JPH02218384A - Management installation device for game playing - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To concentrate the information related to the sales places by effectively utilizing the information recording faculty of a recording medium by providing a sales place collecting means for carrying out the collection related to the sales places by collecting the information supplied from an information read-out means. CONSTITUTION:A synthetic and concentrated management computer 74, concentrated hall management computer 72, and a hall management computer 70 are connected through communication circuits, and transmission of information is enabled. With this constitution, a card distribution company 73 sales cards to each retail shop 75 and each playing horse 1. In exchange for the sale, each retail shop 75 and playing house 1 pay the charge money to the card distribution company 73. A player in the playing house purchases the card by paying the charge money by utilizing a card selling machine 7 installed in the retail shop 75 and playing house, and inserts the card into a card-ball rental machine 5, and then the playing medium such as pinball is lent. Then, the charge money accompanied with the used quantity of the card is paid to each playing house 1 from the card distribution company 73.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a gaming management equipment device, and more specifically, a gaming management equipment that allows gaming media to be lent using a recording medium having monetary equivalent value. Regarding equipment.

[Prior Art] In order for a player to play at a gaming parlor equipped with gaming machines such as pachinko machines, coin gaming machines, slot machines, etc., the player must first use currency such as banknotes or coins.
It has been common practice to insert game media into a game media lending device such as a ball lending machine or a coin lending machine, borrow a predetermined gaming medium, and play a game using the gaming media. However, in such conventional gaming machines, players have to carry around currency, including coins, in order to borrow gaming media, which is cumbersome.

In addition, even in the case of a game hall, there is a drawback that it is difficult to improve efficiency in terms of accounting, as they are forced to perform complicated tasks such as collecting coins, including coins, and making payments.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Therefore, it is possible to rent gaming media and play games within the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium using a recording medium such as a magnetic card, and to use the money. It is possible to solve the accompanying drawbacks.

On the other hand, if you can effectively utilize the information recording capacity of the recording medium and collect useful information, rather than just using the recording medium for renting game media, the benefits of using the recording medium will be even greater. It will further increase.

For example, in order to know which district, which game hall, or even which recording medium vending machine sells recording media frequently, it is necessary to compile information about the locations where recording media are sold. In addition, in order to roughly understand the percentage of regular customers at a given amusement park,
This is possible by compiling information about the locations where recording media are sold and calculating the ratio of recording media sold at one's own store to recording media sold at other stores.

In this way, if information regarding sales locations of recording media can be compiled, it can be used for various useful purposes.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a gaming management equipment that allows gaming by lending out gaming media within the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium, by effectively utilizing the information recording ability of the recording medium. The purpose is to be able to aggregate information on sales locations.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A gaming management equipment device according to the present invention includes a gaming media lending device that can lend out gaming media that can be used in gaming machines, and information that specifies at least the location where the gaming media are sold. a recording medium that is stored in the game media, has a monetary equivalent value, and can be used in the gaming media lending device; an information reading means provided in the gaming media lending device for reading information specifying the sales location; The present invention is characterized in that it includes a sales location aggregation means for collecting information from the reading means and performing an aggregation regarding the sales locations.

[Function] According to the present invention, information identifying the location where the recording medium was sold is written on a recording medium that can be used in the game media lending device, and the recording medium can be used in the gaming media lending device. By doing so, information specifying the sales location is read. Then, by the function of the sales location aggregation means, the read information specifying the sales locations is collected and the information regarding the sales locations is compiled.

In other words, the information that identifies the sales location is recorded using the information recording ability of the recording medium, and when the recording medium is used, the recorded information that identifies the sales location is read and the information is collected. A tally is made regarding sales locations.

[Embodiments of the Invention] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic block diagram of a central gaming management facility device according to the present invention.

In the figure, 73 is a card sales company that sells magnetic cards, which are an example of recording media, and includes a CPU and a RAM.

A comprehensive central control computer 74 including a ROM, etc., and information presentation means (not shown) for printing and displaying various information calculated by the comprehensive central control computer 74 are installed. On the other hand, a district central control center 71 is established for each predetermined district (for example, A district, B district, C district), and this district central control center has CP
U, RAM.

A centralized hall management computer 72 including a ROM, etc., and an information presentation means (for printing and displaying various information calculated by the centralized hall management computer 72)
(not shown) is installed.

The centralized hall management computer 72 mainly includes:
It has a function of comprehensively managing the gaming halls 1 in the district to which it belongs (for example, district A). On the other hand, in the game hall 1, C
A hall management computer 70 including PU, RAM, ROM, etc. for managing information within the game hall;
Information presentation means (not shown) that prints and displays various information calculated by the hall management computer 70
A card ball lending machine 5, a card vending machine 7, etc., which are examples of a game media lending device, are also provided.

In the figure, 75 is a retail store for selling cards, and a card vending machine 7 is installed therein.

The comprehensive central management computer 74. Central hall management computer 72 and hall management computer 7
0 are connected to each other via communication lines, as indicated by solid line arrows, and are in a state where information can be transmitted.

In such a configuration, first, the card sales company 73 sells cards to each retail store 75 and each gaming hall 1 (see the arrow indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure).

In exchange, each retail store 75 and the game hall 1 pay the card sales company 73 (see the broken line arrow in the figure). Then, a user such as a player pays for a card using the card vending machine 7 in the retail store 75 or the card vending machine 7 installed in the game hall, and then uses the card to lend out the cards. Insert into machine 5. If the inserted card is a proper card, a desired number of game media such as pachinko balls are lent out. The player can play a game using the game machine using the loaned game medium. Then, the usable amount of the card is subtracted and updated by the amount corresponding to the pachinko balls lent out by the card ball lending machine 5, and the fee associated with the amount of card usage is sent to each game by the card sales company 73. Paid in place 1. The comprehensive central management computer 74. The centralized hall management computer 72 and the hall management computer 70 constitute a plurality of information processing means distributed at predetermined locations. In addition, communication lines connecting the respective information processing means and wiring (solid line arrows in the figure) connecting the card ball rental machine 5 and the hall management computer 70 are used to connect the recording medium reading means to be described later and the plurality of predetermined pieces of information. A transmission path is configured for transmitting information between the processing means and a predetermined plurality of information processing means and a verification information storage means to be described later.

FIG. 2 is an overall schematic plan view of the gaming hall 1.

Each gaming machine installation island 2 arranged in the gaming hall has pinball gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and arranged ball pachinko gaming machines. A plurality of gaming machines such as coin gaming machines 4 such as slot machines are arranged. Furthermore, a card ball lending machine 5 and a card coin lending machine 6, which is an example of a game media lending device, are also provided. Furthermore, a card vending machine 7 is arranged at one end of the predetermined gaming machine installation island 2. Those card vending machines 7
゜Card ball rental machine 5. The card/coin lending machine 6 and the gaming machine are connected to a hall management computer 9 by wiring, and are configured to be able to send and receive information to and from each other. On the other hand, as described above, the hall management computer 9 is connected to the centralized hall management computer 72 and the integrated central management computer 74 via a communication line.

Note that a card payment machine may be installed within the game hall 1 that allows payment of the amount of money used with a card. In addition, in the figure, 8 indicates a prize ball counter or a coin counter, which counts the number of prize balls obtained with the pinball game machine 3 and the number of coins obtained with the coin game machine 4, and calculates the counted value. This information is sent to the hall management computer and used as business information.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram showing recorded information recorded on a magnetic card 20, which is an example of a recording medium, and FIG. 4 is a front view showing the magnetic card 20.

The magnetic card 20 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as plastic into a plate shape, and a magnetic stripe 2 is formed on a part of the plate.
1 is formed. Further, one of the corners of the magnetic card 20 is cut off, and the structure is such that the direction in which the magnetic card 20 is inserted into the machine can be detected using this missing part. Furthermore, the magnetic card 20 has a number attached to it to display the amount of money that can be used, which decreases as the card is used, and a punch hole or the like is punched above the number that corresponds to the current amount of money that can be used. card so that it can be recognized by the card user.

Information shown in FIG. 3 is recorded on the magnetic stripe 21. i.e. card number, store (vending machine)
This information includes the code, card amount, available amount, usage code, etc. The card price is the price of the magnetic card 20 at the time when it is sold, and in other words, it is the amount of money that can be used when the magnetic card 20 is not used at all. In addition, the usage code is used to determine whether the card has been used before.
This usage code is "0" when it is not used, and is rewritten to "1" if it is used even once. Then, each time it is used, the usable amount is subtracted by the usage amount and rewritten to a new amount. In addition, the store (vending machine) code corresponds to the number of the card vending machine where the card was sold, and if the card is sold at a retail store that does not have a card vending machine installed, the Store code number is recorded. This store (vending machine) code is
When the card is used for the first time, it is stored in the integrated central management computer. This store (vending machine) code constitutes information that specifies the location where the recording medium was sold. Further, as the sales location specifying information, both the vending machine code and the store (including game hall) code may be recorded, and furthermore, a symbol representing the sales district may be recorded. One line of card information shown in FIG. 3 is recorded on one magnetic card. Note that, as shown in FIG. 3, card numbers 5022 to 5025 are missing, but this is because the usable amount of the card became "0" and was discarded as a used card. Note that, as will be described later, when the usable amount of the magnetic card 20 becomes, for example, 1000 yen or less, it may be deleted from the memory of the general central management computer 74.

Furthermore, as the information to be stored in the magnetic card 20, card expiration date information can be considered as necessary.

For example, when recording information, a magnetic head is moved in a zigzag manner on the magnetic stripe 21 to record information on the magnetic stripe 21 of the magnetic card 20 shown in FIG. Construct recorded information so that it cannot be easily amended. moreover,
The security of the card is improved by checking whether the position of the punch hole formed to display the available amount of money matches the available amount of money recorded on the magnetic stripe 21. Configure to obtain. Furthermore, printing other than magnetic recording is applied to the card using a recording means other than magnetic recording (for example, printing with a thermal printer),
As the card is used, the card's usable amount in the recorded area other than the magnetic recording area is also updated, and when the card is used, it is checked whether the usable amount of both the magnetic stripe 21 and the recorded area other than the magnetic recording area match. It is also conceivable to configure the card so that the security of the card can be improved. Although the magnetic card 20 is shown as having a rectangular flat plate shape, the present invention is not limited to this.
It may be rod-shaped or the like, and the shape is not limited. Also,
Various types of cards can be considered, such as an IC card, a card using an optical disk memory, a card with a bar code printed thereon, or a card with punched holes formed therein.

FIG. 5 is an overall front view showing an example of a card vending machine used in the present invention. FIG. 6 is a back view showing a part of the internal structure of the card vending machine.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the control circuit of the card vending machine. Further, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 5, the card vending machine 8 has a
A coin slot 39 and a bill slot 40 are provided,
It is configured to allow the customer to insert coins as well as banknotes. The amount of money inserted is displayed on the inserted amount display 38. In the figure, 48 is a sales card price selection button, which is a button for selecting the price of the card to be purchased. Reference numeral 47 is a card number selection button, which is used to select the number of cards to be purchased. When the card purchaser selects and presses the sales card selection button 48, the selected amount is displayed on the amount display 43, and when the card purchaser presses the number of cards selection button 47, the selected amount is displayed on the number display 44. It is configured to display the number of sheets. By pressing the sales button 49, the selected number of cards of the selected amount are dispensed from the card dispensing opening 45. Note that a predetermined type of card may be unconditionally paid out using the inserted currency. On the other hand, if the user makes a mistake in selecting a card, by pressing the cancel button 50, the previous operation of the selection button can be canceled and a new selection can be made. If there is change after the card is paid out, the change dispensing port 4 that dispenses coins
Change is dispensed from a change dispensing port 46 which dispenses 1 and banknotes. Note that 42a in the figure is a discontinuation indicator, which is used to display that card sales are currently discontinued. Further, 42b is a sales indicator, which is used to display that cards are currently being sold.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 52 denotes a coin sorting machine, which is used to sort coins inserted from the coin slot 39 according to their denominations. Reference numeral 51 denotes a banknote sorting machine, which is used to sort the inserted banknotes by denomination.

Reference numerals 54 and 55 denote a change holding and returning mechanism, which temporarily holds inserted coins and banknotes and returns and dispenses the change when change is needed.

56 is a control unit for controlling the card vending machine.

Next, the control circuit of the card vending machine will be explained based on FIG.

The control circuits are broadly classified into a cash mechanism 76, a display mechanism 77, a selection instruction mechanism 79, and so on. It consists of a card issuing mechanism 80 and a control mechanism 78.

First, the money mechanism 76 will be explained. The money mechanism 76 includes a coin slot 39 , and coins inserted through the coin slot 39 are sorted by a coin sorter 52 and further counted by a coin counter 57 . On the other hand, the bill slot 40
The banknotes inserted are sorted by a banknote sorter 51 and counted by a banknote counter 57. and money counter 5
The count signal counted in step 7 is sent to the control section 56 of the control mechanism 78. On the other hand, the coin sorting machine 52 and the banknote sorting machine 51
Some of the money that has passed through the change holding and returning mechanism 54.55
Change return slots 41 and 46 are used when change is required.
will be returned from. Further, the money counted by the money counter 57 is finally stored in a safe 58.

Next, the selection instruction mechanism 79 will be explained. When the sales card amount selection button 48 is operated to suppress, the operation signal is provided to the control unit 56 via the signal acquisition circuit 61. When the sales card number selection button 47 is suppressed, the operation signal is transmitted to the control unit 56 via the signal acquisition circuit 61.
given to.

When the sales button 49 is suppressed, the operation signal is given to the control section 56 via the signal acquisition circuit 61. When the cancel button 50 is operated, the operation signal is given to the control section 56 via the signal acquisition circuit 61.

Next, the display mechanism 77 will be explained. The control signal from the control section 56 is given to each display via the display driver 60. As a result, the input amount display 38. On sale indicator 42b, cancellation indicator 42a, sale card amount indicator 4
3. The sales card number display 44 is lit and displayed.

Next, the card issuing mechanism 80 will be explained. Card issuing mechanism 8
0 is given a control signal from the control section 56, the card is conveyed from the card paper stock section 62 to the data writing section 63, and store (vending machine) code data is written on the magnetic stripe 21. The card is conveyed to the data printing section 64 and necessary data is printed on the card surface, and then the card passes through the ticket issuing processing section 53 and is dispensed from the card dispensing port 45.

Note that the data printing section 64 may not be provided, and necessary data may be written on the card in advance.

Next, the control mechanism 78 will be explained. The control mechanism 78 includes a control section 56, an input amount storage section, and a change storage section 59. The control unit 56 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. ROM
A program for controlling the length is incorporated in FIG. 7. In addition, numeral 10 in the figure is a power supply circuit, which is used to supply necessary current to the various devices and control circuit portions.

Next, the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7 will be explained based on FIG. 8.

First, in step S1, it is determined whether the card vending machine is in a state where it can sell or not. If it is determined that the card vending machine is not in a state where it can sell, the process proceeds to step S2, and the cancellation indicator 42a displays a cancellation. Further, when the card vending machine is in a state where it can sell (that is, a state where conditions such as having a fixed amount of cards and change are met), a YES determination is made in step S1 and the process proceeds to step S3, where the on-sale indicator 42b Displays that the product is on sale, and proceeds to step S4.
A determination is made as to whether coins or banknotes have been inserted;
It will wait until input. If the person who wants to purchase a card inserts coins or bills from the coin slot 39 or the bill slot 40, a YES determination is made in step S4 and the process proceeds to step S5, in which it is determined whether the coins or bills are genuine or not. If it is determined that the currency is not genuine, the process proceeds to step S6, the inserted coin is returned, and the process returns to step S4. On the other hand, if the inserted coins or banknotes are determined to be genuine, the process proceeds to step S7, where the amount of the inserted coins is counted and memorized, and the process proceeds to step S8, where the inserted amount display 38 indicates the amount of the inserted coins. is displayed and the process advances to step S9. In step S9, it is determined whether or not a sales card selection button has been operated, and the process waits until it is operated. If the customer selects and operates the sales card amount selection button 48, a YES determination is made in step S9, and the process proceeds to step S10, where the selected amount is displayed on the amount display 43, and step S
Proceed to step 11. In step 811, it is determined whether the cancel button has been operated or not. If the cancel button has been operated, the process advances to step S10, and the display 43.4
4 is erased and the process proceeds to step S9.

On the other hand, if the cancel button 50 is not pressed,
When a NO determination is made in step Sll, the process proceeds to step S13, where it is determined whether or not the sheet number selection button has been operated, and the process waits until it is operated. Then, when the customer selects and operates the card number selection button 47, a YES determination is made in step 813, and the process proceeds to step s14, where the selected number of cards is displayed on the card number display 44, and the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, it is determined whether or not the cancel button has been operated. If not, the process proceeds to step S16, where it is determined whether or not the sell button has been operated. If not, the process returns to step S15. A loop is formed that returns to . During this loop, when the customer presses the cancel button 50, step S1
5, a YES determination is made and the process proceeds to step 517, and after turning off the display on the displays 43 and 44, the process returns to step S9. On the other hand, in the middle of the loop, when the customer presses the sales button 49, step S
16, the process proceeds to step 918, where the vending machine numbers are recorded on all the selected cards, and the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the card information of the selected card is transmitted to the hall management computer, and the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20,
It is determined whether there is change or not, and the change storage unit 59
If it is determined that there is change based on the memory, the process proceeds to step S21, and after dispensing the change, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no change, the process directly returns to step S1 without dispensing change. In addition, instead of or in addition to the cancel button 50, a return button for inserted money may be provided, and the inserted money may be returned by pressing the return button.

Further, the sales card number display 44 displays the number of cards "1" when any of the sales card amount selection buttons 48 is suppressed.
” may be displayed, and then when any of the sales card number selection buttons 47 is suppressed, the number display may be changed.

Furthermore, instead of providing the number of cards selection button 47,
The number of cards to be sold may be detected and displayed in response to the number of times the sales card amount selection button 48 is pressed.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing the gaming machine 3 and the card ball lending machine 5 arranged on the gaming machine installation island.

A pachinko game machine 3, which is an example of a game machine, has a game area 12 formed by a game board, in which a player inserts pachinko balls, which are an example of game media, into a prize ball storage tray 13, and presses the ball-striking operation handle. 14, the pachinko balls are driven into the gaming area 12 one by one. When the driven pachinko balls enter a predetermined winning hole, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out into the prize ball storage tray 13.

5 in the figure is a card ball lending machine which is an example of a gaming media lending machine.Hereinafter, the card ball lending machine will be explained as a representative of the gaming media lending machine, and other types such as card coin lending machines will be explained. A description of the game media lending machine will be omitted. Note that the card ball lending machine does not only rent out balls using cards (or may also have a function for directly inserting money and lending balls).The card ball lending machine 5 has a recording medium insertion slot. A card insertion slot 16 is provided as an example.The amount of money that can be used with the card inserted into this card insertion slot 16 is displayed on an amount display 17. In order to borrow pachinko balls within the range of the amount selected, the player selects and operates the rental signal command button 18. Then, pachinko balls corresponding to the amount selected by the player are released from the rental ball release port 19. .The number of rental balls is 1 card.
A predetermined number of coins may be paid out each time the coin is inserted. Further, reference numeral 15 in the figure is a loaning indicator, which is used to display to the player that pachinko balls are being loaned.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the internal structure of the card ball lending machine.

When the magnetic card 20 on which the magnetic stripe 21 is formed is inserted from the card insertion slot 16, the magnetic card insertion detection switch 22 detects the inserted magnetic card. Then, the card is transported by the card transport mechanism 24, and the card information recorded on the magnetic stripe 21 is read by the card data reading/writing element 23, which is an example of a recording medium reading means. Further, this card data reading and writing device 23 also serves as information reading means provided in the game media lending device for reading information specifying the sales location. Card data reading/writing element 2
Based on the card information read by 3, the amount of money that can be used for that card is displayed on the amount display 17,
Based on the display, the player presses the ball rental signal command button 18.
Select and operate. Then, the ball lending processing solenoid 32 is excited and controlled, and the transmission link 31. The partition member 29 is rotated around the rotation fulcrum 27 via the locking portion 28, and the partition member 2
Partition 9 to prevent the pachinko balls above from falling down.
The release valve 33 is opened to release the pachinko balls stored in the rental ball storage pipe 30 into the rental ball storage section 34. Then, when the player pushes up the rental ball release port 19, the pachinko balls stored in the rental ball storage section 34 are released from the rental ball release port 19 toward the player. . in this way,
By controlling the two partition members with the ball rental processing solenoid 32, the amount of pachinko balls released into the rental ball storage section 34 can be controlled. In addition, 26 in the figure is a pachinko ball deficiency detector, and when the upper surface of the pachinko balls in the pachinko ball supply pipe 25 falls below this pachinko ball deficiency detector 26, the pachinko ball deficiency detector 26 is activated. The sensor is configured to operate and derive a detection signal.

Based on the detection signal from the pachinko ball shortage detector 26, card sales are stopped.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling the card ball rental machine 5. As shown in FIG.

The control circuit includes a control section 35, and this control section 35 includes a C
It includes PU, RAM, ROM, etc.

This control section 35 includes a card insertion detection switch 2.
2, a read information signal from the card data read/write element 23, a detection signal from the ball shortage detector 26, and a selection operation signal from the ball rental signal command button 18 are input. Also, from this control section 35, a write control signal is output to the card data reading/writing device 23, and a control signal is given to the ball loan processing solenoid 32 via the solenoid driver 36. Display control signals are applied to the amount display 17 and the payout display 15 via the driver 37, respectively. Note that the control unit 35 and the hall management computer are connected by wiring.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 11. Also, Figure 13A, 1
FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing another embodiment for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 11.

In step S25, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the insertion switch, and the process waits until the input is received. Then, when the player inserts the card from the card insertion slot 16, a detection signal from the magnetic card insertion detection switch 22 is input to the control unit 35, and a YES determination is made in step S25, and the process proceeds to step S26, where the card is transported. The mechanism 24 is moved to take in the card, and the process proceeds to step S27, where the card data reading/writing element 23 reads the card information. Next, the process proceeds to step S28, and the step S2
The read information read by Step 7, that is, the card information and the ball lending machine number into which the card is inserted, is transmitted to the hall management computer, and the process proceeds to step S29, where the process waits until a reply is received from the hall management computer. The hall management computer sends a reply to the effect that an abnormal situation has occurred in step S94, which will be described later, and also sends a reply to the effect that the information card is an appropriate information card in steps 5100 and 5116. If there is a reply from the hall management computer, a YES determination is made in step S29, and the process proceeds to step S30, where it is determined whether or not the reply indicates that the card is an appropriate information card. If the reply is not that it is an appropriate information card, it is a reply that an abnormal situation has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S31, after which processing is performed when an abnormal situation occurs, the card is collected or returned to the cabin in step S32, and the card is returned again. Return to step S25. Note that the process performed in step S31 when an abnormal situation occurs may include sounding an alarm or lighting or blinking an abnormal situation lamp.

On the other hand, if the hall management computer returns a reply indicating that the card is an appropriate information card based on steps 5100 and 5116, which will be described later, then the answer is YES in step S30.
When the determination S is made, the process proceeds to step 333, where the amount data is displayed on the amount display 17 for the player to recognize.
In step S34, it is determined whether or not the selection button has been operated, and the process waits until the selection button is operated. Then, when the player selects and operates the ball rental signal command button 18, a YES determination is made in step S34, and the process proceeds to step S35, where it is determined that "selection type ≦ remaining amount", and the remaining amount, that is, the use of the inserted card. If the amount selected by the player using the ball rental signal command button is larger than the possible amount, a negative determination is made in step S35, the process proceeds to step S36, and after error processing is performed, the process returns to step S34. This is a process that is performed because the player's selected amount exceeds the usable amount of the inserted card, so pachinko balls equivalent to the selected amount cannot be lent out with the inserted card. It is. On the other hand, if the selected amount is equal to or less than the remaining amount, a YES determination is made in step S35, and the process proceeds to step S37, where the solenoid driver is controlled according to the selected amount, and the number of solenoid drivers is controlled according to the selected amount. pays out the pachinko balls, proceeds to step 838, displays the usable amount of the card after paying out the pachinko balls, that is, the remaining amount,
Proceed to step 839.

In step S39, it is determined whether or not there is still a remaining amount, that is, the usable amount of the inserted card. If there is, the process proceeds to step S40, and the usable amount data of the card is transferred to the new usable amount. The amount is rewritten, the process proceeds to step S41, the card information with the new usable amount is sent to the hall management computer, and the process returns to step S25. Note that the usable amount may be rewritten by the hall management computer. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S39 that there is no remaining amount, the process proceeds to step 342, and after the card is collected on board the aircraft, the process proceeds to step 343, where the remaining amount, that is, the card's usable amount is "0". is sent to the hall management computer and the process returns to step S25. Note that in step S42, the card may be released to the player instead of being collected into the machine.

Alternatively, cards may be collected in a concentrated manner at one location.

Next, another example of the control circuit shown in FIG.
This will be explained based on FIG. A and FIG. 13B.

Steps S50 to 372 shown in FIG. 13A
At the same time as the processing is executed, the interrupt program shown in FIG. 13B is executed once every predetermined time (4 msec). Therefore, this Figure 13A.

In order to execute the program shown in FIG. 13B, a pulse frequency dividing circuit (an interrupt pulse generating circuit) that divides a clock signal and periodically supplies an interrupt pulse to the MPU is required to run the program shown in FIG. 13B. ) is necessary.

First, let's explain the interrupt program. In step S80, it is determined whether there is a reply from the hall management computer, and if there is no reply, the interrupt program ends. On the other hand, if there is a reply from the hall management computer, the process advances to step S81, where it is determined whether the reply is to the effect that an abnormal situation has occurred, and if the reply is not to the effect that an abnormal situation has occurred (steps 5100, 5l1).
Since the reply from 6) is a reply indicating that the card is an appropriate information card, the process proceeds to step S82, where the information that the card is an appropriate information card is stored in the storage section of the control section 35, and the interrupt program ends. On the other hand, if the reply from the hall management computer is a reply to the effect that an abnormal situation has occurred (in the case of the reply in step S94), the process proceeds to step 883, where the occurrence of an abnormal situation and the card number of the abnormal information card are sent. The interrupt program is then stored in the storage section of the control section and ends.

Next, the program shown in FIG. 13A will be explained.

In step S50, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the insertion switch, and the process waits until there is an input. Then, when the player inserts a card from the card insertion slot 16, a detection output from the magnetic card insertion detection switch 22 is given to the control section 35, and step S50 returns Y.
When the determination S is made, the process proceeds to step 551, where the transport mechanism is moved to take in the card, and the process proceeds to step S52, where the card information is read by the card data reading/writing element 23.

Next, the process proceeds to step 853, where the card information and ball rental machine number are sent to the hall management computer, which determines whether or not the card information is appropriate. However, without waiting for the response of the judgment result of the suitability of the card, the process immediately proceeds to step S54, and the card amount is displayed on the amount display 1.
7 is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S55, where it is determined whether or not there is an operation on the selection button, and the process waits until there is an operation. When the player selects and operates the ball rental signal command button 18, a YES determination is made in step S55, and the process proceeds to step S56, where it is determined that "selected amount ≦ remaining amount". If the selected amount, that is, the amount selected by the player by operating the ball rental signal command button 18, is larger than the remaining amount, that is, the usable amount of the inserted card, the process advances to step S57, and after error processing is performed, step Return to S55 again. On the other hand, if the selected amount is smaller than or equal to the remaining amount, the process advances to step 858, where it is determined whether or not there is a memory of the occurrence of the abnormal situation, and step S8
3, if there is a memory of an abnormal situation, step S58
A determination of YES is made, and the process proceeds to step S59.
After processing when an abnormal situation occurs, the process advances to step S84, where the memory of the occurrence of an abnormal situation and the memory of the card number of the abnormal information card are cleared, and the process returns to step S50. Various types of processing can be considered when an abnormal situation occurs in step S59, such as sounding an alarm or lighting or flashing an abnormal situation display lamp.

On the other hand, if at the time of the judgment in step 858, the reply regarding the suitability of the inserted card has not yet been received from the hall management computer, a No judgment is made in step 358, and in that case, Proceeding to step S60, the solenoid driver is controlled according to the selected amount of money to pay out the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the selected amount of money. That is, the pachinko balls are put out without waiting for the judgment result from the hall management computer. In this case, instead of paying out the number of pachinko balls according to the selected amount, control may be performed so that the payout is limited to the minimum unit of pachinko balls. Note that the pachinko balls may be paid out after waiting for the result of the suitability determination. Next step S
The process proceeds to step S61, where the remaining amount is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S62, where it is determined whether there is any remaining amount. If there is a remaining amount, the process proceeds to step 863, where the card data reading/writing element 23 rewrites the usable amount data of the card with new data, and the process proceeds to step S66. Step 366
Then, it is determined whether or not there is a memory of the occurrence of an abnormal situation. If not, the process proceeds to step S67, and it is determined whether or not there is a memory that the card is a normal information card. If there is no memory, the process proceeds to step S67. A loop returning to step S66 is formed. During this loop, there is a reply from the hall computer, and if the reply is to the effect that an abnormal situation has occurred, a YES determination is made in step S66 and the process proceeds to step S59. On the other hand, if the reply is that it is an appropriate information card, a YES determination is made in step S67, and step S6
5, the inserted card is ejected, the process proceeds to step 868, the card information indicating the new available amount is sent to the hall management computer, and the process proceeds to step S75, where the memory indicating that the card is an appropriate information card is cleared. After step S
Return to 50. Note that step 563 and step S6
6, a step is inserted to determine whether or not there is a memory of the occurrence of an abnormal situation, and if it is determined that there is no memory of the occurrence of an abnormal situation, the card is immediately released. May be controlled. In that case, if the occurrence of an abnormal situation is recorded in step 883 after the card is released, the accident card registration application is controlled in step 5112, which will be described later, based on the memory of the card number of the abnormal information card. It is desirable to do this automatically.

Further, during the loop including steps S66 and S67, the determination in step S50 is not performed, so even if the card is inserted into the card insertion slot 16, the card is not captured in step S51. do not have. Therefore, even if the loop including steps S66 and S67 is in the middle of the loop, control may be provided to import the next inserted card, and the previous card after importing is the abnormal information card. If it is determined that the abnormality information card is stored, the abnormality information card may be specified based on the storage of the card number of the abnormality information card.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a program installed in, for example, the hall management computer 70 in area A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

First, in step S85, it is determined whether or not there is a reception from the card vending machine, and if there is no reception, step S85 is performed.
The process proceeds to step S86, where it is determined whether or not there is a reception from the ball lending machine. If there is no reception, the process proceeds to step S87, where it is determined whether or not there is an application for registration of an accident card, and there is no registration application. If so, the process advances to step S88, where it is determined whether or not there is reception from the centralized hall management computer.If there is no reception, the process advances to step S89, where it is determined whether or not the hall has closed on -day. A loop is formed in which the process returns to step S85 again if the process is not yet completed. During this loop, if card information is transmitted from the card vending machine in step S19, a YES determination is made in step S85 and the process proceeds to step S90, where the vending machine number and the card amount of the vending card are stored. Then, the process returns to step S85.

Further, the step 82g, S41, 843 or step S53. S68. If there is a transmission from the ball lending machine in S72, YES is determined in step 886 and the process advances to step S91. There are three types of information received from the ball lending machine: card information, ball lending machine number, card information with a new available amount, and card information with a balance of "0". If it is the information and ball rental machine number, step S91 returns YE.
A determination of S is made and the process advances to step S92.

In step S92, it is determined whether or not the received card information is an accident card by comparing the memory of the accident card with the received card information. If it is an accident card, the process proceeds to step S94 and the abnormal situation is detected. The occurrence is transmitted to the ball rental machine, the process proceeds to step 895, abnormality processing is performed, and the process returns to step S85. In step S94, based on the fact that the reply information from the reply means described later is information indicating that the recording medium is inappropriate, the ball lending machine uses the recording medium determined to be inappropriate. Disallowance signal output means is configured to output a signal indicating disapproval. In addition, in the abnormality processing in step S95, for example, the occurrence of an abnormal situation is displayed on the display of the hall management computer, the ball rental machine number where the abnormal situation occurred, the installation location of the ball rental machine, and an abnormality information card. It is conceivable to display the card number.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S92 that the card is not an accident card, the process proceeds to step 893, where the authenticity of the card information is checked. To check the authenticity of this card information, as mentioned above, check the consistency between the card's usable amount recorded on the magnetic stripe 21 and the position of the punch hole, or check the authenticity of the information recorded on the magnetic stripe 21. Whether or not the information is recorded in a standard zigzag pattern, or if a recording means other than magnetic recording means is provided, whether the recorded content matches the recorded content within the magnetic stripe 21. etc. to judge. In other words,
The check in step 393 is a check that is determined only from the information recorded on the card. Then, the process proceeds to step S84, and as a result of the authenticity check, it is determined whether or not the card is an abnormal information card. If it is determined that the card is an abnormal information card, the process proceeds to step S94, but it is determined that the card is not an abnormal information card. If it is determined that the card amount is 1,000 yen or less, the process proceeds to step S96, where it is determined whether the card amount is 1,000 yen or less. If it is determined that the card amount is 1,000 yen or less, the process directly returns to step S85. That is, when a card with a card amount of 1,000 yen or less is inserted into the card ball rental machine, the suitability determination based only on the card information in step 39B is performed. Note that in the judgment made in step S96, the card amount is not limited to r1000 yen, but may be 2000 yen,
It may be 3,000 yen, or any amount as long as it is a relatively low card amount. In addition, in the determination in step S96, instead of determining whether the card amount is large, it may be determined whether the usable amount of the card is large. That is, if the available amount of the card is already 1000 yen or less as a result of the card being used, a YES determination is made in step S96 and the process returns to step S85, and the available amount of the card is still 1000 yen or less.
If more than 0.000 yen remains, N is determined in step S96.
Control may be performed such that a determination of O is made and the process proceeds to step S97. In this case, the available amount of the card is 100
If it falls below 0 yen, the hall management computer 70. The card information corresponding to the card whose value is less than 1000 yen in the central hall management computer 72 and the comprehensive central management computer 74 may be deleted. In that case, if a card with a usable amount of 1,000 yen or less is forged and the usable amount is increased to more than 1,000 yen, if the counterfeit card is used, Since the card is not already stored in the hall management computer 70, it is possible to immediately determine that the card is an abnormal information card.

Next, if the determination in step S96 is No, the process proceeds to step S97, where it is determined whether or not the card has already been used in this hole today.If it is determined that the card has already been used, step Proceeding to S98, the card information is compared with the information stored in the hall management computer to check whether the card information is correct. In other words, if the card inserted into the card ball lending machine is a card that has already been used at this hole today, the card information has already been recorded in the hall management computer in step 5117, which will be described later. By comparing the information stored in the hall management computer with the sent card information, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the information is appropriate. Note that the "memory information" in step S98 has contents as shown in FIG. 15, for example. That is, the card number and the card amount and available amount corresponding to that card number. Note that the usable store code number may be recorded. For example, code 100 can be used at any gaming parlor, but code 20 can be used only at a limited number of gaming parlors. For example, if a card sold at a card vending machine installed in District B or C is used at a game hall in District A, the card information for District B or C will also be stored ( (In Figure 15, information on double-folding with card number 12044.83259). Furthermore, the first
The card information shown in FIG. 5 is stored not only for that day but also for the next day, and from step 5971 onwards, the card information is controlled to be determined whether it has already been used in this hole yesterday or today. You can. Next, the process proceeds to step S99, and if it is determined that the card is an abnormal information card as a result of the check in step S98, the process proceeds to step S94, and if it is determined that the card is not an abnormal information card, the process proceeds to step 5100, After replying to the ball lending machine that it is an information card, the process returns to step S85.

If the determination in step S97 is No, the process advances to step 5101, where it is determined whether the card has been used in any hole in the past, and if the card has never been used, If a NO determination is made, the process proceeds to step 5102, where the necessary card information is sent to the general central management computer and step S85
Return to

On the other hand, if the card has been used at least once in the past,
If YES is determined in step 5101, the process proceeds to step 8103, where the district to which the card belongs is determined based on the vending machine number in the card information, and step 510
Proceeding to step S85, the necessary card information is sent to the centralized hall management computer in that area, and the process returns to step S85.

In other words, if the card has been used at least once in the past, the card information is recorded in the central hall management computer of the district to which the card belongs, so the card information cannot be sent to that central hall management computer. However, if the card has never been used before, the card information is only stored in the comprehensive central control computer, so in that case, the general central control computer It is necessary to send it to the management computer and have it judge whether it is appropriate or not. In steps S28, 553, 5103 and 5104, the information processing means designated by the designation means described later,
Information transmitting means is configured to transmit the read information of the recording medium that is the designated target.

Next, if the determination in step S91 is NO, the process proceeds to step 5105, where it is determined whether or not the card information with the new amount has been received, and the card information with the new amount is determined. If it is determined that the card has been received, the process advances to step 5109, where the district to which the card belongs is determined based on the vending machine number, and the process proceeds to step 5I.
IOI: Proceed and send a notification that the necessary card information and available amount have been rewritten to the central hall management computer in the district to which the card belongs. Note that the card information derived from the hall management computer is unconditionally sent to the centralized hall management computer for the location of the hall, and from there it is transferred directly or via the integrated central management computer to a predetermined centralized hall management computer. You can do it like this. Next, the process advances to step 5111, and the stored content in the usable amount column is corrected to a new amount, and the process returns to step S85. The steps 5107, 5104 and step 5110 constitute read information output means that outputs read information read by the recording medium reading means. Also, step 5106.81
0B, 5109 and a communication line connecting each hall management computer and the centralized hall management computer 72 or the mutual centralized management computer 74, the read information output from the read information output means is transmitted to the district of the district to which the read information belongs. An information guiding means is configured to guide the information to the internal central control center.

This information guidance means not only directs the read information to the central control center in the district where the card is sold, but also to the central central control center in the district where the card is used for the first time. There may be.

Next, if the determination in step 5105 is No, this means that card information with the usable amount of "0" has been sent, so the process proceeds to step 5106, and the vending machine in the card information is The district to which the card belongs is determined based on the number, and the process proceeds to step 5107, where necessary card information and the fact that the available amount of money is "0" are sent to the central hall management computer of the district to which the card belongs. Send. Then, the process proceeds to step 5108, in which the usable amount column in the storage contents of the hall management computer is corrected to "0", and the process returns to step S85.

Next, if the staff at the amusement center applies for registration of an accident card,
A YES determination is made in step S87, and the process advances to step 5112. This accident card can be applied for registration if the card is stolen, or if it is discovered to be an abnormal information card after being used and the abnormal information card is taken away by a player, or if the card is lost. . In step 5112, the card information of the accident card is sent to the general central management computer, and the process returns to step S85.

Next, if there is a reception from the centralized hall management computer, a YES determination is made in step 88g, and the process proceeds to step 8113. From the centralized hall management computer, steps 5140. Step 3139. Step 5147. Step 5149
．． Each piece of information is sent in step 5150.

If the content received from the central hall management computer is information regarding the suitability of card information, a YES determination is made in step 8113 and step 511
The process proceeds to step S94, where it is determined whether or not the reception indicates that the card is an abnormality information card.If the reception indicates that the card is an abnormality information card, the process proceeds to step S94; however, if the reception does not indicate that the card is an abnormality information card, the process proceeds to step S94. The process proceeds to step 5116, in which a message indicating that the card is appropriate is sent to the ball rental machine, and the process proceeds to step 5117, in which the card information of the appropriate information card is stored in the hall management computer (see FIG. 15), and the process returns to step S85. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 8113 that the card information is not received as appropriate, the received information is specified as accident card information, and the process proceeds to step 5114.
Memorize the information on the sent accident card and proceed to step S8.
Return to 5.

Next, when the gaming facility closes for the day,
If YES is determined in step S89, the process proceeds to step 8118, where the daily sales amount is totaled for each ball rental machine number, and the process proceeds to step 5119, where the total sales amount for all ball rental machines is calculated, and the process proceeds to step 5120. Aggregate the amount spent by card number. Next, the process advances to step 5121, where cards sold at the own store and cards sold at other stores are classified based on the vending machine number, and the total amount spent is calculated for each card sold at the own store and cards sold at other stores. Next, the process proceeds to step 5122, where the number of sales cards for each denomination is totaled, and the process proceeds to step 8123, where the total amount of sales for all ball lending machines is transmitted to the centralized hall management computer. Next, the process proceeds to step 5124, where predetermined information is printed, and then the process proceeds to step 5125, where the card information of the card whose usable amount is "0" is deleted from the memory contents of the hall management computer, and the program ends.

The predetermined information printed in step 5124 is as follows:
For example, the content is as shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B to 18. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a list of sales amounts by ball rental machine number. In the figure, Pi, P
The 2nd place is, for example, the machine number of the pachinko game machine located on the left and right of the No. 1 ball lending machine. On the other hand, Figure tlS16B is a diagram showing a list showing the sales amount for each coin lending machine. In the figure, C1 and C2 mean that, for example, coin gaming machines with the machine number CI h C2 are arranged on the left and right of the coin lending machine with the coin lending machine number 186.

Note that the predetermined information to be printed may be such that a keyboard corresponding to the hall management computer is provided and only the necessary information is printed by performing necessary key operations.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a tabulation of sales amounts. The details include the total sales amount of ball rental machines, the total sales amount of coin rental machines, and the total amount of sales of own-store cards.

These include the total amount of money used for cards sold at other stores, the amount of sales from card vending machines, the total amount of sales from card vending machines, and the number of cards sold by denomination.

FIG. 18 is a diagram in which recorded contents such as accident information are printed. For example, as the contents of the accident information, the ball lending machine number, the time when the accident occurred, the card number of the abnormality information card, the vending machine number where the card was sold, etc. are displayed in a list form. In addition, the total number of prize exchange balls, the total number of prize exchange coins, the actual pachinko machine operating ratio, the actual coin machine operating ratio, etc. may be calculated and displayed.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts showing programs installed in the centralized hall management computer 72 shown in FIG. 1.

First, in step 5130, it is determined whether or not there is reception from the hall computer, and if there is no reception, the process proceeds to step 8131, where it is determined whether or not there is reception from the general central management computer. If there is no reception, the process advances to step 8132, where it is determined whether or not the halls nationwide have closed, and if the operation has not yet ended, a loop is formed in which the process returns to step 5130 again. During this loop, if there is a reception from the hall management computer, step 8130
A YES determination is made, and the process proceeds to step 8133. From the hall management computer, step 51
07. Respective information is transmitted by 5104, 5123.5ILO. Then, if the content received from the hall management computer is the necessary card information and information that the available amount has become "0",
If YES is determined in step 8133, the process proceeds to step 8134, where the usable amount column in the storage contents in the central hall management computer is corrected to "0". Next, the process proceeds to step 5135, where the card information and the fact that the usable amount has become "0" are sent to the general central management computer, and the process returns to step 5130.

On the other hand, if the determination in step 8133 is No, the process proceeds to step 8136, where it is determined whether or not the necessary card information has been received, and the necessary card information is transferred to the centralized hall management based on step 5104. If the data is sent to a computer for use, step 813
If YES is determined in step 6, the process proceeds to step 8137, in which the card information is compared with the card information stored in the centralized hall management computer to determine suitability, and in step 8138, it is determined whether or not the information is proper. Let's do it.

If it is determined that the information is appropriate, the process proceeds to step 5139, and the parlor management computer, which is the source of the read information, that is, the card information read by the card ball rental machine, informs that the card is an appropriate information card. and returns to step 5130. On the other hand, the step 813
If it is determined in step 8 that the card is not a proper card, the process proceeds to step 5140, and a message that the card is an abnormal information card is sent to the hall management computer, which is the source of the read information, and the process returns to step 9130. Step S98. S99,
5137, 51381. :, then, the read information transmitted from the information transmission means is compared with the registered verification information described below to determine the suitability of the read information, and the recording medium is used in the game medium lending device. Appropriateness determining means is configured to determine whether or not to permit the above. Furthermore, in steps 8139 and 5140, a replying means is configured for replying the determination output from the suitability determination means, which will be described later, to the gaming hall that is the source of the bubble reading information that is the object of the determination. .

Next, if the determination in step 8136 is No, the process proceeds to step 5141, where it is determined whether or not the necessary card information and available amount of money have been rewritten, and the process proceeds to step 5110. If the transmission has been made to the centralized hall management computer, a YES determination is made in step 5140 and the process proceeds to step 5142. In step 5142, the stored content in the usable amount column in the centralized hall management computer is updated to the new available amount rewritten in step S40 or step 363.

Next, the process advances to step 8143, where a notification that the card information and available amount of money have been updated is sent to the general central management computer, and the process returns to step 8130.

Next, if the determination in step 5141 is No, the information sent from the hall management computer is specified as the total sales amount of all ball rental machines explained in step 8123. Step 514
The process proceeds to step 4, where the total sales amount of all the ball rental machines and the holes thereof are memorized, and the process returns to step 5130.

Next, if there is a reception from the integrated central management computer, a YES determination is made in step 8131 and the process proceeds to step 5145. From the general central management computer, step 5236. will be described later. Step 8237
．． Information is transmitted through step 5240, respectively. Then, in step 5145, it is determined whether or not the received information is card information, and in step 8237, if card information of an appropriate card is sent, YES.
When the determination S is made, the process proceeds to step 5146, and the card information is stored in the centralized hall management computer. Next, the process proceeds to step 5147, where the card information and the fact that the card is an appropriate information card are sent back to the hall management computer, which is the source of the read information, and step 3130 is performed.
Return to

On the other hand, if the information transmitted from the comprehensive central management computer is not card information, a negative determination is made in step 5145 and the process proceeds to step 5148, where a determination is made as to whether or not it is accident card information. If the card information has been sent, a YES determination is made and the process proceeds to step 5149.
The card information of the accident card is sent to all hall management computers in the district and the process returns to step 8130. Further, if a NO determination is made in step 5148, the identification is made when information indicating that the card is an abnormality information card is transmitted in accordance with step 8236, and the process proceeds to step 5150, where the card is identified as an abnormality information card. This is sent back to the hall management computer that is the source of the read information, and the process returns to step 8130.

Next, if it is determined in step 5132 that the operations of halls nationwide have ended, the process proceeds to step 5155, where the initial value of I-1 is set, and in step 5156,
N-(total number of holes in area A) is defined. Next, proceed to step 5157, and proceed to the hall where A district is located (
In step 1), the amount information for each card used today and sold outside district A is retrieved from the centralized hall management computer of the card sales district, and the total sum is calculated. Then step 5158
Then, the total amount M of all the cards used today in a hole (1) in the A district and sold in the A district is calculated. Next, proceed to step 5159 and move to hole (1).
The total sales amount of all ball rental machines on -day is K (I), and K
(1) Calculate -L+M. Then step 3160
Then, the memory R(I) of the total sales amount of all ball rental machines received from the hall (1) is called up. And step 51
Proceeding to 61, the determination of K (1) - R (I) is made,
If it is determined that they are not equal, step 5162
The process proceeds to step 5164, where it prints out that the billing for the total sales amount for Hall (1) is abnormal, and proceeds to step 5164. In other words, K (1) is the value calculated by the centralized hall management computer of the total sales amount due to the use of the card of hall (1), while R (1) is the value charged by hall (1). This is the total amount of sales due to the use of the card, and the two must originally match. If they do not match, it means that the billing for the total sales amount of Hall (1) is abnormal. On the other hand, if YES is determined in step 5161, the process proceeds to step 8163, where the total sales amount of all the ball rental machines in hall (1) is printed, and the process proceeds to step 5164. In step 5164, an I-N determination is made. If it is determined that 1:I-N has not yet been reached, the process proceeds to step 5165, and after I-1+1 is processed, the process returns to step 5157. Then, if steps 5157 to 5165 are repeated many times, and the process is repeated as many times as the number of holes in area A, the result will be I-N, so a YES determination will be made in step 5164. Then, the process proceeds to step 5166, where a process is performed to total up the 0 cards whose usable amount is "0" in all the holes in the A district. Next step 5
The process proceeds to step 167, and after transmitting the card information of the 0 card to the integrated central management computer, the information of the 0 card is deleted from the storage contents of the hall management computer, and the program ends.

FIG. 20 is an illustrative diagram showing card information stored in the centralized hall management computer in district A.

The central management computer in District A stores card information for cards sold in District A.

The stored contents include, for example, a store (vending machine) code number, card amount, available amount of money, and the like.

Note that the usable store code may be stored as necessary. In the diagram, card numbers 5024 to 502
The number 6 is missing, but this is partly because the card with that card number became a so-called 0 card with a usable amount of ``0'', so it was deleted from memory. In addition, since the usage code is "0", that is, the card is an unused card that has never been used, the card information corresponding to that card number is still in the centralized hall management computer in District A. This is a case where the information is not stored and is stored only in the integrated central management computer.

In addition, as another example, if a card sold in District B or District C is used in District A, the
The card information of the card used may also be transmitted from the general central management computer to the central hall management computer in the district and stored therein. For example, as shown in the lower half of FIG. 20, card information for card number 12044 in district B, card information for card number 83256 in district C, etc. are stored.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing data related to the monthly sales total by game hall and card usage status, which are calculated and displayed or printed out by the centralized hall management computer.

``88.12.1 10:00AMJ'' represents the output date and time of this data, and the upper half contains A
The data represents the game hall with the hall code 001 belonging to the district. The data shown in the lower half is data regarding the gaming hall with hole code 002 belonging to district B. The numbers shown in the sales amount column represent the daily total of today's ball rental amount, coin rental amount, or the sum of both. The number shown in the column of cards sold at own store and used represents the daily usage amount of cards sold at the own store (game hall with hole code 001) before today. Next, the numbers shown in the column of cards used for sales at other stores are those that were used at other stores (hole code 00) before today.
This represents the amount spent each day at this hall for cards sold at game halls other than game hall 1 and card sales stores). Further, the number shown in the column for today's own store card sales represents the total amount of cards sold at the own store for each day. Note that the column for today's own store card sales may indicate the total number of sales cards instead of the total amount of sales cards.

Furthermore, by calculating the ratio between the numbers in the sales amount column and the numbers in the own store sales and use card column, it is possible to determine the percentage of regular customers at the game parlor. In other words, the number in the sales amount column is the sum of the amount used for cards sold at our own stores and the amount used for cards sold at other stores, and is the total amount used for all cards used on that day at the gaming hall. By calculating the ratio of cards sold at own stores to the total amount spent, it is possible to calculate the ratio of cards sold at own stores among all cards used.

For example, the ratio of the amount of credit card used for in-store sales to the amount of sales on November 1st was 71%, and 71% were regular customers.
It can be determined that there is. Therefore, at an amusement park, the percentage of regular customers can be used as a reference for business policies (adjustment of nails, etc.).

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing data regarding the daily sales total for each hall calculated by the centralized hall management computer.

The data shown in FIG. 22 is data that was displayed or printed out at 10:30 pm on November 3, 1988. In the figure, A and B on the left.

C represents the district, and the number shown in the hole code column is a code for identifying the gaming hall.

Further, the numbers shown in the sales amount column represent the sales amount of each game hall. The numbers shown in the column of self-sold cards used represent the amount spent on the self-sold cards of each game hall.

The numbers shown in the column of cards sold at other stores and used represent the amount of money used at the hall today for cards sold at other stores at each game hall. Further, the numbers shown in the column of today's own store card sales represent the total amount of cards sold at the own store today at each game hall. The number in the column for today's own store card sales may be the number of cards sold instead of the amount.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing, for example, data regarding the daily sales total for each card vending machine sold by the centralized hall management computer in district A.

This data was collected on November 5, 1988 at 10:30 p.m.
displayed or printed out in minutes. In the diagram, A, B, and C on the left end represent the districts, and the numbers 1, 2, 3, etc. shown in the card vending machine number column are numbers that identify card vending machines (including card vending stores). The number 018 is a hole code for identifying the hole. In addition, the number shown in the column of total sales amount is the total amount of cards sold by each card vending machine, and is 1000.
This is the total amount of all cards ranging from yen to 10,000 yen.

Note that the number shown in the column of total sales amount may be the total number of sales cards instead of the total amount of sales cards. In addition, the last line of each district in the total sales amount column shows the total sales amount for that district. Note that this total may be expressed in terms of the number of cards sold. Furthermore, the final row of the column of total sales amount shows the total of the total sales amount for all districts. This total may also be expressed in terms of the number of cards sold.

Next, the column of card sales information by denomination shows the number of cards sold by denomination for each card vending machine. In other words, the column for card sales information by denomination is 10000.500.
It is divided into 0,3000.1000° (500) denominations, and the number of cards sold for each denomination is shown. For example, the number 16 displayed under the 10,000 column indicates that 16 cards worth 10,000 yen were sold at the No. 1 card vending machine in the game hall with hole code 018. The chestnut mark shown to the left of the number 16 is a mark that is placed at the corresponding location when the remaining number of cards stored in the card vending machine falls below a certain number, and is a mark to encourage replenishment of cards. It is a sign for In addition, in the column representing each denomination, the last column in each district shows the total number of coins sold by denomination in that district.

The total number of sales cards, which is the sum of the total number of sales cards for each district, is displayed for each denomination in the "Total" column in the last row of the figure. This total number of sold cards provides an estimate of the amount of cards produced for each denomination.

The number indicating the number of cards sold in the column of card sales information by denomination may be the amount of the sold cards. Alternatively, the total number of sold cards (or total sales amount) for each card store (including game halls) may be calculated and printed or displayed based on the number of sold cards by denomination.

Next, FIG. 24 is a diagram showing data regarding the monthly total of the number of cards sold by card vending machines calculated by the centralized hall management computer.

The data shown in FIG. 24 was printed or displayed at 10 a.m. on December 1, 1988. The data shown in the upper half of the diagram is related to the card vending machine with card vending machine number 1 belonging to district A.
Further, in the lower half of the figure, some data regarding the card vending machine with the card vending machine number 2 belonging to the A district is also shown. The number of cards sold by the card vending machine with card vending machine number 1 is shown for each denomination and from November 1st to November 30th. Also, in the row below November 30th, from November 1st
The total number of tickets sold up to January 30th is shown. Furthermore, the total sales amount for each denomination is shown in the row one line below the row representing the total number of coins. The total sales amount is the product of the total number of cards sold and the price of the card. Furthermore, the sum of the total sales amount for each denomination is shown in the total sales amount column.

In addition, the total number of cards sold from the card vending machine from November 1st to November 30th is displayed in the column to the right of the denomination (1,000), regardless of the denomination. It is shown. The last line of that column shows the total number of cards sold from November 1st to November 30th, that is, the total number of cards sold from the card vending machine in one month. Furthermore, the card number of the card sold from the card vending machine is displayed on November 1st in the card number column in the column to the right of the "Total number of cards".
The period from November 1st to November 30th is shown, and the last line of that column shows the card numbers of all cards sold from that card vending machine during the one month period from November 1st to November 30th. has been done. Note that this card number column does not necessarily have to be printed or displayed. Note that instead of showing the number of cards sold by denomination, the card sales amount by denomination may be shown. Furthermore, the number of cards remaining in the card vending machine may be displayed together with the number of cards sold (sales amount), and this may be used as a guide for replenishing when the remaining number becomes low.

FIG. 25 shows data regarding the monthly total number of cards sold calculated by the centralized hall management computer.

This data was printed or displayed at 10 am on December 1, 1988. And this data is
It represents the monthly total for one month from November 1, 1988 to November 30 of the same year.

A and B in the left column of the illustration represent districts, and the total number of cards sold by denomination within the district is shown from November 1st to January 30th. and 1 in that area
The total number of coins sold for a month is calculated and displayed or printed for each denomination. Note that instead of displaying or printing the number of cards sold, the card sales amount may be displayed or printed.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing data regarding the ratio of the remaining amount to the card sales amount by district, calculated by the centralized hall management computer.

The centralized hall management computer uses the data sent from each game hall regarding the number of sold cards by denomination, the sold card number, and the card vending machine where the card was sold on a specific day (for example, November). The total amount (total of predetermined initial monetary equivalent values) of cards sold within the district consisting of 1 day) is calculated by denomination. Next, the total amount for that district is calculated for each denomination based on the amount of money that can be used at the time (for example, November 2nd, November 3rd, November 4th). Then, the ratio of the calculated usable amount of the card for each denomination to the calculated total card amount for each denomination is calculated. The calculation result, the ratio of the remaining amount to the sales amount, is printed or displayed as shown in FIG.

The last line of each district shows the average of the proportions for each denomination, and the last line of FIG. 25 shows the average of all districts. In addition, in the rightmost column of the illustration, 1
The average for the four days up to January 4th is shown.

The calculations explained in FIGS. 21 to 26 above and the printing or display of the calculation results may be performed by the general central management computer instead of the central hall management computer, or the general central management computer and the central hall management computer may be used to print or display the calculation results. This may be done both with the management computer. Furthermore, the above-mentioned information may be aggregated only within a limited range of one gaming hall. The central hall management computer, the integrated central management computer, or the hall management computer constitutes a sales location aggregation means that collects information from the information reading means and performs aggregation regarding sales locations.

Next, a flowchart showing the program installed in the integrated central management computer 74 shown in FIG.
This will be explained based on FIG. 27.

First, in step 8230, it is determined whether or not the card information has been received. If not, the process proceeds to step 5231, where it is determined whether or not the card information and the available amount of money have been updated. A determination is made, and if there is no reception, the process advances to step 8232, and a determination is made as to whether or not the card information of the accident card has been received. If no card information has been received, the process advances to step 8233, and the card information of the 0 card is received. A loop is formed in which it is determined whether or not there is any reception, and if there is no reception, the process returns to step 8230 again. In the middle of this loop, the step 510
If the necessary card information is transmitted according to 2, a YES determination is made in step 8230, and the process proceeds to step 8234, in which the card information and the card information stored in the unused management file of the integrated central management computer are sent. Compare with the above to determine suitability. Then, in step 5235, it is determined whether or not the information card is an appropriate information card. If it is determined that the information card is not an appropriate information card, the process proceeds to step 5236, and a message indicating that the card is an abnormal information card is sent to the central office that sent the card information. A reply is sent to the management computer and the process returns to step 8230. On the other hand, step 82
35, if it is determined that the information is appropriate, the process proceeds to step 5237, and the card information of the appropriate card is
The card information is returned to the centralized hall management computer that sent it, and the process advances to step 8238.

For example, if a card sold in District B or District C is used at a game hall in District A, the step 82
The reply of the card information of the appropriate information card by No. 37 may also be controlled to be sent to the centralized hall management computer in the A area. In other words, if the card is used in District A, there is a high possibility that it will be used in District A in the future, so it is sent back to the centralized hall management computer in District A and the card information of the appropriate information card is stored. It is also effective to leave it alone. Through the steps 8139 and 8237, the reading means in one or more game arcades that are likely to be used for each of the recording media is set to have a higher information transmission distance than the collation information storage means. A designation means for designating the nearby information processing means is configured.

Further, steps 5117 and 8146 constitute a registration means for registering, in the information processing means designated by the designation means, the collation information corresponding to the designated recording medium. Next step 8
At step 238, the card information of the appropriate card is transferred from the unused file to the used management file, and the process returns to step 8230. Further, in determining the suitability of read information, the thoroughness of the suitability determination in step S96 differs depending on the magnitude of the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium. Therefore, in step S96, a more thorough suitability determination is performed when the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium is large, compared to a suitability determination performed when the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium is small. A determination level variable type suitability determination means is configured. In the present embodiment, this judgment level variable type suitability judgment means makes suitability judgment only based on the read card information when the monetary equivalent value is low, and when the monetary equivalent value is high, the suitability judgment is performed from the card information. In addition to determining suitability based only on the read information, the system is configured to perform so-called card back number management by comparing the read card information with pre-stored card information to see if they match. The present invention is not limited to this, and the so-called jersey number management may be performed for both low and large amounts, and the thoroughness of the jersey number management may be varied.

Next, if a message indicating that the card information and available amount of money have been updated is sent in accordance with step 8143, a YES determination is made in step 8231 and the process proceeds to step 8239, in which the available amount of money for that card is updated. The stored content in the column is updated to the new updated amount and the process returns to step 8230.

Further, if the card information of the accident card is transmitted according to step 5112, a YES determination is made at step 8232 and the process proceeds to step 5240, where the card information of the accident card is transmitted to the computer for central hall management and step 8230 is performed. Return to

Further, if the card information of the 0 card is transmitted according to step 8135, a YES determination is made at step 8233, and the process proceeds to step 5241, where the card information of the 0 card is deleted from the storage contents of the integrated central management computer, and step 5230 Return to

FIG. 28 shows card information stored in the integrated central management computer. The specific information contents are district information, card number, store (vending machine) code, card amount, usable amount, and usage code. Additionally, a usable store code may be added if necessary. Also, for example, the card number 5°24.5025 in District A and the card number 12040.12041.12043 in District B are missing, but this is because they have become so-called O cards with a spendable amount of "0". It was erased from memory.

The stored information shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 20, and FIG. 28 constitute collation information for collating recorded information on a plurality of recording media and determining its suitability. The hall management computer 70. The central hall management computer 72 and the comprehensive central management computer 74 constitute a verification information storage means that stores verification information corresponding to each of the plurality of recording media.

Note that the recording medium may be configured to be usable in something other than a game media lending device, such as a vending machine for canned juice or the like installed in a game hall.

Further, as another example according to the present invention, a gaming management equipment shown in FIG. 29 can be considered instead of the gaming management equipment shown in FIG. 1.

In the figure, 1a to 1f are gaming halls, each of which is equipped with a hall management computer 70 and a card data reading/writing device 23, which is an example of a recording medium reading means. The management computer 70 for each hall provided in the gaming hall is
They are connected via communication lines via nodes N, respectively. In this state, if the card sales company 73 (see FIG. 1) sells a predetermined number of cards to the game hall 1a, for example, the record information of the predetermined number of sold cards is stored in the game hall 1a.
The information is stored in the hall management computer 70 as verification information. Then, when a released card is sold from a card vending machine and used, for example, at the game hall 1c, the verification information corresponding to the used card is transferred from the hall management computer 70 of the game hall 1a to the game hall 1c. The information is transmitted to the management computer 70 for the hall of the game hall, and
The card is registered in the hall management computer 70 of c, and the registered verification information is compared with the read information of the used card to determine whether or not the card used is appropriate.

In other words, the fact that the -degree card was used at the game hall 1c means that there is a high possibility that the card will be used at the game hall 1c thereafter, and the hall management computer 70 of the game hall IC with a high possibility of use Since the verification information corresponding to the card is registered in the card, the read information of the card can be immediately verified by the hall management computer 70 of the gaming hall IC when it is used thereafter, and the suitability can be determined. There is no need to transmit the information to the gaming hall 1β, which has the advantage of shortening the transmission distance.

FIG. 29 also shows that the game halls 1a to 1f are divided into, for example, three districts, and if a sales card is used at, for example, the game hall IC, all the game halls in the district to which that game hall IC belongs will be sold. Verification information corresponding to the card used may be registered in the hall management computer 70. In other words, if a card is used at a game hall IC, there is a high possibility that the card will also be used at other game halls within the district where that game hall IC is installed, and within the same district. By registering verification information in the hall management computers 70 of all the gaming halls, when a card is used in the same area, the recorded information can be verified immediately on the hall management computers 70 of the gaming halls. It becomes possible.

[Effects of the Invention] The present invention having the above configuration effectively utilizes the information recording ability of a recording medium in a gaming management equipment device that enables gaming by dispensing gaming media within the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium. As a result, it has become possible to collect information regarding the sales locations of recording media and perform aggregation regarding the sales locations, and the results of the aggregation can now be used for various useful purposes.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram schematically showing a gaming management equipment device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the gaming place. FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram showing the contents of card information, which is an example of recorded information recorded on a recording medium. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a magnetic card which is an example of a recording medium. FIG. 5 is an overall front view of the card vending machine. FIG. 6 is an overall back view showing a part of the internal structure of the card vending machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the control circuit of the card vending machine. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a part of the gaming machine installation island arranged in the gaming hall, and showing a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine and a card ball lending machine that is an example of a gaming media lending machine. It is. 1 and 0 are configuration diagrams for explaining the internal structure of the card ball rental machine. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card ball rental machine. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 11. FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other examples of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a program installed in the hall management computer. FIG. 15 is an illustrative diagram showing the contents of card information stored in the hall management computer. FIGS. 16A, 16B to 18 are diagrams showing management data of the hall management computer. FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts showing programs installed in the central hall management computer. FIG. 20 is an illustrative diagram showing the contents of card information stored in the centralized hall management computer in district A. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing data regarding the monthly sales total by hall and card usage status. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing data regarding the daily sales total by hall. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing data regarding the daily sales total for each card vending machine. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing data regarding the monthly total of the number of cards sold by card sales machines. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing data regarding the monthly total number of cards sold. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing data regarding the ratio of remaining amount to sales amount by region. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a program installed in the integrated central management computer. FIG. 28 is an illustrative diagram showing the contents of card information stored in the integrated central management computer. FIG. 29 is an overall block diagram showing another example of the gaming management equipment device. In the figure, 20 is a magnetic card which is an example of a recording medium, 23 is a card data reading/writing device which is an example of a recording medium reading means, 3 is a pinball game machine which is an example of a gaming machine, and 4 is an example of a gaming machine. 71 is a district central control center, 72 is a central hall management computer, 73 is a card sales company, 74 is a general central management computer, 7o is a hall management computer, 5 is a card ball rental machine, 7 is a card vending machine. Figure 6 Figure 161A, Figure 58 Figure 17 Figure 23 Figure 2 Figure 26 Figure 26

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A game media lending device capable of lending out game media that can be used in a gaming machine; A recording medium that can be used in a media lending device, an information reading means provided in the game media lending device for reading information specifying the sales location, and collecting information from the information reading device to make a tally regarding the sales location. 1. A gaming management equipment device, characterized in that it includes sales point aggregation means.