Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

We will collect facility usage fees appropriately. [Solution] The information processing device includes a determination means for determining whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred for a user who has entered the amusement facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since their entry, and a display control means for displaying to the user who is using the amusement facility that a re-entry fee has been incurred when it is determined that such a fee has been incurred.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to the technical fields of an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] As this type of system, one for collecting usage fees for a casino facility or the like is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a technique for collecting an admission fee by a device installed at the entrance and exit of a casino facility is disclosed. In Patent Document 2, a technique for paying an admission fee according to the planned usage time at the time of entering a game arcade and paying an additional fee for the time exceeding the planned usage time at the time of leaving is disclosed. In Patent Document 3, a technique for collecting at least a part of the electronic money balance as a deposit is disclosed. In Patent Document 4, a technique for collecting a usage fee according to the measured stay time is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a casino facility, when a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed after entry, it is necessary to collect a re-entry fee. Therefore, even when a usage fee is collected at the time of entry, there may be an opportunity to collect the usage fee again. However, in the techniques described in each of the above-mentioned patent documents, there has been no sufficient discussion regarding collecting the admission fee multiple times, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a computer program that can appropriately collect facility usage fees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the information processing device disclosed herein includes determination means for determining whether a re-entry fee has been incurred for a user who has entered an amusement facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since their entry, and display control means for displaying to the user, who is using the amusement facility, via a display that the re-entry fee has been incurred when it is determined that the re-entry fee has been incurred.

[0007] One aspect of the information processing method disclosed herein is an information processing method performed by a computer, which determines whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred for a user who has been inactive for a predetermined period since entering an amusement facility, and, when it is determined that a re-entry fee has been incurred, displays to the user who is using the amusement facility via a display that a re-entry fee has been incurred.

[0008] One aspect of the computer program of this disclosure causes the computer to execute an information processing method that determines whether a re-entry fee has been incurred for a user who has entered an amusement facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since their entry, and, when it is determined that a re-entry fee has been incurred, causes the computer to display a message to the user using the amusement facility via a display indicating that a re-entry fee has been incurred. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one of the above-described embodiments of the information processing device, information processing method, and computer program, it is possible to appropriately collect facility usage fees. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a toll collection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the flow of operations during the first entry in the toll collection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows the configuration of the toll collection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the toll collection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the toll collection system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations upon entry in the toll collection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the flow of operations when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the toll collection system according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes embodiments of the toll collection system, toll collection device, toll collection method, and computer program, with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <First Embodiment> The fee collection system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0013] (System Configuration) First, the specific system configuration of the fee collection system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fee collection system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] In FIG. 1, the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as a system that collects usage fees (especially, re-entry fees that occur after a predetermined period from entry) from users of a casino facility. The fee collection system 1 mainly includes an entrance / exit gate device 10 and a fee collection device 20.

[0015] The entrance / exit gate device 10 is installed near the entrance and exit of the casino facility, and is configured to be able to permit or prohibit entry and exit from the casino facility by opening and closing the gate. Note that the entrance / exit gate device 10 may be provided separately as an entrance gate device and an exit gate device. The entrance / exit gate device 10 includes a user authentication unit 110, a payment processing unit 120, and a gate opening / closing control unit 130 as components for realizing its functions.

[0016] The user authentication unit 110 is equipped with, for example, a camera and various readers, and can obtain various information about an entrant from the biometric information and identification documents (e.g., My Number card, passport, etc.) of the entrant who attempts to enter the casino, and is configured to be able to execute authentication processing related to the user (e.g., confirmation of the user's identity). Specifically, the user authentication unit 110 is configured to be able to perform authentication processing by face recognition. For example, the user authentication unit 110 performs face recognition by comparing the face image captured by a camera installed near the gate with the face image registered in the identification document. At this time, instead of the face image, feature amounts extracted from the face image may be used. Face recognition may also be performed at the time of exit in addition to the time of entry.

[0017] The payment processing unit 120 is configured to process payments for various fees incurred when using the casino facilities. For example, the payment processing unit 120 is configured to process payments for entrance fees to the casino facilities, as well as re-entry fees incurred after a predetermined period has elapsed since entry. Note that the re-entry fee does not need to be collected when a user temporarily leaves and re-enters within the predetermined period after entry. In addition, entrance fees and re-entry fees to casino facilities are basically collected from Japanese citizens, and do not need to be collected from foreigners (specifically, users who do not have an address in Japan). For this reason, the payment processing unit 120 may be configured to determine which users are required to pay entrance and re-entry fees. In other words, the payment processing unit 120 may be configured to determine whether or not it is necessary to collect entrance and re-entry fees from a user who is attempting to enter. For example, the payment processing unit 120 may determine that if the identification presented by the user is a My Number Card, the user is Japanese (i.e., fees must be collected), and if it is a passport, the user is a foreigner (i.e., fees do not need to be collected).

[0018] The gate opening / closing control unit 130 is configured to control the opening and closing of the gates at the entrance and exit of the casino facility. For example, when the gate opening / closing control unit 130 opens the gate, the user is able to pass through the gate and is permitted to enter or exit the casino facility. On the other hand, when the gate opening / closing control unit 130 closes the gate, the user is unable to pass through the gate and is prohibited from entering or exiting the casino facility. The fee collection system 1 does not necessarily need to have an entrance / exit gate device 10.

[0019] The fee collection device 20 is configured as a server owned by, for example, a business operator that operates a casino facility (hereinafter referred to as "casino operator" as appropriate), and manages the collection of fees that users are required to pay at the casino facility (or actually collects the fees). The fee collection device 20 includes, as components for realizing its function, a fee generation detection unit 210, an advance payment unit 220, a collection flag assignment unit 230, a collection flag determination unit 240, and a payment request unit 250.

[0020] The fee detection unit 210 detects whether a user using the casino facility has been charged a re-entry fee. In other words, the fee detection unit 210 determines whether a predetermined period (i.e., the period during which a re-entry fee is charged) has elapsed since the user entered the casino facility. The determination result of the fee detection unit 210 is output to the advance payment unit 220. The fee detection unit 210 may also notify the casino management committee of the fact that a re-entry fee has been charged (specifically, that a second entry has effectively occurred) when a re-entry fee has been charged. Furthermore, if the user is being tracked (in other words, if the user's location can be detected), the fee detection unit 210 may display a message indicating that a re-entry fee has been charged on the nearest display to the user.

[0021] The advance payment unit 220 makes an advance payment for the re-entry fee when the fee detection unit 210 detects that a re-entry fee has been incurred. In other words, the advance payment unit 220 pays the re-entry fee on behalf of the user without requesting payment from the user. Here, "advance payment" is a concept that includes not only cases where payment is actually made, but also cases where the amount is considered to have been advanced (i.e., payment is not actually made), and the advanced amount is added to the amount that the visitor should pay. In other words, the fee collection system 1 (in other words, the casino operator) that makes advance payments does not have to make payments sequentially each time a re-entry fee is incurred.

[0022] The collection flag assignment unit 230 assigns a collection flag to the user to whom the advance payment unit 220 has made an advance payment. If multiple advance payments have been made to the same user, the collection flag assignment unit 230 assigns a flag that indicates the number of such payments.

[0023] The collection flag determination unit 240 determines whether a collection flag has been assigned to a user who is about to leave the casino facility. In other words, the collection flag determination unit 240 determines whether the advance payment unit 220 has made an advance payment to the user who is about to leave. The determination result of the collection flag determination unit 240 is output to the payment request unit 250.

[0024] If the payment request unit 250 determines that a collection flag has been assigned to a user who is attempting to leave the casino facility, it requests that user to pay the re-entry fee for the amount it has advanced. The payment request unit 250 requests the user to pay the re-entry fee, for example, using a display provided on the entrance / exit gate device 10. Alternatively, the payment request unit 250 may control the gates of the entrance / exit gate device 10 so as not to open until the re-entry fee payment is completed.

[0025] (Hardware configuration) Next, the hardware configuration of the toll collection system (particularly the toll collection device 20) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the toll collection device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the toll collection device 20 according to the first embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16. The CPU 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16 are connected via a data bus 17.

[0027] The CPU 11 reads a computer program. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in at least one of the RAM 12, ROM 13, and storage device 14. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium using a storage medium reading device (not shown). The CPU 11 may also obtain (i.e., read) a computer program from an externally located device (not shown) via a network interface. The CPU 11 controls the RAM 12, storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16 by executing the read computer program. In this embodiment in particular, when the CPU 11 executes the read computer program, a functional block for collecting fees at the casino facility is realized within the CPU 11. For example, the fee generation detection unit 210, advance payment unit 220, collection flag assignment unit 230, collection flag determination unit 240, and payment request unit 250 described above may be realized in the CPU 11.

[0028] RAM12 temporarily stores computer programs executed by CPU11. RAM12 also temporarily stores data that CPU11 uses temporarily while executing computer programs. RAM12 may be, for example, D-RAM (Dynamic RAM).

[0029] ROM13 stores the computer program executed by CPU11. ROM13 may also store other static data. ROM13 may be, for example, a P-ROM (Programmable ROM).

[0030] The storage device 14 stores data that the toll collection device 20 will keep for the long term. The storage device 14 may also operate as a temporary storage device for the CPU 11. The storage device 14 may include, for example, at least one of a hard disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device.

[0031] The input device 15 is a device that receives input instructions from the user of the toll collection device 20. The input device 15 may include, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0032] The output device 16 is a device that outputs information related to the toll collection device 20 to the outside. For example, the output device 16 may be a display device capable of displaying information related to the toll collection device 20.

[0033] (Action taken upon first entry) Next, the operation flow of the toll collection system 1 according to the first embodiment upon initial entry will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment upon first entry.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, when a user enters the casino facility for the first time, the user authentication unit 110 first performs facial recognition (step S11). In other words, it verifies the user's identity upon entry. If facial recognition fails (step S11: NO), it is determined that the user cannot be allowed to enter, and the gate is closed (step S15).

[0035] If facial recognition fails (step S11: YES), the payment processing unit 120 determines whether or not the user should be charged an admission fee (step S12). If it is determined that the user should not be charged an admission fee (step S12: NO), the unit decides to allow the user to enter and opens the gate (step S14).

[0036] If it is determined that the user is one who should be charged an admission fee (Step S12: YES), the payment processing unit 120 determines whether or not the admission fee has already been collected from that user (Step S13). If it is determined that the admission fee has already been collected (Step S13: YES), it decides to allow the user to enter and opens the gate (Step S14). On the other hand, if it is determined that the admission fee has not been collected (Step S13: NO), it decides that the user cannot be allowed to enter and closes the gate (Step S15).

[0037] (Action taken when a re-entry fee is charged) Next, the operation flow when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation flow when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the first embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, when the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment is in operation, the fee generation detection unit 210 first determines (detects) whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred for the user (step S101). Whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred can be determined, for example, by counting the time that has elapsed since the user entered the casino facility and checking whether the counted time has exceeded a predetermined period (for example, 24 hours).

[0039] If it is determined that a re-entry fee is incurred (step S101: YES), the advance payment unit 220 makes an advance payment of the re-entry fee on behalf of the user (step S102). Subsequently, the collection flag assignment unit 230 assigns a collection flag to the user (step S103). The collection flag is managed in association with, for example, the user's management information (e.g., user ID). If it is determined that no re-entry fee is incurred (step S101: NO), the processes in steps S102 and S103 described above are omitted.

[0040] Next, the fee collection system 1 detects the user's departure (step S104). Here, it may detect not the state in which the user has left the casino facility, but the state in which the user is about to leave the casino facility (specifically, the state in which the user has not yet left but is about to leave). The fee collection system 1 may also detect the user's departure, for example, when the user approaches the entrance / exit gate device 10, or when the user performs some operation on the entrance / exit gate device 10. In this case, the entrance / exit gate device 10 may identify the user by facial recognition. Specifically, after taking a facial image of the user near the entrance / exit gate device 10, the system may identify the user by comparing the captured image with a stored facial image of an entrant. If the user's departure is not detected (step S104: NO), the process is repeated from step S101.

[0041] If a user's departure is detected (step S104: YES), the collection flag determination unit 240 determines whether a collection flag has been assigned to the user leaving the casino facility (step S105). If it is determined that a collection flag has been assigned (step S105: YES), the payment request unit 250 requests the user to pay the re-entry fee that was advanced on their behalf (step S106). On the other hand, if it is determined that a collection flag has not been assigned (step S105: NO), the payment request unit 250 does not request the user to pay the re-entry fee that was advanced on their behalf (i.e., the process in step S106 is omitted).

[0042] (Specific examples of actions) Next, a specific example of the operation of the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the fee collection system according to the first embodiment. In the following explanation, we will use a case where a re-entry fee is charged every 24 hours as an example.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, suppose a user enters the casino facility at 10:00 on July 1st and leaves the casino facility at 10:00 on July 4th. In this case, the user pays the entrance fee upon entering the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 on July 1st).

[0044] Subsequently, a re-entry fee is charged at 10:00 AM on July 2nd, 24 hours after the initial entry. However, at this point, the user is not required to pay; the casino operator (in other words, fee collection system 1) pays the re-entry fee on their behalf. A second re-entry fee is charged at 10:00 AM on July 3rd, 24 hours after the first re-entry. Again, the user is not required to pay; the casino operator pays the re-entry fee on their behalf.

[0045] The user pays the re-entry fee (for both entries) that was advanced to them when they leave the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 on July 4th). Once the re-entry fee is paid, the gate of the entrance / exit gate device 10 opens, and the user is able to pass through the gate.

[0046] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the toll collection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0047] As explained in Figures 1 to 5, in the fee collection system 1 according to the first embodiment, re-entry fees incurred at the casino facility are not collected from the user each time, but are paid in advance. The re-entry fees that have been paid in advance are then billed to the user all at once when they leave the casino facility. In this way, the user does not have to process payment each time a re-entry fee is incurred, which greatly reduces the burden on the user. In addition, the casino operator can collect re-entry fees more efficiently.

[0048] <Second Embodiment> The toll collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts are the same. Therefore, the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described in detail below, and other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0049] (System Configuration) The specific system configuration of the toll collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the toll collection system according to the second embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the toll collection device 20 of the toll collection system 1 according to the second embodiment is configured to include a card information determination unit 260 and a card payment processing unit 270, in addition to the toll generation detection unit 210.

[0051] The card information determination unit 260 is configured to determine whether or not credit card payment information (hereinafter referred to as "card information") is registered as user information. In other words, the card information determination unit 260 is configured to determine whether or not card payment processing can be performed for that user. Card information is registered, for example, when entering a casino facility. More specifically, for example, the system can ask the user if it is okay to register the card information used to pay the entrance fee for future payments, and if consent is obtained, the card information can be registered (stored). The determination result of the card information determination unit 260 is output to the card payment processing unit 270.

[0052] The card payment processing unit 270 is configured to execute payment processing using a card when the card information determination unit 260 determines that the card information is registered.

[0053] (Action taken when a re-entry fee is charged) Next, the operation flow when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation flow when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the second embodiment. Note that the operation at the time of initial entry in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment (i.e., the same as the flowchart in Figure 3).

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, when the fee collection system 1 according to the second embodiment is in operation, the fee detection unit 210 first determines whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred by the user (step S201). If it is determined that no re-entry fee has been incurred (step S201: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the process of step S201 may be executed again at predetermined intervals.

[0055] If it is determined that a re-entry fee is due (Step S201: YES), the card information determination unit 260 determines whether the user's card information is registered (Step S202). If it is determined that the card information is registered (Step S202: YES), the card payment processing unit 270 pays the re-entry fee using the registered card information (Step S203). The card payment processing unit 270 may automatically pay the re-entry fee, or it may confirm with the user whether it is okay to process the re-entry fee payment (i.e., after obtaining the user's consent) before making the payment.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined that card information is not registered (step S202: NO), the payment processing by the card payment processing unit 270 is not performed (i.e., step S203 is omitted). In this case, the fee collection system 1 may notify the user to register their card information in order to collect the re-entry fee. Alternatively, as described in the first embodiment, the system may advance payment of the re-entry fee and then make a lump-sum payment when the user leaves (specifically, if it is determined to be NO in step S202, the system may proceed to step S102 in Figure 4).

[0057] (Specific examples of actions) Next, a specific example of the operation of the toll collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the toll collection system according to the second embodiment.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, suppose a user enters the casino facility at 10:00 AM on July 1st and leaves at 10:00 AM on July 4th. In this case, the user pays the entrance fee upon entering the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 AM on July 1st). The card information used for payment upon entry is registered in the fee collection system 1.

[0059] Subsequently, a re-entry fee is charged at 10:00 AM on July 2nd, 24 hours after the initial entry. Since the user's card information was registered at the time of entry, the card payment processing unit 270 uses the registered card information to process the re-entry fee. A second re-entry fee is then charged at 10:00 AM on July 3rd, 24 hours after the first re-entry. Again, since the user's card information has already been registered, the card payment processing unit 270 uses the registered card information to process the re-entry fee.

[0060] As a result of the process described above, users will not have to make a payment when they leave the casino (i.e., at 10:00 on July 4th).

[0061] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the toll collection system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0062] As explained in Figures 6 to 8, according to the fee collection system 1 of the second embodiment, by registering card information, the re-entry fee payment process is automatically executed. Therefore, users do not have to make a payment each time a re-entry fee is incurred. Furthermore, since the payment process is completed at the time the re-entry fee is incurred, there is no need to make another payment at a later time (for example, when leaving the casino facility). Thus, the burden on users can be greatly reduced. In addition, casino operators can collect re-entry fees more reliably.

[0063] <Third Embodiment> The toll collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Note that the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts are the same. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the first and second embodiments, and will omit explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0064] (System Configuration) The specific system configuration of the toll collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the toll collection system according to the third embodiment.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9, the toll collection device 20 of the toll collection system 1 according to the third embodiment is configured to include, in addition to the toll generation detection unit 210, a maximum stay period acquisition unit 280, a maximum toll collection unit 290, and a refund processing unit 300.

[0066] The Maximum Stay Period Acquisition Unit 280 acquires the maximum stay period, which is the longest period a user can stay continuously at the casino facility. Casino facilities have entry restrictions, such as "within 3 days of the last 7 days" or "within 10 days of the last 28 days." Therefore, it is possible to calculate how long a user can stay at the casino facility from the moment they enter. The Maximum Stay Period Acquisition Unit 280 calculates the maximum stay period based on information about the user (for example, the user's recent casino facility usage history). The maximum stay period acquired by the Maximum Stay Period Acquisition Unit 280 is output to the Maximum Fee Collection Unit 290.

[0067] The maximum charge collection unit 290 calculates the maximum charge that may be imposed on the user (i.e., the total cost incurred if the user stays until the very end of the maximum stay period) based on the maximum stay period obtained by the maximum stay period acquisition unit 280, and collects the maximum charge when the user enters the casino facility.

[0068] The refund processing unit 300 refunds the surplus funds, calculated by subtracting the actual expenses incurred from the maximum fee collected from the user, to the user when the user leaves the casino facility. The refund processing unit 300 calculates the surplus funds by subtracting the entrance fee and re-entry fee from the maximum fee collected at the time of entry. Surplus funds are generated when the user leaves the casino facility relatively early or when no re-entry fee is incurred (or when fewer re-entry fees are incurred than expected). The refund processing unit 300 is configured to refund the calculated surplus funds to the user, for example, in cash or electronic money.

[0069] (Actions taken upon entry) Next, the flow of operations at the time of entry in the toll collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the flow of operations at the time of entry in the toll collection system according to the third embodiment. Note that in Figure 10, the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as shown in Figure 3.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, when a user enters the casino facility, the user authentication unit 110 first performs facial recognition (step S11). If facial recognition fails (step S11: NO), the user is not allowed to enter, and the gate is closed (step S15).

[0071] If facial recognition fails (step S11: YES), the payment processing unit 120 determines whether or not the user should be charged an admission fee (step S12). If it is determined that the user should not be charged an admission fee (step S12: NO), the user is allowed to enter and the gate is opened (step S14).

[0072] If it is determined that the user is one who should be charged an entrance fee (Step S12: YES), the Maximum Stay Period Acquisition Unit 280 acquires the maximum stay period of the user entering the casino facility (Step S21). Then, the Maximum Fee Collection Unit 290 requests the user to pay the maximum fee calculated from the maximum stay period (Step S22).

[0073] Next, the payment processing unit 120 determines whether or not the maximum fee has been collected from the user (step S23). If it is determined that the maximum fee has been collected (step S23: YES), it decides to allow the user to enter and opens the gate (step S14). On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum fee has not been collected (step S23: NO), it decides not to allow the user to enter and closes the gate (step S15).

[0074] (Action taken when a re-entry fee is charged) Next, the operation flow of the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation flow when a re-entry fee is incurred in the fee collection system according to the third embodiment.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11, when the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment is in operation, the fee detection unit 210 first determines whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred by the user (step S301). If it is determined that a re-entry fee has been incurred (step S301: YES), the refund processing unit 300 executes a process to subtract the re-entry fee amount from the maximum fee (step S302). If it is determined that no re-entry fee has been incurred (step S301: NO), the process in step S302 described above is omitted.

[0076] Next, the fee collection system 1 detects the user's departure (step S303). If the user's departure is not detected (step S303: NO), the process in step S301 can be executed again after a short time. On the other hand, if the user's departure is detected (step S303: YES), the refund processing unit 300 determines whether or not a surplus has been generated (step S304). If it is determined that a surplus has been generated (step S304: YES), the refund processing unit 300 processes a refund of the surplus to the user (step S305). On the other hand, if it is determined that no surplus has been generated (step S304: NO), the refund processing unit 300 does not process a refund to the user (i.e., the process in step S305 is omitted).

[0077] (Specific examples of actions) Next, a specific example of the operation of the toll collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the toll collection system according to the third embodiment.

[0078] As shown in Figure 12, suppose a user enters the casino facility at 10:00 AM on July 1st and leaves at 10:00 AM on July 4th. In this case, the user pays the maximum fee upon entering the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 AM on July 1st). That is, they pay the entrance fee and re-entry fee for the number of days corresponding to the maximum length of stay.

[0079] Subsequently, a re-entry fee will be charged at 10:00 AM on July 2nd, 24 hours after the initial entry. Here, one re-entry fee will be deducted from the maximum fee collected in advance. Then, a second re-entry fee will be charged at 10:00 AM on July 3rd, 24 hours after the second re-entry fee. Again, one re-entry fee will be deducted from the maximum fee collected in advance. As a result, two re-entry fees will be deducted from the maximum fee.

[0080] Then, when the user leaves the casino facility (i.e., at 10:00 AM on July 4th), any surplus funds will be refunded. In other words, any overpayments made in advance will be refunded to the user. However, if the incurred expenses are equal to the maximum charge, no refund will be issued.

[0081] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the toll collection system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0082] As explained in Figures 9 to 12, in the fee collection system 1 according to the third embodiment, a maximum fee corresponding to the longest stay is collected upon entry to the casino facility, and any surplus is refunded upon departure. In this way, since the maximum fee is paid initially, payment is not required each time a re-entry fee is incurred. Therefore, the burden on the user can be greatly reduced. In addition, the casino operator can collect re-entry fees more reliably.

[0083] <Note> The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[0084] (Note 1) The fee collection system described in Appendix 1 is a fee collection system characterized by comprising: an advance payment means that performs an advance payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is incurred for a user who has been in the amusement facility for a predetermined period of time; and a request means that requests the user who was the subject of the advance payment to pay the re-entry fee that was advanced.

[0085] (Note 2) The fee collection system described in Appendix 2 is the fee collection system described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the requesting means requests the user to pay the re-entry fee before passing through the exit gate of the amusement facility, and permits the user to pass through the exit gate on the condition that the re-entry fee has been paid.

[0086] (Note 3) The fee collection system described in Appendix 3 is a fee collection system characterized by comprising: an execution means that, when a re-entry fee is incurred for a user who has been in the amusement facility for a predetermined period of time, and the card payment information of the user who should pay the re-entry fee is registered, the execution means that executes the payment of the re-entry fee using the card payment information.

[0087] (Note 4) The fee collection system described in Appendix 4 is the fee collection system described in Appendix 3, further comprising a registration determination means for determining whether the user who should pay the re-entry fee has registered card payment information when the re-entry fee is incurred.

[0088] (Note 5) The fee collection system described in Appendix 5 is the fee collection system described in Appendix 3 or 4, further comprising: an advance payment means for performing an advance payment of the re-entry fee when the card payment information is not registered; and a request means for requesting payment of the re-entry fee that has been advanced from the user who was the subject of the advance payment.

[0089] (Note 6) The fee collection system described in Appendix 6 further comprises a flag-assigning means for assigning a collection flag to the user who has been subject to the advance payment, and a flag-determining means for determining whether or not the collection flag has been assigned to the user whose departure from the amusement facility has been detected, and the request means is characterized in that it requests the user who has been determined to have the collection flag to pay the re-entry fee that was paid in advance.

[0090] (Note 7) The fee collection system described in Appendix 7 is a fee collection system for an amusement facility in which a re-entry fee is charged to users who have elapsed a predetermined period since their initial entry, and is characterized by comprising: a collection means for collecting a maximum fee, including a re-entry fee corresponding to the maximum period of stay during which the user can continuously stay in the amusement facility, at the time of entry to the facility; and a refund means for refunding the surplus amount obtained by subtracting the fee payable by the user from the maximum fee at the time of the user's departure.

[0091] (Note 8) The fee collection system described in Appendix 8 is the fee collection system described in Appendix 7, further comprising means for obtaining the maximum stay period.

[0092] (Note 9) The fee collection system described in Appendix 9 is the fee collection system described in any one of Appendix 1 to 8, further comprising a detection means for detecting the occurrence of the re-entry fee.

[0093] (Note 10) The fee collection system described in Appendix 10 is a fee collection system described in any one of Appendix 1 to 9, further comprising an exit detection means for detecting the user's departure from the amusement facility by facial recognition.

[0094] (Note 11) The fee collection system described in Appendix 11 is a fee collection system described in any one of Appendix 1 to 10, characterized in that when the re-entry fee is incurred, the user notifies the management committee of the amusement facility that the user has re-entered the amusement facility.

[0095] (Note 12) The fee collection system described in Appendix 8 is a fee collection system described in any one of Appendix 1 to 11, further comprising tracking means for tracking the user within the amusement facility, and notification means for notifying the user on the nearest display that a re-entry fee has been incurred when the user incurring the re-entry fee is being tracked.

[0096] (Note 13) The fee collection device described in Appendix 13 is characterized by comprising: an advance payment means that performs an advance payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is incurred for a user who has been in the amusement facility for a predetermined period of time; and a request means that outputs an instruction to the user who was the subject of the advance payment to request payment of the re-entry fee that was advanced.

[0097] (Note 14) The fee collection device described in Appendix 14 is characterized by comprising: an execution means that, when a re-entry fee is incurred for a user who has elapsed a predetermined period since entering the amusement facility, and the card payment information of the user who should pay the re-entry fee is registered, the execution means that executes the payment of the re-entry fee using the card payment information.

[0098] (Note 15) The fee collection device described in Appendix 15 is a fee collection device for an amusement facility in which a re-entry fee is charged to users who have elapsed a predetermined period since their entry, and is characterized by comprising: a collection means that outputs an instruction to collect a maximum fee, including a re-entry fee corresponding to the maximum period of stay, which is the period during which the user entering the amusement facility can continuously stay; and a refund means that outputs an instruction to refund the surplus amount obtained by subtracting the fee payable by the user from the maximum fee when the user leaves the facility.

[0099] (Note 16) The fee collection method described in Appendix 16 is a fee collection method characterized by making an advance payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is incurred for a user who has been in the amusement facility for a predetermined period of time since entering the facility, and then requesting payment of the re-entry fee from the user who was the subject of the advance payment.

[0100] (Note 17) The fee collection method described in Appendix 17 is a fee collection method characterized in that, when a re-entry fee is incurred for a user who has entered the amusement facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and the card payment information of the user who should pay the re-entry fee is registered, the payment of the re-entry fee is executed using the card payment information.

[0101] (Note 18) The fee collection method described in Appendix 18 is a fee collection method for amusement facilities in which a re-entry fee is charged to users who have elapsed a predetermined period since their initial entry, characterized in that, upon entry to the amusement facility, a maximum fee including a re-entry fee corresponding to the maximum period of stay during which the user is permitted to stay continuously within the facility is collected, and upon departure of the user, the surplus amount obtained by subtracting the fees payable by the user from the maximum fee is refunded.

[0102] (Note 19) The computer program described in Appendix 19 is a computer program characterized by performing an advance payment of a re-entry fee when a re-entry fee is incurred for a user who has been in the amusement facility for a predetermined period of time since entering, and by operating the computer to request payment of the re-entry fee from the user who was the subject of the advance payment.

[0103] (Note 20) The computer program described in Appendix 20 is a computer program characterized in that, when a re-entry fee is incurred for a user who has been in the amusement facility for a predetermined period of time, and the user's card payment information is registered, the computer operates to execute the payment of the re-entry fee using the card payment information.

[0104] (Note 21) The computer program described in Appendix 21 is a method for collecting fees for an amusement facility incurring a re-entry fee for users who have entered the facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, characterized in that, upon entry to the amusement facility, the computer collects a maximum fee, including a re-entry fee corresponding to the maximum period of stay during which the user can continuously stay in the facility, and upon departure, the computer is operated to refund the surplus amount obtained by subtracting the amount payable by the user from the maximum fee.

[0105] (Note 22) The recording medium described in Appendix 22 is a recording medium characterized in that it contains a computer program described in any one of the items in Appendix 19 to 21.

[0106] The present invention may be modified as appropriate, provided that it does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention as can be read from the claims and the specification as a whole. Such modifications to the toll collection system, toll collection device, toll collection method, and computer program are also included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0107] To the extent permitted by law, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-178926, filed on 30 September 2019, and incorporates all disclosures thereof. To the extent permitted by law, all published gazettes and articles described herein are also incorporated herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Fee collection system 10. Entrance / Exit Gate System 20 Toll collection device 110 User Authentication Section 120 Payment Processing Section 130 Gate Opening / Closing Control Unit 210 Charge detection unit 220 Advance Payment Department 230 Collection Flag Assignment Unit 240 Collection Flag Determination Unit 250 Payment Request Section 260 Card Information Determination Unit 270 Card Payment Processing Unit 280 Maximum Stay Period Acquisition Section 290 Maximum Charge Collection Department 300 Refund Processing

Claims

1. A determination means for determining whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred for a user who has entered an amusement facility after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since their initial entry, When it is determined that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, a display control means is provided to display to the user using the amusement facility that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred via a display, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. If it is determined that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the system further provides a payment means for carrying out the payment of the re-entry fee. The display control means, in addition to indicating that the re-entry fee has been incurred, displays a request for payment of the re-entry fee to the user who is subject to the payment. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. If it is determined that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the system further provides a payment means for carrying out the payment of the re-entry fee. The display control means displays, in addition to the fact that the re-entry fee has been incurred, that the payment of the re-entry fee has been made to the user who was subject to the payment. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The facility further includes tracking means for tracking the user within the amusement facility, The display control means, based on the tracking results, causes the display to be shown on the display closest to the user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method of information processing performed by a computer, Determine whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred for users who have been inactive for a specified period since entering the amusement facility. When it is determined that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the user using the amusement facility will be shown via a display that the re-entry fee has been incurred. Information processing methods.

6. If it is determined that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the payment of the re-entry fee will be made. In addition to indicating that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the system will display a request for payment of the aforementioned re-entry fee to the user who is subject to the payment. The information processing method according to claim 5.

7. If it is determined that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the payment of the re-entry fee will be made. In addition to indicating that the aforementioned re-entry fee was incurred, the system will display to the user who was subject to the payment that the payment of the re-entry fee has been processed. The information processing method according to claim 5.

8. On the computer, Determine whether or not a re-entry fee has been incurred for users who have been inactive for a specified period since entering the amusement facility. When it is determined that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the user using the amusement facility will be shown via a display that the re-entry fee has been incurred. A computer program that executes information processing methods.

9. If it is determined that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the payment of the re-entry fee will be made. In addition to indicating that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the system will display a request for payment of the aforementioned re-entry fee to the user who is subject to the payment. A computer program according to claim 8 that causes an information processing method to be executed.

10. If it is determined that the aforementioned re-entry fee has been incurred, the payment of the re-entry fee will be made. In addition to indicating that the aforementioned re-entry fee was incurred, the system will display to the user who was subject to the payment that the payment of the re-entry fee has been processed. A computer program according to claim 8 that causes an information processing method to be executed.

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