Management device, program, and management method

Abstract

Provided are a management device and the like for an entertainment facility, which are capable of strictly managing a user entering the entertainment facility. A management server 110 that manages the entry of an entertainment facility is provided with: a timing unit 120 that measures the stay duration of a user who has entered the entertainment facility; and a notification unit 130 that notifies the user before the stay duration reaches a time limit that the game performed by using the entertainment machine 200 in the entertainment facility will be limited if the stay duration exceeds the time limit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, program, and method for managing matters such as entry to entertainment facilities. Background Art

[0002] Some entertainment facilities, such as arcade facilities, are known to charge an entrance fee and a fee based on the length of stay. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that charges an entrance fee upon entry to an arcade facility and an additional entrance fee after a certain period of time (e.g., 24 hours) after entry.

[0003] Reference List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6904492 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Meanwhile, although casino facilities are often hotbeds of fraud (eg, money laundering) and therefore require strict management of users entering the facilities, there has hitherto been no system for implementing such management.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a management device for an amusement facility, etc., which is capable of strictly managing users entering the amusement facility.

[0008] A management device according to one aspect of the present invention is a management device configured to manage entry into an entertainment facility, the management device comprising: a timing unit configured to measure the length of stay of a user entering the entertainment facility; and a notification unit configured to notify the user before the length of stay reaches a time limit, when the length of stay exceeds the time limit, games played by using entertainment machines in the entertainment facility will be restricted.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a program causes a computer that manages entry to an entertainment facility to perform the following steps: measuring the length of stay of users entering the entertainment facility; and notifying the users before the length of stay reaches a time limit that, when the length of stay exceeds the time limit, games played by using entertainment machines in the entertainment facility will be restricted.

[0010] A management method according to one aspect of the present invention is a management method for an entertainment facility executed by a computer, the management method comprising the following steps: measuring the length of stay of a user entering the entertainment facility; and notifying the user before the length of stay reaches a time limit, when the length of stay exceeds the time limit, games played by using entertainment machines in the entertainment facility will be restricted.

[0011] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, users entering an entertainment facility can be strictly managed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facility management system according to the present embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the contents registered in the admission database and the member database.

[0015] Figure 3A It is a diagram showing an operation sequence performed when a member user enters a casino facility.

[0016] Figure 3B It is a diagram showing a sequence of operations performed when a non-member user enters a casino facility.

[0017] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration implemented by a management server.

[0018] Figure 5 1 is a sequence diagram showing an operation sequence in the facility management system 1 for solving the first problem.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an operation sequence performed when a non-updated user enters a casino facility.

[0020] Figure 7 : is a sequence diagram showing an operation sequence in the facility management system for solving the second problem.

[0021] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of operations in a facility management system that solves the third problem.

[0022] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the operation in the facility management system that solves the third problem.

[0023] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of the operation in the facility management system that solves the third problem.

[0024] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing a fourth example of the operation in the facility management system that solves the third problem.

[0025] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of the mobile terminal.

[0026] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing a fifth example of the operation in the facility management system that solves the third problem.

[0027] Figure 14is a sequence diagram showing a sixth example of the operation in the facility management system that solves the third problem. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the various drawings, elements with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0029] A. This embodiment

[0030] First, an outline configuration of a facility management system according to the present embodiment is explained, and then problems existing in current game facilities and solutions to these problems are described.

[0031] Figure 1 : is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facility management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the facility management system 1 is a system for managing entry into and length of stay in a casino facility, and is configured by including a management server 100 and various entertainment machines 200 installed in the casino facility.

[0033] The management server 100 and the entertainment machines 200 are connected via a communication network N. Each of the entertainment machines 200 controls the game state under the management of the management server 100. The term "entertainment machine" as used herein refers to any device capable of performing a game (game play) in a casino facility, and may be, for example, a slot machine or a game table using cards, roulette, dice, etc. The number of entertainment machines is not limited.

[0034] The communication network N includes a communication network capable of mutually transmitting and receiving information between the management server 100 and each of the entertainment machines 200. The communication network N may be, for example, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a dedicated line, a telephone line, an enterprise network, a mobile communication network, Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), or other communication lines, or a combination of any of the above networks, and whether the communication network N is wired or wireless is not important.

[0035] <First Problem and Its Solution>

[0036] At overseas casinos, there are players who enter for the purpose of trading with other players rather than playing games within the casino facilities. To prevent the disruption of peace and order within casino facilities, it is necessary to strictly manage the entry of players who do not enter for the purpose of playing games.

[0037] In view of these circumstances, the present embodiment aims to construct a mechanism which, in principle, requires users to create a membership card, thereby prohibiting users from playing games without a membership card.

[0038] At the entrance gate, each user is asked to present an identification document, such as an Individual Number Card or passport, to confirm whether the user is a member card holder (i.e., a registered member). Users who do not have a membership card will be prompted to create one.

[0039] Users who have been guided to create a membership card but have not created a membership card within a certain period of time, or users who have created a membership card but have not played any games in the gaming facility within a certain period of time, will be monitored by gaming facility personnel (e.g., staff).

[0040] Figure 2 The contents registered in the entrance database DB1 and the member database DB2 held by the management server 100 are exemplarily shown.

[0041] In the entry database DB1 , a plurality of entry record data D1 regarding users' entry into a game facility are registered.

[0042] In the entry record data D1, for example, for each user, the entry time, status, name, address, date of birth and gender, as well as the reminder time (first reminder time and second reminder time), time limit, entry limit (first entry limit status information and second entry limit status information), facial image file, and member data information are registered.

[0043] The "time limit" refers to the date and time that a user is allowed to stay in the facility for a maximum duration (e.g., 24 hours after admission) without paying an additional admission fee; and the "reminder time" refers to the date and time before the time limit, notifying the user of the impending time limit. In this embodiment, two such reminder times are set: a first reminder time (one hour before the time limit) and a second reminder time (ten minutes before the time limit). However, any number of reminder times may be set.

[0044] "Entry limit" indicates the number of times a user can enter a casino facility during a certain time period, as well as the number of times the user has entered the facility to date. In this embodiment, the first entry limit information indicates the number of times a user has entered the facility to date in the past seven days, which is limited to three times. The second entry limit information indicates the number of times a user has entered the facility to date in the past twenty-eight days, which is limited to ten times.

[0045] Time limits, reminder times, and entry limits can be set to any date and time or number of times in accordance with various laws and regulations related to casino facilities (e.g., the "Act on Development of Specified Integrated Resort Districts").

[0046] Meanwhile, a plurality of pieces of member data on registered users (ie, users who have created member cards) have been registered in the member database DB2.

[0047] The member data D2 registers, for example, status, entertainment machine login information, name, address, date of birth, and gender for each user with a member card. For convenience, users who have created a member card are referred to as member users, and users who have not created a member card are referred to as non-member users.

[0048] Figure 3A and 3B Sequences of operations to be performed when a member user enters a casino facility and when a non-member user enters a casino facility are respectively shown.

[0049] <Conditions of Member Users>

[0050] When a member user presents their identity verification document at the entrance, the management server 100 generates a piece of entry record data D1 for the user based on the identity verification document presented and registers this data in the entry database DB1. Specifically, the management server 100 registers this entry record data D1, which includes the entry time, reminder time, time limit, number of entries limit, and status ("stay"), as well as the name, address, date of birth, and gender (hereinafter referred to as the user's basic information) obtained from the identity verification document (C1).

[0051] The management server 100 then checks (compares) the entry record data D1 and the member data D2 against each other by referring to the entry database DB1 and the member database DB2. Upon confirming that the data match (i.e., successful verification), the management server 100 registers the "member number" (member identifier) ​​read from the member data into the member data information of the entry record data D1 and registers "stay" (C2) in the status of the member data D2.

[0052] Thereafter, when a member user holds his / her membership card over an entertainment machine (e.g., a gaming table) 200 within a gaming facility, the entertainment machine 200 queries the management server 100 for membership data. The management server 100 refers to the member database DB2 to check the status of the queried user. Figure 3AAs shown in FIG, if the status in the member data D2 corresponding to the user is "stay", the user is allowed to log in to the entertainment machine 200. This allows the member user to play games on the entertainment machine 200 (C3).

[0053] <For non-member users>

[0054] When a non-member user presents their identity verification document at the entrance, the management server 100 generates a piece of entry record data D1 for the user based on the presented identity verification document and registers this data in the entry database DB1. Specifically, the management server 100 registers this entry record data D1, which includes the entry time, reminder time, time limit, number of entries limit, and status ("stay"), as well as the name, address, date of birth, and gender obtained from the identity verification document (hereinafter referred to as "user basic information") (C11).

[0055] The management server 100 then checks (compares) the entry record data D1 and the membership data D2 against each other, referring to the entry database DB1 and the membership database DB2. In this case, the user is a non-member, and data regarding this non-member user has not yet been registered in the membership database DB2. Therefore, the management server 100 determines that no data exists (i.e., verification has failed) and does not register anything in the membership data information of the entry record data D1 (C12).

[0056] like Figure 3B As shown in , the management server 100 performs control so as not to allow a non-member user to play games on the entertainment machine 200 (ie, prohibits the non-member user from playing games) without issuing a membership card to the user (C13).

[0057] The configuration of the management server 100 is described below with reference to the drawings.

[0058] <Management Server>

[0059] The management server (management device) 100 is a general-purpose computer and may be composed of one computer or a plurality of computers distributed on a communication network. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the management server 100 includes a control device 11 and a storage device 12. The control device 11 includes hardware components such as a central processing unit (CPU), memory (such as read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM)), an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, and a bus connecting the above components to each other. The control device 11 causes the CPU to execute programs stored in the ROM, etc., thereby realizing functions such as managing entry and stay in the casino facility and managing the games played by each of the entertainment machines 200 in the casino facility. The storage device 12 is a hard disk drive or similar device that stores various programs and data.

[0060] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration implemented by the control device 11 in the management server 100 .

[0061] The management server 100 includes a management unit 110 , a timing unit 120 , a checking unit 130 , a notification unit 140 , and an entertainment control unit 150 .

[0062] The management unit 110 includes an admission database DB1 and a membership database DB2, and manages individual users entering the casino facility. As previously mentioned, users entering the facility are divided into registered members and non-members. The details of the entries in the admission database DB1 and membership database DB2 have already been described and are therefore omitted.

[0063] The timing unit 120 has a timer function and a clock function (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "timing function") and measures the time each user enters the casino facility, the length of their stay, the time they exit, etc. The entry time, etc. measured by the timing unit 120 are sequentially updated and registered in the entry record data D1 for the corresponding user.

[0064] The checking unit 130 checks (compares) the entrance record data D1 and the member data D2 with each other with reference to the entrance database DB1 and the member database DB2.

[0065] The notification unit 140 notifies the user of various messages based on pre-set notification conditions. The notification unit 140 notifies the user of each message by, for example, displaying each message on the display of the entertainment machine 200 used by the user to play games, or displaying each message on the display of a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) owned by the user.

[0066] The entertainment control unit 150 restricts the user's game play based on the pre-set entertainment restriction conditions CO. For example, the present embodiment is configured so that if the user is not a member user (i.e., a non-member user), the user is prohibited from playing games according to the entertainment restriction conditions CO. In addition, even if the user is a member user, if the length of stay in the game facility has reached the time limit, the user will be prohibited from playing games. For example, when it is detected that the user is not a member user or the length of stay of the member user in the game facility has reached the time limit, the entertainment control unit 150 controls each entertainment machine 200 in the game facility to prohibit game play according to the entertainment restriction conditions CO. However, if the above-mentioned non-member user subsequently becomes a member user, or if the above-mentioned member user has paid an additional entrance fee, the entertainment control unit 150 controls each entertainment machine 200 to lift the prohibition on playing games in the game facility (allowing games to be played in the game facility).

[0067] <Example of Operation in System for Solving First Problem>

[0068] Next, an operation sequence in the facility management system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0069] Figure 5 1 is a sequence diagram showing an operation sequence in the facility management system 1 for solving the first problem.

[0070] The user first holds the identity verification document above the entrance door (step S101). After obtaining the user's basic information and other information required for managing matters such as user entry and exit from the identity verification document, the entrance door transmits the information to the management server 100.

[0071] After receiving the user's basic information from the entrance gate, the management server 100 generates entry record data D1 for the user based on the identity verification document presented by the user and registers this data in the entry database DB1. Specifically, the management server 100 registers the entry record data D1, which includes the entry time, reminder time, restricted time, number of entries, and status ("stay"), as well as the user's basic information obtained from the identity verification document, such as name, address, date of birth, and gender (step S102).

[0072] The management server 100 refers to the admission database DB1 and the member database DB2, checks (compares) the admission record data D1 with the member data D2 (step S103), and determines whether the two sets of data match each other (step S104). After confirming that the two sets of data match each other ("Yes" in step S104), the management server 100 registers "stay" as the status in the member data D2 and registers the "member number" read from the member data as the member data information in the admission record data D1 (steps S105 and S106).

[0073] On the contrary, when it is determined that the member data matching the admission record data has not been registered (i.e., is not available) ("No" in step S104), the management server 100 notifies the user of a message (notification statement) prompting the user to create a membership card (steps S107 and S108) without registering anything in the member number information in the admission record data D1. Even when the user is a user who has already created a membership card, in some cases, such as if the user fails to update the information in the membership card (for example, address change), the admission record data D1 and the member data D2 may not match each other. In order to cope with this situation, the user may be notified of a creation / update message for creating a membership card or updating information, such as Figure 5 The user may also be notified that he cannot log into the entertainment machine 200.

[0074] After reading the notification statement through the entrance door (step S109), the user clicks an "OK" button on the display at the entrance door (step S110) and enters (step S111).

[0075] Staff within the gaming facility (e.g., dealers, field staff, and surveillance personnel) can periodically check whether each user's entry record data D1 has membership information registered using a mobile terminal or a terminal installed within the facility. For example, a user whose membership information is not registered in the entry record data D1 is not a member user, and staff may inquire about any inconveniences to the user. If there is no specific reason, the user may be monitored as a suspicious person.

[0076] <Second problem and its solution>

[0077] For example, if a user has moved and changed their address (e.g., from Tokyo to Kanagawa) since their last visit to a casino facility, the user's address obtained from the identity verification document (e.g., Kanagawa) may differ from the address registered in the member data (e.g., Tokyo). In this case, if the user is allowed to play games at the casino facility without any concerns, various problems may arise when identity verification is required for anti-money laundering (AML) reasons, for example.

[0078] In view of these circumstances, the present embodiment is intended to construct a mechanism that, when information about a user obtained from an authentication file when the user enters a gaming facility is checked (compared) with reference to the member data D2 registered in the member database DB2, can prohibit the user from playing the game if the user is not found (i.e., does not match the data).

[0079] Figure 6 Shown is an operation sequence performed when a user who has not updated his / her membership data (hereinafter referred to as a "non-updated user") enters a casino facility even if his / her user basic information (eg, address) has changed.

[0080] When an unupdated user presents the identity verification document at the entrance, the management server 100 generates the user's entry record data D1 based on the identity verification document presented by the user, and registers the entry record data D1 in the entry database DB1. Specifically, the management server 100 registers the entry record data D1, which includes the entry time, reminder time, time limit, number of entries limit and status ("stay"), as well as the user's basic information from the identity verification document, including the changed address ( Figure 6 "…Kanagawa" in the middle)(C21).

[0081] Then, the management server 100 refers to the admission database DB1 and the member database DB2, and checks (compares) the admission record data D1 with the member data D2. In this case, the user address registered in the member data has not been updated and is the same as the previous address ( Figure 6 ) and therefore the management server 100 determines that no matching member data is registered. In this case, nothing is registered as member data information in the admission record data D1, and nothing is registered as status in the member data (C22).

[0082] The user who has not updated the membership card then holds it above one of the entertainment machines 200 (e.g., a gaming table) in the gaming facility, thereby making a login request. The entertainment machine 200 queries the management server 100 for membership data. The management server 100 consults the member database DB2 to determine whether to allow login. In this case, the status registered in the member data D2 for the user who has not updated the membership card is not "staying". Therefore, the management server 100 prohibits the user from logging into the entertainment machine 200 (cannot log in) and sends a message to prompt the user to update the membership data (C23). The user who has not updated the membership card understands that if the user does not update his membership data through the entertainment machine 200 or other means, the user is not allowed to play games. In this case, the user can be notified of the problem itself that prohibits logging into the entertainment machine 200, or can be directly notified of the message that the user cannot log into the entertainment machine 200 in other ways.

[0083] <Example of Operation in System for Solving Second Problem>

[0084] Next, the operation sequence of the facility management system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The functional configuration of the management server and the like have been described above and thus will be omitted.

[0085] Figure 7 1 is a sequence diagram showing an operation sequence in the facility management system 1 for solving the second problem.

[0086] The user first holds the identity verification document above the entrance door (step S201). After obtaining the user's basic information and other information needed for managing matters such as user entry and exit from the identity verification document, the entrance door transmits these information to the management server 100.

[0087] After receiving the user's basic information from the entrance gate, the management server 100 registers the user's entry record data D1 into the entry database DB1. Specifically, the management server 100 registers the entry record data D1, which includes the entry time, reminder time, time limit, entry limit, and status ("stay"), as well as the user's basic information obtained from the identity verification document, such as name, address, date of birth, and gender (step S202).

[0088] The management server 100 consults the admission database DB1 and the member database DB2, checks (compares) the admission record data D1 against the member data D2 (step S203), and determines whether the data matches (step S204). After confirming that the two sets of data match ("Yes" in step S204), the management server 100 registers "stay" as the status in the member data D2 and registers the "member number" read from the member data as the member data information in the admission record data D1 (steps S205 and S206).

[0089] In contrast, when it is determined that there is no matching data in the registered member data ("No" in step S203) - this is because even if the user basic information (e.g., address) has been changed, the address in the member data has not been updated, for example, the management server 100 does not register anything as member data information in the entry record data D1, and does not register anything as entry status in the member data (step S207).

[0090] At the same time, the user attempts to log in by holding the membership card over the entertainment machine 200 (step S208). The membership card transmits login data (e.g., user ID) to the entertainment machine 200. After receiving the login data from the membership card, the entertainment machine 200 inquires with the management server 100 whether the user is allowed to log in (i.e., whether the user is allowed to play the game) (step S209).

[0091] After receiving the query, the management server 100 refers to a set game permission determination table (not shown) to determine whether the user is allowed to play the game (step 210). The game permission determination table has, for example, three conditions for determining whether the user is allowed to play the game (see (1) to (3) below).

[0092] (1) The status in the member data is "Stay".

[0093] (2) The time since entry (length of stay) has not exceeded the time limit.

[0094] (3) The duration of stay does not exceed the self-isolation period set by the user for reasons such as addiction prevention (e.g., 15 hours after entry).

[0095] When it is determined that the condition shown in (1) is not satisfied ("No" in step S211) - since nothing is registered as a status in the user's membership data in this case, the management server 100 determines that the user is not allowed to play the game. The management server 100 then prohibits the user from logging into the entertainment machine 200 that the user attempted to log in, and notifies the entertainment machine 200 of a message prompting the user to update the membership data (step S212).

[0096] For example, the entertainment machine 200 displays a message from the management server 100 on the display, prohibiting the user from logging into the entertainment machine 200, notifying the user of the message, and prompting the user to update the membership data (step S213). The user reads the message through the entertainment machine 200 (step S214).

[0097] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S211 that all conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied ("Yes" in step S211), the management server 100 determines that the user is allowed to play the game. Then, the management server 100 notifies the entertainment machine 200 that the user is trying to log in to that the user is allowed to log in to the entertainment machine 200 (step S215).

[0098] For example, the entertainment machine 200 notifies the user that it has been allowed to log in to the entertainment machine 200 by displaying a message from the management server 100 on the display (step S216). After reading the message through the entertainment machine 200, the user performs a specific operation and starts playing the game (step S217).

[0099] <Third Problem and Its Solution>

[0100] Gaming facilities may need to charge additional entry fees based on time since entry and therefore face the following urgent need: to accurately manage the time since each user's entry (length of stay) and ensure that users entering the facility know exactly how long they stay.

[0101] In view of these circumstances, in addition to checking (comparing) the information about the user obtained from the authentication file when entering the game facility with the member data D2 registered in the member database DB2, a mechanism has been established to ensure compliance with laws and regulations by strictly managing the user's entry time, stay time limit, etc.

[0102] <Example of Operation in System for Solving Third Problem>

[0103] Next, the operation sequence in the facility management system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The functional configuration of the management server and the like have been described above and are therefore omitted. The following description assumes that a member user (hereinafter referred to as "user") enters a casino facility.

[0104] (First Example of Operation)

[0105] Figure 8 1 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of the operation in the facility management system 1 that solves the third problem.

[0106] As a first example of the operation, an operation sequence for a period until the user's stay time exceeds 24 hours is described.

[0107] The user first holds the identity verification document above the entrance door (step S301). After obtaining the user's basic information and other information needed for managing matters such as user entry and exit from the identity verification document, the entrance door transmits these information to the management server 100.

[0108] The management server 100 registers the entry record data D1, which includes the entry time, reminder time, time limit, entry number limit and status ("stay"), as well as the user's basic information obtained from the authentication file, such as name, address, date of birth and gender (step S302).

[0109] The management server 100 then consults the admission database DB1 and the member database DB2, checks (compares) the admission record data D1 against the member data D2 (step S302), and determines whether the data matches. In this case, the user is a valid member. Therefore, upon determining that the data matches, the management server 100 registers "stay" as the status in the member data D2 and registers the "member number" read from the member data in the admission record data D1 as the member number information.

[0110] The user then attempts to log in by holding the membership card over one of the entertainment machines 200 (step S303). The membership card transmits login data (e.g., user ID) to the entertainment machine 200. After receiving the login data from the membership card, the entertainment machine 200 queries the management server 100 whether the user is allowed to play the game (step S304).

[0111] After receiving the query, the management server 100 refers to a set game permission determination table (not shown) to determine whether the user is allowed to play the game (step S305). As described above, for example, three conditions for determining whether the user is allowed to play the game are set in the game permission determination table (see (1) to (3) below).

[0112] (1) The status in the member data is "Stay".

[0113] (2) The time from entry (length of stay) has not exceeded the time limit.

[0114] (3) The duration of stay does not exceed the self-isolation period set by the user for reasons such as addiction prevention (e.g., 15 hours from the date of entry).

[0115] After confirming that the user is permitted to play the game, the management server 100 responds to the entertainment machine 200, stating that the user is permitted to play the game (step S306). The entertainment machine 200 displays this response, for example, on a display, notifying the user that the user is permitted to play the game (step S307). After confirming that the user is permitted to play the game on the entertainment machine 200, the user begins playing the game (e.g., a card game) using the entertainment machine 200 (step S308).

[0116] At the same time, the management server 100 measures the user's stay time by using a timing function. When it is detected that the user's stay time has reached the first reminder time, the management server 100 notifies the entertainment machine 200 currently used by the user to play the game of the remaining time before the time limit (in this case, the first reminder time), as well as a first reminder message: the user will be banned from playing the game unless the user pays an additional entrance fee (step S309). The entertainment machine 200 notifies the user of the first reminder message, for example, by displaying the first reminder message on a display (step S310). After reading the first reminder message through the entertainment machine 200 (step S311), the user clicks the "OK" button displayed on the display (step S312) and restarts the game (step S313).

[0117] When the user clicks the "OK" button, a notification that the first reminder message has been read (confirmed) is transmitted to the management server 100 via the entertainment machine 200 (step S314).

[0118] When receiving the notification that the user has confirmed the message, the management server 100 adds and records a status indicating that the user has confirmed the first reminder message in the status of the user's entrance record data D1 (step S315).

[0119] At the same time, the management server 100 continues to measure the user's stay time. When it is detected that the user's stay time has exceeded the first reminder time and reached the second reminder time, the management server 100 notifies the user of the remaining time before the time limit of the entertainment machine 200 currently used to play the game (the second reminder time in this example), as well as a second reminder message: the user will be banned from playing the game unless the user pays an additional entrance fee (step S316). The entertainment machine 200 notifies the user of the second reminder message, for example, by displaying the second reminder message on the display (step S317). After reading the second reminder message through the entertainment machine 200 (step S318), the user clicks the "OK" button displayed on the display to indicate that the reminder message has been read (step S319), and resumes playing the game (step S320).

[0120] When the user clicks the "OK" button, a notification that the second reminder message has been read (confirmed) is transmitted to the management server 100 via the entertainment machine 200 (step S321).

[0121] When receiving the notification that the user has confirmed the message, the management server 100 adds and records a status indicating that the user has confirmed the second reminder message in the status of the user's entrance record data D1 (step S322).

[0122] In the first example of operation as described above, there is no mention of a specific time to display each message, but for example, each message can be displayed at a time when the progress of the game played by the user is not disturbed. For example, when the user logs in or finishes the game before starting to play, each message can be displayed on the display of the entertainment machine 200. In addition to notifying the user of each message through the entertainment machine 200, each message can also be notified to the staff (e.g., dealers, field personnel, and monitoring personnel) in the game field facility. For example, the management server 100 notifies the terminal of each staff member in the game field facility of the same message notified to the user. Preferably, the message can include user ID or other information to identify the user. Each staff member can immediately understand which user has been notified of which message by reading the message displayed on its terminal (these applications can also be applied to each of the following examples of operation).

[0123] (Second example of operation)

[0124] Figure 9 1 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the operation in the facility management system 1 that solves the third problem.

[0125] As a second example of operation, an operation sequence is described in which the user pays an additional entrance fee after the user's stay time exceeds 24 hours. The following description assumes that the user has been notified of the second reminder message.

[0126] When it is detected that the user's stay time has exceeded the second reminder time and reached the time limit, the management server 100 notifies the user that the time limit of the entertainment machine 200 currently used to play the game has passed, and notifies the time limit past message: unless the user pays an additional entrance fee, the user is prohibited from playing the game (step S401).

[0127] The entertainment machine 200 notifies the user of the time limit expiration message, for example, by displaying the time limit expiration message on a display (step S402). For example, after finishing the game, after reading the time limit expiration message through the entertainment machine 200 (step S403), the user clicks an "OK" button displayed on the display to indicate that the time limit expiration message has been read (step S404). When this operation is performed, the notification that the time limit expiration message has been read is transmitted to the management server 100 via the entertainment machine 200. In response, the management server 100 transmits a prohibition command to the entertainment machine 200 to prohibit the user from playing the game. Based on the prohibition command received from the management server 100, the entertainment machine 200 forces the user to log out (step S405).

[0128] At the same time, the user pays the additional admission fee (step S406). The additional admission fee can be paid using, for example, an admission fee payment machine, a mobile terminal owned by the user, or a cashier window. After the user pays the additional admission fee, the management server 100 changes the first admission limit status information in the user's admission record data D1 to "2 / 7" and updates the admission time, reminder time, and time limit in the user's admission record data D1 based on the admission time of the second admission (step S407). Note that the second admission time is rolled back to the time 24 hours have passed since the first admission time, not the time when the additional admission fee was paid.

[0129] Furthermore, the management server 100 refers to the admission database DB1 and the member database DB2 and checks (compares) the admission record data D1 with reference to the member data D2. The operations after the comparison have been described above and are therefore omitted.

[0130] At the same time, the user decides whether to continue playing the game (step S408). If the user continues playing the game ("Yes" in step S408), the user holds his or her membership card over one of the entertainment machines 200 and attempts to log in (step S409). On the other hand, if the user does not continue playing the game ("No" in step S408), the user exits through the entrance door (step S410). The entrance door notifies the management server 100 that the user has exited. After receiving the notification that the user has exited, the management server 100 accesses the admission database DB1 and the membership database DB2, deletes the "stay" status from the admission record data D1 and the membership data D2, and records it (step S411).

[0131] (Third Example of Operation)

[0132] Figure 10 1 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of the operation in the facility management system 1 that solves the third problem.

[0133] As a third example of operation, an operation sequence is described in which the user does not pay the additional entrance fee after staying for more than 24 hours. The following description assumes that the user has been notified of the second reminder message.

[0134] The user attempts to log in by holding a membership card over the entertainment machine 200 (step S501). The membership card transmits login data (e.g., user ID) to the entertainment machine 200. After receiving the login data from the membership card, the entertainment machine 200 inquires with the management server 100 whether the user is allowed to play the game (step S502).

[0135] After receiving the query, the management server 100 refers to a set game permission determination table (not shown) to determine whether the user is allowed to play the game (step S503). As described above, the game permission determination table sets three conditions for determining whether the user is allowed to play the game (see (1) to (3) below).

[0136] (1) The status in the member data is "Stay".

[0137] (2) The time from entry (length of stay) has not exceeded the time limit.

[0138] (3) The duration of stay does not exceed the self-isolation period set by the user for reasons such as addiction prevention (e.g., 15 hours from the date of entry).

[0139] In this case, since the user's stay time has exceeded the time limit, the condition described in (2) is not satisfied. Therefore, the management server 100 determines that the user is not allowed to play the game. The management server 100 then notifies the entertainment machine 200 to which the user attempted to log in that the time limit has expired, and notifies the user of a time limit expiration message stating that the user is prohibited from playing the game unless the user pays an additional entrance fee (step 504).

[0140] The entertainment machine 200 notifies the user of the time limit expiration message, for example, by displaying the time limit expiration message on a display (step S505). After reading the time limit expiration message through the entertainment machine 200 (step S506), the user clicks an "OK" button displayed on the display (step S507). Upon performing this operation, the notification that the time limit expiration message has been read is transmitted to the management server 100 via the entertainment machine 200. In response, the management server 100 transmits a prohibition command to the entertainment machine 200 to prohibit the user from playing the game. Based on the prohibition command received from the management server 100, the entertainment machine 200 forces the user to log out (step S508).

[0141] (Fourth Example of Operation)

[0142] As a fourth example of the operation, a description is given of an operation sequence in the case where a user is forced to leave (exit) the casino facility according to each of the following forced exit conditions.

[0143] <<First forced exit condition>>

[0144] The number of entries etc. in the past seven days has reached a first entry limit (eg, 3 times), and a predetermined time period has passed (eg, slightly less than 24 hours since the most recent entry).

[0145] <<Second forced exit condition>>

[0146] The number of entries in the past 28 days has reached a second entry limit (e.g., 10 times), and a predetermined time period has passed (e.g., slightly less than 24 hours since the most recent entry).

[0147] "Number of entries, etc." includes the number of times a user has entered a facility after paying an admission fee, as well as the number of times a user has been permitted to enter the facility after paying an additional admission fee. Each of the forced exit conditions is not limited to the above, but can be set to any condition that ensures compliance with various laws and regulations related to casino facilities (such as the Development of Specified Integrated Resort Districts Act). Furthermore, while the number of forced exit conditions in this embodiment is two, any number of forced exit conditions can be set.

[0148] Figure 11 1 is a sequence diagram showing a fourth example of the operation of the facility management system 1 that solves the third problem. The following description assumes that the number of times a user has entered a facility, etc., in the past seven days is 2.

[0149] The user first holds the identity verification document above the entrance door (step S601). After obtaining the user's basic information and other information needed for managing matters such as user entry and exit from the identity verification document, the entrance door transmits these information to the management server 100.

[0150] The management server 100 registers the user's entry record data D1, which includes the entry time, reminder time, time limit, entry limit, and status ("stay"), as well as basic user information such as name, address, date of birth, and gender obtained from the authentication file. Specifically, based on the current entry, the management server 100 changes the first entry limit status information in the user's entry record data D1 to "3 / 7" and updates the entry time, reminder time, and time limit in the user's entry record data D1 (step S602). When the first entry limit status information changes to "3 / 7" or the second entry limit status information changes to "10 / 28", the reminder time and time limit are set to 20 minutes before the previously set time. For example, the first reminder time is set to 22 hours and 40 minutes after the entry time instead of 23 hours after the entry time; and the time limit is set to 23 hours and 40 minutes after the entry time instead of 24 hours after the entry time. However, the reminder time and time limit can be set in any manner.

[0151] Furthermore, the management server 100 refers to the admission database DB1 and the member database DB2 and checks (compares) the admission record data D1 with reference to the member data D2. The operations after the comparison have been described above and are therefore omitted.

[0152] At the same time, the user attempts to log in by holding the membership card over the entertainment machine 200 (step S603). The membership card transmits login data (e.g., user ID) to the entertainment machine 200. After receiving the login data from the membership card, the entertainment machine 200 queries the management server 100 whether the user is allowed to play the game (step S604).

[0153] After receiving the query, the management server 100 refers to a set game permission determination table (not shown) to determine whether the user is allowed to play the game (step S605). As described above, the game permission determination table sets three conditions for determining whether the user is allowed to play the game (see (1) to (3) below).

[0154] (1) The status in the member data is "Stay".

[0155] (2) The time from entry (length of stay) has not exceeded the time limit.

[0156] (3) The duration of stay does not exceed the self-isolation period set by the user for reasons such as addiction prevention (e.g., 15 hours from the date of entry).

[0157] After confirming that the user is permitted to play the game, the management server 100 sends a reply to the entertainment machine 200, stating that the user is permitted to play the game (step S606). The entertainment machine 200, for example, displays the reply on a display, notifying the user that the user is permitted to play the game (step S607). After confirming that the user is permitted to play the game on the entertainment machine 200, the user begins playing the game (e.g., a card game) using the entertainment machine 200 (step S608).

[0158] Thereafter, the user is notified of a first reminder message and a second reminder message based on the user's duration of stay. If it is detected that the user's duration of stay has reached the time limit, and the user has entered the facility three times in the past seven days and the time limit has been reached, the management server 100 determines that the first forced exit condition has been met. If the first forced exit condition is determined to be met, the management server 100 notifies the user that the time limit has been reached on the entertainment machine 200 currently being used to play the game, and issues an exit advisory message, stating that the user should promptly exit the gaming facility (step S609).

[0159] The entertainment machine 200 notifies the user of the exit advice message, for example, by displaying the exit advice message on a display (step S610). After reading the exit advice message through the entertainment machine 200 (step S611), the user clicks an "OK" button displayed on the display (step S612). When this operation is performed, the notification that the exit advice message has been read is transmitted to the management server 100 via the entertainment machine 200. In response, the management server 100 transmits a prohibition command to the entertainment machine 200 to prohibit the user from playing the game. Based on the prohibition command received from the management server 100, the entertainment machine 200 forces the user to log out (step S613). At the same time, after reading the exit message, the user promptly exits the game facility (step S614).

[0160] As described above, according to the facility management system that solves the third problem, when the length of time a user stays in a casino facility approaches the time limit, the user is notified of the remaining time until the time limit is reached, along with a reminder message stating that the user will be prohibited from playing the game unless they pay an additional entrance fee. This allows the user to accurately grasp information such as the remaining time the user is allowed to stay (see the first example of operation).

[0161] When the user's stay reaches the time limit, the user is notified of the time limit expiration message and is prohibited from playing the game unless the user pays an additional entrance fee. Thus, it is possible to prevent users from illegally staying in the game facility and continuing to play the game (see the second and third examples of operation).

[0162] In addition, if the user's stay in the game facility meets any mandatory exit conditions, the user will be notified of an exit recommendation message: the user should exit the game facility in a timely manner and will be prohibited from playing the game. This allows the user to comply with laws and regulations and be prompted to exit the facility in a timely manner (see the fourth example of operation).

[0163] <Modification of the Facility Management System to Solve the Third Problem>

[0164] In the above-described first to fourth examples of operation, various messages are notified to the user via the entertainment machine 200. In the following fifth and sixth examples of operation, various messages are notified to the user via a mobile terminal carried by the user.

[0165] The mobile terminal is composed of, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, wearable terminal, etc., and has a processor, storage device, communication device, input device, output device, and antenna. The storage device stores various software, browsers, data, etc. required for using the system 1.

[0166] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the mobile terminal 400 .

[0167] The mobile terminal 400 includes a communication unit 410, a location information acquisition unit 420, and a payment unit 430. The communication unit 410, the location information acquisition unit 420, and the payment unit 430 are implemented by a processor executing a program stored in a storage device and a communication device.

[0168] The communication unit 410 communicates with the management server 100 , other terminals, and the like through the communication network N.

[0169] The position information acquisition unit 420 acquires position information on the mobile terminal 400 using, for example, GPS and a wireless access point. The position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 420 is transmitted to the management server 100 via the communication unit 410 periodically or irregularly.

[0170] The payment unit 430 performs payment of an entrance fee (including an additional entrance fee) etc. according to an operation input by a user. When the payment unit 430 performs the entrance fee payment, the communication unit 410 transmits information indicating that the entrance fee has been paid (hereinafter referred to as "entrance fee payment information") to the management server 100.

[0171] (Fifth Example of Operation)

[0172] As a fifth example of operation, an operation sequence in the case of notifying a user of an alarm message through the user's mobile terminal is described.

[0173] Figure 133 is a sequence diagram showing a fifth example of the operation of the facility management system 1 that solves the third problem. The following description focuses on differences from the first and second examples of the operation.

[0174] The user first holds the identity verification document above the entrance door (step S701). After obtaining the user's basic information and other information needed for managing matters such as user entry and exit from the identity verification document, the entrance door transmits these information to the management server 100.

[0175] The management server 100 registers entry record data D1 including entry time, reminder time, time limit, entry number limit and status ("stay"), as well as user basic information such as name, address, date of birth and gender acquired from the authentication file (step S702).

[0176] Then, the management server 100 refers to the admission database DB1 and the member database DB2, and checks (compares) the admission record data D1 with the member data D2 (step S702). The operations after the comparison have been described above and are therefore omitted.

[0177] Meanwhile, the user walks around the gaming facility (step S703). At the same time, the management server 100 begins measuring the user's duration of stay. Upon detecting that the user's duration of stay has reached a first reminder time, the management server 100, using location information regularly or irregularly transmitted from the user's mobile terminal 400, notifies the user's mobile terminal 400 of the remaining time until the time limit (in this example, the first reminder time), and also notifies the user of a first reminder message indicating that the user will be barred from playing the game unless they pay an additional entrance fee (step S704).

[0178] The mobile terminal 400 notifies the user of the first reminder message, for example, by displaying the first reminder message on a display (step S705). After reading the first reminder message on the mobile terminal 400 (step S706), the user clicks an "OK" button displayed on the display (step S707) and continues to walk around the game facility (step S708).

[0179] When the user clicks the “OK” button, a notification that the first reminder message has been read (confirmed) is transmitted to the management server 100 through the mobile terminal 400 (step S709 ).

[0180] When receiving the notification that the user has confirmed the message, the management server 100 adds and records a status indicating that the user has confirmed the first reminder message in the status of the user's entrance record data D1 (step S710 ).

[0181] The management server 100 continues to measure the user's stay time. When it detects that the user's stay time has exceeded the first reminder time and reached the second reminder time, the management server 100 notifies the user's mobile terminal 400 of the remaining time before the time limit (in this example, the second reminder time), as well as a second reminder message: unless the user pays an additional entrance fee, the user will be banned from playing the game (step S711). The mobile terminal 400 notifies the user of the second reminder message, for example, by displaying the second reminder message on the display (step S712). After reading the second reminder message on the mobile terminal 400 (step S713), the user clicks an "OK" button displayed on the display to indicate that the second reminder message has been read (step S714).

[0182] When the user clicks the “OK” button, a notification that the second reminder message has been read (confirmed) is transmitted to the management server 100 through the mobile terminal 400 (step S715 ).

[0183] When receiving the notification that the user has confirmed the message, the management server 100 adds and records a status indicating that the user has confirmed the second reminder message to the status in the admission record data D1 of the user (step S716 ).

[0184] At the same time, the user pays the additional admission fee using the mobile terminal 400 (step S717). The mobile terminal 400 transmits admission fee payment information to the management server 100, indicating that the additional admission fee has been paid (step S718). After receiving the admission fee payment information from the mobile terminal 400, the management server 100 changes the first admission limit information in the user's admission record data D1 to "2 / 7" and updates the admission time, reminder time, and time limit in the user's admission record data D1 based on the admission time of the second admission (step S719). Note that the second admission time is rolled back to the time 24 hours have passed since the first admission time, not the time when the additional admission fee was paid.

[0185] The user decides whether to continue playing the game (step S720). If the user continues playing the game ("Yes" in step S720), the user holds their membership card over one of the entertainment machines 200 and attempts to log in (step S721). On the other hand, if the user does not continue playing the game ("No" in step S720), the user exits through the entrance door (step S722). The entrance door notifies the management server 100 that the user has exited. After receiving the notification that the user has exited, the management server 100 accesses the admission database DB1 and the membership database DB2, deletes the "stay" status from the admission record data D1 and the membership data D2, and records it (step S723).

[0186] (Sixth Example of Operation)

[0187] As a sixth example of operation, an operation sequence is described for forcing a user to exit a casino facility using the user's mobile terminal. The forced exit conditions and assumptions are the same as those of the fourth example of operation, and the following description focuses on the differences therefrom.

[0188] Figure 14 1 is a sequence diagram showing a sixth example of the operation in the facility management system 1 that solves the third problem.

[0189] The user first holds the identity verification document above the entrance door (step S801). After obtaining the user's basic information and other information needed for managing matters such as user entry and exit from the identity verification document, the entrance door transmits these information to the management server 100.

[0190] The management server 100 registers the user's entry record data D1, which includes the entry time, reminder time, time limit, number of entry limits, and status ("stay"), as well as basic user information such as name, address, date of birth, and gender obtained from the identity verification file. Specifically, based on the current entry, the management server 100 changes the first entry limit status information in the user's entry record data D1 to "3 / 7" and updates the entry time, reminder time, and time limit in the user's entry record data D1 (step S802).

[0191] As in the fourth example of operation, when it is detected that the number of times a user enters a game facility, etc. reaches the first upper limit (here three times) or the second upper limit (here ten times), the management server 100 sets the reminder time and time limit limit to 20 minutes before the initially set limit.

[0192] The user walks around the gaming facility (step S803). Simultaneously, the management server 100 begins measuring the user's duration. Based on the user's duration, the management server 100 sends the user a first reminder message and a second reminder message. If the management server 100 detects that the user's duration has reached the time limit, it determines that the first forced exit condition has been met because the user has entered the facility three times in the past seven days and the time limit has been reached.

[0193] When it is determined that the first forced exit condition is met, the management server 100 uses the location information transmitted regularly or irregularly from the user's mobile terminal 400 to notify the user's mobile terminal 400 that the time limit has been reached and to notify the user of an exit recommendation message: the user should exit the gaming facility in a timely manner (step S804). The mobile terminal 400 notifies the user of the exit recommendation message by, for example, displaying the exit recommendation message on the user's display or other means (step S805).

[0194] After reading the exit suggestion message through the mobile terminal 400 (step S806), the user clicks the "OK" button displayed on the display (step S807). After reading the exit suggestion message, the user promptly exits the game facility (step S808).

[0195] As described above, according to this modified facility management system, various information is appropriately notified to the user by utilizing the location information of the mobile terminal carried by the user. This ensures that the user can recognize various messages and comply with laws and regulations even if the user is not playing games in the casino facility.

[0196] Reference Symbols List

[0197] 1. Facility Management System

[0198] 100 Management Server

[0199] 11 Control device

[0200] 12 Storage Devices

[0201] 110 Management Units

[0202] 120 timing units

[0203] 130 Inspection Unit

[0204] 140 Notification Unit

[0205] 150 Entertainment Control Unit

[0206] DB1 Entry Database

[0207] DB2 membership database

[0208] D1 entry record data

[0209] D2 Membership Data

[0210] CO Entertainment Restrictions

[0211] 200 entertainment machines

[0212] 400 Mobile Terminal

[0213] 410 Communication Unit

[0214] 420 Position Information Acquisition Unit

[0215] 430 Payment Unit

Claims

1. A management device configured to manage admission to an entertainment facility, the management device comprising: a timing unit configured to measure a duration of stay of a user who has entered the entertainment facility; as well as A notification unit is configured to notify the user that, before the stay time reaches the time limit, games played by using the entertainment machines in the entertainment facility will be restricted when the stay time exceeds the time limit.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The notification unit notifies a user when the game is not being played.

3. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The notification unit notifies a user through the entertainment machine before a game starts on the entertainment machine or after a game ends on the entertainment machine.

4. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The notification unit notifies the user through the user's mobile terminal.

5. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an entertainment control unit, wherein the entertainment control unit is configured to limit the games played by the user by using the entertainment machine when the stay time exceeds the time limit.

6. The management device according to claim 5, wherein: When the user performs a specific operation after the game is restricted, the entertainment control unit releases the restriction on the game.

7. The management device according to claim 6, wherein: The specific action is to pay an additional entry fee, and The restriction on the game is a prohibition on playing the game.

8. The management device according to claim 5, wherein: When the user satisfies the set forced exit condition, the entertainment control unit restricts the game played by the user by using the entertainment machine, and the notification unit notifies the user that the user needs to exit the entertainment facility.

9. The management device according to claim 8, wherein: When the user performs a specific operation at least a certain number of times within a period of time, and the stay time exceeds a specific time period, the forced exit condition is met.

10. A program for causing a computer for managing admission to an entertainment facility to execute the following steps: measuring the length of stay of users who have entered the entertainment facility; and Before the stay time reaches the time limit, the user is informed that when the stay time exceeds the time limit, games played by using the entertainment machines in the entertainment facility will be restricted.

11. A management method for an entertainment facility, the entertainment facility being executed by a computer, the management method comprising the following steps: measuring the length of stay of users who have entered the entertainment facility; as well as Before the stay time reaches the time limit, the user is informed that when the stay time exceeds the limit time, the game played by using the entertainment machine in the entertainment facility will be restricted.

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