JP2011206202A - Prize gift management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize gift management device for fairly and efficiently processing fractions of game media.SOLUTION: In the prize gift management device 7, a control unit 35 acquires the number of acquired Pachinko balls which a player customer hopes to exchange with gift prizes and counts the number of gift prizes exchangeable with the number of acquired balls. At a display device for customer 34 of the prize gift management device 7, a count result by the control unit 35 is displayed. When there appear fractions of Pachinko balls which are not exchangeable with prize gifts as a result of count by the control unit 35, the control unit 35 makes the display device for customer 34 display selectable many processing methods with respect to the fractions (the number of extra balls). Thus, a player who sees the many processing methods displayed on the display device for customer 34 freely selects a desired method of processing from among the processing methods and receives processing by the desired method of processing with respect to the fractions.

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize management device that performs control for exchanging game media such as pachinko balls acquired by a player for prizes.

In a game store such as a pachinko store, a prize management device is installed that controls a player to exchange game media such as a pachinko ball acquired by a game machine such as a pachinko machine for a prize.
Here, since the number of game media necessary for exchanging one prize is determined according to the type of the prize, it cannot be exchanged for a prize depending on the total number of game media acquired by the player (one There may be fractions of gaming media (not enough to exchange for prizes).

Both the prize exchange device proposed in the following Patent Document 1 and the prize exchange management device proposed in the following Patent Document 2 have a configuration capable of processing fractions.
In the operation of the prize exchange device disclosed in Patent Document 1, first, when a player pushes the checkout switch of the game machine to finish the game on the game machine, the number of game media acquired by the game (the number of possession balls). Is recorded from the game stand. Then, when the player inserts this prize ball card into the card insertion slot of the prize exchange device, the prize exchange device reads the number of balls from the prize ball card and displays the number of balls in the prize ball display section provided in this device. Is displayed.

When a player who has confirmed the number of balls displayed in the number-of-balls display section presses a cash switch provided in the gift exchange device, a prize according to the number of balls is paid out.
Here, the prize exchange device is provided with a fraction ball display unit, and the fraction of the game media remaining after the prize is paid out is displayed by the fraction ball display unit to the employees and players of the game shop. It is displayed for both. When the fraction ball processing switch provided in the prize exchange device is pressed, the prize ball card in which the fraction is written is discharged toward the player, and the fraction is returned to the player.

The prize exchange management device of Patent Document 2 is composed of a game medium counter, a POS device, and the like.
In the operation of this prize exchange management device, first, a player who has finished a game on a game machine counts the acquired game media (here, pachinko balls) with a game media counter. After the completion of counting, a receipt is issued from the game medium counter. On the receipt, the count value of the pachinko balls, the number of special prizes that can be exchanged with the acquired pachinko balls, the number (fraction) of the remaining pachinko balls (remaining balls) after the exchange with the special prize, etc. are printed. Here, the special prize is a prize that is distinguished from general prizes such as confectionery and cigarettes, and is a prize that incorporates valuable materials such as precious metals.

Then, the contents printed on the issued receipt are read by the POS device, and the display unit for the player provided in the POS device displays the number of exchangeable special prizes and the number of extra balls, Candidates for general prizes that can be exchanged for extra balls are displayed. The player can select a desired general prize from the candidates for the general prize displayed on the display unit for the player and exchange it for a surplus ball.
Here, the remaining pachinko balls remaining after being exchanged for general prizes cannot be exchanged for either special prizes or general prizes, and are collected by the game store regardless of the player's intention.

JP-A-5-7663 JP-A-11-76578

  In Patent Document 1, the fraction is recorded and returned as a data in a prize ball card, and in Patent Document 2, the fraction is exchanged for one of the predetermined general prizes, and the remaining game media is still a game store. It will be forcibly collected on the side. In other words, in each case of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, there is only one option for the method of processing the fraction of game media, so there is no room for selection for the player and lacks convenience.

  Recently, a game is played with a game medium lent at a lower loan rate (for example, 1 yen / 1 ball for a pachinko ball) than a normal lending rate (for example, 4 yen / ball for a pachinko ball). In this case, since the value of the game media is lower than usual, the number of game media that cannot be exchanged for prizes inevitably increases. Then, if there is only one option as in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 for the processing method of the fraction of game media that cannot be exchanged for prizes despite the large number, it gives a feeling of unfairness to the player. There is concern.

  The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a prize management device that can process a fraction of a game medium fairly and efficiently.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an acquisition means for acquiring the number of game media desired to be exchanged for a specific prize acquired by a player, and the number of specific prizes exchangeable for the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means are obtained. A calculation means for calculation, a display for a customer provided at a position facing the player and displaying a calculation result by the calculation means, and a calculation result by the calculation means resulted in a fraction of game media that cannot be exchanged for prizes. And a display control means for displaying on the customer display a plurality of types of processing methods selectable for the fraction.

The invention described in claim 2 is provided on the display for customer use, and includes a selection key for selecting a desired processing method from a plurality of types of the processing methods. This is a free gift management device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the selection keys are provided according to the type of the processing method, and the corresponding processing method is displayed on each of the selection keys. It is a free gift management apparatus of description.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the display control means changes the type of the processing method to be displayed on the display for customer according to a predetermined condition. This is a free gift management device.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition includes at least one of a game medium type, a game medium lending rate, a fractional value, a prize exchange timing, and a player's treatment at a game store. The premium management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the premium management apparatus is included.

  The invention according to claim 6 has holding means for holding the fractions in association with each other, and the processing method uses the game medium of the fractions associated with the holding means on the day of the game to replay the game. The prize management according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fraction is held in association with the holding means when a processing method for replaying on the same day is selected. Device.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the processing method includes replaying the game using the fractional game medium associated with the holding means after the next day of the game, and the next day or later. The prize according to claim 6, wherein when a processing method to play is selected, the fraction is held in association with the holding means as the number of game media for replaying after the next day. It is a management device.

The invention described in claim 8 has a member storage medium issued to a member of a game store, and has a storage ball process of managing the acquired game medium as a storage ball in association with the member storage medium, and the storage ball processing method The prize management device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein when the item is selected, the storage processing is performed.
In the invention according to claim 9, the game medium is lent out at any one of a plurality of loan rates, and the fraction is changed to a loan rate value different from the loan rate of the rented game medium. The prize management device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a conversion means for conversion, wherein the holding means holds the converted value of the fraction after conversion by the conversion means in association with each other.

Invention of Claim 10 WHEREIN: The said holding means contains the recording medium with which a player carries, or the recording medium with which the said prize management apparatus was equipped, The prize management of Claim 6 or 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. Device.
In the invention described in claim 11, the processing method includes holding the processing for the fraction until the acquisition means acquires the additional acquisition number of game media, and when the holding processing method is selected, A means for temporarily storing a fraction, and a specification that can be exchanged for the number of game media obtained by adding the fraction and the additional acquisition number temporarily stored in accordance with the acquisition means acquiring the additional acquisition number. The prize management device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, further comprising: means for causing the calculation means to calculate the prize.

  The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that the processing method includes abandoning the fraction, and means for clearing the fraction when the abandonment processing method is selected. The premium management device according to any one of ˜11.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the prize management device, the acquisition means acquires the number of game media desired to be exchanged for a specific prize acquired by the player, and the calculation means acquires the game acquired by the acquisition means. Calculate the number of specific prizes that can be exchanged with the number of media. Here, a customer display is provided at a position facing the player in the prize management device, and a calculation result by the calculation means is displayed on the customer display.

Then, in the prize management device, when a fraction of game media that cannot be exchanged for prizes is generated as a result of the calculation by the calculation means, the display control means uses a plurality of types of processing methods that can be selected for the fraction as a display for customers. Display.
As a result, a player who has seen a plurality of types of processing methods displayed on the display for a customer can freely select a desired processing method from these processing methods and perform processing by the desired processing method for the fraction. Can receive. Therefore, in the prize management device, processing of fractions of game media can be performed fairly and efficiently.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the display for customer is provided with a selection key for selecting a desired processing method from a plurality of types of processing methods. Therefore, a player who has seen a plurality of types of processing methods displayed on the customer display can directly select a desired processing method by operating a selection key, which is convenient.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of selection keys are provided according to the type of processing method, and a corresponding processing method is displayed on each selection key. Therefore, a player who has seen a plurality of types of processing methods displayed on the customer display unit operates the portion (selection key) on which the desired processing method is displayed on the customer display unit. It is easy to use because it can be selected intuitively.

  According to invention of Claim 4, a display control means changes the kind of the processing method displayed on a customer display according to predetermined conditions. Here, the predetermined condition includes at least the type of game medium, the rental rate of the game medium, the fractional value, the timing of prize exchange, and the treatment of the player at the game store, as in the invention described in claim 5. One of them is included. That is, an appropriate type of processing method corresponding to these predetermined conditions is displayed on the customer display.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, there is a holding means for holding the fractions in association with each other. The processing method displayed on the display for customer includes replaying using a fraction of game media associated with the holding means on the day of playing, and the processing method for replaying on that day. Is selected, the prize management device holds the fraction in association with the holding means. Therefore, the player can replay the game using the fractional number of game media associated with the holding means on the day of the game.

Here, the holding means may be provided in the prize management apparatus, or may be provided in an apparatus (higher-order apparatus) different from the prize management apparatus.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the processing method displayed on the display for customer includes replaying using the fraction of game media associated with the holding means after the next day of the game. When a processing method for replaying after the next day is selected, the prize management device holds the fraction in association with the holding means as the number of game media for replaying after the next day. Therefore, the player can play again using the fractional number of game media associated with the holding means after the next day.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is a member recording medium issued to a member of a game store, and there is a ball storing process for managing the acquired game medium as a stored ball in association with the member recording medium. When the storage ball processing method is selected, the storage ball processing is performed. Therefore, the member can save fractions according to circumstances.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the game medium is lent at any one of a plurality of loan rates, and in the prize management device, the conversion means rents out the rented game medium. The value is converted into a loan rate value different from the rate, and the holding means holds the converted value of the fraction after conversion by the converting means in association with it. Thereby, the player converts the fraction into a value at a loan rate different from the original loan rate according to circumstances, and the game medium of the converted value (of the other loan rate) associated with the holding means Can be replayed using

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the holding means includes a recording medium carried by the player or a recording medium provided in the prize management device, so that the fraction is divided into the recording medium on the player side and the prize management device. The recording medium on the side can be associated with the more convenient one.
According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the processing method displayed on the display for customer includes holding the processing for the fraction until the acquisition means acquires the additional acquisition number of game media. When this hold processing method is selected, the prize management device temporarily stores the fraction, and in accordance with the acquisition means acquiring the additional acquisition number, the temporary storage amount and the additional acquisition number are added together. The calculation means calculates a specific prize that can be exchanged for the number of game media played.

As a result of the calculation by the calculation means, if there is a fraction that cannot be exchanged for prizes in the total number of game media, a plurality of types of processing methods that can be selected for this fraction are displayed on the customer display. Therefore, even if the player does not select the processing method in a hurry, the player can wait until the additional acquisition number is acquired and then select the processing method again.
According to the invention of claim 12, the processing method displayed on the customer display includes abandoning the fraction, and when the abandonment processing method is selected, the prize management device To clear. Therefore, the player can give up the fraction when the fraction is unnecessary.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the management system 1 provided in the game store. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the possession ball database. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the storage ball database. (A) is the perspective view which looked at the prize management apparatus 7 from the employee side, (b) is the perspective view which looked at the prize management apparatus 7 from the player side. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a prize management device 7. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display content in the display 34 for customers of the prize management apparatus 7. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the conditions of a surplus ball process. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed in the prize management device 7. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a surplus ball process. It is a figure which shows the exchange ticket 49. FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
(1) Management System FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a management system 1 provided in a game store.
Referring to FIG. 1, a management system 1 according to the present invention is exchanged for a game medium (here, a pachinko ball) acquired on a game table 2 (here, a pachinko machine) or a game medium. Management of prizes, etc.

Here, there are two types of prizes: general prizes such as confectionery and tobacco, and special prizes containing valuables such as precious metals. A player who exchanges the acquired pachinko ball for a special prize will bring the special prize to the special prize exchange for purchase.
In addition, players need to rent pachinko balls from amusement stores prior to gaming, but at recent game stores, there are multiple types of pachinko ball lending rates. Lending to a player at any of the lending rates. For example, the normal loan rate (hereinafter referred to as “normal rate”) is 4 yen / ball, and in addition to the normal rate, the loan rate lower than the normal rate (hereinafter referred to as “low rate”) It is 1 yen / 1 ball. The reason why the low rate is set in addition to the normal rate in this way is to allow beginners and the like to easily play games.

The management system 1 includes a gaming table 2, an inter-unit unit 3, an island controller 4, a counting device 5, a terminal 6, a prize management device (POS) 7, a terminal 8, a terminal computer (T / C) and 9.
A large number of game machines 2 are installed in game shops. A predetermined number of gaming tables 2 are gathered and installed, and constitute one gaming island. There are a plurality of such amusement islands in an amusement store. An island controller 4 is installed on each amusement island.

  The game table 2 is provided with an upper plate 10 and a lower plate 11. When pachinko balls lent out from an amusement store (referred to as “Kashidama”) are stored on the upper plate 10, a game can be started on the game table 2 using the balls on the upper plate 10. In the game, when a so-called hit is made, a pachinko ball (referred to as a “dama”) is discharged from the game table 2 and collected in the lower plate 11. Here, the game machine 2 has a dedicated game machine 2 (normal game machine) that can be played with the balls rented at the normal rate described above, and a dedicated game game that can be played with the game balls lent at the lower rate described above. There is a stand 2 (low rate stand).

  Next to each gaming table 2 (left adjacent in FIG. 1), a table unit 3 is installed (see the portion filled with dots). The inter-unit unit 3 has a vertically elongated plate shape, and is located between adjacent game tables 2 in each game island. Each of the inter-unit units 3 is a dedicated device for the game table 2 located on the right side of each inter-unit unit 3 in FIG. In each gaming island, each of the gaming table 2 and the inter-unit unit 3 is communicably connected to an island controller 4 provided on each gaming island.

In the inter-unit unit 3, a recovery duct 12 that extends substantially horizontally to a position just below the lower plate 11 of the corresponding game table 2 is provided at the lower end of the front surface in FIG. Is provided with a supply nozzle 13 that extends substantially horizontally to a position directly above the upper plate 10 of the corresponding game table 2.
In the front face of the inter-unit unit 3, a vertically long cash inlet 14 is provided at the upper end, and a vertically long card inlet / outlet 15 is provided at a position between the recovery duct 12 and the supply nozzle 13. The function of the inter-unit unit 3 will be described later.

A counting device 5 is installed at the end of each amusement island. The counting device 5 counts pachinko balls. The counting device 5 has a wide box shape in FIG. 1, and a wide opening 16 for receiving a pachinko ball is provided on the top surface thereof.
A terminal 6 is installed adjacent to the counting device 5 at the island edge of each game island. The terminal 6 is provided with a card entrance 17 and a receipt exit 18. The function of the terminal 6 will be described later.

In the amusement store, there is a prize counter for exchanging the acquired pachinko balls with prizes, and the prize management apparatus 7 and the terminal 8 are installed in the prize counter. The terminal 8 is provided with a card entrance 25. The functions of the prize management device 7 and the terminal 8 will be described later.
The T / C 9 is the highest device in the management system 1. The island controller 4, the counting device 5 and the terminal 6, and the prize management device 7 and the terminal 8 of each game island and the T / C 9 are connected to be communicable. The T / C 9 can communicate with the game stand 2 and the inter-unit unit 3 on each game island via the island controller 4.

Next, a series of flow from the start of the game on the gaming table 2 by the player to the exchange of the pachinko balls acquired by the game for prizes will be described.
Here, a player is classified into a member customer who is registered as a member in a game store and a general customer (visitor) other than the member customer. Furthermore, due to the difference in the number of visits to the amusement store and the amount of money spent at the amusement store during the specified period, the member customers are VIP members whose number of visits and amount of money are over a predetermined number, and the number of visits and the amount of use are a predetermined number. It is distinguished by less than normal members.

  Regardless of whether it is a VIP member or a normal member, a card 19 (holding means, recording medium) dedicated to the member is supplied (issued) from the amusement store to each member customer. The member-only card 19 is called a member card (member recording medium). On the other hand, there is a card 19 for general customers, and this card 19 is called a general card. Regardless of membership cards or general cards, each card 19 is assigned identification information (card ID), and each card 19 is carried by a player who is the owner. Predetermined information can be recorded on the card 19. In the following, as necessary, the player is classified into a member customer and a general customer, the member customer is classified into a VIP member and a normal member, and the card 19 is classified into a member card and a general card. Sometimes.

  When the member customer enters the game store and starts the first game, his / her member card 19 is inserted into the card entrance 15 of the inter-unit unit 3. Then, cash is inserted into the cash inlet 14. Then, the frequency corresponding to the amount of cash inserted is displayed on the frequency display 20 of the upper plate 10 of the game table 2. Some cards 19 have a frequency recorded as a prepaid value. In this case, the remaining frequency recorded on the card 19 is stored in the frequency display 20 even if cash is not inserted into the cash slot 14. Is displayed.

  Then, when a lending button 21 provided on the upper plate 10 or the like of the game table 2 is pressed, a predetermined number of balls are transferred to the upper plate 10 by a ball lending payout mechanism (not shown) built in the game table 2. To be paid out. Thereby, a game can be started with the game stand 2 using the pachinko ball (rental ball) of the upper plate 10. In addition, the remaining frequency in the frequency display 20 decreases according to the payout of the predetermined number of balls.

  On the other hand, when the general customer enters the game store and starts the first game, the general customer does not have the card 19 at this time. Therefore, the general customer inserts cash into the cash slot 14 without inserting anything into the card entrance 15. Then, as described above, the frequency corresponding to the amount of the inserted cash is displayed on the frequency display 20, and thereafter, when the lending button 21 is pressed, balls for a predetermined frequency are paid out to the upper plate 10. The general customer can start the game on the game table 2 using the balls on the upper plate 10.

Then, regardless of whether it is a member customer or a general customer, when the player hits during the game, the balls are collected in the lower plate 11 as described above. When the balls are accumulated to some extent on the lower plate 11, the player opens the bottom of the lower plate 11. Then, the ball on the lower plate 11 falls by its own weight, is received by the recovery duct 12 ahead, and is sent to the inter-unit 3.
The inter-unit 3 has a function of counting the number of balls. Therefore, the balls that are fed into the inter-unit 3 are counted one by one in the inter-unit 3. The ball that has been counted is called Mochidama. The count value of the ball (mochitama) (the number of pachinko balls acquired (number of pachinko balls acquired), referred to as “number of pachinko balls”) is managed by the inter-unit 3 and also by T / C9. The

  Here, if the member customer is playing a game, the member card 19 of the member customer is inserted into the card entrance 15 prior to the start of the game. The inter-unit 3 reads the card ID of the member card 19 inserted into the card entrance 15, and the inter-unit 3 and the T / C 9 manage the number of balls in association with this card ID. In order for the T / C 9 to manage the number of balls, the inter-unit unit 3 transmits the current number of balls to the T / C 9 in real time in association with the card ID.

The T / C 9 has a dedicated ball database (abbreviated to “ball DB” for short) 22 (holding means, recording medium) for managing the number of balls.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the holding ball DB 22.
Referring to FIG. 2, in Mochitama DB 22, the member's card ID (here, 0001 or 0002) and the member's status of this card ID (the player's treatment at the amusement store, here, VIP Member or normal member) and the number of possessed balls are managed in association with each other. In addition, if the game stand 2 that has acquired a possession ball (the ball to be delivered) is the above-described normal rate platform, the number of possessions here is managed as the number of possessions at the normal rate in the possession DB 22. On the other hand, if the gaming table 2 that has acquired the holding ball (the outgoing ball) is the low rate table described above, the number of holding balls here is managed by the holding ball DB 22 as the number of holding balls at the low rate. Here, since the gaming table 2 is either the normal rate table or the low rate table, the inter-unit unit 3 corresponding to the gaming table 2 also supports either the normal rate or the low rate. Determines the lending rate for the transmitted number of balls by the inter-unit unit 3 that has transmitted the number of balls, and uses the transmitted number of balls as the number of balls for the corresponding lending rate in the holding ball DB 22. to manage.

As an example, for the player with a card ID of 0001, the player's status (VIP member), the number of balls with a normal rate (7000), and the number of balls with a low rate (3000) And are managed. Note that the remaining number of prepaid values described above may be managed in association with the card ID in the holding ball DB 22.
On the other hand, if a general customer is playing a game, nothing is inserted into the card entrance 15 (see FIG. 1) as described above. Here, a new general card 19 is stocked in the inter-unit 3. The inter-unit 3 and the T / C 9 (see FIG. 1) manage the number of balls of this general customer in association with the card ID of one general card 19 selected from the stocks stored in the inter-unit 3 is doing. Therefore, in the holding ball DB 22 of FIG. 2, this card ID (in this case, 0003), the status (visitor) of this general customer, and the number of holding balls (the number of holdings at the normal rate and / or the number of holdings at the low rate). ) And are managed in association with each other.

The player can play a game on the game table 2 using the acquired ball. For example, when the upper tray 10 has no more balls, the payout button 23 provided in the recovery duct 12 is pressed (see FIG. 1). Then, since a predetermined number of balls are supplied from the supply nozzle 13 to the upper plate 10, the player can play a game using the balls supplied to the upper plate 10 (see FIG. 1).
Here, if the player wins the game, the number of possessed balls increases, and if the payout button 23 (see FIG. 1) is pressed to play a game with retained balls, the number of retained balls decreases. In conjunction with the increase / decrease in the number of balls, the corresponding number of balls managed in the ball DB 22 or the inter-unit unit 3 is also increased / decreased (updated).

  Returning to FIG. 1, when the player wants to end the game, he presses an end button 24 provided on the upper plate 10 of the game table 2. Then, in the case of a member customer, the number of balls currently held is recorded on the member card 19 that has been inserted into the card entrance 15 so far, and this member card 19 is discharged from the card entrance 15. In the case of a general customer, the number of balls currently held is recorded on one general card 19 selected from the stocks in the inter-unit 3 as described above. 15 is discharged. In the case of a general customer, if the number of possessed balls at the end of the game is zero, the general card 19 is not discharged from the card entrance 15. Here, in the card 19, the number of balls is stored (recorded) for each lending rate (normal rate or low rate).

  When the card 19 is ejected, the inter-unit unit 3 clears the number of possessed balls that has been managed so far, but in the retained ball DB 22 of T / C9, it is associated with the card ID of the ejected card 19, The current number of holdings will continue to be managed (see Fig. 2). As described above, since the card 19 is not ejected in the case of a general customer who has zero balls at the end of the game, the number of balls of the general customer is the inter-unit unit 3 and the number of balls. It is not managed in any of DB22.

  Here, the number of possessed balls is recorded in the card 19, or the number of possessed balls is managed by the T / C 9 retaining ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2) in association with the card ID of the card 19 (the number of retained balls in the retaining ball DB 22. Recording is equivalent to holding the number of balls (acquired number of pachinko balls) in association with the card 19. Similarly to the card 19, the possessed ball DB 22 and a later-described stored ball DB 27 are also for holding the number of retained balls and the later-described stored ball number in association with each other.

  In the above description, the number of balls that have been acquired in the gaming table 2 is counted by the inter-unit unit 3 dedicated to the gaming table 2, but the inter-unit unit 3 is not used, and the counting device 5 on the island edge of the gaming island is used. You may count the number of balls in In this case, the game balls accumulated in the lower plate 11 during the game are packed in a box and placed at the player's feet. As the number of balls is increased, the number of boxes filled with balls increases, and boxes filled with balls are stacked at the feet of the players.

  In this case, when the player wants to finish the game, the employee is called. Then, the employee carries the box at the player's feet to the counting device 5 on the island edge of the gaming island, and pours the balls in each box into the opening 16 on the top surface of the counting device 5 from above. The balls that are poured into the opening 16 are counted one by one in the counting device 5. As described above, since the ball that has been counted becomes a ball, the counting result in the counting device 5 includes the number of balls. The counting result is transmitted to the terminal 6 and T / C 9 adjacent to the counting device 5.

  Here, if the player is a general customer, the counting device 5 does not have the above-described general card 19 when counting the balls, and when the counting by the counting device 5 is completed, the counting result is printed. The receipt 26 is discharged from the receipt discharge port 18 of the terminal 6. In the receipt 26, the number of balls included in the counting result is printed as a numerical value and also as a barcode. In other words, the number of balls is associated with (recorded on) the receipt 26.

  On the other hand, if the player is a member customer, the member card 19 is inserted into the card entrance 17 of the terminal 6 prior to the start of counting by the counting device 5. Then, the card ID of the member card 19 is read by the terminal 6. When the counting by the counting device 5 is completed, the counting result (the number of holding balls) transmitted to the terminal 6 is recorded on the member card 19, and then the member card 19 is discharged from the card entrance 17 and then the member customer. Returned to.

  In the case of a member customer, the counting result is transmitted to the T / C 9 as described above. At this time, the count result is transmitted to the T / C 9 in association with the card ID of the member card 19 read by the terminal 6. T / C9 has the latest value obtained by adding the number of currently received balls to the existing number of balls if the number of possessed balls for the received card ID already exists in the own ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2). Is recorded in the holding ball DB 22 as the number of holding balls. If there is no number of possessed balls for the received card ID, the T / C 9 records the currently received number of retained balls in the retained ball DB 22 in association with the card ID as the latest number of retained balls (see FIG. 2).

  Here, at the time of counting by the counting device 5, the lending rate for the pachinko ball to be counted (that is, the pachinko ball acquired at the game table 2 of the normal rate base or the low rate base described above) is specified. Thus, the counting result of the counting device 5 includes not only the number of balls, but also the lending rate for the balls. Therefore, on the receipt 26, not only the number of balls, but also the lending rate for the balls is printed as a barcode or the like. Further, the number of possessed balls received by the T / C 9 from the counting device 5 is associated with the lending rate for the retained balls. Therefore, the T / C 9 that has received the number of possessed balls updates the number of retained balls for the corresponding lending rate in the retained ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2). Further, the number of possessed balls recorded on the membership card 19 discharged from the card entrance / exit 17 of the terminal 6 is associated with the lending rate for the number of possessed balls.

  A player who has received the receipt 26 or the membership card 19 from the terminal 6 or a player who has received the card 19 (general card 19 or membership card 19) from the inter-unit unit 3 has the received receipt 26 or card 19. Head to the gift counter. If the player has the receipt 26, the prize management device 7 reads the barcode on the receipt 26. Then, the prize management device 7 acquires the number of possessed balls from the read barcode in association with the lending rate of the possessed balls of this number.

  On the other hand, if the player has the card 19, the player inserts the card 19 into the card entrance 25 of the terminal 8 next to the prize management device 7. Then, the terminal 8 reads the card ID of the card 19, the number of possessed balls, and the lending rate of the retained balls corresponding to the number of retained balls, and transmits them to the prize management device 7. Thereby, the prize management device 7 acquires the number of possessed balls in association with the lending rate of the retained balls having the number of retained balls. Alternatively, the prize management device 7 obtains the latest number of possessed balls corresponding to the received card ID by calling it from the T / C 9 possessed ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2).

  In the prize management device 7, after obtaining the number of possessed balls (in other words, the number of pachinko balls that the player wants to exchange for a specific prize), the number of possessed balls according to the loan rate of the possessed balls A prize that can be exchanged for the number of possessed balls is displayed. When the player selects a desired prize from the displayed ones, the prize management device 7 performs a prize exchange process. Specifically, as a prize exchange process when a general prize is selected, the prize management apparatus 7 reads a barcode described in the general prize when the selected general prize is delivered to a player, etc. Thus, it is checked whether or not the delivery of the general prize to the player has been performed correctly. As a prize exchange process when a special prize is selected, the prize management device 7 causes a special prize dispenser (not shown) to pay out the special prize to the player.

In this way, the prize management device 7 performs control for exchanging the coins for prizes based on the card 19 or the receipt 26 associated with the number of possessions.
In addition, if you are a member customer, you can deposit the balls (mochidama) counted by the inter-unit 3 or the counting device 5 as a storage ball (called “chodama”) instead of exchanging them for prizes. You can also. In that case, at least when the counting is completed, the membership card 19 is inserted into the card entrance 15 of the inter-unit unit 3 or the card entrance 17 of the terminal 6. After the counting is finished, when the member customer selects that the counted balls are to be stored in the inter-unit 3 or the counting device 5, the inter-unit 3 or the terminal 6 The number (the number of stored balls) is transmitted to the T / C 9 in association with the card ID of the member card 19 inserted into the card entrance 15 or the card entrance 17 and the lending rate of the exit. In order to save (save) balls, you can save all the balls you have earned, and the smallest (lowest value) prize (mainly special prizes). If you deduct the number corresponding to the prizes that cannot be exchanged (or fractions), or the number corresponding to the prizes that the player wants to exchange (mainly special prizes), the remaining number (fractions) will be stored. There is "fractional savings".

Here, the T / C 9 is provided with a storage ball database (abbreviated as “storage ball DB”) 27 (holding means, recording medium).
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the storage ball DB 27.
Referring to FIG. 3, the number of stored balls transmitted to T / C 9 is managed (recorded) in stored ball DB 27 in association with the card ID of member card 19. That is, the number of stored balls is associated with the card 19 in the same manner as the number of held balls described above. Further, the number of stored balls is recorded on the member card 19 in the same manner as the number of balls held.

Here, as in the case of holding balls, there are also the number of balls stored at the normal rate and the number of balls stored at the low rate, and the number of stored balls is in a state of being distinguished by the normal rate and the low rate. It is managed in the storage ball DB 27. Further, the number of stored balls is recorded on the membership card 19 for each lending rate (normal rate or low rate), as is the number of balls held.
Explaining the difference between Mochitama and Soutama, in the case of ordinary customers, Mochitama is only effective on the day of acquisition, and existing Mochitama disappears when the business of that day ends. In response to this, the number of possessed balls stored (recorded) in the possessed ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2) in association with the card ID of the general card 19 for the general customer is the same for the number of retained balls at any lending rate. It becomes zero when the business of is finished. Further, the number of possessed balls recorded on the general card 19 is regarded as zero when the business of the day ends. Specifically, the player visits the amusement store after that date, the card entrance 15 (see FIG. 1) of the inter-unit unit 3, the card entrance 17 (see FIG. 1) of the terminal 6, and the card entrance of the terminal 8. Even if the general card 19 is inserted into 25 (see FIG. 1), the number of balls held on the general card 19 is regarded as zero. For this reason, general customers need to exchange the earned balls for prizes or use them up in the game within the same day.

  On the other hand, in the case of a member customer, the coins are automatically stored when the day's business ends. For example, with regard to the VIP member whose card ID is 0001 in FIG. 2, when the day's business ends, the normal rate of 7000 holding balls becomes the normal rate of 7000 storage balls, and in the storage ball DB 27 (see FIG. 3). The number of balls at the normal rate for the same card ID is increased by 7000. Similarly, the number of balls with a low rate becomes the number of balls with a low rate, and is added to the number of balls with a low rate for the same card ID in the storage ball DB 27 (see FIG. 3). In addition, 7000 holding balls are not necessarily 7000 storage balls as they are, and according to a predetermined arrangement, 7000 holding balls may be half 3500 storage balls. Then, as the retained balls become stored balls, the number of retained balls in the retained ball DB 22 becomes zero for any number of retained balls at any lending rate.

Since the accumulated ball exists after the next day, the member can draw out his accumulated ball and play again on the game table 2 after the next day. The member's possession can be stored even before the day's business ends.
Here, since the balls are automatically stored when the business of the day ends, at this time, the corresponding number of balls and the number of balls stored in the balls DB 22 and the balls DB 27 (see FIG. 3) are respectively Updated. However, since the member card 19 (see FIG. 1) is already outside the game store when the player leaves the store, the values of the number of held balls and the number of stored balls stored in the member card 19 are determined by the sales. Same before and after the end. In other words, when the business is finished, the number of possessed balls stored in the member card 19 and the corresponding number of retained balls in the possessed DB 22 do not match, and the number of stored balls stored in the member card 19 and the corresponding stored ball DB 27 correspond. A situation may occur where the number of stored balls does not match.

Therefore, the following operation is used to cope with the above situation.
First, after the next day after the end of the business, the member visits the amusement store and enters the card entrance 15 (see FIG. 1) of the inter-unit unit 3, the card entrance 17 (see FIG. 1) of the terminal 6, and the card entrance of the terminal 8. 25 (see FIG. 1), the member card 19 is inserted.
At this time, the number of held balls and the number of stored balls stored in the member card 19 are read by any of the inter-unit unit 3, the terminal 6, and the terminal 8.

  If the number of possessed balls read from the membership card 19 does not match the corresponding number of retained balls (here, zero) in the retained ball DB 22, it is once reset to zero. Further, when the number of stored balls read from the member card 19 does not match the corresponding number of stored balls in the stored ball DB 27 (see FIG. 3), the number of stored balls in the stored ball DB 27 is recorded on the member card 19 instead. .

  In short, when the membership card 19 is in the amusement store, the number of possessed balls stored in the membership card 19 and the corresponding number of possessing balls managed in the possession DB 22 match, and this membership card It suffices if the number of stored balls stored in 19 and the corresponding number of stored balls managed in the stored ball DB 27 (see FIG. 3) are matched. Further, in this embodiment, the number of possessed balls is stored in the general card 19 and the number of retained balls and the number of stored balls are stored in the member card 19, but regardless of the general card 19 and the member card 19, You may use the structure which memorize | stores (manages) only the T / C9 (refer FIG. 1) side, without memorize | storing both or one of the number of stored balls in the card | curd 19. FIG. As a result, the number of possessed balls (including the number of surplus balls described later) can be recorded on the card 19 on the player side and the possessed ball DB 22 on the management system 1 (see FIG. 1) side, whichever is convenient. The number (including the number of extra balls to be described later) can be recorded (associated) with a convenient one in the card 19 on the player side and the storage ball DB 27 on the management system 1 side.

Here, when the T / C 9 and the prize management device 7 (see FIG. 1) are put together, the above-mentioned holding ball DB 22 and storage ball DB 27 can be regarded as those provided in the prize management device 7.
(2) Premium Management Device Next, the premium management device 7 will be described.
4A is a perspective view of the prize management device 7 viewed from the employee side, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the prize management device 7 viewed from the player side.

Referring to the posture of FIG. 4A, the prize management device 7 has a plate-like base portion 30 having a predetermined thickness in the upper and lower directions, and faces upward while inclining from the back end to the back side. A plate-like extending portion 31 that extends is integrally included.
On the upper surface 30A of the base portion 30, an operation portion 32 composed of a large number of keys and the like is provided in a region in front of the connection portion with the extending portion 31. The operation unit 32 is operated by an employee when selecting a prize or executing a predetermined process.

  In the extended portion 31, an employee display 33 is provided on the front side surface. The employee display 33 is, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touch panel, and has a substantially rectangular shape. Information to be presented to the employee (information described in the receipt 26, information associated with the card 19, information on a player who receives a prize exchange, etc.) is displayed on the employee display 33. In FIG. 4A, an employee of the free gift counter is positioned on the front side of the free gift management apparatus 7, and the employee of the free gift counter confirms the display content of the employee display 33 on the front side of the free gift management apparatus 7. . In FIG. 4A, the player is located on the back side of the prize management device 7. The player cannot see the employee display 33.

  And the display 34 for customers is provided in the back side end surface 30B (position which faces a player) of the base part 30, as shown in FIG.4 (b). The customer display 34 is a liquid crystal display with a touch panel, for example, and has a horizontally long substantially rectangular shape. The customer display 34 displays information to be presented to the customer (such as prize information such as the total number of pachinko balls acquired and the number of prizes to be exchanged). In FIG. 4B, the player confirms the display content of the customer display 34 on the front side of the prize management device 7. The contents displayed on the customer display 34 will be described in detail later.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the prize management device 7.
Referring to FIG. 5, the prize management device 7 includes a control unit 35 (acquisition means, calculation means, display control means, conversion means) constituted by a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 35 includes a CPU, memory (ROM, RAM), and the like. The control unit 35 is for controlling the operation of the prize management device 7.

In the prize management device 7, the control unit 35 is electrically connected to the above-described operation unit 32, employee display 33 and customer display 34, as well as a bar code reader 36, a communication I / O. Each of the F unit 37, the time measuring unit 38, the printing unit 39, and the storage unit 40 is electrically connected.
The bar code reader 36 can read the bar code of the receipt 26 (see FIG. 1).

The control unit 35 can communicate with the terminal 8 and the T / C 9 via the communication I / F unit 37. Here, in the following, the terminal 8 is regarded as a part of the prize management device 7.
The timer 38 grasps the current time and measures the elapsed time and the like. The printing unit 39 prints necessary information on paper. The storage unit 40 stores necessary information.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing display contents on the customer display 34 of the prize management device 7.

The contents displayed on the customer display 34 will be described in detail.
On the customer display 34, the total number of pachinko balls, the number of prizes, and the number of extra balls are displayed in this order from the top in the upper area 41.
The total number of pachinko balls acquired is the latest possessed ball of the player at the present time acquired by the prize management device 7 from the card 19 or the receipt 26 (see FIG. 1) via the barcode reader 36 or the terminal 8 (see FIG. 5). Is a number. The number of possessed balls here is the number of retained balls for the lending rate (in this case, the low rate) of either the normal rate or the low rate described above.

  The number of prizes is the number of specific types of special prizes (here, special prizes with the lowest value) that can be exchanged for pachinko balls (mochitama) for the total number of pachinko balls acquired (the number of coins). Here, one special prize and 2000 low-rate balls can be exchanged. Therefore, when the total number of pachinko balls acquired is 25800, the number of prizes is twelve. In other words, the value of one special prize here is 2000 yen. In addition, when the lending unit of the pachinko ball and the exchange unit for the pachinko ball are different, the number of pachinko balls to be exchanged for one special prize may be calculated according to the ratio.

The number of surplus balls is the number (fraction) of pachinko balls (referred to as “remainder balls”) that are surplus (for fractions that cannot be exchanged for special prizes) when the number of pachinko balls acquired is exchanged for special prizes. In FIG. 6, one special prize and 2000 low-rate balls can be exchanged. Therefore, when the total number of pachinko balls acquired is 25800, the number of extra balls is 1800.
In the lower area 42 of the customer display 34, a guidance sentence “What do you want to do with the extra ball?” Is displayed, and a plurality of selection keys 43 are arranged in the horizontal direction below the guidance sentence. At the same time, a determination key 44 is displayed below these selection keys 43.

Here, there are four processing methods in this embodiment as the processing method of the surplus balls.
As a first processing method, there is a processing method for performing a process of having a surplus ball as a ball (referred to as “mob ball processing”). Press the selection key 43A on which is displayed).
In addition, there are two types of holding ball processing: the processing of making extra balls with the same lending rate as before (referred to as “same rate holding processing”) and the lending rate of surplus balls different from the previous one (in FIG. 6). , A normal rate) possession ball (referred to as “different rate possession ball treatment”). When selecting the same rate holding process, after pressing the selection key 43A, the same rate selection key 45 at the lower left of the selection key 43A is pressed. When selecting the different rate holding ball processing, after pressing the selection key 43A, the different rate selection key 46 at the lower right of the selection key 43A is pressed.

As a second processing method, there is a processing method for performing processing for storing extra balls (referred to as “storage processing”). When this processing method is selected, a message to that effect (“selecting storage”) is displayed. The selected key 43B is pressed.
In addition, there are two types of savings processing: the processing of making excess balls into storage balls with the same loan rate as before (referred to as “same rate storage processing”), and the processing of making extra balls into storage balls with a different loan rate (“ It is called “different rate storage ball processing”. When selecting the same rate storage processing, after pressing the selection key 43B, the same rate selection key 47 at the lower left of the selection key 43B is pressed. When selecting the different rate storage ball processing, after pressing the selection key 43B, the different rate selection key 48 at the lower right of the selection key 43B is pressed.

As a third processing method, there is a processing method for holding the disposal of surplus balls (referred to as “holding processing”). When this processing method is selected, to that effect (“holding”) Press the selection key 43C on which is displayed.
As a fourth processing method, there is a processing method for abandoning extra balls (referred to as “abandonment processing”). When this processing method is selected, a message to that effect (“Abandonment”) is displayed. The selection key 43D is pressed.

Thus, in the customer display 34, a plurality of selection keys 43 are provided according to the type of processing method, and the corresponding processing method is displayed on each selection key 43.
Then, when one of the selection keys 43 is pressed and then the enter key 44 is pressed, the number of pachinko balls obtained by subtracting the number of surplus balls in the total number of pachinko obtained is exchanged for the number of prizes, and the remainder for the number of surplus balls The ball is processed according to the processing method of the pressed selection key 43. Here, pressing the selection key 43A means pressing the selection key 43A and the same rate selection key 45 or the different rate selection key 46, and pressing the selection key 43B means the same as the selection key 43B. This refers to pressing the rate selection key 47 or the different rate selection key 48 (the same applies hereinafter).

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the conditions for the extra ball processing.
Here, each of the above-described four types of processing (remaining ball processing) for the surplus ball has a predetermined condition for performing the processing. For this reason, there are not always four (four types) processing methods for extra balls, and the type of processing method changes according to predetermined conditions.
Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, the predetermined conditions include a player status (VIP member, normal member, or visitor), and a lending rate (low rate or normal rate) for surplus balls. , There is a timing (in other words, a gift exchange timing) for processing the extra balls, and the type of processing method changes depending on these conditions. That is, an appropriate type of processing method according to these predetermined conditions is displayed on the customer display 34.

Here, as a condition of the timing for performing the surplus ball processing, it is possible to determine whether or not the timing is before the closing of the game store. If the closing time of the amusement store is 23:00, the time before closing is the time zone after 22:00 in the case of visitors, and in the case of members, it is 22:30 after 30 minutes from the case of visitors. It is a subsequent time zone.
There are three main reasons why there is a difference between visitors and member customers regarding the definition before closing, and the member customers have more time before closing. The first reason is that preferential treatment is given to members over visitors. As a second reason, if it is a member customer, even if it does not bother to come to the prize counter and perform extra ball processing in the prize management device 7, the inter-unit unit 3 (see FIG. This is because it is possible to play the game until the closing time since the process of storing all the balls in 1) is possible. The third reason is that, even if the member leaves the store without performing the process of storing his own balls, the member's own balls are automatically This is because it is not necessary to set the store before the store is closed early in consideration of the procedure in the premium management device 7 by the member.

  In the case of a VIP member, it is possible to select a preferred processing method in the same-rate ball processing and the different-rate ball processing for both the low rate surplus ball and the normal rate surplus ball. However, before the amusement store is closed, it is not possible to select any holding ball processing. This is true for all the players, because it avoids congestion before closing the store, and there is no player who tries to replay with his own balls before closing. In addition, the same-rate savings processing can be selected in any case regardless of the surplus ball lending rate and before closing the store, but the different-rate savings processing cannot be selected at all. The hold process and the abandonment process can be selected in any case.

In other words, in the case of a VIP member, for each of a low rate surplus ball and a normal rate surplus ball, either the same rate retaining ball processing, the different rate retaining ball processing, the same rate storing ball processing, the hold processing and the abandonment processing. Although it can be selected, if it is before closing the store, only one of the same rate savings processing, hold processing and abandonment processing can be selected.
In the case of a normal member, the same-rate ball processing can be selected for each of the low rate surplus ball and the normal rate surplus ball, but the different rate holding ball processing can be selected only for the low rate surplus ball. This is because VIP members are favored over normal members. In addition, as in the case of a VIP member, it is not possible to select a holding ball process before the game store is closed. In addition, the same-rate savings processing can be selected in any case regardless of the surplus ball lending rate and before closing the store, but the different-rate savings processing cannot be selected at all. The hold process and the abandonment process can be selected in any case.

  In other words, in the case of a normal member, for the surplus ball of the low rate, you can select any of the same rate retaining ball processing, the different rate retaining ball processing, the same rate storage ball processing, the hold processing and the abandonment processing, the normal rate surplus ball Can be selected from among the same rate holding process, the same rate storing process, the holding process and the abandoning process. On the other hand, if the store is not closed, only one of the same rate storage ball processing, hold processing and abandonment processing can be selected.

  In the case of a visitor, the same-rate holding process can be selected for both the low rate surplus ball and the normal rate surplus ball. However, it is not possible to select different rate holding ball processing at all. This is because the members are favored by the visitor. Also, before the amusement store is closed, it is not possible to process any balls. Further, in the case of a visitor, since it is not a member customer as described above, it is not possible to select any savings processing. In addition, the hold process can be selected if the store is not closed, and the abandonment process can be selected in any case.

In other words, in the case of a visitor, you can select either the same rate holding ball processing, hold processing or abandonment processing for each of the low rate surplus ball and the normal rate surplus ball, but if it is before closing the store, the abandonment processing You can only choose.
Here, in the case of a visitor, the reason why the holding process cannot be selected before closing the store is that, in the case of a member customer, if the holding process is selected, nothing will be done after that, and even if the closing time is reached, the extra balls are stored. This is because, in the case of a visitor, even if the closing time is reached after selection of the hold process, it is not possible to respond like a member customer.

Such condition setting is merely an example, and under the above-described conditions, the different rate storage ball processing cannot be selected in any case, and the different rate selection key 48 (see FIG. 6) is displayed accordingly. For example, the different rate storage ball processing may be selected if a separately defined condition is satisfied.
And such conditions are memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 40 (refer FIG. 5) of the prize management apparatus 7. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed in the prize management device 7.
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the procedure of processing executed in the prize management device 7 will be described. In the following, it is assumed that the initial lending rate of pachinko balls (mochitama) is a low rate unless otherwise specified.
In the prize management device 7, the control unit 35 (see FIG. 5) monitors whether or not the card 19 or the receipt 26 (see FIG. 1) has been received (step S1). Specifically, when the terminal 8 detects that the card 19 is inserted into the card entrance 25 (see FIG. 1), the control unit 35 determines that the card 19 has been received. Further, when the barcode reader 36 (see FIG. 5) recognizes the barcode of the receipt 26, the control unit 35 determines that the receipt 26 has been received.

When the card 19 or the receipt 26 is received (YES in step S1), as described above, the control unit 35 acquires the number of pachinko balls acquired from the card 19 or the receipt 26 in association with the card 19 or the receipt 26 (current time). The number of possessed balls) is acquired in association with the lending rate (here, low rate) of the possessed balls of this number (step S2).
Thereafter, the control unit 35 confirms whether or not a later-described exchange ticket 49 (see FIG. 10) has been received (step S3). Step S3 and step S16 related thereto will be described later, and it is assumed that the exchange ticket 49 is not accepted here.

When the exchange ticket 49 has not been received (NO in step S3), the control unit 35 calculates the number of special prizes (special prizes) that can be exchanged for the acquired number of acquisitions (number of possessions) (number of prizes) ( Step S4). Here, as described above, since one special prize and 2000 low-rate holding balls can be exchanged, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of holding balls by 2000 is the number of prizes.
As a calculation result in step S4, if the number of possessed balls is divisible by 2000 and there is no surplus ball (NO in step S5), the control unit 35 displays the customer display 34 (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The acquired number, the number of prizes, and the enter key 44 (see FIG. 6) are displayed (step S6). That is, a calculation result by the control unit 35 is displayed on the customer display 34. Here, since there is no surplus ball with respect to the number of surplus balls described above, the head number of the surplus number of balls may not be displayed on the customer display 34, or the number of surplus balls may be displayed as zero ( (See FIG. 6). Further, since there are no extra balls, none of the selection keys 43 described above are displayed on the customer display 34.

  Thereafter, when the enter key 44 (see FIG. 6) is pressed (YES in step S7), the control unit 35 performs the above-described gift exchange process (step S8). Specifically, the control unit 35 causes the player to pay out special prizes corresponding to the number of prizes to a special prize dispenser (not shown). When the card 19 (see FIG. 1) is received in step S1, in step S8, as part of the prize exchange process, the control unit 35 indicates that the prize exchange process is complete after completing the prize exchange process. C9 (see FIG. 1) is transmitted to the terminal 8 (see FIG. 1), the number of held balls stored (recorded) in the card 19 is made zero (cleared), and the card 19 is ejected. Return it to the player. When T / C 9 receives the completion of the gift exchange process, T / C 9 clears (clears) the number of possessed balls (low rate associated with the card ID of card 19) in the possessed ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2). ).

As described above, when there is no extra ball (NO in step S5), when the prize exchange process in step S8 is completed, a series of processes performed in the prize management device 7 is completed.
When the determination key 44 is not pressed in step S7 (NO in step S7), when a predetermined time has elapsed after the display in step S6 (YES in step S9), the control unit 35 cancels the current process. As a result, the received card 19 or receipt 26 is returned (step S10). Specifically, regarding the return of the receipt 26, it is assumed that the control unit 35 has not received the receipt 26 (the same applies hereinafter).

  As a result of the calculation in step S4 by the control unit 35, if the number of balls is not divisible by 2000 and a surplus ball (the number of surplus balls) is generated (YES in step S5), the control unit 35 displays the customer display. In the device 34 (see FIGS. 4 to 6), the selection number 43 (see FIG. 6) according to the number of acquisition, the number of prizes, the number of surplus balls, and the above-described surplus ball processing conditions (see FIG. 7), A determination key 44 (see FIG. 6) is displayed (step S11). Here, by displaying the selection key 43, the control unit 35 displays a processing method that can be selected for the surplus balls (the number of surplus balls) on the customer display 34.

  Here, regarding the selection key 43, the control unit 35, when receiving the receipt 26 (see FIG. 1) in step S1, determines that the owner of the surplus ball this time is a visitor. Further, when the control unit 35 receives the card 19 (see FIG. 1) in step S1, the control unit 35 inquires of the holding ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2) of the T / C 9 and based on the card ID of the card 19 Know the status of the owner of the extra ball. Moreover, the control part 35 grasps | ascertains whether the present is before a store closing by grasping | ascertaining the present time from the time measuring part 38 (refer FIG. 5). Here, the lending rate of the extra ball is a low rate. Therefore, the control unit 35 compares these situations with the above-described predetermined condition (see FIG. 7), specifies a processing method that can be selected this time, and displays the corresponding selection key 43 on the customer display 34. .

  For example, if the current rate is not before closing and the owner of the low rate surplus ball is a VIP member, the same rate holding process, the different rate holding process, and the same rate storage process according to the predetermined condition described above One of the hold process and the abandonment process can be selected (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the control unit 35 displays all the selection keys 43A to D, the same rate selection key 45, the different rate selection key 46, and the same rate selection key 47 on the customer display 34 (see FIG. 6). . In other words, the control unit 35 causes the customer display 34 to display a plurality of types of processing methods including the same rate holding process, the different rate holding process, the same rate storing process, the holding process, and the abandoning process.

  On the other hand, in this case, if the store is not closed, the control unit 35 performs the same rate selection key 47 as the selection keys 43B, C, and D on the customer display 34 according to the predetermined condition described above (see FIG. 7). Are continuously displayed, but the selection key 43A, the same rate selection key 45, and the different rate selection key 46 are not displayed (see FIG. 6). In this manner, the control unit 35 changes the type of processing method displayed on the customer display 34 in accordance with a predetermined condition (see FIG. 7).

Here, as described above, except for the situation where the visitor can only select the abandonment process before closing the store, at least three types of processing methods can always be selected (see FIG. 7). A plurality of selection keys 43 are displayed on the customer display 34 (see FIG. 6).
Thereby, the player who saw the plurality of selection keys 43 (a plurality of types of processing methods) displayed on the customer display 34 can freely select a desired processing method from these processing methods, About (the number of extra balls), the process by the said desired processing method can be received. Therefore, the prize management device 7 can process the pachinko ball fraction (the number of extra balls) fairly and efficiently.

  After step S11, among the plurality of selection keys 43 (see FIG. 6) displayed on the customer display 34, the player presses the selection key 43 for the processing method desired by the player (step S11). If the determination key 44 (see FIG. 6) is further pressed by the player (YES in step S13), the control unit 35 performs the above-described prize exchange process (step S14). The prize exchange process here is the same as the prize exchange process in step S8. However, when the card 19 (see FIG. 1) is received in step S1, the control unit 35 does not perform the process of discharging the card 19 in step S14 unlike step S8.

Further, as described above, pressing any of the selection keys 43A and B means that after pressing any of the selection keys 43A and B, the same rate selection key 45, the different rate selection key 46, and the same rate selection. It means that either the key 47 or the different rate selection key 48 (this key is not actually displayed) is pressed (see FIG. 6).
On the other hand, if the selection key 43 is not pressed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display in step S11 (NO in step S12, YES in step S9), it is assumed that the current process is canceled, and the control unit 35 Returns the accepted card 19 or receipt 26 (step S10). Similarly, if the determination key 44 is not pressed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display in step S11 (NO in step S13, YES in step S9), it is assumed that the current process has been canceled and the control unit 35 returns the accepted card 19 or receipt 26 (step S10).

  After the prize exchange process (may be at the same time as the prize exchange process), the control unit 35 performs a surplus ball process by a processing method (desired by the player) corresponding to the selection key 43 pressed by the player. (Step S15). That is, a player who has seen a plurality of types of processing methods displayed on the customer display 34 can directly select a desired processing method related to the surplus ball processing by pressing (operating) the selection key 43. So it is even easier to use. Further, the player can intuitively select the desired processing method by pressing the portion (selection key 43) on which the desired processing method is displayed on the customer display 34, so that it is even easier to use ( (See FIG. 6).

And when the card | curd 19 (refer FIG. 1) is received by step S1, the control part 35 is a terminal at the time of a surplus ball process (after-mentioned) or after a surplus ball process as a part of a surplus ball process. 8 (see FIG. 1), the card 19 is discharged and returned to the player.
As described above, when there is a surplus ball (YES in step S5), when the surplus ball processing in step S15 is completed, a series of processes performed in the prize management device 7 is completed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the extra ball processing.
As described above, the surplus ball processing includes the ball processing, the storage ball processing, the hold processing, and the abandonment processing. In the following, for each processing method, the ball processing, the ball processing, the hold processing, and the abandonment processing are performed. This will be explained in the order.
(2-1) Holding Ball Processing When the player selects the holding ball processing by pressing the selection key 43A (see FIG. 6) on the customer display 34, the control unit 35, in step S15 (see FIG. 8). The excess ball processing is performed by the holding ball processing. Here, it is assumed that the card 19 (see FIG. 1) is received in the above-described step S1 (see FIG. 8).

  In the surplus ball processing, specifically, with reference to FIG. 9A, the control unit 35 adds the number of surplus balls to the number of retained balls stored in the card 19 (step S21). Here, when the player presses the same rate selection key 45 (see FIG. 6) and selects the same rate holding processing, the number of holding balls of the same lending rate already stored in the card 19 (however, the above-mentioned prize) The number of extra balls is added to the value after the exchange process, and the total value is recorded on the card 19 as a new number of balls.

  Further, the number of possessed balls is not only stored in the card 19 but also stored in the retained ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2) of the T / C 9 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, in the case of the same rate possession processing, the control unit 35 determines the new possession number described above as the card ID of the card 19 and the lending rate of the possession ball with this number of possessions (here. Then, the data is transmitted to the T / C 9 in association with the low rate. The T / C 9 replaces the number of possessed balls with the same lending rate (here, low rate) managed in association with the same card ID in the possessed ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2), The latest number of possessed balls at the same lending rate is recorded in the retained ball DB 22. The control unit 35 associates the number of surplus balls with the card ID and the lending rate of the card 19 and transmits it to the T / C 9, and the T / C 9 associates the received number of surplus balls with the same card ID in the holding ball DB 22. In addition to the number of balls with the same lending rate, the number of balls with the same lending rate may be updated.

  On the other hand, when the player presses the different rate selection key 46 (see FIG. 6) and selects the different rate holding ball processing, the control unit 35 first determines the number of extra balls (the pachinko balls lent out). ) Is converted into a value of a loan rate (in this case, a normal rate) different from the loan rate. Specifically, there is a predetermined coefficient, and by multiplying this coefficient by the number of extra balls, the number of extra balls at another lending rate is calculated. For example, if the coefficient when changing from the low rate of 1 yen / 1 ball to the normal rate of 4 yen / 1 ball was 0.25 (= 1/4), the above-mentioned 1800 extra balls at the low rate The number (see FIG. 6) is 450 (= 1800 × 0.25) at the normal rate. The control unit 35 calculates the remaining number of balls at another lending rate calculated in this way (the converted value of the number of remaining balls after conversion) as the number of balls remaining at the other lending rate already stored in the card 19 (zero). And the total value is recorded on the card 19 as a new number of balls at the other lending rate.

  Further, in the case of the different rate possession processing, the control unit 35 determines the new possession number at the above-described different loan rate, the card ID of the card 19 and the possession amount of this possession number in Step S21. Are transmitted to the T / C 9 in association with the lending rate (in this case, the normal rate). T / C9 is the number of possessed balls received this time instead of the number of possessed balls of another lending rate (normal rate) that is managed (recorded) in association with the same card ID in the owning ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2). Is recorded as the latest number of possessed balls at the other lending rate. The control unit 35 transmits the above-described number of remaining balls after conversion (the conversion value described above) to the T / C 9 in association with the card ID of the card 19 and the (other) loan rate, and the T / C 9 Even if the number of surplus balls received is added to the number of balls of another applicable lending rate associated with the same card ID in the possession ball DB 22 and the number of possessed balls of the other lending rate is updated (recorded) Good.

As described above, in the case of the different rate holding ball processing, the conversion value of the number of remaining balls described above is held in association with the card 19 (the holding ball DB 22).
In addition, a fee may be taken when carrying out the different rate holding ball processing.
As described above, the control unit 35 associates the number of extra balls with the card 19 in step S21 in any of the same-ball holding process and the different-rate holding process. Specifically, the control unit 35 records the number of surplus balls of the same rate or the number of surplus balls after being converted into a different rate on the card 19 and also has a holding ball DB 22 via the T / C 9 (see FIG. 2). Also record. Here, in the case of different rate possession processing, the control unit 35 converts the number of surplus balls of the original lending rate (here, low rate) as described above (here, the normal rate). The number of surplus balls is associated with the card 19.

And after the process of step S21, the control part 35 discharges | releases the card | curd 19 currently inserted in the card entrance 25 with respect to the terminal 8 (refer FIG. 1) (step S22). Thus, the holding ball processing is completed.
The player receives the card 19 ejected by the possession processing, and inserts the card 19 into the card entrance / exit 15 of the inter-unit unit 3 corresponding to the favorite game table 2 and presses the payout button 23 on the day when the card 19 is received. For example, the number of balls associated with the card 19 is paid out to the upper plate 10 of the game table 2 from the supply nozzle 13 of the inter-unit unit 3 (see FIG. 1). As a result, the player can replay on the gaming table 2 using the holding balls paid out to the upper plate 10 (the remaining number of pachinko balls held in association with the card 19) on the day of playing. it can. In particular, in the case of different rate possession processing, the player converts the number of surplus balls into a value at a loan rate different from the original loan rate according to circumstances, and the conversion value associated with the card 19 Using the pachinko ball (with the other lending rate), the game can be replayed on the gaming table 2 (see FIG. 1) with the other lending rate.

In this way, the possession processing is a process of allowing a game to be replayed by using the remaining number of balls (recorded in the card 19 or the possession DB 22) associated with the card 19 on the day of the game. That is. Then, when the holding ball processing (processing method for replaying on the day) is selected, as described above, the remaining number of balls is held in association with the card 19 (the holding ball DB 22).
Here, in the above description, it is assumed that the card 19 is received in step S1 (see FIG. 8). On the other hand, assuming that the receipt 26 (see FIG. 1) is received in step S1, a new general card 19 is stocked in the terminal 8 (see FIG. 1) as in the inter-unit unit 3. Yes. In this case, the control unit 35 selects one general card 19 from the stocks stored in the terminal 8 in step S21 in both the same-rate holding process and the different-rate holding process. After the above-mentioned number of extra balls is recorded as the number of balls on the general card 19, the general card 19 is discharged (issued) from the terminal 8 to the player side. Further, in T / C 9 (see FIG. 1), the above-described number of remaining balls is recorded (managed) as the number of balls in association with the card ID of the general card 19 in the holding ball DB 22 (see FIG. 2). The player can receive the card 19 newly issued this time and replay the game using the remaining number of balls associated with the card 19.

The card 19 is not issued from the inside of the terminal 8, but the card 19 prepared in advance by an employee or the like is touched on the terminal 8 or the prize management device 7, so that the card 19 has a surplus number of balls. The card 19 may be recorded and handed over to the player.
The medium may be a mobile phone held by the player himself, not the card 19. In the case of a mobile phone, information that can identify the mobile phone (for example, a manufacturing number (IDm) of an IC chip built in the mobile phone, a phone number, an email address, etc.) can be cited as the card ID It is done.

Further, the card 19 here is not limited to a general card but may be a membership card.
(2-2) Savings processing When the player selects the savings processing by pressing the selection key 43B (see FIG. 6) on the customer display 34, the control unit 35 stores the savings in step S15 (see FIG. 8). Carry out extra ball processing by processing. Here, it is assumed that, in principle, the membership card 19 (see FIG. 1) is accepted in the above-described step S1 (see FIG. 8).

  Specifically, with reference to FIG. 9B, the control unit 35 adds the number of extra balls to the number of stored balls stored in the member card 19 (see FIG. 1) (step S31). Here, when the same rate selection key 47 (see FIG. 6) is pressed and the same rate storage processing is selected, the number of stored balls of the same lending rate (here, low rate) already stored in the member card 19 (zero) In some cases, the number of extra balls is added, and the total value is recorded on the member card 19 as the new number of stored balls at the same lending rate.

  Further, the number of stored balls is not only stored in the membership card 19 but also stored in the stored ball DB 27 (see FIG. 3) of the T / C 9 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, in the case of the same rate storage ball processing, the control unit 35 uses the card ID of the membership card 19 and the lending rate of the storage ball of this number of storage balls (here, low Rate) and transmit to T / C9. T / C9 uses the number of stored balls received this time as the latest number of stored balls at the same lending rate instead of the number of stored balls of the same lending rate managed in association with the same card ID in the stored ball DB 27 (see FIG. 3). to manage. The control unit 35 associates the number of surplus balls with the card ID of the member card 19 and the loan rate and transmits it to the T / C 9, and the T / C 9 associates the received number of surplus balls with the same card ID in the storage ball DB 27. In addition to the number of stored balls with the same lending rate, the number of stored balls with the same lending rate may be updated.

  As described above, the different-rate storage ball processing cannot be selected in this embodiment (see FIG. 7), but if it can be selected, the control unit 35 first determines the number of surplus balls by this surplus ball (rented pachinko The lending rate is different from the lending rate (in this case, the normal rate). Specifically, the number of surplus balls at another lending rate is calculated by multiplying a predetermined coefficient by the number of surplus balls, as in the case of the different rate possession processing. Then, the control unit 35 calculates the number of surplus balls at another lending rate calculated (the converted value of the number of surplus balls after conversion) as the number of stored balls at the other lending rate already stored in the member card 19 (zero In some cases, the total value is recorded on the member card 19 as a new number of accumulated balls at the other lending rate.

  Further, in the case of the different rate savings ball processing, the control unit 35 determines, in step S31, the new number of savings at the above-mentioned different lending rate, the card ID of the member card 19, and the lending rate of the savings of this number of savings. It is transmitted to T / C 9 in association with (here, normal rate). T / C9 uses the number of stored balls received this time instead of the number of stored balls of the other lending rate managed (recorded) in association with the same card ID in the stored ball DB 27 (see FIG. 3). Record as the latest number of balls in. In addition, the control unit 35 transmits the number of remaining balls after conversion (the conversion value described above) to the T / C 9 in association with the card ID of the member card 19 and the other loan rate, and the T / C 9 receives it. The remaining number of balls may be added to the number of stored balls of another applicable loan rate associated with the same card ID in the stored ball DB 27, and the number of stored balls of the other loan rate may be updated (recorded).

As described above, in the case of the different rate savings processing, the above-described conversion value of the number of remaining balls is held in association with the member card 19 (savings DB 27).
Further, when the different rate storage ball processing is performed, a fee may be taken as in the case of the different rate holding ball processing.
As described above, in any of the same-rate storage processing and the different-rate storage processing, in step S31, the control unit 35 determines the remaining number of balls as the number of stored balls (pachinko for replaying the next day or later). The number of balls) is associated with the member card 19. Specifically, the control unit 35 records the number of surplus balls of the same rate or the number of surplus balls after being converted into a different rate on the member card 19 and also stores the ball DB 27 via the T / C 9 (see FIG. 3). Also record. Here, in the case of different rate storage ball processing, the control unit 35 converts the number of surplus balls (in this case, normal rate) after the conversion as described above with respect to the number of surplus balls of the initial lending rate to the member card 19. Associate.

Then, after such processing in step S31, the control unit 35 causes the terminal 8 (see FIG. 1) to discharge the member card 19 inserted in the card entrance 25 (step S32). Thus, the storage ball processing is completed.
A player (here, limited to a member customer) receives the discharged member card 19 and leaves the store, and then returns to the store on the following day to enter the card entry / exit of the inter-unit unit 3 corresponding to the favorite game stand 2. 15 and press the payout button 23 (see FIG. 1). Then, the number of stored balls associated with the member card 19 is paid out from the supply nozzle 13 of the inter-unit unit 3 (or the above-described not-shown ball lending mechanism) to the upper plate 10 of the game table 2 (see FIG. 1). ). As a result, the player replays on the gaming table 2 using the storage balls (the surplus number of pachinko balls associated with the membership card 19) paid out to the upper plate 10 after the next day (or on that day). be able to. In particular, in the case of different rate savings processing, the player converts the number of surplus balls to a value at a loan rate different from the original loan rate according to circumstances, and the conversion value associated with the member card 19 Using the pachinko ball (with the other lending rate), the game can be replayed on the gaming table 2 (see FIG. 1) with the other lending rate.

In this way, the storage ball processing is such that the game can be replayed using the remaining number of storage balls associated with the member card 19 (recorded in the member card 19 or the storage ball DB 27) on or after the day of the game. It is a process to do. Then, when the storage ball processing (the processing method for replaying on or after the next day) is selected, the storage ball processing is performed, and the number of surplus balls is the number of pachinko balls (reservation balls) for replaying on or after that day. Are stored in association with the membership card 19 (the stored ball DB 27). In other words, the acquired pachinko balls are managed in association with the member card 19 as stored balls by the stored ball processing.
(2-3) Hold Processing When the player selects the hold processing by pressing the selection key 43C (see FIG. 6) on the customer display 34, the control unit 35 holds the hold in step S15 (see FIG. 8). Carry out extra ball processing by processing.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 9C, control unit 35 temporarily stores the number of extra balls in storage unit 40 (see FIG. 5) (step S41). And the control part 35 issues the exchange ticket 49 with respect to the terminal 8 (refer FIG. 1) (step S42). Thus, the hold process is completed.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the exchange ticket 49.

  In the exchange ticket 49, the remaining number of balls (1800 in FIG. 10) is printed as a numerical value in association with the lending rate (here, low rate) and also as a barcode. In addition, a serial number ("No. 0017" in FIG. 10) is individually assigned to the exchange ticket 49. In the exchange ticket 49, this serial number is printed as a numerical value and also printed as a barcode. Has been. In addition, the exchange ticket 49 includes the name of the game shop that issued the exchange ticket 49 ("Parlor XX" in FIG. 10) and the issue date and time of the exchange ticket 49 (2010/3/3 11:07 in FIG. 10). ) And are printed.

  Here, when temporarily storing the number of surplus balls in the storage unit 40 in step S41 (see FIG. 9C) of the holding process, the control unit 35 exchanges the number of surplus balls with the lending rate and the future issue. Temporarily stored in association with the serial number of the ticket 49. At this time, it can be said that the control unit 35 temporarily stores the surplus balls (the number of surplus balls) in the storage unit 40 in exchange for the exchange ticket 49.

  Then, the player who has received the issued exchange ticket 49 plays the game on the gaming table 2 at the game store on or after that day. When the player additionally acquires a possession ball (assuming that the lending rate is the same as the surplus balls temporarily stored in the prize management device 7) by the game, the number of possession balls ("additional possession number") after the game Together with the card 19 or receipt 26 associated therewith, the exchange ticket 49 is taken to the prize management device 7 (see FIG. 1).

Then, the control unit 35 of the prize management device 7 performs the process shown in FIG. 8 and first receives the card 19 or the receipt 26 (YES in step S1), and acquires the additional number of balls from the card 19 or the receipt 26. (Step S2).
Next, the control unit 35 confirms whether or not the exchange ticket 49 has been received by inserting the exchange ticket 49 (see FIG. 10) into the card entrance 25 (see FIG. 1) of the terminal 8 (step S3). Alternatively, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the exchange ticket 49 has been received based on whether or not the barcode reader 36 (see FIG. 5) has recognized the barcode (see FIG. 10) of the exchange ticket 49.

When the exchange ticket 49 has not been received (NO in step S3), the control unit 35 performs the processing after step S4 described above.
On the other hand, when the exchange ticket 49 is received (YES in step S3), the control unit 35 determines the serial number, the number of surplus balls, and the number of the remaining balls from the barcode (see FIG. 10) of the exchange ticket 49. The lending rate is read, and the number of surplus balls temporarily stored in association with this serial number is called in the storage unit 40 (see FIG. 5) (step S16). Further, in step S16, the control unit 35 confirms that the number of surplus balls called from the storage unit 40 matches the number of surplus balls read from the exchange ticket 49 (also confirms that there is a lending rate). After that, the number of extra balls and the additional number of acquisitions (additional number of possession balls) acquired in step S2 are added together to calculate the final acquisition number as the total value. Further, in step S16, the control unit 35 calculates the number of prizes that can be exchanged for the final number obtained. In other words, the control unit 35 adds the number of extra balls (the number of extra balls) temporarily stored in the storage unit 40 and the number of additional pachinko balls according to the acquisition of the additional number of possessed balls. To calculate special prizes that can be exchanged. Note that the calculation procedure here is the same as in step S4.

  Then, the control part 35 implements the process of step S5-step S15 based on the calculation result in step S16. Here, as a result of the calculation by the control unit 35 in step S16, if there is a surplus number of balls that cannot be exchanged for special prizes in the total number, a plurality of types of processing methods that can be selected for this surplus number of balls are displayed on the customer display 34. (Step S11). Therefore, the player can select a processing method again after waiting for the additional number of balls to be acquired without rushing to select a processing method for the remaining number of balls.

As described above, the hold process is a process that allows the process for the extra balls (the number of extra balls) to be held until the control unit 35 of the prize management device 7 obtains the additional number of extra balls (the additional number of pachinko balls acquired). That's it.
In addition, when the lending rate of the remaining balls related to the additional number of balls is different from the lending rate of the remaining balls related to the number of remaining balls temporarily stored in the giveaway management device 7, the control unit 35 performs step S16. Do not process.

  Here, when the player has the card 19 (see FIG. 1) described above and the card 19 is received in step S1 (see FIG. 8), the card 19 is exchanged with the exchange ticket 49 (see FIG. 10). ). Therefore, the contents of the exchange ticket 49 are recorded on the card 19 that is ejected (issued) in step S42 of the hold process (see FIG. 9C). Further, the contents of the exchange ticket 49 may be additionally printed on the receipt 26 (see FIG. 1), and the receipt 26 may also serve as the exchange ticket 49.

Here, the exchange ticket 49 is generally provided with an expiration date. When a player tries to exchange prizes, but the number of pachinko balls acquired is not enough for the desired prize, etc., the number of pachinko balls acquired by re-playing is temporarily held in the hold process. The main purpose of the holding process is to make up for the shortage of pachinko balls (the number that is not enough for the number of acquisitions) with pachinko balls (rental balls) that have been borrowed. Therefore, the expiration date is usually about 3 hours after the end of the business day or when the exchange ticket 49 is issued.
(2-4) Abandonment process When the player selects the abandonment process by pressing the selection key 43D (see FIG. 6) on the customer display 34, the control unit 35 abandons in step S15 (see FIG. 8). Carry out extra ball processing by processing.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 9D, the control unit 35 clears the calculated number of remaining balls as zero (step S51). From this, it is assumed that there are no extra balls, and the abandonment process is completed. Therefore, the player can abandon the number of surplus balls when the surplus balls (the number of surplus balls) are unnecessary. Here, since the abandonment process is performed after the prize exchange process, the number of possessed balls when the abandonment process is completed is zero. Also, since there are no extra balls, the number of stored balls does not change before and after the abandonment process.

The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the player himself selects the desired processing method for the surplus ball by pressing the selection key 43 (see FIG. 6) displayed on the customer display 34. However, the player may tell the employee the desired processing method from the selection key 43 on the customer display 34, and the employee may select the processing method instead of the player.

In the above-described embodiment, the game medium is a pachinko ball, but the game medium may be a medal.
The type of surplus ball processing method to be displayed on the customer display 34 of the prize management device 7 is based on predetermined conditions such as a surplus ball lending rate, timing of surplus ball processing (premium exchange), and a player's status. Changed accordingly. Here, the predetermined condition includes the type of game medium (pachinko ball or medal) and the value of the number of surplus balls (fraction), depending on the type of game medium and the value of the number of surplus balls, You may change the kind of processing method displayed on the display 34 for customers. When the type of game medium is used as a reference, for example, a hold process can be selected for a pachinko ball, but a hold process may not be selected for a medal. Moreover, when using the value of the number of remaining balls as a reference, for example, if the number of remaining balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it may be possible to select a different rate storage ball processing.

  A mobile phone carried by the player may also serve as the card 19 (see FIG. 1). Here, the manufacturing number (IDm) of the IC chip built in the mobile phone corresponds to the card ID of the card 19. The inter-unit 3, the counting device 5, the terminal 6, the prize management device 7, and the terminal 8 can read the IDm, and the number of possessed balls, the number of stored balls, etc. are managed in association with the IDm at the T / C 9. (See FIG. 1).

  In addition, when a player (visitor) who does not have the card 19 counts pachinko balls with the counting device 5, in the above-described embodiment, the receipt 26 is issued but the balls cannot be stored. However, if the visitor wants to use the pachinko balls (especially the above-mentioned surplus balls) stored in the counting device 5 after receiving the receipt 26, the prize management device 7 is in the middle of processing. In addition, a temporary member registration can be performed based on the IDm of the own mobile phone. As a result, the visitor can immediately become a temporary member, and can store the surplus balls (same as described above) as in the case of regular members with the membership card 19. However, in this case, the player who has become a temporary member needs to renew the same procedure (registration of address, name, etc.) as that of the member customer having the membership card 19 to register as a formal member.

Further, a dedicated device having the above-described storage ball DB 27 (see FIG. 1) may be provided separately from the T / C 9.
Further, in the prize management device 7, it is assumed that the control unit 35 (see FIG. 5) acquires the number of possessed balls for both the normal rate and the low rate (step S2 in FIG. 8). In this case, the display contents in FIG. 6 are switched and displayed on the customer display 34 for, for example, each of the normal rate and the low rate. It is good to execute the extra ball processing.

7 Premium Management Device 19 Card 22 Mochitama Database 27 Savings Database 34 Customer Display 35 Control Unit 43 Selection Key

Claims (12)

An acquisition means for acquiring the number of game media desired to be exchanged for a specific prize acquired by a player;
Calculation means for calculating the number of specific prizes exchangeable with the number of game media acquired by the acquisition means;
A display for a customer, which is provided at a position facing the player and displays a calculation result by the calculation means;
As a result of the calculation by the calculation means, when a fraction of game media that cannot be exchanged for prizes is generated, display control means for displaying on the customer display a plurality of types of processing methods that can be selected for the fraction;
A prize management device comprising:   2. The prize management device according to claim 1, further comprising a selection key provided on the display for customer, for selecting a desired processing method from a plurality of types of the processing methods.   3. The prize management device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the selection keys are provided according to the type of the processing method, and the corresponding processing method is displayed on each of the selection keys.   4. The prize management device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit changes a type of the processing method displayed on the display for customer according to a predetermined condition.   The predetermined condition includes at least one of a game medium type, a game medium lending rate, a fractional value, a gift exchange timing, and a player's treatment at a game store. The prize management device according to claim 4. Holding means for holding the fractions in association with each other;
The processing method includes replaying using the fractional game medium associated with the holding means on the day of the game,
6. The prize management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the processing method for replaying on the day is selected, the fraction is held in association with the holding means. The processing method includes replaying using the fraction of game media associated with the holding means after the day after the game is played,
When a processing method for replaying after the next day is selected, the fraction is held in association with the holding means as the number of game media for replaying after the next day. Item 7. The prize management device according to item 6. It has a member recording medium issued to members of the amusement store,
There is a savings process for managing the acquired game media in association with the member recording medium as savings,
The prize management device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the storage processing is performed when the storage processing method is selected. The game media is lent at any one of a plurality of loan rates,
Conversion means for converting the fraction into a loan rate value different from the loan rate of the rented game medium;
8. The prize management apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the holding means holds the converted value of the fraction after conversion by the converting means in association with each other.   The prize management device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the holding means includes a recording medium carried by a player or a recording medium provided in the prize management device. The processing method includes holding the processing for the fraction until the acquisition means acquires the additional acquisition number of game media,
Means for temporarily storing the fraction when the hold processing method is selected;
In response to the acquisition means acquiring the additional acquisition number, the calculation means calculates a specific prize that can be exchanged for the number of game media obtained by adding the fraction and the additional acquisition number temporarily stored. Means,
The prize management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the prize management apparatus includes: The processing method includes abandoning the fraction,
The prize management device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, further comprising means for clearing the fraction when the abandonment processing method is selected.

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