JP2020157003A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

To further reliably receive a payment relating to a reserved play of a game apparatus.SOLUTION: A game support device 112 is connected to an RFID reader 116 provided in a parlor 108 in which a game apparatus 110 is installed. A game system includes a determination part that, when the RFID reader 116 receives a key holder ID transmitted from an IC tag attached to a key holder, determines that a player, the owner of the key holder corresponding to the key holder ID entered (already checked in) a parlor 108.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a security technique for a game system.

Arcade game machines (commercial game machines) that collect fees for each play have a history of more than 40 years. It is said that the arcade game market is shrinking, but it will have a scale of about 400 billion yen in 2014.

In recent arcade game machines, a method of collecting charges by electronic money has become widespread (see Patent Document 1). The player charges the IC (Integrated Circuit) card with electronic money by paying a large amount of cash (pre-charge), and holds the IC card over the game machine. The arcade game machine deducts the electronic money for the usage fee from the IC card and permits the game play. The player can continue playing within the charged amount.

However, in the above-mentioned charge collection method (prepaid method), when the electronic money charged in the IC card runs out, it is necessary to charge it again. Therefore, if recharging is required during the game, the game play must be interrupted, and the interest of the game is lost.

In Patent Document 2, a virtual currency account for charging electronic money to a server is set. The user pays the usage fee from the virtual currency account of the server by sending the card ID to the server. Patent Document 2 merely charges the server with electronic money instead of the IC card, and does not solve the above-mentioned problems peculiar to the prepaid method.

Japanese Patent No. 4631705 JP-A-2010-262389

Therefore, the present inventors have examined a method of settling the usage fee of an arcade game machine by a post-pay method (post-pay method). For example, if the usage fee of the game can be paid later with a credit card, the player can enjoy the game without worrying about the charge amount. In order to realize post-payment of usage fees by credit card, it is also necessary to have a mechanism to prevent unauthorized use of the credit card.

The present invention is an invention completed based on the above-mentioned problem recognition, and a main object thereof is to provide a technique for simplifying security measures in a game system.

The game system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a short-range wireless transmitter connected to a game device via a communication network, and a short-range wireless reader provided in a facility where the game device is installed is attached to a user's mobile phone. When the first identifier transmitted from is received, the determination unit that determines that the owner of the user's mobile phone corresponding to the first identifier has already entered the facility, and the user requesting play from the game device When the second identifier read from the storage medium other than the user's portable item is received, the user's electronic device is provided on the condition that the user corresponding to the second identifier has already entered the facility. It is provided with a payment request unit that requests payment of play charges by a payment means.

Further, the game system according to another aspect of the present invention is connected to a game device provided with a camera via a communication network, and a short-range wireless reader provided in the facility where the game device is installed is attached to the user's mobile phone. When the first identifier transmitted from the range radio transmitter is received, the judgment unit that determines that the owner of the user's mobile phone corresponding to the first identifier has already entered the facility, and the judgment unit that has already entered the facility. A specific unit that attempts to identify a user who is photographed by a camera and requests play by a face authentication process that uses a determined owner as a candidate, and when the user is successfully identified, the user's electronic payment means is used. It is equipped with a payment request unit that requests payment of play charges.

According to the present invention, security measures in a game system can be simplified.

It is a hardware block diagram of a game system. It is a functional block diagram of the game apparatus in Embodiment 1. It is a functional block diagram of the game server in Embodiment 1. It is a data structure diagram of the player information in Embodiment 1. It is a functional block diagram of the game support device in Embodiment 1. It is a data structure diagram of the store entrance management information in Embodiment 1. It is a flowchart which shows the store entry management processing process in Embodiment 1. It is a flowchart which shows the processing process from the play start to the end of the game in Embodiment 1. It is a flowchart which shows the settlement process process in S32 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the settlement process process when two people play a game. It is a functional block diagram of the game apparatus in Embodiment 2. It is a functional block diagram of the game server in Embodiment 2. It is a data structure diagram of face information in Embodiment 2. It is a functional block diagram of the game support device in Embodiment 2. It is a flowchart which shows the process of face registration. It is a data structure diagram of the store entrance management information in Embodiment 2. It is a flowchart which shows the processing process from the play start to the end of the game in Embodiment 2. It is a flowchart which shows the processing process from the play start to the end of the game in Embodiment 2.

[Embodiment 1]
If the post-pay method is adopted, in which the play fee of the arcade game is automatically deducted by electronic payment means such as a credit card, there is no need to insert cash or deposit to the prepaid card (charge) at the start of play, which is convenient for the player. is there. At present, in order to download the game data managed for each player on the game server to the game device, the game device reads the player ID from the game card and sends it to the game server. Therefore, if the player ID and the electronic payment means are linked in advance in the game server, automatic withdrawal is logically possible.

However, there is a possibility that spoofing can be easily performed only by identifying the person with a game card. For example, if Mr. A drops a game card somewhere and Mr. B who picks it up goes to a store somewhere and plays an arcade game using the game card, the play fee is paid from Mr. A's electronic payment method. It will be. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen identity verification and enhance security. In the first embodiment, a simple method for ensuring security is proposed without the troublesomeness of entering a password.

The outline of the first embodiment will be described. The store is equipped with an RFID reader that reads the tag ID from the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) IC tag. This RFID reader reads the tag ID from an IC tag within a range of several meters. If one RFID reader cannot cover the area inside the store, a plurality of RFID readers cover the entire area. On the other hand, each player owns a key holder in addition to the game card. The key holder includes an IC tag, and the tag ID transmitted by the IC tag identifies the key holder. Hereinafter, the tag ID transmitted by the IC tag of the key holder is referred to as "key holder ID". The game server manages the player ID, the information of the electronic payment means (credit card number), and the key chain ID for each player in association with each other. A player ID is registered in the game card.

On this premise, when the player holding the key holder enters the store, the RFID reader detects the key holder ID. Then, the game support device provided in the store automatically performs the player entry procedure by detecting the key holder ID. This entry procedure is called "check-in". By this check-in, the player's entry status is grasped. In the following, the fact that the player has checked in may be expressed as the player checking in.

The player who is about to start playing holds the game card over the game device to read the player ID. The game device sends the player ID to the game server to check whether it is checked in. If the player ID belongs to the player who is checking in, the player is using the game card and is allowed to play. Then, the payment is made by the person's electronic payment means. In this way, payment by electronic payment means is permitted provided that both check-in using the key holder and input of the player ID by the game card are conditions.

On the other hand, if the player ID is not that of the player who is checking in, it is considered that another person is using the game card, and the play is refused. For example, if Mr. A drops a game card and Mr. B who picks it up tries to play an arcade game using the game card, the play is refused and the play fee is not paid from the electronic payment means. This is because Mr. A has not checked in. Generally, game cards are stored in commuter pass holders and wallets, and keys are connected to key chains. For example, even if Mr. A drops the commuter pass and the game card is handed over to Mr. B, if the key holder remains in Mr. A's hand, Mr. B's play will be refused. Also, even if Mr. B gets Mr. A's key holder, he cannot pretend to be Mr. A and play an arcade game by itself. Since it is rare to drop a commuter pass (or wallet) and a key together, it can be said that the risk of being impersonated by another person is small.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the check-in is performed only by the player holding the key holder and entering the store, and no special procedure or operation is required. Moreover, spoofing can be prevented and security can be enhanced.

In the example described below, in consideration of the player who has forgotten the key holder, if the password is authenticated, the player can play by credit card payment.

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of the game system 100.
In the game system 100, a plurality of stores 108a, 108b ... 108n (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "store 108" when collectively referred to or not particularly distinguished) are connected to the game server 102 via the Internet 106. Will be done. The game server 102 is also connected to the payment device 114. The payment device 114 is a server operated by a credit card company.

The store 108 is assumed to be an amusement park, a game center, or the like. In the store 108, a plurality of game devices 110a to 110f (hereinafter collectively referred to as "game devices 110" when collectively referred to or not particularly distinguished) and a game support device 112 are connected by a LAN (Local Area Network). The game device 110 is a commercial game device called a "satellite", a so-called arcade game machine. The game support device 112 is called a "terminal" and is a device for supporting / assisting the game play of one or more game devices 110. The game support device 112 and the Internet 106 are connected by wire, but may be wirelessly connected.
The game support device 112 may be used in common with other types of game devices 110 via a router or the like, and may function as a store server device that communicates with the outside of the store 108.

The game support device 112 is known to replay (play a moving image) the game play result of the game device 110, create a ranking from the results of a plurality of game plays, provide cards (items) that can be used in the game, and the like. It has a support function. In general, the game support device 112 executes a support process as a process for further enhancing the interest of game play in the game device 110, such as game production and analysis.

RFID readers 116a and 116b (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "RFID reader 116" when collectively referred to or not particularly distinguished) are connected to the game support device 112. The number of RFID readers 116 used in one store 108 may be one or two or more. The RFID reader 116 is arranged so that the area in the store 108 is covered by the communication range of any RFID reader 116.

The IC tag included in the key holder communicates with the RFID reader 116 by a semi-passive method. Here, the semi-passive method will be briefly described.
Similar to the passive type, the semi-passive type IC tag causes a communication operation by radio waves or electromagnetic waves received from the RFID reader 116. However, unlike the passive method that uses the received radio waves or electromagnetic waves as the power source, the response signal is emitted using the built-in battery as the power source. The communication distance is longer than that of the passive method, and it can cover a wide range (for example, within a circle with a radius of 10 m). It consumes less power than the active tag, which uses the built-in battery as power to constantly transmit power, and has the advantage of having a long battery life. The keyholders of embodiments 1 and 2 also include a battery that powers the RFID reader 116.

The game server 102 setstles the usage fee of the game device 110 with the payment device 114. Further, the game server 102 may communicate with a user terminal (not shown) held by the player via the Internet 106.

The player ID does not necessarily have to be visible to the player, and may be a secret code registered in the game card. A card ID may be assigned to the game card, and the internally assigned player ID may be associated with the card ID. Also in this case, the card ID plays a role substantially equivalent to the player ID.

In order to use the payment function by the post-pay method, the player signs a credit card contract with the operator (credit card company) of the payment device 114 in advance, and registers the player ID, credit card number and password in the game server 102. You need to keep it. The game server 102 lists the player ID, credit card number, and password for each player in association with each other.

When playing the game, the player holds the game card over the game device 110. At this time, the game device 110 reads the player ID from the game card by using a known short-range communication technology such as NFC standard (Near Field Communication). The game device 110 transmits a player ID to the game server 102 via the game support device 112 together with a game ID which is an ID for identifying the game. As in the conventional case, the game device 110 can also be paid by cash or a precharged IC card (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "prepaid card") (prepaid method).

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game device 110 according to the first embodiment.
Each component of the game device 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a computing unit such as various coprocessors, a storage device such as memory and storage, hardware including a wired or wireless communication line connecting them, and a storage device. It is realized by software that is stored and supplies processing instructions to the arithmetic unit. A computer program may be composed of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located on the upper layers thereof, and a library that provides common functions to these programs. Each block described below shows a block for each function, not a configuration for each hardware.
The same applies to the functional blocks of the game server 102 shown in FIG. 3 and the game support device 112 shown in FIG.

The game device 110 includes a user interface processing unit 120, a data processing unit 122, a communication unit 124, and a data storage unit 126.
The user interface processing unit 120 accepts operations from the player via the joystick (control stick) and buttons, and is in charge of processing related to the user interface such as image display and voice output. The communication unit 124 is in charge of communication processing with the game server 102 and the like via the Internet 106. The data storage unit 126 stores various data. The data processing unit 122 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the user interface processing unit 120 and the communication unit 124 and the data stored in the data storage unit 126. The data processing unit 122 also functions as an interface for the user interface processing unit 120, the communication unit 124, and the data storage unit 126.

The data processing unit 122 includes a password authentication instruction unit 136, a play permission unit 138, and a game execution unit 140.
The password authentication instruction unit 136 instructs the input of the password in the password authentication. The play permission unit 138 determines whether or not the game can be played. The game execution unit 140 controls the execution of the game.

The user interface processing unit 120 includes an input unit 128 that receives input from the player and an output unit 130 that outputs various information such as images and sounds to the player.
The input unit 128 includes a deposit detection unit 131, a password detection unit 132, and an ID detection unit 134. The payment detection unit 131 detects payment of the usage fee by cash or a prepaid card, in other words, payment of the usage fee by the prepaid method. The password detection unit 132 accepts the input of the password from the player at the time of password authentication. The ID detection unit 134 detects the player ID from the game card.

There are three payment methods for the usage fee of the game device 110. Cash payment, prepaid card prepaid (prepaid method), and credit card postpaid via game card (postpay method).
(1) When the player wishes to pay in cash, the player inserts the usage fee into the coin slot of the game device 110. Next, the player inputs the player ID using the game card. The game device 110 downloads the game data associated with the player ID from the game server 102 and then starts the game. The game data is data indicating the progress state of the game for each player, so-called save data.
(2) When requesting payment by a prepaid card, the player holds the prepaid card over the card reader of the game device 110. At this time, the usage fee is subtracted from the charge amount of the prepaid card. Next, the player inputs the player ID using the game card. The game device 110 downloads the game data associated with the player ID from the game server 102 and then starts the game.
(3) When requesting payment by credit card, the player holds the game card over the card reader of the game device 110. At this time, the game data associated with the player ID is set in the game device 110, and the settlement process based on the credit card associated with the player ID is executed (details will be described later).

The communication unit 124 includes a transmission unit 142 for transmitting data and a reception unit 144 for receiving data.
The transmission unit 142 includes a play request transmission unit 146, a confirmation request transmission unit 147, a password authentication request transmission unit (denoted as "PW authentication request transmission unit" in the figure) 148, and a play information transmission unit 150.
When the player ID is detected from the game card or the like at the start of the game, the play request transmission unit 146 transmits a play request including the player ID to the game server 102. The confirmation request transmission unit 147 transmits a confirmation request regarding the check-in status of the player to the game support device 112. The password authentication request transmission unit 148 transmits the password authentication request to the game server 102. The play information transmission unit 150 transmits play information indicating the game play result to the game server 102. The play information includes the usage fee of the game.

The receiving unit 144 includes a confirmation response receiving unit 151, a permission / rejection notification receiving unit 152, and a game data receiving unit 153.
The confirmation response receiving unit 151 receives the confirmation result of the check-in status of the player from the game support device 112. The permission / rejection notification receiving unit 152 receives the play permission / rejection notification from the game server 102. The play permission / rejection notification includes a permission flag indicating play permission / rejection (described later). The play permission unit 138 determines whether or not the game can be executed based on the play permission / rejection notification. The details of the permission / rejection determination method will be described later. The game data receiving unit 153 receives the game data. The game server 102 stores game data indicating the progress of the game for each player.

When the play request transmitting unit 146 described above transmits the player ID and the game ID to the game server 102, the game server 102 transmits the game data corresponding to the player ID and the game ID to the game device 110, and the game data receiving unit 153 sends the game. Receive data. The game execution unit 140 sets the game based on the received game data.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the game server 102 according to the first embodiment.
The game server 102 includes a communication unit 160, a data processing unit 162, and a data storage unit 164.
The communication unit 160 is in charge of communication processing with the game device 110 and the payment device 114 via the Internet 106 or a dedicated line. The data storage unit 164 stores various data. The data processing unit 162 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the communication unit 160 and the data stored in the data storage unit 164. The data processing unit 162 also functions as an interface between the communication unit 160 and the data storage unit 164. The data storage unit 164 stores the player ID and the game data in association with each other, in addition to the player information 200 described later.

The data processing unit 162 includes a player information management unit 192, a game data management unit 193, a credit management unit 194, a play permission unit 196, and a payment processing unit 198.
The player information management unit 192 executes a player registration process in the game system 100. Specifically, the player information management unit 192 manages the player ID, the credit card number, and the password in association with each other. The game data management unit 193 manages the player ID and the game data in association with each other for each game. The game data management unit 193 updates the game data each time the play information is received. The credit management unit 194 sets a credit line (described later) for the player. The play permission unit 196 determines whether or not the game can be played by the method described later. The settlement processing unit 198 executes the settlement of the usage fee by the post-pay method.

The communication unit 160 includes a transmission unit 166 for transmitting data and a reception unit 168 for receiving data.
The transmission unit 166 includes a payment request unit 170, a permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172, and a game data transmission unit 173. The payment request unit 170 requests the payment device 114 to execute the payment by designating the credit card number and the payment amount. The permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172 transmits a play permission / rejection notification to the game device 110. The game data transmission unit 173 transmits game data to the game device 110.

The receiving unit 168 includes a play request receiving unit 176, a password receiving unit 178, a payment receiving unit 180, a player registration request receiving unit 182, and a play information receiving unit 184.
The play request receiving unit 176 receives a play request from the game device 110. The password receiving unit 178 receives the password from the game device 110. The payment receiving unit 180 receives a payment acceptance / rejection notification indicating the success / failure of the payment from the payment device 114. The player registration request receiving unit 182 receives a player registration request including a player ID, a credit card number, a password, and a key holder ID from the user terminal. The play information receiving unit 184 receives play information from the game device 110.

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of the player information 200 according to the first embodiment.
The player information 200 is stored in the data storage unit 164 of the game server 102. The player first receives a game card and a key holder issued at the store 108. The game support device 112 generates and issues a game card in which a player ID is recorded. In addition, a keyholder in which the keyholder ID is recorded is issued to the player who wishes to pay by credit card.

Next, the player uses a user terminal such as a smartphone or a laptop PC to transmit a player registration request including a credit card number, a password, and a keyholder ID together with the player ID. At this time, the player inputs the player ID written on the back surface of the game card with the soft keyboard. Alternatively, the two-dimensional image code written on the back surface of the game card is photographed by the camera of the user terminal to acquire the player ID. Similarly, for the key holder ID, the key holder ID written on the key holder is input with the soft keyboard. Alternatively, the two-dimensional image code written on the key holder is photographed by the camera of the user terminal to acquire the key holder ID.

When the player registration request receiving unit 182 of the game server 102 receives the player registration request, the player information management unit 192 registers a new player in the player information 200. In the player information 200, a credit card number, a password, and a key holder ID are registered for each player ID.

It should be noted that a credit card or the like does not necessarily have to be associated with a game card (player ID). Even if the game card is associated only with game data, payment by cash or prepaid card is possible. Therefore, a player who does not wish to pay by credit card may omit the registration of the keyholder ID. On the other hand, if a game card that supports not only game data but also a credit card is used, payment by credit card is also possible.

The credit management unit 194 sets a credit line for each player. After registering the player, the credit management unit 194 sets the first credit line. The credit line is the amount that determines the timing of settlement. The credit line in this embodiment is 5,000 yen. The credit management unit 194 adds the usage amount to the "cumulative usage amount" each time the player plays the game. When the cumulative usage amount exceeds the credit line, the payment processing unit 198 requests the payment device 114 to make a payment by credit card via the payment request unit 170. According to FIG. 4, the cumulative usage amount of the player (P01) is 3,260 yen.

Even if the cumulative usage amount has not reached the credit line, the settlement processing unit 198 executes settlement even when a predetermined grace period has elapsed from the previous settlement date. The grace period in this embodiment is 3 days. Since the previous settlement date of the player (P01) is February 11, even if the cumulative usage amount does not reach the credit line, the settlement is forcibly made on February 14, three days later.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the game support device 112 according to the first embodiment.
The game support device 112 includes a user interface processing unit 228, a data processing unit 222, a communication unit 224, and a data storage unit 226.
The user interface processing unit 228 accepts operations from the user and is in charge of processing related to the user interface such as image display and audio output. The communication unit 224 is in charge of communication processing with the game device 110 and the game server 102. The data storage unit 226 stores various data. The data processing unit 222 executes various data processing based on the user's operation input detected by the user interface processing unit 228 and the arcade game management program stored in the data storage unit 226. The data processing unit 222 also functions as an interface for the user interface processing unit 228, the communication unit 224, and the data storage unit 226.

The user interface processing unit 228 includes an input unit 232 and an output unit 234.
The input unit 232 receives various operations from the user. The output unit 234 executes the screen display of the monitor, the audio output of the speaker, and the like.

The data processing unit 222 includes a store entry management unit 242 and a store entry confirmation unit 244.
The store entry management unit 242 periodically detects the key holder ID and manages the store entry status of the player. The store entry confirmation unit 244 confirms whether or not the player has checked in, that is, whether or not he / she is in the store 108, in response to the confirmation request regarding the player's check-in status.

The communication unit 224 includes a transmission unit 252 for transmitting data and a reception unit 254 for receiving data. The receiving unit 254 includes a confirmation request receiving unit 272, and the transmitting unit 252 includes a confirmation response unit 262.
The confirmation request receiving unit 272 receives a confirmation request regarding the check-in status of the player from each game device 110 in the same store 108. The confirmation response unit 262 transmits the confirmation result for the confirmation request regarding the check-in status of the player to the game device 110.

The data storage unit 226 stores store entry management information. The store entry management information is information for managing the store entry state of the player in the store 108.

FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram of the store entry management information 202 according to the first embodiment.
The store entry management information 202 is provided with an entry relating to the player who is checking in, that is, the player who is determined to be currently in the store 108 by detecting the keyholder ID. In addition to the player ID, the detected keyholder ID and the last detection date and time indicating the latest detection timing are stored. The player ID set in the store entry management information 202 indicates that the player is checking in, and conversely, the player ID not set in the store entry management information 202 is checked in by the player. It means not. According to FIG. 6, the keyholder ID: K01 was recently detected at 18:05 on February 14, and it is determined that the player with the player ID: P01 is in the store 108.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the store entry management process in the first embodiment.
The store entry management unit 242 of the game support device 112 periodically detects the key holder ID using the RFID reader 116 (S10). When the detection timing is reached, radio waves or electromagnetic waves are transmitted from the RFID reader 116, and the key holder ID is transmitted from the IC tag of the key holder that has received the radio waves or electromagnetic waves. The RFID reader 116 receives this keyholder ID.

The store entrance management unit 242 updates the store entrance management information 202 based on the detected keyholder ID (S14). Specifically, when a new keyholder ID is detected, an entry is added. At this time, the store entry management unit 242 obtains the player ID corresponding to the key holder ID from the game server 102. Further, the timing when a new keyholder ID is detected becomes the final detection date and time. When the already registered keyholder ID is detected again, the last detection date and time is updated according to the detection timing. For the last detection date and time of any entry, if the elapsed time up to the present time exceeds a predetermined reference time (for example, 3 minutes), the entry is deleted. That is, an entry is provided when the player enters the store and the RFID reader 116 first detects the keyholder ID, the keyholder ID is repeatedly detected while entering the store, and only the last detection date and time is updated. When the player leaves the store, the keyholder ID is not detected and the entry is deleted. If there is a place in the store 108 where the RDIF reader 116 cannot communicate (for example, a toilet) and the player returns to the communication range within the predetermined reference time even if the player temporarily stays there, the store entry state continues. If the communication is not possible for more than that time, it will be treated as if the store was closed, but if it returns to the communication range, it will be re-entered, so there is no problem.

The store entry management unit 242 waits for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) (S14), and controls so that the processes of S10 and S12 are periodically repeated. The timing at which the RFID reader 116 transmits radio waves or electromagnetic waves may be determined by the RFID reader 116 itself.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing process from the start to the end of the game play in the first embodiment.
The player first selects a payment method at the start of the game. The output unit 130 of the game device 110 displays a screen that allows the player to select one of three payment methods: cash, prepaid card, and credit card. When the player selects cash (Y in S20), the usage fee is inserted into the coin slot. When selecting a prepaid card (Y in S22), the player holds the prepaid card over the card reader of the game device 110. When the usage fee coin is detected or the usage fee is subtracted from the detected prepaid card charge amount (Y in S20, Y in S22), the player subsequently holds the game card over the card reader of the game device 110. As a result, the ID detection unit 134 detects the player ID from the game card (S23). Then, the play request transmission unit 146 transmits a play request including the player ID to the game server 102, and the game data transmission unit 173 of the game server 102 transmits the game data corresponding to the player ID to the game device 110 accordingly. .. The game execution unit 140 of the game device 110 executes the game after setting the received game data (S34).

When the player selects a credit card (N in S22), the game card is held over the game device 110. The ID detection unit 134 of the game device 110 detects the player ID from the game card (S24). Then, the game device 110 inquires the game support device 112 whether the player is checking in (S26). Specifically, the confirmation request transmission unit 147 transmits a confirmation request regarding the check-in status including the player ID to the game support device 112.

The store entry management unit 242 of the game support device 112 refers to the store entry management information 202 and determines whether or not the player is checking in. If the player ID specified in the confirmation request is set in any of the entries, it is determined that the player has checked in (Y in S26), and the confirmation response unit 262 of the game support device 112 confirms that the check-in has been completed. The result is transmitted to the game device 110. On the other hand, if the specified player ID is not in any of the entries, it is determined that the player has not checked in (N in S26), and the confirmation response unit 262 of the game support device 112 gives a confirmation result indicating no check-in to the game device. Send to 110.

When the player is checking in, the play request transmission unit 146 of the game device 110 transmits a play request including the player ID to the game server 102. Then, the game server 102 executes the settlement process (S32). The settlement process will be described in detail in relation to FIG. When the permission flag (described later) indicating that the usage fee can be settled is turned on in the settlement process (Y in S36), the play permission unit 138 permits the execution of the game. Specifically, the permission / rejection notification receiving unit 152 of the game device 110 receives a play permission / rejection notification indicating the state of the permission flag, and the play permission unit 138 determines whether or not the game can be executed based on the state of the permission flag. At this time, the game data transmission unit 173 also transmits the game data. The game execution unit 140 of the game device 110 executes the game after setting the received game data (S38).

Players who have forgotten the keyholder will not be checked in. However, even in that case, you can play with credit card payment by password authentication. Therefore, if the player has not checked in (N in S26), the password authentication instruction unit 136 of the game device 110 instructs the input of the password. When the password detection unit 132 accepts the input of the password (S28), the password authentication request transmission unit 148 transmits a password authentication request including the player ID and the password to the game server 102. When the password receiving unit 178 of the game server 102 receives the password, the play permission unit 196 collates the password registered in advance with the received password. When the passwords match, the authentication is successful (Y in S30), and the process shifts to S32 (settlement process). On the other hand, when the passwords do not match and the authentication fails (N in S30), the permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172 transmits a play permission / rejection notification indicating that play is not possible to the game device 110. In this case, the game is not executed on the game device 110.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the settlement processing process in S32 of FIG.
If the total value of the new play usage fee and the cumulative usage amount is less than or equal to the credit line (Y in S40), the credit management unit 194 adds the usage fee to the cumulative usage amount (S44). For example, when the cumulative usage amount is 4,880 yen and the usage fee is 100 yen, the cumulative usage amount is updated to 4,980 yen, but it fits in the credit line (5,000 yen). Therefore, payment is not executed. The credit management unit 194 sets the permission flag indicating that settlement is possible to on, and the permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172 transmits a play permission / rejection notification indicating the state of the permission flag (S56).

When the total value of the usage fee and the cumulative usage amount is larger than the credit line (N in S40), the settlement processing unit 198 executes the settlement of the existing cumulative usage amount (S46). For example, when the cumulative usage amount is 4,980 yen and the usage fee is 100 yen, the new cumulative usage amount is 5,080 yen (= 4,980 yen + 100 yen), which is the credit line. First, the settlement for 4,980 yen is executed because the amount exceeds. At this stage, the usage fee is not settled.

At the time of payment, the payment request unit 170 transmits a payment request to the payment device 114 targeting the credit card number of the player, and the payment device 114 executes the payment of the cumulative usage amount. The payment device 114 transmits a payment acceptance / rejection notification indicating the success / failure of the payment to the game server 102. After the settlement is completed, the credit management unit 194 resets the cumulative usage amount to zero.

Credit cards have a monthly usage limit set in advance. The credit management unit 194 resets the credit line (S50) when the usage limit is not exceeded even if a new credit line is set (Y in S48). After resetting the credit line, the credit management unit 194 adds the usage fee to the cumulative usage amount (S44). In the case of the above example, the cumulative usage amount of 4,980 yen has been reset by the settlement, so the new cumulative usage amount will be 100 yen. On the other hand, when the usage limit is exceeded when the credit line is reset (N in S48), the transmission unit 166 sends a limit notification to the game device 110 indicating that the postpay cannot be used any more because the usage limit is exceeded. (S54). For example, if the monthly usage limit is 100,000 yen and the current month's usage amount is 98,000 yen, setting a credit line of 5,000 yen will exceed the usage limit. At this time, the credit line is not reset. In this case, the player can play the game with prepaid or cash, but cannot play by credit card payment until the next month. The credit management unit 194 sets the permission flag to off, and the permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172 transmits a play permission / rejection notification indicating the state of the permission flag (S58).

At the end of the day, the credit management unit 194 checks for players whose grace period has passed since the last settlement date. If the grace period has passed, the settlement processing unit 198 executes settlement even if the cumulative usage amount is within the credit line. After the settlement is executed, the credit management unit 194 determines whether or not the credit line can be reset in the same manner as in S48 to S54.

For example, if the grace period is set to 3 days, the usage amount for 3 days from the first usage date or the first day used after the previous payment is confirmed is accumulated and saved, and the usage amount on the 4th or 3rd day is saved. Settle the cumulative usage amount at a fixed time such as at night. If the credit line is set to 5,000 yen and the cumulative usage amount reaches the credit line before 3 days (grace period) has passed, the settlement will be made at that point as described above. Execute and set a new grace period of 3 days.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a settlement processing process when two people play a game.
In some games provided by the game device 110, two or more players play against each other or cooperate with each other at the same time. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the game device 110A in which two players can play against each other is played by the post-pay method. The game device 110A includes two card readers for holding a game card. In the game device 110A, the player selects whether to play by one person or two people before holding the game card.

When there is only one player in the game device 110A, the transmission unit 142 of the game device 110A notifies the game server 102 of one-player play (one play). At the time of one play (Y in S60), the game server 102 setstles the usage fee by the same method as the settlement process in FIG. 9 (S64). When there are two players in the game device 110A, the transmission unit 142 of the game device 110A notifies the game server 102 of the two-player play (multi-play).

In the case of two-player play (N in S60), when the first player and the second player each hold the game card over the two card readers (N in S62), the game server 102 is the first player and the first player. Settlement processing is executed for each of the two players (S68, S70). The settlement processing method at this time is the same as the settlement processing shown in FIG. On the other hand, after one player holds the game card over one card reader, when the predetermined time limit elapses without detecting the second game card (Y in S62), the game card is held over. The only player pays the usage fee for two players. At this time, the game server 102 executes the settlement processing of the usage charges for two players for the player holding the game card (S66). The settlement process of S66 is also the same as the settlement process shown in FIG. According to such a control method, it is possible to specify that one person bears the usage fee for two people with a simple user interface.

The game device 110B is provided with one card reader, and when two players are held over the game cards within a predetermined time limit when two players are selected, the usage fee is charged to each of the two players. May be good. On the other hand, when only one player holds the game card within the time limit despite the two-player play, the player holding the game card may be charged the usage fee for the two players. In addition, in the game device 110, the player may be allowed to select which of the two players will bear the full usage fee, or the burden rate of the two players may be set. In either case, the credit management unit 194 of the game server 102 may manage the cumulative usage amount for each player based on the designation of the player, and the payment processing unit 198 may similarly execute the payment for each player. ..

In the first embodiment, if the player has a key holder when visiting the store 108, check-in is performed, and the play by credit card payment can be started immediately by simply holding the game card over the game device 110. It's easy because you don't have to authenticate your password, and you don't have to worry about forgetting your password or being stolen by others. Even if you do not have a key chain, you can enter the store and play with cash or prepaid cards, but you cannot play with credit card payment.

[Embodiment 2]
In the second embodiment, instead of inputting the player ID by the game card, the player is specified by face authentication. In other words, the player's face image functions as a "(substantial) player ID". Since the accuracy of personal identification in face recognition is high, it is unlikely that an easy spoofing such as unauthorized use of a game card can be considered. However, in face recognition, it is necessary to compare the faces of each candidate, and the processing takes time. Therefore, if all the players registered in the server are selected as candidates, there is a problem that it takes time until the result of face authentication is obtained and the waiting time until the start of play becomes long.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the processing time of face recognition is shortened by narrowing down the candidates so that the player can play immediately. The key holder ID and the face image are registered in advance in association with each other, and the face authentication process is performed with the player group checking in at the same store 108 as a candidate. Since the number of comparisons is small, it does not take long to get the result of face recognition.

Since the identity is confirmed by face recognition in this way, the player does not have to bring the game card. As long as you hold the key holder, you can immediately enjoy playing by credit card payment.

The game device 110 according to the second embodiment includes a camera for photographing the player's face at the start of play. Further, the game support device 112 registers the face image, and the game support device 112 includes a camera used for registering the face image. Both cameras are installed in positions and orientations that allow them to capture facial images that are close to the front. Further, by performing the face recognition process on the game support device 112, the load on the game device 110 and the game server 102 is reduced.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of the game device 110 according to the second embodiment.
The input unit 128 of the user interface processing unit 120 includes the face image detection unit 135, and the output unit 130 includes the message output unit 133.
The face image detection unit 135 photographs the player using the camera and detects the face image of the player from the captured image. The message output unit 133 outputs a message prompting the player to hold the game card over the card reader when the face authentication fails. Players who have not registered their faces can use the game card as before.

The transmission unit 142 of the communication unit 124 includes the face authentication request transmission unit 156, and the reception unit 144 includes the face authentication response reception unit 158.
The face recognition request transmission unit 156 transmits a face recognition request including face image data to the game support device 112. The face recognition response receiving unit 158 receives the result of face recognition from the game support device 112. The result when the face authentication is successful includes the player ID.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the game server 102 according to the second embodiment.
The receiving unit 168 of the communication unit 160 includes the face registration request receiving unit 185.
The face registration request receiving unit 185 receives the face registration request including the face image data associated with the key holder ID.

The data processing unit 162 includes a face information management unit 199.
When the face information management unit 199 receives the face registration request, the face information management unit 199 adds an entry to the face information stored in the data storage unit 164, and stores the key holder ID and the face image data. Further, the face information management unit 199 generates and stores face feature data from face image data. The face feature data is data showing the features of the face and is used when calculating the degree of approximation in the face recognition process.

FIG. 13 is a data structure diagram of the face information 204 in the second embodiment.
Face image data and face feature data are stored in each entry of face information 204 in association with the keyholder ID. According to FIG. 13, face feature data (F01) is generated and stored from the face image data (I01) of the player who owns the key holder ID: K01.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of the game support device 112 according to the second embodiment.
The input unit 232 of the user interface processing unit 228 includes an image acquisition unit 284. The image acquisition unit 284 controls the camera to photograph the player and acquire the photographed image.

The data processing unit 222 includes a face extraction unit 246, a two-dimensional image code extraction unit 248, and a face recognition unit 250.
The face extraction unit 246 extracts a face portion from the captured image when registering the face image, and generates face image data. The two-dimensional image code extraction unit 248 extracts the two-dimensional image code portion from the captured image and obtains the identifier indicated by the two-dimensional image code. Specifically, the keyholder ID indicated by the two-dimensional image code attached to the keyholder is obtained. The face recognition unit 250 performs face recognition processing using the checked-in player group as a candidate.

The transmission unit 252 of the communication unit 224 includes a face registration request transmission unit 264 and a face authentication response unit 266, and the reception unit 254 includes a face authentication request reception unit 274.
The face registration request transmission unit 264 transmits a face registration request including face image data associated with the keyholder ID to the game server 102. The face recognition request receiving unit 274 receives a face recognition request including face image data from each game device 110 in the store 108. The face recognition response unit 266 transmits the face recognition result to the game device 110.
The store entry management information 202 stored in the data storage unit 226 will be described later in relation to FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process of face registration.
The player registers the face by causing the camera of the game support device 112 to take a two-dimensional image code of his / her face and the key holder. More specifically, the player holds the key holder near the face and lets the camera take a picture of his / her face while holding the 2D image code of the key holder over the camera to obtain the face image and the 2D image code (key holder ID). The game support device 112 is made to acquire a captured image including both (S80). At this time, the output unit 234 may output the message "The face and the two-dimensional image code of the key holder are photographed together. Please hold the two-dimensional image code of the key holder." The face extraction unit 246 attempts to extract the face portion from the captured image (S82). If the face portion cannot be extracted, the process returns to S80 to reacquire the captured image. If the face portion can be extracted, the face extraction unit 246 generates face image data. Then, the two-dimensional image code extraction unit 248 attempts to extract the two-dimensional image code indicating the keyholder ID from the captured image (S84). If the two-dimensional image code cannot be extracted (N in S84), the process returns to S80 to reacquire the captured image. If the two-dimensional image code can be extracted (Y in S84), the keyholder ID is obtained from the two-dimensional image code. If it loops for a predetermined time, it may be an error due to a timeout.

The face registration request transmission unit 264 transmits a face registration request including face image data associated with the keyholder ID to the game server 102 (S86). When the face registration request is received by the game server 102, the face information management unit 199 provides a new entry in the face information 204 and stores the key holder ID and the face image data. Further, the face information management unit 199 generates and stores face feature data based on the face image data.

FIG. 16 is a data structure diagram of the store entry management information 202 according to the second embodiment.
In the store entry management information 202 according to the second embodiment, face feature data is set in association with the player ID and the key holder ID. The store entry management unit 242 of the game support device 112 acquires (downloads) the face feature data corresponding to the key holder ID from the game server 102 and sets it in the store entry management information 202 in S12 of the store entry management process (FIG. 7). To do. The face feature data is used in the face recognition process in the game support device 112. According to such a control method, the face image data of the player checking in using the key holder can be prepared in advance in the game support device 112, so that the processing load required for comparison and collation in face authentication described later can be reduced.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing process from the start to the end of the game play in the second embodiment.
The processing of S20 and S22 is the same as in the case of FIG. When the player selects cash or a prepaid card (Y in S20, Y in S22), the face image detection unit 135 of the game device 110 detects the player's face image from the captured image acquired from the camera (S90). The face recognition request transmission unit 156 transmits a face recognition request including face image data to the game support device 112.

When the game support device 112 receives the face authentication request, the face authentication unit 250 performs the face authentication process. The face recognition unit 250 generates face feature data from the received face image data, and calculates the degree of approximation with the face feature data in each entry of the store entry management information 202. If the degree of approximation exceeds a predetermined standard, it is determined that the authentication is successful, and the player ID corresponding to the corresponding feature data is specified (Y in S92). The face authentication response unit 266 transmits a response of successful face authentication including the player ID to the game device 110. The processing of S34 after the game device 110 receives the response of successful face authentication is the same as in the case of FIG.

In S92, if the degree of approximation does not exceed the predetermined standard for any of the face feature data of the store entry management information 202, the face recognition unit 250 of the game support device 112 determines that the authentication has failed (N in S92). The face authentication response unit 266 transmits a response of the face authentication failure to the game device 110. Authentication failure means that the photographed player has not checked in.

When the game device 110 receives the response of the face authentication failure, the message output unit 133 outputs a message prompting the game card to be held over the card reader because the face authentication has failed. When the player holds the game card over the card reader, the ID detection unit 134 detects the player ID from the game card (S94). The process of S34 is the same as that of FIG.

When the player selects the post-pay method (N in S22), the process proceeds to FIG. 18, and the face image detection unit 135 of the game device 110 detects the player's face image from the captured images acquired from the camera. (S96). The face recognition request transmission unit 156 transmits a face recognition request including face image data to the game support device 112.

When the game support device 112 receives the face recognition request, the face recognition unit 250 performs face recognition processing (S98). If the face recognition is successful, the identity can be confirmed. The processing of S32, S36 and S38 in this case is the same as in the case of FIG.

When the face authentication fails and the game device 110 receives the response of the face authentication failure, the message output unit 133 outputs a message prompting the card reader to hold the card because the face authentication has failed. Then, the ID detection unit 134 detects the player ID from the game card (S100), and proceeds to the password authentication process. The processing of S28 and S30 is the same as in the case of FIG. If the password authentication is successful (Y in S30), it means that the identity has been confirmed, and the process proceeds to S32, S36 and S38S. If the password authentication fails (N in S30), the identity cannot be confirmed, so the game ends without being executed.

[Modification example]
The electronic payment method may be other than a credit card. You may withdraw from your bank account, use a debit card or virtual currency.

As a substitute for the game card, a user terminal such as a smartphone (example of a mobile phone device), a smart watch, or a tablet terminal that stores a player ID may be used. In this case, the card reader reads the player ID from the user terminal.

The IC tag attached to the key holder may be an active tag, and the RFID reader 116 may be a reader for the active tag. In the case of an active tag, the keyholder always periodically transmits a keyholder ID. A switch may be provided on the key holder, and the key holder ID may be transmitted when the switch is pressed. In this case, power consumption can be suppressed as compared with an ordinary active tag. Further, the short-range wireless communication may use infrared rays, light, sound, or the like.

The key holder may have the function of a game card. In this case, the player ID is also stored in the key holder. When the key holder is held over the card reader, the card reader reads the player ID from the key holder. Security is not very high, as it can be spoofed if stolen. However, the player has the advantage that he only has to carry the key holder.

The above-mentioned key holder is an example of a user's portable product with an IC tag attached. The key chain has a ring that is threaded through a hole with a key. Further, it may be provided with a joint portion such as a hook. An IC tag may be provided on a portable item other than the key holder. An IC tag may be provided on an accessory (for example, a tag or a mascot doll) having a hole or a ring so that it can be attached to an arbitrary key chain. The portable items may be accessories (rings, belts, brooches, necklaces, etc.) and watches. Jewelry and watches are not easily lost or stolen. It may also be a card or a sticker. However, you need to be careful not to lose it with the game card. A user terminal such as a smartphone (example of a mobile phone device) equipped with an IC tag, a smart watch, or a tablet terminal may be used. Alternatively, an IC tag may be attached to the case or strap of the smartphone. Since the cards and the user terminal are managed separately, there is little concern that they will be lost or stolen together.

If there is a space in the store 108 where the game device 110 is not installed (for example, a coffee shop space or another game space), it is not necessary to cover all the areas in the store 108 by the communication range of the RFID reader 116. .. It suffices to cover the periphery of each game device 110 with at least one communication range.

Instead of the act of the player holding the game card over the card reader, the characters and numbers of the player ID may be keyed in. Alternatively, the player ID may be input by reading the two-dimensional image code.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, an example of canceling the store entry state when the key holder ID cannot be periodically detected is shown, but the store entry state may be canceled by another method. From the time when the keyholder ID is first detected and a new entry is added to the store entry management information 202, until a certain period of time (for example, 6 hours) elapses, the store entry state may be continued without deleting the entry. .. In addition, the store entry state may be continued without deleting the entry until a predetermined time (business end time) is reached. In the embodiment in which the RFID reader 116 is installed near the entrance of the store 108 and the key holder ID is detected when passing through the entrance, it is assumed that the player stays in the store 108 for a certain period of time in this way, or the store is stored until a predetermined time. It may be assumed that it stays within 108. For example, in a vast amusement park or complex, such a response may be appropriate.

Although FIG. 8 shows an example of a processing flow for reading a game card after the player selects a payment method, the player may select a payment method after reading the game card. It is also possible to omit the selection of the payment method and give priority to the payment by credit card. In this case, the process (S24) of detecting the player ID from the game card is started. In this way, you can start playing just by holding the game card over. Further, if it is determined in S26 that the check-in has not been performed, payment by cash or a prepaid card may be selected.

In the face information 204 shown in FIG. 13, face image data and face feature data may be stored in association with the player ID.

Although FIG. 15 shows an example of extracting the face image and the two-dimensional image code from the same still image, the face image and the two-dimensional image code may be extracted from different still images, respectively. Alternatively, a moving image may be taken and a face image and a two-dimensional image code may be extracted from different frames, respectively. In these cases, the two-dimensional image code may be extracted after the face image is extracted, or the face image may be extracted after the two-dimensional image code is extracted. An error may occur when the two-dimensional image code cannot be extracted within a predetermined time after the face image is extracted by the timeout process, or when the face image cannot be extracted within the predetermined time after the two-dimensional image code is extracted. It may be an error. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the two-dimensional image code owned by a person different from the face image from being extracted due to the replacement of the players. As another method for dealing with such a problem, registration may be permitted provided that at least a part of the face image and a part of the two-dimensional image code are reflected at the same time. Specifically, after extracting the face image, if the face is framed out before the two-dimensional image code is framed in, an error may occur. Alternatively, an error may occur if the two-dimensional image code is framed out after the two-dimensional image code is extracted and before the face image is framed in.

Further, the form is not limited to shooting the face image and the two-dimensional image code with the same camera, and the face image and the two-dimensional image code may be shot with different cameras. Even in this case, the face image and the two-dimensional image code are extracted from each image taken at the same timing or within a predetermined time.

In the face registration process shown in FIG. 15, the player ID and the keyholder ID may be associated with each other. For example, before S80, the player ID is read by the card reader of the game support device 112, and in S86, the face registration request transmission unit 264 issues a face registration request including the player ID and face image data associated with the key holder ID to the game server 102. Send to. Then, the player information management unit 192 of the game server 102 stores the key holder ID corresponding to the player ID in the player information 200.

The keyholder ID corresponds to one player. Multiple players do not use the same keyholder ID. Therefore, the keyholder ID is not only a keyholder identifier but also a player identifier.

In connection with FIG. 15, the credit card may be photographed together in the face registration. For example, after S84, the credit card portion is extracted from the captured image to detect the credit card number. In S86, the face registration request transmission unit 264 transmits a face registration request including the credit card number associated with the keyholder ID and the face image data to the game server 102. Then, the player information management unit 192 of the game server 102 stores the credit card number corresponding to the player ID in the player information 200. In this way, it is not necessary to enter the credit card number in the player registration. In addition to the credit card, the surface of the passbook may be photographed to detect the bank account number.

You may check in automatically when the face registration shown in FIG. 15 is completed. This is because it is clear that they are in the store 108. For example, if you enter the store and register your face, you may be able to maintain the check-in state until the closing time of the day and freely repeat the play with credit payment.

The face registration process shown in FIG. 15 may be performed on the game device 110 or the user terminal. Further, the face feature data may be generated by the game support device 112, the game device 110, or the user terminal and transmitted to the game server 102 without generating the face feature data by the game server 102.

Although FIGS. 17 and 18 show an example of a process flow for reading a game card after having the player select a payment method, the player may be made to select a payment method after reading the game card. If credit card payment is chosen, facial recognition may be performed again for confirmation.

Payment by credit card may be prioritized by omitting the payment method selection in FIGS. 17 and 18. In this case, the process of detecting the face image (S96) is started. The player may choose to pay by cash or prepaid card only when the face recognition fails in S98. By defaulting to credit card payments in this way, players can start playing simply by turning their face to the camera.

However, there is a concern that the player's face will be photographed by chance and play will be permitted. For example, it is conceivable that the game is started only by the player passing in front of the game device 110, and another person plays the game. As a countermeasure, play may be permitted when a predetermined behavior is detected, such as when the player winks at the camera or poses to instruct the start. The game device 110 may include a gesture detection unit for detecting such behavior. The gesture detection unit may execute the extraction process (S90, S96, etc.) of the keyholder ID or the like on the condition that the player reflected in the captured image executes the "predetermined behavior". Alternatively, play may be permitted when a predetermined operation such as pressing the start button or moving the lever is accepted. Alternatively, face recognition may be performed again before the start of play. If the players are replaced in the second face recognition, play is not permitted.

Further, when the player looks into the game devices 110 one after another, there is a possibility that the play on those game devices 110 is continuously permitted. In this case, when the game execution is started on any of the game devices 110, the permission for play on the other game device 110 is revoked to avoid duplicate game execution.

The face recognition process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be performed on the game server 102. In this case, the game support device 112 does not have to acquire (download) the face feature data from the game server 102, but instead transmits the ID of the checked-in player to the game server 102. The game server 102 performs face recognition processing using the checked-in player group as a candidate.

The face recognition process shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be performed by the game device 110. In this case, the game device 110 acquires (downloads) the store entry management information 202 from the game support device 112, and performs face recognition processing using the check-in player group as a candidate.

The face recognition process described in the second embodiment is an example of the biometric authentication process. Instead of the face recognition process, hand authentication, fingerprint authentication process or iris authentication process may be performed.

As a user's portable product having an IC tag, a user terminal such as a smartphone (example of a mobile phone device), a smart watch, or a tablet terminal may be used instead of the key holder. In this case, the user terminal transmits the user terminal ID stored by itself instead of the keyholder ID in short-range wireless communication. Since the user terminal ID corresponds to one player, it is not only an identifier of the user terminal but also an identifier of the player. The face image data and the face feature data are associated with the user terminal ID. In the face registration process, even if the user terminal displays a two-dimensional image code indicating the user terminal ID and the camera of the game support device 112 captures the player's face and the two-dimensional image code displayed on the user terminal together. Good.
The user terminal ID may be preset in the user terminal or may be assigned by the game server 102. The game server 102 may allocate a new user terminal ID in the player registration, transmit the new user terminal ID to the user terminal, and the user terminal may receive and store the new user terminal ID. At the stage of player registration, a new user terminal ID is stored in a new entry of player information.

The two-dimensional image code is an example of an identification image indicating an identifier. The two-dimensional image code may be a strip-shaped image having a striped pattern peculiar to the identifier, an image in which the squares of the grid figure are painted in black and white in an arrangement peculiar to the identifier. Further, an image that directly represents characters and numbers in a predetermined format may be used.

The game server 102 may also have all or part of the functions of the game support device 112. The game support device 112 may also have all or part of the functions of the game server 102. In these cases, face registration and face recognition are performed by one device. Even when the game support device 112 and the game server 102 are separately provided, it can be considered that the game support device 112 and the game server 102 form one device as a whole. From this perspective, the combination of the game support device 112 and the game server 102 corresponds to a form of a face registration device or a face recognition device. Further, the face registration device and the face recognition device may be separate. Face recognition may be performed by a device (game support device 112 in store B) other than the device (game support device 112 in store A) that has registered the face.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment or modification, and the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications. In addition, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

As described above, when the RFID reader 116 receives the keyholder ID, it is determined that the player corresponding to the keyholder ID is in the store 108, so that the player in the store 108 can be easily grasped. For example, it is useful to detect that a person who should not be in the store 108 is trying to play and prevent spoofing.

Further, if the player is checking in when the player ID is read from the game card, the player is recognized as the person himself / herself and post-pay of the play fee is permitted. Furthermore, it is possible to play using its own game data. It has the effect of preventing the theft of credit cards and game data by spoofing.

Further, if it is determined that the player is in the store 108 until the RFID reader 116 stops receiving the key holder ID, the player who has entered the store can be accurately grasped.

Also, if it is determined that the player is in the store 108 from the time when the "key holder ID" is first detected until a certain period of time has passed, for example, the RFID reader 116 provided at the entrance can enter the store just by checking the player. You can easily grasp the player who is.

In addition, the player can store the game card in a wallet or regular case and carry it around, and attach the key chain to the belt loop to make it easy to manage both separately, so there is a possibility that they will be lost or stolen together. Is low, and it is easy to prevent impersonation of others.

In addition, since the candidates in the face recognition process are limited to those who have already checked in, the amount of calculation is reduced and the waiting time until the start of play is shortened. When using face recognition, it is not necessary to read the game card, and it is safe to use a credit card. Furthermore, the game data is not stolen.

In addition, the player's face and the two-dimensional image code attached to the key holder are photographed together, and the data (face image data or face feature data) related to the face detected from the photographed image is registered in association with the key holder ID. The procedure for face registration is simplified, and erroneous registration can be prevented.

Furthermore, if you take a picture with your credit card and register the credit card number extracted from the shot image in association with it, the procedure for registering your credit card number will be easier and you can prevent erroneous registration.

Further, in face registration, which is an example of biometric information registration, the player's face and the two-dimensional image code attached to the key holder are photographed together, and the two-dimensional image code indicates face image data and face feature data as biometric information. Since it is stored in association with the key holder ID, the operation is easier than registering the biometric information and the user's identifier separately, and erroneous registration can be prevented. When the keyholder ID is registered in the player registration, the biometric information is associated with the existing keyholder ID. When the keyholder ID is not registered in the player registration, the biometric information is registered together with the new keyholder ID. When performing hand authentication, the player's hand and the two-dimensional image code attached to the key holder are photographed together in the hand registration, and the hand image data and hand feature data are stored in association with the key holder ID. To do. The same applies to fingerprint authentication and iris authentication.

In addition, since the two-dimensional image code is displayed on an easily portable item such as a key holder, the player can easily pose so that his / her face and the two-dimensional image code are reflected together.

Further, since the game data includes information set by the player (for example, the player name), it corresponds to a user profile on one side. Further, the player information 200 includes a credit card number and a password. These also correspond to user profiles. Further, it is also conceivable to manage another user profile (for example, an e-mail address) with the player information 200. Therefore, the face registration also has the meaning of associating the keyholder ID, which is the user's identifier, with the user profile. As described above, facilitating biometric information registration also helps to enhance the security of user profile management by using biometric authentication. The user profile is user-specific data such as data set by the user and data indicating the characteristics of the user.

As described above, the game system 100 (including the game support device 112 and the game server 102) in the store 108 (game center, amusement park, etc.) in which the game device 110 having a game card reading function and provided for user play is installed). Although the example of automatically electronically paying the play fee is shown in, the present invention may be applied to other systems. For example, a karaoke system (including a karaoke support device and a karaoke server) in a store (a karaoke shop, a restaurant, etc.) that has a member's card reading function and a karaoke device used for the user's entertainment can be charged for the entertainment. Electronic payment may be made automatically. In addition, an automatic sales system (automatic sales support device) in facilities (service areas, parking areas, etc.) that have an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) card reading function and are equipped with vending machines that are used for users to purchase goods. (Including the vending server) may automatically settle the purchase fee electronically. In addition, self-payment systems (including self-payment support devices and self-payment servers) at stores (convenience stores, supermarkets, etc.) that have a point card reading function and a self-register for users' self-payment. Payment The payment amount may be automatically settled electronically.

100 game system, 102 game server, 106 internet, 108 stores, 110 game device, 112 game support device, 114 payment device, 116 RFID reader, 120 user interface processing unit, 122 data processing unit, 124 communication unit, 126 data storage unit , 128 input unit, 130 output unit, 131 deposit detection unit, 132 password detection unit, 133 message output unit, 134 ID detection unit, 135 face image detection unit, 136 password authentication instruction unit, 138 play permission unit, 140 game execution unit , 142 transmitter, 144 receiver, 146 play request transmitter, 147 confirmation request transmitter, 148 password authentication request transmitter, 150 play information transmitter, 151 confirmation response receiver, 152 permission / rejection notification receiver, 153 game data reception. 156 Face authentication request transmission unit, 158 Face authentication response reception unit, 160 Communication unit, 162 Data processing unit, 164 Data storage unit, 166 transmission unit, 168 reception unit, 170 Payment request unit, 172 Acceptance / rejection notification transmission unit, 173 Game data transmission unit, 176 play request reception unit, 178 password reception unit, 180 payment reception unit, 182 player registration request reception unit, 184 play information reception unit, 185 face registration request reception unit, 192 player information management unit, 193 game data Management Department, 194 Credit Management Department, 196 Play Permission Department, 198 Payment Processing Department, 199 Face Information Management Department, 200 Player Information, 202 Entrance Management Information, 204 Face Information, 222 Data Processing Department, 224 Communication Department, 226 Data Storage Unit, 228 user interface processing unit, 232 input unit, 234 output unit, 242 store entry management unit, 244 store entry confirmation unit, 246 face extraction unit, 248 two-dimensional image code extraction unit, 250 face authentication unit, 252 transmitter unit, 254 receiving unit, 262 confirmation response unit, 264 face registration request transmitting unit, 266 face authentication response unit, 272 confirmation request receiving unit, 274 face authentication request receiving unit, 284 image acquisition unit

Claims (7)

Connected to the game device via a communication network,
When the short-range wireless reader provided in the facility where the game device is installed receives the first identifier transmitted from the short-range wireless transmitter attached to the user's mobile phone, it corresponds to the first identifier. A determination unit that determines that the owner of the user's mobile phone has already entered the facility,
When the second identifier read from the storage medium other than the user's portable item held by the user requesting play is received from the game device, the user corresponding to the second identifier has already entered the facility. A game system comprising: a payment requesting unit for requesting payment of the play fee by the electronic payment means of the user, provided that the game is determined to be. The game system according to claim 1, further comprising a play permission unit that permits the play using the game data of the user when the payment by the electronic payment means is possible. The determination unit determines that the user has entered the facility from the time when the owner of the user's portable item corresponding to the first identifier first determines that the facility has been entered until a predetermined time elapses. The game system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game system is maintained. The user's personal belongings are key chains or accessories.
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage medium is a card. Connected to a game device equipped with a camera via a communication network,
When the short-range wireless reader provided in the facility where the game device is installed receives the first identifier transmitted from the short-range wireless transmitter attached to the user's mobile phone, it corresponds to the first identifier. With the camera, a determination unit that determines that the owner of the user's mobile phone has already entered the facility and a face recognition process that uses the owner determined to have entered the facility as a candidate. A specific part that attempts to identify the user who is filmed and requests play,
A game system including a payment requesting unit that requests payment of the play fee by the electronic payment means of the user when the user is successfully identified. The game system according to claim 5, further comprising a play permission unit that permits the play using the game data of the user when the payment by the electronic payment means is possible. A receiver that receives the first identifier from the user's mobile phone owned by the player via wireless communication,
When the first identifier is received, a state setting unit that sets a player associated with the first identifier in advance to a check-in state, and a state setting unit.
An input unit that accepts the input of the second identifier from the player by an input means different from that of the user's mobile phone.
A game control unit that controls the progress of the game,
When the second identifier is input, the player who is associated with the second identifier is in the check-in state, and the play fee of the game is requested to be settled by an electronic payment means associated with the player in advance. A game system characterized by having a payment request unit.

Images