Prize exchange system and prize exchange method

Abstract

To allow a player to efficiently exchange the number of game media acquired from games to prizes.SOLUTION: When a card is held over a self-prize management device 60 (S1), the self-prize management device 60 obtains from a management device 50 a holding-ball balance and a stored-ball balance associated with the card, and a player selects general prizes within a range of the holding-ball balance and the stored-ball balance (S2). The self-prize management device 60 records prize codes and the number pieces of the selected prizes in the card (S3) and makes a notification to a management device 50 (S4). Next, when the card is held over a general-prize payout device 90 (S5), the general-prize payout device 90 payouts general prizes recorded in the card (S6) and notifies the management device 50 of the prize codes and the number of pieces of the prizes that have been paid out (S7).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize exchange system and a prize exchange method that enable a player to efficiently exchange the number of game media acquired through a game for prizes. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional gaming establishment such as a pachinko parlor, a player associates the number of game media acquired through a game with a recording medium such as a card, and brings this recording medium to a prize counter. When the player hands the recording medium over to an employee at the prize counter, the employee operates the recording medium to exchange the number of game media associated with the recording medium for a prize.

[0003] As described above, while prize exchange has traditionally been performed by employees, recently, an operation in which players themselves exchange game media for prizes (hereinafter referred to as "self-operation") has become common. In this self-operation, players themselves perform a series of processes, from reading the recording medium, to selecting a prize, and receiving the prize. This reduces the burden on employees and allows for efficient prize exchange. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a prize management device issues a receipt on which information identifying the prize selected by the player is printed, and when this receipt is held up to a prize payout device, the corresponding prize is paid out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-016479 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the system in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the information about the prizes is printed on paper receipts, which requires a printer, ink, and paper for printing. Also, employees have to dispose of used receipts, which is a burden on them.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional technology, and aims to provide a prize exchange system and prize exchange method that allows players to efficiently exchange the number of gaming media they have acquired through games for prizes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a management device that manages the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of a recording medium; connected to a special prize storage device including a plurality of storage sections for storing special prizes; The number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium is calculated by the player's operation. The aforementioned Exchange for special prizes or general prizes Along with this, it was installed at the prize exchange location. a prize redemption device, before and a general prize storage device including a plurality of storage sections for storing the general prizes. The prize exchange device includes a reception means for receiving the recording medium, a prize specification means for specifying the special prize or the general prize to be exchanged for a prize within the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium received by the reception means, and a prize specification means for specifying the special prize or the general prize to be exchanged for a prize within the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium received by the reception means. When the general prize is a general prize that can be stored in the storage section, Information regarding the general prizes Second Write to recording medium If the general prize is a general prize that cannot be stored in the storage unit, information about the general prize is not written to the second recording medium. and a writing means, wherein the management device has a subtraction means for subtracting the number of game media corresponding to the special prize or the general prize specified by the prize specification means from the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium, and the general prize storage device has Second Once the recording medium is received, Second The device is characterized by having a reading means for reading information relating to the general prizes from a recording medium, and a control means for controlling the general prizes to be removed from a designated prize storage unit based on the information relating to the general prizes.

[0008] In the present invention, when the prize exchange device identifies the general prize to be exchanged for, the management device stores information on the general prize to be exchanged for in the prize exchange waiting list. Second The information is managed in association with a recording medium, and when the general prize is taken out from the general prize storage device, the information on the waiting time for prize exchange is deleted.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides the above-mentioned invention, general Information regarding the prizes is available at general Identification information of the prize storage unit in the prize storage device or general The prize includes prize identification information that uniquely identifies the prize.

[0012] The present invention also provides a management device that manages the number of game media acquired by a player in association with the identification information of a recording medium, a special prize storage device including a plurality of storage sections for storing special prizes, and a general prize storage device including a plurality of storage sections for storing general prizes, and a device that exchanges the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for the special prize or the general prize by operation of the player. Along with this, it was installed at the prize exchange location. A prize exchange method in a prize exchange system having a prize exchange device, comprising: a reception step in which the prize exchange device receives the recording medium; a prize identification step in which the prize exchange device identifies the special prize or the general prize to be exchanged for the prize within the range of the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium received by the reception step; and a subtraction step in which the management device subtracts the number of game media corresponding to the special prize or the general prize identified by the prize identification step from the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium. The prize redemption device, The prize identified in the prize identification step When the general prize identified in the prize identification process is a general prize that can be stored in the storage section, Information regarding the general prizes Second Write it to a recording medium, If the general prize is a general prize that cannot be stored in the storage unit, information about the general prize is not written to the second recording medium. A writing process, and the general prize storage device Second Once the recording medium is received, SecondThe system is characterized by including a reading process for reading information relating to the general prizes from a recording medium, and a control process for controlling the general prize storage device to enable removal of the general prizes from a designated prize storage section based on the information relating to the general prizes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the number of game media acquired by a player through a game can be efficiently exchanged for prizes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [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, the device management data, and the member management data shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the prize inventory data and the selected prize data shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self-service prize management device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master, the holding value data, and the prize inventory data shown in FIG. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the general prize payout device shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the prize inventory data shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the self-service prize management device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the self-service prize management device according to embodiment 1. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a prize exchange system according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the self-service prize management device shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the general prize payout device shown in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the prize inventory data shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedure of the prize exchange process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing procedure of the prize exchange process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the processing procedure of the prize exchange process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the selected prize data shown in FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] [Embodiment 1] The prize exchange system and prize exchange method according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0017] In this specification, "reserved balls" refers to data indicating gaming media acquired by a player through gaming, which can only be used again for gaming on the same day (before the gaming establishment's closing time). "Number of possessed balls" refers to the number of gaming media acquired by a player through gaming. "Saved balls" refers to data indicating gaming media deposited by a player at a gaming establishment, which can be used again for gaming from the next day onwards (after the gaming establishment's closing time). "Saved balls" refers to the number of gaming media deposited by a player at a gaming establishment. Reserved balls are available to both regular players and member players, and are used when a gaming machine is moved, for example. In principle, only member players can use saved balls, and are used when acquired gaming media are used to play a gaming machine from the next day onwards. "Number of gaming balls" refers to the number of playable balls available to a player for gaming.

[0018] <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.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, in the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment, when a card is held over the self-service prize management device 60 (S1), the self-service prize management device 60 obtains the balance of owned and saved balls associated with the card from the management device 50, and the player selects a general prize within the balance of owned and saved balls (S2). For example, one tea and one milk are selected.

[0020] The self-prize management device 60 records the prize code and number of the selected prize on the card (S3) and notifies the management device 50 (S4).

[0021] Next, when the card is held over the general prize payout device 90 (S5), the general prize payout device 90 pays out the general prize recorded on the card (S6) and notifies the management device 50 of the prize code and number of the paid-out prizes (S7).

[0022] In this way, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment allows players to efficiently exchange game media acquired by playing games for prizes.

[0023] <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 facility 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-flight network, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, a management device 50, a self-service prize management device 60, and a general prize payout device 90 are connected to the communication line. The self-service prize management device 60 is also connected to a special prize payout device 80 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends gaming balls, and communicates with the management device 50 and the gaming machines 20. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts bills inserted by a player, it sends a deposit notification including the deposit amount to the management device 50, thereby adding the prepaid value equivalent to the deposit amount to the prepaid value managed by the management device 50. Then, when a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, it sends a ball lending request to the management device 50, subtracts the prepaid value managed by the management device 50, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value, which is added to the number of gaming balls.

[0030] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the insertion of a card, it sends a card insertion notification to the management device 50. Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the balance of prepaid value, held balls, or saved balls from the management device 50, it stores the balance. When it receives and stores the balance of held balls, it sends a held ball subtraction request to the management device 50, thereby clearing the balance of held balls (number of held balls) managed by the management device 50 to zero.

[0031] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives 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 held balls, and adds it to the number of game balls. Also, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a saved ball replay operation, it sends a saved ball replay request to the management device 50, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of saved balls managed by the management device 50, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted saved balls, and adds it to the number of game balls.

[0032] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a card return operation, it sends a ball addition request including the number of balls held to the management device 50, and after having the management device 50 add the number of balls held, it sends a card ejection notification 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 balls held.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The management device 50 also acquires gaming machine IDs from the inter-machine card processing device 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own parlor. It also acquires authentication keys for authenticating the gaming machines 20 set in its own parlor from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the parlor, and distributes the authentication keys to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0041] The management device 50 also manages the member management data of members who have registered with the gaming establishment. Specifically, the management device 50 manages the number of balls, points, PIN number, name, etc. in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

[0042] Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it transmits stored ball replay data including the balance of stored balls and the PIN number corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification to the inter-machine card processing device 10. Furthermore, when the management device 50 receives a stored ball replay request from the inter-machine card processing device 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the balance of stored balls associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request, and transmits stored ball replay data including the balance of stored balls after the subtraction to the inter-machine card processing device 10.

[0043] In addition, when the management device 50 receives a card ID from the self-prize management device 60, it notifies the self-prize management device 60 of the number of balls held, the number of balls saved, and the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

[0044] In addition, when the management device 50 receives a request for prize inventory data from the self-prize management device 60, it notifies the self-prize management device 60 of the prize inventory data.

[0045] In addition, when the management device 50 receives a registration request including the card ID, prize code and number of the selected prize from the self prize management device 60, it associates the selected prize with the card ID, and if the selected prize is a special prize, it registers the status as "exchange completed" in the selected prize data, or if the selected prize is a general prize, it registers the status as "waiting for exchange" in the selected prize data.

[0046] In addition, when the management device 50 receives a registration request including the card ID, prize code and quantity of the selected prize from the general prize payout device 90, it updates the status of the data corresponding to the received card ID, prize code and quantity in the selected prize data to indicate that the exchange has been completed.

[0047] The self-prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange installed next to the prize exchange counter in the gaming parlor, has a self-function that allows the player to select a prize themselves, and performs the prize exchange process for owned and saved balls. When the self-prize management device 60 reads a card ID from a general card or member card (or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal, etc.), it sends the card ID to the management device 50 and requests the balance of owned balls, saved balls, and prepaid value for that card ID.

[0048] Furthermore, when the self-prize management device 60 reads the card ID from the card, it requests the value associated with the card ID and the balance of the held balls from the management device 50. When the self-prize management device 60 receives the value associated with the card ID from the management device 50, it stores this value in the held value data.

[0049] In addition, the self-prize management device 60 accepts the selection of special prizes and general prizes within the balance of owned and saved balls stored in the holding value data, and notifies the management device 50 of a registration request including the card ID, prize code and number of the selected prize.

[0050] In addition, if a special prize is selected, the self-prize management device 60 notifies the special prize payout device 80 of a payout instruction including the prize code and number of the selected prize, and if a general prize is selected, records the prize code and number of the selected prize on the card.

[0051] The special prize payout device 80 is a device that can store and pay out special prizes. When the special prize payout device 80 receives a payout instruction for a special prize from the self-prize management device 60, it pays out the corresponding special prize.

[0052] The general prize payout device 90 is a device that can store and pay out general prizes. Upon receiving a card, the general prize payout device 90 pays out general prizes based on the prize code and number of prizes read from the card, and transmits the card ID, prize code, and number of prizes to the management device 50.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Next, we will explain the stored ball replay process in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 1. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts a membership card or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as 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 in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal), 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.

[0062] The management device 50 transmits stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10, which includes the PIN associated with the card ID in the message and the balance of stored balls at the rate specified by the message.

[0063] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received saved ball replay data, and is able to accept a saved ball replay operation if the balance of saved balls indicated in the saved ball replay data is equal to or greater than the payout unit number of game balls in saved ball replay (saved ball replay unit number, for example, "125 balls").

[0064] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a saved ball replay operation for the first time after storing the saved ball replay data, it requests the player to input a password and checks whether the input password matches the password shown in the saved ball replay data.

[0065] If the PIN numbers match, 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, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a request to replay the saved balls.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] <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.

[0070] 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.

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

[0072] The count button 22 is an operation button for performing a management transfer, which transfers the management of the number of balls that can be dispensed from the gaming machine 20 to the inter-machine card processing machine 10, by subtracting the number of gaming balls in the gaming machine 20 and adding the corresponding number to the balls held by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In an open gaming machine 20 in which actual gaming balls are dispensed upon winning, this management transfer corresponds to the counting process in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 counts the dispensed gaming balls and adds them to the balls held.

[0073] <Configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10> Next, we will explain the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a communication unit 15, a memory unit 16, a control unit 17, and a game management unit 18.

[0074] The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot 12a to a banknote storage unit (not shown) while determining the denomination and authenticity of the banknotes. The display operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various information such as value and accepts various operations such as ball lending operations.

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

[0076] The storage unit 16 is a storage device including a hard disk drive, a nonvolatile memory, etc. The storage unit 16 stores device status data 16a and card data 16b.

[0077] The machine status data 16a indicates the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The machine status data 16a includes the machine ID, the gaming machine ID, the game type, etc. The machine ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the machine ID within the gaming parlor. The game type is data indicating the rate set in the machine ID. When gaming balls of multiple rates are handled within the gaming parlor, a game type name is assigned to each rate and managed, such as "Ball 1" for a 4-yen rate ball, "Ball 2" for a 2-yen rate ball, and "Ball 3" for a 1-yen rate ball. The machine ID is stored as the game type. The machine ID is a fixed game type for each section in which the machine ID is installed, or the game type may be changeable by the player.

[0078] The card data 16b is data relating to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes the card ID, PIN number, prepaid value, held balls, saved balls, etc. The card ID is the card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and then ejected, the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this transport. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this transport. The prepaid value indicates the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, and the held balls and saved balls indicate the respective balances.

[0079] The gaming management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20. It is desirable that this gaming management unit 18 be formed on a different board from that of the control unit 17. The gaming management unit 18 has an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine status management unit 18c. In practice, by loading and executing these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit), the authentication processing unit 18a, the authentication key management unit 18b, and the gaming machine status management unit 18c will execute processes corresponding to each of them.

[0080] The authentication processing unit 18a authenticates 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 is unsuccessful, the authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20. Note that even if the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication processing unit 18a may be configured to transmit an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 if it is within a predetermined period since the last successful authentication, and not transmit an operation permission to the gaming machine 20 after the predetermined period has elapsed since the last successful authentication, and to prohibit the use of the gaming machine 20.

[0081] The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages authentication keys. A usage time is set for each authentication key, and when the cumulative operating 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 board on which the gaming management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the gaming machine 20 to manage the usage time of the authentication key. When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b obtains a new authentication key from an authentication key management center outside the parlor via the management device 50 and updates the authentication key.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

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

[0087] Furthermore, when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits a deposit notification to the management device 50, which includes the amount of the inserted bill, the card ID, and the inter-machine card processor ID.

[0088] Furthermore, 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 machine-to-machine card processor ID to the management device 50. If permission to lend balls is received in response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a instructs the gaming management unit 18 to subtract the prepaid value of the card data 16b and add a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20.

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

[0090] Furthermore, if the balance of saved balls indicated in the card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of saved ball replay units, the data management unit 17a displays a saved ball replay button on the display operation unit 13, making it possible to accept a saved ball replay operation. When a saved ball replay operation is performed by a player, the data management unit 17a transmits a saved ball replay request including the card ID and the machine-to-machine card processor ID to the management device 50. If saved ball replay data is received in response to this saved ball replay request, the data management unit 17a updates the saved ball balance in the card data 16b and instructs the gaming management unit 18 to add the number of balls corresponding to the number of saved ball replay units to the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20. Note that when a saved ball replay operation is performed for the first time, the input of a PIN is required, and a match with the PIN indicated in the card data 16b is a condition for transmitting a saved ball replay request.

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

[0092] Furthermore, when the data management unit 17a receives a card return operation, it sends a ball addition request including the card ID, the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID, and the remaining ball balance to the management device 50. Then, after clearing the card data 16b, it sends a card ejection notification to the management device 50 and ejects the card.

[0093] Next, a specific example of data stored in the memory unit 16 of the inter-machine card processor 10 shown in Fig. 4 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the own device status data 16a and card data 16b shown in Fig. 4.

[0094] The own device status data 16a shown in Figure 5(a) indicates a state in which the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 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-machine card processing machine 10.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] <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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The game control unit 25 is a control unit that controls games played by the gaming machine 20. In practice, a program corresponding to the game control unit 25 is loaded into the CPU and executed to execute a process.

[0100] Specifically, the game control unit 25 controls the launch of game balls onto the game board by detecting handle operation, detects game balls that have entered the winning hole on the game board, obtains random numbers (random numbers from 0 to 65535, with numbers assigned to indicate a big win, small win, or loss within a predetermined range) using game balls that have entered the starting hole and draws lots (special and normal patterns), controls movable parts (tulips, etc.) installed on the game board, controls the display of special pattern display devices installed on the game board, detects abnormalities that may indicate fraud (the front frame is open, vibrations are detected, etc.) and notifies the higher-level device, etc.

[0101] A large number of obstacle pins are set on the game board, and game balls launched onto the game board by operating the handle fall between the obstacle pins and either enter a prize hole or a starting hole, or are ejected from the game board through an outlet hole without entering a prize. When a game ball enters a starting hole, a lottery is held, and if a jackpot is awarded, a jackpot game is played in which a predetermined prize hole on the game board is controlled to be open multiple times, and by making it easier for game balls to enter these prize holes, prize balls are awarded to the player.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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 processes corresponding to the effect symbol lottery unit 24a and the effect lottery unit 24b are executed.

[0105] The effect pattern lottery unit 24a performs lottery (specifically, whether to stop the display at 7, 7, 7) for effect patterns (patterns to be displayed on effect pattern display devices such as display devices on the game board) based on the special pattern lottery in the game control unit 25.

[0106] The effect selection unit 24b selects the type of effect to be performed before the result of the selection based on the effect symbols is displayed (such as a character appearing to perform a reach effect). The effect is set so that the effect selected differs depending on the main selection result.

[0107] The effect control unit 24 stores effect data for each effect. Furthermore, the effect control unit 24 controls the display of the effect pattern display device, and when an effect is executed, the effect data is superimposed on the background pattern data to display the effect. Furthermore, when the probability fluctuates, background color data different from that in the normal state is set.

[0108] The game ball control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the number of game balls. In practice, a program corresponding to the game ball control unit 26 is loaded into the CPU and executed to execute the process. The playable number management unit 26a is a management unit that manages the playable number, i.e., the number of game balls.

[0109] Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in a playable number memory, subtracts "1" from the number of game balls each time a game ball is fired, and adds the number of prize balls won by winning to the number of game balls. Also, when the number of balls is notified by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the notified number of balls to the number of game balls and sends a confirmation signal to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 indicating that the number has been added to the number of game balls. The game ball control unit 26 can also control cleaning of the game balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the game machine 20.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

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

[0114] The display unit 51 is a display device such as an LCD panel or display device. The input unit 52 is an input device such as a keyboard or 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, self-prize management device 60, and general prize payout device 90 via communication lines within the gaming store.

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

[0116] The card management data 55a is data that associates the card ID with the balance of prepaid value, the balance of owned balls, etc. The device management data 55b is data related to the devices installed in the gaming parlor. This device management data 55b includes the machine-to-machine card processing machine ID, the installation location, the gaming machine number, the gaming machine ID, the model data of the gaming machine 20, etc. The member management data 55c is data that associates the card ID of the membership card issued to the member with the member's name, information on the number of saved balls, etc.

[0117] The prize inventory data 55d is data for managing the inventory of all prizes, including special prizes and general prizes. The selected prize data 55e is data for managing the prize selected by the self-prize management device 60. This selected prize data 55e includes the card ID, information identifying the selected prize, and a status indicating whether the prize is waiting for exchange or has been exchanged.

[0118] 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, a prize inventory management unit 56d, and a selected prize management unit 56e. In practice, by loading these programs into a CPU and executing them, the processes corresponding to the card management unit 56a, the device management unit 56b, the member management unit 56c, the prize inventory management unit 56d, and the selected prize management unit 56e are executed.

[0119] 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 and the self-prize management device 60 to update the prepaid value and the balance of 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 or a request for the value associated with the card from the self-prize management device 60, it notifies the remaining value and held balls associated with the card.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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 and the self-prize management device 60 to update the balance of the saved balls associated with the card ID. In addition, when the member management unit 56c receives a member registration request, it updates the member management data 55c to add the member.

[0122] 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.

[0123] The prize inventory management unit 56d is a processing unit that manages prize inventory data 55d, which indicates the total inventory of prizes. When the prize inventory management unit 56d receives a request for prize inventory data from the self-service prize management device 60, it notifies the prize inventory data 55d. When the prize inventory management unit 56d receives a prize code and number from the selected prize management unit 56e, it subtracts the number of the corresponding prize from the prize inventory data 55d.

[0124] The selected prize management unit 56e is a processing unit that manages the selected prize data 55e that indicates the prize selected by the self-prize management device 60 and its status. When the selected prize management unit 56e receives a registration request including the card ID, prize code and quantity of the selected prize from the self-prize management device 60, it associates the selected prize with the card ID, and if the selected prize is a special prize, it registers the status as exchange completed in the selected prize data 55e, or if the selected prize is a general prize, it registers the status as waiting for exchange.

[0125] In addition, when the selected prize management unit 56e receives a registration request including the card ID, prize code and quantity of the selected prize from the general prize payout device 90, it updates the status of the data corresponding to the received card ID, prize code and quantity in the selected prize data 55e to indicate that the exchange has been completed.

[0126] In addition, when the selected prize management unit 56e registers / updates the status of the selected prize data 55e to indicate that the exchange has been completed, it notifies the prize inventory management unit 56d of the prize code and quantity of this data.

[0127] 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 and Fig. 9 are diagrams showing examples of the card management data 55a, device management data 55b, member management data 55c, prize inventory data 55d, and selected prize data 55e shown in Fig. 7.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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."

[0133] 9(a) is data that associates the total number of items in stock with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The prize inventory data 55d associates a total number of items in stock of "500" with the prize code "0001," the prize name "grand prize," and the group code "01," and associates a total number of items in stock of "400" with the prize code "0002," the prize name "small prize," and the group code "01."

[0134] In addition, prize inventory data 55d associates a total inventory quantity of "100" with prize code "0100," prize name "tea," and group code "02," a total inventory quantity of "100" with prize code "0101," prize name "milk," and group code "02," and a total inventory quantity of "700" with prize code "0600," prize name "endama candy," and group code "04."

[0135] The selected prize data 55e shown in Figure 9(b) is data that associates the card ID, selected prize, and status. The selected prize includes the prize code, prize name, and quantity. The selected prize data 55e associates the card ID "1008" with three grand prizes with prize code "0001" and the status "Exchange Completed."

[0136] In addition, the selected prize data 55e associates five small prizes with prize code "0002" and a status of "exchange completed" with the card ID "2015," associates one tea with prize code "0100" and a status of "waiting for exchange" with the card ID "2015," and associates one milk with prize code "0101" and a status of "waiting for exchange" with the card ID "2015."

[0137] <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. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self-service prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 10, the self-service prize management device 60 has a display operation unit 61, a receipt issuing unit 63, a store clerk tag reader 64a, a card reader / writer 64b, a mobile terminal reader 64c, a communication unit 65, a memory unit 66, and a control unit 67.

[0138] The display operation unit 61 is an input / output device such as a liquid crystal touch panel. The receipt issuing unit 63 is a thermal printer or the like, and issues various receipts, such as receipts on which information specifying the selected prize is printed.

[0139] 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 clerk, and the clerk operating the self-service prize management device 60 is identified by the identification code contained in the tag read by the clerk tag reader 64a.

[0140] The card reader / writer 64b reads the card ID from the player's card and writes the prize code and number onto the card. When a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card is held over the mobile terminal reader 64c, it reads information corresponding to the card ID from the mobile terminal.

[0141] The communication unit 65 is an interface unit that enables the self-prize management device 60 to communicate with the management device 50 and the special prize payout device 80 via a communication line or the like.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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 / writer 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c. The prize inventory data 66c is data for managing the inventory of prizes.

[0144] The control unit 67 is a control unit that controls the entire self-service prize management device 60, and has a prize management unit 67a, a holding value management unit 67b, a prize selection control unit 67c, a prize inventory management unit 67d, and a prize association processing unit 67e. 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, holding value management unit 67b, prize selection control unit 67c, prize inventory management unit 67d, and prize association processing unit 67e to be executed.

[0145] 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.

[0146] The held value management unit 67b is a processing unit that manages the held value data 66b. When a card ID is read by the card reader / writer 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c, the held value management unit 67b requests the value and the balance of held balls associated with the card ID from the management device 50. When the held value management unit 67b receives the value associated with the card ID from the management device 50, it stores this value in the held value data 66b.

[0147] The prize selection control unit 67c is a processing unit that selects prizes to be exchanged for prizes. The prize selection control unit 67c accepts the selection of special prizes and general prizes based on the prize master 66a within the range of the balance of the owned balls and the saved balls.

[0148] Specifically, when a special prize is designated by a player's operation, the prize selection control unit 67c determines a combination of the type and number of special prizes that can be exchanged within the balance of the balls in hand and the balls in storage, and sets the combination as the selected prize. In addition, for general prizes, the prize may be designated by the player by operating the display operation unit 61, or the prize may be selected by the prize selection control unit 67c depending on the balance of the balls in hand and the balls in storage.

[0149] Furthermore, when a prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67c notifies the management device 50 of a registration request including the card ID, the prize code and the number of the selected prize. When a special prize is selected, the prize selection control unit 67c notifies the special prize payout device 80 of a payout instruction including the prize code and the number of the selected prize, and when a general prize is selected, it passes the prize code and the number of the selected prize to the prize association processing unit 67e.

[0150] The prize inventory management unit 67d is a processing unit that manages prize inventory data 66c that indicates the inventory of all prizes. When a card ID is read by the card reader / writer 64b or the mobile terminal reader 64c, the prize inventory management unit 67d requests prize inventory data from the management device 50. When the prize inventory management unit 67d receives prize inventory data from the management device 50, it stores the received data in the prize inventory data 66c.

[0151] The prize association processing unit 67e is a processing unit that records the selected general prize on the card as a selected prize. When the prize association processing unit 67e receives the prize code and the number of prizes from the prize selection control unit 67c, it records the prize code and the number of prizes received via the card reader / writer 64b on the card.

[0152] Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 66 of the self-service prize management device 60 shown in Fig. 10 will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the prize master 66a, holding value data 66b, and prize inventory data 66c shown in Fig. 10.

[0153] The prize master 66a shown in Figure 11(a) is data that associates the prize name, group code, prize value, and number of balls to a prize code that uniquely identifies the prize. Here, the group code is identification information used to classify and manage prizes. Group code "01" indicates a special prize that can be transferred at a specified value after completing a certain procedure. Group codes "02" and above are general prizes that include everyday items other than special prizes.

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

[0155] In addition, the prize master 66a associates the prize code "0002" with the prize name "small prize," group code "01," prize value "100" balls, the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "25" balls, the number of exchange balls for ball 2 "50" balls, and the number of exchange balls for ball 3 "100" balls.

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

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

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

[0159] The held value data 66b shown in Fig. 11(b) is data indicating the value associated with the read card, such as the held balls, saved balls, and prepaid value. The held value data 66b indicates that, for the held balls, the balance of ball 1 is "1500", the balance of ball 2 is "2500", and the balance of ball 3 is "0", and for the saved balls, the balance of saved balls is "500", the balance of saved balls is "0", and the balance of saved balls is "0", and the prepaid value is "3000".

[0160] 11(c) is data that associates the total number of items in stock with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The prize inventory data 66c associates a total number of items in stock of "500" with the prize code "0001," the prize name "grand prize," and the group code "01," and associates a total number of items in stock of "400" with the prize code "0002," the prize name "small prize," and the group code "01."

[0161] In addition, the prize inventory data 66c associates a total inventory quantity of "100" with prize code "0100," prize name "tea," and group code "02," a total inventory quantity of "100" with prize code "0101," prize name "milk," and group code "02," and a total inventory quantity of "700" with prize code "0600," prize name "end-of-item candy," and group code "04."

[0162] <Configuration of general prize payout device 90> Next, we will explain the configuration of the general prize payout device 90 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the general prize payout device 90 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 12, the general prize payout device 90 has a display operation unit 91, a storage unit 92, a payout unit 93, a card reader 94, a communication unit 95, a memory unit 96, and a control unit 97.

[0163] The display operation unit 91 is an input / output device such as a liquid crystal touch panel. The storage unit 92 is a housing for storing general prizes, and can be made visible from the outside by using a transparent acrylic panel or the like. The payout unit 93 is a mechanism for paying out the selected general prize.

[0164] The card reader 94 reads the card ID, prize code, and number from the player's card. The communication unit 95 is an interface unit that allows the general prize payout device 90 to communicate with the management device 50 via a communication line.

[0165] The storage unit 96 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores prize inventory data 96a. The prize inventory data 96a is data for managing the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92.

[0166] The control unit 97 is a control unit that controls the entire general prize payout device 90, and has an inventory management unit 97a and a payout control unit 97b. 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 the CPU and executed, causing the inventory management unit 97a and the payout control unit 97b to execute the processes corresponding to them.

[0167] The inventory management unit 97a is a processing unit that manages prize inventory data 96a that indicates the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92. When the card ID, prize code, and quantity are read by the card reader 94, the inventory management unit 97a notifies the management device 50 of this card ID, prize code, and quantity. The inventory management unit 97a passes the read prize code and quantity to the payout control unit 97b, and subtracts the inventory quantity of the corresponding prize data in the prize inventory data 96a.

[0168] The payout control unit 97b is a processing unit that controls the payout of general prizes. When the payout control unit 97b receives a prize code and a number of prizes from the inventory management unit 97a, it pays out the number of general prizes corresponding to the prize code and number of prizes.

[0169] Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 96 of the general prize payout device 90 shown in Figure 12 will be described. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the prize inventory data 96a shown in Figure 12. The prize inventory data 96a shown in Figure 13 is data in which the number of items in stock is associated with the prize code, prize name, and group code. The prize inventory data 96a associates a stock quantity of "20" with the prize code "0100," prize name "tea," and group code "02," and associates a stock quantity of "10" with the prize code "0101," prize name "milk," and group code "02."

[0170] <Display example on self-service prize management device 60> Next, we will explain an example of the display on the self-prize management device 60. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the self-prize management device 60. On the self-prize management device 60, first a special prize is selected, and then a general prize is selected.

[0171] When a special prize is selected, the number of selected special prizes and the number of balls required for selection are displayed as shown in Figure 14(a). Specifically, four "medium exchange prizes" are selected, and the number of balls required for selection is 960.

[0172] Also, the display shows options for the next general prize to be selected, either by the player themselves or by the self-service prize management device 60 automatically selecting the prize. Specifically, the player can select the general prize by "specifying a special prize," while the automatic selection method is "selecting a special prize."

[0173] When selecting a general prize, enter the number of prizes you want to select from the prizes displayed for each general prize category, as shown in Figure 14(b). Specifically, this shows the situation where one "Tea (pet)" displayed in the "Beverage" category is selected.

[0174] <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. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the self-service prize management device 60 according to the present embodiment 1.

[0175] When the self-prize management device 60 accepts the card (step S101; Yes), it prompts the user to select a special prize, and if the user selects a special prize (step S102; Yes), it automatically selects the special prize (step S103).

[0176] If a general prize is to be selected automatically (step S104; Yes), the self-prize management device 60 automatically selects it (step S105). If a general prize is to be selected manually (step S104; No), the player's operation is accepted to select a prize (step S106).

[0177] If additional general prizes are to be selected (Step S107; Yes), the process proceeds to Step S104. If selection of general prizes is to be completed (Step S107; No), the prize code and number of the selected prizes are recorded on the card (Step S108).

[0178] The card ID, prize code and quantity of the selected prize are notified to the management device 50 (step S109), and if the selected prizes include a special prize (step S110; Yes), the special prize payout device 80 is notified of the payout of the selected special prize (step S111), and the processing is terminated.

[0179] In this way, the prize exchange system according to the first embodiment allows players to efficiently exchange game media acquired by playing games for prizes.

[0180] As described above, in this embodiment 1, the prize exchange system has a management device that manages the number of balls held and the number of balls saved acquired by a player in correspondence with a card ID, and a self-prize management device that exchanges the number of balls held and the number of balls saved for prizes, and is equipped with a special prize payout device and a general prize payout device, and the self-prize management device selects a prize within the range of the number of balls held and the number of balls saved associated with the card ID of the accepted card, records the prize code and number of the selected general prize on the card, and the general prize payout device is configured to pay out prizes based on the prize code and number recorded on the accepted card, thereby allowing players to efficiently exchange game media acquired through play for prizes.

[0181] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the prize code etc. of the selected general prize is recorded on a card, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the prize code etc. of the selected general prize can also be converted into a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) and printed on a receipt, or can be configured to be managed in association with a PIN number set by the player's operation.

[0182] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which a general prize is paid out by holding a card recording the prize code of the selected general prize over the general prize payout device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may also be configured so that the use of the corresponding card in the inter-machine card processing machine is prohibited until the general prize is paid out by the general prize payout device.

[0183] [Variations] Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the prize code etc. of the selected general prize is recorded on the card, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the card to record the value of the selected general prize and pay out the general prize based on this value.

[0184] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the modified example> In this modified example, the value of the general prize selected by the self-prize management device 100 is recorded on a card, and this card is held over the general prize payout device 110, and a general prize is paid out within the range of the recorded value.

[0185] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 16, in the prize exchange system according to this modified example, when a card is held over the self-service prize management device 100 (S11), the self-service prize management device 100 obtains the balance of owned and saved balls associated with the card from the management device 50, and the player selects a general prize within the balance of owned and saved balls (S12). For example, one tea and one milk are selected. The self-service prize management device 100 records the value of the selected prize on the card (S13).

[0186] Next, when the card is held over the general prize payout device 110 (S14), the player selects a general prize within the range of values ​​recorded on the card (S15), and the general prize payout device 110 pays out the selected general prize (S16) and notifies the management device 50 of the prize code and number of the paid prize (S17).

[0187] In this way, the prize exchange system according to this modified example allows players to efficiently exchange game media acquired through games for prizes.

[0188] <Configuration of self-service prize management device 100> Next, we will explain the configuration of the self-prize management device 100 shown in Figure 16. Figure 17 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the self-prize management device 100 shown in Figure 16. Note that explanations of functional units similar to those of the self-prize management device 60 shown in Figure 10 will be omitted.

[0189] As shown in Figure 17, the self-prize management device 100 has a display operation unit 61, a receipt issuing unit 63, a store clerk tag reader 64a, a card reader / writer 64b, a mobile terminal reader 64c, a communication unit 65, a memory unit 66 and a control unit 101.

[0190] The control unit 101 is a control unit that controls the entire self-service prize management device 100, and has a prize management unit 67a, a holding value management unit 67b, a prize selection control unit 67c, a prize inventory management unit 67d, and a prize value write-back processing unit 102. 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 prize management unit 67a, holding value management unit 67b, prize selection control unit 67c, prize inventory management unit 67d, and prize value write-back processing unit 102 to execute processes corresponding to each unit.

[0191] The prize value write-back processing unit 102 is a processing unit that records the value of the selected general prize on the card. When the prize value write-back processing unit 102 receives the prize code and the number of balls from the prize selection control unit 67c, it records the number of balls corresponding to the prize code and the number of balls received via the card reader / writer 64b on the card.

[0192] <Configuration of general prize payout device 110> Next, the configuration of the general prize payout device 110 shown in Fig. 16 will be described. Fig. 18 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the general prize payout device 110 shown in Fig. 16. Note that a description of the functional units similar to those of the general prize payout device 90 shown in Fig. 12 will be omitted.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 18, the general prize payout device 110 has a display operation unit 91, a storage unit 92, a payout unit 93, a card reader 94, a communication unit 95, a memory unit 111, and a control unit 113.

[0194] The memory unit 111 is a memory device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores prize inventory data 112. The prize inventory data 112 is data for managing the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92.

[0195] The control unit 113 is a control unit that controls the general prize payout device 110 overall, and has a prize selection control unit 114, an inventory management unit 115, and a payout control unit 116. 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 the CPU and executed, causing the prize selection control unit 114, inventory management unit 115, and payout control unit 116 to execute the processes corresponding to them, respectively.

[0196] The prize selection control unit 114 is a processing unit that selects the prize to be exchanged for a prize. Once the card ID and value are read by the card reader 94, the prize selection control unit 114 accepts the selection of a general prize within this value range. The prize selection control unit 114 passes the prize code and quantity of the selected general prize and the card ID read by the card reader 94 to the inventory management unit 115 and the payout control unit 116.

[0197] The inventory management unit 115 is a processing unit that manages prize inventory data 112 that indicates the inventory of prizes stored in the storage unit 92. The inventory management unit 115 notifies the management device 50 of the card ID, prize code, and quantity received from the prize selection control unit 114, and subtracts the inventory quantity of the corresponding prize data in the prize inventory data 112.

[0198] The payout control unit 116 is a processing unit that controls the payout of general prizes. When the payout control unit 116 receives a prize code and a number of prizes from the prize selection control unit 114, it pays out the number of general prizes corresponding to the prize code and number of prizes.

[0199] Next, an example of data stored in the memory unit 111 of the general prize payout device 110 shown in Figure 18 will be described. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the prize inventory data 112 shown in Figure 18. The prize inventory data 112 shown in Figure 19 is data in which the number of items in stock is associated with the prize code, prize name, prize value, and group code. The prize inventory data 112 associates a stock quantity of "20" with the prize code "0100", prize name "tea", prize value of "400" balls, and group code "02", and associates a stock quantity of "10" with the prize code "0101", prize name "milk", prize value of "420" balls, and group code "02".

[0200] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 1 is configured to record the value of the general prize selected by the self-prize management device 100 on a card, hold this card over the general prize payout device 110, and pay out general prizes within the range of the recorded value, thereby allowing players to efficiently exchange gaming media they have acquired through games for prizes.

[0201] [Embodiment 2] Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the prize code etc. of the selected general prize is recorded on a card, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the prize code etc. of the selected general prize to be coded and recorded on a receipt, and the general prize to be paid out based on this code.

[0202] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the second embodiment> In this second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the prize code and quantity of the general prize selected by the self-prize management device 200 are coded and recorded on a receipt, and this receipt is held over the general prize payout device 210 to pay out the general prize corresponding to the recorded information. Also, a configuration will be described in which, in the case of a large prize that cannot be paid out by the general prize payout device 210, an employee is notified.

[0203] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 20(a), in the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 2, when a card is held over the self-service prize management device 200 (S21), the self-service prize management device 200 obtains the balance of owned and saved balls associated with the card from the management device 50, and the player selects a general prize within the balance of owned and saved balls (S22). For example, one tea and one milk are selected.

[0204] The self-prize management device 200 encodes the prize code and number of the selected prize, records it on a receipt and issues it (S23), and notifies the management device 50 of the prize code and number of the selected prize (S24).

[0205] Next, when the receipt is held over the general prize payout device 210 (S25), the general prize payout device 210 pays out general prizes based on the prize code and number read from the receipt (S26), and notifies the management device 50 of the prize code and number of the paid-out prizes (S27).

[0206] 20(b), when a card is held over the self-service prize management device 200 (S28), the self-service prize management device 200 acquires the balance of owned and saved balls associated with the card from the management device 50, and the player selects a general prize within the balance of owned and saved balls (S29). For example, the player selects one stuffed toy.

[0207] If the selected prize is one that cannot be paid out by the general prize payout device 210 (for example, if the stuffed animal is too large to be stored in the general prize payout device 210), the self-prize management device 200 will notify the employee of the prize code of the selected prize and the device number of the self-prize management device 200 (S30), and will notify the management device 50 of the prize code and number of the selected prize (S31).

[0208] In this way, the prize exchange system of this modified example is configured to code the prize code of the selected general prize and record it on a receipt, and then pay out the general prize based on this code, allowing players to efficiently exchange the gaming media they have won through play for prizes.

[0209] In the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which an employee is notified in the case of large prizes that cannot be paid out by a general prize payout device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the prize code and quantity of the selected prize can be printed or coded and printed on the receipt, or a PIN number can be accepted from the player and the selected prize can be paid out by presenting the receipt or PIN number at a manned counter.

[0210] In addition, in the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which an employee is notified in the case of large prizes that cannot be paid out using a general prize payout device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to print the device number of the receiving box in which the selected prize is stored on the receipt.

[0211] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which an employee is notified in the case of large prizes that cannot be paid out using a general prize payout device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device can also be configured to capture an image of the player using a camera installed in the self-prize management device, and notify an employee of the captured image as well as the prize code and number of the selected prize.

[0212] In addition, in the above embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which employees are notified in the case of large prizes that cannot be paid out by general prize payout devices, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to notify a prize management device that is manned and not waiting to be exchanged of the prize code and quantity of the selected prize and the device number of the self-service prize management device.

[0213] [Embodiment 3] Incidentally, in the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which a prize is paid out by holding a card recording the prize code of the selected general prize over a general prize payout device, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0214] When a prize is dispensed by holding up a receipt that has the prize code of the selected general prize coded and recorded over the general prize dispensing device, there is a possibility that the stock of the target prize in the general prize dispensing device will run out.

[0215] To solve this problem, when the stock of the target prize in the general prize dispensing device runs out, the general prize dispensing device can be configured to select a different prize, to notify an employee that the prize is out of stock, or to reselect a different prize in the self-prize management device.

[0216] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the third embodiment> In this embodiment 3, the prize code and quantity of the general prize selected by the self-prize management device 300 are coded and recorded on a receipt, and this receipt is held over the general prize payout device 310 to pay out the general prize corresponding to the recorded information.When the target prize runs out of stock, the configuration for selecting another prize in the general prize payout device 310, the configuration for notifying an employee that the prize is out of stock, and the configuration for reselecting another prize in the self-prize management device 300 are described.

[0217] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 21, in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 3, when a receipt recording the coded prize code and quantity of a general prize (e.g., one tea) selected by the self-service prize management device 300 is held over the general prize payout device 310 (S41), the general prize payout device 310 checks the inventory based on the prize code and quantity read from the receipt. If the general prize payout device 310 does not have the target prize in stock (S42), the prize is paid out using one of the following three methods.

[0218] The first method is to reselect another prize using the general prize payout device 310. As shown in Figure 21(a), the general prize payout device 310 accepts the selection of another prize (e.g., one bottle of milk) of the same value as the value recorded on the receipt (S43), pays out the selected prize (S44), and notifies the management device 350 of the prize code and number of the paid prize (S45).

[0219] The second method is to notify an employee. As shown in Figure 21(b), an employee is notified that a shortage has occurred in the general prize payout device 310 (S46). The employee replenishes the target prize (S47), and the general prize payout device 310 pays out the target prize (S48) and notifies the management device 350 of the prize code and number of the paid prize (S49).

[0220] The third method is to reselect another prize using the self-service prize management device 300. As shown in Figure 21(c), when a receipt is held up (S50), the self-service prize management device 300 accepts the selection of a general prize (for example, one bottle of milk) other than the general prize recorded on the receipt (S51), encodes the prize code and quantity of the selected prize, records them on the receipt, and issues it (S52).

[0221] <Procedure for prize exchange processing according to the third embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure of the prize exchange process according to the present embodiment 3. Figures 22 to 24 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the prize exchange process according to the present embodiment 3.

[0222] 22 shows a method for reselecting a different prize using the general prize payout device 310. When the self-service prize management device 300 receives the card (step S201; Yes), it accepts the selection of a general prize (step S202). It notifies the management device 350 of the prize code and number of the selected general prize (step S203), and encodes the prize code and number of the selected prize, records them on a receipt, and issues it (step S204).

[0223] When the general prize payout device 310 receives a receipt (step S205), it checks the stock of the selected prize recorded on the receipt (step S206), and if there is stock (step S206; Yes), it proceeds to step S208. If there is no stock of the selected prize recorded on the receipt (step S206; No), it accepts reselection of a prize of the same value as the value recorded on the receipt (step S207).

[0224] The general prize payout device 310 pays out the selected prize (step S208), and notifies the management device 350 of the prize code and number of the paid-out prize (step S209), and then ends the process.

[0225] 23 shows a method for notifying the employee. When the self-service prize management device 300 receives the card (step S301; Yes), it accepts the selection of a general prize (step S302). The prize code and number of the selected general prize are notified to the management device 350 (step S303), and the prize code and number of the selected prize are coded, recorded on a receipt, and issued (step S304).

[0226] When the general prize payout device 310 receives a receipt (step S305), it checks the inventory of the selected prize recorded on the receipt (step S306), and if there is inventory (step S306; Yes), it proceeds to step S310.

[0227] If the selected prize recorded on the receipt is out of stock (step S306; No), the employee is notified that the general prize payout device 310 is out of stock (step S307). If the employee replenishes the selected prize (step S308; Yes), the receipt is accepted (step S309).

[0228] The general prize payout device 310 pays out the selected prize (step S310), and notifies the management device 350 of the prize code and number of the paid-out prize (step S311), and then ends the process.

[0229] 24 shows a method for reselecting another prize using the self-service prize management device 300. When the self-service prize management device 300 receives the card (step S401; Yes), it accepts the selection of a general prize (step S402). It notifies the management device 350 of the prize code and number of the selected general prize (step S403), and encodes the prize code and number of the selected prize, records them on a receipt, and issues it (step S404).

[0230] When the general prize payout device 310 receives the receipt (step S405), it checks the inventory of the selected prize recorded on the receipt (step S406), and if there is no inventory (step S406; No), it accepts the receipt at the self-prize management device 300 (step S409). The self-prize management device 300 notifies the management device 350 of the cancellation of the prize code and quantity of the selected prize recorded on the receipt (step S410), and proceeds to step S402.

[0231] Also, in step S406, if the selected prize is in stock (step S406; Yes), the general prize payout device 310 pays out the selected prize (step S407), and notifies the management device 350 of the prize code and number of the paid-out prize (step S408), and then terminates the processing.

[0232] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 3 is configured to code the prize code and quantity of the general prize selected by the self-prize management device 300 and record them on a receipt, and when this receipt is held over the general prize payout device 310 to pay out the general prize corresponding to the recorded information, if the target prize is out of stock, the general prize payout device 310 will select a different prize, notify an employee that the prize is out of stock, or re-select a different prize in the self-prize management device 300, thereby allowing players to efficiently exchange gaming media they have won through games for prizes.

[0233] In the third embodiment, a configuration for dealing with prize shortages when a prize is dispensed using a general prize dispenser is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. When selecting a prize using the self-service prize management device, if a prize shortage is confirmed based on the prize inventory data stored in the management device, the selection of the prize can be rejected and the prize shortage information can be notified to the employee.

[0234] In addition, in the above embodiment 3, a configuration was described in which the stock status of the selected prize is checked after the prize is selected in the self-prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the machine-to-machine card processing machine can also be configured to allow prize selection and re-selection of another prize in the event that the prize is out of stock.

[0235] [Embodiment 4] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which prizes are paid out by holding a card recording the prize code, etc. of the selected general prize over the general prize payout device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the prize code, etc. of the selected general prize to be coded and recorded on a receipt, and for the management device to manage the prize selection at the self-prize management device and the prize payout at the general prize payout device.

[0236] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment> In this embodiment 4, a configuration is described in which, when a general prize is selected by the self-prize management device 400, the status of this general prize is set to waiting for exchange, and when this general prize is paid out by the general prize payout device 410, the status of this general prize is managed by the management device 450 as exchanged completed.

[0237] Fig. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 25, in the prize exchange system according to the fourth embodiment, when a card is held over the self-service prize management device 400 (S61), the self-service prize management device 400 obtains the balance of owned and saved balls associated with the card from the management device 450, and the player selects a general prize within the balance of owned and saved balls (S62). For example, one tea and one milk are selected.

[0238] The self-prize management device 400 encodes the prize code and quantity of the selected prize, records it on a receipt and issues it (S63), and notifies the management device 450 of the QR code ID of the issued receipt, the exchange rate corresponding to the selected prize, and the number of balls (S64).

[0239] The management device 450 associates the status with the QR code ID, exchange rate, and number of balls received from the self-prize management device 400 and stores it in the selected prize data as waiting for exchange (S65).

[0240] When a receipt is held over the general prize payout device 410 (S66), the general prize payout device 410 pays out prizes based on the prize code and number read from the receipt (S67), and notifies the management device 450 of the QR code ID, prize code, and number of the read receipt (S68).

[0241] The management device 450 extracts data corresponding to the QR code ID received from the general prize payout device 410 from the selected prize data, and updates the selected prize data by setting the status of this data to "exchange completed" (S69).

[0242] <Example of selected prize data according to the fourth embodiment> Next, an example of the selected prize data shown in Figure 25 will be described. Figure 26 is a diagram showing an example of the selected prize data shown in Figure 25. Figure 26(a) shows a state in which a general prize has been selected twice in the self prize management device 400.

[0243] Specifically, at the date and time of "2021 / 03 / 01 14:50," an exchange rate of "4 Pachi" and an exchange number of "200 balls" were used to select a prize, and the QR code ID of the issued receipt was "Q1005," with the status "waiting for exchange" and the exchange prize "undecided." Also, at the date and time of "2021 / 03 / 01 15:10," an exchange rate of "20 Slot" and an exchange number of "300 balls" were used to select a prize, and the QR code ID of the issued receipt was "Q1006," with the status "waiting for exchange" and the exchange prize "undecided." The status "waiting for exchange" and the exchange prize "undecided" indicate that the payout by the general prize payout device 410 has not yet been completed.

[0244] Figure 26(b) shows a state in which a prize has been paid out once by the general prize payout device 410. Specifically, it shows that the exchange prize "cup noodles" has been paid out in the prize selection for QR code ID "Q1005", and the status has been updated to "exchange completed". Note that the status of the prize selection for QR code ID "Q1006" is "waiting for exchange", which indicates that the payout by the general prize payout device 410 has not been completed.

[0245] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 4 is configured so that when a general prize is selected by the self-prize management device 400, the status of this general prize is set to waiting for exchange, and when this general prize is paid out by the general prize payout device 410, the status of this general prize is managed by the management device 450 as exchanged completed, thereby allowing players to efficiently exchange game media won through play for prizes.

[0246] In the above embodiment 4, a configuration was described in which the selection / payout status of selected prizes is managed by a management device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the self-prize management device can also be configured to manage the selection / payout status of selected prizes by enabling the self-prize management device to grasp the payout status of the general prize payout device.

[0247] [Embodiment 5] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which prizes are paid out by holding a card recording the prize code of the selected general prize over a general prize payout device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to link a PIN to the card ID of the card inserted into the settlement machine, and use this PIN to exchange for a prize.

[0248] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the fifth embodiment> In this fifth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a personal identification number is linked to the card ID of the card inserted into the settlement machine 570, and the personal identification number is used to exchange the card for a prize.

[0249] Fig. 27 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 27, in the prize exchange system according to the present embodiment 5, when a card is inserted into the settlement machine 570 (S71), the settlement machine 570 obtains the value associated with the card from the management device 550, and the player registers a PIN number (S72) and settles the prepaid balance (S73). The settlement machine 570 notifies the management device 550 of the registered PIN number and the number of balls held (S74).

[0250] When the self-prize management device 500 receives the input of a PIN number (S75), it acquires the number of balls held associated with the PIN number from the management device 550 (S76). When the player selects a special prize within the acquired value range (S77), it instructs the special prize payout device 520 to pay out the selected prize (S78), and notifies the management device 550 of the PIN number and the number of remaining balls (S79).

[0251] When the general prize payout device 510 receives the input of a PIN number (S80), it acquires the number of balls held associated with the PIN number from the management device 550 (S81). When the player selects a general prize within the acquired value range (S82), it pays out the selected prize (S83) and notifies the management device 550 of the PIN number and the number of remaining balls (S84).

[0252] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 5 is configured to link a PIN number to the card ID of the card inserted into the settlement machine 570, and to use this PIN number to exchange for prizes, thereby allowing players to efficiently exchange the gaming media they have acquired through games for prizes.

[0253] In the above embodiment 5, a configuration was described in which prize exchange is performed using a PIN number linked to a card ID, but the present invention is not limited to this, and if the player is a member, the configuration can also be such that prize exchange is performed by holding the member card over the self-prize management device and general prize payout device.

[0254] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 5, a configuration was described in which prize exchange is performed using a PIN number linked to a card ID, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured so that the gaming facility and / or player can choose whether or not to register a PIN number on the settlement machine.

[0255] In addition, in the above embodiment 5, a configuration was described in which prize exchange is performed using a PIN number linked to a card ID, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to perform prize exchange through biometric authentication such as facial image or identity verification using a smartphone app.

[0256] [Embodiment 6] In the above embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which players select their own prizes in a self-service prize management device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a prize management device that can be operated by a person or by itself can also be configured to display an employee call button only when the device is operated by itself.

[0257] <Outline of the prize exchange system according to the sixth embodiment> In this embodiment 6, a configuration is described in which a prize management device 600 capable of manned / self-operation displays an employee call button only during self-operation.

[0258] Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 6. As shown in Figure 28(a), in the prize exchange system according to this embodiment 6, in manned operation mode, an employee operates the prize management device 600, so the employee call button is not displayed. For example, on the saved ball / held ball selection screen that specifies the saved balls and held balls for prize exchange, the employee inputs the number of saved balls and held balls, but the employee call button is not displayed.

[0259] As shown in Figure 28(b), in the self-operation mode, the player himself operates the prize management device 600, so an employee call button is displayed for troubleshooting etc. For example, on the saved ball / held ball selection screen, the employee call button is displayed in the upper right corner.

[0260] In addition, the display / non-display of the employee call button may be set in the management device, or in manned operation mode, the employee call button may be displayed on the customer side display and / or the payment machine.

[0261] In addition, when switching from manned operation mode to self-operation mode, the prize management device 600 may be configured to display or hide the employee call button. At this time, the previous setting may be stored so that the setting can be made automatically.

[0262] Furthermore, when the employee call button is displayed in the manned operation mode, it may be displayed only during a set time period.

[0263] In addition, in the manned operation mode, operation of the prize management device 600 may be permitted by holding the IC tag carried by an employee over the store clerk tag reader of the prize management device 600. In this case, only the switch button to the self-operation mode may be permitted to be operated without holding the IC tag over it.

[0264] In this way, the prize exchange system of this embodiment 6 is configured so that the prize management device 600, which can be operated by an attendant or by itself, displays the employee call button only during self-operation, allowing players to efficiently exchange the gaming media they have won through games for prizes.

[0265] Note that 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]

[0266] The prize exchange system and prize exchange method according to the present invention are suitable for efficiently exchanging the number of game media acquired by a player through a game for prizes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0267] 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 Prize Inventory Data 55e Selection Prize Data 56 Control Unit 56a Card Management Department 56b Equipment management department 56c Membership Management Department 56d Prize Inventory Management Department 56e Selection Prize Management Department 60 Self-Prize Management Device 61 Display operation section 63 Receipt Issuance Department 64a Clerk tag reader 64b card reader / writer 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 Prize selection control unit 67d Prize Inventory Management Department 67e Prize-related processing unit 80 Special prize payout device 90 General prize payout device 91 Display operation section 92 Storage Department 93 Payment Section 94 Card Reader 95 Communications Department 96 Memory section 96a Prize inventory data 97 Control Unit 97a Inventory Control Department 97b Dispensing control unit 100 Self-Purchase Control Device 101 Control section 102 Prize value write-back processing unit 110 General prize payout device 111 Storage section 112 Prize Inventory Data 113 Control Unit 114 Prize selection control unit 115 Inventory Management Department 116 Dispense control unit 200 Self-Prize Management Device 210 General prize payout device 300 Self-Prize Management Device 310 General prize payout device 350 Management device 400 Self-Purchase Control Device 410 General prize payout device 450 Management device 500 Self-Purchase Control Device 510 General prize payout device 520 Special Prize Payout Device 550 Management device 570 Payment machine 600 Prize Management Device

Claims

1. A prize exchange system comprising: a management device that manages the number of game media acquired by a player in association with identification information of a recording medium; and a prize exchange device that is connected to a special prize storage device including a plurality of storage sections for storing special prizes, and that exchanges the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for the special prize or a general prize by operation of the player, and is installed at a prize exchange location; a general prize storage device including a plurality of storage sections for storing the general prizes; The prize redemption device a receiving means for receiving the recording medium; a prize specifying means for specifying the special prize or the general prize to be exchanged for a prize within the range of the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium received by the receiving means; a writing means for writing information about the general prize to a second recording medium when the general prize identified by the prize identification means is a general prize that can be stored in the storage unit, and for not writing information about the general prize to the second recording medium when the general prize is a general prize that cannot be stored in the storage unit; and The management device a subtraction means for subtracting the number of game media corresponding to the special prize or the general prize identified by the prize identification means from the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium; The general prize storage device is a reading means for reading information relating to the general prize from the second recording medium upon receiving the second recording medium; a control means for controlling the general prize to be taken out from a predetermined prize storage unit based on information related to the general prize; A prize exchange system comprising:

2. The management device When the general prize to be exchanged is identified by the prize exchange device, information on the prize being on standby for exchange is managed in association with the second recording medium, and when the general prize is removed from the general prize storage device, the information on the prize being on standby for exchange is deleted.

2. The prize exchange system according to claim 1.

3. A prize exchange system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the information relating to the general prize includes identification information of the prize storage section in the general prize storage device or prize identification information that uniquely identifies the general prize.

4. A prize exchange method in a prize exchange system having a management device that manages the number of game media acquired by a player by associating it with identification information of a recording medium, a special prize storage device including a plurality of storage sections for storing special prizes, a general prize storage device including a plurality of storage sections for storing general prizes, and a prize exchange device that is installed at a prize exchange location and that exchanges the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium for the special prize or the general prize by operation of the player, a receiving step in which the prize exchange device receives the recording medium; a prize identification step in which the prize exchange device identifies the special prize or the general prize to be exchanged for a prize within the range of the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium accepted by the acceptance step; a subtraction step in which the management device subtracts the number of game media corresponding to the special prize or the general prize identified in the prize identification step from the number of game media corresponding to the identification information of the recording medium; a writing step in which the prize exchange device writes information about the general prize to a second recording medium if the general prize identified in the prize identification step is a general prize that can be stored in the storage unit, and does not write information about the general prize to the second recording medium if the general prize is a general prize that cannot be stored in the storage unit; a reading step of reading information relating to the general prize from the second recording medium when the general prize storage device receives the second recording medium; a control step of controlling the general prize storage device to enable the general prize to be taken out from a predetermined prize storage unit based on information related to the general prize; A method of redeeming a prize, comprising:

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