Payment system

Abstract

In a payment system configured to process payments for game machines within an arcade, the aim is to reduce the likelihood of customers mistakenly selecting the wrong game machine for payment. [Solution] The payment system comprises multiple game machines, a terminal device, and a management device. The terminal device comprises a display unit, an input unit, a selection display control unit, an input operation unit, and a payment transmission unit. The selection display control unit is configured to display an image corresponding to the selection information on the display unit, which allows the customer to select one game machine from multiple game machines. The payment transmission unit is configured to transmit payment information, including the selected game machine and the content of the payment operation, to the payment server, thereby causing the payment server to perform the payment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a settlement system configured to perform settlement for game machines in a game center.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1 below, there is proposed a technique of converting a tangible value (e.g., cash, medals) inserted into a game machine into an intangible value (e.g., electronic money), etc., and performing a settlement process for the game machine within the limit of the intangible value to operate the game machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as a result of the inventors' detailed examination, when a customer attempts to operate various game machines using an intangible value without inserting a tangible value into the game machine, there is a problem that a game machine unintended by the customer may be operated.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is to make it difficult for a customer to mistake the game machine for which settlement is made in a settlement system configured to perform settlement for game machines in a game center.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a settlement system configured to perform settlement for game machines in a game center. The settlement system includes a plurality of game machines, a terminal device, and a management device. The terminal device is configured to be possessed by a customer. The management device is configured to be communicable with the plurality of game machines and the terminal device.

[0007] The management device comprises a provisioning unit, a settlement determination unit, and an operation command unit. The provisioning unit is configured to provide a terminal device with selection information, which is information for selecting one of several game machines. The settlement determination unit is configured to determine whether or not the settlement has been completed when it receives settlement information for the selected game machine. The operation command unit is configured to transmit an operation command to the game machine when the settlement has been completed.

[0008] The terminal device comprises a display unit, an input unit, a selection display control unit, an input operation unit, and a payment transmission unit. The display unit is configured to display images. The input unit is configured to accept commands from the customer. The selection display control unit, upon receiving selection information, is configured to display an image on the display unit corresponding to the selection information, allowing the customer to select one game machine from a group of game machines. The input operation unit is configured to accept commands from the input unit to select one game machine, and to accept payment operations for that game machine from the input unit. The payment transmission unit is configured to transmit payment information, including the selected game machine and the details of the payment operation, to the payment server, thereby causing the payment server to perform the payment. The payment server is configured to transmit the payment result, specifying the game machine, to the management device.

[0009] Each of the multiple game machines is equipped with a service unit configured to perform a service for the customer upon receiving an operation command. With this configuration, an image can be displayed on the screen to help the customer select one game machine from multiple machines, making it less likely for the customer to choose the wrong machine for payment. Furthermore, the customer can successfully complete the payment using the terminal device and receive the services provided by the game machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system. [Figure 2]This is a flowchart showing the payment acceptance process. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the access condition determination process within the payment acceptance process. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the payment execution process, which is part of the payment acceptance process. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is an example of a map, Figure 5B is an example of an image showing a game console selected on the map, and Figure 5C is an example of a first confirmation image. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is an example of a second confirmation image, Figure 6B is an example of a replay image, and Figure 6C is an example of an image of calling staff. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. [1. Embodiments] [1-1. Structure] The payment system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system configured to process payments for multiple game machines 20 within a game center. In this disclosure, paying for a game machine 20 or charging a game machine 20 is referred to as payment for the game machine 20.

[0012] The payment system 1 is configured so that customers playing games on the game machine 20 can use a terminal device 30, such as a smartphone, to make payments related to charges to the game machine 20. In other words, conventional game machines 20 required customers to insert cash, tokens, etc., into each machine to receive services from the game machine 20 (i.e., to play games). However, in the configuration of this embodiment, customers can operate the game machine 20 and receive services by making payments using the terminal device 30, without having to insert cash, tokens, etc., into each machine 20.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the payment system 1 comprises multiple game machines 20, terminal devices 30, a management device 10, and a payment server 40. The management device 10, the multiple game machines 20, the terminal devices 30, and the payment server 40 are configured to communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet 5 or a local network.

[0014] The management device 10 is a device that manages game machine information relating to multiple game machines 20. Game machine information may include the operating status of the game machines 20, sales, prize payout status, etc. Multiple game machines 20 may include crane game machines where players win prizes using a crane, and video game type game machines that generate and display images in response to customer operations.

[0015] The terminal device 30 is a portable device owned by the customer. The management device 10, the multiple game machines 20, the terminal device 30, and the payment server 40 are each configured as computers equipped with a CPU and memory. Each CPU is configured to perform various functions, such as payment acceptance processing, which will be described later, by executing processing based on programs stored in memory.

[0016] The management device 10 comprises a CPU 11, memory 12, database 13, and communication unit 15. Database 13 pre-stores IDs for terminal devices 30 that are authorized to access the management device 10. An ID is identification information used to identify a terminal device 30. Identification information may include, for example, a pre-registered user ID, the MAC address of the terminal device 30, or the serial number of the terminal device 30. Instead of an ID, a combination of a login ID and password may also be used. The communication unit 15 is a well-known communication module for communicating with other devices by wire or wireless connection.

[0017] Each of the plurality of gaming machines 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, a communication unit 25, a camera unit 26, and a number display unit 27. Note that the display unit 23, the camera unit 26, and the number display unit 27 may not be provided.

[0018] The display unit 23 is a well-known display for displaying images for playing games. The operation unit 24 is configured to input operations for playing games into the gaming machine 20. The operation unit 24 is configured as a physical button, lever, touch panel, or the like.

[0019] The communication unit 25 is configured to have the same function as the communication unit 15 of the management device 10. The camera unit 26 is configured as a well-known camera for obtaining captured images. The camera unit 26 is arranged to capture the gaming machine 20, and particularly in a crane-type gaming machine, it is arranged so that the state of the prize is within the imaging range.

[0020] The number display unit 27 is, for example, a sticker on which characters (for example, numbers) for identifying the gaming machine 20 are written. The number display unit 27 is attached, for example, at a position that is likely to catch the eye of a customer who intends to play a game on the gaming machine 20, for example, facing the front of the gaming machine 20. Different characters are assigned to each gaming machine 20 on the number display unit 27.

[0021] The terminal device 30 includes a CPU 31, a memory 32, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, and a communication unit 35. The display unit 33 and the input unit 34 are configured as, for example, a touch panel. That is, the display unit 33 is configured to display images, and the input unit 34 is configured to be able to input commands based on a customer's operation on the image. The communication unit 35 is configured to have the same function as the communication unit 15 of the management device 10. Note that the terminal device 30 is connected to the Internet network 5 or the like by wireless communication.

[0022] The settlement server 40 comprises a settlement unit 43 and a communication unit 45. The settlement unit 43 is configured as a computer comprising a CPU (not shown) and memory (not shown). The settlement unit 43 functions as a well-known settlement server, receiving settlement information, performing settlements, and returning settlement results. The communication unit 45 is configured to have the same functions as the communication unit 15 of the management device 10.

[0023] [1-2. Processing] [1-2-1. Payment Acceptance Processing] Next, the payment acceptance process performed by the payment system 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 2. The payment acceptance process is the process by which the customer uses the terminal device 30 to perform a payment for the desired game machine 20 and activate the desired game machine 20. In the following process, if the determination is repeated, a timeout period is set, and the process may be terminated after this time has elapsed. When the process is terminated, a message indicating that the payment was unsuccessful may be sent to each device.

[0024] In the payment acceptance process, terminal device 30 first transmits ID and location information to management device 10 in S210. At this time, terminal device 30 accesses management device 10 before transmitting ID and location information. The location information is information indicating the location of terminal device 3, and includes, for example, latitude and longitude information. Note that a configuration in which location information is not transmitted is also possible. In addition, if the location information is a WiFi® access point, the access condition determination process described later may determine whether it includes access points near the game center. If the location information is a Beacon, it may be determined whether it can be received. If the location information is a mobile phone base station, it may be determined whether it includes one near the game center.

[0025] Next, in S110, the management device 10 performs access condition determination processing. This access condition determination processing corresponds to the access determination unit of this disclosure. The access condition determination processing is a process in which the management device 10 determines whether or not an access that it receives from the terminal device 30 satisfies pre-set access conditions.

[0026] In the access condition determination process, as shown in Figure 3, the management device 10 first receives the ID transmitted from the terminal device 30 in S410. Location information may also be received at this time. Next, in S420, the management device 10 determines whether the ID received in S410 is authorized to access the management device 10. As one of the access conditions, the management device 10 compares the received ID with the ID stored in the database 13, and determines that access is authorized if these IDs match.

[0027] Furthermore, if the ID matches, in S430, the management device 10 determines, as another access condition, whether the access occurred within a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be, for example, the operating hours of the game center. Alternatively, if, for example, the customer has taken an action such as reading a code placed in the game center before the start of this process, the predetermined time period may be the elapsed time since that action. If the elapsed time of that action is used, the predetermined time period may be the time during which the customer holding the terminal device 30 is assumed to be inside the game center. In this case, the predetermined time period may be, for example, 10 minutes or 1 hour. Note that the determination conditions may not be limited to the ID and predetermined time period, but may also include whether the customer's location, based on location information, is inside the game center.

[0028] If the ID does not match, or if the access is not within the specified time, the management device 10 stores in memory 12 in S440 that the access conditions are not met (i.e., access is NG), and terminates the access condition determination process. If the ID matches and the access is within the specified time, the management device 10 stores in memory 12 in S450 that the access conditions are met (i.e., access is OK), and terminates the access condition determination process. Once the access condition determination process is completed, this process returns to Figure 2.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, in S120, the management device 10 determines whether or not the access conditions are met. If it is determined that the access conditions are not met, the access condition determination process ends. At this time, the management device 10 may also notify the terminal device 30 that access is not permitted.

[0030] If it is determined that the access conditions are met, the management device 10 provides a map to the accessed terminal device 30 in S130. This process corresponds to the provision part of this disclosure, and the map corresponds to the selection information of this disclosure. The map is, for example, an image in which the locations of multiple game machines 20 within the game center can be visually confirmed, as shown in Figure 5A. The map can be arbitrarily enlarged and reduced by operations using the customer's input unit 34, and as shown in Figure 5B, one of the multiple game machines 20 can be selected in the image.

[0031] Note that the map is only provided if access is OK, and not provided if access is NG. In addition to the map, information for selecting one of multiple game machines 20 for the terminal device 30 (for example, a list that allows selection of one game machine 20 from text only) may also be used.

[0032] In step S220, the terminal device 30 receives the map provided by the management device 10 and displays the map on the display unit 33 (see, for example, Figure 5A). Next, in S230, the terminal device 30 accepts a selection operation. A selection operation is an operation in which the customer selects one of the multiple game machines 20. Next, in S240, the terminal device 30 determines whether or not a selection operation has been entered. If no selection operation has been entered, it returns to S230.

[0033] Furthermore, if a selection operation has been entered, the terminal device 30 displays a first confirmation image in S250. The first confirmation image is a first image used to confirm whether the customer's selection of the game machine 20 is correct. The first confirmation image includes, for example, an image of the game machine 20 and a button for confirmation input (for example, a "Play in this booth" button), as shown in Figure 5C. In the case of a crane game machine, this image may include a photograph of a prize that can be won with the game machine 20.

[0034] Next, in S260, the terminal device 30 determines whether or not confirmation input has been made. That is, it determines whether or not the button for confirmation input has been tapped on the first confirmation image. If confirmation input has not been made, this process is repeated. If confirmation input has been made, the terminal device 30 executes the payment process in S270.

[0035] The payment execution process is the process of accepting payment operations for the selected game machine 20. The result of the payment execution process is notified to the management device 10. Details of the payment execution process will be described later.

[0036] Next, in S140, the management device 10 obtains payment information, including whether or not payment has been completed for the selected game machine 20, and in S150, it determines whether or not payment has been completed. If payment has not been completed, the access condition determination process ends. If payment has been completed, the management device 10 sends an operation command to the selected game machine 20 in S160. The function of S160 corresponds to the payment determination unit in this disclosure.

[0037] In S310, the game machine 20 determines whether or not it has received an operation command. If it has not received an operation command, S310 is repeated. If it has received an operation command, in S320, the game machine 20 performs the service to the customer upon receiving the operation command. In other words, the game machine 20 operates in a way that allows the customer to play the game, just as if the customer had inserted cash or tokens into the game machine 20. Once this process is complete, the access condition determination process ends.

[0038] [1-2-2. Payment execution process] Next, the payment execution process will be explained using Figure 4. In this embodiment, the following processes are implemented to effectively suppress payment errors by customers. In the payment execution process, as shown in Figure 4, the terminal device 30 first displays a payment image in S810. The payment image is an image that displays information identifying the game machine 20 to be paid for (for example, a photo of the game machine 20), the number of plays, and the corresponding charges. Specifically, one play is associated with a charge of 100 yen, six plays with a charge of 500 yen, and so on.

[0039] Next, in S815, the terminal device 30 determines whether or not the customer has entered an intention to pay in the payment image. If no such intention has been entered, S815 is repeated. If an intention to pay has been entered, the terminal device 30 performs the process of displaying a second confirmation image from S820 onward. The second confirmation image is an image used to confirm whether or not the customer's selection of the game machine 20 is correct, and is an image used to give the customer final confirmation of the payment.

[0040] The process for displaying the second confirmation image includes a process for displaying the same image on both the terminal device 30 and the game machine 20 (hereinafter also referred to as process A), and a process for displaying a real-time image from inside the game machine 20 on the terminal device 30 (hereinafter also referred to as process B). Both of these processes will be explained below, but one of these processes A or process B may be adopted, or processes A and B may be omitted altogether.

[0041] In the process of displaying the second confirmation image, as shown in Figure 4, the terminal device 30 sends a confirmation image display command to the management device 10 in S820. The management device 10 determines in S910 whether or not it has received the confirmation image display command. If it has not received the confirmation image display command, it repeats S910. If it has received the confirmation image display command, the management device 10 sends the second confirmation image to the terminal device 30 and the selected game machine 20 in S920. The second confirmation image here can be the same image, for example, an image of an animal, a number, a word or other character, etc. The customer can recognize that the game machine 20 to be used for payment is correct by confirming that the image displayed on the terminal device 30 and the image displayed on the game machine 20 match.

[0042] The terminal device 30 receives the second confirmation image in S830 and displays the second confirmation image on the display unit 33. The game machine 20 also receives the second confirmation image in S1010 and displays the second confirmation image on the display unit 23. Note that S1010 may be omitted in game machines 20 that do not have a display unit 23, such as crane game machines.

[0043] Next, in S1020, the game console 20 uses the camera unit 26 to capture an image of the inside of the game console 20 and transmits the captured image to the management device 10. This process may be omitted for game consoles 20 where capturing an image of the inside is not meaningful, such as a video game console.

[0044] In S930, the management device 10 determines whether or not it has received the captured image. If it has not received the captured image, it repeats S930. If it has received the captured image, the management device 10 transmits the captured image to the terminal device 30 as a second confirmation image in S940.

[0045] In the terminal device 30, S830, the captured image is also displayed on the display unit 33 as a second confirmation image. In other words, when processes A and B are used in combination, both second confirmation images transmitted from the management device 10 and the game machine 20 are displayed.

[0046] In this configuration, where an image of the inside of the game machine 20 is displayed on the terminal device 30 as a second confirmation image, the customer can confirm that the game machine 20 being paid for is correct by comparing what they see of the inside of the game machine 20 with the image displayed on the terminal device 30. The second confirmation image includes a button for the customer to select whether or not the game machine 20 being paid for is correct, as shown in Figure 6A.

[0047] Next, in S840, the terminal device 30 determines whether or not a confirmation input has been received indicating that the game machine 20 to be paid for is correct. If no confirmation input has been received, the process in S840 is repeated. If a confirmation input has been received, the terminal device 30 sends a payment request to the payment server 40 in S850. The payment request includes information to identify the game machine 20 to be paid for, the payment amount, and customer credit information. Credit information may include, for example, the balance of electronic money and the credit card number. Other credit information may include the number of remaining points and whether or not coupons have been used.

[0048] In S710, the payment server 40 verifies the credit information included in the payment request and performs the payment by implementing a well-known payment algorithm. Subsequently, in S720, the payment server 40 determines whether the payment was successful or not. If the payment was not successful, the process ends without granting payment permission. In other words, the operation of the game machine 20 is not permitted. If the payment was successful, in S730, the payment server 40 sends a payment permission notification to the terminal device 30, indicating that the payment has been permitted.

[0049] In S860, terminal device 30 determines whether or not payment authorization has been granted. If payment authorization has not been granted, S860 is repeated. If payment authorization has been granted, terminal device 30 displays a payment completion image on display unit 33 in S870. The payment completion image is an image that includes a message such as, for example, "Payment complete. Please start playing."

[0050] The payment server 40 sends a payment authorization to the management device 10 via S740. Upon receiving the payment authorization, the management device 10 activates the game machine 20.

[0051] [1-2-3. Replay Processing] In the case of a replay (i.e., after the completion of the settlement execution process), processing may start from S810. In this case, the function of S810 corresponds to the replay section of this disclosure. In this case, the terminal device 30 may display a replay image as shown in Figure 6B. A replay indicates that after settlement for a game machine 20 has already been completed, settlement for another game machine 20 is to be performed before settlement for another game machine 20. The replay image is a selected image of the game machine 20 that was selected immediately before, and it is an image in which the user can choose whether or not to replay. In the example shown in Figure 6B, the "Play Again" button is displayed.

[0052] [1-3. Effects] The embodiments described in detail above produce the following effects. (1a) The above-described payment system 1 is a system configured to process payments for game machines 20 within a game center. The payment system 1 comprises a plurality of game machines 20, a terminal device 30, and a management device 10. The terminal device 30 is configured to be held by the customer. The management device 10 is configured to communicate with the plurality of game machines 20 and the terminal device 30.

[0053] The CPU 11 (providing unit) of the management device 10 is configured in S130 to provide selection information to the terminal device 30, which is information for selecting one of the multiple game machines 20. The CPU 11 (payment determination unit) is configured in S150 to determine whether or not payment has been completed when it receives payment information for the selected game machine 20. The CPU 11 (payment determination unit) is configured in S160 to send an operation command to the game machine 20 if payment has been completed.

[0054] The terminal device 30 comprises a display unit 33 and an input unit 34. The display unit 33 is configured to display an image. The input unit 34 is configured to accept commands from the customer. The CPU 31 (selection display control unit) of the terminal device 30, upon receiving selection information in S220, is configured to display an image on the display unit 33 that corresponds to the selection information and allows the customer to select one game machine 20 from a plurality of game machines 20. The CPU 31 (input operation unit) is configured, in S230 and S270, to accept commands from the input unit 34 to select one game machine 20, and to accept payment operations for the game machine 20 from the input unit 34. The CPU 31 (payment transmission unit) is configured, in S850, to transmit payment information including the selected game machine 20 and the content of the payment operation to the payment server 40, thereby causing the payment server 40 to perform the payment. The payment server 40 is configured to transmit the payment result specifying the game machine 20 to the management device 10. The CPUs 21 (service units) of multiple game machines 20 are configured to perform services for customers upon receiving an operation command in S320.

[0055] With this configuration, an image can be displayed on the display unit 33 for the customer to select one game machine 20 from multiple game machines 20, making it less likely for the customer to choose the wrong game machine 20 for payment. In addition, the customer can make a payment smoothly using the terminal device 30 and receive the service provided by the game machine 20.

[0056] (1b) In the above payment system 1, the CPU 11 (providing unit) provides, in S130, a map in which the locations of multiple game machines 20 within the game center can be visually identified, and in which one of the multiple game machines 20 can be selected, as selection information.

[0057] With this configuration, customers can select the game console 20 they want to play on from a map, making it easier and more intuitive to select a game console 20 than configurations that require manual input of the number of players, etc.

[0058] (1c) The CPU 11 (access determination unit) of the management device 10 is configured in S110 and S120 to determine whether an access received from the terminal device 30 satisfies pre-set access conditions. The CPU 11 (providing unit) is configured in S130 to provide selection information to the terminal device 30 when the access satisfies the access conditions, and not provide selection information when the access does not satisfy the access conditions. Specifically, the map may be displayed and the payment execution process may proceed only when the access conditions (e.g., customer location, ID, time range, etc.) are met.

[0059] With this configuration, payment and other transactions can only be performed if the access from the terminal device 30 meets the access conditions. This suppresses unauthorized access and improves security.

[0060] (1d) The CPU 31 (replay unit) of the terminal device 30 is configured in S810 to display a selected image that was previously selected for the game machine 20, and for which the user can choose whether or not to replay the image, after the payment information has been transmitted. The CPU 31 (input operation unit) of the terminal device 30 is configured in S230 and S270 to accept a payment operation for the game machine 20 corresponding to the selected image. This configuration eliminates the need to select the game console 20 during replays.

[0061] (1e) Each of the multiple game machines 20 is further equipped with a display unit 23. The CPU 11 (confirmation image transmission unit) of the management device 10 is configured in S940 to transmit a second confirmation image to the game machines 20 and the terminal device 30 in response to a confirmation image request (S820) from the terminal device 30. The CPUs 21 and 31 (confirmation display control units) of the game machines 20 and the terminal device 30 cause the second confirmation image to be displayed on their respective display units 23 and 33 in S830 and S1010. The CPU 31 (settlement transmission unit) is configured in S850 to cause the settlement server 40 to perform settlement when a command indicating approval for the second confirmation image is input via the input unit 34.

[0062] With this configuration, the customer can make a payment after the second confirmation image is displayed on the display units 23 and 33 of the game machine 20 and the terminal device 30, respectively. Therefore, it becomes less likely that the game machine 20 being used for payment will be mistaken.

[0063] (1f) Multiple game machines 20 are further equipped with camera units 26 that capture images of the game machines 20. The CPU 11 (confirmation image transmission unit) of the management device 10 is configured, in S940, to receive a confirmation image request from the terminal device 30, to acquire an image captured by the camera unit 26 from the game machine 20, and to transmit a second confirmation image including the acquired image to the terminal device 30. The CPU 31 (confirmation display control unit) of the terminal device 30 is configured, in S830, to display the second confirmation image on the display unit 33. The CPU 31 (settlement transmission unit) is configured, in S850, to receive a command indicating approval for the second confirmation image via the input unit 34, to have the settlement server 40 perform the settlement.

[0064] With this configuration, the image captured by the game machine 20 at the time of payment is displayed on the terminal device 30, allowing the customer to confirm which game machine 20 they are paying for. Therefore, it becomes less likely that the wrong game machine 20 will be selected for payment.

[0065] [3. Other Embodiments] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0066] (3a) In the above embodiment, an image of the inside of the game machine 20 was displayed on the terminal device 30 as a second confirmation image, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the same number as the game machine number written on the number display unit 27 may be displayed on the terminal device 30 as a second confirmation image. Even with this configuration, the customer can confirm whether the game machine 20 to be paid for has been correctly selected by recognizing whether the number on the number display unit 27 matches the number displayed on the terminal device 30. (3b) In the above embodiment, payment can be made from a map that shows the location of the game machine, but in the example shown in Figure 6C, a "Call Staff" button is displayed. When the "Call Staff" button is pressed, the terminal device 30 can notify the staff at the game center via the management device 10 using intercoms, mobile phones, etc.

[0067] (3c) The above payment execution process is merely an example, and a well-known payment execution process may be adopted. For example, an application in the terminal device 30 may hold electronic money, and the payment may be completed by deducting that electronic money, and the management device 10 may be notified. In addition, payment may be made using points. Furthermore, available coupons or house money may be used for payment. When the above payment execution process is implemented, only one of the first confirmation image or the second confirmation image may be displayed, and the display of some images may be omitted. Also, location information may be GPS, WiFi access point, beacon, cell phone base station, etc. (3d) The processing devices (e.g., management device 10, game machine 20, terminal device 30, payment server 40) that perform each process in this disclosure and the methods performed by the processing devices may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the processing devices and methods described in this disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor by one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the processing devices and methods described in this disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium. The methods for realizing the functions of each part included in the processing device do not necessarily need to include software, and all of its functions may be realized using one or more hardware components.

[0068] (3e) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configurations of other above embodiments.

[0069] (3f) In addition to the payment system 1 described above, this disclosure can also be implemented in various forms, such as each device that constitutes the payment system 1, a program for causing a computer to function as each of those devices, a non-transitional physical recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which this program is recorded, and a payment method.

[0070] [Technical concepts disclosed in this specification] [Item 1] A payment system configured to process payments for game machines within an arcade, Multiple game machines in the arcade, The terminal device owned by the customer, A management device configured to communicate between the aforementioned multiple game machines and the aforementioned terminal devices, Equipped with, The aforementioned control device is A providing unit configured to provide the terminal device with selection information, which is information for selecting one of the multiple game machines, A payment determination unit is configured to receive payment information for the selected game console and determine whether or not the payment has been completed. An operation command unit configured to send an operation command to the game machine when the payment is completed, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device is A display unit configured to display an image, An input unit for inputting commands from the customer's operation, Upon receiving the selection information, the selection display control unit is configured to display an image corresponding to the selection information, which allows the customer to select one game machine from the multiple game machines, on the display unit. An input unit that receives a command to select the 1 game machine from the input unit, and an input operation unit that receives a payment operation for the game machine from the input unit, A payment transmission unit is configured to transmit the selected game machine and payment information including the details of the payment operation to a pre-prepared payment server, which is configured to transmit payment results specifying the game machine to the management device, thereby causing the payment server to perform the payment. Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned game consoles is: Upon receiving the aforementioned operation command, a service unit configured to perform the service for the customer, A payment system equipped with these features. [Item 2] The payment system described in item 1, The providing unit provides, as selection information, a map in which the locations of the multiple game machines within the game center can be visually confirmed, and in which one of the multiple game machines can be selected. A payment system that also includes the following features. [Item 3] A payment system as described in item 1 or item 2, The aforementioned control device is An access determination unit is configured to determine whether or not an access from the aforementioned terminal device satisfies pre-set access conditions. Furthermore, The providing unit provides the selection information to the terminal device when the access satisfies the access conditions, and does not provide the selection information when the access does not satisfy the access conditions. A payment system configured in such a way. [Item 4] A payment system described in any one of items 1 through 3, The terminal device further includes a replay unit configured to display a selected image, which is a selected image that was previously selected for the game machine selected immediately before, and which allows the user to choose whether or not to replay. The input operation unit of the terminal device receives a payment operation for the game machine corresponding to the selected image. A payment system configured in such a way. [Item 5] A payment system described in any one of items 1 through 4, Each of the aforementioned game consoles further comprises a display unit, The management device further comprises a confirmation image transmission unit configured to transmit confirmation images to the game machine and the terminal device in response to confirmation image requests from the terminal device, The game console and the terminal device further include a confirmation display control unit that displays the confirmation image on their respective display units, The payment transmission unit is configured to cause the payment server to perform the payment when a command indicating approval for the confirmation image is input via the input unit. Payment system. [Item 6] A payment system described in any one of items 1 through 5, The aforementioned plurality of game consoles further include a camera unit for capturing images of the game console, The management device further comprises a confirmation image transmission unit configured to receive a confirmation image request from the terminal device, acquire an image captured by the camera unit from the game machine, and transmit a confirmation image including the acquired image to the terminal device. The terminal device further comprises a confirmation display control unit that causes the confirmation image to be displayed on the display unit, The payment transmission unit is configured to cause the payment server to perform the payment when a command indicating approval for the confirmation image is input via the input unit. Payment system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1...Payment system, 3...Terminal device, 5...Internet network, 10...Management device, 11,21,31...CPU, 12,22,32...Memory, 13...Database, 15,25,35,45...Communication unit, 20...Game machine, 23,33...Display unit, 24...Operation unit, 26...Camera unit, 27...Number display unit, 30...Terminal device, 34...Input unit, 40...Payment server, 43...Payment unit.

Claims

1. A payment system configured to process payments for game machines within an arcade, Multiple game machines in the arcade, The terminal device owned by the customer, A management device configured to communicate between the aforementioned multiple game machines and the aforementioned terminal devices, Equipped with, The aforementioned control device is A providing unit configured to provide the terminal device with selection information, which is information for selecting one of the multiple game machines, A payment determination unit is configured to receive payment information for the selected game console and determine whether or not the payment has been completed. An operation command unit configured to send an operation command to the game machine when the payment is completed, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device is A display unit configured to display an image, An input unit for inputting commands from the customer's operation, Upon receiving the selection information, the selection display control unit is configured to display an image corresponding to the selection information, which allows the customer to select one game machine from the multiple game machines, on the display unit. An input unit that receives a command to select the game machine 1 from the input unit, and an input operation unit that receives a payment operation for the game machine from the input unit, A payment transmission unit is configured to transmit the selected game machine and payment information including the details of the payment operation to a pre-prepared payment server, which is configured to transmit payment results specifying the game machine to the management device, thereby causing the payment server to perform the payment. Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned game consoles is: Upon receiving the aforementioned operation command, a service unit configured to perform the service for the customer, A payment system equipped with these features.

2. A payment system according to claim 1, The providing unit provides, as selection information, a map in which the locations of the multiple game machines within the game center can be visually identified, and in which one of the multiple game machines can be selected. A payment system that also includes the following features.

3. A payment system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned control device is An access determination unit is configured to determine whether or not an access from the aforementioned terminal device satisfies pre-set access conditions. Furthermore, The providing unit provides the selection information to the terminal device when the access satisfies the access conditions, and does not provide the selection information when the access does not satisfy the access conditions. A payment system configured in such a way.

4. A payment system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The terminal device further includes a replay unit configured to display a selected image, which is a selected image that was previously selected for the game machine selected immediately before, and which allows the user to choose whether or not to replay. The input operation unit of the terminal device receives a payment operation for the game machine corresponding to the selected image. A payment system configured in such a way.

5. A payment system according to claim 1 or claim 2, Each of the aforementioned game consoles further comprises a display unit, The management device further comprises a confirmation image transmission unit configured to transmit confirmation images to the game machine and the terminal device in response to confirmation image requests from the terminal device, The game console and the terminal device further include a confirmation display control unit that displays the confirmation image on their respective display units, The payment transmission unit is configured to cause the payment server to perform the payment when a command indicating approval for the confirmation image is input via the input unit. Payment system.

6. A payment system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned plurality of game consoles further include a camera unit for capturing images of the game console, The management device further comprises a confirmation image transmission unit configured to receive a confirmation image request from the terminal device, acquire an image captured by the camera unit from the game machine, and transmit a confirmation image including the acquired image to the terminal device. The terminal device further comprises a confirmation display control unit that causes the confirmation image to be displayed on the display unit, The payment transmission unit is configured to cause the payment server to perform the payment when a command indicating approval for the confirmation image is input via the input unit. Payment system.

Images