Prize exchange system, prize management device, and prize exchange method

Abstract

To efficiently perform prize exchange while preventing a card having a value from being left behind.SOLUTION: A self prize management device 60, when a card is inserted into the self prize management device 60, performs: a step (S1) of displaying a guidance for promoting reception of the card after prize exchange in the case that a value associated with the card has a plurality of rates; and a step (S2) of displaying again the guidance for promoting reception of the card when prize exchange processing is terminated. The self prize management device 60, when a general card is inserted into the self prize management device 60, performs a step (S3) of displaying a guidance showing that a membership card is to be inserted at last in the case of existence of an additional card. The self prize management device 60, when the membership card is inserted, performs a step (S4) of displaying a guidance showing that the card is to be discharged and the membership card is to be inserted at last in the case of existence of an additional card.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 perform prize exchange while preventing the forgetting of valuable cards.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in gaming parlors such as pachinko parlors, a prize exchange operation is performed in which a player brings gaming media obtained as a result of a game to a prize counter in association with a recording medium and exchanges the gaming media for a prize in the presence of an employee.

[0003] In such a conventional prize exchange operation, an employee reads a recording medium presented by a player using a prize management device to identify the number of gaming media to be exchanged, selects a prize in response to an instruction from the player within the range of the gaming media, and performs a prize exchange process by delivering the selected prize from the employee to the player.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, an operation has been carried out in which an employee does not witness the prize exchange process and the player performs the prize exchange process by themselves (hereinafter referred to as "self-prize exchange operation"). In this self-prize exchange operation, the player performs a series of processes including reading a recording medium, selecting a prize, and receiving the prize. In such an operation mode, since there is no need for an employee to witness the prize exchange, the burden on the employee can be reduced, and the efficiency of the prize exchange process can be improved by increasing the number of available prize counters (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in conventional self-prize exchange operations, after a player performs the prize exchange operation, there is a possibility that the next player may insert their card into the prize management device even before the prize has been paid out, which could lead to trouble.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional technology, and aims to provide a prize exchange system, prize management device, and prize exchange method that can prevent problems during self-prize exchange operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a prize exchange system comprising a prize management device that allows a player to exchange prizes, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, the prize exchange system comprising: a reception means that receives a recording medium associated with a playable number; and a control means that stops the reception of a new recording medium from the time the reception means receives the recording medium until the prize payout device finishes paying out the prize. and when the prize has been paid out, control is performed to allow the acceptance of a new recording medium. The present invention is characterized by having a means.

[0009] The present invention also provides a prize exchange system comprising a prize management device that allows a player to exchange prizes, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, the prize exchange system including a reception means for receiving a recording medium associated with a playable number, and a device that does not accept new recording media from the reception means until the player has finished selecting the prize. and when the selection of the prize is completed, control is performed to allow the acceptance of a new recording medium. The present invention is characterized by having a means.

[0010] The present invention also provides a prize exchange system comprising a prize management device that allows a player to exchange prizes, and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, the prize exchange system including a reception means for receiving a recording medium associated with a playable number, and a device that stops the reception of a new recording medium from the reception of the recording medium by the reception means until the player starts selecting a prize. and once the selection of the prize has begun, control is performed to allow the acceptance of a new recording medium. The present invention is characterized by having a means.

[0011] Ma In addition, the present invention provides the above-mentioned control The means is characterized in that, while the prize is being paid out by the prize payout device, a display unit of the prize management device displays that the exchange process is in progress. Furthermore, the present invention provides the above-mentioned control The means is characterized in that when the prize payout device has finished paying out the prize, it displays on the display unit of the prize management device that the recording medium is ready to be accepted. The present invention also provides a prize management device that is communicably connected to a prize payout device that pays out prizes and allows players to exchange prizes, the prize management device comprising: a reception means for receiving a recording medium associated with a playable number; and a control means for controlling reception of a new recording medium from the time the reception means receives the recording medium until the prize payout device finishes paying out the prizes. and when the prize has been paid out, control is performed to allow the acceptance of a new recording medium. The present invention is characterized by having a means. The present invention also provides a prize exchange method for a prize exchange system equipped with a prize management device that allows players to exchange prizes and a prize payout device that pays out prizes, the method including a reception step of receiving a recording medium associated with a playable number, and a step of not accepting new recording media during the period from the reception of the recording medium in the reception step until the prize payout device has finished paying out the prizes. and when the prize has been paid out, control is performed to allow the acceptance of a new recording medium. The method is characterized by including the steps of: Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, problems can be prevented during self-prize exchange operations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine and the gaming machine shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the device status data and card data shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the management device illustrated in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data, device management data, member management data, and selected prize data shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self-service prize management device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master, the holding value data, and the prize inventory data shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display pattern according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedure of the self-service prize management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing procedure of the self-service prize management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a control pattern for prize exchange according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a prize exchange pattern according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the management method of the forgotten data according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 8. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 9. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [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.

[0015] 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 moving the gaming machine, etc. 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 the player can use in the game.

[0016] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment> First, an outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 1.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1(a), in the prize exchange system of this embodiment 1, when a card is inserted into the self-prize management device 60, the self-prize management device 60 obtains the value associated with the card from a management device not shown, and if there is value at multiple rates, displays guidance encouraging the user to receive the card after prize exchange (S1).

[0018] When the end button of the self-service prize management device 60 is pressed and the prize exchange process is completed, the guidance urging the player to pick up the card is displayed again (S2). In this way, by overlapping the guidance urging the player to pick up the card that still has value, the possibility of trouble being caused can be reduced.

[0019] Also, as shown in Figure 1(b), when a general card is inserted into the self-prize management device 60, the self-prize management device 60 displays guidance that if there are additional cards, the member card should be inserted last (S3).

[0020] When a membership card is inserted into the self-service prize management device 60, if there are additional cards, the self-service prize management device 60 displays guidance to eject the cards once and insert the membership card last (S4). In this way, by informing players how to use the device when inserting multiple cards consecutively, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an increase in the workload of employees.

[0021] In this way, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment can efficiently exchange prizes while preventing players from forgetting to take back valuable cards.

[0022] <System configuration> Next, the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, a gaming establishment is equipped with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-machine card processing device 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20. The inter-machine card processing device 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, a management device 50, a self-prize management device 60, a prize management device 70, and a prize payout device 80 are connected to the communication line.

[0023] The gaming machine 20 is a device in which game balls enclosed within the device are shot onto a game board. These game balls are physical "balls" used in the game, and are different from the "game balls" that the gaming machine 20 treats as data. The game board of the gaming machine 20 is provided with multiple prize areas (prize openings), and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls when a game ball passes through a prize area. The game board is also provided with a predetermined number of start areas (start openings), and a predetermined lottery is held when a game ball passes through a start area. If the lottery results in a jackpot, a predetermined movable member or the like is activated, thereby increasing the probability of the game ball passing through the aforementioned prize area or another start area, thereby providing an advantage in the game. An area may also serve as both a start area and a prize area.

[0024] Each of the winning areas is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of a gaming ball into the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of a gaming ball shot into the winning area. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also has a prize ball memory for storing the number of gaming balls to be awarded as prize balls for each winning area, and a playable number memory for indicating the number of gaming balls. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also periodically transmits the number of gaming balls to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

[0025] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a deposit from a player, it associates prepaid value corresponding to the amount of the deposit with the identification information (card ID) of the card stored inside the machine. This prepaid value can be used to lend game balls. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 can also accept the insertion of a card associated with prepaid value, owned balls, saved balls, etc. Then, at the end of a game, it ejects the card associated with prepaid value, owned balls, saved balls, etc. and returns it to the player. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also transmits a history of operations such as deposits, card insertions, and card ejections to the management device 50.

[0026] When a predetermined number of game balls are shot onto the game board, the gaming machine 20 transmits out data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Furthermore, when a game ball passes through a winning area (so-called winning) and a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the game balls, the gaming machine 20 transmits safe data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Furthermore, when a special state such as a jackpot occurs during play, the gaming machine 20 transmits special prize data indicating the occurrence of such state to the inter-machine card processor 10.

[0027] The out data corresponds to the number of balls inserted, which is the number of balls inserted by the player onto the gaming board. The safe data corresponds to the number of balls won as a result of winning. The special prize data indicates the status of the gaming machine 20, such as a jackpot. Each piece of data is transmitted to the management device 50 via the inter-machine card processing device 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 operating information.

[0028] The inter-stage card processor 10 conducts acceptance of deposits, lending out of game balls, communication with the management device 50, and communication with the gaming machine 20. If the inter-stage card processor 10 accepts banknotes inserted by a player, it sends a deposit notice including the deposit amount to the management device 50, causing the management device 50 to add the prepaid value equivalent to the deposit amount to the prepaid value it manages. Then, if a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, it sends a ball lending request to the management device 50, causing the management device 50 to subtract the prepaid value, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value, which is added to the number of game balls.

[0029] If the inter-stage card processor 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it sends a card insertion notice to the management device 50. Also, when the inter-stage card processor 10 receives the remaining balance of prepaid value, held balls, or stored balls from the management device 50, it stores the remaining balance. And when it receives and stores the remaining balance of held balls, it sends a held ball subtraction request to the management device 50, clearing the remaining balance (number of held balls) of the held balls managed by the management device 50 to zero.

[0030] When the inter-stage card processor 10 accepts a held ball replay operation, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of held balls it manages, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of held balls, and adds it to the number of game balls. Also, when the inter-stage card processor 10 accepts a stored ball replay operation, it sends a stored ball replay request to the management device 50, causing the management device 50 to subtract a predetermined number from the number of stored balls, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls, and adds it to the number of game balls.

[0031] If the inter-stage card processor 10 accepts a card return operation, it sends a held ball addition request including the number of held balls to the management device 50, causing the management device 50 to add the number of held balls, then sends a card ejection notice to the management device 50 and controls the ejection of the card. Note that if a counting operation is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the number of game balls is added to the number of held balls.

[0032] The inter-machine card processing device 10 has a function of acquiring a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and an authentication key received from the management device 50. This authentication is performed during opening processing, etc., and the gaming machine 20 becomes playable on the condition that the authentication is successful.

[0033] The inter-machine card processor 10 performs various display controls based on the status of the gaming machine 20 and transmits the status of the gaming machine 20 to the management device 50.

[0034] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of game balls notified by the gaming machine 20, and periodically notifies the management device 50 of the number of game balls and the number of balls in hand.

[0035] The island controller 30 is a device that bundles together a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processors 10 installed on the gaming island, and relays various information to the management device 50.

[0036] When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it manages the identification information of the inserted card (hereinafter referred to as "card ID") in association with the inter-machine card processing device 10, and transmits the prepaid value and the balance of held balls associated with the card ID to the inter-machine card processing device 10. In addition, if the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of a membership card, it transmits stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0037] In addition, when the management device 50 receives a request to subtract balls held from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the balance of balls held to zero, and when it receives a request to add balls held from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the number of balls held indicated in the request to add balls held to the balance of balls held.

[0038] Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives a ball lending request from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing device 10. When the management device 50 receives a saved ball replay request, it transmits saved ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0039] In addition, when the management device 50 receives a card ID from the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70, it notifies the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70 of the number of on-hand coins, the number of stored coins, and the prepaid value associated with the card ID. Further, when the management device 50 receives a card ID from the prize payout device 80, it notifies the prize payout device 80 of the selected prize data associated with the card ID.

[0040] In addition, the management device 50 acquires a gaming machine ID from the inter-stage card processor 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own store. Then, it acquires an authentication key for authenticating the gaming machines 20 set in its own store from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the gaming parlor and distributes it to the inter-stage card processor 10.

[0041] In addition, the management device 50 manages the member management data of the members registered as members in the gaming parlor. Specifically, it manages the number of stored coins, points, PIN, name, etc. in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

[0042] When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-stage card processor 10, it transmits stored coin replay data including the remaining balance of the stored coins and the PIN corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification to the inter-stage card processor 10. In addition, when the management device 50 receives a stored coin replay request from the inter-stage card processor 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the remaining balance of the stored coins associated with the card ID indicated in the stored coin replay request, and transmits stored coin replay data including the remaining balance of the stored coins after subtraction to the inter-stage card processor 10.

[0043] The prize management device 70 is a terminal device for prize exchange installed together with a prize exchange counter in the gaming parlor, and performs prize exchange processing for on-hand coins and stored coins. When the prize management device 70 reads a card ID from a general card or a member card (or when it reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal or the like), it transmits the card ID to the management device 50 and requests the remaining balance of the on-hand coins, stored coins, and prepaid value of the card ID.

[0044] The prize management device 70 manages inventory by associating states such as "unselected," "selected," and "exchanged" with prizes. The inventory of physical prizes is the sum of "unselected" prizes and "selected" prizes, but the prize management device 70 allows the player to select a prize from the "unselected" prizes, and marks the selected prize as "selected." When a prize exchange is executed, the status is changed from "selected" to "exchanged." In other words, the prize selected by the player becomes "selected" and is no longer available for selection by other players. Therefore, the prize selected by the player is secured until a prize exchange is executed.

[0045] The prize management device 70 associates the selected prize with the card ID as a selected prize and registers it in the management device 50, and then returns the card. The management device 50 stores selected prize data that associates the card ID with the selected prize.

[0046] The self-service prize management device 60 is a device in which a self-service function that allows a player to select a prize by himself / herself is added to the prize management device 70. The self-service prize management device 60 accepts a prize selection operation from a player.

[0047] If the card read is a general card, the self prize management device 60 displays a message that if multiple cards are read in succession, the member card will be read last.If the card read is a member card, the self prize management device 60 displays a message that if multiple cards are read in succession, the member card will be ejected and the member card will be read last.

[0048] If there are remaining balls in the multiple rates of value associated with the read card, the self-prize management device 60 displays a message urging the player to pick up the card after the prize exchange is complete when the card is read and at the end of the prize exchange.If there are remaining balls in the number of balls calculated when the prize was selected, the self-prize management device 60 displays a message urging the player to pick up the card after the prize exchange is complete when the prize was selected and at the end of the prize exchange.

[0049] The prize payout device 80 is a device that can store and pay out prizes. Upon receiving a card, the prize payout device 80 transmits the card ID to the management device 50, receives the associated selected prize data, and pays out the prize.

[0050] Next, we will explain the ball lending process in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1. When a player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends 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-machine card processing machine 10, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and a ball lending request.

[0051] When the management device 50 receives a message including a ball lending request, it updates the card management data by subtracting a predetermined value (for example, 5 units, which represents 500 yen when 1 unit is 100 yen) from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message, and transmits ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the message. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission transmits an addition signal to the gaming machine 20 requesting that the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value (for example, "125") be added to the number of game balls.

[0052] The gaming machine 20 that has received the addition signal adds up the number of gaming balls and transmits the added number of gaming balls to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of gaming balls before the addition and the number of balls lent with the number of gaming balls after the addition, and determines whether the addition of the number of gaming balls has been performed appropriately.

[0053] Next, we will explain the held ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it sends 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-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0054] When the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the balance of the balls held at the rate specified by the message, among the balls held associated with the card ID in the message.

[0055] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the balance of held balls received from the management device 50. Then, it sends a message to the management device 50 including information specifying the card ID and rate, and a request to subtract held balls. When the management device 50 receives the request to subtract held balls, it clears the balance of held balls specified by the card ID and rate to zero. Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a request to replay held balls, it subtracts a certain number from the balance of held balls, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the corresponding number, and adds it to the number of game balls.

[0056] When the inter-machine card processing device 10 receives a management transfer request from the gaming machine 20 to transfer its management by making the number of gaming balls of the gaming machine 20 the balls held by the inter-machine card processing device 10, it adds the number of gaming balls indicated in the management transfer request to the balls held by its own device. After that, when it accepts a card return operation, it sends a message including a request to add balls held to the management device 50. This message includes the card ID of the card to be discharged, an address or any identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing device 10 that sent it, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing device 10, the balance of balls held, and a request to add balls held.

[0057] When the management device 50 receives the request to add the balls in hand, it updates the balance (number of balls in hand) of the balls in hand at the rate specified by the message to the received value among the balls in hand associated with the card ID in the message. After that, the inter-machine card processing device 10 sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and controls the ejection of the card.

[0058] Next, the stored ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 1 will be described. When the podium card processor 10 receives a membership card or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from the mobile terminal 110 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 podium card processor 10 (or the identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal 110), the address or any identification information identifying the source podium card processor 10, information for specifying the rate of the podium card processor 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0059] The management device 50 transmits stored ball replay data including the password number associated with the card ID in the message and the remaining balance of the stored balls of the rate specified by the message to the podium card processor 10.

[0060] The podium card processor 10 stores the received stored ball replay data, and when the remaining balance of the stored balls shown 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 stored ball replay unit number. For example, "125 balls"), it can accept the stored ball replay operation.

[0061] After storing the stored ball replay data, when the podium card processor 10 first accepts a stored ball replay operation, it requests the player to input the password number and checks whether the input password number matches the password number shown in the stored ball replay data.

[0062] When the password numbers match, the podium 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 podium card processor 10, the address or any identification information identifying the source podium card processor 10, information for specifying the rate of the podium card processor 10, and a stored ball replay request.

[0063] The management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of stored balls at the rate specified by the message among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the message, and transmits stored ball replay data including the balance after subtraction to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

[0064] The inter-machine card processing device 10 receives the saved ball replay data, updates the saved ball balance, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the saved ball replay unit number to add it to the number of game balls. It also determines whether the updated saved ball balance is less than the saved ball replay unit number. If the updated saved ball data balance is equal to or greater than the saved ball replay unit number, it can accept a saved ball replay operation again, and if it accepts a saved ball replay operation, it sends a saved ball replay request. For the second or subsequent saved ball replay operation, there is no need to confirm the PIN. If the updated saved ball data balance is less than the saved ball replay unit number, it cannot accept a saved ball replay operation.

[0065] Next, we will explain the transition from held balls to saved balls during the store closing process. The management device 50 checks the balance of held balls in the card management data during the store closing process, and if there are held balls whose balance is greater than "0", it adds the balance of those held balls to the balance of saved balls and updates them. After that, the management device 50 clears the balance of those held balls to zero.

[0066] <External Configuration of the Inter-machine Card Processing Machine 10 and the Gaming Machine 20> Next, we will explain the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and gaming machine 20 shown in Fig. 2. In this figure, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only paper money is shown, but it is also possible to provide a unit that can accept electronic money.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is provided with a status display unit 11 that displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by lighting or flashing a lamp of a predetermined color, a bill insertion slot 12a that accepts various types of bills, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, and a card insertion slot 14a that accepts cards associated with a card ID.

[0068] The gaming machine 20 is provided with a game board surface, a handle 21 used when throwing the enclosed game balls onto the game board surface, and a counting button 22.

[0069] The counting button 22 is an operation button for performing management transfer to transfer the management of the number of balls that can be thrown from the gaming machine 20 to the base card processor 10 by subtracting the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20 and adding the corresponding number to the held balls of the base card processor 10. This management transfer corresponds to the counting process in which the base card processor 10 counts the paid-out game balls and adds them to the held balls in the open-type gaming machine 20 where actual game balls are paid out upon winning.

[0070] <Configuration of the base card processor 10> Next, the configuration of the base card processor 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the base card processor 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the base 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.

[0071] The bill transport unit 12 is a transport unit that discriminates the denomination and authenticity of the 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 value and accepts various operations such as the ball lending operation.

[0072] The reader / writer 14 is a reading unit that reads the card ID from the 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.

[0073] The storage unit 16 is a storage device composed of a hard disk drive, a non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 16 stores the self-device state data 16a and the card data 16b.

[0074] The self-device state data 16a is data indicating the state of the pedestal card processor 10. This self-device state data 16a includes the pedestal card processor ID, the gaming machine ID, the game type, etc. The pedestal card processor ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the pedestal card processor 10 within the game parlor. The game type is data indicating the rate set for the pedestal 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 managed for each rate. The pedestal 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 pedestal card processor 10 is installed, or may be changeable by the operation of the game customer.

[0075] The card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the game customer. The card data 16b includes the card ID, the PIN, the prepaid value, the held balls, the stored balls, 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 held balls and the stored balls indicate their respective remaining balances.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 to the gaming machine 20 may be transmitted, and after the predetermined period has elapsed since the last successful authentication, an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 may not be transmitted and the use of the gaming machine 20 may be prohibited.

[0078] 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 the off-site authentication key management center via the management device 50 and updates the authentication key.

[0079] The gaming machine status management unit 18c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the status of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine status 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 ball lending, transmits a request to switch management from held balls to the number of gaming balls by replaying held balls, transmits a request to add to the number of gaming balls by replaying saved balls, receives game results such as the number of balls inserted and the number of balls paid out in the gaming machine 20, and receives a request to switch management from the number of gaming balls to held balls by counting. Such communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

[0080] The gaming machine status management unit 18c also acquires the status set for the game, such as the current number of gaming balls, start, jackpot, jackpot type, and number of lotteries of the gaming machine 20. The time interval at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 is preferably set shorter than the interval at which gaming balls are shot (used) in the gaming machine 20. Furthermore, once the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 20, it passes the number of gaming balls to the control unit 17.

[0081] The timing at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires a new gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 is not limited to before opening. The gaming machine status management unit 18c can acquire a gaming machine ID or determine whether to replace the gaming machine 20 when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is powered on or off, during periodic communication, when processing related to the number of gaming balls (ball lending, replay, counting, etc.) is performed, when returning from an offline state, etc. Furthermore, these timings may be used in combination.

[0082] The control unit 17 is a control unit that performs overall control of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In practice, the 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.

[0083] Specifically, when a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID and the inter-stage card processor ID to the management device 50. Also, 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.

[0084] Further, 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 inter-stage card processor ID to the management device 50.

[0085] 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 inter-stage card processor ID to the management device 50. If it receives a ball lending permission 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.

[0086] Further, 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.

[0087] 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 the acceptance of stored ball replay operations. 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, the input of a password is required, and it is a condition for transmitting the stored ball replay request that it matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

[0088] 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 and updates the number of balls instructed by the game management unit 18 to the balls held in the card data 16b.

[0089] In addition, when the data management unit 17a accepts a card return operation, it 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, it transmits a card ejection notice to the management device 50 and ejects the card.

[0090] 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 status data 16a and the card data 16b shown in FIG. 4.

[0091] The self-device status data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) indicates 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.

[0092] The card data 16b shown in Figure 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 is "2001." Note that here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, with cards with the first digit "1" being a general card and cards with the first digit "2" being a membership card. The card data 16b also indicates that the PIN number for replaying saved balls is "1234" and the prepaid value is "3000" points. Note that here, 1 point of the prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen.

[0093] Furthermore, card data 16b indicates that, in terms of held balls, the balance of held balls for ball 1 is 1500 balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is 2500 balls, and the balance of held balls for ball 3 is 0 balls, and, in terms of saved balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 1 is 500 balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 2 is 0 balls, and the balance of saved balls for ball 3 is 0 balls.

[0094] <Configuration of 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 has 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-machine card processing machine 10. Communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

[0095] When the gaming machine 20 is started up, the communication control unit 23 reads the identification information from the control CPU provided in the game control unit 25 and / or game ball control unit 26, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if it is appropriate, establishes communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and goes into standby mode. In the standby mode, if an operation permission is received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the performance control unit 24, game control unit 25, and game ball control unit 26 are started up and the gaming machine is ready to play.

[0096] The game control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the game played by the gaming machine 20. Actually, by loading and executing a program corresponding to the game control unit 25 into the CPU, a process will be executed.

[0097] 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 numerical values for big wins, small wins, and losses are assigned for each predetermined range) by the game balls that have entered the start hole, control of movable members (such as tulips) provided on the game board, display control of the 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 the upper device, etc.

[0098] 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 for multiple times. By making it easier for game balls to win at this winning hole, prize balls are awarded to the game players.

[0099] Furthermore, jackpot games include bonus jackpot games that grant players a specified bonus game after the jackpot game ends. Bonus jackpot games include probability-changing jackpots and time-saving jackpots. Probability-changing jackpots and time-saving jackpots grant probability-changing and time-saving games as bonus games, respectively, after a jackpot. Time-saving games are bonus games that increase the number of draws per unit time by shortening the fluctuation time (the time from the start of the lottery process to the display of the results) of the normal pattern lottery (the lottery for opening and closing the movable member described above) and / or the special pattern lottery (the jackpot lottery resulting from the winning of a game ball described above), thereby increasing the number of draws per unit time and increasing the probability of winning a jackpot per unit time. This bonus game may also include normal pattern probability fluctuation, which increases the probability of winning a normal pattern. Time-saving games resulting from a time-saving jackpot end when the special pattern lottery has been drawn a specified number of times after the jackpot. Probability-changing games will be described later.

[0100] The game control unit 25 has a probability variation function. This function controls the random number range for the next jackpot lottery (typically by approximately 10 times) when the lottery result falls within a specific random number range for the jackpot. The probability variation game involves drawing a special symbol using this changed probability. The probability variation game continues until the next jackpot is won. The probability variation game and time-saving game may be simultaneously offered. However, to prevent unexpected losses to the gaming parlor, if a player acquires a certain number of game media after the probability variation game or time-saving game has started, the game may be stopped (the player's card may be temporarily ejected and the player may be requested to exchange for a prize or move to another machine). In this case, the gaming machine 20 counts the number of game media after the probability variation game state has begun, and when this count reaches a predetermined value, game stop control is performed, such as stopping the release of game balls.

[0101] The effect control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the effects during play, and has an effect symbol lottery unit 24a and an effect lottery unit 24b. In practice, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the effect symbol lottery unit 24a and the effect lottery unit 24b will execute processes corresponding to them, respectively.

[0102] The performance symbol lottery unit 24a conducts a lottery of performance symbols (symbols displayed on a performance symbol display device such as a display device on the game board surface) based on the special symbol lottery in the game control unit 25 (specifically, whether to finally stop the display at 7, 7, 7, etc.).

[0103] The performance lottery unit 24b conducts a lottery of the type of performance (such as a character appearing and performing a reach performance) to be performed until the lottery result based on the performance symbol is displayed. Such performances are set so that the performances selected for the main lottery result are different.

[0104] The performance control unit 24 stores the performance data of each performance. Furthermore, the performance control unit 24 controls the display of the performance symbol display device, and at the time of performance execution, overlays the performance data on the background symbol data to perform a performance display. Also, at the time of probability variation, background color data different from the normal state is set.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Furthermore, the game ball control unit 26 periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the playable number memory to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. In this case, the game ball control unit 26 continues to update the number of game balls according to the game status without clearing the contents of the playable number memory to zero, and transmits the number of game balls at the time of data acquisition to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

[0108] The gaming machine 20 is also provided with a counting button 22, and a signal indicating that the counting button 22 has been pressed is input to the gaming ball control unit 26. The gaming ball control unit 26 detects the pressing of the counting button 22, and if the time from when the detection signal rises to when it falls is less than a certain time, it sends a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of gaming balls in increments of a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation). Then, it subtracts (invalidates) the number of balls that have been transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 from the number of gaming balls. Furthermore, if the pressing of the counting button 22 is detected and no fall is detected for a predetermined time or longer after the detection signal rises, it sends a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of gaming balls in increments of a certain number (for example, 200 balls per 5 seconds) every time the detection signal remains in an up state for a certain time. Then, it subtracts (invalidates) the number of balls that have been transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 from the number of gaming balls. When subtracting from the number of game balls, possible methods include decrementing the value to be subtracted from the value of 1 stored in memory, or updating the value stored in memory with the value after subtraction and deleting or logically deleting the value before subtraction to invalidate it, but there are no particular limitations as long as the value after subtraction can be identified.

[0109] The game control unit 25 and the game ball control unit 26 are each configured on a separate board. 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 their own 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 this as the gaming machine ID.

[0110] <Configuration of 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 includes an external network communication unit 53, a store network communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56.

[0111] The display unit 51 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or a display device. 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, the prize management device 70, and the prize payout device 80 via a communication line in the game store.

[0112] The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, and selected prize data 55d.

[0113] The card management data 55a is data associating the remaining prepaid value, the remaining number of held balls, etc. with the card ID. The device management data 55b is data regarding the devices installed in the game store. This device management data 55b includes the ID of the pedestal card processor, the installation location, the game table number, the game machine ID, the model data of the gaming machine 20, etc. The member management data 55c is data associating the name of the member, the information of the stored balls, the mobile IDm, etc. with the card ID of the member card issued to the member.

[0114] The selected prize data 55d is data for managing the selected prizes selected by the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70. This selected prize data 55d includes the card ID and the information for specifying the selected prize.

[0115] The control unit 56 is a control unit that performs overall control of the management device 50, and includes a card management unit 56a, a device management unit 56b, a member management unit 56c, and a selected prize management unit 56d. In practice, by loading and executing these programs into the CPU, the processes corresponding to the card management unit 56a, the device management unit 56b, the member management unit 56c, and the selected prize management unit 56d are executed.

[0116] The card management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the card management data 55a. The card management unit 56a communicates with the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the self-prize management device 60, and the prize management device 70 to update the prepaid value and the balance of the held balls associated with the card ID. In addition, when the card management unit 56a receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the value and the balance of the held balls associated with the card.

[0117] The device management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages the device management data 55b. The device management unit 56b generates and updates the device management data 55b based on the inter-machine card processor ID, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID acquired from the inter-machine card processor 10.

[0118] The member management unit 56c is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55c. The member management unit 56c communicates with the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the self-prize management device 60, and the prize management device 70 to update the balance of the saved balls associated with the card ID. Furthermore, when the member management unit 56c receives a member registration request, it updates the member management data 55c to add the member.

[0119] Here, the stored ball replay processing by the member management unit 56c will be explained. When the member management unit 56c receives stored ball replay request data from the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10, it deducts the balance of stored balls at the payout rate from the stored balls associated with the card ID in the stored ball replay request data by the payout unit number, and recalculates the number of stored balls that can be replayed. Then, it sends stored ball replay data including the balance after subtraction and the number of stored balls that can be replayed to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10.

[0120] The selected prize management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages the selected prize selected by the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70. When the selected prize management unit 56d receives a registration request including a card ID and a selected prize from the self-prize management device 60 or the prize management device 70, it associates the selected prize with the card ID and registers it in the selected prize data 55d.

[0121] In addition, when the selected prize management unit 56d receives an inquiry including a card ID from the prize payout device 80, it reads the selected prize associated with the card ID from the selected prize data 55d and sends it to the prize payout device 80 as a response.

[0122] Furthermore, when the selected prize management unit 56d receives a notification from the prize payout device 80 indicating that the exchange of the selected prize has been carried out, it deletes the corresponding data from the selected prize data 55d.

[0123] Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 55 of the management device 50 shown in Fig. 7 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, and selected prize data 55d shown in Fig. 7.

[0124] In the card management data 55a shown in Figure 8(a), the card ID "1001" is associated with a prepaid value of "0" points, a balance of "0" balls for each rate, and a destination ID of "A101". In other words, the card with the card ID "1001" is inserted into the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10 with the device ID "A101", and the management of the balls has been transferred to the machine-to-machine card processing machine 10. Therefore, the balance of the balls for each rate becomes zero.

[0125] In addition, in the card management data 55a, the card ID "2001" is associated with a prepaid value of "3000". In addition, the remaining balls are associated with the remaining balls of ball 1, "1500", the remaining balls of ball 2, "2500", and the remaining balls of ball 3, "0". However, there is no association with the destination ID. In other words, the card with card ID "2001" is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the management of the remaining balls is performed by the management device 50.

[0126] 8(b) shows that the installation location of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with ID "A101" is "Island 1-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", the gaming machine number is "11", the game type is "Ball 1", the model of the gaming machine 20 is "EV01", and the serial number is "a". It also shows that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

[0127] The device management data 55b indicates that the installation location of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with ID "A201" is "Island 2-1," the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B506," the gaming machine number is "21," the game type is "Ball 3," the model of the gaming machine 20 is "DX03," and the serial number is "g." It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

[0128] Member management data 55c shown in Fig. 8(c) indicates the name, saved balls, etc. associated with the card ID. Specifically, member management data 55c indicates that for card ID "2005," the name is "Tenkoku Taro," the saved ball balance for "Ball 1" is "1500," the saved ball balance for "Ball 2" is "200," and the saved ball balance for "Ball 3" is "0."

[0129] The selected prize data 55d shown in Figure 8(d) is data that associates the card ID with the selected prize. The selected prize includes the prize code, prize name, and quantity. The selected prize data 55d associates the card ID "1008" with three grand prizes with prize code "0001," and associates the card ID "2015" with one grand prize with prize code "0001," five minor prizes with prize code "0002," and three racks with prize code "0101."

[0130] <Configuration of self-service prize management device 60> Next, we will explain the configuration of the self-service prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self-service prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 9, the self-service prize management device 60 has a display unit 61, an operation unit 62, a receipt issuing unit 63, a store clerk tag reader 64a, a card reader 64b, a mobile terminal reader 64c, a communication unit 65, a memory unit 66, and a control unit 67.

[0131] The display unit 61 is an output interface that displays and is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like. The operation unit 62 is an input interface that accepts operations from players and store clerks. The receipt issuing unit 63 is a thermal printer or the like, and issues various receipts, such as receipts printed with information identifying the selected prize.

[0132] The clerk tag reader 64a is a reading device that reads the clerk ID from the clerk tag of the gaming clerk. This tag contains an identification code that uniquely identifies the employee, and the employee operating the self-prize management device 60 is identified by the identification code contained in the tag read by the clerk tag reader 64a. The card reader 64b reads the card ID from the card of the player. The card reader 64b can also transport cards that are no longer needed after a prize has been selected to a storage unit (not shown). The mobile terminal reader 64c reads information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card when the mobile terminal is held over the reader.

[0133] The communication unit 65 is an interface unit that enables the self-prize management device 60 to communicate with other devices via a communication line.

[0134] The storage unit 66 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores a prize master 66a, holding value data 66b, and prize inventory data 66c.

[0135] The prize master 66a is data used when exchanging game balls for prizes, and is received and stored, for example, from the management device 50. The holding value data 66b is data indicating the value associated with the card read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c. The prize inventory data 66c is data for managing the inventory of prizes.

[0136] The control unit 67 is a control unit that controls the entire self-service prize management device 60, and includes a prize management unit 67a, a holding value management unit 67b, a display control unit 67c, a prize selection control unit 67d, a prize inventory management unit 67e, a prize association processing unit 67f, and a return unit 67g. In practice, 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 and executed by the CPU, thereby causing the processes corresponding to the prize management unit 67a, the holding value management unit 67b, the display control unit 67c, the prize selection control unit 67d, the prize inventory management unit 67e, the prize association processing unit 67f, and the return unit 67g to be executed.

[0137] The prize management unit 67a is a management unit that uses the prize master 66a stored in the memory unit 66 to manage the number of exchange balls for special prizes and general prizes that are handled by the self-prize management device 60. The prize management unit 67a obtains the prize master from the management device 50 and stores it in the memory unit 66 as the prize master 66a.

[0138] The holding value management unit 67b is a processing unit that manages the holding value data 66b. The holding value management unit 67b stores in the holding value data 66b the value associated with the card read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c. If there is a remaining balance in multiple rates of the value of the card or a remaining amount in the prepaid value, the holding value management unit 67b stores "Yes" in "Multiple Rates / Value Remaining" of the holding value data 66b. If the card is a membership card, the holding value management unit 67b stores "Yes" in "Membership Card" of the holding value data 66b.

[0139] If an end button (not shown) is pressed, the holding value management unit 67b clears the holding value data 66b. If another card is read after the card is read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c and before the end button (not shown) is pressed, the holding value management unit 67b adds the value associated with this other card to the holding value data 66b.

[0140] The display control unit 67c is a processing unit that controls the display such as card reception according to the type of the card and the value associated with the card. If the card read by the card reader 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c is a general card, when reading multiple cards continuously, the display control unit 67c displays on the display unit 61 that the membership card should be read last.

[0141] If the read card is a membership card, when reading multiple cards continuously, the display control unit 67c ejects the card and displays on the display unit 61 that the membership card should be read last.

[0142] If the card is read and "Multiple Rates / Value Remaining" of the holding value data 66b is "Yes", the display control unit 67c displays on the display unit 61 to prompt the receipt of the card after the prize exchange ends when the card is read and when the end button (not shown) is pressed.

[0143] The display control unit 67c causes the display unit 61 to display a message prompting the receipt of the card after the prize exchange when a prize selection is made and the "remaining coins" in the holding value data 66b is "yes".

[0144] The prize selection control unit 67d is a processing unit that selects a prize to be exchanged. The prize selection control unit 67d accepts the selection of special prizes and general prizes based on the prize master 66a within the range of the remaining amount of held coins and stored coins.

[0145] Specifically, when a special prize is specified by the operation of the player, the prize selection control unit 67d obtains a combination of the types and quantities of exchangeable special prizes within the range of the remaining amount of held coins and stored coins and sets it as the selected prize. Also, for general prizes, the prize selection control unit 67d sets the prize specified by the player through the operation of the operation unit 62 as the selected prize. For the end coin prize, the player's designation may be accepted and selected, or the prize selection control unit 67d may select it according to the remaining amount of held coins and stored coins.

[0146] When there are remaining held coins when a prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67d stores "yes" in the "remaining coins" of the holding value data 66b.

[0147] The prize inventory management unit 67e manages the prize inventory by associating states such as "not selected", "selected", and "exchanged" with the prizes and storing them in the storage unit 66 as prize inventory data 66c. The inventory of physical prizes is the total of "not selected" prizes and "selected" prizes. However, the prize inventory management unit 67e allows the player to select a prize from the "not selected" prizes and sets the selected prize as "selected". Then, when the prize exchange is executed, it is changed from "selected" to "exchanged". That is, the prize selected by the player becomes "selected" and is no longer available for selection by other players. Therefore, the prize selected by the player is secured until the prize exchange is executed.

[0148] In addition, when the prize inventory management unit 67e exceeds a predetermined deadline, it can perform a cancellation process to cancel the selection of the prize. Specifically, when the "selected" prize is not exchanged during the day and the store closing process is performed, the "selected" prize is changed to "unselected", and the held balls corresponding to the number of exchanged balls are captured and processed. Alternatively, when a member game player is associated, the held balls corresponding to the number of exchanged balls may be transferred to the stored balls.

[0149] The prize association processing unit 67f is a processing unit that associates the prize selected by the prize selection control unit 67d with the card ID as the selected prize. The prize association processing unit 67f transmits a registration request including the selected prize and the card ID to the management device 50.

[0150] Here, the prize association processing unit 67f can differ in whether to associate the selected prize with the card or print and issue it on the receipt according to the type of the prize. Specifically, the prize association processing unit 67f associates special prizes and general prizes with the card, and issues end ball prizes on the receipt. The receipt prints the prize code, prize name, quantity, number of exchanged balls, etc. Further, an ID that uniquely identifies the receipt and information that identifies the game player may be printed.

[0151] The return unit 67g is a processing unit that causes the card reader 64b to return the card to the game player when the selected prize is associated with the card. Further, a guidance output may be performed so that the returned card is read by the prize payout device 80 to receive the prize. Note that the card that becomes unnecessary after the selection of the prize is conveyed to the storage unit and not returned. The card that becomes unnecessary after the selection of the prize is a general card in which the prepaid value and the held balls are each below a predetermined value (for example, both are 0) and no association with the selected prize is made. The membership card is returned regardless of the prepaid value, held balls, and presence or absence of the selected prize.

[0152] Next, an example of the data stored in the storage unit 66 of the self-prize management device 60 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master 66a, the held value data 66b, and the prize inventory data 66c shown in FIG. 9.

[0153] The prize master 66a shown in Fig. 10(a) is data that associates a prize name, group code, prize value, and number of exchange balls with a prize code that uniquely identifies a prize. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing prizes. The group code "01" indicates a special prize that can be transferred at a predetermined value through a certain procedure. After the group code "02", it is a general prize including daily necessities other than special prizes.

[0154] The prize master 66a associates the prize name "Grand Prize", group code "01", prize value "1000", number of exchange balls for ball 1 "250", number of exchange balls for ball 2 "500", and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "1000" with the prize code "0001".

[0155] Also, the prize master 66a associates the prize name "Small Prize", group code "01", prize value "500", number of exchange balls for ball 1 "125", number of exchange balls for ball 2 "250", and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "500" with the prize code "0002".

[0156] Also, the prize master 66a associates the prize name "M Seven", group code "02", prize value "400", number of exchange balls for ball 1 "100", number of exchange balls for ball 2 "200", and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "400" with the prize code "0100".

[0157] Also, the prize master 66a associates the prize name "Rack", group code "02", prize value "420", number of exchange balls for ball 1 "105", number of exchange balls for ball 2 "210", and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "420" with the prize code "0101".

[0158] Also, the prize master 66a associates the prize name "End Ball Candy", group code "04", prize value "12", number of exchange balls for ball 1 "3", number of exchange balls for ball 2 "6", and number of exchange balls for ball 3 "12" with the prize code "0600".

[0159] The holding value data 66b shown in Figure 10(b) is data indicating the value associated with the read card, such as the balls held, saved balls, prepaid value, etc. When multiple cards are read consecutively, the total value of each card is stored.

[0160] The holding value data 66b shows that, in terms of held balls, the balance of held balls for ball 1 is "1500" balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is "2500" balls, and the balance of held balls for ball 3 is "0" balls; in terms of saved balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 1 is "500" balls, the balance of saved balls for ball 2 is "0" balls, and the balance of saved balls for ball 3 is "0" balls; the prepaid value is "3000" points; multiple rates / remaining value is "yes"; remaining held balls are "yes"; and a membership card is "yes".

[0161] The prize inventory data 66c shown in Figure 10(c) is data that associates the total number of prizes in stock and inventory details with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The inventory details indicate the number of unselected, selected, and exchanged prizes. The total number of prizes in stock is the number of physical prizes in stock, and is equal to the sum of unselected prizes and selected prizes.

[0162] The prize inventory data 66c associates the total number of items in stock "500", unselected "480", selected "20", and exchanged "200" with the prize code "0001", prize name "grand prize", and group code "01".

[0163] In addition, the prize inventory data 66c associates the total inventory quantity of "400", unselected quantity of "350", selected quantity of "50", and exchanged quantity of "300" with the prize code "0002", prize name "small prize", and group code "01".

[0164] In addition, the prize inventory data 66c associates the total inventory quantity of "100", unselected quantity of "90", selected quantity of "10", and exchanged quantity of "50" with the prize code "0100", prize name "M Seven", and group code "02".

[0165] In addition, the prize inventory data 66c associates the total inventory quantity "100", unselected "100", selected "0", and exchanged "30" with the prize code "0101", prize name "rack", and group code "02".

[0166] In addition, the prize inventory data 66c associates the total inventory quantity "700", unselected "670", selected "30", and exchanged "300" with the prize code "0600", prize name "candy end piece", and group code "04".

[0167] <Display pattern according to Embodiment 1> Next, the display pattern according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the display pattern according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the display pattern is classified into Pattern 1 to Pattern 4 according to the timing and conditions of display determination.

[0168] In Pattern 1, it is determined at the time of card insertion. When the card is a general card, "If there is an additional card, please insert it. Please insert the membership card last." is displayed at the time of card insertion.

[0169] In Pattern 2, it is determined at the time of card insertion. When the card is a membership card, "If there is an additional card, please eject the membership card. Please insert the membership card last." is displayed at the time of card insertion.

[0170] In Pattern 3, it is determined at the time of card insertion. When there are multiple rates for the card value or there is a remaining balance in the prepaid value, "This is a card with multiple rates or a remaining balance in the prepaid value. Please don't forget to receive the card when the exchange is completed." is displayed at the time of card insertion, and "This is a card with multiple rates or a remaining balance in the prepaid value. Please don't forget to receive the card." is displayed at the end of the exchange.

[0171] In pattern 4, the situation is judged when the prize is selected, and if there are remaining balls of the card's value, the message "You have remaining balls. Please remember to collect your card when the exchange is complete" is displayed when the prize is selected, and the message "You have remaining balls. Please remember to collect your card" is displayed when the exchange is complete.

[0172] <Processing procedure of the self-service prize management device 60 according to embodiment 1> Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure of the self-service prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment 1. Figures 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the self-service prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment 1.

[0173] When a card is inserted (Step S101; Yes), the self-prize management device 60 receives the value associated with the card from the management device 50, and if the value has multiple rates or there is a remaining amount in the prepaid value (Step S102; Yes), it displays on the display unit 61 a message indicating that the card should be removed when the exchange is complete (Step S103). At this time, "Yes" is stored in the "Multiple Rates / Remaining Value" field of the held value data 66b.

[0174] If the inserted card is a membership card (step S104; Yes), if there is an additional card, remove the card and display on the display unit 61 that the membership card should be inserted last (step S105). At this time, "Yes" is stored in the "membership card" field of the holding value data 66b.

[0175] If the inserted card is a general card (step S104; No), if there are additional cards, a message is displayed on the display unit 61 indicating that the membership card should be inserted last (step S106).

[0176] If the operation to return the card is accepted (step S107; Yes), the process proceeds to step S101. If the operation to return the card is not accepted (step S107; No), the held balls, saved balls, and prepaid value associated with the card are stored in the held value data 66b (step S108).

[0177] If an additional card is inserted (step S109; Yes), the process proceeds to step S108. If an additional card is not inserted (step S109; No) and a prize selection operation is accepted (step S110; Yes), the remaining number of balls is calculated (step S111).

[0178] If there are remaining balls in the possession (step S112; Yes), a message to remove the card at the end of the exchange is displayed on the display unit 61 (step S113). At this time, "yes" is stored in the "remaining balls in possession" field of the possession value data 66b.

[0179] When the end button is pressed and the prize exchange is completed (step S114; Yes), the selected prize is notified to the management device 50 (step S115).

[0180] If the value associated with the card has multiple rates or if there is a remaining amount in the prepaid value, specifically if the "Multiple Rates / Remaining Value" in the held value data 66b is "Yes" (Step S116; Yes), a message to remove the card is displayed on the display unit 61 (Step S117).

[0181] If there are remaining balls in the possession, specifically, if the "remaining balls in possession" of the holding value data 66b is "yes" (step S118; Yes), a message to remove the card is displayed on the display unit 61 (step S119).

[0182] If there are no balls remaining in the player's possession, saved balls, or prepaid value after the prize exchange is complete, and the card is a general card (step S120; No), the process ends.

[0183] If there are any remaining balls, saved balls or prepaid value after the prize exchange is completed, or if the card is a membership card (step S120; Yes), the card is returned (step S121) and the process ends.

[0184] As described above, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment can efficiently perform prize exchange while preventing the forgetting of valuable cards.

[0185] As described above, in the first embodiment, there is a prize exchange system installed in a game parlor for exchanging the number of in-game items and stored items acquired by a player as prizes. The system is configured to perform display output to prompt the receipt of cards based on the card type, the number of in-game items, the number of stored items, or the number of in-game items after prize exchange processing. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform prize exchange while preventing the forgetting of valuable cards.

[0186] In the above-described first embodiment, the configuration of displaying a prompt to receive a card with remaining value in the self-prize management device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When a card suspected of being fraudulent is inserted, it can be notified to the prize management device 70 that is operated by a human for prize exchange. It can be notified not only to the prize management device 70 but also to the prize management device 70 and the self-prize management device 60. Also, when a card of an excellent player is inserted, it can be notified in the same manner.

[0187] [Embodiment 2] Incidentally, in the above-described first embodiment, the configuration of displaying a prompt to receive a card with remaining value in the self-prize management device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure to display the number of exchange items required for a card having a value exceeding the upper limit of the stored items.

[0188] Conventionally, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit of the stored items is inserted into the self-prize management device and an attempt is made to store items exceeding the upper limit, the self-prize management device determines an error and interrupts the exchange process, resulting in inefficient self-prize exchange operation.

[0189] <Overview of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 2> In the second embodiment, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit number of stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, a configuration for displaying the number of replacement balls required to not exceed the upper limit number and improving the efficiency of self-prize exchange operation will be described.

[0190] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, when a card is inserted, the self-prize management device 100 reads the card ID of the card and notifies the management device 150 (S11).

[0191] The management device 150 compares the total number of held balls and stored balls associated with the card ID with the upper limit number of stored balls, and notifies the self-prize management device 100 of the number of replacement balls required to not exceed the upper limit number of stored balls (S12).

[0192] Specifically, when the number of held balls is 5000 balls, the number of stored balls is 6000 balls, and the upper limit number of stored balls is 10000 balls, since the total number of held balls and stored balls exceeds the upper limit number of stored balls by 1000 balls, this 1000 balls is notified as the required number of replacement balls.

[0193] The self-prize management device 100 displays the notified required number of replacement balls (S13). Specifically, it displays that if 1000 balls are exchanged for prizes, 4000 balls can be stored.

[0194] In this way, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit number of stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment can display the number of replacement balls required to not exceed the upper limit number and improve the efficiency of self-prize exchange operation.

[0195] Note that in the above second embodiment, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit number of stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, a configuration for displaying the number of replacement balls required to not exceed the upper limit number has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the setting of the stored balls exceeding the upper limit number is made, it can also be configured to notify an employee.

[0196] Also, in the above-described Embodiment 2, when a card having a value exceeding the upper limit number of stored balls is inserted into the self-prize management device 100, the configuration for displaying the number of replacement balls necessary to not exceed the upper limit number was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the setting of the stored balls exceeding the upper limit number is made, it can also be configured to display an employee call button. Further, the employee call button can also be configured to be displayed when a stolen lock card is read or when a locked member card is read.

[0197] Also, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the configuration of operating the upper limit number of stored balls as a fixed value was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured such that the upper limit number can be changed by setting.

[0198] [Embodiment 3] By the way, in the above-described Embodiment 1, the configuration of displaying a message prompting the reception of a card having remaining value or the like in the self-prize management device was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When a player is in the process of exchanging prizes, it can also be configured to control the prize exchange process of the next player.

[0199] Conventionally, when a player is in the middle of exchanging prizes and the next player starts the prize exchange process, there is a concern that the values associated with each card may be confused, or there may be trouble between players due to the possession, payout, etc. of devices such as the self-prize management device.

[0200] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 3> In this Embodiment 3, when a player is in the process of exchanging prizes, the configuration for controlling the prize exchange process of the next player will be described.

[0201] Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 15, the prize exchange process is carried out by reading a card with a card reader 260, selecting a prize with a self-service prize management device 200, and paying out the prize with a prize payout device 250.

[0202] When a player is in the process of exchanging a prize, for example, while a prize is being paid out, other players are prohibited from operating the device (S21). For example, while a player is using the prize payout device 250 to pay out a prize, the card reader 260 and the self-service prize management device 200 display a message indicating that another player is exchanging a prize and that operations are prohibited.

[0203] When the player has finished paying out the prize, the prohibition on operations by other players is lifted (S22). Specifically, when the prize payout device 250 has finished paying out the prize, the card reader 260 and the self-service prize management device 200 display a message indicating that operations are now possible.

[0204] <Control pattern for prize exchange according to the third embodiment> Next, the control patterns for prize exchange according to this embodiment 3 will be explained. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the control patterns for prize exchange according to this embodiment 3. The control patterns are classified into Pattern 1 to Pattern 3 depending on whether the next customer's operation is possible in response to the previous customer's operation. The operations of the player are classified into card reading, prize selection, and prize payout.

[0205] In pattern 1, the next customer is prohibited from reading their card from the time the previous customer's card is read until the prize payout process is completed. After the prize payout process for the previous customer is completed, all operations for the next customer are permitted.

[0206] In pattern 2, the next customer is prohibited from reading their card from the time the previous customer's card is read until the prize selection is complete. The next customer is allowed to read their card and select a prize from the time the previous customer's prize selection is complete until the prize payout process is complete, and after the prize payout process for the previous customer is complete, the next customer is allowed to perform all operations.

[0207] In Pattern 3, the card reading of the next customer is prohibited from the card reading of the previous customer until the start of prize selection, and the card reading of the next customer becomes possible from the start of the previous customer's prize selection until the end of the prize selection process. From after the end of the previous customer's prize selection until the end of the prize payout process, the card reading and prize selection of the next customer become possible, and after the end of the previous customer's prize payout process, all operations of the next customer become possible.

[0208] In this way, the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 3 can control the prize exchange process of the next player when a player is exchanging a prize, thereby reducing the occurrence of troubles between players.

[0209] In the above Embodiment 3, the configuration for controlling the device related to prize exchange such as the self-prize management device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to control the self-processing in devices such as the island end counter.

[0210] Also, in the above Embodiment 3, the configuration for prohibiting the prize exchange process of the next player when a player is exchanging a prize has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to be able to switch between prohibiting / holding the prize exchange process of the next player.

[0211] [Embodiment 4] By the way, in the above Embodiment 1, the configuration for displaying, in the self-prize management device, prompting the receipt of cards with remaining value, etc. has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to display prizes based on the prize exchange history of the player included in the selected prizes.

[0212] Conventionally, when selecting a prize with a self-prize management device, it was possible to select from multiple patterns such as full exchange, but it could not necessarily be said that it met the individual needs of the players.

[0213] <Overview of the Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 4> In the fourth embodiment, when a player selects a prize using the self-prize management device 350, a configuration will be described in which prizes based on the player's prize exchange history are included in the prizes to be selected and displayed.

[0214] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, when a player starts a prize exchange operation using the self-prize management device 350, the face image captured by the camera 380 is notified to the management device 300 as identification information (S31).

[0215] The management device 300 performs face authentication from the notified identification information to identify the player, searches the prize exchange history data for the player's prize exchange history, and notifies the result to the self-prize management device 350 (S32).

[0216] The self-prize management device 350 uses the notified prize exchange history of the player to display recommended prizes for the player (S33). For example, a combination of a special prize selected at the previous prize exchange and cigarettes is displayed as one of the prize options.

[0217] <Prize exchange patterns according to the fourth embodiment> Next, the prize exchange patterns according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the prize exchange patterns according to the fourth embodiment. The exchange patterns are classified into patterns 1 to 6 according to the player's preferences and the like. One to six of these six patterns are selected and set by the management device 300 and displayed on the self-prize management device 350.

[0218] Pattern 1 is a prize based on the most recent prize exchange history. Pattern 2 is the prize that appears most frequently in the player's prize exchange history. Pattern 3 is the maximum number of special prizes that can be exchanged with the number of cards held.

[0219] Pattern 4 is a special prize that is the number obtained by adding 1 to the maximum number of items that can be exchanged with the points held on the card. Pattern 4 targets only membership cards, and if there is a shortage of the number of points required for the exchange, stored points are used. Pattern 5 is a general prize that is frequently exchanged at the store. Pattern 6 is a general prize recommended by the store.

[0220] In this way, when a player selects a prize using the self-prize management device 350 in the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment, by displaying a prize based on the player's prize exchange history included in the selected prize, the convenience for the player can be improved.

[0221] In the above fourth embodiment, the configuration in which a prize based on the player's prize exchange history is displayed as an option at the time of prize selection has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the management device 300, it is also possible to configure to store the exchange pattern selected by the player and use it as a database.

[0222] Also, in the above fourth embodiment, the configuration in which a prize based on the player's prize exchange history is displayed as an option at the time of prize selection has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure to display an advertisement for a prize related to the general prize selected by the player.

[0223] [Embodiment 5] Incidentally, in the above first embodiment, the configuration in which the self-prize management device displays a message prompting the receipt of cards with remaining value has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in a self-prize management device capable of both manned prize exchange operation by an employee and self-prize exchange operation by a player, it is also possible to configure to record which of the manned / self-prize exchange operations was used for the exchange.

[0224] Conventionally, in a self-prize management device capable of manned / self-prize exchange operation, it has been impossible to determine whether the prize exchange was made by manned or self-prize exchange operation, and there has been a possibility of trouble with the players.

[0225] <Overview of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 5> In the present Embodiment 5, in a self-prize management device capable of manned / self-prize exchange operation, a configuration for recording which of the manned / self-prize exchange operations was used for the exchange and for streamlining the manned / self-prize exchange operation will be described.

[0226] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the overview of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 5. As shown in FIG. 19, when the self-prize management device 450 and the prize management device 480 perform a prize exchange, they notify the management device 400 of the prize exchange information (S41).

[0227] The management device 400 classifies the notified prize exchange information into manned / self and stores it in the prize exchange history data (S42). Specifically, the prize exchange information notified from the self-prize management device 450 (device ID: 101) is stored with the transaction content being "self-prize exchange" and the device ID being "101", and the prize exchange information notified from the prize management device 480 (device ID: 201) is stored with the transaction content being "prize exchange" and the device ID being "201".

[0228] Also, the management device 400 analyzes the prize exchange history data and displays the results of the prize exchange classified into manned / self (S43). For example, it displays that the prize exchange results are 150,000 balls for the manned machine and 90,000 balls for the self-service machine.

[0229] As a result, it is possible to determine whether the prize exchange was made by manned or self-prize exchange operation, and it is possible to appropriately respond to inquiries from the players. Also, it is possible to analyze the utilization rate and transaction content of the self-prize exchange operation.

[0230] As described above, the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 5 can record whether the exchange was made through manned / self-prize exchange operation in a self-prize management device capable of manned / self-prize exchange operation, and can improve the efficiency of manned / self-prize exchange operation.

[0231] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 5, a configuration has been described in which it is possible to record and analyze which of the manned / self-prize exchange operations was used for the exchange. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the system to automatically analyze the utilization rate of the manned / self-prize exchange operation and switch the manned / self-prize exchange operation according to the analysis result.

[0232] [Embodiment 6] By the way, in the above-described Embodiment 1, a configuration has been described in which a self-prize management device displays a message prompting the receipt of cards with remaining value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the prize payout device to return the forgotten prize to the number of balls and manage it as data when a prize is forgotten.

[0233] Conventionally, when a prize is forgotten in a prize payout device, an employee has to collect and store the prize and respond to inquiries from game players, which increases the burden on the employee and may cause trouble with game players.

[0234] [Outline of the Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 6] In this Embodiment 6, a configuration will be described in which when a prize is forgotten in a prize payout device, the prize is returned to the number of balls and managed as data.

[0235] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. 20, when there is a forgotten prize in the prize payout device 550, the device detects the prize and takes it into the device (S51), and notifies the management device 500 of the forgotten prize information with the prize returned to the number of balls (S52).

[0236] The management device 500 stores the notified forgotten ball information, including the number of balls, by classification of member / general customer (S53). Specifically, the date and time, classification of member / general customer, and number of balls are stored as forgotten prize data. This reduces the burden on employees and enables appropriate responses to players.

[0237] <Managing procedure for left-behind data according to the sixth embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the management procedure for left-behind item data according to the present embodiment 6. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the management procedure for left-behind item data according to the present embodiment 6. The management procedure for left-behind item data differs depending on whether the customer is a member or a general customer.

[0238] For members, the prize is converted into the number of balls and linked to the member data, including the transaction time and transaction details. The number of balls is managed in the member's account, and the player is returned the balls by replaying with the member's card or by exchanging them for a prize.

[0239] For regular customers, the prize is converted into the number of balls, and the transaction time and details are linked to the facial data. The number of balls is managed in the forgotten balls account, and the balls are returned to the customer after identity verification using facial data authentication, and the prize is paid out again.

[0240] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 6 reduces the burden on employees and allows appropriate responses to be made to players by returning the prize to the number of balls and managing it as data when a prize is forgotten to be taken from the prize payout device.

[0241] In the above embodiment 6, we have described a configuration in which, in the case of general customers, an employee is present to verify the identity of the customer using facial data authentication and then the prize is re-paid.However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to automate the process from verifying the identity of the customer using facial data authentication to re-paying the prize.

[0242] [Embodiment 7] By the way, in the above-described Embodiment 1, in the self-prize management device, the configuration for displaying a message prompting the reception of cards with remaining value has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the device to continuously receive a plurality of cards and, if there is a residual value, return them in a single card.

[0243] Conventionally, in self-prize exchange operations, in many stores, when there is a residual value on a card, the prize exchange using a plurality of cards is restricted so that the player does not accidentally return the card to the collection box, resulting in a situation where the convenience for players is not good.

[0244] <Overview of the Prize Exchange System According to Embodiment 7> In this Embodiment 7, in the self-prize management device, the configuration for continuously receiving a plurality of cards and, if there is a residual value, returning them in a single card will be described.

[0245] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the overview of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 7. As shown in FIG. 22, the prize exchange by manned prize exchange operation and self-prize exchange operation will be described.

[0246] In the case of manned prize exchange operation, a card is inserted into the prize management device 600 to select an exchange rate, and if there is a residual value, the employee returns the card to the player (S61). Similarly, if there is a next card, a card is inserted to select an exchange rate, and if there is a residual value, the employee returns the card to the player (S62). When the card reading is completed, the player selects a prize (S63).

[0247] In the case of self-prize exchange operation, a plurality of cards are continuously inserted into the self-prize management device 650 (S64), and an exchange rate and a prize are selected (S65). If there is a residual value, they are returned in a single card (S66).

[0248] If the value of the last inserted card makes it impossible to combine all the cards into one card, such as when the exchange rate is 4 or more or the prepaid value is above a certain amount, the last inserted card will be returned as unacceptable.

[0249] In this way, the prize exchange system according to the seventh embodiment can accept multiple cards consecutively in the self-service prize management device 650, and if there is any remaining value, return them all together on one card.

[0250] In the above embodiment 7, we have described a configuration in which if the value of the last inserted card prevents the cards from being combined into one card, the last inserted card is returned as unacceptable.However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the exchange rate is four rates and all cards of one rate are exchanged, the last inserted card can also be configured to be accepted.

[0251] Furthermore, in the above seventh embodiment, a configuration was described in which multiple cards are accepted consecutively and, if there is residual value, are combined into a single card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be configured so that, if the multiple cards include a membership card, the timing for inserting the membership card can be specified.

[0252] [Embodiment 8] Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the self-prize management device displays a message encouraging the user to collect cards with remaining value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when exchanging cards with values of multiple rates for prizes, it can also be configured to leave a certain number of cards of a specific rate.

[0253] Previously, it was prohibited to combine values between rates, so when exchanging a card with values at multiple rates for a prize, a card had to be inserted for each rate, or all of the rates had to be exchanged at the same time. This did not meet the need to keep a certain number of cards at a particular rate, which was inconvenient for players.

[0254] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment> In this eighth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, in a self-service prize management device, when a card having values of multiple rates is exchanged for a prize, a certain number of cards of a specific rate are left.

[0255] Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 23, when a card having values of multiple rates is read, the rate to be exchanged is selected (S71). Specifically, the value held is displayed for each exchange rate (for example, 4000 balls for 4 Pachi), and it is selected whether to exchange all or part of each exchange rate.

[0256] If a player selects to exchange a portion of the balls, the player inputs the value to be left on the card (S72). For example, if the player specifies that 1,000 balls are to be left at a rate of 4 pachi, the number of balls to be exchanged will be displayed as 3,000. After the player inputs the value to be left on the card, the details of the prize exchange are displayed based on the specified exchange value (S73).

[0257] In this way, the prize exchange system according to the eighth embodiment allows a certain number of cards of a specific rate to be left in the self-service prize management device when exchanging cards with values of multiple rates for prizes.

[0258] In the above embodiment 8, a configuration was described in which the value to be left on the card is input in order to leave a certain number of prizes at a specific rate, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to specify the type and number of prizes to be exchanged and leave a certain number of prizes at a specific rate.

[0259] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 8, the configuration for inputting the value remaining on the card in order to leave a certain number of specific rates has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure to automatically display the optimal number of types and numbers of prizes to be exchanged.

[0260] [Embodiment 9] By the way, in the above-described Embodiment 1, the configuration for displaying a message prompting the reception of a card with a remaining value in the self-prize management device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure to specify the destination for returning the remaining balls after prize exchange.

[0261] Conventionally, when there are ball counts in the held balls and stored balls, if there are remaining balls after prize exchange, the remaining balls are returned to the stored balls. This cannot meet the needs of some players who want to return a certain number of balls to the held balls and play the game again, resulting in a situation where the convenience for players is not good.

[0262] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 9> In this Embodiment 9, the configuration for specifying the destination for returning the remaining balls after prize exchange will be described.

[0263] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the prize exchange system according to this Embodiment 9. As shown in FIG. 24, when performing a prize exchange operation when there are held balls and stored balls (S81), if there are remaining balls, the destination for returning the remaining balls is specified (S82).

[0264] When the held balls are specified as the return destination, the remaining balls are returned to the held balls (S83), and when the stored balls are specified as the return destination, the remaining balls are returned to the stored balls (S84).

[0265] Specifically, when exchanging 500 balls with 100 holding balls and 600 stored balls, 200 balls will remain as surplus balls. If the holding balls are specified as the return destination, the holding balls will be 100 and the stored balls will be 100. If the stored balls are specified as the return destination, the holding balls will be 0 and the stored balls will be 200. Note that since the initial number of holding balls was 100, it is not possible to return more than 100 balls.

[0266] As described above, the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 9 can specify the return destination of the surplus balls remaining after the prize exchange.

[0267] In the above Embodiment 9, the configuration for specifying the return destination of the surplus balls remaining after the prize exchange has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the system to automatically transfer the surplus balls remaining after the prize exchange to the daily stored balls. Further, when a replay upper limit value is set for the daily stored balls, it is also possible to configure the system to control whether or not to automatically transfer the surplus balls to the daily stored balls.

[0268] [Embodiment 10] By the way, in the above Embodiment 1, the configuration for displaying a message prompting the receipt of cards with remaining value in the self-prize management device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in a self-prize management device that conducts self-prize exchange operations, when the security function is disabled, it is also possible to configure the device to stop its operation.

[0269] Conventionally, prize management devices have a security function that enables operation only when a password is entered. However, in manned prize exchange operations performed by employees, there have been few operations in which the security function is disabled. Even in self-prize exchange operations using a self-prize management device, when an operation is performed with the security function disabled, there is a possibility that functions that can only be used by employees may be operated by game players, and there may be security problems.

[0270] [Outline of the prize exchange system according to Embodiment 10] In this embodiment 10, a configuration is described in which the operation of a self-prize management device that performs self-prize exchange operations is stopped when the security function is disabled.

[0271] Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 10. As shown in Figure 25, the self-prize management device 800 with its security function disabled is started (S91), and it is specified whether or not to perform the self-prize exchange operation (S92).

[0272] If self-prize exchange operation is to be performed, operation of the self-prize management device 800 is stopped (S93), and if self-prize exchange operation is not to be performed, i.e., if manned prize exchange operation is to be performed, operation of the self-prize management device 800 is started (S94).

[0273] This prevents players from operating functions that can only be used by employees in a self-prize management device 800 with security functions disabled, thereby preventing a decrease in security during prize exchange operations.

[0274] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 10 can stop operation of the self-prize management device 800 that performs self-prize exchange operations when the security function is disabled, thereby preventing a decrease in security during prize exchange operations.

[0275] In the above embodiment 10, a configuration was described that prevents a decrease in security during the self-prize exchange operation of the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure various terminals that have been converted into self-service employee terminals so that the operation of the terminal is stopped if the security function is disabled.

[0276] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 10, a self-prize management device with a disabled security function is described as being configured to stop self-prize exchange operations, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure a self-prize management device that is dedicated to self-prize exchange operations without adding a security function, and a self-prize management device that can be switched between manned and self-prize exchange operations to add a security function.

[0277] Furthermore, the configurations illustrated in the above embodiments are merely functional schematics and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0278] The prize exchange system, prize management device and prize exchange method according to the present invention are suitable for preventing problems during self-prize exchange operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0279] 10 machine-to-machine card processing machines 11 Status display section 12 Banknote transport section 12a Bill insertion slot 13 Display operation section 14 Reader / Writer 14a Card slot 15 Communications Department 16 Memory section 16a Device status data 16b Card Data 17 Control Unit 17a Data Management Department 18 Gaming Management Department 18a Authentication processing section 18b Authentication key management unit 18c Gaming Machine Status Management Department 20 Gaming machines 21 Handle 22 Count button 23 Communication control section 24 Production Control Unit 24a Design lottery section 24b Production Lottery Section 25 Game control unit 26 Game ball control unit 26a Playable Number Management Department 30 Island Controller 50 Management device 51 Display section 52 Input section 53 External Network Communication Section 54 Store Network Communications Department 55 Storage section 55a Card Management Data 55b Equipment Management Data 55c Membership Management Data 55d Selected Prize Data 56 Control Unit 56a Card Management Department 56b Equipment management department 56c Membership Management Department 56d Selection Prize Management Department 60 Self-Prize Management Device 61 Display section 62 Operation section 63 Receipt Issuance Department 64a Clerk tag reader 64b card reader 64c mobile terminal reader 65 Communications Department 66 Memory section 66a Prize Master 66b Holding Value Data 66c Prize Inventory Data 67 Control Unit 67a Prize Management Department 67b Holding Value Management Department 67c Display control unit 67d Prize selection control unit 67e Prize Inventory Management Department 67f Prize-related processing section 67g Return section 70 Prize Management Device 80 Prize dispensing device 100 Self-prize management device 150 Management device 200 Self-prize management device 250 Prize dispensing device 260 Card reader 300 Management device 350 Self-prize management device 380 Camera 400 Management device 450 Self-prize management device 480 Prize management device 500 Management device 550 Prize dispensing device 600 Prize management device 650 Self-prize management device 700 Prize management device 800 Self-prize management device

Claims

1. A prize exchange system comprising a prize management device capable of performing a prize exchange operation by a game player and a prize payout device for paying out prizes, receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the number of playable games, control means for prohibiting the reception of a new recording medium from the reception of the recording medium by the receiving means until the payout of the prize by the prize payout device is completed, and allowing the reception of a new recording medium if the payout of the prize is completed A prize exchange system characterized by comprising the above.

2. A prize exchange system comprising a prize management device capable of performing a prize exchange operation by a game player and a prize payout device for paying out prizes, receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the number of playable games, control means for prohibiting the reception of a new recording medium from the reception of the recording medium by the receiving means until the selection of the prize by the game player is completed, and allowing the reception of a new recording medium if the selection of the prize is completed A prize exchange system characterized by comprising the above.

3. A prize exchange system comprising a prize management device capable of performing a prize exchange operation by a game player and a prize payout device for paying out prizes, receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the number of playable games, control means for prohibiting the reception of a new recording medium from the reception of the recording medium by the receiving means until the selection of the prize by the game player is started, and allowing the reception of a new recording medium if the selection of the prize is started A prize exchange system characterized by comprising the above.

4. The control means During the payout of the prize by the prize payout device, displays on the display unit of the prize management device that the exchange is in progress. The prize exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The control means When the payout of the prize by the prize payout device is completed, displays on the display unit of the prize management device that the reception of the recording medium is possible. The prize exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. A prize management device communicably connected to a prize payout device for paying out prizes and capable of performing a prize exchange operation by a game player, receiving means for receiving a recording medium associated with the number of playable games, Control means for prohibiting acceptance of a new recording medium from the acceptance of the recording medium by the acceptance means until the payout of the prize by the prize payout device is completed, and for controlling to allow acceptance of a new recording medium when the payout of the prize is completed A prize management device characterized by comprising the same

7. A prize exchange method in a prize exchange system including a prize management device capable of performing a prize exchange operation by a player and a prize payout device for paying out a prize, the method comprising: An acceptance step of accepting a recording medium associated with the number of playable games A control step of prohibiting acceptance of a new recording medium from the acceptance of the recording medium in the acceptance step until the payout of the prize by the prize payout device is completed, and controlling to allow acceptance of a new recording medium when the payout of the prize is completed A prize exchange method characterized by including the same

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