Gaming device

Abstract

To provide a technique allowing a user to leave while securing a game machine even when performing settlement of game media.SOLUTION: A device for games includes a recording medium processing part, a display part and a control part. The control part can convert game values into game media for use in a game on a game machine, and convert game media stored in the game machine into owned media included in the game values. When the recording medium processing part operates in a normal state, and in a first case where a specific user executes a medium discharge instruction for causing the recording medium processing part to discharge recording media, while the number of game media stored in the game machine is one or more specific value or more, the control part causes the recording medium processing part to discharge a specific recording medium in which specific identification information associated with a specific game value owned by the specific user and transitions the recording medium processing part to a prohibition state to prohibit reception of recording media other than the specific recording medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

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 a gaming device that allows a user to play a game on a gaming machine. When the gaming points stored in the gaming machine are 0 and the user performs an operation to suspend the game, the gaming device ejects the recording medium and transitions to a suspended state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6148823 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the gaming device of Patent Document 1, if a user wishes to stop playing, the gaming points stored in the gaming machine must be settled in advance to zero. However, it is troublesome for the user to have to settle the gaming points each time they leave their seat for a short time. There is a need for a new technology that allows the user to leave their seat while keeping the gaming machine in reserve, without having to settle the gaming media each time.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology that allows a user to leave a gaming machine while still having the gaming machine reserved, without having to settle for gaming media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The 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 game content, and is equipped with 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 is capable of converting the gaming value into the gaming medium used for playing on the gaming machine, and is also capable of converting the gaming medium stored in the gaming machine into a retained medium included in the gaming value. In a first case in which a specific user issues a medium ejection instruction to the recording medium processing unit to eject the recording medium while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than a specific value of 1, the control unit causes the recording medium processing unit to eject a specific recording medium on which specific identification information corresponding to a specific gaming value owned by the specific user is recorded, and transitions the recording medium processing unit to a prohibited state in which acceptance of recording media other than the specific recording medium is prohibited. While the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, the control unit displays an interruption message on the display unit relating to the prohibition of acceptance of recording media other than the specific recording medium.

[0007] 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). A "gaming medium" is a medium that can be used to play on a gaming machine. "Gaming medium" can also be called gaming balls, gaming medals, gaming points, gaming value, etc. A "recording medium" includes any medium that can record information, such as a membership card or visitor card. The recording medium is not limited to a card type, but may also be a coin type, etc.

[0008] According to the above configuration, if the number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than a specific value, the specific user can eject the specific recording medium without paying for the gaming media in advance (i.e., without resetting it to zero). After the recording medium processing unit has transitioned to a prohibited state, third parties other than the specific user will no longer be able to insert a recording medium and play on the gaming machine. The specific user can suspend play and leave the seat without paying for the gaming media. Therefore, the specific user does not have to pay for the gaming media each time they leave the seat, and there is no need to call a store clerk. The above gaming device provides high convenience for both the user and the store clerk.

[0009] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the interruption message on the display unit can inform those around that the reception of recording media other than the specified recording media is prohibited. By looking at the display unit, third parties around can see that the gaming machine is reserved for the specified user even while the specified user is away.

[0010] The control unit may transition the recording medium processing unit to a normal state when the specific recording medium is accepted by the recording medium processing unit while the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state.

[0011] According to this configuration, a specific user can cancel the prohibited state by having the recording medium processing unit accept the specific recording medium. Therefore, in principle, only the specific user who issued the medium ejection instruction can cancel the prohibited state. By having the recording medium processing unit accept the specific recording medium, the specific user can easily return to playing on the gaming machine.

[0012] The control unit may perform an addition process in which, when a counting operation for converting the gaming media into the retained media is performed in the gaming machine while the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, the number of the gaming media is added as the number of retained media to the specific gaming value corresponding to the specific identification information.

[0013] Here, "held 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 of remaining balances or payouts of saved balls. "Hold media" can also be referred to as held balls, held medals, held points, or held value. With the above configuration, even if a third party performs a counting operation while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a prohibited state, it is possible to prevent a specific user's gaming media from falling into the hands of a third party. The gaming media is processed as held media linked to specific identification information (i.e., the identification information of a specific recording medium owned by a specific user who is the original owner of the gaming media). Therefore, a specific user who is away from their seat will not suffer any disadvantages and can leave their seat with peace of mind.

[0014] When the control unit receives a signal from the gaming machine indicating that a game is in progress using the gaming medium while the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, the control unit may cause the display unit to display a warning message related to the need to accept the specific recording medium.

[0015] Depending on the characteristics of the gaming machine, even if the recording medium processing unit is operating in a prohibited state, a third party may operate the gaming machine and use the gaming medium. By providing this configuration, a warning message can be displayed on the display unit in such cases, which can prevent a third party from playing games using the gaming medium without permission.

[0016] When the specific recording medium is accepted by the recording medium processing unit while the warning message is being displayed on the display unit, the control unit may terminate the display of the warning message on the display unit and terminate the prohibited state of the recording medium processing unit.

[0017] With this configuration, even if a specific user who returns from an absence starts playing without accepting a specific recording medium, a warning message is displayed on the display unit. However, even in this case, once the specific user accepts the specific recording medium, the display of the warning message ends, and the prohibited state of the recording medium processing unit is released and the game returns to normal. This allows the specific user to be appropriately prompted to accept the specific recording medium.

[0018] When a counting operation is performed in the gaming machine to convert the gaming media into the retained media after a specific period of time has elapsed since the recording medium processing unit transitioned to the prohibited state, the control unit may perform an addition process to add the number of the gaming media as the number of retained media to the specific gaming value corresponding to the specific identification information, and may also transition the recording medium processing unit to the normal state.

[0019] After a specific period of time has passed since the recording medium processing unit transitioned to a prohibited state (i.e., after the gaming machine has been reserved for a specific user for a specific period of time), it is preferable for other users and gaming establishments to have the gaming machine released and in operation. With this configuration, after a specific period of time has passed since the recording medium processing unit transitioned to a prohibited state, the recording medium processing unit can be returned to its normal state by performing a counting operation. Since the gaming medium is also added to the specific gaming value as a specific user's owned medium, a specific user who is away from their seat will not suffer any disadvantages.

[0020] The control unit may cause the display unit to display an interruption completion message indicating that the prohibited state can be released when a specific period of time has elapsed since the recording medium processing unit transitioned to the prohibited state.

[0021] According to this configuration, it is possible to let those around know that the prohibited state of the recording medium processing unit can be released. In other words, it is possible to let those around know that the state in which the gaming machine is reserved for a specific user can be resolved. It is possible to encourage a transition to a normal state. It is possible to prevent a gaming machine from being reserved for an excessively long period of time by a specific user.

[0022] The control unit may cause the recording medium processing unit to eject the specific recording medium and transition the recording medium processing unit to the prohibited state in the first case in which, while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than the specific value, the specific user issues an interruption instruction related to interrupting play on the gaming machine using the gaming media, along with the media ejection instruction; and may cause the recording medium processing unit to eject the specific recording medium in the second case in which, while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than the specific value, the specific user issues a transfer instruction related to transferring ownership of the gaming media to another user and ending play on the gaming machine.

[0023] According to this configuration, in the second case, the specific user can transfer ownership of the game medium to a third party without putting the recording medium processing unit into a prohibited state. This makes it possible to handle game media according to the needs of the specific user. This further improves user convenience.

[0024] In a third case in which the specific user issues the instruction to eject the media while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine is less than the specific value, the control unit may perform an addition process to add the number of gaming media as the number of held media to the specific gaming value corresponding to the specific identification information, and may also cause the recording medium processing unit to eject the specific recording medium.

[0025] According to this configuration, when there are relatively few gaming media, the gaming machine can be released by settling the gaming media without permitting the reservation of the gaming machine (i.e., without permitting the recording medium processing unit to transition to a prohibited state), thereby improving the operating rate of the gaming machine.

[0026] The gaming device may further include a second communication unit capable of communicating with a management device. When the control unit receives a notification from the management device while the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state that the specific recording medium has been accepted in another gaming device that is capable of communicating with the other gaming machine, and when a counting operation for converting the gaming media into the held media is performed in the gaming machine, the control unit may perform an addition process of adding the number of the gaming media as the held media to the specific gaming value corresponding to the specific identification information, and may transition the recording medium processing unit to the normal state.

[0027] When a specific recording medium ejected from a gaming device is accepted by another gaming device, it means that the specific user has switched from the gaming machine they reserved to another gaming machine and started playing. In this case, there is little need to continue reserving the original gaming machine for the specific user. With this configuration, in such a situation, the reservation of the original gaming machine can be terminated and the gaming machine can be released. Furthermore, since the gaming medium remaining in the gaming machine is counted and added to the specific user's owned media, the specific user will not suffer any disadvantages.

[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] An example of a card data table 84 is shown below. [Figure 4] 10 shows a flowchart of an interruption management process (normal mode) executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20. [Figure 5] 4. The flowchart (interrupt mode) continues from FIG. [Figure 6] Examples of messages displayed on the touch panel 22 are shown below. [Figure 7] 5 shows a continuation of the flowchart (interruption completion mode) of FIG. [Figure 8] 10 shows a flowchart of management device side processing executed by a control unit 80 of the management device 70. [Figure 9] Specific examples (Cases A to C) of the operation of the gaming system 2 will be shown. [Figure 10] 10 shows a flowchart (transfer mode) of a part of the interruption management process of the second embodiment. 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 an enclosed ball is 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 that starts the counting process from the gaming balls to the 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 section 30, a card processing section 32, a call lamp interface 34, a gaming machine interface 36, an external I / F 38, a control section 40, and a memory 42. 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 control unit 40 executes various processes, including the interruption management process (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 7) described below, in accordance with the programs stored in the memory 42. The memory 42 stores a device ID (such as "D1") that indicates the gaming machine 90 that includes the unit 20. Furthermore, the memory 42 is also provided with a storage area for storing information obtained by the control unit 40 executing various processes (for example, the number of game balls counted by the gaming machine 10, the ID of the card dispensed when game play is interrupted (interrupted card ID), etc.).

[0042] (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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The control unit 80 executes various processes, including the management device side process (see FIG. 8) described below, in accordance with the 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 stores a card data table 84 for storing information on gaming value (held balls, saved balls, remaining balance) for each card ID (visitor card ID and member ID).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the card data table 84 includes multiple card data 100a, 100b. The card data table 84 also includes card data other than the card data 100a, 100b. Hereinafter, when card data including the card data 100a, 100b is collectively referred to, it will be referred to as "card data 100." The card data 100 is data in which various information such as a card ID, held balls, saved balls, remaining balance, interruption ID, and number of game balls at the time of interruption is associated. The card data 100 may also include information (not shown) other than the card ID, held balls, saved balls, remaining balance, interruption ID, and number of game balls at the time of interruption. Of the information included in the card data 100, the card ID indicates a member ID (such as "MC1") or a visitor card ID (such as "VC1"). The held balls, saved balls, and remaining balance indicate the number of held balls, saved balls, and remaining balance owned by the user corresponding to the card ID, respectively. The interruption ID and the number of game balls at the time of interruption respectively indicate the device ID (such as "D1") included in the interruption notification received from the gaming machine 90 in the management device side processing described below (see Figure 8), and the number of game balls at the time the interruption notification is received on the gaming machine 10 corresponding to that device ID.

[0046] For example, the card data 100a in Fig. 3 includes a card ID "MC1", possessed balls "1000", saved balls "500", remaining balance "500", suspension ID "D1", and number of game balls at the time of suspension "500". The card data 100a indicates that a user with a member ID "MC1" possesses 1000 possessed balls, saved balls 500, and remaining balance 500 yen, has currently secured a gaming machine 10 with a machine ID "D1" and is suspending play, and has 500 game balls remaining in the gaming machine 10 with a machine ID "D1". The contents of the card data 100 contained in the card data table 84 are changed in real time as the control unit 80 executes management device side processing (see Fig. 8).

[0047] (Interruption management process: Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 7) 4, 5, and 7, the interruption management process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20 will be described. The interruption management process is a process for managing the interruption state (secured, released, etc.) of the gaming machine 10 when a user playing on the gaming machine 10 corresponding to the unit 20 interrupts play for a short period of time, such as for a break.

[0048] When the gaming machine 90 including the unit 20 is powered 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. The control unit 40 then performs monitoring of S10 and S16. At this point, the control unit 40 operates the card processing unit 32 in a state in which any card can be accepted (hereinafter referred to as the "normal state"). The operating mode of the unit 20 at this point may be referred to as the "normal mode."

[0049] In S10, the control unit 40 monitors whether a card is inserted into the card processing unit 32. Any user inside the gaming facility can insert their own membership card or visitor card into the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20. When a card is inserted into the card processing unit 32, the control unit 40 determines YES in S10 and proceeds to S12. On the other hand, while no card is inserted into the card processing unit 32, the control unit 40 determines NO in S10 and skips S12 and S14.

[0050] In S12, the control unit 40 reads the card ID (member ID or visitor card ID) of the inserted card via the card processing unit 32. In the following S14, the control unit 40 sends an interruption confirmation request including the card ID read in S12 to the management device 70. The interruption confirmation request is a signal requesting confirmation of whether or not the card data 100 (FIG. 3) having the read card ID includes an interruption ID. After completing S14, the control unit 40 proceeds to S16.

[0051] In S16, the control unit 40 monitors whether a card ejection command has been issued. The user can input a predetermined card ejection command by operating the touch panel 22. When a card ejection command has been input, the control unit 40 determines YES in S16 and proceeds to S18.

[0052] In S18, the control unit 40 determines whether the current number of gaming balls in the gaming machine 10 is equal to or greater than a specific value. The current number of gaming balls in the gaming machine 10 is the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine 10 at the time of S18 (i.e., the number displayed on the gaming ball number display unit 13). The specific value is a predetermined number, for example, 100. The specific value may be any number that is deemed the minimum number required by the gaming facility to allow the gaming machine 10 to be reserved following a game interruption. However, the specific value is an integer of 1 or greater. If the number of gaming balls is equal to or greater than the specific value, the control unit 40 determines YES in S18 and proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if the number of gaming balls is less than the specific value, the control unit 40 determines NO in S18 and proceeds to S20.

[0053] In S20, the control unit 40 settles the game balls and causes the card processing unit 32 to dispense the card. Specifically, the control unit 40 first transmits a settlement instruction to the gaming machine 10. Upon receiving the settlement instruction, the gaming machine 10 notifies the unit 20 of the current number of game balls and subtracts the number of game balls to 0. The control unit 40 transmits an addition request to the management device 70, including the notified number of game balls and the card ID of the card to be dispensed (i.e., the card currently accepted by the card processing unit 32). Note that "the card currently accepted by the card processing unit 32" refers to a membership card or visitor card inserted by the user. If the user has not inserted any card (for example, if the user has inserted banknotes on the day and started playing), it refers to a visitor card previously stored in the card processing unit 32.

[0054] When the management device 70 receives an addition request from the unit 20, it adds the number of game balls included in the addition request to the "held balls" of the card data 100 (FIG. 3) having the card ID included in the addition request. Meanwhile, the control unit 40 causes the card processing unit 32 to eject the card after sending the addition request. When the processing of S20 is performed, the card processing unit 32 continues to operate in the normal state. That is, even after the processing of S20, the card processing unit 32 can accept any card. In this case, the gaming machine 10 is not reserved for the user who issued the card ejection instruction (S16). The user cannot interrupt play while the gaming machine 10 is reserved.

[0055] Meanwhile, in S22, the control unit 40 stores the card ID of the card to be discharged (i.e., the card currently accepted by the card processing unit 32) in the memory 42. The card ID stored in S22 will be referred to below as the "interrupted card ID."

[0056] In S24, the control unit 40 transmits a suspension notice including the suspended card ID, the machine ID of the gaming machine itself (gaming machine 90), and the number of game balls currently being played in the gaming machine 10 to the management device 70. The suspension notice is a signal for notifying that the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 with that machine ID will transition to a prohibited state in which it will not accept any cards other than the card with the suspended card ID.

[0057] In S26, the control unit 40 causes the card processing unit 32 to eject the card. In S28, the control unit 40 starts a timer count for a predetermined interruption time. After completing the processing of S28, the card processing unit 32 transitions to a prohibited state in which it does not accept any cards other than the card with the interrupted card ID. At the same time, the control unit 40 also prohibits the banknote processing unit 30 from accepting new banknotes. A card with a recorded interrupted card ID may be referred to as an "interrupted card" below. The operating mode of the unit 20 at the time of completing S28 may be referred to as an "interruption mode". After completing the processing of S28, the control unit 40 proceeds to S40 in Figure 5.

[0058] In S40 of FIG. 5, the control unit 40 displays a predetermined interruption message on the touch panel 22. FIG. 6(a) shows an example of the interruption message displayed in S40. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the interruption message explains that play on the gaming machine 10 has been interrupted, the remaining time of the interruption, that only the user who ejected the card (hereinafter referred to as the "interrupted user") can resume play, and that the interrupted card must be inserted to resume play. Displaying the interruption message informs those around that the acceptance of cards other than the interrupted card is prohibited. By looking at the touch panel 22, nearby third parties can see that the gaming machine 10 is reserved for the interrupted user even while the interrupted user is away. After completing S40, the control unit 40 performs monitoring of S42, S44, S46, S48, and S50.

[0059] In S42, the control unit 40 monitors to detect the progress of a game in the gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, even if the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 is operating in a prohibited state, if the ball-hitting handle 12 of the gaming machine 10 is operated by someone, gaming balls stored in the gaming machine 10 may be shot out. In this case, the control unit 40 receives signals related to a game using gaming balls in the gaming machine 10 (e.g., the number of winnings, the number of winning balls, the number of gaming balls) from the gaming machine 10 via the gaming machine I / F 36, and when it detects that a game is progressing in the gaming machine 10 (e.g., an increase in the number of winnings or the number of winning balls, a change in the number of gaming balls), it determines YES in S42 and proceeds to S52.

[0060] In S52, the control unit 40 displays a predetermined warning message on the touch panel 22. FIG. 6(b) shows an example of the warning message displayed in S52. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the warning message explains that the act of operating the gaming machine 10 is subject to the warning, that only the suspended user can resume play, and that the suspended card must be inserted to resume play. In the following S54, the control unit 40 turns on the illumination unit of the call lamp 50. After completing S54, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring S42, S44, S46, S48, and S50. Note that in another example, in addition to the processing of S52 and S54, the control unit 40 may output a warning sound from one or both of the call lamp 50 and the unit 20. In yet another example, the warning message displayed on the touch panel 22 in S52 may be replaced with the suspended message (FIG. 6(a)) after the end of a predetermined display period.

[0061] In S44, the control unit 40 monitors whether a predetermined interruption time has elapsed. When the timer that started counting in S28 of FIG. 4 reaches the predetermined interruption time (for example, 15 minutes), the control unit 40 determines YES in S44 and proceeds to S55. In S55, the control unit 40 ends the timer count. The counted timer is reset. After S55, the control unit 40 proceeds to S70 of FIG. 7. The processing from S70 onwards will be described later.

[0062] In S46, the control unit 40 monitors whether a suspended card use notification has been received from the management device 70. When it is detected that a suspended card ejected from a specific unit 20 has been inserted into another unit 20, the management device 70 transmits a suspended card use notification to the specific unit 20 indicating that the suspended card has been inserted into the other unit 20 (see S116 in FIG. 8). When the control unit 40 receives the suspended card use notification from the management device 70, it determines YES in S46 and proceeds to S45. When the control unit 40 ends the timer count in S45, it proceeds to S70 in FIG. 7.

[0063] In S48, the control unit 40 monitors whether a card is inserted into the card processing unit 32. Even when the card processing unit 32 is operating in the prohibited state, any user in the gaming facility, including the suspended user, can insert their own membership card or visitor card into the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20. When a card is inserted into the card processing unit 32, the control unit 40 determines YES in S48 and proceeds to S56.

[0064] In S56, the control unit 40 reads the card ID of the inserted card. In the following S57, the control unit 40 determines whether the card ID read in S56 matches the suspended card ID stored in the memory 42. If the card inserted into the card processing unit 32 is a suspended card (i.e., if the suspended user returns from leaving their seat and reinserts the suspended card into the unit 20), the card ID read in S56 matches the suspended card ID stored in the memory 42. In this case, the control unit 40 determines YES in S57 and proceeds to S58.

[0065] In S58, the control unit 40 transmits a suspension release notification including the suspended card ID to the management device 70. The suspension release notification is a signal for notifying that the prohibited state of the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 with the relevant device ID will be released. In another example, the suspension release notification may include the device ID of the own machine (the gaming machine 90 including the unit 20) instead of the suspended card ID, or may include both the suspended card ID and the device ID of the own machine.

[0066] In the next step S59, the control unit 40 ends the timer count and ends the display of the message being displayed on the touch panel 22 (the interrupted message in FIG. 6(a) or the warning message in FIG. 6(b)). Furthermore, the control unit 40 erases the interrupted card ID from the memory 42. After completing S59, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring in S10 and S16 in FIG. 4. At the same time, the control unit 40 returns the card processing unit 32 to the normal state. The control unit 40 resumes the acceptance of banknotes by the banknote processing unit 30. The unit 20 returns to normal mode again.

[0067] On the other hand, if the card ID read in S56 is different from the interrupted card ID stored in memory 42 (for example, if a card other than the interrupted card is inserted by mistake), the control unit 40 determines NO in S57 and proceeds to S60.

[0068] In S60, the control unit 40 causes the card processing unit 32 to eject the inserted card. In the following S62, the control unit 40 causes the touch panel 22 to display a predetermined card confirmation message. FIG. 6(d) shows an example of the card confirmation message displayed in S62. As shown in FIG. 6(d), the card confirmation message explains that the inserted card is not a suspended card, that only the suspended user can resume play, and that the suspended card must be inserted to resume play. After S62 is completed, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring S42, S44, S46, S48, and S50. Note that the card confirmation message displayed on the touch panel 22 in S62 returns to the suspended message (FIG. 6(a)) after a predetermined display period (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed. In another example, the card confirmation message may continue to be displayed on the touch panel 22.

[0069] In S50, the control unit 40 monitors whether a counting operation is being performed in the gaming machine 10. When a counting operation (operating the counting button 14) is performed in the gaming machine 10, the gaming machine 10 notifies the unit 20 of the number of gaming balls at that time and resets the number of gaming balls to 0 (settles the account). When the control unit 40 receives the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 10 via the gaming machine I / F 36, it determines YES in S50 and proceeds to S64.

[0070] In S64, the control unit 40 transmits to the management device 70 an addition request including the number of game balls notified from the gaming machine 10 and the suspended card ID stored in the memory 42. As a result, in the management device 70, the number of game balls included in the addition request is added to the "held balls" of the card data 100 (see FIG. 3) having the suspended card ID (see S118 in FIG. 8). After completing S64, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring S42, S44, S46, S48, and S50.

[0071] Next, the processing from S70 onward in FIG. 7 after S55 will be described. The operating mode of the unit 20 at the time of S70 (when S55 is completed) may be called the "interruption completion mode." In S70, the control unit 40 causes the touch panel 22 to display a predetermined interruption completion message. FIG. 6(c) shows an example of the interruption completion message displayed in S70. As shown in FIG. 6(c), the interruption completion message explains that anyone can play the game as long as a counting operation is performed on the gaming machine 10. After completing S70, the control unit 40 begins monitoring S72, S76, and S78.

[0072] In S72, it is monitored whether or not a counting operation has been performed in the gaming machine 10. When a counting operation (operating the counting button 14) is performed in the gaming machine 10, the gaming machine 10 notifies the unit 20 of the number of gaming balls at that time and resets the number of gaming balls to 0 (settles). When the control unit 40 receives the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 10 via the gaming machine I / F 36, it determines YES in S72 and proceeds to S74. On the other hand, when the control unit 40 does not receive the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 10 at this time, it determines NO in S72, skips S74, and proceeds to S76.

[0073] In S74, the control unit 40 transmits an addition request including the number of game balls notified from the gaming machine 10 and the suspended card ID stored in the memory 42 to the management device 70. As a result, the management device 70 adds the number of game balls included in the addition request to the "held balls" of the card data 100 (Fig. 3) having the suspended card ID (see S118 in Fig. 8). After completing S74, the control unit 40 proceeds to S76.

[0074] In S76, the control unit 40 monitors whether the number of game balls in the gaming machine 10 has reached 0. For example, if a counting operation has already been performed in the gaming machine 10, the number of game balls in the gaming machine 10 is 0 at this point. In this case, the control unit 40 determines YES in S76 and proceeds to S88. The processing from S88 onwards will be explained later. On the other hand, if the number of game balls is not 0 at this point, the control unit 40 determines NO in S76 and proceeds to S78.

[0075] In S78, the control unit 40 monitors whether a card is inserted into the card processing unit 32. When a card is inserted into the card processing unit 32, the control unit 40 determines YES in S78 and proceeds to S80. On the other hand, if no card is inserted at this point, the control unit 40 determines NO in S78 and returns to S72.

[0076] In S80, the control unit 40 reads the card ID of the inserted card. In the following S82, the control unit 40 determines whether the card ID read in S80 matches the suspended card ID stored in the memory 42. If the card ID read in S80 matches the suspended card ID stored in the memory 42, the control unit 40 determines YES in S82 and proceeds to S88.

[0077] In S88, the control unit 40 transmits a suspension release notification including the suspended card ID to the management device 70. The suspension release notification is the same as the notification transmitted in S58 of Fig. 5. The suspension release notification may include the device ID of the own device instead of the suspended card ID, or may include both the suspended card ID and the device ID of the own device.

[0078] In the next S90, the control unit 40 ends the display of the interruption completion message (FIG. 6(c)) that was being displayed on the touch panel 22. Furthermore, the control unit 40 erases the interrupted card ID from the memory 42. After completing S90, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring S10 and S16 in FIG. 4. At the same time, the control unit 40 returns the card processing unit 32 to the normal state. The control unit 40 resumes the acceptance of banknotes by the banknote processing unit 30. The unit 20 returns to the normal mode again.

[0079] On the other hand, if the card ID read in S80 is different from the interrupted card ID, the control unit 40 determines NO in S82 and proceeds to S84.

[0080] In S84, the control unit 40 causes the card processing unit 32 to eject the inserted card. In the following S86, the control unit 40 causes the touch panel 22 to display a predetermined card confirmation message (FIG. 6(d)). Note that the card confirmation message displayed on the touch panel 22 in S84 is returned to an interruption completion message (FIG. 6(c)) after a predetermined display period (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed. In another example, the card confirmation message may continue to be displayed on the touch panel 22. After S86 is completed, the control unit 40 returns to S72.

[0081] The above describes the interruption management process executed by the control unit 40. While the power of the gaming machine 90 is on, the control unit 40 continues to execute the interruption management process of FIGS.

[0082] (Processing on the management device: Figure 8) Next, referring to Fig. 8, the management device-side processing executed by the control unit 80 of the management device 70 will be described. The management device-side processing is processing performed on the management device 70 side to manage the interruption status (secure, release, etc.) of each gaming machine 10 in response to each unit 20 in the gaming store executing the interruption management processing (Figs. 4, 5, and 7).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 80 of the management device 70 constantly monitors S100, S102, S104, and S106.

[0084] In S100, the control unit 80 monitors whether an interruption notification (S24 in FIG. 4) is received from any of the units 20. As described above, when a unit 20 ejects a card (S26), it transmits an interruption notification including the interrupted card ID, the device ID, and the number of game balls to the management device 70 (S24). When the control unit 80 receives an interruption notification from a specific unit 20, it determines YES in S100 and proceeds to S110.

[0085] In S110, the control unit 80 records the device ID (such as "D1") included in the interruption notice in the "interruption ID" of the card data 100 (Fig. 3) that has the interrupted card ID included in the interruption notice, and records the number of game balls (such as "500") in the "number of game balls at interruption". After S110 is completed, the control unit 80 returns to monitoring S100 to S106.

[0086] In S102, the control unit 80 monitors whether an interruption release notification (S58 in FIG. 5, S88 in FIG. 7) is received from any of the units 20. As described above, when the prohibited state of the card processing unit 32 is released, the unit 20 transmits an interruption release notification including the interrupted card ID to the management device 70 (S58, S88). When the control unit 80 receives an interruption release notification from a specific unit 20, it determines YES in S102 and proceeds to S112.

[0087] In S112, the control unit 80 erases the "interruption ID" (such as "D1") of the card data 100a etc. that has the interrupted card ID included in the interruption release notice, and erases the "number of balls played at interruption" (such as "500"). In another example, if the interruption release notice includes a machine ID instead of (or together with) the interrupted card ID, the control unit 80 refers to the card data table 84, searches for card data 100 in which the machine ID (such as "D1") is recorded as the interruption ID, and erases the "interruption ID" etc.

[0088] In S104, the control unit 80 monitors whether an interruption confirmation request (S14 in FIG. 4) is received from any of the units 20. As described above, when a card is inserted while the card processing unit 32 is in the normal state, the unit 20 transmits an interruption confirmation request including the card ID to the management device 70 (S14). When the control unit 80 receives an interruption confirmation request from a specific unit 20, it determines YES in S104 and proceeds to S114.

[0089] In S114, the control unit 80 determines whether or not there is a suspension ID corresponding to the card ID included in the suspension confirmation request. Specifically, the control unit 80 refers to the card data table 84 (FIG. 3) and identifies the card data 100 having the card ID included in the suspension confirmation request. Then, the control unit 80 determines whether or not a machine ID (such as "D1") is recorded in the "suspension ID" of the identified card data 100. If a machine ID is recorded in the "suspension ID," the control unit 80 determines YES in S114 and proceeds to S116. In this case, the card corresponding to the card ID is a suspended card. This means that the unit 20 identified by the "suspension ID" is currently in a prohibited state. This means that the suspended user who possesses the suspended card has already secured the gaming machine 10 identified by the "suspension ID." On the other hand, if a machine ID is not recorded in the "suspension ID" of the identified card data 100, the control unit 80 determines NO in S114 and returns to monitoring steps S100 to S106. In this case, it means that the user who holds the card has not secured any of the gaming machines 10.

[0090] In S116, the control unit 80 transmits a suspended card use notification (S46 in FIG. 5) to the unit 20 corresponding to the device ID of the "suspended ID." The suspended card use notification is a notification indicating that a suspended card has been inserted into another unit 20. After completing S116, the control unit 80 returns to monitoring S100 to S106.

[0091] In S106, the control unit 80 monitors whether an addition request (S20 in FIG. 4, S64 in FIG. 5, S74 in FIG. 7) is received from any of the units 20. As described above, when the game balls are settled (S20) or when a counting operation is performed on the gaming machine 10 (S50, S72), the unit 20 transmits an addition request including the number of game balls and the card ID (suspended card ID) to the management device 70 (S20, S64, S74). When the control unit 80 receives an addition request from a specific unit 20, it determines YES in S106 and proceeds to S118.

[0092] In S118, the control unit 80 adds the number of game balls included in the addition request to the "held balls" of the card data 100 (FIG. 3) having the card ID included in the addition request. After completing S118, the control unit 80 returns to monitoring each of S100 to S106.

[0093] The above describes the management device-side processing executed by the control unit 80. While the management device 70 is operating, the control unit 80 continues to execute the management device-side processing shown in FIG.

[0094] (Example of operation of gaming system 2: FIG. 9) Next, a specific example of the operation of the gaming system 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows the order of events that occur in the unit 20 of the gaming machine 90A in three operation patterns of cases A to C.

[0095] (Case A) Case A is an example in which, after the suspended user leaves his seat, a third party operates the gaming machine 10 (playing and counting operations), and then the suspended user returns. In A01, the unit 20 is operating in normal mode. At this point, there are 500 gaming balls. In A02, the user inputs a card ejection command (YES in S16 and S18 of FIG. 4), and the suspended card is ejected (S26). This causes the card processing unit 32 to transition to the prohibited state, and the unit 20 transitions to the suspended mode. The unit 20 starts counting a timer and displays a suspended message (FIG. 6(a)) (S40 of FIG. 5). The user (suspended user) suspends play on the gaming machine 10 and leaves his seat. In the following A03, a third party mistakenly operates the ball-hitting handle 12 of the gaming machine 10, causing a game using gaming balls to proceed on the gaming machine 10. This reduces the number of gaming balls to 490. The unit 20 detects the progress of the game (YES in S42). In A04, the unit 20 displays a warning message (FIG. 6(b)) (S52). Thereafter, in A05, a third party performs a counting operation on the gaming machine 10 (YES in S50). The number of game balls decreases from 490 to 0. The unit 20 sends an addition request to the management device 70 (S64). The counted game balls are added to the "held balls" included in the card data 100 (FIG. 3) corresponding to the suspended card ID (S118 in FIG. 8). Thereafter, in A06, the suspended user returns from being away from his seat and inserts the suspended card into the unit 20 (YES in S48 and S57). As a result, in A07, the card processing unit 32 returns to its normal state. The unit 20 returns to normal mode.

[0096] (Case B) Case B is an example in which the suspended user leaves the seat, a suspension period elapses, and then a third party performs a counting operation, thereby releasing the prohibited state of the card processing unit 32. B01 and B02 are the same as A01 and A02 above. In B03, a predetermined suspension period elapses after the unit 20 transitions to the suspension mode (YES in S44 of FIG. 5). In B04, the unit 20 displays a suspension completion message (FIG. 6(c)) (S70 of FIG. 7). The unit 20 transitions to the suspension completion mode. Then, in B05, a third party performs a counting operation on the gaming machine 10 (YES in S72). The number of game balls decreases from 500 to 0. The unit 20 sends an addition request to the management device 70 (S74). The counted game balls are added to the "held balls" included in the card data 100 (FIG. 3) corresponding to the suspended card ID (S118 of FIG. 8). As a result, in B06, the card processing section 32 returns to the normal state, and the unit 20 returns to the normal mode.

[0097] (Case C) Case C is an example in which, after the suspended user leaves his / her seat, the suspended user inserts the suspended card ejected from a specific unit 20 (the unit 20 of the gaming machine 90A) into another unit 20 (e.g., the unit 20 of the gaming machine 90B), and then a third party performs a counting operation, thereby canceling the prohibited state of the card processing unit 32. C01 and C02 are the same as A01 and A02 above. In C03, the suspended user inserts the suspended card ejected from the specific unit 20 into another unit 20 (e.g., the unit 20 of the gaming machine 90B). In this case, the other unit 20 sends a suspension confirmation request to the management device 70 (S14 in FIG. 4). The management device 70 determines that the card ID included in the suspension confirmation request is the suspended card ID (YES in S114 in FIG. 8) and sends a suspended card use notification to the specific unit 20 (S116). In C04, the specific unit 20 receives the suspended card use notification (S46 in FIG. 5). In C05, the unit 20 displays an interruption completion message (Fig. 6(c)) (S70 in Fig. 7). The unit 20 transitions to interruption completion mode. In C06, a third party performs a counting operation on the gaming machine 10 (YES in S72). The number of game balls decreases from 500 to 0. The unit 20 sends an addition request to the management device 70 (S74). The counted game balls are added to the "held balls" included in the card data 100 (Fig. 3) corresponding to the interrupted card ID (S118 in Fig. 8). In C07, the card processing unit 32 returns to its normal state. The unit 20 returns to normal mode. In the above example, if the interrupted card is inserted into another unit, the interruption is released. On the other hand, it is assumed that the interrupted card is inserted into another unit by mistake. In another example, when the suspended card is inserted into another unit, a message such as "This is not the same gaming machine that is suspended. Do you want to cancel the suspension?" may be displayed on the touch panel 22, and if the player selects not to cancel the suspension, the card may be ejected so that the player can resume play on the suspended gaming machine. Also, the suspended card may not be usable in other units or exchanged for prizes.

[0098] The configuration and operation of the gaming system 2 have been described above. According to the unit 20 of this embodiment, if the number of game balls stored in the gaming machine 10 is equal to or greater than a specific value, the suspended user can eject the suspended card without paying for the game balls (i.e., without resetting the number to 0) (YES in S18, S26 in FIG. 4). After the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 transitions to the prohibited state, a third party other than the suspended user cannot insert a card other than the suspended card and play on the gaming machine 10 (NO in S57, S60 in FIG. 5). The suspended user can suspend play and leave their seat without paying for the game balls. The user does not need to pay for the game balls or call a store clerk each time they leave their seat. Therefore, the unit 20 of this embodiment provides high convenience for both the user and the store clerk.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a suspended card is inserted into the card processing unit 32 while the card processing unit 32 is operating in the prohibited state (i.e., while the unit 20 is operating in the suspended mode or the suspended completion mode) (YES in S57 of FIG. 5, YES in S82 of FIG. 7), the control unit 40 of the unit 20 returns the card processing unit 32 to the normal state (S59, S90). The suspended user can release the prohibited state by having the card processing unit 32 accept the suspended card. Therefore, in principle, only the suspended user who has issued the card ejection instruction (S16 of FIG. 4) can release the prohibited state. On the other hand, the suspended user can easily return to playing on the gaming machine 10 by having the card processing unit 32 accept the suspended card.

[0100] Furthermore, when a counting operation is performed on the gaming machine 10 while the card processing unit 32 is operating in the prohibited state (YES in S50 of FIG. 5, YES in S72 of FIG. 7), the control unit 40 sends an addition request including the number of game balls and the suspended card ID to the management device 70 (S64, S74). As a result, the management device 70 adds the number of game balls included in the addition request to the "held balls" of the card data 100 (FIG. 3) that has the suspended card ID (see S118 of FIG. 8). In other words, even if a third party performs a counting operation on the gaming machine 10 while the suspended user is away from his / her seat, the game balls are prevented from falling into the hands of a third party other than the original owner (the suspended user). The suspended user who is away from his / her seat will not suffer any disadvantage. Therefore, the suspended user can safely leave his / her seat temporarily to go to the restroom, smoke a cigarette, etc. Furthermore, for long breaks such as meals, another method involving the intervention of a store employee may be further provided.

[0101] When the control unit 40 detects the progress of a game on the gaming machine 10 while the card processing unit 32 is operating in the prohibited state (YES in S42 of FIG. 5), it displays a warning message on the touch panel 22 (S52). Displaying the warning message can prevent a third party from playing a game using game balls without permission. Furthermore, if a suspended card is inserted into the card processing unit 32 while the warning message is being displayed (YES in S57 of FIG. 5), the control unit 40 ends the display of the warning message and returns the card processing unit 32 to its normal state (S59). That is, even if a suspended user who returns from leaving their seat forgets to insert the suspended card and continues playing, the warning message is displayed on the touch panel 22. Even in this case, if the suspended user accepts the suspended card, the display of the warning message ends and the card processing unit 32 returns to its normal state. The suspended user can be appropriately prompted to insert the suspended card.

[0102] When the timer (S28 in FIG. 4) reaches a predetermined interruption time (e.g., 15 minutes) (YES in S44 in FIG. 5), the control unit 40 displays a predetermined interruption completion message on the touch panel 22 (S70 in FIG. 7). The unit 20 transitions to the interruption completion mode. When a counting operation is performed (YES in S72 and S76), the control unit 40 returns the card processing unit 32 to the normal state. After a predetermined interruption period has elapsed since the card processing unit 32 transitioned to the prohibited state (i.e., after the gaming machine 10 has been reserved for the suspended user during the interruption period), it is preferable for other users and the gaming facility that the gaming machine 10 be released and operated. This configuration of the present embodiment improves the convenience of other users and game points. Furthermore, since game balls are added to the suspended user's possession, the suspended user who is away from his / her seat is not disadvantaged. The interruption completion message displayed on the touch panel 22 also notifies those around him / her that the prohibited state of the card processing unit 32 can be released, encouraging him / her to transition to the normal mode. This can prevent a suspended user from reserving the gaming machine 10 for an excessively long period of time.

[0103] When a card ejection instruction is given (YES in S16 of FIG. 4), if the number of game balls is less than a specific value (NO in S18), the control unit 40 settles the game balls and causes the card processing unit 32 to eject the cards. In this case, the card processing unit 32 continues to operate in a normal state. When there are relatively few game balls, it is possible to settle the game balls and release the gaming machine 10 without permitting the gaming machine 10 to be secured (i.e., the card processing unit 32 to transition to a prohibited state). This can improve the operating rate of the gaming machine 10.

[0104] Furthermore, when the interrupted user inserts the interruption card into another unit 20 (YES in S46 of FIG. 5), the control unit 40 forcibly transitions the unit 20 to the interruption completion mode (S70 of FIG. 7). Inserting the interruption card into another unit 20 means that the interrupted user has switched from the gaming machine 10 that he or she reserved to another gaming machine 10 and started playing. In such a case, there is little need to continue reserving the original gaming machine 10 for the interrupted user. According to this embodiment, in such a situation, the reservation of the original gaming machine 10 can be terminated and the gaming machine 10 can be released. Since the gaming balls remaining in the gaming machine 10 are counted and added to the balls held by the interrupted user, the interrupted user will not suffer any disadvantages.

[0105] 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 suspended card ID is an example of "specific identification information." The suspended user is an example of a "specific user." The suspended card is an example of a "specific recording medium." S64 in FIG. 5 and S74 in FIG. 7 are examples of "addition processing." YES in S18 in FIG. 4 is an example of a "first case," and NO in S18 is an example of a "third case."

[0106] (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 Figures 4 and 10, part of the interruption management process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the user can transfer game balls (relinquish ownership) at the user's request when ejecting cards.

[0107] The interruption management process of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, 7, and 10. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the control unit 40 proceeds to S21 when a card ejection instruction is made (YES in S16 of Figure 4) and the number of game balls is equal to or greater than a set value (S18). In S21, the control unit 40 determines whether the user has performed a transfer operation. Specifically, in S21, the control unit 40 first displays a message on the touch panel 22 prompting the user to select either a transfer or an interruption. The user can perform an operation to select either a transfer or an interruption. If the user selects an interruption, the control unit 40 determines NO in S21 and proceeds to S22. The process from S22 onwards is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0108] On the other hand, if the user selects transfer, the control unit 40 determines YES in S21 and proceeds to S200 in Fig. 10. In S200, the control unit 40 ejects the card currently accepted by the card processing unit 32. Note that the control unit 40 may not eject the card if the balls held and the remaining amount associated with the card ID of the card currently accepted by the card processing unit 32 (hereinafter referred to as the "current card ID") are both 0, and the currently accepted card is a visitor card.

[0109] In the next step S202, the control unit 40 displays a predetermined transfer message on the touch panel 22. The operating mode of the unit 20 at the time of step S202 may be referred to as the "transfer mode." FIG. 6(e) shows an example of the transfer message displayed in step S202. As shown in FIG. 6(e), the transfer message explains that the gaming machine 10 is in a state where anyone can play, and that the gaming balls remaining in the gaming machine 10 can be used. After completing step S202, the control unit 40 starts monitoring steps S204 and S208.

[0110] In S204, it is monitored whether or not a counting operation has been performed in the gaming machine 10. When a counting operation is performed in the gaming machine 10, the gaming machine 10 notifies the unit 20 of the number of gaming balls at that time and resets the number of gaming balls to 0 (settles). When the control unit 40 receives the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 10 via the gaming machine I / F 36, it determines YES in S204 and proceeds to S206. On the other hand, when the control unit 40 does not receive the number of gaming balls from the gaming machine 10 at this time, it determines NO in S204, skips S206, and proceeds to S208.

[0111] In S206, the control unit 40 sends an addition request to the management device 70, which request includes the number of game balls notified from the gaming machine 10 and the card ID (current card ID) of the card currently accepted by the card processing unit 32. As a result, the management device 70 adds the number of game balls included in the addition request to the number of "held balls" of the card data 100a etc. (see FIG. 3) having the current card ID. After completing S206, the control unit 40 proceeds to S208.

[0112] In S208, the control unit 40 monitors whether the number of gaming balls in the gaming machine 10 has reached 0. For example, if a counting operation has already been performed in the gaming machine 10, the number of gaming balls in the gaming machine 10 is 0 at this point. The number of gaming balls is also 0 if all gaming balls have been used up as a result of playing games on the gaming machine 10. In this case, the control unit 40 determines YES in S208 and returns to monitoring S10 and S16 in FIG. 4. The unit 20 returns to normal mode again.

[0113] The gaming system 2 of this embodiment has been described above. As described above, in this embodiment, when a card ejection instruction is given (YES in S16 of FIG. 4), the number of game balls is equal to or greater than a set value (S18), and a transfer instruction is given (YES in S21), the control unit 40 can cause the card processing unit 32 to eject cards without switching the card processing unit 32 to a prohibited state (S200 of FIG. 10). When a user wishes to transfer game balls when leaving their seat, ownership of the game balls can be transferred to a third party or the like without switching the card processing unit 32 to a prohibited state. This enables game balls to be handled according to the user's needs. This further improves user convenience. In this embodiment, NO in S21 of FIG. 4 is an example of a "first case," and YES in S21 is an example of a "second case."

[0114] 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.

[0115] (Variation 1) In each of the above embodiments, it is assumed that the gaming machine 10 is a sealed circulation type pachinko machine. However, this is not limited to this, and the gaming machine 10 may also be a type of slot machine that does not pay out medals. In that case, terms such as "game balls" and "held balls" may be referred to as "game media" and "held media", etc.

[0116] (Variation 2) In the technology disclosed in the above embodiment, when a user wants to finish playing on the gaming machine 10 and leave the seat, it is assumed that the user will perform a counting operation on the gaming machine 10 to convert the gaming balls into held balls (settle the gaming balls to 0), and then input a card ejection command to the unit 20 to eject the cards. In a variation, when a user wants to finish playing on the gaming machine 10 and leave the seat, the user may simply perform a counting operation on the gaming machine 10 (press the counting button 14), and the cards may be automatically ejected from the unit 20.

[0117] In more detail, when the user performs a counting operation on the gaming machine 10 (by pressing the count button 14), the control unit 40 of the unit 20 may settle the game balls to zero and perform an addition process to add the counted game balls to the balls in hand. After that, the control unit 40 may eject cards from the card processing unit 32. According to this modification, the user can settle the account and eject cards from the unit 20 simply by performing the counting operation on the gaming machine 10, which is highly convenient for the user.

[0118] Generally speaking, the gaming device of this variant may have the following features. "A gaming device that is installed in correspondence with a gaming machine that increases or decreases game media depending on the game content, a communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine; 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 The gaming value can be converted into the gaming medium used for playing games on the gaming machine, and the gaming medium stored in the gaming machine can be converted into a holding medium included in the gaming value; When a request for conversion of the gaming medium into a retainable medium is received from the communication unit, the gaming medium is converted into a retainable medium included in the gaming value, and then the presence or absence of the gaming medium in the gaming machine is determined, and if the gaming medium is not present, a storage medium capable of identifying the retainable medium is ejected. Gaming device."

[0119] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, even if the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 is operating in a prohibited state, if the ball-hitting handle 12 of the gaming machine 10 is operated by someone, game balls stored in the gaming machine 10 may be shot out (game balls may decrease). In a variation, game balls that were shot out when the card processing unit 32 was operating in a prohibited state may be guaranteed to replace the game balls that were decreased by being shot out. For example, the management device 70 may send an instruction to the gaming machine 10 having the device ID (such as "D1") indicated by the "interruption ID" in the card data 100a, etc. (see FIG. 3) to maintain the number of game balls indicated in the "number of game balls at interruption" (such as "500").

[0120] (Variation 4) In the above embodiment, when the timer (S28 in FIG. 4) reaches a predetermined interruption time (e.g., 15 minutes) (YES in S44 in FIG. 5), the control unit 40 displays a predetermined interruption completion message on the touch panel 22 (S70 in FIG. 7). That is, the unit 20 transitions to the interruption completion mode. In a variation, when the timer reaches the predetermined interruption time (e.g., 15 minutes), the control unit 40 may transition the unit 20 to a predetermined grace period mode before transitioning to the interruption completion mode. In this case, the control unit 40 may display a predetermined grace period message on the touch panel 22. The grace period message may explain that the predetermined interruption time has already elapsed and that the gaming machine 10 will soon be able to be opened. When the predetermined grace period elapses after the predetermined grace period message is displayed on the touch panel 22, the control unit 40 may display a predetermined interruption completion message on the touch panel 22 and transition the unit 20 to the interruption completion mode.

[0121] 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]

[0122] 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 50: Call lamp 70: Management device 84: Card Data Table 90A, 90B: Gaming machines

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 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 The gaming value can be converted into the gaming medium used for playing games on the gaming machine, and the gaming medium stored in the gaming machine can be converted into a holding medium included in the gaming value; In a first case in which a specific user issues a medium ejection instruction to the recording medium processing unit to eject the recording medium while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of the gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than a specific value of 1, the recording medium processing unit is caused to eject a specific recording medium on which specific identification information associated with a specific gaming value owned by the specific user is recorded, and the recording medium processing unit is shifted to a prohibited state in which it is prohibited from accepting any recording medium other than the specific recording medium; While the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, displaying an interruption message on the display unit relating to the prohibition of reception of recording media other than the specific recording medium, When a counting operation for converting the game media into the retained media is performed in the gaming machine while the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, an addition process is performed in which the number of the game media is added as the number of the retained media to the specific game value corresponding to the specific identification information. 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 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 The gaming value can be converted into the gaming medium used for playing games on the gaming machine, and the gaming medium stored in the gaming machine can be converted into a holding medium included in the gaming value; In a first case in which a specific user issues a medium ejection instruction to the recording medium processing unit to eject the recording medium while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of the gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than a specific value of 1, the recording medium processing unit is caused to eject a specific recording medium on which specific identification information associated with a specific gaming value owned by the specific user is recorded, and the recording medium processing unit is shifted to a prohibited state in which it is prohibited from accepting any recording medium other than the specific recording medium; While the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, displaying an interruption message on the display unit relating to the prohibition of reception of recording media other than the specific recording medium, When a signal indicating that a game using the game medium is in progress is received from the gaming machine while the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, a warning message relating to the need to accept the specific recording medium is displayed on the display unit. Gaming device.

3. The gaming device described in claim 2, wherein when the specific recording medium is accepted in the recording medium processing unit while the warning message is displayed on the display unit, the control unit terminates the display of the warning message on the display unit and terminates the prohibited state of the recording medium processing unit.

4. 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 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 The gaming value can be converted into the gaming medium used for playing games on the gaming machine, and the gaming medium stored in the gaming machine can be converted into a holding medium included in the gaming value; In a first case in which a specific user issues a medium ejection instruction to the recording medium processing unit to eject the recording medium while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of the gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than a specific value of 1, the recording medium processing unit is caused to eject a specific recording medium on which specific identification information associated with a specific gaming value owned by the specific user is recorded, and the recording medium processing unit is shifted to a prohibited state in which it is prohibited from accepting any recording medium other than the specific recording medium; While the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, displaying an interruption message on the display unit relating to the prohibition of reception of recording media other than the specific recording medium, when a counting operation for converting the gaming media into the retained media is performed in the gaming machine after a specific period of time has elapsed since the recording medium processing unit was shifted to the prohibited state, performing an addition process for adding the number of the gaming media as the number of retained media to the specific gaming value corresponding to the specific identification information, and shifting the recording medium processing unit to the normal state; Gaming device.

5. 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 The gaming value can be converted into the gaming medium used for playing games on the gaming machine, and the gaming medium stored in the gaming machine can be converted into a holding medium included in the gaming value; In a first case in which a specific user issues a medium ejection instruction to the recording medium processing unit to eject the recording medium while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of the gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than a specific value of 1, the recording medium processing unit is caused to eject a specific recording medium on which specific identification information associated with a specific gaming value owned by the specific user is recorded, and the recording medium processing unit is shifted to a prohibited state in which it is prohibited from accepting any recording medium other than the specific recording medium; While the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, displaying an interruption message on the display unit relating to the prohibition of reception of recording media other than the specific recording medium, while the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state, if a notification relating to the acceptance of the specific recording medium in another gaming device that is provided so as to be able to communicate with other gaming machines is received from the management device, when a counting operation for converting the gaming media into the retained media is performed in the gaming machine, an addition process is performed in which the number of the gaming media is added as the number of retained media to the specific gaming value corresponding to the specific identification information, and the recording medium processing unit is transitioned to the normal state; Gaming device.

6. A gaming device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit transitions the recording medium processing unit to a normal state when the specific recording medium is accepted in the recording medium processing unit while the recording medium processing unit is operating in the prohibited state.

7. A gaming device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an interruption completion message related to the ability to release the prohibited state when a specific period of time has elapsed since the recording medium processing unit transitioned to the prohibited state.

8. The control unit in the first case in which, while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of the gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than the specific value, the specific user issues a pause instruction related to pausing play on the gaming machine using the gaming media along with the medium ejection instruction, causing the recording medium processing unit to eject the specific recording medium and transitioning the recording medium processing unit to the prohibited state; A gaming device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, which causes the recording medium processing unit to eject a specific recording medium in a second case in which, while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine is equal to or greater than the specific value, the specific user issues a transfer instruction related to transferring ownership of the gaming media to another user and ending play on the gaming machine, along with the medium ejection instruction.

9. A gaming device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in a third case in which the specific user issues a media ejection instruction while the recording medium processing unit is operating in a normal state and the number of gaming media stored in the gaming machine is less than the specific value, the control unit performs an addition process to add the number of gaming media as the number of held media to the specific gaming value corresponding to the specific identification information, and causes the recording medium processing unit to eject the specific recording medium.

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