment, the balance information associated with the information card is directly written into the IC card 1500, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be stored in the hotel server 500 in association with the information card number. In this case, the balance information stored in the memory of the hotel server 500 corresponding to the card number of the IC card 1500 read by the card reader of the cashier 600 may be read out, and the currency may be refunded based on this.

[0029] Also, FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hotel server 500. As shown in FIG. 1(b), the hotel server 500 has a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 551, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 552, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 553, a gaming machine I / F 556, a database 560, an I / F 561, etc. are connected to a bus, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 562, a keyboard 563, a mouse 564, etc. are connected via the I / F 561. The database 560 stores member information associated with the information card number, balance information and gaming history information associated with the IC card 1500 issued to gaming value members stored in the information card, balance information and gaming history information associated with the IC card 1500 issued to non-members, etc.

[0030] [Rolling Program] Next, the rolling program adopted in this embodiment will be described. The rolling program is a service in which, instead of a player depositing a predetermined amount of deposit in a gaming hall such as a casino, the player can receive benefits such as free hotel vouchers or airline tickets. Specifically, when a player deposits a predetermined amount of money in a gaming facility such as a casino as a deposit, the player can receive a non-negotiable chip (rolling chip), which is a gaming medium that cannot be exchanged for cash, and the player can play games using the non-negotiable chip.

[0031] [Overall Configuration of Slot Machine] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the overall configuration of slot machines 1010A, 1010B... (hereinafter referred to as slot machine 1010) will be described.

[0032] In the slot machine 1010, as gaming media, a member information card (IC card 1500), a non-member information card (IC card 1500), paper money, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these gaming values is used. In particular, in the present embodiment, credit-related data such as cash data stored in a member information card or a non-member information card (hereinafter referred to as IC card 1500) is used.

[0033] The slot machine 1010 includes a cabinet 1011, a top box 1012 installed above the cabinet 1011, and a main door 1013 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 1011.

[0034] The main door 1013 is provided with a symbol display device 1016 called a lower image display panel 1141. The symbol display device 1016 is formed by a transparent liquid crystal panel. On the screen displayed by the symbol display device 1016, a display window 1150 is provided at the center. The display window 1150 is composed of 20 display blocks 1028 arranged in 5 columns and 4 rows. The four display blocks 1028 in each column form virtual reels 1151 to 1155 and are configured to rotate in response to the player's operation. Each of the virtual reels 1151 to 1155 enables rearrangement in which the symbols displayed on each display block 1028 are rotated vertically and then stopped by moving and displaying the four display blocks 1028 downward while changing the overall speed.

[0035] Here, "rearrangement" means a state where symbols are arranged again after the arrangement of the symbols is released. "Arrangement" means a state where the symbols are visually confirmable to an external player. The slot machine 1010 executes a so-called slot game that awards a payout according to a winning combination (winning combination) depending on the arrangement state of the symbols when the rotated virtual reels 1151 to 1155 stop.

[0036] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the slot machine 1010 is a so-called video slot machine is described, but the slot machine 1010 of the present invention may adopt a so-called mechanical reel or may be substituted for some of the virtual reels 1151 to 1155.

[0037] Furthermore, a touch panel 1069 is provided on the front surface of the symbol display device 1016, and the player can input various instructions by operating the touch panel 1069. An input signal is transmitted from the touch panel 1069 to the main CPU 1071.

[0038] An upper image display panel 1131 is provided on the front surface of the top box 1012. The upper image display panel 1131 is composed of a liquid crystal panel and constitutes a display. The upper image display panel 1131 displays an image related to the effect, an image introducing the content of the game, and an image explaining the rules. In addition, a lamp 1111 is provided in the top box 1012.

[0039] In addition, above the display window 1150, a credit number display section (not shown) is displayed, and the current credit number is displayed. Here, "credit" is a virtual game medium in the game used when the player bets. Note that the total number of credits currently owned by the player is displayed in the credit number display section.

[0040] Below the credit amount display section, a fractional cash display section (not shown) is displayed. The fractional cash display section shows the fractional cash. "Fractional cash" refers to cash that has not been converted into credit because the amount inserted is insufficient.

[0041] The IC card 1500 is inserted into the PTS terminal 1700 described later, and the credit amount stored in the IC card is displayed on the credit amount display section, and the fractional cash stored in the IC card is displayed on the fractional cash display section. These numerical values are stored in the hotel server 500 in association with the identification code of the membership card.

[0042] Here, the IC card 1500 is a contactless IC card, and an IC (Integrated Circuit) for recording and calculating various data such as credit is incorporated, and for example, short-range wireless communication using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication) is possible. By using the IC card 1500, the player can own credit-related data and can freely carry it between different slot machines. Then, by inserting the IC card 1500 into the PTS terminal 1700 of the slot machine 1010, the player can use the credit-related data (amount data) stored in the IC card 1500 to play games such as unit games on the slot machine 1010.

[0043] Note that the player may be able to store cash such as coins and banknotes as cash data in the IC card 1500 from the machines installed in the hall.

[0044] Below the lower image display panel 1141, a PTS terminal 1700 is incorporated into the cabinet 1011. Further, speakers 1112 are provided on the left and right sides of the PTS terminal 1700, respectively, and a lamp 1111 is provided on the upper part of the top box 1012. In the slot machine 1010, the production of a unit game is executed by displaying an image on the upper image display panel 1131, outputting sound from the speakers 1112, and outputting light from the lamp 1111. The PTS terminal 1700 is provided so as to be attached to or incorporated in the slot machine 1010.

[0045] [Internal configuration of slot machine] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the internal configuration of the slot machine 1010 and the control panel 30 provided in the slot machine 1010 will be described.

[0046] The game controller 70 is provided on the game circuit board inside the slot machine 1010. The display controller 170 is provided inside the control panel on a control panel circuit board separate from the game circuit board of the game controller 70. The game controller 70 and the display controller 170 each include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided on the game circuit board and the control panel circuit board, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) that can rewrite the programs executed by the CPU and the data used in these programs, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data during program execution. The game controller 70 and the display controller 170 are constructed by the cooperation of these hardware and the software in the storage device as described above. Note that the display controller 170 is not limited to being provided separately from the game controller 70, and the game controller 70 may have the function of the display controller 170.

[0047] For example, the storage device of the game controller 70 stores data and programs used when the CPU operates. For example, when the game controller 70 performs the import process of the aforementioned game program, game system program, and authentication program from an external storage device, it can store them. In addition, a working area for executing the above programs is provided in the storage device of the game controller 70. For example, areas for storing the number of game plays, BET numbers, payout numbers, credit numbers, etc., and areas for storing symbols (code numbers) determined by lottery are provided.

[0048] As described above, the game controller 70 executes a game and controls the symbol display device 1016 so that the symbols are rearranged according to the game. Also, as described above, the game controller 70 activates a number of valid lines corresponding to the input credit button (not shown) in a 3-row 5-column display frame composed of a plurality of blocks, and when a predetermined number or more of the same type of symbols are rearranged in the activated valid lines, a line payout corresponding to the type of symbol is given. That is, the game controller 70 is configured to control the slot machine by executing the game program and game system program in the storage device with the CPU. The display controller 170 has a graphic board and displays the bet amount required for the display device of the credit button (not shown).

[0049] On the control panel 30, corresponding to each of the aforementioned buttons, a CHANGE switch 31S, a CASHOUT switch 32S, a BET switch 34S, a credit switch 40S, a spin switch 46S, and a denomination changeover switch 47S are provided. Each switch detects that the corresponding button has been pressed by the player and outputs a signal to the game controller 70 and the display controller 170. The game controller 70 controls bets based on the signals from each switch. The display controller 170 transmits the signals from each switch to the game controller 70, and the game controller 70 determines the content to be displayed on the display device provided with the button based on these signals and transmits the determination result to the display controller 170, thereby causing each button to display.

[0050] In addition to a speaker, a touch panel, etc., a graphic board 130, a power supply unit 81, and a communication interface 82 are connected to the game controller 70.

[0051] Based on the control signal output from the game controller 70, the graphic board 130 controls the display of images performed by the upper image display panel 1131 and the lower image display panel 1141, respectively. The graphic board 130 includes a VDP that generates image data, a video RAM that stores the image data generated by the VDP, and the like.

[0052] In addition, the graphic board 130 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data and a video RAM that temporarily stores the image data generated by the VDP based on the control signal output from the game controller 70. Note that the image data used when generating image data by the VDP is included in the game program of the storage device. Further, the graphic board 130 has a function of outputting the operation results of various touch icons provided on the lower image display panel 141 to the game controller 70.

[0053] The communication interface 82 is for communicating with the PTS device 1700 and an external control device. When the PTS device 1700 receives an input signal from the building entry 60, it transmits the inserted currency information included in the input signal to the game controller 70 via the communication interface 82. Also, when an IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot, the PTS device 1700 transmits the balance information stored in the IC card to the game controller 70 via the communication interface 82. Further, the PTS device 1700 writes credit data to the IC card inserted into the card insertion slot based on the control signal received from the game controller 70 via the communication interface 82.

[0054] Also, the game controller 70 is enabled to transmit signals to the display controller 170 using a known communication protocol and communication connection. For example, the game controller 70 transmits a signal indicating whether the current state permits reception of various buttons to the display controller 170.

[0055] [Configuration of PTS Device] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the PTS device 1700 incorporated in the slot machine 1010. The PTS device 1700 can be incorporated into various types of gaming machines of various manufacturers by exchanging data using a data interface shared with the gaming machine.

[0056] The PTS device 1700 has a panel 1710. Each part arranged on the front surface of the panel 1710 is visible to the player, and the members arranged on the back surface of the panel 1710 are housed inside the slot machine 1010 and are not visible to the player.

[0057] On the front right side of the panel 1710, an LCD 1719 with touch panel function is provided. The LCD 1719 displays, for example, member information and information for members, and the screen size is 6.2 inches (about 15.7 cm). Also, an LCD cover 1719a is provided around the LCD 1719. In this example, the LCD 1719 is configured to have a touch panel function, but instructions for the player may be input by other input devices such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0058] The full-color LEDs 1721a and 1721b (Figure 5) are configured to be able to emit light that serves as a warning against improper behavior.

[0059] Also, an imaging window 1712 is provided on the right side of the LCD 1719, and a human detection camera disposed inside the LCD cover 1719a captures images of players and the like through this imaging window 1712. The imaging window 1712 may be, for example, a half-mirror material with shield processing such as for smoke.

[0060] On the front lower left of the panel 1710, a card insertion slot 1730 is provided through which an IC card 1500 can be inserted or removed. A full-color LED 1731 (see Figure 5) is provided at the card insertion part of the card insertion slot 1730, and by lighting in multiple colors, the remaining number of IC cards 1500 accumulated in a card stacker 1742 described later can be notified. An eject button 1732 is provided at the card insertion slot 1730, and a red LED 1733 (see Figure 5) provided near the eject button 1732 lights up so that the position of the eject button 1732 and the process of the eject operation can be known.

[0061] Also, a card unit 1741 and a card stacker 1742 are provided at a position on the back side of the panel 1710 corresponding to the card insertion slot 1730, and the card insertion slot 1730 is configured as a part of the card unit 1741. The card stacker 1742 can store about 30 IC cards 1500. When a non - member player who has newly played a unit game settles the credit, the IC card 1500 stored in the card stacker 1742 is taken out and discharged to the card insertion slot 1730 as a non - member information card. That is, when the game is played with the currency inserted into the building entry 60 without inserting the IC card 1500 from the card insertion slot 1730, the IC card 1500 is discharged from the card insertion slot 1730 as a non - member information card in a state where it is not associated with the personal information in the member database.

[0062] On the other hand, when a member information card (IC card 1500) pre - associated with the player's personal information is inserted from the card insertion slot 1730, or when a non - member information card (IC card 1500) not associated with the personal information is inserted from the card insertion slot 1730, the inserted IC card 1500 is held by the card unit 1741, and information such as the remaining balance information, which is the result of the game in the slot machine 1010, is written to the held IC card 1500 when the card is discharged. The member information card or non - member information card (IC card 1500) held in the card unit 1741 updates the credit information (the stored information in the first to fourth storage areas AR1 to AR4) by NFC or the like at the time of credit settlement such as when the CASHOUT button is operated, and then discharges the IC card 1500 from the card insertion slot 1730. The IC card 1500 is completely stored inside the card unit 1741 while the player is playing a unit game.

[0063] Also, when settling the credit, even if the IC card 1500 remains, if the absence of the player is detected by a human body detection camera or the like, the IC card 1500 can be configured to be stored in the card stacker 1742. Thereby, for example, even when the player leaves the seat leaving the IC card 1500 after knowing that the remaining credit is small, or simply forgets to take the IC card 1500 and leaves the seat, the IC card 1500 will not remain held by the card unit 1741 for a long time.

[0064] On the upper left front of the panel 1710, a USB terminal 1737 and an audio terminal 1738 are provided. The USB terminal 1737 is configured such that a USB device can be connected here to perform charging or the like. The audio terminal 1738 is, for example, a 4-pole terminal, and a headset can be inserted here to communicate with the other party using a headphone and a microphone. Also, the audio terminal 1738 can be a 2-pole or 3-pole terminal so that audio can be listened to with headphones.

[0065] On the front of the panel 1710, to the left of the LCD 1719, a touch unit 1745 is provided. The touch unit 1745 includes an RFID module that can function as a writer for writing data by data communication to an IC device (for example, a contactless IC card, a mobile phone, a smartphone, etc. having a communication function by NFC) including an IC chip as an information medium, and a reader for reading data by data communication from the IC device. Also, LEDs 1746 (not shown) are arranged at the four corners of the front of the touch unit 1745. In addition to or instead of the touch unit 1745, an information recording medium reading device for reading information stored in an information recording medium such as a magnetic card may be provided. In this case, a magnetic card can be used as the membership card instead of the IC card 1500.

[0066] As described above, in the PTS device 1700 according to an embodiment of the present invention, various devices having functions such as a microphone function, a camera function, a speaker function, and a display function are integrated to form a single unit, thereby realizing space saving. As a result, for example, when each function is installed as a single item, if the LCD is directed toward the player, there will be no inconvenience such as the speaker not being able to be installed facing the player.

[0067] Further, in the PTS device 1700 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the IC card 1500 is inserted into the card insertion slot 1730, the content of the IC card 1500 is read by the card unit 1741, and the entire IC card 1500 is configured to be taken in and held (inside the PTS device 1700). In addition to this, a touch unit 1745 is provided, whereby data communication can be performed with another IC card, a mobile phone, or a smartphone.

[0068] [Configuration Inside the PTS Device] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the circuit included in the PTS device 1700 will be described.

[0069] The PTS controller 1750 that controls the PTS device 1700 includes a CPU 1751, a ROM 1752, and a RAM 1753.

[0070] The CPU 1751 performs execution control of each component of the PTS device 1700, and also executes and calculates various programs stored in the ROM 1752. For example, the CPU 1751 executes a credit update program to update credit-related data stored in the IC card 1500.

[0071] The ROM 1752 consists of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores permanent data executed by the CPU 1751. For example, the ROM 1752 may store a credit update program for rewriting credit-related data stored in the IC card 1500, an interlocking effect control program executed in response to a request from a bonus server (not shown), a notification program executed in response to a request (such as notification information) from the hotel server 500, and the like.

[0072] The RAM 1753 temporarily stores data necessary for executing various programs stored in the ROM 1752.

[0073] The external storage device 1754 is a storage device such as a hard disk device, and stores programs executed by the CPU 1751 and data used by the programs executed by the CPU 1751.

[0074] The server I / F (interface) 1755 realizes data communication between the server such as the hotel server 500 and the bonus server (not shown) and the PTS device 1700. The gaming machine I / F (interface) 1756 realizes data communication between the game controller 70 of the slot machine 1010 and the PTS device 1700, and a prescribed protocol may be used for the data communication.

[0075] In addition, the PTS device 1700 is connected to the bill entry 60 via the bill discriminator I / F (interface) 1757 and to a calculator (not shown) via the calculator I / F (interface) 1758, and can transmit and receive data as necessary.

[0076] The USB control unit 1759 determines whether to supply power from the power supply unit 1760 at the USB terminal 1737, and enables the USB terminal 1737 to be chargeable when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the player can connect an electronic device to the USB terminal 1737 and charge the electronic device.

[0077] In response to a notification request from the hotel server 500, a linked performance start request from a bonus server (not shown), etc., the light emitting unit LED drive unit 1761 controls the full-color LED 1721a to turn on at a predetermined timing in order to cause the light emitting plate 1720a above the LCD 1719 to emit light, and controls the full-color LED 1721b to turn on at a predetermined timing in order to cause the light emitting plate below the LCD 1719 to emit light.

[0078] The LCD control unit 1762 controls to display information that contributes to illegal acts such as money laundering, member information, member-oriented information, etc. on the LCD 1719, or to display data read from the IC card 1500 or data input by the player. Further, the LCD 1719 has a touch panel function, and when the touch panel is operated by the player, a predetermined signal is transmitted to the CPU 1751.

[0079] The home button 1722 is provided near the LCD 1719 and is a button for transitioning the screen displayed on the LCD 1719 to a predetermined upper-level screen. When the home button 1722 is pressed by the player, the operation of the player is transmitted to the CPU 1751, and the CPU 1751 transmits a command to the LCD control unit 1762 to update the display of the LCD 1719 in response to the operation.

[0080] The IC card control unit 1763 controls the insertion, ejection, writing of credit data, etc. of the IC card 1500. The IC card control unit 1763 includes an IC card R / W (reader / writer) control unit 1763a, an IC card insertion / ejection control unit 1763b, and an LED control unit 1763c.

[0081] The IC card R / W control unit 1763a controls the card unit 1741 to update the credit-related data (game value information) stored in the IC card 1500. Also, when newly issuing an IC card 1500, it stores the credit-related data corresponding to the amount settled. The card unit 1741 has an antenna unit for reading or writing data to / from the IC card 1500 by NFC or the like.

[0082] The card unit 1741 has the functions of an IC card reader for reading the information stored in the IC card 1500 and an IC card writer for writing information to the IC card 1500, but it may have only one of these functions as required.

[0083] The IC card insertion / ejection control unit 1763b controls the insertion and ejection of the IC card 1500. When the player inserts the IC card 1500 into the card insertion slot 1730, during the game execution by the player, it controls to hold the IC card inside the card unit 1741. Also, after the credit-related data is written to the IC card 1500 at the time of settlement, it controls to eject the IC card 1500. Further, when the eject button 1732 is pressed, it ejects the IC card 1500.

[0084] Also, when newly issuing an IC card 1500, it newly takes out the IC card 1500 from the card stacker 1742 and supplies the IC card 1500 to the card unit 1741 in order to store the credit-related data.

[0085] The LED control unit 1763c controls to light the LED (full-color LED 1731) provided near the card insertion slot 1730 of the card unit 1741 and also controls to light the LED (red LED 1733) provided near the eject button 1732.

[0086] The touch unit control unit 1764 controls data transmission and reception associated with touch operations of an IC card 1500, a mobile phone, a smartphone, etc. The touch unit control unit 1764 includes a non-contact R / W (reader / writer) control unit 1764a and an LED control unit 1764b.

[0087] The non-contact R / W control unit 1764a determines whether an IC card 1500 or a mobile phone has approached a predetermined distance (e.g., there has been a touch operation) at the touch unit 1745, and when it has approached the predetermined distance, acquires a reading result or the like from the touch unit 1745. The touch unit 1745 has an antenna unit for performing data transmission and reception with the IC card 1500 or a mobile phone by NFC or the like.

[0088] The touch unit 1745 has the functions of an IC card reader for reading information stored in the IC card 1500 or a mobile phone, and an IC card writer for writing information to the IC card 1500 or a mobile phone, but may have only one of the functions as necessary.

[0089] The LED control unit 1764b controls the LEDs 1746 arranged at the four front corners of the touch unit 1745 and turns them on at a predetermined timing.

[0090] The DSP 1765 receives the voice data acquired from the microphones 1715 and 1717, performs predetermined voice processing, and then transmits the data to the CPU 1751. Also, the DSP 1765 transmits the received voice data to the speakers 1707 and 1709. Further, the DSP 1765 outputs the received voice to the headphones for an audio terminal to which a headset is connected, and processes the voice received from the microphone and transmits it to the CPU 1751. Here, a schematic configuration is shown, and an A / D converter, a D / A converter, an amplifier, etc. are omitted.

[0091] The camera control unit 1766 acquires an image of a player or the like captured by the human body detection camera 1713, performs predetermined image processing as necessary, and transmits the processed data to the CPU 1751. The said data is transmitted to, for example, the hotel server 500, the member hotel server 13, etc. via the server I / F 1755. In addition, the camera control unit 1766 transmits the imaging information captured by the human body detection camera 1713 to the hotel server 500 or the like according to an instruction from the hotel server 500.

[0092] [Configuration of the gaming table device] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with respect to the gaming table device 2000 based on the accompanying drawings. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of the gaming table system 10. The gaming table system 10 is installed in a gaming facility such as a casino.

[0093] The gaming table system 10 includes a gaming table device 2000 and a hotel server 500. The gaming table device 2000 has gaming tables 2010A, 2010B... (hereinafter referred to as the gaming table 2010) (not shown). It is a so-called casino table.

[0094] The gaming table device 2000 includes a first control unit 200, a game result notification display 300, a card shoe 310, a second control unit 400, and an antenna module 430.

[0095] The first control unit 200 is configured by a computer and mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 212, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 214, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 216, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 218, a communication I / F (Communication Interface) 220, a keyboard 222, etc., and is communicably connected by a data bus and an address bus (not shown). The ROM 214 stores character information and color information displayed on the dealer display 26 for each player according to the progress direction of the game.

[0096] A game result notification display 300 is connected to the first control unit 200. Under the control of the first control unit 200, information regarding the result of the game conducted on the gaming table 2010, such as win / loss information, is displayed on the game result notification display 300. The player can visually recognize various information displayed on the game result notification display 300. Details of the information displayed on the game result notification display 300 will be described later.

[0097] A card shoe 310 is connected to the first control unit 200. The card shoe 310 is operated by the dealer. A plurality of game cards such as playing cards are stored in the card shoe 310. The dealer takes out game cards from the card shoe 310 and places them on the gaming table 2010.

[0098] The identification information of the game card taken out from the card shoe 310 is transmitted to the first control unit 200. The first control unit 200 determines the progress and result of the game based on the identification information of the game card transmitted from the card shoe 310. Details of the card shoe 310 will be described later.

[0099] The second control unit 400 is configured by a computer and mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 412, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 414, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 416, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 418, and a communication I / F (Communication Interface) 420, and is communicably connected by a data bus and an address bus (not shown).

[0100] An antenna module 430 is communicably connected to the second control unit 400. The antenna module 430 reads out the identification information of the game chip and transmits it to the second control unit 400. Details of the antenna module 430 will be described later.

[0101] The first control unit 200, the second control unit 400, and the hotel server 500 are communicably connected by a network (not shown). The network may be formed inside or outside the gaming facility. The hotel server 500 mainly manages information related to games such as game chips and players. A game chip is a medium having a monetary value in a gaming facility. All game chips used in the gaming facility are managed by the hotel server 500. Different chip identification information is assigned to all game chips. The status of a game chip is managed based on the chip identification information. The status of a game chip includes a state held by a player and a state stored in the gaming facility. The hotel server 500 stores and manages this information as a database. Whenever the status of a game chip changes, the database is updated accordingly.

[0102] The hotel server 500 may be installed inside or outside the gaming facility. As long as it is communicably connected by a network and can manage information related to games. For the game chips used in this gaming table device 2000 (2010A, 2010B,..., 2010X), specific game chips assigned to players participating in the rolling program and normal game chips used by general players who do not participate in the rolling program can be used. These chips are, for example, different in their outer shape and color, so that a dealer, who is in charge of the progress of the game, can distinguish the chips wagered by the players by their shape (outer appearance) and color. In this embodiment, by using specific game chips that can be visually distinguished in terms of appearance such as the shape and color of the chip itself in the gaming table device, the dealer accepts the BETs of the specific game chips and the normal game chips while visually confirming, and returns the payout (prize money), which is the result of the game, to the players using the normal game chips.

[0103] [Circuit Configuration of IC Card] Hereinafter, based on FIG. 7 in the accompanying drawings, the circuit configuration of the IC card 1500 will be described. FIG. 7(a) is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the IC card 1500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This IC card 1500 includes an input / output unit 1510 used for an interface to transmit and receive information non-contact with an information card reading unit, a non-volatile storage unit 1520 having a function as a storage means, and a control unit 1530 having a function as a control means for controlling them.

[0104] FIG. 7(b) is a conceptual diagram showing an area for storing four types of game value information provided in the storage unit 1520 of the IC card 1500 by type. The first area is a first storage area AR1 for storing game values corresponding to the deposits made by the player to participate in the rolling program. The game values stored in this first storage area AR1 cannot, in principle, be exchanged by the cashier 600 and are only permitted to be used in games by the slot machine 1010 (there are restrictions on the use of game value information). Also, when the first game value information is read from the first storage area AR1 and used for BET in the game, the prize money generated in the game is stored in the second storage area AR2. Information representing the amount of the game value stored in the first storage area AR1 is called the first game value information.

[0105] The second area is a second storage area AR2 in which it is possible to store game values corresponding to any amount deposited by the player in cash, and furthermore, it is possible to exchange them at the cashier (there are no restrictions on the use of game value information). This second storage area AR2 can write game values corresponding to the payouts obtained by playing games on the slot machine 1010. Information representing the type and amount of the game value stored in the second storage area AR2 is called the second game value information. Both the first game value information and the second game value information are, in principle, treated as equivalent to cash.

[0106] The third area is a third storage area AR3 that cannot be credited by the player and can store game values awarded through promotions by gaming facilities such as casinos, use of the facilities, game play, etc. The game values stored in this third storage area AR3 cannot, in principle, be exchanged at the cashier 600 and are only permitted to be used in games on the slot machine 1010 (so-called free play). Information representing the type and amount of the game values stored in the third storage area AR3 is called third game value information.

[0107] The fourth area is a fourth storage area AR4 that cannot be credited by the player and can store game values awarded through promotions by gaming facilities such as casinos, use of the facilities, game play, etc. The game values stored in this fourth storage area AR4 cannot, in principle, be exchanged at the cashier 600 and are permitted to be used not only in games but also for various services within the facility (so-called bonus credit). Information representing the amount of the game values stored in the fourth storage area AR4 is called fourth game value information. Both the third game value information and the fourth game value information are not, in principle, treated as equivalent to cash.

[0108] [Slot Machine Control Process] First, with reference to FIG. 8, the slot machine control process will be described.

[0109] First, when the slot machine 1010 is powered on, the game controller 70 reads out the game program and the game system program and writes them to the RAM (S11).

[0110] Next, in order to start the game, the game controller 70 performs an end-of-one-game initialization process (S12). For example, data that becomes unnecessary for each game in the normal mode in the working area of the RAM, such as the number of bets and symbols determined by the lottery, is cleared.

[0111] Next, the game controller 70 performs a bet start check process, which will be described later (S13). In this process, checks of inputs such as the BET switch 34S, credit switch 40S, spin switch 46S, denomination change switch 47S, etc. are performed. When the game controller 70 receives input information indicating that new banknotes have been inserted from the PTS device 1700, in this bet start check process (S13), the game controller 70 updates the specific currency information (the amount represented by a specific currency "peso" and the number of credits corresponding to that amount) stored in the game controller 70 for the player to play the game. Specifically, the specific currency information converted from the amount of the newly inserted banknote is added to the specific currency information already stored in the storage unit. That is, in the slot machine 1010, the game process (bet, calculation of payout, payout, etc.) is configured to be performed in terms of a specific currency unit (for example, "peso"), and in the game controller 70, the amount of the banknotes inserted by the player and the amount due to the prizes given as a result of the game are managed as specific currency information in terms of a specific currency unit.

[0112] When banknotes of a specific currency unit (for example, "peso") are inserted into the bill entry 60, the amount in terms of the inserted specific currency unit (for example, "peso") and the number of credits corresponding thereto are stored in the storage unit of the game controller 70. Here, the "storage" includes the concept of adding to the amount and the number of credits of the currency information when specific currency information for the player to play the game is already stored in the storage unit of the game controller 70. Also, these information may be stored in the storage unit of the PTS device 1700.

[0113] On the other hand, when the currency unit of the newly inserted bill is different from a specific currency (for example, when a "dollar" is inserted), specific currency information based on the result of converting the inserted amount in the inserted currency unit to an amount expressed in a specific currency unit (for example, "peso") is stored in the storage unit of the game controller 70. This conversion is executed in the PTS device 1700, and the conversion result is transmitted from the PTS device 1700 to the game controller 70 and stored.

[0114] Thus, when a bill is inserted into the bill entry 60, after updating the specific currency information for playing the game stored in the game controller 70 based on the amount of the bill inserted at this time, checks of inputs such as the BET switch 34S, credit switch 40S, and spin switch 46S are performed.

[0115] Next, the game controller 70 performs a symbol lottery process (S14). In this process, from among a plurality of symbols arranged on the video reel, a symbol to be displayed in the middle area of the symbol display area (display window 1150) is determined as the symbol to stop. Thereby, 15 symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area (display window 1150) are determined.

[0116] Then, the game controller 70 stores the determined symbol to stop in the symbol storage area provided in the RAM.

[0117] Next, the game controller 70 performs a production content determination process (S15). The game controller 70 extracts a production random value and determines one of a plurality of predetermined production contents by lottery.

[0118] Next, the game controller 70 performs symbol display control processing (S16). In this symbol display control processing, the scrolling of the video reel is started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the stop-scheduled symbols determined in the normal mode symbol lottery processing in S14 are sequentially stopped in the middle of the symbol display area (display window 1150). That is, 15 symbols including the stop-scheduled symbols are rearranged within the symbol display area (display window 1150). That is, symbols corresponding to the code numbers before and after the stop-scheduled symbols are rearranged in the upper and lower parts of the symbol display area (display window 1150).

[0119] Next, the game controller 70 performs a payout number determination process (S17). In this process, based on the symbol combination table stored in the RAM, it is determined whether or not a winning is established by checking if the same type of symbols are connected in a predetermined number from the first column area to the fifth column area in the area targeted for winning determination by the WAYS BET in the symbol display area (display window 1150). Then, according to the values of the winning and BET number counter (the credit type bet), benefits such as the awarding of a payout or the granting of the right to execute a free game are given. The awarded payout is stored in the payout number storage area provided in the RAM.

[0120] Next, a payout process is performed (S18). The game controller 70 adds the value stored in the payout number storage area to the value of the credit number counter provided in the RAM. Here, for example, when the player presses the CASHOUT button 32 on the control panel 30, a CASHOUT switch (not shown) that detects this outputs a signal to the main CPU (not shown) of the game controller 70, and the balance information stored in the IC card 1500 held in the card unit 1741 of the IC card control unit 1763 is updated to the value of the credit number counter. In this update, first to fourth storage areas AR1 to AR4 are provided as the storage areas for the balance information of the IC card 1500. At the PTS terminal 1700, in the writing process by operating the CASHOUT button 32 after the game is played and until the next game starts, game value information is written to the storage area (the second storage area AR2) where the redeemable game value of the IC card 1500 is stored.

[0121] That is, the first storage area AR1 and the second storage area AR2 are areas where game value information that is basically treated as equivalent to cash is stored. When read from the first storage area AR1 and used for betting in the game, the payout for that game is stored in the second storage area AR2. That is, in principle, the first game value information stored in the first storage area AR1, which cannot be directly redeemed, is stored as second game value information in the second storage area AR2, which can be redeemed, after being used in the game. As a result, the first game value information, which cannot be directly redeemed, is stored in the IC card 1500 as second game value information that can be redeemed after being used in the game.

[0122] In addition, the third storage area AR3 and the fourth storage area AR4 are areas where game value information that is not generally treated as equivalent to cash is stored (the third game value information stored in the third storage area AR3 can be bet in the game as points, and the fourth game value information stored in the fourth storage area AR4 can be used for games and various other services as points. In principle, neither the third game value information nor the fourth game value information can be exchanged for cash). When the information read from the third storage area AR3 and the fourth storage area AR4 is used for betting in the game, the payout for that game is stored in the second storage area AR2. That is, the third game value information stored in the third storage area AR3, which cannot be directly used for various services within the facility, and the fourth game value information stored in the fourth storage area AR4 are stored as second game value information in the second storage area AR2 after being used in the game.

[0123] Note that while both the first game value information and the second game value information are treated as equivalent to cash, the third game value information and the fourth game value information are not treated as equivalent to cash. Therefore, the writing of game value information read from the third storage area AR3 or the fourth storage area AR4 to the first storage area AR1 is restricted. That is, the conversion between game value information treated as equivalent to cash and game value information not treated as equivalent to cash is restricted so as not to be performed.

[0124] As a result, in the IC card 1500 of a player who participates in the rolling program and purchases game value with cash, the game value purchased in this program is stored in the first storage area AR1. When the first game value information stored in this first storage area AR1 is used for BET in the game, the payout (prize money) resulting from that game is written to the second storage area AR2 by operating the CASHOUT button 32, and can then be directly exchanged for cash.

[0125] In addition, in the IC card 1500 of a player who participates in the rolling program and obtains game value by points, the game value obtained in this program is stored in the third storage area AR3. When the third game value information stored in this third storage area AR3 is used for the BET of the game, the dividend (prize money) generated as a result of that game is written into the second storage area AR2 by operating the CASHOUT button 32, and thereafter it can be directly exchanged for money.

[0126] Also, in the IC card 1500 of a player to whom game value by points is given in promotions by gaming facilities such as casinos, use of facilities, game play, etc., the given game value is stored in the fourth storage area AR4. When the fourth game value information stored in this fourth storage area AR4 is used for the BET of the game, the dividend (prize money) generated as a result of that game is written into the second storage area AR2 by operating the CASHOUT button 32, and thereafter it can be directly exchanged for money.

[0127] In addition, when there is an input to the CASHOUT button 32 after the game, as something that designates the payout of the dividend (prize money) paid out as a result of the game, normal game chips that can be exchanged for money may be paid out from the slot machine 1010.

[0128] Next, the main CPU 1071 performs game end notification processing (S19). This processing is to transmit data indicating that one unit game has ended to the PTS device 1700. The PTS device 1700 transmits this data to the hotel server 500, and in response, a lottery for a bonus game or the like is conducted. When the processing of S19 is completed, the process returns to the processing of S12, and the unit game is repeated.

[0129] In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the game value (dedicated credit) purchased in the rolling program is stored in the first storage area AR1 and used separately from other game values. However, the storage area for the game value used in the rolling program is not limited to the first storage area AR1. For example, if the area corresponding to the third storage area AR3 or the fourth storage area AR4 is unused, the third storage area AR3 or the fourth storage area AR4 may be used as the first storage area AR1. That is, as the storage areas of the IC card 1500, the hotel server 500, and the slot machine 1010 for storing credit data, in addition to the first storage area AR1 described above, if the third storage area AR3 or the fourth storage area AR4 is unused, these storage areas may be used as the first storage area AR1 to store the dedicated credit for the rolling program.

[0130] [Game Processing by PTS Device] Next, the game processing by the PTS device 1700 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, first, in step S31, the PTS device 1700 determines whether the IC card 1500 has been inserted from the card insertion slot 1730. If an affirmative result is obtained here, the PTS device 1700 moves the process to step S32 and reads the information written in the inserted IC card 1500. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step S31, it means that the IC card 1500 has already been inserted into the card insertion slot 1730, and the PTS device 1700 moves the process to step SP33, which will be described later.

[0131] When the PTS device 1700 reads the information of the IC card 1500 in step S32, it transfers the process to step S33 and accepts the selection of the BET method and amount by the player. In the PTS terminal 1700, due to the touch panel function of the LCD 1719, the player can select the BET method and the BET amount. The BET method means selectively using the game values (any of the first to fourth game value information) stored in the four storage areas AR1 to AR4 of the inserted IC card 1500 for the game. Specifically, the player can select the first to fourth game value information and their amounts from the IC card 1500 by operating the touch panel of the LCD 1719. In this selection, it is not limited to one type among the first to fourth game value information, and multiple types can be selected simultaneously. In that case, the amount to be used for the game can be selected for each selected type.

[0132] When the PTS device 1700 accepts the selection of the BET method and amount by the player in step S33, it transfers the process to step S34, writes the BET method and amount selected by the player into the RAM 1753, and stores them. Further, the PTS device 1700 transfers the process to step S35 and transmits the information of the BET method and amount written into the RAM 1753 in step S34 to the slot machine 1010.

[0133] Then, the PTS device 1700 transfers the process to step S36 and determines whether the game result transmitted by the slot machine 1010 is received. If an affirmative result is obtained in this step S36, the PTS device 1700 transfers the process to step S37 and stores the payout number in the RAM 1753 based on the game result information obtained in step S36. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step S36, it means that the unit game has not ended, and the PTS device 1700 returns the process to step S35.

[0134] After the PTS device 1700 stores the amount of the dividend (prize money) generated by the game received as the game result in step S37 in the RAM 1753, it transfers the process to step S38 and determines whether the player has operated the CASHOUT button on the slot machine 1010. If an affirmative result is obtained here, the PTS device 1700 transfers the process to step S39. In step S33, it determines whether the BET by the player was made from the first storage area AR1, the third storage area AR3, or the fourth storage area AR4 of the storage unit 1520 in the IC card 1500. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step S38, this means that the player does not end the game on the slot machine 1010, and the PTS device 1700 transfers the process to step S42.

[0135] If an affirmative result is obtained in step S39, the PTS device 1700 transfers the process to step S41 and writes an amount corresponding to the ratio of the amount read from the first storage area AR1 and used for the game among the prize money (payout amount) stored in step S37 to the second storage area AR2 in the storage unit 1520 provided in the IC card 1500. Also, it writes an amount corresponding to the ratio of the amount read from the third storage area AR3 and used for the game among the prize money (payout amount) stored in step S37 to the second storage area AR2. Further, it writes an amount corresponding to the ratio of the amount read from the fourth storage area AR4 and used for the game among the prize money (payout amount) stored in step S37 to the second storage area AR2.

[0136] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step S39, it means that in the game, the player made a BET from the game value area of the second storage area AR2 of the storage unit 1520 in the IC card 1500. The PTS device 1700 transfers the process to step S40 and writes the prize money (payout amount) stored in step S37 to the same storage area as the storage area (the second storage area AR2) from which the player read for the BET. Then the PTS device 1700 transfers the process to step S42, ends the process of one game, and waits for the start of the next game.

[0137] Thus, in the game processing of this embodiment, for the prize money obtained by using the first game value information that can only be used for the game in principle for the game, by writing it as the convertible second game value information into the second storage area AR2 of the IC card 1500, a game can be played on the slot machine 1010 using the game value given by the rolling program. That is, it is possible to store a plurality of types of game value information (first to fourth game value information) as the game value stored in the IC card 1500, distinguish and read them at the PTS terminal 1700, use them for the BET of the game, and based on the breakdown of the total number of BETs (the amounts of the first to fourth game value information among the total number of BETs) and the total payout amount (total prize money amount for one game) generated in the BET game, calculate the breakdown (the respective amounts of the first to fourth game values) of each game value (first to fourth game values) in the total payout amount, which is the result of multiplying the ratio of each amount of the first to fourth game value information among the total number of BETs by the total payout amount (total prize money amount for one game) generated in the BET game, and change and write the amount that is this breakdown to a predetermined area of the storage area (first to fourth storage areas AR1 to AR4) of the IC card 1500. Thus, after using the game value that can only be used for the game (the game value given by the rolling program) for the game, by writing it as a convertible game value into the IC card 1500, it becomes possible to play a game on the slot machine 1010 using the game value given for the rolling program. As a result, there is no need to perform a mechanical modification to enable the use of a game chip for the rolling program on the slot machine 1010.

[0138] [IC Card Issuance to Cashing in the Rolling Program] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow from the issuance to the cashing of the IC card 1500, which is executed in the hotel server 500, the slot machine 1010, the PTS device 1700, and the cashier 600 in the rolling program.

[0139] When a player deposits money at a gaming facility such as a casino, the hotel server 500 performs registration processing of the IC card 1500 (S51). The IC card 1500 is issued by the registration processing of the IC card 1500 by the hotel server 500. The player who holds the IC card 1500 moves to the location where the slot machine 1010 is located to play a game (S52) and inserts the IC card 1500 into the card insertion slot 1730 of the PTS device 1700. When the PTS device 1700 accepts the insertion of the IC card 1500 (S53), it reads the player information written on the IC card 1500 (S54). Then, when the BET method and amount for the game are selected by the player (S55), the PTS device 1700 stores the information on the BET method and amount in the RAM 1753 and transmits the information on the BET method and amount to the game controller 70 of the slot machine 1010 (S56). When the game controller 70 of the slot machine 1010 receives the information on the BET method and amount selected by the player from the PTS device 1700, it starts game processing upon the operation of the start button by the player (S57).

[0140] When the game process ends, the game controller 70 of the slot machine 1010 transmits the payout (prize) information generated by the game process to the PTS device 1700 (S58). The PTS device 1700 that has received the payout information from the slot machine 1010 writes and stores the payout information in the RAM 1753 (S59). Then, when the slot machine 1010 receives an operation of the CASHOUT button by the player (S60), the slot machine 1010 transmits the operation information of the CASHOUT button to the PTS device 1700 (S61). The PTS device 1700 that has received the CASHOUT button operation information writes the payout information stored in the RAM 1753 into a predetermined area based on the game value information (any one or more of the first to fourth game value information) read as the game value information to be used for BET in the storage areas (the first to fourth storage areas AR1 to AR4) of the storage unit 1520 in the inserted IC card 1500 (S62). After that, the PTS device 1700 ejects the IC card 1500 (S63). Then, when the player with the ejected IC card 1500 moves to the cashier 600 (S64) and inserts it into the card reader of the cashier 600, the cashier 600 pays out the currency corresponding to the payout amount written in the second storage area AR2 of the storage unit 1520 in the IC card 1500 to the player (S65). Then, the cashier 600 transmits the player's cashing information to the hotel server 500 (S66). The hotel server 500 that has received the cashing information performs program processing and gives the player a privilege that can be received by participating in the rolling program (S67). Note that the privilege may be given to the player when the player deposits the deposit in a gaming facility such as a casino.

[0141] Also, the usage history of the game chips assigned for the rolling program used in the gaming table 10 and the usage history of the first, third, or fourth game value information read from the first, third, or fourth storage areas AR1, AR3, or AR4 of the IC card 1500 and used in the game in the slot machine 1010 are transmitted from each gaming table 10 and each gaming machine 1010 to the hotel server 500. By aggregating this at the hotel server 500, the execution status of the rolling program can be grasped including the gaming table 10 and the slot machine 1010. In particular, by associating personal information with the game chips assigned for the rolling program and the IC card 1500 issued for the rolling program respectively, it becomes possible to constantly grasp the usage status of the rolling program by the members to whom the rolling program is assigned throughout the entire casino system 100 including the gaming table 10 and the slot machine 1010.

[0142] [Setting Process of Rolling Program] In the rolling program in this embodiment, a player (member) selects one of a plurality of pre-prepared rolling programs and purchases a dedicated credit called "Program Credit" in advance. This dedicated credit is a credit called "Restricted Cashable Credit" whose direct cashing is restricted. When the player uses up the dedicated credit purchased within the period (Validity Days) on the slot machine 1010 or the like, the hotel server 500 grants the player the benefits set for each rolling program. The period and the purchase amount of the rolling program (dedicated credit) are prepared in advance by the casino side as a plurality of types in a package, and the player can select and purchase one or more of the packages.

[0143] As special offers, cash (credit), points, prizes, preferential treatment such as facility use, etc. are prepared, and they can be set in various combinations according to the purchase amount of each program. When these special offers are granted, the player's membership information card and the information and points of the member's account in the hotel server 500 will be increased by the amount corresponding to the special offer.

[0144] The hotel server 500 has a dedicated storage area in the RAM 553 (Figure 1) for storing the dedicated credit used for the rolling program. On the other hand, the slot machine 1010 is also configured to provide a dedicated credit meter and store the dedicated credit in the credit meter.

[0145] The dedicated credit purchased by the player (member) is registered in the player's personal account opened in the hotel server 500 and is also stored in the membership information card held by the player.

[0146] If the player fails to use up the dedicated credit purchased within a predetermined period (Validity Days), the hotel server 500 will deprive the player of the right to obtain special offers. Also, the unused "Program Credit" may be converted into other points or the like.

[0147] In the casino system 100 in this embodiment, such a rolling program is configured to be provided to members. The casino (hotel server 500) pre-sets a plurality of various combination packages of special offers granted to members when the deadline (Validity Days), purchase amount, etc. and the dedicated credit purchased are used up in the slot machine game within the period. Members (players) can select and purchase any of the set rolling programs.

[0148] By introducing such a rolling program, for the casino side, since it is a method in which players purchase dedicated credits for games in advance, it is possible to obtain the sales forecast of the slot machine 1010 and the certainty of such sales. Also, for the player side, if the conditions of the rolling program are met, they can obtain benefits that are more preferential than normal play.

[0149] [Rolling Program Purchase Process] In the casino system 100 of this embodiment, the casino side prepares in advance candidates for rolling programs that members can select, and members can select a desired program from the prepared candidates.

[0150] When creating rolling program candidates in advance, in the hotel server 500, the setting screen SC11 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display device (LCD562 (FIG. 1)), and by an attendant inputting necessary items via this setting screen SC11, rolling program candidates can be created in advance in the database of the hotel server 500.

[0151] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a display screen of a terminal device used when a casino side creates a rolling program in advance. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of items (I11 to I18) are to be input to a setting screen SC11 for setting a rolling program. The input item I11 (Program Name) is for setting the name of the rolling program (Slot program name), and the input item I12 (Amount) is for setting the purchase amount (Slot program amount) of a dedicated game value (Program Credit, the first game value V1 which is dedicated credit for the rolling program corresponding to a non-negotiation chip, value data stored in the first storage area AR1)) to purchase in order to start the program to be set. The input item I13 (Commission Cashable) is for setting the ratio (Rebate) of the purchase amount of the game value (credit) returned to a member when all of the dedicated game value (the first game value V1) is used up within a predetermined period (Validity Days) after starting this rolling program. The input item I14 (Commission Free Play) is for setting the number of points for free play (Free Play Commission Amount) (the third game value V3 which is the number of points usable only in the slot machine 1010) given to a member as a privilege when all of the dedicated game value (the first game value V1) is used up within a predetermined period (Validity Days) after starting this rolling program. The input item I15 (Commission Bonus Credit) is an item for designating the number of points of bonus credit (Bonus Credit Commission Amount) (the fourth game value V4 which is the number of points usable not only in the slot machine 1010 but also in other services such as eating and drinking in the casino) given to a member when all of the dedicated game value (the first game value V1) is used up within a predetermined period (Validity Days) after starting this rolling program. The input item I16 (ValidityDays) sets the time when a predetermined period has elapsed after this rolling program is started as the validity period of the rolling program (Validity days after program credit is activated). The input item I17 (Duration) sets the slot program duration date and time during which the selected rolling program is held. The input item I18 (Points Earning) sets whether to grant separately set points (Enable / Disable).

[0152] In the hotel server 500, a plurality of candidates (packages) for the rolling program can be created in advance via such a setting screen SC11. The reception terminal device at the reception counter is connected to the hotel server 500, displays information on a plurality of rolling program candidates created in the hotel server 500, and can select one or more of these candidates in response to a member's application.

[0153] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example on the display device of the reception terminal device. As shown in FIG. 12, an introduction screen SC12 that displays a plurality of candidates for the rolling program created in the hotel server 500 as Package A, Package B,... is displayed on the display device of the reception terminal device.

[0154] The staff can perform a selection operation on the rolling program according to the member's wishes. At the time of this selection operation, the staff can input member information such as the member number into the reception terminal device using the member information card presented by the member, and perform usage registration of the rolling program associated with the member. This registration information is transmitted from the reception terminal device to the hotel server 500 and stored in the hotel server 500.

[0155] Specifically, an introduction screen SC12 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display device of the reception counter. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the introduction screen SC12 visually displays programs (package A, package B, …) pre-registered in the hotel server 500 as rolling program candidates. A plurality of privileges SF1, SF2, … are set for each package. The privilege is something given to a member when the member purchases a game value (the first game value V1) dedicated to the rolling program and uses up the purchased game value within a predetermined period (Validity Days) after the start of the rolling program. For example, four privileges SF1, SF2, SF3, and SF4 are set for package A, and three privileges SF1, SF2, and SF3 are set for package B. These privileges are set according to the setting contents of the input items I13 to I15 (privilege setting items given to a member when the first game value is used up within the period) of the setting screen SC11 shown in FIG. 11. Also, the packages (package A, package B, …) are distinguished according to the combinations of these privileges SF1 to SF4.

[0156] In addition, a plurality of options for the initial chip purchase amount (the purchase amount for purchasing the game value for the rolling program) are prepared for each package. For example, for package A shown in FIG. 12, purchase amounts of 500,000 PHP (Philippine peso), 1,000,000 PHP, 2,000,000 PHP, and 5,000,000 PHP are prepared as options, and a validity period (Validity Days) is determined for each purchase amount. Also, the ratio (rebate) of the credit amount returned to the member as a privilege when the purchase amount is used up on the slot machine 1010 within the validity period (Validity Days) set for each purchase amount is determined.

[0157] Also, for example, in Package B shown in FIG. 12, purchase amounts of 500,000 PHP, 1,000,000 PHP, 2,000,000 PHP, and 5,000,000 PHP are prepared as options, and a validity period (Validity Days) is determined for each purchase amount. Also, as a privilege when the purchase amount is used up in the slot machine 1010 within the validity period (Validity Days) set for each purchase amount, the ratio (rebate) of the credit amount returned to the member is determined.

[0158] By checking the introduction screen SC12 shown in FIG. 12, the member can determine which package to select and the purchase amount of the selected package based on the validity period (Validity Days) and rebate information associated with each purchase amount. When the member tells the staff at the reception counter the package name and purchase amount regarding the rolling program they desire, the staff selects one of the plurality of pre-registered candidates by operating the reception terminal device and registers it in association with the information (such as the member number) stored in the member information card presented by the member. This registration information is transmitted from the reception terminal device to the hotel server 500 and stored in the hotel server 500.

[0159] In this embodiment, on the setting screen SC11 shown in FIG. 11, the slot program duration date and time during which the rolling program is held is set, and the rolling program outside this period is not displayed on the introduction screen SC12 shown in FIG. 12. However, for example, by changing the display color or brightness of the package display of the candidate rolling program, the candidate rolling program within the period and the candidate rolling program outside the period may be distinguished and displayed.

[0160] [Change Processing of Rolling Program] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing flow before and after the start of the rolling program in the casino system 100. A member or a staff member who has received a membership application selects a selection screen for selecting a rolling program displayed on a display device of a reception terminal device (not shown) connected to the hotel server 500, whereby any rolling program can be selected. A plurality of types of rolling programs are prepared in advance according to combinations such as the purchase amount and the benefits to be granted, and a member can select any of these multiple rolling programs.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 13, for example, when a member purchases and selects a rolling program (a program specified by 500,000 PHP of the rolling program (program credit A (the purchase amount in package A shown in FIG. 12)) specified by a purchase amount of "500,000 PHP (Philippine peso)") on the reception terminal device (S101), the reception terminal device transmits the program information of the selected rolling program to the hotel server 500 in association with the member information (member's name, member number, etc.). Specifically, when a member selects a rolling program on the reception terminal device, the reception terminal device accepts the member information card held by the member and reads the specific information of the member (member's name, member number, etc.) stored in the member information card, thereby associating the selected program information with the member information and transmitting it to the hotel server 500.

[0162] Based on this information transmitted from the reception terminal device, the hotel server 500 stores the selected program information in association with the member on the condition that the purchase amount is paid. That is, the rolling program specified by the program information is registered in the member's account.

[0163] In this purchase process, the reception terminal device stores program information (purchase amount, program number, etc.) specifying the rolling program purchased by the member in the received member information card and pays it out to the member.

[0164] In this way, when a member purchases a rolling program, the member can insert the membership information card into the slot machine 1010 to play a game using the dedicated credit purchased with the rolling program.

[0165] When the dedicated credit for the rolling program purchased in the slot machine 1010 is used for the first time, program information regarding the rolling program is transmitted from the slot machine 1010 to the hotel server 500, whereby the rolling program is updated to an active state in the hotel server 500 (S105). In the rolling program, when the purchased dedicated credit starts to be used, the rolling program is managed as an active state, and thereafter, the member is not allowed to change the content of the rolling program once purchased.

[0166] That is, when a member purchases a rolling program and registers it in the member's account (S101), the hotel server 500 monitors whether the dedicated credit for the rolling program has started to be used, permits changes to the content of the rolling program until it starts to be used, and makes a determination not to permit changes to the content of the rolling program after it starts to be used.

[0167] Specifically, the hotel server 500 determines whether the registered rolling program is in an active state. The active state means that a member who has purchased a rolling program inserts a membership information card storing the program information of the selected rolling program into the slot machine 1010 to start the rolling program. That is, the slot machine 1010 into which the membership information card is inserted reads the program information from the inserted membership information card and transmits the content thereof together with the membership information identifying the member to the hotel server 500. The hotel server 500 updates the rolling program of the corresponding member's account to the active state based on the membership information and the program information transmitted from the slot machine 1010.

[0168] If the rolling program is not in the active state, the hotel server 500 enters a management state in which only the change of the content (plan) of the rolling program is permitted only before the start of the rolling program for the member (S102). That is, until the rolling program is started, it is possible to change the content of the rolling program once purchased in response to the member's request. In this case, the casino staff receives the request from the member, takes the member to the cashier 600 (or the reception terminal device), and performs a process of changing the purchased rolling program. The cashier 600 (or the reception terminal device) updates the member account associated with the member in response to the change operation of the member or the staff. Thereby, the cashier 600 (or the reception terminal device) can change the content (plan) of the program credit (S103).

[0169] Note that when changing the plan of the program credit in the cashier 600 (reception terminal device), approval by a supervisor is required (S104).

[0170] On the one hand, when a member inserts the membership information card into the slot machine 1010 in a state where the rolling program is not active, the slot machine 1010 reads the membership information and the program information related to the rolling program from the inserted membership information card and transmits them to the hotel server 500. Based on the received information, the hotel server 500 that has received these information updates the rolling program stored in the member's account to the active state (S105). By becoming this active state, according to the usage status of the credit dedicated to the rolling program in the slot machine 1010, the history of the rolling program stored in the member account will be updated. In this way, the rolling program activates the amount of the dedicated credit purchased in the rolling program (for example, "500,000 PHP (Philippine Peso)").

[0171] Once the program credit is activated (S105), the player (member) needs to consume all the dedicated credits purchased for the rolling program. If all the dedicated credits are consumed within the period (Validity Days) determined for each rolling program, the member will meet the conditions to receive the rebate determined for each rolling program. On the contrary, if all the dedicated credits cannot be consumed within the period, the member will lose the right to receive the rebate (S106). The dedicated credits that cannot be consumed will be converted into other points, etc.

[0172] Through such processing, the member can use the purchased dedicated credits to participate in the game by the rolling program.

[0173] [Other Embodiments] Figures 14 to 17 are image diagrams showing other embodiments related to the setting of the rolling program. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of a display device of a reception terminal device (not shown) of the hotel server 500. As shown in FIG. 14, on the display device of the reception terminal device, a plurality of candidates of the rolling program created in the hotel server 500 can be displayed as tags TG11 to TG18 on one selection screen SC13. By designating any one of these tags TG11 to TG18, a staff member can select the rolling program to be provided to the member.

[0174] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, the rolling program designated by the tag TG11 has a program ID of "111", a program name of "PROGRAM001", a status indicating whether to assign separately set points of "Enable", an amount of "500,000 PHP (Philippine Peso)", and the period (Duration) during which this rolling program is held is from 6:00 am on January 15, 2019 to 6:00 am on February 28, 2019, and these contents can be grasped by the display of the tag TG11. Also, when the rolling program designated by the tag TG11 is currently selectable (that is, when the status is set to "Enable"), the tag TG11 is displayed in white (FIG. 14), whereas a tag whose status is set to "Disable" and is currently not selectable (for example, tag TG12) is displayed with its color in gray (shown by hatching in FIG. 14). Also, when the current date and time are outside the above-mentioned holding period, the tag TG11 is marked with the notation "Program is Expired" indicating that it is outside the period and cannot be selected. Note that the meanings of each item (program ID, program name, status, amount, period) are the same as those of each item in the above-described embodiment with respect to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0175] Incidentally, in FIG. 14, the rolling program designated by tag TG12 has a program ID of "117", a program name of "PROGRAM002", a status of "Disable", an amount of "1,000,000 PHP (Philippine Peso)", and the period (Duration) during which this rolling program is held is from 6:00 am on February 7, 2019 to 6:00 am on March 9, 2019. These details can be grasped by the display of tag TG12. Also, in response to the fact that the rolling program designated by tag TG12 is currently not selectable (i.e., in response to the status being set to "Disable"), the color of tag TG12 is displayed in gray. Further, since the current date and time is outside the above-mentioned holding period, the notation "Program is Expired", indicating that it is outside the period and not selectable, is made on tag TG12.

[0176] Also, in FIG. 14, the rolling program designated by tag TG13 has a program ID of "122", a program name of "PROGRAM003", a status of "Disable", an amount of "2,000,000 PHP (Philippine Peso)", and the period (Duration) during which this rolling program is held is from 6:00 am on February 19, 2019 to 6:00 am on March 23, 2019. These details can be grasped by the display of tag TG13. Also, in response to the fact that the rolling program designated by tag TG13 is currently not selectable (i.e., in response to the status being set to "Disable"), the color of tag TG13 is displayed in gray. Further, since the current date and time is outside the above-mentioned holding period, the notation "Program is Expired", indicating that it is outside the period and not selectable, is made on tag TG13.

[0177] Also, the rolling program designated by tag TG14 in Fig. 14 has a program ID of "125", a program name of "PROGRAM004", a status of "Disable", an amount of "3,000,000 PHP (Philippine Peso)", and the period during which this rolling program is held is from 6:00 am on February 28, 2019, to 6:00 am on March 31, 2019. These details can be grasped through the display of tag TG14. Also, in response to the fact that the rolling program designated by tag TG14 is currently not selectable (i.e., in response to the status being set to "Disable"), the color of tag TG14 is displayed in gray. Also, since the current date and time are within the above-mentioned holding period, the notation "Program is Expired", indicating that it is outside the period and not selectable, is not made on tag TG14.

[0178] Also, the rolling program designated by tag TG15 in Fig. 14 has a program ID of "126", a program name of "PROGRAM005", a status of "Enable", an amount of "1,000,000 PHP (Philippine Peso)", and the period during which this rolling program is held is from 6:00 am on March 4, 2019, to 6:00 am on March 31, 2019. These details can be grasped through the display of tag TG15. Also, in response to the fact that the rolling program designated by tag TG15 is currently selectable (i.e., in response to the status being set to "Enable"), the color of tag TG15 is displayed in white. Also, since the current date and time are within the above-mentioned holding period, the notation "Program is Expired", indicating that it is outside the period and not selectable, is not made on tag TG15.

[0179] Also, the rolling program designated by tag TG16 in FIG. 14 has a program ID of "127", a program name of "PROGRAM006", a status of "Eable", an amount of "1,000,000 PHP (Philippine Peso)", and the duration during which this rolling program is held is from 6:00 am on February 5, 2019 to 6:00 am on March 7, 2019. These details can be grasped through the display of tag TG16. Also, in response to the currently selectable rolling program designated by the said tag TG16 (i.e., in response to the status being set to "Eable"), the color of the said tag TG16 is displayed in white. Also, since the current date and time is outside the above-mentioned holding period, the notation "Program is Expired", indicating that it is outside the period and not selectable, is made on tag TG16.

[0180] Also, the rolling program designated by tag TG17 in FIG. 14 has a program ID of "131", a program name of "PROGRAM007", a status of "Eable", an amount of "500,000 PHP (Philippine Peso)", and the duration during which this rolling program is held is from 6:00 am on March 8, 2019 to 6:00 am on March 31, 2019. These details can be grasped through the display of tag TG17. Also, in response to the currently selectable rolling program designated by the said tag TG17 (i.e., in response to the status being set to "Eable"), the color of the said tag TG17 is displayed in white. Also, since the current date and time is within the above-mentioned holding period, the notation "Program is Expired", indicating that it is outside the period and not selectable, is not made on tag TG17.

[0181] Also, in FIG. 14, the rolling program designated by tag TG18 has a program ID of "134", a program name of "PROGRAM008", a status of "Eable", an amount of "3,000,000 PHP (Philippine Peso)", and the period (Duration) during which this rolling program is held is from 6:00 am on February 25, 2019 to 6:00 am on March 31, 2019. These details can be grasped by the display of tag TG18. Also, in response to the currently selectable rolling program designated by tag TG18 (i.e., in response to the status being set to "Eable"), the color of tag TG18 is displayed in white. Also, since the current date and time is within the above-mentioned holding period, tag TG18 does not have the notation "Program is Expired" indicating that it is outside the period and cannot be selected.

[0182] In this way, in the reception terminal device, a plurality of rolling program candidates are displayed by a plurality of tags (e.g., tags TG11 to TG18), and the staff member can perform a selection operation on one or more rolling programs according to the member's wishes. At the time of this selection operation, the staff member can input member information such as the member number into the reception terminal device using the member information card presented by the member, and register the use of the rolling program selected in association with the member.

[0183] In a state where a plurality of rolling programs are set in advance in this way, as shown in FIG. 15, the casino staff can execute each process of the setting process (Create) S121, update process (Update) S122, discard process (Discard) S123, and decommission process (Decommision) S124 for the already registered rolling programs or as the setting process for newly created rolling programs.

[0184] Specifically, the hotel server 500 displays, on the display device of the reception terminal device, the selection screen SC21 of the rolling program shown in FIG. 16. The staff member can select any of the already set rolling programs displayed on this selection screen SC21 or specify the setting of a new rolling program, thereby specifying various processes for the already set rolling program.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 16, on the display device of the hotel server 500, as the selection screen SC21 of the rolling program, in the same manner as the tags TG11 to TG18 shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of already set rolling programs at this time are individually displayed with tags TG21, TG22,.... The staff member can select the rolling program for which various processes are to be executed by designating any of these tags TG21, TG22,....

[0186] When one of the rolling programs to be processed is selected from the tags TG21, TG22,... shown in FIG. 16, the display device displays, as an item display screen, the already set content of the selected rolling program and the selectable processing items (update process, deletion process, cancellation process, etc.) (not shown). On this item display screen, the set content of each setting item ( "program Name", "Amount", "Commission", "Validity Days", "Duration", etc.) shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, and the past processing history is also displayed. In this processing history, the date and time of the processing, the content of the processing (setting process, update process, deletion process, cancellation process, etc.), the name of the staff member who executed the processing, the reason for executing the processing, etc. are displayed.

[0187] The staff member will execute the selected process for the rolling program by selecting a desired item from among the multiple items displayed on the item display screen. Among the selectable items, "Setting Process (Create)" is an item for newly setting a rolling program. Therefore, when this item is selected, the hotel server 500 will display a screen (Figure 11) for setting the rolling program on the display device. The staff member can input a plurality of setting items through this screen. These setting items are the same as the setting items described above in Figure 11.

[0188] Also, when the staff member selects and operates the item "Update Process (Update)" on the item display screen displayed on the display screen of the reception terminal device of the hotel server 500, the hotel server 500 will display a screen for updating the registered rolling program on the display device. The staff member can perform a process for updating the content of the registered rolling program through this display screen. This update item selectively updates any of the setting items described above in Figure 11. For example, when "Amount" is already registered as 100,000 PHP and 100,000 PHP is input as the update item for "Amount", the 100,000 PHP input for the update will be added to the previous "Amount" of 100,000 PHP, and a total of 200,000 PHP will be registered as the "Amount" of the rolling program. That is, the purchase amount of the rolling program can be additionally updated as a post-process. Such an update process can be similarly executed for each setting item other than "Amount".

[0189] Also, when a staff member selects the item "Discard" on the item display screen shown on the display screen of the reception terminal device of the hotel server 500, the hotel server 500 displays a screen for discarding the rolling program registered in the display device. The staff member can perform a discard process on the selected registered rolling program via this display screen. Incidentally, this discard process can only be executed for programs where the item "Status" is "Disable".

[0190] Also, when a staff member selects the item "Decommision" on the item display screen shown on the display screen of the reception terminal device of the hotel server 500, the hotel server 500 displays a screen for decommissioning the rolling program registered in the display device. The staff member can perform a decommissioning process on the selected registered rolling program via this display screen. Incidentally, this decommissioning process can only be executed for rolling programs where the current date and time is outside the period (Duration) when the rolling program shown in FIG. 11 is held and the notation "Program is Expired" is made.

[0191] Note that FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display when the execution history of the various processes described above for the set rolling program is displayed on the display device of the reception terminal device. As shown in FIG. 17, on the execution history display screen SC22, the date and time of the process, the process content (setting process, update process, discard process, decommissioning process, etc.), the program ID, program name, amount of the rolling program for which the process was performed, the name of the staff member who executed the process, the reason for executing the process, etc. are displayed in the detailed display section AP21.

[0192] In addition, this execution history display screen SC22 is provided with a specifying unit AP22 for specifying the processing execution period to be displayed as a history, and the staff member can specify the period during which the process to be displayed as a history occurred via this specifying unit AP22. Note that the history related to these processes is stored in the storage unit of the hotel server 500, and is read from the storage unit and displayed on the display device in response to a history display request.

[0193] In this way, in the casino system 100, it is possible to execute processes such as changing the purchase amount with respect to the rolling program once created.

[0194] Note that the display device for displaying the display screens shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 is not limited to the display device of the reception terminal device, and in short, various devices can be applied as long as they are display devices connected to a device storing the member account and the setting contents of the rolling program.

[0195] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but they are merely examples, and do not particularly limit the present invention. The specific configurations of each means and the like can be appropriately designed and changed. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely an enumeration of the most suitable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0196] In addition, in the above detailed description, for easier understanding of the present invention, the description has centered on the characteristic parts. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the above detailed description and can also be applied to other embodiments, and its scope of application is diverse. Also, the terms and grammar used in this specification are those used for accurately describing the present invention and not for restricting the interpretation of the present invention. Further, it would seem easy for those skilled in the art to conceive of other configurations, systems, methods, etc. included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Therefore, the description of the claims must be regarded as including equivalent configurations within the scope not departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Also, the purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent Office, general public institutions, and technicians belonging to this technical field who are not proficient in patent, legal terms, or technical terms to quickly determine the technical content and essence of this application through a simple investigation. Therefore, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the description of the claims. Also, in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention, it is desirable that it be interpreted with full consideration of the documents and the like that have already been disclosed.

[0197] The above detailed description includes processes executed by a computer. The above description and expression are described for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand most efficiently. In this specification, each step used to derive 1 result should be understood as a process without self - contradiction. Also, in each step, transmission, reception, recording, etc. of electrical or magnetic signals are performed. In the process of each step, such signals are expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., but it should be noted that these are used only for convenience in description. Also, the process in each step may be described in an expression common to human actions, but the processes described in this specification are, in principle, executed by various devices. Also, other configurations required to perform each step are obvious from the above description. [Supplementary Note] The information processing device of the present invention is An information processing device connected so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from a gaming machine capable of playing a game according to the input game value, An information medium processing unit capable of transferring game value information that can be used for a game to and from a portable information medium, An interface capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the gaming machine, and The information medium processing unit As the game value information, it reads out from the information medium the first game value information that is given on the condition of exchange for a monetary value, can be used to play the game, and has restricted cashing, and uses the read-out first game value information for the game. At the same time, It is characterized by restricting writing the first game value information read out from the information medium to the information medium as the second game value information that can be cashed. According to this configuration, by reading out from the information medium the first game value information that can be used to play the game and has restricted cashing and using it for the game, and restricting writing the first game value information read out from the information medium to the information medium as the second game value information that can be cashed, in a gaming machine that plays a game using an information medium, an information processing device that enables a game by a rolling program can be realized. The information processing device of the present invention is, in the above configuration, The information medium processing unit Writing information representing the prize amount resulting from the game outcome to the information medium as the second game value information. After using the first game value information that can be used in the game, by writing the prize amount generated by the use to the information medium as the second game value information that can be exchanged for money, the first game value information can be converted into the second game value information that can be exchanged for money via the game. The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game according to the input game value, comprises a game execution unit that executes the game, and an information medium processing unit capable of transferring monetary value information to and from a portable information medium, and is provided with the information medium processing unit reads, as the game value information, the first game value information that is given on the condition of exchange with a monetary value, can be used to play the game, and whose exchange is restricted, from the information medium, provides the read first game value information to the game, and is characterized by restricting writing the first game value information read from the information medium to the information card as the second game value information that can be exchanged for money. According to this configuration, in a gaming machine that plays a game using an information medium, it becomes possible to play a game by a rolling program by reading the first game value information that can be used to play the game and whose exchange is restricted from the information medium and providing it to the game, and restricting writing the first game value information read from the information medium to the information medium as the second game value information that can be exchanged for money. The game system of the present invention has a gaming machine capable of playing a game according to the input game value and an information processing device connected to be able to transmit and receive information to and from the gaming machine, the gaming machine comprises a game execution unit that executes the game, and an interface capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the information processing device, the information processing device comprises an information medium processing unit capable of transferring game value information that can be used in the game to and from a portable information medium, and an interface capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the gaming machine, the information medium processing unit As the game value information, first game value information that is given on the condition of exchange with a monetary value, can be used for playing the game, and whose cashing is restricted is read from the information medium, and the read first game value information is provided to the game. At the same time, writing the first game value information read from the information medium into the information medium as second game value information that can be cashed is restricted. According to this configuration, in a game system that plays a game using an information medium, it becomes possible to play a game by a rolling program by reading first game value information that can be used for playing the game and whose cashing is restricted from the information medium and providing it to the game, and restricting writing the first game value information read from the information medium into the information medium as second game value information that can be cashed.

Explanation of Symbols

[0198] 100 Casino System 500 Hotel Server 600 Cashier 601 Game Chip Issuing Device 1010A and 1010B Slot Machines 1500 IC Cards 1600 Game Chips 1700 PTS Terminals 2010A and 2010B Game Tables

Claims

1. a gaming machine that allows players to play games according to the gaming value inserted; an information processing device connected to the gaming machine so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving information therebetween; a player information storage device for storing player information; a management device connected to the player information storage device so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving information therebetween; The information processing device includes: receiving game value information that can be used in the game and that is included in the player's information stored in the player information storage device; The management device includes: setting an amount of a game value corresponding to the game value information included in the player information stored in the player information storage device and a validity period of the game value corresponding to the game value information included in the player information; determining whether or not the amount of the gaming value will be used up within the validity period by inserting the set gaming value into the game; When it is determined that the gaming value has been used up within the validity period, the bonus information stored in the player information storage device is given to the player. A game system characterized by:

2. The management device includes:

2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein, if it is determined that the amount of the gaming value has not been used up within the validity period, the player loses the right to obtain the benefit information.

3. 3. The game system according to claim 2, wherein the management device converts the amount of the remaining gaming value that has not been used in the game within the validity period into points.

4. The gaming value is provided to the game by a package purchased by a player; the management device sets a plurality of packages and allows a player to purchase a desired package from among the plurality of packages; 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the package purchased by the player can be changed before the provision of the game value to the game by the package purchased by the player begins.

5. The game system according to claim 4, characterized in that each of the plurality of packages includes, as content, at least one of the plurality of amounts of the gaming value, at least one of the plurality of expiration dates, and at least one of the plurality of pieces of bonus information.

6. The game system according to claim 5, characterized in that the management device permits the player to change the contents of the package purchased by the player before the playing value corresponding to the playing value information is used.

7. The game system according to claim 5, characterized in that the management device prohibits the player from changing the contents of the package purchased by the player after the playing value corresponding to the playing value information has been used.

8. 2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the reward information includes at least one of cash, credits, points, prizes, and preferential treatment.

9. The gaming value is provided to the game by a package purchased by a player; the management device sets a plurality of packages and allows a player to purchase a desired package from among the plurality of packages; The plurality of packages each have a different benefit that is granted when the gaming value is used up; 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the management device stores in a database the amount of the gaming value of the package purchased by the player from among the plurality of packages and information about the player in association with each other.

10. The gaming system described in claim 1, characterized in that the management device is connected to a plurality of the gaming machines, and when the player's information is input to any one of the plurality of gaming machines, the management device enables the provision of the gaming value of the package purchased by the player to the game and starts a countdown to the expiration date.

11. The gaming value is provided to the game by a package purchased by a player; The game system described in claim 1, characterized in that the management device monitors the consumption of the monetary amount of the gaming value related to the package associated with the player's information, and if it is determined that the set gaming value has been used up within the expiration date, grants the player a benefit that was previously associated with the package.

12. a gaming machine that allows players to play games according to the gaming value inserted; an information processing device connected to the gaming machine so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving information therebetween; a player information storage device for storing player information; a management device connected to the player information storage device so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving information therebetween, setting an amount of a game value corresponding to game value information included in the player information stored in the player information storage device and an expiration date of the game value corresponding to the game value information included in the player information; a step of determining whether or not the amount of the gaming value will be used up within the validity period by inserting the set gaming value into the game; when it is determined that the gaming value has been used up within the validity period, providing the player with bonus information stored in the player information storage device; A method for managing a game system comprising:

13. 13. The method for managing a game system according to claim 12, further comprising the step of making the player lose the right to obtain the bonus information if it is determined that the amount of the gaming value has not been used up within the validity period.

14. 14. The method for managing a game system according to claim 13, wherein the amount of the remaining gaming value that has not been used in the game within the validity period is converted into points.

15. The gaming value is provided to the game by a package purchased by a player; the management device sets a plurality of packages and allows a player to purchase a desired package from among the plurality of packages; 13. The method for managing a game system according to claim 12, characterized in that the purchased package can be changed before the provision of the game value to the game by the package purchased by the player begins.

16. A method for managing a game system as described in claim 15, characterized in that each of the multiple packages includes, as content, at least one of the multiple amounts of the gaming value, at least one of the multiple expiration dates, and at least one of the multiple pieces of bonus information.

17. The method for managing a game system according to claim 16, characterized in that the management device permits the player to change the contents of the package purchased by the player before the playing value corresponding to the playing value information is used.

18. The method for managing a game system according to claim 16, characterized in that the management device prohibits the player from changing the contents of the package purchased by the player after the playing value corresponding to the playing value information has been used.

19. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the reward information includes at least one of cash, credits, points, prizes, and preferential treatment.

20. The gaming value is provided to the game by a package purchased by a player; the management device sets a plurality of packages and allows a player to purchase a desired package from among the plurality of packages; The plurality of packages each have a different benefit that is granted when the gaming value is used up; 13. The method for managing a game system according to claim 12, wherein the management device stores in a database the amount of the gaming value of the package purchased by the player from among the plurality of packages in association with information about the player.

21. The method for managing a game system according to claim 12, characterized in that the management device is connected to a plurality of the gaming machines, and when information of the player is input to any one of the plurality of gaming machines, the management device enables the provision of the gaming value of the package purchased by the player to the game and starts a countdown to the expiration date.

22. The gaming value is provided to the game by a package purchased by a player; The method for managing a game system according to claim 12, characterized in that the management device monitors consumption of the monetary amount of the gaming value related to the package associated with the player's information, and if it is determined that the set gaming value has been used up within the expiration date, grants the player a benefit that was previously associated with the package.

23. A management device connected to a player information storage device that stores information on players playing a game so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving information therebetween, setting an amount of a game value corresponding to game value information included in the player information stored in a player information storage device and a validity period of the game value corresponding to the game value information included in the player information; determining whether or not the amount of the gaming value set will be used up within the validity period by inserting the gaming value into a game; When it is determined that the gaming value has been used up within the validity period, the bonus information stored in the player information storage device is given to the player. A management device comprising:

Images