Control method, computer program used therein and linking system, and service system incorporated in linking system, control method used therein and computer program

Abstract

To provide a control method capable of reducing users' time and effort required for a plurality of number of settlements.SOLUTION: A control method causes a settlement server 20, the settlement server of a settlement system 2 that functions as a linking system for linking an arcade system 1 for providing games via game machines 12, with the settlement system 2 in order to settle a game fee, to execute the procedures of: establishing a linkage relation (a session) between the arcade system 1 and the settlement system 2 for settling the game fee; and causing the settlement system 2 to settle the game fee so that, in response to a settlement request from the arcade system 1, the plurality of number of settlements are allowed in a state where the linkage relation is established.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method and the like applied to a computer incorporated in a cooperation system for causing a service system for providing a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system so that the price of the service is settled.

Background Art

[0002] A cooperation system for causing a service system for providing a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system so that the price of the service is settled is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the settlement field including the system of Patent Document 1, there are needs for a plurality of consecutive settlements. For example, in a prize game such as a so-called crane game, a strategy may be used in which the position of a prize aimed to be obtained in one play is changed, and actual acquisition is attempted in the second and third plays. Even without a strategy, it is often the case that play is continued successively, such as challenging the second and third plays taking into account the feeling in the previous play. Therefore, when the price for playing a prize game is settled, the need for a plurality of consecutive settlements is particularly high.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a control method and the like that can reduce the user's labor and time for a plurality of settlements.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control method of the present invention is for a computer incorporated in a cooperation system that causes a service system for providing a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system so that the price of the predetermined service is settled. The computer executes a first relationship setting procedure for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the price of the predetermined service between the service system and the settlement system, and a price settlement procedure for causing the settlement system to settle the price of the predetermined service so that multiple settlements are allowed in response to a settlement request from the service system in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established.

[0007] The computer program of the present invention is configured to function as a first relationship setting means for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the price of a predetermined service between a service system for providing the predetermined service and a settlement system so that the price of the predetermined service is settled, and a price settlement means for causing the settlement system to settle the price of the predetermined service so that multiple settlements are allowed in response to a settlement request from the service system in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established, in a computer incorporated in a cooperation system that causes the service system to cooperate with the settlement system so that the price of the predetermined service is settled.

[0008] The cooperation system of the present invention is a cooperation system that causes a service system for providing a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system so that the price of the predetermined service is settled, and includes a first relationship setting means for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the price of the predetermined service between the service system and the settlement system, and a price settlement means for causing the settlement system to settle the price of the predetermined service so that multiple settlements are allowed in response to a settlement request from the service system in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established.

[0009] On the one hand, the control method applied to the service system of the present invention is for a cooperation system that causes a service system for providing a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system so that the consideration for the predetermined service is settled. In a computer incorporated in the service system, a second relationship setting procedure for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the consideration between the settlement system and the predetermined service, and a settlement request procedure for requesting the settlement system to settle the consideration for the predetermined service so that multiple settlements are allowed according to an instruction from a user in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established, are executed.

[0010] Also, the computer program applied to the service system of the present invention is for a cooperation system that causes a service system for providing a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system so that the consideration for the predetermined service is settled. In a computer incorporated in the service system, it is configured to function as a second relationship setting means for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the consideration between the settlement system and the predetermined service, and a settlement request means for requesting the settlement system to settle the consideration for the predetermined service so that multiple settlements are allowed according to an instruction from a user in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established.

[0011] Furthermore, the service system of the present invention is the service system of a cooperation system that causes a service system for providing a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system so that the consideration for the predetermined service is settled. It includes a second relationship setting means for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the consideration between the settlement system and the predetermined service, and a settlement request means for requesting the settlement system to settle the consideration for the predetermined service so that multiple settlements are allowed according to an instruction from a user in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] (Outline of the Cooperation System) Referring to FIG. 1, the outline of the cooperation system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network system in which the cooperation system according to one embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a case where the cooperation system is applied to the cooperation between an arcade system 1 as an example of a service system and a payment system 2 is shown. Further, the cooperation system may be applied so that the payment system 2 settles the price of the service directly provided by the arcade system 1 to the user. However, in the example of FIG. 1, a case where the cooperation system is applied so that the payment system settles the price of the service indirectly provided by the arcade system 1 via the service terminal 11 is shown. In this case, the arcade system 1 is linked to the payment system 2 so that at least one price of the services provided via the various service terminals 11 is settled.

[0014] Specifically, the arcade system 1 is configured as a client-server system including an arcade server 10 and a service terminal 11 connected to the arcade server 10 as a client device. The arcade server 10 may be configured by a single physical server device, or may be configured as a logical server combining a plurality of physical server devices. Further, the arcade server 10 may be configured as a cloud server combining a plurality of server devices connected to a WAN such as the Internet.

[0015] The service terminal 11 may include any suitable terminal that provides various services, but in the example of FIG. 1, it includes a game machine 12, a vending machine 13, and a user terminal device 15. The game machine 12 may be configured as appropriate, and may include any suitable game device, such as a user terminal device that provides a so-called mobile game, but in the example of FIG. 1, it is configured as an arcade game machine that provides various services associated with the game to the user in exchange for the user's payment of a predetermined fee. This type of game machine is sometimes called an arcade game machine. The predetermined service provided by the game machine 12 includes at least a service that allows the user to play the game. In addition to the service that allows the user to play the game, the game machine 12 may provide a service that sells various contents, such as items used in the game, for a fee, etc.

[0016] The type of game played on the game machine 12 is not particularly limited. Various games may be playable on the game machine 12, but in the example of FIG. 1, the game machine 12 is configured as a prize game machine that provides a prize game (a game for winning prizes). A prize game is a type of game in which a prize is awarded when a user operates an operation object via an input device to bring a state of a game object into a predetermined state. The operation object may be configured as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 1, it is configured as a crane unit, which is a type of device for capturing (obtaining) a physical game object. The crane unit has multiple arms (usually two) for pinching the game object, and is configured to grab (capture) the game object by pinching it with these arms. Then, when the game object is captured by the crane unit and transported to an opening connected to an outlet for discharging the game object to the outside (when it reaches a predetermined state), a prize is awarded to the user. This type of prize game is often called a crane game.

[0017] The vending machine 13 is a device that sells various products such as beverages for a fee. In the vending machine 13, as an example, the sale of various products is provided as a predetermined service. The user terminal device 15 is a general-purpose information communication terminal for personal use by the user. For example, a smartphone, a tablet, a PC, etc. may be appropriately used as the user terminal device 15. The user terminal device 15 may be provided as an appropriate predetermined service such as the purchase of various contents such as items used in games. Alternatively, the user terminal device 15 may function as an auxiliary terminal that provides only game-related services instead of the service terminal 11.

[0018] In the arcade system 1, the arcade server 10, the game machine 12, the vending machine 13, and the user terminal device 15 cooperate appropriately to provide various client services to the user. For example, regarding the vending machine 13, a service may be provided in which the arcade server 10 acquires the user's purchase history and awards points to the user according to the obtained history. Similarly, regarding the game machine 12, services such as storing the user's play data such as points on the arcade server 10 and providing the stored play data to the game machine 12 may be provided. The management of play data including points may be executed via the user terminal device 15. In other words, the user terminal device 15 may function as an ID for identifying each user, and the transmission and reception of play data may be executed between the user terminal device 15 and the arcade server 10. That is, game-related services for managing such play data of the game machine 12 may be provided to the user terminal device 15. The game-related services may include services such as selling game-related contents etc. to the user.

[0019] The arcade server 10 is provided with an authentication processing unit 101, a service processing unit 102, and a payment cooperation unit 103 as logical devices realized by a combination of its computer hardware and a predetermined server program PG1. In addition to these devices, various logical devices are appropriately provided in the arcade server 10, but their illustrations are omitted.

[0020] The authentication processing unit 101 is responsible for various processes necessary to authenticate users who use the arcade system 1. User authentication in the authentication processing unit 101 is performed using a user ID and confidential information such as a password known only to the user. The user ID is an example of identification information for identifying a user in the arcade system 1 and is inherently universal in the arcade system 1.

[0021] The service processing unit 102 is responsible for processes necessary to provide various services in cooperation with the service terminal 11 to the authenticated users. For example, services such as providing various contents necessary to play a game on the game machine 12 to the game machine 12, a service for storing or providing user play data, and game-related services are realized by the processing of the service processing unit 102.

[0022] The payment cooperation unit 103 is responsible for processes necessary to cause the payment system 2 to settle the consideration for various services provided by the service terminal 11. For example, processes for causing the payment system to settle the consideration for playing the game machine 12, the consideration for purchasing a product from the vending machine 13, or the consideration for purchasing game-related contents via the user terminal device 15 are realized by the payment cooperation unit 103. In addition, the processes handled by the payment cooperation unit 103 include, for example, processes for specifying the services to be settled to the payment system (products provided by the vending machine 13 or games provided by the game machine 12, etc.) and processes for linking the service terminal 11 with the user terminal device 15.

[0023] The authentication processing unit 101, the service processing unit 102, and the payment cooperation unit 103 do not necessarily have to be provided on the same physical server device. As described above, the arcade server 10 may be configured as a logical server that combines a plurality of physical server devices. Therefore, the authentication processing unit 101, the service processing unit 102, and the payment cooperation unit 103 may be realized by different physical server devices from each other. Furthermore, the authentication processing unit 101, the service processing unit 102, or the payment cooperation unit 103 may be further divided and provided on a plurality of physical server devices according to the type of processing. In short, each of the authentication processing unit 101, the service processing unit 102, and the payment cooperation unit 103 may be configured as a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware of a single or a plurality of physical server devices and a server program PG1 as software.

[0024] In the arcade system 1, as databases to be referred to by the arcade server 10, a user database DB11, a content database DB12, a housing management database DB13, and a cooperation management database DB14 are provided. The user database DB11 is a database that stores various data related to users in association with user IDs. For example, user data recording attributes such as personal information of users, play data recording the play of games by users, etc. may be recorded in the user database DB11.

[0025] The content database DB12 is a database that stores various contents provided in the game. The housing management database DB13 is a database that stores information on each service terminal 11 connected to the arcade system 1. For example, information such as information on the services provided by each service terminal 11, information on the location (for example, facilities such as stores, or addresses, etc.), or information on addresses on the network, and housing data recorded in association with a housing ID for identifying each service terminal 11 may be recorded in the housing management database DB13.

[0026] The linkage management database DB14 is a database that stores data necessary for linkage with the payment system 2. Examples of data recorded in the linkage management database DB14 will be described later in the outline of the linkage procedure.

[0027] On the other hand, similar to the arcade system 1, the payment system 2 is configured as a client-server system including a payment server 20 and a user terminal device 23 as its client device. The payment server 20 may be configured by a single physical server device, or may be configured as a logical server combining a plurality of physical server devices. Further, the payment server 20 may be configured as a cloud server combining a plurality of server devices on a WAN such as the Internet.

[0028] Although various computer devices can be appropriately used as the client device, in the example of FIG. 1, the user terminal device 23 is shown. The user terminal device 23 is a general-purpose information communication terminal used for personal use by the user, similar to the user terminal device 15. For example, a smartphone, a tablet, a PC, etc. may be appropriately used as the user terminal device 23. In the example of FIG. 1, the user terminal device 23 is configured as a smartphone and includes a control unit 23U configured as a computer unit including a microprocessor and an internal storage device necessary for its operation, and a program PG3 for causing the control unit 23U to function as various logic devices. The program PG3 includes an appropriate application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an app) for causing the user terminal device 23 to exhibit various functions. Various input devices or output devices connected to the control unit 23U may be provided in the user terminal device 23, but in the example of FIG. 1, a touch panel TP, a communication device CU, a monitor MO, and a camera CA are shown. Each of the touch panel TP, the communication device CU, the monitor MO, and the camera CA is general-purpose hardware provided in an information communication terminal such as a smartphone. The communication device CU may include a transmission and reception function conforming to an appropriate short-range wireless communication standard.

[0029] The user terminal device 23 does not need to be a client device different from the user terminal device 15 used in the arcade system 1. The same information communication terminal device may be used as the user terminal devices 15 and 23 in the arcade system 1 and the payment system 2, respectively. The user terminal devices 15 and 23 exhibit various functions through various applications. Hereinafter, as an example, when a function based on an application for the arcade system 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a service-based application) is exhibited in the same information communication terminal device, it is the user terminal device 15, and when a function based on an application for executing a payment using the payment system 2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a payment application) is exhibited, it is the user terminal device 23. The case where each functions will be described below.

[0030] In the payment server 20, as a logical device realized by a combination of its computer hardware and a predetermined server program PG2, an authentication processing unit 201 and a payment processing unit 202 are provided. In addition to these devices, various logical devices are appropriately provided in the payment server 20, but their illustrations are omitted.

[0031] The authentication processing unit 201 is in charge of various processes necessary to authenticate a user who uses the payment system 2. Authentication of the user in the authentication processing unit 201 is performed using a user ID and confidential information such as a password known only to the user. The user ID is an example of identification information for identifying a user in the payment system 2 and is inherently valid in the payment system 2. The user ID in the arcade system 1 and the user ID in the payment system 2 may be different from each other even if they are associated with the same user. There is no commonality or compatibility between the user IDs in both systems 1 and 2. Although the arcade system 1 and the payment system 2 may be operated by a common operator, hereinafter, as an example, the case where they are operated by different operators, in other words, the case where the arcade system 1 and the payment system 2 constructed as independent systems (systems that provide unique services to the service terminal 11 etc.) are linked will be described.

[0032] The settlement processing unit 202 manages the user's electronic currency account and is responsible for processing to consume or increase the electronic currency in response to requests from the user terminal device 23. The electronic currency may include various currencies, for example, various electronic values such as electronic money (prepaid type), or various encrypted (virtual) currencies represented by Bitcoin (currencies managed by blockchain technology), etc. Appropriate electronic values such as various points may be managed in the account instead of the electronic currency. Also, the settlement (including exchange to electronic currency) may be executed using a credit card, a debit card, or postpaid-type electronic money. Various settlements including settlement by credit card, etc. may be configured to be executed using a settlement service provided by an external operator different from the operator (business operator) operating the settlement system 2. For this reason, the processing for which the settlement processing unit 202 is responsible may include processing necessary for executing various settlements. The settlement processing unit 202 is also responsible for processing to settle the consideration for the service provided by the service terminal 11 in appropriate cooperation with the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade system 1 and the user terminal device 23.

[0033] In the settlement system 2 as well, it is not necessarily required that the authentication processing unit 201 and the settlement processing unit 202 be provided on the same physical server device. That is, similar to the example in the arcade system 1, each of the authentication processing unit 201 and the settlement processing unit 202 may be configured as a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware of a single or a plurality of physical server devices and a server program PG2 as software.

[0034] The settlement system 2 is provided with a user database DB21, an account management database DB22, and a cooperation management database DB23 as databases to be referred to by the settlement server 20. The user database DB21 is a database that stores various data related to the user in association with the user ID. For example, user data recording attributes such as the user's personal information may be recorded in the user database DB21.

[0035] The account management database DB22 is a database that stores data in which the amount (balance) of electronic currency held by a user is associated with an account ID (account). When a user holds an account for electronic currency, data associating the user ID of that user with the account ID is recorded, for example, in the user database DB21. Therefore, if the user ID of a user is known, it is possible to identify the account ID of that user and access the account of that user.

[0036] The cooperation management database DB23 is a database that stores data necessary for cooperation with the arcade system 1. Examples of the data recorded in the cooperation management database DB23 will be described later in the outline of the cooperation procedure together with the examples of the cooperation management database DB14.

[0037] (Outline of cooperation) Next, the cooperation between the arcade system 1 and the payment system 2 will be described. As described above, in the payment system 2, the user ID and the account are managed in association with each other. On the other hand, in the arcade system 1, there are cases where various achievements (such as points) of each user are managed and cases where they are not managed with a unique user ID. For example, the arcade system 1 may provide a service without identifying a user in at least a part of the service terminals (such as vending machines, etc. The same applies to the game machine 12 when management of points, etc. is not required), and in that case, the management of the user ID may also be omitted. In this case, payment is possible only with the account (user ID) of the payment system 2, but the arcade system 1 and the payment system 2 need to cooperate for payment. This cooperation can be realized by an appropriate procedure. For example, there are cases where cooperation is requested from the arcade system 1 to the payment system 2 via the service terminal 11 that has acquired user information, and cases where cooperation is requested from the payment system 2 to the arcade system 1 via the user terminal device 23 that has acquired information of the service terminal 11. Hereinafter, as an example, the latter case will be referred to as the first cooperation form, and the details of the procedure will be described later.

[0038] On the other hand, in some cases, the arcade system 1 manages various achievements (such as points) of each user with its own user ID as described above. In this case, since each of the arcade system 1 and the payment system 2 identifies users using user IDs set independently of each other, in order to use the payment of the payment system 2, it is necessary to identify which user of the payment system 2 the user of the arcade system 1 corresponds to. On the other hand, it is time-consuming for the user to authenticate using the user ID and password in both or one of the arcade system 1 and the payment system 2 each time a payment is made. For example, in a prize game, the arrangement of the gaming bodies changes every play, there is a high need for continuous play, and multiple payments may be required in a short time. When multiple payments in a short time (hereinafter sometimes referred to as continuous payments) are executed, if authentication etc. is required for each payment, the load will increase further. This is the same in the first cooperation form. In addition, the gaming machine 12 can be used by an unspecified number of users, and its installation location is often a facility such as a store where an unspecified number of people visit. Therefore, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of security to let the user input the user authentication information of another payment system 2 on the gaming machine 12.

[0039] Therefore, in this embodiment, the arcade system 1 and the payment system 2 are cooperated so that continuous payment is allowed without requiring authentication etc. each time. Hereinafter, for the first cooperation form and the form in which the achievements of the gaming machine 12 (for example, the amount of points given according to the achievements) are managed via the service system application of the user terminal device 15 (game-related services are provided) (a form in which each of the arcade system 1 and the payment system 2 identifies users using user IDs set independently of each other and provides services, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second cooperation form), the outline of the cooperation procedure (mechanism) will be described for each form.

[0040] [First Cooperation Form] (Outline of Cooperation Procedure) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the cooperation procedure in the first cooperation form. (A) of FIG. 2 shows the procedure for specifying the service to be settled, (B) shows the procedure for authenticating the user of the settler, and (C) shows the settlement procedure after authentication. In the example of FIG. 2, the game machine 12 is shown as a representative of the service terminal 11, but when the services of other service terminals 11 are settled, the cooperation and settlement may be executed in the same procedure.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2(A), in the cooperation procedure in the first cooperation form, first, the procedure for specifying the service to be settled is executed. Specifically, information for specifying the target service (hereinafter sometimes referred to as service information) is provided from the game machine 12 (service terminal 11) to the user terminal device 23. This provision may be realized as appropriate. For example, when a transmitter function for transmitting information according to a predetermined short-range wireless communication standard is provided in the game machine 12 and a receiver function for receiving the information is provided in the user terminal device 23, it may be realized by the short-range wireless communication, but as an example, it is realized by the code CD. The code CD is generated in accordance with a predetermined standard so as to include service information. Although an appropriate code can be used as the code CD, in the example of FIG. 2, a two-dimensional code is provided in the game machine 12. The code CD may be provided in the game machine 12 as appropriate. For example, when a display device is provided in the game machine 12, it may be provided via the display device for displaying the code CD, but as an example, it is provided by attaching a sticker for displaying the code CD. In this case, the user terminal device 23 acquires the service information from the game machine 12 via the camera CA as a reader for reading the service information of the code CD. In this example, the game machine 12 (or the sticker of the code CD provided thereon) functions as the information providing means of the present invention.

[0042] When the user terminal device 23 acquires the service information via the code CD, it transmits the acquired service information to the settlement server 20 of the settlement system 2 (F1). This transmission can be executed as appropriate, but as an example, it is executed by the settlement application after the code CD is read via the camera CA.

[0043] When the settlement server 20 acquires service information from the user terminal device 23, it inquires (F2) of the arcade server 10 of the arcade system 1 about the possibility of cooperation for settlement by transmitting the service information. Through this inquiry, the arcade server 10 identifies the service to be settled and the gaming machine 12 that provides it.

[0044] When the service to be settled is identified, the authentication procedure is started. As shown in (B) of FIG. 2, this procedure includes, as an example, the procedures of F3 to F9. Also, the procedures of F3 to F9 can be divided, as an example, into a procedure for executing preparations for authentication (F3 to F4) and a procedure for actually executing authentication (F5 to F9). Specifically, when the arcade server 10 acquires service information via an inquiry (F2) from the settlement server 20, it transmits authentication information (for example, unique information for each authentication such as a one-time password) for authenticating the possibility of settlement to the gaming machine 12 corresponding to the service information (F3).

[0045] When the gaming machine 12 acquires the authentication information from the arcade server 10, it provides the authentication information to the user terminal device 23 (F4). This provision can be executed as appropriate, but as an example, it is executed by displaying the authentication information on a display device provided in the gaming machine 12. Then, the user of the user terminal device 23 inputs the authentication information displayed on the display device into the settlement application. The gaming machine 12 ends the display of the authentication information when a predetermined end condition such as the elapse of a certain period of time is satisfied.

[0046] On the one hand, when the payment app acquires authentication information through manual input by the user who has seen the display of the authentication information, or through appropriate optical reading by a camera or the like, the payment app transmits the authentication information to the payment server 20 (payment system 2) (F5). When the payment server 20 acquires the authentication information, it transmits the authentication information to the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) to confirm whether the authentication information is correct, in other words, whether it is the authentication information issued for this payment (F6). When the arcade server 10 acquires the authentication information, it discriminates the correctness thereof and transmits the result to the payment server 20 (F7). When the payment server 20 acquires the discrimination result, if the authentication information is correct information, it issues a session ID and transmits it to the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) to establish a session (cooperation relationship) between both systems 1 and 2 (F8). The session ID is information of a unique ID for each session to identify each session (cooperation relationship). Therefore, even for the cooperation between the same gaming machine 12 and the user terminal device 23, after a session is terminated, a different session ID is issued. When the session is established, the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) notifies the gaming machine 12 of the result (F9). In this example, the service information functions as the predetermined information of the present invention.

[0047] Note that when the authentication information is incorrect, the payment server 20 notifies the user terminal device 23 of the result so as to prompt a retry from the procedure of acquiring the service information again. Similarly, the arcade server 10 also notifies the gaming machine 12 of the result of non-establishment of the session (cooperation relationship) instead of the result of establishment of the cooperation in F9. Also, in the example of FIG. 2, the session ID is issued by the payment system 2, but it may be issued by the arcade system 1 and shared with the payment system 2. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 2, the authentication is executed in the procedure of acquiring the authentication information issued by the arcade system 1 via the user terminal device 23 (performing two-factor authentication), but the user authentication may be realized as appropriate, and the two-factor authentication may be omitted.

[0048] As shown in (C) of FIG. 2, when authentication is successful and a cooperation relationship is established, a session (cooperation relationship) is maintained between the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) and the payment server 20 (payment system 2) until a predetermined cancellation condition is satisfied. Specifically, when the cooperation relationship is established, in the arcade system 1, first session data D1 is generated by associating and recording the issued session ID with the cabinet ID (a unique ID for each service terminal 11 to identify each game machine 12 or each service terminal 11) for identifying the game machine 12 to be settled, and is stored in a state where it can be referred to by the arcade server 10. For example, the first session data D1 may be recorded in the cooperation management database DB14 (see FIG. 1).

[0049] Similarly, in the payment system 2, second session data D2 is generated by associating and recording the issued session ID with the user ID (which may be the account information to be settled associated with the user ID) for identifying the user of the payer, and is stored in a state where it can be referred to by the payment server 20. For example, the second session data D2 may be recorded in the cooperation management database DB23 (see FIG. 1).

[0050] The payment procedure in the situation where the session is maintained includes, as an example, the procedures of F11 to F16. Specifically, when an instruction (operation) to request play is executed by the user on the game machine 12, the game machine 12 transmits a payment request corresponding to the price of the play to the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) (F11).

[0051] When the arcade server 10 acquires a settlement request, it transmits the settlement request to the settlement server 20 (settlement system 2) (F12). When the settlement server 20 acquires the settlement request, it executes the settlement corresponding to the settlement request (F13). That is, in a situation where the session is maintained, procedures such as authentication normally required at the time of settlement, an opportunity to confirm with the user whether to approve the settlement, or construction of a session are omitted, and the settlement system 2 directly executes the settlement based on the settlement request from the arcade system 1. After the settlement server 20 executes the settlement, it notifies the settlement result to the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) and the user terminal device 23 (F14). Note that an opportunity to confirm with the user whether to approve the settlement is provided only at the time of the first settlement and may be omitted in subsequent settlements. Alternatively, this opportunity may be provided each time a settlement is made.

[0052] When the arcade server 10 acquires the settlement result, it notifies the result to the game machine 12 (F15). When the game machine 12 acquires the settlement result, if the settlement is unsuccessful, it notifies the user to that effect, while if the settlement is successful, it permits the play requested by the user (F16). That is, the game machine 12 transmits a settlement request to the settlement system 2 via the arcade system 1 in accordance with the play request by the user, and when the settlement is executed in the settlement system 2, it actually provides the requested play. Then, the procedures of F11 to F16 are repeatedly executed each time a play request is instructed to the game machine 12. As a result, in a situation where the session is maintained, authentication and the like are omitted, and continuous payment is realized.

[0053] (Processing of the cooperation system) Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, the processing of the cooperation system in the first cooperation mode will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the target identification process. The target identification process is a process for identifying the service to be settled. The target identification process is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the game machine 12, the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10, the authentication processing unit 201 of the settlement server 20, and the user terminal device 23. In FIG. 3, the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10 are shown as the arcade server 10, and the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the authentication processing unit 201 of the settlement server 20 are shown as the settlement server 20, respectively.

[0054] When the service information is acquired from the code CD of the game machine 12 via the camera CA activated by the settlement application, the user terminal device 23 (settlement application) starts the target identification process in FIG. 3, and first transmits the acquired service information to the settlement server 20 (step S101). The service information may appropriately include various types of information regarding the service of the game machine 12, and includes, for example, information for identifying the target game machine 12 (for example, information on the housing ID). After this transmission, the user terminal device 23 ends the current target identification process.

[0055] On the other hand, when the service information is transmitted from the user terminal device 23, the settlement server 20 starts the target identification process in FIG. 3, and first acquires the service information (step S201). Subsequently, the settlement system transmits the service information acquired in step S201 to the arcade server 10 (step S202). After this transmission, the settlement server 20 ends the current target identification process.

[0056] When service information is transmitted from the settlement server 20, the arcade server 10 starts the target identification process in FIG. 3 and first acquires the service information (step S301). Subsequently, the arcade server 10 identifies the target game machine 12 for the service information acquired in step S301 (step S302). For example, the arcade server 10 refers to the cabinet data in the cabinet management database DB13 and identifies the target game machine 12 (the address of the transmission destination of information, etc.) based on the cabinet ID included in the service information. Then, after this identification, the arcade server 10 ends the current target identification process. As a result, the identification of the game machine 12 (service terminal 11) for which the consideration should be settled in the settlement system 2 is realized. Specifically, the procedure (F1 to F2) in (A) of FIG. 2 is realized.

[0057] The authentication preparation process is a process for performing the preparation for authentication for settling the consideration for the service to be settled by the settlement system 2. The authentication preparation process is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the authentication processing unit 101 of the arcade server 10, the authentication processing unit 201 of the settlement server 20, and the user terminal device 23. In FIG. 4, the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the authentication processing unit 101 of the arcade server 10 are shown as the arcade server 10, and the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the authentication processing unit 201 of the settlement server 20 are shown as the settlement server 20, respectively.

[0058] When the service to be settled is identified through the target identification process in FIG. 3, the arcade server 10 starts the authentication preparation process in FIG. 4 and first generates authentication information (time-limited information such as a one-time password) (step S303). Subsequently, the arcade server 10 transmits the authentication information to the game machine 12 identified in the target identification process (step S302) in FIG. 3 (step S304). Then, after this transmission, the arcade server 10 ends the current authentication preparation process.

[0059] On the one hand, when the authentication information is sent from the arcade server 10, the game machine 12 starts the authentication preparation process shown in FIG. 4, and first obtains the authentication information (step S401). Subsequently, the game machine 12 displays the obtained authentication information on the display device so that the user of the user terminal device 23 can confirm it (step S402). Then, after this display, the game machine 12 ends the current authentication preparation process. As a result, the authentication information for settling the consideration in the settlement system 2 is provided to the user via the game machine 12. Specifically, the procedures of F3 to F4 in the example of (B) in FIG. 2, that is, the procedures for performing the preparation for authentication are realized.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the authentication process. The authentication process is a process for authenticating the settler (user) who settles the service to be settled. The authentication process is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the game machine 12, the authentication processing unit 101 of the arcade server 10, the authentication processing unit 201 of the settlement server 20, and the user terminal device 23. In FIG. 5, the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the authentication processing unit 101 of the arcade server 10 are shown as the arcade server 10, and the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the authentication processing unit 201 of the settlement system 2 are shown as the settlement server 20, respectively.

[0061] When the authentication information displayed on the game machine 12 is input by the user and the authentication information is obtained, the user terminal device 23 (settlement application) starts the authentication process shown in FIG. 5, and first transmits the obtained authentication information to the settlement server 20 (step S501).

[0062] When the settlement server 20 receives the authentication information from the user terminal device 23, it starts the authentication process shown in FIG. 5, and first obtains the authentication information (step S601). Subsequently, the settlement server 20 transmits the authentication information obtained in step S601 to the arcade server 10 (step S602).

[0063] When the arcade server 10 receives the authentication information from the payment server 20, it starts the authentication process shown in FIG. 5 and first obtains the authentication information (step S701). Subsequently, the arcade server 10 determines the correctness of the authentication information obtained in step S701 (step S702). Specifically, it determines whether the authentication information matches the authentication information sent to the game machine 12 to be paid for. Subsequently, the arcade server 10 sends the determination result to the payment server 20 and the game machine 12 (step S703).

[0064] Furthermore, the arcade server 10 determines whether the authentication in step S702 was successful (whether the authentication information was correct) (step S704). If the authentication is successful (step S704: Yes), the arcade server 10 waits for the session ID to be sent from the payment server 20 in order to establish a session with the payment server 20. When the session ID is sent from the payment server 20, it obtains the session ID and saves it by generating the first session data D1 (associating it with the housing ID of the game machine 12 that issued the authentication information) (step S705). On the other hand, if the authentication is unsuccessful (the authentication information was incorrect) (step S704: No), the arcade server 10 ends the current authentication process.

[0065] When the authentication determination result is sent from the arcade server 10, the payment server 20 determines whether the authentication was successful based on the determination result (step S603). If the authentication is successful (step S603: Yes), the payment system issues a session ID to establish a session (cooperation relationship) for paying the price of the game machine 12 with the arcade server 10, sends the session ID to the arcade server 10 (step S604), and saves the session ID by generating the second session data D2 (associating it with the payer or their account) (step S605). Subsequently, the payment server 20 sends the current authentication result to the user terminal device 23 (step S606). After this transmission, the payment server 20 ends the current authentication process.

[0066] When the authentication result is sent from the settlement server 20, the user terminal device 23 acquires the result (step S502) and notifies the user by displaying it on the display device or the like (step S503). After this notification, the user terminal device 23 ends the current authentication process.

[0067] On the other hand, when the authentication result is sent from the arcade server 10 to the game machine 12, the game machine 12 starts the authentication process shown in FIG. 5 and first acquires the authentication result (step S801). Subsequently, the game machine 12 notifies the user of the authentication result acquired in step S801 by displaying it on the display device or the like (step S802). After this notification, the current authentication process ends. As a result, the cooperation relationship between the arcade system 1 and the settlement system 2 for settling the price of the game machine 12 is established via the authentication information. More specifically, the procedures F5 to F9 in the example of (B) in FIG. 2, that is, the procedures for actually performing authentication are realized. After the authentication, a cooperation relationship for settlement is established between the arcade system 1 and the settlement system 2.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the first cooperative settlement process. The first cooperative settlement process is a process for performing continuous payments (multiple settlements in a short period) in a situation where the cooperation relationship (session) between the arcade server 10 and the settlement server 20 is maintained. The first cooperative settlement process is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the game machine 12, the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10, the settlement processing unit 202 of the settlement server 20, and the user terminal device 23. In FIG. 6, the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10 are shown as the arcade server 10, and the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the settlement processing unit 202 of the settlement server 20 are shown as the settlement server 20, respectively.

[0069] When the game machine 12 is instructed by the user to provide play in a situation where the session between both systems 1 and 2 is maintained, it starts the first cooperative settlement process of FIG. 6 and first transmits a settlement request to the arcade server 10 (step S1201). This request includes information necessary for settlement, such as the amount of consideration.

[0070] When the arcade server 10 receives a settlement request from the game machine 12, it starts the first cooperative settlement process of FIG. 6, acquires the settlement request, and transmits it to the settlement server 20 (step S1101). When the settlement server 20 receives a settlement request from the arcade server 10, it starts the first cooperative settlement process of FIG. 6 and first acquires the settlement request (step S1001). Subsequently, the settlement server 20 executes the settlement according to the settlement request acquired in step S1001 while referring to the second session data D2 (step S1002). This settlement is realized by reducing the balance of the account of the user ID associated with the session ID. Next, the settlement server 20 notifies the arcade server 10 and the user terminal device 23 (settlement app) of the settlement result of step S1002 (step S1003). Then, after this notification, the settlement server 20 ends the current first cooperative settlement process.

[0071] When the user terminal device 23 (settlement app) receives a settlement result notification from the settlement server 20, it starts the first cooperative settlement process of FIG. 6 and first acquires the settlement result (step S901). Subsequently, the user terminal device 23 stores the settlement result acquired in step S901 so that the user can confirm it at an arbitrary time via the settlement app (step S902). Then, after this storage, the user terminal device 23 ends the current first cooperative settlement process.

[0072] On the other hand, when the arcade server 10 receives a settlement result notification from the settlement server 20, it acquires the settlement result (step S1102) and notifies the game machine 12 (step S1103). Then, after this notification, the arcade server 10 ends the current cooperative settlement process.

[0073] When the game machine 12 is notified of the settlement result from the arcade server 10, it acquires the result and determines whether the settlement was successful based on the settlement result (step S1202). If the settlement has failed (step S1202: No), the game machine 12 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current first linked settlement process. In this case, the game machine 12 may appropriately notify the user of the settlement failure result through a display device or the like.

[0074] On the other hand, if the settlement is successful (step S1202: Yes), the game machine 12 permits the play of the game instructed by the user and starts the play (step S1203). Then, after the start of the play, the game machine 12 ends the current first linked settlement process. As a result, authentication and the like are omitted in a situation where a session is established, and the game price is settled in the settlement system 2 through a relatively simple procedure. Also, generally, after the settlement is completed, the session is released, and authentication and the like are required again at the next settlement. However, in the example of FIG. 6, the session is not released after the settlement but is maintained. In other words, the settlement system 2 or the like does not release the session but maintains it via the second session data D2 or the like. For this reason, the game price in the game machine 12 is repeatedly settled in the settlement system 2 through a relatively simple procedure. More specifically, the procedures of F11 to F16 in the example of (C) in FIG. 2 are realized. Note that in the example of FIG. 6, the session is maintained by omitting the positive process of releasing the session, but a process for actively maintaining the session (for example, an instruction to maintain the session) may be executed by the settlement system 2 or the like.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the cooperation cancellation process. The cooperation cancellation process is a process for canceling the cooperation relationship (session) between the arcade server 10 and the payment server 20. The cooperation relationship between the two systems 1 and 2 is maintained as an example until a predetermined cancellation condition is satisfied, and is canceled when the cancellation condition is satisfied. The cancellation condition may be satisfied as appropriate. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the establishment of the session, when the next payment is not executed within a predetermined time, when a predetermined number of payments are executed, or when a predetermined position condition such as the user leaving near the game machine 12 (for example, the facility where the game machine 12 is installed) is formed. However, as an example, it is satisfied when a predetermined cancellation instruction for canceling the session maintenance is executed on the game machine 12. The example of FIG. 7 shows the procedure of the cooperation cancellation process in such a case. In this case, the cooperation cancellation process is realized, as an example, by the cooperation of the game machine 12, the payment cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10, and the payment processing unit 202 of the payment server 20. In FIG. 7, the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the payment cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10 are shown as the arcade server 10, and the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the payment processing unit 202 of the payment server 20 are shown as the payment server 20, respectively.

[0076] Specifically, when a predetermined cancellation instruction is input, the game machine 12 starts the cooperation cancellation process of FIG. 7 and first acquires the cancellation instruction (step S1301). Subsequently, the game machine 12 requests the arcade server 10 to cancel the session (step S1302).

[0077] When the arcade server 10 is requested to be released from the game machine 12, it starts the disconnection process shown in Fig. 7 and first obtains the request (step S1401). Subsequently, the arcade server 10 requests the settlement server 20 to release the session based on the request (step S1402). Further, the arcade server 10 releases the session (cooperation relationship) with the settlement server 20 based on the release request and transmits the result to the game machine 12 (step S1403). For example, the release of the session (cooperation relationship) is realized by deleting (destroying) the first session data D1. After notifying the game machine 12, the arcade server 10 ends the current disconnection process.

[0078] When the game machine 12 receives the release result sent from the arcade server 10, it obtains the result and notifies the user through display on the display device, etc. (step S1303). After this notification, the game machine 12 also ends the current disconnection process.

[0079] On the other hand, when the settlement server 20 is requested to be released from the arcade server 10, it starts the disconnection process shown in Fig. 7 and first obtains the request (step S1501). Subsequently, the settlement server 20 releases the session, that is, the cooperation relationship for settlement with the arcade server 10, based on the request (step S1502). For example, this release is realized by deleting (destroying) the second session data D2. After releasing the session, the settlement server 20 ends the current disconnection process. As a result, the session between the arcade system 1 and the settlement system 2 is released based on the user's release instruction. In other words, the session is maintained until the user instructs to release it, while the session can be released at any time by the user.

[0080] As described above, according to the first cooperation mode, after the establishment of the session (cooperation relationship), the consideration of the game is settled by the settlement system 2 so that multiple consecutive (within a short time) settlements are allowed in response to the settlement request from the arcade system 1. In other words, after the establishment of the session, the session is maintained so that multiple settlements are allowed. Generally, the establishment of a session often involves labor such as user authentication. At least various information for establishing the session needs to be transmitted and received between the two systems 1 and 2. As a result, it often takes time. Therefore, by maintaining the session so that multiple settlements are allowed after the establishment of the session, these procedures can be omitted. As a result, the labor and time of the user for multiple settlements can be reduced, and furthermore, for example, continuous play in a prize game, etc., multiple settlements can be promoted.

[0081] In addition, the operator of the arcade system 1 can realize settlement through the settlement system 2 without constructing a system for settlement by itself. In other words, the same service can be provided without having a system for settlement. Furthermore, the settlement request (information on the consideration to be settled) is provided from the game machine 12, in other words, from the arcade system 1 to the settlement system 2. Therefore, the arcade system 1 can determine the consideration to be settled by itself. Thereby, the arcade system 1 can realize various campaigns such as discounts, preferential treatments, and benefits. Specifically, the arcade system 1 can request the settlement system 20 to settle the amount after subtracting the discount amount from the consideration by a discount service such as a coupon, for example.

[0082] Furthermore, when the opportunity for approval to authorize the settlement of each consideration is omitted while the session is maintained, the approval process for the user is omitted, so that the user's time and effort can be further reduced. On the other hand, the session is maintained until a disconnection instruction is executed. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a sense of security for continuous settlements. Also, the identification of the service to be settled is executed via a code CD including service information. In this case, it is possible to prevent the service information used for settlement from being directly recognized by the user. The game machine 12 is often installed in a facility available to an unspecified number of users. If the service information is easily recognized by the user in that case, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of security. Therefore, when the service information is provided to the user terminal device 23 via the code CD, the security can be improved.

[0083] Also, even if the user ID is not managed in the arcade system 1 (even if each user is not identified at the time of service provision and no points or the like are given), the settlement by the settlement service is realized. The game machine 12 (arcade game machine) is often installed in a facility such as a store, and the users visiting the facility are not only users who execute user registration (for example, regular users), but also users who do not execute user registration (for example, users who visit the facility for the first time or users who play for the first time, etc.). Therefore, if it is possible to settle without a user ID, it is compatible with the games provided by the arcade game machine (so-called arcade games). In other words, it is possible to realize continuous settlement for services of a type that are often provided without a user ID, such as arcade games.

[0084] In the above first cooperation mode, the procedure of the settlement server 20 in FIG. 5 including step S604 functions as the first relationship setting procedure of the present invention, and the authentication processing unit 201 of the settlement server 20 executes it to function as the first relationship setting means of the present invention. Also, the procedure of the settlement server 20 in FIG. 6 including step S1002 functions as the consideration settlement procedure of the present invention, and the settlement processing unit 202 of the settlement system 2 executes it to function as the consideration settlement means of the present invention. Similarly, for example, the procedure of the settlement server 20 in FIG. 7 including step S1502 functions as the cooperation cancellation procedure of the present invention. And by implementing the function of causing the authentication processing unit 201 and the settlement processing unit 202 of the settlement system 2 to execute the processes shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 respectively, those authentication processing unit 201 and settlement processing unit 202, and thus the settlement system 2 (or the settlement server 20) constitute an example of the cooperation system of the present invention.

[0085] Furthermore, in the first cooperation mode, the procedure of the arcade server 10 in FIG. 5 including step S705 functions as the second relationship setting procedure of the present invention, and the authentication processing unit 101 of the arcade system 1 executes it to function as the second relationship setting means of the present invention. Similarly, the procedure of the arcade server 10 in FIG. 6 including step S1101 functions as the settlement request procedure of the present invention, and the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade system 1 executes it to function as the settlement request means of the present invention.

[0086] [Second Cooperation Mode] (Outline of the Cooperation Procedure) FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the cooperation procedure in the second cooperation mode. (A) of FIG. 8 shows the procedure for making the systems 1 and 2 cooperate (establishing a cooperation relationship), and (B) shows the settlement procedure after the cooperation relationship is established. In the example of FIG. 8 as well, the game machine 12 is shown as a representative of the service terminal 11, similar to the example of FIG. 2. However, when the services of other service terminals 11 are settled, the cooperation and settlement may be executed in the same procedure. Also, hereinafter, the case where the service application operates on the user terminal device 23 may be referred to as the service application, and the case where the settlement application operates may be referred to as the settlement application, respectively.

[0087] As shown in (A) of FIG. 8, in the cooperation procedure in the second cooperation mode, first, the procedure for making the arcade system 1 and the settlement system 2 cooperate (establishing a cooperation relationship) is executed. This procedure includes the procedures of M1 to M10 as an example. Specifically, first, service information is provided from the game machine 12 to the user terminal device 23. In the second cooperation mode as well, the service information can be provided as appropriate, similar to the first cooperation mode. However, in the example of FIG. 8, the case of being provided via the code CD is shown, similar to the example of FIG. 2. In the second cooperation mode as well, the code CD is read by the camera CA of the user terminal device 23. However, in the second cooperation mode, different from the first cooperation mode, the reading is executed via the service application instead of the settlement application. Then, when the service application (user terminal device 23) acquires the service information from the code CD, it transmits the service information to the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) (M1).

[0088] When the arcade server 10 acquires service information, it executes (M2) a link (pairing) between the game machine 12 corresponding to the service information and the service application. Although this link can be realized as appropriate, as an example, it is executed as follows. The service application can be configured as appropriate, but as an example, it is configured to manage play achievements (such as owned points) for each user via account information for identifying each user (or each play achievement). Then, the arcade server 10 realizes this link by creating a table that associates this account information with the housing ID of the game machine 12 corresponding to the service information. When the arcade server 10 executes the link, it notifies the service application of the result (M3). This notification can appropriately include various information, for example, information necessary for settlement, such as the price of the game provided by the game machine 12.

[0089] On the other hand, when a settlement by the settlement application is instructed in the service application, the service application calls the settlement application (user terminal device 23) (M4). In other words, the settlement application operates on the user terminal device 23, and the settlement application is started (including the case where an application already running in the background resumes operation) so that its function becomes active (effective). When the settlement application is called by the service application, it acquires account information from the service application and transmits the account information to the settlement server 20 (settlement system 2) (M5). In this example, the instruction for settlement by the settlement application in the service application functions as a predetermined call instruction of the present invention.

[0090] When the payment server 20 obtains account information from the payment app, it sends the account information to inquire of the arcade server 10 of the arcade system 1 about the availability of cooperation for payment (M6). When the arcade server 10 obtains the account information, it determines that the authentication is successful and sends the result of the successful authentication to the payment server 20 (M7). Along with the sending of the account information (in other words, along with the provision of the account information from the service app to the payment app via the link), since it can be determined that the service app and the payment app are being executed on the same user terminal device 23, additional authentication by the arcade server 10 is omitted. Note that the arcade server 10 may separately issue authentication information or the like and execute appropriate additional authentication.

[0091] When the payment server 20 obtains the authentication result (successful authentication), it issues a session ID and sends it to the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) to establish a session (cooperation relationship) between the two systems 1 and 2 (M8). Also, the payment server 20 notifies the payment app of the result of the session establishment (M9). When obtaining this notification, the payment app calls the service app and provides the result of the session establishment to the user via the service app (M10). In this example, the account information functions as the predetermined information of the present invention.

[0092] As shown in (B) of FIG. 8, when the cooperation relationship is established, the session (cooperation relationship) is maintained between the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) and the payment server 20 (payment system 2) until a predetermined release condition is satisfied. Specifically, when the cooperation relationship is established, in the arcade system 1, first session data D1 is generated by associating and recording the issued session ID with the account information (for example, a unique account ID for each user) for identifying the user of the service app, and is stored in a state where it can be referred to by the arcade server 10.

[0093] Similarly, in the payment system 2, second session data D2 is generated by associating and recording the issued session ID with a user ID (which may be account information of the payment target associated with the user ID) for identifying the user of the payer, and is stored in a state where it can be referred to by the arcade server 10.

[0094] In a situation where the session is maintained, payment is executed via the service application. This payment procedure includes the procedures of M11 to F16 as an example. Specifically, in the second cooperation mode, a service application is interposed between the game machine 12 and the payment application, and the service application acquires information necessary for paying the price of the game machine 12 at least when linking with the game machine 12. Therefore, when an instruction (operation) for requesting play to the service application is executed instead of the game machine 12, the service application transmits a payment request corresponding to the price of the play to the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) (M11).

[0095] When the arcade server 10 acquires the payment request, it transmits the payment request to the payment server 20 (payment system 2) (M12). When the payment request is acquired, the payment server 20 executes the payment corresponding to the payment request (M13). That is, also in the second cooperation mode, in a situation where the session is maintained, procedures such as authentication and session construction that are normally required at the time of payment are omitted, and the payment system 2 directly executes the payment based on the payment request from the arcade system 1. After the payment server 20 executes the payment, it notifies the payment result to the arcade server 10 (arcade system 1) and the payment application (M14).

[0096] When the payment app obtains the payment result, it saves the payment result so that the result is notified at least at the next startup or when the payment result is referenced. On the other hand, when the arcade server 10 obtains the payment result, it notifies the result to the service app and the game machine 12 (M15). When the service app obtains the payment result, it notifies the user of the payment result (success or failure of the payment). Similarly, when the game machine 12 obtains the payment result, if the payment is unsuccessful, it notifies the user to that effect, while if the payment is successful, it permits the play requested by the user via the service app (M16). That is, the service app sends a payment request to the payment system 2 via the arcade system 1 in accordance with the user's play request. When the payment is executed in the payment system 2, the request is permitted, and the play is actually provided via the game machine 12. And each time a play request is instructed to the service app, the procedures M11 to M16 are repeatedly executed. As a result, also in the second form, when the session is maintained, authentication etc. are omitted, and continuous payment (multiple payments in a short time) is realized. In this example, the game-related service functions as the auxiliary service of the present invention. Also, the payment app and the service app function as the payment function and the auxiliary service function of the present invention, respectively. The user terminal device 23 in which the service app is operating functions as the auxiliary service terminal of the present invention. And the user terminal device 23 in which the service app is operating functions as the auxiliary service terminal of the present invention.

[0097] (Processing of the cooperation system) Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the processing of the cooperation system in the second cooperation form will be described. Note that the cooperation release process may be executed in the same manner as in the example of FIG. 7 also in the second cooperation form. For this reason, the description of the flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the cooperation release process in the second cooperation form is omitted. However, in the second cooperation form, a release instruction may be executed for the service app (user terminal device 23) instead of the game machine 12.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of pairing processing. The pairing processing is a process for realizing pairing (linking) between the game machine 12 (service terminal 11) that provides the service to be settled and the service application. The pairing processing is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the game machine 12, the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10, and the user terminal device 23 (service application). In FIGS. 9 to 11, the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the service application in the user terminal device 23 are shown as the service application, and the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the settlement application are shown as the settlement application, respectively. Also, in the example of FIG. 9, the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10 are shown as the arcade server 10.

[0099] When the service application acquires service information from the code CD of the game machine 12 via the camera CA, it starts the pairing process of FIG. 9 and first transmits the acquired service information to the arcade server 10 (step S111). The service information may appropriately include various information related to the service of the game machine 12, and includes, for example, information for identifying the target game machine 12 (for example, information on the housing ID).

[0100] When service information is transmitted from a service application, the arcade server 10 starts the pairing process in FIG. 9 and first obtains the service information (step S311). Subsequently, based on the service information obtained in step S311, the arcade server 10 executes a link between the game machine 12 corresponding to the service information and the service application. Specifically, the arcade server 10 creates a table that associates the account information of the service application corresponding to the source of the service information with the housing ID of the game machine 12 corresponding to the service information. Then, the arcade server 10 realizes the link by managing the pairing between the service application and the game machine 12 in this table. Subsequently, the arcade server 10 transmits the link result in step S312 to the target game machine 12 (the game machine 12 corresponding to the service information) and the service application (step S313). After this transmission, the arcade server 10 ends the current pairing process.

[0101] When the link result is transmitted from the arcade server 10, the service application obtains the result (step S112) and notifies the user by displaying the result on a display device or the like (step S113). After this notification, the service application ends the current pairing process.

[0102] When the link result is transmitted from the arcade server 10, the game machine 12 starts the pairing process in FIG. 9 and first obtains the result (step S411). Subsequently, the game machine 12 notifies the user by displaying the link result obtained in step S411 on a display device or the like (step S412). After this notification, the game machine 12 ends the current pairing process. Thereby, a link (cooperation) between the game machine 12 that provides the service to be settled and the service application is realized. More specifically, the procedures M1 to M3 in the example of FIG. 8(A) are realized.

[0103] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the application cooperation process. The application cooperation process is a process for establishing a cooperation relationship between the arcade server 10 and the settlement system 2 in order to settle the price of the target service. The application cooperation process is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the game machine 12, the authentication processing unit 101 of the arcade server 10, the authentication processing unit 201 of the settlement server 20, and the user terminal device 23 (service application and settlement application). In FIG. 10, the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the authentication processing unit 101 of the arcade server 10 are shown as the arcade server 10, and the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the authentication processing unit 201 of the settlement server 20 are shown as the settlement server 2, respectively.

[0104] When the cooperation with the settlement server 20 is instructed in the service application, the service application starts the application cooperation process of FIG. 10, first calls the settlement application, and migrates to the settlement application (step S811). On the other hand, when the settlement application is called from the service application, the settlement application starts the application cooperation process of FIG. 10, acquires account information from the service application, and transmits it to the settlement server 20 (step S511).

[0105] When the settlement server 20 receives the account information from the settlement application, the settlement server 20 starts the application cooperation process of FIG. 10, first acquires the account information (step S611). Subsequently, the settlement server 20 transmits the acquired account information to the arcade server 10 (step S612).

[0106] When the arcade server 10 receives the account information from the settlement server 20, the arcade server 10 starts the application cooperation process of FIG. 10, first acquires the account information (step S711). Subsequently, the arcade server 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication successful) of the acquired account information to the settlement server 20 (step S712).

[0107] When the settlement server 20 obtains the authentication result (authentication successful) from the arcade system, it issues a session ID (step S613) in order to establish a session (cooperation relationship) for settling the consideration of the gaming machine 12 with the arcade server 10. Subsequently, the settlement server 20 transmits the issued session ID to the arcade server 10 (step S614), and generates second session data D2 (associating with the settler or their account) to store the session ID (step S615). Subsequently, the settlement server 20 transmits the result of this cooperation to the settlement application (step S616). After this transmission, the settlement server 20 ends the current application cooperation process.

[0108] When the arcade server 10 receives the session ID from the settlement server 20, it obtains the session ID (step S713), generates first session data D1 (associating with the account information) to store it (step S714). After this storage, the arcade server 10 ends the current application cooperation process.

[0109] On the other hand, when the settlement application receives the cooperation result from the settlement server 20, it obtains the result (step S512). Subsequently, the settlement application calls the service application, shares the obtained cooperation result, and migrates back to the service application (step S513), and ends the current application cooperation process. When the service application is called by the settlement application, it first obtains the cooperation result from the settlement application (step S812). Subsequently, the service application notifies the user by displaying the obtained cooperation result on the display device or the like (step S813). After this notification, the service application ends the current application cooperation process. Thus, the cooperation relationship between the arcade system 1 for settling the consideration of the gaming machine 12 and the settlement server 20 is established via the service application. More specifically, the procedures of M4 to M10 in the example of (B) in FIG. 7 are realized.

[0110] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the second cooperative settlement process. The second cooperative settlement process is a process for executing continuous settlement (payment) in a situation where the cooperation relationship (session) between the arcade server 10 and the settlement server 20 is maintained in the second cooperation mode. The second cooperative settlement process is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the game machine 12, the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10, the settlement processing unit 202 of the settlement server 20, and the service application. In FIG. 11, the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the settlement cooperation unit 103 of the arcade server 10 are shown as the arcade server 10, and the processes (procedures) mainly executed by the settlement processing unit 202 of the settlement server 20 are shown as the settlement server 2, respectively.

[0111] When the service application is instructed by the user to settle the consideration (provide play) in a situation where the session between the two systems 1 and 2 is maintained, the service application starts the second cooperative settlement process of FIG. 11 and first sends a settlement request to the arcade server 10 (step S911). This request includes information necessary for settlement, such as the amount of the consideration.

[0112] When the settlement request is sent from the service application, the arcade server 10 starts the second cooperative settlement process of FIG. 11 and acquires the settlement request (step S1111). Subsequently, the arcade server 10 sends the acquired settlement request to the settlement server 20 (step S1112).

[0113] When a payment request is sent from the arcade server 10 to the payment server 20, the second cooperative payment process in FIG. 11 is started, and first, the payment request is acquired (step S1011). Subsequently, while referring to the second session data D2, the payment server 20 executes payment according to the payment request acquired in step S1011 (step S1012). This payment is realized by reducing the balance of the account of the user ID associated with the session ID. Next, the payment server 20 notifies the arcade server 10 of the payment result of step S1012 (step S1013). In this case, the payment server 20 may also notify the payment application of the payment result so that the current payment result is reflected when the payment application is started. Then, after this notification, the payment server 20 ends the current second cooperative payment process.

[0114] On the other hand, when the arcade server 10 is notified of the payment result from the payment server 20, it acquires the payment result (step S1113). Subsequently, the arcade server 10 notifies the acquired payment result to the service application and the game machine 12 (step S1114). Then, after this notification, the arcade server 10 ends the current second cooperative payment process.

[0115] When the service application is notified of the payment result from the arcade server 10, it acquires the result and stores it so that the user can check the result at an arbitrary time (step S912). Then, after this storage, the service application ends the current second cooperative payment process.

[0116] When the game machine 12 is notified of the payment result from the arcade server 10, it starts the second cooperative payment process in FIG. 11 and first acquires it (step S1211). Subsequently, the game machine 12 determines whether the payment was successful based on the acquired payment result (step S1212). If the payment has failed (step S1212: No), the game machine 12 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current second cooperative payment process. In this case, the game machine 12 may appropriately notify the user of the payment failure result through a display device or the like.

[0117] On the other hand, when the payment is successful (step S1212: Yes), the game machine 12 permits the play of the game instructed by the user via the service application and starts the play (step S1213). After the start of the play, the game machine 12 ends the current second linked payment process. As a result, authentication and the like are omitted in the situation where the session is maintained, and the price of the game is settled in the payment system 2 through a relatively simple procedure via the service application. Generally, after the payment is completed, the session is released and authentication and the like are required again at the next payment. However, in the example of FIG. 11, the session is not released after the payment but is maintained. For this reason, the price of the play on the game machine 12 is repeatedly settled in the payment system 2 through a relatively simple procedure via the service application. More specifically, the procedures of M11 to M16 in the example of (C) in FIG. 7 are realized.

[0118] As described above, according to the second linked form, effects such as reducing the user's labor and time for multiple payments can be obtained as in the first linked form. In addition, in the second linked form, a service application is interposed between the service terminal 11 such as the game machine 12 and the payment system 2, and the price of services such as games is settled via the service application. Therefore, by linking the service application with other service terminals 11 such as the vending machine 13, the linked relationship is maintained so that multiple payments across multiple service terminals 11 are allowed in the situation where the linked relationship is maintained. As a result, the labor and time for payments related to multiple services can be reduced. As a result, the use of multiple services can be promoted. In particular, in a facility where a plurality of service terminals 11 that provide a plurality of services are installed, with the improvement of the convenience of payment for each service, the convenience of the facility itself can be improved, and an increase in users can be expected.

[0119] In addition, by appropriately using a payment application (payment function) and a service application (auxiliary function), it is possible to make a single user terminal device 23, 15 serve as both a terminal for the payment system 2 and a terminal for the arcade system 1. This can improve the convenience for the user. Furthermore, since the two functions are automatically coordinated between the service application and the payment application and information for payment is carried over, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0120] In the above second coordination mode, the procedure of the payment server 20 in FIG. 10 including step S614 functions as the first relationship setting procedure of the present invention, and the authentication processing unit 201 of the payment server 20 executes it to function as the first relationship setting means of the present invention. Also, the procedure of the payment server 20 in FIG. 11 including step S1012 functions as the consideration payment procedure of the present invention, and the payment processing unit 202 of the payment server 20 executes it to function as the consideration payment means of the present invention. Then, by implementing the function of causing each of the authentication processing unit 201 and the payment processing unit 202 of the payment server 20 to execute the processes shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, these authentication processing unit 201 and payment processing unit 202, and thus the payment system 2 (or the payment server 20), constitute an example of the coordination system of the present invention.

[0121] Furthermore, in the second coordination mode, the procedure of the arcade server 10 in FIG. 10 including step S714 functions as the second relationship setting procedure of the present invention, and the authentication processing unit 101 of the arcade server 10 executes it to function as the second relationship setting means of the present invention. Similarly, the procedure of the arcade server 10 in FIG. 11 including step S1112 functions as the payment request procedure of the present invention, and the payment coordination unit 103 of the arcade server 10 executes it to function as the payment request means of the present invention. Note that the procedure of the service application in FIG. 11 including step S911 may function as the payment request procedure of the present invention, and the user terminal device 23 executes it via the service application to function as the payment request means of the present invention.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the above-described forms and may be implemented in appropriately modified or changed forms. Further, the present invention may be implemented in a form obtained by appropriately combining various technical means included in the above-described forms and forms subjected to the following modifications and the like. In the above-described form, the cooperation system is applied to the settlement of the consideration for the services provided by the game machine 12, the vending machine 13, and the user terminal device 15, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the cooperation system may be applied to the settlement of services such as the purchase of various tickets, the payment of consideration for lent items in a game arcade, or appropriate donations (so-called coin tosses, etc.) for various contents.

[0123] In the above-described second cooperation form, a settlement request is provided to the settlement system 2 via the arcade system 1. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the service application may cooperate with the settlement application and execute a settlement request to the settlement system 2 via the settlement application. In short, the settlement request may be executed appropriately.

[0124] In the above-described form, the authentication processing unit 201, the settlement processing unit 202, and thus the settlement system 2 (or the settlement server 20) constitute an example of the cooperation system of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, by the arcade system 1 executing part or all of the roles of the authentication processing unit 201 and the settlement processing unit 202, a combination of the settlement system 2 and the arcade system 1, or the arcade system 1 may function as the cooperation system of the present invention. Alternatively, another system may be interposed between the settlement system 2 and the arcade system 1, and that another system may function as the cooperation system of the present invention by executing the roles of the authentication processing unit 201 and the settlement processing unit 202. Further, a combination of that another system, the settlement system 2, and the arcade system 1 may function as a cooperation system. That another system may function as the service terminal 11 or the user terminal device 23.

[0125] The same applies to the service system of the present invention. For example, the user terminal device 15 may execute all the roles of the arcade server 10, and the user terminal device 15 alone may function as the service system of the present invention. Alternatively, the user terminal device 15 may share a part of the roles of the arcade server 10, and the combination of the arcade server 10 and the user terminal device 15 may function as the service system of the present invention, or an appropriate other system may function as the service system of the present invention.

[0126] The following describes various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications. In the following description, corresponding members illustrated in the accompanying drawings are appended in parentheses to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms.

[0127] The control method of the present invention causes a computer (20) incorporated in a cooperation system (2) for causing a service system (1) for providing a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system (2) so that the price of the predetermined service is settled, to execute a first relationship setting procedure for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the price of the predetermined service between the service system and the settlement system, and a price settlement procedure for causing the settlement system to settle the price of the predetermined service so that a plurality of settlements are allowed in response to a settlement request from the service system in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established.

[0128] According to the present invention, after the establishment of the cooperation relationship, the consideration for a predetermined service is settled in the settlement system so that multiple settlements are allowed in response to a settlement request from the service system. In other words, after the establishment of the cooperation relationship, the cooperation relationship is maintained so that multiple settlements are allowed. Generally, establishing a cooperation relationship often involves labor such as user authentication. It is necessary to at least transmit and receive various information for establishing the cooperation relationship between the two systems. As a result, it often takes time. Therefore, by maintaining the cooperation relationship so that multiple settlements are allowed after the establishment of the cooperation relationship, these procedures can be omitted. As a result, the labor and time of the user for multiple settlements can be reduced, and as a result, for example, continuous play in a prize game can be promoted, and multiple settlements can be facilitated.

[0129] The settlement system may be configured as appropriate. For example, the settlement system may be configured as a reader for a payment card such as a credit card (an example of a settlement medium). And predetermined information may be provided to the reader (settlement system) by the user through manual input or the like. Similarly, various media may be appropriately used as the settlement medium. For example, as the settlement medium, a medium (for example, an ID card) that records information (for example, a user ID) for identifying each user associated with the payment value, a medium that directly records the payment value, or the like may be used. For example, a user terminal device such as a smartphone may be used as a specific example of such a settlement medium. Also, predetermined information for linking the settlement system and the service system may be appropriately provided to one (or both) of the two systems. For example, the user ID (predetermined information) may be provided to the service system via a card that records the information of the user ID as the predetermined information. In other words, predetermined information may be provided from the settlement system to the service system. Alternatively, conversely, predetermined information may be provided from the service system to the settlement system.

[0130] Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the control method of the present invention, the settlement system is configured to settle the consideration for the predetermined service via the user terminal device (23), and the service system is provided with information providing means (CD) for providing the user terminal device with predetermined information used for establishing the cooperation relationship. The first relationship setting procedure may acquire the predetermined information via the user terminal device and establish the cooperation relationship based on the predetermined information.

[0131] The service system may be similarly configured as appropriate. For example, the service system may be configured as a service terminal that directly provides a predetermined service to the user. Alternatively, the service system may be configured as a device separate from the service terminal. Also, the information providing means may be configured as appropriate. For example, the information providing means may be configured as a display device that displays predetermined information. Alternatively, the information providing means may be appropriately configured to provide the predetermined information by various other methods.

[0132] For example, in one aspect of the control method of the present invention, the service system is configured to provide the predetermined service via the service terminal (11), and the service terminal may function as the information providing means. Further, in an aspect where the information providing means is provided, the service terminal is provided with a code (CD) generated in accordance with a predetermined standard so as to include the predetermined information, and the user terminal device is provided with a reader (CA) for reading the code, and the predetermined information may be provided via the code. Alternatively, the service terminal is provided with a transmission function for transmitting the predetermined information by short-range wireless communication, and the user terminal device is provided with a reception function (CU) for the short-range wireless communication, and the predetermined information may be provided via the short-range wireless communication. In these cases, it is possible to suppress the direct recognition of the predetermined information used for settlement by the user. For example, depending on the type of service terminal, it may be installed in a facility that can be used by an unspecified number of users. In that case, if the predetermined information is easily recognized by the user, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of security. Therefore, when the predetermined information is provided to the user terminal device via a code or short-range wireless notification, the security can be improved.

[0133] In the settlement between the payment system and the service system, not limited to the user terminal device, an appropriate device may be interposed. For example, in an aspect where the information providing means is provided, the service system is configured to provide the predetermined service via the service terminal (11) and an auxiliary service for assisting the predetermined service via the auxiliary service terminal (15), and the auxiliary service terminal acquires service information regarding the service terminal from the service terminal so as to provide the auxiliary service in cooperation with the service terminal, and functions as the information providing means by providing the predetermined information to the user terminal device, and the consideration settlement procedure may cause the settlement system to settle the consideration for the predetermined service after the auxiliary service terminal and the service terminal are coordinated based on the service information.

[0134] Also, in a mode where an auxiliary service terminal is interposed, the service system is configured to provide a plurality of services as the predetermined services via a plurality of service terminals (12, 13), the auxiliary service terminal is coordinated with the plurality of service terminals based on the service information of each service terminal, and when settlement of the consideration for the plurality of services provided by the plurality of service terminals respectively is requested in a situation where the coordination relationship is established, the consideration for the plurality of services may be settled with the settlement system respectively. In this case, the coordination relationship is maintained so that multiple settlements across a plurality of service terminals are allowed. Thereby, the labor and time for settlement regarding a plurality of services can be reduced. As a result, the use of a plurality of services can be promoted. In particular, in a facility where a plurality of service terminals that provide a plurality of services respectively are installed, with the improvement of the convenience of settlement for each service, the convenience of the facility itself can be improved, and an increase in users can be expected.

[0135] Various terminals (devices) may be appropriately used as the auxiliary service terminal. For example, the auxiliary service terminal may be a dedicated terminal different from the user terminal device. Also, for example, in a mode where the auxiliary service terminal is interposed, the user terminal device is provided with a settlement function for settling the consideration for the predetermined service and an auxiliary service function for providing the auxiliary service, and the user terminal device using the auxiliary service function may be used as the auxiliary service terminal. In this case, by properly using the settlement function and the auxiliary service function, one user terminal device can serve as both a terminal for the settlement system and a terminal for the service system. Thereby, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0136] Even when an auxiliary service terminal is interposed, predetermined information may be provided as appropriate. The same applies to service information. For example, in an aspect where a user terminal device is provided with a settlement function and an auxiliary service function, the service terminal is provided with a code (CD) generated in accordance with a predetermined standard so as to include the service information, and the user terminal device is provided with a reader (CA) for reading the code. The auxiliary service function may be configured to cooperate with the service terminal based on the service information read from the code via the reader. Alternatively, the service terminal is provided with a transmission function for transmitting the service information by short-range wireless communication, the user terminal device is provided with a reception function (CU) for the short-range wireless communication, and the auxiliary service function may be configured to cooperate with the service terminal based on the service information received via the short-range wireless communication.

[0137] The auxiliary service function may be configured as appropriate. For example, the auxiliary service function and the settlement function may not cooperate with each other and may be configured as independent functions. In this case, for example, various types of information such as service information may be shared between the two functions through the intervention of the user. Alternatively, the auxiliary service function and the settlement function may be configured to cooperate with each other. For example, in an aspect where a user terminal device is provided with a settlement function and an auxiliary service function, the auxiliary service function may be configured to call the settlement function based on a predetermined call instruction after acquiring the service information. In this case, since the two functions are automatically coordinated, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0138] Various services may be provided as appropriate as the predetermined service. For example, services such as the sale of goods by a vending machine or the use of a predetermined facility may be provided as the predetermined service. Specifically, in one aspect of the control method of the present invention, the service system may provide a game as the predetermined service.

[0139] The cooperation system may be configured by an appropriate system. For example, the cooperation system may be configured as a system (device) separate from the payment system and the service system. Also, the cooperation system may be a combination of the payment system and the service system (including any appropriate partial combinations). Alternatively, the cooperation system may be either one of the payment system and the service system. For example, in one aspect of the control method of the present invention, the payment system may function as the cooperation system.

[0140] In multiple payments executed after the establishment of the cooperation relationship, an opportunity to confirm with the user whether to approve the payment (whether to approve the payment) may be provided for each payment, or may be omitted as appropriate. For example, in one aspect of the control method of the present invention, when the service system requests the multiple payments, the service system may be configured to omit the opportunity to confirm with the user whether to approve the second and subsequent payments in the second and subsequent payments. In this case, since the approval process is omitted, further reduction of the user's time and effort can be achieved.

[0141] The maintenance of the cooperation relationship may be terminated based on appropriate termination conditions. For example, when a predetermined service is provided at a predetermined facility and the user's position is identified through the position information of the user terminal device, etc., the termination condition may be satisfied when the user leaves the predetermined facility. Alternatively, it may be satisfied when a predetermined number of payments, such as 5 times, are executed. Also, it may be satisfied when a predetermined termination instruction is executed by the user, or when a predetermined time has elapsed. Specifically, for example, as one aspect of the control method of the present invention, when an instruction for the user of the service system to terminate the cooperation relationship is executed, and at least one of the cases where a predetermined time has elapsed since the establishment of the cooperation relationship, the cooperation termination procedure for causing the payment system to terminate the cooperation relationship may be further executed. In this case, a sense of security for continuous payments can be given to the user during the period until conditions such as the termination instruction or the elapse of a predetermined time are satisfied.

[0142] The computer program (PG1) of the present invention is incorporated into a cooperation system (2) for causing a service system (1) that provides a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system (2) so that the price of the predetermined service is settled. A first relationship setting means (201) for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the price of the predetermined service between the service system and the settlement system, and a plurality of times in response to a settlement request from the service system in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established. It is configured to function as a price settlement means (202) for causing the settlement system to settle the price of the predetermined service so that settlement is permitted.

[0143] The cooperation system of the present invention is a cooperation system (2) for causing a service system (1) that provides a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system (2) so that the price of the predetermined service is settled. A first relationship setting means (201) for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the price of the predetermined service between the service system and the settlement system, and a plurality of times in response to a settlement request from the service system in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established. And a price settlement means (202) for causing the settlement system to settle the price of the predetermined service so that settlement is permitted.

[0144] On the other hand, the control method applied to the service system of the present invention is a cooperation system (2) for causing a service system (1) that provides a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system (2) so that the price of the predetermined service is settled. A second relationship setting procedure for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the price of the predetermined service between the settlement system and the computer (20) incorporated in the service system, and a plurality of times in accordance with an instruction from a user in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established. And a settlement request procedure for requesting the settlement system to settle the price of the predetermined service so that settlement is permitted.

[0145] In addition, a computer program (PG2) applied to the service system of the present invention configures a computer (10) incorporated in a service system (1) for providing a predetermined service in a cooperation system (2) for causing the service system to cooperate with a settlement system (2) so that the consideration for the predetermined service is settled, as a second relationship setting means (101) for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the consideration for the settlement system and the predetermined service, and a settlement request means (103) for requesting the settlement system to settle the consideration for the predetermined service so that multiple settlements are allowed according to an instruction from a user in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established.

[0146] Furthermore, the service system of the present invention is the service system of a cooperation system (2) for causing a service system (1) for providing a predetermined service to cooperate with a settlement system (2) so that the consideration for the predetermined service is settled, and includes a second relationship setting means (101) for establishing a cooperation relationship for settling the consideration for the settlement system and the predetermined service, and a settlement request means (103) for requesting the settlement system to settle the consideration for the predetermined service so that multiple settlements are allowed according to an instruction from a user in a situation where the cooperation relationship is established. The service system according to the present invention, a control method applied thereto, and a computer program can realize a service system and the like according to the cooperation system of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0147] 1 Arcade system (service system) 2 Settlement system 10 Arcade server (computer) 20 Settlement server (cooperation system, computer) 101 Authentication processing unit (second relationship setting means) 103 Settlement cooperation unit (settlement request means) 201 Authentication processing unit (first relationship setting means) 202 Settlement processing unit (consideration settlement means) PG1 server program (computer program) PG2 server program (computer program)

Claims

[Claim 1] A computer to be incorporated in a linking system for linking a service system for providing a predetermined service with a settlement system so that a fee for the predetermined service is settled, a first relationship setting step of establishing a linkage relationship between the service system and the payment system for settling the price of the predetermined service; a payment procedure for causing the payment system to pay the fee for the specified service in response to a payment request from the service system while the linkage relationship is established, so that multiple payments are allowed; A control method for executing the above.

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