Settlement terminal and settlement system

Abstract

To provide a settlement terminal and a settlement system that can suitably perform electronic settlements for a plurality of gaming machines.SOLUTION: A settlement terminal 1 displays a first standby image 41a and a second standby image 42a for a left gaming machine 11 and a first standby image 41b and a second standby image 42b for a right gaming machine 12 as standby images for accepting an instruction to execute an electronic settlement from a user of the gaming machines. When an instruction to execute an electronic settlement is accepted from the user with respect to the standby images for one gaming machine, the standby images for all gaming machines are erased, and an electronic settlement image related to the execution of the electronic settlement for the one gaming machine is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a payment terminal and a payment system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in conventional arcade game machines such as crane games, the user inserts the required number of coins (value) into a coin mechanism to play the game. However, with the spread of electronic payment in recent years, various technologies have been developed to enable electronic payment even in machines that previously provided services by inserting coins.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an arcade game machine that has a control unit and a display unit, and that displays information about electronic payment on the display unit and accepts operations to make electronic payment, thereby controlling the control unit to provide a game based on electronic payment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-19773 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 provides one display unit and one control unit for each arcade game machine. However, providing a display unit and a control unit for electronic payment for each arcade game machine would increase costs. Meanwhile, crane games are often installed in clusters within a store, or two crane games are installed in a single cabinet, so multiple arcade games of the same type are often installed in a row. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention considered using one payment terminal to control electronic payments for multiple game machines, but discovered that simply using one terminal to control electronic payments for multiple game machines would result in various problems.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a payment terminal and a payment system that can suitably perform electronic payments for multiple gaming machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve this object, a first aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal which is connected to a plurality of gaming machines and comprises a transmission unit which transmits a game execution permission signal to a gaming machine which has completed payment, a communication unit which is capable of executing electronic payment with an electronic payment server via a communication network, a display device, an input acceptance unit which accepts input for an image displayed on the display device, and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a standby image display control unit which generates a standby image for each of the plurality of gaming machines to accept an instruction to execute the electronic payment from a user of the gaming machine and displays the standby image on the display device, and an electronic payment image display control unit which, when input of an instruction to execute the electronic payment from the user is accepted by the input acceptance unit for the standby image for one gaming machine, erases the standby images for all gaming machines and displays an electronic payment image related to the execution of the electronic payment for the one gaming machine on the display device.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, in a payment terminal according to the first aspect, the electronic payment image includes an operation guidance image that guides the user through the operations required for the electronic payment, a payment completion image that is displayed when the electronic payment between the communication unit and the electronic payment server is completed, and a payment error image that is displayed when an error occurs in the electronic payment between the communication unit and the electronic payment server.

[0009] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the payment terminal according to the first or second aspect, the control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the permission signal to the one gaming machine that is the subject of the electronic payment when the electronic payment with the electronic payment server is completed by the communication unit while the electronic payment image is displayed on the display device, and also includes an electronic payment completion control unit that displays on the display device a game start image notifying the one gaming machine of the start of the game together with the standby images for the other gaming machines.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a payment terminal relating to any one of the first to third aspects, when an error occurs in electronic payment between the communication unit and the electronic payment server while the electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device, the standby image display control unit displays the standby image for the one gaming machine that is the subject of the electronic payment together with the standby images for the other gaming machines on the display device.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a payment terminal relating to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit is provided with a standby image return control unit that, when the input receiving unit receives input from the user to return from the electronic payment image to the standby image while the electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device, displays the standby image for the one gaming machine that was the subject of the electronic payment together with the standby images for the other gaming machines on the display device.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit is provided with an electronic payment cancellation control unit that controls the communication unit to cancel the electronic payment with the electronic payment server when the input receiving unit receives input from the user to return from the electronic payment image to the standby image before the electronic payment with the electronic payment server is completed while the electronic payment image is displayed on the display device.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the standby image includes at least an image for selecting a type of electronic payment, and the control unit is provided with a communication control unit that controls the communication unit so that electronic payment is made with the electronic payment server of the selected type when the input acceptance unit accepts the selection of the type of electronic payment from the user in response to the standby image for the one gaming machine.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the standby image includes at least an image for selecting a payment amount, and the control unit is provided with a communication control unit that controls the communication unit so that, when the input acceptance unit accepts the selection of the payment amount from the user in response to the standby image for one of the gaming machines, electronic payment is made with the electronic payment server for the selected payment amount.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the standby image includes at least an image for selecting a type of electronic payment and an image for selecting a payment amount, one of the images being displayed first as a first standby image and the other image being displayed after the first standby image as a second standby image under the control of the standby image display control unit, wherein the standby image display control unit displays the second standby image as the standby image for the one gaming machine when a selection from the user is accepted by the input accepting unit for the first standby image for the one gaming machine, and the control unit is provided with a communication control unit that controls the communication unit so that electronic payment is made between the electronic payment server of the selected type for the payment amount selected for the first standby image and the second standby image when a selection from the user is accepted by the input accepting unit for the second standby image for the one gaming machine.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal relating to the ninth aspect, wherein when the input receiving unit receives input from the user to return from the second standby image to the first standby image while the second standby image is being displayed for the one gaming machine, the standby image display control unit displays the first standby image on the display device as the standby image for the one gaming machine.

[0017] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in a payment terminal relating to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the control unit is provided with an electronic payment completion control unit that controls the transmission unit to send, when electronic payment for one gaming machine is completed, a signal to the one gaming machine as the permission signal, permitting the playing of a number of games corresponding to the payment amount of the electronic payment.

[0018] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the permission signal is a signal that permits one game to be played with one pulse signal, and the electronic payment completion control unit controls the transmitting unit to transmit n pulse signals as the permission signal when the number of games to be played according to the payment amount of the electronic payment is n times (n is a natural number).

[0019] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the payment terminal according to the twelfth aspect, when a lock signal indicating that permission to play a game is not being accepted is input from the one gaming machine, the electronic payment completion control unit interrupts the transmission of n pulse signals as the permission signal that are scheduled to be sent or are in the process of being sent to the one gaming machine, and transmits the unsent pulse signals after the state of not accepting permission to play a game in the one gaming machine is lifted.

[0020] A 14th aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal according to any one of the first to 13th aspects, which comprises a coin insertion signal receiving unit connected to a coin mechanism provided for each gaming machine and which receives a coin insertion signal output from the coin mechanism when a coin is inserted, and the control unit comprises a coin insertion image display control unit which, when the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives the coin insertion signal from the coin mechanism provided for a certain gaming machine, displays on the display device a coin insertion image corresponding to the insertion of a coin into the certain gaming machine.

[0021] In a 15th aspect of the present invention, in the payment terminal according to the 14th aspect, the number of coins required to play a game is determined for each gaming machine, the coin insertion signal receiving unit counts the number of coins inserted based on the coin insertion signal received from the coin mechanism corresponding to each gaming machine, the coin insertion image display control unit controls the transmitting unit to send the permission signal to a gaming machine when the number of coins inserted into the coin mechanism corresponding to a certain gaming machine reaches the number of coins required to play the game of that gaming machine, and displays a game start image notifying the start of the game on the display device as the coin insertion image for that certain gaming machine, and when the number of coins inserted into the coin mechanism corresponding to a certain gaming machine does not reach the number of coins required to play the game of that gaming machine, displays a remaining number notification image notifying the remaining number of coins required until the game starts on the display device as the coin insertion image for that certain gaming machine.

[0022] In a 16th aspect of the present invention, in a payment terminal according to the 14th or 15th aspect, when the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives the coin insertion signal from the coin mechanism provided on a certain gaming machine while the waiting images for all gaming machines are being displayed on the display device, the coin insertion image display control unit controls the display device to display the coin insertion image for the certain gaming machine together with the waiting images for the other gaming machines.

[0023] In a 17th aspect of the present invention, in a payment terminal according to any one of the 14th to 16th aspects, when the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives the coin insertion signal from the coin mechanism provided on a certain gaming machine while the electronic payment image for that certain gaming machine is being displayed on the display device, the coin insertion image display control unit controls the display device to display the coin insertion image for that certain gaming machine together with the electronic payment image for that certain gaming machine.

[0024] In an 18th aspect of the present invention, in a payment terminal according to any one of the 14th to 17th aspects, when the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives a coin insertion signal from the coin mechanism provided on a plurality of gaming machines while the electronic payment image for one gaming machine is being displayed on the display device, the coin insertion image display control unit controls the display device to display the coin insertion images for the plurality of gaming machines together with the electronic payment image for the one gaming machine.

[0025] In a 19th aspect of the present invention, in a payment terminal relating to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, the control unit is provided with a value provision image display control unit that, when a value provision signal indicating that a predetermined value has been provided from a certain gaming machine is input, displays a value provision image on the display device notifying the provision of the predetermined value from the gaming machine.

[0026] In a 20th aspect of the present invention, in the payment terminal according to the 19th aspect, when the value provision signal is input from a gaming machine while the electronic payment image for one gaming machine is being displayed on the display device, the value provision image display control unit controls the display device to display the value provision image for the gaming machine that output the value provision signal together with the electronic payment image.

[0027] In a 21st aspect of the present invention, in a payment terminal relating to any one of the first to 20th aspects, the control unit is provided with a lock state image display control unit that, when a lock signal indicating that a game execution permission is not being accepted is input from a certain game machine, displays a lock state image on the display device to notify that the game machine is in a locked state.

[0028] In a 22nd aspect of the present invention, in the payment terminal relating to the 21st aspect, when the lock signal is input from a certain gaming machine while the electronic payment image for that gaming machine is being displayed on the display device, the lock state image display control unit controls the display device to display the lock state image for the gaming machine that output the lock signal together with the electronic payment image.

[0029] A 23rd aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal relating to the 21st or 22nd aspect, wherein when the lock signal is input from a certain game machine while the standby images for all game machines are being displayed on the display device, the locked state image display control unit controls the display device to display the locked state image for the game machine that output the lock signal together with the standby images for the other game machines.

[0030] A 24th aspect of the present invention is a payment terminal according to any one of the aspects of claims 17, 20 and 22, wherein the gaming machine includes the one gaming machine.

[0031] A 25th aspect of the present invention is a payment system comprising a plurality of gaming machines, a payment terminal connected to the plurality of gaming machines and performing payments for each of the gaming machines, and an electronic payment server performing electronic payments between the payment terminal, wherein the payment terminal comprises a transmission unit connected to the plurality of gaming machines and transmitting a game execution permission signal to a gaming machine for which payment has been completed, a communication unit capable of performing electronic payments with the electronic payment server via a communication network, a display device, an input acceptance unit that accepts input for images displayed on the display device, and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a standby image display control unit that generates a standby image for each of the plurality of gaming machines to accept an instruction to perform the electronic payment from a user of the gaming machine and displays it on the display device, and an electronic payment image display control unit that, when input of an instruction to perform the electronic payment from the user is accepted by the input acceptance unit for the standby image for one gaming machine, erases the standby images for all gaming machines and displays an electronic payment image related to the execution of the electronic payment for the one gaming machine on the display device.

[0032] A 26th aspect of the present invention is a payment system according to the 25th aspect, wherein the gaming machine has a predetermined maximum number of games that can be accepted, and when the number of unexecuted games that have been permitted to be executed by the permission signal reaches the maximum number of games that can be accepted, the gaming machine transmits a lock signal to the payment terminal indicating that permission to execute a game is not being accepted, and the transmitting unit suspends transmission of the permission signal when it receives the lock signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the payment terminal of the first aspect, a standby image display control unit generates a standby image for each of multiple gaming machines for receiving an instruction to execute electronic payment, and the standby image is displayed on the display device. When the input receiving unit receives an instruction to execute electronic payment from a user in response to the standby image for one gaming machine, the electronic payment image display control unit erases the standby images for all gaming machines and displays an electronic payment image for the execution of electronic payment for that gaming machine on the display device. When the user executes electronic payment based on the electronic payment image, the communication unit executes electronic payment with the electronic payment server via the communication network, and the transmission unit transmits a game execution permission signal to the gaming machine for which the payment has been completed. This allows the user to play a game on the gaming machine with which the electronic payment was executed using the payment terminal. The payment terminal supports electronic payments for multiple gaming machines, and when a user issues an instruction to execute electronic payment for one gaming machine, the electronic payment image for that gaming machine is displayed and the standby images for the other gaming machines are erased. Therefore, while the electronic payment for the one gaming machine is being executed, instructions to execute electronic payment from the other gaming machines cannot be received. Therefore, the payment terminal can prevent confusion about which game machine the electronic payment made by the user is for when instructions to make electronic payments to multiple game machines are made at the same time, thereby providing the effect of enabling electronic payments to be made efficiently for multiple game machines.

[0034] The payment terminal according to the second aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the first aspect. That is, the display device displays an operation guide image as an electronic payment image, guiding the user to the operations required for electronic payment. This allows the user to be guided to smoothly complete electronic payment. Furthermore, when electronic payment with the electronic payment server via the communication unit is completed, a payment completion image is displayed as an electronic payment image on the display device. This allows the user to understand that the electronic payment has been completed. Furthermore, when an error occurs in electronic payment with the electronic payment server via the communication unit, a payment error image is displayed as an electronic payment image on the display device. This allows the user to understand that the electronic payment was not completed due to an error. In this way, when a user instructs one gaming machine to perform electronic payment, an operation guide image, a payment completion image, and a payment error image are displayed as electronic payment images, thereby achieving the effect of smoothly completing electronic payment and correctly understanding the status of the electronic payment.

[0035] The payment terminal according to the third aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the first or second aspect. That is, when an electronic payment with the electronic payment server is completed by the communication unit while the electronic payment image is displayed on the display device, the electronic payment completion control unit performs the following control. That is, a permission signal is sent to the one gaming machine that is the target of the electronic payment. As a result, a game is executed on the one gaming machine upon completion of the electronic payment that the one gaming machine was instructed to start. Furthermore, a game start image notifying the start of the game on the one gaming machine is displayed on the display device together with standby images for the other gaming machines. As a result, after the electronic payment on the one gaming machine is completed, the user can recognize the start of the game on the one gaming machine from the game start image, and can again instruct the other gaming machines to execute electronic payments, which was not possible while the electronic payment on the one gaming machine was in progress. This has the effect of enabling electronic payments to be executed appropriately for multiple gaming machines.

[0036] The payment terminal according to the fourth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the first to third aspects. That is, if an error occurs in electronic payment between the communication unit and the electronic payment server while an electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device, the standby image display control unit displays the standby image for one gaming machine that is the target of the electronic payment on the display device together with standby images for the other gaming machines. As a result, if an error occurs in electronic payment for one gaming machine that has been instructed to execute, the standby images for all gaming machines are displayed again on the display device, making it possible to accept instructions to execute electronic payments for all gaming machines. This has the effect of enabling electronic payments to be performed optimally for multiple gaming machines.

[0037] The payment terminal according to the fifth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. That is, when the input receiving unit receives an input from a user to return from the electronic payment image to a standby image while the electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device, the standby image return control unit displays the standby image for one gaming machine that was the subject of the electronic payment on the display device together with the standby images for the other gaming machines. This allows the user to intentionally interrupt an electronic payment that the user has instructed to be executed, and then receive an instruction to execute electronic payments for all gaming machines by displaying the standby images for all gaming machines again on the display device. This has the effect of enabling electronic payments to be executed appropriately for multiple gaming machines.

[0038] The payment terminal according to the sixth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the fifth aspect. That is, when the input receiving unit receives an input from the user to return from the electronic payment image to the standby image while the electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device, the electronic payment cancellation control unit controls the communication unit to cancel the electronic payment with the electronic payment server. This has the effect of reliably canceling an electronic payment that was interrupted by the user's will with the electronic payment server.

[0039] The payment terminal according to the seventh aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. That is, the standby image includes at least an image for selecting the type of electronic payment. Then, when the input receiving unit receives a user's selection of the type of electronic payment in response to the standby image for one game machine, the communication control unit controls the communication unit so that electronic payment is performed with the electronic payment server of the selected type. This has the effect that the payment terminal can perform electronic payment of the type desired by the user from among multiple types of electronic payment.

[0040] The payment terminal according to the eighth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. That is, the standby image includes at least an image for selecting a payment amount. Then, when the input receiving unit receives a user's selection of a payment amount in response to the standby image for one gaming machine, the communication control unit controls the communication unit so that electronic payment is made with the electronic payment server for the selected payment amount. This has the effect that the payment terminal can make electronic payment for the payment amount desired by the user.

[0041] The payment terminal according to the ninth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. That is, the standby image includes at least an image for selecting a type of electronic payment and an image for selecting a payment amount. One of the images is displayed first as a first standby image, and the other image is displayed after the first standby image as a second standby image. That is, when the input accepting unit accepts a user's selection for the first standby image for one gaming machine, the standby image display control unit displays a second standby image as the standby image for that gaming machine. When the input accepting unit accepts a user's selection for the second standby image for that gaming machine, the communication control unit controls the communication unit to perform electronic payment with the electronic payment server of the selected type for the payment amount selected for the first standby image and the second standby image. This has the effect that the payment terminal can perform electronic payment of the user's desired type and payment amount from among multiple types of electronic payment.

[0042] The payment terminal according to the tenth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the ninth aspect. That is, when the input receiving unit receives an input from a user to return from the second standby image to the first standby image while the second standby image is being displayed for one of the gaming machines, the standby image display control unit displays the first standby image on the display device as the standby image for the one of the gaming machines. This has the effect of enabling the user to return from the second standby image to the first standby image if the user makes a wrong selection for the first standby image or wants to cancel electronic payment.

[0043] The payment terminal according to the eleventh aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. That is, when electronic payment for one gaming machine is completed, the electronic payment completion control unit transmits a signal to the one gaming machine as an authorization signal, which signal authorizes the execution of a number of games corresponding to the payment amount of the electronic payment. This has the effect that the payment terminal can provide the user with a number of games corresponding to the payment amount for the electronic payment made by the user.

[0044] The payment terminal according to the twelfth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the eleventh aspect. That is, the permission signal is a signal that permits the execution of one game with one pulse signal, and when the number of games to be executed corresponding to the payment amount of the electronic payment is n (n is a natural number), the electronic payment completion control unit transmits n pulse signals as permission signals from the transmission unit. This has the effect that by connecting this payment terminal to a gaming machine that can execute one game with one pulse signal as permission signal, it is possible to provide the user with the number of games corresponding to the payment amount.

[0045] The payment terminal according to the thirteenth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the twelfth aspect. That is, when a lock signal indicating that a game execution permission is not being accepted is input from one gaming machine, the electronic payment completion control unit suspends the transmission of n pulse signals as permission signals that are scheduled to be sent or are in the process of being sent to the one gaming machine. Then, after the non-acceptance state for game execution permission in the one gaming machine is released, the unsent pulse signals are transmitted. This has the effect of reliably transmitting pulse signals so that a number of games corresponding to the payment amount can be played after the non-acceptance state is released, even if the one gaming machine goes into the non-acceptance state for game execution permission before or during the transmission of the permission signal to the one gaming machine.

[0046] The payment terminal according to the fourteenth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects. That is, when the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives a coin insertion signal from a coin mechanism provided in a certain gaming machine, a coin insertion image corresponding to the insertion of a coin into that certain gaming machine is displayed on the display device by the coin insertion image display control unit. This has the effect of allowing the user to confirm, via the coin insertion image, that the payment terminal has recognized the insertion of a coin into the coin mechanism for that certain gaming machine.

[0047] The payment terminal according to the fifteenth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the fourteenth aspect. That is, the number of coins required to play a game is determined for each gaming machine. When coins are inserted into the coin mechanism provided for each gaming machine, the coin insertion signal receiving unit counts the number of inserted coins for each gaming machine based on the coin insertion signal received from the coin mechanism. Then, when the number of coins inserted into the coin mechanism corresponding to a certain gaming machine reaches the number of coins required to play the game of that gaming machine, the coin insertion image display control unit transmits a permission signal from the transmitter to that gaming machine. This allows the payment terminal to permit multiple gaming machines to play games, not only for electronic payments but also in response to the insertion of coins into the coin mechanism. Furthermore, when the number of coins inserted into the coin mechanism corresponding to a certain gaming machine reaches the number of coins required to run a game on that gaming machine, the coin insertion image display control unit displays a game start image on the display device as a coin insertion image for the certain gaming machine, notifying the user that a game will start on that gaming machine by inserting coins into the coin mechanism for that gaming machine. Therefore, the user can understand from the game start image that inserting coins into the coin mechanism for that gaming machine will start a game on that gaming machine. Furthermore, when the number of coins inserted into the coin mechanism corresponding to a certain gaming machine does not reach the number of coins required to run a game on that gaming machine, the coin insertion image display control unit displays a remaining number notification image on the display device as a coin insertion image for the certain gaming machine, notifying the user of the number of coins remaining until the game starts. This allows the user to understand from the remaining number notification image the number of coins to be inserted into the coin mechanism required to start a game on that gaming machine. Therefore, the payment terminal has the advantage of being able to suitably perform not only electronic payments but also payments based on the insertion of coins.

[0048] The payment terminal according to the sixteenth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect. That is, when the coin insertion image display control unit displays standby images for all gaming machines on the display device and a coin insertion signal is received from a coin mechanism provided on a certain gaming machine, the coin insertion signal receiving unit displays the coin insertion image for that gaming machine on the display device together with standby images for the other gaming machines. A coin mechanism is provided for each gaming machine, so there is no confusion between inserting a coin into the coin mechanism and electronic payment. Therefore, even if a coin is inserted into the coin mechanism provided on one gaming machine, by displaying standby images for the other gaming machines together with the coin insertion image, it is possible to continue accepting electronic payment.

[0049] The payment terminal according to the seventeenth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects. That is, when an electronic payment image for one gaming machine is displayed on the display device, if a coin insertion signal receiving unit receives a coin insertion signal from a coin mechanism provided on another gaming machine, the coin insertion image display control unit displays a coin insertion image for the other gaming machine together with the electronic payment image for the one gaming machine on the display device. This has the effect that the payment terminal can accept coins inserted into the coin mechanism and display the coin insertion image together with the electronic payment image on the display device even while electronic payment is being made on the one gaming machine.

[0050] The payment terminal according to the 18th aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the 14th to 17th aspects. That is, if the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives a coin insertion signal from the coin mechanisms provided on multiple gaming machines while an electronic payment image for one gaming machine is being displayed on the display device, the coin insertion image display control unit displays coin insertion images for the multiple gaming machines together with the electronic payment image for the one gaming machine on the display device. This has the effect that, even while electronic payment is being performed on one gaming machine, if coins are inserted into the coin mechanisms provided on multiple games, the payment terminal can accept the insertion of coins from each gaming machine and display coin insertion images for the multiple gaming machines into which the coins were inserted together with the electronic payment image on the display device.

[0051] The payment terminal according to the 19th aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects. That is, when a value provision signal indicating that a predetermined value has been provided from a certain gaming machine is input, the value provision image display control unit displays a value provision image on the display device, notifying the user that the predetermined value has been provided from that gaming machine. This has the effect of allowing the user to feel a sense of satisfaction that the predetermined value has been provided from the value provision image displayed on the payment terminal. Also, it has the effect of allowing the user to understand from the value provision image that the payment terminal has recognized the provision of the predetermined value from that certain gaming machine.

[0052] The payment terminal according to the twentieth aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the nineteenth aspect. That is, even if a value provision signal is input from a gaming machine while an electronic payment image for one gaming machine is being displayed on the display device, the value provision image display control unit displays the value provision image for the gaming machine that output the value provision signal together with the electronic payment image on the display device. As a result, even if the payment terminal is executing electronic payment for one gaming machine, if a predetermined value is provided from that gaming machine, by displaying the value provision image together with the electronic payment image, the user can feel satisfied that the predetermined value has been provided from that gaming machine and can also understand that the provision of the predetermined value has been recognized by the payment terminal.

[0053] The payment terminal according to the 21st aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to any one of the first to 20th aspects: When a lock signal indicating that a game execution permission is not being accepted is input from a certain game machine, the lock state image display control unit displays a lock state image on the display device to notify that the game machine is in a locked state. This has the effect of allowing the user to understand from the lock state image displayed on the payment terminal that a certain game machine is in a state where game execution permission is not being accepted and payment cannot be made.

[0054] The payment terminal according to the 22nd aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the 21st aspect. That is, even if a lock signal is input from a gaming machine while an electronic payment image for that gaming machine is displayed on the display device, the lock state image display control unit displays the lock state image for the gaming machine that output the lock signal together with the electronic payment image on the display device. This has the effect that, even while the payment terminal is performing electronic payment for that gaming machine, the user can understand from the lock state image displayed together with the electronic payment image that the gaming machine is in a state where game execution permission is not being accepted and payment cannot be made for that gaming machine.

[0055] The payment terminal according to the 23rd aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment terminal according to the 21st or 22nd aspect. That is, when a lock signal is input from one game machine while standby images for all game machines are displayed on the display device, the locked state image display control unit displays the locked state image for the game machine that output the lock signal together with the standby images for the other game machines on the display device. This has the effect of allowing the user to understand from the locked state image that payment is not possible for that one game machine, and to understand from the standby images that electronic payment is possible for the other game machines.

[0056] The payment terminal according to the 24th aspect has the following effect in addition to the effect of the payment terminal according to any one of claims 17, 20, and 22. That is, since a certain gaming machine includes one gaming machine, it has the effect that the one gaming machine displaying the electronic payment image can also display images that can be displayed on each of the payment terminals of the cited aspect together with the electronic payment image.

[0057] According to the payment system of the 25th aspect, a standby image display control unit of the payment terminal generates a standby image for each of multiple gaming machines for accepting an instruction to execute electronic payment, and the standby image is displayed on the display device of the payment terminal. When the input acceptance unit of the payment terminal accepts an instruction to execute electronic payment from a user in response to the standby image for one gaming machine, the electronic payment image display control unit of the payment terminal erases the standby images for all gaming machines, and an electronic payment image for executing electronic payment for that gaming machine is displayed on the display device of the payment terminal. When the user executes electronic payment based on the electronic payment image, the communication unit of the payment terminal executes electronic payment with the electronic payment server via the communication network, and a transmission unit of the payment terminal transmits a game execution permission signal to the gaming machine for which payment has been completed. This allows the user to play a game on the gaming machine for which electronic payment has been executed using the payment terminal. The payment terminal supports electronic payments for multiple gaming machines, and when a user instructs one gaming machine to execute an electronic payment, the electronic payment image for that gaming machine is displayed and the standby images for the other gaming machines are erased, so that while an electronic payment is being executed for the one gaming machine, instructions to execute an electronic payment from the other gaming machines cannot be made. Thus, the payment terminal can prevent simultaneous instructions to execute electronic payments for multiple gaming machines, which can lead to confusion as to which gaming machine the electronic payment executed by the user is for. This has the effect of enabling electronic payments to be executed preferably for multiple gaming machines.

[0058] The payment system according to the 26th aspect achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the payment system according to the 25th aspect. That is, a gaming machine has a predetermined maximum number of acceptable games that can be accepted, and when the number of unexecuted games that have been permitted to be executed by a permission signal reaches the maximum number of acceptable games, the gaming machine transmits a lock signal indicating that permission to execute a game is not being accepted to the payment terminal. When the payment terminal receives the lock signal, the transmitter suspends transmission of the permission signal. This has the effect of preventing the payment terminal from transmitting further permission signals to a gaming machine whose number of unexecuted games has reached the maximum number of acceptable games. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an installation state of a payment terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a payment system including the payment terminal and the wiring state of each block that constitutes the payment system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the payment terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the payment terminal. [Figure 5] This figure shows part of the flow of various images displayed on the display device of the payment terminal when a user selects code payment for 100 yen as electronic payment for the left game machine. [Figure 6] This figure shows part of the flow of various images displayed on the display device when the user selects code payment for 100 yen as electronic payment for the left game machine. [Figure 7] This figure shows part of the flow of various images displayed on the display device when the user selects NFC payment for 1,000 yen as electronic payment for the right game machine. [Figure 8] This figure shows part of the flow of various images displayed on the display device when the user selects NFC payment for 1,000 yen as electronic payment for the right game machine. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the flow of various images displayed on the display device when an error occurs in electronic payment for the left game machine. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the flow of various images displayed on the display device when a user makes a cash payment to the left game machine. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the flow of various images displayed on the display device when a user makes a cash payment to the right game machine. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing the flow of various images displayed on the display device when a user makes a cash payment to the right game machine while an electronic payment image for the left game machine is being displayed. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram showing the flow of various images displayed on the display device when a user makes a cash payment to the left game machine while an image for electronic payment for the left game machine is being displayed. FIG. [Figure 14] This figure shows the flow of various images displayed on the display device when a user makes a cash payment to the left game machine and the right game machine 12 while an electronic payment image for the right game machine is being displayed. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram showing a prize offering image displayed on the display device when a prize offering signal is received from the left game machine or the right game machine. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram showing a locked state image displayed on the display device when a lock signal is received from the left game machine or the right game machine. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a locking process executed by a CPU of the payment terminal. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a cash settlement process executed by the CPU. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing the right game machine electronic payment execution process executed by the CPU. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing the left game machine electronic payment execution process executed by the CPU. [Figure 21]10 is a flowchart showing the right game machine electronic payment completion process executed by the CPU. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing the left game machine electronic payment completion process executed by the CPU. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing the prize management process executed by the CPU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each of the embodiments described below illustrates a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, etc., shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components. Furthermore, in each drawing, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0061] <1. Overall structure> First, the overall configuration of a payment terminal 1 and a payment system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the installation state of payment terminal 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of payment system 10 including payment terminal 1 and the wiring state of each block that makes up payment system 10.

[0062] The payment system 10 is a system for using one payment terminal 1 to make payments for two gaming machines, namely, a left gaming machine 11 located on the left side when viewed from the front, and a right gaming machine 12 located on the right side. This payment system 10 supports both electronic payments and cash payments, and is configured with, in addition to the payment terminal 1, a game management server 2 and an electronic payment server 3 that reside on a cloud 4 configured on the Internet, a left coin mechanism 15, and a right coin mechanism 16. The cloud 4 corresponds to the "communications network" of the present invention. The left coin mechanism 15 and the right coin mechanism 16 correspond to the "coin mechanism" of the present invention.

[0063] The left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12, which are the payment targets of the payment system 10, are, for example, crane game machines, and play games based on payments made by users via the payment system 10. The left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 are installed in a single cabinet, and each independently performs payments and games based on those payments. In this embodiment, the left game machine 11 plays one game for a payment amount of 100 yen, and six games for a payment amount of 500 yen. The right game machine 12 plays one game for a payment amount of 200 yen, and six games for a payment amount of 1000 yen.

[0064] The left game machine 11 is provided with a left prize outlet 13 through which the user can receive a prize won by playing a game. When a user wins a prize in a game played on the left game machine 11, the prize is dropped into the left prize outlet 13 provided on the left game machine 11. The user can receive the prize they have won by taking it out from the left prize outlet 13. Similarly, the right game machine 12 is provided with a right prize outlet 14. The won prize corresponds to the "predetermined value" of the present invention.

[0065] Here, the left game machine 11 is provided with a left prize providing output terminal PO1, and the right game machine 12 is provided with a right prize providing output terminal PO2. The settlement terminal 1 is also provided with a left prize providing input terminal PI1 connected to the left prize providing output terminal PO1, and a right prize providing input terminal PI2 connected to the right prize providing output terminal PO2.

[0066] The left game machine 11 has a sensor (not shown) that detects that a prize has been inserted into the left prize outlet 13, and when a prize is inserted into the left prize outlet 13, a prize provision signal is transmitted from the left prize provision output terminal PO1 to the left prize provision input terminal PI1. This allows the settlement terminal 1 to recognize that a prize has been provided in the left game machine 11.

[0067] Similarly, the right game machine 12 also has a sensor (not shown) that detects that a prize has been inserted into the right prize outlet 14, and when a prize is inserted into the right prize outlet 14, a prize provision signal is sent from the right prize provision output terminal PO2 to the right prize provision input terminal PI2. This allows the payment terminal 1 to recognize that a prize has been provided in the right game machine 12. The prize provision signal corresponds to the "value provision signal" of this invention.

[0068] The game management server 2 is a server present in the cloud 4, and is configured to be able to send and receive information to and from the payment terminal 1. The game management server 2 manages the operating status of the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 by storing in a database (not shown) the history of events (e.g., payments, the provision of prizes, etc.) that have occurred in each of the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 connected to the payment terminal 1. By accessing the game management server 2, the store that owns the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 can grasp the status of the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 (e.g., payment status, remaining number of prizes, etc.) and can take various measures (e.g., replenishing prizes) as necessary.

[0069] The number of payment terminals 1 that can send and receive information to and from the game management server 2 is not limited to one, and multiple payment terminals 1 may be configured to be able to send and receive information to and from the game management server 2. In this case, the game management server 2 stores in a database the history of events that have occurred for all game machines connected to all payment terminals 1 that can send and receive information in a form that makes it possible to determine which game machine the event occurred on.

[0070] The electronic payment server 3 is a server provided in the cloud 4, and approves electronic payments. The electronic payment server 3 can send and receive information to and from the game management server 2 via the cloud 4, and when the game management server 2 receives an electronic payment request signal from the payment terminal 1, the game management server 2 requests approval of the electronic payment from the electronic payment server 3. At this time, the game management server 2 determines the payment amount from the electronic payment request signal received from the payment terminal 1, and requests approval of the electronic payment from the electronic payment server 3, including the payment amount.

[0071] When the electronic payment server 3 approves the electronic payment request from the game management server 2, including the payment amount, it transmits a payment completion signal to the game management server 2. When the game management server 2 receives the payment completion signal from the electronic payment server 3, it transmits a payment completion signal to the payment terminal 1 that requested the electronic payment. Upon receiving the payment completion signal from the game management server 2, the payment terminal 1 completes the electronic payment.

[0072] Furthermore, if there is a problem with the electronic payment requested by the game management server 2, including the payment amount, the electronic payment server 3 sends a payment error signal to the game management server 2. When the game management server 2 receives the payment error signal from the electronic payment server 3, it sends a payment error signal to the payment terminal 1 that requested the electronic payment. When the payment terminal 1 receives the payment error signal from the game management server 2, it assumes that the electronic payment has not been approved and continues control.

[0073] An electronic payment server 3 is provided in the cloud 4 for each type of electronic payment and / or each business that approves electronic payments. In other words, a different electronic payment server 3 exists for each type of electronic payment and / or each business that approves electronic payments.

[0074] The game management server 2 determines the type of electronic payment and / or the electronic payment provider from the electronic payment request signal received from the payment terminal 1. The game management server 2 then requests approval of the electronic payment from the electronic payment server 3 of the type and / or provider obtained by the determination.

[0075] The payment system 10 according to this embodiment supports two types of electronic payments: code payment and NFC (Near Field Communication) payment. Code payment involves displaying a code such as a two-dimensional code or barcode on a smartphone or other device of a user playing a game, and then having the payment terminal 1 read that code to perform electronic payment. NFC payment involves holding a user's smartphone, credit card, transportation IC card, or other device embedded with a contactless IC (Integrated Circuit) chip compatible with near-field communication (NFC) over the payment terminal 1 to perform electronic payment. The payment system 10 is provided with at least an electronic payment server 3 compatible with code payment and an electronic payment server 3 compatible with NFC payment.

[0076] The left coin mech 15 is a coin mech provided for the left game machine 11, and the right coin mech 16 is a coin mech provided for the right game machine 12. Both the left coin mech 15 and the right coin mech 16 have an insertion slot (not shown) that accepts 100 yen coins, a determination unit (not shown) that determines whether an object inserted from the insertion slot is a 100 yen coin, and a return slot (not shown) that returns the object inserted from the insertion slot if the determination unit does not recognize it as a 100 yen coin.

[0077] When the left coin mechanism 15 receives a 100 yen coin inserted through the insertion slot, it transmits a coin insertion signal from the left coin insertion output terminal CO1 provided on the left coin mechanism 15 to the left coin insertion input terminal CI1 provided on the payment terminal 1. When one coin insertion signal is input from the left coin mechanism 15, the payment terminal 1 can recognize that a 100 yen coin has been inserted into the left game machine 11.

[0078] Furthermore, when the right coin mechanism 16 receives a 100 yen coin inserted through the insertion slot, it transmits a coin insertion signal from the right coin insertion output terminal CO2 provided on the right coin mechanism 16 to the right coin insertion input terminal CI2 provided on the payment terminal 1. When one coin insertion signal is input from the right coin mechanism 16, the payment terminal 1 can recognize that a 100 yen coin has been inserted into the right game machine 12.

[0079] Here, the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 are in a non-accepting state, i.e., a locked state, in which permission to play a game based on the completion of payment is not accepted. The locked state is set, for example, when maintenance such as replenishing prizes or adjusting the crane is being performed. Furthermore, the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 each have a predetermined maximum number of games that can be accepted (for example, 10 times), and they also enter the locked state when the number of unplayed games that have been permitted to be played based on the completion of payment reaches the maximum number of accepted games.

[0080] When the left game machine 11 is in a locked state, a lock signal is sent from the left lock output terminal LO1 provided in the left game machine 11 to the left lock input terminal LI1 provided in the left coin mechanism 15. When the lock signal is input, the left coin mechanism 15 closes the insertion slot. As a result, when the left game machine 11 is in a locked state, it is not possible to insert 100 yen coins into the left coin mechanism 15.

[0081] Furthermore, when the right game machine 12 is in a locked state, a lock signal is sent from the right lock output terminal LO2 provided in the right game machine 12 to the right lock input terminal LI2 provided in the right coin mechanism 16. When the lock signal is input, the right coin mechanism 16 closes the insertion slot. As a result, when the right game machine 12 is in a locked state, it is not possible to insert 100 yen coins into the right coin mechanism 16.

[0082] The payment terminal 1 is also provided with a left lock input terminal LI1, and the lock signal output from the left lock output terminal LO1 of the left game machine 11 is also input to the payment terminal 1. This allows the payment terminal 1 to recognize that the left game machine 11 is in a locked state due to the lock signal input from the left lock input terminal LI1. The payment terminal 1 is also provided with a right lock input terminal LI2, and the lock signal output from the right lock output terminal LO2 of the right game machine 12 is also input to the payment terminal 1. This allows the payment terminal 1 to recognize that the right game machine 12 is in a locked state due to the lock signal input from the right lock input terminal LI2.

[0083] The payment terminal 1 is connected to the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12, and is a terminal for making payments (electronic payments or cash payments) for the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12. When the payment terminal 1 completes payment for the left game machine 11, it sends a permission signal permitting game execution from the left payment pulse output terminal KO1 provided in the payment terminal 1 to the left payment pulse input terminal KI1 provided in the left game machine 11. Furthermore, when the payment terminal 1 completes payment for the right game machine 12, it sends a permission signal permitting game execution from the right payment pulse output terminal KO2 provided in the payment terminal 1 to the right payment pulse input terminal KI2 provided in the right game machine 12.

[0084] The permission signal is composed of one pulse signal for permission to execute one game. Each time the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 receive an input of one pulse signal as the permission signal, they execute one game.

[0085] The payment terminal 1 transmits pulse signals to the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 corresponding to the number of games that should be permitted to be played according to the payment amount. That is, when the number of games that should be played according to a predetermined payment amount is n (n is a natural number), the payment terminal 1 transmits n pulse signals as permission signals to the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 that is the subject of payment. As a result, the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 that receives n pulse signals can play n games. Therefore, the payment terminal 1 can provide the user with the number of games corresponding to the payment amount in response to the electronic payment made by the user. Furthermore, by connecting this payment terminal 1 to a game machine that can play one game with one pulse signal as a permission signal, it is possible to provide the user with the number of games corresponding to the payment amount.

[0086] <2. Payment terminal configuration> Next, a detailed configuration of the payment terminal 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the payment terminal 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the payment terminal 1.

[0087] <2.1. Payment terminal electrical configuration> First, we will explain the electrical configuration of payment terminal 1. Payment terminal 1 is configured by a computer, and as shown in Fig. 3, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a storage device 102, a timer 28, a clock 29, a display device 105 with a touch panel function, a display control unit 103, an input interface (hereinafter referred to as "input I / F") 104, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I / F") 106, a game machine interface (hereinafter referred to as "game machine I / F") 107, an image sensor 109, an image capture control unit 108, and an NFC control unit 110.

[0088] The CPU 101, storage device 102, timer 28, clock 29, display control unit 103, input I / F 104, communication I / F 106, game machine I / F 107, imaging control unit 108, and NFC control unit 110 are each connected to a bus line 111 and configured to be able to transmit and receive signals to and from each other. Furthermore, the display device 105 is connected to the display control unit 103 and input I / F 104, and the imaging element 109 is connected to the imaging control unit 108.

[0089] CPU 101 is a central processing unit that executes various calculations in accordance with programs stored in storage device 102. Payment terminal 1 executes various controls described below through various calculations in accordance with the programs, and realizes the various functions of payment terminal 1 shown in Figure 4. CPU 101 corresponds to one of the "control units" of the present invention.

[0090] The storage device 102 is configured by a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and is a memory that stores various data necessary for the operation of the CPU 101.

[0091] The ROM is a non-rewritable, non-volatile memory for storing programs executed by the CPU 101 and fixed data such as various setting values. Note that a flash memory, which is a rewritable, non-volatile memory, may be used instead of or in addition to the ROM. The RAM is a rewritable, volatile memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 101 executes a program.

[0092] Timer 28 measures a time (designated time) specified by CPU 101. Specifically, timer 28 starts measuring time based on a timer start signal from CPU 101, and transmits a timeout signal to CPU 101 when the measured time reaches or exceeds the designated time included in the timer start signal.

[0093] The clock 29 measures and outputs the time. The time output from the clock 29 is used to add a timestamp. That is, when the CPU 101 transmits event occurrence information that has occurred in each of the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 to the game management server 2, the CPU 101 adds the current time obtained from the clock 29 as a timestamp. The time output from the clock 29 is also used by the timer 28 to measure time.

[0094] Display device 105 displays various images. Examples of images displayed on display device 105 will be described later with reference to Figs. 5 to 16. Display device 105 has a touch panel function, and when the user touches the screen of display device 105, it outputs position information of the touched screen (an address defined on the screen).

[0095] The display control unit 103 generates an image to be displayed on the display device 105 under the control of the CPU 101, and displays it on the display device 105. The display control unit 103, together with the CPU 101, corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention.

[0096] The input I / F 104 outputs position information of the touched screen output from the touch panel function of the display device 105 to the CPU 101. The CPU 101 identifies what image was displayed on the display device 105 at the touched position from the position information output from the input I / F 104. The CPU 101 then executes control according to the type of image identified. For example, if a "back button" image was displayed at the touched position, the CPU 101 executes control to return the image displayed on the display device 105 to the first standby images 41a, 41b (see FIG. 5(a)). The touch panel function of the display device 105 and the input I / F 104 correspond to the "input receiving unit" of the present invention.

[0097] Note that input from the user is not limited to the touch panel function of display device 105, and pointing devices such as a mouse, trackball, joystick, touchpad, etc., which can specify an input position on the image displayed on display device 105, may also be used.

[0098] Communication I / F 106 controls connection with the Internet and transmits and receives data to and from the Internet. Under the control of CPU 101, payment terminal 1 can transmit and receive information to and from game management server 2 located in cloud 4 on the Internet via communication I / F 106. Furthermore, payment terminal 1 can perform electronic payment with electronic payment server 3 located in cloud 4 via game management server 2 by sending an electronic payment request signal to game management server 2 via communication I / F 106. This communication I / F 106 corresponds to the "communication unit" of the present invention.

[0099] The game machine I / F 107 controls the transmission and reception of signals between the left game machine 11, the right game machine 12, the left coin mechanism 15, and the right coin mechanism 16. The game machine I / F 107 has a left lock input terminal LI1, a right lock input terminal LI2, a left coin insertion input terminal CI1, a right coin insertion input terminal CI2, a left payment pulse output terminal KO1, a right payment pulse output terminal KO2, a left prize provision input terminal PI1, and a right prize provision input terminal PI2.

[0100] The CPU 101 can recognize that the left game machine 11 is in a locked state or that a prize has been provided in the left game machine 11, based on a lock signal or a prize provision signal of the left game machine 11 input from the left lock input terminal LI1 or the left prize provision input terminal PI1 via the game machine I / F 107. Furthermore, the CPU 101 can recognize that a 100 yen coin has been inserted into the left game machine 11, based on a coin insertion signal of the left coin mechanism 15 input from the left coin insertion input terminal CI1 via the game machine I / F 107. Furthermore, when payment for the left game machine 11 is completed, the CPU 101 can output a permission signal from the left payment pulse output terminal KO1 via the game machine I / F 107 and permit the left game machine 11 to execute a game.

[0101] Furthermore, the CPU 101 can recognize that the right game machine 12 is in a locked state or that a prize has been provided in the right game machine 12, based on a lock signal or a prize provision signal of the right game machine 12 input from the right lock input terminal LI2 or the right prize provision input terminal PI2 via the game machine I / F 107. Furthermore, the CPU 101 can recognize that a 100 yen coin has been inserted into the right game machine 12, based on a coin insertion signal of the right coin mechanism 16 input from the right coin insertion input terminal CI2 via the game machine I / F 107. Furthermore, when payment for the right game machine 12 is completed, the CPU 101 can output a permission signal from the right payment pulse output terminal KO2 via the game machine I / F 107 and permit the right game machine 12 to execute a game.

[0102] The game machine I / F 107, the left payment pulse output terminal KO1, and the right payment pulse output terminal KO2 correspond to the "transmitter" of the present invention.

[0103] Image capturing element 109 is an element for capturing images, and is configured, for example, by a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor. When performing code payment, payment terminal 1 uses image capturing element 109 to capture an image of a code displayed on a user's smartphone or the like.

[0104] The imaging control unit 108 drives the imaging element 109 to capture an image using the imaging element 109 and generate image data for the captured image. The image data generated by the imaging control unit 108 is temporarily stored in the storage device 102. When performing code payment, the CPU 101 analyzes the contents of the code from the image data stored in the storage device 102 and executes electronic payment with the electronic payment server 3 according to the contents of the code.

[0105] The NFC control unit 110 controls short-range wireless communication with a smartphone, credit card, transportation IC card, or the like, which has an embedded contactless IC chip compatible with short-range wireless communication. When making an NFC payment, the payment terminal 1 performs short-range wireless communication with the user's smartphone, credit card, transportation IC card, or the like that is approaching the payment terminal 1 via the NFC control unit 110, and acquires information necessary for electronic payment from them. The CPU 101 executes electronic payment with the electronic payment server 3 based on the acquired information.

[0106] <2.2. Functional configuration of payment terminal> Next, the functional configuration of the payment terminal 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The payment terminal 1 is configured to have, as its functional blocks, a display 21, a display control 22, a touch / identification 23, an image capture 24, a code reading 25, a card reading 26, a payment signal generation 27, a timer 28, a clock 29, a timestamp addition 30, communication 31, a payment result determination 32, a payment pulse generation 33, a left pulse transmission 34, a right pulse transmission 35, and a count 36.

[0107] Display 21 is realized by display device 105, and displays various images according to the status of payment terminal 1. Display control 22 is realized by CPU 101, which executes a predetermined program, and display control unit 103, and controls the images displayed on display 21. Examples of images displayed on display 21 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 16.

[0108] Touch identification 23 is realized by a CPU 101 that executes a predetermined program and an input I / F 104, and when a user touches the screen of a display device 105 that has a touch panel function, it grasps the position information of the touched screen and identifies the image that was displayed on the display device 105 at the touched position.

[0109] For example, the first standby images 41a, 41b (see FIG. 5(a)) displayed on the display 21 display a code button and an NFC button as buttons that allow the user to select the type of electronic payment. When the user touches the code button on the first standby images 41a, 41b displayed on the display 21, the touch identification 23 identifies that code payment has been selected based on the position information of the touch. Also, when the user touches the NFC button, the touch identification 23 identifies that NFC payment has been selected based on the position information of the touch.

[0110] Additionally, second standby images 42a, 42b (see Fig. 5(b) and Fig. 7(b)) displayed on display 21 display buttons that allow the user to select the payment amount for electronic payment. When the user touches the button of the desired payment amount on second standby images 42a, 42b displayed on display 21, the selected payment amount is identified by touch identification 23 from the touched position information.

[0111] The imaging 24 is realized by a CPU 101 that executes a predetermined program, an imaging control unit 108, and an imaging element 109, and when performing code payment, it captures an image of a code displayed on a user's smartphone or the like.

[0112] Code reading 25 is realized by CPU 101 executing a predetermined program, and when touch identification 23 identifies that the type of electronic payment selected by the user is code payment, the contents of the code are read from the image of the code captured by imaging 24.

[0113] The card reader 26 is implemented by the CPU 101, which executes a predetermined program, and the NFC control unit 110. When the type of electronic payment selected by the user is identified as NFC payment by the touch identification 23, the card reader 26 performs short-range wireless communication with the user's smartphone, credit card, transportation IC card, or the like that is approaching the payment terminal 1, and obtains the information necessary for the electronic payment (card information) from them.

[0114] The payment signal generator 27 generates an electronic payment request signal to be sent to the game management server 2 in order to perform electronic payment with the electronic payment server 3. For example, when code payment is performed as the electronic payment, the payment signal generator 27 generates an electronic payment request signal including information on the code read from the user's smartphone or the like by the code reader 25 and the payment amount identified by the touch identification 23. When NFC payment is performed as the electronic payment, the payment signal generator 27 generates an electronic payment request signal including information required for electronic payment (card information) obtained from the user's smartphone, credit card, transportation IC card or the like via short-range wireless communication by the card reader 26 and the payment amount identified by the touch identification 23.

[0115] The timer 28 and clock 29 are as described above with reference to FIG.

[0116] Timer 28 starts measuring time, for example, when an electronic payment request signal is generated by payment signal generation 27, with the specified time being the allowable waiting time until the electronic payment is completed. Timer 28 stops measuring time if a response related to the electronic payment is received from electronic payment server 3 before the specified time has elapsed. On the other hand, timer 28 outputs a timeout signal if the specified time has elapsed without receiving a response related to the electronic payment from electronic payment server 3. Display control 22 displays a payment error image on display 21 based on the timeout signal.

[0117] In addition, timer 28 starts measuring time, setting the waiting time for selecting the payment amount as a specified time, when the user selects the type of electronic payment for first standby images 41a, 41b (see FIG. 5(a)) displayed on display 21 and second standby images 42a, 42b (see FIGS. 5(b) and 7(b)) for selecting the payment amount are displayed on display 21. Timer 28 stops measuring time if the payment amount is selected for second standby images 42a, 42b before the specified time has elapsed. On the other hand, timer 28 outputs a timeout signal if the specified time has elapsed without the payment amount being selected. Based on the timeout signal, display control 22 stops displaying second standby images 42a, 42b on display 21 and returns to displaying first standby images 41a, 41b. Other uses of timer 28 will be described later in the processing executed by CPU 101.

[0118] The time stamp addition 30 is realized by the CPU 101 executing a predetermined program, and adds the current time output by the clock 29 as a time stamp to the signal to be sent to the game management server 2. For example, the time stamp addition 30 adds a time stamp to the electronic payment request signal generated by the payment signal generation 27.

[0119] Furthermore, when a coin insertion signal is input from the left coin insertion input terminal CI1, the time stamp addition 30 generates a left coin insertion signal indicating that a 100 yen coin has been inserted into the left game machine 11, and adds a time stamp to this left coin insertion signal. Similarly, when a coin insertion signal is input from the right coin insertion input terminal CI2, the time stamp addition 30 generates a right coin insertion signal indicating that a 100 yen coin has been inserted into the right game machine 12, and adds a time stamp to this right coin insertion signal.

[0120] Furthermore, when a prize provision signal is input from the left prize provision input terminal PI1, the time stamp addition 30 generates a left prize provision signal indicating that a prize has been provided from the left game machine 11, and adds a time stamp to this left prize provision signal. Similarly, when a prize provision signal is input from the right prize provision input terminal PI2, the time stamp addition 30 generates a right prize provision signal indicating that a prize has been provided from the right game machine 12, and adds a time stamp to this right prize provision signal.

[0121] Communication 31 is realized by CPU 101 executing a predetermined program and communication I / F 106, and transmits and receives data to and from game management server 2 located in cloud 4. For example, communication 31 transmits an electronic payment request signal, a left coin insertion signal, a right coin insertion signal, a left prize provision signal, a right prize provision signal, etc., to which a timestamp has been added by timestamp addition 30, as event occurrence information to game management server 2. Game management server 2 stores these events in a database.

[0122] Furthermore, the game management server 2 requests approval of the electronic payment from the electronic payment server 3 based on the electronic payment request signal. As a result, when the game management server 2 receives a payment completion signal or a payment error signal from the electronic payment server 3, it transmits the payment completion signal or payment error signal to the payment terminal 1. The communication 31 receives the payment completion signal and the payment error signal transmitted from the game management server 2.

[0123] The payment result determination unit 32 is realized by the CPU 101 executing a predetermined program, and determines the result of the electronic payment based on the payment completion signal and payment error signal received from the game management server 2 via communication 31. That is, when a payment completion signal is received from the game management server 2, the payment result determination unit 32 determines that the electronic payment has been approved by the electronic payment server 3 and that the electronic payment has been completed (successful). On the other hand, when a payment error signal is received from the game management server 2, the payment result determination unit 32 determines that an error has occurred in the electronic payment and that it has failed.

[0124] The payment pulse generator 33 is realized by the CPU 101 executing a predetermined program, and generates a pulse signal that is an authorization signal that permits the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12, for which payment has been completed, to play a game. The left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 play one game in response to one pulse signal. The payment pulse generator 33 generates pulse signals equal to the number of games played, so that the number of games corresponds to the payment amount.

[0125] For example, when an electronic payment of 100 yen is completed for the left game machine 11, one pulse signal is generated and the left game machine 11 is permitted to play one game. When an electronic payment of 500 yen is completed for the left game machine 11, six pulse signals are generated and the left game machine 11 is permitted to play six games. When an electronic payment of 200 yen is completed for the right game machine 12, one pulse signal is generated and the right game machine 12 is permitted to play one game. When an electronic payment of 1000 yen is completed for the right game machine 12, six pulse signals are generated and the right game machine 12 is permitted to play six games.

[0126] Furthermore, the payment pulse generator 33 generates a pulse signal as a game execution permission signal not only in response to electronic payment but also in response to the completion of cash payment. That is, when the counter 36 described below counts that one 100-yen coin has been inserted into the left game machine 11, the payment pulse generator 33 generates one pulse signal to permit the left game machine 11 to play one game. When the counter 36 counts that two 100-yen coins have been inserted into the right game machine 12, the payment pulse generator 33 generates one pulse signal to permit the right game machine 12 to play one game.

[0127] For example, if a lock signal is input from the left lock input terminal LI1 while the payment pulse generator 33 is generating n pulse signals corresponding to the payment amount for the left game machine 11, this means that the left game machine 11 is in a locked state, i.e., is not accepting a game execution permission signal, and the payment pulse generator 33 suspends the generation and transmission of pulse signals. Then, when the input of the lock signal from the left lock input terminal LI1 ends and the locked state of the left game machine 11 is released, the payment pulse generator 33 resumes generating and transmitting the remaining pulse signals to the left game machine 11 that have not been transmitted. The same applies to the relationship between the generation of pulse signals for the right game machine 12 and the input of a lock signal from the right lock input terminal LI2.

[0128] This ensures that even if a game machine goes into a state (locked state) where permission to play a game is not accepted before or during transmission of a permission signal to the game machine, the unsent pulse signal can be reliably transmitted so that the game is played the number of times corresponding to the payment amount after the locked state is released.

[0129] Furthermore, the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 each have a predetermined maximum number of acceptable games that can be accepted, and they also enter a locked state when the number of unplayed games that have been permitted to be played based on the completion of payment reaches the maximum number of acceptable games. This means that, while a permission signal is being transmitted to a given game machine, the number of unplayed games on that given game machine may reach the maximum number of acceptable games, causing the machine to enter a locked state. When the payment terminal 1 receives a lock signal from that given game machine, it suspends transmission of the permission signal. This prevents the payment terminal 1 from transmitting further permission signals to that given game machine whose number of unplayed games has reached the maximum number of acceptable games. Then, when a game is played on that given game machine and the locked state is released, the remaining permission signals that have not been transmitted can be transmitted.

[0130] The left pulse transfer 34 is realized by the game machine I / F 107, and transmits the permission signal (pulse signal) for the left game machine 11 generated by the payment pulse generation 33 to the left game machine 11 from the left payment pulse output terminal KO1.

[0131] The right pulse transfer 35 is realized by the game machine I / F 107, and transmits the permission signal (pulse signal) for the right game machine 12 generated by the payment pulse generation 33 to the right game machine 12 from the right payment pulse output terminal KO2.

[0132] The count 36 is realized by the CPU 101 that executes a predetermined program and the game machine I / F 107, and counts the number of 100 yen coins inserted into the corresponding left coin mechanism 15 or right coin mechanism 16 for each of the left game machine 11 and right game machine 12.

[0133] Specifically, when a 100-yen coin insertion signal is input from the left coin mechanism 15 to the left coin insertion input terminal CI1, the counter 36 counts up by one the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the left game machine 11. When the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the left game machine 11 reaches one, the counter 36 generates a single pulse signal to be sent to the left game machine 11 by the settlement pulse generator 33, and then initializes the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the left game machine 11 to zero. In other words, the counter 36 counts up to one coin as the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the left game machine 11.

[0134] Furthermore, when a 100-yen coin insertion signal is input from the right coin mechanism 16 to the right coin insertion input terminal CI2, the counter 36 counts up by one the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the right game machine 12. When the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the right game machine 12 reaches two, the counter 36 generates a single pulse signal to be sent to the right game machine 12 by the settlement pulse generator 33, and then initializes the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the right game machine 12 to zero. In other words, the counter 36 counts up to two as the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the right game machine 12.

[0135] <3. Images displayed on the display device> Next, various images displayed on display device 105 (display 21) of payment terminal 1 will be described along the payment flow with reference to FIGS.

[0136] <3.1. Standby image> <3.1.1. First standby image> 5 and 6 are diagrams showing the flow of various images displayed on the display device 105 when the user selects code payment for 100 yen as electronic payment for the left game machine 11. Also, FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the flow of various images displayed on the display device 105 when the user selects NFC payment for 1000 yen as electronic payment for the right game machine 12.

[0137] 5(a) and 7(a) are diagrams showing a first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and a first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12. The first standby images 41a and 41b are a type of standby image. The standby images are displayed on the display device 105 when the payment terminal 1 is not performing a payment process, and are images for receiving an instruction from the user to the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 to execute electronic payment.

[0138] Of these, the first standby image 41a accepts the selection of the type of electronic payment desired by the user for the left game machine 11. The first standby image 41b accepts the selection of the type of electronic payment desired by the user for the right game machine 12.

[0139] Specifically, a code button indicating the type of electronic payment and an NFC button are displayed on the first standby images 41a and 41b, respectively. When the user touches the code button on the first standby image 41a, code payment is selected as the type of electronic payment for the left game machine 11. When the user touches the NFC button on the first standby image 41a, NFC payment is selected as the type of electronic payment for the left game machine 11. When the user also touches the code button and the NFC button on the first standby image 41b, code payment or NFC payment is selected as the type of electronic payment for the right game machine 12.

[0140] In this way, the payment terminal 1 allows the user to select the type of electronic payment desired from multiple types of electronic payment using the first standby images 41a, 41b generated for each game machine, and allows the user to make the type of electronic payment desired.

[0141] The first standby image 41a is displayed on the left half of the screen of the display device 105 together with an indication of the user of the left game machine 11 ("PLAY1" in the example of FIG. 5 etc.). The first standby image 41b is displayed on the right half of the screen of the display device 105 together with an indication of the user of the right game machine 12 ("PLAY2" in the example of FIG. 5 etc.). This allows the user to visually understand that the first standby image 41a is for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b is for the right game machine 12.

[0142] <3.1.2. Second standby image> When a type of electronic payment is selected for the first standby image 41a, a second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11 is displayed in place of the first standby image 41a, as shown in Fig. 5(b). At this time, if a type of electronic payment is not selected for the first standby image 41b, the first standby image 41b continues to be displayed on the display device 105.

[0143] On the other hand, when a type of electronic payment is selected for the first standby image 41b, a second standby image 42b for the right game machine 12 is displayed in place of the first standby image 41b, as shown in Fig. 7(b). At this time, if a type of electronic payment is not selected for the first standby image 41a, the first standby image 41a continues to be displayed on the display device 105.

[0144] The second standby images 42a and 42b are also a type of standby image. The second standby image 42a accepts the selection of the payment amount of the electronic payment that the user desires for the left game machine 11.

[0145] Specifically, the second standby image 42a displays a 100 yen button and a 500 yen button indicating the payment amount of the electronic payment for the left game machine 11. When the user touches the 100 yen button on the second standby image 42a, 100 yen is selected as the payment amount of the electronic payment for the left game machine 11. When the user touches the 500 yen button on the second standby image 42a, 500 yen is selected as the payment amount of the electronic payment for the left game machine 11.

[0146] When the selection of the payment amount for the electronic payment for the second standby image 42a is completed, the selection of the type of electronic payment for the first standby image 41a is also accepted as an instruction from the user to execute electronic payment for the left game machine 11. Then, the payment terminal 1 executes processing related to the electronic payment for the left game machine 11 so that the electronic payment for the payment amount selected in the second standby image 42a is executed using the type selected in the first standby image 41a.

[0147] The second standby image 42b accepts the selection of the payment amount of the electronic payment desired by the user for the right game machine 12. That is, the second standby image 42b displays a 200 yen button and a 1000 yen button, which indicate the payment amount of the electronic payment for the right game machine 12. When the user touches the 200 yen button on the second standby image 42b, 200 yen is selected as the payment amount of the electronic payment for the right game machine 12. When the user touches the 1000 yen button on the second standby image 42b, 1000 yen is selected as the payment amount of the electronic payment for the right game machine 12.

[0148] When the selection of the payment amount for the electronic payment for the second standby image 42b is completed, the selection of the type of electronic payment for the first standby image 41b is also accepted as an instruction from the user to execute the electronic payment for the right game machine 12. Then, the payment terminal 1 executes processing related to the electronic payment for the right game machine 12 so that the electronic payment for the payment amount selected in the second standby image 42b is executed using the type selected in the first standby image 41b.

[0149] In this way, the payment terminal 1 allows the user to select a desired payment amount from multiple payment amounts using the second standby images 42a, 42b, and can perform electronic payment for the desired payment amount. Also, the payment terminal 1 allows the user to perform electronic payment for the desired amount and in the type desired by the user from multiple types of electronic payment using the first standby images 41a, 41b and the second standby images 42a, 42b.

[0150] The second standby images 42a and 42b also display the number of games that can be played for the payment amount displayed in association with the button. That is, in the second standby image 42a, the 100 yen button also displays "1" as the number of games that can be played, and the 500 yen button also displays "6" as the number of games that can be played. In addition, in the second standby image 42b, the 200 yen button also displays "1" as the number of games that can be played, and the 1000 yen button also displays "6" as the number of games that can be played. This allows the user to understand the number of games that can be played for the payment amount and select the payment amount for electronic payment while taking that number of games into consideration.

[0151] The second standby images 42a and 42b also display the type of electronic payment (code or NFC) selected in the corresponding first standby image 41a or 41b, allowing the user to select the payment amount while checking the selected type of electronic payment.

[0152] Furthermore, a back button 43a is displayed on the second standby image 42a, and a back button 43b is displayed on the second standby image 42b. The back buttons 43a and 43b are buttons for returning from the second standby images 42a and 42b to the first standby images 41a and 41b. When the user touches the back button 43a while the second standby image 42a is being displayed, the second standby image 42a is erased and the first standby image 41a is displayed in the display position of the second standby image 42a as the standby image for the left game machine 11. When the user touches the back button 43a while the second standby image 42b is being displayed, the second standby image 42b is erased and the first standby image 41b is displayed in the display position of the second standby image 42b as the standby image for the right game machine 12. This means that if the user makes a mistake in selecting the type of electronic payment for the first standby images 41a, 41b or wants to cancel the electronic payment, the user can touch the back buttons 43a, 43b to return the image displayed on the display device 105 from the second standby images 42a, 42b to the first standby images 41a, 41b.

[0153] The second standby image 42a, like the first standby image 41a, is displayed on the left half of the screen of the display device 105 together with an indication of the user of the left game machine 11 ("PLAY1" in the example of FIG. 5 etc.). The second standby image 42b, like the first standby image 41b, is displayed on the right half of the screen of the display device 105 together with an indication of the user of the right game machine 12 ("PLAY2" in the example of FIG. 7 etc.). This allows the user to visually understand that the second standby image 42a is for the left game machine 11 and the second standby image 42b is for the right game machine 12.

[0154] <3.2. Images for electronic payment> When a payment amount is selected on the second standby image 42a and an instruction to make an electronic payment to the left game machine 11 is given by the user, the payment terminal 1 transmits an electronic payment request signal to the game management server 2 and displays an image for electronic payment for the left game machine 11 on the display device 105. When a payment amount is selected on the second standby image 42b and an instruction to make an electronic payment to the right game machine 12 is given by the user, the payment terminal 1 transmits an electronic payment request signal to the game management server 2 and displays an image for electronic payment for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105.

[0155] When the electronic payment image is displayed on the display device 105, as shown in Figures 5(c) and 7(c), the standby images (first standby images 41a, 41b, second standby images 42a, 42b) for all gaming machines that had been displayed on the display device 105 until then are erased, and the electronic payment image for the gaming machine for which an instruction to execute electronic payment has been given is displayed.

[0156] This makes it possible to prevent instructions to execute electronic payments from being issued from other game machines while an electronic payment is being made to the game machine to which the instruction to execute electronic payment has been issued. Therefore, the payment terminal 1 can prevent instructions to execute electronic payments to the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 being issued at the same time, which can lead to confusion as to which game machine the electronic payment made by the user is for. Therefore, the payment terminal 1 can preferably make electronic payments to the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12.

[0157] The electronic payment images include operation guide images 44a, 44b, payment completion images 46a, 46b, and a payment error image 50, which will be described below. When a user instructs one of the gaming machines to make an electronic payment, operation guide images 44a, 44b, payment completion images 46a, 46b, and payment error image 50 are displayed as electronic payment images according to the status of the electronic payment, so that the user can smoothly carry out the electronic payment and correctly understand the status of the electronic payment, as will be described below.

[0158] <3.2.1. Operation guidance images> The images for electronic payment include operation guide images 44a and 44b. The operation guide images 44a and 44b are images that guide the user to perform operations required for electronic payment.

[0159] For example, if the user selects from the first standby image 41a and the second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11 that an electronic payment of 100 yen be made by code payment, an operation guide image 44a for the left game machine 11 as shown in Fig. 5(c) is displayed on the display device 105. Also, if the user selects from the first standby image 41b and the second standby image 42b for the right game machine 12 that an electronic payment of 1000 yen be made by NFC payment, an operation guide image 44b for the right game machine 12 as shown in Fig. 7(c) is displayed on the display device 105.

[0160] The operation guide images 44a and 44b indicate the type of electronic payment being made, the payment amount, and the user of the gaming machine that is the subject of the electronic payment. In the example shown in FIG. 5(c), this user indication corresponds to "PLAY1" and a picture of a duck. This indication indicates that the payment terminal 1 is currently making an electronic payment for the user of the left gaming machine 11. In the example shown in FIG. 7(c), the user indication corresponds to "PLAY2" and a picture of a bear. This indication indicates that the payment terminal 1 is currently making an electronic payment for the user of the right gaming machine 12. Note that this indication may be displayed in any manner as long as it can be determined whether the user of the gaming machine that is the subject of the electronic payment is the user of the left gaming machine 11 or the user of the right gaming machine 12.

[0161] Additionally, operation guide images 44a and 44b display messages prompting the user to perform the operations required for the type of electronic payment selected by the user, along with the payment amount. For example, if code payment is selected, a message prompting the user to hold a code displayed on the user's smartphone or other device over payment terminal 1 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 5(c). If NFC payment is selected, a message prompting the user to hold a credit card or other device with an embedded contactless IC chip over payment terminal 1 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 7(c). These displays guide the user to the operations required for electronic payment.

[0162] When code payment is selected, an image captured by the imaging element 109 mounted on the payment terminal 1 may also be displayed in the operation guide images 44a and 44b, allowing the user to confirm that the code displayed on the user's smartphone or the like is within the imaging range of the imaging element 109. In this case, guidelines for adjusting the size and imaging position of the captured code may be displayed in combination with the image captured by the imaging element 109. This allows the user to smoothly read the code into the payment terminal 1.

[0163] Additionally, a back button 45a is displayed on the operation guide image 44a, and a back button 45b is displayed on the operation guide image 44b. The back buttons 45a and 45b are used to cancel electronic payment and return from the operation guide images 44a and 44b to the first standby images 41a and 41b. If the user touches the back button 45a or 45b while the operation guide images 44a and 44b are displayed, the payment terminal 1 erases the operation guide images 44a and 44b that have been displayed up until then and displays the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12. This allows the user to interrupt the electronic payment procedure that was started based on the user's instruction at their discretion, and the first standby images 41a and 41b for all game machines are displayed again on the display device 105, allowing the user to accept instructions to execute electronic payment for all game machines. This allows electronic payment for multiple game machines to be performed efficiently.

[0164] Furthermore, if the back button 45a, 45b is touched while the operation guide images 44a, 44b are displayed on the display device 105, control is performed via the communication 31 to stop the electronic settlement with the electronic settlement server 3. This allows the electronic settlement that was interrupted by the user's intention to be reliably stopped with the electronic settlement server 3.

[0165] <3.2.2. Payment completion image> The electronic payment images include payment completion images 46a and 46b. The payment completion images 46a and 46b are images that are displayed when electronic payment with the electronic payment server 3 is completed.

[0166] For example, if the payment terminal 1 receives a payment completion signal from the game management server 2 while the operation guide image 44a for the left game machine 11 is being displayed, it determines that the electronic payment for the left game machine 11 has been approved and completed by the electronic payment server 3. Then, the payment terminal 1 transmits a permission signal to the left game machine 11 to allow the game to be played the number of games corresponding to the payment amount, and displays the payment completion image 46a shown in Fig. 6(a) as the electronic payment image for the left game machine 11 instead of the operation guide image 44a.

[0167] Furthermore, if the payment terminal 1 receives a payment completion signal from the game management server 2 while the operation guide image 44b for the right game machine 12 is being displayed, it determines that the electronic payment for the right game machine 12 has been approved and completed by the electronic payment server 3. Then, the payment terminal 1 transmits a permission signal to the right game machine 12 to allow the game to be played the number of games corresponding to the payment amount, and displays the payment completion image 46b shown in Fig. 8(a) as the electronic payment image for the right game machine 12 instead of the operation guide image 44b.

[0168] The payment completion images 46a, 46b, like the operation guide images 44a, 44b, indicate the user of the gaming machine that is the subject of the electronic payment. This allows the payment terminal 1 to inform the user whether the displayed payment completion images 46a, 46b are for the user of the left gaming machine 11 or the user of the right gaming machine 12.

[0169] Furthermore, the payment completion images 46a and 46b display a message indicating that the electronic payment was successful ("Payment successful" in the examples shown in Figs. 6(a) and 8(a)), along with the type of electronic payment and the payment amount. This allows the user to understand that the electronic payment has been completed (successfully) according to the type of electronic payment and payment amount selected by the user.

[0170] The payment completion images 46a, 46b are displayed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds). However, like the operation guide images 44a, 44b, back buttons 45a, 45b are also displayed on the payment completion images 46a, 46b. When the user touches the back buttons 45a, 45b, the payment completion images 46a, 46b are erased and the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 are displayed, even if the predetermined period of time has not yet elapsed.

[0171] Note that when the back button 45a is operated while the payment completion image 46a is being displayed, the left game machine 11 may not directly return to the first standby image 41a, but may instead temporarily display a game start image 47a (described later) as shown in FIG. 6(b) and then return to the first standby image 41a. In this case, the right game machine 12 may directly return to the first standby image 41b. Also, when the back button 45b is operated while the payment completion image 46b is being displayed, the right game machine 12 may not directly return to the first standby image 41b, but may temporarily display a game start image 47b (described later) as shown in FIG. 8(b) and then return to the first standby image 41b. In this case, the left game machine 11 may directly return to the first standby image 41a.

[0172] Here, when the payment completion image 46a, 46b is displayed, the electronic payment has already been completed, so even if the back button 45a, 45b is operated, control to stop the electronic payment is not performed. In other words, the back button 45a, 45b displayed in the payment completion image 46a, 46b exists simply to terminate the display of the payment completion image 46a, 46b without waiting a predetermined period. Therefore, it is not necessary to display the back button 45a, 45b for the payment completion image 46a, 46b.

[0173] <3.2.3. Payment Error Image> Figure 9 shows the flow of various images displayed on the display device 105 when an error occurs in electronic payment for the left game machine 11. The images for electronic payment include a payment error image 50 as shown in Figure 9(a). The payment error image 50 is an image that is displayed when an error occurs in electronic payment with the electronic payment server 3.

[0174] That is, if the payment terminal 1 determines that an error has occurred in the electronic payment for the left game machine 11 with the electronic payment server 3 while the operation guide image 44a for the left game machine 11 is being displayed, it displays the payment error image 50 shown in Fig. 9(a) as the image for electronic payment for the left game machine 11, instead of the operation guide image 44a. The payment terminal 1 determines that an error has occurred in the electronic payment when it receives a payment error signal from the game management server 2 or when it receives no response from the game management server 2 within a predetermined period of time after transmitting an electronic payment request signal to the game management server 2.

[0175] 9(a) is for the left game machine 11, but there is also a payment error image 50 for the right game machine 12, similar to the operation guide image 44b and the payment completion image 46b. That is, if the payment terminal 1 determines that an error has occurred in the electronic payment for the right game machine 12 with the electronic payment server 3 while the operation guide image 44a for the right game machine 12 is being displayed, it displays the payment error image 50 for the right game machine 12 as the image for electronic payment, instead of the operation guide image 44a.

[0176] The payment error image 50, like the operation guide images 44a, 44b and the payment completion images 46a, 46b, clearly indicates the user of the gaming machine that is the subject of the electronic payment. This allows the payment terminal 1 to inform the user whether the displayed payment error image 50 is for the user of the left gaming machine 11 or the user of the right gaming machine 12.

[0177] The payment error image 50 also displays a message indicating that an error has occurred in the electronic payment (in the example shown in Figure 9(a) this is "TIME'S UP"), along with the type of electronic payment and the payment amount. This allows the user to understand that an error has occurred in the electronic payment according to the type and amount of electronic payment that they selected.

[0178] The content of the error message may indicate the type of error, such as a timeout due to no response from the electronic payment server 3 or the game management server 2 (example in FIG. 9(a)), insufficient balance required for payment, or a credit card authentication error.

[0179] The payment error image 50 is displayed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds). After the payment error image 50 has been displayed for the predetermined period of time, the payment terminal 1 erases the payment error image 50 and displays the initial image, i.e., the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12, as shown in FIG. 9(b). As a result, if an error occurs in electronic payment for one game machine for which an execution instruction has been issued, the first standby images 41a and 41b for all game machines are displayed again on the display device 105, making it possible to again accept instructions to execute electronic payments for all game machines. This allows electronic payments for multiple game machines to be carried out in an efficient manner.

[0180] Similarly to the operation guide images 44a and 44b, the payment error image 50 also displays a back button 45a. When the user touches the back button 45a, the payment error image 50 disappears, and the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 are displayed, even if the predetermined period has not yet elapsed. However, when the payment error image 50 is displayed, as with the payment completion images 46a and 46b, the electronic payment has already been completed, and therefore, even if the back button 45a is operated, control to cancel the electronic payment is not performed. In other words, the back button 45a displayed on the payment error image 50 exists simply to terminate the display of the payment error image 50 without waiting for the predetermined period. Therefore, the back button 45a does not necessarily have to be displayed on the payment error image 50.

[0181] <3.3. Game start image> <3.3.1. Game start image after electronic payment> When the payment completion image 46a for the left game machine 11 is displayed on the display device 105 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds), the payment terminal 1 erases the payment completion image 46a. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the payment terminal 1 displays a game start image 47a for the left game machine 11 on the left half of the screen of the display device 105, and displays a first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 on the right half of the screen of the display device 105. The game start image 47a is an image that notifies the user that a game will start on the left game machine 11.

[0182] Furthermore, when the payment completion image 46b for the right game machine 12 is displayed on the display device 105 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds), the payment terminal 1 erases the payment completion image 46b. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the payment terminal 1 displays a first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 on the left half of the screen of the display device 105, and displays a game start image 47b for the right game machine 12 on the right half of the screen of the display device 105. The game start image 47b is an image that notifies the user that a game will start on the right game machine 12.

[0183] The game start images 47a and 47b first indicate the user of the gaming machine for which the game will start upon successful (completion) payment. This allows the payment terminal 1 to inform the user whether the displayed game start images 47a and 47b are for the user of the left gaming machine 11 or the user of the right gaming machine 12. Note that the game start image 47a is displayed in the left half of the screen of the display device 105, which also indicates that it is for the left gaming machine 11. Furthermore, the game start image 47b is displayed in the right half of the screen of the display device 105, which also indicates that it is for the right gaming machine 12.

[0184] Furthermore, the game start images 47a and 47b display a message indicating that the game will start ("Start Play" in the examples shown in FIGS. 6(b) and 8(b)) along with the payment amount of the completed payment. The game start images 47a and 47b allow the user to understand that the game can be started on the corresponding gaming machine, and the user can play the game on that gaming machine. Note that the game start images 47a and 47b may display the number of games that can be played based on the payment amount, instead of or in addition to the payment amount. This allows the user to understand from the game start images 47a and 47b the number of games that can be played based on the payment amount, and to play that number of games.

[0185] Similarly to the first standby images 41a and 41b, the game start images 47a and 47b also display a code button indicating the type of electronic payment and an NFC button. That is, the game start images 47a and 47b serve the same purpose as the first standby images 41a and 41b. When the user touches the code button or NFC button displayed on the game start image 47a, the type of electronic payment for the left game machine 11 is selected according to the button touched. Then, the second standby image 42a is displayed in place of the game start image 47a.

[0186] Furthermore, when the user touches a code button or an NFC button displayed on the game start image 47b, the type of electronic payment for the right game machine 12 is selected according to the type of button touched. Then, the second standby image 42b is displayed in place of the game start image 47b.

[0187] The game start images 47a and 47b are continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time (for example, five seconds). Then, when the predetermined period has elapsed since the game start image 47a began to be displayed, the game start image 47a is erased, and the first standby image 41a is displayed in the position where the game start image 47a had been displayed, as shown in FIG. 6(c). Furthermore, when the predetermined period has elapsed since the game start image 47b began to be displayed, the game start image 47b is erased, and the first standby image 41b is displayed in the position where the game start image 47b had been displayed, as shown in FIG. 8(c).

[0188] In this way, after completing electronic payment for one gaming machine, the user can recognize the start of game execution on that gaming machine from the game start images 47a and 47b, and can again issue instructions to execute electronic payments for other gaming machines, which was not possible while electronic payment for the first gaming machine was in progress. Thus, electronic payments for multiple gaming machines can be performed efficiently.

[0189] <3.3.2. Game start image after cash payment> The game start images 47a and 47b are displayed on the display device 105 not only when electronic payment is completed but also when cash payment is made. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of various images displayed on the display device 105 when a user inserts one 100-yen coin into the left coin mechanism 15 to make a cash payment for the left game machine 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of various images displayed on the display device 105 when a user inserts two 100-yen coins into the right coin mechanism 16 to make a cash payment for the right game machine 12.

[0190] 10(a) is displayed on the display device 105, when one 100-yen coin is inserted into the left coin mechanism 15, the left game machine 11 is set to play one game per 100 yen, so the payment terminal 1 operates as follows. That is, the payment terminal 1 transmits one pulse signal to the left game machine 11 as an authorization signal permitting one game for the left game machine 11, and displays a game start image 47a for the left game machine 11 on the display device 105 as shown in FIG. 10(b). Even if a cash payment is made by inserting a 100-yen coin into the left coin mechanism 15, the user can understand from the game start image 47a that the game can be started on the left game machine 11, and can play the game on the left game machine 11.

[0191] In this case, if the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b for the right game machine 12 is displayed on the display device 105 when a 100 yen coin is inserted into the left coin mechanism 15, the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b that was displayed will continue to be displayed as shown in Figure 10(b).

[0192] 11(a) is displayed on the display device 105, when one 100 yen coin is inserted into the right coin mechanism 16, the payment terminal 1 displays a remaining number notification image 51a for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105, as shown in FIG. 11(b). Details of the remaining number notification image 51a will be described later.

[0193] Then, if another 100-yen coin is inserted into the right coin mechanism 16 while the remaining coin count notification image 51a for the right game machine 12 is displayed on the display device 105, the right game machine 12 is set to play one game for every 200 yen, so the payment terminal 1 operates as follows: That is, the payment terminal 1 transmits one pulse signal to the right game machine 12 as an authorization signal permitting the right game machine 12 to play one game, and displays a game start image 47b for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105, as shown in FIG. 11(c). Even if a cash payment is made by inserting two 100-yen coins into the right coin mechanism 16, the user can understand from the game start image 47b that a game can be started on the right game machine 12, and can play a game on the right game machine 12.

[0194] In this case, if the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11 is displayed on the display device 105 when a 100 yen coin is inserted into the right coin mechanism 16, the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42b that was displayed will continue to be displayed as shown in Figure 11 (c).

[0195] The content of the game start images 47a, 47b is the same as the game start images 47a, 47b that are displayed when electronic payment is completed. The game start images 47a, 47b are continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds). Then, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the game start image 47a began to be displayed, the game start image 47a is erased, and as shown in FIG. 10(c), the first standby image 41a is displayed in the position where the game start image 47a had been displayed. Furthermore, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the game start image 47b began to be displayed, the game start image 47b is erased, and as shown in FIG. 11(d), the first standby image 41b is displayed in the position where the game start image 47b had been displayed.

[0196] As described above, the payment terminal 1 can not only handle electronic payments, but also permit multiple gaming machines to play games in response to the insertion of coins into the left coin mechanism 15 and the right coin mechanism 16. Furthermore, when the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the coin mechanism corresponding to a certain gaming machine reaches the number of coins required to play a game on that gaming machine, game start images 47a and 47b notifying the start of the game are displayed on the display device 105, and the user can understand from the game start images 47a and 47b that inserting coins into the coin mechanism for that gaming machine will cause a game to start on that certain gaming machine.

[0197] The game start images 47a and 47b displayed when cash payment is made correspond to a type of "coin insertion image" in the present invention. The user can confirm through the game start images 47a and 47b, which are coin insertion images, that the payment terminal 1 has recognized that a 100-yen coin has been inserted into the left coin mechanism 15 of the left game machine 11 or the right coin mechanism 16 of the right game machine 12.

[0198] Furthermore, when the first standby images 41a, 41b or the second standby images 42a, 42b for all the gaming machines are displayed on the display device 105, if a 100-yen coin is inserted into a coin mechanism provided on a certain gaming machine, the coin insertion image for that gaming machine (a game start image 47a, 47b, or a remaining number notification image 51a described next) will be displayed on the display device 105 together with the first standby images 41a, 41b or the second standby images 42a, 42b for the other gaming machines. The left coin mechanism 15 and the right coin mechanism 16 are provided corresponding to the left gaming machine 11 and the right gaming machine 12, so there is no confusion between inserting a 100-yen coin into the left coin mechanism 15 and inserting a 100-yen coin into the right coin mechanism 16. There is also no confusion between inserting a coin into the left coin mechanism 15 or the right coin mechanism 16 and electronic payment. Therefore, even if a coin is inserted into the coin mechanism installed on a certain gaming machine, the first standby image 41a, 41b or the second standby image 42a, 42b for other gaming machines can be displayed together with the coin insertion image, thereby allowing electronic payments to be continuously accepted for all gaming machines.

[0199] <3.4. Remaining number notification image> As described above, the right game machine 12 plays one game for 200 yen, and when one 100 yen coin is inserted into the right coin mechanism 16 while the first standby image 41a for the right game machine 12 shown in Figure 11(a) is displayed on the display device 105, the payment terminal 1 displays the remaining number notification image 51a (Figure 11(b)) for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 at the position where the first standby image 41a was displayed.

[0200] The remaining number notification image 51a notifies the player of the remaining number of 100 yen coins required to start the game when the number of 100 yen coins inserted into the right coin mechanism 16 corresponding to the right game machine 12 is less than the number of 100 yen coins required to run the game on that right game machine 12, and corresponds to one type of ``coin insertion image'' of the present invention.

[0201] The remaining number notification image 51a clearly indicates the user of the right game machine 12 ("PLAY2" in FIG. 11(b)). This allows the settlement terminal 1 to inform the user that the displayed remaining number notification image 51a is for the user of the right game machine 12. Furthermore, since the remaining number notification image 51a is displayed in the right half of the screen of the display device 105, it can also be shown that it is for the right game machine 12.

[0202] Furthermore, the remaining number notification image 51a displays the amount of money (number of 100-yen coins) that has been inserted up to now and the remaining amount (number of 100-yen coins) that is required before the game can start. In the example shown in FIG. 11(b), the amount of money that has been inserted and the remaining amount are displayed, but each may be displayed as the number of 100-yen coins instead of the amount. The remaining number notification image 51a allows the user to know the number of 100-yen coins that must be inserted before the game can start. Therefore, the payment terminal 1 can suitably perform not only electronic payments but also payments based on inserted coins.

[0203] The remaining number notification image 51a, like the first standby image 41b, displays a code button indicating the type of electronic payment and an NFC button. That is, the remaining number notification image 51a doubles as the first standby image 41b. When the user touches the code button or NFC button displayed on the remaining number notification image 51a, the type of electronic payment for the right game machine 12 is selected according to the button touched, and the second standby image 42b is displayed in place of the remaining number notification image 51a.

[0204] Furthermore, the user can confirm that the settlement terminal 1 has recognized the insertion of a 100 yen coin into the right coin mechanism 16 of the right game machine 12 through the remaining number notification image 51a, which is a coin insertion image.

[0205] <3.5. Game start image and remaining number notification image while electronic payment image is displayed> Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the game start images 47c and 47d and the remaining number notification image 51b that can be displayed while the electronic payment image is displayed on the display device 105 will be described.

[0206] First, Figure 12 shows the flow of various images displayed on the display device 105 when a user inserts two 100 yen coins into the right coin mechanism 16 to make a cash payment for the right game machine 12 while an electronic payment image for the left game machine 11 is being displayed.

[0207] Figure 13 shows the flow of various images displayed on the display device 105 when a user inserts one 100 yen coin into the left coin mechanism 15 to make a cash payment for the left game machine 11 while an image for electronic payment for the left game machine 11 is being displayed.

[0208] Figure 14 shows the flow of various images displayed on the display device 105 when, while an electronic payment image for the right game machine 12 is being displayed, the user inserts one 100 yen coin into the left coin mechanism 15 to make a cash payment for the left game machine 11, and also inserts two 100 yen coins into the right coin mechanism 16 to make a cash payment for the right game machine 12.

[0209] The game start images 47a, 47b and remaining number notification image 51a described above are displayed when a 100-yen coin is inserted while the first standby images 41a, 41b or the second standby images 42a, 42b are displayed on the display device 105. In contrast, even when the electronic payment image of either the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 is displayed on the display device 105, insertion of a 100-yen coin from the left coin mechanism 15 or the right coin mechanism 16 is accepted, and the game start images 47c, 47d or remaining number notification image 51b are displayed in response to the insertion of this 100-yen coin.

[0210] In this case, however, the game start images 47c, 47d or the remaining number notification image 51b are displayed on the display device 105 together with the currently displayed electronic payment image. For example, if the user inserts one 100 yen coin into the right coin mechanism 16 while an electronic payment image (for example, operation guide image 44a) for the left game machine 11 is being displayed, the remaining number notification image 51b for the right game machine 12 is displayed as a sub-screen, as shown in Fig. 12(a), and is displayed on the display device 105 together with the electronic payment image (in Fig. 12(a), operation guide image 44a).

[0211] The remaining number notification image 51b, like the remaining number notification image 51a (see Figure 11 (b)), clearly indicates the user of the right game machine 12, and can inform the user that the remaining number notification image 51a is for the user of the right game machine 12.

[0212] The remaining number notification image 51b also displays the amount of money (and / or the number of 100 yen coins) that has been inserted up to now and the remaining amount of money (and / or the number of 100 yen coins) that is required before the game starts, allowing the user to know the number of 100 yen coins that must be inserted before the game starts.

[0213] Meanwhile, the code button indicating the type of electronic payment and the NFC button displayed in the remaining number notification image 51a are hidden in the remaining number notification image 51b. This prevents the remaining number notification image 51b from instructing the execution of a new electronic payment while an electronic payment is already being executed at the payment terminal 1, and prevents the execution of multiple electronic payments from being confused.

[0214] The remaining number notification image 51b continues to be displayed until another 100-yen coin is inserted into the right coin mechanism 16. If the display of the electronic payment image ends before another 100-yen coin is inserted into the right coin mechanism 16, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the remaining number notification image 51a for the right game machine is displayed on the display device 105 together with the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11. This makes it possible to receive a new instruction to execute electronic payment from the first standby image 41a and the remaining number notification image 51a when electronic payment is completed at the payment terminal 1.

[0215] On the other hand, during the period when the remaining number notification image 51b is displayed on the display device 105 together with the electronic payment image for the left game machine 11 (for example, the payment completion image 46a), if another 100 yen coin is inserted into the right coin mechanism 16, the payment terminal 1 sends a pulse signal to the right game machine 12 as an authorization signal to allow one game for the right game machine 12, and as shown in Figure 12(b), displays the game start image 47c for the right game machine 12 on a sub-screen, and displays it on the display device 105 together with the electronic payment image (in Figure 12(b), the payment completion image 46a).

[0216] The game start image 47c, like the game start image 47b (see Figure 11 (c)), clearly indicates the user of the right game machine 12, and can inform the user that the game start image 47c is for the user of the right game machine 12.

[0217] The game start image 47c also displays the payment amount (200 yen) of the completed payment, as well as a message "Start playing" indicating that the game will begin. The game start image 47c allows the user to understand that the game can be started on the right game machine 12, and the user can play the game on that game machine.

[0218] As with remaining number notification image 51b, game start image 47c also hides the code button indicating the type of electronic payment and the NFC button displayed on game start image 47b. This prevents game start image 47c from instructing the execution of a new electronic payment while an electronic payment is already being executed at payment terminal 1, thereby preventing confusion in the execution of electronic payments.

[0219] During the period when the electronic payment image for the left game machine 11 is displayed, when a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the game start image 47c begins, the game start image 47c is erased and only the electronic payment image for the left game machine 11 is displayed on the display device 105 again.

[0220] On the other hand, if the display of the payment completion image 46a for the left game machine 11 ends before a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start of display of the game start image 47c for the right game machine 12, the payment terminal 1 displays a game start image 47b for the right game machine 12 in place of the game start image 47c, along with the game start image 47a for the left game machine 11, as shown in Fig. 12(c). Then, the game start image 47b displays a code button indicating the type of electronic payment and an NFC button together with the game start image 47a, making it possible to receive a new instruction to perform electronic payment.

[0221] The game start image 47a for the left game machine 11 and the game start image 47b for the right game machine 12 are displayed for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds). After the predetermined period has elapsed, the display device 105 displays the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12, as shown in FIG. 12(d).

[0222] If the display of the payment error image 50 for the left game machine 11 ends before a predetermined period (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the game start image 47c for the right game machine 12 began, the display device 105 displays the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12, as shown in Figure 12(d).

[0223] Furthermore, for example, if the user inserts one 100-yen coin into the left coin mechanism 15 while an electronic payment image (e.g., operation guide image 44a) for the left game machine 11 is being displayed, the payment terminal 1 performs the following control. That is, the payment terminal 1 transmits one pulse signal to the left game machine 11 as an authorization signal permitting the left game machine 11 to play one game, and, as shown in FIG. 13(a), displays a game start image 47d for the left game machine 11 on a sub-screen, and displays it together with the electronic payment image (in FIG. 13(a), the operation guide image 44a) on the display device 105. In this way, the payment terminal 1 can accept the insertion of a 100-yen coin for the left game machine 11 and perform cash payment even while electronic payment for the left game machine 11 is being performed.

[0224] The game start image 47d, like the game start image 47a (see FIG. 10(b)), clearly indicates the user of the left game machine 11, and can inform the user that the game start image 47d is for the user of the left game machine 11.

[0225] The game start image 47d also displays the payment amount (100 yen) of the completed payment, as well as the message "Start Play" indicating that the game will begin. The game start image 47d allows the user to understand that the game can be started on the left game machine 11, and the user can play the game on that game machine.

[0226] In addition, the code button indicating the type of electronic payment and the NFC button displayed in game start image 47a are hidden in game start image 47d. This prevents game start image 47d from instructing the execution of a new electronic payment while an electronic payment is already being executed at payment terminal 1, thereby preventing confusion in the execution of electronic payments.

[0227] During the period when the electronic payment image for the left game machine 11 is displayed, when a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the game start image 47d begins, the game start image 47d is erased and only the electronic payment image for the left game machine 11 is displayed on the display device 105 again.

[0228] Furthermore, when electronic payment is completed while the game start image 47d for the left game machine 11 is displayed simultaneously with the operation guide image 44a, the payment completion image 46a is displayed in place of the operation guide image 44a, while the game start image 47d continues to be displayed, as shown in FIG. 13(b). At this time, the payment terminal 1 transmits n pulse signals to the left game machine 11 as permission signals permitting the left game machine 11 to play a number of games (n times) corresponding to the payment amount. As a result, the left game machine 11 receives a permission signal for playing (n+1) games, in addition to the one pulse signal transmitted when the game start image 47d is displayed. Therefore, even if electronic payment and cash payment are performed at the same time, the payment terminal 1 can cause the game machines to play a number of games corresponding to each payment.

[0229] Furthermore, if the display of the electronic payment image for the left game machine 11 ends before a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start of display of the game start image 47d, the payment terminal 1 displays a game start image 47a for the left game machine 11 together with a first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12, as shown in Fig. 13(c). Then, the game start image 47a displays a code button indicating the type of electronic payment and an NFC button, making it possible to receive a new instruction to execute electronic payment together with the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12.

[0230] The game start image 47a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 are displayed for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds). After the predetermined period has elapsed, the display device 105 displays the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12, as shown in FIG. 13(d).

[0231] The game start image 47d for the left game machine 11 is also displayed when an image for electronic payment is displayed for the right game machine 12. That is, while electronic payment is being made for the right game machine 12, cash payment for the left game machine 11 is also supported.

[0232] The remaining coin number notification image 51b and game start image 47c for the right game machine 12 are also displayed when an image for electronic payment for the right game machine 12 is displayed. That is, while electronic payment is being made for the right game machine 12, cash payment for the right game machine 12 is also supported. When both cash payment and electronic payment are made for the right game machine 12, a permission signal is transmitted to the right game machine 12 so that games can be played with the number of games executed corresponding to the respective payment amounts accumulating.

[0233] Furthermore, the payment terminal 1 can simultaneously handle cash payments for the left game machine 11 and cash payments for the right game machine 12 while electronic payments for the left game machine 11 or right game machine 12 are being carried out.

[0234] For example, if one 100-yen coin is inserted into the left coin mechanism 15 and one 100-yen coin is inserted into the right coin mechanism 16 while the electronic payment image for the right game machine 12 is displayed on the display device 105, then, as shown in Fig. 14(a), a game start image 47d for the left game machine 11 and a remaining number notification image 51b for the right game machine 12 are displayed as sub-screens on the display device 105, along with the electronic payment image for the right game machine 12. At this time, the payment terminal 1 transmits to the left game machine 11 a signal permitting one game in accordance with the cash payment of 100 yen.

[0235] 14(b), a game start image 47c for the right game machine 12 is displayed as a sub-screen on the display device 105 together with the electronic payment image for the right game machine 12 and the game start image 47d for the left game machine 11. At this time, the payment terminal 1 transmits a signal to the right game machine 12 permitting one game in accordance with the cash payment of 200 yen.

[0236] Furthermore, when electronic payment for the right game machine 12 is completed around the time when the game start image 47c for the right game machine 12 is displayed, the payment terminal 1 displays a payment completion image 46b for the right game machine 12 as an image for electronic payment, and transmits n pulse signals as permission signals to the right game machine 12 so that games can be played a number of times (n times) corresponding to the payment amount. This allows the right game machine 12 to play the (n+1) games permitted for cash payment and electronic payment.

[0237] 14(b), when the display of the electronic payment image for the right game machine 12 is finished, the payment terminal 1 displays a game start image 47a for the left game machine 11 and a game start image 47b for the right game machine 12 in place of the game start images 47d and 47c, as shown in Fig. 14(c). Then, when the game start images 47a and 47b are continuously displayed for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds), a first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and a first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 are displayed on the display device 105, as shown in Fig. 14(d).

[0238] As described above, the payment terminal 1 can accept the insertion of a 100-yen coin into the left coin mechanism 15 or the right coin mechanism 16, even while electronic payment is being made in the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12, and can display the coin insertion image together with the image for electronic payment on the display device 105. Furthermore, if 100-yen coins are inserted into both the left coin mechanism 15 and the right coin mechanism 16, even while electronic payment is being made in the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12, the payment terminal 1 can accept the insertion of a 100-yen coin into each of the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12, and can display the coin insertion image for both the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 together with the image for electronic payment on the display device 105.

[0239] <3.6. Prize images> FIG. 15 shows prize offering images 48a and 48b that are displayed on the display device 105 when a prize offering signal is received from the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12. As shown in FIG.

[0240] For example, when the display device 105 displays the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b for the right game machine 12, if a prize provision signal indicating that a prize has been provided to the user is received from the left game machine 11, as shown in Figure 15(a), a prize provision image 48a is displayed on the display device 105 together with the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds) instead of the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a. Furthermore, when the display device 105 is displaying the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b for the right game machine 12, if a prize presentation signal is received from the right game machine 12, as shown in Figure 15(b), a prize presentation image 48b is displayed on the display device 105 together with the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds) instead of the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b.

[0241] Here, the prize presentation images 48a and 48b notify the presentation of a prize (corresponding to the "predetermined value" of the present invention) from a gaming machine, and correspond to the "value presentation image" of the present invention. The prize presentation images 48a and 48b clearly indicate the user of the gaming machine to which the prize has been presented, and display a message notifying the presentation of the prize ("PRIZE GET Congratulations!" in the example shown in FIG. 15). This allows the user to understand that a prize has been presented from the prize presentation images 48a and 48b displayed on the payment terminal 1, and also gives the user a sense of satisfaction in winning the prize. Furthermore, the user can understand from the prize presentation images 48a and 48b that the presentation of a prize from the left gaming machine 11 or the right gaming machine 12 has been recognized by the payment terminal 1.

[0242] When the display device 105 displays the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b for the right game machine 12, if the display device 105 receives a prize provision signal from the left game machine 11 and a prize provision signal from the right game machine 12 before or after that, the payment terminal 1 displays a prize provision image 48a in place of the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for a predetermined period (e.g., 5 seconds), and displays a prize provision image 48b in place of the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b for a predetermined period (e.g., 5 seconds), as shown in Fig. 15(c). This allows both the user of the left game machine 11 and the user of the right game machine 12 to recognize that a prize has been provided.

[0243] Furthermore, if a prize presentation signal is received from the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 while the electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device 105, as shown in FIG. 15(d), prize presentation images 48a and 48b corresponding to the game machine that received the prize presentation signal are displayed on the display device 105 together with the electronic payment image in a sub-screen display for a predetermined period (e.g., 5 seconds). Furthermore, if a prize presentation signal is received from both the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 while the electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device 105, prize presentation images 48a and 48b are displayed on the display device 105 together with the electronic payment image in a sub-screen display for a predetermined period (e.g., 5 seconds). As a result, even when electronic payment is being performed at the payment terminal 1, the user can understand from the prize presentation images 48a and 48b displayed on the payment terminal 1 that a prize has been presented by each game machine, and can feel the satisfaction of winning a prize. In addition, it can be understood that the payment terminal 1 has recognized the provision of prizes from the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12.

[0244] <3.7. Locked state image> FIG. 16 shows locked state images 49a and 49b that are displayed on the display device 105 when a lock signal is received from the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12. In FIG.

[0245] For example, when the display device 105 displays the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b for the right game machine 12, if a lock signal indicating that permission to execute the game is not being accepted (locked state) is received from the left game machine 11, as shown in Figure 16(a), a locked state image 49a is displayed on the display device 105 together with the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b instead of the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a. Furthermore, when the display device 105 displays the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for the left game device 11 and the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b for the right game device 12, if a lock signal is received from the right game device 12, as shown in Figure 16(b), a locked state image 49b is displayed on the display device 105 together with the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a instead of the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b.

[0246] Here, the locked state images 49a and 49b notify that the gaming machine is in a locked state. The locked state images 49a and 49b clearly indicate the user of the locked gaming machine, and display a message notifying that the gaming machine is in a locked state ("Currently under usage restriction" in the example shown in FIG. 16). This allows the user to understand from the locked state images 49a and 49b displayed on the payment terminal 1 that the corresponding gaming machine is in a locked state, i.e., a state in which permission to play a game is not being accepted, and payment cannot be made. The locked state images 49a and 49b are continuously displayed while the lock signal from the corresponding gaming machine continues to be output. Then, when the output of the lock signal from the left gaming machine 11 ends, the locked state image 49a is erased. Also, when the output of the lock signal from the right gaming machine 12 ends, the locked state image 49b is erased.

[0247] When the display device 105 displays the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b for the right game machine 12, if the display device 105 receives a lock signal from the left game machine 11 and a lock signal from the right game machine 12 before or after that, the payment terminal 1 displays a locked state image 49a in place of the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a, and displays a locked state image 49b in place of the first standby image 41b or the second standby image 42b, as shown in Fig. 16(c). This allows both the user of the left game machine 11 and the user of the right game machine 12 to understand that the game machines they are using are in a state where game execution permission is not being accepted and payment cannot be made.

[0248] Furthermore, if a lock signal is received from the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 while the electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device 105, the lock state images 49a and 49b corresponding to the game machine that received the lock signal are displayed on the display device 105 in a sub-screen together with the electronic payment image, as shown in Fig. 16(d). Furthermore, if a lock signal is received from both the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 while the electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device 105, the lock state images 49a and 49b are displayed on the display device 105 in a sub-screen together with the electronic payment image. As a result, even when electronic payment is being performed at the payment terminal 1, the user can understand from the lock state images 49a and 49b displayed on the payment terminal 1 that the game machine corresponding to the displayed lock state images 49a and 49b is not accepting game execution permission and payment is not possible.

[0249] The code buttons indicating the types of electronic payment and the NFC button displayed on the first standby images 41a and 41b are hidden in the locked state images 49a and 49b. As a result, when the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 is locked, the locked state images 49a and 49b are displayed, thereby preventing electronic payments from being made to the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 in the locked state.

[0250] <4. CPU processing> Next, the processing executed by the CPU 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 17 to Fig. 23. When the power is turned on to the payment terminal 1, the CPU 101 repeatedly executes the lock processing shown in Fig. 17, the cash payment processing shown in Fig. 18, the right game machine electronic payment execution processing shown in Fig. 19, the left game machine electronic payment execution processing shown in Fig. 20, the right game machine electronic payment termination processing shown in Fig. 21, the left game electronic payment termination processing shown in Fig. 22, and the prize management processing shown in Fig. 23, in that order. Each processing will be described below.

[0251] <4.1. Locking> 17 is a flowchart showing the locking process executed by CPU 101. When payment terminal 1 is powered on, CPU 101 first executes the locking process.

[0252] When the locking process is started, the CPU 101 first displays, as initial images, a first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and a first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 (S1), as shown in Fig. 5(a). The process of S1 corresponds to one of the "standby image display control units" of the present invention.

[0253] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether a lock signal is detected at the right lock input terminal LI2 (S2). As a result, if a lock signal is detected at the right lock input terminal LI2 (S2: No), the CPU 101 executes right lock processing (S3). In the right lock processing, a lock state image 49b for the right game machine 12 is displayed on the display device 105. This processing in S3 corresponds to one of the "lock state image display control units" of the present invention.

[0254] After the process of S3 is executed, or if the determination of S2 indicates that the lock signal has not been detected at the right lock input terminal LI2 (S2: Yes), the CPU 101 determines whether the release of the lock signal at the right lock input terminal LI2 has been detected (S4). As a result, if the release of the lock signal input at the right lock input terminal LI2 is detected (S4: No), the CPU 101 executes the right lock release process (S5).

[0255] In the right lock release process, the lock state image 49b for the right game machine 12 that has been displayed on the display device 105 is erased. At this time, if the CPU 101 is not currently performing electronic payment, it newly displays one of the first standby image 41b, the second standby image 42b, the remaining number notification image 51a, the game start image 47b, and the prize provision image 48b for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105, depending on the status of the right game machine 12. Furthermore, if the CPU 101 is currently performing electronic payment, it displays the electronic payment image on the display device 105 as is.

[0256] Furthermore, in the right lock release process, if there is a permission signal (remaining pulse signal) that was scheduled to be transmitted or in the middle of being transmitted but was not transmitted because the right game machine 12 entered a locked state among the permission signals for game execution (one pulse signal for permission to play one game) for the right game machine 12, the untransmitted permission signal (pulse signal) is transmitted from the right payment pulse output terminal KO2 to the right game machine 12. This makes it possible to reliably transmit all permission signals to the right game machine 12 after the locked state is released, even if the right game machine 12 enters a locked state while a permission signal is being transmitted to the right game machine 12.

[0257] After the process of S5 is executed, or if it is determined in S4 that the release of the lock signal at the right lock input terminal LI2 has not been detected (S4: Yes), the CPU 101 executes the same processes for the left game machine 11 as those for the right game machine 12 in S2 to S5 (S6 to S9). Then, after the process of S9 is executed, or if it is determined in S8 that the release of the lock signal at the left lock input terminal LI1 has not been detected (S8: Yes), the process proceeds to the cash settlement process shown in Fig. 18. The process of S7 corresponds to one of the "lock state image display control units" of the present invention.

[0258] <4.2. Cash payment processing> 18 is a flowchart showing the cash settlement process executed by the CPU 101. When the CPU 101 starts executing the cash settlement process, it first determines whether a coin insertion signal from the right coin mechanism 16 corresponding to the right game machine 12 has been input to the right coin insertion input terminal CI2 (S11). As a result, if it is determined that a coin insertion signal from the right coin mechanism 16 has been input to the right coin insertion input terminal CI2 (S11: No), the CPU 101 executes the processes of S12 to S16 for the right game machine 12. Note that a negative determination in S11 corresponds to one of the "coin insertion signal receiving units" of the present invention.

[0259] First, in the process of S12, the CPU 101 counts the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the right coin mechanism 16 (S12). Then, the CPU 101 displays an image corresponding to the number of 100-yen coins counted in the process of S12 on the display device 105 for the right game machine 12 (S13). That is, if one 100-yen coin has been inserted into the right coin mechanism 16, and if the payment terminal 1 is not currently performing electronic payment, the CPU 101 displays the remaining number notification image 51a on the display device 105, and if the payment terminal 1 is currently performing electronic payment, the CPU 101 displays the remaining number notification image 51b on the display device 105. Furthermore, if two 100-yen coins are inserted into the right coin mechanism 16, and the payment terminal 1 is not currently performing electronic payment, the CPU 101 displays a game start image 47b on the display device 105, and if the payment terminal 1 is currently performing electronic payment, the CPU 101 displays a game start image 47c on the display device 105. This processing of S13 corresponds to one of the "coin insertion image display control units" of the present invention.

[0260] Furthermore, when two 100-yen coins are inserted into the right coin mechanism 16, the CPU 101 transmits one pulse signal from the right settlement pulse output terminal KO2 to the right game machine 12 as an authorization signal permitting the right game machine 12 to play one game (S14). As a result, the right game machine 12 is permitted to play one game for the 200 yen paid in cash, and the user can play one game on the right game machine 12.

[0261] In the process of S12, when it is determined that the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the right coin mechanism 16 has reached two, the counted number is initialized to zero. This allows the process of S12 to repeatedly count the number of 100-yen coins inserted into the right coin mechanism 16 two at a time.

[0262] Next, the CPU 101 generates a right coin insertion signal indicating that a 100-yen coin has been inserted into the right game machine 12, and adds a timestamp to this right coin insertion signal (S15). Then, the CPU 101 transmits the right coin insertion signal with the timestamp added to the game management server 2 (S16). As a result, the game management server 2 stores information about the insertion of the 100-yen coin into the right game machine 12 (right coin mechanism 16) together with the timestamp in a database, and holds the insertion of the 100-yen coin as an event that has occurred for the right game machine 12.

[0263] After the process of S16 is executed, or if it is determined in S11 that a coin insertion signal has not been input from the right coin mechanism 16 (S4: Yes), the CPU 101 executes the same processes for the left game machine 11 as those of S11 to S16 for the right game machine 12 (S17 to S22). However, in counting the number of 100 yen coins inserted into the left coin mechanism 15 in the process of S18, if it is determined that the number of inserted 100 yen coins has reached one, the counted number is initialized to zero. This makes it possible to repeatedly count the number of 100 yen coins inserted into the left coin mechanism 15 one by one in the process of S18.

[0264] Also, in the processing of S19, if one 100 yen coin is inserted into the left coin mechanism 15, and if the payment terminal 1 is not currently performing electronic payment, the CPU 101 displays the game start image 47a on the display device 105, and if the payment terminal 1 is currently performing electronic payment, the CPU 101 displays the game start image 47d on the display device 105.

[0265] Furthermore, in the process of S20, when one 100 yen coin is inserted into the left coin mechanism 15, one pulse signal is sent from the left payment pulse output terminal KO1 to the left game machine 11 as an authorization signal permitting the left game machine 11 to play one game. As a result, the left game machine 11 is authorized to play one game for the 100 yen paid in cash, and the user can play one game on the left game machine 11.

[0266] Here, in the cash settlement process, there is no need to confirm that the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 are in a locked state, as in the right game machine electronic settlement execution process and left game machine electronic settlement execution process described below. This is because if the left game machine 11 or the right game machine 12 is in a locked state, the insertion slot in the corresponding left coin mechanism 15 or right coin mechanism 16 is closed, and 100 yen coins cannot be physically inserted. In other words, if the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 are in a locked state, cash settlement cannot be physically performed, so in the cash settlement process, there is no need to confirm that the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 are in a locked state.

[0267] The negative determination in S17 corresponds to one of the "coin insertion signal receiving units" of the present invention. The process in S19 corresponds to one of the "coin insertion image display control units" of the present invention.

[0268] After the process of S22 is executed, or if it is determined in S17 that a coin insertion signal has not been input from the left coin mechanism 15 (S17: Yes), the process proceeds to the right game machine electronic settlement execution process shown in FIG.

[0269] <4.3. Electronic payment processing for the right game machine, electronic payment processing for the left game machine> 19 is a flowchart showing the right game machine electronic payment execution process executed by the CPU 101. When the right game machine electronic payment execution process starts, the CPU 101 first determines whether the code button or NFC button indicating the type of electronic payment has been touched by the user on the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 displayed on the display device 105 (S31).

[0270] As a result, if it is determined that the code button or the NFC button on the first standby image 41b has been touched (S31: No), then the CPU 101 determines whether the right game machine 12 is in a locked state (S32).

[0271] Note that when the right game machine 12 is in a locked state, a locked state image 49b for the right game machine 12 is normally displayed, and therefore, in the determination in S31, it is determined that the code button or NFC button on the first standby image 41b has not been touched, and the determination in S32 is not made. However, because a time lag can occur between receiving a lock signal from the right game machine 12 and displaying the locked state image 49b on the display device 105, even if the right game machine 12 is in a locked state, there may be cases where the user touches the code button or NFC button while the first standby image 41b is still displayed on the display device 105. In such cases, the determination in S32 is made to prevent electronic payment for the right game machine 12 from being executed.

[0272] If the determination result in S32 is that the right game machine 12 is not in the locked state (S32: No), then the CPU 101 displays the second standby image 42b (see FIG. 7(b)) for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 (S33). In addition, the CPU 101 starts the timer 28, setting the waiting time for the user to select the payment amount on the second standby image 42b as the designated time (S34).

[0273] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the buttons indicating the payment amount of the electronic payment (the 200 yen button, the 1000 yen button) on the second standby image 42b have been touched by the user (S35). As a result, if it is determined that the 200 yen button or the 1000 yen button on the second standby image 42b has not been touched (S35: Yes), the CPU 101 determines whether the timer 28 is measuring the waiting time for the selection of the payment amount and outputting a timeout signal (S36).

[0274] If it is determined in S36 that the timer 28 has not output a timeout signal (timeout has not occurred) (S36: No), then the CPU 101 determines whether the back button 43b displayed on the second standby image 42b has been touched (S37). If it is determined that the back button 43b has not been touched (S37: No), the process returns to the determination in S35. On the other hand, if it is determined in S37 that the back button 43b has been touched (S37: Yes), the CPU 101 redisplays the first standby image 41b on the display device 105 (S59). Also, if it is determined in S36 that the timer 28 has output a timeout signal (timeout has occurred) (S36: Yes), the CPU 101 redisplays the first standby image 41b on the display device 105 (S59). This processing in S59 corresponds to one of the "standby image display control units" of the present invention.

[0275] If it is determined in S35 that the 200 yen button or the 1000 yen button on the second standby image 42b has been touched (S35: No), the CPU 101 starts the timer 28, setting the standby time for reading the code for code payment or reading the card information for NFC payment as the designated time (S38).Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the type of electronic payment selected in the first standby image 41b is code payment (S39).

[0276] As a result, if it is determined that the selected electronic payment is code payment (S39: Yes), the CPU 101 erases not only the second standby image 42b for the right game machine 12, but also the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11, and displays an operation prompt image 44b for code payment for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 (S40). The user can follow this operation prompt image 44b to have the payment terminal 1 read the code displayed on the user's smartphone or the like. The processing of S40 corresponds to one of the "electronic payment image display control units" of the present invention.

[0277] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether the code has been read (S41), and if the code has not been read (S41: No), it determines whether the timer 28 is measuring the waiting time for code reading and outputting a timeout signal (S46). As a result, if it is determined that the timer 28 has not output a timeout signal (timeout has not occurred) (S46: No), then the CPU 101 determines whether the back button 45b displayed on the operation guide image 44b has been touched (S47). As a result, if it is determined that the back button 45b has not been touched (S47: No), the process returns to the determination of S41.

[0278] On the other hand, if it is determined in S47 that the back button 45b has been touched (S47: Yes), the CPU 101 transmits a signal to cancel the electronic settlement to the electronic settlement server 3 via the game management server 2, and then redisplays the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 (S49). The processing from the affirmative determination in S47 to S49 corresponds to one of the "standby image return control units" and one of the "electronic settlement cancellation control units" of the present invention.

[0279] Furthermore, if it is determined in S46 that the timer 28 has output a timeout signal (timed out) (S46: Yes), the CPU 101 displays a payment error image 50 (see FIG. 9(a)) on the display device 105 for a predetermined period of time (S48), and then redisplays the first standby image 41a and the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 (S49). This processing in S49 corresponds to one of the "standby image display control units" of the present invention.

[0280] If the determination in S41 is that the code has been read (S41: Yes), the CPU 101 starts the timer 28, setting the waiting time until the electronic settlement with the electronic settlement server 3 is completed as the specified time (S42). Then, the CPU 101 generates an electronic settlement request signal for the right game machine 12, including information about the read code and the selected payment amount (S43), adds a timestamp to the electronic settlement request signal (S44), and transmits the electronic settlement request signal with the timestamp added to the game management server 2 (S45). As a result, the game management server 2 stores information about the instruction to execute code settlement to the right game machine 12 together with the timestamp in its database, and the instruction to execute code settlement is held as an event that occurred in the right game machine 12. Furthermore, the settlement terminal 1 can request approval of code settlement from the electronic settlement server 3 for code settlement via the game management server 2. The processing in S45 corresponds to one of the "communications control units" of the present invention.

[0281] On the other hand, if it is determined in S39 that the selected electronic payment is NFC payment (S39: No), the CPU 101 displays an operation prompt image 44b for NFC payment for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 (S50). At this time, as in S40, not only the second standby image 42a for the right game machine 12 but also the first standby image 41a or the second standby image 42a for the left game machine 11 are erased. Following this operation prompt image 44b, the user can bring their credit card or the like close to the payment terminal 1 and perform an operation to have the card information contained in the credit card or the like read. The processing of S50 corresponds to one of the "electronic payment image display control units" of the present invention.

[0282] Next, CPU 101 determines whether the card information has been read (S51), and if the card information has not been read (S51: No), executes the same processes as S46 to S49 as S56 to S59. The processes from the affirmative determination in S57 to S59 correspond to one of the "standby image return control units" of the present invention. Also, the process of S59 corresponds to one of the "standby image display control units" of the present invention.

[0283] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S51 is that card information has been read (S51: Yes), the CPU 101 starts the timer 28, specifying the waiting time until the electronic payment with the electronic payment server 3 is completed as the specified time (S52). Then, the CPU 101 generates an electronic payment request signal for the right game machine 12, including the read card information and the selected payment amount (S53), adds a timestamp to the electronic payment request signal (S54), and transmits the electronic payment request signal with the timestamp added to the game management server 2 (S55). As a result, the game management server 2 stores information that the right game machine 12 has been instructed to execute NFC payment together with the timestamp in its database, and the instruction to execute NFC payment is held as an event that occurred in the right game machine 12. Furthermore, the payment terminal 1 can request approval of the NFC payment from the electronic payment server 3 for NFC payment via the game management server 2. The processing in S55 corresponds to one of the "communications control units" of the present invention.

[0284] When the CPU 101 executes any one of the processes of S45, S49, S55, and S59, the process proceeds to the left game machine electronic payment execution process shown in Fig. 20. Furthermore, the CPU 101 also proceeds to the left game machine electronic payment execution process shown in Fig. 20 when the result of the judgment in S31 is that the code button or the NFC button on the first standby image 41b has not been touched (S31: Yes), or when the result of the judgment in S32 is that the right game machine 12 is in a locked state (S32: Yes).

[0285] 20 is a flowchart showing the left game machine electronic payment execution process executed by the CPU 101. The left game machine electronic payment execution process executes processes (S61 to S89) for the left game machine 11 that are similar to the right game machine electronic payment execution process (S31 to S59) for the right game machine 12. When the CPU 101 ends the left game machine electronic payment execution process, it proceeds to the right game machine electronic payment termination process shown in FIG.

[0286] The processes of S70 and S80 correspond to one of the "electronic payment image display control units" of the present invention. The processes from the affirmative determination in S77 to S79 ​​and the processes from the affirmative determination in S87 to S89 correspond to one of the "standby image return control units" and one of the "electronic payment cancellation control units" of the present invention. The processes of S79 and S89 correspond to one of the "standby image display control units" of the present invention. The processes of S75 and S85 correspond to one of the "communication control units" of the present invention.

[0287] <4.4. Right Game Machine Electronic Payment Completion Process, Left Game Machine Electronic Payment Completion Process> 21 is a flowchart showing the right game machine electronic payment termination process executed by the CPU 101. When the right game machine electronic payment termination process is started, the CPU 101 first determines whether the timer 28, which was started by the process of S42 or S52 of the right game machine electronic payment execution process, has not output a time-out signal by counting the waiting time until the electronic payment with the electronic payment server 3 is completed and whether the timer has yet to time-out (S91).

[0288] As a result, if it is determined that the time has not yet timed out (S91: Yes), the CPU 101 then determines whether a response has been received from the electronic settlement server 3 (S92). If the CPU 101 determines that a response has been received from the electronic settlement server 3 via the game management server 2 (S92: No), the CPU 101 determines whether a settlement completion signal has been received from the electronic settlement server 3 (S93).

[0289] If it is determined in S93 that a payment completion signal has been received from the electronic payment server 3 (S93: Yes), the CPU 101 displays a payment completion image 46b (see FIG. 8(a)) for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 (S94). The processing in S94 corresponds to one of the "electronic payment image display control units" of the present invention.

[0290] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether a lock signal has been input from the right game machine 12 to the right lock input terminal LI2 (S95). As a result, if it is determined that a lock signal has not been input from the right game machine 12 (S95: Yes), the CPU 101 sequentially generates n pulse signals that permit the execution of a game a number of times corresponding to the payment amount (n times: once for a payment amount of 200 yen, six times for a payment amount of 1000 yen), and transmits these pulse signals one by one from the right payment pulse output terminal KO2 to the right game machine 12 as permission signals (S96).

[0291] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether there are any untransmitted pulse signals (S97), and if there are any untransmitted pulse signals (S97: No), the process returns to S95 and executes S95 to S97 again. On the other hand, if there are no untransmitted pulse signals as a result of the determination in S97 (S97: Yes), the CPU 101 displays a game start image 47b for the right game machine 12 and a first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 (S98). After displaying the game start image 47b for a predetermined period of time, the CPU 101 displays the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12. The processes of S95 to S98 correspond to one of the "electronic payment completion control units" of the present invention. The process of S98 corresponds to one of the "standby image display control units" of the present invention.

[0292] On the other hand, if it is determined in S95 that a lock signal has been input from the right game machine 12 (S95: No), the CPU 101 suspends the transmission of the pulse signal, proceeds to the process of S98, and displays a game start image 47b for the right game machine 12 and a first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11. This allows the payment terminal 1 to prevent the transmission of a pulse signal, which is an permission signal, to the right game machine 12, which is in a locked state and does not accept a permission signal to play a game. After displaying the game start image 47b for a predetermined period, the CPU 101 displays the first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12.

[0293] Furthermore, if it is determined in S93 that a payment error signal has been received from the electronic payment server 3 (S93: No), the CPU 101 displays a payment error image 50 (see FIG. 9(a)) for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 for a predetermined period of time (S99). The processing in S99 corresponds to one of the "electronic payment image display control units" of the present invention. Then, the CPU 101 displays a first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12 and a first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 (S98).

[0294] Then, when the processing of S98 is completed, or when the result of the judgment of S92 is that a response from the electronic payment server 3 has not yet been received (S92: Yes), the CPU 101 proceeds to the left game machine electronic payment termination processing shown in Figure 22.

[0295] 22 is a flowchart showing the left game machine electronic payment completion process executed by the CPU 101. The left game machine electronic payment completion process executes processes (S101 to S109) for the left game machine 11 that are similar to the right game machine electronic payment completion process (S91 to S99) for the right game machine 12. The processes of S104 and S109 correspond to one of the "electronic payment image display control units" of the present invention. The processes of S105 to S108 correspond to one of the "electronic payment completion control units" of the present invention. The process of S108 corresponds to one of the "standby image display control units" of the present invention.

[0296] In addition, in the processing of S106, the CPU 101 generates n pulse signals in sequence to permit the execution of the game a number of times according to the payment amount (n times: once for a payment amount of 100 yen, six times for a payment amount of 500 yen), and transmits these pulse signals one by one from the left payment pulse output terminal KO1 to the left game machine 11 as permission signals.

[0297] Furthermore, if it is determined in S103 that a payment completion signal has been received from the electronic payment server 3, in the processing of S108, the CPU 101 displays a game start image 47a for the left game machine 11 and a first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12. Furthermore, after displaying the game start image 47a for a predetermined period of time, the CPU 101 displays the first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11.

[0298] Furthermore, if it is determined in S103 that a payment error signal has been received from the electronic payment server 3, in the processing of S108, the CPU 101 displays a first standby image 41a for the left game machine 11 and a first standby image 41b for the right game machine 12.

[0299] When the CPU 101 finishes the left game machine electronic settlement execution process, the process proceeds to the prize management process shown in FIG.

[0300] <4.5. Prize Management Processing> 23 is a flowchart showing the prize management process executed by the CPU 101. When the CPU 101 starts executing the prize management process, it first determines whether a prize provision signal has not been input to the right prize provision input terminal PI2 and whether provision of a prize at the right game machine 12 has not been detected (S111). As a result, if provision of a prize at the right game machine 12 has been detected (S111: No), the CPU 101 displays a prize provision image 48b (see FIG. 15(b)) for the right game machine 12 on the display device 105 (S112). The process of S112 corresponds to one of the "value provision image display control units" of the present invention.

[0301] Furthermore, the CPU 101 generates a right prize provision signal indicating that a prize has been provided from the right game machine 12, and adds a timestamp to it (S113). Then, the CPU 101 transmits the right prize provision signal with the timestamp added to it to the game management server 2 (S114). As a result, the game management server 2 can store the right prize provision signal indicating that a prize has been provided from the right game machine 12 together with the timestamp in a database, and retain the provision of the prize as an event that has occurred in the right game machine 12.

[0302] After the process of S114 is executed, or if the result of the determination of S111 is that the provision of a prize in the right game machine 12 has not been detected (S111: Yes), then the CPU 101 executes processes for the left game machine 11 similar to the processes of S111 to S114 for the right game machine 12 (S115 to S118). The process of S116 corresponds to one of the "value provision image display control units" of the present invention.

[0303] Then, after the processing of S118 is executed, or if the result of the determination in S115 is that the provision of a prize in the left game machine 11 has not been detected (S115: Yes), the CPU 101 determines whether to end sensing of various payments in the payment terminal 1 (S119). As a result, if it is determined not to end sensing of various payments in the payment terminal 1 (S119: No), the CPU 101 returns to the processing of S2 shown in Fig. 17. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S119 is that it is determined to end sensing of various payments in the payment terminal 1 (S119: Yes), the CPU 101 ends the series of processes.

[0304] <5. Summary> As described above, according to the payment terminal 1 and payment system 10 of this embodiment, first standby images 41a, 41b and second standby images 42a, 42b for accepting an instruction to execute electronic payment are generated for the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12, and are displayed on the display device 105. When an instruction to execute electronic payment is accepted from the user for the first standby images 41a, 41b and the second standby images 42a, 42b for one game machine, the first standby images 41a, 41b and the second standby images 42a, 42b for all game machines are erased, and an electronic payment image (operation guide images 44a, 44b) for the one game machine to which the instruction to execute electronic payment has been issued is displayed on the display device 105. When the user performs an operation required for electronic payment based on the electronic payment image, electronic payment is executed between the electronic payment server 3 in the cloud 4 and the game management server 2. Then, a game execution permission signal (pulse signal) is transmitted to the game machine for which payment has been completed.

[0305] This allows the user to play a game on a gaming machine for which an electronic payment has been made using the payment terminal 1. The payment terminal 1 supports electronic payments for the left gaming machine 11 and the right gaming machine 12. When the user instructs one gaming machine to make an electronic payment, the electronic payment image for that gaming machine is displayed, and the first standby images 41a, 41b and the second standby images 42a, 42b for the other gaming machines are erased. This prevents the other gaming machines from instructing the user to make an electronic payment while the other gaming machines are in the process of making an electronic payment. Therefore, the payment terminal 1 can prevent confusion over which gaming machine the user's electronic payment is for, which may occur when instructions to make electronic payments for the left gaming machine 11 and the right gaming machine 12 are made simultaneously. This allows for efficient electronic payments for multiple gaming machines.

[0306] <7. Variations> Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, it is readily apparent that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, each embodiment may be modified by adding or replacing a part or parts of the configuration of another embodiment, including the modifications described below. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​given in the above embodiments are merely examples, and other numerical values ​​may of course be adopted.

[0307] In the above embodiment, the case where the type of electronic payment is selected in the first standby images 41a, 41b and the payment amount of the electronic payment is selected in the second standby images 42a, 42b has been described. Alternatively, the payment amount may be selected in the first standby images 41a, 41b and the type of electronic payment may be selected in the second standby images 42a, 42b. Furthermore, instead of dividing the standby images into the first standby images 41a, 41b and the second standby images 42a, 42b, the type of electronic payment and the payment amount may be selected at the same time in a single standby image.

[0308] In the above embodiment, the standby image shows the selection of the type and amount of electronic payment, but the type of electronic payment may be fixed to one and only the amount may be selected, or the amount may be fixed to one and only the type of electronic payment may be selected. Alternatively, the type and amount of electronic payment may both be fixed to one, and the standby image may display a button to instruct the user to start the electronic payment, and when the button is touched by the user, the electronic payment may be performed for a predetermined type and amount.

[0309] In the above embodiment, we have described a case where, on the left game machine 11, one game is permitted for a payment amount of 100 yen, and six games are permitted for a payment amount of 500 yen, and on the right game machine 12, one game is permitted for a payment amount of 200 yen, and six games are permitted for a payment amount of 1000 yen, but the relationship between the number of games permitted to be played and the payment amount is not limited to this and may be any relationship.

[0310] Also, for example, in the left game machine 11, when one game is permitted for a settlement amount of 200 yen, when one 100 yen coin is first inserted through the left coin mechanism 15, images equivalent to the remaining coin number notification images 51a, 51b may be displayed. Then, when another 100 yen coin is inserted through the left coin mechanism 15, for a total of two 100 yen coins, game start images 47a, 47d may be displayed.

[0311] Also, for example, in the right game machine 12, when one game is allowed to be played for a settlement amount of 100 yen, when one 100 yen coin is inserted into the right coin mechanism 16, the game start images 47b, 47c may be displayed as is.

[0312] In the above embodiment, we have described a case where the electronic payment images include operation guide images 44a, 44b, payment completion images 46a, 46b, and payment error image 50, but these do not necessarily have to be included, and the content can be arbitrary as long as it displays to the user the progress status of the electronic payment that has been instructed to be executed.

[0313] In the above embodiment, the prize provision images 48a, 48b may display a code button indicating the type of electronic payment and an NFC button, respectively, similar to the first standby images 41a, 41b. That is, the prize provision images 48a, 48b may serve the same function as the first standby images 41a, 41b. When the user touches the code button or NFC button displayed on the prize provision image 48a, the type of electronic payment for the left game machine 11 may be selected according to the touched button, and the second standby image 42a may be displayed instead of the prize provision image. When the user touches the code button or NFC button displayed on the prize provision image 48b, the type of electronic payment for the right game machine 12 may be selected according to the touched button, and the second standby image 42b may be displayed instead of the prize provision image.

[0314] In the above embodiment, the case where the payment terminal 1 supports both electronic payment and cash payment has been described, but the present invention is also applicable to a payment terminal 1 that supports only electronic payment.

[0315] In the above embodiment, the left game machine 11 and the right game machine 12 for which the payment terminal 1 performs payment are described as crane game machines, but this is not necessarily limited to this and any arcade game machine may be used.

[0316] In the above embodiment, we have described a case where the payment terminal 1 makes payments for two gaming machines (left gaming machine 11 and right gaming machine 12), but this is not necessarily limited to two, and the present invention can also be applied when the payment terminal 1 makes payments for multiple gaming machines.

[0317] The payment system 10 according to the above embodiment has been described as a case in which the payment terminal 1 performs electronic payments for game machines. However, the present invention can be applied not only to payment systems 10 that perform electronic payments for multiple game machines, but also to payment systems that perform electronic payments for multiple devices. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a payment system that performs payments for multiple washing machines and clothes dryers installed in a coin laundry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0318] 1. Payment terminal 2 Game Management Server 3. Electronic payment server 4. Cloud 10. Payment Systems 11 Left Game Console 12 Right Game Machine 13 Left prize exit 14 Right prize outlet 15 Left Coin Mech 16 Right Coin Mech 21 displays 22 Display Control 23 Touch Identification 24 Imaging 25 Code reading 26 Card reader 27 Settlement signal generated 28 Timer 29 Clock 30 Add timestamp 31 Communications 32 Payment result determination 33 Payment pulse generation 34 Left pulse transmission 35 Right pulse transmission 36 count 41a First standby image 41b First standby image 42a Second standby image 42b Second standby image 43a Back button 43b Back button 44a Operation guide image 44b Operation guide image 45a Back button 45b Back button 46a Payment completion image 46b Payment completion image 47a Game start image 47b Game start image 47c Game start image 47d Game start image 48a Prize provided image 48b Prize image 49a Locked state image 49b Locked state image 50 Payment error image 51a Remaining number notification image 51b Remaining number notification image 101 CPU 102 Storage device 103 Display control unit 104 Input I / F 105 Display device 106 Communication I / F 107 Game console interface 108 Imaging control unit 109 Image sensor 110 NFC control unit 111 Bus Line CI1 Left coin input terminal CI2 Right coin input terminal CO1 Left coin insertion output terminal CO2 Right coin insertion output terminal KI1 Left settlement pulse input terminal KI2 Right settlement pulse input terminal KO1 Left settlement pulse output terminal KO2 Right settlement pulse output terminal LI1 Left lock input terminal LI2 Right lock input terminal LO1 Left lock output terminal LO2 Right lock output terminal PI1 Left prize input terminal PI2 Right prize offering input terminal PO1 Left prize offer output terminal PO2 Right free gift output terminal

Claims

1. a transmitting unit that is connected to a plurality of gaming machines and transmits a game execution permission signal to a gaming machine that has completed payment; a communication unit capable of executing electronic payments with an electronic payment server via a communication network; a display device; an input receiving unit that receives input regarding the image displayed on the display device; a control unit, The control unit is a standby image display control unit that generates a standby image for each of the plurality of gaming machines for receiving an instruction to execute the electronic payment from a user of the gaming machine and displays the standby image on the display device; A payment terminal characterized by comprising: an electronic payment image display control unit that, when the input receiving unit receives input from the user to execute the electronic payment in response to the standby image for one game machine, erases the standby images for all game machines and displays on the display device an electronic payment image related to the execution of the electronic payment for the one game machine.

2. The image for electronic payment is an operation guidance image that guides the user to perform operations required for the electronic payment; a payment completion image displayed when the electronic payment between the communication unit and the electronic payment server is completed; 2. The payment terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a payment error image that is displayed when an error occurs in the electronic payment between the communication unit and the electronic payment server.

3. The control unit The payment terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic payment completion control unit that controls the transmission unit to transmit the permission signal to the one gaming machine that is the subject of the electronic payment when the electronic payment with the electronic payment server is completed by the communication unit while the electronic payment image is displayed on the display device, and that displays a game start image notifying the one gaming machine of the start of the game on the display device together with the standby images for the other gaming machines.

4. The standby image display control unit A payment terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that if an error occurs in electronic payment between the communication unit and the electronic payment server while the electronic payment image is displayed on the display device, the standby image for the one gaming machine that is the subject of the electronic payment is displayed on the display device together with the standby images for the other gaming machines.

5. The control unit The payment terminal of claim 1, further comprising a standby image return control unit that, when the input receiving unit receives input from the user to return from the electronic payment image to the standby image while the electronic payment image is being displayed on the display device, displays the standby image for the one gaming machine that was the subject of the electronic payment on the display device together with the standby images for the other gaming machines.

6. The control unit The payment terminal of claim 5, further comprising an electronic payment cancellation control unit that controls the communication unit to cancel electronic payment with the electronic payment server when the input acceptance unit accepts input from the user to return from the electronic payment image to the standby image before the electronic payment with the electronic payment server is completed while the electronic payment image is displayed on the display device.

7. The standby image includes at least an image for selecting a type of electronic payment, The control unit The payment terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a communication control unit that controls the communication unit so that, when the input acceptance unit accepts the selection of the type of electronic payment from the user in response to the standby image for one of the game machines, electronic payment is made with the electronic payment server of the selected type.

8. The standby image includes at least an image for selecting a payment amount, The control unit The payment terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a communication control unit that controls the communication unit so that, when the input acceptance unit accepts the selection of the payment amount from the user in response to the standby image for one of the gaming machines, electronic payment is made with the electronic payment server for the selected payment amount.

9. the standby image includes at least an image for selecting a type of electronic payment and an image for selecting a payment amount, one of the images being displayed first as a first standby image, and the other image being displayed after the first standby image as a second standby image under the control of the standby image display control unit; The standby image display control unit When the input receiving unit receives a selection from the user for the first standby image for the one game machine, the second standby image is displayed as the standby image for the one game machine; The control unit The payment terminal described in claim 1, characterized in that it is further equipped with a communication control unit that controls the communication unit so that, when the input acceptance unit accepts a selection from the user for the second standby image for the one game machine, electronic payment is made between the electronic payment server of the selected type and the payment amount selected for the first standby image and the second standby image.

10. The standby image display control unit The payment terminal described in claim 9, characterized in that when the input receiving unit receives input from the user to return from the second standby image to the first standby image while the second standby image is being displayed for the one game machine, the first standby image is displayed on the display device as the standby image for the one game machine.

11. The control unit The payment terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic payment completion control unit that controls the transmitting unit to transmit, as the permission signal, a signal to the one gaming machine permitting the playing of a number of games corresponding to the payment amount of the electronic payment when the electronic payment for the one gaming machine is completed.

12. The permission signal is a signal that allows one game to be executed with one pulse signal, The payment terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that the electronic payment completion control unit controls the transmitting unit to transmit n pulse signals as the permission signal when the number of times the game has been played according to the payment amount of the electronic payment is n (n is a natural number).

13. The electronic payment completion control unit The payment terminal according to claim 12, characterized in that when a lock signal indicating that permission to play a game is not being accepted is input from the one game machine, the payment terminal interrupts the transmission of n pulse signals as the permission signal that are scheduled to be sent or are in the process of being sent to the one game machine, and transmits the unsent pulse signals after the state of not accepting permission to play a game in the one game machine is released.

14. a coin insertion signal receiving unit that is connected to a coin mechanism that receives insertion of a coin and is provided for each of the gaming machines, and that receives a coin insertion signal that is output from the coin mechanism when a coin is inserted; The control unit The payment terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a coin insertion image display control unit that, when the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives the coin insertion signal from the coin mechanism provided in a certain gaming machine, displays on the display device a coin insertion image corresponding to the insertion of a coin into the certain gaming machine.

15. Each game machine has a set number of coins required to play the game. the coin insertion signal receiving unit counts the number of inserted coins based on the coin insertion signal received from the coin mechanism corresponding to each of the gaming machines; The coin insertion image display control unit When the number of coins inserted into the coin mechanism corresponding to a certain game machine reaches the number of coins required to execute a game of that game machine, the transmission unit is controlled to transmit the permission signal to the certain game machine, and a game start image notifying the start of the game is displayed on the display device as the coin insertion image for the certain game machine, The payment terminal according to claim 14, characterized in that, when the number of coins inserted into the coin mechanism corresponding to a certain gaming machine is less than the number of coins required to play the game on that gaming machine, a remaining number notification image notifying the number of coins remaining until the game starts is displayed on the display device as the coin insertion image for the certain gaming machine.

16. The coin insertion image display control unit The payment terminal according to claim 14, characterized in that when the display device is displaying the standby images for all game machines, the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives the coin insertion signal from the coin mechanism provided on a certain game machine, and controls the display device to display the coin insertion image for the certain game machine together with the standby images for the other game machines.

17. The coin insertion image display control unit The payment terminal according to claim 14, characterized in that when the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives the coin insertion signal from the coin mechanism provided on a certain gaming machine while the electronic payment image for the certain gaming machine is displayed on the display device, the coin insertion image for the certain gaming machine is controlled to be displayed on the display device together with the electronic payment image for the certain gaming machine.

18. The coin insertion image display control unit The payment terminal according to claim 14, characterized in that when the coin insertion signal receiving unit receives the coin insertion signal from the coin mechanism provided on a plurality of gaming machines while the electronic payment image for one gaming machine is displayed on the display device, the coin insertion image for the plurality of gaming machines is controlled to be displayed on the display device together with the electronic payment image for the one gaming machine.

19. The control unit The payment terminal of claim 1 further comprises a value provision image display control unit that, when a value provision signal indicating that a predetermined value has been provided from a certain gaming machine is input, displays on the display device a value provision image notifying the provision of the predetermined value from that gaming machine.

20. The value providing image display control unit The payment terminal of claim 19, characterized in that when the value provision signal is input from a gaming machine while the electronic payment image for one gaming machine is displayed on the display device, the payment terminal controls the display device to display the value provision image for the gaming machine that output the value provision signal together with the electronic payment image.

21. The control unit The payment terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a lock state image display control unit that, when a lock signal indicating that a game machine is in a state where permission to play a game is not being accepted is input from the game machine, displays a lock state image on the display device to notify the user that the game machine is in a locked state.

22. The lock state image display control unit The payment terminal according to claim 21, characterized in that when the lock signal is input from a gaming machine while the electronic payment image for one gaming machine is displayed on the display device, the payment terminal controls the display device to display the locked state image for the gaming machine that output the lock signal together with the electronic payment image.

23. The lock state image display control unit The payment terminal according to claim 21, characterized in that when the lock signal is input from a certain game machine while the standby images for all game machines are displayed on the display device, the payment terminal is controlled so that the lock state image for the game machine that output the lock signal is displayed on the display device together with the standby images for the other game machines.

24. 23. The settlement terminal according to claim 17, 20, or 22, wherein the certain gaming machine includes the one gaming machine.

25. a payment terminal connected to a plurality of game machines and used to make payments for each of the game machines; A payment system comprising an electronic payment server that executes electronic payments between the payment terminal and the payment system, The payment terminal is a transmitting unit connected to the plurality of gaming machines and transmitting a game execution permission signal to a gaming machine for which payment has been completed; a communication unit capable of executing electronic payment with the electronic payment server via a communication network; a display device; an input receiving unit that receives input regarding the image displayed on the display device; a control unit, The control unit is a standby image display control unit that generates a standby image for each of the plurality of gaming machines for receiving an instruction to execute the electronic payment from a user of the gaming machine and displays the standby image on the display device; A payment system characterized by comprising: an electronic payment image display control unit that, when the input receiving unit receives input from the user to execute the electronic payment in response to the standby image for one game machine, erases the standby images for all game machines and displays an electronic payment image related to the execution of the electronic payment for the one game machine on the display device.

26. a maximum number of acceptable games that can be accepted is predetermined in the gaming machine, and when the number of unexecuted games that have been permitted to be executed by the permission signal reaches the maximum number of acceptable games, the gaming machine transmits a lock signal to the payment terminal, indicating that permission to execute a game is not being accepted; 26. The payment system according to claim 25, wherein the transmitter suspends transmission of the permission signal when the lock signal is received.

Images