JP5346786B2 - Management device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lessen burden of a token handling user. <P>SOLUTION: A management device 40 communicates with a game device 26 including a storing part 542 storing a use credit count CB increased and decreased by using or investing credits in a game and with a credit management server 12 for managing the holding credit count CA held by the user. A transition part 434 mediates the transition of credit from one of the holding credit count CA and the use credit count CB to the other thereof. A charge processing part 432 charges the holding credit count CA or the use credit count CB with credit of a quantity corresponding to the amount of a payment PY of electronic money. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for managing credits used in a game device.

  Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a database in which a total number of credits held by a user (the number of credits held) and user identification information are stored in association with each other is used for credit management in a game device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for inputting identification information from a user's IC card to a game device and transferring the number of credits stored in a database corresponding to the identification information to the game device for use. ing.

JP 2008-29513 A

  However, if the number of credits held in the database is insufficient or as a result of consumption by the game device after transfer of the credits, the user goes to the medal lending device and borrows the medal by inserting cash In addition, it is necessary to carry medals from the lending device to the game device, and there is a problem that the burden on the user is large. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to reduce a burden on a user who handles medals.

  Means employed by the present invention to solve the above problems will be described below. In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the drawings will be appended in parentheses for convenience in the following, but the present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated forms.

  The management device (40) according to the present invention includes a game device (26) including a storage unit (542) that stores a first credit number (CB) that increases or decreases due to the use or grant of credits in a game, and a user A management device (40) that communicates with a server device (12) that manages a second credit number (CA) that it possesses, and one of the first credit number (CB) and the second credit number (CA) from one to the other A transfer unit (434) that mediates the transfer of credits, and a charge processing unit (Char) that charges the amount of credit corresponding to the amount of use (PY) of electronic money to the first credit number (CB) or the second credit number (CA) 432). In the above configuration, since the credit is transferred from one of the first credit number (CB) and the second credit number (CA) to the other, there is no need for the user to handle medals. Further, since the first credit number (CB) or the second credit number (CA) is settled with electronic money, no cash is required for charging the credit. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user. Further, since both credit transfer and credit charging are realized, it is possible to reduce the chance that the user who executes the game directly touches the medal. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game device that allows a user who feels uncomfortable to touch a dirty medal without directly touching the medal.

  “Credit” means the amount of value (virtual money) used (consumed or granted) in a game, and typically a game medium such as a medal (coin), token (substitute coin) or coin It corresponds to a numerical value (game value) having an exchange value for. For example, credits increase due to the insertion of game media or acquisition during events in the game, and credits decrease due to consumption at the start of the game, payout of game media, or use during events during the game. Electronic money means electronic information having a monetary value, and prepaid electronic money in which an electronic money balance (B) is set in advance, or usage amount (PY) is used afterwards. This concept includes both post-pay electronic money billed to a person.

  "Transition of credit from one of the first credit number (CB) and second credit number (CA) to the other" includes one-way credit transition from the first credit number (CB) to the second credit number (CA) (Deposit), one-way credit transfer (withdrawal) from the second credit number (CA) to the first credit number (CB), and between the first credit number (CB) and the second credit number (CA) 3 types of bi-directional credit transfer are included. Therefore, a configuration that executes only one-way credit transfer is also included in the scope of the present invention. Further, the credits to be transferred may be all or a part of the first credit number (CB) or the second credit number (CA).

  The management device (40) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes an operation unit (47) operated by a user, and the charge processing unit (432) receives a credit of a quantity corresponding to an operation on the operation unit (47). Is charged to the second credit number (CA). In the above embodiment, it is possible to charge the second credit number (CA) by operating the operation unit (47) of the management device (40). Therefore, for example, the user moves to the game device (26) after executing the charge for the second credit number (CA) in the management device (40), and the game device (26) uses the second credit number (CA). By shifting the credit from 1 to the first credit number (CB), the trouble of borrowing medals and carrying them to the game device (26) is reduced. That is, the management device (40) realizes both charging and transfer of credits, so that it is possible to effectively improve the convenience for the user. Furthermore, if a display unit for displaying the remaining number of the second credit number (CA) is installed in the management device (40), when the second credit number (CA) is insufficient, the credit is charged on the spot. It becomes possible to execute.

  The management device (40) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a request reception unit (48) that receives a charge request indicating the usage amount (PY) of electronic money from the game device (26), and includes a charge processing unit (432). ) Charges the second credit number (CA) with a credit of a quantity corresponding to the usage amount (PY) indicated by the charge request. In the above aspect, the request receiving unit (48) receives the charge request from the game device (26). Therefore, when the first credit number (CB) and the second credit number (CA) are insufficient during the execution of the game, the user can charge the credit without moving from the game device (26). is there. As described above, when the game device (26) can charge the second credit number (CA), a large number of credits are charged to the second credit number (CA) at a time, and the game device (26). It is possible to shift only the credits used for the second credit number (CA) to the first credit number (CB). Therefore, for example, assuming an environment in which an operation is adopted in which the ratio (lending rate) of the credit amount (charge amount) to the usage amount increases as the usage amount for charging credit increases, the above operation As a result, the convenience of the user is improved. That is, it is possible for the management device (40) to improve the convenience of the user by realizing both charging and transfer of credit.

  The management device (40) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a request reception unit (48) that receives a charge request indicating the usage amount (PY) of electronic money from the game device (26), and includes a charge processing unit (432). ) Charges the first credit number (CB) with a credit of a quantity corresponding to the usage amount (PY) indicated by the charge request. In the above aspect, since the request receiving unit (48) receives the charge request transmitted from the game device (26), the first credit number (CB) and the second credit number (CA) are insufficient during the execution of the game. In this case, the user can charge the credit without moving from the game device (26). Further, since the first credit number (CB) held by the storage unit (542) of the game apparatus (26) is charged, the second credit number (CA) is charged as compared with the above-described configuration. There is also an advantage that the number of credit transfers from the credit number (CA) to the first credit number (CB) is reduced. Even if a large number of credits are charged to the first credit number (CB), the first credit number (CB) remaining at the end of the game can be transferred to the second credit number (CA). The work to carry is no longer necessary. As described above, it is possible for the management device (40) to improve the convenience of the user by realizing both charging and transfer of credit.

  The management apparatus (40) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a settlement processing unit (428) that requests settlement of a usage amount (PY) from a settlement server (34) that manages an electronic money balance (B). Then, the charge processing unit (432) charges a quantity of credit according to the usage amount (PY) settled by the settlement server (34). In the above configuration, since the payment server (34) manages the electronic money balance (B), the electronic money balance (B) is stored in the portable payment recording medium (200) (card management type). Compared to the above, there is an advantage that the possibility of falsification of the electronic money balance (B) and the possibility of the loss of the payment recording medium (200) by the user are reduced. In the above embodiment, a settlement server (34) managed by an existing electronic money business operator can be used. Therefore, if a facility (for example, a gaming facility) has already been constructed that can transfer credit between the first credit number (CB) and the second credit number (CA), There is no need to install an electronic payment terminal in the game facility, and there is an advantage that introduction cost can be reduced.

  The management device (40) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a settlement processing unit (428) that settles the usage amount (PY) from the electronic money balance (B) stored in the portable settlement recording medium (200). The charge processing unit (432) charges a credit of a quantity corresponding to the usage amount (PY) settled by the settlement processing unit (428). In the above aspect, since the payment processing unit (428) of the management device (40) pays the usage amount (PY) from the portable payment recording medium (200), the payment server (34) has the electronic money balance ( Compared with the configuration (server management type) for managing B), there is an advantage that the communication load necessary for settlement is reduced. Prepaid electronic money that can be used in the above modes is widespread when mounted on mobile phones and IC cards, and is used for purposes other than credit charging in management systems (for example, payment at general stores). Since it can be used, the convenience for the user is extremely high.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the request reception unit (48) includes a settlement processing unit (626) that manages the electronic money balance (B) stored in the portable settlement recording medium (200) ( 26), a charge request indicating a usage amount (PY) to be settled by the settlement processing unit (626) is received. In the above aspect, since the payment processing unit (626) of the game device (26) pays the usage amount (PY) from the portable payment recording medium (200), the payment server (34) has the electronic money balance ( Compared with the configuration (server management type) for managing B), it is possible to reduce the communication load necessary for settlement. There is also an advantage that the user can charge credits without moving from the game device (26). Prepaid electronic money that can be used in the above modes is widespread when mounted on mobile phones and IC cards, and is used for purposes other than credit charging in management systems (for example, payment at general stores). Since it can be used, the convenience for the user is extremely high.

  The management device (40) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a quantity setting unit (430) for setting the quantity of credits according to the usage amount (PY) of electronic money, and the charge processing unit (432) The amount of credit set by the quantity setting unit (430) is charged. For example, the quantity setting unit (430) includes a storage unit (430A) that variably stores a credit amount for each of a plurality of usage amounts (PY) of electronic money, and a usage amount (PY) that is settled with electronic money. And a determination unit (430B) that determines the quantity of credits stored in the storage unit (430A). In the above aspect, the relationship between the usage amount (PY) and the credit amount can be variably set for each usage amount (PY). In addition, the quantity setting unit (430) corresponds to the storage unit (430A) that variably stores the ratio of the credit quantity to the usage amount (PY) of electronic money, and the usage amount (PY) that is settled with electronic money. A determination unit (430B) that determines a credit quantity according to a ratio stored in the storage unit (430A). In the above aspect, there is an advantage that it can correspond to an arbitrary usage amount (PY) (not limited to a predetermined usage amount (PY) in which the amount of credit is set). In addition, since the management device (40) includes the quantity setting unit (430), the management device (40) can centrally manage the relationship between the usage amount and the credit amount. In particular, in the configuration in which the game device (26) includes the settlement processing unit (626), the relationship between the amount used and the amount of credit is greater than the configuration in which the game device (26) includes the quantity setting unit (628). The management convenience is greatly improved.

  The management device (40) according to the first aspect of the present invention generates a first reception unit (462) that receives first identification information (UID_IN), and biological information (BID_IN) that indicates a user's biological characteristics. A generating unit (464); and a first authentication unit (422) that obtains a result of the first authentication using the first identification information (UID_IN) and the biometric information (BID_IN), and a charge processing unit (432). Performs charging of the credit when the result of the first authentication is affirmative. In the first aspect, when the result of the first authentication (authentication for access of the server device (12)) using the first identification information (UID_IN) and the biometric information (BID_IN) is affirmative, the credit is executed. (If the result of the first authentication is negative, charging is prohibited) Therefore, it is possible to permit credit charging only for authorized users.

  When the result of the first authentication is positive, the management device (40) according to a preferred example of the first aspect stores the first identification information (UID_IN) as authenticated information (A) in the management storage unit (442). Management section (426) to be executed, and first identification information (UID_IN) that matches the first confirmation identification information (UID_IN) input to the game device (26) is managed storage section (442) as authenticated information (A). And a determination unit (436) for determining whether or not the data is stored in the first credit number (CB) when the determination result by the determination unit (436) is affirmative. And the second credit number (CA) to mediate the transfer of credit from one to the other. In the above aspect, whether or not the first confirmation identification information (UID_IN) input to the game device (26) is stored as authenticated information (A) in the management storage unit (442) of the management device (40). Whether to transfer credits is determined accordingly. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the first authentication using the biometric information (BID_IN) on the game device (26). On the other hand, in order to allow credit transfer in the game device (26), the first authentication (biometric authentication) in the management device (40) is required, so the safety of credit management is ensured. In other words, it is possible to ensure both the security of credit management and the simplification of the configuration and procedures necessary for authentication.

  In addition, when the result of determination by the determination unit (436) is affirmative, a configuration is also adopted in which the charge processing unit (432) executes charging of the credit for the first credit number (CB) or the second credit number (CA). Can be done. In the above configuration, if the first confirmation identification information (UID_IN) is stored as the authenticated information (A) in the management storage unit (442) of the management device (40), the biometric information (BID_IN) is used. It is not necessary to perform the first authentication every time a credit is charged. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the security of credit management and the simplification of the configuration and procedure necessary for authentication.

  The management device (40) according to the second aspect of the present invention generates a first reception unit (462) that receives first identification information (UID_IN), and biological information (BID_IN) that indicates a user's biological characteristics. A generating unit (464), a first authenticating unit (422) for obtaining a result of the first authentication using the first identification information (UID_IN) and the biometric information (BID_IN), and second identification information (PID_IN, RID) And a second authentication unit (424) for acquiring a second authentication result using the second identification information (PID_IN, RID), and the charge processing unit (432) When the result of both the first authentication and the second authentication is affirmative, the credit is charged. In the above aspect, the results of both the first authentication and the second authentication (authentication using the second identification information (PID_IN) for the access of the server device (32) different from the server device (12)) are positive. In this case, charging of the credit is executed (if the result of either the first authentication or the second authentication is negative, charging is prohibited). As described above, since the first authentication and the second authentication using different server devices are executed, it is possible to permit charging of credits with a high degree of accuracy limited to authorized users. A typical example of the second identification information (PID_IN, RID) is identification information directly received from the user (for example, identification of a game card used for identification of save data applied to the game device (26)). Information (PID_IN)) and identification information (RID) managed corresponding to the identification information (PID_IN) received from the user. That is, the “acquisition unit” of the present invention includes a second reception unit (466) that directly receives the second identification information (PID_IN) from the user, and a second corresponding to the identification information (PID_IN) received from the user. This is a concept that also includes an element for acquiring two identification information (RID) (for example, an element for acquiring second identification information (RID) from the server device (36) that manages the correspondence between the two).

  The management device (40) according to the preferred example of the second aspect obtains the first identification information (UID_IN) and the second identification information (PID_IN) when both the results of the first authentication and the second authentication are positive. The management unit (426) to be stored in the management storage unit (442) as the authenticated information (A) in association with the second confirmation identification information (PID_IN) specified according to the input to the game device (26). A determination unit (436) that determines whether or not the second identification information (PID_IN) is stored in the management storage unit (442) as the authenticated information (A), and the transition unit (434) If the result of the determination in (436) is affirmative, the credit transfer from one of the first credit number (CB) and the second credit number (CA) to the other is mediated. In the above aspect, the second confirmation identification information (PID_IN) specified in response to the input to the game device (26) is stored as the authenticated information (A) in the management storage unit (442) of the management device (40). Whether or not credit transfer is permitted is determined depending on whether or not it has been made. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the first authentication using the biometric information (BID_IN) on the game device (26). On the other hand, in order to allow credit transfer in the game device (26), the first authentication (biometric authentication) in the management device (40) is required, so the safety of credit management is ensured. That is, similarly to the first aspect, it is possible to ensure both the security of credit management and the simplification of the configuration and procedure necessary for authentication.

  In addition, when the result of determination by the determination unit (436) is affirmative, a configuration is also adopted in which the charge processing unit (432) executes charging of the credit for the first credit number (CB) or the second credit number (CA). Can be done. In the above configuration, if the second confirmation identification information (PID_IN) is stored as the authenticated information (A) in the management storage unit (442) of the management device (40), the biometric information (BID_IN) is used. It is not necessary to perform the first authentication every time a credit is charged. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the security of credit management and the simplification of the configuration and procedure necessary for authentication.

  In addition, the 1st reception part (462) in a 1st aspect or a 2nd aspect includes all the means to acquire 1st identification information (UID_IN). For example, a reader that reads the first identification information (UID_IN) from a recording medium that electrically or magnetically records the first identification information (UID_IN), or optically the first identification information (UID_IN) printed on the reading surface The concept of the first receiving unit (462) includes an input device that inputs the first identification information (UID_IN) by operating the reader and the user. Similarly, the second receiving unit (466) is a concept including all means for acquiring the second identification information (PID_IN). The first authentication unit (422) that acquires the result of the first authentication includes means for acquiring the result of the first authentication performed externally, and means for acquiring the result by executing the first authentication by itself. It is a concept that includes both. Similarly, for the second authentication unit (424), it does not matter whether the subject that performs the second authentication is the second authentication unit (424) or another element.

  The management device (40) according to the preferred embodiment of the second aspect receives a second reception from the management server (36) that stores the second identification information (PID_IN) and the electronic money settlement identification information (MID) in association with each other. The payment identification information (MID) corresponding to the second identification information (PID_IN) received by the unit (466) is acquired, and the usage amount from the electronic money balance (B) corresponding to the payment identification information (MID) ( PY) is provided with a payment processing unit (428) that requests the payment server (34) that manages the electronic money balance (B), and the charge processing unit (432) is settled by the payment server (34). The credit of the quantity according to the usage amount (PY) to be charged is charged. In the above aspect, the payment identification information (MID) for identifying the electronic money balance (B) used for the payment of the usage amount is stored in the management server (36) in association with the second identification information (PID_IN). The usage amount (PY) is settled from the electronic money balance (B) of the identification information for settlement (MID) corresponding to the second identification information (PID_IN) received by the second receiving unit (466) of the management device (40). Is done. That is, since the second identification information (PID_IN) used for the second authentication is also used for specifying the identification information for payment (MID), the user can identify the payment for identification separately from the second identification information (PID_IN). It is not necessary to input information (MID) to the management device (40). Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience.

  In the preferred example of the first aspect or the second aspect, the charge processing unit (432) charges a predetermined amount of credit (NCH_P) to the second credit number (CA) when the result of the first authentication is affirmative. To do. In the above aspect, since a predetermined amount of credit is charged to the second credit number (CA) on the condition that the authentication in the management device (40) is successful, the use of the game device (26) by the user is effective. Can be promoted. It is preferable that one user is charged with a predetermined amount of credit (NCH_P) once a day as a limit. That is, a predetermined amount of credit (NCH_P) functions as a store visit point. Further, a configuration in which a predetermined amount of credit (NCH_P) is charged only when the remaining number of the second credit number (CA) is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (for example, when the remaining number is zero) may be employed. . In the above aspect, since the store visit points are given to users who have used up the second credit number (CA), it is possible to promote the use of credits.

  In a preferred example of the configuration in which the management unit (426) stores the authenticated information (A) in the management storage unit (442) when the authentication is successful under the first mode or the second mode, the management unit (426) When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the authenticated information (A) in the management storage unit (442) is invalidated. In the above aspect, since the authenticated information (A) becomes invalid when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the credit management is safer than the configuration in which the authenticated information (A) is effectively maintained over a long period of time. It is possible to increase the sex. For example, if the authenticated information (A) is invalidated when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a third party who has acquired the second identification information (PID_IN) executes credit transfer (impersonates a legitimate user) ) Is prevented.

  “Invalidated authenticated information (A)” means that authenticated information (A) cannot be referred to. For example, the deletion of the authenticated information (A) is a typical example of the invalidation of the authenticated information (A), but a specific process for invalidating the authenticated information (A) is arbitrary. For example, the process of changing the flag added to the authenticated information (A) from valid to invalid is also included in the concept of invalidating the authenticated information (A). However, from the viewpoint of reducing the load of processing (for example, flag setting) by the management unit (426), a configuration for deleting the authenticated information (A) is particularly suitable.

  The conditions that trigger the invalidation of the authenticated information (A) are arbitrary. For example, the configuration in which the management unit (426) invalidates the authenticated information (A) when a predetermined time arrives. A configuration may be adopted in which the authenticated information (A) is invalidated when the validity period set for each authenticated information (A) expires. According to the former configuration, there is an advantage that the load on the management unit (426) is reduced as compared with the latter configuration. On the other hand, according to the latter configuration, since the validity period is set for each authenticated information (A), for example, the authenticated information (A) can be stored over a predetermined time regardless of the generation time of the authenticated information (A). It can be valid.

  Each of the plurality of game devices (26) managed by the management device (40) of the first aspect or the second aspect performs a credit transfer (deposit) from the first credit number (CB) to the second credit number (CA). An operation unit including at least one of a deposit operation unit (582) for instructing and a withdrawal operation unit (584) for instructing a transfer (withdrawal) of credit from the second credit number (CA) to the first credit number (CB) ( 58), and the operation unit (58) can be operated when the permission unit (528) permits credit transfer. In the above aspect, since the operation unit (58) can be operated when credit transfer is permitted, the process of accepting an operation from the user when the permission unit (528) does not permit credit transfer. Is unnecessary. Therefore, there is an advantage that the processing load of the game apparatus (26) is reduced. As a method for controlling whether or not the operation unit (58) can be operated, a method for controlling validity / invalidity of reception of an operation to the operation unit (58) or a configuration in which the operation is received by a display device with a touch panel function is available. And a method of controlling display (valid) / non-display (invalid) of the operation unit (58) on the screen.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the management unit (426) causes the biometric information (BID_IN, BID) to be included in the authenticated information (A) and stored in the management storage unit (442). 26) a server device (12) having a storage device (124) for storing the first identification information (UID), the biometric information (BID), and the second credit number (CA) in association with each other when instructed by (26). In contrast, the first identification information (UID_IN) and the biometric information (BID_IN, BID) of the authenticated information (A) are transmitted. In the above aspect, since the first identification information (UID_IN) and the biometric information (BID_IN, BID) are transmitted from the management device (40) to the server device (12) when credit transfer is instructed, the credit It is possible to execute authentication using the first identification information (UID_IN) and the biometric information (BID_IN, BID) in the server device (12) during the transition. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of credit management as compared with the configuration in which only the first identification information (UID_IN) is transmitted from the management device (40) to the server device (12) and credits are transferred. Further, since the first identification information (UID_IN) and the biological information (BID_IN, BID) are transmitted from the management unit (426) to the server device (12), for example, the first identification information (UID_IN) and the biological information ( BID_IN) and processing of the server device (12) related to a device (for example, medal processing device (16)) that performs payout and deposit of game media (for example, medals), and a server for the management device (40) It is possible to share the processing of the device (12). Therefore, there is an advantage that the management device (40) can be easily introduced into a system in which the server device (12) manages credits.

  In another aspect, the management unit (426) causes the specific information (α) to be included in the authenticated information (A) and stored in the management storage unit (442), and a credit transfer is instructed from the game device (26). The server device (12) that manages the storage device (124) that stores the first identification information (UID), the specific information (α), and the second credit number (CA) in association with each other has been authenticated. The first identification information (UID_IN) and specific information (α) of information (A) are transmitted. In the above aspect, since the first identification information (UID_IN) and the specific information (α) are transmitted from the management device (40) to the server device (12) when the credit transfer is instructed, the credit transfer At this time, the server device (12) can execute authentication using the first identification information (UID_IN) and the specific information (α). Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of credit management as compared with the configuration in which only the first identification information (UID_IN) is transmitted from the management device (40) to the server device (12) and credits are transferred. A typical example of the specific information (α) is a one-time password employed by an arbitrary method. The subject that generates the specific information (α) is arbitrary. For example, the specific information (α) generated by the server device (12) is notified to the management unit (426) and included in the authenticated information (A), or the specific information (α) generated by the management unit (426) Is notified to the server device (12) and stored in the storage device (124) together with the first identification information (UID) and the second credit number (CA).

  The present invention is also specified as a program that causes a computer to function as the management apparatus (40). A program according to the present invention includes a game device (26) including a storage unit (542) that stores a first credit number (CB) that increases or decreases by use or grant of credits in a game, and a user's first program. A transfer process that mediates the transfer of credit from one of the first credit number (CB) and the second credit number (CA) to the computer that communicates with the server device (12) that manages the two credit number (CA); Then, charge processing for charging a credit of a quantity corresponding to the usage amount (PY) of electronic money to the first credit number (CB) or the second credit number (CA) is executed. According to the above program, the same effect as the management apparatus (40) of this invention is implement | achieved. The program exemplified above is provided to a user in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium and installed in the computer, or provided from a server device in a form of distribution via a communication network. Installed.

It is a block diagram of the management system of a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the record which a credit management server manages. It is a flowchart of an operation for paying out and depositing medals. It is a schematic diagram of the record which a game management server manages. It is a schematic diagram of the record which a payment server manages. It is a schematic diagram of the record which ID management server manages. It is a block diagram of a management device and a game device. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen which designates the usage amount of electronic money. It is a block diagram of a quantity setting part. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen which instruct | indicates the quantity of credit transfer. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of 1st authentication and 2nd authentication. It is a flowchart of a credit charge. It is a flowchart of the operation | movement at the time of a game. It is a flowchart of the operation | movement at the time of a game. It is a block diagram of the management apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the management apparatus and game device in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the management apparatus and game device of the modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the management apparatus and game device of the modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the management apparatus and game device in 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the authenticated information in 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the authenticated information in 6th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the management apparatus and game device in 7th Embodiment. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of 7th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the management apparatus and game device in 8th Embodiment. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of 8th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the record which the credit management server of 8th Embodiment manages. It is a schematic diagram of the authenticated information which concerns on a modification.

<A: First Embodiment>
<A-1: Configuration of First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a management system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 100 is a computer network system configured to include a first system 10, a second system 20, a third system 30, and a management device 40. The first system 10 and the second system 20 are constructed in a gaming facility such as a game center, and the third system 30 is constructed outside the gaming facility, for example.

  The first system 10 is a system used for management (deposit and withdrawal) of medals used in games. A user who intends to use medal management by the first system 10 needs to receive registration (hereinafter referred to as “first registration”) in advance. Identification information UID (user ID) is given to the user who has received the first registration. The identification information UID is stored, for example, in a portable recording medium (hereinafter referred to as “credit management card”) such as an IC card issued to the user.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first system 10 includes a credit management server 12 and a medal processing device 16. The credit management server 12 and the medal processing device 16 communicate with each other via the communication network 18. The communication network 18 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) built in a game facility. However, a part of the first system 10 may be installed outside the gaming facility. In a configuration in which a part of the first system 10 is installed outside the amusement facility, a part of the communication network 18 is realized by, for example, a wide area network (WAN) using the Internet or a virtual private network (VPN).

  The credit management server 12 is a server device for managing the total amount of credits held by the user (hereinafter referred to as “the number of retained credits”) CA, and includes a processing device 122 and a storage device 124. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage device 124 stores a record RC for each first registration. Each record RC includes the identification information UID and biometric information BID of the user who has received the first registration, and the number of credits CA held by the user. The biological information BID is information indicating the biological characteristics of the user. For example, biometric information BID indicating a vein pattern of a hand (palm or finger) is stored in the storage device 124. A configuration in which the biometric information BID and the number of retained credits CA are stored in separate storage devices in association with the identification information UID is also employed. The processing device 122 executes management (reading or writing) of the record RC stored in the storage device 124.

  The medal processing device 16 in FIG. 1 is a terminal device operated by a user for depositing and paying out medals, and includes a control unit 162, a reception unit 164, and a generation unit 166. It should be noted that a configuration in which medals are deposited and paid out by separate devices may be employed. The control unit 162 executes various processes necessary for depositing and paying out medals.

  The accepting unit 164 accepts input of identification information UID_IN by the user. For example, a known reader that reads the identification information UID stored in the credit management card as the identification information UID_IN is employed as the receiving unit 164. The identification information UID_IN input by the user who has received the first registration properly matches the identification information UID stored in the storage device 124.

  The generation unit 166 generates biometric information BID_IN indicating the biometric features of the user. For example, a known vein sensor that detects the vein pattern of the user's hand (palm or finger) and generates biometric information BID_IN is employed as the generation unit 166. The biometric information BID_IN of the user who has received the first registration properly matches the biometric information BID in the storage device 124.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of operations related to depositing and paying out medals using the medal processing device 16. The process of FIG. 3 is started when a predetermined operation is performed on the medal processing device 16. A user who wishes to deposit or pay out medals by the medal processing device 16 inputs identification information UID_IN to the receiving unit 164 (SA10) and causes the generating unit 166 to generate biometric information BID_IN (SA11). The control unit 162 transmits an authentication request including the identification information UID_IN and the biometric information BID_IN input by the user to the credit management server 12 (SA12).

  When receiving the authentication request (SA13), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 executes authentication (biometric authentication) using the identification information UID_IN and the biometric information BID_IN included in the authentication request (SA14). Specifically, the processing device 122 determines whether the combination of the identification information UID_IN and the biological information BID_IN is stored in the storage device 124 (the biological information corresponding to the identification information UID matching the identification information UID_IN and the biological information BID_IN). Whether or not the BID is stored in the storage device 124 in association with one record RC). The processing device 122 transmits the authentication result to the medal processing device 16 (SA15). The control unit 162 of the medal processing device 16 receives the authentication result (SA16).

  If the authentication result is negative, the control unit 162 notifies the user of the authentication failure and terminates the process. If the authentication result is positive (SA17: YES), the control unit 162 permits the withdrawal and deposit of medals. To do. For example, when the user designates a desired number of sheets (hereinafter referred to as “the number of withdrawals”) NOUT and requests to pay out medals (SA18), the control unit 162 obtains identification information UID_IN, biometric information BID_IN, and the number of withdrawals NOUT. The withdrawal request including the request is transmitted to the credit management server 12 (SA19). When receiving the withdrawal request (SA20), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 subtracts the withdrawal number NOUT from the retained credit number CA stored in the storage device 124 corresponding to the identification information UID_IN in the authentication result (SA21). ), A withdrawal notice signifying the completion of the update of the possessed credit number CA is transmitted to the medal processing device 16 (SA22). The control unit 162 that has received the withdrawal notification pays out the number of medals corresponding to the withdrawal number NOUT from the dispenser (hopper) (SA23).

  On the other hand, when the user inserts a medal into the insertion slot (not shown) of the medal processing device 16 and instructs to deposit the medal, the number of medals inserted into the insertion slot (hereinafter referred to as “the number of deposits”) NIN is counted. A counter (not shown) counts (SA24). The control unit 162 transmits a deposit request including the identification information UID_IN, biometric information BID_IN, and the deposit number NIN to the credit management server 12 (SA25). The processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 that has received the deposit request (SA26) adds the deposited number NIN to the retained credit number CA stored in the storage device 124 corresponding to the identification information UID_IN (SA27), and the retained credit number A deposit notice signifying completion of CA update is transmitted to the medal processing device 16 (SA28). The control unit 162 receives a deposit notification (SA29). The procedures for paying out and depositing medals using the first system 10 are as described above.

  The second system 20 in FIG. 1 is a system for a user to execute a game, and includes a plurality of game devices 26 connected to a communication network 28. The second system 20 includes two or more types of game devices 26 that provide different games. Similar to the communication network 18, the communication network 28 is a LAN constructed in a gaming facility, for example. However, a part of the second system 20 may be installed outside the gaming facility. In a configuration in which a part of the second system 20 is installed outside the game facility, a part of the communication network 28 is realized by, for example, a WAN or VPN using the Internet.

  A user who intends to use the second system 20 (each game device 26) can receive registration (hereinafter referred to as “second registration”) in advance. Identification information PID (player ID) is given to the user who has received the second registration. The identification information PID is stored in a portable recording medium (hereinafter referred to as “game card”) such as an IC card issued to the user. The identification information PID can be used to identify game data of each user in a game server (not shown) that manages game data (save data) for each second registration. The game data includes, for example, various kinds of information related to the game such as the progress of the game executed by the user in the past.

  A third system 30 in FIG. 1 is a system that manages the entire management system 100 and includes a game management server 32, a settlement server 34, and an ID management server 36. Each server in the third system 30 is connected to the communication network 38. The communication network 38 is, for example, a WAN or VPN using the Internet, and is connected to the communication network 28 of the second system 20. A part of the third system 30 can be installed in the gaming facility. In addition, communication devices such as gateways and routers can be appropriately arranged on communication paths inside the communication network 18 and the communication network 28.

  The game management server 32 is a server device for authenticating whether or not the user has received the second registration, and includes a processing device 322 and a storage device 324. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage device 324 stores a record RG for each second registration. Each record RG includes the identification information PID and password PWD of the user who has received the second registration. The password PWD is set by the user at the time of second registration, for example. The processing device 322 executes management (reading and writing) of each record RG stored in the storage device 324.

  The settlement server 34 in FIG. 1 is a server device operated by, for example, an electronic money business in order to manage a balance of electronic money held by a user (hereinafter simply referred to as “electronic money balance”) B, and is a processing device 342. And a storage device 344. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 344 stores a record RM for each use registration (account) of electronic money. Each record RM includes settlement identification information MID and electronic money balance B. The payment identification information MID is a code for identifying a user of electronic money. The electronic money balance B can be increased by depositing (charging) using a credit card, for example. The processing device 342 manages (reads and writes) each record RM stored in the storage device 344.

  A user who intends to use the third system 30 can receive registration (hereinafter referred to as “third registration”) in advance using, for example, the WEB site. Management identification information KID is given to the user who has received the third registration. The ID management server 36 is a server device that manages each piece of identification information (KID, PID, MID) used in the third system 30 and includes a processing device 362 and a storage device 364. As shown in FIG. 6, the storage device 364 stores a record RK for every third registration. Each record RK includes management identification information KID, identification information PID, and settlement identification information MID. When the user receives a plurality of second registrations for a plurality of types of games (when a plurality of pieces of identification information PID are given to the user), the record RK includes a plurality of pieces of identification information PID. The processing device 362 executes management (reading and writing) of each record RK stored in the storage device 364.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the management device 40 and the game device 26. The communication network 28 interposed between the game device 26 and the management device 40 is omitted in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the game apparatus 26 is a computer system that includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) 52, a storage device 54, an input receiving unit 56, and an operation unit 58. The arithmetic processing unit 52 realizes a plurality of functions (terminal-side authentication unit 524, game processing unit 522, inquiry unit 526, permission unit 528, and control unit 530) by executing the program stored in the storage device 54.

  The input receiving unit 56 is an element that receives input from the user, and includes a receiving unit 562 and a receiving unit 564. The accepting unit 562 accepts input of identification information PID_IN by the user. For example, a known reader that reads the identification information PID stored in the game card as the identification information PID_IN is employed as the receiving unit 562. The accepting unit 564 accepts input of the password PWD_IN by the user. For example, the reception unit 564 includes a plurality of operators (tenkeys) operated by the user. Note that an operator (ten-key) displayed by a display device with a touch panel function can be employed as the reception unit 564.

  A user who intends to apply game data to a game needs to receive terminal-side authentication using identification information PID_IN and password PWD_IN. The terminal side authentication is a determination as to whether or not the user has received the second registration. That is, the terminal-side authentication is performed based on whether or not a combination of the identification information PID_IN and the password PWD_IN is stored in the storage device 324 of the game management server 32 (the identification information PID that matches the identification information PID_IN and the password PWD that matches the password PWD_IN). Corresponds to a process of determining whether or not the data is stored in the storage device 324 in association with one record RG.

  The terminal side authentication unit 524 in FIG. 7 acquires the result of terminal side authentication. If the result of terminal-side authentication is affirmative (if terminal-side authentication is successful), game data corresponding to identification information PID_IN (PID) is transmitted from the game server to game device 26. The game processing unit 522 executes various game processes (processes for causing a user to execute a game) by applying game data acquired from a game server. Therefore, the user can restart the game from the situation when the user has executed the game in the past.

  The storage device 54 stores programs executed by the arithmetic processing device 52 and various data. Specifically, a storage area (hereinafter referred to as “storage unit”) 542 for storing the number of used credits CB is set in the storage device 54. The number of used credits CB means the amount of credits that increases or decreases with the start or progress of the game in the game device 26 (for example, the occurrence of an event). For example, when a predetermined number of credits necessary for starting the game is consumed, the number of used credits CB decreases, and when the credit is acquired as the game progresses (for example, clearing of an event), the used credit number CB increases. The game processing unit 522 updates the number of used credits CB in the storage unit 542 as needed as the game starts and progresses. A known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium or a combination of a plurality of types of recording media is arbitrarily adopted as the storage device 54.

  The user can increase the number of used credits CB by inserting medals into the game device 26. Furthermore, the user who has received both the first registration and the second registration is between the retained credit number CA managed by the first system 10 and the used credit number CB stored in the storage unit 542 of the game apparatus 26. It is possible to transfer credits (hereinafter referred to as “credit transfer”). In the credit transfer, the credit is transferred from the owned credit number CA to the used credit number CB and used for the game on the game device 26 (drawing), and the credit generated by the insertion of the medal or the acquisition in the game is used credit. There is a process (deposit) to shift from the number CB to the retained credit number CA.

  In addition to the first registration and the second registration, the user who has received the third registration charges the number of retained credits CA by electronic payment using his / her own electronic money (electronic money balance B managed by the payment server 34). It is possible to (add). That is, a quantity of credit corresponding to the amount of use of electronic money is added to the number of retained credits CA (hereinafter referred to as “credit charge”). As described above, it is possible to execute credit transfer and credit charge without the user handling an actual medal. The management apparatus 40 in FIG. 1 manages credit transfer and credit charge after authenticating (person authentication) whether or not a user who desires credit transfer is a registered person.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management device 40 is installed in a gaming facility and connected to the first system 10 and the second system 20. Specifically, the management device 40 is connected to the credit management server 12 of the first system 10 via a dedicated line and communicates with the credit management server 12. A configuration in which the management device 40 is connected to the credit management server 12 via the communication network 18 may also be employed. The management device 40 communicates with each game device 26 in the second system 20 and each server in the third system 30. A configuration in which the management device 40 is directly connected to the third system 30 (communication network 38) can also be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the management device 40 is a computer system that includes an arithmetic processing device 42, a storage device 44, an input receiving unit 46, and an operation unit 47. The arithmetic processing unit 42 is configured to execute a plurality of functions (first authentication unit 422, second authentication unit 424, management unit 426, settlement processing unit 428, quantity setting unit 430, charge processing unit by executing a program stored in the storage device 44. 432, transition unit 434, determination unit 436). The storage device 44 stores programs executed by the arithmetic processing device 42 and various data. A known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium or a combination of a plurality of types of recording media is arbitrarily employed as the storage device 44.

The input receiving unit 46 is an element that receives an input from a user, and includes a receiving unit 462, a generating unit 464, a receiving unit 466, and a receiving unit 468. The accepting unit 462 accepts input of identification information UID_IN by the user. For example, the reception unit 462 includes a plurality of operators (tenkeys) operated by the user, like the reception unit 564. Note that an operator (ten-key) displayed on a display device with a touch panel function can be used as the reception unit 462.
The generation unit 464 generates biometric information BID_IN indicating the biometric features of the user. Similar to the generation unit 166 of the medal processing device 16, a vein sensor that detects the vein pattern of the hand (palm or finger) and generates biometric information BID_IN is employed as the generation unit 464.

  The accepting unit 466 accepts input of identification information PID_IN by the user. Similar to the reception unit 562 of the game apparatus 26, for example, a reader that reads the identification information PID of the game card as the identification information PID_IN is employed as the reception unit 466. The accepting unit 468 accepts input of the password PWD_IN by the user. For example, the reception unit 468 includes a plurality of operators (tenkeys) operated by the user, like the reception unit 564. Note that an operator (ten-key) displayed by a display device with a touch panel function can be adopted as the receiving unit 468.

  The first authentication unit 422 acquires the result of authentication (hereinafter referred to as “first authentication”) using the identification information UID_IN input to the reception unit 462 and the biometric information BID_IN generated by the generation unit 464. The first authentication is a process for determining the presence or absence of the first registration. That is, in the first authentication, whether or not the combination of the identification information UID_IN and the biological information BID_IN is stored in the storage device 124 (the identification information UID that matches the identification information UID_IN and the biological information BID that matches the biological information BID_IN) This corresponds to the process of determining whether or not the data is stored in the storage device 124 in association with one record RC.

  On the other hand, the second authentication unit 424 acquires the result of authentication (hereinafter referred to as “second authentication”) using the identification information PID_IN input to the reception unit 466 and the password PWD_IN input to the reception unit 468. The second authentication is a process for determining the presence / absence of the second registration. That is, in the second authentication, whether or not the combination of the identification information PID_IN and the password PWD_IN is stored in the storage device 324 (the identification information PID that matches the identification information PID_IN and the password PWD that matches the password PWD_IN is one. This corresponds to a process for determining whether or not the data is stored in the storage device 324 in association with the record RG.

  When the results of both the first authentication and the second authentication are affirmative (that is, when it is confirmed that the user has received the first registration and the second registration), the management unit 426 has authenticated information A Are stored in a predetermined storage area (hereinafter referred to as “management storage unit”) 442 of the storage device 44. As shown in FIG. 7, the authenticated information A includes identification information UID_IN (UID) input to the reception unit 462, identification information PID_IN (PID) input to the reception unit 466, and a biometric generated by the generation unit 464. It is a record (data string) in which information BID_IN (BID) is associated. A plurality of authenticated information A corresponding to different users is sequentially generated and stored in the management storage unit 442.

  The authenticated information A stored in the management storage unit 442 is deleted when a predetermined time arrives. For example, when a predetermined time arrives before the game facility is opened or after the store is closed, the management unit 426 receives a plurality of pieces of authenticated information A stored in the management storage unit 442 (that is, the authenticated information generated at the time of the most recent store opening). Delete information A).

  The operation unit 47 receives an operation by the user. The user instructs the usage amount PY of the electronic money applied to the credit charge by appropriately operating the operation unit 47. The operation unit 47 of the present embodiment is a display device with a touch panel function, and displays the operation screen W1 illustrated in FIG. On the operation screen W1, a plurality of operators (command buttons) 472 corresponding to different usage amounts PY are arranged. The amount of credits that can be charged with the usage amount PY (the number of medals corresponding to the amount of credit) is displayed together with the usage amount PY on the controller 472 for each usage amount PY.

  The payment processing unit 428 in FIG. 7 is an element for paying the usage amount PY with electronic money. The settlement processing unit 428 of the first embodiment requests the settlement server 34 to settle the usage amount PY from the electronic money balance B. The quantity setting unit 430 sets a credit quantity (hereinafter referred to as “charge amount”) NCH according to the usage amount PY received by the operation unit 47 from the user. The charge amount NCH is the amount of credit charged to the retained credit number CA.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the quantity setting unit 430 includes a storage unit 430A and a determination unit 430B. The storage unit 430A stores the charge amount NCH (NCH1, NCH2,...) For each of a plurality of usage amounts PY (PY1, PY2,...) That can be selected by the user by operating the operation unit 47. The relationship (lending rate) between the usage amount PY and the charge amount NCH stored in the storage unit 430A is based on an external instruction (for example, an operation by a game facility administrator or a remote operation via a communication network). It is variably set for each PY. As can be understood from the illustration of FIG. 8, the ratio between the usage amount PY and the charge amount NCH can be different for each usage amount PY. Specifically, as the usage amount PY is higher, the ratio of the charge amount NCH to the usage amount PY is set to a higher value. The determination unit 430B determines the charge amount NCH stored in the storage unit 430A for the usage amount PY instructed by the user.

  The charge processing unit 432 in FIG. 7 performs a credit charge. Specifically, the charge processing unit 432 charges the charge amount NCH set by the quantity setting unit 430 (determination unit 430B) to the retained credit number CA. The charge processing unit 432 executes a credit charge when both the results of the first authentication and the second authentication are positive, and performs credit when the result of one or both of the first authentication and the second authentication is negative. Do not charge.

  The transfer unit 434 in FIG. 7 mediates credit transfer between the retained credit number CA and the used credit number CB. The determination unit 436 determines whether or not the identification information PID_IN input to the reception unit 562 of the game device 26 is stored in the management storage unit 442 as the authenticated information A (that is, the use of the identification information PID_IN input to the game device 26) Whether or not the first authentication and the second authentication in the management device 40 are successful). When the determination result by the determination unit 436 is affirmative (when both the first authentication and the second authentication are affirmed), the transition unit 434 performs credit transition between the retained credit number CA and the used credit number CB. If the result of determination by the determination unit 436 is negative, credit transfer is prohibited.

  The inquiry unit 526 of each game device 26 confirms whether or not the first authentication and the second authentication are affirmed for the user who is actually executing the game on the game device 26. Specifically, the inquiry unit 526 inquires of the determination unit 436 of the management apparatus 40 whether or not the identification information PID_IN input to the reception unit 562 is stored in the management storage unit 442 as the authenticated information A. The inquiry by the inquiry unit 526 is executed when the result of the authentication by the terminal side authentication unit 524 is affirmative. The permission unit 528 permits credit transfer when the result of the inquiry to the determination unit 436 is affirmative, and prohibits credit transfer when the result of the inquiry is negative.

  The operation unit 58 instructs the credit transfer direction (deposit / withdrawal) and quantity in accordance with the operation from the user. The operation unit 58 of the present embodiment is a display device with a touch panel function, and displays the operation screen W2 illustrated in part (B) of FIG. On the operation screen W2, a deposit operation unit 582 and a withdrawal operation unit 584 are arranged. The deposit operation unit 582 instructs the deposit of credit (credit shift from the used credit number CB to the retained credit number CA) and the deposited number NIN according to the operation from the user. The withdrawal operation unit 584 instructs the withdrawal of credit (credit shift from the number of retained credits CA to the number of used credits CB) and the number of withdrawals NOUT according to the operation from the user.

  The control unit 530 in FIG. 7 executes credit transfer in response to an instruction from the operation unit 58. The reception of the operation by the operation unit 58 and the credit transfer by the control unit 530 are executed when the permission unit 528 permits the credit transfer, and are not executed when the permission unit 528 does not permit the credit transfer.

<A-2: Operation of First Embodiment>
(1) Operation at the time of authentication Next, the operation of the management system 100 described above will be described. A user who visits the amusement facility moves to a place where the management device 40 is installed and receives first authentication and second authentication. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the operation of the management system 100 related to the first authentication and the second authentication. The process of FIG. 11 is triggered by a predetermined operation on the management apparatus 40.

  When the receiving unit 466 of the management apparatus 40 receives the input of the identification information PID_IN (SB10) and the receiving unit 468 receives the input of the password PWD_IN (SB11), the second authentication unit 424 includes the identification information PID_IN and the password PWD_IN. A second authentication request is transmitted to the game management server 32 (SB12). When the second authentication request is received (SB13), the processing device 322 of the game management server 32 determines whether the identification information PID_IN and the password PWD_IN in the second authentication request are stored in the storage device 324 as the identification information PID and the password PWD. Is determined (second authentication) (SB14). Then, the processing device 322 transmits the second authentication result (second authentication result) to the management device 40 (SB15).

  When the second authentication result is received (SB16), the second authentication unit 424 determines whether or not the second authentication result is affirmative (SB17). If the result is negative, the second authentication unit 424 determines whether or not the second authentication result is positive. The failure is notified to the user and the process is terminated (not shown). On the other hand, when the result of the second authentication is affirmative, the following processing is executed.

  When the receiving unit 462 receives the identification information UID_IN (SB18), the first authentication unit 422 transmits a preliminary authentication request including the identification information UID_IN to the credit management server 12 (SB19). When the preliminary authentication request is received (SB20), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 determines whether or not the identification information UID_IN in the preliminary authentication request is stored in the storage device 124 as the identification information UID (SB21). The result of preliminary authentication (preliminary authentication result) is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (SB22). When the preliminary authentication result is received from the credit management server 12 (SB23), the first authentication unit 422 of the management device 40 determines whether the preliminary authentication result is affirmative (SB24), and the result is negative In this case, the user is notified of the failure of the preliminary authentication and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the result of the preliminary authentication is affirmative, the first authentication is executed according to the following procedure.

  When the generation unit 464 generates the biometric information BID_IN (SB25), the first authentication unit 422 sends a first authentication request including the identification information UID_IN received in step SB18 and the biometric information BID_IN generated in step SB25 to the credit management server. 12 (SB26). Note that a configuration in which any one of a plurality of operation modes with different vein pattern detection methods and biometric information BID_IN generation methods is selectively applied may be employed. That is, mode information for designating an operation mode actually applied at the time of generating the biometric information BID is stored in the storage device 124 together with the identification information UID and the biometric information BID, and the preliminary authentication result (SB22) including the mode information is stored in the credit management server. 12 to the management device 40. In step SB25, the generation unit 464 of the management device 40 generates biometric information BID_IN in the operation mode specified by the mode information in the preliminary authentication result.

  When the first authentication request is received (SB27), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 stores the identification information UID_IN and biometric information BID_IN in the first authentication request in the storage device 124 as the identification information UID and biometric information BID. (First authentication) is executed (SB28). Then, the processing device 122 transmits the first authentication result (first authentication result) to the management device 40 (SB29).

  When the first authentication result is received (SB30), the first authentication unit 422 determines whether or not the first authentication result is affirmative (SB31), and if the result is negative, the first authentication fails. Is notified to the user and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the result of the first authentication is affirmative, the management unit 426 generates the identification information PID_IN (PID) input in step SB10, the identification information UID_IN (UID) input in step SB18, and the step SB25. Authenticated information A associated with the biological information BID_IN (BID) is generated and stored in the management storage unit 442 (SB32). As described above, the authenticated information A stored in the management storage unit 442 is deleted when a predetermined time arrives. In addition, when the result of 1st authentication is affirmation, the structure which displays the residual amount of the possession credit number CA on a display apparatus is also employ | adopted. The user can determine the necessity of charging the credit by confirming the remaining amount (insufficient etc.) of the retained credit number CA.

  When both the first authentication and the second authentication are successful in the above procedure, the settlement processing unit 428 of the management device 40, among the plurality of records RK in the storage device 364 of the ID management server 36, as shown in FIG. Inquiry (registration inquiry) of whether or not the record RK including the identification information PID_IN (PID) input in step SB10 includes the payment identification information MID (that is, whether or not the user has received the third registration) It transmits to the management server 36 (SC10). The registration inquiry includes the identification information PID_IN input in step SB10.

  When receiving the registration inquiry (SC11), the processing device 362 of the ID management server 36 determines whether or not the payment identification information MID is registered in the record RK including the identification information PID_IN in the registration inquiry (SC12). Result (inquiry result) is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (SC13). When the record RK including the settlement identification information MID is searched, the settlement identification information MID is included in the inquiry result.

  When the inquiry result is received (SC14), the settlement processing unit 428 of the management device 40 determines whether or not the inquiry result is affirmative (SC15). If the inquiry result is negative, the third registration is completed. The user is notified that the process has not been performed, and the process is terminated (not shown). On the other hand, when the inquiry result is affirmative (when the payment identification information MID is registered in the record RK by the third registration), the payment processing unit 428 sends a confirmation request (balance request) for the electronic money balance B to the payment server. 34 (SC16). The balance request includes the settlement identification information MID in the inquiry request received in step SC14.

  When the balance request is received (SC17), the processing device 342 of the settlement server 34 searches the storage device 344 for the electronic money balance B associated with the payment identification information MID in the balance request (SC18), and the electronic money balance A balance notification including B is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (SC19). When the balance notification is received (SC20), the settlement processing unit 428 of the management device 40 determines whether or not the electronic money balance B indicated by the balance notification exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, zero) (SC21).

  When the electronic money balance B is less than or equal to the threshold value, the payment processing unit 428 notifies the user of the shortage of balance and ends the process (not shown). On the other hand, when the electronic money balance B exceeds the threshold (SC21: YES), the settlement processing unit 428 displays the operation screen W1 of FIG. 8 on the operation unit 47 (SC22). Of the plurality of operators 472 arranged on the operation screen W1, the operator 472 having the usage amount PY less than the electronic money balance B notified by the balance notification is set to a valid state (a state in which an operation from the user is accepted). The operation element 472 of the usage amount PY exceeding the electronic money balance B is set in an invalid state (for example, a state in which no operation from the user is not displayed due to being hidden or grayed out).

  When any of the controls 472 on the operation screen W1 is selected (SC23), the settlement processing unit 428 transmits a settlement request to the settlement server 34 (SC24). The payment request includes the payment identification information MID acquired in step SC14 and the usage amount PY instructed by the user in step SC23. When receiving the settlement request (SC25), the processing device 342 of the settlement server 34 settles the usage amount PY from the electronic money balance B stored in the storage device 344 corresponding to the settlement identification information MID in the settlement request (SC26). ), A settlement completion notification signifying completion of updating of the electronic money balance B is transmitted to the management device 40 (SC27).

  When the settlement completion notification is received (SC28), the quantity setting unit 430 of the management apparatus 40 determines the charge amount NCH corresponding to the usage amount PY received by the operation unit 47 in step SC23 (SC29). Then, the charge processing unit 432 transmits a charge request to the credit management server 12 (SC30). The charge request includes identification information UID_IN (accepted in step SB18) and biometric information BID_IN (generated in step SB25) in the authenticated information A stored in the management storage unit 442, and the charge amount NCH determined in step SC29. Including.

  When receiving the charge request (SC31), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 sets the number of retained credits CA stored in the storage device 124 in correspondence with the identification information UID_IN and biometric information BID_IN in the charge request. The charge amount NCH is added (SC32), and a completion notification signifying completion of updating the possessed credit number CA is transmitted to the management device 40 (SC33). The process is completed when the completion notification is received by the management apparatus 40 (SC34).

  As described above, when the first authentication and the second authentication are affirmed and the payment amount PY can be settled in the settlement server 34 (the record RK includes the settlement identification information MID and the electronic money balance B Is greater than the threshold value), the charge processing unit 432 performs credit charging. On the other hand, when at least one of the first authentication and the second authentication is denied, or when the usage amount PY cannot be settled by the settlement server 34 (when the record RK does not include the settlement identification information MID or the electronic money balance B is a threshold value) The credit charge by the charge processing unit 432 is not executed.

(2) Operation during game
As described above, the user who has completed the procedure in the management device 40 moves to the desired game device 26 in the gaming facility, and enables credit transfer between the retained credit number CA and the used credit number CB. Then, the game device 26 is caused to execute the processes of FIGS. 13 and 14. The process of FIG. 13 is started with a predetermined operation on the game apparatus 26 as a trigger.

  When reception unit 562 of game device 26 receives input of identification information PID_IN (SD10) and reception unit 564 receives input of password PWD_IN (SD11), terminal side authentication unit 524 includes identification information PID_IN and password PWD_IN. A terminal side authentication request is transmitted to the game management server 32 (SD12). When the terminal side authentication request is received (SD13), the processing device 322 of the game management server 32 stores the identification information PID_IN and password PWD_IN in the terminal side authentication request as the identification information PID and password PWD of one record RG. It is determined whether it is stored in (SD14). Then, the processing device 322 transmits the result of the terminal side authentication (terminal side authentication result) to the game device 26 (SD15).

  When the terminal-side authentication result is received (SD16), the terminal-side authentication unit 524 determines whether the terminal-side authentication result is affirmative (SD17). If the result is negative, the terminal-side authentication fails. Is notified to the user and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the result of terminal-side authentication is affirmative, the inquiry unit 526 sends an inquiry request for inquiring whether or not the user has succeeded in the first authentication and the second authentication in the management apparatus 40 to the management apparatus. 40 (SD18). The inquiry request includes the identification information PID_IN input in step SD10. When the result of terminal-side authentication is affirmative, the game processing unit 522 acquires game data from the game server and applies it to the game (not shown).

  When the inquiry request is received (SD19), the determination unit 436 of the management device 40 sequentially collates the identification information PID_IN of each authenticated information A stored in the management storage unit 442 with the identification information PID_IN included in the inquiry request. (SD20), whether or not authenticated information A that associates identification information PID_IN included in the inquiry request with identification information UID_IN and biometric information BID_IN is stored in management storage unit 442 (that is, identification information PID_IN is input to game device 26) It is determined whether or not the first authentication and the second authentication in the management device 40 have been successful for the user who has made (SD21).

  When the authenticated information A including the identification information PID_IN is stored in the management storage unit 442 (SD21: YES), the migration unit 434 requests the remaining amount including the identification information UID_IN of the authenticated information A and the biometric information BID_IN ( Request for confirmation of the number of owned credits CA) is transmitted to the credit management server 12 (SD22). When the remaining amount request is received (SD23), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 stores the retained credit number CA corresponding to the identification information UID_IN (UID) and the biometric information BID_IN (BID) included in the remaining amount request into the storage device 124. (SD24), and a remaining amount notification including the retained credit number CA is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (SD25). The transfer unit 434 of the management device 40 receives the remaining amount notification (SD26). On the other hand, when the authenticated information A including the identification information PID_IN is not stored in the management storage unit 442 (SD21: NO), the processing from step SD22 to step SD26 is not executed.

  Determination unit 436 transmits the inquiry result (whether or not authenticated information A including identification information PID_IN is stored in management storage unit 442) to game device 26 (SD27). If the inquiry result is affirmative (if authenticated information A is retrieved in step SD20), the retained credit number CA in the remaining amount notification received in step SD26 is included in the inquiry result.

  When the inquiry unit 526 receives the inquiry result (SD28), the permission unit 528 determines whether or not the inquiry result is affirmative (SD29). If the inquiry result is affirmative (SD29: YES), as shown in FIG. 14, a deposit / withdraw button (indicator such as a command button or icon) for starting the credit transfer is displayed on the display screen of the game device 26. As a result, the operation is enabled (valid) (SE10). On the other hand, when the inquiry result is negative (SD29: NO), the deposit / withdraw button is not displayed. Therefore, the user cannot instruct the start of credit transfer.

  When the user operates the deposit / withdraw button displayed when the inquiry result is affirmative, the permission unit 528 displays the operation screen of part (A) of FIG. 10 including the display of the number of retained credits CA included in the inquiry result. W2 is displayed on the operation unit 58. In the operation screen W2 in part (A) of FIG. 10, the drawer operation unit 584 is displayed (validated) in a state where it can accept a drawer instruction from the user. On the other hand, at the first stage where the operation of the game apparatus 26 is started, the used credit number CB is zero. Therefore, as shown in part (A) of FIG. 10, zero is displayed as the number of used credits CB on the operation screen W2, and the deposit operation unit 582 for instructing credit transfer from the used credit number CB to the retained credit number CA is invalid. In a non-display state or a gray-out state in which no user operation is accepted.

  When the withdrawal operation unit 584 is validated as described above, a credit transfer (withdrawal) from the retained credit number CA to the used credit number CB is executed in accordance with the user's operation on the withdrawal operation unit 584. The transfer unit 434 of the management device 40 requests a credit transfer (draw request) transmitted from the game device 26 between the storage unit 542 that stores the used credit number CB and the storage device 124 that stores the retained credit number CA. Accordingly, the credit transfer from the owned credit number CA to the used credit number CB is mediated.

  First, when an instruction to withdraw credits and designation of the number of withdrawals NOUT are received by the withdrawal operation unit 584 (SE11), the control unit 530 identifies the identification information PID_IN input at step SD10 and the number of withdrawals designated at step SE11. A withdrawal request including NOUT is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (SE12). The method of specifying the number of withdrawals NOUT is arbitrary. For example, the user designates an arbitrary quantity within the range of the number of retained credits CA as the withdrawal number NOUT, or designates the withdrawal number NOUT of a predetermined quantity (for example, 100 sheets) by one operation of the withdrawal operation unit 584. The method to do can be adopted. A configuration in which the total number of withdrawals NOUT within a predetermined period (for example, one day) is limited to a predetermined value (upper limit value) is also suitable.

  When the withdrawal request is received (SE13), the migration unit 434 of the management device 40 manages the identification information UID_IN and the biometric information BID_IN associated with the authenticated information A with respect to the identification information PID_IN included in the withdrawal request. A search is made from 442 (SE14). Then, the transfer unit 434 transmits a withdrawal request including the identification information UID_IN and biometric information BID_IN searched in step SE14 and the number of withdrawals NOUT included in the withdrawal request to the credit management server 12 (SE15).

  When the withdrawal request is received (SE16), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 receives the withdrawal request from the retained credit number CA stored in the storage device 124 corresponding to the identification information UID_IN and the biometric information BID_IN in the withdrawal request. The withdrawal number NOUT is subtracted (SE17), and a withdrawal notification signifying update of the retained credit number CA is transmitted to the management device 40 (SE18). The transfer unit 434 of the management device 40 transmits the withdrawal notification received from the credit management server 12 to the game device 26 (SE19). When the withdrawal notification is received (SE20), the control unit 530 of the game device 26 adds the withdrawal number NOUT designated at step SE11 to the used credit number CB of the storage unit 542 (SE21).

  When the user operates the deposit / withdraw button when there is a remaining number of used credits CB due to the withdrawal of credits or the acquisition in the game described above, the permission unit 528 causes the example shown in part (B) of FIG. In this way, the current number of retained credits CA and the number of used credits CB are displayed on the operation screen W2, and both the depositing operation unit 582 and the withdrawal operation unit 584 are operated in a state where a credit transfer instruction from the user can be received. This is displayed (validated) on the unit 58. When there is no remaining number of retained credits CA, zero is displayed as the retained credits number CA and the withdrawal operation unit 584 is in an invalid state (for example, non-existing, for example) as illustrated in part (C) of FIG. Display or grayed out state in which no user operation is accepted).

  When the deposit operation unit 582 is validated as described above, credit transfer (deposit) from the used credit number CB to the retained credit number CA is executed in accordance with an instruction from the user to the deposit operation unit 582. The transfer unit 434 of the management device 40 is transmitted from the game device 26 between the storage unit 542 that stores the used credit number CB and the storage device 124 that stores the retained credit number CA, as in the case of withdrawal of credits. In response to the credit transfer request (deposit request), the credit transfer from the used credit number CB to the retained credit number CA is mediated.

  First, upon receiving an instruction for depositing a credit and designation of the number of deposits NIN at the deposit operation unit 582 (SE22), the control unit 530 receives the identification information PID_IN input at step SD10 and the number of deposits specified at step SE22. A deposit request including NIN is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (SE23). The method for specifying the deposit number NIN is arbitrary. For example, a method in which the user designates an arbitrary quantity within the range of the number of used credits CB as the deposit quantity NIN, or a deposit quantity NIN of a predetermined quantity (for example, 100) is designated by one operation of the deposit operation unit 582 The method to do can be adopted.

  When the deposit request is received (SE24), the transfer unit 434 of the management apparatus 40, like step SE14 and step SE15, identifies the identification information UID_IN associated with the identification information PID_IN included in the deposit request and the biometric information. Information BID_IN is retrieved (SE25), and is included in the deposit request together with the deposit number NIN and transmitted to the credit management server 12 (SE26).

  When the deposit request is received (SE27), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 sends a deposit request to the retained credit number CA stored in the storage device 124 corresponding to the identification information UID_IN and the biometric information BID_IN in the deposit request. The deposit number NIN is added (SE28), and a deposit notification signifying update of the retained credit number CA is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (SE29). The deposit notice is transferred to the game device 26 via the transfer unit 434 of the management device 40 (SE30). When the deposit notification is received (SE31), the control unit 530 of the game apparatus 26 subtracts the deposit number NIN specified in step SE22 from the used credit number CB of the storage unit 542 (SE32). When the total number of used credits CB shifts to the retained credit number CA, the used credit number CB becomes zero. By setting the number of used credits CB to zero, the user can discharge the game card from the accepting unit 562 (reader) and end the game.

  When there is a remaining number of used credits CB at the end of the game, the game card is discharged when the used credit number CB is set to zero in the credit deposit executed in response to an instruction from the user. A possible configuration is preferably employed. In addition, when there is a remaining number of used credits CB at the time when the user is instructed to discharge the game card, credits are automatically deposited (that is, without requiring an instruction from the user) It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the game card can be discharged when the number of used credits CB is set to zero by this deposit.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the credit transfer from one to the other of the retained credit number CA managed by the credit management server 12 and the used credit number CB held in the storage unit 542 of the game apparatus 26 is executed. Is done. Therefore, there is no need for the user to carry medals from the medal processing device 16 to the game device 26 or to move the medals to the medal processing device 16 and draw out medals when the user in the game is short of medals. That is, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user who handles medals. In addition, since the number of retained credits CA is charged by the settlement of the electronic money balance B (electronic settlement), cash payment is unnecessary for the credit charge. Therefore, the burden on the user is effectively reduced.

  Further, since the identification information PID and the payment identification information MID are managed in association with each other by the ID management server 36, the payment identification information MID of the electronic money balance B in which the usage amount PY is settled is used for the second authentication. Identification information PID. Therefore, there is also an advantage that it is not necessary to install an element (for example, an IC card reader) for inputting the payment identification information MID into the management device 40. Further, since it is not necessary for the user to have a recording medium for storing the payment identification information MID, there is an advantage that the burden on the user is reduced. Since the payment of the usage amount PY is executed on condition that the first authentication and the second authentication are successful, the electronic money can be used even if the payment identification information MID is specified from the identification information PID and used for the payment. The safety of management is guaranteed.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not credit transfer is permitted is determined depending on whether or not the identification information PID_IN input to the game device 26 is stored as the authenticated information A in the management storage unit 442 of the management device 40. That is, the first authentication (biometric authentication) on the game device 26 is not necessary. Therefore, it is not necessary to install a device (for example, a vein sensor) that generates biometric information BID in each of the plurality of game devices 26. On the other hand, in order to allow credit transfer by an operation on the game device 26 (in order to store the identification information PID_IN in the management storage unit 442 as the authenticated information A), the user performs the first authentication with the management device 40. Since it is necessary to receive (biometric authentication), the safety of credit management is sufficiently ensured despite the configuration in which the first authentication in the game device 26 is not required. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to ensure both the security of credit management and the simplification of the configuration and procedure necessary for authentication.

  Further, the identification information PID used for managing game data under the second system 20 is associated with the identification information UID_IN in the authenticated information A and used for authentication (second authentication) at the time of credit transfer. . Therefore, an advantage that the load necessary for the introduction of the management device 40 (operation of credit transfer) is reduced as compared with the case where identification information different from the identification information PID is given to each user for the second authentication. There is. However, the configuration in which the identification information PID is used together with the game data is not essential. That is, the identification information PID can be arbitrarily selected.

  Further, since the authenticated information A in the present embodiment includes the biometric information BID_IN in addition to the identification information UID_IN and the identification information PID_IN, a request transmitted from the management device 40 to the credit management server 12 (charge in step SC30 in FIG. 12). It is possible to include identification information UID_IN and biometric information BID_IN in the request, the withdrawal request in step SE12 in FIG. 14, and the deposit request in step SE23 in FIG. On the other hand, since the biometric authentication is also required for the medal payout and deposit at the medal processing device 16, the request transmitted from the medal processing device 16 to the credit management server 12 (the withdrawal request at step SA19 in FIG. The identification information UID_IN and biometric information BID_IN are also included in the (deposit request). That is, since both the request from the management device 40 and the request from the medal processing device 16 include the identification information UID_IN and the biometric information BID_IN, the request from the management device 40 and the request from the medal processing device 16 are credited. It is possible to share the processing in the management server 12. Therefore, for example, there is an advantage that the management apparatus 40 can be introduced into the environment where the first system 10 exists without modifying the processing of the credit management server 12 (the second system 20 can be integrated). In particular, in a configuration in which the management device 40 is connected to the credit management server 12 via the communication network 18, the credit management server 12 can handle the management device 40 and the medal processing device 16 equivalently.

<B: Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the configuration (server management type) in which the usage amount PY is settled from the electronic money balance B managed by the settlement server 34 is exemplified. In the second embodiment, a configuration (card management type) is adopted in which the usage amount PY is settled from the electronic money balance B stored in a portable recording medium. In the following examples, elements having the same functions and functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the management device 40 in the second embodiment. In the following drawings, illustration of elements having the same functions and functions as those of the first embodiment is omitted as appropriate. The payment recording medium 200 of FIG. 15 is a portable recording medium that stores the payment identification information MID of the user and the electronic money balance B. Specifically, an IC card or an information terminal (for example, a mobile phone) capable of non-contact communication can be suitably employed as the settlement recording medium 200. The settlement processing unit 428 of the management device 40 settles the usage amount PY from the electronic money balance B stored in the settlement recording medium 200 according to the procedure described below. A configuration in which the game card is used as the payment recording medium 200 by storing the electronic money balance B in the game card is also suitable.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the operation of the management device 40 (the portion replaced from step SC15 to step SC29 in FIG. 12). If the result of step SC15 is affirmative, the settlement processing unit 428 acquires the electronic money balance B from the settlement recording medium 200 (SC40). When the usage amount PY is received from the user in the same procedure as in the first embodiment (SC21 to SC23), the settlement processing unit 428 subtracts the usage amount PY from the electronic money balance B acquired in step SC40 (SC41). The existing electronic money balance B stored in the settlement recording medium 200 is updated to a value after subtraction of the usage amount PY (SC42). In addition, the settlement processing unit 428 is a server device (for example, settlement) that manages information related to the current use of electronic money (for example, settlement identification information MID, usage amount PY, and post-settlement electronic money balance B). Similarly to the server 34, the electronic money balance B is transmitted to a server device for managing each user (SC43). When the settlement of the usage amount PY is completed by the above procedure, the charge amount NCH corresponding to the usage amount PY is charged to the retained credit number CA by the same procedure (SC29 to SC34) as in the first embodiment. Even in the above configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment is realized.

<C: Third Embodiment>
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the management device 40 and the game device 26 in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the game apparatus 26 of the third embodiment includes an operation unit 622 and a request transmission unit 624 in addition to the same elements as those of the first embodiment. The operation unit 622 receives the usage amount PY of electronic money from the user, as with the operation unit 47 of the management device 40 in the first embodiment. The operation unit 622 is in a valid state (when the user has succeeded in the first authentication and the second authentication in the management apparatus 40) when the inquiry result by the inquiry unit 526 is affirmative (validate the instruction of the usage amount PY) If the inquiry result is negative, it is controlled to an invalid state. The request transmission unit 624 transmits the charge request RCH to the management device 40. Charge request RCH includes usage amount PY received by operation unit 622 and identification information PID_IN received by reception unit 562.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the management device 40 according to the third embodiment includes a request reception unit 48 instead of the operation unit 47 according to the first embodiment. Request accepting unit 48 accepts charge request RCH from game device 26. The settlement processing unit 428 requests the settlement server 34 to settle the usage amount PY in the charge request RCH. The electronic money balance B to be settled is specified from the identification information PID_IN in the charge request RCH by the same processing as in Step SC10 to Step SC20 in FIG. The quantity setting unit 430 sets the charge amount NCH from the usage amount PY in the charge request RCH, and the charge processing unit 432 transmits a charge request designating the charge amount NCH to the credit management server 12. The charge request to the credit management server 12 includes identification information UID_IN and biometric information BID_IN associated with the authenticated information A with respect to the identification information PID_IN in the charge request RCH. As described above, the usage amount PY corresponding to the usage amount PY instructed by the user to the operation unit 622 of the game apparatus 26 is settled from the electronic money balance B, and the charge amount NCH corresponding to the usage amount PY is retained credit. Charged to number CA. Similarly to the first embodiment, the user can move the credit from the retained credit number CA after the completion of the charge to the used credit number CB by operating the operation unit 58 of the game apparatus 26. is there.

  Even in the above configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment is realized. In the third embodiment, since a credit charge is executed in response to an operation on the game device 26, for example, even when both the retained credit number CA and the used credit number CB are insufficient during the execution of the game, the user However, it is possible to charge the retained credit number CA without moving from the game device 26. Therefore, when compared with the first embodiment in which the credit charge is executed by an operation on the management device 40, the effect of reducing the burden on the user is particularly remarkable.

  Further, the identification information PID and the payment identification information MID are managed in association with each other by the ID management server 36, the payment identification information MID is specified from the identification information PID_IN (PID) input to the game device 26, and the usage amount PY is determined. Settlement. Accordingly, there is an advantage that credit charge using electronic money is realized without installing an element (for example, a reader of an IC card) for inputting the payment identification information MID in each game device 26.

<Modification of Third Embodiment>
The configuration of the second embodiment in which the settlement recording medium 200 is used for settlement of the usage amount PY is similarly applied to the third embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a payment processing unit 626 is added as a function of the arithmetic processing device 52 of the game device 26. The payment processing unit 626 functions in the same manner as the payment processing unit 428 of the second embodiment. That is, the settlement processing unit 626 settles the usage amount PY accepted by the operation unit 622 from the electronic money balance B stored in the settlement recording medium 200. Accordingly, the settlement processing unit 428 of the management device 40 is omitted. The configuration in which the charge request RCH including the usage amount PY is transmitted from the request transmission unit 624 to the request reception unit 48 of the management device 40 is the same as in the third embodiment.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the game device 26 settles the usage amount PY, a configuration in which the quantity setting unit 628 is mounted on the game device 26 as shown in FIG. The quantity setting unit 628 determines the charge amount NCH corresponding to the usage amount PY received by the operation unit 622, similarly to the quantity setting unit 430 of the first embodiment. A charge request RCH including the charge amount NCH set by the quantity setting unit 628 is transmitted from the request transmission unit 624 to the management apparatus 40. The request receiving unit 48 of the management device 40 instructs the charge processing unit 432 on the charge amount NCH in the charge request RCH received from the game device 26. The quantity setting unit 430 of the management device 40 is omitted.

  In the configuration in which the quantity setting unit 628 is mounted on the game device 26 as shown in FIG. 19, the game facility is changed when the lending rate (relation between the usage amount PY and the charge amount NCH) applied in the game facility is changed. It is necessary to individually change the contents of the storage unit in the quantity setting unit 628 for each of the plurality of game devices 26. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the management apparatus 40 includes the quantity setting unit 430 as in the configuration of the first embodiment and FIGS. 17 and 18, it is sufficient to change the contents of the storage unit 430 </ b> A in the management device 40. There is an advantage that the burden of operation of the game facility is reduced compared to the configuration of.

<D: Fourth Embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the charge amount NCH corresponding to the usage amount PY settled from the electronic money balance B is charged to the retained credit number CA managed by the credit management server 12. In the fourth embodiment, the charge amount NCH is charged to the number of used credits CB stored in the storage unit 542 of the game apparatus 26.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the management device 40 and the game device 26 according to the fourth embodiment. When the charge amount NCH corresponding to the usage amount PY of the electronic money is instructed, the charge processing unit 432 of the management device 40 transmits a charge request QCH including the designation of the charge amount NCH to the game device 26. When receiving the charge request QCH, the control unit 530 of the game apparatus 26 adds the charge amount NCH in the charge request QCH to the used credit number CB stored in the storage unit 542. That is, the charge amount NCH corresponding to the usage amount PY settled from the electronic money balance B is charged to the number of used credits CB.

  Also in the above configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is realized. Further, in the first embodiment in which a credit charge is executed for the retained credit number CA, the retained credit number CA is insufficient when the retained credit number CA and the used credit number CB are insufficient during the execution of the game on the game device 26. It is necessary to transfer (withdraw) credits to the number of used credits CB after charging the charge amount NCH. In the fourth embodiment, since the charge amount NCH is directly charged with respect to the used credit number CB, the used credit number is not required without the credit charge for the retained credit number CA and the credit transfer for the used credit number CB. There is an advantage that a shortage of CB can be avoided.

  The configuration of the fourth embodiment in which the charge amount NCH is charged to the number of used credits CB is a configuration in which the usage amount PY is settled from the settlement server 34 (FIGS. 7 and 17) and the usage amount PY is the settlement recording medium 200. Can be applied to any of the configurations for settlement from (FIGS. 15, 18, and 19), and the operation unit 47 of the management device 40 receives an instruction of the usage amount PY from the user (FIGS. 7 and 15). In addition, the present invention can be applied to any configuration (FIGS. 17, 18, and 19) in which the operation unit 622 of the game apparatus 26 receives an instruction of the usage amount PY. However, the charge for the number of used credits CB is basically required when the user is playing a game on the game device 26 (ie, when the user is located near the game device 26). It is. Therefore, the fourth embodiment is preferably applied to the configuration (third embodiment) in FIGS. 17 to 19 in which the operation unit 622 of the game device 26 receives the usage amount PY from the user.

<E: Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of authenticated information A in the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, the authenticated information A is configured to include the authentication time TA in addition to the identification information PID_IN, the identification information UID_IN, and the biometric information BID_IN. The authentication time TA is information that specifies the time at which the first authentication and the second authentication are completed (the time at which the authenticated information A is generated).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a part of the operation of the management apparatus 40 (part replaced from step SB30 to step SB32 in FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 22, when the first authentication result received from the credit management server 12 at step SB30 is affirmative (SB31: YES), the management unit 426 of the management device 40 counts the time (see the figure). The current time (authentication time) TA is acquired from (omitted) (SB35). The management unit 426 generates authenticated information A in which the authentication time TA acquired in step SB35 is associated with the identification information PID_IN, the identification information UID_IN, and the biometric information BID_IN, and stores it in the management storage unit 442 (SB36).

  The management unit 426 deletes from the management storage unit 442 the authenticated information A that has passed a predetermined time T 0 from the authentication time TA among the plurality of authenticated information A stored in the management storage unit 442. That is, in the first embodiment, all authenticated information A in the management storage unit 442 is erased all at once at a predetermined time, whereas in the fifth embodiment, the valid period extending from the authentication time TA to the time T0 is authenticated. This is set for each completed information A, and each authenticated information A is individually deleted when the valid period expires. The valid period time T0 can be variably set for each authenticated information A.

  In the first embodiment in which each authenticated information A is deleted when a predetermined time arrives, the earlier the time of the first authentication and the second authentication by the management device 40, the longer the time until the authenticated information A is deleted. For example, the possibility of losing a game card and using it by another person increases (that is, it is difficult to ensure the safety of credit management). On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, since the predetermined time T0 from the authentication time TA is individually set as the valid period for each authenticated information A, the safety of credit management is sufficiently ensured regardless of the previous or subsequent authentication time TA. There is an advantage that you can. However, according to the first embodiment in which the authenticated information A is deleted at a predetermined time, it is not necessary to manage the validity period for each authenticated information A, so the processing load by the management unit 426 is the same as that of the fifth embodiment. There is an advantage that it is reduced in comparison. In the first embodiment, since it is not necessary to include the authentication time TA in the authenticated information A, the data amount of the authenticated information A is reduced (and the capacity required for the management storage unit 442 is reduced). ) Also has the advantage.

  Note that the configuration of the fifth embodiment in which the validity period is set for each authenticated information A can be applied to any of the first to fourth embodiments. Further, the method of deleting the authenticated information A with the expiration of the valid period for each authenticated information A is not limited to the above example. For example, after completion of the first authentication and the second authentication, the predetermined count value TB is included in the authenticated information A and stored in the management storage unit 442, and the count value TB is sequentially decreased. A configuration in which the authenticated information A that has reached a value (for example, zero) is deleted from the management storage unit 442 is also employed. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that the valid period of the authenticated information A can be individually set for each authenticated information A according to the count value TB.

<F: Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a part of the operations of the management apparatus 40 and the credit management server 12 (the part replaced from step SB26 to step SB32 in FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 23, when the first authentication is executed in response to the first authentication request (SB26, SB27) from the management device 40 (SB28), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 generates the specific information α. (SB40). The specific information α is a code set individually for each first authentication. For example, a one-time password that changes for each first authentication is preferably employed as the specific information α. The processor 122 stores the specific information α in association with the identification information UID_IN in the first authentication request (SB41). Further, the processing device 122 includes the specific information α in the first authentication result and transmits it to the management device 40 (SB42).

  When the first authentication result received from the credit management server 12 in step SB30 is affirmative (SB31: YES), the management unit 426 of the management device 40 specifies the identification included in the first authentication result as shown in FIG. The authenticated information A in which the information α is associated with the identification information PID_IN and the identification information UID_IN is generated and stored in the management storage unit 442 (SB32). That is, the biometric information BID_IN is not included in the authenticated information A.

  When a request (a charge request at step SC30 in FIG. 12, a withdrawal request at step SE12 in FIG. 14 or a deposit request at step SE23 in FIG. 14) is transmitted to the credit management server 12, the transition unit 434 of the management apparatus 40 The specific information α included in the authenticated information A is included in the request instead of the biometric information BID_IN in the first embodiment. The processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 searches the storage device 124 for the retained credit number CA corresponding to the combination of the identification information UID_IN and the specific information α included in the request from the management device 40, and increases or decreases the credit according to the request. Execute.

  In the above configuration, since the biometric information BID_IN is not exchanged between the management device 40 and the credit management server 12 at the time of executing credit charge or credit transfer, there is a risk of the biometric information BID_IN being the personal information of the user being leaked. There is an advantage that it is reduced. In addition, the biometric information BID_IN tends to have a larger data amount than the specific information α, for example. In the sixth embodiment, since the specific information α is included in the authenticated information A instead of the biometric information BID_IN, the data amount of the authenticated information A is reduced as compared with the first embodiment (further, the management storage) The capacity required for the unit 442 is reduced). However, a configuration in which both the biometric information BID_IN and the specific information α are included in the authenticated information A is also employed. The configuration of the sixth embodiment in which the specific information α is included in the authenticated information A can be applied to any of the first to fifth embodiments.

<G: Seventh Embodiment>
FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the management device 40 and the game device 26 in the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, each game device 26 includes a receiving unit 560 in addition to the same elements as those in the first embodiment. The receiving unit 560 receives the input of the identification information UID_IN by the user, similarly to the receiving unit 462 of the management device 40. The accepting unit 560 includes, for example, a plurality of operators (tenkeys) operated by the user. Note that an operator (ten-key) displayed on a display device with a touch panel function can be used as the receiving unit 560.

  The operations of the management device 40 and the game device 26 in the seventh embodiment are the same as the operations in the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. However, when the results of both the first authentication and the second authentication are positive (step SB31 in FIG. 11), the management unit 426 of the management device 40, as shown in FIG. 25, identifies the identification information input in step SB18. Authenticated information A in which UID_IN (UID) is associated with the biometric information BID_IN (BID) generated in step SB25 is generated and stored in the management storage unit 442 (SB32). That is, the identification information PID_IN (PID) is not included in the authenticated information A.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a part of the operations of game device 26 and management device 40 (the portion replaced from step SD17 to step SD29 in FIG. 13). As shown in FIG. 26, when the terminal-side authentication at the game device 26 is successful (SD17: YES), the receiving unit 560 of the game device 26 receives the input of the identification information UID_IN (SD40). The inquiry unit 526 transmits an inquiry request for inquiring whether the user has succeeded in the first authentication and the second authentication in the management apparatus 40 to the management apparatus 40 (SD41). The inquiry request includes the identification information UID_IN input in step SD40.

  When the inquiry request is received (SD42), the determination unit 436 of the management device 40 determines whether or not the authenticated information A including the identification information UID_IN in the inquiry request is stored in the management storage unit 442 (that is, the identification information UID_IN is stored). It is determined whether or not the first authentication and the second authentication in the management device 40 are successful for the user input to the game device 26 (SD43, SD44). Subsequent operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Requests from the management device 40 to the credit management server 12 (charge request at step SC30 in FIG. 12, withdrawal request at step SE15 in FIG. 14 and deposit request at step SE26 in FIG. 14) are authenticated as in the first embodiment. The identification information UID_IN and biometric information BID_IN in the completed information A are included.

  In the seventh embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment is realized. Further, the configuration of the seventh embodiment in which the identification information PID_IN (PID) is not included in the authenticated information A is similarly applied to the second to sixth embodiments.

  In the seventh embodiment, the reception unit 560 and the reception unit 562 are provided in the game device 26, and both the identification information UID_IN received by the reception unit 560 and the identification information PID_IN received by the reception unit 562 are used in the game device 26. A configuration used for authentication in the system can also be adopted. Specifically, the identification information UID_IN and the identification information PID_IN are included in the authenticated information A as in the first embodiment, and the inquiry unit 522 of the game device 26 receives the identification information UID_IN and the reception unit received by the reception unit 560. The management apparatus 40 is inquired as to whether or not the authenticated information A including the identification information PID_IN received by 562 is stored in the management storage unit 342.

<H: Eighth Embodiment>
FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the management device 40 and the game device 26 in the management system 100 according to the eighth embodiment. The eighth embodiment is positioned as a modification of the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the authenticated information A is generated by associating the identification information UID_IN with the biometric information BID_IN, whereas in the eighth embodiment, the identification information XID is associated with the biometric information BID_IN instead of the identification information UID_IN. The authenticated information A thus generated is generated. The identification information XID is a code uniquely assigned for each first registration (that is, for each record RC of the storage device 124). For example, similarly to the specific information α of the sixth embodiment, a variably set one-time password is suitably employed as the identification information XID.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the management device 40 in the management system 100 of the eighth embodiment includes an acquisition unit 72 and a notification unit 74 in addition to the elements of the seventh embodiment. The acquisition unit 72 acquires the identification information XID generated by the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12. The notification unit 74 notifies the user who is authenticated by the management device 40 of the identification information XID acquired by the acquisition unit 72. For example, a display device that displays the identification information XID, a printing device that prints the identification information XID, or a sound emitting device that outputs the identification information XID by voice is employed as the notification unit 74. In addition, the form of the identification information XID notified to the user is arbitrary. For example, in addition to a method of notifying the user of a character string representing the identification information XID, the identification information XID is notified to the user in the form of an optically readable chart (for example, a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark)). A method may be employed.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the operation at the time of authentication by the management apparatus 40 (part replaced from step SB26 to step SB32 in FIG. 11). When the first authentication is executed in response to the first authentication request transmitted by the management device 40 (SB26 to SB28), the processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 determines whether or not the result of the first authentication is affirmative. (SB60). When the result of the first authentication is affirmative, the processing device 122 generates identification information XID (SB61). Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the processing device 122 assigns the identification information XID to the identification information UID that matches the identification information UID_IN in the first authentication request among the plurality of identification information UIDs stored in the storage device 124. The data is stored in correspondence (SB62). That is, the identification information XID is associated with the retained credit number CA. Then, the processing device 122 transmits the first authentication result including the identification information XID generated in step SB61 to the management device 40 (SB63). On the other hand, when the result of the first authentication is negative (SB60: NO), the processing device 122 does not generate and store the identification information XID (SB61, SB62), and indicates the first authentication failure. The authentication result is transmitted to the management apparatus 40 (SB63).

  When the first authentication result is received (SB30), the first authentication unit 422 determines whether or not the result of the first authentication is affirmative (SB31). If the result is negative, the first authentication fails. Is notified to the user and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the result of the first authentication is affirmative (SB31: YES), the notification unit 74 notifies the user of the identification information XID acquired by the acquisition unit 72 from the first authentication result (SB64). The user knows the identification information XID through notification by the notification unit 74. The management unit 426 generates authenticated information A that associates the identification information XID acquired by the acquisition unit 72 with the biometric information BID_IN generated by the generation unit in step SB25 and stores it in the management storage unit 442.

  When the authentication by the management device 40 is completed by the above procedure, the processing of FIGS. 13 and 14 is executed using the identification information XID instead of the identification information UID of the first embodiment. The user who has moved to the desired game device 26 in the gaming facility receives the terminal side authentication (SD10 to SD16) by inputting the identification information PID_IN and the password PWD_IN, and is notified from the notification unit 74 at the time of authentication in the management device 40. The identification information XID is input as identification information XID_IN to the receiving unit 560 (step SD40 in FIG. 26). The inquiry unit 526 transmits an inquiry request including the identification information XID_IN to the management apparatus 40 (SD41). The determination unit 436 of the management device 40 determines whether or not the authenticated information A including the identification information XID that matches the identification information XID_IN is stored in the management storage unit 442 (SD43, SD44) and the result of the determination (inquiry) (Result) is transmitted to the game device 26 (SD27).

  If the result of the inquiry is affirmative, the control unit 530 of the game device 26 determines whether the transfer request includes the identification information XID_IN and the credit transfer number N (the withdrawal number NOUT or the deposit number NIN) (the withdrawal request in step SE12 in FIG. A deposit request in step SE23) is generated according to the operation on the operation unit 58 and transmitted to the management apparatus 40. The transfer unit 434 of the management device 40 includes a transfer request including the identification information XID_IN (XID) and the transfer number N, and the biometric information BID_IN corresponding to the identification information XID_IN in the authenticated information A (withdrawal of step SE15 in FIG. 14). Request or deposit request in step SE26) is transmitted to the credit management server 12. The processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 updates the retained credit number CA stored in the storage device 124 corresponding to the identification information XID_IN and biometric information BID_IN in the transfer request according to the transfer number N (SE17, SE28). .

  Other operations are the same as those in the seventh embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, the same effect as in the seventh embodiment is realized. The configuration of the eighth embodiment in which the identification information UID_IN (UID) is not included in the authenticated information A is similarly applied to the second to sixth embodiments.

  In the seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment, the second authentication (step SB10 to step SB17 in FIG. 11) at the management device 40 and the terminal side authentication (step SD10 to step SD17 in FIG. 13) at the game device 26 are performed. ) May be omitted. However, if it is assumed that the payment identification information MID and the identification information PID are associated with each other in the ID management server 36, the payment identification information MID of the user cannot be specified unless the identification information PID_IN (PID) is used. . Therefore, when the seventh embodiment or the eighth embodiment is adopted in the server management type system in which the payment server 34 manages the electronic money balance B, the user's payment identification information MID is specified by the management device 40. A mechanism is needed for this. For example, the ID management server 36 is configured to associate the payment identification information MID with the identification information UID, and the user is requested to input the payment identification information MID to the management device 40, and the payment identification information MID is included in the authenticated information A. The configuration to be adopted can be adopted.

<I: Modification>
Each of the above forms can be variously modified. Specific modifications are exemplified below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined.

(1) Modification 1
In each of the above embodiments, the configuration (the prepaid method) in which the usage amount PY is settled from the electronic money balance B set in advance in the settlement server 34 or the settlement recording medium 200 is exemplified. Is arbitrarily changed. For example, a post-pay method in which the usage amount PY is subsequently charged to the user can also be applied to the settlement of the usage amount PY. That is, “settlement with electronic money” in this application means settlement using electronic information (electronic money), and there is no distinction between server management type / card management type and prepaid method / postpay method. It is.

(2) Modification 2
In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the storage unit 430A (FIG. 9) of the quantity setting unit 430 variably stores the charge amount NCH for each usage amount PY is illustrated, but the configuration of the quantity setting unit 430 is changed as appropriate. . For example, a configuration in which the storage unit 430A stores the ratio RT of the charge amount NCH to the usage amount PY of electronic money may be employed. The ratio RT corresponds to, for example, a charge amount NCH corresponding to a unit amount (for example, 100 yen) of the usage amount PY, and is variably set according to an instruction from the outside. When the usage amount PY is instructed by the user, the determination unit 430B of the quantity setting unit 430 calculates the charge amount NCH by multiplying the usage amount PY by the ratio RT. A similar configuration is adopted for the quantity setting unit 628 (FIG. 19) mounted on the game apparatus 26. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that the user can use an arbitrary usage amount PY for the credit charge. On the other hand, the configuration (FIG. 9) that stores the charge amount NCH for each of a plurality of types of usage amounts PY has the advantage that the relationship between the usage amount PY and the charge amount NCH can be set finely for each usage amount PY.

  However, a configuration in which the user can arbitrarily set the usage amount PY is not essential for the present invention. For example, when a credit charge instruction (for example, an operation on the predetermined operation element 472) is given from the user, a predetermined usage amount PY (a fixed amount that cannot be changed by the user) is settled from electronic money, and this usage amount PY It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the charge amount NCH corresponding to is charged to the retained credit number CA or the used credit number CB. Since the usage amount PY is fixed in the above configuration, the quantity setting unit 430 for converting the usage amount PY into the charge amount NCH can be omitted.

(3) Modification 3
A configuration in which a predetermined charge amount NCH_P is given (given) to the user as a privilege for visiting the amusement facility may be employed. For example, when the first authentication and the second authentication are successful in the management device 40 (SB31: YES), the charge processing unit 432 includes the user identification information UID_IN (accepted in step SB18) and a predetermined charge amount NCH_P. A charge request is transmitted to the credit management server 12. The processing device 122 of the credit management server 12 adds the charge amount NCH_P to the retained credit number CA stored in the storage device 124 corresponding to the identification information UID_IN (UID) in the charge request. According to the above configuration, since the charge amount NCH_P is given by the procedure in the management device 40, it is possible to promote the visit to the game facility.

  Note that, for example, a configuration in which the charge amount NCH_P is given only to a user whose retained credit number CA is lower than a predetermined value (for example, a user whose retained credit number CA is zero) is also suitable. According to the above configuration, for example, a user who has fully used (for example, used up) the number of owned credits CA can enjoy the benefit of granting the charge amount NCH_P at the next visit, so the use of credit is promoted. There is an advantage. Note that the user visit date is stored in, for example, the storage device 42 of the management device 40, and the charge amount NCH_P is variably set so that the charge amount NCH_P increases as the time from the most recent visit date to the next visit is shorter. Can also be employed.

(4) Modification 4
In the first to sixth embodiments, one piece of identification information PID_IN is associated with one piece of identification information UID_IN in authenticated information A. However, for example, in an environment in which different identification information PID is given to a user for each type of game provided by the game device 26, as shown in FIG. 30, one piece of identification information UID_IN is included in the authenticated information A. A configuration in which a plurality of pieces of identification information PID_IN (PID_IN1, PID_IN2, PID_IN3,...) Are associated is also adopted. Specifically, the processing from step SB10 to step SB17 in FIG. 11 is sequentially executed for each identification information PID_IN. In step SB32, a plurality of identification information PID_IN input by the user is identified with identification information UID_IN and biometric information BID_IN. Is stored in the management storage unit 442.

  When the inquiry request specifying the identification information PID_IN is received in step SD19 of FIG. 13, the determination unit 436 determines whether or not the authenticated information A including the identification information PID_IN specified in the inquiry request is stored in the management storage unit 442. (SD20, SD21). According to the above configuration, credit transfer in each of a plurality of different types of game devices 26 can be performed by a single operation on the management device 40, so that each type of identification information PID_IN (that is, different types of games). A configuration in which first authentication and second authentication are required every time the game is executed on the device 26 (for example, only one identification information PID_IN is associated with one identification information UID_IN as in the first embodiment) It is possible to reduce the burden on the user as compared to the configuration of

(5) Modification 5
In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the receiving unit 466 receives the input of the identification information PID_IN (reading by the reader) at the time of authentication with the management apparatus 40 is exemplified. However, the identification information given in advance to the user in the second registration A configuration in which the user instructs validity / invalidity of the PID can also be adopted. For example, when the identification information PID (s) is associated with the identification information UID at the time of the second registration and the identification information UID_IN (UID) is input for the first authentication in the management device 40, the identification information UID_IN Valid / invalid is instructed by the user for each piece of identification information PID corresponding to. The validation of the identification information PID corresponds to the input of the identification information PID_IN in each of the above forms. That is, the “acceptance of identification information” in the present application is a concept including not only input of identification information (for example, reading or manual input) but also an operation for a user to validate (select) identification information.

(6) Modification 6
In each of the above forms, the biometric information BID_IN generated by the generation unit 464 is included in the authenticated information A. However, the management unit 426 acquires the biometric information BID stored in the storage device 124 from the credit management server 12. A configuration included in the authenticated information A is also adopted. In the first to sixth embodiments, in order to determine whether or not the first authentication and the second authentication in the management device 40 have been completed for the user who has input the identification information PID_IN to the game device 26. In the authenticated information A, it is sufficient if the identification information UID_IN and the identification information PID_IN are associated with each other. Similarly, in the seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment, in order to determine whether or not the first authentication and the second authentication have been completed for the user who has input the identification information UID_IN to the game device 26, the authentication is completed. It is sufficient that the information A includes the identification information UID_IN. Therefore, the configuration in which authenticated information A includes biometric information BID_IN can be omitted as appropriate. However, the first authentication and the second authentication are not essential requirements for the present invention.

(7) Modification 7
In each of the above embodiments, a plurality of operators (tenkeys) operated by the user are exemplified as the reception unit 462 and the reception unit 560, but the method of receiving the input of the identification information UID_IN is arbitrary. For example, a reader that reads identification information UID_IN stored in a portable recording medium (for example, an IC card or a portable communication terminal) (for example, a non-contact reader that reads identification information UID_IN in a non-contact manner), and an identification printed on a reading surface Various elements that accept the input of the identification information UID_IN, such as a reader that optically reads the information UID_IN and a voice recognition device that recognizes the identification information UID_IN from the voice uttered by the user, are employed as the reception unit 462 and the reception unit 560. . Similarly, with respect to the receiving unit (466, 562) that receives the input of the identification information PID_IN and the receiving unit (468, 562) that receives the input of the password PWD_IN, various elements (operators, Non-contact readers, optical readers, speech recognition devices) can be employed.

(8) Modification 8
In each of the above embodiments, the first authentication unit 422 executes transmission of the first authentication request (step SB26 in FIG. 11) and reception of the first authentication result (step SB30), and the credit management server 12 performs the first authentication. Although (Step SB28) has been executed, a configuration in which the first authentication unit 422 executes the first authentication may be employed. For example, the first authentication unit 422 acquires the biometric information BID corresponding to the identification information UID_IN input to the reception unit 462 from the credit management server 12. The first authentication unit 422 collates the biometric information BID acquired from the credit management server 12 with the biometric information BID_IN generated by the generation unit 464 (first authentication), and if the verification result is affirmative, the authenticated information A Is generated. As can be understood from the above description, the first authentication unit 422 is included as an element for acquiring the result of the first authentication using the identification information UID_IN and the biometric information BID_IN, and the place where the first authentication is executed ( For example, which of the management device 40 and the credit management server 12 executes the first authentication) is not questioned. The same applies to the second authentication using the identification information PID_IN, and the second authentication unit 424 collates (second authentication) the identification information PID and the password PWD acquired from the game management server 32 with the identification information PID_IN and the password PWD_IN. Is also adopted. Similarly, terminal-side authentication can be executed by the terminal-side authentication unit 524 of the game apparatus 26.

  In each of the above embodiments, both the identification information PID_IN and the password PWD_IN are used for the second authentication by the second authentication unit 424 of the management device 40. However, the use of the password PWD_IN for the second authentication can be omitted. That is, the second authentication request including the identification information PID_IN (not including the password PWD_IN) is transmitted from the second authentication unit 424 to the game management server 32 in step SB12 of FIG. 11, and the identification information specified by the second authentication request is sent. In step SB14, the processing device 322 determines whether the PID_IN is stored in the storage device 324 (second authentication). As understood from the above description, the second authentication unit 424 is included as an element for acquiring the result of the second authentication using the identification information PID_IN (regardless of whether or not the subject of the second authentication and the password PWD_IN are used). Is done. Similarly, the use of the password PWD_IN for terminal-side authentication in the game apparatus 26 can be omitted. Therefore, the terminal-side authentication unit 524 is included as an element for acquiring the result of the terminal-side authentication using the identification information PID (regardless of the result of the terminal-side authentication and whether or not the password PWD_IN is used).

(9) Modification 9
In each of the above forms, the identification information PID (PID_IN) stored in the game card is used for each process in the management system 100, but other identification information associated with the identification information PID_IN (PID) (hereinafter referred to as “reference”). A configuration in which RID (reference ID) (referred to as “identification information”) is used for each process in the management system 100 instead of the identification information PID_IN (PID) is also adopted. Specifically, for example, the ID management server 36 manages the reference identification information RID given to the user and the game card identification information PID in association with each other. Instead of the identification information PID_IN (PID) in the above-described embodiments, the reference identification information RID specified by the ID management server 36 according to the identification information PID_IN received from the user is applied.

  For example, the management unit 426 of the management apparatus 40 acquires the reference identification information RID corresponding to the identification information PID_IN received by the reception unit 466 from the ID management server 36, and uses the reference identification information RID as identification information UID_IN (UID). Or the authenticated information A associated with the biometric information BID_IN (BID) is stored in the management storage unit 442. Further, the inquiry unit 526 of the game apparatus 26 acquires the reference identification information RID corresponding to the identification information PID_IN received by the reception unit 562 from the ID management server 36, and sends a reference request including the reference identification information RID to the management apparatus. 40. According to the above configuration, even when the user loses the game card, for example, the game data corresponding to the game card lost by the user can be obtained by associating the newly issued game card with the reference identification information RID. The identification information PID of the new game card can be specified.

  As understood from the above examples, the “second identification information” of the present invention corresponds to the identification information (PID_IN) received from the user in addition to the identification information (PID_IN) directly received from the user. This is a concept including other identification information (RID) managed in the same manner. Therefore, the receiving unit 466 that receives the identification information PID_IN from the user and the element (management unit 426) of the management device 40 that acquires the reference identification information RID corresponding to the identification information PID_IN from the ID management server 36 are the first of the present invention. 2 Included as an element (acquisition unit) for acquiring identification information (PID_IN, RID).

(10) Modification 10
In the first embodiment, the authenticated information A is erased on the condition that the predetermined time arrives. In the fifth embodiment, the authenticated information A is erased on the condition that the validity period expires. (Trigger) is changed as appropriate. For example, when the management device 40 is activated or stopped (for example, immediately after activation or immediately before it is stopped), the authenticated information A in the management storage unit 442 is deleted, or a predetermined operation (for example, a game facility) A configuration may also be employed in which the authenticated information A is deleted in response to the operation of the delete button by the store clerk.

  In each of the above embodiments, the authenticated information A is deleted. However, the method for invalidating the authenticated information A (the method for transitioning to a state that the management unit 426 cannot refer to) is appropriately changed. For example, a configuration in which information indicating validity / invalidity (hereinafter referred to as “status flag”) is added to the authenticated information A is also suitable. When the first authentication and the second authentication are completed, the management unit 426 sets the status flag to be valid, and sets the status flag to be invalid when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, arrival of a predetermined time or expiration of the valid period). To do. However, according to the configuration in which the authenticated information A is deleted as in each of the above forms, there is an advantage that the load on the management unit 426 is reduced because the management of the status flag for each authenticated information A is unnecessary. .

  As can be understood from the above description, the management unit 426 invalidates the authenticated information A (for example, the authenticated information A when triggered by the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, arrival of a predetermined time or expiration of a valid period)). Are deleted) and the status flag is set to be invalid. However, invalidation of the authenticated information A is not an essential requirement for the present invention.

(11) Modification 11
In the fourth embodiment, the element that generates the identification information XID is not limited to the credit management server 12. For example, a configuration in which the acquisition unit 72 of the management device 40 generates the identification information XID is also employed. The identification information XID generated by the acquisition unit 72 is notified to the credit management server 12 and stored in the storage device 124 in association with the number of retained credits CA corresponding to the identification information UID_IN input in step SC15.

(12) Modification 12
The biological information BID (BID_IN) is not limited to the vein pattern. For example, a characteristic amount unique to the user such as a fingerprint, an iris, or a voice (voice print) is arbitrarily adopted as the biometric information BID (BID_IN).

100 …… Management system, 10 …… First system, 20 …… Second system, 30 …… Third system, 12 …… Credit management server, 32 …… Game management server, 34 …… Settlement server, 36 …… ID management server, 122, 322, 342, 362 ... processing device, 124, 324, 344, 364 ... storage device, 16 ... medal processing device, 26 ... game device, 40 ... management device, 42, 52 ... Arithmetic processing device 44, 54... Storage device 46, 56 .. Input accepting unit 462 466 468 560 562 564 .. accepting unit 464 .. generating unit 47, 58, 622 …… Operation unit 522 …… Game processing unit 524 …… Terminal side authentication unit 526 …… Inquiry unit 528 …… Permission unit 530 …… Control unit 542 …… Storage unit 422 …… First authentication Part, 24 ...... the second authentication unit, 426 ...... management unit, 428 ...... payment processing unit, 430 ...... quantity setting unit, 432 ...... charge processing unit, 434 ...... transition, 436 ...... determination unit.

Claims (17)

A management device that communicates with a game device including a storage unit that stores a first credit number that increases or decreases due to the use or grant of credits in a game, and a server device that manages a second credit number held by a user. And
A transfer unit that mediates transfer of credit from one of the first credit number and the second credit number to the other;
And a charge processing unit that charges the first credit number or the second credit number with a credit according to a usage amount of electronic money. It has an operation unit that is operated by the user,
The management device according to claim 1, wherein the charge processing unit charges the second credit number with a credit of a quantity corresponding to an operation on the operation unit. A request accepting unit for accepting a charge request indicating the amount of use of electronic money from the game device;
The management device according to claim 1, wherein the charge processing unit charges the second credit number with a credit of a quantity corresponding to a usage amount indicated by the charge request. A request accepting unit for accepting a charge request indicating the amount of use of electronic money from the game device;
The management device according to claim 1, wherein the charge processing unit charges the first credit number with a credit of a quantity corresponding to a usage amount indicated by the charge request. A payment processing unit that requests payment of the usage amount to a payment server that manages an electronic money balance;
The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the charge processing unit charges a credit of a quantity corresponding to a usage amount to be settled by the settlement server. A settlement processing unit that settles the usage amount from an electronic money balance stored in a portable settlement recording medium;
The management device according to claim 2, wherein the charge processing unit charges a credit of a quantity corresponding to a usage amount to be settled by the settlement processing unit. The request accepting unit accepts a charge request indicating the usage amount to be settled by the settlement processing unit from the game device including a settlement processing unit that manages an electronic money balance stored in a portable settlement recording medium. The management device according to claim 3 or 4. It has a quantity setting unit that sets the credit quantity according to the amount of electronic money used,
The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the charge processing unit charges credits of a quantity set by the quantity setting unit. The quantity setting unit
A storage unit that variably stores a credit quantity for each of a plurality of usage amounts of electronic money;
The management device according to claim 8, further comprising: a determination unit that determines a credit amount stored in the storage unit for a usage amount to be settled with electronic money. The quantity setting unit
A storage unit that variably stores a ratio of the amount of credit to the amount of electronic money used;
The management device according to claim 8, further comprising: a determination unit that determines a credit amount according to a usage amount settled with electronic money according to a ratio stored in the storage unit. A first reception unit for receiving first identification information;
A generating unit that generates biological information indicating the biological characteristics of the user;
A first authentication unit that acquires a result of first authentication using the first identification information and the biometric information;
The management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the charge processing unit executes credit charging when a result of the first authentication is affirmative. A management unit that stores the first identification information in the management storage unit as authenticated information when the result of the first authentication is positive;
A determination unit that determines whether or not first identification information that matches first identification information input to the game device is stored as the authenticated information in the management storage unit;
The management device according to claim 11, wherein the transfer unit mediates a transfer of credit from one of the first credit number and the second credit number to the other when the result of the determination by the determination unit is affirmative. An acquisition unit for acquiring second identification information;
A second authentication unit that obtains a result of the second authentication using the second identification information,
The management device according to claim 11, wherein the charge processing unit executes credit charging when both the results of the first authentication and the second authentication are positive. A management unit that associates the first identification information with the second identification information and stores them in the management storage unit as authenticated information when the results of both the first authentication and the second authentication are positive;
A determination unit that determines whether or not second identification information that matches second identification information input to the game device is stored in the management storage unit as the authenticated information;
The management device according to claim 13, wherein the transition unit mediates a credit transition from one of the first credit number and the second credit number to the other when the result of the determination by the determination unit is affirmative. From the management server that stores the second identification information and the identification information for settlement of electronic money in association with each other, the identification information for settlement corresponding to the second identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is acquired, and the identification information for settlement is acquired. A settlement processing unit for requesting settlement of the usage amount from a corresponding electronic money balance to a settlement server that manages the electronic money balance;
The management device according to claim 14, wherein the charge processing unit charges a credit of a quantity corresponding to a usage amount settled by the settlement server. The management device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the charge processing unit charges a predetermined amount of credit to the second credit number when the result of the first authentication is affirmative. To a computer that communicates with a game device including a storage unit that stores a first credit number that increases or decreases by the use or grant of credits in a game, and a server device that manages a second credit number held by a user,
A transfer process that mediates the transfer of credit from one of the first credit number and the second credit number to the other; and
A program for executing a charge process for charging the first credit number or the second credit number with a credit according to a usage amount of electronic money.

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