Computer implementation method and system

Abstract

This system enables payment processing that is not possible with existing payment devices, while still utilizing existing payment equipment. [Solution] The disclosed method is a computer implementation method performed by one or more computers, comprising: reading an identifier written to an IC tag attached to a payment device; determining whether the read identifier is a pre-registered registered identifier; and, if it is determined that the read identifier is a registered identifier, executing a payment process relating to the payment device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method and system.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Payment apparatuses used in game halls, amusement arcades and the like allow users to play pachinko, games and the like by paying consideration. Payment processing methods for such consideration payments have diversified in recent years, and payment apparatuses used in game halls, amusement arcades and the like are required to cope with this diversification of payment processing methods.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for using a credit card as a payment method for lending game media in a game hall.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In game halls, inter-machines that perform game media lending processing are used. It is common for a user to insert cash, a prepaid card or the like into such an inter-machine to pay consideration for lending game media. However, along with the diversification of payment methods, inter-machines are required to be compatible with payment processing using terminals such as smartphones.

[0006] In general, payment processing using a terminal is executed by a user holding the terminal over a terminal reader provided in a payment apparatus. For this reason, to cope with the diversification of payment methods, the payment apparatus needs to have the function of the terminal reader as a function separate from the function of payment processing using cash, a prepaid card or the like.

[0007] However, for example, in amusement arcades, if inter-machine payment machines need to support the functionality of terminal readers, existing inter-machine machines must be replaced with those equipped with terminal readers. In this case, the large number of inter-machine machines that need to be replaced leads to increased costs. This problem is not limited to inter-machine machines in amusement arcades; it can also occur with other payment devices, such as payment devices for game machines in arcades. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to perform payment processing that is not possible with existing payment devices, while still utilizing existing ones.

[0008] Therefore, in one respect, the problem that this disclosure aims to solve is to enable payment processing that cannot be performed with existing payment devices, while still utilizing existing payment devices.

[0009] In one aspect, the technology of this disclosure may include reading an identifier written to an IC tag attached to a payment device, determining whether the read identifier is a pre-registered identifier, executing a payment process for the payment device if it is determined that the read identifier is a registered identifier, and notifying the payment device of the completion of the payment process. The technology of this disclosure can be implemented, for example, as a computer implementation method or system.

[0010] Further details will be described in the embodiments below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a gaming arcade system, including inter-machine machines. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a server configuration diagram. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the IC tag. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the hardware and software configuration of the terminal. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a screenshot of the dedicated application. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the procedure of the method according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the unique identifier table. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a modified example of data stored in the memory of an IC tag. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the first seal structure diagram of the IC tag. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the second seal structure diagram of the IC tag. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of a machine between tables. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the payment processing and lending processing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] <1. Computer implementation method, system overview>

[0013] (1) The method according to the embodiment may be a computer implementation method. The method according to the embodiment is a computer implementation method executed by one or more computers, which may include reading an identifier written on an IC tag attached to a payment device, determining whether the read identifier is a registered identifier that has been registered in advance, executing a payment process for the payment device if it is determined that the read identifier is a registered identifier, and notifying the payment device of the completion of the payment process.

[0014] According to the method according to the embodiment, when it is determined that the identifier read from the IC tag attached to the payment device is the registered identifier, payment processing related to the payment device is executed, and completion of the payment processing is notified to the payment device. Therefore, the payment device to which the IC tag is attached can receive the notification, and the payment device that has received the notification can perform operations after the payment processing, similarly to the case where the payment processing (first payment processing) performed by the payment device itself is completed. Accordingly, while utilizing the existing payment device, payment processing (second payment processing) that cannot be performed by the payment device becomes possible.

[0015] (2) The identifier may include an IC tag identifier for identifying the IC tag and a device identifier for identifying the device.

[0016] (3) The identifier may include a unique identifier of the IC tag. Determining whether the read identifier is a pre-registered registered identifier may include determining whether the unique identifier is a pre-registered registered identifier.

[0017] (4) The identifier may include a device identifier of the payment device. Notifying the payment device of the completion of the payment processing may include notifying the payment device identified by the device identifier of the completion of the payment processing.

[0018] (5) The identifier may include a unique identifier of the IC tag and a device identifier of the payment device. Determining whether the read identifier is a pre-registered registered identifier may include determining whether the unique identifier is a pre-registered registered identifier. Notifying the payment device of the completion of the payment processing may include notifying the payment device identified by the device identifier of the completion of the payment processing.

[0019] (6) The IC tag is preferably affixed to the payment device.

[0020] (7) The identifier may include a unique identifier stored in the read-only memory of the IC tag.

[0021] (8) The method may further include determining whether the read identifier is valid based on the expiration date set in association with the registered identifier. The settlement process may be executed if it is determined that the read identifier is the registered identifier and that it is valid.

[0022] (9) The settlement device may be an inter-machine machine that performs a first settlement process for lending out gaming media used in gaming machines. The settlement process may be a second settlement process performed outside the inter-machine machine for lending out gaming media.

[0023] (7) The system according to the embodiment may be a system comprising a processor. The system according to the embodiment may include a processor that performs operations including determining whether an identifier read from an IC tag attached to a payment device is a registered identifier that has been registered in advance, and if it is determined that the read identifier is a registered identifier, executing a payment process for the payment device and notifying the payment device of the completion of the payment process.

[0024] (8) The settlement device of the system may be an inter-machine machine in which a first settlement process is performed for lending out gaming media used in the gaming machine. The settlement process may be a second settlement process performed outside the inter-machine machine for lending out the gaming media.

[0025] <2. Computer implementation methods and system examples>

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram of the system 10 according to the embodiment. The system 10 according to the embodiment is, as an example, a game arcade system 10 for game machines in game arcades A and B. Game arcades A and B are, for example, stores where game machines 310 are installed. Multiple game machines 310 may be installed in each of game arcades A and B. Game machines 310 are, for example, pachinko machines or slot machines. Although the system 10 according to the embodiment is described as a game arcade system 10 for game machines, system 10 is not limited to a game arcade system 10, but may also include systems in other facilities such as game systems for game centers.

[0027] System 10 may have one or more devices. Each of the one or more devices constituting System 10 may have one or more computers. For example, System 10 may include a payment system 60, an in-game hall device 300, a game machine 310, and an inter-machine device 320.

[0028] System 10 includes a server 40. The server 40 manages the in-game equipment 300 of multiple game halls 30 via a network 20. Each in-game equipment 300 is connected to a game machine 310 located in the game hall 30 and to an inter-game machine unit (hereinafter simply referred to as an inter-machine unit) 320. The server 40 can also communicate with the payment system 60 via the network 20. In Figure 1, the game machine 310 and the inter-machine unit 320 are connected to each in-game equipment 300, and the in-game equipment 300 is connected to the network 20. However, the game machine 310 and the inter-machine unit 320 may be directly connected to the network 20, and the processing performed by the server 40 may be executed by one or more of the multiple devices such as the in-game equipment 300 and devices not shown.

[0029] The payment system 60 processes payments upon request from the server 40. The payment system 60 may be included in the server 40, or the payment system 60 may not exist, and the server 40 may perform the payment processing.

[0030] The amusement arcade system 10 in Figure 1 uses the inter-machine unit 320 to perform the game medium lending process S132 (see Figure 13) to the user U1. The game medium is, for example, pachinko balls or tokens.

[0031] The in-game arcade device 300 is connected to each of the multiple inter-machine devices 320 (or game machines 310) installed in arcades A and B via the in-game arcade network, enabling communication with each of them.

[0032] The inter-machine machine 320 is a payment device for the gaming machine 310. The payment device is a device for user U1 to perform the operation of paying the fee for using the gaming machine 310 and other devices in system 10. Therefore, in places other than the gaming arcade system 10, such as game centers, game machines that allow direct payment operations for playing games can serve as payment devices.

[0033] The inter-machine unit 320 also serves as a device for lending out gaming media (gaming media lending device). Each inter-machine unit 320 is provided in conjunction with each gaming machine 310. In Figure 1, as an example, the inter-machine unit 320 corresponding to the gaming machine 310 is positioned to the left of the gaming machine 310.

[0034] In the inter-machine machine 320, user U1 can perform a payment operation S130 (see Figure 13) for the rental of gaming media. User U1 can perform the payment operation S130 for the rental of gaming media using cash 80 (for example, banknotes) or a prepaid card 81, etc. The operation S130 performed by user U1 is, for example, inserting cash 80 or a prepaid card 81, etc. into the slot 326 of the inter-machine machine 320.

[0035] The game media lending process S132 (see Figure 13) is performed when the settlement process S131 (see Figure 13) for lending game media is completed in the inter-machine machine 320. When user U1 performs the payment operation S130 for lending game media in the inter-machine machine 320, the settlement process S131 is performed in the inter-machine machine 320, and then the game media lending process S132 is performed according to the amount paid. Note that Figure 13 also shows the settlement process S706 outside the inter-machine machine 320, but this settlement process S706 will be described later.

[0036] As described above, the payment process S131 is performed when user U1 inserts cash 80 or a prepaid card 81, etc., into the slot 326 of the inter-machine machine 320. When the inter-machine machine 320 receives the insertion of cash 80 or a prepaid card 81, etc., as a game medium lending processing instruction S130 (see Figure 13), it completes the payment process S131, executes the lending process S132, and lends out the game medium to the corresponding game machine 310.

[0037] Here, "lending of gaming media" may include one-stage lending and two-stage lending. "Lending of gaming media" may be one-stage lending or two-stage lending.

[0038] In a single-stage lending system, gaming media corresponding to the amount paid are immediately lent out. For example, when payment is made at the inter-machine 320, a number of gaming media corresponding to that amount are immediately lent out. Lending in a single-stage lending system may be a data-based lending system where the number of lent gaming media is reflected in the data, or it may be a lending of physical gaming media. In the case of data-based lending, physical gaming media are provided (disbursed) to the user through subsequent operations. Data-based lending can be stored in the server 40, terminal 70, or other storage means.

[0039] In a two-stage lending system, the amount paid is recorded in the server 40, terminal 70, or other storage means as the user U1's paid gaming fee (gaming value), and then gaming media corresponding to the amount the user requests from the paid gaming fee (gaming value) are lent out. For example, when payment is made at the inter-machine 320, the amount paid is recorded in the server 40, terminal 70, or other storage means, and then when user U1 makes a payment operation for the lending of gaming media, the gaming media is lent out at the gaming machine 310 corresponding to the inter-machine 320. In a two-stage lending system, the lending may be a data-based lending system where the number of gaming media lent out is reflected in the data, or it may be the lending of physical gaming media.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the inter-machine unit 320 is equipped with an inter-machine interface (inter-machine IF) 325. The inter-machine unit 320 is connected to the corresponding gaming machine 310 via the inter-machine IF 325. The gaming machine 310 is connected to the inter-machine unit 320 via a gaming machine interface (gaming machine IF) 313. Therefore, the inter-machine unit 320 and the corresponding gaming machine 310 can communicate with each other. Signals regarding the lending of gaming media are exchanged between the inter-machine unit 320 and the gaming machine 310, and the gaming media is lent out to the gaming machine 310.

[0041] The inter-machine unit 320 is equipped with a communication unit 322. The communication unit 322 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices. Through this communication unit 322, the inter-machine unit 320, the in-game hall equipment 300, the server 40, and the payment system 60 can be communicated to each other.

[0042] The inter-machine unit 320 is equipped with a controller 321. The controller 321 of the inter-machine unit 320 performs settlement processing S131 (see Figure 13) in the inter-machine unit 320 and lending processing S132 (see Figure 13) for game media used in the corresponding game machine 310. The controller 321 can communicate with the server 40 or the settlement system 60 via a communication unit 322.

[0043] The inter-machine machine 320 is equipped with an insertion slot 326 for receiving cash 80 or a prepaid card 81, etc. The amount to be paid with cash 80 or a prepaid card 81, etc. can be selected by the user U1 by operating the operation unit 324 provided on the inter-machine machine 320.

[0044] The inter-machine machine 320 is equipped with a payment mechanism 323. The payment mechanism 323 is a device that identifies cash 80 inserted from the insertion slot 326 or reads a prepaid card 81, etc. When the payment mechanism 323 receives cash 80 or a prepaid card 81, etc. from the insertion slot 326, it identifies the type of cash 80 or reads the value information stored on the card 81. Based on the identification result or reading result by the payment mechanism 323, the controller 321 executes payment processing S131 (see Figure 13) in the inter-machine machine 320. When payment processing S131 is completed, the controller 321 executes lending processing S132 (see Figure 13) for the game medium to be used in the corresponding game machine 310, according to the payment amount. The inter-machine machine 320 can accept operations via its control panel 324 after or before receiving cash 80 or a prepaid card 81, etc., from the insertion slot 326.

[0045] The gaming machine 310 connected to the inter-machine unit 320 is equipped with a controller 311 for controlling the gaming machine 310. The gaming machine 310 is also equipped with a game medium dispensing device 312. The dispensing device 312 dispenses the loaned game medium or the game medium (prize balls) won by the user on the gaming machine 310.

[0046] The system 10 in Figures 1 and 2 may be equipped with an IC tag 500. The IC tag 500 may be attached to an existing inter-machine machine 320 for use. The IC tag 500 may be read by the user U1's terminal 70. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, in addition to the settlement process S131 using the aforementioned cash 80, etc. (settlement process S131 at the inter-machine machine 320; first settlement process S131), a settlement process S706 for lending gaming media using the IC tag 500 (settlement process S706 outside the inter-machine machine 320; second settlement process S706) may be performed.

[0047] For example, the IC tag 500 has an IC tag identifier 506 written on it (see Figure 4), and by holding the terminal 70 over the IC tag 500, the terminal 70 reads the IC tag identifier 506, etc. If the IC tag identifier 506 is an identifier associated with the inter-machine machine 320 to which the IC tag 500 is attached, the terminal 70 can be used to perform a payment processing S706 for lending out gaming media for the inter-machine machine 320 to which the IC tag 500 is attached. In other words, cashless payment can be supported while using the existing inter-machine machine 320 without replacing the existing inter-machine machine 320.

[0048] Figure 4 shows the hardware structure of the IC tag 500. The IC tag 500 may include, as an example, an integrated circuit (IC) chip 501 consisting of a wireless circuit 503, a controller 504, a memory 505, etc., and an antenna 502. Here, the IC tag 500 may be contact-type or contactless-type. It may also be an active type with a built-in battery or a passive type without a built-in battery.

[0049] The IC tag 500 includes a memory 505 for storing data. The memory 505 may include a first memory 505A, which is a read-only memory (ROM). The first memory 505A may include a unique identifier 506. The unique identifier 506 is an IC tag identifier 506, which is preferably stored in the read-only memory.

[0050] The IC tag identifier 506 is preferably a unique identifier (UID) that is not rewritable and assigned to the IC chip 501 by the manufacturer of the IC chip 501. The unique identifier 506 of the IC tag is used to identify the IC tag 500 and distinguish it from other IC tags 500. The UID 506 assigned to the IC tag 500 by the manufacturer is written, for example, to the first memory 505A of the memory 505 during the manufacturing of the IC chip 501.

[0051] Memory 505 may include a second memory 505B. The second memory 505B may be writable with appropriate data. The IC tag identifier 506 is preferably stored in read-only memory, but may also be stored in the second memory 505B in a rewritable state. The second memory 505B may store a device identifier 507 that identifies the inter-machine 320 to which the IC tag 500 is attached. In Figure 4, the device identifier 507 is shown as the store / sand ID 507. The store / sand ID 507 includes identifiers for identifying the amusement arcade 30 and the inter-machine 320, respectively. Here, "store" refers to the amusement arcade 30, and "sand" refers to the inter-machine 320.

[0052] The contactless IC tag 500 is also called a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device. The IC tag 500 illustrated in Figure 4 is an RFID device. The RFID device transmits data 506, etc., recorded in its memory to an external wireless communication device via wireless communication. The external wireless communication device receives the data transmitted from the RFID device. When the RFID device has the form of a tag, it is sometimes called an RFID tag.

[0053] The RFID device may also be a Near Field Communication (NFC) device. The NFC communication is preferably NFC-compliant. NFC is, for example, wireless communication using the 13.56 MHz frequency band. The NFC communication range is preferably 10 cm or less. The IC tag 500 of the NFC device is sometimes called an NFC tag.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the server 40 may be composed of a computer comprising a processor 41 and a storage device 42. The storage device 42 is connected to the processor 41. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU, GPU, or other type of processor. The storage device 42 comprises, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. The primary storage device is, for example, RAM. The secondary storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage device 42 contains a computer program 43 executed by the processor 41. The processor 41 reads and executes the computer program 43 stored in the storage device 42. The computer program 43 has program code that indicates instructions to cause the computer to execute various processes such as UID determination S705 and settlement processing S706, which will be described later.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the storage device 42 may include a unique identifier table 44. Multiple unique identifiers 506 may be registered in the unique identifier table 44. The unique identifier table 44 may register the unique identifiers (IC tag identifiers) 506 of IC tags 500 attached to the inter-unit machine 320, or it may pre-register unique identifiers 506 that are planned to be attached to the inter-unit machine 320. IC tags 500 whose IC tag identifiers 506 are registered in the unique identifier table 44 can be used in the system 10, while other IC tags 500, even if they are attached to the inter-unit machine 320, can be made unusable in the system 10. Note that IC tags 500 whose IC tag identifiers 506 are not registered in the unique identifier table 44 may also be usable in the system 10.

[0056] The identifier 507 of the IC tag 500 is digital data and therefore can be duplicated. Consequently, data such as the identifier 507 of the IC tag 500 may be duplicated onto other IC tags 500, and these other IC tags 500 (illegal IC tags) may be attached to other inter-machine devices 320 and used, so it may be necessary to restrict this. In such cases, the unique IC tag identifier (unique identifier) ​​506 of the IC tag 500 may be used. The system 10 obtains the unique identifier 506 via the terminal 70 and determines whether the obtained unique identifier 506 is a registered unique identifier that has been previously registered in the system 10. If the system 10 finds that the obtained IC tag identifier 506 is not a registered unique identifier, it can exclude or restrict the game medium lending process, etc.

[0057] In Figure 3, as an example, five different IC tag identifiers 506, "00:00:00:00:00:0a", "00:00:00:00:00:0b", "00:00:00:00:00:0c", "00:00:00:00:00:0d", and "00:00:00:00:00:0e", are registered as registered unique identifiers in the unique identifier table 44.

[0058] The storage device 42 is equipped with a unique identifier table 44, which allows it to determine whether the IC tag identifier 506 is legitimate (UID determination S705). UID determination S705 allows, for example, if the identifier 506 read from the IC tag 500 is the identifier of an invalid IC tag 500 (a fake IC tag 500) that is not registered in the unique identifier table 44, then processing for this IC tag identifier 506 can be excluded.

[0059] Furthermore, the server 40 can use the UID determination S705 to allow lending processing only to inter-machine 320s where the total number of lending gaming media does not exceed a set upper limit. For example, the server 40 can pre-register the IC tag identifier 506 of IC tags attached to inter-machine 320s where the total number of lending gaming media does not exceed a set upper limit. In this way, if the read identifier 506 is a registered identifier, the server 40 can execute the gaming media lending process, assuming that the number of lending gaming media does not exceed a set upper limit for the inter-machine 320. If the read identifier 506 is not a registered identifier, the gaming media lending process can be canceled.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the unique identifier table 44 has a store / sand ID 507 (registered device identifier) ​​associated with each of the multiple unique identifiers 506. In the unique identifier table 44, since the store / sand ID 507 is associated with the registered unique identifier 506, the server 40 can refer to the unique identifier table 44 to determine whether the combination of the unique identifier 506 read from the IC tag 500 and the store / sand ID 507 is correct. For example, even if the unique identifier 506 read from the IC tag 500 is registered in the unique identifier table 44, the combination of the unique identifier 506 and the store / sand ID 507 may be incorrect in the case of an invalid IC tag 500. The server 40 can determine whether the combination of the unique identifier 506 read from the IC tag 500 and the store / sand ID 507 is correct by referring to the unique identifier table 44. Such a determination may also be included in the UID determination S705.

[0061] Furthermore, if the server 40 receives the unique identifier 506 but does not receive the store / sand ID 507, it can refer to the unique identifier table 44 to find the store / sand ID 507 associated with the unique identifier 506. The server 40 can refer to the unique identifier table 44 to find the device identifier 507 (store / sand ID) associated with the identifier 506 received from the terminal 70, and can issue an instruction to the inter-machine 320 having that device identifier 507 to lend out gaming media. More specifically, the server 40 sends a notification to the in-game machine 300 of the gaming arcade 30, identified by the store ID included in the device identifier 507, instructing it to lend out gaming media. This notification includes the sand ID (an identifier that identifies each individual inter-machine 320 in the gaming arcade, identified by the store ID). The in-game machine 300 that receives this notification forwards it to the inter-machine 320 identified by the sand ID included in this notification. This allows the inter-unit machine 320 to receive lending instructions from the server 40.

[0062] System 10 may include a terminal 70. The terminal 70 uses data such as an identifier 507 read from the IC tag 500 to perform a payment operation S703 (see Figures 7 and 13) for lending out gaming media at the inter-machine 320 corresponding to the read identifier 507.

[0063] In payment operation S703, the identifiers 506 and 507 read from terminal 70 are transmitted to server 40 via network 20. Upon receiving identifiers 506 and 507 from terminal 70, server 40 uses the identifiers 506 and 507 received from terminal 70 to determine whether it is possible to lend out gaming media. Subsequently, server 40 requests settlement processing from settlement system 60 and receives the result of settlement processing completion. Then, server 40 sends a notification S708 (see Figures 7 and 13) to the inter-machine unit 320 corresponding to the identifier 507 queried from terminal 70 via the in-game hall device 300 for lending out gaming media. Upon receiving this notification, inter-machine unit 320 performs the gaming media lending process S709 (see Figures 7 and 13).

[0064] Figure 5 is a hardware and software configuration diagram of terminal 70. Terminal 70 is, for example, a smartphone. Here, terminal 70 is not limited to a smartphone, but may also be a tablet, a wearable device, etc. Terminal 70 may consist of a processor 71 and a storage device 72. The storage device 72 is connected to the processor 71. The processor 71 is, for example, a CPU, GPU, or other type of processor. The storage device 72 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. The primary storage device is, for example, RAM. The secondary storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). A dedicated application program 74 for processing game media rentals (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated app 74") may be installed on the storage device 72 as one of the computer programs 73. Here, it is described as a dedicated application program 74 for processing game media rentals, but the dedicated app 74 is not limited to one used in the game arcade system 10, but may also include application programs used in other systems such as game centers.

[0065] Figure 6 shows an example of the screen of the dedicated application 74 displayed on the terminal 70. Instead of performing the payment operation S130 for lending gaming media at the inter-machine 320, user U1 can perform the payment operation S703 for lending gaming media (see Figures 7 and 13) at the dedicated application 74.

[0066] The display screen 75 of the dedicated application 74 may display a store / sand ID display 76 read from the IC tag 500 as store and machine information for the inter-machine machine being used. The display screen 75 also includes a graphical user interface with amount selection buttons 77 and a processing execution button 78. The amount selection buttons 77 allow user U1 to select the desired deposit amount during the payment operation, and may consist of buttons such as "10,000 yen", "5,000 yen", "2,000 yen", and "1,000 yen". However, the deposit amount options are not limited to these amounts, and there may be additional amount selection buttons 77 that allow depositing other amounts, or there may be no amount selection buttons 77 for amounts that are not needed. In this example, the specification is to deposit a fixed amount using amount selection buttons 77, but it may also be a specification where user U1 directly inputs the amount via a graphical user interface, or a specification where the amount is input or specified via a graphical user interface of other specifications.

[0067] When user U1 taps one of the amount selection buttons 77, the selected amount selection button 77 may change color to a different color from the unselected amount selection buttons 77, thereby informing user U1 that a payment amount has been selected. It is preferable that user U1 can freely change the selection of the amount selection buttons 77 until the payment operation S703 is completed, for example by tapping the process execution button 78.

[0068] User U1 can tap the amount selection button 77 to determine the deposit amount, then tap the "Lend" button among the process execution buttons 78 to complete the payment operation S703. Alternatively, if the user wishes to cancel the payment operation, they can tap the "Cancel" button among the process execution buttons 78 to cancel the payment operation S703. Here, instead of immediately completing the payment operation S703 by tapping "Lend," the system may be configured to confirm with user U1 whether they wish to proceed with the settlement process S706 for lending the game media. Also, instead of immediately canceling the payment operation S703 by tapping "Cancel," the system may be configured to confirm with user U1 whether they wish to cancel the payment operation.

[0069] In this example, the execution button 78 is shown displaying two types of strings, "Lend" and "Cancel." However, the execution button 78 may display other strings such as "Pay," "Settlement," etc., or other strings such as "Cancel," "Retract," "End," etc. Furthermore, the execution button 78 may display icons or other symbols besides strings, or even if no strings or icons are displayed, the function of the execution button 78 may be recognizable solely by its shape. In addition, there may be one or more execution buttons 78. Alternatively, there may be no execution button 78, and the payment operation may be completed and settlement processing for lending the game media performed when the user U1 enters the deposit amount via a graphical user interface such as an amount selection button 77.

[0070] The screen of the dedicated application 74 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 6; it may have any other configuration as long as it allows user U1 to perform payment operations.

[0071] Figure 7 shows an example of the procedure for lending out gaming media using terminal 70.

[0072] In step S701, user U1, for example, pays a fee for the rental of gaming media and receives the rental of gaming media by holding terminal 70 over the IC tag 500 attached to the inter-machine unit 320. Terminal 70 reads identifiers 506 and 507 stored in IC tag 500 (step S702). The dedicated application 74 may be started by user U1 before performing the payment operation for rental of gaming media using terminal 70, or it may be started automatically when terminal 70 recognizes that it has read identifier 506 by holding terminal 70 over IC tag 500.

[0073] In step S702, terminal 70, which has read identifiers 506 and 507 from IC tag 500, may perform a payment operation for lending out gaming media (step S703). This payment operation S703 is performed, for example, by user U1 operating a graphical user interface from the display screen 75 of the dedicated application 74 as shown in Figure 6.

[0074] When payment operation S703 is performed, terminal 70 transmits identifiers 506 and 507 to server 40 via network 20, and server 40 receives these identifiers 506 and 507 (step S704).

[0075] Upon receiving identifiers 506 and 507, server 40 performs UID determination S705. For UID determination S705, server 40 refers to the unique identifier table 44 based on identifier 506 received from terminal 70. Server 40 determines whether identifier 506 received from terminal 70 is a registered identifier registered in the unique identifier table 44 (step S705).

[0076] If the server 40 determines that the identifier 506 received from the terminal 70 is a registered identifier registered in the unique identifier table 44 (meaning the IC tag 500 attached to the inter-machine unit 320 is genuine), it proceeds to payment processing S706 for lending out gaming media. If the server 40 determines that the identifier 506 received from the terminal 70 is not a registered identifier registered in the unique identifier table 44 (meaning the IC tag 500 attached to the inter-machine unit 320 is not genuine), it may send an error notification to the terminal 70 indicating that the IC tag 500 attached to the inter-machine unit 320 is not genuine. Upon receiving the error notification, the terminal 70 performs error processing, such as informing user U1 on the display screen 75 of the dedicated application 74 that gaming media cannot be lent out because the IC tag 500 attached to the inter-machine unit 320 is not genuine.

[0077] In addition, the UID determination S705 may perform the following steps: determine whether the combination of identifiers 506 and 507 received from terminal 70 is a valid one registered in the unique identifier table 44; if it is valid, proceed to payment processing S706; otherwise, perform error handling.

[0078] In step S706, the server 40 requests payment from the payment system 60 via the network 20 (step S706A). After receiving notification of payment completion from the payment system 60 (step S706B), the server 40 issues an instruction to the inter-machine 320 identified by the store / sand ID 507 to lend out gaming media (payment completion notification; step S708). The store / sand ID 507 for identifying the inter-machine 320 to which this instruction S708 is addressed may be received from the terminal 70, or it may be obtained by referring to the unique identifier table 44 based on the unique identifier 507 received from the terminal 70.

[0079] Upon receiving the instruction S708 from the server 40 to lend out gaming media, the inter-machine unit 320 executes the gaming media lending process (step S709). As a result, user U1 can enjoy gaming media equivalent to the price paid.

[0080] Furthermore, the steps from step S704 to step S708 may be performed on a device other than the server 40, such as a terminal 70. Also, the payment processing request (step S706) may be sent to another system or device instead of the payment system 60. Moreover, the server 40 itself may perform the payment processing without sending a payment processing request (step S706).

[0081] Figure 8 shows the amusement arcade system 10 according to the first modified example. For the following modified examples, unless otherwise specified, please refer to Figures 1 to 7 and their explanations.

[0082] As shown in Figure 8, in the first modified example, the unique identifier table 44 has an expiration date (expiration date data) set in association with the registered identifiers 506 and 507. That is, the identifiers 506 and 507 registered in the unique identifier table 44 have an expiration date 44A set, and even if the amusement arcade system 10 determines that the identifiers 506 and 507 acquired are registered identifiers that have been previously registered in the amusement arcade system 10, identifier 506 whose expiration date 44A has expired cannot be used in the amusement arcade system 10. In other words, the server 40 can determine whether the read identifiers 506 and 507 are valid or not based on the expiration date 44A set in association with the registered identifiers 506 and 507. In this case, the settlement process S706 is executed when the read identifiers 506 and 507 are determined to be registered identifiers and are also determined to be valid.

[0083] By setting expiration dates for identifiers 506 and 507, it is possible to encourage the replacement of expired IC tags 500 with new IC tags 500 that have a new expiration date set.

[0084] The expiration date determination process in the first modified example may be included in the UID determination S705 in Figure 3.

[0085] Figure 9 shows the memory 500 of the IC tag 500 in the second modified example. The first memory 505A of the IC tag 500 records the IC tag identifier 506, but the second memory 505B does not record the store / sand ID 507. In this case, even if terminal 70 reads data from the IC tag 500, it will only obtain the IC tag identifier 506. However, server 40, which receives the IC tag identifier 506 from terminal 70, can refer to the unique identifier table 44 to identify the store / sand ID 507 associated with the IC tag identifier 506. Server 40 can then use the identified store / sand ID 507 as the destination for the payment completion notification S708.

[0086] Figures 10 and 11 show the structure of an IC tag 500 having a seal. The IC tag 500 having a seal may consist of a surface substrate 510 containing an IC chip 501 and an antenna 502, and a release paper 508. The surface substrate 510 and the release paper 508 are bonded together at an adhesive surface 509 by an adhesive, and by peeling off the release paper 508 from the surface substrate 510, the surface substrate 510 can be attached to a stand-up machine 320 or the like with its adhesive surface 509.

[0087] Here, the IC tag 500 may be an NFC tag 500 or another radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 500. Furthermore, the tag 500 having a seal is not limited to one equipped with an IC chip 501 like the IC tag 500, but may be a tag 500 having another storage medium.

[0088] Figure 12 shows a manufacturing method for a machine 320 with an IC tag 500 attached. As shown in Figure 12, a machine 320 with an IC tag 500 attached can be manufactured by attaching the IC tag 500 to the surface of the housing of an existing machine 320 that does not have the functionality of a terminal reader such as the IC tag 500. This makes the attached IC tag 500 easily removable and replaceable.

[0089] Here, the IC tag 500 may be an IC tag 500 having a seal, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, or the IC tag 500 may not have a seal and may be attached to the inter-unit machine 320 with adhesive tape or the like.

[0090] The surface substrate 510 of the IC tag 500 may be marked with a store / sand ID printout 511 (inter-machine identification display). The store / sand ID printout 511 is positioned so that when the IC tag 500 is attached to the surface of the housing of the inter-machine 320, the user U1 can see the store / sand ID 507.

[0091] For example, when user U1 performs a payment operation for lending gaming media using the dedicated application 74, it is possible to confirm that the IC tag 500 attached to the inter-machine unit 320 is not a fraudulent IC tag 500 (fake IC tag 500) by comparing the printed store / sand ID notation 511 on the IC tag 500 attached to the inter-machine unit 320 with the store / sand ID display 76 (see Figure 6) displayed on the display screen 75 of the dedicated application 74 and confirming that the store / sand IDs 507 match.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10: Amusement arcade system 20: Network 30: Amusement arcade 40: Server 41: Processor 42: Storage device 43: Computer Programs 44: Unique Identifier (UID) Table 44A: Expiration Date 60: Payment System 70: Terminal 71: Processor 72: Storage device 73: Computer Programs 74: Dedicated app (dedicated application program for processing game media rentals) 75:Display screen 76: Store / Sand ID displayed 77: Amount selection button 78: Execute Processing Button 80:Banknotes (cash) 81: Prepaid card 300: Equipment inside the gaming arcade 310: Gaming machine 311: Controller 312: Gaming media dispensing device 313: Gaming machine IF 320: Machine between machines 321: Controller 322: Communications Department 323: Payment Mechanisms 324:Operation unit 325: Inter-machine IF 326: Insertion port 500: Terminal reader 500: IC tag (NFC tag) 500: Tags 501: IC chip (storage medium) 502: Antenna 503: Radio circuit 504: Controller 505: Memory 505A: Memory No. 1 505B: Second memory 506: IC tag identifier (unique identifier; UID) 507: Store / Sand ID (Device Identifier) 508: Release paper 509: Adhesive surface 510: Surface base material 511: Store / Sandwich ID printed notation U1: User

Claims

1. A computer implementation method that is performed by one or more computers, From the IC tag attached to the payment device, read the identifier written on the IC tag. Determine whether the read identifier is a pre-registered identifier. If it is determined that the read identifier is a registered identifier, the payment process for the payment device is executed. The payment device is notified of the completion of the aforementioned payment process. A computer implementation method that includes the following.

2. The identifier includes an IC tag identifier that identifies the IC tag and a device identifier that identifies the payment device. The method according to claim 1.

3. The identifier includes the unique identifier of the IC tag, Determining whether the read identifier is a previously registered identifier includes determining whether the unique identifier is a previously registered identifier. The method according to claim 1.

4. The identifier includes the device identifier of the payment device, Notifying the payment device of the completion of the payment processing includes notifying the payment device identified by the device identifier of the completion of the payment processing. The method according to claim 1.

5. The identifier includes the unique identifier of the IC tag and the device identifier of the payment device. Determining whether the read identifier is a pre-registered registered identifier includes determining whether the unique identifier is a pre-registered registered identifier. Notifying the payment device of the completion of the payment processing includes notifying the payment device identified by the device identifier of the completion of the payment processing. The method according to claim 1.

6. The IC tag is attached to the payment device. The method according to claim 1.

7. The identifier includes a unique identifier stored in the read-only memory of the IC tag. The method according to claim 1.

8. The system further includes determining whether the read identifier is valid or not based on the expiration date set in association with the registered identifier, The aforementioned payment processing is performed when it is determined that the read identifier is the registered identifier and is valid. The method according to claim 1.

9. The payment device is an inter-machine machine that performs a first payment process for lending out gaming media used in gaming machines. The aforementioned settlement process is a second settlement process performed outside the machine for the purpose of lending out the gaming medium. The method according to claim 1.

10. The system determines whether the identifier read from the IC tag attached to the payment device is a pre-registered identifier. If it is determined that the read identifier is the registered identifier, the payment processing for the payment device is executed. The payment device is notified of the completion of the aforementioned payment process. Perform an action that includes the following: A system equipped with a processor.

11. The payment device is an inter-machine machine that performs a first payment process for lending out gaming media used in gaming machines. The aforementioned settlement process is a second settlement process performed outside the machine for the purpose of lending out the gaming medium. The system according to claim 10.

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