Gaming equipment and gaming system

Abstract

To increase a game player's convenience and perform operation of a prepaid value smoothly by limiting reception or the like of currency during a cashless settlement.SOLUTION: An inter-machine card processing machine 10 limits reception or the like of currency when receiving operation of a cashless transaction (S1). By designation of a transaction amount, a two-dimensional code including settlement request data or the like is displayed (S2). A portable terminal 110 reads a two-dimensional code (S3) and transmits a settlement request to a settling device 100 (S4). The settling device 100 executes settlement, and notifies the portable terminal 110 (S5) and a card managing device 40 (S5') of completion of settlement. The card managing device 40 imparts payment processing and impartation of a prepaid value (S6), and notifies the inter-machine processing machine 10 of it (S7). The inter-machine processing machine 10 displays a received prepaid value and cancels limitation to the reception or the like of currency (S8).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a gaming establishment device and a gaming establishment system that are installed in a gaming parlor and accept value for use in gaming.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in gaming parlors such as pachinko parlors, gaming devices that accept valuable values such as currency as values for gaming are provided corresponding to gaming machines, and by lending out gaming media corresponding to the valuable values from this gaming device, gaming on the gaming machines is made possible. Such valuable values can be associated with a recording medium such as a card, and a gamer can move tables by inserting the recording medium issued from the gaming device into another gaming device.

[0003] In recent years, a system that enables cashless settlement in which gaming media are lent out without using currency by means of cards issued by financial institutions or mobile terminals installed with gaming applications has been studied to enhance the convenience of gamers. For example, in Patent Document 1, a technique for improving the convenience of gamers by enabling both cash settlement and cashless settlement is disclosed. <0>

[0004] By performing such cashless settlement, a gamer can reduce the amount of cash on hand and can easily confirm the amount used. Also, for the gaming parlor, since the settlement history becomes clear, troubles with gamers can be suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the conventional technology described above, both cash and cashless payments are possible. Therefore, if money is inserted or the value changes while a cashless payment is being processed, it becomes impossible to determine whether this change is due to the cashless payment or some other operation, which could cause confusion among players.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a gaming facility device and a gaming facility system that can improve the convenience of players while smoothly managing valuable assets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming device installed in a gaming parlor, comprising: a receiving means for receiving input of the amount requested for cashless payment by a gaming customer; a determination means for determining whether the amount requested for cashless payment input by the receiving means is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; and a notification means for providing a predetermined notification when the determination means determines that the amount requested for cashless payment is less than the predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is automatically set to the amount that constitutes the minimum input unit. It is characterized by the following:

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the notification means displays a notification message on a predetermined display operation unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, if the determination means determines that the cashless payment request amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, a specific payment code is displayed.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the notification means displays the payment request amount input screen again after the notification.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the predetermined amount is a predetermined minimum settlement amount. Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, payment by the player is made using a mobile terminal. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a gaming arcade system comprising a gaming arcade device installed in a gaming arcade and a management device capable of communicating with the gaming arcade device, the system comprising: a receiving means for receiving input of a cashless payment request amount from a gaming customer; a determination means for determining whether the cashless payment request amount input by the receiving means is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; and a notification means that, if the determination means determines that the cashless payment request amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, displays a specific payment code, while if the determination means determines that the cashless payment request amount is less than a predetermined amount, provides a predetermined notification. The predetermined amount is automatically set to the amount that constitutes the minimum input unit. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, by restricting the acceptance of currency while cashless payments are being made, confusion such as simultaneous occurrence of cashless and cash payments can be eliminated, thereby improving convenience for players and enabling the smooth operation of prepaid value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overview of the gaming management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the system configuration of the game management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine and gaming machine shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the internal configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the device status data, card data, payment request data, and function restriction status data shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the game type setting data, card management data, and device management data shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the settlement processing data shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the member management device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the member management data shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the settlement management data shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the inter-table card processor. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the minimum settlement request amount limit during cashless transaction operation. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the function generalization support of the settlement device during cashless transaction operation. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the unified management of the settlement process during cashless transaction operation.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the gaming device and the gaming system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] In this specification, "balls held" refers to data indicating game tokens acquired by a player during gameplay, which can only be used again on the same day (before the arcade closes). "Number of balls held" refers to the number of game tokens acquired by a player through gameplay. "Stored balls" refers to data indicating game tokens deposited by a player with the arcade, which can be used again on subsequent days (after the arcade closes). "Number of stored balls" refers to the number of game tokens deposited by a player with the arcade. Balls held can be used by both general and member players, and are used when moving to a different game machine, etc. Stored balls can, in principle, only be used by member players, and are used when acquiring game tokens to play on a game machine on subsequent days.

[0018] The number of balls held is stored in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and when the card is returned, it is managed by the card management device 40 in association with the card ID. The number of game balls is stored in the game machine 20. This number of game balls is used for playing on the game machine 20. When game balls are shot onto the board, the number of game balls is decreased by that amount, and when a prize is won, a predetermined number is added to the number of game balls. Part or all of the number of game balls can be transferred to the number of balls held through a counting operation, and part or all of the number of balls held can also be transferred to the number of game balls through a replay operation.

[0019] <Overview of the Gaming Management System> First, an overview of the gaming management system according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overview of the gaming management system according to this embodiment. Multiple gaming machines 20 are installed in the gaming parlor, and each gaming machine 20 is equipped with an inter-machine card processing machine 10, which is an individual machine device.

[0020] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs various processes based on the player's actions, such as dispensing game balls, replaying game balls by adding some or all of the player's current game ball count to the game ball count of the game machine 20, and replaying stored game balls by adding some or all of the player's stored game ball count to the game ball count of the game machine 20. Furthermore, when a player finishes playing and operates the return button provided on the game machine, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 associates the player's current game ball count and other information managed by the machine with the card and then ejects it.

[0021] The card management device 40 can communicate with multiple inter-machine card processing machines 10 within the gaming establishment and manages cards by associating them with the number of balls held and prepaid value. Prepaid value is a monetary value that can be used to lend out gaming balls (i.e., to add to the number of gaming balls), and is added when a deposit is made and subtracted when balls are lent out.

[0022] Specifically, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a banknote, it sends deposit notification data including the amount of the banknote to the card management device 40, which then adds a number corresponding to the amount to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Then, when a predetermined ball dispensing operation is performed, it sends a ball dispensing request to the card management device 40, which then subtracts the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40, and dispenses a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

[0023] Furthermore, the game management system shown in Figure 1 allows for the addition of prepaid value through cashless payments. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an operation for a cashless transaction from a player, it restricts the acceptance of currency (S1). If currency is accepted while a cashless payment is being processed, the addition of prepaid value due to the cashless payment and the addition of prepaid value due to the currency deposit will occur simultaneously. As a result, it will be unclear whether the increase in prepaid value is due to the cashless payment or the currency acceptance, which could cause confusion among players.

[0024] When a player specifies a transaction amount, payment request data including a payment ID and the payment request amount is generated, and a two-dimensional code (e.g., QR code®) including the payment request data, card ID, store data, and machine data is displayed on the display operation unit (S2). The payment ID is data that uniquely identifies the payment, and the payment request amount is the transaction amount specified by the player. The store data also includes the card ID, which is the identification information of the card used in the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0025] The mobile terminal 110 carried by the player captures a two-dimensional code displayed by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 using its camera, decodes the two-dimensional code, and reads it to obtain payment request data, card ID, store data, and machine data (S3). The mobile terminal 110 then submits a payment request to the payment device 100, including the obtained payment request data, card ID, store data, and machine data (S4).

[0026] The payment device 100, upon receiving the payment request, executes the payment by deducting the requested amount from the account indicated in the payment request data of the payment request, and then notifies the payment completion. The payment completion notification is sent to the mobile terminal 110, which is the requesting party (S5), and to the card management device 40 of the amusement store indicated in the store data of the payment request (S5'). The payment completion notification sent to the card management device 40 includes the card ID.

[0027] When the card management device 40 receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100, it performs the deposit process and grants prepaid value (S6), and notifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 of the granting of prepaid value (S7).

[0028] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 displays the received prepaid value on the display operation unit and removes restrictions on accepting coins, etc. (S8).

[0029] Thus, the gaming management system according to this embodiment restricts the acceptance of currency while cashless payments are being made, thereby eliminating confusion such as simultaneous occurrence of cashless and cash payments, improving convenience for players, and enabling the smooth operation of prepaid value.

[0030] In the above description, we have shown a case where restrictions on accepting currency begin when a cashless payment operation is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the system can also be configured to begin restricting the acceptance of currency from the moment a payment request is made to the payment device 100.

[0031] Furthermore, while the above explanation has shown cases where the acceptance of currency is restricted during cashless payment, the present invention can not only restrict the acceptance of currency, but also restrict the lending of balls using prepaid value, restrict the addition of game balls, and restrict the addition of balls to the number of players held. In addition, such restrictions can be lifted when a jackpot is hit.

[0032] <System Configuration> Next, the system configuration of the gaming management system according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming management system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, a gaming parlor is equipped with multiple gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10, each corresponding to a different gaming machine 20. The inter-machine card processing machines 10 are connected to a communication line, which is the store's network, via an island controller 30. The island controller 30, a card management device 40, a membership management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a settlement machine 70 are connected to the communication line. In addition, a payment device 100 installed outside the store is connected to the card management device 40 and a mobile terminal 110 via an external network, and is also connected to a server device of a predetermined financial institution.

[0033] The gaming machine 20 is a device that allows players to play by launching game balls, which are sealed inside the device, onto the game board. These game balls are physical "balls" used in the game and are different from "game balls" that the gaming machine 20 handles as data. The game board of the gaming machine 20 is provided with multiple prize areas (prize slots), and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prizes based on when a game ball passes through these prize areas. The game board is also provided with a predetermined number of starting areas (start slots), and a predetermined lottery is conducted based on when a game ball passes through these starting areas. If the lottery is a jackpot, predetermined movable parts are activated to improve the probability of the game ball passing through the aforementioned prize areas or other starting areas, thereby providing an advantage in the game. There may also be areas that serve as both starting areas and prize areas.

[0034] The prize-winning areas are equipped with prize-winning sensors to detect when a game ball passes into them, and these sensors detect when a game ball is played into a prize-winning area (winning). The control unit of the game machine 20 also has a prize-winning ball memory that stores how many game balls are awarded as prizes for each prize-winning area, and a playable ball memory that stores the number of game balls available for the player to play (playable number).

[0035] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives money from a player, it notifies the card management device 40 to add the prepaid value corresponding to the amount of money to the prepaid value corresponding to the card ID of the card stored inside the device. This prepaid value can be used to add game balls when dispensing balls. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 can also accept the insertion of cards associated with prepaid value, balls held, stored balls, etc. When the game ends, it ejects the card associated with the prepaid value, balls held, etc., and returns it to the player. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 also transmits a history of operations such as money deposit, card insertion, and card ejection to the member management device 50.

[0036] The gaming machine 20 transmits out data to the inter-machine card processing unit 10 each time a predetermined number of game balls are dispensed from the game board. The gaming machine 20 also transmits safe data to the inter-machine card processing unit 10 each time a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the number of game balls based on the game balls passing through the winning area (so-called winning). Furthermore, if a special state such as a jackpot occurs during gameplay, the gaming machine 20 transmits special prize data indicating the occurrence of such a state to the inter-machine card processing unit 10.

[0037] Out data corresponds to the number of balls played by the player onto the game board. Safe data corresponds to the number of balls awarded for winning. Special prize data indicates the status of the game machine 20, such as a jackpot. Each piece of data is transmitted to the member management device 50 via the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the member management device 50 can obtain a history of the game machine 20's operation by accumulating the out data, safe data, and special prize data.

[0038] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits in currency, issues instructions for adding game balls, communicates with the card management device 40, communicates with the member management device 50, and communicates with the gaming machine 20. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the currency deposited by a player, it sends a deposit notification including the deposit amount to the card management device 40, thereby adding the prepaid value equivalent to the deposit amount to the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Then, when a predetermined ball dispensing operation is performed, it sends a ball dispensing request to the card management device 40, deducts the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the deducted prepaid value, and adds it to the number of game balls.

[0039] Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a card insertion notification, it sends a card insertion notification to the card management device 40. Also, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the balance of prepaid value, balls held, or stored balls from the card management device 40, it stores the balance. When it receives and stores the balance of balls held, it sends a ball deduction request to the card management device 40, thereby clearing the balance of balls held (number of balls held) managed by the card management device 40 to zero.

[0040] Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing unit 10 receives a request to replay held balls, it subtracts a predetermined number of balls from the number of balls it manages, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number of balls subtracted, and adds it to the number of game balls. Also, when the inter-machine card processing unit 10 receives a request to replay stored balls, it sends a request to the card management device 40 to replay stored balls, causing the member management device 50 to subtract a predetermined number of stored balls, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number of balls subtracted, and adds it to the number of game balls.

[0041] Furthermore, if the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a card return operation, it sends a request to the card management device 40 to add the number of balls held, and after the card management device 40 adds the number of balls held, it sends a card ejection notification to the card management device 40 and controls the ejection of the card. If a counting operation is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the number of game balls is added to the number of balls held.

[0042] Furthermore, the inter-machine card processing unit 10 has the function of obtaining a game machine ID from the game machine 20 and authenticating the game machine 20 using the obtained game machine ID and the authentication key received from the card management device 40. This authentication is performed during opening procedures, etc., and the game machine 20 becomes playable only if the authentication is successful.

[0043] Furthermore, the inter-machine card processing unit 10 performs various display controls based on the status of the gaming machine 20 and transmits the status of the gaming machine 20 to the member management device 50.

[0044] Furthermore, once the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a transaction initiation request for cashless payment, it restricts the acceptance of currency to eliminate confusion caused by payments associated with currency acceptance. It can also restrict the dispensing of balls using prepaid value, restrict the addition of game balls to the number of balls held, and restrict the addition of balls to the number of balls held.

[0045] Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an operation to specify the transaction amount for cashless payment, it generates payment request data including a payment ID and the payment request amount, and displays a two-dimensional code containing the payment request data, card ID, store data, and machine data on the display operation unit.

[0046] Furthermore, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives notification from the card management device 40 that the prepaid value has been completed, it displays the received prepaid value on the display operation unit and releases the restrictions on accepting currency, etc. Also, if a jackpot occurs while the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is under restrictions on accepting currency, etc., it releases the functional restrictions.

[0047] The island controller 30 is a device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 installed on a gaming island, and relays various information to the card management device 40.

[0048] When the card management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it transmits the prepaid value and remaining balance of tokens associated with the card ID of the inserted card to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Furthermore, if the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of a member card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification to the member management device 50, and transmits the token replay data received from the member management device 50 to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0049] Furthermore, when the card management device 40 receives a request to deduct balls from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the balance of balls to zero, and when it receives a request to add balls from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it adds the number of balls indicated in the ball addition request to the balance of balls.

[0050] Furthermore, when the card management device 40 receives a ball dispensing request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID and transmits permission to dispense balls to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. When it receives a request to replay stored balls, it transmits the request to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs stored ball replay data, it transmits the stored ball replay data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0051] Furthermore, if the card management device 40 receives a card ID from the prize management device 60, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls associated with this card ID. In addition, if it receives a card ID from the payment machine 70, it notifies the payment machine 70 of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

[0052] Furthermore, the card management device 40 obtains the gaming machine ID from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own store. It then obtains an authentication key for authenticating the gaming machines 20 set up in its own store from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the gaming store and distributes it to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0053] Furthermore, when the card management device 40 receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100, it performs the deposit processing related to the payment completion notification, adds prepaid value, and notifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 of the addition of the prepaid value.

[0054] The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered with the amusement parlor. Specifically, it manages names, number of stored tokens, etc., in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

[0055] Furthermore, when the member management device 50 receives card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it transmits stored ball replay data, including the number of stored balls and PIN associated with the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data, to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Also, when the member management device 50 receives stored ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of stored balls associated with the card ID shown in the stored ball replay request data, and transmits stored ball replay data, including the number of stored balls after the subtraction, to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Note that communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the member management device 50 is conducted via the card management device 40.

[0056] Furthermore, if the member management device 50 receives an inquiry from the prize management device 60 regarding the number of stored balls, it notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored balls corresponding to the specified card ID.

[0057] The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange located next to the prize exchange counter inside the amusement store, and it processes the exchange of acquired balls, stored balls, and held balls for prizes. The prize management device 60 is connected to a card reader that reads the card ID of a card and a prize dispensing device that dispenses prizes. When the prize management device 60 reads a card ID from a general card or a membership card (or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal, etc.), it transmits the card ID to the card management device 40 and requests the balance of balls held for that card ID. Also, when exchanging stored balls for prizes, it requests the balance of stored balls from the membership management device 50.

[0058] When a card with associated prepaid value is inserted into the payment machine 70, it transmits the card ID of the card to the card management device 40, retrieves the prepaid value associated with the card, and dispenses cash equivalent to the retrieved prepaid value.

[0059] The payment device 100 is a server device that performs cashless payments and is connected to a server device of a financial institution, etc. When the payment device 100 receives payment request data from the mobile terminal 110, it performs the payment by subtracting the payment request amount from the account indicated in the payment request data. Once the payment is completed, the payment device 100 notifies the mobile terminal 110, which was the requester, and the card management device 40 of the amusement store indicated in the store data of the payment request of the payment completion notification, which includes store data, machine data, and card ID.

[0060] The mobile terminal 110 connects to the payment device 100 via an external network and makes a payment request to the payment device 100. When the mobile terminal 110 receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100, it displays "payment complete" on its display operation unit.

[0061] Next, the ball dispensing process in the game management system according to this embodiment will be described. When a player performs a ball dispensing operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message addressed to the card management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the identification information of the sending inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a ball dispensing request.

[0062] When the card management device 40 receives a message containing a request to borrow balls, it updates the card management data 45b by subtracting a predetermined value (for example, 5 units representing 500 yen if 1 unit is 100 yen) from the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message, and sends a ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that sent the message. Upon receiving the ball lending permission, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends an addition signal to the gaming machine 20 requesting the addition of a number (for example, "125") corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value to the number of gaming balls.

[0063] Upon receiving the addition signal, the gaming machine 20 adds the number of game balls and transmits the added number of game balls to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of game balls before addition and the number of balls dispensed with the added number of game balls to determine whether the addition of game balls was performed correctly.

[0064] Next, the process for replaying held tokens in the game management system according to this embodiment will be described. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it sends a message to the card management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, identification information of the sending inter-machine card processing machine 10, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0065] When the card management device 40 receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the remaining balance of balls held at the rate specified in the message, which are associated with the card ID in the message.

[0066] The inter-machine card processing unit 10 stores the remaining balance of the player's balls received from the card management device 40. It then sends a message to the card management device 40 containing information identifying the card ID and rate, as well as a request to deduct the remaining balls. If the card management device 40 receives a request to deduct the remaining balls, it clears the remaining balance of the balls identified by the card ID and rate to zero. Furthermore, if the inter-machine card processing unit 10 receives a request to replay the remaining balls, it deducts a certain number of balls from the remaining balance, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the corresponding number, and has it added to the number of game balls.

[0067] When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a management transfer request from the gaming machine 20 to transfer the number of game balls in the gaming machine 20 to the inter-machine card processing machine 10's holdings, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 adds the number of game balls indicated in the management transfer request to its own holdings. Subsequently, upon receiving a card return operation, it sends a message to the card management device 40 that includes a request to add to the holdings. This message includes the card ID of the card to be ejected, an address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the sender, information to identify the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the remaining balance of the holdings, and the request to add to the holdings.

[0068] When the card management device 40 receives a request to add to the number of balls held, it updates the balance (number of balls held) of the balls associated with the card ID in the message for the rate specified in the message with the received value. Subsequently, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a card ejection notification to the card management device 40 and controls the ejection of the card.

[0069] Next, the process for replaying stored tokens in the game management system according to this embodiment will be described. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a member card, or reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a member card, it sends a message addressed to the card management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (or the identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal), an address or arbitrary identification information that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the sender, information for identifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

[0070] The card management device 40 sends a card insertion notification message to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification message, it sends the stored ball replay data, which includes the PIN associated with the card ID in the message and the balance of stored balls at the rate specified in the message, to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0071] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received stored ball replay data, and if the balance of stored balls indicated in the stored ball replay data is equal to or greater than the number of game balls dispensed in stored ball replay (stored ball replay unit number; for example, "125 balls"), it accepts the stored ball replay operation.

[0072] After storing the stored ball replay data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10, upon receiving the first stored ball replay operation, prompts the player to enter a PIN and verifies whether the entered PIN matches the PIN shown in the stored ball replay data.

[0073] The inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a message to the card management device 40 when the PIN matches. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, identification information of the sending inter-machine card processing machine 10, information to identify the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a request for replay of stored tokens.

[0074] The card management device 40 sends a message requesting the replay of stored tokens to the member management device 50. Upon receiving the message requesting the replay of stored tokens, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined amount from the balance of stored tokens associated with the card ID in the message and the rate specified in the message, and sends the replay data including the remaining balance to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0075] The inter-machine card processing unit 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the stored ball balance, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the stored ball replay unit, adding it to the number of game balls. It also determines whether the updated stored ball balance is less than the number of stored ball replay units. If the updated stored ball data balance is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, it can accept another stored ball replay operation, and if it accepts the stored ball replay operation, it sends a stored ball replay request. For the second and subsequent stored ball replay operations, verification of the PIN is not required. If the updated stored ball data balance is less than the number of stored ball replay units, it will not accept a stored ball replay operation.

[0076] Next, we will explain the transfer of held balls to stored balls during the closing process. The card management device 40 checks the balance of held balls in the card management data 45b during the closing process, and if there are held balls with a balance greater than "0", it notifies the member management device 50 of the balance of held balls along with the card ID and rate. The member management device 50 adds the notified balance of held balls to the stored ball balance identified by the card ID and rate and updates it. After that, the card management device 40 clears the balance of held balls to zero.

[0077] <External configuration of the inter-machine card processing unit 10 and the gaming machine 20> Next, the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and gaming machine 20 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and gaming machine 20 shown in Figure 2. The diagram shows an inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only banknotes, but a unit that can accept electronic money can also be provided.

[0078] As shown in Figure 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is equipped with a status display unit 11 that indicates the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by the illumination or flashing of a lamp of a predetermined color, a banknote insertion slot 12a that accepts various banknotes, a display operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, and a card insertion slot 14a that accepts cards associated with a card ID.

[0079] The gaming machine 20 is equipped with a game board, a handle 21 used to dispense the enclosed game balls onto the game board, and a counting button 22.

[0080] The counting button 22 is an operation button for transferring the management of the number of playable balls from the gaming machine 20 to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by subtracting the number of playable balls from the gaming machine 20 and adding the corresponding number to the number of playable balls held by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In the case of an open-type gaming machine 20 where physical playable balls are dispensed upon winning, this management transfer corresponds to the counting process in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 counts the dispensed playable balls and adds them to the number of playable balls held.

[0081] <Internal configuration of the inter-table card processing machine 10> Next, the internal configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport unit 12, a display operation unit 13, a reader / writer 14, a communication unit 15, a storage unit 16, a control unit 17, and a game management unit 18.

[0082] The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that transports banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot 12a to a banknote storage unit (not shown) while determining the denomination and authenticity of the banknotes. The display and operation unit 13 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display that displays various information such as monetary value and accepts various operations such as ball dispensing operations.

[0083] The reader / writer 14 is a reading unit that reads the card ID from the card inserted into the card slot 14a. The card inserted into the card slot 14a is then stored in a card storage unit (not shown) via the reader / writer 14. The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for data communication with the card management device 40 via the island controller 30.

[0084] The storage unit 16 is a storage device consisting of a hard disk drive, non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 16 stores self-device status data 16a, card data 16b, payment request data 16c, and function restriction status data 16d.

[0085] The self-device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This self-device status data 16a includes the inter-machine card processing machine ID, gaming machine ID, game type, etc. The inter-machine card processing machine ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 within the gaming establishment. The game type is data indicating the rate set in the inter-machine card processing machine 10. When handling gaming balls of multiple rates within the gaming establishment, a game type name is set and managed for each rate, such as "Ball 1" for 4-yen rate gaming balls, "Ball 2" for 2-yen rate gaming balls, and "Ball 3" for 1-yen rate gaming balls. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 selects the rate to be used for the game from these game types and stores it as the game type. The game type may be fixed for each section in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed, or it may be changeable by the player.

[0086] Card data 16b is data relating to the card being used by the player. Card data 16b includes card ID, PIN, prepaid value, balls held, stored balls, etc. The card ID is the card ID read by the reader / writer 14. When a card is transported from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card slot 14a and then ejected, card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this transport. Similarly, when a card is transported from the card slot 14a to a card storage unit (not shown), card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader / writer 14 during this transport. Prepaid value indicates the remaining balance of prepaid value usable for ball dispensing, and balls held and stored balls indicate their respective balances.

[0087] The payment request data 16c is data related to the payment request, such as the payment ID and the payment request amount. The function restriction status data 16d is data indicating whether or not the system is in a state where functions such as currency acceptance are restricted.

[0088] The game management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20. It is desirable that this game management unit 18 be formed on a different circuit board from the control unit 17. The game management unit 18 includes an authentication processing unit 18a, an authentication key management unit 18b, and a gaming machine state management unit 18c. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, causing the authentication processing unit 18a, the authentication key management unit 18b, and the gaming machine state management unit 18c to execute the processes corresponding to them, respectively.

[0089] The authentication processing unit 18a performs authentication of the gaming machine 20 using the authentication key received from the card management device 40. If authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a sends permission to operate to the gaming machine 20. If authentication fails, the authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20. However, even if authentication fails, the system may be configured to send permission to operate to the gaming machine 20 if it is within a predetermined period since the last successful authentication, and not send permission to operate to the gaming machine 20 after the predetermined period has elapsed since the last successful authentication, thereby prohibiting the use of the gaming machine 20.

[0090] The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages authentication keys. Each authentication key has a set usage time, and when the cumulative operating time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key, the authentication key becomes unusable. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b uses the power-on time of the circuit board on which the gaming management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the gaming machine 20 and manages the usage time of the authentication key. If an authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b obtains a new authentication key from an authentication key management center outside the store via the card management device 40 and updates the authentication key.

[0091] The gaming machine status management unit 18c is a processing unit that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the status of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine status management unit 18c obtains the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, sends a request to add to the number of game balls when a ball is dispensed, sends a request to switch management from held balls to the number of game balls when a held ball is replayed, sends a request to add to the number of game balls when a stored ball is replayed, receives game results such as the number of balls played and the number of prize balls dispensed from the gaming machine 20, and receives a request to switch management from the number of game balls to held balls when counting. Communication between the inter-machine card processing unit 10 and the gaming machine 20 uses encrypted communication with a predetermined encryption method.

[0092] Furthermore, the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the current status of the gaming machine 20, such as the number of game balls, start status, jackpot status, jackpot type, and number of draws. It is desirable that the time interval at which the gaming machine state management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 be set shorter than the interval at which game balls are launched (used) in the gaming machine 20.

[0093] Furthermore, the timing for the gaming machine status management unit 18c to acquire a new gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 is not limited to before opening. The gaming machine ID can be acquired or the determination of whether to replace the gaming machine 20 can be made when the inter-machine card processing unit 10 is powered on or off, during periodic communication, when processing related to the number of game balls (ball dispensing, replay, counting, etc.) is performed, or when the system returns from an offline state. These timings may also be used in combination.

[0094] The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-unit card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a, a payment request data generation unit 17b, an encoding processing unit 17c, a payment request data output processing unit 17d, a refund processing unit 17e, a function restriction unit 17f, and a function restriction determination unit 17g. In practice, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the processes corresponding to the data management unit 17a, the payment request data generation unit 17b, the encoding processing unit 17c, the payment request data output processing unit 17d, the refund processing unit 17e, the function restriction unit 17f, and the function restriction determination unit 17g are executed, respectively.

[0095] When a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a sends a card insertion notification to the card management device 40, including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID. Furthermore, when the data management unit 17a receives data from the card management device 40 that includes a monetary value (at least one of prepaid value, held balls, and stored balls), it updates the card data 16b with the received monetary value.

[0096] Furthermore, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote slot 12a, the data management unit 17a sends a deposit notification to the card management device 40, which includes the amount of the inserted banknote, the card ID, and the inter-machine card processing machine ID.

[0097] Furthermore, when a player performs a ball dispensing operation, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball dispensing request, including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing unit ID, to the card management device 40. Upon receiving permission to dispensing balls in response to this request, the data management unit 17a instructs the game management unit 18 to subtract the prepaid value of the card data 16b and add a predetermined number of balls to the number of game balls in the game machine 20.

[0098] Furthermore, if the data management unit 17a receives a request to replay the balls held, it instructs the game management unit 18 to subtract and update the number of balls held in the card data 16b, and to add the corresponding number of balls to the number of game balls in the game machine 20.

[0099] Furthermore, if the balance of stored balls shown in the card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of stored ball replay units, the data management unit 17a displays a stored ball replay button on the display operation unit 13, making it possible to accept a stored ball replay operation. When a player performs a stored ball replay operation, the data management unit 17a sends a stored ball replay request, including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID, to the card management device 40. Upon receiving stored ball replay data in response to this stored ball replay request, the data management unit 17a updates the balance of stored balls in the card data 16b and instructs the game management unit 18 to add the number of balls corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units to the number of game balls in the game machine 20. Note that for the first stored ball replay operation, the player is required to enter a PIN, and the condition for sending the stored ball replay request is that the PIN matches the one shown in the card data 16b.

[0100] Furthermore, when the game management unit 18 receives a request from the game machine 20 to transfer game balls, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed by the game management unit 18 to the number of balls held in the card data 16b and updates it.

[0101] Furthermore, when the data management unit 17a receives a card return operation, it sends a request to the card management device 40 to add to the remaining balls, including the card ID, the inter-machine card processing machine ID, and the remaining ball balance. After clearing the card data 16b, it sends a card ejection notification to the card management device 40 and ejects the card.

[0102] The payment request data generation unit 17b is a processing unit that generates payment request data indicating information related to payment. The payment request data includes a payment ID and a payment request amount. The payment ID is data that uniquely identifies the payment. The payment request amount indicates the transaction amount for cashless payment.

[0103] When the payment request data generation unit 17b receives an operation requesting a deposit via cashless payment, it determines the payment ID, generates payment request data 16c with the amount of deposit specified by the customer as the payment request amount, and stores it in the storage unit 16.

[0104] The encoding processing unit 17c is a processing unit that encodes the payment request data 16c, store data, machine data, and card ID into a two-dimensional code. The store data is data that identifies the gaming store, and the machine data is data that identifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10. For the machine data, for example, the device ID from the self-device status data 16a may be used.

[0105] The payment request data output processing unit 17d outputs the two-dimensional code generated by the encoding processing unit 17c to the display operation unit 13. In other words, the payment request data output processing unit 17d outputs store data and machine data along with the payment request data 16c.

[0106] The refund processing unit 17e is a processing unit that refunds prepaid value via cashless payment. When the refund processing unit 17e receives a refund request for a refund via cashless payment, it sets the refund request amount to the amount corresponding to the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b. It then determines the payment ID, encodes the refund request data, including the payment ID and the refund request amount, into a two-dimensional code, displays it on the display operation unit 13, and clears the prepaid value to zero. The player can read the two-dimensional code with their mobile terminal 110 to obtain the refund request data and execute the refund process to receive a refund for the cleared prepaid value.

[0107] The function restriction unit 17f is a processing unit that manages function restriction status data 16d, which indicates whether or not functions such as currency acceptance are restricted when cashless payment is being made. When the function restriction unit 17f receives a transaction start operation via cashless payment, it restricts functions such as currency acceptance and sets the function restriction status data 16d to "Yes".

[0108] Furthermore, if the function restriction unit 17f receives special prize data for a jackpot from the gaming machine 20, it notifies the function restriction determination unit 17g of a function restriction determination instruction. If the function restriction unit 17f receives "function restriction present" from the function restriction determination unit 17g, it releases the function restriction and sets the function restriction status data 16d to "none". If the function restriction unit 17f receives "no function restriction" from the function restriction determination unit 17g, it does not perform any processing.

[0109] When the function restriction determination unit 17g receives a function restriction determination instruction from the function restriction unit 17f, it checks the contents of the function restriction status data 16d and notifies the function restriction unit 17f of "Function Restriction Enabled" if "Enabled" is set, or "Function Restriction Disabled" if "Disabled" is set.

[0110] Next, an example of the self-device status data 16a, card data 16b, payment request data 16c, and function restriction status data 16d shown in Figure 4 will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the self-device status data 16a, card data 16b, payment request data 16c, and function restriction status data 16d shown in Figure 4.

[0111] The self-device status data 16a shown in Figure 5(a) indicates that the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "A101", the game machine ID of the connected game machine 20 is "B201", and "Ball 1" is set as the game type for the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0112] The card data 16b shown in Figure 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "2002". Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card; a card with a first digit of "1" is a general card, and a card with a first digit of "2" is a member card. The card data 16b also indicates that the PIN for replaying stored tokens is "7777" and the prepaid value is "2000" yen.

[0113] Furthermore, card data 16b indicates that, as held balls, the balance of held balls for ball 1 is "500" balls, the balance of held balls for ball 2 is "0" balls, and the balance of held balls for ball 3 is "130" balls. As stored balls, the balance of stored balls for ball 1 is "1000" balls, the balance of stored balls for ball 2 is "0" balls, and the balance of stored balls for ball 3 is "0" balls.

[0114] The payment request data 16c shown in Figure 5(c) indicates that the payment ID, which is the unique identifier for the payment, is "A0001", and the payment request amount is "10000" yen.

[0115] The functional restriction status data 16d shown in Figure 5(d) indicates that the functional restriction status is "Yes". This means that cashless payment transactions have been initiated, and functions such as accepting currency are restricted.

[0116] <Internal configuration of gaming machine 20> Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 6, the gaming machine 20 has a communication control unit 23, a performance control unit 24, a game control unit 25, and a game ball control unit 26. The communication control unit 23 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 uses encrypted communication with a predetermined encryption method.

[0117] When the gaming machine 20 is started, the communication control unit 23 reads identification information from the control CPU provided in the gaming control unit 25 and / or the gaming ball control unit 26, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if it is appropriate, establishes communication with the inter-machine card processing unit 10 and enters a standby state. In the standby state, if it receives permission to operate from the inter-machine card processing unit 10, it starts the performance control unit 24, the gaming control unit 25 and the gaming ball control unit 26, making the machine ready for play.

[0118] The game control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the game played by the gaming machine 20. In practice, the process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the game control unit 25 into the CPU and executing it.

[0119] Specifically, the game control unit 25 controls the launch of game balls onto the game board based on handle operation detection, detects game balls that have entered the winning slots on the game board, acquires and draws random numbers (within a predetermined range of 0 to 65535, each number is assigned to a big win, small win, or loss) based on game balls that have entered the start slot (special symbols and regular symbols), controls movable members (such as tulips) on the game board, controls the display of special symbol display devices on the game board, and detects abnormalities that may indicate fraud (such as the front frame being open or vibration being detected) and notifies the higher-level device.

[0120] The game board is fitted with numerous obstacle pins, and when the game ball is launched onto the game board by operating the handle, it falls between the obstacle pins and either enters a prize entry hole or a start hole, or is ejected from the game board through an out hole without entering a prize. If the game ball enters the start hole, a lottery is held, and if a jackpot is won, a jackpot game is played in which the designated prize entry holes on the game board are controlled to open multiple times, making it easier for the game ball to enter these entry holes, and thus awarding prize balls to the player.

[0121] Furthermore, there are bonus jackpot games that grant players a predetermined bonus game after the jackpot game ends. Bonus jackpot games include probability variation jackpots and time-saving jackpots. Probability variation jackpots and time-saving jackpots grant probability variation games and time-saving games as bonus games after the jackpot, respectively. Time-saving games are bonus games that increase the number of draws per unit time and increase the probability of winning a jackpot per unit time by shortening the variation time (time from the start of the draw process to the display of the result) of the normal symbol draw (the draw for opening and closing the movable parts as described above) and / or special symbol draw (the draw for winning a jackpot by winning the game ball as described above). These bonus games may include normal symbol probability variation, which increases the probability of winning a normal symbol. Time-saving games due to time-saving jackpots end when the number of draws for special symbol draws has been performed a predetermined number of times after the jackpot. Probability-based games will be discussed later.

[0122] The game control unit 25 has a probability variation function. The probability variation function is a function that controls the random number range used for the next draw (generally by about 10 times) when the draw result falls within a particularly defined random number range for a jackpot. Probability variation game is a special symbol draw that uses this changed probability. Probability variation game continues until the next jackpot is won. In addition, probability variation game and time-saving game may be added at the same time. However, in order to prevent unforeseen losses to the amusement parlor, if the player acquires a certain amount of game media after the start of probability variation game or time-saving game, the game may be stopped (the card is ejected once, and the player is requested to exchange for a prize or move to another machine). In this case, the number of game media after entering the probability variation game state is counted by the game machine 20, and when this counted value reaches a predetermined value, game stop control is performed, such as stopping the launch of game balls.

[0123] The performance control unit 24 is a control unit that controls the performance during gameplay, and includes a performance symbol lottery unit 24a and a performance lottery unit 24b. In practice, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the performance symbol lottery unit 24a and the performance lottery unit 24b are made to execute the processes corresponding to them, respectively.

[0124] The performance symbol lottery unit 24a performs a lottery for performance symbols (symbols to be displayed on the performance symbol display device, such as a display device on the game board) based on the special symbol lottery in the game control unit 25 (specifically, whether to stop the display at 7, 7, 7, etc.).

[0125] The performance lottery unit 24b performs a lottery to determine the type of performance to be performed before displaying the lottery result based on the performance symbols (such as a character appearing and a reach performance). The performances selected are set to differ depending on the main lottery result.

[0126] The performance control unit 24 stores performance data for each performance. Furthermore, the performance control unit 24 controls the display of the performance symbol display device, and when a performance is executed, it overlays the performance data on the background symbol data to display the performance. In addition, during probability fluctuations, it sets background color data different from the normal state.

[0127] The game ball control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the number of game balls. In practice, the process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the game ball control unit 26 into the CPU and executing it.

[0128] Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in the playable number memory, deducts "1" from the number of game balls each time a game ball is launched, and adds the number of prize balls obtained through winning to the number of game balls. In addition, when the number of balls is notified by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of game balls and a confirmation signal is sent to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 indicating that the number of balls has been added to the number of game balls. Furthermore, the game ball control unit 26 can also perform cleaning control of the game balls (circulating balls) sealed in the game machine 20.

[0129] Furthermore, the game ball control unit 26 periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the playable number memory to the inter-machine card processing unit 10. In this case, the game ball control unit 26 transmits the number of game balls at the time of data acquisition to the inter-machine card processing unit 10 while continuing to update the number of game balls according to the game status, without resetting the contents of the playable number memory to zero.

[0130] Furthermore, the gaming machine 20 is equipped with a counting button 22, and a signal indicating that this counting button 22 has been pressed is input to the game ball control unit 26. The game ball control unit 26 detects the pressing operation of the counting button 22, and if the time from the rising edge to the falling edge of the detection signal is less than a certain period of time, it sends a management transfer request to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of game balls in fixed increments (for example, 100 balls per operation). The number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is then subtracted (invalidated) from the game ball count. In addition, if the pressing operation of the counting button 22 is detected and no falling edge is detected for a predetermined time or longer after the detection signal rises, a management transfer request is sent to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of game balls in fixed increments (for example, 200 balls every 5 seconds) each time the detection signal remains in a rising state for a certain period of time. The number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is then subtracted (invalidated) from the game ball count. When subtracting from the number of game balls, possible methods include decrementing the value to be subtracted from a value of 1 stored in memory, or updating the value stored in memory with the value after the subtraction and deleting or logically deleting the value before the subtraction to invalidate it. However, there are no particular limitations as long as the value after the subtraction can be identified.

[0131] The game control unit 25 and the game ball control unit 26 are each configured on separate circuit boards. The game control board on which the game control unit 25 is configured and the game ball control board on which the game ball control unit 26 is configured each have a unique ID. The gaming machine 20 combines the ID of the game control board and the ID of the game ball control board and uses them as the gaming machine ID.

[0132] <Internal configuration of card management device 40> Next, the internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 7, the card management device 40 is connected to a display unit 41 and an input unit 42, and includes an external network communication unit 43, a store network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46.

[0133] The display unit 41 is an LCD panel or display device. The input unit 42 is a keyboard or mouse. The external network communication unit 43 is an interface unit for communicating with a payment device 100 outside the store. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, member management device 50, prize management device 60 and settlement machine 70 within the gaming store via a communication line.

[0134] The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, and payment processing data 45d.

[0135] Game type setting data 45a is data that associates the lending rate and display name with the game type. Card management data 45b is data that associates the card ID with the balance of prepaid value, the balance of held tokens, etc. Device management data 45c is data related to the devices installed in the amusement parlor. This device management data 45c includes the inter-machine card processing machine ID, the address of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the installation location, the game machine ID, the model data of the game machine 20, etc.

[0136] The payment processing data 45d is data that manages deposits made via cashless payment and the granting of prepaid value at amusement parlors. Specifically, the payment processing data 45d is data that associates the payment ID, the payment request amount, the machine data, the date and time of payment completion notification, and the date and time of value granting.

[0137] The control unit 46 is a control unit that performs overall control of the card management device 40 and includes a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, a device management unit 46c, and a value assignment unit 46d. In practice, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the processes corresponding to the game type setting management unit 46a, the card management unit 46b, the device management unit 46c, and the value assignment unit 46d are made to execute, respectively.

[0138] The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that manages the game types, rates, and display names used in the amusement parlor as game type setting data 45a.

[0139] The card management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45b. The card management unit 46b communicates with the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the prize management device 60, and the settlement machine 70 to update the prepaid value and balance of tokens associated with the card ID. In addition, when the card management unit 46b receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the card management unit 46b of the value and balance of tokens associated with the card.

[0140] The device management unit 46c is a processing unit that manages the device management data 45c. The device management unit 46c generates and updates the device management data 45c based on the inter-machine card processing unit ID, the address of the inter-machine card processing unit 10, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID obtained from the inter-machine card processing unit 10.

[0141] The value-adding unit 46d is a processing unit that adds (adds) a prepaid value equal to the payment request amount based on cashless payment to the prepaid value of the card ID included in the payment request. When the value-adding unit 46d receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100, it registers the payment ID, payment request amount, and machine data of the payment completion notification in the payment processing data 45d. Subsequently, the value-adding unit 46d notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the prepaid value addition.

[0142] Next, we will explain an example of the game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, and payment processing data 45d shown in Figure 7. Figures 8 and 9 show an example of the game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, device management data 45c, and payment processing data 45d shown in Figure 7.

[0143] In the game type setting data 45a shown in Figure 8(a), the game type name "Tama 1" is associated with a rate of "4 yen" and a display name of "4 Pachi". Additionally, the game type name "Tama 2" is associated with a rate of "2 yen" and a display name of "2 Pachi", and the game type name "Tama 3" is associated with a rate of "1 yen" and a display name of "1 Pachi".

[0144] In the card management data 45b shown in Figure 8(b), card ID "1001" is associated with a prepaid value of "0", a balance of "0" balls for each rate, and usage ID "A101". In other words, the card with card ID "1001" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with device ID "A101", and the management of the balls held has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Therefore, the balance of balls held for each rate is zero.

[0145] Furthermore, in the card management data 45b shown in Figure 8(b), card ID "2001" is associated with a prepaid value of "3000" units and the number of balls held as follows: ball 1 has a balance of "1500" balls, ball 2 has a balance of "2500" balls, and ball 3 has a balance of "0" balls. However, it is not associated with the destination ID. In other words, the card with card ID "2001" is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the number of balls held is managed by the card management device 40.

[0146] The device management data 45c shown in Figure 8(c) indicates that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with ID "A101" is located at "Island 1-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", the game type is "Ball 1", the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "EV01", and the serial number is "a". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

[0147] Furthermore, the device management data 45c indicates that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with ID "A201" is located at "Island 2-1", the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B506", the game type is "Ball 3", the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "DK03", and the serial number is "g". It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is currently in use.

[0148] The payment processing data 45d shown in Figure 9 is data that associates the payment ID, payment request amount, card ID, device data, payment completion notification date and time, and value grant date and time. Specifically, the payment processing data 45d associates the payment ID "A0001" with the payment request amount "10000" yen, card ID "2001", device data "device ID: A101", payment completion notification date and time "2020 / 03 / 01 13:33", and value grant date and time "2020 / 03 / 01 13:34".

[0149] <Internal configuration of the member management device 50> Next, the internal configuration of the member management device 50 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the member management device 50 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 10, the member management device 50 is connected to a display unit 51 and an input unit 52, and includes a store network communication unit 53, a storage unit 54, and a control unit 55.

[0150] The display unit 51 is an LCD panel or display device, etc. The input unit 52 is a keyboard or mouse, etc. The store network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, card management device 40, prize management device 60 and settlement machine 70 via a communication line within the gaming store.

[0151] The storage unit 54 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or non-volatile memory, and stores member management data 54a. Member management data 54a is data that associates the member's name, stored points, etc. with the card ID.

[0152] The control unit 55 is a control unit that performs overall control of the member management device 50 and has a member management unit 55a. In practice, the process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the control unit 55 into the CPU and executing it.

[0153] The Member Management Unit 55a is a processing unit that manages the Member Management Data 54a. The Member Management Unit 55a communicates with the Card Management Device 40 and the Prize Management Device 60 to update the balance of stored tokens associated with the card ID. In addition, when the Member Management Unit 55a receives a member registration request, it updates the Member Management Data 54a to add the member.

[0154] Here, the processing of stored balls for replay by the member management unit 55a will be explained. When the member management unit 55a receives stored ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it deducts the amount of stored balls associated with the card ID in the stored ball replay request data that matches the payout rate, and recalculates the number of available stored balls for replay. Then, it transmits stored ball replay data, including the balance after the deduction and the number of available stored balls for replay, to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

[0155] Next, we will explain the data stored in the storage unit 54 of the member management device 50 shown in Figure 10. Figure 11 shows an example of the member management data 54a shown in Figure 10.

[0156] The member management data 54a shown in Figure 11 shows the state in which the name "Yugi Taro", the balance of stored tokens for each type of game, and the mobile ID m "IDmX1" are associated with the card ID "2001". Although not shown in this illustration, the member management data 54a can also store the member's points, number of visits, game history, PIN, etc., associated with the card ID. The mobile ID m mentioned above is identification data that can identify a mobile device such as a mobile phone, and is used when the mobile device is used as a member card.

[0157] Furthermore, member management data 54a shows the case where stored balls for three types of games, "Ball 1," "Ball 2," and "Ball 3," are stored. Here, it shows that the stored ball balance for "Ball 1" with card ID "2001" is "250" balls, the stored ball balance for "Ball 2" is "1000" balls, and the stored ball balance for "Ball 3" is "4000" balls.

[0158] <Internal configuration of mobile device 110> Next, the internal configuration of the mobile terminal 110 shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the mobile terminal 110 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 12, the mobile terminal 110 has a display operation unit 111, a speaker 112, a camera 113, a communication unit 114, a storage unit 115, and a control unit 116.

[0159] The display operation unit 111 is an input / output interface that performs display output and operation input, such as a touch panel display. The speaker 112 is an output interface that performs audio output. The camera 113 is an imaging device used to capture images of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display operation unit 13 of the inter-unit card processing machine 10. The communication unit 114 is a communication interface for data communication with the payment device 100 via a predetermined network such as the Internet.

[0160] The memory unit 115 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, and stores user data 115a and payment management data 115b, etc. User data 115a is various data about the user of the mobile terminal 110, and may include name, address, email address, financial institution account, etc. Payment management data 115b is data for managing cashless payments, and associates the processing status with various information obtained from the inter-unit card processing machine 10.

[0161] The control unit 116 is a control unit that performs overall control of the mobile terminal 110 and includes a decryption processing unit 116a and a payment processing unit 116b, etc. In practice, these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed, causing the decryption processing unit 116a and the payment processing unit 116b, etc., to execute the processes corresponding to them.

[0162] The decryption processing unit 116a is a processing unit that decrypts a two-dimensional code when the camera 113 captures an image of the two-dimensional code and obtains payment request data, card ID, store data, and machine data. The decryption processing unit 116a associates processing data with the payment request data, card ID, store data, and machine data obtained through decryption and registers it in the payment management data 115b. The processing data includes the reading date and time indicating the date and time when the two-dimensional code was read, the payment request date and time indicating the date and time when a payment request was sent to the payment device 100, and the payment completion date and time indicating the date and time when a payment completion notification was received from the payment device 100. At the time of registration by the decryption processing unit 116a, only the reading date and time are registered, and the payment request date and time and payment completion date and time are registered as appropriate by the payment processing unit 116b.

[0163] The payment processing unit 116b is a processing unit that performs payment processing based on payment request data. When payment management data 115b is registered, the payment processing unit 116b adds information necessary for payment, such as the account to be used for payment, to the payment request data, and performs payment processing by sending a payment request including the payment request data, card ID, store data, and machine data to the payment device 100.

[0164] When a payment request is sent, the payment processing unit 116b registers the date and time of the payment request in the payment management data 115b. Subsequently, if it receives a payment completion notification from the payment device 100, the payment processing unit 116b identifies the corresponding payment management data 115b based on the payment ID included in the payment completion notification and registers the payment completion date and time of the identified payment management data 115b.

[0165] Furthermore, when the payment processing unit 116b receives a payment request for a refund, it registers the date and time of payment completion, notifies the completion of the refund by displaying it on the display operation unit 111 or by other means, and then terminates the process.

[0166] Here, we will explain how to determine the account to be used for payment. The account to be used for payment can be one of the accounts stored in user data 115a, for example. If multiple accounts are available, the player can choose which account to use, or the account to be used can be set in advance. It is also possible to select the account to be used by setting conditions.

[0167] Next, we will explain the data stored in the storage unit 115 of the mobile terminal 110 shown in Figure 12. Figure 13 shows an example of the payment management data 115b shown in Figure 12.

[0168] The payment management data 115b shown in Figure 13 associates payment request data, card ID, store data, machine data, and processing data. The payment request data includes payment ID, payment request amount, and account details. The processing data includes read date and time, payment request date and time, and payment completion date and time.

[0169] Specifically, payment management data 115b associates the payment request ID "A0001" of the payment request data with the payment request amount "10000" yen, account "Bank B, Branch C, Savings Account 1234567", card ID "2001", store data "Store ID: Y012", and device data "Device ID: A101". In addition, the processing data associates the read date and time "2020 / 03 / 01 13:31", payment request date and time "2020 / 03 / 01 13:32", and payment completion date and time "2020 / 03 / 01 13:33".

[0170] <Processing procedure for inter-unit card processing machine 10> Next, the processing procedure of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will be explained. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. First, if a player initiates a cashless transaction by touching the display operation unit 13 (step S101), the acceptance of currency and other transactions is restricted (step S102).

[0171] If the special prize data for a big win is received (Step S103; Yes), the function restriction is removed (Step S104). If the special prize data for a big win is not received (Step S103; No), proceed to Step S105.

[0172] If a customer specifies the amount for a cashless transaction (step S105), the payment request data, etc., is encoded into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display operation unit 13 (step S106).

[0173] If the special prize data for a big win is received (Step S107; Yes) and the function was restricted (Step S108; Yes), the function restriction is removed (Step S109). If the special prize data for a big win is not received (Step S107; No), or if the special prize data for a big win is received (Step S107; Yes) but the function is not restricted (Step S108; No), proceed to Step S110.

[0174] If the card management device 40 receives a prepaid value (step S110), the display operation unit 13 displays the prepaid value (step S111). If the function was restricted (step S112; Yes), the function restriction is released (step S113) and the process ends. If the function is not restricted (step S112; No), the process ends as is.

[0175] Thus, the gaming management system according to this embodiment prevents situations that arise when cashless payments and cash payments occur simultaneously by restricting the acceptance of currency during cashless payment operations, thereby enhancing convenience for players and enabling the smooth operation of prepaid value.

[0176] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which a two-dimensional code is generated by the inter-machine card processing machine 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to install a two-dimensional code server outside the gaming establishment and configure the system to generate two-dimensional codes in bulk using the two-dimensional code server.

[0177] Specifically, when the amount of a cashless transaction is entered into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the amount and other details are notified to the two-dimensional code server via the card management device 40 as payment request data. The two-dimensional code server generates a two-dimensional code from the payment request data and notifies the card management device 40 and the payment device 100.

[0178] The inter-machine card processing unit 10 receives the two-dimensional code from the card management device 40 and displays it on the display operation unit 13. The mobile terminal 110 scans the displayed two-dimensional code and notifies the payment device 100 of the two-dimensional code. If the two-dimensional code received from the two-dimensional code server and the mobile terminal 110 match, the payment device 100 performs the payment based on the information in the two-dimensional code.

[0179] In this way, by installing a QR code server outside the gaming establishment and generating QR codes in bulk using the server, it is possible to enhance the convenience of customers while smoothly managing the valuable assets.

[0180] <Guidelines for Limiting Minimum Settlement Amount When Operating Cashless Transactions> Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the cashless transaction amount can be freely specified by the player, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be configured to perform transactions at or above a set minimum settlement amount.

[0181] Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, when a player selects a cashless transaction on the display operation unit 13 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, a screen for entering the purchase amount is displayed (S21). If the player enters 500 yen as the purchase amount (S22), they are notified to specify an amount of 1000 yen or more, which is the minimum purchase amount set in advance (S23).

[0182] When the player re-enters 1000 yen, which is more than the minimum purchase amount (S24), a QR code for payment is displayed (S25).

[0183] By configuring the system to conduct transactions at or above the set minimum settlement amount, it is possible to prevent unnecessary settlement transactions by players.

[0184] In this embodiment, we have described a case where transactions are made for amounts exceeding the minimum settlement amount. However, it is also possible to configure the system to enable cashless payment only when the sum of the current prepaid balance and the settlement amount is equal to or greater than the minimum settlement amount.

[0185] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the minimum purchase amount can be freely set was described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to configure the system to automatically set the minimum purchase amount to the amount of the minimum input unit (for example, if the minimum input unit of 25 balls is 100 yen, then the minimum payment request amount is 100 yen).

[0186] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the purchase amount is entered on the display operation unit 13 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the present invention is not limited thereto. In a method in which the purchase amount is entered on a mobile terminal 110 to generate a two-dimensional code, and the inter-machine card processing machine 10 reads the two-dimensional code, the present invention can also be configured to display a message on the display operation unit 13 prompting the user to re-enter the purchase amount if the purchase amount specified in the two-dimensional code is less than the minimum purchase amount.

[0187] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes a configuration in which players can freely specify the purchase amount, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is also possible to configure the system so that a fixed amount (for example, 400 yen) is set and payment is made with a single scan of a two-dimensional code, and balls equivalent to that set amount are lent out.

[0188] Furthermore, while the above embodiment described a configuration in which the lending unit price is kept constant regardless of the payment method, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the system to lend a predetermined amount of balls depending on the payment method (for example, if paying with cash, 200 yen worth of balls are lent when the 1-ball lending button is pressed; if paying with cashless payment, 400 yen worth of balls are lent upon completion of payment).

[0189] <Guidelines for Generalizing the Functionality of Payment Devices During Cashless Transaction Operations> Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which payment request data including the payment device data is notified to the payment device 100 and payment processing is performed, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the payment device 100 can also eliminate the need for card ID and payment device data.

[0190] Specifically, as shown in Figure 16, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 displays a two-dimensional code containing the payment ID, deposit amount, card ID, store data, and machine data (S31). The mobile terminal 110 reads the two-dimensional code (S32) and notifies the payment device 100 of the payment request containing the payment ID, deposit amount, and store data (S33), and also notifies the card management device 40 of the payment ID, card ID, and machine data (S34). The mobile terminal 110 and the card management device 40 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other by installing a wireless communication network in the amusement store.

[0191] The payment device 100 performs payment processing based on the received payment request and notifies the mobile terminal 110 of the completion of payment (S35), and also notifies the card management device 40 (S35').

[0192] The card management device 40 performs deposit processing and grants prepaid value based on the payment completion notification received from the payment device 100 and the payment ID, card ID, and machine data received from the mobile terminal 110 (S36). The card management device 40 notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the granting of prepaid value (S37).

[0193] In this way, by notifying the card ID and device data from the mobile terminal 110 to the card management device 40, the payment device 100 can be configured to eliminate the need for the card ID and device data.

[0194] <Guidelines for centralized management of settlement processing during cashless transaction operations> Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the payment processing is centrally managed by the payment device 100, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the card management device 40 can also be configured to centrally manage the payment processing by assigning and managing transaction serial numbers in the card management device 40.

[0195] Specifically, as shown in Figure 17, the player specifies the amount of the cashless transaction at the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (S41). The inter-machine card processing machine 10 requests a transaction serial number from the card management device 40 (S42), the card management device 40 issues a transaction serial number (S43), and notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the transaction serial number (S44).

[0196] The inter-unit card processing machine 10 generates and displays a two-dimensional code containing the received transaction number (S45). The mobile terminal 110 reads the two-dimensional code (S46) and notifies the payment device 100 of a payment request containing the transaction number (S47).

[0197] The payment device 100 processes the payment request based on the received payment request and notifies the mobile terminal 110 of the completion of payment, including the transaction number (S48), and also notifies the card management device 40 (S48').

[0198] The card management device 40 performs deposit processing and grants prepaid value based on the settlement completion notification, which includes the transaction serial number, received from the settlement device 100 (S49). The card management device 40 notifies the inter-unit card processing machine 10 of the granting of prepaid value (S50).

[0199] In this way, by assigning and managing transaction serial numbers in the card management device 40, it is also possible to configure the card management device 40 to centrally manage settlement processing.

[0200] Furthermore, the configurations illustrated in each of the above embodiments are functionally schematic and do not necessarily have to be physically represented as shown. In other words, the distributed and integrated forms of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. [Industrial applicability]

[0201] The gaming arcade device and gaming arcade system according to the present invention are suitable for situations where the convenience of players is enhanced while the utilization of valuable assets is facilitated, by restricting some functions such as deposits during cashless payment operations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0202] 10-unit card processing machine 11 Status display section 12. Banknote transport section 12a Banknote slot 13 Display operation section 14 Reader / Writer 14a Card slot 15 Communications Department 16 Memory section 16a Device status data 16b Card Data 16c Payment Request Data 16d Functional Limitation Status Data 17 Control Unit 17a Data Management Department 17b Payment Request Data Generation Unit 17c Encoding Processing Unit 17d Payment Request Data Output Processing Unit 17e Refund Processing 17f Function Limitation Section 17g Function Limitation Determination Unit 18 Gaming Management Department 18a Authentication Processing Unit 18b Authentication Key Management Department 18c Gaming Machine Status Management Department 20 Gaming Machines 21 Handle 22 Counting buttons 23 Communication Control Unit 24 Production Control Unit 24a Performance Symbol Lottery Section 24b Production Lottery Department 25 Game Control Unit 26. Game Ball Control Unit 26a Game Playable Number Management Department 30 Island Controllers 40 Card Management Devices 41 Display section 42 Input section 43 External Network Communication Unit 44 Store Network Communications Department 45 Storage section 45a Game type setting data 45b Card Management Data 45c Device Management Data 45d Payment Processing Data 46 Control Unit 46a Game Type Setting Management Department 46b Card Management Department 46c Equipment management department 46d Value creation section 50 Member Management Device 51 Display section 52 Input section 53 Store Network Communications Department 54 Memory section 54a Member Management Data 55 Control Unit 55a Membership Management Department 60 Prize Management Device 70 Payment machine 100 Payment devices 110 Mobile devices 111 Display operation section 112 speakers 113 Camera 114 Communications Department 115 Storage section 115a User data 115b Payment Management Data 116 Control Unit 116a Decryption Processing Unit 116b Payment Processing Unit

Claims

1. A gaming device installed in a gaming establishment, A reception method for receiving input from customers requesting cashless payment amounts, A determination means for determining whether the cashless payment request amount entered by the reception means is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, If the determination means determines that the cashless payment request amount is less than a predetermined amount, the notification means provides a predetermined notification. Equipped with, The aforementioned predetermined amount is automatically set to the amount that constitutes the minimum input unit. A gaming device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned notification means is, The gaming arcade device according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays a notification message on a designated display operation unit.

3. The gaming arcade device according to claim 1, characterized in that if the determination means determines that the cashless payment request amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, a specific payment code is displayed.

4. The aforementioned notification means is, The gaming arcade device according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays the input screen for the payment request amount again after notification.

5. The amusement arcade device according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined amount is a pre-set minimum settlement amount.

6. The gaming device according to claim 1, characterized in that payments by players are made using mobile terminals.

7. A gaming arcade system comprising a gaming arcade device installed in a gaming arcade and a management device capable of communicating with the gaming arcade device, A reception method for receiving input from customers requesting cashless payment amounts, A determination means for determining whether the cashless payment request amount entered by the reception means is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, If the determination means determines that the cashless payment request amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, a specific payment code is displayed, while if the determination means determines that the cashless payment request amount is less than a predetermined amount, a notification means provides a predetermined notification. Equipped with, The aforementioned predetermined amount is automatically set to the amount that constitutes the minimum input unit. A gaming system characterized by the following features.

Images