Game system, program, and game system operation method

Abstract

To reduce complexity in a user's operation when drawing out an electronic game medium.SOLUTION: A game system comprises a game device for executing a game utilizing an electronic game medium, and a managing device 10, the managing device 10 has an account management section 141 for managing account data in which the amount of possession of an electronic game medium is registered for each user, an authentication section 142 for authenticating a user who tries to utilize the managing device 10, a setting section 143 for presetting a fixed drawing-out amount that is a fixed amount of an electronic game medium, and a transfer control section 144 for drawing out an electronic game medium of a fixed drawing-out amount set by the setting section 143 from account data and transferring it to the game device when receiving a fixed amount drawing-out request from the game device, and the game device has a requesting section for transmitting a fixed amount drawing-out request to the transfer control section 144 on condition of authentication by the authentication section 142, and an acquisition section for acquiring an electronic game medium of a fixed drawing-out amount transmitted from the transfer control section 144.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system, a management system, a program, and an operation method of the game system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, gaming systems have been proposed that use electronic gaming media such as electronic medals instead of tangible physical gaming media such as medals (coins). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic medal management system that accepts a withdrawal request for electronic medals from a gaming device and outputs information about the electronic medals to the game device that is the withdrawal destination. In a gaming system that includes this type of electronic management system, for example, when a user requests the transfer of electronic medals by specifying a desired number on the gaming device, the gaming device transmits a withdrawal request for the electronic medals to the electronic medal management system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-2150 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a method in which a user specifies the desired number of electronic medals on a game device in order to withdraw them from an electronic medal management system, the user's operation of specifying the number of medals each time they withdraw electronic medals may become cumbersome.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of the problems to be solved is to provide a technique for reducing the complexity of operations required by the user when withdrawing electronic game media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a preferred aspect of the present invention provides a game system comprising a game device that executes a game using electronic game media, and a management system communicatively connected to the game device, wherein the management system comprises an account management unit that manages account data in which the amount of electronic game media owned by each user is registered, an authentication unit that authenticates users who attempt to use the management system, a setting unit that pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic game media, and a transfer control unit that, when a fixed amount withdrawal request is received from the game device, withdraws the fixed amount of electronic game media set by the setting unit from the account data and transfers the fixed amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account data to the game device, and the game device comprises a request unit that, subject to authentication by the authentication unit, sends the fixed amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit, and an acquisition unit that acquires the fixed amount of electronic game media transferred from the transfer control unit.

[0007] A preferred embodiment of the management system of the present invention is a management system communicatively connected to a game device that executes a game using electronic gaming media, and includes an account management unit that manages account data in which the amount of electronic gaming media owned by each user is registered, an authentication unit that authenticates users who attempt to use the management system, a setting unit that pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic gaming media, and a transfer control unit that, when a request to withdraw a fixed amount is received from the game device, withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media set by the setting unit from the account data and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account data to the game device.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the program of the present invention is a program for a management system communicatively connected to a game device that executes a game using electronic gaming media, and causes a processor of the management system to function as an account management unit that manages account data in which the amount of electronic gaming media owned by each user is registered, an authentication unit that authenticates users who attempt to use the management system, a setting unit that pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic gaming media, and a transfer control unit that, when a request to withdraw a fixed amount is received from the game device, withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media set by the setting unit from the account data and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account data to the game device.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method for operating a game system that includes a game device that executes a game using electronic gaming media and a management system communicatively connected to the game device, wherein the management system manages account data in which the amount of electronic gaming media owned by each user is registered, authenticates users who attempt to use the management system, pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic gaming media, and, upon receiving a request to withdraw a fixed amount from the game device, withdraws the preset fixed amount of electronic gaming media from the account data and transfers the fixed amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account data to the game device, and the game device, subject to authentication by the management system, sends the fixed amount withdrawal request to the management system and obtains the fixed amount of electronic gaming media transferred from the management system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of a game system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a management apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a game device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an account table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on a display unit of the management device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a display unit of the game device. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the management device. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the game device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a matching process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fixed amount withdrawal process. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a designated amount withdrawal process. [Figure 14] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of a game system according to a tenth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0012] [1. Embodiment] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of a game system 1 according to an embodiment. The game system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is installed in, for example, a gaming facility. The gaming facility is, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game center or a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. In the example shown in FIG. 1, multiple users H are located in the gaming facility.

[0013] In this embodiment, it is assumed that electronic game media are used in the game system 1. The electronic game media may be, for example, electronic game media used in a game. The electronic game media may be, for example, electronic data having value as consideration to be consumed by a user to play a game. Specifically, the electronic game media may be, for example, electronic data indicating the value of game media such as medals (coins), tokens (token coins), coins, and tickets. Note that the term "game media" encompasses all elements that have value in relation to a game. Furthermore, for example, the electronic game media may be payable as physical medals such as coins. Hereinafter, the electronic game media may be referred to as "electronic medals" in contrast to physical medals.

[0014] Furthermore, the use of electronic game media means, for example, a user's consumption of electronic game media for some action related to playing a game. Typical examples of the use of electronic game media include consuming electronic game media to start playing, and consuming electronic game media for various actions such as participating in a specific event within a game or acquiring an item.

[0015] In order to use the electronic gaming medium in the game system 1, the user H must register in advance (hereinafter also referred to as "usage registration"). The user H who has completed usage registration is assigned an identification information UID (see FIG. 6). The identification information UID is a code string for identifying the user H. The identification information UID may be stored in a portable recording medium such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card issued to the user H. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the identification information UID is stored in an IC card. Below, an IC card storing the identification information UID may be referred to as a registration card. Furthermore, below, a user H who has already completed usage registration may be referred to as a registered user H, and a user H who has not completed usage registration may be referred to as an unregistered user H.

[0016] The game system 1 includes, for example, a management device 10 that manages data such as electronic gaming media for each user H, and multiple game devices 20 that execute games using the electronic gaming media. The management device 10 is an example of a "management system." The management device 10 may be realized as a single device, or as a collection of multiple devices configured separately from each other. In other words, the "management system" may be realized as a single device, or as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0017] The management device 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of game devices 20. For example, the management device 10 communicates with each of the plurality of game devices 20 via a communication network 2. The communication network 2 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) established within an amusement facility. Note that communication between the management device 10 and the communication network 2 may be either wired or wireless. Similarly, communication between each game device 20 and the communication network 2 may be either wired or wireless. Note that the communication network 2 may include, for example, the Internet.

[0018] The configuration of game system 1 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1. For example, game system 1 may include a non-compatible game device that does not support control signals from management device 10, and an adapter that mediates communication between management device 10 and the non-compatible game device by converting the control signal into a format suitable for both management device 10 and the non-compatible game device.

[0019] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device 10. The management device 10 includes, for example, a control unit 140, a storage unit 150, a communication unit 160, a display unit 170, an operation unit 180, and a reception unit 190.

[0020] The control unit 140 controls, for example, each unit of the management device 10. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 140 executes processes related to the management of electronic gaming media. Examples of processes related to the management of electronic gaming media include a withdrawal process for transferring electronic gaming media from the management device 10 to the gaming device 20, and a deposit process for transferring electronic gaming media from the gaming device 20 to the management device 10. Note that the control unit 140 may execute processes related to the management of user H's game data in addition to processes related to the management of electronic gaming media. The game data includes various types of information related to games, such as the progress status (play history) of games played by user H in the past. In this embodiment, the process related to the management of electronic gaming media will be mainly described.

[0021] For example, the control unit 140 has an account management unit 141, an authentication unit 142, a setting unit 143, and a transfer control unit 144. The account management unit 141 manages, for example, an account table TBLa stored in the memory unit 150. In the account table TBLa, the amount X of electronic gaming media owned is registered for each user H (see FIG. 6). The account table TBLa is an example of "account data."

[0022] The authentication unit 142 authenticates a user H who attempts to use the management device 10. For example, the authentication unit 142 authenticates the user H by performing an authentication process using one or more of biometric information indicating the biometric characteristics of the user H (for example, information indicating a fingerprint or vein pattern, etc.) and a password, and the identification information UID of the user H. The password may be, for example, a password set in advance by the user H or the like, or a one-time password generated by the authentication unit 142 or the like.

[0023] The setting unit 143 presets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic gaming media. For example, the setting unit 143 may set the fixed withdrawal amount in response to a setting instruction from the user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142. The setting instruction is, for example, an instruction to set the fixed withdrawal amount.

[0024] The transfer control unit 144 executes the withdrawal of electronic game media from the account table TBLa. For example, when the transfer control unit 144 receives a fixed amount withdrawal request from the game device 20, which requests the withdrawal of a fixed amount of electronic game media, the transfer control unit 144 withdraws the fixed amount of electronic game media set by the setting unit 143 from the account table TBLa. Then, the transfer control unit 144 transfers the fixed amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account table TBLa to the game device 20. Note that, for example, withdrawing the amount Q of electronic game media from the account table TBLa may be subtracting the amount Q from the owned amount X of electronic game media associated with the user H withdrawing the electronic game media, out of the owned amount X of electronic game media registered in the account table TBLa.

[0025] Hereinafter, the withdrawal of a fixed amount of electronic gaming media from the account table TBLa may be referred to as a fixed-amount withdrawal. That is, the setting unit 143 pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount as the amount of electronic gaming media to be withdrawn by a fixed-amount withdrawal. Hereinafter, the withdrawal amount specified by user H each time electronic gaming media is withdrawn may be referred to as a specified-amount withdrawal. In this embodiment, the management device 10 is assumed to support both fixed-amount withdrawal and specified-amount withdrawal, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the management device 10 may support only the fixed-amount withdrawal.

[0026] The storage unit 150 stores various information such as a control program PRa, an account table TBLa, and an authenticated table TBLb. In this embodiment, the control program PRa includes, for example, a program that allows the management device 10 to manage electronic gaming media for each user H. However, the control program PRa may also include, for example, an operating system program that allows the control unit 140 to control each part of the management device 10.

[0027] The authenticated table TBLb has registered therein the identification information UID of the user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142. For example, when the authentication unit 142 authenticates the user H attempting to use the management device 10 as a legitimate user H (registered user H) of the management device 10, the authentication unit 142 registers the identification information UID of the authenticated user H in the authenticated table TBLb. The identification information UID registered in the authenticated table TBLb is erased, for example, at a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be a predetermined time, such as the time when the amusement facility opens for business, or may be the time when a predetermined time (a time corresponding to the validity period for one authentication) has elapsed since the time when the user H was authenticated. Furthermore, when the identification information UID registered in the authenticated table TBLb is erased at a predetermined time, for example, the authentication unit 142 may erase the authenticated table TBLb from the storage unit 150 at a predetermined time, thereby erasing the identification information UID registered in the authenticated table TBLb. If the authenticated table TBLb in which the identification information UID of the authenticated user H is to be registered does not exist, the authentication unit 142 may generate the authenticated table TBLb and register the identification information UID in the generated authenticated table TBLb. The authenticated table TBLb may also be included in the account table TBLa. In this case, a flag indicating that the user H is an authenticated user may be set in the identification information UID of the user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142, among the multiple identification information UIDs registered in the account table TBLa.

[0028] The communication unit 160 executes communication with external devices such as the game device 20. The display unit 170 displays various images. The operation unit 180 accepts operations by a user H in the amusement facility.

[0029] The reception unit 190 receives input of information used for authentication. For example, the reception unit 190 may be realized by a card reader that acquires information from an IC card, such as a registered card, that stores identification information UID. Furthermore, for example, when biometric information is used in the authentication process by the authentication unit 142, the reception unit 190 may be realized by a device that acquires biometric information (for example, a fingerprint sensor or a vein sensor). Furthermore, for example, the reception unit 190 may be realized by a code reader that acquires information from a two-dimensional code (barcode) or a QR code (registered trademark). The two-dimensional code or the QR code may be printed on a medium such as paper, or may be displayed on a terminal device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, the reception unit 190 may be realized by a combination of a card reader, a device that acquires biometric information, and a code reader. In other words, the reception unit 190 includes all means for acquiring information used for authentication. The input of a password may be received by the operation unit 180.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The management device 10 includes a control device 14 that controls each part of the management device 10, a storage device 15 that stores various information such as the control program PRa, a communication device 16, a display device 17, an operation device 18, and a reception device 19. The control device 14 is an example of a "processor of the management system."

[0032] The control device 14 is, for example, a processor including one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). For example, the control device 14 executes a control program PRa stored in the storage device 15 and operates in accordance with the control program PRa, thereby functioning as a control unit 140. In this embodiment, the control device 14 functions as an account management unit 141, an authentication unit 142, a setting unit 143, and a transfer control unit 144, for example, by executing a program (a program included in the control program PRa) for managing electronic gaming media for each user H.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, when the control device 14 is configured to include multiple CPUs, some or all of the functions of the control unit 140 may be realized by these multiple CPUs operating in cooperation with each other in accordance with a program such as the control program PRa. Furthermore, the control device 14 may be configured to include hardware such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) in addition to one or more CPUs, or instead of some or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, some or all of the control unit 140 realized by the control device 14 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP.

[0034] The storage device 15 includes, for example, one or both of a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that functions as a work area for the control device 14 and a non-volatile memory such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) that stores various information such as the control program PRa, and functions as a storage unit 150. The storage device 15 may be detachable from the management device 10. Specifically, the storage device 15 may be a storage medium such as a memory card that is detachable from the management device 10. The storage device 15 may also be, for example, a storage device (e.g., online storage) that is communicably connected to the management device 10 via a network or the like.

[0035] The communication device 16 is hardware for communicating with an external device such as a game device 20 located outside the management device 10 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and functions as a communication unit 160.

[0036] The display device 17 is hardware such as a liquid crystal display that displays various images, and functions as a display unit 170. The operation device 18 is hardware for receiving operations by a user H in an amusement facility, and functions as an operation unit 180. For example, the operation device 18 may be composed of one or more devices including some or all of an operation button, a touch panel, a keyboard, a joystick, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The display device 17 and the operation device 18 may be integrated (for example, a touch panel display that detects contact by a user H). In this embodiment, the display device 17 and the operation device 18 are assumed to be a touch panel display in which the display device 17 and the operation device 18 are integrated. That is, in this embodiment, the display unit 170 and the operation unit 180 are realized by a touch panel display.

[0037] Reception device 19 is, for example, hardware for receiving input of information from outside, and functions as reception unit 190. For example, reception device 19 may be configured from one or more devices including some or all of a card reader, a device for acquiring biometric information, and a code reader.

[0038] 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game device 20. The game device 20 includes, for example, a control unit 240, a storage unit 250, a communication unit 260, a display unit 270, an operation unit 280, and a reception unit 290.

[0039] The control unit 240 controls, for example, each unit of the game device 20. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 240 executes a process for withdrawing electronic gaming media, a process for depositing electronic gaming media, and a process for having user H play a game. For example, if game data is managed by the management device 10, the process for having user H play a game may be a process for restarting the game from a situation where user H played the game in the past.

[0040] For example, the control unit 240 has a collating unit 241, a requesting unit 242, and an acquiring unit 243. The collating unit 241 collates, for example, whether or not the user H of the game device 20 has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, and notifies the requesting unit 242 of the collation result. For example, the collating unit 241 inquires of the management device 10 whether or not the identification information UID of the user H of the game device 20 matches the identification information UID of the authenticated user H (the identification information UID registered in the authenticated user table TBLb). In this way, it is collated whether or not the user H of the game device 20 has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, as described above, the information used for the matching is assumed to be the identification information UID of user H. However, the information used for the matching is not limited to the identification information UID of user H. For example, when user H is authenticated by the authentication unit 142, the management device 10 may provide user H with an authenticated code indicating that the user has been authenticated, as information used for the matching. The authenticated code may be provided to user H by being printed on a medium such as paper, or may be provided to user H by being transmitted to a terminal device such as a smartphone of user H. In this case, the authenticated code is associated with the identification information UID of user H who has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, a facility card that enables withdrawals from electronic game media owned by the manager of the gaming facility may be provided to user H by the manager of the gaming facility (or a device that provides electronic game media) in exchange for currency. The facility card stores, for example, an identification UID (identification UID assigned to the manager of the gaming facility) authenticated by the authentication unit 142 and the amount of electronic game media that can be withdrawn. Because the identification UID authenticated by the authentication unit 142 is stored on the facility card, user H who is provided with the facility card in exchange for currency corresponds to user H who has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142. Therefore, user H who owns the facility card may use the identification UID stored on the facility card as information to be used for verification.

[0043] The request unit 242 transmits a certain amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10, on the condition that authentication by the authentication unit 142 is successful. For example, the request unit 242 determines whether or not user H of the game device 20 is user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142, based on the collation result notified from the collation unit 241. Then, when user H of the game device 20 is user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142, the request unit 242 transmits a certain amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144, for example, in response to a certain amount withdrawal instruction from user H of the game device 20 (i.e., user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142). In this way, the request unit 242 transmits a certain amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144, on the condition that user H of the game device 20 is user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142. Note that the certain amount withdrawal instruction is an example of a "transfer instruction instructing the transfer of a certain amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn."

[0044] The acquiring unit 243 acquires a certain amount of electronic gaming media to be withdrawn transferred from the transfer control unit 144, for example, in response to a request to withdraw a certain amount. The certain amount of electronic gaming media to be withdrawn acquired by the acquiring unit 243 is converted into an amount of credits represented by the product of a predetermined conversion rate and the certain amount to be withdrawn. The predetermined conversion rate is the ratio of the amount of credits to the amount of electronic gaming media (so-called credits / electronic medals), and is stored, for example, in the storage unit 250. Note that credits are electronic media (i.e., electronic data) consumed by user H as payment for playing a game. The amount of credits owned by user H of the game device 20 in the game device 20 is stored, for example, in the storage unit 250.

[0045] The amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20 increases or decreases as the game progresses on the game device 20. For example, if user H wins a lottery held in the game, or if user H achieves a goal in various events such as a battle, the amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20 increases. Also, if user H does not win the lottery, or if user H fails to achieve a goal in various events, the amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20 decreases by, for example, the amount of credits consumed as payment for playing the game.

[0046] As can be understood from the above explanation, the concept of "electronic gaming media" also includes credits consumed to play games.

[0047] The storage unit 250 stores various information such as a control program PRb. In this embodiment, the control program PRa includes, for example, an application program for the game device 20 to execute a process for withdrawing electronic gaming media, a process for depositing electronic gaming media, and a process for allowing the user H to play a game. However, the control program PRb may also include, for example, an operating system program for the control unit 240 to control each part of the game device 20.

[0048] The communication unit 260 executes communication with external devices such as the management device 10. The display unit 270 displays various images. The operation unit 280 accepts operations by the user H of the game device 20.

[0049] The reception unit 290 receives, for example, input of information used for matching. For example, when the identification information UID used for matching is acquired from a registered card (IC card), the reception unit 290 may be realized by a card reader that acquires information from the IC card. The reception unit 290 includes all means for acquiring information used for matching. That is, the reception unit 290 may be realized by one or a combination of a card reader, a device that acquires biometric information, and a code reader. Furthermore, when the information used for matching includes a password, the input of the password may be received by the operation unit 280.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the game device 20. As shown in FIG.

[0051] The game device 20 has a control device 24 that controls each part of the game device 20, a memory device 25 that stores various information such as the control program PRb, a communication device 26, a display device 27, an operation device 28, and a reception device 29.

[0052] The control device 24 is, for example, a processor including one or more CPUs. For example, the control device 24 executes a control program PRb stored in the storage device 25 and operates in accordance with the control program PRb, thereby functioning as a control unit 240. In this embodiment, the control device 24 executes, for example, an application program included in the control program PRb, thereby functioning as a collating unit 241, a requesting unit 242, and an acquiring unit 243.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, when the control device 24 is configured to include multiple CPUs, some or all of the functions of the control unit 240 may be realized by these multiple CPUs operating in cooperation with each other in accordance with a program such as the control program PRb. Furthermore, the control device 24 may be configured to include hardware such as a GPU, DSP, or FPGA in addition to one or more CPUs, or instead of some or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, some or all of the control unit 240 realized by the control device 24 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP.

[0054] The storage device 25 includes, for example, one or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM that functions as a work area for the control device 24 and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information such as the control program PRb, and functions as a storage unit 250. The storage device 25 may be detachable from the game device 20. Specifically, the storage device 25 may be a storage medium such as a memory card that is detachable from the game device 20. The storage device 25 may also be, for example, a storage device (for example, online storage) that is communicably connected to the game device 20 via a network or the like.

[0055] The communication device 26 is hardware for communicating with an external device such as the management device 10 located outside the game device 20 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and functions as a communication unit 260.

[0056] The display device 27 is hardware such as a liquid crystal display that displays various images, and functions as a display unit 270. The operation device 28 is hardware for receiving operations by the user H of the game device 20, and functions as an operation unit 280. For example, the operation device 28 may be composed of one or more devices including some or all of operation buttons, a touch panel, a keyboard, a joystick, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The display device 27 and the operation device 28 may be integrated (for example, a touch panel display). In this embodiment, the display device 27 and the operation device 28 are assumed to be a touch panel display in which the display device 27 and the operation device 28 are integrated. That is, in this embodiment, the display unit 270 and the operation unit 280 are realized by a touch panel display.

[0057] Reception device 29 is, for example, hardware for receiving input of information from outside, and functions as reception unit 290. For example, reception device 29 may be configured from one or more devices including some or all of a card reader, a device for acquiring biometric information, and a code reader.

[0058] 4 and 5, the game device 20 is actually equipped with a game mechanism according to the content of the game. For example, a game device 20 for a lottery game including a physical lottery is equipped with a physical lottery mechanism (e.g., a roulette) for the physical lottery. Also, a game device 20 for a pusher game in which multiple physical medals are dropped is equipped with a pusher mechanism for moving and dropping the physical medals. Each game device 20 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a collection of multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0059] 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the account table TBLa. In the account table TBLa, for each of a plurality of registered users H, the identification information UID (UIDa, UIDb, UIDc, ...) of the user H and the owned amount X (Xa, Xb, Xc, ...) of the user H are registered. The owned amount X is the amount of electronic gaming media owned by the user H. The user H can use the electronic gaming media on any game device 20 by transferring electronic gaming media from the management device 10 to that game device 20 within the range of the owned amount X.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing examples of setting screens G10a and G10b displayed on the display unit 170 of the management device 10. The setting screen G10a shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 170 when, for example, user H is authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. For example, when user H is authenticated by the authentication unit 142, the setting unit 143 of the management device 10 displays the setting screen G10a including buttons BTN (BTN11 and BTN12) on the display unit 170. Hereinafter, the operation of selecting the button BTN may also be referred to as "pressing the button BTN." For example, button BTN11 is pressed to set a fixed withdrawal amount, and button BTN12 is pressed to end the display of the setting screen G10a. When button BTN11 is pressed, the setting unit 143 displays the setting screen G10b including a fixed withdrawal amount input area CIW and buttons BTN13 and BTN14 on the display unit 170.

[0061] For example, when an authenticated user H wants to set a fixed withdrawal amount, he or she presses button BTN11 on the setting screen G10a. As a result, the setting screen G10b is displayed on the display unit 170 of the management device 10. Then, the user H inputs the desired withdrawal amount (e.g., the number of electronic medals) into the fixed withdrawal amount input area CIW, for example, by operating the operation unit 180, etc. Thereafter, when the user H wants to set the desired withdrawal amount input into the fixed withdrawal amount input area CIW as the fixed withdrawal amount, he or she presses button BTN13. As a result, the setting unit 143 sets the desired withdrawal amount input into the fixed withdrawal amount input area CIW as the fixed withdrawal amount. Then, the management device 10 ends the process of setting the fixed withdrawal amount desired by the user H.

[0062] In addition, when button BTN12 on the setting screen G10a is pressed, or when button BTN14 on the setting screen G10b is pressed, the management device 10 ends the display of the setting screen G10a or the setting screen G10b without setting or changing the fixed withdrawal amount.

[0063] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen G20 displayed on the display unit 270 of the game device 20. The control unit 240 of the game device 20 causes the display unit 270 to display the game screen G20, which includes operation images such as buttons BTN21 and BTN22. For example, button BTN21 is pressed when user H withdraws a fixed amount, and button BTN22 is pressed when user H withdraws a designated amount. Although not shown in FIG. 8, images according to the content of the game are also actually displayed on the game screen G20.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management device 10. Note that FIG. 9 shows an example of the operation of the management device 10 when the management device 10 performs authentication processing for user H who plays a game that uses electronic gaming media. The operation shown in FIG. 9 is performed, for example, before user H plays a game that uses electronic gaming media. Also, FIG. 9 assumes a case where the information used in the authentication processing is biometric information. For example, biometric information indicating the vein pattern of the hand (palm or fingers) of registered user H is stored in the storage unit 150 in association with registered user H. Note that in the explanation of FIG. 9, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H who is the target of the authentication processing.

[0065] First, in step S100, the reception unit 190 receives the identification information UID of user H. For example, the reception unit 190 acquires the identification information UID from a registered card owned by user H. Then, after acquiring the identification information UID of user H, the reception unit 190 proceeds to step S102.

[0066] In step S102, the receiving unit 190 receives biometric information UID of user H. For example, the receiving unit 190 acquires biometric information indicating the hand vein pattern of user H. Specifically, the receiving unit 190 detects the hand vein pattern of user H and generates biometric information based on the detected vein pattern. In this way, the biometric information of user H is acquired. Then, after acquiring the biometric information of user H, the receiving unit 190 proceeds to step S104.

[0067] In step S104, the authentication unit 142 executes authentication processing for the user H using the identification information UID acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S100 and the biometric information acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S102.

[0068] For example, the authentication unit 142 reads out biometric information associated with the identification information UID acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S100 from the storage unit 150. Then, if the biometric information acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S102 matches the biometric information read out from the storage unit 150, the authentication unit 142 authenticates the user H as the legitimate user H (registered user H) of the management device 10. In other words, if the biometric information acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S102 does not match the biometric information associated with the identification information UID acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S100 (biometric information read out from the storage unit 150), the user H is not authenticated as the legitimate user H of the management device 10.

[0069] Next, in step S106, the authentication unit 142 determines whether or not user H has been authenticated by the authentication process in step S104. That is, in step S106, it is determined whether or not user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142. If the result of the determination in step S106 is negative, the authentication unit 142 ends the operation shown in Fig. 9. Note that if the result of the determination in step S106 is negative, the authentication unit 142 may notify user H that he or she has not been authenticated, and then end the operation shown in Fig. 9. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S106 is positive, the authentication unit 142 proceeds to step S108.

[0070] In step S108, the authentication unit 142 registers the identification information UID of the user H (the identification information UID acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S100) in the authenticated table TBLb.

[0071] Next, in step S110, the setting unit 143 displays, for example, the setting screen G10a shown in Fig. 7 on the display unit 170. In the processing from step S110 onwards, it is assumed that the setting screens G10a and G10b shown in Fig. 7 are displayed on the display unit 170.

[0072] Next, in step S112, the setting unit 143 determines whether to set a fixed withdrawal amount. For example, if button BTN11 ("Set Fixed Withdrawal Amount") on the setting screen G10a is pressed and then button BTN13 ("Set and Finish") on the setting screen G10b is pressed, the management device 10 accepts a setting instruction to set the desired withdrawal amount entered in the fixed withdrawal amount input field CIW as the fixed withdrawal amount. Therefore, for example, if button BTN13 on the setting screen G10b is pressed, the setting unit 143 determines to set a fixed withdrawal amount. Note that if button BTN12 ("Finish") on the setting screen G10a or button BTN14 ("Exit without setting") on the setting screen G10b is pressed, the setting unit 143 determines not to set a fixed withdrawal amount.

[0073] If the result of the determination in step S112 is negative, the setting unit 143 advances the process to step S116. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S112 is positive, the setting unit 143 advances the process to step S114.

[0074] In step S114, the setting unit 143 sets a fixed withdrawal amount. For example, when the button BTN13 on the setting screen G10b is pressed, the setting unit 143 sets the desired withdrawal amount input in the fixed withdrawal amount input field CIW as the fixed withdrawal amount. Then, the setting unit 143 proceeds to step S116.

[0075] In step S116, the setting unit 143 determines whether setting of the fixed withdrawal amount has been completed. For example, if button BTN12 on setting screen G10a or button BTN13 or BTN14 on setting screen G10b has been pressed, the setting unit 143 determines that setting of the fixed withdrawal amount has been completed. If the result of the determination in step S116 is negative, the setting unit 143 returns the process to step S112. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S116 is positive, the setting unit 143 ends the operation shown in FIG. 9. Note that if button BTN12 on setting screen G10a or button BTN14 on setting screen G10b has been pressed, the fixed withdrawal amount is not set or changed.

[0076] In this way, the setting unit 143 presets the fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic gaming media to be withdrawn by a fixed withdrawal, based on the operation of the management device 10 by the authenticated user H. Here, for example, the operation shown in Figure 9 may be repeated so that the user H can change the already set fixed withdrawal amount.

[0077] 9. For example, in step S100, instead of the reception unit 190 acquiring the identification information UID from the registration card, the authentication unit 142 may acquire the identification information UID instructed by the user H operating the operation unit 180. Also, for example, information other than biometric information (for example, a password) may be used in the authentication process in addition to or instead of the biometric information. When multiple pieces of information are used in the authentication process, the management device 10 may, for example, acquire the multiple pieces of information in step S102, or may repeat a process equivalent to the series of processes in steps S102 and S104 (acquisition of information used in the authentication process, and the authentication process). Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the game device 20. Fig. 10 shows an example of the operation of the game device 20 when a user H plays a game that uses electronic gaming media. In the explanation of Fig. 10, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H of the game device 20 that performs the operations shown in Fig. 10.

[0078] First, in step S220, the game device 20 executes a verification process to verify whether or not user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the game device 20 communicates with the management device 10 and executes the verification process using the identification information UID of user H. Details of the verification process will be described with reference to Fig. 11. After executing the verification process, the game device 20 proceeds to step S230.

[0079] In step S230, the request unit 242 determines whether or not user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, based on the result of the matching process in step S220. If the result of the determination in step S230 is negative, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S290. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S230 is positive, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S232.

[0080] In step S232, the request unit 242 determines whether a fixed amount withdrawal has been instructed. For example, when the game device 20 receives a fixed amount withdrawal instruction for transferring a fixed amount of electronic gaming media from the management device 10 to the game device 20, the request unit 242 determines that a fixed amount withdrawal has been instructed. Note that the method by which the game device 20 receives a fixed amount withdrawal instruction may differ between, for example, the first and second aspects exemplified below.

[0081] The first mode is, for example, a mode in which the period during which the game can be played is a period during which the registered card is placed in a predetermined position (a position at which the reception unit 290 can acquire the identification information UID from the registered card). In the first mode, for example, when the button BTN21 ("withdraw a fixed amount") on the game screen G20 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, the operation unit 280 receives an instruction to withdraw a fixed amount. Therefore, in the first mode, when the button BTN21 on the game screen G20 is pressed, for example, the request unit 242 determines that an instruction to withdraw a fixed amount has been issued. Note that in the first mode, the operation unit 280 is an example of an "instruction reception unit."

[0082] Furthermore, the second aspect is an aspect in which, for example, when user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, the game can be played until the processing of step S290, which will be described later, is executed, even if the registered card is not placed in a predetermined position. In the second aspect, for example, the reception unit 290 may receive input of the identification information UID used in the verification processing of step S220 as an instruction to withdraw a certain amount. In this case, the input of the identification information UID may be made by causing the reception unit 290 to acquire the identification information UID stored in the registered card. Therefore, in the second aspect, for example, when the reception unit 290 acquires the identification information UID (the identification information UID used in the verification processing of step S220) from the registered card, the request unit 242 may determine that an instruction to withdraw a certain amount has been issued.

[0083] Here, when the reception unit 290 receives the input of the identification information UID as an instruction to withdraw a fixed amount, the reception unit 290 is an example of an "instruction reception unit." The input of the identification information UID may be received by the operation unit 280. In this case, the operation unit 280 is an example of an "instruction reception unit." Also, in the second mode, the instruction to withdraw a fixed amount may be received by pressing the button BTN21 ("withdraw a fixed amount") on the game screen G20 shown in FIG. 8.

[0084] If the result of the determination in step S232 is negative, the request unit 242 advances the process to step S250. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S232 is positive, the request unit 242 advances the process to step S240.

[0085] In step S240, the game device 20 executes a fixed amount withdrawal process to transfer a fixed amount of electronic gaming media to be withdrawn from the management device 10 to the game device 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the game device 20 communicates with the management device 10 to execute the fixed amount withdrawal process. Details of the fixed amount withdrawal process will be described in Fig. 12. After executing the fixed amount withdrawal process, the game device 20 proceeds to step S250.

[0086] In step S250, the request unit 242 determines whether or not a designated amount withdrawal has been instructed. For example, when button BTN22 ("withdraw designated amount") on the game screen G20 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, the request unit 242 accepts a designated amount withdrawal instruction for transferring an amount of electronic gaming media designated by the user H from the management device 10 to the game device 20. Therefore, for example, when button BTN22 on the game screen G20 is pressed, the request unit 242 determines that a designated amount withdrawal has been instructed. If the result of the determination in step S250 is negative, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S280. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S250 is positive, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S260.

[0087] In step S260, the game device 20 executes a designated amount withdrawal process to transfer an amount of electronic gaming media designated by the user H from the management device 10 to the game device 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the game device 20 communicates with the management device 10 to execute the designated amount withdrawal process. Details of the designated amount withdrawal process will be described in FIG. 13. After executing the designated amount withdrawal process, the game device 20 proceeds to step S280.

[0088] In step S280, the gaming device 20 determines whether or not to start the game. For example, the gaming device 20 determines to start the game when a predetermined start condition is met. The predetermined start condition may be, for example, receiving an instruction to start the game from the user H, or the current time reaching a predetermined start timing. The predetermined start timing may be, for example, the deadline for inserting gaming media (i.e., betting) into the gaming device 20 that executes a lottery game, a horse racing game, or the like.

[0089] If the result of the determination in step S280 is negative, the game device 20 returns the process to step S232. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S280 is positive, the game device 20 advances the process to step S282.

[0090] In step S282, the game device 20 executes the game. Although not specifically shown in Figure 10, withdrawal processes such as a fixed amount withdrawal process and a designated amount withdrawal process may be executed even while the game is being executed. In other words, the game and the withdrawal process may be executed in parallel.

[0091] Next, in step S284, the game device 20 determines whether or not the user H continues playing the game. For example, the game device 20 determines to continue playing the game if a predetermined continuation condition is met. The predetermined continuation condition may be, for example, that the game device 20 accepts an operation to continue playing the game. Alternatively, the predetermined continuation condition may be, for example, that an operation to end the game has not been performed on the game device 20.

[0092] If the result of the determination in step S284 is positive, the game device 20 returns the process to step S232. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S284 is negative, the game device 20 advances the process to step S290.

[0093] In step S290, the gaming device 20 executes a game termination process. For example, if user H has credits in the gaming device 20, the gaming device 20 executes a deposit process for electronic gaming media. Specifically, the gaming device 20 transfers to the management device 10, as user H's electronic gaming media, an amount of electronic gaming media corresponding to the amount of credits owned by user H in the gaming device 20. As a result, for example, the amount of electronic gaming media transferred from the gaming device 20 to the management device 10 is added to the amount X of electronic gaming media owned and associated with user H, which is registered in the account table TBLa. Note that the amount of electronic gaming media corresponding to the amount of credits owned by user H in the gaming device 20 is calculated, for example, by multiplying the amount of credits owned by user H in the gaming device 20 by the reciprocal of the predetermined conversion rate described with reference to FIG. 4. After executing the deposit process, the gaming device 20 ends the operation shown in FIG. 10.

[0094] Also, for example, if user H does not have credits in game device 20, or if the result of the determination in step S230 is negative, game device 20 may end the operation shown in Fig. 10 without executing the deposit process. Note that if the result of the determination in step S230 is negative, game device 20 may end the operation shown in Fig. 10 after notifying user H of the matching result (that user H does not match the authenticated user H).

[0095] In this way, withdrawal processes such as the fixed amount withdrawal process and the designated amount withdrawal process are executed on the condition that the user H of the game device 20 has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. In other words, if the user H of the game device 20 has not been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, the withdrawal process is not executed. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent withdrawal processes from being performed in this embodiment.

[0096] It should be noted that the operation of the game device 20 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 10. For example, the series of processes in steps S232 and S240 may be executed after the series of processes in steps S250 and S260.

[0097] Furthermore, the game executed by the game device 20 may be able to use physical game media. In this case, the game device 20 may determine whether or not physical game media have been inserted before executing the process of step S280, for example. When physical game media have been inserted, the game device 20 adds an amount of credits corresponding to the amount of inserted physical game media to the amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20. The amount of credits corresponding to the amount of inserted physical game media is calculated, for example, by multiplying the amount of inserted physical game media by the predetermined conversion rate described with reference to FIG. 4. Furthermore, when the game executed by the game device 20 is able to use physical game media, user H (e.g., unregistered user H) can play the game using physical game media even if the result of the determination in step S230 is negative (user H does not match the authenticated user H).

[0098] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the matching process. The matching process shown in Fig. 11 corresponds to, for example, the matching process in step S220 in Fig. 10. In the explanation of Fig. 11, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H of game device 20 that performs the actions shown in Fig. 11.

[0099] In step S222, the reception unit 290 of the game device 20 receives the identification information UID of the user H. For example, the reception unit 290 acquires the identification information UID from a registered card owned by the user H. After acquiring the identification information UID, the reception unit 290 proceeds to step S224.

[0100] In step S224, the verification unit 241 of the game device 20 transmits a verification request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260, requesting verification as to whether or not user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. The verification request includes the identification information UID (the identification information UID of user H) acquired by the reception unit 290 in step S222.

[0101] Execution of the process of step S224 causes the management device 10 to execute the process of step S124. The process of step S228 is postponed until the management device 10 executes the series of processes from step S124 to step S128. Therefore, before describing the process of step S228, the series of processes from step S124 to step S128 executed by the management device 10 will be described.

[0102] In step S124, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 receives a verification request including the identification information UID of the user H from the game device 20 via the communication unit 160.

[0103] Next, in step S126, the authentication unit 142 determines whether the user H indicated by the identification information UID included in the matching request has been authenticated. For example, if the identification information UID included in the matching request matches the identification information UID registered in the authenticated table TBLb, the authentication unit 142 determines that the user H indicated by the identification information UID included in the matching request has been authenticated. In this way, the management device 10 determines whether the user H is the user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142.

[0104] Next, in step S128, authentication unit 142 transmits a matching result indicating the determination result of step S126 to game device 20, the sender of the matching request, via communication unit 160. This ends the processing of administration device 10 related to the matching process. By executing the processing of step S128, game device 20 executes the processing of step S228.

[0105] In step S228, the matching unit 241 of the game device 20 receives the matching result of user H from the management device 10 via the communication unit 260 as a response to the matching request transmitted to the management device 10 in step S224. Then, the matching unit 241 notifies the request unit 242 of the matching result received from the management device 10, and ends the matching process. When the matching process ends, the game device 20 proceeds to step S230 in FIG. 10.

[0106] The matching process is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 11. For example, part or all of the series of processes from step S124 to step S128 may be executed by a functional block included in the management device 10 other than the authentication unit 142 (for example, the account management unit 141).

[0107] Furthermore, for example, the process of step S126 (determining whether user H has been authenticated) may be executed by the game device 20. That is, the verification process of step S220 shown in FIG. 10 may be executed only by the game device 20 out of the administration device 10 and the game device 20. For example, if the administration device 10 provides user H with an authenticated code indicating that user H has been authenticated as information to be used for verification when user H is authenticated by the authentication unit 142 (when the result of the determination in step S106 shown in FIG. 9 is positive), the verification process may be executed only by the game device 20. Specifically, the game device 20 may determine that user H has been authenticated when user H inputs a correct authenticated code. Alternatively, the administration device 10 may transmit information in the authenticated table TBLb to the game device 20, and the verification unit 241 may perform verification using the information in the authenticated table TBLb transmitted from the administration device 10.

[0108] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a fixed amount withdrawal process. The fixed amount withdrawal process shown in Figure 12 corresponds to, for example, the fixed amount withdrawal process of step S240 in Figure 10. For example, the process of step S242 is executed when the result of the determination in step S232 in Figure 10 is positive. Note that in the explanation of Figure 12, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H of game device 20 who performs the operations shown in Figure 12.

[0109] In step S242, the request unit 242 of the game device 20 transmits a fixed amount withdrawal request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260. That is, the request unit 242 transmits the fixed amount withdrawal request to the management device 10 in response to the game device 20 accepting an instruction to withdraw a fixed amount from user H (for example, pressing of button BTN21 on the game screen G20 shown in FIG. 8). The fixed amount withdrawal request includes, for example, user identification information for identifying user H. The user identification information may be the identification information UID of user H, or may be information other than the identification information UID. For example, when terminal identification information for identifying the game device 20 is associated with the identification information UID of user H by the matching process or the like in step S220 shown in FIG. 10, the terminal identification information may be included in the fixed amount withdrawal request as the user identification information.

[0110] Execution of the process of step S242 causes the management device 10 to execute the process of step S142. The process of step S244 is suspended until the management device 10 executes the process of step S144. Therefore, before describing the process of step S244, a series of processes from step S142 to step S146 executed by the management device 10 will be described.

[0111] In step S142, the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 receives a request to withdraw a certain amount from the game device 20 via the communication unit 160.

[0112] Next, in step S144, the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 transfers a certain amount of electronic game media (a certain amount to be withdrawn that has been preset by the setting unit 143) to the game device 20 that has transmitted the certain amount withdrawal request via the communication unit 160. For example, the transfer control unit 144 withdraws the certain amount of electronic game media that has been set by the setting unit 143 from the account table TBLa. Then, the transfer control unit 144 transfers the certain amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account table TBLa to the game device 20. Among the identification information UIDs registered in the account table TBLa, the identification information UID of user H who owns the electronic game media that are the subject of the certain amount withdrawal is identified by the user identification information included in the certain amount withdrawal request.

[0113] Next, in step S146, the account management unit 141 of the management device 10 updates the account table TBLa. For example, the account management unit 141 subtracts the fixed withdrawal amount from the owned amount X of electronic gaming media associated with user H, among the owned amounts X of electronic gaming media registered in the account table TBLa. This ends the processing of the management device 10 regarding the fixed amount withdrawal process.

[0114] It should be noted that the game device 20 executes the process of step S244 as a result of the management device 10 executing the process of step S144.

[0115] In step S244, the acquisition unit 243 of the game device 20 receives a certain amount (the certain amount to be withdrawn previously set by the setting unit 143) of electronic game media from the management device 10 via the communication unit 260 as a response to the certain amount withdrawal request sent to the management device 10 in step S242. As a result, the acquisition unit 243 acquires the certain amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn from the management device 10.

[0116] Next, in step S246, the acquisition unit 243 of the game device 20 updates the amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20. For example, the acquisition unit 243 adds the amount of credits corresponding to the fixed amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn acquired from the management device 10 to the amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20. The amount of credits corresponding to the fixed amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn is calculated, for example, by multiplying the predetermined conversion rate described with reference to FIG. 4 by the fixed amount of withdrawal. The fixed amount withdrawal process ends when the process of step S246 ends. When the fixed amount withdrawal process ends, the game device 20 proceeds to step S250 in FIG. 10.

[0117] As described above, in this embodiment, the request unit 242 of the game device 20 transmits a fixed amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 each time the operation unit 280 or the reception unit 290 receives a fixed amount withdrawal instruction. Then, the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10, which has received the fixed amount withdrawal request, transfers the fixed amount of electronic game media to the game device 20 that sent the fixed amount withdrawal request. That is, in this embodiment, each time the operation unit 280 or the reception unit 290 receives a fixed amount withdrawal instruction, the fixed amount of electronic game media is transferred from the management device 10 to the game device 20. As a result, in this embodiment, the user H can withdraw the fixed amount of electronic game media by a simple operation for issuing a fixed amount withdrawal instruction (for example, pressing the button BTN21 or inputting the identification information UID, etc.).

[0118] The fixed amount withdrawal process is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 12. For example, authentication similar to the authentication performed in the specified amount withdrawal process shown in Fig. 13 (a series of processes from step S262 to step S270 shown in Fig. 13 and a series of processes from step S164 to step S170 shown in Fig. 13) may be performed.

[0119] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a designated amount withdrawal process. The designated amount withdrawal process shown in Figure 13 corresponds to, for example, the designated amount withdrawal process of step S260 in Figure 10. For example, the process of step S262 is executed when the result of the determination in step S250 in Figure 10 is positive. Note that in the explanation of Figure 13, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H of game device 20 who performs the operations shown in Figure 13.

[0120] In step S262, the game device 20 accepts account authentication information for withdrawing the designated amount. For example, if the account authentication information includes a password, the game device 20 acquires the password indicated by user H's operation on the operation unit 280. Furthermore, for example, if the account authentication information includes biometric information, the acceptance unit 290 acquires user H's biometric information (e.g., the hand vein pattern of user H). Furthermore, for example, if the account authentication information includes an identification information UID, the acceptance unit 290 acquires the identification information UID from a registered card owned by user H. Note that the designated amount withdrawal process shown in FIG. 13 assumes that account authentication information is pre-registered for each identification information UID in the account table TBLa stored in the memory unit 150 of the management device 10.

[0121] Next, in step S264, the verification unit 241 of the game device 20 transmits an account authentication request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260, requesting authentication as to whether user H is the legitimate owner of the electronic gaming medium to be withdrawn. The account authentication request includes, for example, the user identification information described in Fig. 12 and the account authentication information acquired in step S262.

[0122] As a result of the processing of step S264 being executed, the management device 10 executes the processing of step S164. The processing of step S268 is put on hold until the management device 10 executes the processing of step S168. Therefore, before describing the processing of step S268, a series of processing from step S164 to step S170 executed by the management device 10 will be described.

[0123] In step S164, authentication unit 142 of management device 10 receives, via communication unit 160 from game device 20, an account authentication request including user identification information and account authentication information.

[0124] Next, in step S166, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 executes account authentication processing for user H using the user identification information and account authentication information included in the account authentication request received in step S164.

[0125] For example, the authentication unit 142 reads from the account table TBLa the account authentication information associated with the identification information UID of user H indicated by the user specifying information included in the account authentication request. If the account authentication information included in the account authentication request matches the account authentication information read from the account table TBLa, the authentication unit 142 authenticates user H as the legitimate owner of the electronic game medium to be withdrawn. In other words, if the account authentication information included in the account authentication request does not match the account authentication information registered in the account table TBLa, user H is not authenticated as the legitimate owner of the electronic game medium to be withdrawn.

[0126] Next, in step S168, authentication unit 142 of management device 10 transmits the authentication result of the account authentication process in step S166 to game device 20, the sender of the account authentication request, via communication unit 160. After the process of step S168 is executed, game device 20 executes the process of step S268, and management device 10 executes the process of step S170.

[0127] In step S170, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 determines whether or not user H has been authenticated by the account authentication process in step S166. If the result of the determination in step S170 is negative, the processing of the management device 10 regarding the designated amount withdrawal process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S170 is positive, the authentication unit 142 proceeds to step S174.

[0128] The process of step S174 is suspended until the game device 20 executes the process of step S274. Therefore, before describing the process of step S174, a series of processes from step S268 to step S274 executed by the game device 20 will be described.

[0129] In step S268, the verification unit 241 of the game device 20 receives the authentication result of user H from the management device 10 via the communication unit 260 as a response to the account authentication request sent to the management device 10 in step S264.

[0130] Next, in step S270, the verification unit 241 of the game device 20 determines whether or not user H has been authenticated as the legitimate owner of the electronic gaming medium to be withdrawn, based on the authentication result received from the management device 10 in step S268. If the result of the determination in step S270 is negative, the verification unit 241 terminates the designated amount withdrawal process. Note that if the result of the determination in step S270 is negative, the verification unit 241 may notify user H that he has not been authenticated, and then terminate the designated amount withdrawal process. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S270 is positive, the verification unit 241 proceeds to step S272.

[0131] In step S272, the request unit 242 of the game device 20 accepts a designation of the withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media. The request unit 242 acquires, for example, the withdrawal amount indicated by an operation by the user H on the operation unit 280. Hereinafter, in the case of a designated amount withdrawal, the withdrawal amount designated by the user H may be referred to as the designated amount.

[0132] Next, in step S274, the request unit 242 of the game device 20 transmits a designated amount withdrawal request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260. The designated amount withdrawal request includes, for example, the user identification information described in FIG. 12 and the withdrawal amount (designated amount) acquired in step S272.

[0133] Execution of the process of step S274 causes the management device 10 to execute the process of step S174. The process of step S276 is suspended until the management device 10 executes the process of step S176. Therefore, before describing the process of step S276, a series of processes from step S174 to step S178 executed by the management device 10 will be described.

[0134] In step S174, the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 receives the designated amount withdrawal request from the game device 20 via the communication unit 160.

[0135] Next, in step S176, the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 transfers the specified amount (the withdrawal amount specified by user H) of electronic game media to the game device 20 that transmitted the specified amount withdrawal request via the communication unit 160. For example, the transfer control unit 144 withdraws the electronic game media of the withdrawal amount (specified amount) indicated in the specified amount withdrawal request received in step S174 from the account table TBLa. Then, the transfer control unit 144 transfers the specified amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account table TBLa to the game device 20. Note that, among the identification information UIDs registered in the account table TBLa, the identification information UID of user H who owns the electronic game media to be withdrawn by the specified amount is identified by the user identification information included in the specified amount withdrawal request.

[0136] Next, in step S178, the account management unit 141 of the management device 10 updates the account table TBLa. For example, the account management unit 141 subtracts a designated amount from the owned amount X of electronic gaming media associated with user H, among the owned amounts X of electronic gaming media registered in the account table TBLa. This ends the processing of the management device 10 regarding the designated amount withdrawal process.

[0137] It should be noted that the game device 20 executes the process of step S276 as a result of the management device 10 executing the process of step S176.

[0138] In step S276, the acquisition unit 243 of the game device 20 receives the specified amount (the withdrawal amount specified by user H) of electronic game media from the management device 10 via the communication unit 260 as a response to the specified amount withdrawal request sent to the management device 10 in step S274. As a result, the acquisition unit 243 acquires the specified amount of electronic game media from the management device 10.

[0139] Next, in step S278, the acquisition unit 243 of the gaming device 20 updates the amount of credits owned by user H in the gaming device 20. For example, the acquisition unit 243 adds the amount of credits corresponding to the specified amount of electronic gaming media acquired from the management device 10 to the amount of credits owned by user H in the gaming device 20. The amount of credits corresponding to the specified amount of electronic gaming media is calculated, for example, by multiplying the specified amount by the predetermined conversion rate described in FIG. 4. The specified amount withdrawal process ends when the processing of step S278 ends. When the specified amount withdrawal process ends, the gaming device 20 proceeds to step S280 in FIG. 10.

[0140] In this way, with designated amount withdrawal, user H can transfer a desired amount of electronic gaming media from the management device 10 to the game device 20 by specifying the amount to be withdrawn. However, with designated amount withdrawal, user H needs to specify the amount to be withdrawn every time he or she attempts to withdraw electronic gaming media. Therefore, with designated amount withdrawal, the operation of user H specifying the amount to be withdrawn every time electronic gaming media is withdrawn may become cumbersome.

[0141] In addition, with fixed-amount withdrawal, as explained in FIG. 12, user H does not need to perform an operation to specify the amount to be withdrawn when withdrawing electronic game media. Therefore, with fixed-amount withdrawal, user H's operations when withdrawing electronic game media can be made less cumbersome than with specified-amount withdrawal. For example, if the game start timing is determined regardless of user H's situation, particularly if the time from the current time to the game start timing is short, user H is likely to find it cumbersome to perform an operation to specify the amount to be withdrawn each time electronic game media is withdrawn. Even in this case, in this embodiment, user H can withdraw a fixed amount of electronic game media with a simple operation by selecting fixed-amount withdrawal, thereby making it less cumbersome for user H to perform the operation when withdrawing electronic game media.

[0142] Furthermore, for example, in lottery games or horse racing games, there may be a time limit set for inserting credits (for example, when there is a limit on the betting time). In this case, with a specified amount withdrawal, it takes time to specify the amount of electronic gaming media to be withdrawn, and there is a possibility that the time will run out. In contrast, with a fixed amount withdrawal, user H does not need to specify the amount of electronic gaming media to be withdrawn, so the time will be less likely to run out.

[0143] The designated amount withdrawal process is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 13. For example, the series of processes from step S264 to step S270 may be executed by a functional block (e.g., request unit 242) other than the collation unit 241 among the functional blocks included in the game device 20. Furthermore, the game device 20 may transmit a request that combines an account authentication request and a designated amount withdrawal request to the management device 10. In this case, the game device 20 acquires the withdrawal amount before transmitting the request that combines an account authentication request and a designated amount withdrawal request to the management device 10. Note that the acquisition of the withdrawal amount may be executed before the game device 20 transmits the request that combines an account authentication request and a designated amount withdrawal request to the management device 10, and may be executed before the game device 20 receives account authentication information, or may be executed after the game device 20 receives account authentication information.

[0144] In addition, in this embodiment, the specified amount withdrawal process is executed when user H matches user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, so the series of processes from step S262 to step S270 and the series of processes from step S164 to step S170 may be omitted.

[0145] As described above, in this embodiment, the game system 1 includes a game device 20 that executes a game using electronic game media, and a management device 10 that is communicatively connected to the game device 20. The management device 10 includes an account management unit 141 that manages an account table TBLa in which the owned amount X of electronic game media is registered for each user H, an authentication unit 142 that authenticates a user H who attempts to use the management device 10, a setting unit 143 that presets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic game media, and a transfer control unit 144. When the transfer control unit 144 receives a fixed amount withdrawal request from the game device 20, it withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media set by the setting unit 143 from the account table TBLa and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account table TBLa to the game device 20. The game device 20 has a request unit 242 that transmits a certain amount of withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144 on the condition of authentication by the authentication unit 142, and an acquisition unit 243 that acquires the certain amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn transferred from the transfer control unit 144. The game device 20 also has a matching unit 241 that checks whether or not user H of the game device 20 has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 and notifies the request unit 242 of the matching result. Note that the matching unit 241 may be realized as one of the functions of the request unit 242.

[0146] In this embodiment, as described above, when the transfer control unit 144 receives a fixed amount withdrawal request from the game device 20, it transfers the fixed amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn, which is preset by the setting unit 143, to the game device 20. This eliminates the need for user H to specify the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn each time the fixed amount of electronic game media is withdrawn. Therefore, this embodiment can reduce the complexity of user H's operations when withdrawing electronic game media. In other words, in this embodiment, user H can withdraw the fixed amount of electronic game media without performing any complicated operations. Therefore, this embodiment can improve the convenience of the game system 1.

[0147] [2. Modifications] Each of the above embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be combined as appropriate within a range that does not contradict each other. In the modified examples exemplified below, elements whose actions and functions are equivalent to those of the embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals as in the above description, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0148] [First Modification] In the above-described embodiment, the setting unit 143 of the management device 10 presets the fixed withdrawal amount based on an operation on the management device 10 by user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the setting unit 143 may preset the fixed withdrawal amount based on an operation on the management device 10 by a facility official, such as a manager or employee, of the gaming facility where the game system 1 is installed. That is, the setting unit 143 may preset the fixed withdrawal amount based on an operation on the management device 10 by user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 or a specific person, such as a facility official of the gaming facility where the game system 1 is installed. Alternatively, when the control device 14 of the management device 10 starts the control program PRa, the setting unit 143 may set the fixed withdrawal amount specified by the control program PRa or the address of the storage device 15 where the fixed withdrawal amount is pre-stored (the location of the storage area where the fixed withdrawal amount is stored).

[0149] Furthermore, the setting unit 143 may set the fixed withdrawal amount based on an operation on the game device 20 by the user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. For example, the operation unit 280 of the game device 20 may accept an operation for setting the fixed withdrawal amount when the user H of the game device 20 matches the user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. In this case, the game device 20 may transmit setting information indicating the fixed withdrawal amount specified by an operation on the operation unit 280 by the user H of the game device 20 to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260. Then, the setting unit 143 of the management device 10 may set the fixed withdrawal amount based on the setting information received from the game device 20.

[0150] The operation of the operation unit 280 to set the fixed withdrawal amount may be accepted after the fixed withdrawal amount has been set based on an operation on the management device 10, or may be accepted regardless of whether the fixed withdrawal amount has already been set. In the first modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0151] [Second Modification] In the above-described embodiment and first modified example, the relationship between the multiple game devices 20 and the fixed withdrawal amount is not specifically explained, but the fixed withdrawal amount may be set commonly for the multiple game devices 20, or may be set independently for at least two of the multiple game devices 20. One of the at least two game devices 20 is an example of a "game device," and the other game device 20 is an example of an "another game device."

[0152] For example, the setting unit 143 of the management device 10 may set the fixed withdrawal amount independently for one game device 20 and the other game devices 20 among the plurality of game devices 20. In other words, the setting unit 143 may independently set the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request from one game device 20 and the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request from the other game devices 20. The fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request from a game device 20 corresponds to the "fixed withdrawal amount corresponding to a fixed withdrawal request from a game device."

[0153] In an aspect in which the fixed withdrawal amount is set independently for at least two of the multiple game devices 20, for example, if the amount of electronic gaming media (e.g., credits) used to satisfactorily play one game differs depending on the game device 20, the fixed withdrawal amount can be set for each game device 20. This reduces the effort required by user H when withdrawing electronic gaming media in an aspect in which the fixed withdrawal amount is set independently for at least two of the multiple game devices 20.

[0154] For example, in a pusher game in which multiple physical medals are dropped, a large number of electronic medals are used in order for user H to play the game satisfactorily. In contrast, in a horse racing game, user H tends to be able to play the game satisfactorily even if the number of electronic medals used per play is smaller than in a pusher game. For example, in a mode in which a fixed withdrawal amount common to both the pusher game and the horse racing game is set, assuming a first situation in which the fixed withdrawal amount is small and a second situation in which the fixed withdrawal amount is large, the following problems may occur compared to a mode in which the fixed withdrawal amount can be set for each game device 20.

[0155] For example, in the first situation, when user H plays a pusher game, he or she will have to repeatedly issue a command to withdraw a fixed amount, which may reduce the effect of reducing the effort required for user H to withdraw electronic gaming media. Also, in the second situation, when user H plays a horse racing game, the amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn in one fixed amount withdrawal is large, so there is a risk that user H will use more electronic gaming media in one play than he or she expected.

[0156] In contrast, in an aspect in which a fixed withdrawal amount can be set for each game device 20 (an aspect in which a fixed withdrawal amount is set independently for at least two game devices 20 out of the plurality of game devices 20), the fixed withdrawal amount can be set to an appropriate amount, for example, depending on the game being executed by the game device 20. Therefore, in an aspect in which a fixed withdrawal amount can be set for each game device 20, it is possible to prevent the problems described in the first and second situations from occurring.

[0157] In addition, when user H sets a fixed withdrawal amount for each game device 20 by operating the operation unit 180 of the management device 10, he / she may specify the game device 20 or game for which the fixed withdrawal amount is to be set, and set the fixed withdrawal amount for the specified game device 20 or game.

[0158] [Third Modification] In the above-described embodiment, first modified example, and second modified example, the setting unit 143 may set the fixed withdrawal amount according to the owned amount X of electronic gaming media registered in the account table TBLa.

[0159] For example, the setting unit 143 may change the fixed withdrawal amount to a smaller amount when the owned amount X of electronic game media is small compared to when the owned amount X of electronic game media is large. In this case, user H can understand that the owned amount X of electronic game media registered in the account table TBLa has decreased by noticing that the withdrawn amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to the fixed withdrawal request has decreased. That is, in the third modification, user H can understand that the owned amount X of electronic game media registered in the account table TBLa has decreased without performing a balance inquiry to inquire about the owned amount X of electronic game media registered in the account table TBLa. Therefore, a decrease in the amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request can also trigger user H to deposit additional electronic game media in exchange for currency. For example, when user H realizes that the withdrawn amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request has decreased, he or she may deposit additional electronic game media in exchange for currency in order to continue playing the game.

[0160] In this way, in the third modification, user H can roughly grasp the owned amount X of electronic game media registered in the account table TBLa by grasping the withdrawal amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to a certain withdrawal request, without having to check the balance in the account table TBLa. Therefore, in the third modification, the convenience of the game system 1 can be improved.

[0161] [Fourth Modification] In the above-described embodiment and the first to third modified examples, the setting unit 143 may set the fixed withdrawal amount according to one or more of the current time, date, and day of the week.

[0162] For example, if a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the current time, user H can use changes in the amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request as a guide to when to stop playing. For example, if the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic medals is set to 200 until 6:00 PM and 50 after 6:00 PM, user H may know that it is evening when the number of electronic medals withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request changes to 50, and may end the game.

[0163] Furthermore, for example, when a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the day of the week, the fixed withdrawal amount for days on which the use of electronic gaming media tends to increase may be set to be larger than the fixed withdrawal amount for days on which the use of electronic gaming media tends to decrease. In this case, for example, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of times that user H issues a fixed withdrawal instruction on days on which the use of electronic gaming media tends to increase. Also, for example, even when a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the date, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of times that user H issues a fixed withdrawal instruction, just as in the case where a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the day of the week.

[0164] The management device 10 may have an information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the information of the current time, date, and day of the week. In this case, the setting unit 143 may set the fixed withdrawal amount based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit from the information of the current time, date, and day of the week. If the information acquisition unit acquires multiple pieces of information from the information of the current time, date, and day of the week, the setting unit 143 may set the fixed withdrawal amount based on one or more of the pieces of information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0165] [Fifth Modification] In the above-described embodiment and the variants from the first variant to the fourth variant, the transfer control unit 144 may restrict the withdrawal of electronic gaming media by user H when the total daily amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account table TBLa has reached a predetermined upper limit.

[0166] For example, the transfer control unit 144 may stop the withdrawal of electronic gaming media from the account table TBLa for user H whose total daily amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account table TBLa has reached a predetermined upper limit. Alternatively, the transfer control unit 144 may stop the withdrawal of a certain amount, out of the fixed amount withdrawal and the designated amount withdrawal, for user H whose total daily amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account table TBLa has reached a predetermined upper limit, and limit withdrawal to only the designated amount.

[0167] In the fifth modification, when user H's daily withdrawal amount of electronic game media reaches the upper limit, the withdrawal of electronic game media is restricted, thereby preventing user H from overspending electronic game media. In other words, the fifth modification can prevent user H from overspending electronic game media while reducing the effort required for user H to withdraw electronic game media. Furthermore, in the fifth modification, even if a lost registered card is used by someone else, for example, since an upper limit is set on the daily withdrawal amount of electronic game media, damage caused by the loss of the registered card can be reduced.

[0168] [Sixth Modification] In the above-described embodiment and the first to fifth modified examples, the game device 20 may stop accepting instructions to withdraw a fixed amount for a predetermined period after accepting an instruction to withdraw a fixed amount. In the sixth modified example, the game device 20 stops accepting instructions to withdraw a fixed amount for a predetermined period after accepting an instruction to withdraw a fixed amount, thereby preventing instructions to withdraw a fixed amount from being accepted consecutively against the will of the user H.

[0169] Here, for example, if the gaming device 20 does not have a function to stop accepting a fixed-amount withdrawal instruction for a predetermined period after accepting a fixed-amount withdrawal instruction, there is a risk that a larger amount of electronic game media than the user H intended will be withdrawn due to continuous acceptance of the fixed-amount withdrawal instruction. In contrast, in the sixth modification, the gaming device 20 stops accepting a fixed-amount withdrawal instruction for a predetermined period after accepting a fixed-amount withdrawal instruction, thereby preventing electronic game media from being withdrawn against the user H's will due to an erroneous operation by the user H, etc. One advantage of the gaming device 20 that does not have a function to stop accepting a fixed-amount withdrawal instruction for a predetermined period over the sixth modification is that, for example, continuous acceptance of a fixed-amount withdrawal instruction allows a larger amount of electronic game media than the fixed withdrawal amount to be withdrawn in a short period of time.

[0170] [Seventh Modification] In the above-described embodiment and the first to sixth modified examples, the request unit 242 may transmit a certain amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144 when the amount of electronic gaming media (e.g., credits) owned by user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 in the game device 20 falls below a predetermined value. Hereinafter, the function of automatically transmitting a certain amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144 when the amount of electronic gaming media owned by user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 in the game device 20 falls below a predetermined value may be referred to as an automatic transfer function.

[0171] The predetermined value may be set in advance based on an operation on the management device 10 or the game device 20 by a specific person, such as the user H or a facility official of the gaming facility where the game system 1 is installed. Alternatively, when the control device 14 of the management device 10 starts the control program PRa, the predetermined value may be set by the setting unit 143 setting a value designated by the control program PRa or an address of the storage device 15 where a certain value is stored in advance (the location of a storage area where a certain value is stored).

[0172] For example, in the seventh modification, when the amount of electronic game media owned by user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 in the game device 20 falls below a predetermined value, an automatic transfer function automatically transfers a certain amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn from the management device 10 to the game device 20. As a result, in the seventh modification, it is possible to reduce the effort required of user H when withdrawing electronic game media. Note that user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 may be able to select whether or not to use the automatic transfer function.

[0173] [Eighth Modification] In the above-described embodiment and the first to seventh modified examples, the case where the identification information UID of user H is used to authenticate whether user H attempting to use the management device 10 is a legitimate user H (authentication by the authentication unit 142) has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, card identification information identifying a registered card may be used for authentication by the authentication unit 142. In this case, the card identification information may be associated with the identification information UID when the identification information UID is assigned to user H upon user registration, for example. In an embodiment in which card identification information is used for authentication, even if user H loses his / her registered card, fraudulent use of the lost registered card by user H can be prevented by associating the card identification information of a newly issued registered card with the identification information UID.

[0174] [Ninth Variation] In the above-described embodiment and the variants from variant 1 to variant 8, there is no specific explanation of the storage process of electronic gaming media when an unregistered user H plays a game, but the game device 20 used by an unregistered user H may be subjected to storage processing as described below.

[0175] For example, the storage process for electronic game media owned by unregistered user H in the game device 20 may be executed as the termination process of step S290 shown in FIG. 10. Hereinafter, the amount of electronic game media owned by unregistered user H in the game device 20 may be referred to as the "retained amount." When the control unit 240 of the game device 20 starts the storage process, it presents temporary identification information to the unregistered user H (user H of the game device 20). The temporary identification information is a code string for authenticating that the user H is the legitimate owner of the electronic game media in the game device 20. Specifically, the control unit 240 presents the temporary identification information to the unregistered user H by displaying the temporary identification information on the display unit 270. The temporary identification information can only be confirmed by the unregistered user H. The unregistered user H memorizes or makes a note of the temporary identification information. Note that the control unit 240 may present the temporary identification information when a facility official of the gaming facility performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 280.

[0176] The control unit 240 also transmits a storage request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260. The storage request is a message requesting the management device 10 to temporarily store electronic game media owned by the unregistered user H in the game device 20. The storage request includes temporary identification information presented by the unregistered user H and the amount of electronic game media held.

[0177] The control unit 140 of the management device 10 receives a storage request from the game device 20 via the communication unit 160. The control unit 140 associates the held amount and temporary identification information included in the storage request and stores them in the memory unit 150. That is, the electronic gaming media owned by the unregistered user H in the game device 20 is not currently registered in the account table TBLa, but is temporarily stored in the memory unit 150. The held amount and temporary identification information stored in the memory unit 150 are erased, for example, after a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) has passed.

[0178] The unregistered user H, who has presented the temporary identification information, moves from the game device 20 to the management device 10 within the gaming facility. The unregistered user H instructs the management device 10 to perform a registration process for user registration by appropriately operating the operation unit 180 of the management device 10. The registration process is a process for registering the electronic gaming media owned by the unregistered user H in the game device 20 in the account table TBLa after the unregistered user H plays a game. When the unregistered user H performs the registration process, the held amount associated with the temporary identification information is associated with the owned amount X as the new identification information UID. As a result, the electronic gaming media owned by the unregistered user H in the game device 20 are registered in the account table TBLa. Furthermore, the unregistered user H becomes a registered user H. Note that the temporary identification information may be used in a verification process until the registration process is performed. For example, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 may authenticate the unregistered user H using the temporary identification information before the registration process is performed. In this case, an unregistered user H who has been authenticated using temporary identification information may operate the operation unit 180 of the management device 10 to set a fixed withdrawal amount for withdrawing a fixed amount from the held amount of electronic gaming media stored in the memory unit 150. The ninth modification can also achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment and the modifications from the first to eighth modifications.

[0179] [Tenth Modification] In the above-described embodiment and the variants from the first variant to the ninth variant, no specific example is shown in which the management device 10 is realized as a collection of multiple devices configured separately from each other, but as shown in Figure 14, the management device 10A may be realized as a collection of an account management device 12 and a user management device 13.

[0180] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a game system 1A according to a tenth modification. The game system 1A is similar to the game system 1 shown in FIG. 1, except that it has a management device 10A instead of the management device 10 shown in FIG. 1. Elements similar to those described in FIGS. 1 to 13 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. For example, the game system 1A has a management device 10A that manages data such as electronic gaming media for each user H, and a plurality of game devices 20. The management device 10A is another example of a "management system."

[0181] The hardware configuration of account management device 12 is the same as the hardware configuration of management device 10 shown in Fig. 3, except that reception device 19 is omitted from management device 10 shown in Fig. 3. The hardware configuration of user management device 13 is the same as the hardware configuration of management device 10 shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those used for the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 3 are used for the hardware configurations of user management device 13 and account management device 12.

[0182] The management device 10A has, for example, an account management device 12 that manages electronic gaming media for each user H, and a user management device 13 that provides game-related services to user H. The game-related services may be, for example, presenting user H with the progress status (play history) of games that user H has played in the past.

[0183] Account management device 12 is connected to user management device 13, for example, by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with user management device 13. Account management device 12 may also communicate with user management device 13 via communication network 2. Account management device 12 has, for example, a control unit 140a that controls each unit of account management device 12, a memory unit 150a that stores various information such as control program PR1 and account table TBLa, a communication unit 160a, a display unit 170a, and an operation unit 180a.

[0184] Control unit 140a is the same as control unit 140 shown in FIG. 2 except that authentication unit 142, setting unit 143, and transfer control unit 144 are omitted from control unit 140 shown in FIG. 2. For example, control unit 140a has account management unit 141 described in FIG. 2. Storage unit 150a, communication unit 160a, display unit 170a, and operation unit 180a are the same as storage unit 150, communication unit 160, display unit 170, and operation unit 180 shown in FIG. 2. However, control program PR1 stored in storage unit 150a is different from control program PRa shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, for example, control device 14 of account management device 12 functions as control unit 140a having account management unit 141 by executing control program PR1.

[0185] Furthermore, the user management device 13 communicates with, for example, each of the multiple game devices 20 via the communication network 2. The user management device 13 has, for example, a control unit 140b that controls each unit of the user management device 13, a storage unit 150b that stores various information such as a control program PR2 and an authenticated table TBLb, a communication unit 160b, a display unit 170b, an operation unit 180b, and a reception unit 190 described in FIG.

[0186] The control unit 140b is similar to the control unit 140 shown in FIG. 2 except that the account management unit 141 is omitted from the control unit 140 shown in FIG. 2. For example, the control unit 140b has the authentication unit 142, setting unit 143, and transfer control unit 144 described in FIG. 2. The memory unit 150b, communication unit 160b, display unit 170b, and operation unit 180b are similar to the memory unit 150, communication unit 160, display unit 170, and operation unit 180 shown in FIG. 2. However, the control program PR2 stored in the memory unit 150b is different from the control program PRa shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, for example, the control device 14 of the user management device 13 functions as the control unit 140b having the authentication unit 142, setting unit 143, and transfer control unit 144 by executing the control program PR2.

[0187] The configuration of game system 1A is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 14. For example, display unit 170a and operation unit 180a may be omitted from account management device 12. Alternatively, account management device 12 may have a function equivalent to reception unit 190. Game system 1A may also have, for example, a non-compatible game device that does not support control signals from user management device 13, and an adapter that mediates communication between user management device 13 and the non-compatible game device by converting the control signals into a format suitable for both user management device 13 and the non-compatible game device.

[0188] The tenth modification can also provide the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment and the first to ninth modifications.

[0189] [Eleventh Modification] In the above-described embodiment and the first to tenth modified examples, examples have been given in which electronic game media transferred to the game device 20 are converted into credits, and the credits converted from the electronic game media are consumed to play a game, but the conversion of electronic game media into credits may be omitted. That is, user H may play a game in exchange for consuming a predetermined amount of electronic game media transferred to the game device 20. In the eleventh modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment and the first to tenth modified examples can be obtained.

[0190] [3. Other] The functions of the management device 10 or 10A according to the above-described embodiment and the first through eleventh modifications (e.g., the account management unit 141, the authentication unit 142, the setting unit 143, and the transfer control unit 144) are realized by cooperation between the control device 14 and a program. Similarly, the functions of the game device 20 according to the above-described embodiment and the first through eleventh modifications (e.g., the matching unit 241, the request unit 242, and the acquisition unit 243) are realized by cooperation between the control device 24 and a program. The programs according to the above-described embodiments may be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium may be, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disc) such as a CD-ROM, but may also include any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. In addition, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, a storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0191] [4. Notes] From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows: In order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals in the drawings are written in parentheses for convenience, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

[0192] [Appendix 1] A game system (1 or 1A) according to a preferred embodiment (Supplementary Note 1) of the present invention comprises a game device (20) that executes a game using electronic game media, and a management system (10 or 10A) communicably connected to the game device (20), the management system (10 or 10A) comprising an account management unit (141) that manages account data (TBLa) in which the amount (X) of owned electronic game media is registered for each user (H), an authentication unit (142) that authenticates a user (H) attempting to use the management system (10 or 10A), a setting unit (143) that presets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic game media, and and a transfer control unit (144) which, when receiving a certain amount of withdrawal request from the game device (20), withdraws the certain amount of electronic game media set by the setting unit (143) from the account data (TBLa) and transfers the certain amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) to the game device (20), and the game device (20) has a request unit (242) which transmits the certain amount of withdrawal request to the transfer control unit (144) on the condition of authentication by the authentication unit (142), and an acquisition unit (243) which acquires the certain amount of electronic game media transferred from the transfer control unit (144).

[0193] According to this aspect, the setting unit (143) presets a fixed withdrawal amount, and the transfer control unit (144) transfers the fixed amount of electronic game media to the game device (20) when it receives a withdrawal request from the game device (20). Therefore, in this aspect, the user (H) does not need to specify the withdrawal amount each time he or she withdraws a fixed amount of electronic game media. As a result, this aspect reduces the complexity of the user (H)'s operations when withdrawing electronic game media. In this way, this aspect allows the fixed amount of electronic game media to be transferred from the management system (10 or 10A) to the game device (2) with little effort, thereby improving the convenience of the game system (1 or 1A).

[0194] Here, "electronic gaming media" may be, for example, electronic gaming media used in games. "Electronic gaming media" may be, for example, electronic data indicating the value of gaming media such as medals (coins), tokens (token coins), coins, and tickets. Note that "gaming media" is a concept that encompasses all elements that have value in relation to games. Hereinafter, electronic gaming media may be referred to as electronic medals in contrast to physical medals such as coins.

[0195] Furthermore, the "management system (10 or 10A)" may be realized, for example, by one device, or may be realized by multiple devices (for example, two devices: a first device (12) including an account management unit (141), and a second device (13) including an authentication unit (142), a setting unit (143), and a transfer control unit (144)).

[0196] Furthermore, "presetting a fixed withdrawal amount" may refer to setting a fixed withdrawal amount based on an operation of the management system (10 or 10A) by a specific person, such as a user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) or an employee of the facility where the game system (1 or 1A) is installed, before the management system (10 or 10A) receives a request to withdraw a fixed amount from the game device (20). Furthermore, "presetting a fixed withdrawal amount" may refer to setting a fixed withdrawal amount specified by the program (PRa or PR2) of the game system (1 or 1A) when a control device (14), such as a processor, included in the management system (10 or 10A) starts the program (PRa or PR2), or may refer to setting an address (location of a memory area where the fixed withdrawal amount is stored) of the memory device (15) where the fixed withdrawal amount is previously stored.

[0197] [Appendix 2] In a preferred example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the setting unit (143) sets the fixed withdrawal amount in response to a setting instruction from the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142).

[0198] According to this aspect, a fixed amount desired by the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) can be set as the fixed withdrawal amount.

[0199] Here, the "setting instruction" may be, for example, an instruction to set a new fixed withdrawal amount, or an instruction to change an already set fixed withdrawal amount.

[0200] [Appendix 3] In a preferred example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the game device (20) further includes a verification unit (241) that verifies whether or not the user (H) of the game device (20) has been authenticated by the authentication unit (142) and notifies the request unit (242) of the verification result.

[0201] According to this aspect, the condition that the user (H) of the game device (20) matches the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) corresponds to the condition that authentication by the authentication unit (142) is required. Therefore, in this aspect, the request unit (242) transmits a fixed amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit (144) on the condition that the user (H) of the game device (20) matches the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142).

[0202] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a request for withdrawal of a certain amount from being transmitted to the management system (10 or 10A) from a gaming device (20) used by a user (H) who has not been authenticated by the authentication unit (142). That is, in this embodiment, the gaming device (20) does not transmit a request for withdrawal of a certain amount until it is confirmed that the user (H) of the gaming device (20) is the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142). As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a user (H) who has not been authenticated by the authentication unit (142) from fraudulently withdrawing a certain amount of electronic gaming media from the account data (TBLa) (so-called spoofing).

[0203] [Appendix 4] In a preferred example (Appendix 4) of any one of Appendices 1 to 3, the game device (20) further has an instruction receiving unit (280 or 290) that receives a transfer instruction to transfer the certain amount of electronic gaming media to be withdrawn when the user (H) of the game device (20) has been authenticated by the authentication unit (142), and the request unit (242) transmits the certain amount of withdrawal request to the transfer control unit (144) each time the instruction receiving unit (280 or 290) receives the transfer instruction.

[0204] According to this embodiment, the user (H) can withdraw a certain amount of electronic game media at the desired timing by issuing a transfer instruction at the desired timing. Note that the user (H) does not need to specify the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) when issuing a transfer instruction. Therefore, this embodiment can reduce the effort required for the user (H) when withdrawing electronic game media.

[0205] Here, the "transfer instruction" may be, for example, a predetermined operation by the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) performed on the operation unit (280) that accepts the operation by the user (H). In this case, the operation unit (280) is an example of an "instruction accepting unit." The "transfer instruction" may also be, for example, inputting identification information (UID) identifying the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) into the game device (20). The "input of the identification information (UID) into the game device (20)" may be, for example, reading the identification information (UID) stored in an IC card into the game device (20). In this case, the game device (20) may have a accepting unit (290) implemented by a card reader or the like that acquires information from the IC card. If the accepting unit (290) reading the identification information (UID) stored in the IC card corresponds to accepting the transfer instruction, the accepting unit (290) is an example of an "instruction accepting unit."

[0206] [Appendix 5] In a preferred example (Supplementary Note 5) of Supplementary Note 4, after receiving the transfer instruction, the instruction receiving unit (280 or 290) suspends the reception of the transfer instruction for a predetermined period of time.

[0207] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent transfer instructions from being continuously accepted against the user's (H) will. Furthermore, for example, if the game device (20) does not have a function to stop accepting transfer instructions for a predetermined period after accepting a transfer instruction, the continuous acceptance of transfer instructions may result in the withdrawal of more electronic game media than the user (H) intended. In contrast, in this embodiment, the instruction accepting unit (280 or 290) stops accepting transfer instructions for a predetermined period after accepting a transfer instruction, thereby preventing the withdrawal of more electronic game media than the user (H) intended. One advantage of a game device (20) that does not have a function to stop accepting transfer instructions for a predetermined period over this embodiment is, for example, that the continuous acceptance of transfer instructions allows the withdrawal of more electronic game media than the fixed withdrawal amount in a short period of time.

[0208] [Appendix 6] In a preferred example (Appendix 6) of any one of Appendices 1 to 5, the request unit (242) transmits the fixed amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit (144) when the amount of electronic gaming media owned by the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) in the game device (20) falls below a predetermined value.

[0209] According to this aspect, when the amount of electronic game media owned by a user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) in the game device (20) falls below a predetermined value, a request to withdraw a certain amount is transmitted to the transfer control unit (144). Therefore, in this aspect, when the amount of electronic game media owned by a user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) in the game device (20) falls below a predetermined value, a certain amount of electronic game media is automatically transferred from the management system (10 or 10A) to the game device (20). As a result, this aspect reduces the effort required of the user (H) when withdrawing electronic game media.

[0210] [Appendix 7] In a preferred example (Appendix 7) of any one of Appendices 1 to 6, there is further provided another game device (20) other than the game device (20), and the setting unit (143) independently sets the fixed withdrawal amount corresponding to the fixed withdrawal request from the game device (20) and the fixed withdrawal amount corresponding to the fixed withdrawal request from the other game device (20).

[0211] According to this aspect, for example, even if the type of game played by one game device (20) differs from the type of game played by another game device (20), it is possible to set a fixed withdrawal amount according to the type of game. Therefore, in this aspect, for example, even if the amount of electronic gaming media used in a game differs depending on the type of game, it is possible to set a fixed withdrawal amount according to the type of game, thereby improving the convenience of the game system (1 or 1A).

[0212] [Appendix 8] In a preferred example (Supplementary Note 8) of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, the setting unit (143) sets the fixed withdrawal amount according to the owned amount (X) of electronic gaming media registered in the account data (TBLa).

[0213] According to this embodiment, for example, when the owned amount (X) of electronic game media is small, the fixed withdrawal amount can be reduced compared to when the owned amount (X) of electronic game media is large. In this case, the user (H) can understand that the owned amount (X) of electronic game media registered in the account data (TBLa) has decreased by notifying that the withdrawn amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to the fixed withdrawal request has decreased. In other words, in this embodiment, the user (H) can understand that the owned amount (X) of electronic game media registered in the account data (TBLa) has decreased without having to perform a balance inquiry to inquire about the owned amount (X) of electronic game media registered in the account data (TBLa). Therefore, the decrease in the withdrawn amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to the fixed withdrawal request can also trigger the user (H) to deposit additional electronic game media in exchange for currency. For example, if user (H) realizes that the amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn in response to a certain withdrawal request has decreased, he or she may deposit additional electronic gaming media in exchange for currency in order to continue enjoying the game.

[0214] In this manner, in this embodiment, the user (H) can roughly grasp the amount (X) of electronic gaming media owned registered in the account data (TBLa) by grasping the amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn in response to a certain withdrawal request, without having to check the balance of the account data (TBLa). Therefore, in this embodiment, the convenience of the game system (1 or 1A) can be improved.

[0215] [Appendix 9] In a preferred example (Supplementary Note 9) of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, the setting unit (143) sets the fixed withdrawal amount based on one or more of the current time, date, and day of the week.

[0216] According to this aspect, for example, if a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the current time, the user (H) can use the change in the amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request as a guide to the end of the game. For example, if the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic medals is set to 200 until 6:00 PM and set to 50 after 6:00 PM, the user (H) may know that it is evening when the number of electronic medals withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request changes to 50, and may end the game.

[0217] Furthermore, in this aspect, for example, when a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the day of the week, the fixed withdrawal amount for days on which electronic gaming media usage tends to increase can be made larger than the fixed withdrawal amount for days on which electronic gaming media usage tends to decrease. In this case, for example, on days on which electronic gaming media usage tends to increase, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of transfer instructions to transfer a fixed amount of electronic gaming media from the management system (10 or 10A) to the game device (20). Furthermore, for example, even when a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the date, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of transfer instructions, just as in the case where a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the day of the week.

[0218] [Appendix 10] In a preferred example (Appendix 9) of any one of Appendices 1 to 9, the transfer control unit (144) restricts the withdrawal of electronic gaming media by a user (H) whose total daily amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) has reached a predetermined upper limit.

[0219] According to this aspect, the withdrawal of electronic game media by a user (H) whose daily withdrawal amount of electronic game media has reached the upper limit is restricted, thereby preventing the user (H) from overspending electronic game media. That is, this aspect can prevent the user (H) from overspending electronic game media while reducing the effort required for the user (H) to withdraw electronic game media. Furthermore, in this aspect, even if a lost registered card is used by someone else, for example, since an upper limit is set on the daily withdrawal amount of electronic game media, damage caused by the loss of the registered card can be reduced.

[0220] Here, "restricting the withdrawal of electronic gaming media" may mean, for example, stopping the withdrawal of electronic gaming media from the account data (TBLa). Also, "restricting the withdrawal of electronic gaming media" may mean, for example, stopping the withdrawal of electronic gaming media from the account data (TBLa) in response to a request to withdraw a certain amount and limiting the withdrawal method to another method. Another withdrawal method may be, for example, a designated amount withdrawal, in which the user (H) specifies the amount to be withdrawn, and the desired amount of electronic gaming media specified by the user (H) is transferred from the management system (10 or 10A) to the game device (20). Note that with designated amount withdrawal, the user (H) must specify the amount to be withdrawn each time he or she attempts to withdraw electronic gaming media.

[0221] [Appendix 11] A management system (10 or 10A) according to another aspect of the present invention (Supplementary Note 11) is a management system (10 or 10A) communicatively connected to a game device (20) that executes a game using electronic game media, and includes an account management unit (141) that manages account data (TBLa) in which the amount (X) of electronic game media owned by each user (H) is registered, an authentication unit (142) that authenticates a user (H) attempting to use the management system (10 or 10A), a setting unit (143) that presets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic game media, and a transfer control unit (144) that, when a withdrawal request for a fixed amount is received from the game device (20), withdraws the electronic game media of the fixed withdrawal amount set by the setting unit (143) from the account data (TBLa) and transfers the electronic game media withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) to the game device (20). This aspect also provides the same effects as Supplementary Note 1.

[0222] [Appendix 12] The program (PRa, or PR1 and PR2) according to another aspect of the present invention (Supplementary Note 12) is a program for a management system (10 or 10A) communicably connected to a game device (20) that executes a game using electronic gaming media, and the program includes a processor (14) of the management system (10 or 10A) configured to include an account management unit (141) that manages account data (TBLa) in which the amount (X) of owned electronic gaming media is registered for each user (H), and a user (H) attempting to use the management system (10 or 10A). The system functions as an authentication unit (142) that authenticates a user (H) who is making a withdrawal, a setting unit (143) that presets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic game media, and a transfer control unit (144) that, when a request to withdraw a fixed amount is received from the game device (20), withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media set by the setting unit (143) from the account data (TBLa) and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) to the game device (20). In this embodiment, the same effect as in Supplementary Note 1 can be obtained.

[0223] [Appendix 13] Another aspect (Supplementary Note 13) of the present invention relates to a method for operating a game system (1 or 1A) including a game device (20) that executes a game using electronic game media, and a management system (10 or 10A) communicably connected to the game device (20), wherein the management system (10 or 10A) manages account data (TBLa) in which the amount (X) of electronic game media owned is registered for each user (H), authenticates the user (H) attempting to use the management system (10 or 10A), and issues a fixed withdrawal request for a fixed amount of electronic game media. When a withdrawal request for a certain amount is received from the gaming device (20), the predetermined amount of electronic game media is withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) and the electronic game media of the predetermined amount withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) is transferred to the gaming device (20), and the gaming device (20) transmits the withdrawal request for a certain amount to the management system (10 or 10A) on the condition that the management system (10 or 10A) authenticates the request, and acquires the electronic game media of the predetermined amount transferred from the management system (10 or 10A). In this mode, the same effect as in Supplementary Note 1 can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0224] 1, 1A...game system, 2...communication network, 10, 10A...management device, 12...account management device, 13...user management device, 14...control device, 15...storage device, 16...communication device, 17...display device, 18...operation device, 19...reception device, 20...game device, 24...control device, 25...storage device, 26...communication device, 27...display device, 28...operation device, 29...reception device, 140, 140a, 140b...control unit, 141...account Management unit, 142...authentication unit, 143...setting unit, 144...transfer control unit, 150, 150a, 150b...storage unit, 160, 160a, 160b...communication unit, 170, 170a, 170b...display unit, 180, 180a, 180b...operation unit, 190...reception unit, 240...control unit, 241...matching unit, 242...request unit, 243...acquisition unit, 250...storage unit, 260...communication unit, 270...display unit, 280...operation unit, 290...reception unit.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a game device operated by a user for executing a game using electronic gaming media; and a management system communicably connected to the game device; The game device includes: a presentation unit that presents identification information to a user when the user ends a game; a communication unit that transmits the user's owned amount of electronic gaming media and the identification information to the management system; a request unit that transmits a withdrawal request to the management system, the withdrawal request being a request to withdraw a predetermined amount of electronic game media in the management system; an acquisition unit that acquires electronic game media transferred from the management system; Equipped with The management system includes: a storage unit for storing the amount of electronic game media owned by the user and the identification information received from the game device; an authentication unit that uses the identification information to authenticate a user who attempts to use the management system; a setting unit that presets a withdrawal amount, which is the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn, based on an operation of the authenticated user; a transfer control unit that, when receiving the withdrawal request from the gaming device, withdraws the withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media from the storage unit and transfers the electronic gaming media to the gaming device; A game system comprising:

2. A program for causing a computer to function in a game system that includes a game device operated by a user to execute a game that utilizes an electronic gaming medium, and a management system communicably connected to the game device, In the game device, a presentation means for presenting the identification information to the user when the user ends the game; a communication means for transmitting the user's owned amount of electronic game media and the identification information to the management system; a request means for transmitting a withdrawal request to the management system, the withdrawal request being a request to withdraw an amount of electronic game media preset in the management system; an acquiring means for acquiring electronic game media transferred from the management system; In the management system, a storage means for storing the amount of electronic game media owned by the user and the identification information received from the game device; an authentication means for authenticating a user attempting to use the management system using the identification information; a setting means for setting in advance a withdrawal amount, which is the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn, based on an operation of the authenticated user; a transfer means for, when receiving the withdrawal request from the gaming device, withdrawing the set withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media and transferring the withdrawn amount to the gaming device; A program that functions as a

3. A computer incorporated in a game system comprising a game device operated by a user for executing a game using an electronic gaming medium, and a management system communicably connected to said game device, In the game device, a presentation step of presenting identification information to a user when the user ends a game; a communication procedure for transmitting the user's owned amount of electronic game media and the identification information to the management system; a request procedure for transmitting a withdrawal request to the management system, the withdrawal request being a request to withdraw an amount of electronic game media preset in the management system; an acquisition step of acquiring the electronic game medium transferred from the management system; In the management system, a storage step of storing the amount of electronic game media owned by the user and the identification information received from the game device; an authentication procedure for authenticating a user attempting to use the management system using the identification information; a setting procedure for setting in advance a withdrawal amount, which is the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn, based on an operation of the authenticated user; a transfer step of, when the withdrawal request is received from the gaming device, withdrawing the set withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media and transferring the withdrawn amount to the gaming device; A method of operation of a game system that executes the above.

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