JP2008253563A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of performing, in a short period of time, authentication of payment for a play charge by electronic money. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of terminals 32 have a communication interface unit which communicates with an electronic money card and a charge payment/receipt unit in which collation data are generated and output by adding specific-terminal number data to value data showing monetary value received from the card, and in which the collation result about payability of the play charge is input. In the game system 22, there are provided: a collation unit 27 that collates the payability of the play charge with the value data; and a collation interface unit 26 that extracts the value data from the verification data of the terminals 32, makes the verification unit 27 perform collation, outputs the result to the terminal of a transmission origin, and that also adds use charge data and identification data to the collation data to output to a store server 20, wherein collation requests from a plurality of game machines 24-1, 24-2, ..., 24-m are distributed and processed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system capable of paying a play fee with electronic money.

  Generally, when an amusement device (game machine) is used in an amusement facility, it is necessary to pay a predetermined play fee. Conventionally, a play fee has been paid by coins or coins, but in recent years, for example, payment by electronic money using a non-contact type IC chip is possible (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The processing system described in Patent Document 1 enables execution of a game application using electronic money. A plurality of game machines, a server for game machines, a purchase terminal for electronic money, an information terminal for a player, a mobile phone It consists of a telephone (mobile device). In addition, the game machine is provided with a communication module, a central processing unit, a memory, and a game execution processing unit that perform data communication to perform electronic money or point settlement with an information terminal when starting a game. Yes.

  Further, in settlement using electronic money or a credit card, an authentication process for preventing unauthorized use of the card is performed. For example, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 2, when the card authentication server device receives a declaration of use of the card from the card user via the network, the card authentication server device determines whether or not it is a usage declaration from the rightful owner of the card. If the card is approved as a declaration of use from the rightful owner, the card is allowed to be used and the information is stored in the owner database.

On the other hand, when an authorization inquiry for a card used for payment is received from the card user store via the network, the card authentication server device refers to the owner database and confirms whether or not the use of the card is permitted. When it is confirmed that the use is permitted, the card use store is notified of the use permission response through the network.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-202908 JP 2004-54897 A

  In this way, in the conventional system (Patent Document 2), the card authentication server device is inquired of the card authentication server device for approval of the card through the network from the use store in which the card is used, and the approval result is returned to the card use store through the network. . In other words, since authorization inquiries from all card users are concentrated on the card authentication server device, and inquiries / approval results are sent and received via the network, some confirmation is required until the card users confirm the authorization. Takes time.

  In a commercial game machine installed in a game center or the like, there is no problem even if a certain amount of time is required when paying a play fee using a card (electronic money) at the start of play. However, in a situation where an event (continue) that continues the game that has been played up to then occurs and it is necessary to add an additional play fee within the specified time, it takes time to authenticate the card. There was a risk of running out (game end).

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game system that can execute authentication for payment of a play fee by electronic money in a short time.

  The present invention uses a plurality of game machines provided with a plurality of game terminals and a game control unit for controlling the plurality of game terminals, and a medium used as electronic money for payment of a play fee in the game terminals. A game system comprising: a plurality of verification means for verifying whether or not possible; and communication means for interconnecting each game control unit of the plurality of game machines and the plurality of verification means, Each of the plurality of game terminals includes a communication interface unit that performs communication for receiving a play fee with the medium used as electronic money, and a monetary value received from the medium by the communication interface unit. The game is generated by adding unique terminal number data for identifying the terminal to the value data shown to generate verification data And a fee collection unit for inputting a result of verification as to whether or not payment of a play fee for the value data is possible from the game control unit. A verification unit for verifying whether or not the play fee can be paid, and verification data output from the game control unit, extracting the value data from the verification data and causing the verification unit to verify, A collation interface unit that outputs a collation result in the collation unit to the game control unit that is a transmission source, adds data related to the collation result and identification data to the collation data, and outputs the data to a host device. And output from the game terminals of the plurality of game machines via the communication means The verification data, characterized in that to receive dispersed in said plurality of matching means.

  According to the present invention, for payment of play fees by electronic money at a plurality of game terminals, authentication is performed in a distributed manner in verification units provided in a plurality of verification means, so that the time required for authentication can be reduced. Is possible.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system in the present embodiment. In the system shown in FIG. 1, a central management server 10, a card payment system server 12, and a plurality of stores 14 (14-1, 14-2, ..., 14-n) in which game machines are installed are connected to the Internet or a telephone line. They are connected via a network 16 including a network.

  The central management server 10 is for managing the usage status of game machines installed in a plurality of stores 14 connected via the network 16, and playing games received at each store (each game machine). Receive and aggregate data related to charges (income information).

  The card payment system server 12 manages payment when a play fee is paid by electronic money (card) when using a game machine in the store 14. The card payment system server 12 is related to card payment from the store server 20 installed in each store 14. Data to be received (card number, user data, usage fee, identification data, etc.) and received.

  The store 14 (14-1, 14-2,..., 14-n) is provided with a game machine capable of paying a play fee with electronic money, and includes a store server 20 and a game system 22.

  FIG. 2 shows a system configuration in the store 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the store server 20 provided in the store 14 is provided between the network 16 and the game system 22, and a plurality of game machines 24 (24-1, 24-1) provided in the game system 22. 24-2,..., 24-m), management of usage status, notification to the central management server 10, management of play fees paid by the electronic money in the game machine 24, settlement request to the card settlement system server 12, etc. I do.

  In addition to a plurality of game machines 24 (24-1, 24-2,..., 24-m), the game system 22 is provided with a plurality of verification units 26-1,.

  Each game machine 24 is connected to another game machine 24, collation units 26-1,..., 26-j, and the store server 20 via the LAN 29. For example, data relating to a play fee paid by electronic money is obtained. You can send and receive.

  The game machine 24 is configured such that a game can be executed simultaneously by a plurality of users by controlling a plurality of terminals 32 (32-1, 32-2,..., 32-k) by the game control unit 30. . At each terminal 32 (32-1, 32-2,..., 32-k), a play fee can be paid by coins (coins) or electronic money (cards).

  When the play fee is paid by electronic money, each terminal 32 (32-1, 32-2,..., 32-k) has only data (card number, user data) related to card payment from electronic money (card). Receive. Based on the data received from the electronic money (card), verification for confirming whether payment by electronic money is possible is executed by one of the verification units 26-1,..., 26-j.

  The game control unit 30 sends data related to card payment received at each terminal 32 (32-1, 32-2,..., 32-k) via the LAN 29 to the matching units 26-1,. -J (verification interface units 27-1,..., 27-j) to request verification, and receive verification results from any of the verification units 26-1,. It outputs to the terminal 32 of the transmission source where payment was performed. Note that the game control unit 30 transmits data notifying that the game has been executed by depositing coins to the store server 20 when the play fee is paid by coins.

  The collation unit 26 (26-1,..., 26-j) includes a collation interface unit 27 (27-1,..., 27-j) and a collation unit 28 (28-1,..., 28-j). It has been.

  The verification interface unit 27 is constituted by, for example, an interface circuit board (I / FPCB), and is a game control unit of each game machine 24 (24-1, 24-2,..., 24-m) via the LAN 29. 30 and the store server 20. The collation interface unit 27 causes the collation unit 28 to perform collation in response to the collation request transmitted from the game control unit 30 of each game machine 24, and outputs the collation result by the collation unit 28 to the collation request source. When the verification request is received from any one of the game control units 30 of the plurality of game machines 24, the verification interface unit 27 proceeds to verification processing if verification by the verification unit 28 can be performed. In this case, the authentication process is distributed by executing the process for the verification request in the other verification unit 26.

  When the verification interface unit 27 proceeds to the verification process, the data (for example, card number, user data (including value data indicating the balance)) to be verified by the verification unit 28 from the data received from the game control unit 30. That is, only the data received from the card is extracted and output to the verification unit 28. For example, it is assumed that the user data is encrypted and can be decrypted and processed only by the dedicated verification unit 28.

  The collation interface unit 27 also includes data for managing the usage status of the game machine received from the game control unit 30 (charge collection unit 42) and data including a collation result by the collation unit 28 (hereinafter referred to as card usage data and Is transmitted to the store server 20, which is a higher-level device, via the LAN 29.

  The verification unit 28 is a unit for verifying whether the play fee can be paid based on the data read from the card 40. The data read from the card 40 includes at least value data (remaining amount) indicating the monetary value processed as electronic money (details will be described later (see FIG. 8)). The verification unit 28 generally constitutes a non-contact IC card reader / writer integrally with a card interface unit 44 (antenna 47, RF circuit 48) described later. In the game system of the present embodiment, collation units 28-1,..., 28-j provided in a plurality of collation units 26-1,. ..., shared by the 24-m terminals 32 (card interface unit 44).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the collection of the play fee of the game machine 24.
As shown in FIG. 3, in a plurality of terminals 32 (32-1, 32-2,..., 32-k), a card 40 (for example, a contactless IC card) used as electronic money for payment of a play fee, or Coins 41 (coins) can be used. In the description of the present embodiment, card-shaped electronic money is used. However, any medium may be used as long as it can function as portable electronic money. For example, if an electronic money function is provided in a mobile phone, the play fee may be paid using the mobile phone.

  The terminal 32 includes a fee collection unit 42 that controls the collection of the play fee, a card interface unit 44 that communicates with the card 40 to collect the play fee, a coin sensor 46 that detects payment by the coin 41, and the like. include. The card interface unit 44 includes an antenna 47 and an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit 48 for performing wireless communication with the card 40.

  Although not shown, the terminal 32 is provided with an output device such as a display and a speaker for making various notifications to the user when the play fee is paid by the card 40. The fee collection unit 42 also controls these output devices under the game control unit 30.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the verification interface unit 27.
The verification interface unit 27 includes a control unit 50, a communication unit 51, and a storage unit 52.

  The control unit 50 controls the entire verification interface unit 27, and includes functions of a fee setting unit 50a, a card data management unit 50b, a verification data receiving unit 50c, a verification result notification unit 50d, and a card settlement notification unit 50e. It is done.

  The fee setting unit 50 a sets a play fee for each game machine 24 by storing the setting fee data 52 a in the storage unit 52 in response to a notification from the store server 20 input via the communication unit 51. The fee setting unit 50a may set a different play fee for each game machine according to a notification from the store server 20, or may set different fees for a plurality of terminals in one game machine. In the game system 22 according to the present embodiment, terminal number data that can identify individual terminals is added to the card data read from the card 40 at each terminal 32. You can settle the play fee.

  The card data management unit 50b uses the data (verification data) from the game control unit 30 (fee collection unit 42) received by the verification data receiving unit 50c to obtain card data (card number) to be subjected to verification processing by the verification unit 28. , User data (value data)) is extracted and output to the verification unit 28 through the communication unit 51.

  The collation data receiving unit 50c receives data transmitted from each game machine 24 (game control unit 30) and stores it in the storage unit 52 (collation data 52b).

  The verification result notification unit 50d receives the verification result for the card data output to the verification unit 28 by the card data management unit 50b, and transmits it to the game machine 24 (game control unit 30) that is the verification request source.

  The card settlement notification unit 50e transmits data including the verification result by the verification unit 28 to the store server 20 that is a host device via the LAN 29. The store server 20 stores the data received from the card payment notification unit 50e and notifies the card payment system server 12 of the card use.

  The communication unit 51 performs communication with the store server 20 or the plurality of game machines 24 (game control unit 30) via the LAN 29 under the control of the control unit 50.

  The storage unit 52 stores various data. For example, the set fee data 52a set by the fee setting unit 50a, the collation data 52b received by the collation data receiving unit 50c, and set in advance for the game system 22. Unique identification data 52c and the like are stored.

  Note that the play fee indicated by the set fee data 52a may be set individually for each game machine 24, or may be set individually for each terminal 32 of one game machine 24.

  The collation data 52b is data received from the game machine 24, and the card data read from the card 40 includes data for managing the usage status of the game machine, at least a unique terminal number for identifying the terminal. It is data to which data is added. In addition to the terminal number data, for example, game machine type data, store code, use time data, and the like are added (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed functional configuration of the fee collection unit 42.
The charge collection unit 42 includes a control unit 60, a communication unit 61, and a storage unit 62.

  The control unit 60 controls the entire toll collection unit 42, and includes a terminal data management unit 60a, a card reading processing unit 60b, a verification data generation unit 60c, a verification data transmission unit 60d, a verification result reception unit 60e, and a card recording processing unit. Functions of 60f, a card use history management unit 60g, an external output control unit 60h, a communication control unit 60j, and a clock unit 60k are provided.

  The terminal data management unit 60a manages terminal data 62a that is set in advance for the terminal 32. The terminal data 62a is stored in the storage unit 62 in advance, and includes, for example, terminal number data 62a1, game machine type data 62a2, and store code 62a3. The terminal data management unit 60a can change the terminal data 62a stored in the storage unit 62 in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 30 (store server 20).

  The card reading processing unit 60 b processes data received from the card 40 by the card interface unit 44. The data received from the card 40 includes a unique card number for identifying the card 40 and user data, for example.

  The verification data generation unit 60c adds data for managing the usage status of the terminal to the card data (including value data) read from the card 40, thereby transmitting the verification data to the verification interface unit 27. Generate verification data.

  The verification data transmission unit 60 d outputs the verification data generated by the verification data generation unit 60 c to the game control unit 30 through the communication unit 61 in order to transmit the verification data to the verification interface unit 27.

  The verification result receiving unit 60 e receives the verification result by the verification unit 28 through the communication unit 61. If it is determined that the play fee can be paid by the card 40, data including the balance (value data) obtained by subtracting the play fee from the original balance (value data) is received.

  The card recording processing unit 60f transmits the user data (value data) after the play fee received by the verification result receiving unit 60e is paid to the card 40 through the card interface unit 44 and records it.

  The card usage history management unit 60g is for recording a history when the card 40 is used for payment of a play fee. The card usage history data 62b is sequentially stored in the storage unit 62 as data related to card usage ( For example, the collation data generated by the collation data generation unit 60c) is recorded.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the data configuration of the card usage history data 62b. As shown in FIG. 6, the card usage history data 62b includes, from the verification data generated by the verification data transmission unit 60d, for example, the usage time when the card 40 was used for payment of the play fee, received from the card 40. The card number and user data etc. thus set are set in association with each other.

  When the play fee is paid by the card 40, the external output control unit 60h controls the output device such as a display and a speaker for various notifications (payment amount, balance, other messages, etc.) to the user. I do.

The communication control unit 60j controls communication via the communication unit 61.
The clock unit 60k generates time data, and is referred to, for example, for determining the time when the card 40 is used for payment of a play fee.

  Although not shown, it is assumed that the control unit 60 is provided with a function for managing the payment of the play fee by the coin 41. The control unit 60 notifies the game control unit 30 of the situation in which the play fee is paid by the coin 41 and the game is executed, similarly to the case where the play fee is paid by the card 40. The game control unit 30 transmits to the store server 20 through the LAN 29. The data transmitted from the game control unit 30 to the store server 20 includes, for example, terminal number, game machine type, store code use time, and use fee data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of card usage history data stored in the store server 20.
The store server 20 receives data transmitted via the LAN 29 from the matching units 26-1,..., 26-j (collation interface units 27-1,..., 27-j). The store server 20 extracts data related to card payment from this data and notifies the card payment system server 12 of other data obtained from the received data, as well as card history data indicating the usage status of the game machine 24 Remember as. Further, the store server 20 transmits the card history data to the central management server 10 via the network 16. The store server 20 also stores data in the case where the play fee is paid by the coin 41 transmitted from the game machine 24 in the same manner as the card usage history data.

  By storing the card usage history data in the store server 20, the administrator of the game system 22 can grasp the situation of the plurality of game machines 24 in real time based on the card usage history data.

  Further, the central management server 10 can grasp the usage status of each store 14 by receiving card usage history data (and usage history data by coin payment) from each store 14. Since the card usage history data includes the data shown in FIG. 7, even if the verification unit 28 is not provided for each terminal, the central management server 10 indicates the usage status of the game for each terminal. It becomes possible to grasp.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining an example of a data configuration transmitted and received in the system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8A shows a frame format, which includes a destination address indicating a data destination, a transmission source address indicating a data transmission source, data, and the like.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing details of the data in FIG.
Data B shown in FIG. 8B is card data received from the card 40, and includes a card number unique to the card and user data. The user data includes at least value data indicating the monetary value (remaining balance). In addition, the user data may include information of an individual who owns the card 40, such as name, age, and telephone number.

  The data A shown in FIG. 8 (b) is data added to the card data received from the card 40 in the fee collection unit 42, and terminal data 62a (terminal number data 62a1, game machine, preset for each terminal) Type data 62a2, store code 62a3) and use time data indicating the time when data from the card 40 acquired from the clock unit 60k is received are included. The toll collection unit 42 generates collation data by adding data A to data B. The verification interface unit 27 extracts only the data B (card data received from the card 40) from the verification data (data A + B) and causes the verification unit 28 to perform verification.

  The data C shown in FIG. 8B is data generated when the verification unit 28 determines that the verification is OK (payable), and matches the usage fee data indicating the play fee set in advance in the card data. Unique identification data is added to the unit 28 (game system 22). When the collation unit 28 determines that the collation is OK, the collation interface unit 27 adds data A + C (hereinafter referred to as card usage data) and transmits the data to the store server 20. The card usage data is transmitted from the store server 20 to the central management server 10.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the terminal 32.
The terminal 32 shown in FIG. 9 has a game display 71 disposed in the center front, and a speaker (not shown) is disposed on the side surface of the apparatus housing, for example. A table-like control panel 73 is provided on the front side of the game display 71.

  On the upper surface of the control panel 73, there are provided a joystick 72 that can detect an input operation in, for example, eight directions used for executing the game, and a plurality of buttons 75. In addition, the control panel 73 is provided with an antenna 47, a switch 78, and a display 77 that are used for paying a play fee by the card 40. In addition, the terminal 70 is provided with a coin insertion slot 76 for paying a play fee with a coin 41 (or a coin) or the like.

  Note that FIG. 9 shows an example in which one terminal 32 is configured in one casing, but a configuration in which a plurality of terminals 32 are provided in one casing is also possible.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an antenna 47 and a display 77 provided on the control panel 73 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the card 40 is brought close to the antenna 47 by the user in order to pay the play fee using the card 40.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the antenna 47 is formed in a planar shape, and a coiled antenna pattern is formed inside. Since the antenna 47 is formed in a planar shape, there are few restrictions on the installation position in mounting, and the antenna 47 can be mounted at an arbitrary position on the outer surface of the casing of the terminal 70. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the surface of the antenna 47 facing the card 40 is formed in a rectangular shape. However, any shape other than a rectangle can be used as long as radio waves can be transmitted to and received from the card 40.

  The display 77 is provided near the antenna 47. On the display 77, as shown in FIG. 10, the amount paid using the card 40 (“200 yen”), a message related to the payment (“payment completed”), and the remaining charge on the card 40 The amount (remaining amount (“3800 yen”)) and the like are displayed.

Next, the operation of the game system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining fee collection processing executed by the fee collection unit 42 provided in each terminal 32 of the game machine 24, and FIG. 12 explains verification interface processing executed by the verification interface unit 27. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the collation data management process executed in the store server 20.

  Here, for example, a case where a play fee is paid using the card 40 in the terminal 32-1 provided in the game machine 24-1 of the store 14-1 will be described as an example.

  First, the user operates the switch 78 to instruct to pay a play fee using the electronic money (card 40). In response to the notification from the switch 78, the card reading processing unit 60b of the terminal 32-1 makes the card interface unit 44 ready to receive data.

  The card interface unit 44 receives a signal indicating card data from the card 40 when the card 40 is brought close to the antenna 47, and outputs the signal to the fee collection unit 42 via the RF circuit 48. The card reading processing unit 60b temporarily stores the card data indicated by the signal received by the card interface unit 44 in the storage unit 62 (step A1 in FIG. 11).

  When the card data is read from the card 40, the verification data generation unit 60c generates verification data to make the verification unit 28 verify whether the card 40 can be used for payment of the play fee (step A2). That is, the terminal data 62a set in the storage unit 62 is read and added to the card data, and the time data generated by the clock unit 60k is acquired and used time data is added (FIG. 8, data A + B). ). Further, the card usage history management unit 60g stores data such as card data (card number, user data) and usage time data read by the card reading processing unit 60b in the storage unit 62 as card usage history data 62b (step). A3).

  The verification data transmission unit 60d transmits the verification data generated by the verification data generation unit 60c to the game control unit 30 (step A4). The game control unit 30 transmits the data transmitted by the collation data transmission unit 60d to the collation unit 26 (collation interface unit 27) via the LAN 29 (step A4). Here, the game control is performed so that the authentication process for the authentication request transmitted from the plurality of game machines 24 (game control unit 30) is executed in a distributed manner in the plurality of verification units 26-1,..., 26-j. A verification request (verification data) is transmitted from the unit 30 to the predetermined verification unit 26. In addition, about the method for making the collation request | requirement transmitted from several game machine 24-1, 24-2, ..., 24-m distribute in a some collation part 26-1, ..., 26-j, and to perform it. It will be described later.

  On the other hand, the collation interface unit 27 receives data (collation data) addressed to itself by the collation data receiving unit 50c via the LAN 29 (FIG. 12, step B1). Here, the collation data receiving unit 50c determines whether the collation processing on the received collation data can be executed by the collation unit 28. The collation data receiving unit 50c determines that the collation cannot be performed when the collation processing is already performed on the collation data received from the game control unit 30 of the other game machine 24 (No in Step B2). In this case, the authentication process is distributed by executing the process for the verification request in the other verification unit 26. Details will be described later.

  When it is determined that the verification can be performed (Yes in Step B2), the card data management unit 50b determines the card data to be verified by the verification unit 28, that is, the card number read from the card 40 from the received verification data. User data (value data) is extracted (FIG. 8, data B), and a verification request is made to the verification unit 28 (steps B3 and B4).

  Based on the data from the verification interface unit 27, the verification unit 28 verifies whether the play fee (set fee data 52a) preset by the fee setting unit 50a can be paid. That is, the verification unit 28 determines whether the card number is valid and the balance indicated by the value data is sufficient to pay the play fee.

  When it is determined by the verification unit 28 that payment of the play fee is not possible (verification NG) (No in step B5), the card data management unit 50b uses the verification result notifying unit 50d to verify the game machine 24-1 as the verification request source. A verification NG is transmitted to (game control unit 30) (step B6).

  The collation result receiving unit 60e of the fee collection unit 42 receives the collation result by the collation unit 28 through the game control unit 30 (step A5, Yes). When the collation result is collation NG (step A6, No), the external output control unit 60h performs an output for notifying the user that the play fee cannot be paid by the card 40 (step A7). ). For example, a message notifying that the play fee cannot be paid is displayed on the display 77 or a specific sound is output.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the verification unit 28 that the play fee can be paid (verification OK) (step B5, Yes), the verification result notification unit 50d determines that the verification request source game machine 24-1 (game control unit). 30), card data including value data (remaining balance) reduced by the play fee as a verification result is transmitted to the verification requesting game machine 24-1 (game control unit 30) (step B7). .

  The collation result receiving unit 60e of the fee collection unit 42 receives the collation result by the collation unit 28 through the game control unit 30 (step A5, Yes). When the collation result is collation OK (step A6, Yes), the card recording processing unit 60f transmits the received card data to the card 40 via the card interface unit 44. The recorded value data (remaining amount) is written (step A8).

  The external output control unit 60h performs output for notifying the user that the play fee has been paid by the card 40 (step A9). For example, a message indicating the paid play fee and the balance recorded on the card 40 is displayed on the display 77.

  On the other hand, the verification interface unit 27 transmits card usage data in which usage fee data and identification data are added to the verification data received from the game machine 24-1 (FIG. 8, data A + C) to the store server 20 (step B8). ).

  Here, the collation request about the collation data transmitted from each game control unit 30 of game machine 24-1, 24-2, ..., 24-m is made in the some collation part 26-1, ..., 26-j. A method of executing in a distributed manner will be described.

  (1) Each game control unit 30 of the plurality of game machines 24-1, 24-2,..., 24-m transmits collation data to a specific collation unit 26 (collation interface unit 27). A method of transferring verification data to another verification interface unit 27 (next verification interface unit 27) when the verification interface unit 27 cannot be authenticated.

  For example, it is assumed that each game control unit 30 is set to transmit verification data to the verification interface unit 27-1 of the verification unit 26-1. The game control unit 30 designates the collation interface unit 27-1 as a destination address and transmits data. The collation interface unit 27-1 receives data addressed to itself, and proceeds to collation processing if collation by the collation unit 28-1 can be performed. On the other hand, if the collation cannot be performed, the collation interface unit 27-1 transfers the received data to the collation interface unit 27-2, for example. Furthermore, the collation interface unit 27-2 transfers to the collation interface unit 27-3 if collation execution is impossible. The collation result is returned from the collation unit 26 that has performed the collation process to the game control unit 30 that is the collation request source. Thereby, the collation requests output from the plurality of game machines 24-1, 24-2,..., 24-m are distributed and processed by the plurality of collation units 26-1,.

  (2) A collation unit 26 (collation interface unit 27) corresponding to each of the game control units 30 is set in advance, and collation data is transmitted to the corresponding collation unit 26 (collation interface unit 27). A method of transferring collation data to another collation interface unit 27 (next collation interface unit 27) when collation cannot be performed in the collation unit 26 that has received the data.

  For example, the game control unit 30 and the collation unit 26-1 (collation interface unit 27-1) of the game machine 24-1 and the game control unit 30 and the collation unit 26-2 (collation interface unit 27-2) of the game machine 24-2. ), Etc., the collation interface unit 27 corresponding to each game control unit 30 of the game machines 24-1, 24-2,. The correspondence relationship need not be one-to-one. For example, the game control units 30 of the plurality of game machines 24 may be associated with one verification interface unit 27.

  For example, the game control unit 30 of the game machine 24-1 designates the collation interface unit 27-1 whose correspondence is set in advance for the destination address, and transmits data. The collation interface unit 27-1 receives data addressed to itself, and proceeds to collation processing if collation by the collation unit 28-1 can be performed. On the other hand, if the collation cannot be performed, the collation interface unit 27-1 transfers the received data to the collation interface unit 27-2, for example. Furthermore, the collation interface unit 27-2 transfers to the collation interface unit 27-3 if collation execution is impossible. In this case, since the first collation request is transmitted to the collation interface unit 27 in the correspondence relationship, the collation requests output from the plurality of game machines 24-1, 24-2,. When the collation cannot be executed in the collation unit 26 at the request destination, the collation processing is executed in the collation interface unit 27 of the other collation unit 26 to distribute the load.

  (3) When each game control unit 30 transmits collation data to a specific collation unit 26 (collation interface unit 27) and a response is received from the collation unit 26 at the transmission destination that it is impossible to perform the game control, A method in which the unit 30 retransmits the verification data to the other verification unit 26 (the verification interface unit 27).

  For example, it is assumed that each game control unit 30 is set to transmit verification data to the verification interface unit 27-1 of the verification unit 26-1. The game control unit 30 designates the collation interface unit 27-1 as a destination address and transmits data. The collation interface unit 27-1 receives data addressed to itself, and proceeds to collation processing if collation by the collation unit 28-1 can be performed. On the other hand, if the collation cannot be performed, the collation interface unit 27-1 returns a collation cannot be performed to the game control unit 30 that is the collation request source. The game control unit 30 to which the verification execution failure is responded retransmits the verification data to the verification interface unit 27-2 of the other verification unit 26-2, for example. Thereby, the collation requests output from the plurality of game machines 24-1, 24-2,..., 24-m are distributed and processed by the plurality of collation units 26-1,.

  (4) A collation unit 26 (collation interface unit 27) corresponding to each of the game control units 30 is set in advance, and collation data is transmitted to the corresponding collation unit 26 (collation interface unit 27) and transmitted. A method in which the game control unit 30 retransmits the verification data to the other verification unit 26 (verification interface unit 27) when the previous verification unit 26 responds that the verification is impossible.

  For example, the game control unit 30 and the collation unit 26-1 (collation interface unit 27-1) of the game machine 24-1 and the game control unit 30 and the collation unit 26-2 (collation interface unit 27-2) of the game machine 24-2. ), Etc., the collation interface unit 27 corresponding to each game control unit 30 of the game machines 24-1, 24-2,. The correspondence relationship need not be one-to-one. For example, the game control units 30 of the plurality of game machines 24 may be associated with one verification interface unit 27.

  For example, the game control unit 30 of the game machine 24-1 designates the collation interface unit 27-1 whose correspondence is set in advance for the destination address, and transmits data. The collation interface unit 27-1 receives data addressed to itself, and proceeds to collation processing if collation by the collation unit 28-1 can be performed. On the other hand, if the collation cannot be performed, the collation interface unit 27-1 returns the collation interface unit 27-1 to the game control unit 30 that is the collation request source. The game control unit 30 to which the verification execution failure is responded retransmits the verification data to the verification interface unit 27-2 of the other verification unit 26-2, for example. Thereby, the collation requests output from the plurality of game machines 24-1, 24-2,..., 24-m are distributed and processed by the plurality of collation units 26-1,.

  (5) The collation data is transmitted from each game control unit 30 to all the collation interface units 27, and collation processing is executed in the collation unit 26 (collation interface unit 27) that has received the collation data first.

  For example, the game control unit 30 of the game machine 24-1 outputs collation data designating all the collation interface units 27-1,..., 27-j as destinations. For example, if the collation interface unit 27-1 can perform collation, collation processing is performed on the received collation data, and the collation result is changed to the game control unit 30 that is the collation source. On the other hand, if the collation cannot be performed, the collation interface unit 27-1 ignores the received collation data. As a result, for example, the collation interface unit 27-2 of the other collation unit 26-2 executes collation processing in which the collation data is received. Thereby, the collation requests output from the plurality of game machines 24-1, 24-2,..., 24-m are distributed and processed by the plurality of collation units 26-1,.

Next, verification data management processing by the store server 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the store server 20 receives the verification data through the LAN 29 (step C1, Yes), the store server 20 stores the verification data as card usage history data (FIG. 7) (step C2).

  Moreover, the shop server 20 transmits collation data to the central management server 10 as data which shows the use condition of the game in the game system 22 (step C3). By receiving and managing the collation data, the central management server 10 can grasp the usage status of the game machine 24 in each store, that is, which terminal of which game machine type is being used at what time. .

  Further, the store server 20 extracts, for example, card data (card number, user data), usage fee, and identification data from the verification data received from the verification interface unit 27 (step C4). ) To the card payment system server 12.

  In the card settlement system server 12, even if a single verification unit 28 is shared by a plurality of game machines 24-1, 24-2,. Data similar to the provided configuration can be received from each store 14 to process card payment.

  As described above, in the game system 22 in the present embodiment, data is transmitted to and received from the card 40 to the plurality of terminals 32-1, 32-2,..., 32-k provided in the game machine 24. Each of the card interface units 44 is provided, and verification of the card data received by the card interface unit 44 can be executed by one verification unit 28 provided in the game system 22. That is, even if the number of terminals is increased, the number of comparatively expensive verification units 28 does not increase, so that the price of the game machine can be configured at a low price.

  In addition, since the toll collection unit 42 provided in each terminal 32 adds terminal data 62a to the card data read from the card 40 and outputs it as collation data, the usage situation for each terminal based on this collation data Can be grasped.

  In the above description, one game machine 24-1 has been described as an object, but detailed description is omitted on the assumption that the same processing is executed for the other game machines 24-2 to 24-m. To do. When the collation request is received from the game control units 30 of the plurality of game machines 24, the collation interface unit 27 performs the collation unit 28 according to the priority order determined in advance for each terminal 32 (fee collecting unit 42). The collation is executed by As the predetermined priority order, for example, in addition to the order in which the collation requests are received, the order of the addresses assigned to the game control units 30 of the respective game machines 24 is in ascending order. It is possible to make the order determined for each other.

  In the above description, the card usage history data is described as being stored in the store server 20 (FIGS. 7 and 13), but the card usage history data is also stored in the storage unit 52 of the verification interface unit 27. You may do it. In this case, even if communication between the verification interface unit 27 and the store server 20 cannot be interrupted, data to be transmitted to the store server 20 is stored in the verification interface unit 27, so that communication is possible. Data stored in a lump after entering the state can be transmitted to the store server 20.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the system in this embodiment. The figure which shows the system configuration | structure in the store 14 shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure relevant to the collection of the play fee of the game machine 24. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a verification interface unit 27. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed functional configuration of a fee collection unit 42. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of the card | curd utilization log | history data 62b. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of the card | curd utilization log | history data memorize | stored in the shop server. The figure for demonstrating an example of the data structure transmitted / received within the system in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the external appearance structure of the terminal 32. FIG. The figure which shows the antenna 47 and the display 77 which were provided in the control panel 73 shown in FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining fee collection processing executed by a fee collection unit provided in each terminal 32 of the game machine 24; 7 is a flowchart for explaining collation interface processing executed by the collation interface unit 27. The flowchart for demonstrating the collation data management process performed in the shop server 20. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Central management server, 12 ... Card payment system server, 14 (14-1, 14-2, ..., 14-n) ... Store, 16 ... Network, 20 ... Store server, 22 ... Game system, 24 (24- 1, 24-2,..., 24-m)... Game machine, 26 (26-1,..., 26-j) ... collation unit, 27 (27-1,..., 27-j). (28-1, ..., 28-j) ... collation unit, 29 ... LAN, 30 ... game control unit, 32 (32-1, 32-2, ..., 32-k) ... terminal, 40 ... card, 42 ... Toll collection unit 44 ... card interface unit 47 ... antenna 48 ... RF circuit 50,60 ... control unit 50a ... charge setting unit 50b ... card data management unit 50c ... verification data receiving unit 50d ... verification result Through , 50e... Card settlement notification unit, 51, 61 .. communication unit, 52, 62... Storage unit, 52a... Set charge data, 52b .. collation data, 52c .. identification data, 60a .. terminal data management unit, 60b. Processing unit, 60c ... verification data generation unit, 60d ... verification data transmission unit, 60e ... verification result reception unit, 60f ... card recording processing unit, 60g ... card usage history management unit, 60h ... external output control unit, 60j ... communication control Part, 60k ... clock part, 62a ... terminal data, 62a1 ... terminal number, 62a2 ... game machine type data, 62a3 ... store code, 62b ... card usage history data, 70 ... terminal, 71 ... display for game, 72 ... joystick, 73 ... Control panel, 75 ... Button, 76 ... Coin slot, 77 ... Display, 78 ... Switch.

Claims (7)

A plurality of game machines provided with a plurality of game terminals and a game control unit for controlling the plurality of game terminals;
A plurality of verification means for verifying whether a medium used as electronic money can be used for payment of a play fee in the game terminal;
A game system comprising communication means for mutually connecting each game control unit of the plurality of game machines and the plurality of collating means,
Each of the plurality of game terminals includes:
A communication interface unit that performs communication for receiving a play fee with the medium used as electronic money;
A unique terminal number data for identifying a terminal is added to value data indicating the monetary value received from the medium by the communication interface unit to generate collation data, and output it to the game control unit. A fee collection unit that inputs from the game control unit a verification result as to whether or not the play fee can be paid.
The verification means includes
A verification unit for verifying whether a play fee can be paid against the value data;
The collation data output from the game control unit is received, the value data is extracted from the collation data, collated with the collation unit, and the collation result in the collation unit is output to the game control unit as a transmission source. And a collation interface unit that adds data related to the collation result and identification data to the collation data and outputs the data to the host device.
A game system, wherein collation data output from the game terminals of the plurality of game machines is distributed to and received by the plurality of collation means via the communication means. The verification interface unit has a fee setting means for setting the play fee according to an instruction from a server connected via a network,
2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the play fee set by the fee setting means is added to the collation data as data relating to the collation result.   When the collation data cannot be collated by the collation unit, the collation interface unit requests collation with respect to the collation data to the other collation means via the communication unit. The game system according to claim 1.   The data control unit of each of the plurality of game machines transmits the collation data to the collation unit preset for each of the plurality of collation units. Game system.   4. The game system according to claim 3, wherein each data control unit of the plurality of game machines transmits the collation data to a specific collation unit set in advance among the plurality of collation units. .   Each data control unit of the plurality of game machines transmits the verification data to the specific verification unit set in advance, and when the verification is not performed in the verification unit of the transmission destination, the other verification unit 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the relation verification data is retransmitted to the means. The data control unit transmits the verification data with the plurality of verification means as destinations,
2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein any one of the plurality of collating means receives the collation data and collates the collation unit.

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