Prize Exchange System, Prize Management Device, and Prize Exchange Method

Abstract

To efficiently exchange the number of game media acquired by a player in a game for general prizes.SOLUTION: A general player inserts a card into a prize self-management device 60 and selects a special prize using the number of exchange balls. The residual number (e.g., 40 balls) of the number of exchange balls is displayed as fractions in the prize self-management device 60. Fig. 1 (a) indicates an exchange receipt in the case of a game parlor where exchange for a general prize by a general prize put-out device is possible with fractions of 40 balls or more. This exchange receipt shows that exchange of 40 balls by a vending machine is possible, and moving to the general prize put-out device is directed. Fig. 1 (b) indicates an exchange receipt in the case of a game parlor where exchange for a general prize by the general prize put-out device is possible with fractions exceeding 40 balls (e.g., 50 balls). This exchange receipt directs the player to exchanging the fractions of 40 balls at a "Viking corner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize exchange system, a prize management device, and a prize exchange method that can efficiently exchange the number of game media obtained by a player through a game for general prizes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a game parlor such as a pachinko parlor, the number of game media obtained by a player through a game is associated with a storage medium such as a card, and this storage medium is brought to a prize counter. If the player hands over the storage medium to an employee present at the prize counter, the number of game media associated with the storage medium is exchanged for a prize by the operation of the employee.

[0003] As described above, conventionally, prize exchanges have been performed by employees. Recently, however, an operation in which the player himself / herself exchanges the number of game media for a prize (hereinafter referred to as "self-operation") has been carried out. In this self-operation, the player himself / herself performs a series of processes of reading the storage medium, selecting a prize, and receiving the prize. Therefore, the burden on the employee can be reduced, and prize exchanges can be performed efficiently.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in a prize management device in which a receipt on which information for specifying a general prize selected by a player is printed is issued, and if this receipt is presented to a general prize payout device, the corresponding general prize is paid out.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, although the device of Patent Document 1 is effective when paying out general prizes only at the general prize payout device, in a game parlor that pays out general prizes at both the general prize payout device and the Viking corner, there is a possibility that players may be confused as to which one to go to receive the general prize.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a prize exchange system, a prize management device, and a prize exchange method capable of efficiently exchanging the number of game media obtained by a player through a game for general prizes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a management device that manages the number of game media obtained through a game on a gaming machine in association with identification information of a storage medium, and at least the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium is exchanged for special prizes. A prize exchange system having a prize management device for performing a processing, a special prize payout device for paying out a predetermined special prize, and a general prize payout device for paying out a plurality of general prizes stored in a plurality of storage units within a range of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium, wherein the prize management device includes storage means for storing the minimum number of game media required for the general prizes that can be paid out from the general prize payout device, and the number of game media after the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium is exchanged for special prizes depending on whether it is and the minimum number of game media stored in the storage means equal to or greater than and receipt issuing means capable of issuing receipts in a plurality of different display modes for exchanging general prizes one receipt is selected from characterized by comprising.

[0009] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when the number of game media after the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium is exchanged for special prizes is equal to or more than the minimum number of game media, the receipt issuing means only is characterized by issuing a first receipt for exchanging a general prize by the general prize payout device.

[0010] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the first receipt includes at least information related to the prize exchange of the special prize, the number of game media for exchanging general prizes by the general prize payout device, information encoding the number of game media for exchanging general prizes by the general prize payout device, and guiding information for guiding a player to the general prize payout device.

[0011] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, when the number of game media after the exchange process of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for the special prize is less than the minimum number of game media, only the receipt issuing means issues a second receipt for exchanging general prizes at a predetermined Viking corner.

[0012] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the second receipt includes information related to the prize exchange of the special prize, the number of game media for exchanging general prizes by the general prize payout device, and guiding information for guiding a player to the Viking corner.

[0013] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the general prize payout device includes storage means for storing the minimum number of game media, and when the number of game media after the exchange process of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for the general prize is less than the minimum number of game media stored in the storage means, only it is characterized by including receipt issuing means for issuing the second receipt.

[0014] In addition, the present invention is communicably connected to a management device that manages the number of game media acquired through a game on a gaming machine in association with identification information of a storage medium, and a special prize payout device that pays out a predetermined special prize, and is a prize management device that exchanges at least the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for a special prize. The storage means stores the minimum number of game media required for a general prize that can be paid out from a general prize payout device that pays out a plurality of general prizes stored in a plurality of storage sections within the range of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium, and the number of game media after the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium has been exchanged for a special prize depending on whether it is , the minimum number of game media stored in the storage means equal to or greater than , receipts in a plurality of different display modes for exchanging general prizes one receipt is selected from and a receipt issuing means for issuing the same.

[0015] In addition, the present invention provides a prize exchange method in a prize exchange system including a management device that manages the number of game media acquired through a game on a gaming machine in association with identification information of a storage medium, a prize management device that exchanges at least the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for a special prize, a special prize payout device that pays out a predetermined special prize, and a general prize payout device that pays out a plurality of general prizes stored in a plurality of storage sections within the range of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium. The prize management device stores, in a storage section, the minimum number of game media required for a general prize that can be paid out from the general prize payout device. After the prize management device exchanges the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for a special prize, the number of game media depending on whether it is , the minimum number of game media stored in the storage section equal to or greater than , receipts in a plurality of different display modes for exchanging general prizes one receipt is selected from and a receipt issuing step of issuing the same. [Effect of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, a player can efficiently exchange the number of game media acquired through a game for general prizes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, the prize exchange system, the prize management device, and the prize exchange method according to the present Embodiment 1 will be described in detail.

[0019] In this specification, "held balls" refers to data indicating game media acquired by a player in a game, which can be used again in the game only on the same day (before the closing time of the game parlor). Note that the "number of held balls" refers to the number of game media acquired by the player through the game. Also, "stored balls" refers to data indicating game media deposited by the player at the game parlor, which can be used again in the game even after the next day (after the closing time of the game parlor). Note that the "number of stored balls" refers to the number of game media deposited by the player at the game parlor. Held balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when, for example, moving the gaming machine. Stored balls can generally be used only by member players, and are used when using the acquired game media in the game of the gaming machine after the next day. Also, the "number of game balls" refers to the number of playable balls that a player can use in the game. Also, "prizes" are prizes exchanged for the number of game media acquired by the player, and include special prizes and general prizes. "Special prizes" refer to items such as gold, lapis lazuli, bracelets, and the cores of sharp pens that can be exchanged for money handled by operators using the three-store system. "General prizes" refer to items such as snacks, beverages, and BB detergents excluding special prizes from the prizes.

[0020] <Overview of the Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 1> First, the overview of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the overview of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 1. Here, the case where a general player inserts a general card (hereinafter simply referred to as "card") into the self-prize management device 60 and exchanges held balls for general prizes will be mainly described.

[0021] If a player inserts a card into the self-prize management device 60 and performs an operation to exchange for a special prize, the remainder after the exchange for the special prize is displayed. Here, a situation is shown where out of the "990 balls" of the exchange balls, 3 (900 balls) of the special prizes (medium prizes) and 1 (50 balls) of the small special prizes are exchanged for prizes, and a remainder of 40 balls is displayed.

[0022] Fig. 1(a) shows an exchange receipt in a game parlor where the number of loose balls is 40 or more and exchange with general prizes by a general prize payout device is possible. This exchange receipt indicates that exchange with a vending machine for 40 balls is possible, and it guides movement to the vending machine, i.e., the general prize payout device.

[0023] Fig. 1(b) shows an exchange receipt in the case of a game parlor where the number of loose balls exceeds 40 (for example, 50 balls) and exchange with general prizes by a general prize payout device is possible. This exchange receipt guides the exchange of 40 loose balls at the Viking corner.

[0024] As described above, in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment, since the exchange receipt indicating exchange at the general prize payout device or exchange at the Viking corner is issued according to the number of loose balls, the prize exchange between the balls held by the player obtained through the game and the prizes can be efficiently performed.

[0025] <System Configuration> Next, the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, in the game parlor, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and podium card processors 10 provided corresponding to each of the gaming machines 20 are installed. The podium card processor 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via an island controller 30. The communication line is connected to the island controller 30, a management device 50, a self-prize management device 60, and a general prize payout device 90. Further, the self-prize management device 60 is communicably connected to a special prize payout device 80.

[0026] Here, the management device 50 corresponds to the "management device" in the claims, the self-prize management device 60 corresponds to the "prize exchange device" in the claims, and the general prize payout device 90 corresponds to the "general prize payout device" in the claims.

[0027] The gaming machine 20 is a device that conducts games by driving game balls enclosed inside the device onto the game board surface. Note that these game balls are physical "balls" used in the game, and are different from the "game balls" handled as data by the gaming machine 20. On the game board surface of this gaming machine 20, a plurality of winning areas (winning holes) are provided, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. Also, on the game board surface, a predetermined number of start areas (start holes) are provided, and a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the game balls passing through the start areas. If the lottery results in a big win, operations that are advantageous in the game are performed, such as improving the probability of game balls passing through the aforementioned winning areas or other start areas by the operation of a predetermined movable member or the like. Note that there may be an area that serves as both a start area and a winning area.

[0028] In the above-mentioned winning area, a winning sensor is provided to detect the passage of game balls into the winning area, and the winning sensor is configured to detect the passage (winning) of the game balls driven into the winning area. Also, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 has a prize ball memory that stores how many game balls are to be awarded as prize balls for each winning area, and a playable number memory that indicates the number of game balls. Further, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 periodically transmits the number of game balls to the between-stage card processor 10.

[0029] When the between-stage card processor 10 receives a payment from a game player, it associates a prepaid value corresponding to the amount of the payment with a card ID stored inside the device. This prepaid value can be used to lend game balls. Also, the between-stage card processor 10 can accept the insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, held balls, stored balls, etc. Then, at the end of the game, it ejects the card associated with the prepaid value, held balls, stored balls, etc. and returns it to the game player. Also, the between-stage card processor 10 transmits the history of operations such as payment, card insertion, and card ejection to the management device 50.

[0030] If a predetermined number of game balls are launched onto the game board surface, the gaming machine 20 transmits out data to the podium card processor 10. Further, if a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the game balls after the game balls pass through the winning area (so-called winning), the gaming machine 20 transmits safe data to the podium card processor 10. Furthermore, if a special state such as a jackpot occurs during the game, the gaming machine 20 transmits special prize data indicating the occurrence of such a state to the podium card processor 10.

[0031] The out data corresponds to the number of balls input by the player onto the game board surface. The safe data corresponds to the number of prize balls obtained by winning. Further, the special prize data indicates the state of the gaming machine 20 such as a jackpot. Each data is transmitted to the management device 50 via the podium card processor 10, and the management device 50 can obtain the operation history of the gaming machine 20 by accumulating the out data, safe data, and special prize data as operation information.

[0032] The podium card processor 10 performs acceptance of deposits, lending of game balls, communication with the management device 50, and communication with the gaming machine 20. If the podium card processor 10 accepts paper money inserted by the player, it transmits a deposit notice including the deposit amount to the management device 50, causing the management device 50 to add a prepaid value equivalent to the deposit amount to the prepaid value it manages. Then, if a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, it transmits a ball lending request to the management device 50, causing the management device 50 to subtract the prepaid value it manages and notify the gaming machine 20 of a number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value, which is added to the number of game balls.

[0033] If the podium card processor 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it transmits a card insertion notice to the management device 50. Further, when the podium card processor 10 receives the prepaid value, the remaining amount of held balls, or the remaining amount of stored balls from the management device 50, it stores the remaining amount. Then, when it receives and stores the remaining amount of held balls, it transmits a held ball subtraction request to the management device 50, clearing the remaining amount of held balls (number of held balls) managed by the management device 50 to zero.

[0034] If the inter-table card processor 10 receives a hold coin replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of hold coins managed by itself, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of hold coins, and causes the number to be added to the number of gaming balls. Also, if the inter-table card processor 10 receives a stored coin replay operation, it sends a stored coin replay request to the management device 50, causing the management device 50 to subtract a predetermined number from the number of stored coins it manages, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of stored coins, and causes the number to be added to the number of gaming balls.

[0035] If the inter-table card processor 10 receives a card return operation, it sends a hold coin addition request including the number of hold coins to the management device 50, causes the management device 50 to add the number of hold coins, and then sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 to control the card ejection. Before the card return operation, if a counting operation is received from the gaming machine 20, the number of gaming balls is added to the number of hold coins.

[0036] The inter-table card processor 10 has a function of acquiring the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and the authentication key received from the management device 50. This authentication is performed at the time of store opening processing or the like, and the gaming machine 20 becomes playable on the condition that the authentication is successful.

[0037] The inter-table card processor 10 performs various display controls based on the state of the gaming machine 20 and sends the state of the gaming machine 20 to the management device 50. The inter-table card processor 10 stores the number of gaming balls notified from the gaming machine 20 and periodically notifies the management device 50 of the number of gaming balls and the number of hold coins.

[0038] The island controller 30 is a device that groups a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-table card processors 10 provided on the gaming island and relays various information to the management device 50.

[0039] If the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the under-stage card processor 10, it manages by associating the card ID of the inserted card with the under-stage card processor 10, and transmits the prepaid value and the remaining balance of the stored credits associated with the card ID to the under-stage card processor 10. Also, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of the membership card, it transmits the stored credit replay data to the under-stage card processor 10.

[0040] Further, when the management device 50 receives a stored credit subtraction request from the under-stage card processor 10, it clears the remaining balance of the stored credits to zero, and when it receives a stored credit addition request from the under-stage card processor 10, it adds the number of stored credits indicated in the stored credit addition request to the remaining balance of the stored credits.

[0041] Also, when the management device 50 receives a credit loan request from the under-stage card processor 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and transmits a credit loan permission to the under-stage card processor 10. And when it receives a stored credit replay request, it transmits the stored credit replay data to the under-stage card processor 10.

[0042] Further, the management device 50 acquires the game machine ID from the under-stage card processor 10 and manages the game machines 20 installed in its own store. Then, it acquires an authentication key for authenticating the game machines 20 set in its own store from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the game store and distributes it to the under-stage card processor 10.

[0043] Also, the management device 50 manages the membership management data of the members registered as members in the game store. Specifically, it manages the number of stored credits, points, password, name, etc. in association with the card ID of the membership card issued to the member.

[0044] Also, if the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the between-platform card processor 10, it transmits to the between-platform card processor 10 the stored credit replay data including the remaining amount of stored credit and the PIN corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification. Also, if the management device 50 receives a stored credit replay request from the between-platform card processor 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the remaining amount of stored credit associated with the card ID indicated in the stored credit replay request, and transmits to the between-platform card processor 10 the stored credit replay data including the remaining amount of stored credit after the subtraction.

[0045] Also, if the management device 50 receives the card ID of a general card from the self-prize management device 60, it notifies the self-prize management device 60 of the number of held credits and the prepaid value associated with this card ID. In addition, if this card ID is the card ID of a membership card, it notifies the self-prize management device 60 of the number of held credits, the number of stored credits, and the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

[0046] Also, if the management device 50 receives a request for prize inventory data from the self-prize management device 60, it notifies the self-prize management device 60 of the prize inventory data.

[0047] Also, if the management device 50 receives a registration request including the prize code and the number of a selected prize from the self-prize management device 60 or the general prize payout device 90, it updates the prize inventory data.

[0048] The self-prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange installed together with the prize exchange counter in the game parlor. It has a self-function for a game player to perform a prize selection operation by himself / herself, and performs prize exchange processing for held credits and stored credits. When the self-prize management device 60 reads the card ID from a membership card or reads the identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal or the like registered as a member, it transmits the card ID to the management device 50 and requests the remaining amounts of the number of held credits, the number of stored credits, and the prepaid value of the card ID.

[0049] In addition, if the self-prize management device 60 reads the card ID from a general card, it transmits the card ID to the management device 50 and requests the number of held balls and the remaining prepaid value of the card ID. If the self-prize management device 60 receives the number of held balls, the number of stored balls, and the prepaid value associated with the card ID from the management device 50, it stores these number of held balls, number of stored balls, and prepaid value in the holding value data.

[0050] In addition, within the range of the remaining balances of the number of held balls and the number of stored balls stored in the holding value data, the self-prize management device 60 accepts the selection of a special prize and notifies the management device 50 of a registration request including the prize code and the number of the selected prize.

[0051] In addition, when exchanging for a special prize, the self-prize management device 60 notifies the special prize dispensing device 80 of a dispensing instruction including the prize code and the number of the selected prize. The special prize dispensing device 80 is a device capable of storing and dispensing special prizes. When the special prize dispensing device 80 receives a special prize dispensing instruction from the self-prize management device 60, it dispenses the corresponding special prize.

[0052] The general prize dispensing device 90 is a device capable of storing and dispensing general prizes. When the general prize dispensing device 90 receives a receipt, it reads the number of balls recorded on the receipt. Then, based on the read number of balls, it accepts the selection of a general prize, dispenses this general prize, and transmits the prize code and the number of the dispensed general prize to the management device 50.

[0053] Next, the ball lending process in the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 1 will be described. If a player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-stage card processor 10, the inter-stage card processor 10 transmits a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-stage card processor 10, the address or any identification information identifying the inter-stage card processor 10 as the transmission source, and a ball lending request.

[0054] If the management device 50 receives a telegram including a ball lending request, it subtracts a prepaid value associated with the card ID in the telegram by a predetermined value (for example, 5 plays indicating 500 yen when 1 play is 100 yen), updates the card management data, and transmits a ball lending permission to the floor card processor 10 of the transmission source. The floor card processor 10 that has received the ball lending permission transmits an addition signal requesting addition to the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value (for example, "125") to the gaming machine 20.

[0055] The gaming machine 20 that has received the addition signal adds the number of game balls and transmits the number of game balls after addition to the floor card processor 10. The floor card processor 10 compares the sum of the number of game balls before addition and the number of balls lent with the number of game balls after addition to determine whether the addition of the number of game balls has been appropriately performed.

[0056] Next, the holding ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment will be described. When the floor card processor 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it transmits a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This telegram includes the card ID of the card inserted into the floor card processor 10, the address or any identification information identifying the floor card processor 10 as the transmission source, information for identifying the rate of the floor card processor 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0057] If the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the floor card processor 10, it notifies the floor card processor 10 of the remaining balance of the holding balls of the rate specified by the telegram among the holding balls associated with the card ID in the telegram.

[0058] The inter-table card processor 10 stores the remaining balance of the stored credits received from the management device 50. Then, it transmits a message to the management device 50 that includes information identifying the card ID and rate, and a stored credit subtraction request. If the management device 50 receives the stored credit subtraction request, it clears the remaining balance of the stored credits identified by the card ID and rate to zero. Also, if the inter-table card processor 10 receives a stored credit replay operation, it subtracts a fixed number from the remaining balance of the stored credits, notifies the corresponding number to the gaming machine 20, and adds it to the number of gaming balls.

[0059] If the inter-table card processor 10 receives a management transfer request from the gaming machine 20 to transfer the management of the number of gaming balls of the gaming machine 20 to the stored credits of the inter-table card processor 10, it adds the number of gaming balls indicated in the management transfer request to its own stored credits. After that, if it receives a card return operation, it transmits a message including a stored credit addition request to the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card to be discharged, the address or any identification information identifying the inter-table card processor 10 as the transmission source, information for identifying the rate of the inter-table card processor 10, the remaining balance of the stored credits, and the stored credit addition request.

[0060] If the management device 50 receives the stored credit addition request, it updates the remaining balance (number of stored credits) of the stored credits of the rate specified by the message to the value received among the stored credits associated with the card ID in the message. After that, the inter-table card processor 10 transmits a card discharge notification to the management device 50 and controls the card discharge.

[0061] Next, the stored credit replay process in the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 1 will be described. When the inter-table card processor 10 receives a membership card, or when it reads the identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card, it transmits a message addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-table card processor 10 (or the identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal), the address or any identification information identifying the inter-table card processor 10 as the transmission source, information for identifying the rate of the inter-table card processor 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0062] The management device 50 transmits the stored ball replay data including the password associated with the card ID in the telegram and the remaining amount of the stored balls of the rate specified by the telegram to the floor card processor 10.

[0063] The floor card processor 10 stores the received stored ball replay data, and when the remaining amount of the stored balls indicated in the stored ball replay data is equal to or more than the number of game balls paid out in the stored ball replay (the number of stored ball replay units. For example, "125 balls"), the stored ball replay operation can be accepted.

[0064] After storing the stored ball replay data, when the floor card processor 10 first accepts the stored ball replay operation, it requests the player to input the password, and checks whether the input password matches the password indicated in the stored ball replay data.

[0065] When the passwords match, the floor card processor 10 transmits a telegram addressed to the local address of the management device 50. This telegram includes the card ID of the card inserted in the floor card processor 10, the address or any identification information identifying the floor card processor 10 as the transmission source, the information for specifying the rate of the floor card processor 10, and the stored ball replay request.

[0066] The management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the remaining amount of the stored balls of the rate specified by the telegram among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the telegram, and transmits the stored ball replay data including the remaining amount after subtraction to the floor card processor 10.

[0067] The inter-stage card processor 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the remaining amount of the stored balls, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units, and causes the number of gaming balls to be added. Further, it determines whether the remaining amount of the stored balls after the update is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the remaining amount of the updated stored ball data is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, the stored ball replay operation can be accepted again. If the stored ball replay operation is accepted, a stored ball replay request is transmitted. For the second and subsequent stored ball replay operations, it is not necessary to confirm the PIN. If the remaining amount of the updated stored ball data is less than the number of stored ball replay units, the stored ball replay operation cannot be accepted.

[0068] Next, the transfer from the held balls to the stored balls in the closing process will be described. The management device 50 checks the remaining amount of the held balls in the card management data at the time of the closing process. If there is a held ball with a remaining amount greater than "0", the remaining amount of the held ball is added to the remaining amount of the stored balls and updated. After that, the management device 50 clears the remaining amount of the held ball to zero.

[0069] <External appearance configuration of the inter-stage card processor 10 and the gaming machine 20> Next, the external appearance configuration of the inter-stage card processor 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance configuration of the inter-stage card processor 10 and the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2. In the figure, the inter-stage card processor 10 that accepts only banknotes is illustrated, but a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-stage card processor 10 is provided with a status display unit 11 that displays the status of the device of the inter-stage card processor 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, a banknote insertion slot 12a for accepting various banknotes, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, and a card insertion slot 14a for accepting a card associated with a card ID.

[0071] The gaming machine 20 is provided with a game board surface, a handle 21 used when throwing the enclosed gaming balls onto the game board surface, and a counting button 22.

[0072] The counting button 22 is an operation button for performing a management transfer that subtracts the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20 and adds the corresponding number to the credit of the under-stage card processor 10, thereby transferring the management of the number of balls that can be thrown from the gaming machine 20 to the under-stage card processor 10. This management transfer corresponds to a counting process in which the under-stage card processor 10 counts the paid-out game balls and adds them to the credit in an open-type gaming machine 20 where actual game balls are paid out upon winning.

[0073] <Configuration of the under-stage card processor 10> Next, the configuration of the under-stage card processor 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the under-stage card processor 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the under-stage card processor 10 includes a bill transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, a control unit 17, and a game management unit 18.

[0074] The bill transport unit 12 is a transport unit that discriminates the denomination and authenticity of bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 12a and transports them to a bill storage unit (not shown). The display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various information such as valuable values and accepts various operations such as a ball lending operation.

[0075] The reader / writer 14 is a reading unit that reads the card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a is stored in a card storage unit (not shown) via this reader / writer 14. The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the management device 50 via the island controller 30.

[0076] The storage unit 16 is a storage device composed of a hard disk device, a non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 16 stores the self-device state data 16a and the card data 16b.

[0077] The self-device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-stage card processor 10. This self-device status data 16a includes an inter-stage card processor ID, a gaming machine ID, a game type, etc. The inter-stage card processor ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the inter-stage card processor 10 within the game parlor. The game type is data indicating the rate set for the inter-stage card processor 10. When handling game balls of multiple rates within the game parlor, for example, for 4-yen rate game balls, the game type name is set as "Ball 1", for 2-yen rate game balls as "Ball 2", and for 1-yen rate game balls as "Ball 3", and they are managed by setting the game type name for each rate. The inter-stage card processor 10 selects the rate to be used in the game from these game types and stores it as the game type. The game type may be fixed for each section where the inter-stage card processor 10 is installed, or may be changeable by the operation of the game customer.

[0078] The card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the game customer. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a PIN, a prepaid value, the number of balls held, the number of balls stored, etc. The card ID is the card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is conveyed from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and then discharged, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this conveyance. Also, when a card is conveyed from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this conveyance. The prepaid value indicates the remaining balance of the prepaid value available for ball lending, and the number of balls held and the number of balls stored indicate their respective remaining balances.

[0079] The game management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processes related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20. It is desirable to form this game management unit 18 on a substrate different from the control unit 17. The game management unit 18 includes an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine state management unit 18c. In practice, by loading these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executing them, processes corresponding to the authentication processing unit 18a, the authentication key management unit 18b, and the gaming machine state management unit 18c are respectively executed.

[0080] The authentication processing unit 18a performs authentication of the gaming machine 20 using the authentication key received from the management device 50. If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits an operation permission to the gaming machine 20. If the authentication fails, the authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20. Even if the authentication fails, if it is within a predetermined period from the last successful authentication, an operation permission may be transmitted to the gaming machine 20, and after the predetermined period has elapsed since the last successful authentication, no operation permission is transmitted to the gaming machine 20, and the use of the gaming machine 20 may be prohibited.

[0081] The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages authentication keys. A usage time is set for the authentication key, and when the cumulative operation time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key, the authentication key becomes unusable. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b uses the power-on time of the substrate on which the game management unit 18 is formed as the operation time of the gaming machine 20 and manages the usage time of the authentication key. When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b obtains a new authentication key from an authentication key management center outside the store via the management device 50 and updates the authentication key.

[0082] The gaming machine state management unit 18c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the state of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, transmits a request to add to the number of gaming balls by lending balls, transmits a management transfer request from the held balls to the number of gaming balls by a hold ball replay, transmits a request to add to the number of gaming balls by a stored ball replay, receives the gaming results such as the number of balls driven into the gaming machine 20 and the number of prize balls, and receives a management transfer request from the number of gaming balls to the held balls by counting. The communication between the pedestal card processor 10 and the gaming machine 20 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

[0083] In addition, the gaming machine state management unit 18c further acquires the current number of gaming balls of the gaming machine 20 and the states set for the game such as start, big win, big win type, and number of lottery times. It is desirable to set the time interval at which the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the state of the gaming machine 20 to be shorter than the interval at which gaming balls are launched (used) in the gaming machine 20. Further, when the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 20, it delivers the number of gaming balls to the control unit 17.

[0084] Note that the timing at which the gaming machine state management unit 18c newly acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 is not limited to before opening. When the power of the pedestal card processor 10 is turned on or off, during regular communication, when processing related to the number of gaming balls (such as lending balls, replay, counting, etc.) is performed, or when returning from the offline state, it is possible to acquire the gaming machine ID and determine the replacement of the gaming machine 20. Also, these timings may be used in combination.

[0085] The control unit 17 is a control unit that performs overall control of the pedestal card processor 10. Actually, a process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the control unit 17 into the CPU and executing it. The data management unit 17a is a processing unit that manages the card data 16b.

[0086] Specifically, when a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID and the ID of the inter-stage card processing unit to the management device 50. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including a valuable value (at least any one of prepaid value, held balls, and stored balls) from the management device 50, it updates the card data 16b with the received valuable value.

[0087] In addition, when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits a deposit notification including the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID, and the ID of the inter-stage card processing unit to the management device 50.

[0088] Also, when a ball lending operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball lending request including the card ID and the ID of the inter-stage card processing unit to the management device 50. If a ball lending permission is received as a response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a subtracts the prepaid value of the card data 16b and instructs the game management unit 18 to add a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20.

[0089] In addition, if the data management unit 17a receives a held ball replay operation, it subtracts and updates the held balls in the card data 16b and instructs the game management unit 18 to add the corresponding number of balls to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20.

[0090] In addition, when the remaining credit of the stored balls shown in the card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, the data management unit 17a displays a stored ball replay button on the display operation unit 13 and enables acceptance of a stored ball replay operation. When a stored ball replay operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a transmits a stored ball replay request including the card ID and the inter-stage card processor ID to the management device 50. If stored ball replay data is received as a response to this stored ball replay request, the remaining credit of the stored balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the game management unit 18 is instructed to add the number of balls corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20. At the time of the first stored ball replay operation, input of a password is requested, and it is a condition for transmitting a stored ball replay request that it matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

[0091] In addition, when the game management unit 18 accepts a transfer request of game balls from the gaming machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed by the game management unit 18 to the balls held in the card data 16b and updates it.

[0092] In addition, when a card return operation is accepted, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball addition request including the card ID, the inter-stage card processor ID, and the remaining credit of the held balls to the management device 50. Then, after clearing the card data 16b, a card ejection notice is transmitted to the management device 50, and the card is ejected.

[0093] Next, a specific example of the data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-stage card processor 10 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the self-device state data 16a and the card data 16b shown in FIG. 4.

[0094] The self-device state data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) shows a state in which the ID of the inter-stage card processor 10 is "A101", the gaming machine ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", and "Ball 1" is set as the game type of the inter-stage card processor 10.

[0095] The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-stage card processor 10 is "2015". Here, the upper digit of the card ID indicates the type of the card. A card with the upper digit "1" is a general card, and a card with the upper digit "2" is a membership card. Also, the card data 16b indicates that the PIN for stored ball replay is "1234" and the prepaid value is "0" credits. Here, one credit is equivalent to one yen in terms of the prepaid value.

[0096] Also, the card data 16b indicates that as the held balls, the remaining balance of the held balls of ball 1 is "990" balls, the remaining balance of the held balls of ball 2 is "0" balls, and the remaining balance of the held balls of ball 3 is "0" balls. As the stored balls, the remaining balance of the stored balls of ball 1 is "0" balls, the remaining balance of the stored balls of ball 2 is "0" balls, and the remaining balance of the stored balls of ball 3 is "0" balls.

[0097] <Configuration of the gaming machine 20> Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 20 includes a communication control unit 23, a performance control unit 24, a game control unit 25, and a game ball control unit 26. The communication control unit 23 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-stage card processor 10. Communication with the inter-stage card processor 10 uses encrypted communication with a predetermined encryption method.

[0098] At the startup of the gaming machine 20, the communication control unit 23 reads identification information from the control CPUs provided in the game control unit 25 and / or the game ball control unit 26, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if it is appropriate, establishes communication with the inter-stage card processor 10 and enters the standby state. In the standby state, if an operation permission is received from the inter-stage card processor 10, the performance control unit 24, the game control unit 25, and the game ball control unit 26 are activated to make the gaming machine 20 in a playable state.

[0099] The game control unit 25 is a control unit for controlling the game by the gaming machine 20. Actually, a process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the game control unit 25 into the CPU and executing it.

[0100] Specifically, the game control unit 25 performs control of launching game balls onto the game board by detecting handle operations, detection of game balls that have entered the winning holes on the game board, acquisition and lottery (special symbols and normal symbols) of random numbers (among random number values from 0 to 65535, where large wins, small wins, and losing values are assigned for each predetermined range) by game balls that have entered the start hole, control of movable members (such as tulips) provided on the game board, display control of a special symbol display device provided on the game board, detection of abnormalities with a risk of fraud (such as the front frame being open, vibration being detected, etc.) and notification to a higher-level device, and the like.

[0101] A large number of obstacle pins are implanted on the game board. The game balls launched onto the game board by handle operations fall between the obstacle pins and either win by entering the winning holes or the start hole, or are discharged outside the game board through the out hole of the game board without winning. When a game ball wins by entering the start hole, a lottery is conducted. If it is a big win, a big win game is performed in which a plurality of predetermined winning holes on the game board are controlled to be in an open state multiple times, and by making it easier for game balls to win at this winning hole, prize balls are awarded to the game players.

[0102] In addition, among the big wins, there is a big win game with a privilege in which a predetermined privilege game is awarded to the game player after the big win game ends. The big win game with a privilege includes a probability-variable big win and a time-saving big win. The probability-variable big win and the time-saving big win each award a probability-variable game and a time-saving game as privilege games after the big win. The time-saving game is a privilege game that increases the number of lottery times per unit time and increases the probability of winning a big win per unit time by shortening the variable time (the time from starting the lottery process to displaying the result) of the normal symbol lottery (the opening and closing lottery of the above-mentioned movable member) and / or the special symbol lottery (the big win lottery by the winning of the above-mentioned game ball). This privilege game may include a normal symbol probability variation that increases the winning probability of the normal symbol. The time-saving game by the time-saving big win ends when the number of lottery times of the special symbol lottery has been performed a predetermined number of times after the big win. The probability-variable game will be described later.

[0103] The game control unit 25 has a probability variation function. The probability variation function is a function that performs control to change the random number range for jackpot used in the next lottery when the lottery result falls within a particularly defined random number range among jackpots (generally making it about 10 times). The probability variation game performs a special symbol lottery using the probability after this change. The probability variation game continues until the next jackpot win. Also, a probability variation game and a time-saving game may be provided simultaneously. However, in order to prevent unexpected damage to the game parlor, when a player obtains a certain number of game media after the start of a probability variation game or a time-saving game, a stop (once discharging cards and requesting prize exchange or table movement) process may be performed. In this case, it can be realized by counting the number of game media after the probability variation game state is reached by the gaming machine 20 and performing game stop control such as stopping the emission of game balls when this count value reaches a predetermined value.

[0104] The effect control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the effects during the game and has an effect symbol lottery unit 24a and an effect lottery unit 24b. Actually, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, processes corresponding to the effect symbol lottery unit 24a and the effect lottery unit 24b are executed respectively.

[0105] The effect symbol lottery unit 24a performs a lottery of effect symbols (symbols displayed on an effect symbol display device such as a display device on the game board surface) (specifically, whether to finally stop the display at 7, 7, 7, etc.) based on the special symbol lottery in the game control unit 25.

[0106] The effect lottery unit 24b performs a lottery of the type of effect to be performed until the lottery result based on the effect symbol is displayed (such as a character appearing and performing a reach effect). Such effects are set so that the effects selected for the main lottery result are different.

[0107] The effect control unit 24 stores the effect data of each effect. Further, the effect control unit 24 controls the display of the effect symbol display device, and at the time of effect execution, performs an effect display by overlapping the effect data on the background symbol data. Also, at the time of probability variation, background color data different from the normal state is set.

[0108] The game ball control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the number of game balls. Actually, by loading and executing a program corresponding to the game ball control unit 26 into the CPU, the process will be executed. The playable number management unit 26a is a management unit that manages the playable number, that is, the number of game balls.

[0109] Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in the playable number memory, subtracts "1" from the number of game balls each time a game ball is launched, and adds the number of prize balls obtained by winning to the number of game balls. Also, when the number of balls is notified by the inter-stage card processor 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of game balls, and a confirmation signal indicating that the number of game balls has been added is transmitted to the inter-stage card processor 10. In addition, the game ball control unit 26 can also perform cleaning control of the game balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the gaming machine 20.

[0110] Also, the game ball control unit 26 periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the playable number memory to the inter-stage card processor 10. In this case, the game ball control unit 26 transmits the number of game balls at the time of data acquisition to the inter-stage card processor 10 while continuously updating the number of game balls according to the game state without clearing the content of the playable number memory to zero.

[0111] In addition, the gaming machine 20 is provided with a counting button 22, and a signal indicating that the counting button 22 has been pressed is input to the game ball control unit 26. When the game ball control unit 26 detects a pressing operation of the counting button 22 and the time from the rising edge to the falling edge of the detection signal is less than a certain time, it transmits a management transfer request to the between-stage card processor 10 together with data on the number of game balls in a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation). Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the between-stage card processor 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. Further, when the pressing operation of the counting button 22 is detected and the falling edge is not detected for a predetermined time or more after the detection signal rises, a management transfer request is transmitted to the between-stage card processor 10 together with data on the number of game balls in a certain number (for example, 200 balls per 5 seconds) every time the state where the detection signal has risen continues for a certain time. Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the between-stage card processor 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. When subtracting from the number of game balls, methods such as decrementing the value to be subtracted from the value of 1 stored in the memory, updating the value stored in the memory with the value after subtraction, and deleting or logically deleting the value before subtraction to invalidate it can be considered, but there is no particular limitation as long as the value after subtraction can be specified.

[0112] The game control unit 25 and the game ball control unit 26 are each configured on a separate substrate. The game control board on which the game control unit 25 is configured and the game ball control board on which the game ball control unit 26 is configured each have a unique ID. The gaming machine 20 combines the ID of the game control board and the ID of the game ball control board and uses them as the gaming machine ID.

[0113] <Configuration of the management device 50> Next, the configuration of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the management device 50 is connected to a display unit 51 and an input unit 52, and has an external network communication unit 53, a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56.

[0114] The display unit 51 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display apparatus. The input unit 52 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication with an authentication key management center (not shown) via an external network. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the self-prize management device 60, and the general prize payout device 90 via a communication line within the game parlor.

[0115] The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a non-volatile memory, and stores card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, and prize inventory data 55d.

[0116] The card management data 55a is data associating the remaining prepaid value, the remaining number of tokens, etc. with the card ID. The device management data 55b is data regarding the devices installed in the game parlor. This device management data 55b includes the ID of the counter card processor, the installation location, the game table number, the game machine ID, the model data of the gaming machine 20, etc.

[0117] The member management data 55c is data associating the name of the member, the information of the stored tokens, etc. with the card ID of the member card issued to the member. The prize inventory data 55d is data for managing the inventory of all prizes including special prizes and general prizes.

[0118] The control unit 56 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management device 50, and has a card management unit 56a, a device management unit 56b, a member management unit 56c, and a prize inventory management unit 56d. Actually, by loading and executing these programs in the CPU, processes corresponding to the card management unit 56a, the device management unit 56b, the member management unit 56c, and the prize inventory management unit 56d are respectively executed.

[0119] The card management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages card management data 55a. The card management unit 56a communicates with the between-stage card processor 10 and the self-prize management device 60 to update the prepaid value and the remaining balance of the stored coins associated with the card ID. Further, when the card management unit 56a receives a card insertion notification from the between-stage card processor 10 or a request for the value associated with the card from the self-prize management device 60, it notifies the valuable value and the remaining balance of the stored coins associated with the card.

[0120] The device management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages device management data 55b. The device management unit 56b generates and updates the device management data 55b based on the between-stage card processor ID, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID acquired from the between-stage card processor 10.

[0121] The member management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages member management data 55c. The member management unit 56c communicates with the between-stage card processor 10 and the self-prize management device 60 to update the remaining balance of the stored coins associated with the card ID. Further, when the member management unit 56c receives a member registration request, it performs an update to add a member to the member management data 55c.

[0122] Here, the stored coin replay process by the member management unit 56c will be described. If the member management unit 56c receives stored coin replay request data from the between-stage card processor 10, it subtracts the payout unit amount from the remaining balance of the stored coins at the payout destination rate among the stored coins associated with the card ID in the stored coin replay request data, and recalculates the possible number of stored coin replays. Then, it transmits the stored coin replay data including the remaining balance after subtraction and the possible number of stored coin replays to the between-stage card processor 10.

[0123] The prize inventory management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages prize inventory data 55d indicating the inventory of all prizes. If the prize inventory management unit 56d receives a prize code and the number of prizes from the self-prize management device 60 or the general prize payout device 90, it subtracts the number of the corresponding prizes in the prize inventory data 55d.

[0124] Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 55 of the management device 50 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of the card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, and prize inventory data 55d shown in FIG. 7.

[0125] In the card management data 55a shown in FIG. 8(a), a prepaid value of "0" degrees, a remaining balance of "0" balls for each rate, and a usage destination ID of "A101" are associated with the card ID "1001". That is, the card with the card ID "1001" is inserted into the floor card processor 10 with the device ID "A101", and the management of the balls has been transferred to the floor card processor 10. Therefore, the remaining balance of the balls for each rate becomes zero.

[0126] Also, in the card management data 55a, a prepaid value of "0" is associated with the card ID "2015". Also, as the balls, a remaining balance of "990" balls for ball 1, a remaining balance of "0" balls for ball 2, and a remaining balance of "0" balls for ball 3 are associated. However, no usage destination ID is associated. That is, the card with the card ID "2015" is not inserted into the floor card processor 10, and the management of the balls is being performed by the management device 50.

[0127] The device management data 55b shown in FIG. 8(b) indicates that for the floor card processor 10 with the ID "A101", its installation location is "Island 1-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", the gaming table number is "11", the gaming type is "ball 1", the model of the gaming machine 20 is "EV01", and the manufacturing number is "a". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in a state of being in use.

[0128] Also, the device management data 55b indicates that for the floor card processor 10 with the ID "A201", its installation location is "Island 2-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B506", the gaming table number is "21", the gaming type is "ball 3", the model of the gaming machine 20 is "DX03", and the manufacturing number is "g". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in a state of being in use.

[0129] The membership management data 55c shown in FIG. 8(c) shows the name, stored points, etc. associated with the card ID. Specifically, the membership management data 55c shows a state where, for the card ID "2015", the name is "Patent Taro", the remaining balance of the stored points of "Ball 1" is "0" balls, the remaining balance of the stored points of "Ball 2" is "0" balls, and the remaining balance of the stored points of "Ball 3" is "0" balls.

[0130] The prize inventory data 55d shown in FIG. 9 is data that associates the total inventory with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The prize inventory data 55d associates a total inventory of "400" pieces with the prize code "0001", prize name "Grand Prize", and group code "01", associates a total inventory of "400" pieces with the prize code "0002", prize name "Medium Prize", and group code "01", and associates a total inventory of "400" pieces with the prize name "Small Prize" and group code "01".

[0131] Also, the prize inventory data 55d shows a situation where it associates a total inventory of "100" pieces with the prize code "0100", prize name "AA Stuffed Toy", and group code "02", associates a total inventory of "100" pieces with the prize code "0101", prize name "BB Detergent", and group code "02", associates a total inventory of "100" pieces with the prize code "0102", prize name "CC Cup Noodles", and group code "02", and associates a total inventory of "100" pieces with the prize code "0103", prize name "DD Chocolate" and group code "02".

[0132] <Configuration of the Self-Prize Management Device 60> Next, the configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self-prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 10.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 10, the self-prize management device 60 is a small computer operated by the player himself / herself and is arranged on the table of the prize exchange counter provided at a predetermined position in the game parlor. A special prize payout device 80 for paying out special prizes is arranged on the table of such a prize exchange counter and is communicably connected to the self-prize management device 60.

[0134] A card reader / writer 61 and a receipt issuing unit 62 are connected to the self-prize management device 60. The card reader / writer 61 is a processing unit that reads the card ID from the player's card and writes the prize code and the number on the card. The receipt issuing unit 62 is a thermal printer or the like and issues various receipts such as a receipt on which information specifying the selected prize is printed.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 11, the self-prize management device 60 includes a display operation unit 64, a communication unit 65, a storage unit 66, and a control unit 67. Although not shown here, a staff tag reader for reading the identification code of the staff tag held by the staff can also be provided. The employee who operates the self-prize management device 60 is specified by such an identification code. Also, a mobile terminal reader for reading the ID from the mobile terminal of the registered member player can be provided.

[0136] The display operation unit 64 is an input / output device such as a liquid crystal touch panel, and the communication unit 65 is an interface unit for the self-prize management device 60 to communicate with the management device 50 and the special prize payout device 80 via a communication line or the like.

[0137] The storage unit 66 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores possession value data 66a, prize inventory data 66b, and jackpot threshold data 66c.

[0138] The holding value data 66a is data indicating the value associated with the card read by the card reader / writer 61. The prize inventory data 66b is data for managing the inventory of prizes. The small change threshold data 66c is data indicating the minimum number of balls required for general prizes that can be paid out by the general prize payout device 90.

[0139] The control unit 67 is a control unit that overall controls the self-prize management device 60, and includes a holding value management unit 67a, a prize selection control unit 67b, and a receipt issuance processing unit 67c. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, processes corresponding to the holding value management unit 67a, the prize selection control unit 67b, and the receipt issuance processing unit 67c are respectively executed.

[0140] The holding value management unit 67a is a processing unit that manages the holding value data 66a. When the card ID is read by the card reader / writer 61, the holding value management unit 67a requests the management device 50 for the remaining balance, the number of balls in hand, and the number of stored balls of the valuable value associated with the card ID. When the holding value management unit 67a receives the remaining balance, the number of balls in hand, and the number of stored balls of the valuable value associated with the card ID from the management device 50, it stores the remaining balance, the number of balls in hand, and the number of stored balls of this valuable value in the holding value data 66a.

[0141] The prize selection control unit 67b is a processing unit that selects prizes to be exchanged for prizes. The prize selection control unit 67b accepts the selection of special prizes based on the prize inventory data 66b within the range of the remaining balance of the balls in hand and stored balls.

[0142] Also, when a special prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67b notifies the management device 50 of a registration request including the prize code and the number of the selected prize. When a special prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67b notifies the special prize payout device 80 of a payout instruction including the prize code and the number of the selected prize, and subtracts the number of the corresponding prize in the prize inventory data 66b.

[0143] Also, after accepting the selection of the special prize, the prize selection control unit 67b accepts the payout of the general prize by the general prize payout device 90 within the range of the remaining balance of the held balls and stored balls. If the payout of the general prize is accepted, the remaining balance of the held balls and stored balls is treated as the number of end balls.

[0144] Also, the prize selection control unit 67b delivers the type and number of the selected special prize, as well as the number of end balls, to the receipt issuance processing unit 67c.

[0145] The receipt issuance processing unit 67c is a processing unit that issues an exchange receipt. If the receipt issuance processing unit 67c receives the type and number of the selected special prize, as well as the number of end balls, from the prize selection control unit 67b, it prints the received data as characters on the exchange receipt, converts the received number of end balls into a barcode and prints it, and issues it as an exchange receipt.

[0146] Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 66 of the self-prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the held value data 66a, prize inventory data 66b, and end ball threshold data 66c shown in FIG. 11.

[0147] The held value data 66a shown in FIG. 12(a) is data indicating the number of held balls, the number of stored balls, the prepaid value, etc., which are the values associated with the read card. The held value data 66a shows a state where the number of held balls of ball 1 is "990" balls, the number of held balls of ball 2 is "0" balls, the number of held balls of ball 3 is "0" balls, the number of stored balls of ball 1 is "0" balls, the number of stored balls of ball 2 is "0" balls, the number of stored balls of ball 3 is "0" balls, and the prepaid value is "0".

[0148] The prize inventory data 66b shown in FIG. 12(b) is data that associates the prize name, group code, and total inventory with the prize code. The prize inventory data 66b associates the prize name "Grand Prize", group code "01", and total inventory of "400" pieces with the prize code "0001", associates the prize name "Medium Prize", group code "01", and total inventory of "400" pieces with the prize code "0002", and associates the prize name "Small Prize", group code "01", and total inventory of "400" pieces with the prize code "0003".

[0149] The end ball threshold data 66c shown in FIG. 12(c) indicates a state where the end ball threshold is "40" balls.

[0150] <General prize dispensing device 90> Next, the general prize dispensing device 90 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the general prize dispensing device 90 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the general prize dispensing device 90 shown in FIG. 13.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 13, this general prize dispensing device 90 has the same appearance as a vending machine that sells snacks and the like, enables the general prizes stored in the storage section to be visually recognized, and has a display operation section 91, a receipt reader 94, and an outlet 98. Here, it is assumed that AA stuffed toys, BB detergents, CC cup spoons, DD chocolates, etc. are stored in the general prize dispensing device 90.

[0152] When an exchange receipt is presented to the receipt reader 94 of the general prize dispensing device 90, the number of balls recorded in the barcode of the exchange receipt is read, and the selection of general prizes is accepted within the range of this number of balls. When the general prize dispensing device 90 accepts the selection of a general prize from the display operation section 91, the corresponding general prize is transported from the storage section to the outlet 98 by the elevator. As a result, the player can take out the general prize from the outlet 98.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 14, the general prize payout device 90 includes a display operation unit 91, a storage unit 92, a conveyance unit 93, a receipt reader 94, a communication unit 95, a storage unit 96, and a control unit 97.

[0154] The display operation unit 91 is an input / output device such as a liquid crystal touch panel. The storage unit 92 is a part for storing general prizes, and here, it is configured such that general prizes can be confirmed from the outside using a transparent acrylic plate or the like.

[0155] The conveyance unit 93 is a mechanism for conveying the selected general prize to the outlet 98. Specifically, the elevator is moved to the storage unit of the corresponding prize, the prize is placed on the elevator, and then the elevator is moved to the outlet 98 to convey the prize to the outlet 98. When multiple prizes are targeted, the elevator is sequentially moved to the positions of the storage units where each prize is located, and the multiple prizes are collectively conveyed to the outlet 98.

[0156] The receipt reader 94 reads the number of balls from the exchange receipt. The communication unit 95 is an interface unit for the general prize payout device 90 to communicate with the management device 50 via a communication line.

[0157] The storage unit 96 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a non-volatile memory, and stores prize inventory data 96a. The prize inventory data 96a is data for managing the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92.

[0158] The control unit 97 is a control unit that controls the general prize payout device 90 as a whole, and includes a prize selection control unit 97a, an inventory management unit 97b, and a conveyance control unit 97c. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed to cause the processes corresponding to the prize selection control unit 97a, the inventory management unit 97b, and the conveyance control unit 97c to be executed respectively.

[0159] The prize selection control unit 97a is a processing unit that accepts the selection of general prizes. When the number of balls is read by the receipt reader 94, the prize selection control unit 97a accepts the selection of general prizes within the range of the number of balls. In addition, when the number of balls held and the number of balls stored after exchanging prizes for general prizes are less than the end ball threshold value, it is also possible to configure to issue a Viking exchange receipt including the number of balls held and the number of balls stored that the player can obtain at the Viking corner and the roaming information that guides the player to the Viking corner. In such a case, it is necessary to store the end ball threshold value in the storage unit 96.

[0160] The inventory management unit 97b is a processing unit that manages prize inventory data 96a indicating the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92. When a general prize is selected by the prize selection control unit 97a, the inventory management unit 97b notifies the management device 50 of the prize code and the number of this general prize. The inventory management unit 97b delivers the prize code and the number of the selected general prize to the conveyance control unit 97c and subtracts the inventory number of the data of the corresponding prize in the prize inventory data 96a.

[0161] The conveyance control unit 97c is a processing unit that controls the conveyance of general prizes. When receiving the prize code and the number from the inventory management unit 97b, the conveyance control unit 97c controls the conveyance unit 93 to convey the corresponding number of general prizes from the storage unit 92 to the outlet 98.

[0162] Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 96 of the general prize payout device 90 shown in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the prize inventory data 96a shown in FIG. 14.

[0163] The prize inventory data 96a shown in FIG. 15 is data that associates the prize name, group code, and inventory quantity with the prize code. The prize inventory data 96a associates the prize name "AA stuffed toy", group code "02", and inventory quantity "100" pieces with the prize code "0100", and associates the prize name "BB detergent", group code "02", and inventory quantity "100" pieces with the prize code "0101". Also, the prize name "CC cup oar", group code "02", and inventory quantity "100" pieces are associated with the prize code "0102", and the prize name "DD chocolate", group code "02", and inventory quantity "100" pieces are associated with the prize code "0103".

[0164] <Processing procedure of the self-prize management device 60 according to Embodiment 1> Next, the processing procedure of the self-prize management device 60 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the self-prize management device 60 according to Embodiment 1.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 16, if the self-prize management device 60 receives a card (step S101; Yes), it receives the selection of a special prize (step S102).

[0166] If the received card is a membership card (step S103; Yes) and it has received the payout of a general prize from the general prize payout device 90 (step S107; Yes), it issues a vending machine exchange receipt on which the payout of the general prize is printed by the general prize payout device 90 (step S108), pays out the selected special prize (step S109), and ends the process as it is.

[0167] If the received card is a membership card (step S103; Yes) and it has not received the payout of a general prize (step S107; No), it pays out the selected special prize (step S109) and ends the process as it is.

[0168] If the received card is a general card (step S103; No) and general prize payout has been accepted (step S104; Yes), an automatic vending machine exchange receipt is issued (step S108), the selected special prize is paid out (step S109), and the process ends as it is.

[0169] If the received card is a general card (step S103; No) and general prize payout has not been accepted (step S104; No), the number of remaining balls after special prize selection is compared with the remaining ball threshold value of the remaining ball threshold data 66c (step S105).

[0170] If the number of remaining balls is greater than or equal to the remaining ball threshold value (step S105; Yes), an automatic vending machine exchange receipt is issued (step S108), the selected special prize is paid out (step S109), and the process ends as it is.

[0171] If the number of remaining balls is less than the remaining ball threshold value (step S105; No), a Viking exchange receipt that prompts receipt of a general prize at the Viking corner is issued (step S106), the selected special prize is paid out (step S109), and the process ends.

[0172] As described above, in the first embodiment, in the self-prize management device 60, based on the number of remaining balls after receiving the selection of a special prize, different exchange receipts indicating exchange at the general prize payout device 90 or exchange at the Viking corner are issued according to the number of remaining balls that can be exchanged at the general prize payout device 90. Therefore, prize exchange between the balls held by the player obtained through the game and the prizes can be efficiently performed.

[0173] In the first embodiment above, the configuration of printing the number of remaining balls on the exchange receipt and issuing it has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if it is a general card, if the number of remaining balls is equal to or more than a predetermined number of balls, the number of remaining balls can be stored in the card, and this card can be received at the general prize payout device to configure the payout of the general prize.

[0174] In addition, it can also be configured such that when the exchange at the general prize payout device 90 is simply selected, a vending machine exchange receipt is issued regardless of the number of end balls. This is because the exchange at the general prize payout device 90 may be selected in advance regardless of the number of balls.

[0175] [Embodiment 2] By the way, in the above-described Embodiment 1, the configuration in which the number of end balls after the selection of the special prize is printed on and issued as an exchange receipt has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In a game parlor that performs an exchange with a general prize using points given according to the usage situation of the game parlor, it can also be configured to efficiently perform an exchange of a general prize using the number of end balls and the number of held points.

[0176] In the present Embodiment 2, a configuration for performing an exchange of a general prize using the number of end balls and the number of held points in a game parlor that performs an exchange with a general prize using points given according to the usage situation of the game parlor will be described.

[0177] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the present Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 17, in the self-prize management device 100, after a special prize is selected, a general prize is selected using the number of exchangeable balls and the number of exchangeable points.

[0178] In FIG. 17, if the number of exchange balls held is 1500 balls and one special prize (large) is selected and 1250 balls are used, the number of exchangeable balls becomes 250 balls. Also, the number of exchangeable points held is 5 points.

[0179] FIG. 17(a) shows a case where a general prize is selected in the self-prize management device 100. Specifically, 2 AB breads and 2 CD beverages are selected using 250 of the exchangeable balls, and 1 EF beverage and 1 GH chocolate are selected using 5 of the exchangeable points, and it is printed on the exchange receipt. By presenting this exchange receipt to the general prize payout device 110, the selected general prize is paid out.

[0180] Figure 17(b) shows the case where the general prize is not selected in the self-prize management device 100 and the general prize is selected in the general prize payout device 110. Specifically, 250 balls of the number of exchangeable balls and 5 points of the number of exchangeable points are printed on the exchange receipt. By presenting this exchange receipt to the general prize payout device 110, a general prize is selected and paid out within the range of the printed number of balls and points.

[0181] <Prize exchange pattern according to Embodiment 2> Next, the prize exchange pattern according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the prize exchange pattern according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 18, the prize exchange pattern is classified into four types according to the operation content of the self-prize management device 100. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an exchange receipt printed in each exchange pattern.

[0182] In Pattern 1, in the self-prize management device 100, the general prize is selected by the prize name, and the point prize is selected by the prize name. The exchange receipt issued in this case has the prize name of the general prize and the prize name of the point prize printed as shown in FIG. 19(a). The operation of the general prize payout device 110 is to read the barcode of this exchange receipt and then pay out the general prize and the point prize selected in the self-prize management device 100.

[0183] In Pattern 2, in the self-prize management device 100, the general prize is selected by the prize name, and the point prize is selected by the number of points. The exchange receipt issued in this case has the prize name of the general prize and the number of points of the point prize printed as shown in FIG. 19(b). The operation of the general prize payout device 110 is to read the barcode of the exchange receipt and then pay out the general prize selected in the self-prize management device 100. Then, the selection of the point prize is accepted and the selected point prize is paid out.

[0184] In Pattern 3, in the self-prize management device 100, general prizes are selected by the number of balls, and point prizes are selected by the name of the prize. The exchange receipt issued in this case has the number of balls of the general prize and the name of the point prize printed thereon, as shown in FIG. 19(c). The operation of the general prize payout device 110 is to accept the selection of the general prize after reading the barcode of the exchange receipt and pay out the selected general prize. Then, the point prize selected in the self-prize management device 100 is paid out.

[0185] In Pattern 4, in the self-prize management device 100, general prizes are selected by the number of balls, and point prizes are selected by the number of points. The exchange receipt issued in this case has the number of balls of the general prize and the number of points of the point prize printed thereon, as shown in FIG. 19(d). The operation of the general prize payout device 110 is to accept the selection of the general prize after reading the barcode of the exchange receipt and pay out the selected general prize. Then, the selection of the point prize is accepted and the selected point prize is paid out.

[0186] As described above, in the second embodiment, in a game arcade where points given according to the usage situation of the game arcade are used to exchange for general prizes, it is possible to efficiently exchange general prizes using the number of end balls and the number of points held.

[0187] Note that in the above-described second embodiment, the configuration in which a barcode is printed on the exchange receipt has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A QR code (registered trademark) may be printed on the exchange receipt, or stored in a card, and the general prize payout device may be configured to accept this QR code (registered trademark) / card and pay out the general prize / point prize.

[0188] [Embodiment 3] By the way, in the above-described Embodiment 1, the configuration in which the number of tokens after the selection of the special prize is printed on the exchange receipt and issued has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of tokens can be linked to a one-time code, and by printing and issuing this one-time code on the receipt, the tokens can be effectively utilized.

[0189] In the third embodiment, a configuration in which the tokens can be effectively utilized by linking the number of tokens to a one-time code and printing and issuing this one-time code on the receipt will be described.

[0190] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, in the self-prize management device 200, after a special prize is selected, a one-time code (for example, "1234") is linked to the number of tokens (for example, 40 tokens), and a token receipt is issued. This one-time code is a unique code different from other one-time codes.

[0191] FIG. 20(a) shows a case where tokens are used in a game in the stage card processor 210. By inputting the one-time code printed on the token receipt after a past game into the display operation unit of the stage card processor 210, a game using the tokens of the past game becomes possible. For example, if the number of tokens in a past game is 40 tokens, these 40 tokens can be used as game balls for the game.

[0192] FIG. 20(b) shows a case where tokens generated in a plurality of games are totaled in the self-prize management device 200. By inputting the one-time code printed on the token receipt issued in a past game for the tokens generated after a player inserts a card into the self-prize management device 200 and selects a special prize, the past tokens can be totaled. For example, if the number of tokens in a past game is 40 tokens and the number of tokens in the current game is 30 tokens, a token receipt linked to a new one-time code (for example, "5678") is issued with the total of 70 tokens as new tokens.

[0193] Note that the one-time code is invalidated when it is input to the apron card processor 210 or the self-prize management device 200 and cannot be reused.

[0194] As described above, in the third embodiment, the number of end balls is associated with the one-time code, and the one-time code is printed on the receipt and issued, so that the end balls can be effectively used.

[0195] Note that in the above-described third embodiment, the configuration in which the number of end balls is associated with the one-time code and the end balls are effectively used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the issued one-time code is not used on the day of issue, it can also be configured to invalidate this one-time code in the closing process.

[0196] [Embodiment 4] Incidentally, in the above-described first embodiment, the configuration in which the number of end balls after the selection of the special prize is printed on the exchange receipt and issued has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to donate to charity in the process of processing the end balls generated after the selection of the special prize.

[0197] In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the end balls generated after the selection of the special prize are donated to charity in the process of processing the end balls will be described.

[0198] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, in the self-prize management device 300, after a special prize is selected, if end balls are generated, as a method for processing these end balls, donation to charity or Viking can be selected.

[0199] Charity means that when a predetermined number of balls is reached, the game arcade donates snacks and the like to a predetermined facility or the like. If charity is selected in the self-prize management device 300, the number of extra balls is added to the charity account. For example, if the shortage of balls up to a predetermined number of balls for charity is 40 balls, that fact is displayed on the selection button for extra ball processing.

[0200] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, in the processing of extra balls generated after the selection of the special prize, the donation to charity can be selected, and the extra balls can be effectively utilized.

[0201] Note that in the above-described fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the donation to charity can be selected in the processing of extra balls generated after the selection of the special prize has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The aggregation period of the charity account can also be configured to be arbitrarily set, such as daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc. Also, a plurality of extra ball rates may be combined, or it may be configured so that a combination of game balls / medals can be made. Further, the charity donation destination can also be configured to be selectable by the game player. Also, the number of balls for donation is not set to a fixed predetermined value, and the content of the donation can be configured to be changed according to the number of balls.

[0202] Note that in the above-described fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the donation to charity can be selected in the processing of extra balls generated after the selection of the special prize has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Members can also be configured to be able to donate a part of their stored balls to charity. Also, a thank-you message can be configured to be sent to the members who have donated to charity using e-mail or the like.

[0203] Also, each configuration illustrated in the above-described embodiments is functionally schematic, and it is not necessarily physically configured as illustrated. That is, the form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads, usage situations, etc.

Industrial Applicability

[0204] The prize exchange system, prize management device, and prize exchange method according to the present invention are suitable for efficiently exchanging the number of game media obtained by a player through games for general prizes.

Explanation of Signs

[0205] Inter-ten machine card processor Status display unit Paper currency transport unit 12a Paper currency insertion slot Display operation unit Reader / writer 14a Card insertion slot Communication unit Memory unit 16a Self-device status data 16b Card data Control unit 17a Data management unit Game management unit 18a Authentication processing unit 18b Authentication key management unit 18c Game machine status management unit Game machine Handle Counting button 23 Communication control unit 24 Effect control unit 24a Effect symbol lottery unit 24b Effect lottery unit 25 Game control unit 26 Pachinko ball control unit 26a Playable number management unit Island controller Management device 51 Display unit 52 Input unit 53 External network communication unit 54 Store network communication unit 55 Memory unit 55a Card management data 55b Device management data 55c Member management data 55d Prize inventory data 56 Control unit 56a Card management unit 56b Device management unit 56c Member management unit 56d Prize inventory management unit 60 Self-prize management device 61 Card reader / writer 62 Receipt issuing unit 64 Display operation unit 65 Communication unit 66 Memory unit 66a Held value data 66b Prize inventory data 66c End-piece threshold data 67 Control unit 67a Held value management unit 67b Prize selection control unit 67c Receipt issuing processing unit 80 Special prize payout device 90 General prize payout device 91 Display operation unit 92 Storage unit 93 Conveyor unit 94 Receipt reader 95 Communication unit 96 Memory unit 96a Prize inventory data 97 Control unit 97a Prize selection control unit 97b Inventory management unit 97c Conveyor control unit 98 Outlet 100 Self-prize management device 110 General prize payout device 200 Self-prize management device 210 Inter-station card processor 300 Self-prize management device

Claims

1. A prize exchange system having a management device that manages the number of game media acquired through games on a gaming machine in association with identification information of a storage medium, a prize management device that exchanges at least the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for special prizes, a special prize payout device that pays out a predetermined special prize, and a general prize payout device that pays out a plurality of general prizes stored in a plurality of storage units within a range of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium, wherein the prize management device has storage means for storing the minimum number of game media required for general prizes that can be paid out from the general prize payout device, and receipt issuing means capable of issuing one receipt from among a plurality of receipts with different display modes for exchanging general prizes, depending on whether or not the number of game media after exchanging the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for special prizes is equal to or greater than the minimum number of game media stored in the storage means A prize exchange system characterized by comprising the above.

2. The receipt issuing means issues a first receipt for exchanging a general prize by the general prize payout device only when the number of game media after exchanging the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for special prizes is equal to or greater than the minimum number of game media. The prize exchange system according to Claim 1.

3. The first receipt includes at least information related to the prize exchange of the special prize, the number of game media for exchanging a general prize by the general prize payout device, information encoding the number of game media for exchanging a general prize by the general prize payout device, and guiding information for guiding a game player to the general prize payout device. The prize exchange system according to Claim 2.

4. The receipt issuing means issues a second receipt for exchanging a general prize at a predetermined Viking corner only when the number of game media after exchanging the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for special prizes is less than the minimum number of game media. The prize exchange system according to Claim 1.

5. The second receipt includes information related to the prize exchange of the special prize, the number of game media for exchanging a general prize by the general prize payout device, and guiding information for guiding a game player to the Viking corner. The prize exchange system according to Claim 4.

6. The general prize payout device Storage means for storing the minimum number of game media; Receipt issuing means for issuing the second receipt only when the number of game media after the exchange process of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium into general prizes is less than the minimum number of game media stored in the storage means The prize exchange system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises.

7. A management device that manages the number of game media acquired by a game on a gaming machine in association with the identification information of a storage medium, and is communicably connected to a special prize payout device that pays out a predetermined special prize, and is a prize management device that exchanges at least the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for special prizes, Storage means for storing the minimum number of game media required for general prizes that can be paid out from a general prize payout device that pays out a plurality of general prizes stored in a plurality of storage units within the range of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium; Receipt issuing means for issuing one receipt from among a plurality of receipts with different display modes for exchanging general prizes according to whether or not the number of game media after the exchange process of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for special prizes is equal to or greater than the minimum number of game media stored in the storage means A prize management device characterized by comprising.

8. A prize exchange method in a prize exchange system having a management device that manages the number of game media acquired by a game on a gaming machine in association with the identification information of a storage medium, a prize management device that exchanges at least the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for special prizes, a special prize payout device that pays out a predetermined special prize, and a general prize payout device that pays out a plurality of general prizes stored in a plurality of storage units within the range of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium, A storage step in which the prize management device stores in a storage unit the minimum number of game media required for general prizes that can be paid out from the general prize payout device; A receipt issuing step in which the prize management device issues one receipt from among a plurality of receipts with different display modes for exchanging general prizes according to whether or not the number of game media after the exchange process of the number of game media associated with the identification information of the storage medium for special prizes is equal to or greater than the minimum number of game media stored in the storage unit A prize exchange method characterized by including.

Images