Gaming device

Abstract

To disclose a new technique capable of appropriately processing fractions.SOLUTION: A game device installed in association with a game machine increasing / decreasing game media according to a game content includes: a first communication part for communicating with the game machine; a recording medium processing part performing processing related to a recording medium that can identify a game value possessed by a user; and a control part. The control part calculates the number of held media included in the game value after the number of the game media received from the game machine is added with remainder of division of a prize unit price to be the number of the game value necessary for being exchanged for the prize as fractions when counting operation of the game media is performed in the game machine, discharges from the recording medium processing part the recording media corresponding to the number of new held media calculated by subtracting the fractions from the number of held media, and transmits the fractions to the game machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a gaming device that is installed in correspondence with a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an individual-machine device that is installed in association with each gaming machine and can count the gaming media obtained as a result of playing. The individual-machine device manages the number of counted gaming media as retained media and controls the return of retained media within the range of retained media. When accepting a return operation, if the number of retained media is not a multiple of a predetermined number of gaming media, the individual-machine device subtracts the difference between the number of retained media and the multiple of the predetermined number of gaming media from the number of retained media and returns the difference number of gaming media. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5535557 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, so-called enclosed-type managed gaming machines have been developed that do not dispense media such as pachinko balls or medals. In such managed gaming machines, gaming media are enclosed, so the individual machine compatible device cannot count the gaming media. However, the technology of Patent Document 1 does not take such cases into consideration. In situations where the individual machine compatible device cannot count the gaming media, a new technology is needed that can appropriately handle gaming values ​​that are less than the specified number required to exchange for prizes (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "fractions"). This specification discloses a new technology that can appropriately handle fractions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A gaming device disclosed in this specification is a gaming device installed in association with a gaming machine that increases or decreases gaming media depending on the content of a game, and includes a first communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine, a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium that can identify gaming value owned by a user, and a control unit. When a counting operation of the gaming media is performed on the gaming machine, the control unit calculates a remainder as a fraction when the number of held media included in the gaming value after the number of held media received from the gaming machine is added, divided by the unit price of the prize, which is the number of gaming value required to exchange for a prize, and ejects the recording medium from the recording medium processing unit that corresponds to the new number of held media calculated by subtracting the fraction from the number of held media, and transmits the fraction to the gaming machine.

[0006] The above-mentioned "gaming device" includes any device installed in association with a gaming machine. For example, the "gaming device" may include various gaming parlor facilities, such as units (sandbox units, card units) installed in association with a gaming machine, other information collection devices (machine units, island units), individual machine display devices installed in association with a gaming machine (machine lamps, call devices, call push buttons, etc.), management devices for managing the gaming parlor (hall computers, member servers, etc.), various effects and display devices, etc. The above-mentioned "gaming machine" is primarily a pachinko machine, but may also include any gaming machine, such as a slot machine. The "gaming machine" is primarily a so-called sealed-type managed gaming machine that does not dispense gaming media such as pachinko balls or medals. "Gaming value" includes any value that can be converted into gaming media that can be used for gaming on a gaming machine. "Gaming value" includes, for example, remaining money, retained media (retained balls, retained medals), and saved media (saved balls, saved medals). "Gaming media" refers to media that can be used to play on a gaming machine. "Gaming media" can also be called gaming balls, gaming medals, gaming points, or gaming value. "Possessed media" refers to media acquired by a user on the day, and includes not only media acquired through gaming, but also media acquired through payouts using remaining funds or payouts of saved balls. "Possessed media" can also be called possessed balls, possessed medals, possessed points, or possessed value. "Recording medium" refers to any medium capable of recording information, and includes, for example, membership cards, visitor cards, etc. The recording medium is not limited to card-type, but may also be coin-type, etc.

[0007] According to the above gaming device, a user can play games on the gaming machine using fractional amounts. After the user finishes playing using fractional amounts, the user can exchange the prize for a new holding medium identified by the ejected recording medium. Because no fractional amounts are generated again when exchanging for a prize, the user does not have to go through the trouble of searching for a gaming machine again to play using fractional amounts. Therefore, according to the above gaming device, fractional amounts can be appropriately handled, especially when the gaming machine is a so-called sealed-type managed gaming machine.

[0008] Another gaming device disclosed in this specification is a gaming device installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that increases or decreases gaming media depending on the content of a game, and includes a first communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine, a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium that can identify gaming value owned by a user, an operation unit, and a control unit. When a storage medium ejection operation is performed on the operation unit, the control unit calculates the remainder by dividing the number of retained media included in the gaming value by the unit price of the prize, which is the number of gaming value required to exchange for a prize, and ejects the recording medium from the recording medium processing unit that corresponds to the new number of retained media calculated by subtracting the remainder from the number of retained media, and transmits the remainder to the gaming machine.

[0009] In the case of the above-described gaming device, for example, the number of gaming media received from the gaming machine is added to the number of retained media, and then a fractional payout operation is input. The user can play on the gaming machine using the fractional amount. After the user finishes playing using the fractional amount, the user can exchange the prize for new retained media identified by the ejected recording medium. Because no new fractional amount is generated when exchanging for a prize, the user does not have to go through the trouble of searching for a gaming machine again to play using the fractional amount. Therefore, the above-described gaming device can appropriately handle fractional amounts, especially when the gaming machine is a so-called sealed-type managed gaming machine.

[0010] Another gaming device disclosed in this specification is a gaming device installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that increases or decreases gaming media depending on the content of a game, and includes a first communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine, a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium that can identify gaming value owned by a user, an operation unit, and a control unit. When a storage medium ejection operation is performed on the operation unit, the control unit allows the user to select whether to exchange all of the storage media or to play with leftover balls, and when leftover balls is selected, the control unit calculates the remainder by dividing the number of held media included in the gaming value by the unit price of the prize, which is the number of gaming value required to exchange for a prize, and ejects the recording media from the recording medium processing unit that corresponds to the new number of held media calculated by subtracting the remainder from the number of held media, and transmits the remainder to the gaming machine.

[0011] Here, "full exchange" includes ejecting recording media corresponding to the total number of retained media, including the remainder, without transmitting the remainder to the gaming machine. "Playing with leftover balls" includes sending the remainder to the gaming machine and ejecting recording media corresponding to the new number of retained media minus the remainder. With the above gaming device, if a user selects "play with leftover balls" when performing the storage medium ejection operation, the remainder is returned to the gaming machine. This allows the user to play with the remaining balls on the gaming machine. After completing a game using the remainder, the user can exchange the remaining balls for a prize for a new retained media identified by the ejected storage medium. Because no new remainders are generated when exchanging for a prize, the user does not have to go through the trouble of searching for a gaming machine again to play with the remainder. On the other hand, if the user does not wish to use the remainder for play, they can select "full exchange" when performing the storage medium ejection operation. The remainder can be handled according to the user's wishes. Therefore, the above gaming device allows the remainder to be handled appropriately, especially when the gaming machine is a so-called sealed-type managed gaming machine.

[0012] The prize unit price may include a first prize unit price, which is the number of gaming values ​​required to exchange for a first prize, and a second prize unit price, which is the number of gaming values ​​required to exchange for a second prize different from the first prize. The fraction may be a second remainder, which is obtained by dividing the number of holding media by the first prize unit price and then further dividing the first remainder by the second prize unit price.

[0013] This configuration reduces the amount of wasted fractional amounts that are not exchanged for prizes. If the first prize and the second prize are the user's first and second preferred prizes, respectively, the user can efficiently exchange the medium for the desired prize.

[0014] The gaming device may further include a display unit. The control unit may periodically receive the current number of gaming media from the gaming machine, add the received number of gaming media to the current number of held media, divide the result by the prize unit price, and periodically calculate a current fractional value as a remainder, and display the current fractional value on the display unit.

[0015] With this configuration, the user can check the display unit to see the current fractional value while playing the game. The user can see how many prizes they can exchange for if they end the game at the current time, and how many fractional values ​​will be generated. The user can play the game in a planned manner.

[0016] The gaming device may further include an audio output unit. When transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine, the control unit may further cause the audio output unit to output audio relating to the transmission of the fraction to the gaming machine.

[0017] According to this configuration, the sound output from the sound output unit allows the user to recognize that the fractional amount has been sent to the gaming machine, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to play with the fractional amount.

[0018] The control unit may further be capable of switching between a first mode for transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine and a second mode for adding the fraction to the held medium without transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine in accordance with instructions from the user.

[0019] According to this configuration, each user can set whether or not to transmit the fractional amount to the gaming machine to play the game, according to their preference, and a method for handling fractional amounts according to the preferences of each user can be realized.

[0020] The gaming device may further include a second communication unit capable of communicating with a management device. The control unit may be further capable of switching between a first mode for transmitting the fractional amount to the gaming machine and a second mode for adding the fractional amount to the stored medium without transmitting the fractional amount to the gaming machine, in accordance with instructions from the management device.

[0021] According to this configuration, the management device can manage whether or not to transmit the fractional amount to the gaming machine and play the game.

[0022] Another gaming device disclosed in this specification is a gaming device installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that increases or decreases gaming media depending on the content of a game, and includes a first communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine, a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium that can identify gaming value owned by a user, a display unit, and a control unit. The control unit periodically receives the current number of gaming media from the gaming machine, adds the received number of gaming media to the current number of owned media included in the gaming value, divides the result by the prize unit price, which is the number of gaming values ​​required to exchange for prizes, and periodically calculates a current fractional value as a remainder, and displays the current fractional value on the display unit.

[0023] With the above gaming device, the user can check the current fractional value while playing by looking at the display unit. While playing, the user can check how many prizes they can exchange for and how many fractional values ​​will be generated if they end the game at the current time. This allows the user to play in a planned manner. Therefore, with the above gaming device, fractional values ​​can be appropriately handled, especially when the gaming machine is a so-called sealed-type managed gaming machine.

[0024] The gaming device may further include a second communication unit capable of communicating with a management device. The prize unit price may be set based on unit price information received from the management device.

[0025] According to this configuration, the management device can be used to manage the prize unit prices set in the gaming device.

[0026] The prize unit price may be set based on input information entered by the user.

[0027] This configuration allows each user to set their desired prize unit price, and allows for a method of handling fractional amounts according to each user's preference.

[0028] A control method for implementing the above gaming device, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. A gaming system including the above gaming device and a management device is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows an overview of a gaming system 2 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram of unit 20 is shown. [Figure 3] 1 shows an example of a unit price management table 84. [Figure 4] 10 shows a flowchart of a unit price setting process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20. [Figure 5] 10 shows examples of each screen displayed on the touch panel 22. [Figure 6] 10 shows a flowchart of a current fractional value display process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20. [Figure 7] 10 shows a flowchart of a fraction return process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] (First Example) (System overview: Figure 1) The gaming system 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for managing the operating status of each gaming machine in a gaming establishment such as a pachinko parlor. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming system 2 of this embodiment includes a management device 70 and multiple gaming machines 90A and 90B installed in the gaming establishment. Each of the gaming machines 90A and 90B includes a gaming machine 10, a unit 20, and a call lamp 50. Hereinafter, the gaming machines 90A and 90B will be collectively referred to as "gaming machines 90" without distinction. The unit 20 is wired to the gaming machine 10 and the call lamp 50, allowing them to communicate with each other. Furthermore, both the unit 20 and the management device 70 are connected to a LAN 4, allowing them to communicate with each other via the LAN 4. While only the gaming machines 90A and 90B are shown in the example of FIG. 1, many other gaming machines 90 are actually installed in a gaming establishment.

[0031] The gaming machine 90A is assigned a device ID "D1" for identifying the gaming machine 90A. The gaming machine 90B is assigned a device ID "D2". In this embodiment, the device ID is stored in the unit 20. The device ID may be stored in one or more devices of the gaming machine 10 and the call lamp 50.

[0032] (Configuration of gaming machine 10) The gaming machine 10 is an enclosed recirculation type pachinko machine, a so-called managed gaming machine. The gaming machine 10 comprises a gaming board 11, a ball-hitting handle 12, a gaming ball number display unit 13, a counting button 14, and a control unit 15. The gaming board 11 has a gaming area formed thereon, including a symbol display area and various winning slots. The ball-hitting handle 12 is an operating handle that allows the user to shoot gaming balls to play a game. When the user operates the ball-hitting handle 12, enclosed balls are shot into the gaming board 11 one by one. When enclosed balls are shot, the number of gaming balls is decremented. The gaming ball number display unit 13 is a display that displays the number of gaming balls currently stored in the gaming machine 10 in real time. The gaming ball number display unit 13 is, for example, a 7-segment display. The counting button 14 is an operating button for starting the process of converting (counting) gaming balls into held balls. The control unit 15 is built into the gaming machine 10 and controls the operation of each component of the gaming machine 10 .

[0033] An overview of the operation of the gaming machine 10 will be described. When the unit 20 performs a conversion process to convert the held or stored balls into a predetermined number of gaming balls, the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine 10 is increased by a predetermined number. When the user operates the ball-hitting handle 12 to fire a sealed ball, the number of gaming balls is decreased accordingly. The number of gaming balls is increased according to the winning balls. During play, the number of gaming balls increases or decreases according to the game situation. The number of gaming balls is constantly displayed on the gaming ball number display unit 13. The number of shots, the number of winning balls, the number of gaming balls, etc. are periodically transmitted to the unit 20. When the user operates the counting button 14, the number of gaming balls is transmitted to the unit 20. Hereinafter, operating the counting button 14 will be referred to as a "counting operation." When the counting operation is performed, the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine 10 becomes 0 (settlement is performed).

[0034] Here, "game balls" are balls that can be inserted into the gaming machine 10. "Reserved balls" are balls that the user has acquired on the day and have not been deposited at the gaming parlor. "Saved balls" are balls that the user has acquired before the day and have been deposited in the gaming points. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is illustrated as a pachinko machine, so the terms "game balls," "reserved balls," and "saved balls" are used, but the terms "game balls," "reserved balls," and "saved balls" may also be referred to by general terms such as "game medium," "reserved medium," and "saved medium."

[0035] (Configuration of call lamp 50) The call lamp 50 is a device provided on the top of the gaming machine 10. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the call lamp 50 includes a call button, a lighting unit, a display unit, etc. The call button is a button that a user operating the gaming machine 10 operates to call an attendant at the gaming facility. The lighting unit lights up when the call button is operated. The lit lighting unit is turned off when an attendant approaches the call lamp 50 and performs an operation to turn it off. The display unit displays various information on the display unit in response to a user's operation or an instruction from the unit 20.

[0036] (Unit 20 Composition) The unit 20 is a device provided on the side of the gaming machine 10. The unit 20 is also called a "sand unit (sand)" or a "card unit." The unit 20 is a terminal device for providing various services to users, such as accepting banknotes, paying out gaming balls (for example, converting from remaining balance, converting from held balls, or converting from saved balls), processing cards, and processing for securing the gaming machine 10 when play is interrupted.

[0037] 2, the unit 20 includes a touch panel 22, a bill processing unit 30, a card processing unit 32, a call lamp interface 34, a gaming machine interface 36, an external I / F 38, a control unit 40, a memory 42, and an audio output unit 44. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0038] The touch panel 22 functions as a display unit 24 for displaying various information and as an operation unit 26 that allows the user to input various instructions by touching the panel. In a modified example, the display unit 24 and operation unit 26 may be provided separately. The banknote processing unit 30 accepts banknotes inserted by the user and performs various processes. The card processing unit 32 performs various processes related to visitor cards, such as dispensing, reading, and collecting visitor cards, and various processes related to membership cards, such as issuing, dispensing, reading, and collecting membership cards.

[0039] The visitor card is a recording medium stored in advance in the unit 20. A visitor card ID for identifying the card is recorded on the visitor card. A membership card is a card issued when a user operates the touch panel 22 to perform a predetermined membership registration process. A membership ID, which is identification information for identifying the user as a member, is recorded on the membership card. The visitor card ID recorded on the visitor card and the membership ID recorded on the membership card are associated with the gaming value (held balls, saved balls, remaining money) owned by the user. The management device 70 can identify the gaming value (held balls, saved balls, remaining money) for each user associated with the visitor card ID and the membership ID. In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the recording medium handled by the unit 20 is card-shaped, but this is not limited to this, and the recording medium handled by the unit 20 may be a recording medium of any form, such as a coin-shaped one.

[0040] The call lamp I / F 34 is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding call lamp 50. The gaming machine I / F 36 is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding gaming machine 10. The external I / F 38 is connected to the LAN 4. The external I / F 38 is an I / F for communicating with an external device (e.g., the management device 70) via the LAN 4.

[0041] The audio output unit 44 is a unit capable of outputting various sounds (voice messages, melodies, etc.) The audio output unit 44 includes a speaker and the like.

[0042] The control unit 40 executes various processes, including a unit price setting process (FIG. 4), a current fractional value display process (FIG. 6), and a fractional value return process (FIG. 7), which will be described later, in accordance with the programs stored in the memory 42. The memory 42 stores a device ID (such as "D1") that identifies the gaming machine 90 that includes the unit 20. The memory 42 also stores the unit price of game balls used in the corresponding gaming machine 10 (e.g., 4 yen, 2 yen, etc. for pachinko machines). The memory 42 also has an information storage area for storing information obtained by the control unit 40 executing various processes (e.g., the number of game balls in the gaming machine 10, the card ID of the card currently being accepted by the card processing unit 32, etc.). The memory 42 also has a setting storage area 43 for storing prize unit prices and fractional value return settings for each card ID or each unit 20. As will be explained later, the control unit 40 executes the current fractional value display process (Figure 6), the fractional value return process (Figure 7), etc. in accordance with the prize unit price and fractional value return settings stored in the setting memory area 43.

[0043] (Configuration of management device 70) The management device 70 shown in FIG. 1 is a management server installed by an amusement facility. The management device 70 manages various information within the amusement facility. The management device 70 is installed in an area that is not visible to players and is mainly operated by the manager of the amusement facility. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the management device 70 is actually composed of a hall computer, a member server, a ball storage server, and a ball holding server. The hall computer, member server, ball storage server, and ball holding server can communicate with each other. Below, the configuration and operation of the management device 70 will be explained assuming the entire management device 70 is composed of the hall computer, member server, ball storage server, and ball holding server.

[0044] The management device 70 includes a display unit 72, an operation unit 74, a communication I / F 76, a control unit 80, and a memory 82. The display unit 72 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 74 includes a mouse and a keyboard. A user (mainly an amusement facility manager, etc.) can input various instructions to the management device 70 by operating the operation unit 74. The communication I / F 76 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 76 is an I / F for communicating with external devices (e.g., each unit 20) via the LAN 4.

[0045] The control unit 80 executes various processes in accordance with programs stored in the memory 82. The memory 82 also has a storage area for storing information obtained by the control unit 80 executing various processes. The memory 82 also has a storage area (which may be called a database area) for storing various signals and information output by each gaming machine 10 and unit 20 in the gaming parlor for each device ID. The memory 82 also has a storage area for storing information on gaming value (held balls, saved balls, remaining balance) for each card ID (visitor card ID and member ID). Furthermore, the memory 82 also stores a unit price management table 84 (see FIG. 3) for storing data on prize unit prices and fraction conversion settings corresponding to each card ID (visitor card ID and member ID).

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the unit price management table 84 includes multiple unit price data 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d. The unit price management table 84 also includes unit price data other than the unit price data 100a to 100d. Hereinafter, the unit price data including the unit price data 100a to 100d will be collectively referred to as "unit price data 100." The unit price data 100 is data in which various information such as the card ID, the first prize unit price and the second prize unit price for each rental price of gaming value, and the fractional return setting are associated.

[0047] The card ID indicates either a member ID (such as "MC1"), a visitor card ID (such as "VC1"), or information indicating the default setting ("Default"). The unit price of the gaming value loaned is, for example, 4 yen or 2 yen for pachinko machines, and 20 yen or 5 yen for slot machines. The first prize unit price indicates the number of gaming values ​​required to exchange for the first prize (such as "250"). The second prize unit price indicates the number of gaming values ​​required to exchange for the second prize (such as "500"). Hereinafter, the first prize unit price and the second prize unit price may be simply referred to as the "prize unit price" without distinction. In this embodiment, the first prize unit price included in one unit price data 100 is greater than the second prize unit price. Within one unit price data 100, one or both of the first prize unit price and the second prize unit price may not be set. The fractional return setting indicates whether or not to perform a process to return the fractional gaming value (the remainder when the number of balls held is divided by the prize price) to the gaming machine 10 when a specified trigger operation is performed ("ON" or "OFF").

[0048] For example, the unit price data 100a in Figure 3 includes a card ID of "Default," a first prize unit price of "250" when the rental price of a pachinko machine is 4 yen, a second prize unit price of "Not Set," a first prize unit price of "500" when the rental price of a pachinko machine is 2 yen, a second prize unit price of "Not Set," a first prize unit price of "50" when the rental price of a slot machine is 20 yen, a second prize unit price of "Not Set," a first prize unit price of "200" when the rental price of a slot machine is 5 yen, a second prize unit price of "Not Set," and a fractional return setting of "OFF." The unit price data 100a indicates that, in the default settings, the first prize unit prices for each rental price are set to "250," "500," "50," and "15," and the second prize unit price is not set, preventing fractional returns. The term "default settings" used here refers to initial settings that are set in advance by the gaming establishment.

[0049] In addition, the unit price data 100b includes a card ID "MC1", a first prize unit price of "1000" when the rental price of a pachinko machine is 4 yen, a second prize unit price of "200", a first prize unit price of "2000" when the rental price of a pachinko machine is 2 yen, a second prize unit price of "400", a first prize unit price of "200" when the rental price of a slot machine is 20 yen, a second prize unit price of "80", a first prize unit price of "800" when the rental price of a slot machine is 5 yen, a second prize unit price of "320", and a fractional return setting of "ON". The unit price data 100b shows that the user with the member ID "MC1" has set the first prize unit price for each loan unit price to "1000," "2000," "200," and "800," and the second prize unit price for each loan unit price to "200," "400," "80," and "320," and has set it up so that fractional amounts will be returned. Unit price data 100c and 100d are basically the same as unit price data 100b, so a detailed explanation of their contents will be omitted.

[0050] (Price setting process: Figure 4) 4, a description will be given of the unit price setting process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20. The unit price setting process is a process for setting the prize price for each unit 20 or each user.

[0051] When the power of the gaming machine 90 including the unit 20 is turned on, the control unit 40 of the unit 20 starts the unit price setting process of Figure 4. In S10, the control unit 40 sends a default request signal to the management device 70 to request default unit price data. Upon receiving the default request signal, the management device 70 refers to the unit price management table 84 and sends unit price data 100a (see Figure 3) in the default setting to the unit 20. In S12, the control unit 40 receives the unit price data 100a from the management device 70 and stores the unit prices of each prize and the fractional return settings included in the unit price data 100a in the setting memory area 43 of the memory 42.

[0052] Upon completion of S12, the control unit 40 can display the menu screen 110 of FIG. 5(a) on the touch panel 22. The menu screen 110 shown in FIG. 5(a) includes a button 112 for switching to another screen, a card ejection button 114, etc. The switching buttons 112 include a button 112a for displaying the current fractional value display screen 120 (FIG. 5(b)), a button 112b for displaying the prize unit price change screen 140 (FIG. 5(c)), and a button 112c for displaying the setting change screen 160 (FIG. 5(d)). Note that each screen shown in FIG. 5 is merely one display example. The display content of each screen may differ from that shown in FIG. 5.

[0053] Next, the control unit 40 monitors S14 and S20. In S14, it monitors whether the card processing unit 32 accepts a new card. When a user in the gaming parlor inserts a card (membership card or visitor card) into the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20, the card processing unit 32 reads and accepts the inserted card. In this case, the control unit 40 determines YES in S14 and proceeds to S16.

[0054] In S16, the control unit 40 transmits a request signal to the management device 70 to request unit price data 100 corresponding to the card ID recorded on the card being accepted. Hereinafter, the card ID recorded on the card being accepted may be referred to as the "specific card ID." The request signal transmitted in S16 includes the specific card ID. Upon receiving the request signal (S16), the management device 70 refers to the unit price management table 84 and transmits to the unit 20 the unit price data 100 (for example, the unit price data 100b in FIG. 3) corresponding to the specific card ID included in the request signal.

[0055] In S18, the control unit 40 receives the unit price data 100 corresponding to the specific card ID from the management device 70, and stores the prize unit prices and fractional return settings included in the received unit price data 100 in the setting storage area 43 of the memory 42. After completing S18, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring S14 and S20.

[0056] In S20, the control unit 40 monitors whether a change instruction has been input. The change instruction is input by the user. The change instruction is an instruction to change the content of the unit price data stored in the setting storage area 43.

[0057] When the user operates button 112b while the menu screen 110 of FIG. 5(a) is displayed on the touch panel 22, the control unit 40 can cause the touch panel 22 to display the prize unit price change screen 140 of FIG. 5(c). The prize unit price change screen 140 is a screen for changing the prize unit price stored in the setting memory area 43. The prize unit price change screen 140 includes a display section 142 for the current fractional return setting, a display section 144 for the current prize unit price, a display section 145 for the desired prize unit price, input keys 146, a menu screen display button 148, etc. The user can operate the input keys 146, etc. to input the desired prize unit price (first prize unit price, second prize unit price). The prize unit prices (first prize unit price, second prize unit price) may be input (selected) by referring to a correspondence table, etc., of prizes and gaming values ​​required to exchange for prizes, which is stored in advance in memory 42. In this way, when an instruction to change the prize unit price is input on the prize unit price change screen 140, the control unit 40 judges YES in S20 and proceeds to S22.

[0058] Furthermore, if the user operates button 112c while the menu screen 110 of FIG. 5(a) is displayed on the touch panel 22, the control unit 40 can cause the touch panel 22 to display a setting change screen 160 of FIG. 5(d). The setting change screen 160 is a screen for changing the fractional return setting stored in the setting storage area 43. The setting change screen 160 includes a field 162 displaying the current fractional return setting (ON or OFF), a setting change button 164, a menu screen display 166, and the like. The user can operate the setting change button 164 to input the desired fractional return setting (ON or OFF). In this way, when an instruction to change the fractional return setting is input on the setting change screen 160, the control unit 40 determines YES in S20 and proceeds to S22.

[0059] In S22, the control unit 40 stores the prize unit price and fractional return setting included in the change instruction in the setting memory area 43. Specifically, the control unit 40 updates the contents of the prize unit price and fractional return setting stored in the setting memory area 43 to those included in the change instruction.

[0060] In the following S24, the control unit 40 transmits the updated unit price data to the management device 70. The updated unit price data includes the card ID of the currently accepted card, and the prize unit price and fractional return settings stored in the setting memory area 43 in S22. When the management device 70 receives the updated unit price data from the unit 20, it updates the unit price data 100 in the unit price management table 84 that corresponds to the card ID included in the updated unit price data. After completing S24, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring S14 and S20.

[0061] Thereafter, the control unit 40 repeatedly executes the processes of S14 to S24 while the power supply of the unit 20 is on.

[0062] (Current fractional value display process: Figure 6) 6, a description will be given of the current fractional value display process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20. The current fractional value display process is a process for displaying in real time on the touch panel 22 the fractional value (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "current fractional value") that occurs when a user currently playing on the gaming machine 10 exchanges gaming value for a predetermined prize (first prize, second prize).

[0063] When the gaming machine 90 including the unit 20 is powered on and at least one set of prize unit price and fractional return setting is stored in the setting memory area 43 of the unit 20 in the unit price setting process (Fig. 4) (S12 in Fig. 4), the control unit 40 starts the current fractional value display process of Fig. 6. In S40, the control unit 40 monitors whether it receives game ball number information indicating the current number of game balls from the gaming machine 10.

[0064] When the power of the gaming machine 90 is turned on, the control unit 40 of the unit 20 communicates with the corresponding gaming machine 10 and the call lamp 50. That is, the control unit 40 periodically receives data related to the gaming status from the gaming machine 10. Also, when the card processing unit 32 is accepting a card, the control unit 40 periodically communicates with the management device 70 and receives data such as the number of held balls and the number of saved balls corresponding to the card ID recorded on the accepted card from the management device 70. When the control unit 40 receives the number of game balls information from the gaming machine 10, it determines YES in S40 and proceeds to S42.

[0065] In S42, the control unit 40 calculates an added value by adding the current number of balls held corresponding to the card ID of the card being accepted and the current number of game balls in the gaming machine 10. The added value is the total number of game values ​​that can be exchanged for prizes at the current time. Equation 1 for calculating the added value in S42 is as follows. [Formula 1] Addition value = current number of balls in play + current number of balls in hand

[0066] In S44, the control unit 40 calculates the number of prizes that can be exchanged for the additional value and the current fractional value. Specifically, in S44, the control unit 40 identifies the first prize unit price and the second prize unit price stored in the setting storage area 43 of the memory 42. At this time, the control unit 40 identifies the first prize unit price and the second prize unit price according to the rental unit price of the machine itself (for example, 4 yen (in the case of a pachinko machine)) stored in the memory 42. Next, the control unit 40 divides the additional value by the first prize unit price to calculate a first quotient and a first remainder. At this time, the first quotient is the number of first prizes that can be exchanged for the additional value (hereinafter referred to as the "first number of prizes"). Next, the control unit 40 divides the first remainder by the second prize unit price to calculate a second quotient and a second remainder. The second quotient at this time is the number of second prizes (hereinafter referred to as the "second number of prizes") that can be exchanged with the first remainder. The second remainder (i.e., the fraction) is the "current fraction value" that indicates the number of fractions generated at this point. Equation 2 for calculating the current fraction value in S44 is as follows: [Formula 2] Current fractional value = (additional value mod first prize unit price) mod second prize unit price

[0067] If the second prize unit price has not been set, in S44, the control unit 40 divides the added value by the first prize unit price to obtain a first quotient, which is the first number of prizes, and the first remainder is calculated as the current fractional value.

[0068] In S46, the control unit 40 can display the current fractional value display screen 120, which includes the added value calculated in S42, the number of prizes (first number of prizes, second number of prizes) calculated in S44, and the current fractional value, on the touch panel 22. If the touch panel 22 is already displaying the current fractional value display screen 120 at this point, the control unit 40 updates the display content of the current fractional value display screen 120 in S46.

[0069] When the user operates button 112a while the menu screen 110 of FIG. 5(a) is displayed on the touch panel 22, the control unit 40 can cause the touch panel 22 to display the current fractional value display screen 120 of FIG. 5(b). As described above, the current fractional value display screen 120 is a screen for displaying the additional value, the number of first prizes, the number of second prizes, the current fractional value, etc. in real time. The current fractional value display screen 120 includes a field 122 displaying the current loan price, a field 124 displaying the currently set first prize price and second prize price, a field 126 displaying the current additional value (S42), a field 128 displaying the currently available number of first prizes and second prizes, a field 130 displaying the current fractional value (S44), a card eject button 132, a menu screen display button 134, etc. The loan price in field 122 and the prize price in field 124 are displayed based on information stored in memory 42. The added value, number of prizes, and current fractional value in columns 126 to 130 are displayed as the values ​​calculated in S42 and S44. In the example shown in the figure, the added value in column 126 is expressed as "total number of balls." The card eject button 132 is a button for ejecting the card (membership card or visitor card) currently accepted by the card processing unit 32.

[0070] After S46 is completed, the control unit 40 returns to the monitoring of S40. Thereafter, the control unit 40 repeatedly executes the processes of S40 to S46 while the power of the unit 20 is on.

[0071] (Fraction return process: Figure 7) 7, the fractional amount return process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20 will be described. The fractional amount return process is a process for returning to the gaming machine 10 fractional amounts that are generated when gaming value is exchanged for predetermined prizes (first prize, second prize) in accordance with a user's instruction.

[0072] When the gaming machine 90 including the unit 20 is powered on and at least one set of prize unit price and fractional return setting is stored in the setting memory area 43 of the unit 20 in the unit price setting process (Fig. 4) (S12 in Fig. 4), the control unit 40 starts the fractional return process of Fig. 7. The control unit 40 monitors S60 and S62.

[0073] In S60, the control unit 40 monitors whether a counting operation is being performed on the gaming machine 10. A user playing on the gaming machine 10 can operate the counting button 14 of the gaming machine 10 at a desired timing. Hereinafter, operating the counting button 14 will be referred to as a "counting operation." When a counting operation is performed, the gaming machine 10 transmits the number of gaming balls to the unit 20. When a counting operation is performed, the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine 10 becomes 0 (is settled). When the control unit 40 receives the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 10, it calculates a total value obtained by adding up the number of gaming balls and the current number of held balls corresponding to the card ID of the card being accepted by the card processing unit 32. The control unit 40 updates the number of held balls to the total value. The control unit 40 transmits the updated number of held balls (i.e., the total value) to the management device 70. The management device 70 updates the number of held balls corresponding to the card ID. In another example, the control unit 40 may transmit the number of game balls received from the gaming machine 10 to the management device 70. The management device 70 may add the number of game balls to the current number of balls held corresponding to the card ID of the card being accepted by the card processing unit 32, and change (update) the number of balls held to that total value. When the above counting operation is performed, the control unit 40 determines YES in S60 and proceeds to S64.

[0074] In S62, the control unit 40 monitors whether a card ejection operation is performed on the touch panel 22. A user who is playing on the gaming machine 10, or a user who has finished playing and counting on the gaming machine 10, can operate the touch panel 22 to instruct the player to eject a card. Instructing the player to eject a card on the touch panel 22 is called a "card ejection operation." The card ejection operation may be performed by operating the card ejection button 114, 132 on the menu screen 110 (FIG. 5(a)) or the current fractional value display screen 120. When this card ejection operation is performed, the control unit 40 determines YES in S62 and proceeds to S64.

[0075] In S64, the control unit 40 determines whether the current fractional return setting is ON. Specifically, in S64, the control unit 40 determines whether the fractional return setting stored in the setting storage area 43 of the memory 42 is ON. If the fractional return setting stored in the setting storage area 43 is ON, the control unit 40 determines YES in S64 and proceeds to S66. On the other hand, if the fractional return setting stored in the setting storage area 43 is OFF, the control unit 40 determines NO in S64, skips S66 to S72, and proceeds to S74.

[0076] In S66, the control unit 40 calculates a fraction. Specifically, in S66, the control unit 40 first identifies the first prize unit price and the second prize unit price stored in the setting storage area 43 of the memory 42. At this time, the control unit 40 identifies the first prize unit price and the second prize unit price according to the rental unit price of the own machine (for example, 4 yen (in the case of a pachinko machine)) stored in the memory 42. Next, the control unit 40 identifies the number of balls held corresponding to the card ID of the card being accepted by the card processing unit 32. The "number of balls held" in S66 after YES in S60 is the number of balls held after being updated by adding the number of game balls received from the gaming machine 10, as described above. The "number of balls held" in S66 after YES in S62 is the number of balls held at the time of the card ejection operation. Then, the control unit 40 divides the number of balls held by the first prize unit price to calculate a first quotient and a first remainder. The first quotient at this time is the number of first prizes that can be exchanged for the number of balls held. Next, the control unit 40 divides the first remainder by the unit price of the second prize to calculate the second quotient and the second remainder. The second quotient at this time is the number of second prizes that can be exchanged for the first remainder. The second remainder is a fraction. That is, Equation 3 for calculating the fraction in S66 is as follows: [Formula 3] Fraction = (Number of balls held mod 1st prize unit price) mod 2nd prize unit price

[0077] If the second prize unit price has not been set, in S66, the control unit 40 divides the number of balls held by the first prize unit price to obtain a first quotient, which is the first number of prizes, and the first remainder is calculated as a fraction.

[0078] In S68, the control unit 40 transmits information indicating the fraction calculated in S66 to the gaming machine 10. When the gaming machine 10 receives the information indicating the fraction from the unit 20, it adds the value of the fraction as gaming balls. In the gaming machine 10, a game can be played again using the gaming balls after the fraction has been added.

[0079] In S70, the control unit 40 changes (updates) the number of balls held corresponding to the card ID of the card being accepted by the card processing unit 32 to a new number of balls held obtained by subtracting the fraction calculated in S66 from the current number of balls held. The control unit 40 transmits the new updated number of balls held to the management device 70.

[0080] In S72, the control unit 40 causes the audio output unit 44 to output a sound to notify the user that the fractional amount has been sent (i.e., returned) to the gaming machine 10. For example, the control unit 40 may cause the audio output unit 44 to output a voice guidance such as "The fractional amount has been returned to the gaming machine. Don't forget to play," or may cause the audio output unit 44 to output a predetermined notification buzzer sound. This allows the user to recognize that the fractional amount has been returned to the gaming machine 10.

[0081] In S74, the control unit 40 causes the card processing unit 32 to eject the card (membership card or visitor card) that is currently being accepted.

[0082] In S76, the control unit 40 transmits a default request signal to the management device 70 to request default unit price data 100. The default request signal transmitted in S76 is the same as the signal in S10 of FIG. 4. When the management device 70 receives the default request signal, it refers to the unit price management table 84 and transmits unit price data 100a (see FIG. 3) in the default settings to the unit 20. In S78, the control unit 40 receives the unit price data 100a from the management device 70 and stores the unit prices of each prize and the fractional return settings contained in the unit price data 100a in the setting memory area 43 of the memory 42. The processing in S78 is the same as S12 of FIG. 4.

[0083] After S78 is completed, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring S60 and S62. Thereafter, the control unit 40 repeatedly executes the processes of S60 to S78 while the power of the unit 20 is on.

[0084] The configuration and operation of the gaming system 2 have been described above. In the unit 20 of this embodiment, after the fractional return process (FIG. 7) is initiated, if a counting operation is performed on the gaming machine 10 (YES in S60) or if a card ejection operation is performed on the touch panel 22 (YES in S62), fractional amounts are transmitted (returned) to the gaming machine 10. The user can play games on the gaming machine 10 using the fractional amounts. The user can use up the fractional amounts on the gaming machine 10 where they have been playing. After the game using the fractional amounts ends, the user can exchange the remaining balls identified by the ejected card (S74) for a prize. Since no new fractional amounts are generated when exchanging for a prize, the user does not have to go through the trouble of searching for a gaming machine again to play games using the fractional amounts. Therefore, the unit 20 of this embodiment allows fractional amounts to be appropriately handled on the gaming machine 10, which is a sealed-type managed gaming machine.

[0085] In this embodiment, the control unit 40 calculates the fraction in S66 of FIG. 7. The fraction is the second remainder obtained by dividing the number of balls currently held by the first prize unit price, and then further dividing the first remainder by the second prize unit price. Therefore, the unit 20 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of wasted fractions that are not exchanged for prizes. If the first prize and the second prize are the user's first and second preferred prizes, respectively, the user can efficiently exchange the balls they have for their desired prizes. Note that if the second prize unit price has not been set, in S66 the control unit 40 calculates the first quotient obtained by dividing the number of balls held by the first prize unit price as the first number of prizes, and the first remainder as the fraction. This allows for fractional part handling according to the user's wishes.

[0086] 7, the control unit 40 causes the audio output unit 44 to output audio to notify that the fractional amount has been transmitted (i.e., returned) to the gaming machine 10. By outputting audio from the audio output unit, the occurrence of a situation in which the user forgets to play with the fractional amount is suppressed.

[0087] In this embodiment, the control unit 40 executes the current fractional value display process shown in FIG. 6. The control unit 40 periodically receives game ball count information from the gaming machine 10 (YES in S40) and calculates the current fractional value using the received game ball count information (S42, S44). The control unit 40 can display a current fractional value display screen 120, including the calculated current fractional value, on the touch panel 22. Therefore, with the unit 20 of this embodiment, the user can grasp the current fractional value while playing by looking at the display unit. While playing, the user can grasp how many prizes can be exchanged for if the game ends at the current time and how much fractional value will be generated. By looking at the current fractional value display screen 120, the user can play in a planned manner.

[0088] In this embodiment, the control unit 40 executes the unit price setting process shown in FIG. 4. When a user in the gaming parlor inserts a card (membership card or visitor card) into the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 (YES in S14), the control unit 40 receives unit price data 100 corresponding to the card ID recorded on the inserted card from the management device 70 (S16, S18). The control unit 40 then stores each prize unit price and fractional part return setting included in the received unit price data 100 in the setting storage area 43 of the memory 42. Furthermore, when a change instruction is input by the user (YES in S20), the control unit 40 stores the specified prize unit price and fractional part return setting in the setting storage area 43 (S22). That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 40 can set the prize unit price and fractional part return setting (ON / OFF) according to the user's instruction. Therefore, according to the unit 20 of this embodiment, the prize unit price (first prize unit price and / or second prize unit price) and the fractional part return setting (ON or OFF) can be set according to the user's preference, and a fractional part processing method according to the preference of each user can be realized.

[0089] Furthermore, at the start of the unit price setting process, the control unit 40 receives unit price data 100a (see FIG. 3) in the default settings from the management device 70, and stores each prize unit price and fractional return setting included in the unit price data 100a in the setting storage area 43 of the memory 42 (S12 in FIG. 4). That is, in this embodiment, the prize unit price (first prize unit price and / or second prize unit price) and fractional return setting (ON or OFF) can also be managed by the management device 70.

[0090] The correspondence between the embodiments and the claims will be explained. The unit 20 is an example of a "gaming device." The gaming machine I / F 36 is an example of a "first communication unit." The external I / F 38 is an example of a "second communication unit." The card processing unit 32 is an example of a "recording medium processing unit." The case where the fractional return setting is ON is an example of a "first mode." The case where the fractional return setting is ON is an example of a "second mode." The unit price data 100a (S12 in FIG. 4) received from the management device 70 is an example of "unit price information." The change instruction input by the user (S20 in FIG. 4) is an example of "input information."

[0091] (Second Example) The gaming system 2 of the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The gaming system 2 of this embodiment also shares its basic configuration and the operation of each component with the first embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(e), part of the display content of the leftover ball display screen 220 and part of the leftover ball return process (Figure 7) are different from the first embodiment.

[0092] As shown in Figure 5(e), the current fractional value display screen 220 of this embodiment includes a field 122 displaying the current loan unit price, a field 124 displaying the first prize unit price and the second prize unit price being set, a field 126 displaying the current added value (S42 in Figure 6), a field 128 displaying the number of first prizes and the number of second prizes currently exchangeable, a field 130 displaying the current fractional value (S44), a full exchange and card ejection button 232, a play with leftover balls and card ejection button 233, and a menu screen display button 134. The fields 122 to 130 and the menu screen display button 134 are the same as the fields 122 to 130 and the menu screen display button 134 in the current fractional value display screen 120 (Figure 5(b)) of the first embodiment.

[0093] The all exchange and card ejection button 232 is a button for instructing that cards be ejected after converting the remaining balls into balls including the remaining balls without transmitting the remaining balls to the gaming machine 10. Hereinafter, the term "all exchange" includes the ejection of cards corresponding to the total number of balls including the remaining balls without transmitting the remaining balls to the gaming machine 10. The leftover ball play and card ejection button 233 is a button for ejecting cards after transmitting the remaining balls to the gaming machine 10. Hereinafter, the term "leftover ball play" includes the ejection of cards corresponding to the new number of balls obtained by subtracting the remaining balls from the game machine 10 while transmitting the remaining balls to the gaming machine 10.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the fractional return process (FIG. 7) is started, the control unit 40 monitors S60 and S62. In this embodiment, a user who is playing on the gaming machine 10 or a user who has finished playing and counting on the gaming machine 10 can operate the touch panel 22 to operate the all-ball exchange and card ejection button 232 or the odd-ball play and card ejection button 233. In this embodiment, the operation of either the buttons 232 or 233 is referred to as a "card ejection operation." When either the buttons 232 or 233 is operated (i.e., a card ejection operation is performed), the control unit 40 determines YES in S62 of FIG. 7 and proceeds to S100.

[0095] In S100, the control unit 40 determines whether or not a leftover ball play has been instructed. That is, if the leftover ball play and card ejection button 233 has been operated during the card ejection operation, the control unit 40 determines YES in S100 and proceeds to S64. The processing from S64 onwards is the same as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the full exchange and card ejection button 232 has been operated during the card ejection operation, the control unit 40 determines NO in S100, skips S64 to S72, and proceeds to S74. In this case, the control unit 40 ejects the card without transmitting the leftover ball to the gaming machine 10.

[0096] The gaming system 2 of this embodiment has been described above. As described above, in this embodiment, the user can select between exchanging all balls or playing leftover balls when dispensing cards. If the leftover ball play is selected (YES in S100), the cards are dispensed after the remaining balls are transmitted to the gaming machine 10. On the other hand, if the all-ball exchange is selected (NO in S100), the cards are dispensed without transmitting the remaining balls to the gaming machine 10. In the case of the unit 20 of this embodiment, if the user selects the leftover ball play (i.e., operates the button 233) when dispensing cards, the remaining balls are returned to the gaming machine 10. Therefore, the user can play games on the gaming machine 10 using the remaining balls. After completing a game using the remaining balls, the user can exchange the remaining balls for a prize, which is identified by the dispensed card. Since no remaining balls are generated when exchanging for a prize, the user does not have to go through the trouble of searching for a gaming machine again to play games using the remaining balls. On the other hand, if the user does not wish to use the remaining balls for games, the user can select the all-ball exchange (i.e., operates the button 232) when dispensing cards. The unit 20 of this embodiment can appropriately process fractions in accordance with the user's wishes. Therefore, when the gaming machine 10 is a sealed-type managed gaming machine, fractions can be appropriately processed.

[0097] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. For example, the following modifications may be adopted.

[0098] (Variation 1) In each of the above embodiments, in the fraction return process (FIG. 7), the control unit 40 performs processing to transmit fractions to the gaming machine 10 when either a counting operation or a card ejection operation is performed (YES in S60 or S62). In a variation, in the fraction return process, the control unit 40 transmits fractions to the gaming machine 10 only when a counting operation is performed, and may not transmit fractions to the gaming machine 10 when a card ejection operation is performed. That is, S62 in FIG. 7 may be omitted. In yet another variation, in the fraction return process, the control unit 40 transmits fractions to the gaming machine 10 only when a card ejection operation is performed, and may not transmit fractions to the gaming machine 10 when a counting operation is performed. That is, S60 in FIG. 7 may be omitted.

[0099] (Variation 2) In each of the above embodiments, the unit price data 100 may include a second prize unit price in addition to the first prize unit price. In a variation, the unit price data may include only the first prize unit price.

[0100] (Variation 3) In each of the above embodiments, the control unit 40 executes both the current fractional value display process (FIG. 6) and the fractional value return process (FIG. 7). In a variation, the control unit 40 may omit the fractional value return process (FIG. 7). In that case, it is sufficient for the control unit 40 to be able to execute the current fractional value display process (FIG. 6). In yet another variation, the control unit 40 may omit the current fractional value display process (FIG. 6). In that case, it is sufficient for the control unit 40 to be able to execute the fractional value return process (FIG. 7).

[0101] (Variation 4) The audio output unit 44 (FIGS. 1 and 2) may be omitted. In that case, in S72 of FIG. 7, other notification operations may be performed instead of audio output. The other notification operations may include displaying a notification message on the touch panel 22, turning on the call lamp 50, etc.

[0102] (Variation 5) In each of the above embodiments, the control unit 40 can set the fractional return setting (ON / OFF) in accordance with a user instruction (see S20 to S24 in FIG. 4). The fractional return setting can also be managed by the management device 70 (see S10 to S12 in FIG. 4). In a variation, the fractional return setting may be set only by the management device 70 and cannot be changed by the user. In yet another variation, the fractional return setting can only be set by the user and does not need to be managed by the management device 70.

[0103] (Variation 6) In each of the above embodiments, the control unit 40 can set the prize unit price (first prize unit price and / or second prize unit price) in accordance with instructions from the user (see S20 to S24 in FIG. 4). The prize unit price can also be managed by the management device 70 (see S10 to S12 in FIG. 4). In a variation, the prize unit price may be set only by the management device 70 and cannot be changed by the user. In yet another variation, the prize unit price can be set only by the user and does not need to be managed by the management device 70.

[0104] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives alone has technical utility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 2: Gaming system 10: Gaming machines 20: Unit 22: Touch panel 32: Card processing unit 36: Gaming machine I / F 38: External I / F 40: Control unit 42: Memory 44: Audio output section 50: Call lamp 70: Management device 84: Unit price management table 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d: Unit price data

Claims

1. A gaming device that is installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that increases or decreases game media according to game content, a first communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine; a second communication unit capable of communicating with the management device; a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium capable of identifying a gaming value owned by a user; a control unit, The control unit When a counting operation of the gaming media is executed in the gaming machine, the number of the retained media included in the gaming value after the number of the gaming media received from the gaming machine is added is divided by the prize unit price, which is the number of the gaming value required to exchange for a prize, and the remainder is calculated as a fraction; Discharge the recording media from the recording medium processing unit, the recording media corresponding to the new number of supported media calculated by subtracting the fraction from the number of supported media; Transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine; The control unit is further capable of switching between a first mode for transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine and a second mode for adding the fraction to the retained medium without transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine in accordance with an instruction from the management device. Gaming device.

2. A gaming device that is installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that increases or decreases game media according to game content, a first communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine; a second communication unit capable of communicating with the management device; a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium capable of identifying a gaming value owned by a user; An operation unit; a control unit, The control unit When a storage medium ejection operation is executed on the operation unit, the remainder obtained by dividing the number of retainable media included in the game value by the prize unit price, which is the number of game values ​​required to be exchanged for a prize, is calculated as a fraction; Discharge the recording media from the recording medium processing unit, the recording media corresponding to the new number of supported media calculated by subtracting the fraction from the number of supported media; Transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine; The control unit is further capable of switching between a first mode for transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine and a second mode for adding the fraction to the retained medium without transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine in accordance with an instruction from the management device. Gaming device.

3. A gaming device that is installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that increases or decreases game media according to game content, a first communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine; a second communication unit capable of communicating with the management device; a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium capable of identifying a gaming value owned by a user; An operation unit; a control unit, The control unit When the operation unit is used to eject the storage medium, it is possible to select whether to exchange all the balls or to play the leftover balls. When the leftover balls are selected, The remainder is calculated as a fraction when the number of holding media included in the gaming value is divided by the prize unit price, which is the number of gaming values ​​required to be exchanged for prizes; Discharge the recording media from the recording medium processing unit, the recording media corresponding to the new number of supported media calculated by subtracting the fraction from the number of supported media; Transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine; The control unit is further capable of switching between a first mode for transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine and a second mode for adding the fraction to the retained medium without transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine in accordance with an instruction from the management device. Gaming device.

4. The prize unit price includes a first prize unit price, which is the number of the gaming values ​​required to exchange for a first prize, and a second prize unit price, which is the number of the gaming values ​​required to exchange for a second prize different from the first prize; A gaming device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fraction is a second remainder obtained by further dividing the first remainder obtained by dividing the number of holding media by the first prize unit price by the second prize unit price.

5. Further comprising a display unit, The control unit further periodically receiving the current number of gaming media from the gaming machine; The number of said received game media is added to the number of said currently held media, and the sum is divided by the prize unit price to periodically calculate the remainder as a current fractional value; 5. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the current fractional value is displayed on the display unit.

6. further comprising an audio output unit; A gaming device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit further causes the audio output unit to output audio related to the fraction being transmitted to the gaming machine when transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine.

7. A gaming device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is further capable of switching between a first mode for transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine and a second mode for adding the fraction to the held medium without transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine in accordance with instructions from the user.

8. A gaming device that is installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that increases or decreases game media according to game content, a first communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine; a second communication unit capable of communicating with the management device; a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium capable of identifying a gaming value owned by a user; A display unit; a control unit, The control unit periodically receiving the current number of gaming media from the gaming machine; the number of said received game media is added to the number of currently held media included in said game value, and the sum is divided by the prize unit price, which is the number of said game value required to exchange for a prize, and the remainder is periodically calculated as a current fractional value; displaying the current fractional value on the display unit; The control unit is further capable of switching between a first mode for transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine and a second mode for adding the fraction to the retained medium without transmitting the fraction to the gaming machine in accordance with an instruction from the management device. Gaming device.

9. A gaming device described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the prize unit price is set based on unit price information received from the management device.

10. 10. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the prize unit price is set based on input information input by the user.

Images