JP7183546B2 - game support device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to fee collection technology for computer games.

Arcade game machines (commercial game machines) that collect fees for each play have a history of more than 40 years. The arcade game market is said to be shrinking, but in 2014 it was worth about 400 billion yen.

In arcade game machines in recent years, a fee collection method using electronic money has become widespread (see Patent Document 1). A player charges (precharges) an IC (Integrated Circuit) card with electronic money by paying a lump sum of cash, and holds the IC card over the game machine. The game machine subtracts electronic money for the play fee from the IC card. The player can continue playing within the charged amount.

Japanese Patent No. 4631705

However, with the above-described toll collection method, if the electronic money charged in the IC card runs out, the player needs to recharge the IC card. Therefore, if the battery needs to be recharged during the game, the game play has to be interrupted, and the interest in the game is lost.

The present invention is an invention completed based on the recognition of the above problems, and its main purpose is to improve the convenience of charge settlement such as electronic money in collection of play charges for game machines.

A game support device in one aspect of the present invention is connected via a communication network to a game device in which a play fee can be paid with a credit card.
This device includes a usage request receiving unit that receives a usage request including a player ID from the game device, and when the usage request is received, the player ID is associated with information indicating a credit limit, thereby A credit unit that sets a credit limit smaller than the credit limit of the corresponding credit card to the player of the game device, and a credit card are specified to request settlement of the unsettled amount to an external settlement device. A payment requesting part and a play permitting part for permitting the use of the game device without executing the payment request by the payment requesting part when the accumulated unpaid usage amount of the player falls within the credit limit.

A game support device according to another aspect of the present invention is connected via a communication network to a medal device capable of paying with a credit card.
This device includes a lending request receiving unit that receives a lending request for medals, which are points that can be used in the game, from the token device, and a user of the token device that is associated with the user when the lending request is received. A credit unit that sets a credit limit smaller than the credit limit of a credit card, a lending unit that permits a user to borrow medals within the limit of the credit limit, and a token deposit request are received from a medal device. A deposit request receiving unit and a settlement processing unit that executes settlement by offsetting the amount of tokens lent to the user and the amount of tokens deposited when the deposit request is received.

A game support device in another aspect of the present invention is connected to a game device via a communication network.
This device includes a usage request receiving unit that receives a usage request including a player ID from the game device, and when the usage request is received, associates information indicating a credit limit with the player ID. A credit unit that sets a credit limit for the player, a payment request unit that specifies a credit card and requests payment of the unsettled usage amount to an external payment device, and a credit limit that is the cumulative total of the unsettled usage amount of the player. and a play permitting unit that permits the use of the game device without executing the payment request by the payment requesting unit when the payment is within .
The credit department resets the credit limit if a predetermined resetting condition is satisfied when the accumulated unsettled usage amount reaches the credit limit.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it becomes easier to improve the convenience when collecting the playing fee of a game machine by electronic money or the like.

It is a hardware block diagram of a game system. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game support device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of credit information; FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of a biometric information table; FIG. It is a data structure diagram of a charge table. It is a data structure diagram of an account table. 4 is a flowchart showing a game play start process in the first embodiment; It is a functional block diagram of a game support device in a second embodiment. It is a data structure diagram of medal information. It is a flow chart which shows a medal lending processing process in a 2nd embodiment. It is a flow chart showing a medal deposit processing process in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a data structure diagram of credit information in the third embodiment. It is a data structure diagram of medal information in the fourth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described by dividing into four embodiments from the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the term "this embodiment" is used without distinguishing between "first embodiment", "second embodiment", "third embodiment" and "fourth embodiment".

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of the game system 100. As shown in FIG.
In the game system 100, a plurality of shops 108a, 108b, . 104a, 104b, . The game support device 102 is also connected to the settlement device 114 . The payment device 114 is a server operated by a credit card company or bank.

The mobile terminal 104 in this embodiment is assumed to be a smart phone. The mobile terminal 104 may be a tablet terminal or a laptop PC. The mobile terminal 104 and the Internet 106 are wirelessly connected, but may be wired.

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

The relay device 112 provides known support such as replaying (video playback) the game play results on the game device 110, creating a ranking from multiple game play results, and providing cards (items) that can be used in the game. have a function. In general, the relay device 112 executes a support process as a process for making the game play on the game device 110 more interesting, such as game rendering and analysis.

A token device 116 is further connected to the relay device 112 . The medal device 116 manages "medals" which are points that can be used in the game. Each player is assigned a player ID (hereinafter also referred to as "PID"), and the number of medals is associated with the player ID. The player ID is recorded on the game card. The player ID may be recorded in the mobile terminal 104 owned by the player. The player ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the player.
The medal device 116 will be described in detail in connection with the second and fourth embodiments.

The game support device 102 (game support system) settles the usage fee of the game device 110 and the medal fee of the medal device 116 with the settlement device 114 .

Before using the game system 100 , the player needs to sign a credit card contract with the settlement device 114 and register the player ID and account number in the game support device 102 . The game support device 102 associates a player ID with an account number for each player and forms a list. Also, the player registers the player ID and biometric information in the game support device 102 . Biometric information may be any information representing physical and behavioral characteristics of a human being, such as facial images (facial feature information), fingerprints, irises, veins, voiceprints, handwriting, palm geometry, and DNA (genetic information). In this embodiment, a face image will be described as an object.

More specifically, when registering as a player in the game support device 102, the player registers an account number or a credit card number in the game support device 102 via the portable terminal 104 or the like. The game support device 102 may instruct the relay device 112 to issue a game card in which the player ID is registered, or may register the player ID in the player's portable terminal 104 .

After acquiring the player ID, the player takes a face image with the portable terminal 104 and transmits the face image to the game support device 102 . By the above registration processing, the player ID, the account number, the face image, etc. are associated with each other in the game support device 102 .

The player holds the game card over the game device 110 when playing the game. At this time, the game device 110 reads the player ID from the game card using a known near field communication technology such as the NFC standard (Near Field Communication). The game device 110 is equipped with a camera and captures the face image of the player. Game device 110 transmits a game ID (hereinafter also referred to as “GID”), which is an ID for identifying a game, as well as a player ID and a face image to game support device 102 via relay device 112 . In addition, when the medium ID is recorded in the mobile terminal 104, the mobile terminal 104 and the game apparatus 110 can use short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark) to transfer the medium ID to the game apparatus. 110. The game support device 102 matches the received face image with the registered face image to perform face authentication. Details of face recognition and payment will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game support device 102 in the first embodiment.
Each component of the game support device 102 includes computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, storage devices such as memory and storage, hardware including wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, and storage devices. , and implemented by software that supplies processing instructions to the computing unit. A computer program may consist of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in their higher layers, and a library that provides common functions to these programs. Each block described below represents a functional block rather than a hardware configuration.

Game support device 102 includes communication unit 120 , data processing unit 118 and data storage unit 122 .
The communication unit 120 is in charge of communication processing with the mobile terminal 104 and the store 108 via the Internet 106 . Also, the communication unit 120 performs communication processing with the payment device 114 via a dedicated line. The data storage unit 122 stores various data. The data processing unit 118 executes various processes based on data acquired by the communication unit 120 and data stored in the data storage unit 122 . Data processing unit 118 also functions as an interface for communication unit 120 and data storage unit 122 . The data storage unit 122 stores various types of information such as game IDs, player IDs, and face image information (details will be described later).

Data processing unit 118 includes crediting unit 136 , settlement processing unit 138 and authentication unit 140 . The credit unit 136 sets a credit limit (details will be described later) for each player. The payment processing unit 138 cooperates with the payment device 114 to execute payment processing. Authentication unit 140 performs face authentication.

Communication unit 120 includes ID acquisition unit 124 , usage request reception unit 126 , biometric information acquisition unit 128 , payment request unit 130 , payment reception unit 132 and play permission unit 134 .
When the player holds the game card over the game device 110 at the start of game play, the game device 110 reads the player ID from the game card and transmits the player ID to the game support device 102 . The ID obtaining unit 124 receives the player ID from the game device 110 . At the start of the game and re-execution of the game (so-called continue), the game device 110 transmits a usage request including the game ID to the game support device 102, and the usage request receiving unit 126 receives the usage request.

The biometric information acquisition unit 128 receives the face image of the player captured by the game device 110 at the start of game play. The settlement requesting unit 130 requests the settlement device 114 to settle the usage fee. The payment reception unit 132 receives a payment approval/disapproval notification from the payment device 114 . The play permitting unit 134 permits game play on the game device 110 when a usage condition, which will be described later, is satisfied.

FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram of the credit information 142. As shown in FIG.
Credit information 142 is stored in the data storage unit 122 . The credit information 142 associates a player ID (PID), a credit limit, and an unsettled usage amount. A credit limit is assigned to each player by the game support device 102 . The player can enjoy the game with post-payment within the credit limit. Although the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 7, the credit unit 136 refers to the credit information 142 and sets a credit limit for the player. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the operator of the game support device 102 sets the size of the credit line for each player. The size of the credit limit is arbitrary, but the standard is about 20 to 30 times the usage fee per play.

The unsettled usage amount is the cumulative amount of usage fees generated by the player playing the game device 110 and means the amount for which settlement has not been completed. Electronic money settlement is executed when the unsettled usage amount exceeds the credit limit. For example, a player with player ID=P01 (hereinafter referred to as "player (P01)") has a credit limit of 3,000 yen and an unsettled amount of use of 2,200 yen. Therefore, you can enjoy playing the game without paying the usage fee for the remaining 800 yen. The player (P04) is given a credit limit of 15,000 yen, and the outstanding usage amount is 12,600 yen. can be done. When the unsettled usage amount reaches the credit limit, electronic money settlement is executed. In other words, if the amount is within the credit limit, the game can be enjoyed without payment, and when the unpaid amount exceeds the credit limit, electronic money settlement is executed collectively. This electronic money payment includes credit card payment. As a result, communication traffic in settlement processing executed between the game support device 102 and the settlement device 114 can be reduced.

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of the biometric information table 158. As shown in FIG.
A biometric information table 158 is stored in the data storage unit 122 . In the biometric information table 158, the player ID (PID) and the biometric information ID (hereinafter also referred to as "BID") that is the ID of the face image (biometric information) are associated. A face image is associated with each BID.

At the time of player registration, the data processing unit 118 associates the player ID with the biometric information ID such as the face image and registers them in the biometric information table 158 . In FIG. 4, the player (P01) has registered a face image (B01). When starting the game play, the player (P01) causes the game device 110 to read the game card in which the player ID is registered, and causes the camera of the game device 110 to photograph his/her face. The authentication unit 140 compares the face image (B01) associated with PID=P01 with the acquired face image using a known image authentication technique, and performs face authentication. When face authentication fails, the play permitting unit 134 does not permit play. It should be noted that other biometric information such as a fingerprint or retina may be used for biometric authentication instead of the face image.

FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram of the charge table 160. As shown in FIG.
A charge table 160 is stored in the data storage unit 122 . The charge table 160 registers usage charges per game play. The charge table 160 is set by the operator of the game support device 102 when the game device 110 is newly introduced. In the fee table 160, game IDs and play fees are associated one-to-one. At the start of game play, the game device 110 transmits the player ID, the face information, and the game ID to the game support device 102 . When the authentication unit 140 succeeds in face authentication, the payment processing unit 138 refers to the fee table 160 to specify the usage fee.

Generally, the usage fee for the game device 110 is determined by the operator of the store 108 . Therefore, even for the same game, usage fees often vary depending on the store 108 . Variation in usage fees tends to lead to a player's sense of unfairness. In this embodiment, the charge table 160 manages the charge for each game in a unified manner. Therefore, the so-called "one price per item" is maintained, and the game can be enjoyed at the same usage fee regardless of which store 108 the game is played. In some cases, such as when multiple stores are operated by the same operator, the usage fee at each store may be intentionally changed. A fee table 160 may be provided for each store ID.

Also, depending on the store 108, the usage fee may be strategically suppressed in order to attract customers. If the large-scale store 108 lowers the usage fee, the neighboring stores 108 will also be forced to lower the usage fee, and especially the small-scale store 108 will be under pressure. In this embodiment, since the game support device 102 sets the uniform price, it becomes easier to prevent the exhaustion of the small-scale store 108 .

FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram of the account table 162. As shown in FIG.
Account table 162 is stored in data storage unit 122 . The account table 162 associates player IDs with account numbers (which may include credit card numbers). The account number of the account table 162 is registered based on the declaration from the player when the player is registered in the game system 100 . At the time of payment, the payment processing unit 138 refers to the account table 162 and identifies the account number corresponding to the player ID. The settlement requesting unit 130 specifies the account number and the settlement amount and requests the settlement device 114 to settle the usage fee. The settlement device 114 transmits settlement approval/disapproval information to the game support device 102 . When the settlement fails, the play permitting unit 134 does not permit the game device 110 to play the game.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the game play start process in the first embodiment.
The process shown in FIG. 7 is executed when a player registered in the game system 100 starts playing the game. First, at the start of game play, face authentication (biometric authentication) is executed as described above. As a result of authentication, when the face image does not match (hereinafter referred to as authentication failure), the processing shown in FIG. 7 is not executed and game play is not permitted. FIG. 7 is executed after the use request receiving unit 126 receives the use request from the game device 110 and the face image matches (hereinafter, authentication is successful). When requesting use, the game device 110 transmits the player ID, game ID, and face information to the game support device 102 .

First, the credit unit 136 determines whether or not a credit limit corresponding to the player who has made the usage request has been set (S10). When the credit limit has not been set (N of S10), the process skips to S18. When the credit limit has been set (Y of S10) and the unsettled usage amount exceeds the credit limit (Y of S12), the settlement processing unit 138 executes settlement processing (S14). That is, the game support device 102 instructs the settlement device 114 to cancel the credit limit and perform settlement processing. The unsettled usage amount referred to here is the amount obtained by adding the new usage fee to the existing unsettled usage amount. After executing the settlement process, the credit unit 136 once resets the credit limit (S16).

Specifically, the settlement processing unit 138 refers to the fee table 160 to obtain the usage fee, and executes the settlement processing when the amount obtained by adding the new usage fee to the existing unsettled usage amount exceeds the credit limit. . The payment processing unit 138 instructs the payment requesting unit 130, and the payment requesting unit 130 instructs the payment device 114 to withdraw the unsettled usage amount by designating the account number or the like necessary for payment. The payment device 114 returns payment acceptance/rejection information indicating whether the payment was successful or not. The payment reception unit 132 receives payment approval/disapproval information. The play permitting unit 134 does not permit game play when settlement is not possible. In the case of credit cards, if the credit limit is set to a small amount of several thousand yen to several tens of thousands of yen, payment will The device 114 almost never fails to make a payment. In the following, it is assumed that the settlement was successful.

The credit unit 136 determines whether or not the credit limit can be reset (S18). Specifically, the credit unit 136 inquires of the settlement device 114 and resets the credit limit if there is an account balance for the credit limit. If the credit limit cannot be set (N of S18), the play permitting unit 134 does not permit the start of the game (S20). The play permitting unit 134 transmits a refusal signal to the game device 110, and the game device 110 displays on the screen that the game cannot be played with electronic money or that the credit card is not valid because the balance of the bank account is insufficient. If the credit limit can be set (Y of S18), the credit section 136 sets a new credit limit (S22).

When the unsettled use amount falls within the credit limit (N of S12), or when the credit limit can be reset after settlement (Y of S18, S22), the settlement processing unit 138 determines the unsettled use amount of the credit information 142. (S24), and the play permitting unit 134 permits game play. For example, when the player (P01) shown in FIG. 3 plays a game with a usage fee of 200 yen, the existing unused payment amount is 2,200 yen. 400 yen (=2,200+200). Since this is within the credit limit of 3,000 yen, the settlement processing unit 138 rewrites 2,200 yen in the credit information 142 to 2,400 yen, and the play permission unit 134 transmits a permission signal to the game device 110 . The game device 110 starts executing the game upon receiving the permission signal.
As described above, when the face authentication is successful and the unsettled usage amount is within the credit limit, the usage condition is established, and the game device 110 starts the game without the settlement processing unit 138 executing settlement processing. become executable.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, it has been described that game play is permitted within the credit limit, and electronic money settlement is collectively executed when the unsettled usage amount exceeds the credit limit. The second embodiment relates to a settlement method for setting a loan limit for medals in the medal device 116. FIG. As described above, medals are points that can be used in the game, and are a kind of virtual currency in the game. Medals are divided into physical medals and electronic medals, but the electronic medals will be described below unless otherwise specified. Also, it is assumed that the lending limit is set by the operator of the game support device 102 according to the player.

A unit price is set for the medals of the second embodiment, such as 100 yen per medal. You can buy medals by paying cash, but you cannot convert medals to cash. In the game of the game device 110, medals are consumed as costs for various game actions such as purchase of items and training of characters. In addition, medals are added according to various game results such as defeating enemies and winning races. Although details will be described later, the hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the game support device 102 in the second embodiment.
In FIG. 8, the roles of the functional blocks labeled with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. A lending request receiving unit 144 and a deposit request receiving unit 146 are added to the communication unit 120 of the game support device 102 of the second embodiment. A lending unit 148 is added to the data processing unit 118 .

The lending request receiving unit 144 receives a medal lending request from the medal device 116 . A player (user) may purchase medals in cash, or may borrow medals from the game support device 102 upon a lending request. The lending unit 148 permits the lending of medals when a lending condition described later is satisfied. Details of the lending process will be described later with reference to FIG. The deposit request receiving unit 146 receives a medal deposit request. The player buys or borrows medals before playing the game. After the play, surplus medals are deposited in the medal device 116. - 特許庁When depositing, the token device 116 transmits a deposit request to the game support device 102 . Details of the deposit process will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a data structure diagram of the medal information 150. As shown in FIG.
The medal information 150 is stored in the data storage section 122 . The medal information 150 associates the player ID, the number of deposited medals, and the number of loaned medals. A loaned medal is a medal that is lent to the player by the game support device 102 by a method described later. The player can borrow medals within the lending limit. In other words, it is the player's liability in the game. Deposited medals are medals deposited in the medal device 116 by the player. It is, so to speak, an asset in the player's game. The player deposits the medals purchased or increased in the game into the medal device 116 .

In FIG. 9, the player (P01) deposits 300 medals and has not borrowed any medals. In other words, it is a state of excess savings, and the player (P01) can execute the game for 300 medals without borrowing or purchasing new medals. The player (P02) deposits 4,200 medals and borrows 7,200 medals. Player (P02) has 11,400 (=4,200+7,200) medals available, but is also in a state of insolvency with 3,000 (=7,200-4,200) medals. . The player (P04) deposits 1,200 medals and borrows 100 medals from the game system. The player (P04) is in a state of being able to use 1,300 (=1,200+100) medals. Since the number of deposits is larger than the number of loans, the player (P04) is in an excess savings state.

When borrowing medals, payment must be made with electronic money by the method described later. Since the player (P02) is in excess of debt of 3,000 coins (=7,200-4,200), it will eventually be necessary to pay for 3,000 coins. On the other hand, the player (P04) has 1,100 tokens (=1,200-100) to spare because he has more medals to deposit than the borrowed medals. Therefore, the borrowed amount of 100 sheets is offset by the deposited amount.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the medal lending process in the second embodiment.
The processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed when a player registered in the game system 100 borrows medals from the settlement device 114. In FIG. At the time of lending, face authentication (biometric authentication) is performed by the same method as in the first embodiment. When face authentication fails, the process shown in FIG. 10 is not executed, and lending of medals is not permitted. FIG. 10 is executed after the lending request receiving unit 144 receives the lending request from the medal device 116 and face authentication is successful. When making a lending request, the medal device 116 transmits to the game support device 102 the player ID, face information, and the number of medals to be borrowed.

First, the credit unit 136 determines whether or not a lending limit has been set for the player who has made the lending request (S40). When the lending limit has not been set (N of S40), the process skips to S48. When the lending limit has been set (Y of S40) and the number of loaned medals exceeds the lending limit (Y of S42), the settlement processing unit 138 executes settlement processing (S44). After executing the settlement process, the credit unit 136 once resets the credit limit (S46).

The number of loaned medals referred to here is the total number of medals obtained by adding the number of medals newly requested to be loaned to the number of already loaned medals. The payment processing unit 138 executes payment processing when the total number of loaned medals exceeds the loan limit. The payment processing unit 138 instructs the payment requesting unit 130, and the payment requesting unit 130 designates the account number and instructs the payment device 114 to withdraw the payment for the number of lent medals. The token device 116 returns payment acceptance/rejection information indicating whether the payment was successful or not. The payment reception unit 132 receives payment approval/disapproval information. The lending section 148 does not permit lending of medals when settlement fails. As with credit lines, payment failures at the payment device 114 are rare. In the following, it is assumed that the settlement was successful.

The credit unit 136 determines whether or not the credit limit can be reset (S48). Specifically, the credit unit 136 inquires of the settlement device 114 and resets the loan limit if there is an account balance for the loan limit. If the lending limit cannot be set (N of S48), the lending section 148 does not permit lending of medals (S50). The lending unit 148 causes the communication unit 120 to transmit a refusal signal to the token device 116, and the token device 116 displays that tokens cannot be borrowed using electronic money because the balance of the bank account is insufficient. If the lending limit can be set (Y of S48), the credit section 136 sets a new lending limit (S52).

When the number of loaned medals fits within the loan limit (N of S42), or when the loan limit can be reset after payment (Y of S48, S52), the payment processing unit 138 updates the number of loaned medals in the medal information 150. (S54), and the lending unit 148 permits the lending of medals (S56). For example, when the player (P03) shown in FIG. 9 requests the loan of 1,500 medals when the loan limit is set to 3,000, the total number of loaned medals is 2,900 (=1 , 400+1,500). Since this is within the lending limit of 3,000, the payment processing unit 138 rewrites the medal information 150 from 1,400 to 2,900, and the lending unit 148 transmits a lending permission signal to the medal device 116 . Upon receiving the permission signal, the medal device 116 lends out medals. The player (P03) can enjoy the game on the game device 110 within the medal device 116 range.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the medal deposit processing process in the second embodiment.
When the player ends the game, the medals remaining in the game device 110 are sent to the medal device 116 , and the medal device 116 sends a deposit request designating the number of coins to be deposited to the game support device 102 . Also, when the player purchases medals at the medal device 116 , the number of purchased medals is transmitted from the medal device 116 to the game support device 102 , and the settlement processing unit 138 adds the number of deposited medals in the medal information 150 . The deposit processing shown in FIG. 11 is executed when medals are deposited at the end of the game.

First, if the lending limit has already been set (Y of S60), the credit section 136 resets the lending limit (S62). If the lending limit has not been set (N of S60), the processing of S62 is skipped. When the number of deposits is greater than or equal to the number of loans (Y of S64), the settlement processing unit 138 adds the number of deposits by the excess amount (S66). For example, when a player borrows 1,000 medals and deposits 1,500 at the end of the game, the increment of 500 is added to the number of deposited medals in the medal information 150 .

When the number of loans is less than the number of deposits (N of S64), the settlement processing unit 138 subtracts the number of deposits by the shortage (S68). For example, when a player borrows 1,000 medals and deposits 800 at the end of the game, the borrowed and deposited medals are offset, and the decrement of 200 is subtracted from the number of deposited medals in the medal information 150 .

When the number of deposited medals becomes negative as a result of the subtraction (Y of S70), the settlement processing unit 138 executes settlement processing for the shortage (S72). If there is no shortage (N of S70), the processing of S72 is skipped.

For example, the player (P02) shown in FIG. 9 has 4,200 deposited medals and borrows 7,200 medals. When the player (P02) reduces the 7,200 medals to 4,000 (3,200 consumption), the number of deposited medals is reduced to 1,000 (=4,200-3,200). Although the number of deposited tokens as assets is reduced, settlement by electronic money is not required. On the other hand, when the player (P02) reduces 7,200 medals to 1,600 (5,600 consumption), there is a shortage of 1,400 (=4,200-5,600). In this case, the number of deposited medals is zero, and the payment for the missing 1,400 medals is settled by electronic money.
It should be noted that the medal deposit process is not limited to be executed after the end of the game, and may be executed at any timing such as the end of business hours.
As described above, when the facial recognition is successful and the number of loaned medals is within the loan limit, the lending condition is satisfied and the game device 110 can execute the game. Further, when the number of deposited medals becomes 0 or less, electronic money settlement is executed.

The game system 100 has been described above based on the embodiment.
According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to charge the IC card with a large amount of cash in advance for electronic money settlement. The player can continue playing the game on the game device 110 without being interrupted for charging. There is also the advantage of reducing the financial burden on the player because the game is played within the credit limit and the payment is deferred if necessary.

In the first embodiment, the player can play without cash as long as it is within the credit limit. When the unsettled usage amount exceeds the credit limit, the electronic money settlement is performed collectively, so it is suitable for arcade games with small amounts and many settlements. It is also a method that facilitates the collection of time charges such as 10 yen per minute.

The operational burden of the game support device 102 is also reduced. In the case of the IC card charging method, the charged amount (balance) recorded on the IC card is a "deposit", and the operator is obliged to strictly manage it. In the first embodiment, credit is given to the player and settlement is executed in arrears, so there is also the advantage that the game operator is relieved of the burden associated with deposit management.

Also in the second embodiment, the player can borrow medals within the borrowing limit. If the number of medals can be increased in the game, settlement is not executed (see S70 in FIG. 11). No payment is required at the stage of borrowing tokens, and there is a possibility that payment may not be required depending on the outcome of the game, making it easier for the player to challenge the token game.

In addition, by photographing a face image and performing face authentication, unauthorized use associated with theft of a player ID (game card) is deterred. Acquisition of biometric information such as a face image in the game device 110 without actually performing face authentication is considered to greatly contribute to crime deterrence. Even if unauthorized use occurs, if the player ID, the face image, and the play history are associated and registered in the game support device 102 or the game device 110, the unauthorized user can be easily identified at a later date.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications. Also, some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

Although the mobile terminal 104, the game support device 102, the relay device 112, the game device 110, and the token device 116 constitute the game system 100, part of the functions of the game support device 102 are the game device 110 and the relay device 112. , or part of the functions of the game device 110 and the relay device 112 may be assigned to the game support device 102 . Also, a third device other than the game support device 102, the game device 110, and the relay device 112 may take part of the functions of these devices.

Collective functions of game device 110, relay device 112, and game support device 102 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 8 can be generally understood as one "information processing device." How to distribute a plurality of functions necessary for realizing the present invention to one or more pieces of hardware is determined in consideration of the processing capability of each piece of hardware and the specifications required for the game system 100. It should be decided.

In the present embodiment, it has been explained that the operator of the game support device 102 determines the size of the credit limit and the loan limit. As a modification, the credit section 136 may set the size of the credit limit (loan limit) based on the player's attribute information such as the player's means, age, and playing experience. For example, when the player is a minor, the credit limit may be set at 2,000 yen, and when the player is an adult, the credit limit may be set at 10,000 yen. Alternatively, the size of the credit limit (loan limit) may be determined based on credit information such as the number of settlements and the number of successful settlements.

In the present embodiment, the credit limit (loan limit) is set on the condition that cash equivalent to the limit is in the account balance. As a modification, a “withdrawal limit” may be set in the credit section 136 . For example, when a parent hands over a game card to a child, if the withdrawal limit is set at 3,000 yen per day, the child can enjoy the game cashless within the range of 3,000 yen. Not only does it prevent kids from playing games indefinitely, but it also benefits parents because they don't have to carry cash with them.

When there is no account balance for the credit limit, or when the account balance falls below a predetermined level, the notification unit (not shown) of the game support device 102 may notify the medal device 116 of that fact. . Biometric authentication may be performed at the start of the game, or may be performed at the time of setting a credit limit (loan limit). In addition, the credit limit (loan limit) may be provided with an effective period. For example, the credit unit 136 may reset the credit limit (loan limit) once a predetermined period of time, for example, one day, has elapsed after setting the credit limit (loan limit). At the time of resetting, the payment processing unit 138 may execute payment processing.

The play permitting unit 134 may invalidate the game data of the game device 110 when unauthorized use of the game device 110 is detected. The illegal use referred to here includes prohibited acts such as forgery or theft of game cards, failure of biometric authentication, and violent acts. When the store 108 notifies the game support device 102 of the detection of fraud, the play permitting unit 134 executes invalidation processing. Invalidation means erasing, suspending, or changing the game data indicating the game result. The game support device 102 may manage game data. By making the game data "hostage", it becomes easier to deter cheating. Similarly, when fraudulent use is detected in the settlement device 114 , the lending unit 148 may stop using the tokens lent out in the token device 116 .

Interest may be paid on deposited medals. Further, when the number of lent medals can be increased in the game, the settlement processing unit 138 may convert the increased amount of medals into valuables such as items and gift certificates and provide them to the player. According to such a control method, it becomes easier to secure an opportunity (earning opportunity) to collect the price of medals while providing the player with the merits associated with an increase in medals.

In this embodiment, the game support device 102 takes charge of payment of usage fees. The usage fee collected by the game support device 102 is distributed as sales to each store 108 . As a modified example, part of the usage fee collected by the game support device 102 may be used for the operating expenses of the game support device 102 . For example, when the manufacturer of the game device 110 operates the game support device 102, the housing price of the game device 110 may be suppressed instead of taking part of the usage fee as profit. According to such a fee collection method, the store 108 can reduce fixed costs when introducing the game device 110 . If the game device 110 becomes a popular game, the operating expenses will be paid more, and if it is unpopular, the operating expenses will be paid less. Sales of the game device 110 vary greatly depending on whether the game is a hit or not. By having the operator of the game support device 102 take on this risk of sales, it becomes easier for the store 108 to introduce the new game device 110 .

When the game device 110 transmits the input information to the game support device 102, the relay device 112 may transmit the store ID. Also, in the fee table 160, usage fees may be set for each store 108 instead of for each game. For example, even for the same game, the usage fee may be set higher at the store 108 where the latest game device 110 has just been introduced, and the usage fee may be set lower for the old game device 110. good. Alternatively, in order to increase the ability to attract customers when the weather is bad, it is possible to collectively reduce the usage fees of the stores 108 located in areas of bad weather.

In the present embodiment, the arcade game has been described. However, the game system 100 may be implemented for home game machines, smartphones, personal computers, and the like.

The settlement method of the present invention is effective for settlement of electronic money or the like that occurs frequently and in small amounts, such as arcade games. Also, the present invention can be applied to applications other than games. The game support device 102 can be configured not only as a game support device but also as a settlement support device. For example, in addition to small payments at retail stores such as convenience stores, payment support devices can also be used for facility usage fees such as museums, parlors, art galleries, and movie theaters, as well as bets for public gambling such as horse racing, bicycle racing, casinos, and pachinko. Alternatively, payment may be made with electronic money or a credit card after the credit limit has been set.

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below as a third embodiment and a fourth embodiment in relation to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the player plays the game in a post-pay system based on the credit limit. In the third embodiment, players play arcade games with credit cards. A game card owned by a player stores a player ID, but does not store a credit card number. At the start of the game, the player causes the game device 110 to read the game card, and the game device 110 acquires the player ID from the game card.

Credit information 200 that associates the player ID with the credit card number is stored in the data storage unit 122 of the game support device 102 (the credit information 200 of the third embodiment will be described later). The credit unit 136 acquires the player ID from the game device 110 and refers to the credit information 200 to identify the player's credit card number. A credit limit is set in advance for a credit card, and the credit section 136 sets a credit limit within the limit of use.

FIG. 12 is a data structure diagram of credit information 200 in the third embodiment.
The credit information 200 associates a player ID with a credit card number, a credit limit, a credit line, and an accumulated credit amount. For a credit card, information related to the validity of the credit card such as the expiration date, and various information such as the issuer of the credit card may be associated.

When a player registers as a player in the game system 100 , the player registers various information regarding credit cards in the game support device 102 . The payment requesting unit 130 of the game support device 102 appropriately inquires of the credit card issuer (credit card company) to obtain various information about the credit card, such as the expiration date of the credit card and whether or not it is in a suspended state. get.

The usage limit is an amount of money that can be used per unit period set for each player and each credit card, for example, the amount that indicates the usage limit per month. According to FIG. 12, the usage limit of the player (P01) is 100,000 yen, and the usage limit of the player (P02) is 1,000,000 yen. The usage limit may be registered by the player himself/herself as the withdrawal limit, or may be set by the credit card company. The payment request unit 130 may confirm the credit limit by inquiring of the credit card company. In the following description, it is assumed that the credit card company sets the credit limit.

A credit limit is set for each player. The cumulative usage amount is the cumulative value of credit card usage amounts per unit period, for example, per month. When the accumulated usage amount reaches the usage limit, the credit card cannot be used until the next month.

When setting a credit limit (3,000 yen) for the player (P01), the credit unit 136 secures a withdrawal right of 3,000 yen from the bank account corresponding to the credit card of the player (P01). More specifically, the credit department 136 notifies the credit card company of the setting of the credit limit, and the credit card company sets the withdrawal right for the credit limit in the bank account. The credit unit 136 adds the credit limit to the accumulated usage amount.

For example, assume that the account balance of player (P01) is 50,000 yen. Here, when a credit limit of 3,000 yen is set for the player (P01), the amount that can be withdrawn from the same account by another user, for example, the family of the player (P01) is actually 3,000 yen. Even if the portion is not used, it will be reduced to 47,000 yen (=50,000 yen - 3,000 yen). From the stage when the credit limit is not actually used, the player (P01) is set with the right to withdraw the amount of the credit limit. In other words, the player (P01) is guaranteed to play for the credit limit.

As in the first embodiment, when the unsettled usage amount of the playing fee reaches the credit limit, the settlement processing unit 138 executes settlement. If the credit limit has room for the credit limit, the credit unit 136 sets a new credit limit.

As a specific example, it is assumed that the credit unit 136 has set a first credit limit for the player (P01). When the accumulated amount used before setting is 60,000 yen (it is assumed that the settlement has already been completed), the accumulated amount used becomes 63,000 yen (=60,000+3,000) by setting the credit limit. When the player (P01) plays the game and the unsettled usage amount reaches the credit limit (3,000 yen), the settlement processing unit 138 executes settlement for the credit limit. In the case of the above example, a new payment of 3,000 yen is executed, so the payment for a total of 63,000 yen is completed.

Further, the credit unit 136 subtracts the accumulated usage amount (63,000 yen) from the usage limit (100,000 yen) of the player (P01), 000 yen = 37,000 yen). Since the margin of the credit limit (unused amount) is greater than or equal to the credit limit, the credit unit 136 sets a new credit limit (3,000 yen). After setting the credit limit, the credit unit 136 updates the accumulated usage amount to 66,000 yen (63,000 yen + 3,000 yen). At this stage, out of the 66,000 yen, 63,000 yen has already been settled as described above, and the remaining 3,000 yen is the credit limit (unused/unsettled) newly secured. In this manner, the credit unit 136 can reset the credit limit any number of times as long as the cumulative amount used does not reach the credit limit. The credit limit is not a limit for restricting use, but a limit for defining the execution timing of settlement.

The settlement processing unit 138 executes settlement when the total unused settlement amount reaches the credit limit. Alternatively, settlement may be executed every time the credit limit is set a predetermined number of times, for example, three times. Since the settlement is executed when the unused settlement amount reaches the credit limit, the number of settlements, in other words, the processing load associated with the settlement process can be reduced rather than executing the settlement for each play.

The credit limit set in the third embodiment is limited to less than the credit limit. For example, if a credit limit of 100,000 yen is set for a credit card with a credit limit of 100,000 yen, the credit card becomes unusable just by setting the credit limit once. As an example, assume that three players P1, P2, and P3 (three of whom are family members) are associated with one credit card. At this time, if a large credit limit of 100,000 yen is set for player P1, credit limits cannot be set for players P2 and P3. On the other hand, in the case of setting a credit limit of 3,000 yen, which is a relatively small amount, even after player P1 has received the setting of the credit limit, players P2 and P3 each use the same credit card. You can receive the setting of the credit limit. For this reason, the credit line should be set at least below the credit limit, and more preferably be limited to 1/10 or less of the credit limit. As described above, it is considered appropriate that the credit limit is about 20 to 30 times the usage fee per game play.

Also, even if multiple credit cards are associated with a single bank account, if a large credit limit is set for any one credit card, the use of other credit cards will be greatly restricted. put away. From this point of view as well, it is desirable that the credit line be limited to less than the credit limit.

After confirming that the credit card is valid, the credit section 136 sets the credit limit. Specifically, the credit department 136 confirms validity by inquiring of the credit card company (payment device 114) whether the credit card has expired or whether the use of the credit card has been suspended. . Various functions such as biometric authentication described in the first embodiment can also be applied to the communication unit 120 in the third embodiment.

As described above, even in the third embodiment, the arcade game can be enjoyed by the post-pay method. In addition, the number of payments can be reduced by setting a credit limit. When settlement is made for each play, there is a possibility that the smooth play of the game will be hindered due to an increase in the processing load that accompanies an increase in the number of settlements. On the other hand, if a credit limit equal to or greater than the credit limit is set, the number of payments can be reduced, but other users may be inconvenienced for the reasons described above. Therefore, by setting a credit limit of an appropriate size that is smaller than the credit limit and resetting the credit limit as necessary, both the convenience of postpay and the reduction in the number of settlements are achieved.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, the player borrows medals from the medal device 116 based on the lending limit set by the game support device 102, as in the second embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the player borrows medals using a credit card. The data storage unit 122 of the game support device 102 stores medal information 202 that associates the player ID with the credit card number (the medal information 202 of the fourth embodiment will be described later). The credit unit 136 acquires the player ID from the medal device 116 and refers to the medal information 202 to identify the player's credit card number. A credit limit is set for a credit card, and the credit unit 136 sets a credit limit within the limit of use.

FIG. 13 is a data structure diagram of medal information 202 in the fourth embodiment.
The medal information 202 associates the player ID with the credit card number, the credit limit, the loan limit, the number of deposited medals, and the number of loaned medals. In addition to the credit card number, the token information 202 may also be associated with information relating to validity such as the expiration date, and various types of information such as the issuer of the credit card. In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that one medal costs 10 yen.

As in the third embodiment, the credit section 136 sets a loan limit smaller than the credit limit, and permits token lending within the limit of the loan limit. Also, when medals are deposited, the borrowed medals and deposited medals are offset, and the balance is settled as necessary in the same manner as in the third embodiment. In this way, when lending medals to the medal device 116, the number of settlement processes can be reduced by so-called "credit lending" within the range of the lending limit. In the fourth embodiment as well, when the net number of borrowed medals exceeds the lending limit, the credit unit 136 sets a new lending limit on the condition that the difference between the credit limit and the accumulated usage amount is equal to or greater than the credit limit. do.

According to FIG. 13, the player (P02) has a loan limit of 30,000 yen (3,000 coins), 4,200 deposited medals, and 7,200 loaned medals. When the number of deposits and the number of loans out are offset, the player (P02) has received a total of 3,000 loans, so the credit section 136 needs to reset the lending limit in order to receive further loans.

In either case of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the player can use the post-pay system settlement by credit card with the game card in which the player ID is registered. The player does not need to bring a credit card to the store 108. By arbitrarily setting a credit limit or a credit limit for a credit card, the convenience of a credit card can be safely provided even to a child player. Even if the game card is lost, the use of the game card is limited to arcade games, so the risk is smaller than the loss of a general-purpose credit card. In other words, the game card can function as a "game credit card that even children can use." Security can be further enhanced by combining with other authentication means such as biometric authentication.

The credit unit 136 sets a credit limit for the player ID regardless of whether the payment is made by credit card or not. A new credit limit may be set. The resetting condition here may be, as described above, that the cumulative usage amount (cumulative amount of unsettled usage) is within the usage limit, or that the credit limit is set a predetermined number of times per unit time. It may be within the number of times. Alternatively, the player may be prevented from staying at the store 108 until late at night by allowing resetting of the credit limit until a predetermined time, for example, 16:00. In addition, a predetermined time or more has passed since the credit limit was set, the elapsed time since the credit limit was set is within a predetermined time, and a game different from the game played in the previous credit limit is played. Various conditions may be set as the reset condition according to the purpose of use. In either case, by setting a credit limit and securing the right to withdraw money corresponding to the credit limit, convenience of postpay and suppression of the number of settlements can be realized. The credit limit is a limit set by the credit card company based on the credit of the owner. Alternatively, the spending limit may be set as an upper limit set by the user as the amount of money available for the game. In any case, the usage limit may be set as the upper limit of money that can be used in a unit period. On the other hand, the credit limit is a "frame" in which the game can be played without payment, and the credit limit itself does not need to limit the number of times the game can be played. The credit limit is not the upper limit of money that can be used, but is a value that controls the timing of settlement, and in this respect it plays a different role than the credit limit.

Note that lending and depositing medals in the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment are not limited to physical processing by the medal device 116 . Medals may be configured as disk-shaped physical media made of metal or the like, or may be managed electronically using electronic media called electronic medals or virtual medals. The token device 116 not only stores physical tokens themselves, but also electronically records information on the stored tokens. Depending on the medal game, in addition to games that require actual medals to be inserted, there are also games that can be played by inserting only electronic medals without requiring physical medals. When electronic medals are used, electronic medals may be borrowed and deposited directly from the game device 110 connected to the medal device 116 via the Internet 106 instead of the medal device 116 .

100 game system, 102 game support device, 104 portable terminal, 106 Internet, 108 store, 110 game device, 112 relay device, 114 payment device, 116 medal device, 118 data processing unit, 120 communication unit, 122 data storage unit, 124 ID acquisition unit, 126 use request reception unit, 128 biometric information acquisition unit, 130 payment request unit, 132 payment reception unit, 134 play permission unit, 136 credit unit, 138 payment processing unit, 140 authentication unit, 142 credit information, 144 lending Request receiving unit 146 Deposit request receiving unit 148 Lending unit 150 Medal information 158 Biological information table 160 Fee table 162 Account table 200 Credit information 202 Medal information

Claims (11)

Connected via a communication network with a game device that allows payment of play fees with a credit card,
a usage request receiving unit that receives a usage request including a player ID from the game device;
When the usage request is received, by associating information indicating a credit limit with the player ID, the player of the game device is provided with an amount less than the credit limit of the credit card associated with the player ID. a credit unit that sets a credit limit based on the attribute information of the player ;
a payment requesting unit that designates the credit card and requests an external payment device to pay the unpaid amount;
a play permitting unit that permits use of the game device without executing a payment request by the payment requesting unit when the player's accumulated unsettled usage amount falls within the credit limit ,
When the accumulated unsettled usage amount of the player reaches the credit limit, the settlement request unit requests the settlement, A game support device that resets the credit limit for the player on condition that the credit limit is equal to or higher than the credit limit . 2. The game support according to claim 1 , wherein when setting the credit limit, the credit department secures a withdrawal right corresponding to the credit limit for an account associated with the credit card. Device. 3. The game support device according to claim 1 , wherein the credit section sets the credit limit on condition that the credit card is valid. further comprising a payment reception unit that receives a payment approval/disapproval notification from the payment device;
4. The game support device according to claim 1, wherein the play permitting unit permits the use of the game device when the settlement of the unsettled amount is permitted by the settlement device. 5. A game support device according to claim 1, wherein said play permitting section invalidates game data of said game device when unauthorized use of said game device is detected. It is connected to a medal device that can be settled by credit card via a communication network,
a lending request receiving unit that receives a lending request for medals, which are points that can be used in a game, from the medal device;
A credit unit that, when the lending request is received, sets a lending limit for the user of the medal device, which is smaller than the credit limit of the credit card associated with the user and based on the attribute information of the user. When,
a lending unit that permits the user to lend medals within the range of the lending limit;
a deposit request receiving unit that receives a medal deposit request from the medal device;
a payment processing unit that executes payment by offsetting the amount of tokens lent and the amount of tokens deposited to the user when the deposit request is received ;
When the amount of tokens lent to the user reaches the credit limit, the payment processing unit executes settlement of the amount lent out, and the credit unit calculates the unused amount of the credit limit of the credit card. is equal to or greater than the lending limit, the game support device resets the lending limit for the user . 7. The game support device according to claim 6 , wherein, when the amount of deposited medals exceeds the amount of medals lent to the user , the payment processing unit saves the excess amount of medals in association with the user. connected to the game device via a communication network,
a usage request receiving unit that receives a usage request including a player ID from the game device;
a credit unit that sets a credit limit based on the attribute information of the player for the player of the game device by associating information indicating the credit limit with the player ID when the use request is received;
a payment requesting unit that designates a credit card and requests an external payment device to pay the unpaid amount;
a play permitting unit that permits use of the game device without executing a payment request by the payment requesting unit when the player's accumulated unsettled usage amount falls within the credit limit,
When the accumulated unsettled usage amount of the player reaches the credit limit, the settlement request unit requests the settlement, and the credit unit closes the credit limit if a predetermined resetting condition is satisfied. A game support device characterized by resetting. a function of receiving a usage request including a player ID from a game device that allows payment of a playing fee with a credit card;
When the usage request is received, by associating information indicating a credit limit with the player ID, the player of the game device is provided with an amount less than the credit limit of the credit card associated with the player ID. a function of setting a credit line for the player of the game device based on the attribute information of the player ;
The use of the game device is permitted on the condition that the credit card is specified and the credit card is specified to request settlement of the unsettled usage amount to an external settlement device, and the cumulative total of the unsettled usage amount of the player falls within the credit limit. features to allow, and
When the accumulated unsettled usage amount of the player reaches the credit limit, the settlement is requested, and on the condition that the unused amount out of the credit limit of the credit card is equal to or greater than the credit limit, the A game support program characterized by causing a computer to exhibit a function of resetting the credit limit for a player . A function of receiving a request for lending medals, which are points that can be used in a game, from a medal device that allows payment by credit card;
a function of setting, when the lending request is received, for the user of the medal device a lending limit that is smaller than the credit limit of a credit card associated with the user and based on the attribute information of the user; ,
a function of permitting the user to lend medals within the lending limit;
a function of receiving a medal deposit request from the medal device;
a function of executing settlement by offsetting the amount of tokens lent and the amount of tokens deposited to the user when the deposit request is received;
When the amount of tokens lent to the user reaches the credit limit, the credit amount is settled, and the unused amount of the credit limit of the credit card is equal to or greater than the credit limit. , and a function of resetting the lending limit for the user . a function of receiving a usage request including a player ID from a game device;
a function of setting a credit limit based on the attribute information of the player for the player of the game device by associating information indicating the credit limit with the player ID when the use request is received;
A function to specify a credit card and request settlement of the unsettled amount to an external settlement device;
a function of permitting the use of the game device on condition that the cumulative amount of unsettled usage of the player falls within the credit limit;
When the accumulated unsettled usage amount of the player reaches the credit limit, the computer requests the settlement and resets the credit limit if a predetermined resetting condition is satisfied. A game support program characterized by:

Images