Item management system, game device and program

Abstract

Properly control the provision of items in a game device. An acquisition device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires identification information; and a first sending unit that sends the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and device information for identifying a game device loaded with provision items corresponding to the identification information to an authentication device, the authentication device includes: an authentication unit that authenticates the provision of provision items corresponding to the identification information based on the identification information sent by the first sending unit; and a second sending unit that sends the authentication information to the game device indicated by the device information sent by the first sending unit when the authentication unit completes the authentication, the game device includes: an execution unit that executes a process related to a game; a provision unit that provides the loaded provision items; and a control unit that controls the provision of provision items by the provision unit based on the authentication information sent by the second sending unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an item management system, a game device and a program, and in particular to a technology for preventing illegal provision of items in a game device. Background Art

[0002] There is a game device that provides items for playing games (Patent Document 1). In order to ensure the quality of the items provided in this game device and the safety of the actions, the items are generally supplied from the publisher of the game device to a store or the like.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6175544 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, if we consider the structure of a game device that can provide items as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is possible to use the device to provide replicas, imitations, or even completely unrelated items, and the game device can be used illegally even without the supply of items from the publisher.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an item management system, a game device, and a program for appropriately controlling the provision of items in a game device.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] The item management system of the present invention is configured to include: a game device; a provision item that can be loaded into the game device; an acquisition device that acquires identification information for identifying the provision item, the identification information being attached to the provision item itself or to an item that is attached when the provision item is supplied; and an authentication device that authenticates the provision of the provision item in the game device. In the item management system, the acquisition device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires the identification information; and a first sending unit that sends the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and the game device for identifying the provision item corresponding to the identification information. The device information of the game device is sent to the authentication device, the authentication device comprising: an authentication unit, which authenticates the provision of the provision item corresponding to the identification information based on the identification information sent by the first sending unit; and a second sending unit, when the authentication unit completes the authentication, the second sending unit sends the authentication information to the game device represented by the device information sent by the first sending unit, the game device comprising: an execution unit, which executes processing related to the game; a providing unit, which provides the loaded provision item; and a control unit, which controls the provision of the provision item by the providing unit based on the authentication information sent by the second sending unit.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] With such a structure, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the provision of items in the game device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a system configuration of an article management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the game device according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an authentication server according to the embodiment and modified examples of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process implemented in the article management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a providing process executed in the game device according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a game device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a providing process executed in the game device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a system configuration of an article management system according to a second variation of the present invention.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a relay station according to Modification 2 of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of various information used in the article management system according to the embodiment and the modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in one embodiment described below, an example of applying the present invention to a system as an example of an item management system is described: the system controls the number of game cards provided for a game device that uses game cards as provided items. However, the present invention can be applied to any system that can control the number of provided items for a game device having an item providing function.

[0025] Structure of the item management system Figure 1 1 is a system diagram showing the system structure of the item management system involved in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the item management system is configured so that the authentication server 300 can communicate with one or more game devices 100 respectively through the network 400, and the authentication server 300 can communicate with one or more smart phones 200 respectively.

[0026] In the item management system of this embodiment, the game device 100 is configured to provide a game playing experience related to the game content and to provide a game card 500 related to the game content, wherein the game content may be different. In this embodiment, the game card 500 is provided on the condition that the game device 100 is in a state capable of providing items and the consideration payment has been completed.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the articles for providing legally provided when the game device 100 provides services are described as pre-printed ready-made cards with fixed designs and all formed into the same shape and size. The surface of the game card 500 is provided with a pattern of a game element that appears in the game content, for example, and the game card 500 is provided as one of the interest elements when using the game device. In addition, it is configured as follows: information for determining the game element to which the pattern is attached is attached to the game card 500, and information is obtained from the game card 500 when playing the game, so that the game device 100 can provide a game experience that allows the game element to appear. However, in the implementation of the present invention, it is self-evident that the articles for providing are not limited to being configured to be used when playing games in the game device 100.

[0028] Here, the following structure is assumed for explanation: the so-called "legally provided" means that the user is provided with the game card 500 using the game device 100, and the game card 500 is provided as a formal provision item by the publisher side for the game content that provides the game experience in the game device 100. In other words, in the item management system involved in the present invention, the game card 500 as the provision item is used in a manner of being provided by the publisher side to the store where the game device 100 is installed, etc., and the game device 100 becomes a state that can legally provide the number of game cards 500 provided after receiving the supply, and the details are described later.

[0029] For example Figure 1 As shown, the game cards 500 may be supplied in units of a specified supply quantity (500 pieces, etc.) by packing the game cards 500 in a box 510. It is assumed that identification information (item identification information) inherent to the box 510 is attached to the box 510, wherein the box 510 is a form of an item attached when supplying the provision items involved in the present invention, and the identification information (item identification information) is the information required to allow (authenticate) the provision of the game card group 500 packaged in the box 510 in the game device 100 as described later. That is, in the item management system of the present embodiment, the game cards 500 are not in a state that can be legally provided in the game device 100 at the time when they are delivered from the publisher to the store side, and the authentication described later is required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the box 510 in which the game cards 500 are packed is attached with item identification information required for the provision authentication of the game cards 500. Figure 1In the illustrated method, the item identification information is encoded and attached to the outer surface of the box 510 in the form of a two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as a code) 511. Here, for each box 510 shipped when a predetermined number of game cards 500 are supplied, the item identification information is issued in a manner that uniquely identifies the box 510, and is attached to each box 510 by, for example, labeling or printing.

[0030] In addition, in the present embodiment, the accompanying item when the provision item is provided is described as the box 510 for packaging the game cards 500, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this, which should be easy to understand. That is, the packaging material used for the provision of the game cards 500 is not limited to the box, and the accompanying item when the provision item is provided can be any item as long as it is an item provided together with the game cards 500, such as an item for bundling the game cards 500, a predetermined bag for packaging a bundle of the game cards 500, a storage box that can be directly assembled to the mechanism for providing the game cards 500 of the game device 100, and an item containing an authentication chip that is packaged in a packaging material and provided together with the game cards 500.

[0031] In addition, in the present embodiment, the item identification information (code 511) is attached to the outer surface of the box 510 as an item attached when the provision item is provided as described above, but it can be attached in any manner and at any position, so that the item attached when the provision item is provided can be any item. In addition, in other embodiments, the item identification information can also be attached to the game card 500 itself, and it can also be configured to be able to perform authentication based on the item identification information attached to at least any one of the provided game cards 500. Alternatively, the item identification information can also be attached to the surface formed by bundling the game cards 500 (the surface formed in the thickness direction when a plurality of game cards 500 are overlapped).

[0032] In addition, in this embodiment, the article identification information is converted into a two-dimensional code and attached to the box 510 in a two-dimensional image for explanation, but it is self-evident that the article identification information can be attached to the provision article itself or to an article attached when the provision article is provided. That is, the article identification information can also be attached by converting it into a one-dimensional or three-dimensional or higher-dimensional code, character string, etc., or by storing it in an IC tag, etc., or by a predetermined recording medium contained in or attached to the package.

[0033] In addition, in this embodiment, the provision items are game cards for explanation, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. The provision items are not limited to game cards, and may be, for example, figures, toys, keychains and other shaped objects with the appearance of game elements related to the game content, paper media other than cards, labels and other arbitrary items. In other words, the item management system of the present invention is used to manage whether the provision items are allowed to be provided in the game device 100, so what the provision items are has nothing to do with the implementation of the present invention.

[0034] The smartphone 200 functions as an acquisition device according to the present invention, which acquires the item identification information attached to the box 510 and makes an authentication request for the game cards 500 packed in the box 510. The smartphone 200 has a camera unit 204, and when an image containing the code 511 is obtained by shooting, the item identification information is decrypted, and the item identification information is used to make an authentication request to the authentication server 300 via the network 400, which will be described in detail later.

[0035] The authentication server 300 is a device that performs authentication processing on whether to allow the provision of the corresponding game cards 500 group for the item identification information for which an authentication request has been made from the smart phone 200, and functions as an authentication device involved in the present invention. In the present embodiment, in the authentication process, only one item identification information is authenticated (provided) once, and after one authentication, the same item identification information is no longer authenticated. When the authentication is completed, the authentication server 300 sends the authentication information to the game device 100 that is allowed to provide the game cards 500 as the object via the network 400. When the game device 100 receives the authentication information, it becomes a state in which the game cards 500 packaged in the box 510 can be provided. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the number of game cards 500 packaged in the box 510 is a fixed number for illustration.

[0036] <Structure of the game device> Next, use Figure 2 The functional structure of the game device 100 involved in this embodiment is explained with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0037] The control unit 101 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the operation of each block of the game device 100. Specifically, the control unit 101 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading an operation program of each block recorded in the recording medium 102, expanding the operation program in the memory 103, and executing the operation program.

[0038] The recording medium 102 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory, a HDD, or other recording device that can permanently store data. In addition to storing the action programs of each block of the game device 100, the recording medium 102 also stores information such as parameters necessary for the action of each block, various graphic data used in the game executed by the game device 100, and information indicating the number of game cards 500 that can be provided in the game device 100 after authentication. The memory 103 is, for example, a storage device for temporary data storage such as a volatile memory. The memory 103 is used not only as a development area for the action programs of each block, but also as a storage area for temporarily storing data output during the action of each block.

[0039] The detection unit 104 detects whether a consideration payment has been made in the game device 100. For example, it can be determined that a consideration payment has been made by detecting that a specified amount of coins or equivalent game coins (physical coins) have been inserted into the coin input port, or by detecting that a settlement process based on communication between chips related to specified electronic currency (electronic coins) has been completed. Regarding the game device 100 of this embodiment, it is assumed that the service accompanied by the provision of game cards to players is started based on the consideration payment for explanation, but the consideration payment is not a necessary condition, and the service can also be started based on a specified start instruction. When the detection unit 104 detects that the consideration payment has been completed, it outputs a control signal indicating that the consideration payment has been completed to the control unit 101.

[0040] When playing a game provided by the game device 100 of the present embodiment in response to payment of consideration, the acquisition unit 105 acquires information required for playing the game from the game card placed on the reader 110. For example, in a mode where the required information is attached to the game card in the form of a two-dimensional code, the reader 110 includes a camera unit that captures the surface of the game card that contacts the placement surface, applies a predetermined operation to the image obtained by the capture, thereby extracting the code attached to the game card and transforming it, and the information required for playing the game is acquired by the acquisition unit 105.

[0041] The display control unit 106 is responsible for controlling information presented to the user in the game device 100. In the game device 100 of the present embodiment, as a unit for presenting various information to the user, at least a display unit 120 for displaying images (game screen, menu screen, etc.) is provided for explanation, but the unit for presenting information is not limited to this, and it is self-evident that it can be replaced or added.

[0042] The display control unit 106 includes, for example, a drawing device such as a GPU, and performs a predetermined drawing process when generating a screen to be displayed by the display unit 120. Specifically, the display control unit 106 performs necessary calculations on necessary drawing objects (graphic data) based on the processing and commands performed by the control unit 101 in each sequence during the operation of the game device 100, and draws the screen. The generated screen is output to the display unit 120, which is a display device that is in the same housing as the game device 100 or is connected to the outside of the game device 100 in a detachable manner.

[0043] The operation input unit 107 is a user interface of the game device 100, such as an operation member for direction input, an operation member for decision input, and various sensors. When the operation input unit 107 detects that an operation input has been made to the operation member, it outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 101. In addition, in the present embodiment, the game device 100 is described as having various interfaces as physical operation members, but for example, it may also include a touch input detection sensor for detecting a touch input made on the screen of the display unit 120.

[0044] The provision control unit 108 performs the following processing: controlling the provision of game cards 500 by the provision unit 130. The provision unit 130 is, for example, a card dispenser having a storage box (not shown) as a storage unit for stacking game cards 500 in a vertical direction, and the provision of game cards 500 is completed by loading game cards 500 therein. The provision unit 130 may be a structure having a mechanism that provides one game card 500 held at the bottom of the storage box in response to a provision command issued by the provision control unit 108. In the case where the provision unit 130 is built into the same housing as the game device 100, the game cards 500 can be removed by guiding them to a removal port 131 (see FIG. 1 ) that can be accessed from the outside of the game device 100. Figure 1 ) to provide to users.

[0045] In the game device 100 of the present embodiment, the timing of providing the game card 500 may be any timing after receiving the completed consideration payment and starting the processing related to the use of the prescribed service, but as described later, it is a necessary condition that the provision of the game card 500 in the game device 100 has been authenticated. Therefore, in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, the following structure is used for explanation: when the value of the provision quantity of the game card 500 in the game device 100 (the number of game cards 500 whose provision has been authenticated) is 0, that is, when the provision of the game card 500 is not authenticated, the control unit 101 controls so that the consideration payment is not accepted, that is, the service cannot be used. However, for example, in a method in which the provision of game cards 500 requires payment of a price different from that of the use of the service, in a method in which there is a game mode in which game cards 500 are not provided, in a method in which authentication processing can be performed during the operation of the game device 100, etc., it is also possible to configure such that even in a state in which the provision of game cards 500 by the provision unit 130 is not recognized, the service without payment of a price and provision of game cards 500 can be utilized.

[0046] The communication unit 109 is a communication interface between the game device 100 and an external device. The communication unit 109 can be connected to the external device via a network 400 (whether wired or wireless) and can send and receive data. The network 400 can also be a communication network such as the Internet or a cable connecting devices. When the communication unit 109 receives information from an external device such as an authentication server 300 via the network 400, the information is decrypted and stored in the memory 103.

[0047] In this embodiment, the communication unit 109 receives authentication information from the authentication server 300 so that the game card 500 can be provided in the game device 100. The reception of the authentication information is performed on the condition that the game device 100 has established a communication connection with the authentication server 300, so that the situation in which the game device 100 operates in a so-called offline manner can be reduced. That is, the item management system of this embodiment can not only reduce the cost required for updating the program required for the operation of the game device 100 by configuring the game device 100 in advance to be able to communicate and connect, but also realize the collection of the utilization status of the game device 100, the provision status of the game card 500, or the early discovery of illegal use.

[0048] Next, use Figure 3The functional structure of the smartphone 200 according to the present embodiment is described with reference to a block diagram. In addition, among the functional structures of the smartphone 200, structures that realize the same functions as those of the game device 100 are indicated with a prefix "terminal" to distinguish them from the structures of the game device 100.

[0049] The terminal control unit 201 is, for example, a CPU, and is used to control the operation of each block of the smartphone 200. Specifically, the terminal control unit 201 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading the operation program of each block recorded in the terminal recording medium 202 and the execution program involved in the authentication request application, and then expanding and executing the program in the terminal memory 203.

[0050] The terminal recording medium 202 is, for example, a recording device such as a nonvolatile memory or HDD that can permanently store data. In addition to storing the action programs of each block and the execution program of the authentication request application program of the smartphone 200, the terminal recording medium 202 also stores parameters necessary for the action of each block, information required for the display of the authentication request application program, etc. The terminal memory 203 is, for example, a storage device such as a volatile memory for temporary data storage. The terminal memory 203 is used not only as an expansion area for the action programs of each block and the execution program of the authentication request application program, but also as a storage area for temporarily storing data output during the action of each block.

[0051] The camera unit 204 is a camera device unit having an image pickup element such as a CCD or CMOS sensor, and outputs a camera image including the code 511 by photographing the code 511 attached to the box 510. The output camera image is converted into item identification information by the decryption unit 205 through an extraction process and a decryption process of the image corresponding to the code 511. That is, in the item management system of the present embodiment, the camera unit 204 and the decryption unit 205 function as a unit for acquiring item identification information required for authentication provided by the item.

[0052] The terminal display control unit 206 includes, for example, a rendering device such as a GPU, and performs a predetermined screen generation process when causing the terminal display unit 210 to present information. Specifically, during the execution of the authentication request application, the terminal display control unit 206 generates a screen for receiving the designation of the game device 100 that provides the game card 500 group involved in the item identification information and sending the authentication request in response to the acquisition of the item identification information, and transmits it to the terminal display unit 210 for display. The terminal display unit 210 may be, for example, a display device configured as an integral type with the smartphone 200, or a display device connected to the outside of the smartphone 200 in a detachable manner. When receiving data related to the screen from the terminal display control unit 206, the data is displayed in a predetermined display area, thereby realizing information presentation to the user.

[0053] The terminal operation input unit 207 is, for example, a user interface provided by the smartphone 200, and includes a touch input detection sensor for detecting touch input on the screen of the terminal display unit 210 and other operating members. When the terminal operation input unit 207 detects that an operation input has been made to each user interface, it outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation input to the terminal control unit 201.

[0054] The terminal communication unit 208 is a communication interface between the smartphone 200 and an external device. The terminal communication unit 208 can be connected to the authentication server 300 via the network 400 (regardless of whether it is wired or wireless), and can send and receive data. The network 400 can also be a communication network such as the Internet, or a cable connecting devices. The terminal communication unit 208, for example, converts information related to the authentication request input as the transmission object into data in a prescribed format and sends it to the authentication server 300 via the network 400. In addition, when the terminal communication unit 208 receives information from an external device via the network 400, for example, it decrypts the information and saves it in the terminal memory 203.

[0055] Here, it is assumed that information related to the authentication request (authentication request information) such as Fig.11 As shown in (a), in addition to the item identification information 1101 related to the game card 500 group to be authenticated, it also includes at least device identification information 1102 as the device information involved in the present invention, and the device identification information 1102 is used to uniquely identify the game device 100 that provides the game card 500 group so as to access the game device 100. That is, in the item management system of this embodiment, it is necessary to send the device identification information related to the game device 100 that actually provides the game card 500 to the authentication server 300 together with the authentication request, so as to set the number of game cards 500 that can be provided in the game device 100 through authentication.

[0056] Next, use Figure 4 The functional structure of the authentication server 300 according to the present embodiment is described with reference to a block diagram. In addition, in the functional structure of the authentication server 300, the structure that realizes the same function as the structure of the game device 100 and the smart phone 200 is shown with the prefix "authentication" added to distinguish it from the structure of the game device 100 and the smart phone 200. In addition, regarding the authentication server 300 of the present embodiment, it is assumed that only the authentication server 300 has Figure 4 The structure indicated by the solid line among the functional structures shown will be described.

[0057] The authentication control unit 301 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the operation of each block of the authentication server 300. Specifically, the authentication control unit 301 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading the operation program of each block recorded in the authentication recording medium 302, expanding it in the authentication memory 303, and executing the operation program.

[0058] The authentication recording medium 302 is, for example, a recording device such as a nonvolatile memory or HDD that can permanently store data. In addition to storing the action programs of each block of the authentication server 300, the authentication recording medium 302 also stores information such as parameters necessary for the action of each block. The authentication memory 303 is, for example, a storage device such as a volatile memory for temporary data storage. The authentication memory 303 is used not only as a development area for the action programs of each block, but also as a storage area for temporarily storing data output during the action of each block.

[0059] The provision management DB 304 is a database for managing authentication status information indicating the authentication status of the game card 500 being provided. In the item management system of this embodiment, the game cards 500 are provided in boxes 510 in units of a predetermined supply quantity, and therefore, in the provision management DB 304, various information is managed in association with the item identification information attached to the box 510.

[0060] Regarding the authentication status information, for example, Fig.11As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , an authentication completion flag 1112 indicating whether authentication has been performed (may be a logical type) and device identification information 1113 for identifying the authenticated game device 100 are included in association with the item identification information 1111 attached to the box 510. The authentication status information related to one item identification information 1111 can be registered in the provision management DB 304, for example, when the item identification information is issued at the manufacturing stage of the box 510 supplied to the installation store of the game device 100. The initial value of the authentication completion flag 1112 is false (False). In the authentication process described later, when it is determined that the authentication is to allow the game card 500 to be provided to the target game device 100, the authentication completion flag 1112 is changed to true (True). At this time, the device identification information 1113 can store the device identification information 1102 received together with the authentication request, indicating the authenticated game device 100 (the target game device 100).

[0061] In response to the authentication request received from the smartphone 200, the authentication unit 305 performs the following authentication processing: determining whether to allow the game device 100 indicated by the device identification information 1102 included in the authentication request to provide the target game card 500 set (the game card 500 set packed in the box 510 associated with the item identification information) to be provided. The authentication processing is basically based on the condition that the authentication request information contains the legitimate device identification information 1102 and the item identification information 1101 has not been authenticated, and the provision of the item to the game device 100 is allowed (authenticated).

[0062] The authentication communication unit 306 is a communication interface between the authentication server 300 and an external device. The authentication communication unit 306 can be connected to the external device via the network 400 (whether wired or wireless) and can send and receive data. The network 400 can also be a communication network such as the Internet or a cable connecting devices. The authentication communication unit 306, for example, converts the information input as the transmission object into data in a prescribed format and sends it to the external device such as the game device 100 via the network 400.

[0063] In addition, when the authentication communication unit 306 receives information from an external device such as a smartphone 200 via the network 400, the information is decrypted and stored in the authentication memory 303. In the present embodiment, when the authentication unit 305 authenticates the authentication request information received from the smartphone 200 (authentication is that provision is permitted), the authentication communication unit 306 sends authentication information to the corresponding game device 100. In the present embodiment, the supply quantity unit of the game card 500 is fixed, so the authentication information can be information for conveying information indicating that the authentication has been completed to the corresponding game device 100.

[0064] <Article Authentication Process> Regarding the authentication process of the article management system of this embodiment having such a structure, use Figure 5 The specific processing is described with reference to the flowchart. The processing corresponding to the flowchart can be realized by, for example, the control unit 101, the terminal control unit 201, and the authentication control unit 301 reading the corresponding processing program stored in the corresponding recording medium (recording medium 102, terminal recording medium 202, authentication recording medium 302), respectively, and then expanding and executing the processing program in the memory (memory 103, terminal memory 203, authentication memory 303). In addition, it is assumed that, for example, when the authentication request application is executed in the smartphone 200 and the object identification information is obtained from the code 511 by shooting, the authentication processing is started for explanation.

[0065] In S501, the terminal control unit 201 accepts input of device identification information for the game device 100, which is a game device that provides authentication for the game card 500 group involved in the acquired item identification information. The input of device identification information in this step can be input by, for example, selecting the game device 100 as the target from a list of pre-set game devices 100, or by acquiring a code attached to the external decoration or maintenance panel of the game device 100 by means of shooting or input operation, thereby obtaining the MAC address of the game device 100, etc., and inputting. Alternatively, the smartphone 200 can directly communicate with the game device 100 as the target, thereby acquiring the required device identification information.

[0066] In S502 , the terminal control unit 201 constructs authentication request information based on the acquired article identification information and device identification information, and transmits the authentication request information together with the authentication request to the authentication server 300 via the terminal communication unit 208 .

[0067] In S503, the authentication control unit 301 determines whether the authentication request is received. The determination of this step can be performed based on whether the authentication communication unit 306 receives the authentication request information together with the authentication request. If the authentication control unit 301 determines that the authentication request is received, the processing is transferred to S504, and if it determines that the authentication request is not received, the processing of this step is repeated.

[0068] In S504, the authentication unit 305, under the control of the authentication control unit 301, performs authentication processing for the received authentication request information. In the authentication processing, the authentication unit 305 first determines whether there is authentication status information associated with the same item identification information 1101 contained in the provision management DB 304 as the item identification information 1101 contained in the received authentication request information. Then, if the corresponding authentication status information exists, the authentication unit 305 refers to the authentication completion flag 1112 in the authentication status information to determine the authentication result. Specifically, when the authentication completion flag 1112 is true, the authentication unit 305 has issued authentication information to a certain game device 100 for the game card 500 group associated with the item identification information 1111, and therefore the result is returned as authentication failure. In addition, when the authentication completion flag 1112 is false, the authentication unit 305 has not issued authentication information to any game device 100, and therefore the result is returned as authentication success. At this time, the authentication unit 305 updates the corresponding authentication status information by substituting the device identification information 1102 in the received authentication request information into the device identification information 1113 in the authentication status information and by changing the authentication completion flag 1112 to true.

[0069] In S505, the authentication control unit 301 determines whether the authentication result in S504 is successful. If the authentication control unit 301 determines that the authentication result is successful, the processing is transferred to S506, and if it is determined that it is a failure, the authentication processing is completed. In addition, in the authentication processing of this embodiment, for simplicity, the processing of returning the authentication result performed in the authentication server 300 to the smartphone 200 that made the authentication request is omitted, but the information on whether the authentication is successful can also be presented in the smartphone 200.

[0070] In S506, the authentication control unit 301 issues authentication information and transmits it to the authentication communication unit 306, causing the authentication communication unit 306 to send the authentication information to the game device 100 indicated by the device identification information 1102 in the received authentication request information.

[0071] In S507, control unit 101 determines whether communication unit 109 has received authentication information from authentication server 300. If control unit 101 determines that authentication information has been received from authentication server 300, it proceeds to S508. If control unit 101 determines that authentication information has not been received, it repeats the process of this step.

[0072] In S508, the provision control unit 108 updates the information of the available quantity based on the authentication information. In this embodiment, the provision of the game cards 500 using the box 510 is performed in units of a fixed supply quantity, so the provision control unit 108 updates the value of the available quantity by increasing the value of the available quantity by an amount corresponding to the unit supply quantity for each reception of the authentication information.

[0073] In this way, in the item management system of this embodiment, the authentication server 300 can be used to manage so that each game device 100 can provide the game card 500 on the condition that the item identification information attached to the supplied box 510 is obtained.

[0074] Next, regarding the provision control process of the game card 500 performed in the game device 100 based on the provision quantity set in this way, the following is used: Figure 6 The specific processing is described with reference to the flowchart. The processing corresponding to the flowchart can be realized by, for example, the control unit 101 reading the corresponding processing program stored in the recording medium 102, expanding it in the memory 103, and executing the processing program. In addition, for example, the control processing provided is started when the game device 100 is started for description.

[0075] In S601, the provision control unit 108, under the control of the control unit 101, determines whether the game device 100 is currently in a state where the game card 500 can be provided. The determination in this step can be performed based on whether the value of the number of available items stored in the memory 103 is greater than 1. If the provision control unit 108 determines that the game device 100 is currently in a state where the game card 500 can be provided, the processing is transferred to S602, and if it is determined that the game device 100 is not in a state where the game card 500 can be provided, the processing is transferred to S606.

[0076] In S602, the control unit 101 determines whether the consideration payment has been completed in the game device 100. If the control unit 101 determines that the consideration payment has been completed, the process moves to S603, and if the control unit 101 determines that the consideration payment has not been completed, the process of this step is repeated.

[0077] In S603, the control unit 101 determines whether the provision conditions of the game card 500 are met in a series of processes for providing services (one of which also includes the provision of a game experience) that is performed on the condition that the consideration payment is completed. If the control unit 101 determines that the provision conditions of the game card 500 are met, the process is transferred to S604. If the control unit 101 determines that the provision conditions of the game card 500 are not met, the process of this step is repeated.

[0078] In S604, the provision control unit 108 controls the provision unit 130 to provide the game card 500. The provision unit 130 receives the provision command issued by the provision control unit 108 and is driven to provide one game card 500 held in the storage unit. In addition, in the present embodiment, for simplicity, it is assumed that only one game card 500 is provided in the service provision based on the consideration payment for explanation, but it is self-evident that a structure capable of providing multiple game cards 500 may also be used. In this case, the provision control unit 108 may also determine whether the game device 100 is currently in a state where the game card 500 can be provided before the provision. If the game card 500 is not in a state where the game card 500 can be provided, the provision control unit 108 controls to notify the display unit 120 of the need for provision authentication and loading of a new game card 500.

[0079] In S605 , the provision control unit 108 updates the value of the provisionable quantity stored in the memory 103 to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value, thereby completing the provision control process.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined in S601 that the game device 100 is not currently in a state where the game card 500 can be provided, in S606, the control unit 101 controls the detection unit 104 and various payment-related devices so that the consideration payment cannot be made. In addition, the control unit 101 may also display, for example, the need for providing authentication and loading of a new game card 500 through the display unit 120, and notify that the game device 100 is in a state where the service cannot be provided.

[0081] In S607, control unit 101 determines whether communication unit 109 has received authentication information from authentication server 300. If control unit 101 determines that authentication information has been received from authentication server 300, it proceeds to S608. If control unit 101 determines that authentication information has not been received, it repeats the process of this step.

[0082] In S608 , the provision control unit 108 updates the information of the available provision quantity based on the authentication information (changes it to a value obtained by increasing a predetermined supply quantity), and returns the process to S601 .

[0083] Thus, in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, when the game card 500 can be provided, that is, when the provision of the game card 500 is authenticated for the game device 100 and the value of the provision quantity is 1 or more, the consideration payment can be accepted, and the service provision and the provision of the game card 500 can be realized. In addition, when the game card 500 is not provided, the game device 100 can be changed to the state in which the game card 500 can be provided on the condition that new authentication information is received, and the state in which the service provision can be performed can be set. In other words, if the authentication information is not received, the game device 100 can limit the provision of the game card 500 and can also stop the service provision, so that the illegal provision of items can be suppressed and the provision of items in the game device can be appropriately controlled.

[0084] [Embodiment 2] In the item management system of Embodiment 1 described above, the supply of game cards 500 is performed in units of a predetermined number, and a fixed number of game cards 500 are provided for one item identification information authentication. However, it is desirable to order additional game cards 500 based on the usage change in the store where the game device 100 is installed, but if the supply quantity unit is fixed, it may not comply with the operation policy of the store side where the game device 100 is installed. Therefore, in the item management system of this embodiment, a method of ensuring flexibility in the supply quantity of game cards 500 is described.

[0085] 《Authentication Server Structure》First, use Figure 4 The functional structure of the authentication server 300 involved in this embodiment is explained with reference to a block diagram of FIG. Figure 4 The functional configuration shown is described as having a configuration indicated by a dotted line in addition to the configuration indicated by a solid line described in Embodiment 1. In the following, description of blocks having the same functions as those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0086] As in the first embodiment, the provision management DB 304 is a database for managing authentication status information indicating the authentication status of the game cards 500 being provided. In this embodiment, the supply quantity of the game cards 500 is not limited to one type, and is determined by, for example, receiving an order from a store. Therefore, the boxes 510 are provided in a variety of sizes, and the number of game cards 500 that can be packaged is different.

[0087] In order to cope with such a supply method, the authentication status information of this embodiment is configured to further include Fig.11The number of supplied items 1121 as shown in (c) of FIG. 5 is shown. That is, the number of game cards 500 packed in the box is managed in association with the item identification information 1111 corresponding to the code 511 attached to the box 510. In addition, the registration of the authentication status information in the provision management DB 304 can be performed when the box 510 with the code 511 is manufactured, or it can be registered / updated based on the number of game cards 500 packed in the box 510 when the game cards 500 are supplied.

[0088] The generation unit 310 generates authentication information for allowing the corresponding game device 100 to provide the game card 500 associated with the item identification information to be authenticated, based on the result of the authentication process performed by the authentication unit 305. At this time, unlike the first embodiment, the authentication information includes information on the authenticated supply quantity in addition to information indicating that the authentication has been completed, and the supply quantity is the item supply quantity 1121 in the authentication status information used in the authentication process.

[0089] When authentication information generated in this way is received in the game device 100 during the item authentication process and provision control process, the provision control unit 108 updates the information on the provision quantity based on the information on the authenticated provision quantity (increases the value of the provision quantity by the authenticated provision quantity), thereby enabling operation according to the actual situation of the service provision.

[0090] [Implementation 3] In the above implementation, the game device 100 is described as being able to provide only ready-made cards, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the game device 100 may also be configured to provide articles of different multiple categories. In this implementation, the following method is described: the game device 100 is configured to provide, in addition to providing ready-made cards with fixed designs that are printed and issued in advance in a factory, etc., it is also possible to provide on-demand cards that can dynamically change the design and change the additional information by so-called on-demand printing. In addition, it is set that both the ready-made cards and the on-demand cards can be used as game cards 500 when playing games in the game device 100.

[0091] "Structure of the Game Device" below, use Figure 7 The functional structure of the game device 100 involved in this embodiment is described with reference to a block diagram. Figure 2 The same reference numerals are used to denote structures having the same functions as those of the game device 100 shown, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] The detection unit 701 detects whether a consideration payment has been made in the game device 100. The detection unit 701 can be configured to be able to make payments related to the consideration payment using two types of coins, physical coins and electronic coins, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, but is configured to also output information for determining which coin was used for the consideration payment together with the control signal of the payment completion.

[0093] The provision control unit 702 performs a process of controlling provision of the game pieces 500 by the first provision unit 710 and the second provision unit 720 .

[0094] The first providing unit 710 is similar to the providing unit 130, and is, for example, a card dispenser, and has a storage box (not shown) for stacking ready-made cards (game cards 500) in a vertical direction as a storage unit, and by loading ready-made cards in the storage box, the provision of game cards 500 is completed. The first providing unit 710 may be a structure having a mechanism that provides one ready-made card held at the bottom of the storage box in response to a provision command issued by the provision control unit 702. When the first providing unit 710 is built into the same housing as the game device 100, the game cards 500 can be provided to the user by guiding them to the take-out port 131 that can be accessed from the outside of the game device 100.

[0095] On the other hand, the second providing unit 720 is a printing device that is inside the housing of the game device 100 or is connected to the outside of the game device 100 in a detachable manner and is configured to send and receive information with the providing control unit 702. The second providing unit 720, for example, has a holder (not shown) for holding a roll of paper as a storage unit, and by loading the roll of paper here, the provision preparation of the on-demand card (game card 500) is completed. In more detail, when the second providing unit 720 receives the printing data and printing command of the game card 500 to be provided from the providing control unit 702, it supplies the roll of paper to the printing unit according to the printing command for printing, and cuts the paper into a specified length, thereby providing the game card 500 as an on-demand card. In the case where the second providing unit 720 is built into the same housing as the game device 100, the game card 500 can also be provided to the user by guiding the game card 500 to the take-out port 131 that can be accessed from the outside of the game device 100.

[0096] That is, in the game device 100 of this embodiment, the first providing unit 710 and the second providing unit 720 are configured to each have a storage unit, and can provide game cards 500 by loading different types of items (ready-made game cards, rolls of paper). Therefore, in this embodiment, regarding the items for providing to the set store, it is assumed that there are multiple types, and it is necessary to authenticate whether the provision is allowed for each type.

[0097] Therefore, the authentication status information managed in the provision management DB 304 of the present embodiment is, for example, Fig.11 As shown in (d) of the embodiment 2, in addition to the authentication status information of the second embodiment, the item category 1131 is included, and the item category 1131 indicates whether the item associated with the item identification information 1111 is a ready-made card or a roll of paper. At this time, in the case of ready-made cards, the item supply quantity 1121 is the number of ready-made cards packed in the corresponding box 510, and in the case of rolls of paper, the item supply quantity 1121 is the number of on-demand cards that can be printed and provided using the roll of paper packed in the corresponding box 510 (proportional to the length).

[0098] In addition, from the perspective of reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance frequency, ensuring user convenience, and ensuring the number of rotations of the game device 100 (the number of service utilizations per unit time), commercial game shells such as the game device 100 do not have the function of making change for the use of physical coins. Therefore, the consideration of the physical coin set for the service provision in the game device 100 is usually set to a number of easily divisible amounts such as 1 coin. However, in such a style, even if prices and tax rates change, it is difficult to change the amount of the consideration. In addition, this change may also affect the manufacturing cost of the items to be provided, so it may be difficult to ensure profits by providing the consideration of the physical coin set for the service.

[0099] On the other hand, if it is electronic money, it can be adjusted so that the service provision starts by performing payment processing of subtracting an arbitrary consideration from the predetermined balance of pre-charge. That is, when the consideration is paid by electronic money, there is no need to add a function of providing change for expenditures, so the consideration can be set flexibly, and as a result, the convenience of the user and the turnover rate of the game device 100 can be maintained, and profits can be ensured regardless of changes in commodity prices and tax rates.

[0100] At this time, depending on which of the electronic coin and the physical coin is selected as the payment method, the amount of the consideration may be different, so in the game device 100 of this embodiment, the articles provided are different according to the payment method, thereby ensuring fairness between users. In more detail, in the ready-made card and the on-demand card, there is a difference in the quality of the article such as the degree of non-deterioration and the type of processing that can be implemented on the article. Generally speaking, the manufacturing cost of the ready-made card manufactured in a factory or the like may be higher than that of the on-demand card manufactured by printing on a roll of paper. Therefore, in the game device 100 of this embodiment, it is set to provide control by the provision control unit 702, so that when the electronic coin that is easy to easily set the amount of the consideration (especially the amount set to be higher than the amount set in the physical consideration) is used for consideration payment, the ready-made card is provided from the first provision unit 710, and when the physical coin is used for consideration payment, the on-demand card is provided from the second provision unit 720.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that ready-made cards are provided for electronic coins and on-demand cards are provided for physical coins for explanation, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this, which should be easy to understand. That is, as described above, the on-demand card is configured to be able to dynamically change the design and to be able to attach a QR code generated in accordance with the game play, so depending on the type of game, there may be a way in which the value of the on-demand card exceeds the value of the ready-made card. Therefore, the condition of the payment method of electronic coins may also be attached to the provision of high-value game cards.

[0102] Next, regarding the provision control process of the game card 500 performed in the game device 100 of this embodiment, use Figure 8 The specific processing is described in the flowchart. The processing corresponding to the flowchart can be realized by the control unit 101 reading the corresponding processing program stored in the recording medium 102, for example, and then expanding and executing the processing program in the memory 103. In addition, it is assumed that the present control processing is started when the game device 100 is started. In addition, in the description of the present control processing, the processing performed with the use Figure 6 The steps of the described provision control processing that are the same are marked with the same reference numerals and the description is omitted. In addition, it is assumed that, in the steps whose description is omitted, the processing performed by the detection unit 104 is performed by the detection unit 701, the processing performed by the provision control unit 108 is performed by the provision control unit 702, and the processing performed by the provision unit 130 is performed by the first provision unit 710.

[0103] In the case where it is determined in S601 that the game device 100 is currently in a state where the game cards 500 can be provided, in S801, the control unit 101 determines whether the consideration payment has been completed in the game device 100. When the control unit 101 determines that the consideration payment has been completed, the information indicating which coin, physical coin or electronic coin, was used for payment is saved in the memory 103, and the processing is transferred to S603. In addition, when the control unit 101 determines that the consideration payment has not been made, the processing of this step is repeated. In addition, in this embodiment, for simplicity, it is assumed that the state where the game device 100 is currently in a state where the game cards 500 can be provided refers to the state where both the first providing unit 710 and the second providing unit 720 can provide more than one card.

[0104] In addition, if it is determined in S603 that the provision conditions of the game card 500 are satisfied, the provision control unit 702 determines in S802 whether the consideration payment is made with electronic coins. The determination in this step can be made, for example, by referring to the information stored in the memory 103 in S801. If the provision control unit 702 determines that the consideration payment is made with electronic coins, the processing is transferred to S604. If it is determined that the consideration payment is not made with electronic coins, that is, the consideration payment is made with physical coins, the processing is transferred to S804.

[0105] When the game piece 500 is provided by the first providing unit 710 in S604, the providing control unit 702 updates the value of the available number of ready-made cards stored in the memory 103 to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value in S803, completing the providing control process.

[0106] In addition, when it is determined in S802 that the consideration payment is made with physical coins, the provision control unit 702 forms the print data of the game card 500 to be provided in S804 and sends the print data together with the print command to the second provision unit 720, and controls to provide the game card 500 as an on-demand card. The second provision unit 720 receives the print command issued by the provision control unit 702 and is driven to print the corresponding print data to generate and provide the game card 500.

[0107] In S805, the provision control unit 702 updates the value of the provisionable number of on-demand cards stored in the memory 103 to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value, thereby completing the provision control process.

[0108] In this way, in the article management system of the present embodiment, a plurality of types of articles can be provided separately according to the payment method for making consideration payment.

[0109] [Variant 1] In the above embodiment, the smartphone 200 that acquires the code 511 (item identification information) to make an authentication request is described as being provided independently of the game device 100, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto. The functions of acquiring item identification information and making an authentication request may also be provided in the game device 100. That is, the game device 100 may also have a functional structure for realizing these functions.

[0110] [Variant 2] In the above-mentioned embodiment, regarding the provision of the supplied game cards 500, a method of being authenticated in units of game devices 100 is described. On the other hand, in a setting store, for example, where there are many users using the device, it is basically possible to set up multiple game devices 100 related to the same game content. In this method, for each of the multiple game devices 100, the supply of the game cards 500 to be provided is accepted and authenticated to replenish the items, which makes the setting store side have cumbersome management. That is, on the setting store side, for each game device 100, it is necessary to independently manage which game card 500 has been authenticated for the game device 100, so as to load (replenish) the game cards 500. Alternatively, in a situation where there is a difference in the number of users utilized by a plurality of game devices 100, although one game device 100 can provide game cards 500, another game device 100 cannot provide game cards 500. Therefore, even if the store has stock of game cards 500, it is necessary to accept additional supply of game cards 500 for the latter game device 100, or it is necessary to stop utilizing the latter game device 100 and only use other game devices 100 to provide services.

[0111] In this modification, an example in which the present invention is applied to a system in which a plurality of game devices 100 are installed in a certain environment and game cards 500 are managed will be described.

[0112] The article management system of this variant can be, for example, Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, in the article management system of this modification, the relay station 900 is directly connected to the authentication server 300 via the network 400, and for example, a plurality of game devices 100 installed in the same store are connected to the relay station 900. In more detail, the plurality of game devices 100 and the relay station 900 are connected to the LAN 1000 installed in the store, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other. By setting such a structure, the plurality of game devices 100 installed in the prescribed communication environment (LAN 1000) can indirectly obtain the authentication information issued by the authentication server 300 via the relay station 900.

[0113] In this modification, when the authentication process is performed on the supplied game card 500 group, the authentication information is provided to the relay station 900 and shared among the plurality of game devices 100 connected to the relay station 900. That is, the authentication process for one item identification information is performed in order to allow the plurality of game devices 100 included in the same communication environment to supply the corresponding game card 500, the authentication information is sent to the plurality of game devices 100 via the relay station 900, and when the supply is performed, the relay station 900 collects the information in order to share among the plurality of game devices 100 and manage the overall supply quantity.

[0114] Next, use Fig.10 The functional structure of the relay station 900 involved in this modification is explained with reference to a block diagram. In addition, in the functional structure of the relay station 900, the structure that realizes the same function as the structure of the game device 100, the smartphone 200, and the authentication server 300 is indicated by adding the prefix "relay" to distinguish it from the structure of the game device 100, the smartphone 200, and the authentication server 300.

[0115] The relay control unit 901 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the operation of each block of the relay station 900. Specifically, the relay control unit 901 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading the operation program of each block recorded in the relay recording medium 902, expanding it in the relay memory 903, and executing the operation program.

[0116] The relay recording medium 902 is, for example, a recording device such as a non-volatile memory or HDD that can permanently store data. In addition to storing the action programs of each block possessed by the relay station 900, the relay recording medium 902 also stores information such as parameters necessary for the action of each block. The relay memory 903 is, for example, a storage device such as a volatile memory for temporary data storage. The relay memory 903 is not only used as an expansion area for the action programs of each block, but also as a storage area for temporarily storing data output during the action of each block. In this variant, the relay memory 903 also stores information about the total number of available (total number of available) of multiple game devices 100 (providing common game cards 500) connected via the LAN 1000 and related to the same game content.

[0117] In addition, in this embodiment, for simplicity, it is assumed that only the game device 100 that provides the game play experience of the same game content is connected to the relay station 900, and the information of the total number of game cards 500 that can be provided related to the game content is managed in the relay memory 903 for description, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. In the implementation of the present invention, as long as the information of the total number of game cards that can be provided is managed for each game content in which the item is provided, for example, the game device connected to the relay station 900 may also include a game device that provides a game play experience of different types of game content.

[0118] The provision management unit 904 manages the number of game cards 500 that can be provided for a plurality of game devices 100 connected to the relay station 900 in the communication environment of the LAN 1000. In this modification, the provision management unit 904 operates in the following manner: managing the total number of game cards 500 that can be provided from all the game devices 100, receiving the provision of game cards 500 in each game device 100 to update the information, and sharing the information in all the game devices 100, the details of which will be described later. When the provision management unit 904 performs the authentication process and transmits the authentication information from the authentication server 300, the relay station 900 updates the information of the total number of game cards 500 that can be provided stored in the relay memory 903, and transmits the information to each game device 100, thereby realizing a state in which the authentication information is indirectly provided to each game device 100.

[0119] The relay communication unit 905 is a communication interface between the relay station 900 and an external device. The relay communication unit 905 can be connected to an external device via the network 400 and the LAN 1000 (whether wired or wireless), and can send and receive data. The network 400 can also be a communication network such as the Internet, or a cable connecting devices. The relay communication unit 905, for example, converts information input as a transmission object into data in a prescribed format and sends it to an external device such as the game device 100 via the LAN 1000.

[0120] When receiving information from an external device such as authentication server 300 via network 400, relay communication unit 905 decrypts the information and stores it in relay memory 903. In this embodiment, when authentication server 300 permits provision in authentication processing, relay communication unit 905 receives authentication information.

[0121] <<Management of Available Quantity>> Next, an overview of management of the available quantity of game cards 500 of this variation using this item management system will be described.

[0122] As described above, in the item management system of this modification, when the authentication processing is performed in the authentication server 300 based on the item identification information obtained from the code 511 related to the game card 500 set, and the provision of the game card 500 set is allowed, the authentication information is sent from the authentication server 300 to the game device 100. More specifically, when the authentication unit 305 receives the authentication request information, it refers to the authentication status information in the provision management DB 304 corresponding to the item identification information included in the information to perform the authentication processing. In this modification, it is assumed that the authentication request information received by the authentication server 300 is accompanied by information indicating the relay station 900 connected to the network (LAN 1000) containing the game device 100 to be provided with the game card 500 set as the device identification information. And, in the case where the authentication result is successful, the authentication control unit 301 issues the authentication information and transmits the authentication information to the authentication communication unit 306, and then sends it to the relay station 900 indicated by the device identification information in the received authentication request information.

[0123] On the other hand, in the relay station 900, information on the total number of game cards that can be provided is stored in the relay memory 903 for a group of game devices 100 related to the same game content. Therefore, when the provision management unit 904 receives the authentication information from the authentication server 300, it updates the information on the total number of game cards that can be provided stored in the relay memory 903 based on the authentication information. That is, the provision management unit 904 increases the value of the total number of game cards that can be provided by the number of game cards 500 packed in the box 510 that is the object of the authentication process, thereby being able to add the number of newly authenticated game cards 500 to the total number of game cards 500 that can be provided in the plurality of game devices 100 connected to the LAN 1000.

[0124] The updated information on the total number of items that can be provided is transmitted from the relay station 900 to each game device 100 via the LAN 1000. Unlike the above-described embodiment, the provision control unit 108 updates the information on the total number of items that can be provided stored in the memory 103 in response to receiving the information on the total number of items that can be provided from the relay station 900, thereby being able to update the provision conditions of the game card 500 in the game device 100 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. This process is equivalent to the following process: updating the number of items that can be provided when the game device 100 directly receives the authentication information.

[0125] In addition, in this variation, when the game card 500 is provided in the game device 100, the provision control unit 108 not only changes the information of the number of items that can be provided, but also sends the information indicating that the provision has been performed to the relay station 900. When the provision management unit 904 receives the information indicating that the provision has been performed from the connected game device 100, it updates the value of the total number of items that can be provided to the value obtained by subtracting the number of items that can be provided. That is, in the article management system of this variation, whenever the game card 500 is provided in the game device 100 connected to the relay station 900 via the LAN 1000, the information of the total number of items that can be provided managed by the relay station 900 is updated to reflect the value of the provision of the game card 500. In addition, it is assumed that the updated information of the total number of items that can be provided is not only sent to the game device 100 that sent the information indicating that the provision has been performed, but also sent to other game devices 100 connected to the relay station 900, so as to be updated at any time.

[0126] Thus, in this variant, when the total number of available items stored in the relay memory 903 is updated, the provision management unit 904 can share the changed information among multiple game devices 100 connected in a specified communication environment, thereby efficiently providing a group of game cards 500 that are allowed to be provided based on one item identification information among multiple game devices 100.

[0127] In addition, in the present embodiment, the following method is described, that is, the relay station 900 retains the information of the total number of items that can be provided, and shares it each time, thereby enabling the game cards 500 group that have been authenticated once to be provided from multiple game devices 100, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the input and selection of the device identification information related to the device to be provided is made a necessary condition when making an authentication request, it may give the impression that the authentication is cumbersome to the employees of the store, so it is also possible to fix the device identification information as information of the relay station 900, and the relay control unit 901 controls to forward the received authentication information, for example, to the game device 100 that can provide the least amount. At this time, it is also possible to set the information of which game device 100 is allowed to provide to the smartphone 200. In this method, it is impossible to provide the game cards 500 group that have been authenticated for one item identification information to multiple game devices 100, but by setting a structure such as setting the unit supply quantity to be small, including multiple game cards 500 groups divided into small portions in one box 510, and adding item identification information to each of them, appropriate operation can be achieved.

[0128] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the article management system involved in the present invention can also be implemented by a program that enables one or more computers to function as the article management system. The program can be provided / distributed by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium or through an electrical communication line.

[0129] Description of Reference Numerals

[0130] 100: game device; 101: control unit; 102: recording medium; 103: memory; 104: detection unit; 105: acquisition unit; 106: display control unit; 107: operation input unit; 108: provision control unit; 109: communication unit; 110: reader; 120: display unit; 130: provision unit; 131: take-out port; 200: smart phone; 201: terminal control unit; 202: terminal recording medium; 203: terminal memory; 204: camera unit; 205: decryption unit; 206: terminal display control unit; 207: terminal operation input unit; 208: terminal communication unit; 210: terminal Display unit; 300: authentication server; 301: authentication control unit; 302: authentication recording medium; 303: authentication memory; 304: provision management DB; 305: authentication unit; 306: authentication communication unit; 310: generation unit; 400: network; 500: game card; 510: box; 511: code; 701: detection unit; 702: provision control unit; 710: first provision unit; 720: second provision unit; 900: relay station; 901: relay control unit; 902: relay recording medium; 903: relay memory; 904: provision management unit; 905: relay communication unit; 1000: LAN.

Claims

1. An article management system, comprising: Gaming devices; providing items that can be loaded into the game device; an acquisition device for acquiring identification information for identifying the provision item, the identification information being attached to the provision item itself or to an item provided when the provision item is provided; and an authentication device for authenticating the provision of the provision item in the game device, wherein in the item management system, The acquisition device comprises: an acquiring unit, configured to acquire the identification information; as well as a first transmitting unit for transmitting the identification information acquired by the acquiring unit and device information for identifying the game device loaded with the provision item corresponding to the identification information to the authentication device; The authentication device comprises: an authentication unit that authenticates the provision of the provision article corresponding to the identification information based on the identification information transmitted by the first transmission unit; as well as a second sending unit, which sends authentication information to the game device indicated by the device information sent by the first sending unit when the authentication unit completes the authentication, The gaming device comprises: an execution unit that performs game-related processing; a providing unit that provides the loaded providing items; and a control unit configured to control the number of the provision items that can be provided by the provision unit based on the authentication information transmitted by the second transmission unit, The control unit updates the condition for approving provision of the provision article based on reception of one piece of the authentication information so that a predetermined number of the provision articles can be additionally provided.

2. The article management system according to claim 1, wherein: The condition for approving the provision of the provision item includes information on the quantity of the provision item that can be provided in the game device.

3. The article management system according to claim 1, wherein: The identification information is attached to a package in the form of a supply of the provision article.

4. The article management system according to claim 3, wherein: The identification information is a QR code.

5. The article management system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The predetermined number is the number of the provision articles packed in the package.

6. The article management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the authentication information is not received and the provision of the provision article is not approved, the control unit controls to stop the provision of the provision article by the provision unit.

7. The article management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The authentication device further includes a generation unit configured to generate the authentication information when the authentication unit completes the authentication.

8. The article management system according to claim 7, wherein: The generating unit generates one piece of authentication information for one piece of identification information, and the one piece of authentication information is generated only once.

9. The article management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The acquisition device is a device included in the game device.

10. The article management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The item management system further includes a relay device capable of connecting a plurality of the game devices in a predetermined communication environment. The game device receives the authentication information transmitted by the second transmitting unit via the relay device.

11. The article management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The game device further includes a detection unit that detects whether payment of consideration for execution of processing related to the game has been completed. The control unit controls the providing unit to provide the provision article on the condition that the payment of the consideration is detected.

12. The article management system according to claim 11, wherein: The game device is configured to be able to pay the consideration using physical coins and electronic coins, The control unit controls the providing unit differently depending on whether the detected consideration payment is made with physical coins or electronic coins.

13. The article management system according to claim 12, wherein: The providing unit includes: a first providing unit that provides the first category of provided items that are loaded; and a second providing unit that provides the second category of provided items that are loaded, When it is detected that the consideration payment is made using physical coins, the control unit controls so that the first providing unit provides the first category of provision items. When the control unit detects that the consideration payment is made using electronic coins, the control unit controls the second providing unit to provide the second category of provision items.

14. A game device configured to be connectable to an authentication device for authenticating the provision of a fillable provision item, the game device comprising: an execution unit that performs game-related processing; a providing unit that provides the loaded providing items; a receiving unit that receives authentication information indicating that the provision of the provision article has been authenticated based on identification information for identifying the provision article, the identification information being attached to the provision article itself or to an article that is provided with the provision article; as well as a control unit configured to control the number of the provision items that can be provided by the provision unit based on the authentication information received by the receiving unit, The control unit updates the condition for approving provision of the provision article based on reception of one piece of the authentication information so that a predetermined number of the provision articles can be additionally provided. 15 . A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the game device according to claim 14 . 16 . A computer program product comprising a computer program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the game device according to claim 14 .

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