Fee collection device, fee collection method, and computer program

Abstract

To enable appropriate collection of facility usage fees.SOLUTION: A fee collection device is provided, comprising determination means for determining whether or not a re-entry fee to be charged to a user has been incurred when a given period of time has elapsed since his / her entry to a facility, and display control means configured to display content indicating incurrence of the re-entry fee on a display upon affirmative determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical fields of a fee collection device, a fee collection method, and a computer program for collecting fees for using a facility. [Background technology]

[0002] Known systems of this type include those that collect fees for use of casino facilities and the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for collecting an admission fee by a device installed at the entrance and exit of a casino facility. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for paying an admission fee according to the planned usage time when entering an amusement facility, and paying an additional fee for the amount of usage time exceeded when leaving. Patent Document 3 discloses a technology for collecting at least a portion of an electronic money balance as a deposit. Patent Document 4 discloses a technology for collecting a usage fee according to the measured length of stay. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-143986 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-048683 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2007-143998 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2004-206540 ​​A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In casino facilities, if a certain amount of time (e.g., 24 hours) has passed since entry, a re-entry fee must be collected. Therefore, even if a usage fee is collected at the time of entry, there may be an opportunity to collect the usage fee again. However, the technologies described in the above-mentioned patent documents do not fully discuss the issue of collecting an entry fee multiple times, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a fee collection device, a fee collection method, and a computer program that are capable of appropriately collecting facility usage fees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the fee collection device disclosed herein comprises a determination means for determining whether a re-entry fee has been incurred to be charged to a user who has entered a facility a predetermined period of time ago, and a display control means for causing a display to display, when it is determined that the re-entry fee has been incurred, a message indicating that the re-entry fee has been incurred.

[0007] Another aspect of the fee collection device of this disclosure includes a payment means for executing payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has been admitted to a facility for a predetermined period of time, and a display control means for displaying a request for payment of the re-entry fee to the user who is the subject of the payment.

[0008] Another aspect of the fee collection device of this disclosure includes a payment means for executing payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered a facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and a display control means for displaying to the user for whom the payment is made that the re-entry fee has been paid.

[0009] One aspect of the fee collection method disclosed herein is a fee collection method executed by a computer, which determines whether a re-entry fee has been incurred to be charged to a user who has been entered into a facility for a predetermined period of time, and, when it is determined that the re-entry fee has been incurred, displays on a display that the re-entry fee has been incurred.

[0010] Another aspect of the fee collection method of this disclosure is a fee collection method executed by a computer, which, when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered a facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, executes payment of the re-entry fee and displays a request for payment of the re-entry fee to the user who is the subject of the payment.

[0011] Another aspect of the fee collection method of this disclosure is a fee collection method executed by a computer, which, when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered a facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, executes payment of the re-entry fee and displays a message to the user for whom the payment is required that the re-entry fee has been paid.

[0012] One aspect of the computer program of this disclosure causes a computer to execute a fee collection method, which determines whether a re-entry fee has been incurred to be charged to a user who has entered a facility a predetermined period of time ago, and, when it is determined that the re-entry fee has been incurred, causes a display to display that the re-entry fee has been incurred.

[0013] Another aspect of the computer program of the present disclosure causes the computer to execute a fee collection method, which, when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered a facility a predetermined period of time ago, executes payment of the re-entry fee and displays a request for payment of the re-entry fee to the user who is the subject of the payment.

[0014] Another aspect of the computer program of the present disclosure causes the computer to execute a fee collection method, which, when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered a facility a predetermined period of time ago, executes payment of the re-entry fee and displays to the user for whom the payment is required that the re-entry fee has been paid. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of each of the fee collection device, the fee collection method, and the computer program described above, it is possible to appropriately collect the fee for using the facility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fee collection system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a fee collection device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations at the time of first entry in the fee collection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the fee collection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fee collection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the fee collection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fee collection system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations at the time of entry in the fee collection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the fee collection system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of a fee collection system, a fee collection method, and a computer program will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First Embodiment The fee collection system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

[0019] (System Configuration) First, a specific system configuration of the fee collection system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fee collection system according to the first embodiment.

[0020] 1, a fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as a system for collecting usage fees (particularly, re-entry fees incurred after a predetermined period of time has passed since entry) from users of a casino facility. The fee collection system 1 is configured to include, as its main components, an entrance / exit gate device 10 and a fee collection device 20.

[0021] The entrance / exit gate device 10 is installed near the entrance / exit of a casino facility, and is configured to permit or prohibit entry / exit to the casino facility by opening and closing the gate. The entrance / exit gate device 10 may be provided separately as an entrance gate device and an exit gate device. The entrance / exit gate device 10 includes a user authentication unit 110, a payment processing unit 120, and a gate opening / closing control unit 130 as components for realizing its functions.

[0022] The user authentication unit 110 is equipped with, for example, a camera and various readers, and is configured to acquire various information about a spectator who is about to enter a casino from the spectator's biometric information and identification card (for example, a My Number card or a passport), and to execute authentication processing about the user (for example, user identity verification, etc.). Specifically, the user authentication unit 110 is configured to execute authentication processing by face authentication. For example, the user authentication unit 110 executes face authentication by comparing a face image captured by a camera installed near the gate with a face image registered on the identification card. At this time, instead of the face image, feature amounts extracted from the face image may be used. Face authentication may be executed not only at the time of entry, but also at the time of exit, etc.

[0023] The payment processing unit 120 is configured to be able to pay various fees incurred in using the casino facility. The payment processing unit 120 is configured to be able to pay, for example, an entrance fee to the casino facility as well as a re-entry fee that occurs after a predetermined period has elapsed since entry. The re-entry fee does not need to be collected when a user temporarily leaves and re-enters within a predetermined period since entry. In addition, the entrance fee and re-entry fee to the casino facility are basically collected from Japanese people, and do not need to be collected from foreigners (specifically, users who do not have an address in Japan). For this reason, the payment processing unit 120 may be configured to be able to determine users for whom the entrance fee and re-entry fee need to be collected. In other words, the payment processing unit 120 may be configured to determine whether or not the entrance fee and re-entry fee need to be collected from a user who is about to enter. For example, if the identification presented by the user is a My Number card, the payment processing unit 120 may determine that the user is Japanese (i.e., a fee needs to be collected), and if the identification is a passport, the payment processing unit 120 may determine that the user is foreign (i.e., a fee does not need to be collected).

[0024] The gate opening / closing control unit 130 is configured to be able to control the opening and closing of a gate at the entrance and exit of a casino facility. For example, when the gate opening / closing control unit 130 opens a gate, a user can pass through the gate, and entry into or exit from the casino facility is permitted. On the other hand, when the gate opening / closing control unit 130 closes the gate, the user cannot pass through the gate, and entry into or exit from the casino facility is prohibited. The fee collection system 1 does not necessarily have to include the entrance / exit gate device 10.

[0025] Fee collection device 20 is configured as a server owned by, for example, an operator of a casino facility (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a "casino operator"), and manages the collection of fees to be paid by users at the casino facility (or actually collects the fees). Fee collection device 20 includes a fee generation detection unit 210, an advance payment unit 220, a collection flag setting unit 230, a collection flag determination unit 240, and a payment request unit 250 as components for realizing its functions.

[0026] The fee occurrence detection unit 210 detects whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred by a user using the casino facility. In other words, the fee occurrence detection unit 210 judges whether or not a predetermined period (i.e., a period during which a re-entry fee is incurred) has elapsed since the user entered the casino facility. The judgment result of the fee occurrence detection unit 210 is configured to be output to the advance payment unit 220. Note that, when a re-entry fee is incurred, the fee occurrence detection unit 210 may notify the casino management committee of the fact (specifically, that a second entry has actually occurred). In addition, when the user is a tracking target (in other words, when the user's location can be detected), the fee occurrence detection unit 210 may present the fact that a re-entry fee has been incurred on a display or the like nearest to the user.

[0027] The advance payment unit 220 makes an advance payment of the re-entry fee when the fee generation detection unit 210 detects that a re-entry fee has been generated. That is, the advance payment unit 220 pays the re-entry fee on behalf of the user without requesting the user to pay the re-entry fee. Note that the concept of "advance payment" here includes not only the case where a payment is actually made, but also the case where the advance payment is considered to have been made (i.e., the payment is not actually made) and the advance payment amount is added to the amount to be paid by the visitor. That is, the fee collection system 1 (in other words, the casino operator) that makes the advance payment does not need to make a payment each time a re-entry fee is generated.

[0028] The collection flag setting unit 230 sets a collection flag to the user who is the subject of an on-behalf payment when the on-behalf payment unit 220 has made the on-behalf payment. When multiple on-behalf payments have been made to one user, the collection flag setting unit 230 sets a flag indicating the number of times the on-behalf payments have been made.

[0029] The collection flag determination unit 240 determines whether or not a collection flag has been assigned to a user who is about to leave the casino facility. In other words, the collection flag determination unit 240 determines whether or not the advance payment unit 220 has made an advance payment to the user who is about to leave. The determination result of the collection flag determination unit 240 is configured to be output to the payment request unit 250.

[0030] When it is determined that a collection flag has been assigned to a user attempting to leave the casino facility, the payment request unit 250 requests the user to pay the re-entry fee for the amount paid on behalf of the user. The payment request unit 250 requests the user to pay the re-entry fee using, for example, a display or the like provided on the entrance / exit gate device 10. Alternatively, the payment request unit 250 may control the gate of the entrance / exit gate device 10 not to open until the payment of the re-entry fee is completed.

[0031] (Hardware configuration) Next, the hardware configuration of the fee collection system (particularly, the fee collection device 20) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the fee collection device according to the first embodiment.

[0032] 1, the fee collection device 20 according to the first embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a storage device 14, an input device 15, and an output device 16. The CPU 11, the RAM 12, the ROM 13, the storage device 14, the input device 15, and the output device 16 are connected via a data bus 17.

[0033] The CPU 11 reads a computer program. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in at least one of the RAM 12, the ROM 13, and the storage device 14. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium using a storage medium reading device (not shown). The CPU 11 may obtain (i.e., read) a computer program from an external device (not shown) via a network interface. The CPU 11 controls the RAM 12, the storage device 14, the input device 15, and the output device 16 by executing the computer program that it reads. In particular, in this embodiment, when the CPU 11 executes the computer program that it reads, a functional block for collecting fees for the casino facility is realized in the CPU 11. For example, the fee generation detection unit 210, the advance payment unit 220, the collection flag setting unit 230, the collection flag determination unit 240, and the payment request unit 250 described above may be realized in the CPU 11.

[0034] The RAM 12 temporarily stores a computer program executed by the CPU 11. The RAM 12 temporarily stores data that is temporarily used by the CPU 11 when the CPU 11 is executing the computer program. The RAM 12 may be, for example, a D-RAM (Dynamic RAM).

[0035] The ROM 13 stores computer programs executed by the CPU 11. The ROM 13 may also store other fixed data. The ROM 13 may be, for example, a programmable ROM (P-ROM).

[0036] The storage device 14 stores data that is to be stored long-term by the fee collection device 20. The storage device 14 may operate as a temporary storage device for the CPU 11. The storage device 14 may include, for example, at least one of a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device.

[0037] The input device 15 is a device that receives input instructions from a user of the fee collection device 20. The input device 15 may include, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0038] The output device 16 is a device that outputs information related to the fee collection device 20 to the outside. For example, the output device 16 may be a display device that can display information related to the fee collection device 20.

[0039] (First time entry) Next, the flow of operations at the time of first entry in the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations at the time of first entry in the fee collection system according to the first embodiment.

[0040] 3, when a user enters a casino facility for the first time, the user authentication unit 110 first performs face authentication (step S11). That is, identity verification is performed at the time of entry. If face authentication fails (step S11: NO), it is determined that the user cannot be permitted to enter, and the gate is closed (step S15).

[0041] If the face authentication fails (step S11: YES), the payment processing unit 120 judges whether or not the user is one for whom an admission fee should be collected (step S12). If it is judged that the user is not one for whom an admission fee should be collected (step S12: NO), it is judged that the user is permitted to enter, and the gate is opened (step S14).

[0042] If it is determined that the user is one for whom an admission fee should be collected (step S12: YES), the payment processing unit 120 determines whether the admission fee has already been collected from the user (step S13). If it is determined that the admission fee has already been collected (step S13: YES), it decides that the user should be permitted to enter, and opens the gate (step S14). On the other hand, if it is determined that the admission fee has not been collected (step S13: NO), it decides that the user should not be permitted to enter, and closes the gate (step S15).

[0043] (Operation when re-entry fee occurs) Next, the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the first embodiment.

[0044] 4, during operation of the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment, the fee generation detection unit 210 first determines (detects) whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred by the user (step S101). Whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred may be determined, for example, by counting the time that has elapsed since the user entered the casino facility and judging whether or not the counted time has exceeded a predetermined period (for example, 24 hours).

[0045] If it is determined that a re-entry fee has been incurred (step S101: YES), the advance payment unit 220 makes an advance payment of the re-entry fee on behalf of the user (step S102). After that, the collection flag assignment unit 230 assigns a collection flag to the user (step S103). The collection flag is managed, for example, by being linked to the user's management information (e.g., user ID, etc.). If it is determined that no re-entry fee has been incurred (step S101: NO), the processes of steps S102 and S103 described above are omitted.

[0046] Next, the fee collection system 1 detects the user's exit (step S104). Here, the fee collection system 1 may detect a state in which the user is about to exit the casino facility (specifically, a state in which the user has not yet exited but is about to exit), rather than a state in which the user has exited the casino facility. For example, the fee collection system 1 may detect the user's exit when the user approaches the entrance / exit gate device 10 or performs some operation on the entrance / exit gate device 10. In this case, the entrance / exit gate device 10 may identify the user by face recognition. Specifically, after capturing a face image of the user near the entrance / exit gate device 10, the captured image may be compared with a stored face image of the visitor to identify the user. If the user's exit is not detected (step S104: NO), the process is repeated from step S101.

[0047] When the user's exit is detected (step S104: YES), the collection flag determination unit 240 determines whether or not a collection flag has been set for the user exiting the casino facility (step S105). If it is determined that the collection flag has been set (step S105: YES), the payment request unit 250 requests the user to pay the re-entry fee that has been paid on behalf of the user (step S106). On the other hand, if it is determined that the collection flag has not been set (step S105: NO), the payment request unit 250 does not request the user to pay the re-entry fee that has been paid on behalf of the user (i.e., the process of step S106 is omitted).

[0048] (Specific operation example) Next, a specific operation example of the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific operation example of the fee collection system according to the first embodiment. Note that the following will be described taking as an example a case in which a re-entry fee is charged every 24 hours.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 5, assume that a user enters a casino facility at 10:00 on July 1st and leaves the casino facility at 10:00 on July 4th. In this case, the user pays the admission fee when entering the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 on July 1st).

[0050] Then, at 10:00 on July 2nd, 24 hours after entry, a re-entry fee is incurred. However, at this point, the user is not required to pay, and the casino operator (in other words, fee collection system 1) pays the re-entry fee on his behalf. Also, 24 hours later, at 10:00 on July 3rd, a second re-entry fee is incurred. At this point, the user is not required to pay, and the casino operator pays the re-entry fee on his behalf.

[0051] The user pays the re-entry fee (for two times) paid in advance when leaving the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 on July 4) all at once. After the re-entry fee is paid, the gate of the entrance / exit gate device 10 is opened, and the user can pass through the gate.

[0052] (Technical effect) Next, technical effects obtained by the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0053] As described in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, in the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment, a re-entry fee incurred at a casino facility is not collected from the user each time, but is paid on behalf of the user once. The re-entry fee paid on behalf of the user is then billed in a lump sum when the user leaves the casino facility. In this way, the user does not have to carry out payment processing each time a re-entry fee is incurred, which greatly reduces the user's effort. Also, the casino operator can collect the re-entry fee more efficiently.

[0054] <Second embodiment> The fee collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in some configurations and operations, and other parts are the same. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the first embodiment, and will omit descriptions of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0055] (System Configuration) A specific system configuration of the fee collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fee collection system according to the second embodiment.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the fee collection device 20 of the fee collection system 1 according to the second embodiment is configured to include, in addition to the fee generation detection unit 210, a card information determination unit 260 and a card payment processing unit 270.

[0057] The card information determination unit 260 is configured to be able to determine whether or not credit card payment information (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "card information") is registered as user information. That is, the card information determination unit 260 is configured to be able to determine whether or not card payment processing can be executed for the user. The card information is registered, for example, upon entry into a casino facility. More specifically, for example, the user may be asked whether the card information used to pay the admission fee may be registered for future payments, and the card information may be registered (stored) if consent is obtained. The determination result of the card information determination unit 260 is configured to be output to the card payment processing unit 270.

[0058] The card payment processing unit 270 is configured to be able to execute a payment process using a card when the card information determination unit 260 determines that card information has been registered.

[0059] (Operation when re-entry fee occurs) Next, the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the second embodiment. Note that the operations at the time of first entry in the second embodiment are assumed to be the same as those in the first embodiment (i.e., the same as the flowchart in Fig. 3).

[0060] As shown in Fig. 7, during operation of the fee collection system 1 according to the second embodiment, the fee occurrence detection unit 210 first determines whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred by the user (step S201). If it is determined that a re-entry fee has not been incurred (step S201: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the processing of step S201 may be executed again at predetermined intervals.

[0061] If it is determined that a re-entry fee has been incurred (step S201: YES), the card information determination unit 260 determines whether or not the user's card information has been registered (step S202). If it is determined that the card information has been registered (step S202: YES), the card payment processing unit 270 pays the re-entry fee using the registered card information (step S203). The card payment processing unit 270 may automatically pay the re-entry fee, or may make the payment after confirming with the user whether or not it is OK to perform the re-entry fee payment process (i.e., after the user's consent is obtained).

[0062] On the other hand, if it is determined that the card information has not been registered (step S202: NO), the payment process by the card payment processing unit 270 is not executed (i.e., step S203 is omitted). In this case, the fee collection system 1 may notify the user to urge him / her to register the card information in order to collect the re-entry fee. Alternatively, as described in the first embodiment, the re-entry fee may be paid on behalf of the user, and then the re-entry fee may be paid in a lump sum when the user leaves (specifically, if the determination in step S202 is NO, the process may proceed to step S102 in FIG. 4).

[0063] (Specific operation example) Next, a specific operation example of the fee collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific operation example of the fee collection system according to the second embodiment.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 8, assume that a user enters a casino facility at 10:00 on July 1st and leaves the casino facility at 10:00 on July 4th. In this case, the user pays the admission fee when entering the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 on July 1st). The card information used for payment at the time of admission is registered in the fee collection system 1.

[0065] Thereafter, at 10:00 on July 2nd, 24 hours after entry, a re-entry fee is incurred. Here, because the user's card information was registered at the time of entry, card payment processing unit 270 executes the payment process for the re-entry fee using the registered card information. Also, 24 hours later, at 10:00 on July 3rd, a second re-entry fee is incurred. Here again, because the user's card information has already been registered, card payment processing unit 270 executes the payment process for the re-entry fee using the registered card information.

[0066] As a result of the above-mentioned process, the user does not have to make any payment when he / she leaves the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 on July 4th).

[0067] (Technical effect) Next, technical effects obtained by the fee collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0068] As described in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, according to the fee collection system 1 of the second embodiment, by registering card information, the payment process for the re-entry fee is automatically executed. Therefore, the user does not have to make a payment every time a re-entry fee is incurred. Also, since the payment process is completed at the time the re-entry fee is incurred, there is no need to make a payment again at a later time (for example, when leaving the casino facility). This can greatly reduce the user's hassle. Also, the casino operator can more reliably collect the re-entry fee.

[0069] <Third embodiment> The fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments only in some configurations and operations, and the other parts are the same. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the first and second embodiments, and will omit descriptions of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0070] (System Configuration) A specific system configuration of the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fee collection system according to the third embodiment.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, the fee collection device 20 of the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment is configured to include, in addition to a fee generation detection unit 210, a maximum stay period acquisition unit 280, a maximum fee collection unit 290, and a refund processing unit 300.

[0072] The maximum stay length acquisition unit 280 acquires a maximum stay length, which is the longest period of time that a user can continuously stay in a casino facility. For example, an admission limit is set for a casino facility, such as "within 3 days of the last 7 days" or "within 10 days of the last 28 days". Therefore, when a user enters a casino facility, it is possible to calculate how long the user can stay in the casino facility from that point on. The maximum stay length acquisition unit 280 calculates the maximum stay length based on, for example, information about the user (for example, the user's most recent casino facility usage history, etc.). The maximum stay length acquired by the maximum stay length acquisition unit 280 is configured to be output to the maximum fee collection unit 290.

[0073] The maximum fee collection unit 290 calculates the maximum fee that may be charged to the user (i.e., the total cost incurred if the user stays until the very end of the maximum stay period) based on the longest stay period acquired by the longest stay period acquisition unit 280, and collects the maximum fee when the user enters the casino facility.

[0074] The refund processing unit 300 refunds the surplus, which is the amount obtained by subtracting the actual expenses incurred from the maximum fee collected from the user, to the user when the user leaves the casino facility. The refund processing unit 300 calculates the surplus by subtracting the admission fee and the re-entry fee from the maximum fee collected at the time of entry. The surplus is generated when the user leaves the casino facility relatively early or when no re-entry fee is incurred (or when the re-entry fee is incurred less times than expected). The refund processing unit 300 is configured to be able to refund the calculated surplus to the user, for example, as cash or electronic money.

[0075] (Activity upon entry) Next, the flow of operations at the time of entry in the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations at the time of entry in the fee collection system according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 10, the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as those shown in Fig. 3.

[0076] 10, when a user enters a casino facility, the user authentication unit 110 first performs face authentication (step S11). If face authentication fails (step S11: NO), the user is not permitted to enter, and the gate is closed (step S15).

[0077] If the face authentication fails (step S11: YES), the payment processing unit 120 judges whether or not the user is one for whom an admission fee should be collected (step S12). If it is judged that the user is not one for whom an admission fee should be collected (step S12: NO), the user is permitted to enter, and the gate is opened (step S14).

[0078] If it is determined that the user is one for whom an admission fee should be collected (step S12: YES), the maximum stay period acquisition unit 280 acquires the maximum stay period of the user entering the casino facility (step S21). Then, the maximum fee collection unit 290 requests the user to pay the maximum fee calculated from the maximum stay period (step S22).

[0079] Next, the payment processing unit 120 judges whether the maximum fee has been collected from the user (step S23). If it is judged that the maximum fee has been collected (step S23: YES), it decides that the user should be permitted to enter, and opens the gate (step S14). On the other hand, if it is judged that the maximum fee has not been collected (step S23: NO), it decides that the user should not be permitted to enter, and closes the gate (step S15).

[0080] (Operation when re-entry fee occurs) Next, the flow of operations of the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the third embodiment.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 11, during operation of the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment, the fee occurrence detection unit 210 first determines whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred by the user (step S301). If it is determined that a re-entry fee has been incurred (step S301: YES), the refund processing unit 300 executes a process of subtracting the re-entry fee from the maximum fee (step S302). Note that if it is determined that a re-entry fee has not been incurred (step S301: NO), the process of step S302 described above is omitted.

[0082] Next, the fee collection system 1 detects the user's exit (step S303). If the user's exit is not detected (step S303: NO), the process of step S301 may be executed again after a while. On the other hand, if the user's exit is detected (step S303: YES), the refund processing unit 300 judges whether or not a surplus has been generated (step S304). Then, if it is judged that a surplus has been generated (step S304: YES), the refund processing unit 300 performs a process of refunding the surplus to the user (step S305). On the other hand, if it is judged that a surplus has not been generated (step S304: NO), the refund processing unit 300 does not execute a process of refunding the user (i.e., the process of step S305 is omitted).

[0083] (Specific operation example) Next, a specific operation example of the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific operation example of the fee collection system according to the third embodiment.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 12, assume that a user enters a casino facility at 10:00 on July 1st and leaves the casino facility at 10:00 on July 4th. In this case, the user pays the maximum fee when entering the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 on July 1st). In other words, the user pays the entrance fee and re-entry fee for the number of days equivalent to the longest stay period.

[0085] Then, at 10:00 on July 2nd, 24 hours after entry, a re-entry fee will be charged. In this case, one re-entry fee will be deducted from the maximum fee collected in advance. Then, at 10:00 on July 3rd, 24 hours after that, a second re-entry fee will be charged. Again, one re-entry fee will be deducted from the maximum fee collected in advance. As a result, two re-entry fees will have been deducted from the maximum fee.

[0086] Then, when the user leaves the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 on July 4th), if there is a surplus, a refund process will be performed. In other words, any fees that were overpaid in advance will be refunded to the user. Note that if the expenses incurred are the same as the maximum fee, the refund process will not be performed.

[0087] (Technical effect) Next, technical effects obtained by the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0088] As explained in FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, in the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment, a maximum fee according to the longest stay period is collected upon entry to a casino facility, and any surplus is returned upon exit. In this way, since the maximum fee has been paid at the beginning, there is no need to pay a re-entry fee each time it is incurred. This greatly reduces the user's hassle. Also, the casino operator can more reliably collect re-entry fees.

[0089] <Additional Notes> The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0090] (Appendix 1) The fee collection system described in Appendix 1 is a fee collection system characterized by comprising an advance payment means for performing an advance payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has been admitted to an amusement facility for a predetermined period of time, and a request means for requesting payment of the re-entry fee paid on behalf of the user who is the subject of the advance payment.

[0091] (Appendix 2) The fee collection system described in Appendix 2 is the fee collection system described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the request means requests payment of the re-entry fee before the user passes through the exit gate of the amusement facility, and allows the user to pass through the exit gate on the condition that the re-entry fee has been paid.

[0092] (Appendix 3) The fee collection system described in Appendix 3 is a fee collection system characterized by having an execution means for executing payment of the re-entry fee using card payment information when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered an amusement facility a predetermined period of time ago and card payment information of the user who is to pay the re-entry fee is registered.

[0093] (Appendix 4) The fee collection system described in Appendix 4 is the fee collection system described in Appendix 3, further comprising a registration determination means for determining whether the user who is to pay the re-entry fee has registered card payment information when the re-entry fee is incurred.

[0094] (Appendix 5) The fee collection system described in Appendix 5 is the fee collection system described in Appendix 3 or 4, further comprising an advance payment means for executing an advance payment of the re-entry fee when the card payment information is not registered, and a request means for requesting payment of the re-entry fee paid on behalf of the user who is the subject of the advance payment.

[0095] (Appendix 6) The fee collection system described in Appendix 6 is the fee collection system described in any one of Appendixes 1, 2 and 5, further comprising a flag assignment means for assigning a collection flag to the user who is the subject of the advance payment, and a flag determination means for determining whether the collection flag has been assigned to the user who has been detected as leaving the amusement facility, and the request means requests the user who has been determined to have the collection flag to pay the re-entry fee that was paid on behalf of the user.

[0096] (Appendix 7) The fee collection system described in Appendix 7 is a fee collection system for an amusement facility in which a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has been admitted for a predetermined period of time, and is characterized by having a collection means for collecting a maximum fee, at the time of admission to the amusement facility, including a re-entry fee based on the maximum stay period that the entering user is allowed to stay continuously within the amusement facility, and a refund means for refunding the surplus remaining after deducting the fee to be paid by the user from the maximum fee, at the time the user leaves the amusement facility.

[0097] (Appendix 8) The fee collection system described in Supplementary Note 8 is the fee collection system described in Supplementary Note 7, further comprising a period acquisition means for acquiring the longest stay period.

[0098] (Appendix 9) The fee collection system described in Supplementary Note 9 is the fee collection system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, further comprising a detection means for detecting the occurrence of the re-entry fee.

[0099] (Appendix 10) The fee collection system described in Appendix 10 is the fee collection system described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 9, further comprising an exit detection means for detecting the user's exit from the amusement facility by facial recognition.

[0100] (Appendix 11) The fee collection system described in Appendix 11 is the fee collection system described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 10, characterized in that when the re-entry fee is incurred, the fee collection system notifies the management committee of the amusement facility that the user has re-entered the amusement facility.

[0101] (Appendix 12) The fee collection system described in Appendix 8 is the fee collection system described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 11, further comprising a tracking means for tracking the user within the amusement facility, and a notification means for notifying the user who has incurred the re-entry fee on a display nearest to the user when the user is being tracked.

[0102] (Appendix 13) The fee collection device described in Appendix 13 is a fee collection device characterized by comprising an advance payment means for executing an advance payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has been admitted to an amusement facility for a predetermined period of time, and a request means for outputting an instruction to the user for whom the advance payment is made to request payment of the re-entry fee that has been paid on his / her behalf.

[0103] (Appendix 14) The fee collection device described in Appendix 14 is a fee collection device characterized in that it includes an execution means for executing payment of the re-entry fee using card payment information when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered an amusement facility a predetermined period of time ago and card payment information of the user who is to pay the re-entry fee is registered.

[0104] (Appendix 15) The fee collection device described in Appendix 15 is a fee collection device for an amusement facility in which a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has been admitted for a predetermined period of time, and is characterized in that it comprises: a collection means for outputting an instruction to collect a maximum fee, including a re-entry fee according to the maximum stay period that the entering user is allowed to stay continuously within the amusement facility, at the time of entry to the amusement facility; and a refund means for outputting an instruction to refund the surplus remaining after deducting the fee to be paid by the user from the maximum fee, at the time of the user's exit.

[0105] (Appendix 16) The fee collection method described in Appendix 16 is a fee collection method characterized in that, when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered an amusement facility after a predetermined period of time has passed, the method performs an advance payment of the re-entry fee and requests the user who is the subject of the advance payment to pay the re-entry fee.

[0106] (Appendix 17) The fee collection method described in Appendix 17 is a fee collection method characterized in that when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered an amusement facility a predetermined period of time ago, and card payment information of the user who is to pay the re-entry fee is registered, the re-entry fee is paid using the card payment information.

[0107] (Appendix 18) The fee collection method described in Appendix 18 is a fee collection method for an amusement facility in which a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has been admitted for a predetermined period of time, and is characterized in that, upon entry to the amusement facility, a maximum fee including a re-entry fee according to the maximum stay period that the entering user is allowed to stay continuously within the amusement facility is collected, and, upon exiting the user, the surplus remaining after deducting the fee to be paid by the user from the maximum fee is refunded.

[0108] (Appendix 19) The computer program described in Appendix 19 is a computer program characterized by operating a computer to perform an advance payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has been admitted to an amusement facility for a predetermined period of time, and to request the user for whom the advance payment is made to pay the re-entry fee.

[0109] (Appendix 20) The computer program described in Supplementary Note 20 is a computer program characterized in that, when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered an amusement facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, if card payment information of the user who is to pay the re-entry fee is registered, the computer program operates a computer to execute payment of the re-entry fee using the card payment information.

[0110] (Appendix 21) The computer program described in Appendix 21 is a fee collection method for an amusement facility in which a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has been admitted for a predetermined period of time, the computer program being characterized in that, upon entry to the amusement facility, the computer program operates to collect a maximum fee including a re-entry fee based on the maximum length of stay that the entering user is allowed to stay continuously within the amusement facility, and, upon the user's exit, to refund the surplus remaining after deducting the fee to be paid by the user from the maximum fee.

[0111] (Appendix 22) The recording medium according to claim 22 is a recording medium having a computer program according to any one of claims 19 to 21 recorded thereon.

[0112] The present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and the toll collection system, toll collection device, toll collection method, and computer program involving such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0113] To the extent permitted by law, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-178926, filed on September 30, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. In addition, to the extent permitted by law, all publications and papers mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Toll collection system 10. Entrance / Exit Gate Device 20 Toll collection device 110 User authentication section 120 Payment Processing Unit 130 Gate opening / closing control section 210 Charge generation detection unit 220 Advance Payment Department 230 Collection Flag Assignment Unit 240 Collection Flag Judgment Unit 250 Payment Request Section 260 Card Information Judgment Unit 270 Card payment processing unit 280 Maximum Stay Period Acquisition Department 290 Maximum Toll Collection Department 300 Refund Processing Department

Claims

1. A determination means for determining whether a re-entry fee has been charged to a user who has entered a facility for a predetermined period of time; a display control means for displaying on a display, when it is determined that the re-entry fee has been incurred, a message indicating that the re-entry fee has been incurred; A fee collection device comprising:

2. a payment means for executing payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered the facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed; a display control means for displaying a request for payment of the re-entry fee to the user who is the subject of the payment; A fee collection device comprising:

3. a payment means for executing payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered the facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed; a display control means for displaying to the user who is the subject of the payment a message indicating that the re-entry fee has been paid; A fee collection device comprising:

4. A tracking means for tracking the user within the facility is further provided, The display control means displays the result of the tracking on a display device nearest to the user. A fee collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 1. A computer implemented method for fee collection, comprising: determining whether a re-entry fee has been charged to a user who has entered the facility for a predetermined period of time; When it is determined that the re-entry fee has been incurred, a display is displayed to the effect that the re-entry fee has been incurred. Fee collection method.

6. 1. A computer implemented method for fee collection, comprising: When a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered the facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the re-entry fee is paid; displaying a request for payment of the re-entry fee to the user who is the subject of the payment; Fee collection method.

7. 1. A computer implemented method for fee collection, comprising: When a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered the facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the re-entry fee is paid; displaying to the user who is the subject of the payment a notice that the re-entry fee has been paid; Fee collection method.

8. On the computer, determining whether a re-entry fee has been charged to a user who has entered the facility for a predetermined period of time; When it is determined that the re-entry fee has been incurred, a display is displayed to the effect that the re-entry fee has been incurred. A computer program that causes the toll collection method to be carried out.

9. On the computer, When a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered the facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the re-entry fee is paid; displaying a request for payment of the re-entry fee to the user who is the subject of the payment; A computer program that causes the toll collection method to be carried out.

10. On the computer, When a re-entry fee is charged to a user who has entered the facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the re-entry fee is paid; displaying to the user who is the subject of the payment a notice that the re-entry fee has been paid; A computer program that causes the toll collection method to be carried out.

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