Game fee settlement system and program

Abstract

To provide a simpler game fee settlement service.SOLUTION: A server 1 acquires a variable game fee stored in association with information identifying a game machine 4. An electronic shelf label 6 electronically displays the variable game fee so as to be recognized by a person, and allows a user terminal 5 to read the information identifying the game machine 4. The user terminal 5 reads the information identifying the game machine 4 with the electronic shelf label 6, and transmits a settlement instruction together with the information identifying the game machine 4 to the server 1. The server 1 requests one of a plurality of settlement agent designated by a user, for settlement processing based on the settlement instruction. The server 1 allows the game machine 4 to start a game when the settlement processing is successful.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game fee settlement system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A settlement service performed by reading a two-dimensional code or the like with a user terminal is known. For example, a user who wants to purchase goods or the like at a store uses a user terminal such as a smartphone to read a two-dimensional code or the like printed on paper or the like and installed at the store, thereby obtaining the identification information of the store. Then, when information such as the store identification information, the user identification information, and the payment amount is transmitted from the user terminal to the system of the settlement operator, the system side performs the settlement process from the user to the store. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, settlement services such as those in Patent Document 1 have begun to be used also in gaming facilities. For example, in a gaming facility, a seal or the like printed with a two-dimensional code or the like is installed for each gaming machine. A player can complete the settlement process of the game fee of the gaming machine by using a user terminal to read the two-dimensional code or the like, and start the game.

[0005] However, when the gaming machine is moved to another store or sold, it is necessary to reprint the seal or the like on which the two-dimensional code or the like is printed.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a more convenient game fee settlement service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. The reference numerals in parentheses are those of the embodiments described later, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0008] The game fee settlement system according to claim 1 is a game fee settlement system including a server (for example, server 1 shown in FIG. 1), a gaming machine (for example, gaming machine 4 shown in FIG. 1), a read target part provided in the gaming machine (for example, electronic shelf label 6 shown in FIG. 1), and a user terminal (for example, user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1), wherein the server (for example, server 1 shown in FIG. 1) acquires a variable game fee (for example, game fee tbl_Ad shown in FIG. 2(a)) stored in association with information for identifying the gaming machine (for example, electronic shelf label IDtbl_Aa, store IDtbl_Ab, machine IDtbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)), the read target part (for example, electronic shelf label 6 shown in FIG. 1) electronically displays (for example, fee display 6e1 shown in FIG. 4(a)) the variable game fee (for example, game fee tbl_Ad shown in FIG. 2(a)) in a manner recognizable by a person, and makes the information for identifying the gaming machine (for example, electronic shelf label IDtbl_Aa, store IDtbl_Ab, machine IDtbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)) in a manner readable by the user terminal (for example, user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) (for example, two-dimensional code 6e2 shown in FIG. 4(a), NFC chip embedding part 6e3 shown in FIG. 4(b)), the user terminal (for example, user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) reads the information for identifying the gaming machine (for example, electronic shelf label IDtbl_Aa, store IDtbl_Ab, machine IDtbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)) from the read target part (for example, electronic shelf label 6 shown in FIG. 1), The user terminal (for example, the user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) transmits a settlement instruction to the server (for example, the server 1 shown in FIG. 1), together with information for identifying the gaming machine (for example, the electronic shelf label ID tbl_Aa, store ID tbl_Ab, and machine ID tbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)). Based on the settlement instruction, the server (for example, the server 1 shown in FIG. 1) requests a settlement process from one settlement provider designated by the user among a plurality of settlement providers. The server (for example, the server 1 shown in FIG. 1) is characterized in that, if the settlement process is successful, it causes the gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 4 shown in FIG. 1) to start a game.

[0009] The gaming fee settlement program according to claim 2 is a gaming fee settlement program that causes a computer to function as a gaming fee acquisition means (for example, step S101 shown in FIG. 3), a gaming fee and the like transmission means (for example, step S102 shown in FIG. 3), a settlement instruction reception means (for example, step S106 shown in FIG. 3), a settlement request means (for example, step S106 shown in FIG. 3), and a game start means (for example, step S107 shown in FIG. 3), The gaming fee acquisition means (for example, step S101 shown in FIG. 3) acquires a variable gaming fee (for example, the gaming fee tbl_Ad shown in FIG. 2(a)) stored in association with the information for identifying the gaming machine (for example, the electronic shelf label ID tbl_Aa, store ID tbl_Ab, and machine ID tbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)). The display and other information transmission means (for example, step S102 shown in FIG. 3) causes the read unit (for example, the electronic shelf label 6 shown in FIG. 1) to electronically display the variable gaming fee (for example, the gaming fee tbl_Ad shown in FIG. 2(a)) in a manner recognizable by a person (for example, the fee display 6e1 shown in FIG. 4(a)), and transmits necessary information to the read unit (for example, the electronic shelf label 6 shown in FIG. 1) so that the user terminal (for example, the user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) can read the information for identifying the gaming machine (for example, the electronic shelf label ID tbl_Aa, store ID tbl_Ab, and machine ID tbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)) (for example, the two-dimensional code 6e2 shown in FIG. 4(a), the NFC chip embedding part 6e3 shown in FIG. 4(b)). The payment instruction receiving means (for example, step S106 shown in FIG. 3) receives a payment instruction from a user terminal (for example, the user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) that has read information (for example, the electronic shelf label ID tbl_Aa, store ID tbl_Ab, and machine ID tbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)) for identifying the gaming machine at the read section (for example, the electronic shelf label 6 shown in FIG. 1), The payment request means (for example, step S106 shown in FIG. 3) requests a payment process from one payment provider designated by the user among a plurality of payment providers based on the payment instruction received by the payment instruction receiving means (for example, step S106 shown in FIG. 3), The game start means (for example, step S107 shown in FIG. 3) is characterized by starting a game on the gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 4 shown in FIG. 1) when the payment process is successful.

[0010] The gaming fee payment program according to claim 3 is the gaming fee payment program according to claim 2, wherein The display and other information transmitting means (for example, step S102 shown in FIG. 3) further transmits necessary information to the read section (for example, the electronic shelf label 6 shown in FIG. 1) so that the read section (for example, the electronic shelf label 6 shown in FIG. 1) becomes a mode (for example, the two-dimensional code 6e2 shown in FIG. 4(a) and the NFC chip embedding section 6e3 shown in FIG. 4(b)) in which the user terminal (for example, the user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) can read the variable gaming fee (for example, the gaming fee tbl_Ad shown in FIG. 2(a)).

[0011] The gaming fee payment program according to claim 4 is the gaming fee payment program according to claim 2, wherein Furthermore, the computer is caused to function as a membership privilege granting means (for example, steps S105 and S107 shown in FIG. 3), The membership privilege granting means (for example, steps S105 and S107 shown in FIG. 3) acquires the membership information of the user of the user terminal (for example, user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) (for example, membership rank tbl_Bd shown in FIG. 2(b)) based on the user identification information received from the user terminal (for example, user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) (for example, user ID tbl_Ba shown in FIG. 2(b)), determines a privilege according to the membership information (for example, membership rank tbl_Bd shown in FIG. 2(b)), and is characterized by adding it to the game fee (for example, game fee tbl_Ad shown in FIG. 2(a)) or the game.

[0012] The game fee settlement program according to claim 5 is the game fee settlement program according to claim 2 above, The settlement request means (for example, step S106 shown in FIG. 3) requests a settlement process from one settlement provider designated in advance by the user in a predetermined method among the plurality of settlement providers.

[0013] The game fee settlement system according to claim 6 is the game fee settlement system according to claim 1 above, wherein the user terminal (for example, user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) accepts the designation of one settlement provider among the plurality of settlement providers, When the user terminal (for example, user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) accepts the designation of the one settlement provider from the user (for example, settlement screen 5e for designating the completed provider shown in FIG. 5(a)), it does not accept the designation of the one settlement provider from the user during the subsequent predetermined period (for example, settlement screen 5e omitting the designation of the settlement provider shown in FIG. 5(b)), The server (for example, server 1 shown in FIG. 1) requests a settlement process from the one settlement provider accepted by the user terminal (for example, user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) from the user during the predetermined period.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] Next, the effects of the present invention will be described with reference numerals in the drawings. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses are those of the embodiments described later, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0015] According to the inventions according to claims 1 and 2, a read target part (for example, the electronic shelf tag 6 shown in FIG. 1) provided in a gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 4 shown in FIG. 1) displays information (for example, the electronic shelf tag ID tbl_Aa, store ID tbl_Ab, machine ID tbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)) for identifying the gaming machine based on information from a server (for example, the server 1 shown in FIG. 1) (for example, the two-dimensional code 6e2, NFC chip embedding part 6e3 shown in FIGS. 4(a) to (c)). For this reason, even if the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 changes, such as when the gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 4 shown in FIG. 1) is moved or sold to another company, the information on the server side (for example, the gaming fee table tbl_A shown in FIG. 2(a)) can be changed. Therefore, there is no need to remove or reprint a sticker or paper with a two-dimensional code or the like installed on the gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 4 shown in FIG. 1).

[0016] Furthermore, according to the inventions according to claims 1 and 2, when the gaming fee (for example, the gaming fee tbl_Ad shown in FIG. 2(a)) is changed, it can be flexibly and quickly reflected in the read target part (for example, the electronic shelf tag 6 shown in FIG. 1). As a result, the gaming fee changed in consideration of the situation such as busy or idle periods and other circumstances can be recognized by the player, and furthermore, by reading the information for identifying the gaming machine (for example, the electronic shelf tag ID tbl_Aa, store ID tbl_Ab, machine ID tbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)) into the user terminal (for example, the user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1), settlement can be made at the changed gaming fee.

[0017] Therefore, according to the present invention, a more convenient gaming fee settlement service can be provided.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 3, since the game fee is also in a form that can be read by the user terminal (for example, the user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) (for example, the two-dimensional code 6e2 shown in FIG. 4(a)), the user terminal (for example, the user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1) can directly read the game fee from the read part (for example, the electronic shelf label 6 shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, there is no need to inquire with the server (for example, the server 1 shown in FIG. 1) about the game fee (for example, the game fee display 51b shown in FIG. 5(a)) to be displayed on the user terminal (for example, the user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1). As a result, the user can settle the game fee more quickly.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 4, the user can receive benefits according to the membership information (for example, the membership information table tbl_B shown in FIG. 2(b)).

[0020] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 5, since a payment provider can be specified in advance, the user can settle the game fee more quickly.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 6, once the user specifies a payment provider, there is no need to specify a payment provider for a predetermined period. As a result, the user can save the trouble of specifying a payment provider each time, and thus the user can settle the game fee more quickly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game fee settlement system according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, when indicating the up, down, left, and right directions, it shall refer to the up, down, left, and right as seen from the front shown in the drawings.

[0024] <<Overview Explanation of Game Fee Settlement System>> In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a server 1, a gaming machine 4, an electronic shelf label 6 provided on the gaming machine 4, and a user terminal 5 are connected via a network N. Hereinafter, each component will be described.

[0025] <Explanation of Server> As shown in FIG. 1, the server 1 is composed of a data processing unit 10 that processes various data, a communication unit 11 that can be connected to the network N by communication means such as wireless LAN, wired LAN, and dial-up, and a database 12.

[0026] In the database 12 of the server 1 shown in FIG. 1, a game fee table tbl_A shown in FIG. 2(a) and a member information table tbl_B shown in FIG. 2(b) are stored.

[0027] The game fee table tbl_A shown in FIG. 2(a) stores an electronic shelf label ID tbl_Aa for identifying the electronic shelf label 6 (see FIG. 1), a store ID tbl_Ab for identifying the store (not shown) where the gaming machine 4 (see FIG. 1) is installed, a machine ID tbl_Ac for identifying the gaming machine 4 (see FIG. 1), and a game fee tbl_Ad of the gaming machine 4.

[0028] The member information table tbl_B shown in Fig. 2(b) mainly stores a user ID tbl_Ba for identifying a user, a password tbl_Bb, a name tbl_Bc, and a member rank tbl_Bd. In a store (not shown) where the gaming machine 4 is installed, the users are ranked based on the number of past games played and game results of each user. As shown in Fig. 2(b), member ranks such as "Gold" and "Silver" are stored in the member rank tbl_Bd.

[0029] Note that the game fee table tbl_A and the member information table tbl_B may be held by a system different from the game fee settlement system. For example, a system for managing member information may update the member information table tbl_B, and the server 1 may obtain the data of the member information table tbl_B by communicating with the system for managing member information.

[0030] <Description of the gaming machine> The gaming machine 4 is, for example, a so-called crane game machine, a video game machine, a trading card game machine, etc. As shown in Fig. 1, the gaming machine 4 has a conventional configuration including a CPU 4a, a communication unit 4b connected to the network N by communication means such as a wireless LAN, and a ROM 4c for storing a game program. Therefore, detailed description and illustration are omitted. Note that this gaming machine 4 is controlled to start a game when coins are inserted into a coin insertion slot (not shown), or when an instruction to start the game is received from the server 1 (see Fig. 1).

[0031] <Description of the electronic shelf label> The electronic price tag 6 is configured to electronically display the game fees of the gaming machine 4 and the like on a display panel composed of a liquid crystal display or electronic paper (refer to the display panel 6e in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c)). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the electronic price tag 6 includes a CPU 6a that controls the display and other operations on the display panel 6e, a power button 6b, a ROM 6c that stores the control program of the electronic price tag 6, a RAM 6d that functions as a work area, buffer memory, etc., and a communication unit 6f that connects to the network N by communication means such as a wireless LAN. Thus, such an electronic price tag 6 is attached at a position that is easy for the player of the gaming machine 4 to see.

[0032] By the way, such electronic price tags 6 with low unit prices are in circulation and can be easily attached to existing gaming machines 4. Therefore, they can be easily introduced.

[0033] <Description of the user terminal> The user terminal 5 is composed of a smartphone such as an iPhone (registered trademark) or a mobile phone. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, it includes a CPU 5a, an input unit 5b through which predetermined data can be input into the user terminal 5 from a touch panel or the like, a ROM 5c composed of a writable flash ROM or the like that stores the program of a settlement instruction application for game fees (refer to FIG. 5), a RAM 5d that functions as a work area, buffer memory, etc., a display unit 5e capable of displaying a settlement screen (refer to FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)), a communication unit 5f capable of connecting to the network N by communication means such as a wireless LAN, and a reading unit 5g capable of reading data from an image such as a two-dimensional code.

[0034] Note that when the reading unit 5g reads data from an image such as a two-dimensional code, it uses a camera (not shown) built into the user terminal 5. Also, the image captured by the camera is displayed on the display unit 5e. Since such a configuration is a conventionally known technology, the description is omitted.

[0035] Here, the operation of the game fee settlement processing system according to this embodiment with the above configuration will be briefly described. When the electronic shelf label 6 (see FIG. 1) transmits its own electronic shelf label ID (see FIG. 2(a)), the server 1 (see FIG. 1) obtains the game fee tbl_Ad of the gaming machine 4 (see FIG. 1) from the game fee table tbl_A (see FIG. 2(a)) and the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab and the machine ID tbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)), and transmits them to the electronic shelf label 6 (see FIG. 1). The electronic shelf label 6 (see FIG. 1) causes the game fee tbl_Ad to be displayed on the fee display 6e1 (see FIGS. 4(a) to (c)), and causes the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab and the machine ID tbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)) to be displayed on the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIGS. 4(a) to (c)). Next, the user who has seen the fee display 6e1 (see FIGS. 4(a) to (c)) uses the user terminal 5 (see FIG. 1) to read the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab and the machine ID tbl_Ac shown in FIG. 2(a)) from the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIGS. 4(a) to (c)). Then, the user terminal 5 (see FIG. 1) transmits a settlement instruction to the server 1 (see FIG. 1) together with the store ID tbl_Ab, the machine ID tbl_Ac (see FIG. 2(a)) and the designation of the settlement operator, and the server 1 (see FIG. 1) requests the designated settlement operator to perform settlement processing. Finally, if the settlement processing is successful, the server 1 (see FIG. 1) causes the gaming machine 4 (see FIG. 1) to start the game.

[0036] <<Explanation of the processing content of the game fee settlement processing system>> Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the processing content of the game fee settlement processing system shown in this embodiment will be described.

[0037] <Display of game fees, etc. of the electronic shelf label> First, the electronic shelf label 6 starts communication by turning on the power button 6b (see Fig. 1) (step S601). More specifically, the CPU 6a of the electronic shelf label 6 (see Fig. 1, hereinafter referred to as the "electronic shelf label 6") attached to the gaming machine 4 (see Fig. 1) installed in a store (not shown) such as a gaming facility detects that the power button 6b (see Fig. 1) has been turned on, connects to the server 1 through the communication unit 6f (see Fig. 1), and requests information to be displayed on the display panel 6e (see Figs. 1 and 4(a)). When making the request, the electronic shelf label 6 notifies the server 1 of its own electronic shelf label ID "01".

[0038] Next, the server 1 acquires information for specifying the gaming fee and the gaming machine 4 from the database 12 (step S101). More specifically, when receiving a request for information to be displayed from the electronic shelf label 6, the data processing unit 10 of the server 1 (see Fig. 1, hereinafter referred to as the "server 1") obtains, from the gaming fee table tbl_A (see Fig. 2(a)), information for specifying the gaming machine 4 corresponding to the received electronic shelf label ID "01" (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in Fig. 2(a)), and the gaming fee tbl_Ad "100 yen per play" stored in association with this information from the database 12 (see Fig. 1). If the electronic shelf label 6 already stores information for specifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in Fig. 2(a)), and there is no need for the electronic shelf label 6 to receive this information from the server 1, the server 1 only needs to obtain the gaming fee tbl_Ad "100 yen per play" from the database 12 (see Fig. 1).

[0039] Next, the server 1 transmits the acquired information (step S102). More specifically, the server 1 generates information so that the electronic shelf label 6 can display "1 PLAY 100 yen" in characters on the display panel 6e (see FIGS. 1 and 4(a)) where people can recognize it, and transmits the information to the electronic shelf label 6. Also, the server 1 generates information so that the electronic shelf label 6 can display information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)) in a two-dimensional code on the display panel 6e (see FIGS. 1 and 4(a)), and transmits the information to the electronic shelf label 6. Note that the information generated by the server 1 is due to the function of the electronic shelf label 6. For example, if the electronic shelf label 6 has a function of generating characters or two-dimensional codes to be displayed on the display panel 6e (see FIGS. 1 and 4(a)) when receiving a character string, the server 1 may transmit the character string to the electronic shelf label 6.

[0040] Next, the electronic shelf label 6 displays the gaming fee in characters (step S602). More specifically, the electronic shelf label 6 causes the fee display 6e1 to be displayed as shown on the display panel 6e in FIG. 4(a) based on the information received from the server 1.

[0041] As described above, when the power of the electronic shelf label 6 is turned on (step S601), the server 1 transmits information to the electronic shelf label 6 and causes it to be displayed on the display panel 6e (see FIGS. 1 and 4(a)) (steps S602 and 603). However, further, at an arbitrary timing such as the timing when the change of the gaming fee is scheduled in advance or the timing when the gaming fee is manually changed, the changed gaming fee is displayed on the display panel 6e (see FIG. 4(c)). This point will be explained by taking as an example the case where the gaming fee of the gaming machine 4 is scheduled to be discounted by 10% from 12:00 to 14:00.

[0042] First, when it reaches 12:00, Server 1, according to the schedule, acquires the game fee tbl_Ad of "100 yen per play" for the gaming machine 4 from the game fee table tbl_A (refer to Fig. 2(a)) in the database 12 (refer to Fig. 1) (step S101). Then, it applies a 10% discount to "100 yen per play" to generate "90 yen per play". Note that the "90 yen per play" after the 10% discount may be stored in the game fee table tbl_A (refer to Fig. 2(a)).

[0043] Then, as shown in Fig. 4(c), Server 1 generates information so that the electronic shelf label 6 can display the fee display 6e1 of "90 yen per play" and the promotional display 6e4 of "10% OFF until 14:00", and transmits it to the electronic shelf label 6.

[0044] Then, the electronic shelf label 6 displays the game fee in characters. More specifically, based on the information received from Server 1, the electronic shelf label 6 causes the fee display 6e1 of "90 yen per play" and the promotional display 6e4 of "10% OFF until 14:00" to be displayed on the display panel 6e as shown in Fig. 4(c) (step S602).

[0045] Note that any method can be used for Server 1 to transmit the information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 6. For example, the IP address of the relay device installed in the store with the store ID tbl_Ab (refer to Fig. 2(a)) of "TOKYO123" stored in the game fee table tbl_A (refer to Fig. 2(a)) can be acquired from a data table (not shown) and transmitted. In that case, the electronic shelf label ID tbl_Aa (refer to Fig. 2(a)) of "01" may also be included in the transmission data so that the relay device can identify the electronic shelf label 6.

[0046] The above is the description of the process in which the changed game fee is displayed on the display panel 6e (refer to Fig. 4(c)).

[0047] Return to the processing content of the game fee settlement processing system. Next, the electronic shelf label 6 displays the store ID and the machine ID in a two-dimensional code (step S603). More specifically, based on the information received from the server 1, the electronic shelf label 6 displays a two-dimensional code 6e2 in which information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)) is encoded, as in the display panel 6e shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0048] <Reading by the user terminal> Next, the user terminal 5 activates the game fee settlement instruction application (see FIG. 5) (step S501). More specifically, the user of the user terminal 5 visually recognizes the game fee from the fee display 6e1 (see FIG. 4(a)) and decides to play on the gaming machine 4, so the user taps an icon (not shown) on the user terminal 5. As a result, the CPU 5a of the user terminal 5 (see FIG. 1; hereinafter referred to as the "user terminal 5") reads out and activates the game fee settlement instruction application (see FIG. 5) from the ROM 5c (see FIG. 1).

[0049] Next, the server 1 accepts the user ID and password (step S103). More specifically, the user of the user terminal 5 inputs the user ID "456123" and the password "ADGD" into a login screen (not shown) and taps a login button (not shown). As a result, the user terminal 5 transmits the user ID and password to the server 1 through the communication unit 5f (see FIG. 1).

[0050] Next, the server 1 permits login (step S104). More specifically, when the user ID "456123" and the password "ADGD" received from the user terminal 5 match the registration in the member information table tbl_B (see FIG. 2(b)), the server 1 transmits a message permitting login to the user terminal 5.

[0051] Next, the user terminal 5 displays a two-dimensional code reading screen (step S502). More specifically, when receiving login permission from the server 1, the user terminal 5 instructs the reading unit 5g (see FIG. 1) to read the two-dimensional code and causes the display unit 5e to display a two-dimensional code reading screen (not shown).

[0052] Next, the user terminal 5 reads information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (step S503). More specifically, the camera (not shown) of the user terminal 5 images the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)) displayed on the display panel 6e of the electronic shelf label 6 (see FIG. 4(a)). Thereby, the reading unit 5g (see FIG. 1) reads information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)) from the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)).

[0053] Next, the user terminal 5 makes an inquiry about the gaming fee (step S504). That is, although the user of the user terminal 5 recognizes the gaming fee by visually checking the fee display 6e1 (see FIG. 4(a)), since the gaming fee is not included in the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)), the user terminal 5 has not acquired the gaming fee. Therefore, the user terminal 5 inquires the server 1 about the gaming fee corresponding to the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)).

[0054] Next, the server 1 transmits the gaming fee (step S105). More specifically, the server 1 refers to the gaming fee table tbl_A (see FIG. 2(a)) stored in the database 12 (see FIG. 1), and acquires the gaming fee tbl_Ad "100 yen per play" corresponding to the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 received from the user terminal 5 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)). Then, it transmits this to the user terminal 5. The user terminal 5 receives this and temporarily stores it in the RAM 5d (see FIG. 1).

[0055] Furthermore, the server 1 obtains the store name "Tokyo A Store" and the machine name "UFO Catcher / No. 123" corresponding to the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 received from the user terminal 5 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)) from a database (not shown), and transmits them to the user terminal 5. The user terminal 5 receives these and temporarily stores them in the RAM 5d (see FIG. 1).

[0056] Next, the user terminal 5 checks whether the designation of the settlement provider can be omitted (step S505). More specifically, the user terminal 5 checks the flag for omitting the settlement provider designation stored in the RAM 5d (see FIG. 1). If it is "0", it is determined that the designation of the settlement provider is necessary (step S505: N), and as shown in FIG. 5(a), a settlement screen for allowing the user to designate the settlement provider is displayed on the display unit 5e (see FIG. 1) (step S506a).

[0057] Here, the settlement screen for allowing the designation of the settlement provider shown in FIG. 5(a) will be described. On the settlement screen for allowing the designation of the settlement provider, as shown in FIG. 5(a), there are a display 51a of the store and the gaming machine "Tokyo A Store / UFO Catcher / No. 123", a display 51b of the gaming fee of "100 yen", designation buttons 51c for settlement providers consisting of "Credit Card", "PayPay" (registered trademark), "LINE Pay" (registered trademark), "AEON Pay" (registered trademark), a check box 51e with a display of "Use the same settlement provider in the future", and a "Pay" button 51d. Note that the display 51a of the store and the gaming machine "Tokyo A Store / UFO Catcher / No. 123" and the display 51b of the gaming fee of "100 yen" read out and display the data temporarily stored in the RAM 5d (see FIG. 1) received from the server 1.

[0058] On the settlement screen for allowing the designation of the settlement provider, the user needs to designate the settlement provider by tapping one of the plurality of designation buttons 51c for settlement providers. Here, it is assumed that the designation button 51c for the settlement provider of "Credit Card" is tapped.

[0059] In addition, the user can use the payment provider specified this time also for the second and subsequent times by tapping and checking the check box 51e (details will be described later).

[0060] <Instruction for the first payment process by the user terminal> Next, the user terminal 5 detects the pressing of the payment button (step S507). More specifically, when the user terminal 5 detects that the "Pay" button 51d (see FIG. 5(a)) has been tapped, it transmits an instruction for the payment process to the server 1. When transmitting the instruction for the payment process, information for specifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)) and the specification of the payment provider (for example, "credit card") are also transmitted. Note that the user terminal 5 may also transmit the gaming fee. When the user terminal 5 does not transmit the gaming fee, the server 1 may search the gaming fee table tbl_A (see FIG. 2(a)) for the information for specifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111") and acquire the gaming fee tbl_Ad.

[0061] If the check box 51e with the display "Use the same payment provider from the next time on" is checked, the user terminal 5 sets the flag for omitting the payment provider specification stored in the RAM 5d (see FIG. 1) to "1" and stores the specified payment provider (for example, "credit card") in the RAM 5d (see FIG. 1).

[0062] Next, the server 1 makes a payment request to the payment provider via the payment agency server (step S106). More specifically, when receiving the payment instruction from the user terminal 5, the server 1 requests the payment agency server (not shown) to request the payment provider specified in the payment instruction (for example, "credit card") to perform the payment process.

[0063] In addition, when the designated payment provider is "credit card", the payment provider can be determined as follows. First, the user registers the credit card information to be used for payment in advance in the member information table tbl_B (see Fig. 2(b)). Next, when the payment provider is a credit card, the user terminal 5 also transmits the user ID to the server 1 in the payment instruction. Then, the server 1 refers to the member information table tbl_B (see Fig. 2(b)), reads out the credit card information of the received user ID, and can determine the payment provider corresponding to the credit card information as the payment provider that requests the payment process for the game fee.

[0064] Next, the server 1 transmits game permission to the gaming machine 4 (step S107). More specifically, when the server 1 receives a payment completion notification from a payment agency server (not shown), the server 1 identifies the gaming machine 4 based on the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in Fig. 2(a)), and transmits to the gaming machine 4 that the game is permitted. When the gaming machine 4 receives the game permission through the communication unit 4b (see Fig. 1), the gaming machine 4 starts the game and allows the user to play the game. <Instruction for Payment Processing in the Second and Subsequent Times>

[0065] When the process reaches step S507, the user terminal 5 returns to step S502 so that the two-dimensional code can be read again.

[0066] Then, when the user uses the user terminal 5 to read the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111") from the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see Fig. 4(a)) displayed on the display panel 6e (see Fig. 4(a)) of the electronic shelf label 6 (step S503), the user terminal 5 makes an inquiry about the game fee to the server 1 (step S504). Then, the user terminal 5 temporarily stores the game fee, store name, and machine name received from the server 1 in the RAM 5d (see Fig. 1).

[0067] Next, the user terminal 5 checks whether the designation of the settlement operator can be omitted (step S505). More specifically, the user terminal 5 checks the flag for omitting the settlement operator designation stored in the RAM 5d (see FIG. 1). Since it is "1" this time, the user terminal 5 determines that the designation of the settlement operator can be omitted (step S505: Y), and as shown in FIG. 5(b), causes the display unit 5e (see FIG. 1) to display a settlement screen with the designation of the settlement operator omitted (step S506b).

[0068] In the settlement screen with the designation of the settlement operator omitted shown in FIG. 5(b), unlike the settlement screen for designating the settlement operator shown in FIG. 5(a), the selection button 51c for the settlement method is not displayed. In the settlement screen with the designation of the settlement operator omitted, as shown in FIG. 5(b), only the display 51a of the store and the gaming machine "Tokyo A Store / UFO Catcher / No. 123", the display 51b of the gaming fee of "100 yen", and the "Pay" button 52d are displayed.

[0069] Next, the user terminal 5 detects the pressing of the payment button (step S507). More specifically, when the user terminal 5 detects that the "Pay" button 52d (see FIG. 5(b)) has been tapped, it sends an instruction for settlement processing to the server 1. When sending the instruction for settlement processing, information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)) and the designation of the settlement operator (for example, "Credit Card") are also sent. Note that for the designation of the settlement operator, what was stored in the RAM 5d (see FIG. 1) in the first settlement processing may be read out and sent.

[0070] Since the operations of the server 1 after step S106 are the same as those in the first settlement processing, the description thereof is omitted.

[0071] Note that after the user terminal 5 sets the flag for omitting the designated payment provider to "1", if a predetermined condition (for example, the date has changed, the user has moved to a different gaming facility, etc.) is satisfied, the flag for omitting the designated payment provider is set to "0", and the payment screen for designating the payment provider shown in Fig. 5(a) may be displayed again. This makes it possible to periodically confirm the user's intention.

[0072] In this way, once the user designates a payment provider, there is no need to designate a payment provider for at least a predetermined period. As a result, the user can save the trouble of designating a payment provider each time, and thus can settle the gaming fees more quickly.

[0073] According to the present embodiment described above, based on the information from the server 1 (see Fig. 1), the electronic shelf label 6 (see Fig. 1) is displayed with the fee display 6e1 so that the gaming fee can be recognized by people as shown in Fig. 4(a), and the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 is displayed in a two-dimensional code 6e2 so that it can be read by the user terminal 5. Therefore, even if the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 changes, such as when the gaming machine 4 is moved to another store or sold to another company, it is only necessary to change the information in the gaming fee table tbl_A of the server 1. Therefore, compared with the case of printing the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see Fig. 4(a)) on paper or stickers, no labor is involved.

[0074] Also, as shown in Fig. 4(c), since the electronic shelf label 6 (see Fig. 1) can receive the information from the server 1 even when the gaming fee is changed, the change can be quickly displayed. As a result, the changed gaming fee can be recognized by the player, and the user terminal 5 can be used to perform the settlement.

[0075] From the above, according to the present embodiment, a more convenient gaming fee settlement service can be provided.

[0076] <<Description of Modification Example>> Note that the content shown in this embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. For example, the following modifications and changes are possible.

[0077] <Example of deformation of information to be displayed in two-dimensional code> In this embodiment, in step S102 (see FIG. 3), the server 1 generates information such that the electronic shelf label 6 can display, as information for identifying the gaming machine 4, for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a) in the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)), and transmits it to the electronic shelf label 6. However, the information to be displayed in the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)) is not limited to this, and this point will be described below.

[0078] First, in step S102 (see FIG. 3), the server 1 may generate information such that, in addition to the information for the electronic shelf label 6 to identify the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)), information such as the game fee tbl_Ad (for example, "1 PLAY 100 yen" shown in FIG. 2(a)) can also be displayed in the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)), and transmit it to the electronic shelf label 6.

[0079] As a result, the two-dimensional code 6e2 on the display panel 6e shown in FIG. 4(a) of the electronic shelf label 6 in step S603 (see FIG. 3) will also include the information "1 PLAY 100 yen". Thereby, in step S503 (see FIG. 3), the user terminal 5 can read, from the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)), in addition to the information for identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)), the information "1 PLAY 100 yen". Then, the user terminal 5 can display the game fee 51b (see FIG. 5(a)) based on the "1 PLAY 100 yen" read from the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)).

[0080] In this way, the user terminal 5 does not need to inquire about the game fee from the server 1, and steps S504 and S105 (see FIG. 3) can be omitted. Therefore, the user terminal 5 can quickly display the settlement screen (see FIG. 5(a)) in step S506a (506b) (see FIG. 3). As a result, the user can settle the game fee more quickly.

[0081] Also, in step S102 (see FIG. 3), the server 1 may generate information so that the electronic shelf label 6 can display only the machine ID tbl_Ac (for example, "CLANE111") in the two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)), and transmit it to the electronic shelf label 6. This is because when information for identifying the store is also incorporated in the machine ID tbl_Ac or when there is only one store, the server 1 can identify the gaming machine 4 only with the machine ID tbl_Ac in steps S105 and S107 (see FIG. 3).

[0082] Also, in step S102 (see FIG. 3), the server 1 may generate information so that the electronic shelf label 6 can display only the electronic shelf label ID tbl_Aa (for example, "01") on the display panel 6e (see FIG. 1) in the two-dimensional code, and transmit it to the electronic shelf label 6. Since the electronic shelf label ID tbl_Aa is stored in association with the machine ID tbl_Ac (see FIG. 2(a)), the server 1 can identify the gaming machine 4 only with the electronic shelf label ID tbl_Aa.

[0083] <Linkage with membership function> In the settlement process of the game fee, the server 1 can receive the user ID (for example, "456123") from the user terminal 5 and search for the corresponding record in the membership information table tbl_B (see FIG. 2(b)). As a result, benefits can be taken into account according to the user.

[0084] As a privilege according to the user, when the server 1 transmits the game fee tbl_Ad (see Fig. 2(a)) (step S105), it may further obtain the member rank tbl_Bd from the member information table tbl_B (see Fig. 2(b)) and transmit a game fee with a discount privilege according to the rank. The processing in this case will be described below.

[0085] The difference from this embodiment is that, first, when the user terminal 5 inquires about the game fee (step S504 (see Fig. 3)), it also transmits the user ID (for example, "456123"). The server 1 obtains the game fee tbl_Ad of "100 yen per play" from the game fee table tbl_A (see Fig. 2(a)) in the same manner as in this embodiment, and further obtains the member rank tbl_Bd (for example, "Gold") corresponding to the user ID (for example, "456123") received from the member information table tbl_B (see Fig. 2(b)).

[0086] The server 1 applies the preset discount rate (for example, 10%) according to the obtained member rank tbl_Bd (for example, "Gold") to "100 yen per play" to make it "90 yen per play". Then, in step S105, the server 1 transmits this to the user terminal 5. As a result, "90 yen" instead of "100 yen" will be displayed in the game fee display 51b on the display unit 5e of the user terminal 5 shown in Figs. 5(a) and 5(b).

[0087] Also, as a privilege according to another user, when the server 1 permits the game (step S107 (see Fig. 3)), it may further obtain the member rank tbl_Bd from the member information table tbl_B (see Fig. 2(b)) and transmit an instruction to add a privilege to the game to the gaming machine 4, such as lowering the difficulty of the game or increasing the occurrence probability of winning according to the rank. Note that the user ID (for example, "456123") from the user terminal 5 may be received when receiving the settlement instruction from the user terminal 5 (step S106 (see Fig. 3)).

[0088] In this way, the server 1 can determine benefits according to the membership information and take them into account in the game fees and games. Therefore, the user can receive benefits according to the membership information.

[0089] In addition to the above, the server 1 can also provide functions according to the user.

[0090] As a function according to the user, the server 1 may check whether the user terminal 5 is about to settle the game fee exceeding the preset upper limit. In this case, a field for the upper limit and a field for the total of the settled amount are added to the membership information table tbl_B (see Fig. 2(b)) stored in the database 12 (see Fig. 1) of the server 1. Then, for example, when receiving an inquiry about the game fee from the user terminal 5 (step S504 (see Fig. 3)), the user ID (for example, "456123") is received from the user terminal 5. Thereby, the server 1 acquires the upper limit and the total of the settled amount from the membership information table tbl_B (see Fig. 2(b)) based on the user ID (for example, "456123"). Then, it is checked whether the amount obtained by adding the game fee to be settled to the total of the settled amount exceeds the upper limit. And if it exceeds the upper limit, the server 1 can send a notification of payment failure or the like to the user terminal 5.

[0091] Also, as another function according to the user, customer service may be provided according to the user's game history or the like. In this case, a field for recording the user's game history or the like is added to the membership information table tbl_B (see Fig. 2(b)) stored in the database 12 (see Fig. 1) of the server 1. Then, for example, when receiving a payment instruction from the user terminal 5 (step S106 (see Fig. 3)), the user ID (for example, "456123") is also received from the user terminal 5. Thereby, the server 1 records playing on the gaming machine 4 in the corresponding record of the membership information table tbl_B (see Fig. 2(b)) based on the user ID (for example, "456123"). Then, such game histories are accumulated, the user's gaming tendency is analyzed, and advertisements or the like can be displayed on the display unit 5e (see Fig. 1) of the user terminal 5 according to the tendency.

[0092] <Store the payment method in the server> In this embodiment, when the server 1 makes a payment request to the payment service provider via the payment agency server (step S106), it requests payment from the payment service provider (e.g., "credit card") specified in the payment instruction from the user terminal 5. However, the payment may be requested in advance from the payment service provider specified by the user. For example, a field for the payment service provider is added to the member information table tbl_B (see FIG. 2(b)) stored in the database 12 (see FIG. 1) of the server 1, and the user is made to store the payment service provider (e.g., "credit card") in advance. Then, when the server 1 makes a payment request to the payment service provider via the payment agency server (step S106), it may obtain the payment service provider (e.g., "credit card") specified by the user in advance from the member information table tbl_B (see FIG. 2(b)) and request payment from that payment service provider.

[0093] In this way, the user terminal 5 can omit step S505 shown in FIG. 3 from the first payment process and proceed to step S506b. That is, from the first payment process, a payment screen can be displayed that omits the specification of the payment service provider shown in FIG. 5(b). Therefore, since the user does not need to specify the payment service provider from the first time, the user can settle the game fee more quickly.

[0094] <Store the store ID and machine ID in the NFC (Near Field Communication) chip> In this embodiment, in step S603 shown in FIG. 3, the electronic shelf label 6 causes a two-dimensional code 6e2 (see FIG. 4(a)) in which information identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)) is encoded to be displayed. However, as shown in FIG. 4(b), using the electronic shelf label 6 provided with the NFC chip embedding portion 6e3, information identifying the gaming machine 4 (for example, the store ID tbl_Ab "TOKYO123" and the machine ID tbl_Ac "CLANE111" shown in FIG. 2(a)) may be stored in an NFC chip (not shown) embedded in the NFC chip embedding portion 6e3 (see FIG. 4(b)). In this case, when the user terminal 5 receives a signal from the NFC chip using an NFC antenna (not shown) built in the user terminal 5, the user terminal 5 can automatically activate a game fee settlement instruction application (see FIG. 5). Therefore, since the user does not need to activate the application (step S501 shown in FIG. 3), the user can settle the game fee more quickly.

Explanation of Signs

[0095] 1 Server 4 Gaming Machine 5 User Terminal 6 Electronic Shelf Label (Readable Portion) 6e1 Fee Display (Readable by Humans) 6e2 Two-Dimensional Code (Readable by User Terminal) 6e3 NFC Chip Embedding Portion (Readable by User Terminal) tbl_Aa Electronic Shelf Label ID (Information Identifying Gaming Machine) tbl_Ab Store ID (Information Identifying Gaming Machine) tbl_Ac Machine ID (Information Identifying Gaming Machine) tbl_Ad Game Fee tbl_Ba User ID (User Identification Information) tbl_Bd Member Rank (Member Information)

Claims

1. A game fee settlement system comprising a server, a gaming machine, a read target provided on the gaming machine, and a user terminal, wherein the server acquires a variable game fee stored in association with information identifying the gaming machine, the read target electronically displays the variable game fee in a manner recognizable by a person, and enables the user terminal to read information identifying the gaming machine, the user terminal reads the information identifying the gaming machine from the read target, the user terminal transmits a settlement instruction to the server together with the information identifying the gaming machine, the server requests a settlement process from one settlement provider designated by the user among a plurality of settlement providers based on the settlement instruction, and the server causes the gaming machine to start a game if the settlement process is successful. A game fee settlement system.

2. A game fee settlement program that causes a computer to function as a game fee acquisition means, a game fee transmission means, a settlement instruction reception means, a settlement request means, and a game start means, wherein the game fee acquisition means acquires a variable game fee stored in association with information identifying the gaming machine, the display and other information transmission means enables the read target to electronically display the variable game fee in a manner recognizable by a person, and further transmits necessary information to the read target so that the user terminal can read the information identifying the gaming machine even when the read target does not have the information identifying the gaming machine, the settlement instruction reception means receives a settlement instruction from the user terminal that has read the information identifying the gaming machine at the read target, the settlement request means requests a settlement process from one settlement provider designated by the user among a plurality of settlement providers based on the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction reception means, and the game start means starts a game on the gaming machine if the settlement process is successful. A game fee settlement program.

3. The display and other information transmission means further transmits necessary information to the read target so that the user terminal can read the variable game fee from the read target. The game fee settlement program according to claim 2.

4. Furthermore, the computer is caused to function as a membership privilege granting means. The membership privilege granting means acquires the membership information of the user of the user terminal based on the user identification information received from the user terminal, determines a privilege according to the membership information, and takes the privilege into account in the game fee or the game. The game fee settlement program according to claim 2.

5. The settlement request means requests a settlement process from one settlement provider designated in advance by the user in a predetermined method among the plurality of settlement providers. The game fee settlement program according to claim 2.

6. In the game fee settlement system according to claim 1, the user terminal receives a designation of one settlement provider among the plurality of settlement providers from the user, when the user terminal receives the designation of the one settlement provider from the user, it does not receive the designation of the one settlement provider from the user during a subsequent predetermined period, and the server requests a settlement process from the one settlement provider received by the user terminal from the user during the predetermined period. A game fee settlement system.

Images