JP2020087331A - Service system and computer program used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a service system capable of appropriately controlling a service device in association with profit distribution among entrepreneurs even in the environment where the system is not connected to a network.SOLUTION: In a service system which includes a service device 2 providing a user with services in exchange for charge collection from the user and in which first entrepreneurs OP1, OP2 running businesses by using the service device 2 control provision of services via the service device 2 in accordance with a charge for use prepaid to a second entrepreneur MO in association with the business, information reading means 25 which can read/write information about a storage medium 3 recording a set value in accordance with the prepaid charge for use is provided for the service device 2, the information reading means 25 is controlled so that the set value of the storage medium 3 is subtracted in accordance with the charge collected from the user, and the service device 2 is controlled so that there occurs restriction on services in accordance with the residual set value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a service system and the like for distributing profits by a service device among businesses.

As a system for distributing the revenue of a business between a business operator that provides a service to a user through a service device such as a game machine and another business operator that provides the content necessary for the service, The service device notifies the server of the fee collected from the user, multiplies the given fee by a predetermined rate to calculate the content usage fee, and the obtained content usage fee is calculated by the content provider from the service provider. A system has been proposed in which the fee is charged to a business operator (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Assuming that the service provider provides advance payment of the content usage fee to the content provider, the deposit value corresponding to the prepaid amount is recorded on the server side, and the service device side provides the service. There is also proposed a system in which the deposit value is subtracted and the balance of the service device is limited when the balance reaches less than a predetermined minimum value (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Patent No. 5580436 Japanese Patent No. 5820777

Each of the conventional systems is constructed on the assumption that a service device and a server that manages a usage fee are connected to each other via a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Therefore, it cannot be applied when the service device is operated as an offline device that is not connected to the network.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a service system or the like capable of appropriately controlling a service device in association with revenue sharing between businesses even in an environment not connected to a network.

A service system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a charge collecting unit that collects a charge from a user, and includes at least one service device that provides a service to the user in exchange for collecting the charge by the charge collecting unit, Providing the service via the service device according to a usage fee prepaid to a second company by a first business operator that runs a business that provides the service via the service device Which is a service system for controlling the above, and is capable of reading and writing the predetermined information with respect to a storage medium in which predetermined information including a set value according to a usage fee prepaid by the first business operator is recorded. In this way, the information reading means provided in the service device and the setting for controlling the information reading means so that the set value recorded in the storage medium corresponding to the fee collected by the fee collecting means is subtracted A value update means and a service control means for controlling the service device so as to limit the provision of the service via the service device according to the remaining amount of the set value.

A computer program according to an aspect of the present invention includes a fee collecting unit that collects a fee from a user, and includes at least one service device that provides a service to the user in exchange for collecting the fee by the fee collecting unit, Providing the service via the service device according to a usage fee prepaid to a second company by a first business operator that runs a business that provides the service via the service device A service system for controlling the predetermined information in a storage medium in which predetermined information including a set value according to a usage fee prepaid by the first business operator is recorded in the service device. It is applied to a service system in which information reading means is provided so as to be able to read and write, and the computer of the service device is set to a set value recorded in the storage medium corresponding to the fee collected by the fee collecting means. And a setting value updating means for controlling the information reading means so as to be subtracted, and a control for controlling the service device so that a limitation according to the remaining amount of the setting value occurs in the provision of the service via the service device. It is configured to function as service control means.

The figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the service system which concerns on one form of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure stored in a card used in the service system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of setting an applicable range of a card in the service system of FIG. 1. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system in the game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system in the card management PC of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of balance management processing executed by the control unit of the game machine to manage the balance of points recorded on the card of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a usage restriction process executed by a control unit of the game machine to control the use of the game machine according to the balance of points recorded on the card of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a play information recording process executed by a control unit of the game machine to record information related to a play history of the game provided on the game machine of FIG. 1 on a card. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the payment process which the control part of a card management PC performs in order to replace the usage fee prepaid by the operator of FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a charging process executed by a control unit of the card management PC for charging points to the card of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a model code setting process executed by a control unit of the card management PC to record a model code as an example of application range information on the card of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of information reading processing executed by a control unit of the card management PC in order to use various kinds of information recorded on the card of FIG. 1 in an operating system.

Hereinafter, an example of a service system according to an aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A service system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an operation for processing various operations related to a plurality of game machines 2 as an example of a service device and a card 3 as an example of a storage medium to be used for controlling the game machines 2. The system 4 is included. In FIG. 1, solid arrows indicate the flow of cards 3 (physical delivery), and broken arrows indicate the flow of information recorded on the cards 3.

The game machine 2 is configured as a business-use game machine that allows a user to play a game in exchange for payment of a fee by the user. The game consoles 2 may be provided to provide equal games to each other, or at least some game consoles 2 may be provided to provide different games than the games provided by other game consoles 2. .. Each of the game machines 2 is set up in a facility such as a store by operators OP1 and OP2 (hereinafter sometimes represented by reference numeral OP) as an example of a first business operator that runs a business that allows a user to play a game for a fee. The operators OP are installed and operated as equipment for operating a profitable business. In the example of FIG. 1, two operators OP are shown, but the number thereof is appropriate. The operator OP is sufficient if it is a person who runs a profitable business using the game machine 2. For example, the operator OP may be an owner of a facility such as a store or a business operator who rents at least a part of the space of the store to operate the game machine 2. The operator OP may be a natural person or an organization such as a corporation. The game play by the game machine 2 is an example of the service provided to the user, but the game machine 2 may be able to provide the service different from the game play together. Further, the service device may provide a service different from the game play to the user for a fee.

The card 3 is a well-known portable storage medium such as a magnetic recording layer or an IC chip, in which a recording unit capable of writing and reading information is fixed to a substrate made of resin or the like. The card 3 can be attached to the game machine 2. In other words, the game machine 2 has a function of holding the card 3 and reading or writing predetermined information. The game machine 2 is provided as a so-called offline type or stand-alone type service device which is not connected to the operating system 4 via a network. Therefore, the exchange of information between the game machine 2 and the management system 4 is performed only via the card 3.

The operating system 4 is provided for processing various operations related to the card 3, such as recording and managing various information on the card 3 and using the information recorded on the card 3. The operating system 4 is operated by the operating organization MO. The operating organization MO provides a benefit to the operator OP in connection with a business using the game machine 2 operated by the operator OP, and receives a usage fee as a consideration for the benefit. Thereby, the operating organization MO corresponds to an example of the second operator. The operating organization MO lends at least a part of the elements necessary for playing a game on the game machine 2, for example, the hardware or software of the game machine 2 (including content) to the operator OP, for example. The operator OP collects the usage fee as a consideration for the provision of the element.

The usage fee is prepaid from the operator OP to the operating organization MO. In the operating system 4, points as an example of set values are recorded on the card 3 within the range of the prepaid usage fee. The card 3 on which the points are recorded is provided to the operator OP by mail or other delivery means. The card 3 provided to the operator OP is mounted on the game machine 2. The game machine 2 subtracts from the balance of the points recorded in the card 3, the amount of points according to the play fee of the game collected from the user. As a result, a system is realized in which the operating organization MO collects from the operator OP a usage fee according to the fee collected from the user.

The operating organization MO may be configured by a single natural person or a corporation, or may be configured as a cooperative organization in which a plurality of corporations cooperate. In the example of FIG. 1, the operating organization MO is organized by the provider PV and the intermediaries AG1, AG2 (which may be represented by reference numeral AG below). The provider PV is, for example, a person who develops elements such as the game machine 2 or software of the game provided by the game machine 2 and provides them to the operator OP, or a person who is entrusted with the business by the person. .. The provider PV may be a single natural person or a corporation, or may be organized as an aggregate of a plurality of corporations. The intermediary agent AG is a person who intervenes between the provider PV and the operator OP and is in charge of operations such as providing the operator OP with elements such as the game machine 2 or software thereof, and collecting the usage fee for the elements. .. The intermediary agent AG is, for example, an affiliated company of the provider PV or an agent. The intermediary agent AG may or may not have a capital relationship with the provider PV. In the example of FIG. 1, two intermediaries AG are shown, but the number is arbitrary. The intermediary agent AG may be appropriately classified according to appropriate attributes such as the business area and business form of the operator OP. In the example of FIG. 1, the operator OP in a specific country or region is in charge of the intermediary AG1 which is a local subsidiary of the provider PV, and the operator OP in another specific country or region is capitalized separately from the provider PV. The intermediary AG is divided such that the intermediary AG2, which is an agent, is in charge.

The operating system 4 is a terminal device used for processing related to provision of the card 3 to the operator OP and charge (addition) of points to the card 3, and a card setting PC (Personal Computer) placed under the control of the provider PV. 11) and a card management PC 12 placed under the control of each intermediary AG. It should be noted that in FIG. 1, the management ranges of the provider PV and the intermediary agent AG are surrounded by a dashed line.

The card setting PC 11 performs the initial setting of the card 3 by recording the predetermined information necessary for making the card 3 produced at the predetermined production site 10 valid in the service system 1 according to the user's operation. To do. The use of the card setting PC 11 is managed by the provider PV by setting the card setting PC 11 so that it can be operated only by a person who has been authenticated by the user using the user authentication information issued by the provider PV. Placed below. Details of the information recorded on the card 3 will be described later. Although the production site 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as being under the control of the provider PV, the production site 10 may be outside the management range of the provider PV. For example, a provider PV may purchase a general-purpose card produced by a third party, and the card setting PC 11 may record necessary information on the card 3.

The card management PC 12 is provided to execute various processes regarding the card 3 that should be performed by the intermediary AG. For example, the card management PC 12 executes a charging process for recording points on the card 3. The recording of points is realized by adding the balance of points recorded on the card 3 in accordance with the operation of the card management PC 12. Details of the charge process will be described later. The card management PC 12 is set so that the card management PC 12 can be operated only by a person who has been authenticated by using the user authentication information issued by the intermediary AG. Placed below. Therefore, the various processes by the card management PC 12 are all performed based on the instruction of the intermediary AG.

The management system 4 further includes a card management system 15 and a game management system 16 which are under the control of the provider PV. The card management system 15 includes a card management server 15a and a balance management server 15b. The card management server 15a receives the initial setting information Cin of the card 3 recorded by the card setting PC 11 from the card setting PC 11 and records it in the card database DB1. The balance management server 15b records in the balance database DB2 the DB points that should be the source of the points recorded on the card 3. The amount of DB points recorded in the balance database DB2 corresponds to the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP, and the balance is recorded separately for each operator OP. Further, when the card 3 is charged with points by the charge process of the card management PC 12, the balance management server 15b subtracts the DB points recorded in the balance database DB2 according to the charged amount. That is, the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP is once replaced with the DB point, and the card 3 is charged with the point in exchange for the consumption of the DB point.

The game management system 16 includes a lot management server 16a and a charge management server 16b. The lot management server 16a receives the information of the card 3 recorded by the card setting PC 11 from the card setting PC 11a and records it in the lot database DB3. The lot database DB3 is used to grasp the issuing history of the card 3. The charge management server 16b receives information on the charge processing from the card management PC 12 and records the obtained information in the charge log database DB4. Further, the charge management server 16b receives the information recorded in the card 3 from the card setting PC 11, and records the obtained information and the charge processing information in the card information database DB5 in association with the card ID. The information recorded in the charge log database DB4 and the card information database DB5 is appropriately referred to by the information management PC 17 or the like for the purpose of grasping the operating status of the game machine 2 or the like. The information management PC 17 may be managed by, for example, the provider PV of the operating organization MO, or may be managed by another business operator other than the operating organization MO.

In the above operation system 4, the card setting PC 11 is connected to the card management server 15a, the lot management server 16a, and the charge management server 16b via the network, and the card management PC 12 is connected to the charge management server 16b via the network and the balance. The management server 15b and the charge management server 16b are connected via a network. The information management PC 17 can refer to the databases DB4 and DB5 via the network.

Next, an example of data recorded on the card 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the example of FIG. 2, at least the card ID, the card number, the card balance, the number of rewrites, the charge counter, the card production information, the charge information, the model code, the software identification code, and the play information are recorded on the card 3. The card ID is identification information uniquely set for each card 3 as described above. The card number is an identification number uniquely set for each card 3 separately from the card ID. The card ID and the card number are written in the card 3 by the card setting PC 11.

The card balance is the remaining amount of points as an example of the set value recorded on the card 3, and the value is rewritten by the card management PC 12 and the game machine 2. The number of times of rewriting is the number of times information is rewritten on the card 3. The charge counter is the number of times points have been charged to the card 3. While the value of the charge counter indicates the number of times of charging, the number of times of rewriting is not limited to the charging of points, but is also added when other information such as play information is recorded on the card 3. That is, the number of times of rewriting indicates the number of times the rewriting process is performed on the card 3 regardless of the type of information. The value of the charge counter is rewritten by the card management PC 12, and the value of the number of rewritings is rewritten by the card setting PC 11, the card management PC 12 and the game machine 2.

The card production information is information related to the production of the card 3. For example, information such as the date and time when the card 3 was produced is recorded on the card 3 by the card setting PC 11 as card production information. The charge information is information for determining the charge history of the card 3. For example, the date and time when the charging process is performed, information for discriminating the card management PC 12 where the charging process is performed, and the like are recorded in the card 3 by the card management PC 12 as charging information.

The model code is recorded on the card 3 as an example of application range information that specifies the range of the game machine 2 to which the card 3 should be applied. The model code is recorded on the card 3 by the card management PC 12 according to an instruction from the intermediary AG. The software identification code is recorded on the card 3 by, for example, the card setting PC 11 as information that specifies the software to which the card 3 is applied, for example, the type of game provided by the game machine 2, the title, and the like. The play information is recorded on the card 3 by the game machine 2 as information for discriminating the history of the game being played by consuming points on the game machine 2. For example, information related to the game play such as the date and time when the game play is first started, the number of play starts, the number of play end, and the date and time when each play is started is recorded on the card 3 as the play information.

In addition to the above, appropriate information may be recorded on the card 3. The card 3 is used not only as a means for consuming points corresponding to the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP according to the fee collected by the game machine 2 from the user, but also as a service provided by the game machine 2. It is also used as a means for recording the history of playing the game as described above, the history regarding the charge of points, and the like, and appropriately referring to the history. Since the game machine 2 is not connected to the network, the card setting PC 11, the card management PC 12, or the card management system 15 and the game management system 16 operated by the operating organization MO should directly collect information from the game machine 2. I can't. However, by collecting the play history and the like in the game machine 2 via the card 3, it becomes possible for the operating organization MO side to grasp the state of the offline game machine 2. The information recorded on the card 3 in the game machine 2 may be appropriately selected in light of the above purpose.

Returning to FIG. 1, the flow of information for the card 3 and the card 3 will be described. First, in the provider PV, the card 3 is acquired from the production base 10, and predetermined information is recorded as the initial setting on the obtained card 3 by using the card setting PC 11. In this case, the storage element of the card 3 is initialized, the card ID and the card number are assigned, and the card 3 is recorded. At the same time, the card production information and the software identification code are also recorded on the card 3 by the card setting PC 11 at this stage. The information recorded in the initial setting is provided to the card management server 15a, the lot management server 16a, and the charge management server 16b as at least a part of the initial setting information Cin. The initial setting information Cin may include information other than the information recorded on the card 3. Each server 15a, 16a, 16b records appropriate information in the databases DB1, DB3, and DB5 according to the given initial setting information Cin.

The card 3 that has been initialized is delivered from the provider PV to the intermediary AG. In the example of FIG. 1, the provider PV provides the card 3 to the intermediary AG2 via the intermediary AG1. However, the card 3 may be provided directly from the provider PV to the intermediary AG2. In the card management PC 12, points are charged to the card 3. For example, the card management PC 12 refers to the DB points held in the balance database DB2 in association with the operator OP, replaces the DB points with the points of the card 3 within the range of the balance of the DB points, and replaces the points. The credited amount of points is charged to the card 3 as a card balance. At this stage, 1 is added to the number of rewrites of the card 3 and the charge counter. Further, as the charge information, the content of the charge process of the current point is recorded in the card 3 as a part of the charge information. Further, in the card management PC 12, the model code of the card 3 is set appropriately.

The charged card 3 is delivered from the intermediary agent AG to the operator OP. At the operator OP, the received card 3 is mounted on the game machine 2. In the game machine 2, each time the user pays a fee and plays the game, points corresponding to the amount of the fee collected from the user are subtracted from the card 3. That is, the value of the card balance recorded in the card 3 is updated to the amount of points after subtraction. The number of rewrites is updated in the game machine 2 as the points are subtracted. The relationship between the play fee amount and the point deduction amount (consumption amount) may be appropriately set according to an agreement between the operator OP and the operating organization MO. For example, the amount of points obtained by multiplying the play fee by a certain ratio may be subtracted. The relationship between the play fee amount and the point deduction amount may be dynamically changed according to the timing and other factors. When points are subtracted and the user plays the game, information indicating the play content is recorded on the card 3 as play information.

When the balance of the points recorded on the card 3 reaches less than the predetermined lower limit value, the provision of the game in the game machine 2 in which the card 3 is mounted is restricted. For example, there is a restriction that the activation of the game machine 2 is prohibited or the start of a new play is prohibited. The lower limit is, as an example, the amount of points corresponding to the usage fee to be paid to the operating organization MO by the operator OP corresponding to the play fee to be paid by the user for one play of the game, or some of this. It may be set to an amount with a margin added. By setting the lower limit value in this way, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the card balance of the card 3 is insufficient and the game cannot be played even if the user pays the play fee. However, the lower limit value may be set to 0, for example. In that case, if the user cannot play due to the shortage of the card balance despite paying the play fee, the play fee may be refunded to the user.

The card 3 having the point balance less than the lower limit is returned from the operator OP to the intermediary agent AG. In the intermediary agent AG, points are recharged to the card 3 within the balance of DB points associated with the operator OP, and the charged card 3 is again delivered to the operator OP. The card 3 is attached to the game machine 2 again, and thereafter, the card balance of the card 3 is similarly subtracted according to the collection of the play fee from the user. If there is a shortage of DB points at the time of charging points to the card 3, the operator OP is required to pay the usage fee in advance, and if the operator OP pays the usage fee to the operating organization MO in advance, the payment is made. DB points corresponding to the amount are added, and the points can be recharged to the card 3. Note that the cards 3 do not necessarily need to be provided in a form in which points can be recharged, and each card 3 may be provided to the operator OP in a used-up form.

According to the above mechanism, points are charged to the card 3 according to the usage fee prepaid to the operating organization MO in order for the operator OP to operate the business using the game machine 2, and the play fee collected by the game machine 2 from the user. The points of the card 3 are consumed in accordance with the above, and a certain limit is imposed on the provision of the game by the game machine 2 according to the balance of the points. Therefore, even when the game machine 2 is operated as a service device not connected to the network, the profit obtained by the game machine 2 collecting the play fee from the user is transferred between the operator OP and the operating organization MO. It is possible to appropriately control the state of the game machine 2 in association with the distribution situation while distributing at a proper time.

At the time of charging points to the card 3 (whether it is the first time or the second time or later), various information recorded on the card 3 is read by the card management PC 12 and the current charging process is performed. It is provided to the charge management server 16b together with the information indicating the content. In the charge management server 16b, the information indicating the content of the charge process is recorded in the charge log database DB4, and the information read from the card 3 is recorded in the card information database DB5. Further, the information indicating the content of the charge process is provided to the balance management server 15b, and the balance management server 15b subtracts the balance of the DB points of the operator OP held in the balance database DB2 according to the charge amount of the points. .. By these processes, the operating organization MO side appropriately refers to the information accumulated in each of the databases DB2, DB4, and DB5 to appropriately charge points to the card 3, the operation status of the game machine 2, or the operation. It is possible to grasp the consumption situation of the usage fee prepaid to the organization MO.

In the example of FIG. 1, when the balance of the points recorded on the card 3 is less than the lower limit value, the game machine 2 is prohibited from being activated and a new game is prohibited from being played, but the service provided by the game machine 2 is restricted. Is not limited to such an example. For example, a plurality of thresholds may be set in a stepwise manner regarding the balance of points, and the limit may be controlled so that the limit is gradually strengthened as the balance of points decreases. For example, before the final limit is generated, a warning about insufficient balance is displayed when the game machine 2 is activated, and as the balance approaches the lower limit, the use of some functions is prohibited and the limit is strengthened. Specifically, it can be realized by such a method that the game machine 2 cannot be started or a new game cannot be played. Such a warning may be displayed so as to be included in, for example, part of the effect performed in the standby state where the game is not played. Before the final restriction is generated, the activation of the game machine 2 or the play of a new game is temporarily prohibited, but the prohibition can be released by the operation of the operator OP, and the prohibition can be released at the final stage. The stepwise restriction may be generated in such a manner that it is impossible. In any case, by issuing a softer limit prior to the final limit, the operator OP is made aware of the decrease in the balance, and the card balance is adjusted before the final limit occurs. It is possible to make them aware of the need to recharge.

Regarding the prohibition of playing the game due to the shortage of the card balance, it is not always necessary to cause it at the first play after the shortage of the balance occurs. For example, a so-called continue fee may be paid for the same player to continue playing the game on the game machine 2. In such a case, there is a possibility that the user may suffer an unexpected disadvantage due to the inability to play the game due to the lack of balance due to the operator OP's convenience. When the game is played continuously, the game is temporarily allowed to continue, and when the game finishes, for example, the user finishes the game without selecting continuation of the game, the next game A restriction may be generated so that the player cannot play.

Next, an example of the relationship between the setting of the model code and the limitation of the applicable range of the card 3 accompanying it will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the model code is recorded on the card 3 by the provider PV in order to specify the range of the game machine 2 to which the card 3 should be applied. In the example of FIG. 3, the model code is numbered by a four-digit number, the model code “0001” is recorded in the card 3 by the intermediary AG1, and the model code “0006” is recorded in the card 3 by the intermediary AG2. .. On the other hand, for the game machine 2 of the operator OP1, the range of the model code of the usable card 3 is "0001 to 0005", and for the game machine 2 of the operator OP2, the range of the model code of the usable card 3 is " 0006-0010" are set respectively.

In the above setting, when the card 3 provided by the intermediary AG1 is mounted on the game machine 2 of the operator OP1, the model code set on the card 3 is the usable model code of the game machine 2 operated by the operator OP1. It is within the range, and both the activation of the game machine 2 of the operator OP1 and the play of the game using the game machine 2 are possible. Further, when the card 3 provided by the intermediary AG2 is mounted on the game machine 2 of the operator OP2, the model code set on the card 3 falls within the range of usable model codes of the game machine 2 operated by the operator OP2. Thus, both the activation of the game machine 2 of the operator OP2 and the play of the game using the game machine 2 are possible. However, when the card 3 provided by the intermediary AG2 is mounted on the game machine 2 of the operator OP1, the model code set on the card 3 is within the range of usable model codes of the game machine 2 operated by the operator OP1. Outside. In that case, it is impossible to start the game machine 2 of the operator OP1 and play the game. In this way, by restricting the applicable range of the card 3 using the model code, it is possible to prevent an unintended use of the card 3, for example, an illegal use of the stolen card 3 and prevent the usage fee of the card 3 from being used. The collection system can be operated appropriately.

In the example of FIG. 3, the model code is set so that one card 3 can be used within the range of the game machine 2 operated by one operator OP, but the model code of the game machine 2 operated by one operator OP is set. The model code may be set so that the card 3 can be used only partially, for example, only in the game machine 2 in the same store or in one game machine 2. Also, a plurality of cards 3 having the same model code setting may be provided to the operator OP. In that case, even if the balance of one card 3 decreases and the card 3 is returned to the intermediary AG, the operator OP can continue to operate the game machine 2 by using another card 3. There is. However, in that case, the points charged to each card 3 need to be processed independently of each other. For example, when 100 points of DB points are consumed and 100 points are charged to each card 3, the consumption amount of DB points needs to be the product of 100 points and the number of cards 3. However, when a plurality of cards 3 that can be used in the same game machine 2 are provided, it is not always necessary to charge all the same points of those cards 3. Until one of the cards 3 is returned to the intermediary AG due to a lack of balance and the points are recharged to the operator OP and returned to the operator OP, the other cards 3 are used to operate the game machine 2. If it can be continued, there will be no disadvantage for the operator OP, and as long as such card 3 can be reused, the amount of points charged to each card 3 is appropriately set according to the convenience of the operator OP. You may. In addition, by setting the applicable range of the card 3 according to the model code to be relatively wide, the flexibility of the card 3 can be increased and the card 3 can be used more flexibly. Further, in the example of FIG. 3, a single model code is set on the card 3, and a range of model codes available for the game machine 2 is set. That is, in the example of FIG. 3, a single model code is set for the card 3 and a range of applicable model codes is set for the game machine 2, so that the model code of the card 3 is The range of the game machine 2 included in the applicable range is designated as the applicable range of the card 3. On the contrary, a single model code may be set in the game machine 2 and the range of available model codes may be recorded in the card 3.

The range to which the card 3 is applied does not necessarily need to be specified with the game machine 2 as hardware as the minimum unit. For example, various services provided by the game machine 2 may be divided into appropriate units, and the range of services to which the card 3 should be applied may be designated according to the units. For example, the applicable range of the card 3 may be designated so that the card 3 can be used only for playing a specific type of game. For example, the software identification code of FIG. 2 may be used as an example of application range information to specify the type of service to which the card 3 is applicable. In that case, the type of game specified by the software identification code may be distinguished by the genre of the game, such as a music game, a fighting game, or a role-playing game, or by the title of the game. Even if the games have the same title, the software identification code may be set so that the card 3 is applied only to a specific version. Designation of the service range using the software identification code is performed only when a part of the game provided by the game machine 2 is provided by the operating organization MO to the operator OP for convenience such as provision of the content. It is useful. That is, when the range in which the operating organization MO should collect the usage fee from the operator OP is limited to a part of the range of services provided by the game machine 2, the target range of services is indicated by the card 3. By specifying, the usage fee can be collected appropriately. When the range of services to which the card 3 should be applied is designated by the software identification code, even if the game machine 2 in which the game software is installed is changed, the card 3 is used as long as the software matches. You can also get the advantage that you can. However, the range of service is not limited to the example in which one of the model code and the software identification code is used, and may be specified in an appropriate combination of both. In addition, when the application range of the card 3 is limited to some services using the application range information of the card 3, if the card 3 is out of the service range to be applied, the game is performed regardless of the point balance of the card 3. The service may be provided from the machine 2. On the other hand, when there is a circumstance in which the operator OP has to pay the usage fee to the operating organization MO for the entire range of the service provided by the game machine 2, when the operator OP is outside the range specified by the card 3, the example of FIG. Similarly, a restriction such as prohibiting the activation of the game machine 2 or prohibiting the play of a new game may be generated.

Next, a configuration example of the game machine 2 and the card management PC 12 included in the service system 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the control system of the game machine 2. In the example of FIG. 4, the game machine 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer including a microprocessor and an auxiliary device such as an internal memory necessary for its operation. The storage unit 22 includes a non-volatile storage medium such as a magnetic storage device or a flash memory, and functions as an external storage device for the control unit 21. The control unit 21 is connected to an input device 23 such as an operation button and an operation lever that outputs a signal according to a user operation, an output device 24 such as a monitor and a speaker, and a reader/writer 25 and a coin selector 26. ing.

The reader/writer 25 is provided as an example of an information reading unit capable of reading information recorded on the card 3 and writing information on the card 3. The reader/writer 25 may be designed as a part of the game machine 2 in advance and provided as an integrated hardware unit incorporated in the game machine 2, or may be prepared separately from the game machine 2 and attached to the game machine 2. It may be provided as a separate unit. In the case of a separate unit, the game machine 2 is serviced by retrofitting the existing game machine 2 which is not expected to be applied to the service system 1 with the reader/writer 25 and making necessary modifications to the software. It is possible to correspond to the operation in the system 1. The card 3 can be attached to and detached from the reader/writer 25. The card 3 is attached to the reader/writer 25 regardless of whether the game machine 2 is operating. However, it is sufficient that the card 3 is attached to the reader/writer 25 at least while the game machine 2 is operating. The card 3 may be removed from the reader/writer 25 while the game machine 2 is not operating. However, even in that case, it is necessary to mount the card 3 on the reader/writer 25 when the game machine 2 is started.

The coin selector 26 receives a game medium such as coins, alternative coins, or medals exchanged for coins (hereinafter, referred to as coins) that the user inserts as a play fee of the game, and the number of inserted coins or the like. A signal corresponding to the amount of money is output. Thereby, the coin selector 26 functions as an example of a charge collecting means. However, the charge collecting means is not limited to the example of collecting the play charge via coins or the like. For example, the play fee is collected from the user by consuming the balance of the electronic currency recorded in a card possessed by the user (which may be the same as or different from the card 3) or another storage medium according to the play fee. A device may be provided instead of or in addition to the coin selector 26. However, such a device is limited to one that can collect a charge even when the game machine 2 is offline.

In the storage unit 22, a game program Pg as a computer program for controlling the game machine 2 and game data Dg to be referred to in the game are recorded. Further, the storage unit 22 also records the usable model code Cm illustrated in FIG. When the control unit 21 reads and executes the game program Pg, the control unit 21 has a game control unit 31 as a logical device realized by a combination of the computer hardware and the game program Pg as software. A collection confirmation unit 32, a balance management unit 33, a usage control unit 34, and a history recording unit 35 are provided. The game control unit 31 controls the progress of the game provided to the user. The collection confirmation unit 32 monitors the output of the coin selector 26, and when the collection of the play fee from the user is confirmed, notifies the balance management unit 33 of the confirmation of the collection of the charge and the collected amount. The balance management unit 33 controls the reader/writer 25 so that the points recorded on the card 3 are subtracted (consumed) according to the collected amount of the play fee when the collection confirmation unit 32 notifies the collection of the play fee.

The usage control unit 34 repeatedly acquires the balance of points of the card 3 through the reader/writer 25 at an appropriate cycle, and determines whether the balance is less than a predetermined lower limit value. When the card balance is determined to be less than the lower limit value, the balance management unit 33 limits activation of the game machine 2 or play of the game. For example, when it is determined that the card balance of the card 3 is less than the lower limit value when the game machine 2 is started, the usage control unit 34 prohibits the game machine 2 from being started. Further, when it is determined that the card balance of the card 3 has decreased below the lower limit value while the game machine 2 is operating, the usage control unit 34 prohibits the game control unit 31 from providing the next play. However, as to the prohibition of the next play while the game machine 2 is in operation, as described above, a new play may be allowed even if the card balance is insufficient until the appropriate break in the game is reached.

The history recording unit 35 receives the information about the play content of the game from the game control unit 31 at an appropriate timing, and controls the reader/writer 25 so that the obtained information is recorded on the card 3 as a part of the play information. The play content may be recorded at an appropriate break point in the play of the game, for example, when the play of the game is started or when the play is ended.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the control system of the card management PC 12. However, FIG. 5 mainly illustrates a portion related to recording of information on the card 3. The hardware normally provided in a general-purpose PC is omitted as appropriate. In the example of FIG. 5, the card management PC 12 is provided with a control unit 41 and a storage unit 42. The control unit 41 is configured as a computer including a microprocessor and an auxiliary device such as an internal memory necessary for its operation. The storage unit 42 includes a non-volatile storage medium such as a magnetic storage device or a flash memory, and functions as an external storage device for the control unit 41. An input device 43 and a reader/writer 44 are connected to the control unit 41. The input device 43 is a device for inputting information to be recorded on the card 3 according to an instruction from the intermediary AG, and a general-purpose device such as a keyboard or a mouse may be used as the input device 43.

The reader/writer 44 is provided as an example of an input/output device capable of reading information recorded on the card 3 and writing information to the card 3. The reader/writer 44 may be, for example, a general-purpose device that is connected to the main body of the card management PC 12 via a USB or other interface.

A card management program Pm, which is a computer program for causing the card management PC 12 to function as a means for reading and writing information on the card 3, is recorded in the storage unit 42. The card management program Pm is provided as an application program that causes the card management PC 12 to execute a specific process in cooperation with an operating system that controls the basic operation of the card management PC 12.

When the control unit 41 reads and executes the card management program Pm, the control unit 41 causes the payment confirmation unit as a logical device realized by a combination of the computer hardware and the card management program Pm as software. 45, a charging unit 46, a range setting unit 47, and an information reading unit 48 are provided. The deposit confirmation unit 45 confirms, through the input device 43, whether or not the operator OP has paid the usage fee in advance. If there is a prepaid amount, the deposit amount is acquired through the input device 43, and the obtained deposit amount is acquired. Notify the charging unit 46. Since the card management program Pm is configured on the assumption that the card reader 25 is connected to the control unit 21, when the connection of the card reader 25 is checked when the card management program Pm is read and the connection cannot be confirmed. The activation of the game machine 2 may be prohibited.

The charge unit 46 notifies the charge management server 16b of the added amount of DB points corresponding to the deposit amount confirmed by the deposit confirmation unit 45. The charge management server 16b notifies the notified amount added to the balance management server 15b, and the balance management server 15b adds the given amount added to the balance of the DB points corresponding to the operator OP who paid in advance. In addition, the charging unit 46 acquires an instruction for charging points by the intermediary AG through the input device 43, and controls the reader/writer 44 so that points are added to the card 3 according to the given instruction. Perform charge processing. In the charge process, the charge unit 46 acquires the balance of the DB points of the operator OP targeted by the card 3 from the balance management server 15b via the charge management server 16b, and charges the card 3 with points within the range of the balance. , And requests the balance management server 15b to subtract the DB points according to the added point amount via the charge management server 16b. The balance management server 15b subtracts the DB points recorded in the balance database DB2 in response to the request. Further, the charging unit 46 controls the reader/writer 44 so that the content of the charging process is recorded on the card 3 as at least a part of the charging information, and the number of rewrites and the value of the charge counter recorded on the card 3 are updated. ..

The range setting unit 47 acquires the designation of the agency AG regarding the model code from the input device 43 and controls the reader/writer 44 so that the given model code is recorded in the card 3. The recording of the model code may be executed at the time when the point charging process for the card 3 is performed. However, if necessary, the recording of the model code may be executed at a different time from the charging process.

The information reading unit 48 reads all information recorded on the card 3 via the reader/writer 44 and provides the obtained information to the charge management server 16b. The charge management server 16b appropriately records the obtained information in the charge log database DB4 and the card information database DB5. Thereby, the latest information recorded on the card 3 is reflected in the databases DB4 and DB5, respectively.

Next, an example of processing executed by the game machine 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. However, in the following description, it is assumed that the software identification code recorded on the card 3 is compatible with the game provided by the game machine 2 and the model code of the card 3 is used as an example of the coverage information. .. FIG. 6 shows an example of the balance management process executed by the control unit 21 of the game machine 2 to manage the card balance of the card 3. The control unit 21 of the game machine 2 repeatedly executes the balance management process of FIG. 6 in a predetermined cycle while the game machine 2 is operating. When the balance execution process is started, the balance management unit 33 of the control unit 21 determines whether or not the model code recorded on the card 3 matches the game machine 2 of its own (step S11). That is, the balance management unit 33 reads the value of the model code of the card 3 via the reader/writer 25, and the obtained model code is the usable model code Cm set in the own game machine 2 (see FIG. 4). If it is within the range, it is determined that it is suitable. When it is determined that the model code does not match, the control unit 21 ends the processing of FIG. 6 without proceeding to the processing of step S12 and thereafter. This eliminates the risk that the card balance of the card 3 whose model code does not match will be subtracted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the model code matches, the balance management unit 33 determines whether or not the collection confirmation unit 32 has confirmed the collection of the play fee between the previous processing and the current processing. If the fee collection is confirmed (step S12), the collected amount is acquired from the collection confirmation unit 32 (step S13). Subsequently, the balance management unit 33 controls the reader/writer 25 so that the amount of points according to the collected amount of the charge is subtracted from the balance of the points recorded in the card 3 (step S14). At this time, the reader/writer 25 subtracts the balance and adds 1 to the number of rewrites recorded on the card 3. After that, the processing is passed to the usage control unit 34. The usage control unit 34 acquires the card balance of the card 3 via the reader/writer 25, and determines whether the obtained balance is less than a predetermined lower limit value (step S15). When the collection of the play fee is not confirmed in step S12, the processes of steps S13 and S14 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S15.

When it is determined in step S15 that the balance is less than the lower limit value, the use control unit 34 sets a limit on the use of the game machine 2 (step S16). This process may be implemented by a method of setting a flag indicating whether or not there is a usage restriction to a value indicating that the usage is restricted, for example. When the usage restriction is set in step S16, the current balance management process ends. When it is determined in step S15 that the balance of points is equal to or greater than the lower limit value, step S16 is skipped and the current balance management process ends. In addition, if the lower limit value is set to be equal to or more than the amount of points to be subtracted from the collection of the play fee for one time, it is possible to eliminate the risk that the card balance will be insufficient during the process of step S14. By executing the processing of FIG. 6, each time the play fee is collected from the user, the amount of points according to the collected amount is subtracted from the balance of the points of the card 3 (card balance), and the balance is When the game machine 2 is reduced below the lower limit value, the game machine 2 changes from a state in which the usage constraint is not imposed to a state in which the usage constraint is set. In the balance management process of FIG. 6, it is determined in step S11 whether or not the model code is suitable, and in step S15, the balance and the lower limit value are compared. If the balance is less than the lower limit value, the usage restriction is set in step S16. Although set, these processes may be omitted in the procedure of FIG. 6 by entrusting them to the process of FIG. 7 described below.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the use restriction process executed by the control unit 21 of the game machine 2 to control the use of the game machine 2 according to the card balance of the cards 3. The control unit 21 of the game machine 2 repeatedly executes the usage restriction process of FIG. 7 at a predetermined cycle after the game machine 2 is started. When the processing of FIG. 7 is started, the usage control unit 34 of the control unit 21 first determines whether or not the model code recorded on the card 3 matches the game machine 2 of its own (step S21). This process is similar to step S11 in FIG. If the model code of the card 3 is compatible with its own game machine 2, the usage control unit 34 proceeds to step S22, and if not compatible, skips step S22 and proceeds to step S23.

In step S22, the usage control unit 34 determines whether or not usage restrictions are set for the game machine 2 (step S22). This process is a process of determining whether or not there is a setting in step S16 of FIG. When the usage restriction is set, the usage control unit 34 determines whether or not the activation process of the game machine 2 is completed (step S23). The start-up processing is executed, for example, after the power of the game machine 2 is turned on, the preparation necessary for playing the game is prepared according to the game program Pg, and the payment of the play fee from the user can be accepted. It is a series of processes to be performed. When the activation process is not completed, the usage control unit 34 operates the process of the control unit 21 so that the activation process of this time is canceled and prohibits the activation itself of the game machine 2 (step S24).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S23 that the activation process is completed, the use control unit 34 prohibits the game control unit 31 from providing the next play of the game (step S25). The prohibition may be realized, for example, by making a new play instruction by the user impossible or by stopping the operation itself of the game machine 2. The use restriction process of this time ends with the process of step S24 or S25. When it is determined in step S22 that the usage restriction has not been set, the processing from step S23 onward is skipped and the usage restriction processing this time ends. By executing the processing in FIG. 7, the use of the game machine 2 is controlled according to the balance of points recorded on the card 3. Further, even when the model code of the card 3 is not within the range of the usable model code Cm set in the game machine 2, the activation of the game machine 2 is prohibited or the next game play is prohibited. If the activation of the game machine 2 is prohibited in step S24, there is no possibility that the play fee will be erroneously collected from the user. Further, even if the next and subsequent play is prohibited in step S25, the fact that the coin cannot be used is displayed on the game machine 2, or even if a coin or the like is inserted into the coin selector 26, the coin is forced to the return slot. To prevent the collection of charges from the user by changing the mode of the game machine 2 so that coins or the like are returned to the coin, or by adding processing such as closing the insertion slot of coins or the like to the coin selector 26 with a coin blocker or the like. You can In such a case, if the card balance and the lower limit value are compared in size in step S22 of FIG. 7 as in step S15 of FIG. 6, steps S15 and S16 of FIG. 6 are omitted as described above. It is possible. In this case, since the play fee is not collected unless the model code matches, the process of step S11 in FIG. 6 can be omitted.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a play information recording process executed by the control unit 21 of the game machine 2 to record information related to the play of the game on the card 3. When the game is played, the control unit 21 of the game machine 2 executes the process of FIG. 8 at an appropriate break time of the game. When the process of FIG. 8 is started, the history recording unit 35 of the control unit 21 acquires information regarding the play content of the current game from the game control unit 31 (step S31), and the obtained information is used as a part of the play information. By controlling the reader/writer 25 so as to be recorded on the card 3, information indicating the play content is recorded on the card 3 (step S32). At this time, 1 is added to the rewrite count of the card 3. When the recording is completed, the history recording unit 35 ends the process of FIG. By the processing of FIG. 8, the play information of FIG. 2 is sequentially recorded on the card 3 as a play history.

In the above description, the model code of the card 3 is used as an example of the application range information to determine whether or not the card 3 is suitable for the game machine 2 in step S11 of FIG. 6 and step S21 of FIG. However, as described above, it is also possible to determine whether or not the card 2 is compatible with the game machine 2 by using the software identification code of the card 3 as an example of the application range information. In that case, in step S11 and step S21, instead of or in addition to the determination of the compatibility of the model code, the compatibility of the software identification code of the card 3 and the game provided by the game machine 2 is determined, A modification may be performed such that the processing is advanced only when it is compatible.

Next, an example of processing executed by the card management PC 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIG. 9 shows an example of the deposit process executed by the card management PC 12 to replace the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP with the DB points. However, the processing of FIG. 9 assumes a case where the usage fee is paid from the operator OP to the intermediary AG, and the input device 43 of the card management PC 12 managed by the intermediary AG receiving the usage fee is used. It is started by the instruction via the trigger. In the deposit process of FIG. 9, first, the deposit confirmation unit 45 of the control unit 41 acquires the amount of the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP as the deposit amount via the input device 43 and notifies the charge unit 46 of this (step S41). ). Upon receiving the notification, the charge unit 46 requests the charge management server 16b to add the DB points in the amount corresponding to the deposit amount (step S42). This completes the deposit process.

The charge management server 16b further requests the balance management server 15b for a request to add DB points, and the balance management server 15b associates the requested amount of DB points with the operator OP and is recorded in the balance database DB2. Add to your balance. Through the above processing, the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP is replaced with the DB point and stored in the operating system 4. The conversion rate between the usage fee and the DB points may be set according to the exchange rate of the currency in the location of the operator OP. The amount of the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP may be automatically acquired by the card management PC 12 by using online processing of a financial institution or the like. In that case, it is not necessary to acquire the usage fee amount via the input device 43. By executing the processing in FIG. 9, the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP is retained in the operating system 4 in a state of being replaced with the DB point.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a charging process executed by the card management PC 12 to charge points to the card 3 using the DB points corresponding to the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP. The process of FIG. 10 is also started by an instruction via the input device 43 of the card management PC 12 as a trigger. In the charge process of FIG. 10, first, the charge unit 46 of the control unit 41 acquires the amount of points to be charged to the card 3 as the charge amount via the input device 43 (step S51), and DB points equal to or more than the charge amount. However, it is determined through the charge management server 16b and the balance management server 15b whether or not the card 3 is held in the balance database DB2 in association with the operator OP to be provided (step S52). When it is determined that more DB points than the charge amount are held, the charge unit 46 controls the reader/writer 44 so that the point amount of the amount acquired in step S51 is added to the card balance, so that the card 3 is stored. Charge points (step S53). In parallel with the charge, the charge unit 46 notifies the charge management server 16b of the amount of points charged in the card 3. The notification is further transferred to the balance management server 15b. The balance management server 15b subtracts the balance of the DB points of the operator OP to which the card 3 should be provided according to the charge amount.

When the process of step S53 is completed, the charging unit 46 controls the reader/writer 44 so that the current charging history is recorded in the card 3 (step S54). For example, the charging unit 46 records information indicating a charging history, such as a charging date and an amount of points added, on the card 3 as charging information, and adds 1 to the number of rewrites and the value of the charging counter. When the process of step S54 is completed, the current charge process ends. When it is determined in step S52 that the balance of the DB points is less than the charge amount, the charge unit 46 executes a predetermined error process, for example, a process of displaying a message that the charge cannot be performed due to insufficient balance (step S55), and thereafter. This time the charging process ends. By executing the processing in FIG. 10, the card 3 is charged with points in exchange for the consumption of the DB points of the operator OP, in other words, the consumption of the prepaid usage fee, in accordance with the instruction of the intermediary AG. By providing the card 3 to the operator OP, the operator OP can operate the game machine 2.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the model code setting process executed by the card management PC 12 to set the model code on the card 3. The process of FIG. 11 is also started by using an instruction via the input device 43 of the card management PC 12 as a trigger. The instruction may be given, for example, to the card 3 provided by the provider PV together with the task of initially charging points so that the card can be used by a specific operator OP. In the model code setting process of FIG. 11, first, the range setting unit 47 of the control unit 41 acquires the value of the model code to be recorded in the card 3 via the input device 43 (step S61), and the value is stored in the card 3. The model code of the card 3 is set by controlling the reader/writer 44 so that it is recorded as the model code (step S62). Also in this case, 1 is added to the number of rewrites of the card 3. After that, the range setting unit 47 ends the process of FIG. 11. By executing the processing of FIG. 11, a model code designating the applicable range of the card 3 is recorded in the card 3 according to the instruction of the intermediary AG, and according to the model code, for example, as shown in FIG. Whether or not to use is determined. If a software identification code is used as the applicable range information instead of or in addition to the model code, the intermediary AG uses the software identification code of the card 3 as appropriate in the card management PC 12 according to FIG. Set to or changeable.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an information reading process executed by the card management PC 12 in order to provide various information recorded on the card 3 to the card management system 15 or the game management system 16 of the provider PV. The process of FIG. 12 is also started by using an instruction via the input device 43 of the card management PC 12 as a trigger. As an example, an instruction to start the process of FIG. 12 may be given to the card management PC 12 every time the card balance of the card 3 is insufficient and the operator OP returns the card 3 to the intermediary AG. Alternatively, the start of the processing of FIG. 12 may be automatically instructed when the card 3 returned to the agency AG is charged with points again.

In the information reading process of FIG. 12, the information reading unit 48 of the control unit 41 controls the reader/writer 44 so that all the information recorded on the card 3 is read (step S71), and the obtained information is charged. It transmits to the management server 16b (step S72). After that, the information reading unit 48 ends the processing of FIG. The charge management server 16b records the obtained information in the charge log database DB4 and the card information database DB5. By executing the processing of FIG. 12, the information recorded or updated in the card 3 by the control unit 21 of the game machine 2 is read at the timing when the card 3 is returned to the agency AG, and the obtained information is obtained. Can be appropriately reflected in the databases DB4 and DB5. As a result, even if the game machine 2 is offline and the play history of the game cannot be acquired by the management system 4 via the network, the operating status of the game machine 2 and the play of the game are played through the card 3. The operating system 4 can grasp information such as the situation and use it for information management or analysis.

In the above embodiment, the balance management unit 33 in the control unit 21 of the game machine 2 functions as an example of the set value updating unit by executing the processing of steps S12 to S14 in FIG. 6, and the use control unit 34 in FIG. By performing the processing of steps S15 and S16 of FIG. 7 and steps S22 to S25 of FIG. 7, the history recording unit 35 performs the processing of steps S31 and S32 of FIG. It functions as an example of a means. The charging unit 46 in the control unit 41 of the card management PC 12 functions as an example of a set value recording unit by executing the processes of steps S51 to S54 of FIG. Further, the balance management unit 33 of the game machine 2 executes the process of step S11 of FIG. 6, and the usage control unit 34 executes the process of step S21 of FIG. 7, whereby the balance management unit 33 and the usage control unit 34 Each functions as an example of application determination means.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented in an appropriately modified or changed form. For example, in the above embodiment, the usage fee prepaid by the operator OP as an example of the first business operator is replaced with the DB point, and the operating organization MO as an example of the second business operator holds the usage fee and consumes the DB point. In exchange for this, points are charged to the card 3 to be provided to the operator OP. That is, the prepayment of the usage fee is performed in units of the operator OP, while the points are charged in units of the card to be provided to one operator OP. As a result, it is possible to operate such that the prepaid usage fee is distributed and charged to the plurality of cards 3. However, prepayment of the usage fee may be accepted for each card 3, and each time the operating organization MO receives the prepayment, the corresponding card 3 may be charged with points corresponding to the prepayment amount. In this case, the process of once replacing with the DB point may be omitted.

In the processing of FIGS. 6 and 7, it is determined whether or not there is a match between the model code of the card 3 and the usable model code Cm of the game machine 2 as an example of the applicable range information, and the mismatch, that is, the model code of the card 3 is the game. If the game machine 2 is out of the range of the usable machine code Cm, the game machine 2 itself is prohibited from being activated or the game is prohibited from playing, thereby deciding whether or not the entire service provided by the game machine 2 can be provided. Although controlled, as described in the example of FIG. 3, the restriction on use may be controlled for a part of the service provided by the game machine 2. In that case, only the service within the range where the usage restriction should be generated, the card balance subtraction corresponding to the fee collection from the user is executed, and only the service within the range where the usage restriction should be generated The processes of FIGS. 6 and 7 may be modified so that a limit is generated according to the balance (remaining amount). The range of services to which the card 3 is applicable can be specified from various viewpoints. For example, the range of the service may be set in association with the type and content of the service, the range of the service may be set in association with the type of the service device, and the first provider providing the service may be set. The range of services may be set in association with each other. The service range may be set in association with the area where the service is provided or the time.

When applying the control of credit card deduction and usage restriction only to a part of the range of services, it is not applicable to the deduction of the card balance and the usage restriction control for services outside the range, and there is a charge to the user or You may provide the service free of charge. On the other hand, when the service provided by the service device is out of the range of the service determined based on the coverage information, provision of the service by the service device may be prohibited. According to this, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the service is provided using the card balance of the card 3 outside the range set by using the model code.

In the above embodiment, the game machine 2 that allows the user to play the game for a fee has been illustrated as an example of the service device, but the service device is not limited to this, and provides the user with some service in exchange for the collection of the fee from the user. Anything can be changed as appropriate. For example, the present invention may be applied to a hardware device, device, facility, or the like provided for a sharing service as a service device.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, corresponding components illustrated in the accompanying drawings are additionally shown in parentheses, but the present invention is limited to the illustrated forms by this. Not something.

A service system (1) according to an aspect of the present invention includes a fee collecting means (26) for collecting a fee from a user, and provides a service to the user in exchange for the collection of the fee by the fee collecting means. A first business operator (e.g., operators OP1 and OP2 in FIG. 1) that includes two service devices (2) and provides the service via the service devices is operated by a second operator in connection with the business. A service system for controlling provision of the service via the service device according to a usage fee prepaid to a business operator (operating organization MO in FIG. 1 as an example), the usage fee prepaid by the first business operator Is provided in the service device so that the predetermined information can be read and written to a storage medium (3) in which predetermined information including a set value (card balance of FIG. 2 as an example) according to the above is recorded. The information reading means (25) and the setting value updating means (33) for controlling the information reading means so that the setting value recorded in the storage medium corresponding to the fee collected by the fee collecting means is subtracted. , S12-S14) and service control means (34, S15, S16, S22-) for controlling the service device so as to limit the provision of the service via the service device according to the remaining amount of the set value. S25).

A computer program (Pg) according to an aspect of the present invention includes a fee collecting unit (26) for collecting a fee from a user, and provides at least one service to the user in exchange for the collection of the fee by the fee collecting unit. A first business operator (e.g., operators OP1 and OP2 in FIG. 1) that includes two service devices (2) and provides the service via the service devices is operated by a second operator in connection with the business. A service system (1) for controlling the provision of the service via the service device according to a usage fee prepaid to a business operator (as an example, the operating organization MO in FIG. 1), wherein the service device includes: Reading and writing of the predetermined information to/from a storage medium (3) in which predetermined information including a set value (card balance in FIG. 2 as an example) according to the usage fee prepaid by the first business operator is recorded. It is applied to a service system provided with an information reading means (25) so that the computer (21) of the service device is recorded in the storage medium corresponding to the fee collected by the fee collecting means. The setting value updating means (33, S12 to S14) for controlling the information reading means so that the value is subtracted, and the provision of the service via the service device are limited according to the remaining amount of the setting value. Thus, it is configured to function as service control means (34, S15, S16, S22 to S25) for controlling the service device.

According to the above aspect, the setting value corresponding to at least a part of the usage fee prepaid by the first operator to the second operator is recorded in the storage medium in advance, and then the storage medium is attached to the service device. Then, the service device subtracts the setting value of the storage medium corresponding to the fee collected from the user, thereby replacing the revenue originally to be distributed to the second business operator with the subtraction of the setting value and processing it. Thus, it is possible to realize a mechanism in which the charge collected from the user is substantially distributed between the first business operator and the second business operator. Moreover, by limiting the provision of services according to the remaining amount of the set value, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of services being provided beyond the range of prepaid usage fees, resulting in a situation where revenue sharing cannot be established. It is possible to prevent the possibility of occurrence. The charge collection from the user and the subtraction of the set value in the service device can be realized by a single process of the service device. Therefore, even in an environment not connected to the network, it is possible to appropriately control the service device in association with the revenue sharing between the businesses.

Note that the computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a state of being stored in a storage medium. If this storage medium is used, for example, by installing and executing the computer program according to the present invention in a computer, the system of the present invention can be realized using the computer. The storage medium storing the computer program may be a non-transitory storage medium such as a CDROM.

In the above aspect, the service system may further include setting value recording means (46, S51 to S54) for recording the setting value in the storage medium according to an instruction from the second business operator. According to this, since the setting value is recorded in the storage medium according to the instruction of the second business operator, it is possible to record the appropriate setting value in the storage medium within the range of the prepaid usage fee. The storage medium in which the set values are recorded may be provided from the second business operator to the first business operator by mail or other physical delivery means, and it is necessary to confirm that the service device is connected to the network. I don't need it.

Further, history recording means (35, S31, S32) for controlling the information reading means so that the history regarding provision of the service (game play as an example) in the service device is recorded in the storage medium as the predetermined information. ) May be further provided. According to this, by referring to the history recorded in the storage medium, it is possible to confirm how the service is provided by the service device even if the service device is not connected to the network, or Processing such as analysis is possible.

In the storage medium, the range of the service to which the setting value recorded in the storage medium is to be applied (model code of FIG. 2 or software identification code as an example) is recorded as the predetermined information. Application determination means (33, 34, S11, S21) that reads the applicable range information through the information reading means and determines the range of the service to which the setting value should be applied based on the obtained applicable range information. ) Is further provided, and the set value updating means limits the set value corresponding to the collection of the fee by the fee collecting means only for services included in the range of the service determined by the application determining means. The information control means is controlled so that is subtracted, and the service control means limits only the services included in the range of the services determined by the application determination means to the remaining amount of the set value. The service device may be controlled so that a limited restriction occurs. According to this, based on the application range information recorded in the storage medium, it is possible to limit the control of the revenue distribution and the use limitation using the set value of the storage medium to the services in the predetermined range. Therefore, the range of service can be appropriately set according to the circumstances of the business operator.

Further, when the service provided by the service device is not included in the range of the service determined by the application determining unit, the service control unit prohibits the service provided by the service device. The service device may be controlled as described above. According to this, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the service is unintentionally provided by using the setting value of the storage medium outside the range set by using the applicable range information.

1 Service system 2 Game console (service device)
3 cards (storage media)
4 Management system 11 Card setting PC
12 Card management PC
15 card management system 15a card management server 15b balance management server 16 game management system 16a lot management server 16b charge management server 17 information management PC
25 Reader/Writer (Information reading means)
26 Coin Selector (Fee collection means)
31 game control unit 32 collection confirmation unit 33 balance management unit (balance update means, application determination means)
34 Usage control unit (service control means, application determination means)
35 history recording unit (history recording means)
46 Charge unit (setting value recording means)

Claims (6)

The system includes at least one service device that provides a service to the user in exchange for collecting the fee by the fee collection device, and provides the service via the service device. A service system in which a first business operator operating a business controls provision of the service via the service device according to a usage fee prepaid to a second business operator in connection with the business,
The service device is provided so as to be able to read and write the predetermined information with respect to a storage medium in which predetermined information including a set value according to a usage fee paid in advance by the first business operator is recorded. Information reading means,
Setting value updating means for controlling the information reading means so that the setting value recorded in the storage medium is subtracted corresponding to the fee collected by the fee collecting means;
A service control means for controlling the service device so that a limitation according to the remaining amount of the set value occurs in the provision of the service via the service device;
Service system with. The service system according to claim 1, further comprising setting value recording means for recording the setting value in the storage medium in accordance with an instruction from the second business operator. 3. The service system according to claim 1, further comprising a history recording unit that controls the information reading unit so that a history regarding the provision of the service in the service apparatus is recorded in the storage medium as the predetermined information. In the storage medium, application range information designating a range of the service to which the setting value recorded in the storage medium should be applied is recorded as the predetermined information,
Further provided is an application determination unit that reads the application range information through the information reading unit and determines the range of the service to which the setting value should be applied based on the obtained application range information,
The setting value updating means is configured to subtract the setting value corresponding to the collection of the fee by the fee collecting means only for services included in the range of the service determined by the application determining means. Controlling the information reading means,
The service control unit controls the service device so that a limit corresponding to the remaining amount of the set value occurs only in a service included in the range of the service determined by the application determining unit. The service system according to any one of 1 to 3. When the service provided by the service device is not included in the range of the service determined by the application determining unit, the service control unit prohibits the service provided by the service device. The service system according to claim 4, wherein the service device is controlled as described above. The system includes at least one service device that provides a service to the user in exchange for collecting the fee by the fee collection device, and provides the service via the service device. A service system in which a first business operator operating a business controls provision of the service via the service device according to a usage fee prepaid to a second business operator in connection with the business, The device is configured to read and write the predetermined information on a storage medium on which predetermined information including a set value according to a usage fee paid in advance by the first business operator is recorded. A service system provided with means, the computer of the service device,
Setting value updating means for controlling the information reading means so that the setting value recorded in the storage medium is subtracted corresponding to the fee collected by the fee collecting means, and provision of the service via the service device The service control means for controlling the service device so that a limit is generated according to the remaining amount of the set value,
A computer program for a service system configured to function as.

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