JP5091510B2 - Game media lending device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium lending device, and is particularly suitable for use in limiting the use of gaming machines.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a technique for preventing so-called encroachment in which a player spends a large amount of money on a game in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine. In Patent Document 1, an operation panel door provided in a ball lending sand is opened, and a store clerk or the like sets an upper limit amount that can be used in the ball lending sand. In addition, a seat height sensor and a weight sensor are provided, and the seat height sensor and the weight sensor can detect that the player is seated.

  The hall computer that communicates with the in-store gaming machine, the ball lending sand, the sitting height sensor, and the weight sensor calculates the accumulated value of the amount that the player has put into the ball lending sand, the ball lending sand, the sitting height sensor, and the weight Count based on the result of communication with the sensor, and if it is determined that the player will drop money beyond the upper limit set in the ball lending sand, lend a game ball from the ball lending sand Do not let it go out.

JP-A-10-305158

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, it is determined in units of ball lending sand whether or not the player has dropped money exceeding the upper limit. Therefore, for example, if a gaming machine that plays a game in the same store is changed or a game is played in a different store, the player can spend a large amount of money. Therefore, the conventional technique has a problem that it is difficult to effectively suppress the sinking.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to suppress the sinking more effectively than in the past.

To achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1, based on the acquired identification information from the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device, an information related to the use amount of electronic money in the wireless communication device determining a usage charge information on spending the Yu technique medium, whether it is the wireless communication device apparatus to write the credit limit information on spending limits even with game media information about the credit limit of the electronic money in to together, when the wireless communication device is determined to be a device that can write the usage amount information and credit limit information, by the use amount information, and the credit line information before Symbol wireless communication device or al-free line communication a receiving unit that will receive, by the receiving unit, when the wireless communication device is a device which does not write the usage amount information and credit limit information determine When the service information is received, the wireless communication device causes the wireless communication device to use the usage amount information and the usage amount information by using the usage amount information acquisition means for acquiring the usage amount information associated with the identification information from the store server. If it is determined that the device can not be written and a usage amount information acquisition means for acquiring usage charge information corresponding to the identification information from the shop server, a usage amount information received by the front Ki受 Shin means based on the result of comparing the interest for limit information, the wireless communication apparatus identified by the identification information, and judging means for judging whether it is possible to use a function as the electronic money, the determination When it is determined by the means that the wireless communication device identified by the identification information can use the function as the electronic money, the wireless communication device On the other hand, payment means for making a payment for the lending of the game medium, and rewriting instruction means for giving the wireless communication device a rewrite instruction according to the amount of the payment of the usage amount information stored in the wireless communication device; When the determination means determines that the wireless communication device identified by the identification information can use the function as the electronic money, the game medium corresponding to the payment amount is lent out. And a game medium lending unit.

In such a configuration, the game medium lending device wirelessly transmits the usage amount information and the usage limit information when it is determined that the wireless communication device having a function as electronic money is a device capable of writing the usage amount information and the usage limit information. Receive from the communication device. On the other hand, when it is determined that the wireless communication device is a device that cannot write the usage amount information and the usage limit information, the usage amount information and the usage limit information are acquired from the store server. Then, based on the result of the comparison between the usage limit information and the usage amount information, it is determined whether or not the wireless communication device can use the function as electronic money, and if it can be used, a settlement is made. Lending gaming media. Further, when the game medium lending device makes a payment, the game medium lending device gives the wireless communication device an instruction to rewrite usage amount information according to the amount of the payment. As a result, the usage amount information stored in the wireless communication device is rewritten according to the amount of payment. By doing in this way, it can be determined whether the function as electronic money can be used based on the information memorize | stored in the radio | wireless communication apparatus which a player owns. Therefore, even when a gaming machine that plays a game in the same store is changed or a game is played in a different store, lending of game media by the wireless communication device can be appropriately restricted. Therefore, the so-called sinking in which the player throws a large amount of money can be suppressed more appropriately than before.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that it has a writing instruction means for instructing the wireless communication apparatus to write usage limit information in the wireless communication apparatus by wireless communication.
With this configuration, the game medium lending device can write the usage limit information in the wireless communication device. Therefore, the usage limit amount in the wireless communication device can be set to the amount set in the game medium lending device. Therefore, for example, it is possible to write the limit information on the wireless communication device without using a special device. Further, for example, it becomes possible to set usage limit information in the wireless communication device for each game medium lending device or for each store where the game medium lending device is provided.

The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that it includes a second writing instruction means for instructing the wireless communication apparatus to write usage amount information in the wireless communication apparatus by wireless communication.
With this configuration, the game medium lending device can write the usage amount information in the wireless communication device. Therefore, the usage amount in the wireless communication device can be written in the wireless communication device when the game medium lending device is used. Therefore, for example, the usage amount information can be written in the wireless communication device without using a special device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication device is at least one of a non-contact IC card having a function as electronic money and a wireless portable device having an IC chip having a function as electronic money. It can be.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the usage limit amount information is information relating to a daily usage limit amount of the game medium, and the usage amount information is a usage amount of the game medium per day in the wireless communication device. It is preferable that the information is related to the total amount.

Further, the invention according to claim 6, when the determination unit determines that the wireless communication device identified by the identification information cannot use the function as the electronic money. It has a reporting means for reporting.
In such a configuration, in such a configuration, the game medium lending device notifies that the game medium cannot be rented out by the wireless communication device performing wireless communication, so that the amount of the game medium exceeding the usage limit amount in the wireless communication device is exceeded. By trying to lend, it is possible to make the player recognize that gaming media is not lent out.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the so-called sinking in which a player throws a large amount of money than before.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a gaming system. In the present embodiment, a so-called first-class pachinko machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine, and a game ball will be described as an example of a gaming medium.
In FIG. 1, the gaming system has a center server 1, a network 2, store servers 3a to 3c, gaming machines 100a to 100i, and gaming medium lending devices 4a to 4i. The network 2 is, for example, the Internet or a WAN. The network 2 is connected (constructed) to a system for managing the deposit and withdrawal of electronic money used in the gaming system (a system constructed by a company that operates electronic money).

  The center server 1 communicates with the store servers 3a to 3c installed in each store 5a to 5c via the network 2. The store servers 3a to 3c communicate with the game machines 100a to 100i and the game medium lending devices 4a to 4i in the stores (game stores) 5a to 5c in which the store servers 3a to 3c are installed via communication cables such as LAN cables. . The game medium lending devices 4a to 4i lend game balls to the corresponding game machines 100a to 100i, and communicate with the game machines 100a to 100i via communication cables.

  A player brings a wireless communication device 6 such as a mobile phone equipped with an IC chip or a non-contact IC card to the store (game store) 5. The wireless communication device 6 has a function as so-called electronic money. The player places the game medium lending device 4 and the wireless communication device 6 by placing the brought-in wireless communication device 6 within the communication range of the game medium lending device 4 provided corresponding to the gaming machine 100 that the player wants to play. Wireless communication between the two. The game medium lending device 4 that has performed wireless communication with the wireless communication device 6 communicates with the store server 3 in the store 5 to which the game medium lends itself, and uses the electronic money function in the wireless communication device 6 to play the game ball. It is determined whether or not the game ball can be lent, and if the game ball can be lent, the game ball is lent.

  In this way, in order to determine whether or not the game ball may be lent, the store server 3 wirelessly communicates with the game medium rent device 4 from the game medium rent device 4 in the store 5 to which the game server belongs. Information about the wireless communication device 6 is acquired and managed, and information about the wireless communication device 6 is transmitted to the center server 1. And the center server 1 acquires and manages the information of the radio | wireless communication apparatus 6 from the store server 3 in each store 5a-5c.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the store server 3 collectively manages the information of the wireless communication devices 6 in the store 5 to which the player belongs, so that the player plays a game in the same store 5. Even when the gaming machine 100 is changed, the lending of game balls by the wireless communication device 6 can be appropriately restricted. Further, the center server 1 collectively manages the information of the wireless communication devices 6 in all the stores 5a to 5c belonging to the game system, so that even when the player plays a game in a different store 5, The lending of game balls by the wireless communication device 6 can be appropriately restricted.

Further, in the present embodiment, usage limit amount information indicating a daily usage limit amount of electronic money (a daily usage limit amount for gaming ball lending) and electronic money usage amount today (relating to a gaming ball lending) Two types of wireless communication devices 6 are used: a wireless communication device 6 that can write usage amount information indicating the total amount of usage today), and a wireless communication device 6 that cannot write usage limit information and usage amount information. I have to. When the wireless communication device 6 capable of writing the usage limit information and the usage amount information is used, the game medium lending device 4 transmits the usage limit information and the usage amount information stored in the wireless communication device 6 by wireless communication. Obtained from device 6. Based on the acquired information, the game medium lending device 4 determines whether or not the game ball can be lent using the electronic money function in the wireless communication device 6.
On the other hand, when the wireless communication device 6 to which the usage limit information cannot be written is used, the game medium lending device 4 acquires the usage limit information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 from the store server 3 and acquires them. Based on the information, it is determined whether or not the game ball may be lent out using the electronic money function in the wireless communication device 6.
Below, each structure in a game system is demonstrated in detail.

(Game machine hardware configuration)
FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of an external configuration of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.
In FIG. 2, a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 100 includes a gaming board (gauge board) that forms a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame that supports and fixes the gaming board.
The gaming machine frame includes an outer frame 124, a front frame 125, a transparent plate 126, a door 127, and a ball tray unit 128.
The outer frame 124 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the gaming machine 100 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 125 is a frame body that matches the opening of the outer frame 124, and is attached to the outer frame 124 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

  The front frame 125 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. Furthermore, electrical decoration parts 130a to 130d such as game effect lamps that are turned on according to the state of the game are provided on the peripheral edge of the front frame 125.

The transparent plate 126 is for protecting the game board, and is, for example, a transparent glass plate. The player plays the game through the transparent plate 126 while seeing through the game area of the game board.
The door 127 is for supporting the transparent plate 126, and is attached to the front frame 125 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism or the like.

The ball tray unit 128 is provided below the front frame 125, and includes a ball tray 128a for storing a certain amount of game balls (rented balls and prize balls).
As described later, the ball lending button 134 is used after the wireless communication between the wireless communication device (non-contact IC card, mobile phone, etc.) 6 owned by the player and the game medium lending device 4 is started (for example, wireless communication is performed). For the player to operate while). By operating the ball lending button 134, the player can instruct lending of the game ball.

(Hardware configuration of game media lending device)
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the external configuration of the game medium lending device 4. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows an external configuration of the front surface that is exposed when attached to the side of the gaming machine 100 as shown in FIG. In the following description, the front surface exposed when attached to the side of the gaming machine 100 will be referred to as the front surface of the game medium lending device 4 as necessary.

In FIG. 3, the game medium lending device 4 includes a lamp 401, a bill insertion slot 402, a wireless communication unit 403, a display device 404, a numeric keypad 405, and a nozzle unit 406.
As will be described later, the lamp 401 performs a predetermined light-emitting operation when the game medium lending device 4 determines that the game balls cannot be lent by the wireless communication device 6, and the game balls are rented by the wireless communication device 6. This is for informing the player that it cannot be performed. In addition, the lamp 401 performs a light emitting operation for notifying the operation state and the like in the game medium lending device 4.

  The bill insertion slot 402 is a portion into which a player inserts bills when the player wants to rent game balls with cash (banknotes). In the present embodiment, the amount corresponding to the rental unit of game balls is set to 1000 yen. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a 1000 yen bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 402, a number of game balls corresponding to 1000 yen are automatically lent out.

  The numeric keypad 405 is operated by the player, and can input various numerical information. The display device 404 includes a liquid crystal display device, for example, and displays various image information. For example, the display device 404 displays image information relating to the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 corresponding to the gaming medium lending device 4 (for example, the number of games since the previous “big hit”) based on the operation of the numeric keypad 405, etc. For example, image information for announcing an event performed at the store 5 can be displayed. The nozzle unit 406 is for guiding a game ball lent from the game medium lending device 4 to a ball tray 128 a provided in the ball tray unit 128.

  The wireless communication unit 403 is provided on a protrusion formed on the front surface of the game medium lending device 4. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external configuration of the wireless communication unit 403 provided in the game medium lending device 4. FIG. 4A illustrates a non-contact IC card 6 A that is an example of the wireless communication device 6. FIG. 4B illustrates an external configuration when a non-contact IC card 6A, which is an example of the wireless communication device 6, is inserted.

  In FIG. 4A, an antenna 501 for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication device 6 is provided inside the wireless communication unit 403. In a predetermined area of the wireless communication unit 403, a card insertion slot 502 into which a non-contact IC card 6A that is a kind of the wireless communication device 6 is inserted is formed. When the non-contact IC card 6A is inserted into the card insertion slot 502, the antenna provided on the inserted non-contact IC card 6A and the antenna 501 are arranged at positions that are generally opposed to each other inside the wireless communication unit 403. The In this state, when power is supplied to the antenna provided in the inserted non-contact IC card 6A and the antenna 501, wireless communication is performed between the game medium lending device 4 and the non-contact IC card 6A. .

The wireless communication unit 403 includes a holder 503 on the side opposite to the side where the antenna 501 is provided (the side where the gaming machine 100 corresponding to the game medium lending device 4 is present (see FIG. 3)). ing. When a mobile phone 6B or a contactless IC card 6A, which is a kind of wireless communication device 6, is placed in the holder 503, the placed mobile phone 6B or contactless IC card 6A and the game medium lending device 4 are wirelessly connected. Communication can be performed.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the mobile phone 6B or the non-contact IC card 6A is placed on the side surface (communication range of the antenna 501) of the wireless communication unit 403, the mobile phone 6B or the non-contact IC card 6A, The game medium lending device 4 can perform wireless communication.
As described above, in this embodiment, the non-contact IC card 6A inserted into the card insertion slot 502, the antenna for communicating with the mobile phone 6B and the non-contact IC card 6A placed in the holder 503, and the wireless communication unit 403 The antenna that communicates with the mobile phone 6B or the non-contact IC card 6A that is placed on the side surface (communication range of the antenna 501) is shared.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 403 does not perform wireless communication with other wireless communication devices 6 when performing wireless communication with a certain wireless communication device 6. That is, the wireless communication unit 403 is configured not to perform wireless communication with a plurality of wireless communication devices 6 at the same time.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, when inserted into the card insertion slot 502, a part of the non-contact IC card 6A protrudes (exposes) from the card insertion slot 502. In addition, at least a part of the wireless communication unit 403 is made of a transparent or translucent member so that the non-contact IC card 6A inserted into the card insertion slot 502 can be visually recognized from the outside (by the player). Specifically, a component (for example, a reader or writer for reading / writing data from / to the wireless communication device 6 via the antenna 501) inside the wireless communication unit 403 is connected to the antenna from the card insertion port 502. The internal components including the antenna 501 are externally arranged by arranging the antenna 501 on the side where the antenna 501 is provided and making the side where the antenna 501 is provided more opaque than the card insertion port 502 or making it difficult to see through. Make it invisible. On the other hand, the side where the holder 503 is provided with respect to the card insertion slot 502 is made of a transparent or translucent member including the holder 503 so that the non-contact IC card 6A inserted into the card insertion slot 502 can be externally provided. It is made visible. By doing so, it is possible to make the player easily recognize that the non-contact IC card 6A is inserted into the card insertion slot 502, and it is possible to suppress misplacement of the non-contact IC card 6A.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the door 127 of the gaming machine 100 provided corresponding to the game medium lending device 4 is rotated at the maximum angle, the transparent plate 126 supported by the door 127 is the game medium. The position, height, and shape of the protrusion (wireless communication unit 403) are designed so as not to contact the protrusion (wireless communication unit 403) formed on the front surface of the lending device 4.

(System configuration)
Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the game medium lending device 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the game medium lending device 4.
The game medium lending device 4 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a lamp 401, a display device 404, a game ball lending mechanism 604, a bill insertion / return mechanism 605, a communication interface 606, and an input / output interface 607. Are connected to each other via a bus 608. Furthermore, as described above, the game medium lending device 4 is provided with the antenna 501 and the numeric keypad 405.

The CPU 601 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. And CPU601 reads the program, data, etc. which are memorize | stored in ROM602, and controls the game media rental apparatus 4 whole based on these.
The ROM 602 stores a program, data, and the like necessary for the CPU 601 to perform processing such as processing shown in FIG. 10 to be described later and other game ball lending. The RAM 603 is used as a work area when the CPU 601 performs various controls and temporarily stores data and the like.

Based on an instruction from the CPU 601, the game ball lending mechanism 604 sends a number of game balls corresponding to the game medium lending unit to the ball tray 128 a provided in the ball tray unit 128 via the nozzle unit 406.
When a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 402, the bill insertion / return mechanism 605 identifies the bill and transmits a signal indicating the identified bill to the CPU 601. Thereafter, when the CPU 601 permits the acceptance of the bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 402, the bill insertion / return mechanism 605 conveys the inserted bills to a predetermined position inside. Also, the bill insertion / return mechanism 605 returns the inserted bill to the bill insertion port 402 when the CPU 601 does not accept the bill inserted into the bill insertion port 402.

The communication interface 606 processes the signal transmitted from the CPU 601 so that it can be transmitted from the antenna 501 or processes it so that it can be transmitted to the store server 3 via the LAN cable. The communication interface 606 processes the signal received by the antenna 501 and the signal received from the store server 3 via the LAN cable so that the CPU 601 can interpret it.
The input / output interface 607 generates a signal indicating the operation content of the numeric keypad 405 and transmits the signal to the CPU 601.

(Center server and store server hardware configuration)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the center server 1 and the store server 3. In the present embodiment, both the center server 1 and the store server 3 are configured using personal computers. Therefore, the system configuration of the center server 1 and the store server 3 is the same.
6, the center server 1 and the store server 3 include a CPU 701, a ROM 702, a RAM 703, a keyboard controller (KBC) 705 of a keyboard (KB) 704, and a CRT controller (CRT) 706 as a display section (CRT controller 706). CRTC) 707, hard disk (HD) 708 and controller (DKC) 709 of recording medium (MC) 712, and network interface controller (NIC) 710 for connection to network 2 are connected to each other via system bus 711. It is configured to be communicable.

The CPU 701 comprehensively controls each component connected to the system bus 703 by executing software stored in the ROM 702 or the HD 708.
That is, the CPU 701 reads out and executes a processing program or data according to a predetermined processing sequence from the ROM 702, the HD 708, or the recording medium (MC) 712, thereby performing control for realizing an operation described later.

The RAM 703 functions as a main memory or work area for the CPU 701.
The KBC 705 controls an instruction input from the KB 704 or a pointing device (not shown).

The CRTC 707 controls display of the CRT 706.
The DKC 709 controls access to the HD 708 that stores a boot program, various applications, editing files, user files, a predetermined processing program that executes a network management program, and a recording medium (MC) 712.
The NIC 710 bidirectionally exchanges data with devices on the network 2 or devices connected to each other via a communication cable such as a LAN cable.

(Functional configuration of game media lending device)
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the game medium lending device 4.
(Wireless communication information acquisition unit 901)
The wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 acquires wireless communication information from the wireless communication device 6 via the antenna 501. More specifically, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 receives identification information for identifying the wireless communication device 6 as wireless communication information from the wireless communication device 6 in which the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information cannot be written, Balance information related to the balance of electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 is acquired via the antenna 501. On the other hand, from the wireless communication device 6 in which the usage limit information and the usage amount information can be written, the usage limit information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 can be acquired in addition to the information.

  The wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 is, for example, a wireless communication device 6 that can write usage limit amount information and usage amount information based on identification information included in the wireless communication information acquired from the wireless communication device 6. It is determined whether or not the communication device 6 is used. As a result of the determination, if the wireless communication device 6 cannot write the usage limit information and the usage amount information, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 transmits a signal indicating this to the identification information transmission unit 902. On the other hand, when the wireless communication device 6 can write the usage limit information and the usage amount information, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 adds the usage limit information and the usage amount information to the wireless communication information acquired from the wireless communication device 6. Whether or not is included.

As a result of this determination, if the wireless communication information acquired from the wireless communication device 6 includes usage limit amount information and usage amount information, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 sends a signal indicating that to the lending determination unit. To 905.
On the other hand, when the wireless communication information acquired from the wireless communication device 6 does not include the usage limit information and the usage amount information, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 uses the usage limit information and the usage information in the wireless communication device 6. For example, it is determined whether or not the money amount information is stored in the RAM 603. The usage limit amount information and the usage amount information are acquired by the usage limit information acquisition unit 903 and the usage amount information acquisition unit 904 as described later.

As a result of this determination, when the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 are stored, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 writes the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6. Therefore, a signal indicating that is transmitted to the usage information transmitting unit 912. On the other hand, when the usage limit information and usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 are not stored, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 needs to acquire the usage amount information and usage amount information to be written to the wireless communication device 6. A signal indicating that is transmitted to the identification information transmitting unit 902.
The wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, the RAM 603, and the communication interface 606.

(Identification information transmission unit 902)
When the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 determines that the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 is performing wireless communication with the wireless communication device 6 that cannot write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information, the identification information transmission unit 902 When it is determined that the usage limit information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 to which the usage amount information can be written are not stored in the RAM 603 (the usage limit information and the usage amount information to be written to the wireless communication device 6 are When it is determined that it is necessary to acquire the identification information, the identification information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 is transmitted to the store server 3 in the store 5 to which the user belongs. Thereby, the store server 3 is requested to acquire the usage limit information and the usage amount information.
The identification information transmission unit 902 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, the RAM 603, and the communication interface 606.

(Usage limit information acquisition unit 903)
The limit information acquisition unit 903 uses the identification information transmitted from the identification information transmission unit 902 and the limit information stored in the store server 3 in association with the identification information in the store 5 to which it belongs. From the store server 3 in Then, the usage limit information acquisition unit 903 stores the acquired identification information and usage limit information in association with each other, for example, in the RAM 603. That is, the usage limit amount information acquisition unit 903 indicates the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 and the daily usage limit amount of electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 (the daily usage limit amount regarding the lending of game balls). Usage limit information is acquired from the store server 3 in the store 5 to which the user belongs.
The usage limit information acquisition unit 903 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, the RAM 603, and the communication interface 606.

(Usage amount information acquisition unit 904)
The usage amount information acquisition unit 904 has the identification information transmitted from the identification information transmission unit 902 and the usage amount information associated with the identification information and stored in the store server 3 in the store 5 to which the usage amount information acquisition unit 904 belongs. Obtained from the store server 3. Then, the usage amount information acquisition unit 904 stores the acquired identification information and the usage amount information in association with each other, for example, in the RAM 603. In other words, the usage amount information acquisition unit 904 uses the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 and the usage amount information indicating today's usage amount of electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 (the total amount of today's usage amount related to gaming ball lending). Are acquired from the store server 3 in the store 5 to which the user belongs.
The usage amount information acquisition unit 904 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, the RAM 603, and the communication interface 606.

(Usage information transmission unit 912)
When the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 determines that the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 that is the transmission source of the wireless communication information are stored in the RAM 603, the usage information transmission unit 912 The usage limit amount information and the usage amount information are read out and transmitted to the wireless communication apparatus 6 via the antenna 501. As a result, the wireless communication device 6 is instructed to write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information, and the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information are written to the wireless communication device 6.
The usage information transmission unit 912 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, the RAM 603, and the communication interface 606.

(Lending determination unit 905)
The lending determination unit 905 determines whether or not the balance based on the balance information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 is equal to or more than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit. As a result of the determination, if the balance based on the balance information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 is less than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit, the gaming ball cannot be rented. A signal indicating this is transmitted to the lending impossible notification instructing unit 906.
On the other hand, when the balance based on the balance information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball rental unit, the lending determination unit 905 acquires information by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901. Until then, it is determined whether or not a ball lending button operation signal has been received from the gaming machine 100 (ball lending operation reception unit 314).

  Then, the lending determination unit 905 receives the ball lending button operation signal after the communication with the wireless communication device 6 that cannot write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information is started. It is determined whether “use limit amount information and use amount information” corresponding to the identification information acquired in 901 is stored in “use amount information acquisition unit 903 and use amount information acquisition unit 904”.

  As a result of this determination, when “use limit amount information and use amount information” corresponding to the identification information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 is stored, the lending determination unit 905 determines the use limit amount information and the use amount. Read information. Then, the lending determination unit 905 determines whether or not the amount obtained by subtracting the use amount based on the use amount information from the use limit amount based on the use amount information is equal to or more than the amount corresponding to the game ball lending unit. Then, it is determined whether or not the game ball can be lent.

  Also, the lending determination unit 905 is based on the limit amount information even when a ball lending button operation signal is received after the communication with the wireless communication device 6 that can write the limit amount information and the amount information is started. It is determined whether the amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount based on the usage amount information from the usage limit amount is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball rental unit, and whether or not the gaming ball can be rented. judge.

  As a result of the above determination, the amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount based on the usage amount information from the usage limit amount based on the usage amount information is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit, and it is possible to lend gaming balls. If there is, a signal indicating that is transmitted to the settlement unit 907. On the other hand, when the amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount based on the usage amount information from the usage amount information based on the usage amount information is less than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit, and the gaming ball cannot be rented Transmits a signal indicating that to the lending impossible notification instructing unit 906.

If the “use limit amount information and use amount information” is not stored in the wireless communication device 6 in which the use limit information and the amount information can not be written, the lending determination unit 905 determines whether or not the store 5 to which it belongs. It is determined that the wireless communication device 6 communicated with the game medium lending device 4 for the first time today. Then, the lending determination unit 905 transmits a signal indicating this to the settlement unit 907 without determining whether or not the gaming ball can be lent as described above. In this way, for the wireless communication device 6 that cannot write the usage limit information and the usage amount information, when the wireless communication device 6 and the game medium lending device 4 communicate for the first time today, the game medium lending is performed. The device 4 can make a settlement without waiting for the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information of the wireless communication device 6 to be acquired by the store server 3. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the time from when the game medium lending device 4 and the wireless communication device 6 perform wireless communication until the game ball is rented, which causes discomfort to the player. Can be prevented.
The lending determination unit 905 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, and the RAM 603.

(Lending impossible notification instruction unit 906)
The lending impossibility notification instructing unit 906 has a signal indicating that the balance based on the balance information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 is less than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit, and that the gaming ball cannot be lent. When transmitted from the lending determination unit 905, an LED lighting signal indicating that is generated and transmitted to the lamp 401. Thereby, the lamp 401 turns off the LED in the first display mode based on the LED lighting signal, and the balance of the electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 owned by the player is less than the amount corresponding to the rental unit of the game ball And informing the player that the game ball cannot be rented out.

Further, the lending impossibility notification instructing unit 906 transmits a signal from the lending determination unit 905 indicating that the gaming ball cannot be lent because the usage amount in the wireless communication device 6 exceeds the usage limit amount. Then, an LED lighting signal indicating that is generated and transmitted to the lamp 401. As a result, the lamp 401 turns the LED on and off in the second display mode based on the LED lighting signal, and the usage amount of electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 owned by the player today is set to the daily usage limit. In order to exceed the limit, the player is informed that the game ball cannot be rented out.
The lending impossibility notification instruction unit 906 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, and the RAM 603. Note that the first display mode and the second display mode in the lamp 401 may be the same or different.

(Settlement unit 907)
When the signal indicating that the game ball can be rented is transmitted from the lending determination unit 905 and the store 5 to which the settlement unit 907 belongs, the settlement unit 907 determines that the wireless communication device 6 and the game medium lending device 4 are the first time today. When a signal indicating that communication has been performed is transmitted from the lending determination unit 905, a settlement is made for lending game balls. As described above, in this embodiment, since the amount corresponding to the lending unit of game balls is 1000 yen, the settlement amount is 1000 yen.
The settlement unit 907 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, and the RAM 603.

(Payment amount information transmission unit 908)
When the settlement unit 907 performs settlement, the settlement amount information transmission unit 908 transmits the settlement amount information indicating the settlement amount to the wireless communication apparatus 6 identified by the identification information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901. The electronic money balance information is instructed to be rewritten. Based on the payment amount information, the balance information of the electronic money stored in the wireless communication device 6 is rewritten. Here, when the wireless communication device 6 can write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information, the usage amount information is instructed to be rewritten by the settlement amount information. That is, the usage amount information stored in the wireless communication device 6 is rewritten based on the settlement amount information.
The payment amount information transmission unit 908 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, the RAM 603, and the communication interface 606.

(Lending information transmission unit 909)
When payment is made by the payment unit 907, the lending information transmission unit 909 belongs to the game medium lending information including the payment amount information indicating the payment amount and the identification information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901. It transmits to the store server 3 in the store 5.
The lending information transmission unit 909 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, the RAM 603, and the communication interface 606.

(Usage amount rewriting unit 910)
When the payment unit 907 performs payment, the usage amount rewriting unit 910 updates the usage amount information by adding the settlement amount to the usage amount based on the usage amount information stored in the RAM 603 by the usage amount information acquisition unit 904. To do.
The usage amount rewriting unit 910 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, and the RAM 603.

(Game ball rental instruction unit 911)
When the payment unit 907 performs payment, the game ball lending instruction unit 911 transmits to the game ball lending mechanism 604 an instruction to lend a number of game balls corresponding to the game ball lending unit. Thereby, the game ball lending mechanism 604 sends out the number of game balls corresponding to the lending unit of the game balls to the ball tray 128 a provided in the ball tray unit 128 via the nozzle portion 406.
The game ball lending instruction unit 911 is realized by using the CPU 601, the ROM 602, and the RAM 603.
Note that the game medium lending device 4 may have functions other than the functions shown in FIG.

(Functional configuration of store server)
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the store server 3.
(Identification information acquisition unit 1001)
The identification information acquisition unit 1001 acquires the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 transmitted from the game medium lending device 4 (identification information transmission unit 902).
The identification information acquisition unit 1001 is realized by using the CPU 701, the ROM 702, and the RAM 703.

(Usage amount information acquisition unit 1002)
The usage limit information acquisition unit 1002 determines whether or not usage limit information is stored in the usage limit storage unit 1003 in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1001. As a result of this determination, when the limit information is not stored in the limit storage unit 1003 in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1001, the limit amount information acquisition unit 1002 The identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit 1001 is transmitted to the center server 1, and usage limit information corresponding to the identification information is acquired from the center server 1. That is, the usage limit information acquisition unit 1002 acquires the usage limit information of the wireless communication device 6 requested to be acquired from the game medium lending device 4 from the center server 1.
The usage limit information acquisition unit 1002 is realized by using the CPU 701, the ROM 702, the RAM 703, and the NIC 710.

(Usage limit storage unit 1003)
The usage limit amount storage unit 1003 includes identification information of the wireless communication device 6 and usage limit amount information indicating a usage limit amount of electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 (a daily usage limit amount for lending game balls). It has a table to store in association.
The usage limit storage unit 1003 is realized by using the HD 708.

(Usage amount information acquisition unit 1004)
The usage amount information acquisition unit 1004 determines whether the usage amount information is stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1001. As a result of this determination, if the usage amount information is stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1001, the usage amount information acquisition unit 1004 The identification information acquired in 1001 is transmitted to the center server 1, and usage amount information corresponding to the identification information is acquired from the center server 1. In other words, the usage amount information acquisition unit 1004 acquires the usage amount information of the wireless communication device 6 requested to be acquired from the game medium lending device 4 from the center server 1.
The usage amount information acquisition unit 1004 is realized by using the CPU 701, ROM 702, RAM 703, and NIC 710.

(Usage amount storage unit 1005)
The usage amount storage unit 1005 stores the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 and the usage amount information indicating the usage amount of electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 (the usage amount of today for lending game balls) in association with each other. Has a table.
The usage amount storage unit 1005 is realized by using the HD 708.

(Usage limit information transmission unit 1006)
The usage limit information transmission unit 1006 uses the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1001 and the usage limit information stored in the usage limit storage unit 1003 in association with the identification information as the identification information. The information is acquired by the acquisition unit 1001 and transmitted to the game medium lending device 4 that is the transmission source of the information.
The usage limit information transmission unit 1006 is realized by using the CPU 701, the ROM 702, the RAM 703, and the NIC 710.

(First usage amount information transmission unit 1007)
The first usage amount information transmission unit 1007 uses the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1001 and the usage amount information stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 in association with the identification information as the identification information. The information is acquired by the acquisition unit 1001 and transmitted to the game medium lending device 4 that is the transmission source of the information.
The first usage amount information transmission unit 1007 is realized by using the CPU 701, ROM 702, RAM 703, and NIC 710.

(Lending information acquisition unit 1008)
The lending information acquisition unit 1008 includes identification information of the wireless communication device 6 from the gaming medium lending device 4 (lending information transmission unit 909) and payment amount information indicating a payment amount made to the wireless communication device 6. The game medium lending information is acquired from the game medium lending device 4 in the store 5 to which the game medium lends.
The lending information acquisition unit 1008 is realized by using the CPU 701, the ROM 702, the RAM 703, and the NIC 710.

(Usage amount rewriting unit 1009)
When the lending information acquisition unit 1008 acquires the game medium lending information including the identification information and the settlement amount information, the usage amount rewriting unit 1009 is stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 in association with the identification information. The usage amount information is updated by adding the payment amount based on the acquired payment amount information to the usage amount based on the existing usage amount information.
The usage amount rewriting unit 1009 is realized by using the CPU 701, the ROM 702, and the RAM 703.

(Second usage amount information transmission unit 1010)
When the usage amount information stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 is updated by the usage amount rewriting unit 1009, the second usage amount information transmission unit 1010 associates the usage amount information with the usage amount information. The identification information stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 is transmitted to the center server 1.
The second usage amount information transmission unit 1010 is realized by using the CPU 701, the ROM 702, the RAM 703, and the NIC 710.
The store server 3 may have functions other than the functions shown in FIG.

(Functional configuration of center server)
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the center server 1.
(Identification information acquisition unit 1101)
The identification information acquisition unit 1101 acquires the identification information transmitted from the store server 3 (use limit amount information acquisition unit 1002, use amount information acquisition unit 1004, second use amount information transmission unit 1010).
The identification information acquisition unit 1101 is realized by using the CPU 701, the ROM 702, the RAM 703, and the NIC 710.

(Usage limit information transmission unit 1102)
The usage limit information transmission unit 1102 uses the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1101 and the usage limit information stored in the usage limit information storage unit 1103 in association with the identification information as the identification information. The information is transmitted to the store server 3 that is the transmission source of the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 1101. That is, when the identification information is transmitted from the usage limit information acquisition unit 1002, the usage limit information transmission unit 1102 is stored in the usage limit information storage unit 1103 in association with the identification information. Is transmitted to the store server 3 that is the transmission source of the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1101.
The usage limit information transmission unit 1102 is realized by using the CPU 701, the ROM 702, the RAM 703, and the NIC 710.

(Usage limit storage unit 1103)
The usage limit storage unit 1103 includes identification information of the wireless communication device 6 and usage limit amount information indicating a usage limit amount of electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 (a daily usage limit amount for lending game balls). It has a table for storing in advance in association.
The usage limit storage unit 1103 is realized by using the HD 708.

(Usage amount information transmission unit 1104)
The usage amount information transmission unit 1104 receives the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1101 and the usage amount information stored in the usage amount information storage unit 1105 in association with the identification information. Is transmitted to the store server 3 that is the transmission source of the identification information acquired in step S2. That is, when the identification information is transmitted from the usage amount information acquisition unit 1004, the usage amount information transmission unit 1104 stores the identification information and the usage amount information stored in the usage amount information storage unit 1105 in association with the identification information. The money amount information is transmitted to the store server 3 that is the transmission source of the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1101.
The usage amount information transmission unit 1104 is realized by using the CPU 701, ROM 702, RAM 703, and NIC 710.

(Use amount storage unit 1105)
The usage amount storage unit 1105 stores in advance the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 and the usage amount information indicating the usage amount of electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 (the usage amount of today for lending game balls) in advance. To have a table.
The usage amount storage unit 1105 is realized by using the HD 708.

(Usage amount information rewriting unit 1106)
When the usage amount information is added to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 1101, the usage amount information rewriting unit 1106 is associated with the identification information and stored in the usage amount storage unit 1105. The information is rewritten with the usage amount information added to the acquired identification information, and the usage amount information is updated. That is, when the identification information and the usage amount information are transmitted from the second usage amount information transmitting unit 1010, the usage amount information rewriting unit 1106 is stored in the usage amount storage unit 1105 in association with the identification information. The used amount information is rewritten to the used amount information added to the acquired identification information.
The usage amount information rewriting unit 1106 is realized by using the CPU 701, the ROM 702, and the RAM 703.
The center server 1 may have functions other than those shown in FIG.

Next, an example of the processing operation in the game medium lending device 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S <b> 11, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 determines whether wireless communication information is acquired from the wireless communication device 6 via the antenna 501. If the result of this determination is that wireless communication information has not been acquired, processing proceeds to step S39 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the wireless communication information is acquired, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, based on the identification information included in the wireless communication information acquired from the wireless communication device 6, the wireless communication device 6 can write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information. Determine whether or not. As a result of this determination, if the wireless communication device 6 cannot write the usage limit information and the usage amount information, the process proceeds to step S28 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the wireless communication device 6 can write the usage limit information and the usage amount information, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 determines whether the wireless communication information acquired from the wireless communication device 6 includes usage limit information and usage amount information. As a result of the determination, if the wireless communication information acquired from the wireless communication device 6 does not include the usage limit information and the usage amount information, the usage limit information and the usage amount information are sent to the wireless communication device 6. Since it is necessary to write, the process proceeds to step S24 described later.

  On the other hand, if the wireless communication information acquired from the wireless communication device 6 includes usage limit amount information and usage amount information, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the lending determination unit 905 determines whether or not the balance based on the balance information included in the wireless communication information acquired in step S11 is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit. As a result of the determination, if the balance based on the balance information acquired in step S11 is less than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the lending impossibility notifying instruction unit 906 generates an LED lighting signal indicating that the balance in the wireless communication device 6 is less than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit and that the gaming ball cannot be lended. Then, the data is transmitted to the lamp 401. Thereby, the lamp 401 turns off the LED in a display mode based on the LED lighting signal, and notifies the player that the game ball cannot be lent. Then, the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if the balance based on the balance information acquired in step S11 is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the lending determination unit 905 receives a ball lending button operation signal from the gaming machine 100 (ball lending operation accepting unit 314) during the processing of steps S11, S12, S13, S14, and S16. Determine whether. If the result of this determination is that a ball lending button operation signal has not been received, the game ball is not lended, and the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if a ball lending button operation signal is received, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the lending determination unit 905 obtains an amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount based on the usage amount information from the usage amount amount based on the usage amount information determined to be included in the wireless communication information in step S13. Then, it is determined whether or not the amount is equal to or more than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit, and it is determined whether or not the gaming ball can be lent.

  If the result of this determination is that gaming balls cannot be rented, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the lending impossibility notifying instruction unit 906 generates an LED lighting signal indicating that the gaming ball cannot be rented because the usage amount in the wireless communication device 6 exceeds the usage limit amount. , Transmitted to the lamp 401. Thereby, the lamp 401 turns off the LED in a display mode based on the LED lighting signal, and notifies the player that the game ball cannot be lent. Then, the process returns to step S11.

On the other hand, if the game ball can be rented, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the settlement unit 907 performs settlement for the rental of the game balls.
Next, in step S20, the payment amount information transmission unit 908 sends the payment amount information indicating the payment amount to the wireless communication apparatus 6 identified by the identification information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 via the antenna 501. Send. As a result, the wireless communication device 6 is instructed to rewrite electronic money balance information, usage limit information, and usage amount information.
Next, in step S21, the lending information transmission unit 909 sends the game medium lending information including the settlement amount information indicating the settlement amount and the identification information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 in the store 5 to which the lending information transmission unit 909 belongs. To the store server 3 at

Next, in step S22, the usage amount rewriting unit 910 updates the usage amount information by adding the settlement amount to the usage amount based on the usage amount information stored in the RAM 603.
Next, in step S23, the gaming ball lending instruction unit 911 transmits to the gaming ball lending mechanism 604 an instruction to lend a number of gaming balls corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit. Thereby, the game ball lending mechanism 604 sends out the number of game balls corresponding to the lending unit of the game balls to the ball tray 128 a provided in the ball tray unit 128 via the nozzle portion 406. Then, the process returns to step S11.

  In step S <b> 13, it is determined that the wireless communication information acquired from the wireless communication device 6 does not include usage limit information and usage amount information, and the usage limit information and usage amount information are written in the wireless communication device 6. If it is determined that it is necessary, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 determines whether the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 are stored in the RAM 603, for example. As a result of the determination, if the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 are not stored, the process proceeds to step S26 described later.

  On the other hand, when the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 are stored, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S 25, the usage information transmission unit 912 transmits the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information to the wireless communication device 6. As a result, the wireless communication device 6 is instructed to write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information. Then, the process proceeds to step S14 described above.

  When it is determined in step S24 that the usage limit information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 are not stored, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the identification information transmission unit 902 obtains the identification information included in the wireless communication information acquired in step S11 in order to acquire the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6. It transmits to the store server 3 in the store 5 to which it belongs.

  Next, in step S27, the LED indicating that the lending impossibility notifying instruction unit 906 cannot determine whether or not the gaming ball can be rented because there is no usage limit amount information and usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6. A lighting signal is generated and transmitted to the lamp 401. Thereby, the lamp 401 turns off the LED in a display mode based on the LED lighting signal, and notifies the player that the game ball cannot be lent. Then, the process returns to step S11.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the wireless communication device 6 that is the transmission source of the wireless communication information is the wireless communication device 6 that cannot write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information, the step of FIG. Proceed to S28. If it progresses to step S28, the identification information transmission part 902 will transmit the identification information contained in the radio | wireless communication information acquired by step S11 to the store server 3 in the store 5 to which self belongs.

  Next, in step S29, the lending determination unit 905 determines whether or not the balance based on the balance information included in the wireless communication information acquired in step S11 is equal to or greater than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit. . As a result of the determination, if the balance based on the balance information acquired in step S11 is less than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the lending impossibility notification instructing unit 906 generates an LED lighting signal indicating that the balance in the wireless communication device 6 is less than the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit and the gaming ball cannot be lended. Then, the data is transmitted to the lamp 401. Thereby, the lamp 401 turns off the LED in a display mode based on the LED lighting signal, and notifies the player that the game ball cannot be lent. Then, the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if the balance based on the balance information acquired in step S11 is greater than or equal to the amount corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit, the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the lending determination unit 905 receives a ball lending button operation signal from the gaming machine 100 (ball lending operation accepting unit 314) during the processing of steps S11, S12, S28, S29, and S31. Determine whether. If the result of this determination is that a ball lending button operation signal has not been received, the game ball is not lended, and the process returns to step S11.

On the other hand, if a ball lending button operation signal is received, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the lending determination unit 905 determines that the “use limit information and use amount information” corresponding to the identification information acquired in step S11 is “use limit information acquisition unit 903 and use amount information acquisition unit 904”. It is determined whether or not it is stored.
As a result of the determination, if the “use limit amount information and use amount information” corresponding to the identification information acquired in step S11 is not stored, the wireless communication device 6 is connected to the game medium lending device in the store 5 to which it belongs. Since it communicated for the first time with 4 today, it is not determined whether the game ball can be lent. Accordingly, step S33 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S34 described later.

  On the other hand, when “use limit amount information and use amount information” corresponding to the identification information acquired in step S11 is stored, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the lending determination unit 905 reads the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information. Then, the lending determination unit 905 determines whether or not the amount obtained by subtracting the use amount based on the use amount information from the use limit amount based on the use amount information is equal to or more than the amount corresponding to the game ball lending unit. Then, it is determined whether or not the game ball can be lent.

  If the result of this determination is that gaming balls cannot be lent, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the lending impossibility notifying instruction unit 906 generates an LED lighting signal indicating that the gaming ball cannot be rented because the usage amount in the wireless communication device 6 exceeds the usage limit amount. , Transmitted to the lamp 401. Thereby, the lamp 401 turns off the LED in a display mode based on the LED lighting signal, and notifies the player that the game ball cannot be lent. Then, the process returns to step S11.

On the other hand, if the game ball can be rented, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the settlement unit 907 performs settlement for the rental of game balls.
Next, in step S35, the payment amount information transmission unit 908 transmits payment amount information indicating the payment amount to the wireless communication device 6 identified by the identification information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901. Thereby, an instruction to rewrite the settlement amount of the electronic money is issued.
Next, in step S36, the lending information transmission unit 909 sends the game medium lending information including the settlement amount information indicating the settlement amount and the identification information acquired by the wireless communication information acquisition unit 901 in the store 5 to which the lending information transmission unit 909 belongs. To the store server 3 at

Next, in step S37, the usage amount rewriting unit 910 updates the usage amount information by adding the settlement amount to the usage amount based on the usage amount information stored in the RAM 603.
Next, in step S38, the gaming ball lending instruction unit 911 transmits to the gaming ball lending mechanism 604 an instruction to lend a number of gaming balls corresponding to the gaming ball lending unit. Thereby, the game ball lending mechanism 604 sends out the number of game balls corresponding to the lending unit of the game balls to the ball tray 128 a provided in the ball tray unit 128 via the nozzle portion 406. Then, the process returns to step S11.

  If it is determined in step S11 that the wireless communication information has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S39 in FIG. When the processing proceeds to step S39, the usage limit information acquisition unit 903 obtains the identification information transmitted in step S28 and the usage limit information stored in the store server 3 in association with the identification information. It is determined whether it has been acquired from the store server 3 in the store 5 to which it belongs. As a result of this determination, if the identification information transmitted in step S28 and the usage limit information associated with the identification information and stored in the store server 3 have not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S41 described later. move on.

On the other hand, if the identification information transmitted in step S28 and the usage limit information associated with the identification information and stored in the store server 3 are acquired, the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, the usage limit information acquisition unit 903 stores the acquired identification information and usage limit information in association with each other, for example, in the RAM 603.
If it is determined in step S39 that the identification information transmitted in step S28 and the usage limit information associated with the identification information and stored in the store server 3 have not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S41. move on. When the processing proceeds to step S41, the usage amount information acquisition unit 904 stores the identification information transmitted in step S28 and the usage amount information stored in the store server 3 in association with the identification information, to the store to which it belongs. It is determined whether or not it has been acquired from the store server 3 within 5. As a result of the determination, if the identification information transmitted in step S28 and the usage amount information associated with the identification information and stored in the store server 3 have not been acquired, the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, when the identification information transmitted in step S28 and the usage amount information stored in the store server 3 in association with the identification information are acquired, the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the usage amount information acquisition unit 904 stores the acquired identification information and the usage amount information in association with each other, for example, in the RAM 603. Then, the process returns to step S11.

Next, an example of the processing operation in the store server 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S51, the identification information acquisition unit 1001 determines whether or not the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 transmitted from the game medium lending device 4 (identification information transmission unit 902) has been acquired. As a result of the determination, if the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S60 described later.
On the other hand, if the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the usage limit information acquisition unit 1002 determines whether the usage limit information is stored in the usage limit storage unit 1003 in association with the identification information acquired in step S51. To do. As a result of this determination, if the usage limit information is stored, it is not necessary to acquire the usage limit information from the center server 1, so the steps S53 to S55 are omitted and the process proceeds to step S56 described later.

On the other hand, if the usage limit information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the limit information acquisition unit 1002 transmits the identification information acquired in step S51 to the center server 1, and acquires the limit information corresponding to the identification information from the center server 1.
Next, in step S54, the usage limit information acquisition unit 1002 stores the usage limit information acquired in step S53 in the usage limit storage unit 1003 in association with the identification information acquired in step S51.

  Next, in step S55, the usage limit information transmitting unit 1006 obtains the identification information acquired in step S51 and the usage limit information stored in the usage limit storage unit 1003 in association with the identification information. The information is transmitted to the game medium lending device 4 that is the transmission source of the information acquired in S51.

  Next, in step S56, the usage amount information acquisition unit 1004 determines whether or not the usage amount information is stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 in association with the identification information acquired in step S1. If the usage amount information is stored as a result of this determination, it is not necessary to acquire the usage amount information from the center server 1, and the process returns to step S51.

On the other hand, if usage amount information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S57. In step S57, the usage amount information acquisition unit 1004 transmits the identification information acquired in step S51 to the center server 1, and acquires the usage amount information corresponding to the identification information from the center server 1.
Next, in step S58, the usage amount information acquisition unit 1004 stores the usage amount information acquired in step S57 in the usage amount storage unit 1005 in association with the identification information acquired in step S51.

  Next, in step S59, the first usage amount information transmission unit 1007 obtains the identification information acquired in step S51 and the usage amount information stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 in association with the identification information. The information is transmitted to the game medium lending device 4 that is the transmission source of the information acquired in S51. Then, the process returns to step S51.

  If it is determined in step S51 that the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S60. In step S60, the lending information acquisition unit 1008 includes, from the game medium lending device 4, a game including identification information of the wireless communication device 6 and payment amount information indicating a payment amount made to the wireless communication device 6. It is determined whether or not the medium lending information is acquired from the game medium lending device 4 in the store 5 to which it belongs (see steps S21 and S36 in FIG. 10). If the result of this determination is that game medium rental information has not been acquired, processing returns to step S51.

On the other hand, when the game medium lending information is acquired, the process proceeds to step S61. In step S61, the usage amount rewriting unit 1009 similarly determines the usage amount based on the usage amount information stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 in association with the identification information included in the gaming medium rental information. The usage amount information is updated by adding the settlement amount based on the settlement amount information included in the information.
Next, in step S62, the second usage amount information transmitting unit 1010 uses the usage amount information updated in step S61 and the identification information stored in the usage amount storage unit 1005 in association with the usage amount information. Are transmitted to the center server 1. Then, the process returns to step S51.

Next, an example of processing operation in the center server 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S71, the identification information acquisition unit 1101 acquires the identification information transmitted from the store server 3 (use limit amount information acquisition unit 1002, use amount information acquisition unit 1004, second use amount information transmission unit 1010). (See steps S55, S59, and S62 in FIG. 11).

  If the identification information of the radio | wireless communication apparatus 6 is acquired from the shop server 3, it will progress to step S72. In step S72, the identification information acquisition unit 1101 determines whether usage amount information is added to the identification information acquired in step S71. As a result of the determination, when the usage amount information is added to the identification information acquired in step S71, it is determined that the usage amount information needs to be updated, and the process proceeds to step S75 described later.

On the other hand, if the usage amount information is not added to the identification information acquired in step S71, the process proceeds to step S73. When the processing proceeds to step S73, the usage limit amount information transmission unit 1102 includes the identification information acquired in step S71 and the usage limit amount information stored in the usage limit amount information storage unit 1103 in association with the identification information. Is transmitted to the store server 3 which is the transmission source of the identification information acquired in step S71.
Next, in step S74, the usage amount information transmission unit 1104 obtains the identification information acquired in step S71 and the usage amount information stored in the usage amount information storage unit 1105 in association with the identification information. It transmits to the store server 3 which is a transmission source of the identification information acquired by S71. Then, the process returns to step S71.

  If it is determined in step S72 that the usage amount information is added to the identification information acquired in step S71, the process proceeds to step S75. In step S75, the usage amount information rewriting unit 1106 uses the usage amount information stored in the usage amount storage unit 1105 in association with the identification information acquired in step S71, as the identification information acquired in step S71. The usage amount information is updated by rewriting the usage amount information added to. Then, the process returns to step S71.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the game medium lending device 4 is configured such that the wireless communication device 6 that has performed wireless communication is the wireless communication device 6 that can write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information, or the wireless communication device 6 that is not. Determine whether. When the wireless communication device 6 that has performed wireless communication is the wireless communication device 6 that can write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information, the game medium lending device 4 uses the usage limit amount acquired from the wireless communication device 6. Based on the comparison result between the information and the usage amount information, it is determined whether or not the game ball can be lent out using the electronic money function in the wireless communication device 6. When the game ball can be lent, the game medium lending device 4 makes a payment for the rent of the game ball and rents the game ball. Further, the game medium lending device 4 instructs the wireless communication device 6 to rewrite the balance information and usage amount information of the electronic money according to the settlement amount.

  Therefore, it can be determined whether or not the function as electronic money can be used based on the information stored in the wireless communication device 6 owned by the player. Therefore, even when a gaming machine that plays a game in the same store 5 is changed or a game is played in a different store 5, the lending of game media by the wireless communication device 6 can be appropriately restricted. Become. Therefore, the so-called sinking in which the player throws a large amount of money can be suppressed more appropriately than before.

  In the present embodiment, the usage limit information and the usage amount information cannot be acquired from the wireless communication device 6 in which the usage limit information and the usage amount information can be written. When it is determined that the usage amount information is not stored, the game medium lending device 4 instructs the wireless communication device 6 to write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information acquired from the store server 3. Therefore, the use limit amount in the wireless communication device 6 can be set to the amount set in the game medium lending device by the store server 3. Therefore, for example, the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information can be written in the wireless communication device without using a special device. In addition, for example, it is possible to set usage limit information in the wireless communication device 6 for each game medium lending device 4 or for each store 5 in which the game medium lending device 4 is provided.

  Here, for example, the usage limit information in the wireless communication device 6 can be set for each store 5 in which the game medium lending device 4 is provided by performing the following. That is, the usage amount information transmission unit 1104 of the center server 1 stores the usage amount information in association with not only the identification information of the wireless communication device 6 but also the store identification information for identifying the store 5. Then, the usage amount information acquisition unit 1004 of the store server 3 transmits store identification information for identifying the store 5 to which it belongs to the center server 1 in addition to the identification information of the wireless communication device 6. The usage amount information stored in the usage amount storage unit 1105 in association with the identification information and the store identification information is acquired from the center server 1.

In addition to the game medium lending device 4 having the above-described configuration, in the game system described in this embodiment, each store 5 has a store server 3 that manages the game medium lending device 4 installed in the same store 5. The center server 1 that manages the store server 3 installed in a plurality of stores 5 is also installed.
The store server 3 acquires and manages usage limit information and usage amount information of the wireless communication device 6 owned by the player who is playing in the store 5 in which the store server 3 is installed from the center server 1. The game medium lending device 4 uses the limit on the wireless communication device 6 that can write the usage limit information and the usage amount information when there is an access from the wireless communication device 6 that cannot write the usage limit information and the usage amount information. When the amount information and the usage amount information are not stored, the usage limit information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 are acquired from the store server 3. Then, based on the result of comparing the acquired usage amount information and the usage limit amount information, the game medium lending device 4 can rent game balls using the electronic money function in the wireless communication device 6. Determine whether. When the game ball can be lent, the game medium lending device 4 makes a payment for the rent of the game ball and rents the game ball. On the other hand, when the game ball can be rented out, the game medium lending device 4 notifies the fact.

  Thus, the store server 3 of each store 5 is the store 5 managed by itself from the center server 1 that manages information of the wireless communication device 6 owned by the player over a plurality of stores 5. Information on the wireless communication device 6 owned by the player who is playing is acquired and managed. Therefore, for the wireless communication device 6 that cannot write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information, similarly to the wireless communication device 6 that can write the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information, the lending of game balls should be appropriately limited. Is possible. Therefore, even when the wireless communication device 6 that cannot write the usage limit information and the usage amount information is used, it is possible to more effectively suppress the sinking than before. Further, even when the usage limit information and the usage amount information are not stored in the wireless communication device 6 in which the usage limit information and the usage amount information can be written, the store server 3 The usage amount information can be acquired from the center server 1 as quickly as possible, and the rental of game balls can be restricted as quickly as possible.

  In addition, when a certain communication is performed with the game medium lending device 4 for the first time at a certain store 5, the use limit information and the use amount information of the wireless communication device 6 to which the use limit information and the use amount information cannot be written are stored in the store. 5 in the store server 3. In such a case, in this embodiment, the game medium lending device 4 makes a payment without waiting for the usage limit information and the usage amount information of the wireless communication device 6 to be acquired by the store server 3. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the time from when the game medium lending device 4 and the wireless communication device 6 perform wireless communication until the game ball is lent, thereby causing discomfort to the player. Can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, since the store server 3 and the center server 1 update the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 as needed, the latest usage amount in the wireless communication device 6 is changed to the store server 3 and the center server. 1 can be managed in real time.

  In the present embodiment, the balance of electronic money in the wireless communication device 6 is equal to or more than an amount based on a preset gaming medium lending unit (1000 yen in the present embodiment). When the ball rental button 134 is operated by the player after the communication is started (for example, during communication with the wireless communication device 6), the payment for the rental of the game ball is made in units of the game medium rental. And rented game balls. Therefore, when the player does not intend to lend the game ball, the game ball can be prevented from being rented, and the game ball when the wireless communication device 6 having a function as electronic money is used. Can be properly lent.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the wireless communication device 6 is a non-contact IC card 6A and a mobile phone 6B has been described as an example. However, wireless communication is performed with an IC chip having a function as electronic money. The wireless communication device 6 is not limited to these as long as it includes an antenna. The wireless communication device 6 may have a function as a credit card.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the gaming machine 100 is a pachinko machine and the game medium is a game ball is described as an example, but the game machine 100 and the game medium are not limited to these. For example, the gaming machine 100 may be a slot machine and the gaming medium may be a medal.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the usage limit information and the usage amount information are not stored in the wireless communication device 6 in which the usage limit information and the usage amount information can be written, according to an instruction from the game medium lending device 4, Such information is written in the wireless communication device 6. However, it is not always necessary to do this, and the limit amount information and the amount information for use may be written in the wireless communication device 6 by a separate device (means) other than the game medium lending device 4. When the game medium lending device 4 is operated on the assumption that the usage limit information and the usage amount information are written in the wireless communication device 6, the processes of steps S13 and S24 to S27 in FIG. 10 are not performed. It may be.

  In the present embodiment, when the usage limit information and the usage amount information are not stored in the wireless communication device 6 in which the usage limit information and the usage amount information can be written, the game medium lending device 4 The store server 3 is requested to acquire both information and usage amount information, and the wireless communication device 6 is instructed to write both the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information acquired from the store server 3 (see FIG. 10 steps S25, S26). However, the game medium lending device 4 may request the store server 3 to individually acquire the usage limit information and the usage amount information, and individually instruct the writing of the usage limit information and the usage amount information. Good. Further, the game medium lending device 4 may instruct writing of only one of the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information. That is, the usage limit information (use amount information) is written to the wireless communication device 6 by a separate device (means) other than the game medium lending device 4, and the use amount information (use amount information) is The wireless communication device 6 may be made to write based on an instruction from the game medium lending device 4.

  Moreover, you may make it add the information which identifies the information from which the store server 3 to the information transmitted to the center server 1 from the store server 3. FIG. In this case, for example, the center server 1 can grasp which wireless communication device 6 is performing wireless communication with the game medium lending device 4 of which store 5.

  In the present embodiment, the game medium lending device 4 stores the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6, but it is not always necessary to do so. For example, whenever the wireless communication with the wireless communication device 6 is performed, the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 may be acquired from the store server 3. In this way, there is no need to store the usage limit information and usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6. In this case, for example, in step S32 of FIG. 10, the store server 3 is requested to acquire the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6, and the wireless communication is performed within a certain time after the request is made. It is determined whether the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the device 6 have been acquired. As a result of the determination, if the usage limit amount information and the usage amount information in the wireless communication device 6 can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S33. If not, step S33 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S34. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the ball lending button 134 is provided in the gaming machine 100 has been described as an example, but the ball lending button may be provided in the game medium lending device 4. In this case, it is not necessary for the gaming machine 100 to generate a ball lending button operation signal and transmit it to the game medium lending device 4.
In the present embodiment, the case where the game ball is lent out by sending the game ball from the game medium lending device 4 to the ball tray 128a provided in the ball tray unit 128 has been described as an example. do not have to. For example, when the game medium lending device 4 determines to lend a game ball, the game medium lending device 4 generates a game ball lending instruction signal and transmits it to the gaming machine 100. Then, the gaming machine 100 that has received the gaming ball lending instruction signal provides the ball tray unit 128 with a number of gaming balls corresponding to the lending unit out of the gaming balls sent into the gaming machine 100. You may make it send out to the ball tray 128a.

  Further, the numbers of the center server 1, the store server 3, the game medium lending device 4, and the gaming machine 100 are not limited to those shown in FIG. For example, a single store 5 may have a plurality of store servers 3. In this case, the plurality of store servers 3 in one store 5 can manage the game medium lending device 4 for each type of game medium lent by the game medium lending device 4. Become. For example, one store server 3 in one store 5 can manage a game medium lending device 4 that lends game balls, and the other store server 3 can manage a game medium lending device 4 that lends medals. .

Each embodiment of the present invention described above can be realized by a computer executing a program. Further, a means for supplying the program to the computer, for example, a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM recording such a program, or a transmission medium for transmitting such a program may be applied as an embodiment of the present invention. it can. A program product such as a computer-readable recording medium in which the program is recorded can also be applied as an embodiment of the present invention. The above programs, computer-readable recording media, transmission media, and program products are included in the scope of the present invention.
In addition, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

It is a figure which shows embodiment of this invention and shows an example of a structure of a game system. It is a front view which shows embodiment of this invention and shows an example of the external appearance structure of a game machine. It is a front view which shows embodiment of this invention and shows an example of the external appearance structure of a game media rental apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external configuration of a wireless communication unit 403 provided in the game medium lending device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows embodiment of this invention and shows an example of the system configuration | structure of a game media rental apparatus. It is a figure which shows embodiment of this invention and shows an example of the system configuration | structure of a center server and a shop server. It is a functional block diagram which shows embodiment of this invention and shows an example of a functional structure of a game media rental apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows embodiment of this invention and shows an example of a functional structure of a shop server. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a center server according to the embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows embodiment of this invention and demonstrates an example of the processing operation in a game media rental apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows embodiment of this invention and follows FIG. It is a flowchart which shows embodiment of this invention and demonstrates an example of the processing operation in a shop server. It is a flowchart which shows embodiment of this invention and demonstrates an example of the processing operation in a center server.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Center server 2 Network 3 Store server 4 Game media rental apparatus 5 Store 6 Wireless communication apparatus 100 Game machine 134 Ball rental button

Claims (6)

Based on the acquired identification information from the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device, a use money amount information on the use amount of Yu technique medium is information on the use amount of electronic money in the wireless communication device, in the wireless communication device It is determined whether or not the device is capable of writing information on the electronic money usage limit amount and the usage limit amount information on the game media usage limit amount, and the wireless communication device uses the usage amount information and the usage limit amount information. If it is determined that the apparatus can be written into, and receiving means that will receive the pre-Symbol wireless communication device or al-free line communicating the usage amount information and the credit limit information,
When the receiving unit determines that the wireless communication device is a device that cannot write the usage amount information and usage limit information, the usage limit information associated with the identification information is acquired from the store server. Usage limit information acquisition means,
Utilization for acquiring usage amount information associated with the identification information from a store server when the receiving means determines that the wireless communication device is a device that cannot write the usage amount information and usage limit information. Amount information acquisition means,
Based on prior Ki受 signal means and the credit limit information acquiring means and the usage amount information acquisition means spending obtained by any of the information and results of the comparison between utilization for limit information by the identification information Determination means for determining whether or not the identified wireless communication device can use the function as the electronic money;
When it is determined by the determination means that the wireless communication device identified by the identification information can use the function as the electronic money, lending of game media to the wireless communication device A payment method for making a payment for
Rewriting instruction means for instructing the wireless communication device to rewrite the usage amount information stored in the wireless communication device according to the amount of the settlement;
A game that lends a game medium according to the amount of the settlement when the determination unit determines that the wireless communication device identified by the identification information can use the function as the electronic money. A game medium lending device comprising medium lending means.   2. The game medium lending apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a writing instruction unit that performs a writing instruction of usage limit amount information in the wireless communication apparatus to the wireless communication apparatus by wireless communication.   The game medium lending device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a second writing instruction unit that issues a use amount information writing instruction in the wireless communication device to the wireless communication device by wireless communication.   The wireless communication device is at least one of a non-contact IC card having a function as electronic money and a wireless portable device having an IC chip having a function as electronic money. 4. The game medium lending device according to any one of 3 above. The usage limit information is information relating to the daily usage limit of the game medium,
The game medium lending device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the usage amount information is information related to a total amount of game media used per day in a wireless communication device. The wireless communication apparatus identified by the identification information has a notifying means for notifying that it is determined by the determining means that the function as the electronic money cannot be used. The game medium lending device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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