JPH02220683A - Control installation for game - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To measure a change in a money equivalent value along with the use of a record medium for collecting consumption information in a stadium by using a record medium having predetermined information written and a money equivalent value in a game medium lending device to enable the lending of the game medium. CONSTITUTION:A general concentrated control computer 74 is installed in a card distributor 73 for selling magnetic cards of record medium, while a concentrated hall controlling computer 72 is provided in a concentrated local control 71 in a predetermined zone to control mainly generally a game parlor 1 in the zone to which the computer 72 belongs. On the other hand, a card ball lending machine 5, card vending machine 7, etc., of game medium lending apparatus together with a hall control computer 70 for controlling information in the parlor are disposed in the parlor 1. The card vending machine 7, card ball lending machine 5, card coin lending machine and game machine are connected to the hall controlling computer 70 to transmit and receive information with each other, and connected to the computers 72, 74 through communication circuits.

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 play games by paying out game media 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 conceivable to try to solve the accompanying drawbacks.

On the other hand, recording media can be used not only for renting game media, but also for collecting useful information by making effective use of the change in monetary equivalent value associated with the use of recording media. The benefits of this will further increase.

For example, if recording media are divided into multiple denominations from high-value to low-value, to find out which denomination of recording media is commonly consumed, you can aggregate the consumption information of the recording media. Must. Furthermore, in order to understand how changing the ball payout rate of a gaming machine will affect the consumption of recording media, it is necessary to aggregate the consumption information of recording media and determine the changes.

If the consumption information of recording media can be compiled in this way, it can be useful in various ways for the business management of game parlors.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a gaming management equipment device that allows gaming by lending game media within the range of the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium, in which the monetary equivalent value changes as the recording medium is used. The purpose of this invention is to make it possible to aggregate consumption information at a game parlor by making effective use of the information.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a plurality of gaming machines, a gaming media lending device capable of lending out gaming media that can be used in the gaming machines, and a gaming media lending device in which predetermined information is written and a monetary equivalent value. A gaming management equipment device comprising: a recording medium that can be used in the gaming media lending device; and a management device that manages the usage status of the recording medium, wherein the recording medium has a size of monetary equivalent value. changes as the game media lending device is used, and the management device
CI is the change in monetary equivalent value due to the use of the recording medium.
The invention is characterized in that it includes a consumption information aggregation means for aggregating consumption information based on a set of information.

[Function] According to the present invention, it is possible to lend game media by using a recording medium on which predetermined information is written and which has monetary equivalent value in a game media lending device. When the recording medium is used in a game media lending device, the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium changes accordingly. Then, by the function of the consumption information aggregation means, the consumption information at the gaming parlor is aggregated by determining n1 the change in the monetary equivalent value due to the use of the recording medium.

In other words, consumption information at a game parlor is compiled using a recording medium whose monetary equivalent value changes with use.

[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 game 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)
Code 1 This is information such as 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 pressed, the operation signal is sent to the control unit 56 via the signal acquisition circuit 61.
given to.

When the sales button 49 is pressed, 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. A control signal from the control section 56 is given to each display via a display driver 60. As a result, the input amount display 38. On sale indicator 42b, cancellation indicator 42a, sale card amount indicator 43
．． 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
The control program shown in FIG. 7 is incorporated into the . 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 T 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 SIO, where the selected amount is displayed on the amount display 43, and step S
Proceed to step 11. In step S11, it is determined whether or not the cancel button has been operated. If the cancel button has been operated, the process proceeds 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 813, 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 number of cards selection button 47, a YES determination is made in step 813, the process proceeds to step S14, the selected number of cards is displayed on the 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 the sales button has been operated. If not, the process returns to step S15. A return loop is formed. During this loop, when the customer presses the cancel button 50, step S15
A determination of YES is made and the process proceeds to step S17.
After turning off the display on the display devices 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 S1
6, a YES determination is made and the process proceeds to step 818, 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 or not there is change. If it is determined that there is change based on the memory in the change storage section 59, the process proceeds to step S21, and after dispensing the change, the process returns to step S1. return. 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 may not only rent out balls using cards, but may also have a function of directly inserting money to rent out balls. The card ball rental machine 5 is provided with a card insertion slot 16, which is an example of a recording medium insertion slot. The amount of money that can be used with the card inserted into the card insertion slot 16 is displayed on the amount display 17. Then, the player selects and operates the lending signal command button 18 in order to borrow pachinko balls within the range of the amount displayed by the amount display 17. Then, a number of 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 rental 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/writing device 23 also serves as information reading means provided in the game medium lending device and reading information specifying the sales location. Card data reading/writing element 23
Based on the card information read by the player, the available amount of money for the card is displayed on the amount display 17, and the player selects and operates the ball rental signal command button 18 based on the display. 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 29
The pachinko balls located above are partitioned to prevent them from flowing down, and the release valve 33 is opened to release the pachinko balls stored in the rental ball storage pipe 30 into the rental ball storage part 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 partition member 29 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 shortage detector, and the pachinko ball supply pipe 25
The top surface of the pachinko balls inside is the pachinko ball deficiency detector 2.
6, the pachinko ball shortage detector 26 is activated to 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 through the card insertion slot 16, a detection signal from the magnetic card insertion detection switch 22 is input to the control section 35, and a YES determination is made in step 825, 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 replies that the information card is an appropriate information card based on steps 5100. It is displayed on the display 17 for the player to recognize, and in step S34 it is determined whether or not the selection button has been operated, and the system 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 selection made 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 selection type exceeds the usable amount of the inserted card, so pachinko balls corresponding to the selection type 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 Pachinko balls are paid out, and the process proceeds to step S38, where the usable amount of the card after the pachinko balls have been paid out, that is, the remaining amount, is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S39.

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 S42, and after the card is collected on board the aircraft, the process proceeds to step 843, 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 872 shown in FIG. 13A
At the same time as the processing in FIG. 13B 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 proceeds 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 (step 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 88B, 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 judgment S is made, the process proceeds to step S51, 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 353, where the card information and ball lending 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 "selection type ≦ 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 proceeds to step 358, where it is determined whether or not there is a memory of the occurrence of an abnormal situation, and step S8
If there is a memory of an abnormal situation according to step 3, step 358
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 S550. 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, at the time of the judgment in step S58, if the reply from the hall management computer regarding the suitability of the inserted card has not yet been received, 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 S63, 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 S66
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 568, the card information with the new available amount is sent to the hall management computer, and the process proceeds to step S75, where the memory that the card is an appropriate information card is cleared. After step S
Return to 50. Note that step 563 and step S6
6, insert a step to determine whether or not there is a memory of the occurrence of an abnormal situation, and if it is determined from the step document that there is no memory of the occurrence of an abnormal situation, the card is immediately released. It may be controlled to do so. 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 s5O is not performed, so even if the card is inserted into the card insertion slot 16, the card is not taken in 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, the abnormal information card may be specified based on the abnormal information power and the storage of the card number.

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 388, 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 step 5851.1:
return. Further, the step S28. S41. S43 or step 35B, S68. If there is a transmission from the ball rental machine in S72, YES is determined in step S86.
After this determination is made, 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 the ball lending machine number, a YES determination is made in step S91 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 lending machine, the process proceeds to step S95, 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, the abnormality processing in step S95 includes, for example, displaying information on the display of the hall management computer indicating that an abnormal situation has occurred, the ball lending machine number where the abnormal situation occurred, the installation position of the ball lending machine, and the 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 393, 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 S93 is a check that is determined based only on 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, only the suitability determination based on the card information in step 89B is performed. In addition, in the judgment made in step S96, the card amount is not limited to "rlooO 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 stored in the hall, the hall management computer 70 can immediately determine that it 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 At step 398, 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 combination 21 in step 5117, which will be described later. Furthermore, by comparing the information stored in the hall management computer with the sent card information, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not it is appropriate. Note that the "memory information" in step 398 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 District C is used at a game hall within the district, the card information for District B or District C will also be stored ( (In Figure 15, information on both lines 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. Said step S28. S53.5103 and 5104, the information processing means specified by the specification means described below,
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 proceeds 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 51.
Proceeding to step 10, a notification that the necessary card information and available amount of money have been rewritten is sent to the centralized hall management computer of 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 5106.810
3.5109 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 a NO determination is made in step 5105, this means that card information with a usable amount of "0" has been sent, so proceed to step 5106, and proceed to step 5106. 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 of the stored contents of the hall management computer is corrected to "0", and the process returns to step 885.

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 388 and the process proceeds to step 8113. From the centralized hall management computer, steps 5140. Step 5139. Step 5147. Step 5149
．． Each piece of information is sent in step 5150.

If the content received from the centralized hall management computer is information regarding the suitability of card information, a YES determination is made in step 5113 and step 511
The process proceeds to step 5, 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 394; however, if the reception does not indicate that the card is an abnormality information card, the process proceeds to step 394. 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, in step 8113, it is determined that the card information has not been received.

If the received information is identified as accident card information, the process proceeds to step 5114, stores the sent accident card information, and returns to step S85.

Next, when the gaming facility closes for the day,
If YES is determined in step S89, the process proceeds to step 5118, 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 5123, 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, FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a list showing sales amounts for each coin lending machine. In the figure,
CI and C2 mean, for example, that coin gaming machines with machine numbers C, C2 are disposed on the left and right of a coin lending machine with coin lending machine number 186.

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

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a tabulation of sales amounts. The details are the total sales amount of ball lending machines, the total sales amount of coin lending machines1, and the total amount used for cards sold at the store.

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.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing data regarding the card consumption ratio calculated and displayed or printed out by the hall management computer. In the figure, "88.11.5
10:30 PMJ represents the output date and time of this data. That is, the data was printed or displayed at 10:30 pm on November 5, 1988.

In addition, in the figure, the upper half shows the card consumption ratio of the card ball rental machine fee, and the lower half shows the card consumption ratio by model of gaming machine.

First, the card consumption ratio for card rental machine fees will be explained. This card ball rental machine fee card consumption ratio is calculated and shown as the card consumption ratio (%) for each of the ball rental machines from number 1 to number 149, for example. This consumption ratio is, for example, a predetermined amount of money (for example, 10
0000 yen) or more is shown. For example, for the No. 1 ball lending machine, the percentage of cards used for a predetermined amount (for example, 1000 yen) or more of the total number of cards used in the No. 1 ball lending machine is 6.
It shows that it is 2%.

In order for the hall management computer to calculate this consumption ratio, the hall management computer first uses the card information and ball rental machine number sent from the ball rental machine explained in FIG. The total number M of cards used is counted, then the number N of cards used for a predetermined amount (for example, 1000 yen) or more is counted, and N/M is calculated. In other words, the hall management computer constitutes a used recording medium counting means that counts the number of times the recording medium is used in the game media lending device, and the recording medium reaches a predetermined monetary equivalent value within a predetermined period of time. A changed recording medium counting means is configured to count the number of changed recording media, and a changed recording medium ratio calculation means is also used to calculate the ratio of the counted value of the changed recording medium counting means to the counted value of the used recording medium counting means. It is configured. Also,
In the last line of the diagram showing the card ball rental fee card consumption ratio, 1
Average consumption ratio of all ball rental machines from No. 1 to No. 149 (53,
4%) is shown.

Next, in the diagram of the card consumption ratio by model shown in the lower half of the figure, the machine number of the gaming machine is shown in the leftmost column of the figure. The model name is shown in the next column. for example,
There are 30 gaming machines with the model name rAJ, numbered 1 to 30. The consumption ratio (%) is shown for each model name. The next column to the right shows the sales amount of the ball lending machine. For example, the total sales amount of this ball lending machine is r813,600J yen for the ball lending machines installed between the machine numbers 1 to 30 (inter-machine ball lending machines). It is shown that.

The next column shows the total financial balance. For example, the average machine balance of gaming machines with machine numbers 1 to 30 is r-13,621. The next column shows the consumption ratio by card type used. The card used is 1
0000 yen, 5000 yen, 3000 yen, 1000 yen 4
Since there are different types, the consumption ratio is shown for each type of gaming machine model name. For example, if the model name is r
In the AJ gaming machine, when the card type is rloooOJ yen, the consumption ratio is 18%.

Note that the consumption ratio may be as follows instead of the ratio of the number of cards used for a predetermined amount (for example, 1000 yen) out of the total number of cards used.

In other words, it may be the ratio of the number of cards used until the remaining amount (usable amount) reaches "0" among the total number of cards used. In this case, the available amount of the card is "0".
If the percentage of cards used until 1 is high, it can be determined that the player is that much more absorbed in playing the game.
This is a measure of the popularity of the corresponding model of gaming machine.

Further, the consumption ratio may be the ratio of the number of cards in which the sales card amount and the usage amount satisfy a predetermined ratio among the total number of cards used. For example, if you set the ratio of sales card amount to usage amount to 20%,
It may also be determined by calculating what percentage of all 10,000 yen cards used are 2,000 yen spent on 10,000 yen cards.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the business ratio and card consumption ratio at the game hall, calculated and displayed or printed out by the hall management computer. Here, the business ratio is a ratio expressed by (number of balls exchanged for prizes/number of balls rented) x 10. Also, this data was output at 10:30 pm on November 7, 1988. From this data, it can be seen that the business ratio is high on November 2nd and November 7th, and it can be seen that these days are disadvantageous from the viewpoint of game hall management. Furthermore, the business ratio is at its minimum on November 4th, indicating that this day is an advantageous situation from the viewpoint of game hall management. On the other hand, the card consumption ratio was highest on November 5th, indicating that cards were consumed the most on this day.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing machine balance and card consumption ratio calculated and displayed or printed out by the hall management computer. Note that the machine balance is the difference between the number of profitable balls and the number of unprofitable balls that are profitable for the gaming hall. This data shows the average machine balance for two pachinko machines with machine numbers 15 and 16 (model name A).
Also shown is the card consumption ratio by the intermission ball lending machine (ball lending machine number 8) provided between the two machines numbered 15 and 16. From this data, the machine balance exceeded +1000 on November 2nd (Wednesday), creating an advantageous situation for game hall management, and the card consumption ratio has reached a peak accordingly. On the other hand, on November 4th (Friday), the machine balance reached its minimum, which was disadvantageous for the management of the game hall, and the card consumption ratio also reached its minimum.

It can be seen that the machine balance has increased since November 4th, and the credit card consumption ratio has also increased accordingly.

Note that the machine balance may be shown for each machine instead of the average of two gaming machines. It would also be meaningful to calculate and show the machine operating rate (number of balls hit/business hours). Furthermore, 11
If the machine balance continues to rise after the 4th of the month, players will realize that this game machine has a poor ball payout rate, and the card consumption ratio will begin to draw a downward curve. Using this data, it is possible to find out what the balance of the table is just before the downward curve is drawn. If the determined machine balance is maintained for a long period of time, the players will realize that the payout rate of machines with machine numbers 5 and 16 is not very good, and the card consumption ratio will gradually decrease. It is expected that this will continue. How long does it take for the card consumption ratio to start to decline? In other words, how long does it take for players to realize that the ball output rates of the machines with machine numbers 15 and 16 are not very good? It would be advantageous for the management of the game hall if it was possible to find out whether the player is playing the game and reduce the machine balance just before it is discovered by the players.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the card consumption ratio by sale date at the game hall calculated and displayed or printed out by the hall management computer. This data is for a game hall with hole code 001, and is 114 in 1988.
This was output at 10:30 pm on the 24th. In the left column of the table shown in the upper half, a column for displaying the sale date is provided, and a column for displaying the consumption ratio is provided in the right column. The consumption ratio of cards sold on the same day is 62%, the original consumption ratio of cards sold one day ago is 73%, and the original consumption ratio of cards sold two days ago is 100%. 3
The original card consumption ratio of cards sold 7 to 7 days ago is shown as 57%. The consumption ratio shown here is based on the card's available amount (
This is the ratio of the number of cards whose balance (remaining amount) is "0".

A graph of the card consumption ratio by sale date shown in this way is shown in the lower half of FIG. In this graph, the solid line shows the data output on November 24th, the dashed line shows the data output on November 25th, and the broken line shows the data outputted on November 26th.

FIG. 23 is a bar graph showing the usage status of cards by sales date and the number of zero cards by sales date in the game hall, calculated and displayed or printed out by the hall management computer. Note that a 0 card is a card whose usable amount (remaining amount) is "0".

The data shown in FIG. 23 has a hole code of 00.
This is data regarding the gaming hall of No. 1, November 2, 1988.
This was output at 10:30 pm on the 4th. In the bar graph, the bars indicated by white lines indicate the number of cards used by sale date, and indicate the number of cards that have been used. The shaded bars represent the number of 0-cards by date of sale.

Then, according to Figure 23, for example, the number of cards sold on the day and used on the day is 134, and the number of cards sold on the day and used on the day is 83. I understand. In addition, there are 26 cards sold one day ago that have been used by the original time (10:30 p.m. on 11424, 1988), and 26 cards sold one day ago that have been used by the original time. It can be seen that the number of cards that became 0 cards was 19.

Although Figures 22 and 23 show the ratio of the number of 0-cards, instead of this, the number of 0-cards among the cards sold on a given day in the past can be expressed as a predetermined ratio (for example, 9
0%) may be calculated and shown by sales date.

The calculations explained in FIGS. 19 to 23 and the printing or display of the calculation results may be performed by a centralized hall management computer or a comprehensive central management computer instead of the hall management computer. This may be done on both the computer and the integrated central management computer.

24A and 24B 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 8130 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, 5104.5123.5ilo, each information is transmitted. If the content received from the hall management computer is information indicating that the required card information and the available amount of money have become "0", a YES determination is made in step 8133 and the process proceeds to step 8134. The usable amount column in the storage contents in the centralized hall management computer is corrected to "0". Next, the process advances to step 8135, 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 5136, where it is determined whether or not the necessary card information has been received. 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 81.39, and the information card is notified that the information is appropriate.
The read information is returned to the hall management computer, which is the source of the card information read by the card ball lending machine, and the process returns to step 8130. On the other hand, the step 81
If it is determined in step 38 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 5130. Step S98. S99
, 5137.5138, 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 transferred to the game medium lending device. Appropriateness determining means is configured to determine whether or not use is permitted. Furthermore, in steps 5139 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 read information that is the subject of the determination.

Next, if the determination in step 5136 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 in step 5110, the process proceeds to step 5141. If the transmission has been made to the central hall management computer, a YES determination is made in step 5140 and the process proceeds to step 5142. In step 5142, the contents stored in the usable amount column in the centralized hall management computer are updated to the new available amount rewritten in step 540 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 5123. 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 8130.

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 comprehensive central management computer, steps 8236 and 3237, which will be described later, are executed.
．． Information is transmitted through step 8240, 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 a proper information card are sent to the hall management computer, which is the source of the read information, and step 8130 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 8148, where it is determined 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. Also, N is determined by the step 5148.

If it is determined that the card is an abnormality information card, it is identified when information indicating that it is an abnormality information card is transmitted according to step 8236, and the process proceeds to step 5150, in which the read information indicates that the card is an abnormality information card. A reply is sent to the hall management computer that is the originator, and the process returns to step 5130.

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 the area is located (
In step I), 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(1), and K
(I) -I.

Calculate 10M. Next, the process proceeds to step 5160, where the total sales amount of all ball rental machines received from hall (1) is stored R(
I). Then, the process proceeds to step 5161, where K
(t) If the judgment of -R(1) is made and it is determined that they are not equal, proceed to step 5162, print out that the billing of the total sales amount of Hall (I) is abnormal, and proceed to step 5164. . In other words, the above K (1) is
This is the value calculated by the centralized hall management computer of the total amount of sales due to the use of the card of hole (1), while R(1) is the total amount of sales due to the use of the card requested by hole (1). , and the nature is such that 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, step 8163
The process proceeds to step 5164, where the total amount of sales for all ball rental machines in hall (1) is printed. In step 5164,
An I-N determination is made. If it is determined that it has not yet become I-N, the process proceeds to step 5165, and after the process of I-I+1 is performed, the process returns to step 5157. and steps 5157 to 5165
If the process is repeated many times, and the process is repeated a number of times equivalent to the number of all holes in area A, it will become I-N, so a YES determination is made in step 5164 and the process proceeds to step 5166. , a process is performed in which 0 cards whose usable amount is "0" are totaled in all holes in district A. Next, the process advances to step 5167, where the card information of the 0 card is sent to the general central management computer, and then the information of the 0 card is deleted from the storage contents of the hall management computer, and the program ends.

FIG. 25 is an illustrative diagram showing card information stored in the intensive hall management computer of 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. 25, card information for card number 12044 in district B, card information for card number 83256 in district C, etc. are stored.

FIG. 26A is a diagram showing data regarding the average card consumption period by region, calculated and displayed or printed out by the centralized hall management computer. Also, the 26th
Figure B is a diagram showing data regarding the average card consumption period by denomination, which is calculated and displayed or printed out by the centralized hall management computer.

The average consumption period is the average length of time it takes for a card to be sold and used in any capacity until it is fully used up.
In the case of Figure 26A, all denominations of sales cards (1
0,000 yen to 1,000 yen).
In Figure B, the average consumption period is calculated and displayed or printed for each denomination.

Figures 26A and 26B are from January 1, 1988.
This applies to cards sold during the year from December 1st to December 31st, 1988. In Figure 26A, the average consumption period in district A is 9.1 days, the average consumption period in district B is 14°8 days, the average consumption period in district C is 10.2 days, and the average consumption period in district A is 14.8 days. It can be seen that the average is 12 days. Also, in Figure 26B, for example, the average consumption period of a card with a denomination of 10,000 yen in district A is 16°5.
The average consumption period for a 5,000 yen card is 11 days.
The average consumption period for a 3,000 yen card is 6 days.
1 day, and the average consumption period of a 1,000 yen card is 2,
It turns out that it is 3 days.

The average consumption period for each denomination for all districts is shown at the bottom of the table. For example, the average consumption period for a 10,000 yen card in all districts is 22.4 days, and the average consumption period for a 5,000 yen card is 22.4 days. It turns out that it is 13.9 days.

In Figures 26A and 26B, the period until the card's available amount (remaining amount) changes to "0" is calculated and the average is shown. The period until the amount changes to a predetermined amount (for example, 5,000 yen) may be calculated and the average thereof may be shown.

In order to calculate the data shown in Figures 26A and 26B, the period of change until the card's usable amount changes to the specified amount is calculated. A change period calculation means is configured to calculate a period during which the monetary equivalent value changes from the monetary equivalent value to a predetermined monetary equivalent value. Furthermore, instead of the average consumption period for each district, a change (consumption) period for each game hall may be calculated and shown.

Further, the change period calculation means, the changed recording medium counting means, the used recording medium counting means, or the changed recording medium ratio calculating means measure the change in the monetary equivalent value due to the use of the recording medium, and the consumption A consumption information aggregation means for aggregating information is configured.

The calculations explained in FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B and the printing or display of the calculation results may be performed by a general central management system instead of the central hall management computer, or the general central management computer may This may be done both with the centralized hall management computer. Furthermore, the above-described calculations and the results of the calculations may be printed or displayed only within a limited area of one game hall.

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 8231, 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. Meanwhile, step 82
35, if it is determined that the information is appropriate, the process proceeds to step 8237, 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 the available amount of money have been updated is sent in accordance with step 5143, a YES determination is made in step 5231 and the process proceeds to step 8239, in which the available amount of the card is updated. The stored content in the column is updated to the new updated amount and the process returns to step 5230.

Further, if the card information of the accident card is transmitted according to step 5112, YES is determined from step 3232.
When this determination is made, the process proceeds to step 5240, where the card information of the accident card is sent to the all-intensive hall management computer, and the process returns to step 8230.

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 8230 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 0 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 the game media lending device, such as a self-extracting vending machine for canned juice and 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 through 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 a game hall IC, the collation information corresponding to the used card is transferred from the game hall management computer 70 of the game hall of 1a to the game machine of the IC. 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, if a card is used at a game hall IC, there is a high possibility that the card will be used at the game hall IC from now on. 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 1a, which has the advantage of shortening the transmission distance.

FIG. 29 also shows that the game halls 18 to 1f are divided into, for example, three districts, and if a sales card is used, for example, at the game hall IC, all the game halls in the district to which the game hall 1c belongs are divided. 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. The verification information is registered in the hall management computers 70 of all the gaming halls in the area (by this, when a card is used in the same area, the recorded information can be verified immediately on the hall management computers 70 in the gaming halls). becomes possible.

[Effects of the Invention] In the present invention having the above configuration, by using a recording medium having a monetary equivalent value in a game media lending device, the monetary equivalent value changes, and the change in the monetary equivalent value of the recording medium changes. Therefore, it has become possible to provide a gaming management equipment device that can aggregate consumption information at a gaming parlor and provide consumption information that can be used for various effective purposes in the management of the gaming parlor.

[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 hall. 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. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram for explaining the internal structure of the card ball lending 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. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing data regarding card ball rental machine fee card consumption ratios. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing data regarding the sales percentage and card consumption ratio. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing data regarding machine balance and card consumption ratio. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing data regarding the card consumption ratio by sales date. Figure 23 shows the card usage status by sales date and the card usage status by sales date.
0'' is a diagram showing data regarding the number of cards. FIGS. 24A and 24B are flowcharts showing programs installed in the central hall management computer. FIG. 25 is an illustrative diagram showing the contents of card information stored in the intensive hall management computer in district A. FIG. 26A is a diagram showing data regarding the average card consumption period by region. FIG. 26B is a diagram showing data regarding the average card consumption period by denomination. 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, 70 is a hall management computer, 5 is a card ball lending machine, 7 is a card vending machine. Figure 6 Figure 1r Figure 1r for the hall 17 Figure 161A, Figure βB Figure 20 Miya is taught by Hikard Dandohi Junior High School 9?117 10:30P Question No. 212 TIJE ED ゛田U RI AT 5υ- Bracing ■Be Ot4 Fig. 23 10:30 ('H, Z2!+B■ Fig. 21A Da-eum-ku 3/I card hand stamp M11 yen 1 etc.) Fig. 2tB V-Kyunben i't@) Written amendment to the judicial procedure (method) % formula % 1, Display of the case Patent application number 1999 Patent application filed on the date of 1998 2, Name of the invention Gaming management equipment device 3 , relationship with the person making the amendment

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A plurality of gaming machines, a gaming media lending device capable of lending gaming media that can be used in the gaming machines, and a gaming media that has predetermined information written therein and has a monetary equivalent value; In a gaming management equipment device comprising a recording medium that can be used in a lending device and a management device that manages usage status of the recording medium, the recording medium has a monetary equivalent value that is equal to or greater than that of the gaming media lending device. The management device changes with the use of the
A game management equipment device comprising consumption information aggregation means for measuring changes in monetary equivalent value due to use of the recording medium and aggregating consumption information.