JP2018045728A - Information provision system and computer program used therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information provision system capable of promoting utilization of related information on an account of an account object.SOLUTION: A game system 1 with an information provision system applied thereto provides related information on an account when the same is settled to pay for playing a game through each game machine GM. In particular, when the account is settled, the game system 1 acquires account information to identify a content of the account and a location of the game machine GM for which the account is settled from the game machine GM, and identifies a store 4 where the game machine GM is installed. The game system 1 identifies another store 4 located within a predetermined range from the store 4, based on the game machine GM for which the account is settled, on the basis of terminal data 14a describing a terminal ID to identify each game machine GM and a store ID indicating the store where each game machine GM is installed, and provides the information on the other store 4 as related information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing system or the like that provides related information related to a settlement when a settlement for paying consideration for the settlement target is executed in electronic currency through each settlement terminal.

  There is an information providing system that provides related information related to the settlement when settlement for paying consideration for the settlement target is executed in electronic currency through each settlement terminal. For example, the game machine and each card unit that are set in each store as such a settlement target and each settlement terminal are respectively adopted, and the settlement of each card unit is accompanied by the settlement process of each card unit. A gaming electronic money system that provides information as related information is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4902224

  In the system of Patent Document 1, information on other stores in the same group is provided along with the settlement process for the purpose of enclosing customers in the same group. However, for example, even if high-value privilege information is provided as such related information, it is in a place where other stores are not easily accessible such as a place away from the customer's place or a place where it is difficult to go In some cases, that information is often not used. That is, in many cases, the location of customers and the accessibility from there have an important influence on the utilization of information on other stores and, in turn, the promotion of the use of other stores.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the information provision system etc. which can accelerate | stimulate utilization of the relevant information relevant to the account settlement target account settlement.

  The information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system that provides related information related to the settlement when the settlement for paying the consideration for the settlement target is executed through each settlement terminal. Information settlement means for obtaining settlement information for identifying the contents of the settlement and the location of each settlement terminal where the settlement was executed, and each settlement execution based on the settlement information. A terminal described in such a way that location identifying means for identifying the settlement location corresponding to the location of the settlement terminal, terminal identification information for identifying each settlement terminal, and location information indicating the location of each settlement terminal are associated with each other Based on the data, based on the identification result of the terminal identification means, which identifies other settlement terminals installed within a predetermined range from the settlement location based on the settlement location, based on the data The information relating to the other financial terminals and a, and information providing means for providing as the related information.

  On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to each settlement terminal to function as each means of the information providing system described above.

The figure which shows the outline | summary of the whole structure of the game system to which the information provision system which concerns on one form of this invention was applied. The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the control system of a game system. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the outline | summary of recommendation service. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the content of terminal data. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the content of track record data. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the content of card data. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of an information provision process routine.

  Hereinafter, an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. More specifically, as an example, a case where the information providing system of the present invention is applied to a game system will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a game system to which an information sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a game machine GM. The game machine GM is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. As an example, the game machine GM is configured as a business (commercial) game machine. Commercial game machines are game machines that allow a predetermined range of games to be played for a fee or free of charge. As an example, the game machine GM may provide a game for a fee. Specifically, for example, the game machine GM may provide a game in a range according to the price in exchange for consumption of a predetermined price. An appropriate number of game machines GM are installed in a commercial facility such as the store 4.

  The center server 2 is not limited to an example constituted by a single physical device. For example, one logical center server 2 may be configured by a server group as a plurality of physical devices. Further, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing. Furthermore, the game machine GM may function as the center server 2.

  In addition, for example, a user terminal 5 may be connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. The user terminal 5 is a type of network terminal device that exhibits various functions by executing software distributed from the center server 2. In the example of FIG. 1, a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as an example of the user terminal 5. In addition, as the user terminal 5, for example, various network terminal devices that can be connected to the network and are used for personal use of the user, such as a personal computer, a portable game machine, and a portable tablet terminal device, are used. Good.

  As an example, the network 3 may be configured to realize network communication using a TCP / IP protocol. In this case, typically, the network 3 may be configured by combining the Internet as a WAN and an intranet as a LAN. In the example of FIG. 1, the center server 2 and the game machine GM are connected to the network 3 via the router 3a, and the user terminal 5 is connected to the network 3 via the access point 3b.

  The network 3 is not limited to a form using the TCP / IP protocol. As the network 3, various forms using a wired line for communication or a wireless line (including infrared communication, short-range wireless communication, etc.) may be used. Alternatively, the communication between the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM or the like conforms to a predetermined standard so as to include various information such as a two-dimensional code without using a communication line (including wired and wireless), for example. It may be realized using a code (for example, a two-dimensional code) generated in this way. Therefore, the term “network (or communication line)” may include a form in which information is transmitted and received without using a line, such as a communication method using such a code.

  The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine GM or its user. For example, a service for receiving user identification information from the game machine GM and authenticating the user may be provided as the game machine service. Further, a service may be provided in which the play data of the authenticated user is received from the game machine GM and stored, or the play data to be stored is provided to the game machine GM. Furthermore, the game machine service distributes and updates the game machine GM program or data via the network 3, and matches users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 3. A matching service or the like may be included.

  Further, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal 5 via the network 3. The web service may include, for example, a game information service that provides various types of information related to a game provided by the game machine GM. The game information service may include a recommendation service, for example. Details of the recommendation service will be described later.

  Furthermore, the Web service is a community that provides other exchanges such as a distribution service for distributing various types of data or software to each user terminal 5 (including updates of data, etc.), information transmission, exchange, and sharing by users. It may include a service, a service for giving a user ID for identifying each user, and the like.

  Next, the main part of the control system of the game system 1 for providing the recommendation service will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the control system of the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the center server 2 includes a control unit 10 as a computer and a storage unit 11. The control unit 10 is configured as a computer unit combining a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor. Note that an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a monitor can be connected to the control unit 10. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The storage unit 11 is connected to the control unit 10. The storage unit 11 may be configured by a large-capacity storage medium such as a magnetic tape, for example, so that the storage can be held without supplying power. The storage unit 11 stores server data 14 and a server program 15. The server program 15 is a computer program necessary for the center server 2 to provide various services to the game machine GM and the user terminal 5. When the control unit 10 reads and executes the server program 15, for example, a game machine service management unit 16 and a Web service management unit 17 may be provided inside the control unit 10.

  The game machine service management unit 16 executes a process for providing the game machine service described above. On the other hand, the web service management unit 17 executes processing necessary to provide the above-described web service. The game machine service management unit 16 and the web service management unit 17 are logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 10. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The server data 14 is data that is referred to when the server program 15 is executed. For example, the server data 14 may include terminal data 14a, performance data 14b, and card data 14c. Details of these will be described later.

  The server data 14 may include, for example, various data for realizing a game. For example, such data may include play data, ID management data, account data, and the like. The play data is data in which information related to past play results of each user is described. The play data is used, for example, for taking over the previous play results (past results) from the next time onwards or for taking over the setting contents unique to each user. The ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. The account data is data for managing the remaining amount of value associated with each card CD described later. Further, for example, the account data may be configured such that the remaining amount of value is managed using the card ID of each card CD as a key and used for consumption (financial settlement) of the value corresponding to the consideration. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The game machine GM is provided with a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a reader 32, an operation input device 34, a monitor MO, and a speaker SP. The storage unit 31, reader 32, operation input device 34, monitor MO, and speaker SP are all connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. In addition, various output devices or input devices can be connected to the control unit 30 in the same manner as other known game machines, for example. For example, such an input device may include a known device for collecting a predetermined value such as a coin authentication device. For example, coins or the like as a predetermined price may be collected through such a device. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The reader 32 is a known device that reads various information recorded in a storage medium in a non-contact state, for example, using short-range wireless communication. The reader 32 may be used for reading information on a card CD as an example of a storage medium. Specifically, as an example, the reader 32 may read information on a card CD possessed by each user and output a signal corresponding to the information to the control unit 30.

  The card CD may be provided with a nonvolatile storage medium (not shown) such as an IC chip or a magnetic stripe. Various types of information may be recorded on the card CD via such a nonvolatile storage medium. Further, for example, such various types of information may include user ID information (including information that can identify the user ID). Similarly, such various types of information may include information on a unique card ID for each card CD in order to manage each card CD. In this case, for example, the card ID information may function as information that can identify the user ID. That is, card ID information may be recorded on the card CD as user ID information as described above. And card CD may be used for identification of each user as an ID card, for example. Further, the various information includes, for example, information on the amount of value used as a predetermined consideration (information for specifying the amount of value, such as information on a card ID). May be included). Then, a predetermined consideration may be collected by consuming the value amount. That is, the card CD may be used for payment of a predetermined price as an example.

  The card CD is not limited to a form in which various types of information are electronically recorded. For example, the card CD may record various information via various codes such as a two-dimensional code. In this case, the reader 32 may be configured to be able to read such a code by including a code reader capable of reading such a code. That is, the reader 32 may be used for reading such a code.

  The operation input device 34 is an input device for inputting a user's play action. For example, a control panel including various push buttons or a touch panel may be used as the operation input device 34. The monitor MO is a known display device for displaying various images and the like based on an output signal from the control unit 30. As an example, the monitor MO may display a game screen for playing a game in accordance with an output signal from the control unit 30. Similarly, the speaker SP is a well-known output device (sound reproduction device) for reproducing various sounds based on an output signal from the control unit 30. The speaker SP reproduces various sounds used in a game such as BGM according to an output signal from the control unit 30, for example.

  On the other hand, the storage unit 31 may be configured by, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a flash SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like so that the storage can be held without supplying power. The storage unit 31 stores a game program 35 and game data 36. The game program 35 is a computer program necessary for the game machine GM to provide a game. With the execution of the game program 35, for example, a game providing unit 37 may be provided inside the control unit 30. The game providing unit 37 executes various processes necessary for providing a game. The game providing unit 37 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 30. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  The game data 36 is data that is referred to when the game program 35 is executed. The game data 36 may include, for example, image data and sound effect data. The image data is data for displaying various images necessary for the game. The sound effect data is data for reproducing various sounds such as music. Similarly, the game data 36 may include, for example, the above-described play data, ID management data, or card data 14c. For example, at least a part of these data may be provided from the center server 2 so that a necessary part is included. Furthermore, the game data 36 may include various other data for executing the game. However, those illustrations are omitted.

  Next, the details of the recommendation service that the game system 1 provides as part of the above-described game information service will be described. The recommendation service is a service for providing each user with special information related to a place where each user is present. For example, special information unique to a place where each user is present may be used as such special information. Further, such information may be provided after being appropriately selected according to the characteristics (attributes, etc.) of each user. Similarly, as such information, for example, information recommending each store 4 or each game machine GM of each store 4 located within a predetermined range from the location of each user may be used. That is, the recommendation service may be provided, for example, as a service that recommends a more appropriate store 4 or the like according to the characteristics of each user among the stores 4 or the like within a predetermined range based on the place where each user is present.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an outline of the recommendation service. As shown in FIG. 3, the recommendation service specifies, for example, a place where the user U corresponding to the card CD is located via the game machine GM in which the settlement is executed in response to the settlement with the card CD. Special information (information specific to the location) may be provided to the user U as related information related to the settlement. Further, as related information (special information) unique to the place, for example, information on the store 4 located within a predetermined range from the place may be used. Further, such related information may be provided so as to recommend at least a part of the stores 4 (extracted stores) extracted (selected) based on the extraction condition among the stores 4 in a predetermined range. And such extraction conditions may be comprised so that the content of the account settlement using card | curd CD may be utilized. That is, the recommendation service, for example, when an account settlement with a card CD is executed, an extracted store extracted based on the contents of the settlement among the stores 4 within a predetermined range from the store 4 where the settlement is executed. It may be configured to recommend through the provision of relevant information.

  Specifically, the game machine GM, when the consideration for the game play is collected via the card CD, that is, when the consideration for the play is settled by the card CD via the reader 32, the settlement information regarding the settlement Is transmitted to the center server 2. For example, the game machine GM may transmit such settlement information to the center server 2 every time the value is settled through the card CD (in real time including a predetermined time lag due to the influence of the communication environment or the like). Further, in this case, the game machine GM may function as the settlement terminal of the present invention by providing the reader 32, and the game play may function as the settlement target of the present invention.

  The settlement information may include, for example, both information regarding the contents of the settlement such as value consumption and information regarding the location of the game machine GM where the settlement was executed. Specifically, the account settlement information may include account settlement required information as consideration information and account settlement detailed information as target information. The settlement required information is the settlement of the consideration (charge or price), that is, settlement processing for realizing the payment of the compensation (for example, when the amount of value corresponding to the card CD is managed by the account data etc. Information necessary for subtracting the value from the account data, such as a process for consuming value via the card CD. For example, as such information, the settlement required information may include information on the amount of consideration and card ID.

  On the other hand, the detailed account information is information indicating details of the account. In many cases, various benefits associated with the settlement, such as a bonus associated with play, are prepared in the game. For example, detailed information on settlement of accounts provides additional services other than settlement processing such as granting of such benefits. May be used to implement. The detailed account information may include, for example, information indicating details of the account target. Specifically, for example, the detailed account information includes target specifying information for specifying a target such as a title and type of a game and provider information for specifying a target provider such as a game machine GM and a store 4. May contain. As such provider information, for example, in order to identify each game machine GM or each store 4, unique terminal ID or store ID information for each game machine GM or each store 4 may be used. For example, an IP address or a MAC address may be used as such a unique ID.

  When the settlement information is transmitted from the game machine GM, the center server 2 may acquire the settlement information via the game machine service management unit 16, for example. And the center server 2 may perform various processes through the game machine service management part 16 and the web service management part 17, for example. More specifically, for example, the game machine service management unit 16 may execute the above-described settlement process. Similarly, for example, the game machine service management unit 16 may execute a record update process for reflecting the contents of the settlement information in the record data 14b (update the contents of the record data 14b).

  On the other hand, for example, the web service management unit 17 may execute a process for specifying a settlement location corresponding to the location of each game machine GM based on information on a provision destination of settlement information. For example, the store 4 in which each game machine GM (game machine GM in which the settlement was executed) may be specified as such a settlement place. Such a process may be executed with reference to the terminal data 14a, for example.

  In addition, the Web service management unit 17 may execute, for example, a process of specifying the store 4 located in a predetermined range based on such a settlement place. Specifically, for example, as the predetermined range, a circular range having a predetermined diameter (distance) may be set so that the location of the user U is centered, or a predetermined range extending from the location of the user U A range expected to reach within a predetermined distance or within a predetermined time using a route (for example, a predetermined main road) may be set. For example, ease of travel such as a predetermined transportation facility (for example, a predetermined public transportation facility) or a road maintenance situation or a congestion situation may be taken into consideration at such a predetermined time. Furthermore, as such accessibility, for example, the cost to reach may be considered. That is, for example, as a predetermined range, a range that can be reached from the location of the user U within a predetermined time or within a predetermined fee based on a predetermined transportation (for example, a predetermined public transportation) or road maintenance or congestion May be set. For example, the Web service management unit 17 may specify the store 4 located in a predetermined range based on such settings.

  Similarly, the Web service management unit 17 may call at least some stores 4 (hereinafter referred to as extraction stores 4) more suitable for the user U who executed the settlement of accounts among the stores 4 located in such a predetermined range. ) May be extracted and recommended processing performed. Such extraction may be performed based on extraction conditions, for example. The extraction condition may include at least one of a distance condition, a performance condition, a time condition, and a preference condition, for example. The distance condition is a condition for using the distance as a reference. The distance condition may be configured, for example, as a condition for extracting a predetermined number of higher-level stores 4 that are close to each other or easily reachable from a predetermined range of stores 4. Moreover, the past tendency of the user U may be reflected in the extraction of the upper store 4 like this. For example, along with the recommendation, distances, expenses, etc. that have been visited in the past may be reflected in the predetermined number to be extracted.

  The performance condition is a condition used based on the past performance. The result condition may be configured as a condition for extracting the results of the user U such as the store 4 that has been used in the past or the store 4 that has not been used in the past in the predetermined range of stores 4.

  The time condition is a condition used based on the time. For example, the time condition may be configured as a condition for extracting a store 4 having a special feature at the current time, such as a store 4 performing an event or a campaign, from a predetermined range of stores 4.

  The preference condition is a condition used based on each user's preference. As a preference of each user, for example, past usage tendency of each user (may be limited to the user who executed the current settlement of accounts, or may be based on the results of all users, for example, when there is not enough results). May be used. Specifically, for example, as a past usage trend, the same game as the game to be settled, the same type of game, other games that tend to be preferred by users who play the game, or simply such a game Another game or the like may be used. And preference conditions may be comprised as conditions which extract the store 4 in which the game machine GM which provides such a game among the stores 4 of a predetermined range was set. Note that the stores 4 may be basically operated independently of each other, and systems independent of each other may be applied to the stores 4. On the other hand, the extraction condition may include a group condition or the like, for example. The group condition is a condition that is used based on a group when a plurality of stores 4 such as the same store 4 form a group. For example, the group condition may be configured as a condition for extracting stores 4 belonging to the same group. That is, stores 4 belonging to the same group may be extracted as extraction stores 4 through such group conditions. Alternatively, as the extraction condition, a related condition that uses a relevance defined by predetermined extraction data (for example, it may be set according to the type of settlement target, etc.) may be used. That is, as the extracted store 4, the store 4 that handles the target (for example, B game, other than A game, or other than game) for which the relevance to the current settlement target (for example, A game) is set by the extracted data is extracted. Also good.

  Further, the Web service management unit 17 may execute processing for providing the user U with related information related to such an extracted store 4 (or a store 4 in a predetermined range). For example, the related information may include privilege information and guidance information. As privilege information, the information which shows the privilege relevant to the extraction store 4, for example may be used. For example, information indicating details such as the characteristics of the extraction store 4 (may include the reason for guidance) may be used as the guidance information. For example, such provision may be performed via the user terminal 5 used by the user U. That is, the Web service management unit 17 may execute processing for providing such related information to the user terminal 5 of the user U. The user terminal 5 (providing destination of related information) of each user may be managed by the card data 14c with the card ID as a key, for example. That is, the Web service management unit 17 may specify the user terminal 5 of the user U who has executed the settlement based on the card ID and the card data 14c, and provide related information to the user terminal 5. In addition, the provision destination of related information is not limited to the user terminal 5. For example, a game machine GM used by the user U may be used as a related information providing destination.

  In the example of FIG. 3, when the user U makes a settlement at the S store 4, five stores 4 of the A store 4 to the E store 4 are specified as the stores 4 within a predetermined range from the S store 4. Of these stores 4, A store 4 is extracted based on distance conditions, B store 4 is extracted based on performance conditions, C store is extracted based on time conditions, and D store 4 is extracted based on preference conditions. Has been. That is, the extraction condition includes all of the distance condition, the result condition, the time condition, and the preference condition, and four stores 4 corresponding to each condition are extracted as the extracted store 4. In this case, related information related to these four stores 4 may be provided to the user U. For example, as such related information, privilege information regarding the A store 4 to the C store 4 is provided to the user U. More specifically, for example, as such privilege information, information on coupons of A store 4, B store 4, and C store 4 (for example, points may be configured as a coupon for preferential treatment, gifts or discounts). Provided to user U.

  On the other hand, regarding the D store 4, guidance information is provided to the user U as related information. More specifically, information indicating details of the D store is provided to the user U as such guidance information. Such related information is provided to the user U via the user terminal 5. As described above, the recommendation service may be configured to recommend special information unique to the location based on the location and contents of the user U's account. In this case, each game machine GM installed in the five stores 4 of the A store 4 to the E store 4 is used as another settlement terminal installed in the predetermined range of the present invention. Each game machine GM installed in one extraction store 4 functions as a partial settlement terminal (recommended terminal) of the present invention.

  The recommendation service may be provided unconditionally every time a settlement is executed, or may be provided with conditions. For example, a provision condition may be used as a condition in the case of provision with a condition. The provision condition is a condition for determining whether to provide a recommendation service, that is, whether to provide special information. The recommendation service may be provided when the provision condition is satisfied. Further, for example, the provision condition may include at least a part of the settlement condition, the play condition, and the number-of-times condition. The settlement condition is a condition that is satisfied when the settlement amount exceeds a predetermined amount. The play condition is a condition that is satisfied when the play situation of the game corresponds to a predetermined situation. The frequency condition is a condition that is satisfied when the number of times of providing special information is equal to or less than a predetermined number in a predetermined period. The provision conditions may be satisfied when some or all of these conditions are satisfied. Further, the content of the related information may change according to the content of the extraction condition, for example. Specifically, for example, when a distance condition is used as the extraction condition, content in which information related to access such as a map and arrival time is emphasized may be used as related information. Similarly, for example, when a preference condition is used as an extraction condition, the content in which information on the characteristics of a settlement target such as a game is emphasized may be used as related information.

  Next, details of the terminal data 14a, the performance data 14b, and the card data 14c will be described. The terminal data 14a is data for managing the game machine GM. More specifically, the terminal data 14a may be configured to manage the location of each game machine GM, for example. And it may be used in order to specify the place of each game machine GM. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the terminal data 14a. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the terminal data 14 a may include, for example, “terminal ID”, “store ID”, “location” as terminal identification information, and “attribute” information as attribute information.

  “Terminal ID” is information for identifying each game machine GM, and “Store ID” is information for identifying each store 4. For example, the information of the terminal ID and the store ID described above may be used as “terminal ID” and “store ID”, respectively. On the other hand, “location” is information indicating a location where each game machine GM is installed. For example, as the location information, the store 4 where each game machine GM is installed, that is, the address of the store 4 corresponding to the “store ID” may be used. “Attribute” is information indicating the attribute of the game machine GM corresponding to “terminal ID” or the store 4 corresponding to “store ID”. For example, information indicating the game provided by the game machine GM corresponding to the “terminal ID”, information indicating the type of the game, or the like may be used as the attribute information. That is, for example, as “attribute”, information related to an attribute to be settled by each game machine GM may be used. The terminal data 14a may be configured as a set of records described so that these pieces of information are associated with each other as an example.

  On the other hand, the performance data 14b is data for managing the past performance of each user. More specifically, for example, the performance data 14b may be configured to manage the financial results related to each user's past financial results. For example, the record data 14b may be used to specify the extraction store 4 based on the extraction condition. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the record data 14b. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the record data 14 b may include “user ID”, “terminal ID” as user identification information, and “financial record” information as record information.

  “User ID” is information of a unique ID for each user in order to identify each user. For example, the above-described user ID information may be used as such ID information. The “terminal ID” is the same information as the “terminal ID” of the terminal data 14a described above. “Financial results” is information indicating the results of financial results. For example, “financial results” may include information on “financial amount”, “financial object”, and “final date”.

  “Financial settlement amount” is information indicating the settlement amount. For example, when the consideration of the game is settled (paid), information indicating the amount of the settlement, that is, the amount of the compensation may be used as the “settlement amount”. “Financial object” is information indicating the object of financial settlement. For example, when a settlement is executed as a price for playing a game, information indicating the game, such as information such as a game ID for identifying each game, may be used as the “settlement target”. In addition, the information on the “closing target” may include information indicating the type of game to be closed (for example, information on a unique ID for each type of game). “Financial settlement date” is information indicating the date and time when the financial settlement was executed. And the performance data 14b may be comprised as a set of the records described so that these information might mutually be linked as an example.

  In addition, the performance data 14b may include, for example, information on the past related information provision status and each user's reaction to the information (for example, whether the information is used). That is, the record data 14b may be used for management of past related information provision status and reaction thereto. Alternatively, the performance data 14b may include information indicating past game play results such as the results of each game, items owned by each game, and the like. And the performance data 14b may function as the above-mentioned play data, for example.

  The card data 14c is data for managing each card CD. For example, the card data 14c may be used for specifying each card CD. And you may function as a part of above-mentioned ID management data. Further, for example, the card data 14c may be used for management of the related information providing destination as described above. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the card data 14c. As shown in FIG. 6, the card data 14c may include, for example, information on “card ID”, “user ID”, and “providing destination”.

  “Card ID” and “User ID” are information corresponding to the above-described card ID and user ID, respectively. On the other hand, “providing destination” is information indicating a providing destination of related information. For example, the mail address of each user may be used as such “providing destination” information. And related information may be provided to the user terminal 5 as mentioned above through such an e-mail address. The card data 14c may be configured as a set of records described so that these pieces of information are associated with each other as an example.

  Note that the related information may be provided through an application for the user terminal 5, for example. For example, when a user ID is requested at the time of using an application, a related information providing destination may be specified based on the user ID. Similarly, a Web site that requests a user ID for login may be used as a related information providing destination. In these cases, the “user ID” information may function as the “providing destination” information. That is, the “providing destination” information may be omitted. Further, the card data 14c may include information indicating the balance of value (so-called electronic currency) corresponding to each card CD, for example, and may function as the account data described above.

  Next, the information providing process will be described. The information providing process is a process for providing each user with related information related to settlement. More specifically, for example, the information providing process may be executed to provide special information unique to the above-described settlement location as related information. That is, the information providing process may be executed to provide the above-described recommendation service as an example. Further, the information providing process may be realized by the control unit 10 of the center server 2 through, for example, the routine of FIG. Specifically, for example, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed through the Web service management unit 17 of the control unit 10. Note that the control unit 30 of the game machine GM, the control unit 10 of the center server 2, and the user terminal 5 execute various well-known processes alone or in cooperation with each other in addition to these processes. . For example, such a process includes the above-described settlement process and results update process. However, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of an information providing process routine for realizing the information providing process. Further, the example of FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a routine when the recommendation service is provided based on the provision condition, that is, when the recommendation service is provided with a condition. More specifically, the example of FIG. 7 is a routine in the case where information on the stores 4 selected based on the contents of the settlement among the stores 4 located within a predetermined range from the settlement location is provided as related information under conditions. An example is shown. Further, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed, for example, every time settlement information is transmitted from the game machine GM, that is, every time the consideration is settled via the card CD in the game machine GM.

  When the routine of FIG. 7 is started, the Web service management unit 17 first acquires settlement information in step S11. This acquisition may be realized, for example, by indirectly acquiring the settlement information from the game machine GM via the game machine service management unit 16, or by acquiring directly from the game machine GM. Also good.

  In subsequent step S12, the Web service management unit 17 determines whether the provision condition is satisfied. For example, if the provision condition is satisfied when the number-of-times condition is satisfied, the Web service management unit 17 may determine whether or not the provision of the related information this time corresponds to a predetermined number in step S12. Further, for example, one day (or 24 hours) as the predetermined period and one time as the predetermined number may be employed. That is, the provision condition may be satisfied when the current related information is the first time (first time) on the day. If the determination result is a negative result, that is, if the provision condition is not satisfied (when provision of the relevant information corresponds to the second or more of the day), the subsequent processing is skipped and the current routine is executed. finish. In this case, the recommendation service is not provided. Note that the number of times of providing the related status may be managed in the record data 14b as a part of the related information providing status, for example.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S12 is an affirmative result, that is, if the provision condition is satisfied (when provision of related information this time corresponds to the first time of the day), the Web service management unit 17 proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the Web service management unit 17 specifies a settlement location based on the settlement information acquired in step S11. For example, this specification may be performed based on the provider information included in the settlement information. Specifically, for example, the Web service management unit 17 uses the store 4 corresponding to the installation location of the game machine GM where the settlement has been executed based on the store ID information included in the settlement information as such provider information. May be specified as the settlement location. In this case, the “store ID” information in the terminal data 14a functions as the location information of the present invention.

  In subsequent step S <b> 14, the Web service management unit 17 specifies the store 4 located in a predetermined range with reference to the settlement location specified in step S <b> 13. For example, this specification may be realized by specifying a store 4 having an address corresponding to the same municipality as the store 4 of the settlement location based on the terminal data 14a. Or the store 4 corresponding to a predetermined range for every store 4 based on conditions, such as a predetermined distance and predetermined time, is preset, and may be implement | achieved based on the setting content. Such setting contents may be managed through the terminal data 14a, for example.

  In the next step S15, the Web service management unit 17 specifies the extraction store 4 to which the related information is to be provided among the stores 4 in the predetermined range specified in step S14. The extraction store 4 may be specified based on extraction conditions as described above, for example. For this reason, in step S15, the Web service management unit 17 may specify the extraction store 4 based on the extraction conditions as described above, for example. For example, when the results of each user are used to identify (extract) the extraction store 4 through the performance data 14b or the like, for example, the Web service management unit 17 is based on the card ID and the card data 14c included in the settlement information. May identify each user. Specifically, for example, the user with the user ID associated with the card ID of the settlement information in the card data 14c may be specified as the user U who has performed the settlement. In this case, the card ID information functions as user specifying information of the present invention.

  In subsequent step S <b> 17, the Web service management unit 17 provides related information regarding the extraction store 4 identified in step S <b> 15. This provision may be realized via the user terminal 5 as described above, for example. Moreover, the provision destination of the relevant information of each user, that is, the user terminal 5 may be specified based on the card data 14c as described above. In this case, for example, the identification of each user may be realized based on the card ID of the settlement information as in the case where the record is used to identify the extraction store 4 described above. That is, in step S17, the Web service management unit 17 specifies the provision destination user terminal 5 based on the card data 14c, for example, and provides related information regarding the extraction store 4 to the identified user terminal 5. Good. For example, the web service management unit 17 may acquire such related information from data (not shown) for managing the related information set in advance for each store 4, or according to the extracted store 4 in step S17. The related information may be set as appropriate under various conditions. Then, the web service management unit 17 ends the current routine when the process of step S17 is completed.

  With the routine of FIG. 7, the settlement location where the settlement by the card CD is executed can be specified, and special information unique to that location according to the characteristics of each user can be provided to each user, provided that the provision conditions are met. . That is, a recommendation service can be realized with conditions.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when the value of the game play is settled via the card CD, the settlement location is specified, and the store 4 within the predetermined range from the settlement location or from there Further, related information related to the extraction store 4 extracted based on the extraction condition is provided to the user U who executed the settlement. That is, special information (information unique to the settlement location) unique to the settlement location can be provided to the user U who has performed settlement through the card CD. For this reason, for example, the information of the other stores 4 in consideration of accessibility such as the store 4 close to the store 4 at the settlement location or the easily accessible store 4 can be provided as related information. That is, information on other stores 4 can be provided based on the convenience of the user U, which is accessibility, regardless of the difference in operating entities. Thereby, utilization of related information can be promoted.

  In addition, for example, when the extracted store 4 is specified from the stores 4 within a predetermined range, the store 4 corresponding to each user's preference or usage record is set as the target store 4 of the related information based on the extraction condition. Can be extracted. Specifically, for example, when the extraction condition includes a preference condition or a performance condition, it is possible to extract a nearby store 4 in which a game machine GM that provides the same or the same game as this time is installed. Or, conversely, it is possible to extract a nearby store 4 in which a game machine GM that provides a game different from or completely different from the current game is installed. That is, for example, it is possible to provide information on a nearby store 4 that is presumed to be appropriate according to the needs of the user U after the settlement based on the contents of the current settlement. As a result, for example, another store 4 that is presumed to be appropriate based on the record can be recommended to a user who has a sufficient record of the record. On the other hand, even if it is a user who has no financial results or a user who has little financial results (a user who does not have sufficient results for user trend analysis), we recommend other stores 4 that are presumed to be appropriate based on the current results. be able to. By these, utilization of related information can be further promoted compared with the case where such consideration is not taken.

  Moreover, when related information is provided with conditions, related information can be provided more carefully selected based on such conditions. Thereby, for example, related information with more carefully selected contents can be provided, such as increasing the value of the privilege obtained from the related information. Specifically, for example, in the case where provision of related information is limited to once / day through the number of times condition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the value of the related information once due to frequent provision of related information. it can. As a result, the value of one piece of related information can be improved relatively and absolutely. By these, since the value of related information can be improved, utilization of related information can be further promoted.

  Furthermore, since the settlement information for providing such related information can be acquired almost in real time through the game machine GM, it is possible to provide the related information before the user U who settled the price of the game has moved. . That is, it is possible to provide relevant information appropriate to the current state of the user U who plays the game (for example, the current location). Thereby, utilization of related information can be further promoted. The use of the related information can promote the use of the stores 4 related to the related information, that is, the stores 4 and the extraction stores 4 within a predetermined range, and as a result, the entire stores 4 where the game machines GM are installed The utilization rate can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 of the center server 2 functions as the information acquisition unit, the location identification unit, the terminal identification unit, and the information provision unit of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. 7 through the Web service management unit 17. To do. Further, the storage unit 11 of the center server 2 functions as the record data storage means of the present invention by storing the record data 14b.

  This invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, It can implement with a suitable form. For example, in the above-mentioned form, game play is used as a settlement target. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, various products or services may be used as a settlement target. And as related information, the information of the store which provides a different kind of goods, service, etc. may be provided so that these various goods etc. may be crossed. Specifically, for example, information on nearby stores that provide meals may be provided after the settlement of the book value. That is, after the settlement, a store or the like having attribute information related to a settlement target of a type different from the settlement target may be extracted as the extraction store. In this case, different types of needs of the user can be accessed through recommendations of different types of stores. As a result, in this case as well, utilization of related information can be promoted as in the case of providing related information related to the same type of needs. In particular, when the user's performance is not sufficiently accumulated, access to different types of needs is often more effective, and there is a high possibility that the use of related information can be further promoted. .

  Similarly, in the above-described form, a game machine GM including a reader 32 is used as a settlement terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the reader 32 may function alone as a settlement terminal. Similarly, various terminals for closing various settlement targets may be used as the settlement terminal. As a result, it is not limited to the form in which the settlement information is totaled in real time. For example, the center server 2 may acquire the settlement information at an appropriate cycle based on the average closing time.

  In the above-described form, the recommendation service is provided when value is consumed via the card CD, that is, when settlement is executed through electronic currency. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, a recommendation service may be provided even when a settlement is made through an actual currency such as a coin. Specifically, as mentioned above, a recommendation service is provided along with cash settlement when there is no need to specify the user, such as when information about another type of settlement target is provided as related information based on the current settlement results. May be.

  Furthermore, the game machine GM is not limited to a commercial game machine. As the game machine GM, for example, home-use stationary game machines (including stationary personal computers capable of executing games), portable game machines (smartphones capable of executing games, tablet PCs, portable personal computers) And other appropriate forms may be employed. That is, the user terminal 5 may function as the game machine GM.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 are provided in the game machine GM. However, the game machine of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 may be logically provided on the network using cloud computing. That is, the game machine GM may be configured as a terminal that displays and provides the processing result of the control unit 30 through the network 3. Furthermore, the information sharing system of the present invention may be realized by a single game machine without the center server 2. Alternatively, the game machine GM may be omitted and the center server 2 may function alone as an information providing system.

  Hereinafter, an example of the present invention obtained from the above contents will be described. In addition, in the following description, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the reference sign of the accompanying drawing was attached in parenthesis, but this invention is not limited to the form of illustration by it.

  The information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system (1) for providing related information related to the settlement when a settlement for paying the consideration for the settlement target is executed through each settlement terminal (GM). When the settlement is executed, information acquisition means (10) for acquiring settlement information for specifying the contents of the settlement and the location of each settlement terminal where the settlement is executed, and based on the settlement information A location specifying means (10) for specifying a settlement location corresponding to the location of each settlement terminal where the settlement was executed, a location indicating terminal identification information for identifying each settlement terminal, and a location of each settlement terminal Based on the terminal data (14a) described so that information is associated with each other, other settlement terminals (A store 4 to E store 4) installed within a predetermined range from the settlement location based on the settlement location And specific to the terminal specifying means (10), on the basis of the identification result of the UE-specific means, and a, and information providing means (10) for providing information relating to the other settlement terminal, as the relevant information.

  According to the present invention, a settlement location is specified along with the settlement of a settlement target, and information related to other settlement terminals within a predetermined range from the settlement location is provided as a related information to a user who executed the settlement. In other words, information specific to the settlement location (information unique to the settlement location) can be provided to the user who has settled the account. For this reason, for example, information on other settlement terminals considering accessibility such as a settlement terminal close to the settlement location or an easy settlement terminal can be provided as related information. Thereby, utilization of related information related to the settlement of accounts subject to settlement can be promoted. As a result, the use of other settlement terminals can be promoted, and as a result, the utilization rate of the entire settlement terminal can be improved.

  As related information, information on all other settlement terminals within a predetermined range may be provided, or information on some of the settlement terminals may be provided. In addition, the extraction of some settlement terminals may be performed based on distance requirements such as higher-access settlement higher-ranking settlement terminals or based on timing requirements such as campaign and event timing. May be. Alternatively, it may be executed based on preference requirements such as the user's hobbies and preferences, or may be executed based on performance requirements such as usage results of each settlement terminal. For example, in one aspect of the information providing system of the present invention, the terminal data is described so that attribute information related to each settlement target attribute settled by each settlement terminal is further associated with the terminal identification information. The contents of the settlement include consideration information about the consideration and target information about the settlement target, and the terminal specifying means is at least a part of the other settlement terminals based on the attribute information and the target information. The recommended terminal corresponding to the settlement terminal (A store 4 to D store 4) may be further extracted, and the information providing means may provide information related to the recommended terminal as the related information. In this case, another settlement terminal is extracted based on the settlement target that has been settled this time. For this reason, for example, a settlement terminal corresponding to each user's preference or usage record can be extracted as a recommended terminal. As a result, for example, a close settlement terminal that closes the settlement target of the same or the same settlement target as this time, or a close settlement terminal that closes a settlement target different or completely different from the current settlement target can be extracted as the recommended terminal. . By these, utilization of related information can be further promoted.

  The settlement may be executed by various methods such as electronic currency or cash. As a result, information for identifying each user may or may not be provided along with such a settlement. For example, settlement may be realized by consumption of electronic currency via a card. Information for specifying each user may be provided via the card CD. Alternatively, such information may be provided simply by manual input of each user. Therefore, for example, as the mode of extracting the recommended terminal of the present invention, the record data (14b) described so that the user identification information for identifying each user is associated with the record information indicating the record of the settlement of accounts is stored. And when the user specifying information for specifying the user is provided from the user (U) who executed the closing in accordance with the closing of the account, the closing information is provided. Including the specific information, the terminal specifying means specifies the user's actual information based on the actual data and the user specific information, and determines the recommended terminal based on the financial results corresponding to the actual information. A mode of extracting may be adopted. In this case, a settlement terminal corresponding to each user's preference or usage record can be extracted as a recommended terminal. Note that the user identification information may function as user specifying information. That is, the settlement information may directly include user identification information. For this reason, user specific information is a term including both user identification information (direct information) and indirect information.

  Similarly, in the aspect which extracts the recommended terminal of this invention, the said terminal specific means is the said account settlement corresponding to the said target information based on the said attribute information of the said terminal data, and the said target information contained in the said account settlement information. A settlement terminal of the attribute information related to a settlement target of a type different from the target may be extracted as the recommended terminal. In this case, for example, after a consideration for playing a game as a settlement target is settled, information on a nearby settlement terminal that settles a meal provision consideration as a settlement target can be provided. That is, a nearby settlement terminal that is presumed to be appropriate according to the needs of the user after settlement can be extracted as a recommended terminal. In addition, for example, even if there are no users or few users (users who do not have sufficient results for trend analysis of users such as preferences), an account terminal that is presumed to be appropriate based on the current results is used as a recommended terminal. Can be extracted. As a result, in this case as well, utilization of related information can be promoted more than in the case where such consideration is not made.

  The related information may be provided unconditionally or may be provided conditionally. When there is a condition, for example, a condition related to the settlement such as the amount of consideration to be settled may be used, or a condition related to the number of times related information is provided may be used. For example, in one aspect of the information providing system of the present invention, the information providing means may provide the related information when the settlement of accounts satisfies a providing condition. In this case, related information can be provided more carefully. Thereby, for example, related information with more carefully selected contents can be provided, such as increasing the value of the privilege obtained from the related information. As a result, the value of the related information can be improved, so that the utilization of the related information can be further promoted.

  In the aspect using the provision condition of the present invention, the information provision unit may determine that the number of times of provision of the related information is less than or equal to a predetermined number in a predetermined period, and provide the related information. . In this case, the number of times related information is provided is limited. Thereby, the fall of the value of the related information accompanying frequent occurrence can be suppressed. As a result, the value of one related information can be improved.

  As products to be settled, various products or services that can be settled in electronic currency may be used. For example, such a service may include an amusement such as a game. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the information providing system of the present invention, game play may be used as the settlement target. In a game, a privilege related to the game may be given based on a settlement result. For this reason, information related to settlement of accounts may be aggregated almost in real time. As a result, the settlement information can be acquired almost in real time, so that it is possible to provide relevant information appropriate to the current state of the user. Thereby, utilization of related information can be promoted.

  On the other hand, the computer program of this invention is comprised so that the computer (10) connected to each settlement terminal may function as each means of the above-mentioned information provision system. The information providing system of the present invention can be realized by the computer program of the present invention.

1 Game system (information provision system)
3 networks 4 stores (location, settlement location)
10 Control unit (computer, information acquisition means, location specifying means, terminal specifying means, information providing means)
11 Storage unit (result data storage means)
14a terminal data 14b results data GM game machine (financial terminal)

Claims (8)

An information providing system for providing related information related to the settlement when a settlement for paying the consideration for the settlement target is executed through each settlement terminal,
When the settlement is executed, information acquisition means for acquiring the settlement information for identifying the contents of the settlement and the location of each settlement terminal where the settlement was executed;
Based on the settlement information, a location identifying means for identifying a settlement location corresponding to the location of each settlement terminal where the settlement was executed,
Based on the terminal data described so that the terminal identification information for identifying each settlement terminal and the location information indicating the installation location of each settlement terminal are associated with each other, a predetermined range from the settlement location based on the settlement location A terminal identification means for identifying other settlement terminals installed in the network,
Information providing means for providing information related to the other settlement terminal as the related information based on the identification result of the terminal identifying means;
An information providing system. The terminal data is described so that attribute information related to the attributes of each settlement target settled by each settlement terminal is further associated with the terminal identification information,
The contents of the settlement include consideration information regarding the consideration and target information regarding the settlement target,
The terminal specifying means further extracts a recommended terminal corresponding to at least a part of the other settlement terminal based on the attribute information and the target information,
The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the information providing unit provides information related to the recommended terminal as the related information. A track record data storage means for storing track record data described so that user identification information for identifying each user and track record information indicating the record of the settlement of accounts is associated,
The account settlement information includes the user identification information when user identification information for identifying the user is provided from the user who executed the settlement in accordance with the account settlement,
The terminal specifying means specifies the performance information of the user based on the performance data and the user identification information, and extracts the recommended terminal based on the performance of the settlement corresponding to the performance information. 2. The information providing system according to 2.   The terminal specifying means is based on the attribute information of the terminal data and the target information included in the settlement information, and is related to a settlement target of a type different from the settlement target corresponding to the target information. The information provision system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a settlement terminal of attribute information is extracted as the recommended terminal.   The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information providing unit provides the related information when the settlement of accounts satisfies a providing condition.   The information providing system according to claim 5, wherein the information providing unit determines that the number of times of providing the related information is less than or equal to a predetermined number in a predetermined period, and provides the related information.   The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a game play is used as the settlement target.   The computer program comprised so that the computer connected to each settlement terminal may function as each means of the information provision system as described in any one of Claims 1-7.