Electronic payment system for automated service equipment and electronic payment method for automated service equipment

Abstract

To provide an electronic settlement system for an automatic service device, and an electronic settlement method for the automatic service device which enable electronic settlement of a fee for the automatic service device.SOLUTION: An automatic service device terminal 110 includes a transaction information recording device which stores automatic device identification information and link information to a charging support server 122 which supports electronic settlement. When an electronic settlement process is started, the automatic service device terminal 110 outputs the automatic device identification information and schedule information for electronic settlement including a fee for an automatic service device 102, to the charging support server 122 to store them. A service user terminal 112 accesses the transaction information recording device to obtain electronic settlement information, and accesses the charging support server 122 guided by the link information. If schedule information corresponding to the automatic device identification information acquired by the service user terminal 112 has been stored in the charging support server 112, a request for electronic settlement is issued to a settlement execution server 117.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic payment system and method for automatic service machines that allows users to use their own portable information devices as terminals to pay for goods or services at automatic service machines. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic payment system and an electronic payment method for an automated service machine that allows a user to pay for a product or service simply by bringing a portable information device owned by the user close to a transaction information unit (device terminal) installed on the automated service machine. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electronic payment system and an electronic payment method for an automatic service machine, which uses a portable information device owned by a user to acquire transaction information using NFC (Near Field Communication), and performs electronic payment using the transaction information, thereby enabling payment for goods or services to be made to the automatic service machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic payment system and method for an automated service machine that allows for both cash and electronic payment using NFC with a mobile information device carried by the user. In this specification, "automated service machines" refers to machines that automatically provide various goods or services after receiving payment, such as vending machines for beverages, game machines, coin laundry machines, and automatic massage machines. "Services" also includes the provision of goods or services. Furthermore, "electronic payment" refers to the use of electronic payment methods such as two-dimensional code payment, credit cards, and electronic money, such as QR code (registered trademark) payment, rather than physical paper money, coins, or checks. [Background technology]

[0002] The first prior art is an electronic payment method for automated service machines, which is related to an application filed by the applicant, and which involves electronic payment of the price for the automated service machine from the payer to the payee and then providing a specified product or service, and which includes at least an automated service machine terminal, a billing support server, a recipient terminal, a payment gateway server, and a payment server, wherein the automated service machine terminal outputs operation availability information indicating the service provision status of the automated service machine to the billing support server, the billing support server records the received operation availability information, the recipient terminal acquires transaction information for the automated service machine and then makes a payment request to the payment gateway server, and before making a payment request to the payment server, the payment gateway server checks the operation availability information in the billing support server, and if the automated service machine is operable, makes a payment request to the payment server (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As a second prior art, a mobile payment terminal connected to a vending machine is known, which includes a short-range communication unit connected to a mobile terminal via short-range wireless communication, a bus interface unit that replaces one of the existing payment modules and is connected to the input / output bus of the vending machine controller, and a control unit including a mobile payment processing unit that emulates the payment process of the replaced existing payment module, requests the mobile terminal connected to the short-range communication unit to make a payment for an amount corresponding to the sales price of the selected product, and, if payment completion is confirmed from the mobile terminal, transmits a payment completion message through the bus interface unit and requests the product to be dispensed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2020-67994 (Figures 1 to 25, paragraph 0009) [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-36292 (Figs. 1 to 8, claim 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The first prior art is an electronic payment method for an automated service machine, which includes at least an automated service machine terminal, a billing support server, a user terminal, a payment gateway server, and a payment server. The system checks operation availability information, and if the automated service machine is operational, it requests payment from the payment server. The automated service machine then becomes operational, eliminating the problem of not receiving a product or service despite having inserted a fee, known as "fee swallowing." This provides a highly convenient electronic payment system. Some automated service machines may be unable to operate even when they are operational. For example, a gaming machine may be operational but unable to accept additional fees if multiple fees have been inserted. For example, if the fee per play is 200 yen, some gaming machines have a so-called credit function that allows five consecutive games to be played by inserting 1,000 yen. With a credit function, the gaming machine can operate even when the credit is full. However, if a new fee is accepted, the game cannot be played with the accepted fee when the credit limit is full, resulting in a so-called "swallowing" phenomenon, and therefore the acceptance of fees must be stopped. As another example, if there are no more items to be picked up by the crane in a crane game machine, the machine can still operate but cannot provide games, so in this case, the acceptance of fees must also be prohibited. The operation availability information in the first prior art does not allow the prohibition of the acceptance of fees. As another example, in coin laundry machines, an operating time is typically set in 100-yen increments. For example, a 5-minute operating time is set for each 100-yen coin inserted or each 100-yen deduction of electronic money. After inserting 100-yen coins equivalent to the desired operating time or deducting electronic money in 100-yen increments, the user presses the start button to operate the coin laundry machine for the specified time. In this case, if the insertion of 100-yen coins and the deduction of electronic money are performed simultaneously before the start button is pressed, a problem similar to the so-called "swallowing" phenomenon occurs. To prevent this, it is necessary to prevent simultaneous fee acceptance, but the operation availability information does not allow for prohibition of fee acceptance. The second prior art is also a highly convenient system that allows for so-called cashless transactions. However, in the second prior art, a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) and a mobile payment terminal installed in the vending machine communicate with a payment server via a short-range wireless communication standard (Bluetooth (registered trademark)) to make a payment, and then a request is made to the vending machine to dispense a product. While Bluetooth can encrypt communications, its usable range is limited to a radius of 10 to 100 meters, and there is a risk of hacking, making it difficult to adopt immediately. Furthermore, like the first prior art, it is not possible to prohibit the acceptance of payment.

[0005] A first object of the present invention is to provide an electronic payment system for an automated service machine that can prohibit the acceptance of a fee when the automated service machine is in an operational state and the acceptance of a fee should be prohibited. A second object of the present invention is to provide an electronic payment method for an automated service machine that can prohibit the acceptance of a fare when the automated service machine is in an operational state and the acceptance of a fare should be prohibited. A third object of the present invention is to provide an automatic service equipment terminal suitable for an electronic payment system for automatic service equipment that can prohibit the acceptance of fees when the acceptance of fees should be prohibited while the automatic service equipment is in an operational state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electronic settlement system for automated service machines of the present invention comprises a machine terminal communicably connected to an automated service machine that provides a predetermined product or service in exchange for receiving a fee, and a billing support server communicable with the machine terminal, wherein the machine terminal comprises a first storage means in which electronic transaction information including at least identification information and access destination information for guiding the user to an electronic settlement means for electronically settling the fee, and a first communication means, and a transaction information recording device that is accessed via the first communication means to output the electronic transaction information from the first communication means, input means for starting the electronic settlement process, second storage means in which the identification information and the fee for the automated service machine identified by the identification information are stored in association with each other, second communication means for enabling communication with an external device, and output means for outputting a billing signal for starting operation of the automated service machine when the fee has been electronically settling, and the billing support server a third communication means for enabling communication with an external device, and a third storage means, wherein when the electronic payment process is initiated by the input means, the device terminal outputs scheduled information for the electronic payment, including the identification information and the fee, from the device terminal to the billing support server, and when the scheduled information is input, the billing support server stores the scheduled information in the third storage means, and the billing support server is accessed based on the access destination information included in the electronic transaction information obtained from the transaction information recording device by accessing the transaction information recording device via the first communication means from a user terminal operated by a user using the automatic service machine, and when a request for electronic payment including the identification information included in the electronic transaction information is input and the scheduled information corresponding to the input identification information is stored in the third storage means, the billing support server requests the payment execution server to make the electronic payment of the fee corresponding to the scheduled information. The electronic payment method for an automated service machine of the present invention is an electronic payment method for an automated service machine having a machine terminal communicably connected to the automated service machine which provides a predetermined product or service in exchange for receiving a fee, and a billing support server communicable with the automated service machine terminal, wherein the automated service machine terminal has a first storage means in which electronic transaction information including at least identification information and access destination information for guiding to an electronic payment means for electronically settling the fee, and a first communication means, and a transaction information recording device which is accessed via the first communication means to output the electronic transaction information from the first communication means, an input means for starting the electronic payment process, a second storage means in which the identification information and the fee for the automated service machine identified by the identification information are stored in association with each other, a second communication means which enables communication with an external device, and an output means which outputs a billing signal which starts operation of the automated service machine when the fee has been electronically settled, and the billing support server has a third communication means which enables communication with the external device, and a third storage means, The third storage means stores the identification information and the payment destination information corresponding to the identification information in association with each other, and the device terminal has a step of outputting scheduled information for the electronic payment, including the identification information and the fee, from the device terminal to the billing support server when the electronic payment process is initiated by the input means, and the billing support server has a step of storing the scheduled information in the third storage means when the scheduled information is input, and the billing support server is accessed based on the access destination information included in the electronic transaction information obtained from the transaction information recording device by accessing the transaction information recording device via the first communication means from a user terminal operated by a user using the automatic service device, and when a request for the electronic payment including the identification information included in the electronic transaction information is input and the scheduled information corresponding to the input identification information is stored in the third storage means, the charging support server has a step of requesting the payment execution server to make the electronic payment of the fee corresponding to the scheduled information.

[0007] In order to achieve this object, the invention according to the first aspect of the other invention is configured as follows. An electronic payment system for an automated service machine that provides a predetermined product or service after completing electronic payment of a predetermined amount at the automated service machine, the system includes an automated service machine terminal including a transaction information recording device, a billing possibility signal output device, a billing support server, a customer terminal having a device for obtaining electronic transaction information of the automated service machine recorded in the transaction information recording device, and a payment execution server, the billing possibility signal output device outputs a billing prohibition signal when the automated service machine is in a billing prohibition state, the transaction information recording device stores access destination information of the customer terminal, the electronic transaction information includes information identifying the automated service machine that is the target of payment for the amount and fee information, the automated service machine terminal outputs at least the billing prohibition information based on the billing prohibition signal, outputs the electronic transaction information and access destination information of the customer terminal to the customer terminal, and outputs an electronic payment billing signal to the automated service machine based on electronic payment billing information from the billing support server, the customer terminal accesses the automated service machine recorded in the transaction information recording device by the obtaining device and, after acquiring the electronic transaction information and the access destination information in the electronic transaction information, accesses the billing support server based on the access destination information and outputs transaction information (including information identifying the automated service machine and the fee information included in the electronic transaction information) and a request for electronic payment; the billing support server pre-records information identifying the automated service machine and payment schedule information including payee information and the fee information associated with the information identifying the automated service machine, and records the billing prohibition signal; when an electronic payment request is made, identifies the payee information and the fee information of the automated service machine that is the subject of payment based on the transaction information and the payment schedule information received from the user terminal; if the billing prohibition signal of the automated service machine that is the subject of payment is not present, acquires payment source information from the user terminal and outputs payment execution information including the payee information, the fee information, and the payment source information to the payment execution server; and outputs electronic payment billing information based on electronic payment result information from the payment execution server; the payment execution server performs payment processing based on the payment execution information from the billing support server,and outputs electronic payment result information, and the automated service machine is activated based on the electronic payment billing signal from the automated service machine terminal. The invention according to the second aspect of the other invention is configured as follows. The electronic payment system for automated service machines according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the transaction information recording device has an NFC tag, and the receiving device has an NFC reader.

[0008] The invention according to the third aspect of the other invention is configured as follows. The automatic service equipment includes the billing availability signal output device. The present invention provides an electronic payment system for an automated service machine according to a first aspect of another invention or a second aspect of another invention.

[0009] The invention according to the fourth aspect of the other inventions is configured as follows. An electronic payment method for an automated service machine that provides a predetermined product or service after completing electronic payment of a predetermined amount at the automated service machine, the method comprising: an automated service machine terminal including a transaction information recording device; a billing possibility signal output device; a billing support server; a customer terminal having a device for obtaining electronic transaction information of the automated service machine recorded in the transaction information recording device; and a payment execution server, wherein the billing possibility signal output device outputs a billing prohibition signal when the automated service machine is in a billing prohibition state; the transaction information recording device stores access destination information for the customer terminal; the electronic transaction information includes information identifying the automated service machine that is the target of payment and fee information; the automated service machine terminal outputs the billing prohibition information based on the billing prohibition signal; the billing support server records the billing prohibition signal; the automated service machine terminal outputs the electronic transaction information and the access destination information for the customer terminal to the customer terminal; the billing support server receives the information identifying the automated service machine and payee information associated with the information identifying the automated service machine; payment schedule information including the fee information is stored in advance, and the user terminal device acquires the electronic transaction information and the access destination information recorded in the transaction information recording device by the acquisition device, accesses the billing support server based on the access destination information, and outputs transaction information including information identifying the automated service machine included in the electronic transaction information and the fee information and a request for electronic payment, the billing support server, when an electronic payment request is made, identifies the payee information and the fee information of the automated service machine that is the subject of payment based on the transaction information and the payment schedule information received from the user terminal device, and if the billing prohibition signal of the automated service machine that is the subject of payment is not present, acquires payment source information from the user terminal device and outputs payment execution information to the payment execution server, the payment execution server performs payment processing based on the payment execution information from the billing support server and then outputs electronic payment result information, the billing support server outputs electronic payment billing information based on the electronic payment result information from the payment execution server, and the automated service machine terminal deviceAn electronic payment method for an automated service machine, comprising: outputting an electronic payment billing signal based on the electronic payment billing information from the billing support server; and activating the automated service machine based on the electronic payment billing signal.

[0010] The invention according to the fifth aspect of the other inventions is configured as follows. the transaction information recording device has an NFC tag, and the obtaining device has an NFC reader; The user terminal acquires electronic transaction information from the automated service equipment terminal through the NFC tag and the NFC reader. An electronic payment method for an automated service machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, is.

[0011] The sixth aspect of the other invention relating to an automatic service equipment terminal is configured as follows: An automated service machine terminal connected to an automated service machine that provides a predetermined product or service after electronic payment, wherein the automated service machine terminal pre-stores access destination information that specifies the access destination of a user terminal operated by a user of the predetermined product or service, identification information that specifies the automated service machine that is the target of payment, and fee information that specifies the fee for the automated service machine, and the automated service machine terminal comprises wireless communication means that outputs the access destination information, the identification information, and the fee information in response to a request from the user terminal, storage means that stores a billing availability signal obtained from the automated service machine and indicating whether or not billing is possible, and output means that outputs an electronic payment billing signal to the automated service machine in response to a result of electronic payment of the fee for the automated service machine from a billing support server connected via an information and communication network. and a step of acquiring, from the billing support server accessed by the user terminal based on the access destination information, information representing the settlement result settled by a settlement execution server that is executed when the billing possibility signal indicates that billing is possible, based on the identification information and the fee information input to the user terminal, the payee information of the automated service machine and the fee information previously stored in the billing support server, and the payment source information acquired from the user terminal; and if the settlement is successful, the automatic service machine is activated by outputting the electronic settlement billing signal to the automated service machine that is the target of settlement; and if the settlement is unsuccessful, the electronic settlement billing signal is not output to the automated service machine that is the target of settlement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] If the automated service equipment is unable to charge (e.g., if the product or service cannot be provided even after receiving the fee), the charging possibility signal output device outputs a charging prohibition signal, and if the charging support server detects the charging prohibition signal, electronic payment is not made. Thus, the first object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0013] In the second aspect of the invention, if charging is not possible at the automated service machine, the charging possibility signal output device outputs a charging prohibition signal, and if the charging support server detects the charging prohibition signal, electronic payment is not performed. This achieves the first object of the present invention. Furthermore, this system has the advantage of being simple to operate, as the user simply needs to bring the user terminal close to the automated service machine terminal. Furthermore, the system uses an NFC tag and NFC reader with a communication distance of less than 10 centimeters, which reduces the risk of hacking.

[0014] In the third aspect of the invention, when charging is not possible at the automated service machine, the charging possibility signal output device in the automated service machine outputs a charging prohibition signal, and when the charging support server detects the charging prohibition signal, electronic payment is not made. Thus, the first object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0015] In the fourth aspect of the invention, if charging is not possible at the automated service machine, the charging possibility signal output device in the automated service machine outputs a charging prohibition signal, the automated service machine terminal outputs charging prohibition information based on the charging prohibition signal, and if the charging support server detects the charging prohibition signal, electronic payment is not made. Thus, the second object of the present invention can be achieved. In the fifth aspect of the invention, the second object of the present invention can be similarly achieved.

[0016] In the sixth aspect of the invention, when the automated service machine is unable to charge, it outputs a charge prohibition signal, and the automated service machine terminal outputs charge prohibition information including the charge prohibition signal to the charge support server based on the charge prohibition signal. When the charge prohibition signal is detected by the charge support server, electronic payment is not performed. Thus, the third object of the present invention can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an electronic payment system for an automated service machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram of an electronic payment system for an automated service machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B show a gaming machine as an automatic service device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is an external view and (B) is a block diagram. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the game machine as an automatic service device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an automated service machine terminal of the electronic payment system for automated service machines according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a block diagram and (B) is an example of a machine terminal table. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the automated service machine terminal of the electronic payment system for automated service machines according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an automatic service equipment terminal of the electronic payment system for automatic service equipment of Example 1 of the present invention, where (A) is the amount selection screen, (B) is the proximity request screen, (C) is the processing screen, and (D) is the electronic payment result screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a user terminal (portable information device) of the electronic payment system for an automatic service device according to Example 1 of the present invention, where (A) is a block diagram, (B) is an example of a user transaction table, and (C) is an example of a user terminal table. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the customer terminal of the electronic payment system for the automated service machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows display screens on a user terminal of an electronic payment system for an automatic service device according to Example 1 of the present invention, where (A) is an example of an account registration screen, (B) is an example of a payment support login screen, (C) is an example of a proximity prompt screen, and (D) is an example of a user confirmation screen. [Figure 11]Figure 11 shows the electronic payment result screen on the customer terminal of the electronic payment system of the automatic service equipment of Example 1 of the present invention, where (A) is the electronic payment failure screen and (B) is the electronic payment result screen indicating that the payment has been completed. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a billing support server of Example 1 of the electronic payment system for automatic service equipment of the present invention, where (A) is a block diagram, (B) is an example of a billing support table, and (C) is an example of a billing terminal transaction table. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows tables recorded in the billing support server of the electronic settlement system for the automated service machine of the first embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is an example of a billing recipient transaction table and (B) is an example of a payee table. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the billing support server of the electronic payment system for the automated service machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a payment gateway server in the first embodiment of the electronic payment system for an automated service machine according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an example of a payment gateway transaction table in the payment gateway server of the first embodiment of the electronic payment system for an automated service device according to the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the payment gateway server in the electronic payment system for an automated service machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a payment server of the first embodiment of the electronic payment system for an automated service machine according to the present invention, where (A) is a block diagram and (B) is a flowchart for explaining the operation. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a payment support server of the first embodiment of the electronic payment system for an automated service machine according to the present invention, where (A) is a block diagram and (B) is an example of a payment support table. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the electronic settlement system for an automated service machine according to the present invention. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a corresponding block diagram of an electronic payment system for an automatic service machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An overview of an electronic payment system 104 for an automatic service machine 102 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 21. In this embodiment 1, the automatic service machine 102 is a game machine 106 installed in a facility (amusement facility, so-called game center) 100 (1001 to 100n in Fig. 1). Specifically, a first facility 1001 is provided with a large number of game machines 1061a to 1061n, a second facility 1002 is provided with a large number of game machines 1062a to 1062n, and an n-th facility 100n is provided with a large number of game machines 106na to 106nn. In the following description, the game machines will be collectively referred to as game machines 106.

[0019] Each game machine 106 is individually equipped with an automated service machine terminal 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "machine terminal 110") having a terminal display device 108 configured with a liquid crystal display or the like. The machine terminal 110 may be configured as an integral part of the game machine 106. The terminal display device 108 and the machine terminal 110 should also be individually numbered, but for convenience, the same number is used for all of them. The machine terminal 110 is connected to an information and communication network, for example, an Internet communication line 116, via a router 114. A payment execution server 117 and a billing support server 122 are also connected to the Internet communication line 116. In the first embodiment, the payment execution server 117 is configured by a payment gateway server 118 and a payment server 126. However, the payment execution server 117 can also be configured by integrating the payment gateway server 118 and the payment server 126. The payment gateway server 118 is connected to the payment server 126 via a dedicated line 124. The settlement server 126 is further connected to other settlement servers 126 via dedicated lines, and is configured to enable settlement processing on a global scale, for example.

[0020] The user terminal 112 is, for example, a portable information device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet computer, which has the same functions as those described below.

[0021] Facility 100 refers to a building with a roof, pillars, and walls, a room that is part of a building, or a partitioned area in which at least a plurality of game machines 106 with attached device terminals 110 are arranged. If facility 100 is a coin laundry, automatic service equipment 102 includes washing machines, dryers, detergent vending machines, etc. If facility 100 is a vending machine stand, automatic service equipment 102 includes drink vending machines, food vending machines, various item vending machines, microwave ovens, automatic music dispensers, etc. If facility 100 is a health spa, automatic massage machines, automatic tanning machines, etc. Management of facility 100 may be manned or unmanned.

[0022] First, the game machine 106 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. The game machine 106 is a device that has the function of providing the execution of a predetermined game using a coin C of a predetermined value, for example, a 100 yen coin 100C, and is, for example, a crane game machine, a video game machine, a medal game machine, a trading card game machine, a photo vending machine, etc.

[0023] Next, the main hardware configuration of the game machine 106 will be described with reference mainly to FIG. The gaming machine 106 broadly includes an automatic service equipment control device 132 (hereinafter referred to as the "gaming machine control device 132" for convenience), gaming hardware 134, a currency identification device 136, a gaming machine identification information recording device 138, an operation availability information output device 142, a fee information output device 144, a gaming machine communication device 146, an electronic payment activation device 148, an operation status signal output device 149, and a charge availability signal output device 153.

[0024] The game machine controller 132 has a function of operating the game hardware 134 based on a monetary charging signal CHS indicating receipt of a fee or an electronic payment charging signal ECS to provide a game to a user. In other words, the game machine controller 132 has a function of controlling the operation of the automatic service equipment 102, and in this embodiment, further has a function of outputting to the equipment terminal 110 an operation availability signal AVS indicating whether a game can be provided, an operation status signal RNS indicating that the equipment is operating, and a charging availability signal CAS indicating whether charging is possible. Note that when the automatic service equipment 102 provides a product, the game machine controller 132 functions to provide the specified product to the user based on the monetary charging signal CHS or the electronic payment charging signal ECS. In other words, the automatic service equipment controller (game machine controller) 132 controls the operation of the automatic service equipment 102.

[0025] The game hardware 134 has the function of receiving a start-up signal STS from the game machine control device 132, and providing a game by activating various actuators at predetermined timings based on the operation of operation buttons, etc. by the user, and by displaying predetermined information on the display.

[0026] The currency identification device 136 has a function of outputting a currency charge signal CHS to the game machine control device 132 when the fee set in the game machine 106 is accepted by currency (coins or bills). In this embodiment 1, a known currency identification device 136 is used. In this embodiment 1, the currency identification device 136 is a coin identification device 137, which, as shown in FIG. 2, distinguishes between genuine and counterfeit coins based on the physical properties of a specific denomination coin inserted into a coin insertion slot 139 (in this embodiment, a 100-yen coin 100C). If the coin is genuine, it is detected by a sensor 140 as it is taken in and falls into a safe (not shown), and a pulse-like currency charge signal CHS is output. In other words, each time the coin identification device 137 accepts a 100-yen coin 100C as genuine, the sensor 140 outputs a single pulse signal of a predetermined duration and voltage. Note that counterfeit coins are returned to a return slot 141. Additionally, coins that are cancelled by the cancel lever 130 during coin recognition are also returned to the return port 141. The currency recognition device 136 can be a known banknote recognition device.

[0027] The game machine identification information recording device 138 has the function of recording information AID (hereinafter referred to as "automatic machine identification information AID") that is individually assigned to each game machine 106 and identifies the automatic service device 102, and outputting it on request, and a known recording device is used. The automatic machine identification information AID is composed of numbers, letters, or a combination thereof, and is recorded in advance by an administrator. Depending on the gaming machine 106, multiple gaming machines may be arranged in one cabinet, and a currency identification device 136 may be arranged for each of the multiple gaming machines. In this case, each gaming machine and currency identification device 136 are associated with each other.

[0028] The operation availability information output device 142 has the function of recording the operation availability signal AVS output from the game machine control device 132 and outputting it to the device terminal 110, and a known recording device is used. For example, the operation availability signal AVS is "1" when the game can be operated, and the number "1" is recorded, and is "0" when the game cannot be operated, and the number "0" is recorded. For example, the operation availability signal AVS is output to the device terminal 110 as an operation availability signal POI of "1" when the game can be provided, and as an operation availability signal IPI of "0" when the game cannot be provided.

[0029] The fee information output device 144 has a function of recording and outputting fee information CHI that specifies the fee for the automated service machine 102, which in this first embodiment is the fee information CHI per transaction for the game machine 106, and is recorded in advance by an administrator in accordance with the fee setting for the game machine 106. It is preferable to set an upper limit for the fee information CHI. The setting of an upper limit is intended to reduce damage in the event of fraudulent payment processing, and it is preferable to apply, for example, to payments of 5,000 yen or less for the automated service machine 102 and 800 yen or less for the game machine 106. It is to be noted that the fee information CHI is the price for a product or service and is synonymous with the payment amount.

[0030] The game machine communication device 146 has a function of exchanging information through communication with the game terminal 110, and a known communication device is used. This communication is performed wirelessly or via a cable.

[0031] The electronic payment activation device 148 is an output means for outputting an electronic payment charging signal, and has the function of outputting an activation signal STS from the gaming machine controller 132 to the gaming hardware 134 upon receiving the electronic payment charging signal ECS output from the equipment terminal 110, thereby outputting the received electronic payment charging signal ECS to the gaming machine controller 132 and activating the gaming machine 106. In other words, the electronic payment activation device 148 is an output means for outputting an electronic payment charging signal ECS that activates the automated service equipment 102. Upon receiving the electronic payment charging signal ECS, the gaming machine controller 132 outputs the activation signal STS to activate the gaming hardware 134. The electronic payment charging signal ECS is substantially the same signal as the currency charging signal CHS.

[0032] The operating signal output device 149 has a function of outputting an operating signal RNS when the game machine 106 is operating, and outputting a non-operating signal NRS when the operating signal is not output. Therefore, by detecting the operating signal RNS, it can be estimated that the game machine 106 is operating. In the case of a coin laundry machine, for example, the operating signal RNS can be output for each 100 yen currency charge signal CHS, assuming that the machine operates for, for example, five minutes. The operating signal RNS is, for example, a value of "1," and the non-operating signal NRS is, for example, a value of "0." Furthermore, the operating signal RNS can be used as another signal having a similar function, such as an inhibit signal when the machine is operating.

[0033] The chargeability signal output device 153 has a function to output a chargeability signal CAS (chargeability signal CCS or chargeability prohibition signal CPS), specifically, a function to output a chargeability prohibition signal CPS of "0" when the game machine 106 is in a chargeability prohibition state, and a chargeability signal CCS of "1" when chargeability is possible. In the first embodiment, the chargeability signal output device 153 is configured in a game machine 106 that allows fee credit, for example, so that crediting of the game fee for three games is possible but not four or more games is impossible. In other words, for example, if the game fee for one game is 100 yen, up to 300 yen can be accepted, but once 300 yen has been accepted, further crediting is not possible. In further other words, after accepting 300 yen, the chargeability signal output device 153 is configured to output a chargeability prohibition signal CPS of "0," and before accepting 300 yen, it is configured to output a chargeability signal CCS of "1."

[0034] Next, the operation of the game machine 106 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step AS1, the operation availability signal AVS from the operation availability information output device 142 is determined, and if there is a change in the operation availability signal AVS, the process proceeds to step AS2; if there is no change, the process proceeds to step AS3. For example, if the operation availability signal AVS is operable, it has a value of "1" which is the operation availability signal POI, and if it is inoperable, it has a value of "0" which is the operation availability signal IPI. Therefore, if there is a change from "1" which is the operation availability signal POI to "0" which is the operation availability signal IPI, or from "0" which is the operation availability signal IPI to "1", the process proceeds to step AS2; if there is no change, the process proceeds to step AS3. Next, in step AS2, an operation availability signal AVS (operation availability signal POI or inoperational inoperation signal IPI) is output to the equipment terminal 110 in association with the automatic machine identification information AID, and then the process proceeds to step AS3. Specifically, after outputting "1" as the operation availability signal POI in association with the automatic machine identification information AID, the process proceeds to step AS3, or after outputting "0" as the inoperational inoperation signal IPI in association with the automatic machine identification information AID, the process proceeds to step AS3. Note that when the automatic service equipment 102 and the equipment terminal 110 have a one-to-one relationship, the operation availability signal POI or inoperational inoperation signal IPI can be output without association with the automatic machine identification information AID. In step AS3, it is determined whether the accounting permission / prohibition signal CAS from the accounting permission / prohibition signal output device 153 has changed, and if there has been no change, the process proceeds to step AS4, and if there has been a change, the process proceeds to step AS5. In step AS5, for example, if the billing possibility signal CAS changes from "1" which is the billing possibility signal CCS to "0" which is the billing prohibition signal CPS, the billing prohibition signal CPS "0" is output in association with the automated machine identification information AID, and then the process proceeds to step AS4. If the billing possibility signal CAS changes from "0" which is the billing prohibition signal CPS to "1" which is the billing possibility signal CCS, the billing possibility signal CCS "1" is output in association with the automated machine identification information AID, and then the process proceeds to step AS4. Note that if the automated service equipment 102 and the equipment terminal 110 have a one-to-one relationship, the billing possibility signal CCS or the billing prohibition signal CPS can be output without being associated with the automated machine identification information AID. In step AS4, it is determined whether the currency charge signal CHS has been output from the currency identification device 136. If the currency charge signal CHS has been detected, the process proceeds to step AS6. If the currency charge signal CHS has not been output, the process proceeds to step AS7. In step AS7, it is determined whether an electronic payment charging signal ECS has been output from the electronic payment activation device 148. If the electronic payment charging signal ECS has been detected, the process proceeds to step AS6. If not, the process returns to step AS1. Therefore, when the game machine 106 is operational and capable of charging, it enters a loop of steps AS1, AS3, AS4, and AS7, waiting for a currency charging signal CHS or an electronic payment charging signal ECS. In step AS6, the game machine controller 132 outputs a start signal STS to the game hardware 134 to start the game, and then proceeds to step AS8. In step AS8, the in-operation signal output device 149 outputs the in-operation signal RNS to the equipment terminal 110, and then the process returns to step AS1.

[0035] Next, the device terminal 110 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. The device terminal 110 is equipped with a function for communicating with the billing support server 122. The device terminal 110 transmits the status of the game machine 106 to the billing support server 122. When the device terminal 110 receives at least an operation availability signal AVS, an operation status signal RNS, or a billing availability signal CAS (a billing prohibition signal CPS or a billing possible signal CCS) from the game machine 106 (game machine control device 132), the device terminal 110 transmits operation availability information AVI, operation availability information RNI, or billing availability information CAI to the billing support server 122. The transmitted information may include fee information CHI. In addition, this information is recorded in the device terminal storage device 158, which is a storage means. The operation availability information AVI is an operation availability signal AVS that indicates the operation availability of the game machine 106 associated with terminal identification information TID (hereinafter, terminal identification information TID will also be referred to as device terminal identification information TID) or automatic machine identification information AID. The operation availability signal AVS is either an operation unavailable signal IPI of "0" or an operation available signal POI of "1." The operation status information RNI is an operation availability signal RNS associated with the terminal identification information TID or the automatic machine identification information AID. The charging availability information CAI is a charging availability signal CAS associated with the terminal identification information TID or the automatic machine identification information AID, indicating whether charging is possible. The charging availability signal CAS is either a charging prohibition signal CPS of "0" or a charging availability signal CCS of "1." The device terminal storage device 158 is a storage means for storing the charging availability signal CAS and the charging availability signal CAS. The fee information CHI is (payment) information related to the fee for operating the game machine 106, and if it is a fixed value, it can be associated with the terminal identification information TID as an initial value and stored in the charging support server 122. When payment for operating the game machine 106 is completed by electronic payment, the billing support server 122 outputs electronic payment billing information EPI, which is information on the result of the payment, to the device terminal 110. In other words, the electronic payment billing information EPI is the result of the electronic payment of the fee for the automated service machine 102 from the billing support server 122. The electronic payment billing information EPI output from the billing support server 122 includes payment completion information PCI if the payment is successful (if the transfer of money from the payment source PAS to the payment destination PYE is completed), or payment failure information NAI if the payment is unsuccessful (if the transfer of money from the payment source PAS to the payment destination PYE is not completed) (FIG. 9). In other words, the electronic payment billing information EPI can be said to be information that represents the result of the payment made by the payment execution server 117. When the device terminal 110 receives the electronic payment billing information EPI from the billing support server 122, it generates an electronic payment billing signal ECS and outputs it to the game machine 106. When the game machine 106 receives the electronic payment charging signal ECS, it starts operating the game machine 106. Therefore, the equipment terminal 110 has an output means for outputting the electronic payment charging signal ECS to the automated service equipment 102. The payment destination information PYI is information that can directly or indirectly identify the payment destination PYE. In this embodiment 1, the payment destination information PYI is the terminal identification information TID. The terminal identification information TID is essentially unique information in the world, and can identify the business operator, store, and game machine 106 that installed the game machine. By linking the business operator, etc. with the account number BAN at a financial institution, etc., it is possible to identify the account number BAN at a financial institution, etc. based on the terminal identification information TID. Therefore, the terminal identification information TID is information that identifies the device terminal 110. The electronic transaction information ETI output from the device terminal 110 includes terminal identification information TID, which is payment destination information PYI, and fee information CHI. In the first embodiment, it also includes terminal date and time information EDTI, access destination information ACI, service name information SNI, and affiliated store identification information MID. The access destination information ACI is the access destination information ACI that the user terminal 112 accesses for electronic payment, and in the first embodiment, it is billing support server identification information CID. The access destination information ACI may be stored and output separately from the electronic transaction information ETI. In the case of a gaming device 106 in which multiple game machines 106 are built into a single housing and multiple people can play games individually using individual operating devices, a device terminal 110 must be provided for each of the multiple operating devices, so it is preferable to use the terminal identification information TID. However, if there is a one-to-one relationship between the gaming machine 106 and the device terminal 110, the terminal identification information TID can be substituted with the automated machine identification information AID. In this case, the automated machine identification information AID can be regarded as the terminal identification information TID.

[0036] 5(A), the device terminal 110 in this embodiment includes an electronic payment start button 151, a device terminal computing unit 152, a device terminal display unit 154, a device terminal input unit 155, a member store identification information recording unit 156, a device terminal memory unit 158, a device terminal identification information recording unit 160, a device terminal communication unit 162, a device terminal clock unit 164, a validation unit 166, a billing availability information output unit 168, a device terminal bus line 169, and a transaction information recording unit 170. Note that in this embodiment, the device terminal 110 is configured separately from the game machine 106, which is the automated service machine 102, but it can also be configured as part of the game machine control unit 132, in other words, integrated with the game machine 106. In this case, the device terminal 110 corresponds to a component in the game machine control unit 132 that performs the same functions as the device terminal 110. 5(A), transaction information recording device 170 and NFC tag 170T are shown as separate devices, but they may be integrated. When transaction information recording device 170 and NFC tag 170T are integrated, NFC tag 170T is one function of transaction information recording device 170, and NFC tag 170T is included in transaction information recording device 170. Furthermore, NFC tag 170T can be an NFC Bridge module that can change the data it transmits.

[0037] First, the electronic payment activation button 151 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 7(A). The electronic payment start button 151 has the function of starting the electronic payment process ESC (FIG. 20) for the gaming machine fee. In this embodiment 1, the electronic payment start button 151 is one of three fee selection buttons displayed on the device terminal display device 154, as shown in FIG. 7(A): a 100 yen selection button 1511, a 300 yen selection button 1513, and a 500 yen selection button 1515. The electronic payment start button 151 functions as a start button for executing the function of the electronic payment process ESC in the device terminal 110. Therefore, when playing a game on the gaming machine 106, a user who uses electronic payment must first operate (touch or press) the electronic payment start button 151. This operation is the electronic payment request operation ERO. Note that although an example in which there are three types of gaming machine fees has been shown, there may be two or four or more types. If there is only one fee, a button to start the electronic payment process ESC is sufficient. In this case, since there is only one fee, there is no need for a variable fee configuration. If there are multiple game machine fees, the NFC Bridge module mentioned above must be used.

[0038] Next, the device terminal arithmetic unit 152 will be described. The device terminal calculation device 152 is composed of a calculation device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and has the function of performing the functions of each device that constitutes the device terminal 110 while communicating with the RAM appropriately based on the program recorded in the ROM.

[0039] Next, the device terminal display device 154 will be described with reference to FIG. The device terminal display device 154 is a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor, and displays at least the aforementioned electronic payment start button 151 based on a command from the device terminal computing device 152. Therefore, the device terminal display device 154 is the same as the terminal display device 108 described above. In FIG. 7(A), a 100 yen selection button 1511, a 300 yen selection button 1513, and a 500 yen selection button 1515 are displayed as the electronic payment activation button 151. Touching the area corresponding to any of these buttons initiates the electronic payment process ESC for the selected amount. In this embodiment 1, touching the area corresponding to any of the buttons enables electronic payment via wireless communication between the transaction information recording device 170 (NFC tag 170T) and the obtaining device 188 (NFC reader 188N). In other words, the electronic payment activation button 151 can be used as the validation device 166. The present invention can be similarly applied to other electronic payments using means other than the NFC tag 170T and NFC reader 188N, such as QR code payment, credit card payment, debit card payment, etc.

[0040] Next, the device terminal input device 155 will be described. The device terminal input device 155 has a function of inputting necessary information into the device terminal 110, and in this embodiment 1, a so-called touch panel is adopted. In this embodiment 1, the device terminal input device 155 is configured by integrating the above-mentioned device terminal display device 154 and position input device 157. Therefore, necessary information can be input by touching (pushing) a part corresponding to a button displayed on the device terminal display device 154. However, a known keyboard or the like can be used instead.

[0041] Next, the member store identification information recording device 156 will be described. The member store identification information recording device 156 has a function of recording and outputting the member store identification information MID, and a known recording device is used. It is preferable that the member store identification information MID is recorded in advance in the member store identification information recording device 156 by an administrator and cannot be rewritten. The member store identification information MID is the identification information of the user that is assigned to corporations, organizations, individuals, etc. when they meet certain criteria, and is the only identification information in the world. By linking the terminal identification information TID or the member store identification information MID to the payment execution server 117, payment destination information PYI, etc. in the billing support server 122 (described later), it is possible to prevent fraudulent damage caused by skimming and the like during communication in the electronic payment process.

[0042] Next, the position input device 157 will be described. As described above, the position input device 157 is combined with the device terminal display device 154 to form a known touch panel in this embodiment 1. The position input device 157 is a pointing device, and for example, a known touch pad is used.

[0043] Next, the device terminal storage device 158 will be described. The device terminal storage device 158 has a function of recording information processed by the device terminal 110 as needed, and a known storage device is used. In the first embodiment, the device terminal table TAT is recorded. As shown in FIG. 5(B), the device terminal storage device 158 records, in association with the terminal identification information TID, automated machine identification information AID, NFC tag identification information NID, affiliated store identification information MID, service name information SNI, access destination information ACI (billing support server identification information CID), fee information CHI, an operation availability signal AVS (operation unavailable signal IPI) of "0" or an operation availability signal CCS (operation available signal CCS) of "1", and a charging availability signal CAS (charging available signal CCS) of "1" or a charging prohibition signal CPS of "0". The operation availability signal AVS and the charging availability signal CAS are updated each time the signals change. Specifically, they are updated in the device terminal table TAT each time they change from "0" to "1" or from "1" to "0".

[0044] Next, the device terminal identification information recording device 160 will be described. The device terminal identification information recording device 160 is configured by a known recording device and has a function of recording the terminal identification information TID assigned to each device terminal 110. The terminal identification information TID is recorded in advance by an administrator.

[0045] Next, the equipment terminal communication device 162 will be described. The equipment terminal communication device 162 has the function of communicating with the automated service equipment 102, in this embodiment the game machine 106, and the billing support server 122, and a known communication device is used. The equipment terminal communication device 162 communicates with the game machine communication device 146 in the game machine 106 via a wired line, and is connected to the billing support communication device 228 of the billing support server 122 via a wireless LAN or the like.

[0046] Next, the terminal clock device 164 will be described. The device terminal clock device 164 has a function of outputting terminal date and time information EDTI used in the device terminal 110, and a known clock device is used.

[0047] Next, the enabling device 166 will be described. The validation device 166 has a function for validating information communication with the transaction information recording device 170. In this embodiment, it has a function for validating communication between the NFC tag 170T, which is the transaction information recording device 170, and the NFC reader 188N in the user terminal 112. Validation refers to making the electronic transaction information ETI recorded in the transaction information recording device 170 available for transmission to the user terminal 112, which is an external device, and is a broad concept that includes turning the power on and off. For example, pricing in the game machine 106 is strategically determined and therefore may be changed frequently. For example, pricing may be 100 yen on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, but may be reduced to half price (50 yen) on other days. A discount may be offered until 3:00 PM when fewer customers are available, and then the regular price may be set after 3:00 PM. In these cases, it is efficient to rewrite the pricing information in the fee information output device 144 in the game machine 106. In this case, the fee information CHI recorded in the transaction information recording device 170 needs to be rewritten (recorded). After the recording process of this fee information CHI is completed, the electronic transaction information ETI must be made communicable. The validation device 166 is set so that communication with the user terminal 112 is enabled after the fee (fee information CHI) is determined by the user of the game machine 106. Therefore, in addition to cases where a dedicated validation device 166 is provided, there are also cases where a specific process in program processing corresponds to the validation device 166. In the present embodiment 1, step ES14, which will be described later, constitutes the validation device 166. In addition, in some circumstances, such as when there is no change in the fee, the validation device 166 is not essential. For example, the fee information CHI may be symbolic information such as letters and numbers, e.g., a value, set for each fee. The fee information CHI can store a game machine fee corresponding to a value in the billing support server 122, and acquire a fee corresponding to the received value. For example, if the value is set to 100 yen for 0, 300 yen for 1, and 500 yen for 2, the fee can be identified by transmitting the value. The game machine fee to be paid can be changed by changing the game machine fee corresponding to the value in the billing support server 122. Furthermore, the device terminal 110 can easily change the fee by acquiring the value and fee from the billing support server 122.

[0048] Next, the billing information output device 168 will be described. The billing information output device 168 has a function of outputting billing information CAI, which associates a billing signal CAS with terminal device identification information TID, to the billing support server 122. The billing signal CAS includes a billing possible signal CCS and a billing prohibition signal CPS. Therefore, the billing information CAI includes billing possible information CCI, which associates the billing possible signal CCS with the terminal device identification information TID, and billing prohibition information CPI, which associates the billing prohibition signal CPS with the terminal device identification information TID. In other words, the billing possible information CCI is information in which the terminal device identification information TID is associated with the billing possible signal CCS, which is a value "1," and the billing prohibition information CPI is information in which the billing prohibition signal CPS is associated with the terminal device identification information TID. The billing possible information CAI can include terminal device date and time information EDTI.

[0049] Next, the device terminal bus line 169 will be described. The device terminal bus line 169 has a function of mediating the transfer of data between the devices that make up the device terminal 110, and a known bus line is used.

[0050] Next, the transaction information recording device 170 will be described. The transaction information recording device 170 records electronic transaction information ETI and outputs it as needed. Therefore, it is generally composed of a known recording device and a communication device. The transaction information recording device 170 is preferably located on the rear side of the device terminal display device 154. This is because it can visually guide the user's actions and the operation of the device terminal display device 154. However, the transaction information recording device 170 can also be located near the device terminal 110 without being associated with the device terminal display device 154. In this case, the location of the transaction information recording device 170 must be displayed so that the user can recognize it. In this embodiment, the transaction information recording device 170 is an NFC tag 170T. As known, the NFC tag 170T includes an antenna 171A that generates power for its function and a computing device 171IC that includes an NFC tag recording device 171M. In other words, the NFC reader 188N generates power for operation via the antenna 171A, and uses the power to activate the computing device 171IC, outputting the electronic transaction information ETI recorded in the built-in NFC tag recording device 171M. Therefore, the antenna 171A and the NFC reader 188N constitute a wireless communication means 200. The transaction information recording device 170 records access destination information ACI for the web page accessed by the user terminal 112. The user terminal 112 accesses the web page based on the access destination information ACI acquired from the NFC tag 170T. For example, in this first embodiment, the access destination is located within the billing support server 122 and is identified by the billing support server identification information CID. The NFC tag recording device 171M also stores NFC tag identification information NID, which is uniquely assigned to the NFC tag 170T. The user terminal 112 acquires the NFC tag identification information NID. The game machine to be used for payment can be identified by the NFC tag identification information NID using the user terminal 112. In addition to identifying the game machine 106 by the NFC tag identification information NID, other information such as terminal identification information TID or automatic machine identification information AID may be used instead.The electronic transaction information ETI includes at least the access destination information ACI of the web page, and the automated machine identification information AID, NFC tag identification information NID, or terminal identification information TID that identify the game machine 106 to be used. After the fee is selected, the electronic transaction information ETI also includes the determined fee information CHI. In this first embodiment, since it is used for the game machine 106, it is preferable that the fee information CHI be changeable. In this first embodiment, the fee information CHI is configured to be rewritable by using an NFC Bridge module. Data to be transmitted by wireless communication is pre-stored in the device terminal storage device 158. When communicating, information obtained from the device terminal storage device 158 is transmitted.

[0051] Next, the device terminal table TAT will be explained. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the terminal device storage device 158 of the terminal device 110 stores the terminal device table TAT and stores the electronic transaction information ETI. In the device terminal table TAT, the following are recorded: terminal identification information TID, for example, A-101-001; automatic machine identification information AID, for example, A-101-001-T; NFC tag identification information NID, for example, NFC-101-001-T; affiliated store identification information MID, for example, "1111111111"; service name information SNI, for example, △△ game; access destination information ACI, for example, "http / www.asahicsv.com" which is the address of the billing support server identification information CID; fee information CHI, for example, 100 meaning 100 yen; operation availability signal AVS, for example, the number "1" as the operation availability signal POI if the device is operable, and the number "0" as the operation inoperable signal IPI if the device is inoperable; and charging availability signal CAS, for example, the number "0" as the charging prohibition signal CPS if charging is prohibited, and the number "1" as the charging availability signal CCS if charging is permitted. The access destination information ACI (billing support server identification information CID) is information on the access destination of the web page. The recording of the electronic transaction information ETI has been explained using the device terminal table TAT (FIG. 5(B)), but the storage of data for each item is not limited to a table. Each item may be stored in an area designated by a predetermined address in the device terminal storage device 158.

[0052] Next, the operation of the device terminal 110 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Whenever the output of the operation availability signal AVS changes, it is recorded in the equipment terminal table TAT. For example, if the operation availability signal AVS is "1", the number "1" is recorded, and if it is "0", the number "0" is recorded. Similarly, when a change occurs in the billing availability signal CAS, it is recorded in the equipment terminal table TAT. In step ES0, the electronic payment amount selection screen CSS shown in FIG. 7(A) is displayed on the device terminal display device 154, and then the process proceeds to step ES1. In step ES1, it is determined whether the output of the operation feasibility signal AVS from the operation feasibility information output device 142 has changed, and if it is determined that the output has changed, the process proceeds to step ES2, and if it has not changed, the process proceeds to step ES3. Specifically, if the operation feasibility signal AVS has changed from "1" which is the operation feasibility signal POI to "0" which is the operation non-operation signal IPI, or from "0" which is the operation non-operation signal IPI to "1" which is the operation feasibility signal POI, the process proceeds to step ES2, and if the operation feasibility signal AVS has not changed, the process proceeds to step ES3. In step ES2, the operation availability information AVI in which the operation availability signal AVS is set to "0" as the operation inoperable signal IPI or "1" as the operation availability signal POI is associated with the terminal device identification information TID is output to the billing support server 122, and then the process proceeds to step ES3. In other words, if the operation availability signal AVS is set to "0", the game machine 106 will not be operated. In step ES3, it is determined whether the billing possibility signal CAS from the billing possibility signal output device 153 has changed, and if the output of the billing possibility signal CAS has changed, proceed to step ES4, and if it is not determined that the output of the billing possibility signal CAS has changed, proceed to step ES7. In step ES4, the charging support server 122 outputs the charging information CAI, and then the process proceeds to step ES5. In this embodiment 1, the charging information CAI is a charging signal CAS linked to the terminal identification information TID, and may include the terminal date and time information EDTI. The charging signal CAS is a charging possible signal CCS or a charging prohibition signal CPS. Therefore, the charging information CAI is charging possible information CCI including the charging possible signal CCS linked to the terminal identification information TID, or charging prohibition information CPI including the charging prohibition signal CPS linked to the terminal identification information TID. Specifically, the charging possible information CCI is "1", which is the charging possible signal CCS linked to the terminal identification information TID. The charging prohibition information CPI is "0", which is the charging prohibition signal CPS linked to the terminal identification information TID. As a result, when the charging prohibition signal CPS is output, the electronic payment process ESC for the game fee is prohibited, but the game machine 106 is operable. In step ES5, it is determined whether recording completion information RCI of accounting information CAI has been received from accounting support server 122. If recording completion information RCI has been received, the process proceeds to step ES7; if not, the process proceeds to step ES6. In step ES6, it is determined whether the waiting time for the recording completion information RCI has exceeded a predetermined time. If the predetermined time has been exceeded, a processing error occurs and the process returns to step ES0; if the predetermined time has not been exceeded, the process returns to step ES5 and the process enters a waiting mode for the recording completion information RCI. In step ES7, it is determined whether the 100 yen selection button 1511, which is the electronic payment start button 151, has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ES8; if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step ES9. In step ES9, it is determined whether the 300 yen selection button 1513, which is the electronic payment start button 151, has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ES10; if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step ES11. In step ES11, it is determined whether the 500 yen selection button 1515, which is the electronic payment start button 151, has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step ES12; if it has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step ES33. In step ES33, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since proceeding to step ES7, and if the predetermined time has not passed, the process returns to step ES7, and if the predetermined time has passed, the process returns to step ES0. In other words, if the electronic payment start button 151 is not operated (tapped), the process loops through steps ES0, ES1, ES3, ES7, ES9, ES11, and ES33, and enters a standby state for operation of the electronic payment start button 151. In other words, the process enters a standby state for the electronic payment request operation ERO. If the 100 yen selection button 1511 is tapped, the fee information CHI of the game machine 106 is set to 100 yen in step ES8, and the process proceeds to step ES13. If the 300 yen selection button 1513 is tapped, the fee information CHI of the game machine 106 is set to 300 yen in step ES10, and the process proceeds to step ES13. If the 500 yen selection button 1515 is tapped, the fee information CHI of the game machine 106 is set to 500 yen in step ES12, and the process proceeds to step ES13. In the first embodiment, the operation of pressing (tapping) the electronic payment start button 151 (100 yen selection button 1511, 300 yen selection button 1513, or 500 yen selection button 1515) is the electronic payment request operation ERO. In step ES13, the fee information CHI set in step ES8, ES10, or ES12 is stored in the device terminal storage device 158 (device terminal table TAT), and then payment schedule information SPI is output to the billing support server 122, and the process proceeds to step ES14. The payment schedule information SPI includes fee information CHI for settling the fee and terminal identification information TID, and in this embodiment 1, further includes terminal date and time information EDTI, affiliated store identification information MID, and service name information SNI. The electronic payment processing ESC requests that the payment schedule information SPI be output to the billing support server 122. In step ES14, electronic transaction information ETI is recorded on NFC tag 170T, which is transaction information recording device 170, and then the process proceeds to step ES15. This electronic transaction information ETI includes fee information CHI, terminal device identification information TID, and access destination information ACI (billing support server identification information CID). When the 100 yen selection button 1511, the 300 yen selection button 1513, or the 500 yen selection button 1515 is operated, the fee information CHI may be set to the fee information CHI recorded in the NFC tag recording device 171M of the arithmetic unit 171IC of the NFC tag 170T in response to the selection of the 100 yen selection button 1511, the 300 yen selection button 1513, or the 500 yen selection button 1515. In other words, the fee information CHI is set to 100 yen when the 100 yen selection button 1511 is tapped, to 300 yen when the 300 yen selection button 1513 is tapped, and to 500 yen when the 500 yen selection button 1515 is tapped, and is recorded in the NFC tag 170T. When the fee information CHI is fixed to a predetermined amount, an NFC tag 170T that stores electronic transaction information ETI in advance is used, and when the fee information CHI is variable, an NFC Bridge module that emulates the NFC tag 170T is used to vary the fee information CHI. The NFC tag 170T includes an NFC Bridge module that has a function of varying the data to be transmitted. In step ES14, the NFC tag 170T is validated. Validation means enabling the electronic transaction information ETI to be transmitted via communication. In the first embodiment, recording the electronic transaction information ETI in the NFC tag 170T is the validation of the NFC tag 170T, and constitutes the validation device 166. If the transaction information recording device 170 is other than the NFC tag 170T, the supply of power, connection of a communication line, etc. can be used to enable communication. In the NFC tag 170T, validation means enabling the electronic transaction information ETI recorded in the NFC tag 170T to be transmitted to the user terminal 112, and is not limited to the embodiment. In step ES15, the proximity request screen CRS for electronic payment shown in FIG. 7(B) is displayed on the device terminal display device 154, and then the process proceeds to step ES16. The proximity request screen CRS displays, for example, "Please touch your smartphone." However, this is not limiting and pictograms, emoticons, etc. may also be used. The recipient is prompted by this display to touch (including bring into proximity) the recipient terminal 112 to the device terminal display device 154, thereby shortening the distance between the NFC tag 170T located on the back side of the device terminal display device 154 and the NFC reader 188N built into the recipient terminal 112, causing an induced current to be generated by the NFC reader 188N and enabling communication with the NFC reader 188N. In step ES16, it is determined whether the electronic transaction information ETI has been transmitted, and if it has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step ES18, and if not, the process proceeds to step ES17. In step ES17, it is determined whether the waiting time for transmitting the electronic transaction information ETI exceeds a predetermined time. If the predetermined time is exceeded, a processing error occurs and the process returns to step ES0. If the predetermined time is not exceeded, the process returns to step ES16 and the process enters a waiting mode for transmitting the electronic transaction information ETI. In step ES18, for example, the processing screen PRS shown in FIG. 7(C) is displayed, and then the process proceeds to step ES19. In step ES19, it is determined whether transaction impossibility information UAI has been received from billing support server 122, and if transaction impossibility information UAI has been determined, the process proceeds to step ES20, and if transaction impossibility information UAI has not been determined, the process proceeds to step ES21. In step ES20, transaction impossibility information UAI (indicating that the game machine cannot be operated) is displayed on the device terminal display device 154, and then the process returns to step ES0. In step ES21, it is determined whether charging prohibition information UCI has been received from charging support server 122. If charging prohibition information UCI has been received, the process proceeds to step ES22; if charging prohibition information UCI has not been received, the process proceeds to step ES23. In step ES22, billing prohibition information UCI (to the effect that billing is not possible) is displayed on the device terminal display device 154, and then the process proceeds to step ES23. In step ES23, it is determined whether electronic settlement billing information EPI has been received from billing support server 122, and if it has been received, the process proceeds to step ES24, and if it has not been received, the process proceeds to step ES25. In step ES25, it is determined whether the waiting time for the electronic payment billing information EPI has exceeded a predetermined time. If the predetermined time has been exceeded, a processing error occurs and the process returns to step ES0. If the predetermined time has not been exceeded, the process returns to step ES23 and the electronic payment billing information EPI enters a waiting mode, as described below. In step ES24, if the electronic payment billing information EPI is payment completion information PCI indicating that the payment was successful, the process proceeds to step ES26, and if it is payment failure information NAI indicating that the payment was unsuccessful, the process proceeds to step ES27. In step ES27, the payment failure information NAI is displayed on the device terminal display device 154 for a predetermined time, and then the process returns to step ES0. In step ES26, the electronic payment result screen ERS shown in Figure 7(D) is displayed, and then the process proceeds to step ES28. The electronic payment result screen ERS displays a message indicating that the electronic payment was successful, for example, "100 yen received." In step ES28, the electronic payment charge signal ECS is output to the automated service equipment 102, and then the process proceeds to step ES29. When the automated service equipment 102 recognizes the electronic payment charge signal ECS, control for operating the automated service equipment 102 is performed. In step ES29, it is determined whether the automatic service equipment 102 has output an in-operation signal RNS of "1", and if it has, the process proceeds to step ES30. If it has not, i.e., if the output is "0", the process proceeds to step ES31. In step ES30, electronic billing result information ECRI is output to billing support server 122, and then processing returns to step ES0. Therefore, electronic billing result information ECRI is output when game machine 106 operates based on electronic payment billing information EPI. Electronic billing result information ECRI includes transaction number TNO and operation signal RNS, and the transaction can be identified by transaction number TNO. In step ES31, it is determined whether the waiting time for the in-operation signal RNS has exceeded a predetermined time. If it has exceeded the predetermined time, it is determined that a processing error has occurred and the process proceeds to step ES32; if it has not exceeded the predetermined time, the process returns to step ES29 and the process enters the waiting mode for the in-operation signal RNS. In step ES32, the operation failure information AFI is output to the billing support server 122, and then the process returns to step ES0. The operation failure information AFI is information indicating an operation failure associated with the transaction number TNO, for example, "0".

[0053] In addition, the electronic transaction information ETI can include information necessary to confirm the transaction, such as a transaction number TNO generated for each transaction based on predetermined rules, the name of the game machine, the name of the business operator, the name of the store, etc., and the transaction number TNO can also be used in place of the terminal identification information TID in the payment destination information PYI.

[0054] Next, the user terminal 112 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. The user terminal 112 only needs to obtain the information to be settled, communicate with the billing support server 122, decide on the payment method, and transmit the information necessary for settling the price (hereinafter referred to as "transaction information PTI"). The information necessary for settlement is pre-stored in the user terminal 112, which then transmits this information to the billing support server 122. The transaction information PTI includes payment source identification information PSI (payment source information PAI) and electronic transaction information ETI. Specifically, the user terminal 112 has the function of acquiring and recording the electronic transaction information ETI recorded in the transaction information recording device 170 installed in the device terminal 110 through communication, and outputting the transaction information PTI including the acquired electronic transaction information ETI to the billing support server 122. The user terminal 112 is a portable information device, and may be a so-called smartphone or tablet computer, and in this embodiment, a smartphone is used. The user terminal 112 includes at least a user terminal computing device 172, a user terminal display device 176, a user terminal storage device 178, a user terminal communication device 182, a payment support application storage device 184, a user terminal input device 186, an acquisition device 188, a user terminal clock device 190, and a user terminal bus line 192.

[0055] First, the user terminal computing device 172 will be described. The receiver terminal arithmetic unit 172 is composed of an arithmetic unit, ROM, RAM, etc., and has the function of performing the functions of each device constituting the receiver terminal 112 while appropriately communicating with the RAM based on a program recorded in the ROM.

[0056] Next, the user terminal display device 176 will be described. The user terminal display device 176 has an interface function with the user (user), and is a known display device (display). A transparent touch-type input device (not shown) is disposed on the surface of the user terminal display device 176 to form a touch panel, thereby forming the user terminal input device 186.

[0057] Next, the user terminal storage device 178 will be described. The user terminal storage device 178 has a function of recording (including storing) information required for the user terminal 112, and a known storage device is used. The user terminal storage device 178 stores access destination information (access destination information ACI) acquired from the equipment terminal 110, information identifying the automated service equipment 102 that is the subject of payment (terminal identification information TID), and fee information CHI. For example, a user transaction table BTT is recorded in the user terminal storage device 178. In the first embodiment, the user transaction table BTT records electronic transaction information ETI. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the electronic transaction information ETI includes fee information CHI and access destination information ACI linked to the terminal identification information TID, and in the first embodiment, further includes terminal date and time information EDTI, service name information SNI, and affiliated store identification information MID. In the first embodiment, the terminal identification information TID also serves as information identifying the automated service equipment 102. The access destination information ACI is, for example, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the web page to be accessed by the user terminal 112. The user terminal 112 acquires the access destination information ACI from the device terminal 110, extracts the URL of the web page that is the access destination information contained therein, and accesses it using a web browser or a payment application (application software). After the user terminal 112 has accessed, the billing support server 122 requests the user terminal 112 to transmit information required for payment (transaction information PTI), and the user terminal 112 transmits the information required for payment to the billing support server 122 to perform electronic payment. The information required for payment is, for example, information on the payment source PAS (payment source identification information PSI), and the payment source identification information PSI is information such as the payment method, credit card number, access code, and payment token. Based on the acquired information (transaction information PTI), the billing support server 122 identifies the payee PYE, fee information CHI, and payer PAS, and requests the payment execution server 117 for payment. For example, the recipient terminal storage device 178 further stores a recipient terminal table RTT. The recipient terminal table RTT stores, for example, the recipient terminal identification information RID shown in FIG. 8(C), the recipient email address BMA, which is the payment application login information LGI for activating the payment support application program PSA (hereinafter referred to as the "payment support application PSA"), the recipient password BPW, and the payer identification information PSI. In FIG. 8(C), the bank name BKN, branch name BBN, account type BAK, and account number BAN of the payment information PAI, which is one of the payment information PSI, are stored. When there is multiple payment information PSI (payment information PAI), multiple payment information PSI (payment information PAI) are stored in the recipient terminal table RTT, and the payment information PSI is selected for each payment. In this embodiment 1, the first payment source information PAI1 is recorded as bank name BKN=○bank, branch name BBN=A, account type BAK=X, and account number BAN=23456789, and the second payment source information PAI2 is recorded as bank name BKN=△bank, branch name BBN=B, account type BAK=X, and account number BAN=12345678, and is selected by the recipient for each transaction (settlement). In other words, as shown in Figure 8(B), the first payment source information PAI1 or second payment source information PAI2 selected each time electronic transaction information ETI is received is associated with the terminal identification information TID included in the electronic transaction information ETI and recorded in the recipient transaction table BTT. To perform electronic payment, it is necessary to confirm that the person requesting payment (receiver) is the owner of the true payment information (payment source identification information PSI). In this embodiment 1, authentication is performed using the recipient's email address BMA and recipient's password BPW, which are information for identifying an individual. However, authentication may also be performed using biometric information such as fingerprints, veins, or irises, or other information. The recipient terminal identification information RID is information that can identify the portable recipient terminal 112 equipped with an NFC reader used by the recipient, such as an email address or telephone number. In other words, the recipient terminal identification information RID is information that can directly or indirectly identify the payment source PAS, and an email address set for each recipient terminal 112 is used. The payment application login information LGI can be entered each time without being recorded in the recipient terminal 112. Furthermore, a program for payment, including information exchange using short-range communication between the NFC tag 170T and the NFC reader 188N, is stored in the user terminal storage device 178 of the user terminal 112. Naturally, a high level of security is provided. The explanation will be given using the payment assistance application program PSA, but it is not limited to this. Alternatively, a payment web page can be provided on the billing assistance server 122, the web page can be accessed from the user terminal 112, the information required for payment can be entered from the user terminal 112, and based on the entered information, the information required for payment can be communicated between the billing assistance server 122 and the user terminal 112, and a payment request can be made from the billing assistance server 122 to the payment execution server 117. In this case, the URL of the payment web page provided on the billing assistance server 122 is the access destination information ACI.

[0058] Next, the user terminal communication device 182 will be described. The user terminal communication device 182 has at least the function of transmitting transaction information PTI and transaction request information TRI to and from the billing support server 122 via the public wireless communication line 150, and a known communication device is used. The public wireless communication line 150 may be either wireless or wired, and is an information communication network using a public communication line or a dedicated communication line.

[0059] Next, the payment assistance application storage device 184 will be described. The payment assistance application storage device 184 has a function of recording the payment assistance application PSA for executing the electronic payment processing ESC, and a known recording device is used. Multiple payment assistance applications PSA can be installed on one user terminal 112, allowing them to be selectively used according to the application. The payment assistance application PSA may also be a web browser. It is sufficient for the user to input the information required for payment or transmit stored information required for payment according to the web page displayed by the web browser. The user terminal 112 accesses the billing assistance server 122 based on the access destination information ACI (billing assistance server identification information CID) and transmits the information required for payment to the billing assistance server 122 based on a request from the billing assistance server 122 to transmit the information required for payment. The billing assistance server 122 can request payment from the payment execution server 117 based on the acquired information required for payment and the pre-stored information required for payment.

[0060] Next, the user terminal input device 186 will be described. The user terminal input device 186 has at least a function to input necessary information such as activation of the payment assistance application PSA. The necessary information includes, for example, in the first embodiment, payment source identification information PSI for performing payment using the NFC tag 170T and the NFC reader 188N, and payment source information PAI in the first embodiment. The payment source identification information PSI refers to information that directly or indirectly identifies the payment source PAS of the fee, such as a telephone number, an email address, a specific personal identification number, or payment source information PAI (first payment source information PAI1, second payment source information PAI2). In the first embodiment, the payment source information PAI is used. The payment source information PAI is information necessary for payment, such as credit card information, bank account information, and electronic money information as a payment method. Note that this information may be input from the user terminal input device 186 of the user terminal 112 or a personal computer, which is another information processing device, and the use of the information may be designated in the user terminal input device 186. In other words, the function of inputting necessary information includes not only character information but also the operation of selecting the information. In the first embodiment, for example, as shown in Fig. 10(B), it is a well-known display keyboard displayed on the user terminal display device 176. As is well-known, by switching the character type of the display keyboard, hiragana, katakana, kanji, uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet, numbers, and symbols can be input.

[0061] In this embodiment 1, software for enabling the NFC tag 170T to function is installed in advance in the recipient terminal 112, and payment source identification information PSI for electronic payment processing is set. An example of inputting payment source identification information PSI will be described with reference to Figure 10(A). The payment application login screen SLS is displayed on the recipient terminal display device 176, and input is performed using the recipient terminal input device 186. As shown in FIG. 8(C), the recipient email address BMA, payment application login information LGI, and payment source information PAI are recorded as recipient terminal identification information RID. The payment application login information LGI includes the recipient email address BMA and the recipient password BPW as recipient identification information PID. The payment source information PAI refers to, for example, a credit card number, a debit card number, a credit card number and access code, a payment token, or other payment-enabling information. In the first embodiment, a bank deposit account is used as the payment source information PAI, so the bank name BKN (including bank code), branch name BBN, account type BAK, and account number BAN are used. In the case of a credit card, the payment source information PAI is the credit card number and access code number, or a token equivalent to these pieces of information. Multiple different payment source information PAI may be input, allowing the user to select the payment source information PAI to use. For example, if a user has multiple credit cards, information for each credit card can be stored, and one of the multiple credit cards can be selected for use when the user uses the app. Alternatively, it is preferable to select the payment source information PAI to be used in advance and automatically apply the selected payment source information PAI. Alternatively, the payment source information PAI may be entered each time a payment is made. For example, as shown in FIG. 10(A), the user terminal display device 176 displays a bank name box 194C for entering the bank name BKN, a branch name box 194D for entering the branch name BBN, an account type box 194E for entering the account type BAK, and an account number box 194F for entering the account number BAN. Furthermore, a register button 196 that can be tapped to register the app and a cancel user app button 198 that can cancel the installation are also displayed. Tapping the text box 194 displays the text box and the user terminal input device 186 on the user terminal display device 176, allowing text to be entered in each field. Therefore, by using the recipient terminal input device 186 to enter information into the text box 194, and after entering all the information, tapping the registration button 196, the information is stored in the recipient terminal memory device 178 for each different type of payment source information PAI.Furthermore, in order to enter the payment application login information LGI, text box 194 displays account box 194A for entering the recipient's email address BMA and password box 194B for entering the recipient's password BPW, and text can be entered into these boxes. Note that if payment application login information LGI, which is information required when logging in to use payment support application PSA, is stored in recipient terminal storage device 178 of recipient terminal 112, payment support application PSA can be launched quickly. In this case, it is preferable that a high level of security is ensured, such as by requiring biometric authentication when starting up recipient terminal 112.

[0062] Next, the acquisition device 188 will be described. The acquiring device 188 has a function of acquiring the electronic transaction information ETI stored in the transaction information recording device 170 of the equipment terminal 110. In the first embodiment, the acquiring device 188 is an NFC reader 188N having at least a reading function that communicates with the NFC tag 170T (FIG. 5(A)) and acquires the electronic transaction information ETI recorded in the NFC tag 170T. However, the acquiring device 188 may also be an NFC reader / writer having a writing function. As is well known, the NFC reader 188N generates an induced current in the NFC tag 170T to supply an operating current to the computing device 171IC, and reads and acquires the electronic transaction information ETI recorded in the NFC tag recording device 171M via near-field communication. However, the acquiring device 188 may use other means. For example, in the case of QR code payment, the acquiring device 188 is an imaging device, and in the case of a contact card, the acquiring device 188 is a card reader.

[0063] Next, the user terminal clock device 190 will be described. The recipient terminal clock device 190 has a function of outputting date and time information DTI used in the recipient terminal 112, and a known clock device is used. In this embodiment 1, the date and time information DTI in the recipient terminal clock device 190 is used as the date and time information DTI linked to the electronic transaction information ETI. In other words, the date and time information DTI in the recipient terminal clock device 190 becomes the date and time information DTI in a transaction related to electronic payment.

[0064] Next, the user terminal bus line 192 will be described. The user terminal bus line 192 has a function of mediating data transfer between devices constituting the user terminal 112, and a known bus line is used.

[0065] Next, we will explain the payment assistance app PSA. The payment assistance application PSA has a function of acquiring, via communication, the access destination information ACI (billing assistance server identification information CID) of the recipient terminal 112 recorded in the transaction information recording device 170 of the device terminal 110, and accessing the billing assistance server 122. The payment assistance application PSA also acquires, via communication, the electronic transaction information ETI recorded in the transaction information recording device 170, and transmits the electronic transaction information ETI to the billing assistance server 122. Specifically, the electronic transaction information ETI recorded in the transaction information recording device 170 is stored in the NFC tag 170T and read by the NFC reader 188N. The payment assistance application PSA also transmits pre-recorded payment source identification information PSI, which in this embodiment is payment source information PAI, in response to a request from the billing assistance server 122. To launch the payment assistance app PSA, the user taps the icon (not shown) of the payment assistance app PSA displayed on the user terminal display device 176. This tap launches the payment assistance app PSA, and as shown in FIG. 10(B), a first input box 256 for entering an email address BMA, which is the payment assistance app login identification information PID (as payment application login information LGI), and a second input box 258 for entering a user password BPW are displayed. The user terminal input device 186, a login send button 262, and a login cancel button 264 are also displayed. The user logs in to the payment assistance app PSA and enables payment processing by entering the email address BMA and the user password BPW and tapping the login send button 262. In addition to personal authentication using the payment assistance app login identification information PID and the user password BPW, authentication using biometric information may also be performed. Then, a proximity prompt screen CUS shown in FIG. 10(C) is displayed. If the payment application login information LGI is recorded in the user terminal storage device 178 of the user terminal 112, the verification of the payment application login information LGI can be performed quickly because it is performed in the user terminal 112. When the login cancel button 264 is tapped, the payment assistance application PSA is terminated and returns to the icon state.

[0066] The proximity prompt screen CUS displays a message prompting the user to bring the user terminal 112 close to the device terminal display device 154 of the device terminal 110, such as "Please touch the terminal," as well as an NFC cancel button 268. When the user taps the NFC cancel button 268, the payment assistance app PSA terminates and returns to the icon state. By bringing the user terminal 112 close to the device terminal display device 154 of the device terminal 110, information such as the electronic transaction information ETI recorded in the NFC tag 170T is acquired via communication, and the billing assistance server 122 is accessed based on the billing assistance server identification information CID, which is the access destination information ACI of the user terminal 112 included in the electronic transaction information ETI. After accessing, the user terminal 112 communicates with the billing assistance server 122 to send and receive information necessary for electronic payment.

[0067] When the user terminal 112 receives the payment confirmation information SCI from the billing support server 122, it displays a transaction confirmation screen TCS (FIG. 10(D)) on the device terminal display device 154. The transaction confirmation screen TCS displays a payment confirmation information field 278, a confirmation button 274, and a confirmation cancel button 276. The payment confirmation information field 278 displays information included in the payment confirmation information SCI. The payment confirmation information SCI includes at least fee information CHI linked to the terminal identification information TID. In this embodiment 1, it also includes the affiliated store name MNA and service name information SNI linked to the terminal identification information TID. For example, as shown in FIG. 10(D), the payment confirmation information field 278 displays the affiliated store name MNA, terminal identification information TID, service name information SNI, and fee information CHI, but at least the fee information CHI is displayed. The affiliated store name MNA can be obtained by linking it to the affiliated store identification information MID. When the confirmation button 274 is tapped as a transaction confirmation operation TCO (FIG. 9), transaction request information TRI is sent to the billing support server 122 via the public wireless communication line 150. When the confirmation cancel button 276 is tapped, the payment support application PSA is terminated and returns to the icon state. Payment may also be completed without tapping the confirmation button 274. That is, the user terminal 112 transmits transaction information PTI including payment source identification information PSI to the billing support server 122, which is considered to have instructed and approved the billing support server 122 to execute the electronic payment process ESC to the payment execution server 117, and as a result, payment confirmation information SCI is received from the billing support server 122. Although the case where processing is performed using the payment support application PSA has been described, it is sufficient to send and receive information related to payment between the recipient terminal device 112 and the billing support server 122. Therefore, after obtaining the access destination information ACI on the recipient terminal device 112, the recipient terminal device 112 may launch a web browser, access a web page based on the access destination information ACI, send information related to the transaction along with the access destination information, and then complete the required input for payment in the input field on the web page, send transaction information PTI including payment source identification information PSI to the billing support server 122, receive payment confirmation information SCI from the billing support server 122, and display it on the device terminal display device 154.For example, the access destination information ACI can add terminal identification information TID and fee information CHI as parameters to the URL.

[0068] Next, the operation of the user terminal 112 during electronic payment processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. In the following description, it is assumed that the payment support application PSA has already been installed. First, in step BS1, it is determined whether the icon (not shown) that is the launch button for the payment support app PSA displayed on the user terminal display device 176 has been tapped. If it has not been tapped, step BS1 is looped and the device enters a standby state for electronic payment processing; if it has been tapped, the device proceeds to step BS2. In step BS2, the payment support application PSA is launched, and the first input box 256 and the second input box 258 are displayed on the payment support login screen SLS shown in FIG. 10(B), and then the process proceeds to step BS3. In step BS3, the recipient's email address BMA, which is the recipient's login ID, is entered into the first input box 256 using the recipient terminal input device 186, and then the process proceeds to step BS4. In step BS4, the recipient password BPW is entered into the second input box 258 using the recipient terminal input device 186, and then the process proceeds to step BS5. In step BS5, when the login send button 262 is tapped, it is determined whether the recipient email address BMA and recipient password BPW match the payment application login information LGI recorded in the recipient terminal storage device 178. If they match the recorded information, it is determined that the operation was performed by a recipient with legitimate authority, and the process proceeds to step BS6. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step BS7. This completes the activation of the payment support application PSA in the recipient terminal 112. In step BS7, the device terminal display device 154 displays a message indicating that the payment application login information LGI does not match for a predetermined period of time, and then the process returns to step BS1, terminating the payment process. Therefore, while unauthorized access to the payment assistance application PSA is prevented and security is ensured by the email address BMA and the recipient password BPW, other authentication means, such as biometric authentication or facial recognition using biometric authentication technology, may also be used. Furthermore, the input process from step BS2 to step BS5 may be performed by automatically inputting pre-stored information (the email address BMA and the recipient password BPW, which serve as the recipient login ID), thereby eliminating the need for user input. Alternatively, authentication may be performed using biometric information instead of the recipient password BPW. Next, in step BS6, the proximity prompting screen CUS shown in Fig. 10(C) is displayed, and a display prompting the user to touch the user terminal 112 to the equipment terminal 110 is displayed on the user terminal display device 176, and then the process proceeds to step BS8. In this embodiment 1, the prompting display is, for example, the message "Please touch the terminal," but this display is not necessarily required. Next, in step BS8, obtaining device 188, and therefore NFC reader 188N, is put into an operating state (communication enabled), and then the process proceeds to step BS9. Next, in step BS9, communication is performed between the NFC reader 188N of the user terminal 112 and the NFC tag 170T, and information (electronic transaction information ETI) recorded in the NFC tag recording device 171M of the NFC tag 170T is acquired, and then the process proceeds to step BS10. In other words, the NFC reader 188N acquires the information (electronic transaction information ETI) recorded in the NFC tag 170T by wireless communication, and then the process proceeds to step BS10. The information (electronic transaction information ETI) includes terminal identification information TID, which is payment destination information PYI, billing support server identification information CID, which is access destination information ACI, and fee information CHI. The terminal identification information TID can be used to identify the payment destination PYE of the game fee of the business operator, etc., and the fee information CHI can be used to determine the payment (settlement) amount. The terminal identification information TID, which is the payment destination information PYI, is included in the scope of the terminal identification information TID if it has the same function as this information, i.e., the function of identifying each automated service device 102. The billing support server identification information CID is the access destination information ACI regarding the access destination when making a payment using the user terminal 112. In step BS10, the electronic transaction information ETI is recorded in the recipient transaction table BTT stored in the recipient terminal storage device 178. In addition to the terminal identification information TID, the electronic transaction information ETI can also include terminal date and time information EDTI, service name information SNI, and affiliated store identification information MID, and in the recipient transaction table BTT, the terminal date and time information EDTI, fee information CHI, access destination information ACI (billing support server identification information CID, service name information SNI, and affiliated store identification information MID) are recorded in association with the terminal identification information TID. Next, in step BS11, payment source information PAI, which is payment source identification information PSI, recorded in the recipient terminal table RTT of the recipient terminal storage device 178 is acquired, and then the process proceeds to step BS12. In step BS12, it is determined whether the payment source information PAI obtained in step BS11 is information related to the payment source PAS, and if it is information related to the payment source PAS, proceed to step BS14, and if it is not information related to the payment source PAS, proceed to step BS13. In step BS13, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the payment source information PAI was requested, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step BS12; if the predetermined time has elapsed, a processing error is detected and the process returns to step BS1. Next, in step BS14, the payment source information PAI is linked to the terminal identification information TID included in the electronic transaction information ETI newly acquired in step BS10 and recorded in the recipient transaction table BTT, and then the process proceeds to step BS15. Next, in step BS15, the transaction information PTI, which includes the terminal identification information TID and fee information CHI from the acquired electronic transaction information ETI, is output to the billing support server 122 identified by the billing support server identification information CID via the public wireless communication line 150, and then the process proceeds to step BS16. In step BS16, if it is determined that transaction impossible information UAI has been received from the billing support server 122, the process proceeds to step BS17, and if not, the process proceeds to step BS18. In step BS17, transaction impossibility information UAI (meaning that the device cannot be operated) is displayed on the user terminal display device 176, and then the process returns to step BS1. In step BS18, if it is determined that billing prohibition information UCI has been received from billing support server 122, the process proceeds to step BS19, and if not, the process proceeds to step BS20. In step BS19, the billing prohibition information UCI (meaning that billing is not possible) is displayed on the user terminal display device 176, and then the process proceeds to step BS20. In step BS20, it is determined whether or not settlement confirmation information SCI has been received from the billing support server 122. If settlement confirmation information SCI has been received, the process proceeds to step BS21; if not, the process proceeds to step BS22. In step BS22, it is determined whether the settlement confirmation information SCI is not received continuously for a predetermined time, and if it is not received for the predetermined time, it is determined to be an error, and the process returns to step BS1, and the electronic settlement process ESC is terminated. In step BS21, a transaction confirmation screen TCS, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(D), is displayed on the user terminal display device 176, and then the process proceeds to step BS23. The transaction confirmation screen TCS displays a payment confirmation information field 278, a confirmation button 274, and a confirmation cancellation button 276. The payment confirmation information field 278 displays the terminal identification information TID, affiliated store name MNA, service name information SNI, and fee information CHI, which are included in the payment confirmation information SCI, but it is sufficient if at least the fee information CHI is displayed. This allows the user to visually confirm whether or not the game fee for the game machine 106 they wish to play has been paid. In step BS23, it is determined whether the confirmation button 274 has been tapped, and if it is determined that the confirmation button 274 has been tapped, the process proceeds to step BS24, and if it is not determined, the process proceeds to step BS25. Therefore, the tapping of the confirmation button 274 is a transaction confirmation operation TCO. In step BS25, it is determined whether the transaction request information TRI output as a result of tapping the confirmation button 274 is not received continuously for a predetermined time, and if it is not received within the predetermined time, it is determined to be an error, and the process returns to step BS1, terminating the electronic settlement process ESC, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step BS23. In step BS24, the transaction request information TRI is output to the billing support server 122 based on the billing support server identification information CID, which is the access destination information ACI recorded in the recipient transaction table BTT, and then the process proceeds to step BS26. Steps BS20 to BS23 can be considered a double payment execution confirmation process by the recipient. If the double payment execution confirmation process is not necessary, for example, in the case of a small payment of 5,000 yen or less, the processes of steps BS16 to BS25 may be omitted. In other words, if the double payment execution confirmation process is omitted, the transaction information PTI in step BS15 may be regarded as transaction request information TRI, and the process may proceed to step BS26. In step BS26, it is determined whether electronic payment billing information EPI has been received from billing support server 122. If the electronic payment billing information EPI has not been received, the process proceeds to step BS28; if the electronic payment billing information EPI has been received, the process proceeds to step BS27. In step BS28, it is determined whether electronic payment billing information EPI has not been received continuously for a predetermined period of time, and if it has not been received for the predetermined period of time, it is determined to be an error and the process returns to step BS1 to terminate the electronic payment processing ESC, and if the predetermined period of time has not passed, the process returns to step BS26. In step BS27, the received electronic settlement billing information EPI is recorded in the receiver terminal storage device 178, and then the process proceeds to step BS29. In step BS29, the received electronic payment billing information EPI is displayed on the recipient terminal display device 176. If the electronic payment billing information EPI is payment failure information NAI, for example, an electronic payment failure screen FAS is displayed indicating that the payment cannot be made, as shown in Figure 11(A), and if the electronic payment billing information EPI is payment completion information PCI, for example, an electronic payment result screen ERS is displayed indicating that the payment has been completed, as shown in Figure 11(B), and the process proceeds to step BS30. In step BS30, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the electronic payment billing information EPI was displayed on the recipient terminal display device 176. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, step BS30 is looped, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step BS1.

[0069] Next, the billing support server 122 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. The billing support server 122 has the function of at least linking the operation availability information AVI, billing availability information CAI, and payment schedule information SPI received from the device terminal 110 via the Internet communication line 116 to the terminal identification information TID, which is the payment source identification information PSI, and recording them. It also compares them with the transaction information PTI sent from the recipient terminal 112, and if it determines that they are the same electronic payment process, outputs payment execution information PEI to the payment execution server 117. If it receives electronic payment result information ERI from the payment execution server 117, it outputs electronic payment billing information EPI. In this first embodiment, the billing support server 122 also outputs recording completion information RCI to the device terminal 110 based on the recording of the billing availability signal CAS. Furthermore, if the process includes a process of confirming whether the payment is possible by the recipient terminal 112, it has the function of outputting payment confirmation information SCI to the recipient terminal 112. The electronic payment billing information EPI is payment completion information PCI or payment failure information NAI linked to the transaction number TNO, as will be described later. The payment completion information PCI is, for example, a value "1", and the payment failure information NAI is, for example, a value "0". The billing support server 122 stores in advance the payment schedule information SPI sent from the device terminal 110. Based on this payment schedule information SPI, each time a transaction number TNO is issued, the billing terminal transaction table ETT (FIG. 12(C)) records terminal identification information TID as payment source specification information PSI and information related to the fee, such as fee information CHI, in association with the transaction number TNO. Furthermore, when changing the fee, the fee can be changed by accessing the billing support server 122, and the changed fee can be acquired by the device terminal 110, thereby changing the fee setting of the device terminal 110. For example, when changing the fee for the game console 106, the fee on the billing support server 122 can be changed from 100 yen, 300 yen, and 500 yen to 200 yen, 300 yen, and 400 yen. By changing the data on the billing support server 122, the setting on the device terminal 110 can also be changed. 12(A), the billing support server 122 in this embodiment includes at least a transaction number generating device 220, a billing support computing device 222, a billing support recording device 224, a billing support display device 226, a billing support communication device 228, a billing support input device 232, a billing support clock device 234, and a billing support bus line 236. The billing support server 122 does not have to be configured entirely by a single server, but may be a server group whose functions are configured by multiple servers.

[0070] First, the transaction number generating device 220 will be described. The transaction number generator 220 has the function of generating and outputting a new transaction number TNO based on predetermined rules for each request (received payment schedule information SPI, etc.) when an electronic payment request is made from the user terminal 112 to the billing support server 122 (when receipt of payment schedule information SPI or transaction information PTI is determined).In this embodiment 1, it is configured by a program, and numbers are generated sequentially from one, for example, and recorded in the billing terminal transaction table ETT, which will be described later.The transaction number TNO may be composed of only numbers or a combination of numbers and letters, etc., and is essentially a unique combination in the world.The transaction number TNO may also be generated when payment schedule information SPI is sent from the device terminal 110.

[0071] Next, the billing support calculation device 222 will be described. The billing support calculation device 222 is composed of a calculation device, ROM, RAM, etc., and has the function of performing the functions of each device that constitutes the billing support server 122 while communicating with the RAM appropriately based on a program recorded in the ROM, and a well-known calculation device is used.

[0072] Next, the billing support recording device 224 will be described. The charging support recording device 224 has the function of recording information required during processing while communicating with the device terminal 110, the user terminal 112, and the payment execution server 117, and may be a known recording device. The charging support recording device 224 records the charging support table CST, the charging terminal transaction table ETT, the charging user transaction table CBT, and the payee table PET, which will be described later.

[0073] Next, the billing support display device 226 will be described. The billing support display device 226 has an interface function with the operator, and a known display device is used.

[0074] Next, the billing support communication device 228 will be described. The billing support communication device 228 has the function of transmitting operation availability information AVI, billing availability information CAI, recording completion information RCI, and electronic payment billing information EPI between the device terminal 110, transaction information PTI, transaction request information TRI, transaction impossibility information UAI, billing prohibition information UCI, payment confirmation information SCI, and electronic payment billing information EPI between the user terminal 112, and payment execution information PEI and electronic payment result information ERI between the payment execution server 117 (payment GW server 118 and payment server 126) via the Internet communication line 116 such as WiFi, and a known communication device may be used. Note that communication is not limited to the Internet communication line 116.

[0075] Next, the billing support input device 232 will be described. The billing support input device 232 has a function of inputting information required for the billing support server 122, and uses a known keyboard. The required information may also be input from an external input means via an information communication network.

[0076] Next, the billing support clock device 234 will be described. The billing support clock device 234 has a function of outputting date and time information DTI used in the billing support server 122, and a known clock device is used.

[0077] Next, the billing support bus line 236 will be described. The billing support bus line 236 is a known bus line that has a function of communicating between devices that make up the billing support server 122 .

[0078] Next, the billing support table CST recorded in the billing support recording device 224 will be described with reference to FIG. The charging support table CST has the function of recording information for determining the charging prohibition state of the game machine 106, which is the automated service equipment 102. In other words, the charging support table CST records at least a charging propriety signal CAS in association with the terminal identification information TID, and in the first embodiment, further records the terminal date and time information EDTI and the operation propriety signal AVS. Although the charging support table CST has been described as a table, it does not have to be a table; it is sufficient that the necessary information is stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​the charging support recording device 224 and can be read and written. As a result, when the charging support server 122 receives transaction information PTI, it can determine whether the charging prohibition state is in effect by referring to the charging support table CST and determining whether a 0 (zero) or 1 (one) is recorded in the charging propriety signal CAS associated with the corresponding game machine 106 (terminal identification information TID) at the time of reception. In the first embodiment, the charging support table CST also records the operation availability signal AVS, so that service provision can be stopped based on the operation availability signal AVS. The charging support table CST records the charging availability signal CAS or the operation availability signal AVS each time the signal changes, and records the latest charging availability signal CAS or operation availability signal AVS. The terminal date and time information EDTI is the terminal date and time information EDTI at the time the records are updated. Therefore, the terminal date and time information EDTI is recorded in association with the operation availability signal AVS and the charging availability signal CAS, respectively. That is, each time the charging availability signal CAS or the operation availability signal AVS from the device terminal 110 changes, the charging support table CST records status information indicating whether electronic charging is possible and whether operation is possible, linked to the corresponding terminal identification information TID. The terminal identification information TID is pre-recorded in the charging support table CST. Furthermore, the billing support table CST can be recorded in advance with the automatic machine identification information AID etc. in association with the terminal machine identification information TID.

[0079] Next, the charging terminal transaction table ETT recorded in the charging support recording device 224 will be described with reference to FIG. 12(C). The billing terminal transaction table ETT records payment schedule information SPI, which is used to determine whether the payment schedule information SPI and the transaction information PTI output from the user terminal 112 are information about the same transaction, and can also be used as transaction history information. The billing terminal transaction table ETT records the equipment terminal identification information TID, terminal date and time information EDTI, fee information CHI, affiliated store identification information MID, service name information SNI, operation availability signal AVS, and billing availability signal CAS, linked to the transaction number TNO issued (output) by the transaction number generator 220. Furthermore, whenever the electronic payment billing information EPI changes, or whenever electronic payment result information ERI, electronic billing result information ECRI, or operation failure information AFI is received, this information is recorded linked to the transaction number TNO. The billing terminal transaction table ETT records the payment schedule information SPI, electronic billing result information ECRI, or operation failure information AFI received from the equipment terminal 110, the electronic payment result information ERI received from the payment execution server 117, and the electronic payment billing information EPI output to the equipment terminal 110, but can also record other information. The affiliated store identification information MID is one of the related information for identifying the payee PYE of the fee determined for each terminal identification information TID.

[0080] Next, the charging recipient transaction table CBT recorded in the charging support recording device 224 will be described with reference to FIG. 13(A). The charged user transaction table CBT records the transaction information PTI received from the user terminal 112. The charging recipient transaction table CBT is used to determine whether the information is related to the same transaction as the payment schedule information SPI recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT, and records information included in the transaction information PTI. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 13(A), the charging recipient transaction table CBT records, for example, the transaction number TNO, terminal date and time information EDTI, fee information CHI, payment source identification information PSI (payment source information PAI), and access destination information ACI (charging support server identification information CID) linked to the terminal identification information TID. In this embodiment 1, the receiving user's email address BMA, affiliated store identification information MID, and service name information SNI, which are the receiving user's terminal identification information RID, are also recorded. In other words, in this embodiment 1, the transaction information PTI includes, linked to the terminal identification information TID, the transaction number TNO, the terminal date and time information EDTI, the fee information CHI, the recipient email address BMA, the affiliated store identification information MID, the service name information SNI, the payment source identification information PSI (payment source information PAI), and the access destination information ACI, which is the billing support server identification information CID.

[0081] Next, the payee table PET recorded in the billing support recording device 224 will be described with reference to FIG. 13(B). The payment destination table PET is a table used to set the payment destination of the fee for the service provided by the automated service equipment 102. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13(B), the payment destination table PET is linked to the terminal identification information TID assigned to the equipment terminal 110 and registers (records) the affiliated store identification information MID, the payment destination information PYI that identifies the payment destination PYE, the billing support server identification information CID that is the access destination information ACI that identifies the billing support server 122, and the payment server identification information SID that identifies the payment server 126. The terminal identification information TID, the affiliated store identification information MID, the billing support server identification information CID, and the payment server identification information SID are recorded in advance using a personal computer or smartphone installed in the facility 100. In FIG. 13(B), the first "A," "B," or "C" in the terminal identification information TID represents the company name, the next three digits represent the facility, and the last three digits represent a number assigned to each automated service equipment 102 within the facility. When this member store identification information MID is used, in principle, the same payment destination information PYI is recorded for each company. However, even for the same company, different payment destination information PYI can be set depending on the location of the facility 100, etc., by using terminal identification information TID, etc. In the first embodiment, since there is a one-to-one relationship between the terminal identification information TID and the automated machine identification information AID, the payment destination information PYI can also be recorded linked to the automated machine identification information AID instead of the terminal identification information TID. However, if multiple device terminals 110 are attached to one game machine 106, it is necessary to use terminal identification information TID. The payment destination information PYI is information that can identify the payment destination PYE, such as a credit card number, bank account information, or a payment service such as XX Pay.

[0082] Next, the operation of the billing support server 122 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step CS1, if it is determined that there has been a change in the operation availability signal AVS included in the operation availability information AVI output from the device terminal 110, the process proceeds to step CS2, and if there has been no change, the process proceeds to step CS3. The operation availability information AVI includes at least the terminal device identification information TID and the operation availability signal POI of "1" indicating that the game machine 106 identified by the terminal device identification information TID is operable, or the operation availability signal IPI of "0" indicating that the game machine 106 is not operable. The operation availability information AVI may also include terminal device date and time information EDTI. In step CS2, the relevant terminal device identification information TID recorded in the charging support table CST of the charging support recording device 224 is searched for, and linked to the relevant terminal device identification information TID, the terminal device date and time information EDTI and the operation inoperability information AVI are recorded as "0" which is the operation inoperable signal IPI or "1" which is the operation possible signal POI, and then the process proceeds to step CS3. Next, in step CS3, if it is determined that there has been a change in the charging possibility signal CAS (charging possibility signal CCS or charging prohibition signal CPS) included in the charging possibility information CAI output from the device terminal 110, the process proceeds to step CS5, and if there has been no change, the process proceeds to step CS4. The charging possibility information CAI includes at least the charging prohibition signal CPS with a value of "0" associated with the terminal identification information TID, or the charging possibility signal CCS with a value of "1" indicating that charging is possible. The charging possibility information CAI can include terminal date and time information EDTI.

[0083] In step CS5, the relevant terminal identification information TID recorded in the charging support table CST of the charging support recording device 224 is searched for, and the terminal date and time information EDTI and the charging prohibition signal CPS of "0" meaning that charging is prohibited or the charging possible signal CCS of "1" meaning that charging is possible are recorded in association with the terminal identification information TID. Then, based on the recording of the charging possible signal CCS or charging prohibition signal CPS, recording completion information RCI is output to the equipment terminal 110, and the process proceeds to step CS4. In step CS4, it is determined whether an electronic payment request (payment schedule information SPI) has been received from the device terminal 110. If it is determined that an electronic payment request (payment schedule information SPI) has been received, the process proceeds to step CS6; if not, the process returns to step CS1. Therefore, the billing support server 122 normally loops through steps CS1, CS3, and CS4, and is in a standby state for receiving an electronic payment request (payment schedule information SPI) from the device terminal 110. The payment schedule information SPI that is determined to have been received in step CS4 is temporarily recorded in the billing terminal transaction table ETT of the billing support recording device 224.

[0084] In step CS6, transaction number TNO is output from transaction number generator 220, and then the process proceeds to step CS7. The process of outputting transaction number TNO may be performed after determining whether transaction information PTI is present in step CS7. In other words, transaction number TNO is output before step CS9, which will be described later. In this case, output of transaction information PTI from user terminal 112 is a request for electronic payment. For simplicity's sake, the example in FIG. 14 illustrates a case in which operation feasibility information AVI and chargeability information CAI are acquired and determined from device terminal 110 to billing support server 122, and one payment schedule information SPI and one transaction information PTI are processed serially. However, in reality, multiple operation feasibility information AVIs and chargeability information CAI are acquired and determined, and transactions involving multiple payment schedule information SPIs and multiple transaction information PTIs are processed in parallel.

[0085] In step CS7, it is determined whether transaction information PTI has been received from the user terminal 112, and if transaction information PTI has been determined, the process proceeds to step CS9, and if not, the process proceeds to step CS8. In step CS8, after proceeding to step CS7, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if not, the process returns to step CS7, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, an error occurs and the process returns to step CS1. In step CS9, the received payment schedule information SPI is recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT, linked to the transaction number TNO, and then the process proceeds to step CS10. Specifically, the device terminal identification information TID, terminal date and time information EDTI, and fee information CHI are recorded, linked to the transaction number TNO. In this embodiment 1, the affiliated store identification information MID, service name information SNI, operation availability signal AVS, and charging availability signal CAS are also recorded. Note that step CS9 may be performed between steps CS6 and CS7. In step CS10, the received transaction information PTI is associated with the transaction number TNO and recorded in the charging recipient transaction table CBT (Fig. 13(A)), and then the process proceeds to step CS11. The transaction information PTI includes electronic transaction information ETI (e.g., device terminal identification information TID, fee information CHI, terminal date and time information EDTI), payment source identification information PSI (payment source information PAI) that can identify the payment source PAS, and charging support server identification information CID, which is access destination information ACI, and in this embodiment 1, it further includes recipient terminal identification information RID, which is recipient email address BMA, service name information SNI, and affiliated store identification information MID. The charging recipient transaction table CBT records terminal identification information TID, terminal date and time information EDTI, fee information CHI, payment source identification information PSI, and recipient terminal identification information RID, which is a recipient email address BMA, in association with the transaction number TNO. In this embodiment 1, the charging recipient transaction table CBT also records access destination information ACI, which is a charging support server identification information CID, affiliated store identification information MID, and service name information SNI, in association with the terminal identification information TID. The payment execution server 117 performs various processes in association with the transaction number TNO.

[0086] Next, in step CS11, it is determined whether the newly received transaction information PTI corresponds to the payment schedule information SPI received in step CS4 and recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT. If it does, proceed to step CS12. If it does not, proceed to step CS13, assuming that the transaction information PTI is false. In other words, step CS11 is a process for determining whether the payment schedule information SPI received in step CS4 and the transaction information PTI received in step CS7 correspond to each other. This determination can be made if the terminal identification information TID and terminal date and time information EDTI recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT and the charging recipient transaction table CBT are identical. However, other determination methods can be used in step CS11, such as whether the transaction number TNO matches, whether the terminal identification information TID matches the fee information CHI, or whether the terminal identification information TID matches the service name information SNI. In addition, in the above example, the value of the fee information CHI is fixed, but if the value range of the fee information CHI is within a set range, it can be determined that it is recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT.

[0087] In step CS13, the billing support server 122 outputs transaction impossibility information UAI to the receiving user terminal 112, and then returns to step CS1. In other words, if the payment schedule information SPI and the transaction information PTI do not correspond to a transaction, the transaction impossibility information UAI is output. The transaction impossibility information UAI is text information, graphic information, or audio information that conveys that electronic payment is not possible. In this embodiment 1, the receiving user terminal 112 that has received the transaction impossibility information UAI displays on the receiving user terminal display device 176, for example, as shown in Figure 11(A), a message indicating that the transaction is not possible, such as "Payment cannot be made." The transaction failure information UAI may be output to the user terminal 112 by sending an e-mail to the user e-mail address BMA included in the transaction information PTI. Furthermore, if the user terminal identification information RID is a telephone number PNO, a text message may be sent using, for example, a short message service (SMS).

[0088] In step CS12, it is determined whether the charging permission signal CAS of the same terminal device identification information TID in the charging support table CST is the charging prohibition signal CPS, and if it is not the charging prohibition signal CPS, proceed to step CS14, and if it is the charging prohibition signal CPS, proceed to step CS15. In other words, if the charging permission signal CAS corresponding to the same terminal device identification information TID in the charging support table CST is "0", proceed to step CS15, and if it is "1", proceed to step CS14.

[0089] In step CS14, the payment confirmation information SCI is output to the user terminal 112, and then the process proceeds to step CS16. The payment confirmation information SCI includes at least fee information CHI, and in this embodiment 1, further includes the affiliated store name MNA, terminal identification information TID, and service name information SNI. In this embodiment 1, when the payment confirmation information SCI is received at the user terminal 112, for example, as shown in Figure 10 (D), the payment confirmation information field 278 of the user terminal display device 176 displays the affiliated store name MNA, terminal identification information TID, service name information SNI, and fee information CHI.

[0090] In step CS15, the charging prohibition information UCI is output to the receiving user terminal 112 and the equipment terminal 110, and then the process proceeds to step CS14. The output to the equipment terminal 110 can be specified based on the terminal identification information TID included in the payment schedule information SPI and recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT. The output to the user terminal 112 can be specified based on the user terminal identification information RID (e.g., the user email address BMA) included in the electronic transaction information ETI and recorded in the charging user transaction table CBT. The device terminal 110, which has received the billing prohibition information UCI, displays on the device terminal display device 154 that billing is prohibited, and the user terminal 112 displays on the user terminal display device 176 that billing is prohibited.

[0091] In step CS16, it is determined whether or not transaction request information TRI has been received from the user terminal 112, and if it is determined that transaction request information TRI has been received, the process proceeds to step CS17, and if not, the process proceeds to step CS18. In other words, if the confirmation button 274 in Fig. 10(D) is tapped, the process proceeds to step CS17. In step CS18, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since proceeding to step CS16. If not, the process returns to step CS16. If the predetermined time has passed, it is assumed that there is no intention to complete the payment and the process returns to step CS1. Here, the processes of steps CS14, CS16, and CS18 can be omitted if confirmation of payment by the recipient is not required. In other words, if it is determined in step CS12 that charging is not prohibited, the process can proceed to step CS17.

[0092] In step CS17, the payment execution information PEI is output to the payment execution server 117, and then the process proceeds to step CS19. The payment execution information PEI includes payment source identification information PSI (payment source information PAI) for identifying the payment source PAS, payment destination information PYI for identifying the payment destination PYE, fee information CHI, and transaction number TNO. The payment source information PAI is information (payment source identification information PSI (payment source information PAI)) transmitted from the recipient terminal 112 and included in the transaction information PTI, and the payment destination information PYI is the payment destination information PYI linked to the terminal identification information TID in the payment destination table PET. In addition, the recipient email address BMA can be identified by being included in the transaction information PTI transmitted from the recipient terminal 112 and recorded in the charging recipient transaction table CBT, or by being included in the transaction request information TRI and transmitted to the charging support server 122. The payment destination information PYI can be identified by the terminal identification information TID, etc., contained in the payment schedule information SPI. The payment source PAS can also be identified in the payment GW server 118 or the payment server 126 using the payment source identification information PSI recorded in the payment support table APT recorded in the payment support server 128, which will be described later. The payment recipient PYE can be identified by including the payment recipient information PYI linked to the terminal identification information TID in the payment recipient table PET recorded in the billing support recording device 224 in the payment execution information PEI. The payment source PAS can also be identified in the payment GW server 118 or the payment server 126 using the payment source identification information PSI recorded in the billing recipient transaction table CBT.

[0093] Next, in step CS19, it is determined whether electronic payment result information ERI (payment completion information PCI or payment failure information NAI linked to transaction number TNO) has been output from the payment execution server 117 (payment GW server 118), and if electronic payment result information ERI has been output, proceed to step CS20; if not, proceed to step CS21. In step CS21, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since proceeding to step CS19. If not, the process returns to step CS19. If the time has passed, it is assumed that there is no intention to complete the payment and the process returns to step CS1. In step CS20, after outputting the electronic payment billing information EPI to the device terminal 110 and the recipient terminal 112, the payment completion information PCI or payment failure information NAI linked to the transaction number TNO in the electronic payment result information ERI is linked to the corresponding transaction number TNO in the billing terminal transaction table ETT and recorded, and then the process proceeds to step CS22. The electronic payment billing information EPI includes the transaction number TNO related to the process recorded in the billing terminal transaction table ETT, and the payment completion information PCI or payment failure information NAI in the electronic payment result information ERI. In step CS22, it is determined whether electronic charging result information ECRI or operation failure information AFI has been received from the device terminal 110. If electronic charging result information ECRI or operation failure information AFI has been determined, the process proceeds to step CS23; if not, the process proceeds to step CS24. The electronic charging result information ECRI includes, for example, a value "1" as an operating signal RNS associated with the transaction number TNO related to the processing. The operation failure information AFI includes, for example, a value "0" as a not operating signal associated with the transaction number TNO. In step CS24, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since proceeding to step CS22. If not, the process returns to step CS22; if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process assumes that the operation has failed and proceeds to step CS25. In step CS25, operation failure information AFI is output, and the process proceeds to step CS23. In step CS23, if electronic charging result information ECRI is received from the equipment terminal 110, the value "1" is recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT linked to the corresponding transaction number TNO, and then the process returns to step CS1. On the other hand, if operation failure information AFI is received in step CS23, or if the process moves to step CS23 via step CS25, the value "0" is recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT linked to the corresponding transaction number TNO, and then the process returns to step CS1. In other words, since the electronic charging result information ECRI is the value "1" which is the in-operation signal RNS linked to the transaction number TNO, the value "1" is recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT linked to the transaction number TNO. If operation failure information AFI is received, the value "0" is recorded as operation failure information AFI in the charging terminal transaction table ETT. The billing support server 122 is connected to each device terminal 110 via an internet communication line 116, but a store server (not shown) that manages the game machines 106 in each facility 100 may be placed between the billing support server 122 and each device terminal 110. In this case, the store server has some of the functions of the billing support server 122. One such function is, for example, management processing of the billing support table CST. By placing a store server, the store server can collectively send and receive transfer data to and from the billing support server 122, thereby reducing the load on the billing support server 122.

[0094] Next, the payment execution server 117 will be described. The payment execution server 117 has the function of executing payment based on fee information CHI from the payer PAS to the payee PYE, based on payment execution information PEI output from the billing support server 122. In this embodiment 1, after executing payment based on the payment execution information PEI output from the billing support server 122, it outputs electronic payment result information ERI to the billing support server 122. In this embodiment 1, the payment execution server 117 is composed of a payment GW server 118 and a payment server 126, but these can also be composed of a single server.

[0095] Next, the payment gateway server 118 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. The payment GW server 118 has at least the function of outputting payment execution information PEI to the payment server 126 when it receives payment execution information PEI from the billing support server 122, and the function of outputting electronic payment result information ERI to the billing support server 122 when it receives payment result information PRI from the payment server 126. In this embodiment 1, the payment GW server 118 includes at least a payment GW computing device 202, a payment GW recording device 206, a payment GW display device 208, a payment GW communication device 212, a payment GW input device 214, a payment GW clock device 216, and a payment GW bus line 218.

[0096] Next, the payment gateway computing device 202 will be described. The payment GW arithmetic device 202 is composed of a arithmetic device, RAM, ROM, etc., and has the function of performing the functions of each device constituting the user terminal 112 while appropriately communicating with the RAM based on a program recorded in the ROM. In this embodiment 1, the payment GW arithmetic device 202 is a known arithmetic device.

[0097] Next, the payment gateway recording device 206 will be described. The payment gateway recording device 206 has the function of recording information required in the process of communicating with the billing support server 122 and the payment server 126, and may be a known recording device. The payment gateway recording device 206 records the payment gateway transaction table GTT, which will be described later.

[0098] Next, the payment gateway display device 208 will be described. The payment gateway display device 208 has an interface function with an operator, and a known display device is used.

[0099] Next, the payment gateway communication device 212 will be described. The payment GW communication device 212 has the function of transmitting payment execution information PEI between the billing support server 122 via an Internet communication line or a dedicated line, and between the payment server 126 via a dedicated line 124, and a known communication device is used.

[0100] Next, the payment gateway input device 214 will be described. The payment gateway input device 214 has the function of inputting information required by the payment gateway computing device 202, and a known keyboard is used. The payment gateway display device 208 and the payment gateway input device 214 can be connected via an information and communication network, allowing an operator to remotely operate and display the data.

[0101] Next, the payment gateway clock device 216 will be described. The payment gateway clock device 216 has a function of outputting date and time information DTI used in the billing support server 122, and a known clock device is used.

[0102] Next, the payment gateway bus line 218 will be described. The payment GW bus line 218 has a function of performing communication between the devices that make up the payment GW server 118, and is a known bus line.

[0103] Next, the payment gateway transaction table GTT recorded in the payment gateway recording device 206 will be described with reference to FIG. The payment GW transaction table GTT records information during the communication process between the billing support server 122 and the payment server 126, and is used for transaction history management as well as transaction matching processing, etc. The payment GW transaction table GTT is linked to the transaction number TNO included in the payment execution information PEI and records the terminal identification information TID, terminal date and time information EDTI, billing support server identification information CID, recipient email address BMA, fee information CHI, affiliated store identification information MID, payment source information PAI, payment destination information PYI, payment result information PRI (payment completion information PCI or payment failure information NAI) output from the payment server 126, and other necessary information.

[0104] Next, the operation of the payment GW server 118 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step GS1, it is determined whether payment execution information PEI has been output from the billing support server 122. If so, the process proceeds to step GS2; if not, step GS1 is looped. In other words, if payment execution information PEI has not been output, the process waits for the payment execution information PEI. In step GS2, the received payment execution information PEI is recorded in the payment GW transaction table GTT in association with the transaction number TNO, and then the process proceeds to step GS3. In step GS3, payment execution information PEI is output to the payment server 126, and then the process proceeds to step GS4. The payment execution information PEI includes at least payment source information PAI for identifying the payment source PAS, payment destination information PYI for identifying the payment destination PYE, and fee information CHI. In this embodiment 1, the payment source information PAI can be identified by the payment source identification information PSI etc. recorded in the charge recipient transaction table CBT. The payment destination PYE can be identified by the payment destination information PYI recorded in the payment destination table PET. In step GS4, it is determined whether payment result information PRI has been received from the payment server 126, and if payment result information PRI has been received, the process proceeds to step GS5. The payment result information PRI includes the payment result information PRI or the payment failure information NAI associated with the transaction number TNO. In step GS5, the settlement result information PRI is recorded in the settlement GW transaction table GTT in association with the transaction number TNO, and then the process proceeds to step GS6. In step GS6, electronic payment result information ERI is sent to the billing support server 122, and then the process returns to step GS1. The destination billing support server 122 can be identified by the billing support server identification information CID, which is recorded in association with the transaction number TNO in the payment GW transaction table GTT. The electronic payment result information ERI includes the payment result information PRI or payment failure information NAI associated with the transaction number TNO.

[0105] Next, the settlement server 126 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. When the payment server 126 receives payment execution information PEI as a payment processing request from the payment GW server 118, it has the function of executing payment processing ST to transfer the amount of the fee based on at least the payment source information PAI, payment destination information PYI, and fee information CHI from the payment source PAS identified by the payment source information PAI to the payment destination PYE identified by the payment destination information PYI, based on the fee information CHI. Even when the payment server 126 executes the payment processing ST, the actual transfer of funds is usually carried out at a later date. In this specification, "payment completion" does not mean that funds are actually transferred, but rather that the processing required for the transfer of funds in electronic payment has been completed. In this embodiment 1, the payment server 126 is a computer and includes at least a payment server computing device 242, a payment server storage device 244, a payment server display device 246, a payment server communication device 248, a payment server clock device 250, a payment server input device 252, and a payment server bus line 254.

[0106] Next, the settlement server computing device 242 will be described. The settlement server calculation device 242 is composed of a calculation device, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and performs the functions of each device constituting the settlement server 126 while appropriately communicating with the RAM based on the program recorded in the ROM. It has the function of exerting the above.

[0107] Next, the settlement server storage device 244 will be described. The payment server storage device 244 has the function of recording information required during processing while communicating with the payment GW server 118, and a known recording device is used.

[0108] Next, the settlement server display device 246 will be described. The settlement server display device 246 has an interface function with the operator, and a known display device is used.

[0109] Next, the payment server communication device 248 will be described. The payment server communication device 248 has a function of transmitting the payment execution information PEI or the payment result information PRI to and from the payment GW server 118 via the dedicated line 124, and a known communication device is used. Note that this is not limited to the dedicated line 124.

[0110] Next, the payment server clock device 250 will be described. The settlement server clock device 250 has a function of outputting date and time information DTI used in the settlement server 126, and a known clock device is used.

[0111] Next, the settlement server input device 252 will be described. The settlement server input device 252 has a function for inputting information required by the settlement server 126, and a known keyboard is used. The payment server display device 246 and the payment server input device 252 can be connected via an information and communication network, allowing the operator to remotely operate and display the data.

[0112] Next, the payment server bus line 254 will be described. The settlement server bus line 254 has a function of performing communication between the devices that make up the settlement server 126, and is a known bus line.

[0113] Next, the operation of the settlement server 126 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18(B). First, in step PS1, it is determined whether payment execution information PEI has been output from the payment GW server 118. If payment execution information PEI has been detected, the process proceeds to step PS2. If not, step PS1 is looped. In other words, if payment execution information PEI has not been output, the process waits for the payment execution information PEI. In step PS2, the received payment execution information PEI is recorded in the payment server storage device 244, and then the process proceeds to step PS3. In step PS3, payment processing ST is executed, and then the process proceeds to step PS4. In step PS4, payment result information PRI is output to the payment GW server 118, and then the process returns to step PS1. The payment result information PRI is either payment completion information PCI or payment failure information NAI. These processes are linked to the transaction number TNO. The payment completion information PCI is information output when the payment is successfully completed by the payment execution server 117, and is, for example, a value of "1." The payment failure information NAI is information output when the payment is not successfully completed by the payment execution server 117, and is, for example, a value of "0."

[0114] Next, we will explain the case where the information and programs necessary for payment, such as the payment source information PAI of the payment source PAS, required for payment, are not always stored in the user terminal 112, but are stored in an external payment assistance server 128 connected to an information and communication network. If the user terminal 112 stores the information and programs necessary for payment, the payment assistance server 128 is not necessarily required. The payment assistance server 128 will be explained mainly with reference to Figure 19. The payment assistance server 128 provides application programs to be used on the user terminal 112 in response to a download request from the user terminal 112, and also has the function of recording and processing necessary when using payment assistance. In this embodiment 1, the payment support server 128 is a computer and includes at least a payment support server computing device 312, a payment support server recording device 314, a payment support server display device 316, a payment support server communication device 318, a payment support server clock device 320, a payment support server input device 322, and a payment support server bus line 324.

[0115] Next, the payment support server computing device 312 will be described. The payment support server calculation device 312 is composed of a calculation device, ROM, RAM, etc., and has the function of performing the functions of each device that constitutes the payment support server 128 while communicating with the RAM appropriately based on the program recorded in the ROM.

[0116] Next, the payment support server recording device 314 will be described. The payment facilitating server recording device 314 has the function of recording information required for processing while communicating with the user terminal 112, and may be a known recording device. The payment facilitating server recording device 314 records a payment facilitating table APT. As shown in FIG. 19(B), the payment facilitating table APT records at least the user terminal identification information RID (user email address BMA), the payment application login information LGI (user email address BMA, user password BPW), and payment source information PAI (payer identification information PSI). In this embodiment 1, the payment source information PAI is bank account information, such as bank name BKN, branch name BBN, account type BAK, and account number BAN. However, the payment source information PAI can also be credit card number, debit card number, QR code payment, email account, and payment service using the Internet, such as PayPal (registered trademark), or other payment source information in known systems that allow payment of fees.

[0117] Next, the payment support server display device 316 will be described. The payment support server display device 316 has an interface function with the operator, and a known display device is used.

[0118] Next, the payment support server communication device 318 will be described. The payment support server communication device 318 has a function of transmitting information such as payment source information PAI to the recipient terminal 112 via the public wireless communication line 150, and a known communication device is used. In this Example 1, at least the payment source information PAI is transmitted to the recipient terminal 112.

[0119] Next, the payment support server clock device 320 will be described. Payment support server clock device 320 has the function of outputting date and time information DTI used in payment support server 128, and a known clock device is used.

[0120] Next, the payment support server input device 322 will be described. The payment support server input device 322 has the function of inputting information required by the payment support server 128, and a known keyboard is used. Payment support server display device 316 and payment support server input device 322 can be connected via an information and communication network, allowing an operator to remotely operate and display the information.

[0121] Next, the payment support server bus line 324 will be described. The payment support server bus line 324 is a known bus line that has the function of communicating between the devices that make up the payment support server 128.

[0122] For example, when a request for transmission of payment source information PAI is received from the user terminal 112, the payment facilitating server 128 encrypts the recorded payment source information PAI and transmits it.

[0123] The functions of the payment support server 128 can be substituted by the user terminal 112, the payment GW server 118, the billing support server 122, etc.

[0124] Next, the operation of the electronic payment system for automated service machines according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 20. First, it is assumed that billing support server identification information CID, which is access destination information ACI, is pre-recorded in the machine terminal 110, and that the payment support application PSA is installed in the user terminal 112 and payment application login information LGI is pre-recorded. The flowchart in Figure 20 includes most of the steps necessary to understand the overall operation of the system, but some steps have been omitted.

[0125] First, when the power is turned on in the game machine 106, which is the automated service equipment 102, and the game machine control device 132 starts operating, in step AS1 it is determined whether the operation availability signal AVS from the operation availability information output device 142 has changed, and if a change is determined, the process proceeds to step AS2, and if no change is determined, the process proceeds to step AS3. In other words, when the operation availability signal AVS changes from "1" of the operation availability signal POI to "0" of the operation availability signal IPI, or when "0" of the operation availability signal IPI changes to "1" of the operation availability signal POI, the process proceeds to step AS2. If the operation possible signal POI changes from "1" to the operation impossible signal IPI "0", in step AS2, the operation impossible signal IPI "0" is output to the equipment terminal device 110 in association with the automatic machine identification information AID, and if the operation possible signal IPI changes from "0" to "1", the operation possible signal POI "1" is output to the equipment terminal device 110, and then the process proceeds to step AS3. In step AS3, it is determined whether the billing possibility signal CAS from the billing possibility signal output device 153 has changed, and if it has not changed, proceed to step AS4, and if it has changed, proceed to step AS5. In other words, if the billing possibility signal CAS has changed from "1" which is the billing possibility signal CCS to "0" which is the billing prohibition signal CPS, or from "0" which is the billing prohibition signal CPS to "1" which is the billing possibility signal CCS, proceed to step AS5, and if it has not changed, proceed to step AS4. In step AS5, the charging prohibition signal CPS "0" or the charging enable signal CCS "1" is transmitted to the equipment terminal 110 in association with the automated machine identification information AID, and then the process proceeds to step AS4. In step AS4, it is determined whether the currency charge signal CHS has been output from the currency identification device 136. If the currency charge signal CHS has been detected, the process proceeds to step AS6. If the currency charge signal CHS has not been output, the process proceeds to step AS7. In step AS7, it is determined whether an electronic payment charging signal ECS has been output from the electronic payment activation device 148. If the electronic payment charging signal ECS has been detected, the process proceeds to step AS6; if not, the process returns to step AS1.

[0126] First, in step ES0, the equipment terminal 110 displays the electronic payment screen CSS shown in FIG. 7(A), and then proceeds to step ES1. In step ES1, it is determined whether the operation possibility signal AVS from the game machine 106 has changed. If the operation possibility signal AVS has changed, the process proceeds to step ES2, and if the operation possibility signal AVS has not changed, the process proceeds to step ES3. In step ES2, the operation possibility signal POI "0" or the charge possibility signal CCS "1" is sent as operation possibility information AVI to the charging support server 122 in association with the terminal device identification information TID, and then the process proceeds to step ES3.

[0127] If the billing support server 122 determines in step CS1 that it has received a "0" in the inoperable signal IPI in the operation availability information AVI (the operation availability signal POI or the inoperable signal IPI associated with the terminal device identification information TID, which is the operation availability signal AVS), from the device terminal 110, then in step CS2 it records the "0" in the inoperable signal IPI associated with the terminal device identification information TID in the billing support table CST in the billing support recording device 224, and then proceeds to step CS3. If the operation availability information AVI includes a "1" in the operation availability signal POI, which indicates an operable state, then a "1" is recorded in the billing support table CST associated with the terminal device identification information TID. Note that the "0" in the inoperable signal IPI, which indicates an inoperable state, is output not only from the automated service equipment 102, but also when the Internet communication line 116 or the like is disconnected.

[0128] In step ES3 in the device terminal 110, it is determined whether the billing possibility signal CAS from the game machine control device 132 of the automatic service device 102 has changed, and if the billing possibility signal CAS has changed, proceed to step ES4, and if the billing possibility signal CAS has not changed, proceed to step ES7. In step ES4, charging support server 122 outputs charging support information CAI, which includes a charging support signal CAS linked to terminal device identification information TID and terminal device date and time information EDTI, to the charging support server 122, and then proceeds to step ES5. The charging support information CAI is the charging support signal CAS linked to terminal device identification information TID. The charging support signal CAS is either "1", which is charging support information CCI, or "0", which is charging support signal CPS.

[0129] If the billing support server 122 determines in step CS3 that there has been a change in the billing availability signal CAS contained in the billing availability information CAI output from the equipment terminal 110, it proceeds to step CS5, where it records the billing prohibition signal CPS of "0" or the billing availability signal CCS of "1" and the terminal date and time information EDTI in the billing support table CST, linking them to the terminal identification information TID, and then outputs recording completion information RCI of the billing availability signal CAS to the equipment terminal 110, and proceeds to step CS4. In step CS4, it is determined whether an electronic payment request (payment schedule information SPI) has been received from the device terminal 110. If the billing support server 122 determines that the payment schedule information SPI has been received, it temporarily records the payment schedule information SPI in the billing support recording device 224, and then proceeds to step CS6.

[0130] In step ES5 in the device terminal 110, it is determined whether or not recording completion information RCI has been output from the accounting support server 122, and if so, the process proceeds to step ES7, and if not, the process proceeds to step ES6. In step ES6, the recording completion information RCI is awaited for a predetermined time, and if the recording completion information RCI is not detected within the predetermined time, an error occurs and the process returns to step ES0. In step ES5, if the recording completion information RCI is detected within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step ES7. In step ES7, step ES9, or step ES11, the system determines whether the electronic payment launch button 151 (100 yen selection button 1511, 300 yen selection button 1513, or 500 yen selection button 1515) has been operated (tapped), and enters a standby state for the electronic payment process ESC (Figure 20). When the electronic payment launch button 151 is tapped, the system proceeds to step ES13, and the electronic payment process ESC is initiated. If any of the 100 yen selection button 1511, 300 yen selection button 1513, or 500 yen selection button 1515 is not tapped within a predetermined time, the system returns from step ES33 to step ES0.

[0131] Next, a mode in which a user receives service from the automated service device 102 (game machine 106) using electronic payment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. The user first presses (tap) the electronic payment activation button 151 on the device terminal 110 to perform an electronic payment request operation ERO. That is, the user taps either the 100 yen selection button 1511, the 300 yen selection button 1513, or the 500 yen selection button 1515 serving as the electronic payment activation button 151. If the 100 yen selection button 1511 is tapped, the process proceeds to step ES8, where the fee information CHI is set to 100 yen, and then proceeds to step ES13. If the 300 yen selection button 1513 is tapped, the process proceeds to step ES9, where the fee information CHI is set to 300 yen in step ES10, and then proceeds to step ES13. If the 500 yen selection button 1515 is tapped, the process proceeds to step ES11, where the fee information CHI is set to 500 yen in step ES12, and then proceeds to step ES13.

[0132] In step ES13 in the device terminal 110, the payment schedule information SPI is recorded in the device terminal storage device 158 and output to the billing support server 122 identified by the billing support server identification information CID, which is the access destination information ACI pre-recorded in the device terminal table TAT recorded in the device terminal storage device 158, and then the process proceeds to step ES14. As described above, the payment schedule information SPI includes fee information CHI and terminal date and time information EDTI linked to the terminal identification information TID, and further includes, in this embodiment 1, affiliated store identification information MID, service name information SNI, the value of the operation feasibility signal AVS, and the value of the billing feasibility signal CAS.

[0133] In step ES14, the fee information CHI set in step ES8, step ES10, or step ES12 is recorded in NFC tag 170T, which is transaction information recording device 170, and then the process proceeds to step ES15. In step ES15, the proximity request screen CRS is displayed on the device terminal display device 154, and then the process proceeds to step ES16. The proximity request screen CRS displays a message such as "Please touch your smartphone" to encourage the user to approach the user terminal 112 to the device terminal display device 154, as shown in FIG. 7(B).

[0134] Meanwhile, the user operates the user terminal 112 and taps the start button (not shown) of the payment assistance app PSA. If it is determined in step BS1 that the start button (not shown) has been tapped, the process proceeds to step BS2, where the payment assistance app PSA is started and the payment assistance login screen SLS is displayed on the user terminal display device 176, as shown in FIG. 10(B). In step BS3, the user is prompted to enter an email address BMA, which is the payment application login information LGI (FIG. 8(C)), and in step BS4, the user is prompted to enter a user password BPW. After entering these using the user terminal input device 186, the user taps the login send button 262 to proceed to step BS5. In step BS5, the payment application login information LGI is compared with the information recorded in the user terminal device memory device 178 to determine whether it is correct. If it matches, proceed to step BS6. If it is invalid, the login screen SLS is terminated, and in step BS7, the user terminal device display device 176 displays a message indicating that the payment application login information LGI is different, and then returns to the icon screen of the payment support application PSA.

[0135] Note that steps BS1 to BS5 can also be executed after tapping electronic payment start button 151. Steps BS1 to BS5 in Figure 20 are shown for convenience's sake. In step BS6, the approach prompting screen CUS shown in FIG. 10(C) is displayed, and then the process proceeds to step BS8. In step BS8, the function of the NFC reader 188N is turned on, and then the process proceeds to step BS9, where communication with the NFC tag 170T is enabled.

[0136] After performing the electronic payment request operation ERO by tapping the electronic payment start button 151 on the device terminal 110, the recipient is prompted by the message "Please touch the terminal" displayed on the proximity prompting screen CUS displayed on the device terminal display device 154 of the device terminal 110, and touches or brings the device terminal 110 close to the device terminal display device 154 on which the proximity request screen CRS is displayed.

[0137] When the user terminal 112 touches or is brought close to the device terminal display device 154 of the device terminal 110, the NFC tag 170T comes within the communication range of the NFC reader 188N built into the user terminal 112, and wireless communication is performed between the NFC reader 188N and the NFC tag 170T. That is, in step BS9, electronic transaction information ETI recorded in transaction information recording device 170 (NFC tag recording device 171M of NFC tag 170T) is acquired, and then the process proceeds to step BS10. Electronic transaction information ETI includes at least terminal device identification information TID, which is payment destination information PYI, and billing support server identification information CID, which is access destination information ACI, and in this embodiment 1, it also includes terminal device date and time information EDTI, fee information CHI, service name information SNI, and affiliated store identification information MID. In step BS10, the acquired electronic transaction information ETI is recorded in the user transaction table BTT stored in the user terminal storage device 178, and then the process proceeds to step BS11. In step BS11, the payment source information PAI recorded in the recipient terminal table RTT of the recipient terminal storage device 178 is acquired, and then the process proceeds to step BS12.

[0138] In step BS12, it is determined whether payment source information PAI has been acquired, and if payment source information PAI has been acquired, the process proceeds to step BS14, and if payment source information PAI has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step BS13. In step BS13, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the payment source information PAI was requested, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step BS12; if the predetermined time has elapsed, a processing error is detected and the process returns to step BS1. In step BS14, the payment source information PAI is linked to the terminal identification information TID included in the electronic transaction information ETI newly received in step BS9 and recorded in the recipient transaction table BTT, and then the process proceeds to step BS15.

[0139] In step BS15, the receiver terminal 112 outputs the transaction information PTI (payment source identification information PSI (payment source information PAI) and electronic transaction information ETI) to the billing support server 122, and then proceeds to step BS16. The output billing support server 122 can be identified using the billing support server identification information CID, which is the access destination information ACI included in the electronic transaction information ETI received by the NFC reader 188N. The transaction information PTI includes at least the electronic transaction information ETI (at least the terminal identification information TID, terminal date and time information EDTI, and fee information CHI) and the payment source identification information PSI (payment source information PAI) that can identify the payment source PAS, and in this embodiment 1, it further includes the receiver terminal identification information RID, which is the receiver email address BMA, service name information SNI, and affiliated store identification information MID. Furthermore, authentication is not necessarily required to use the payment assistance app PSA. The user terminal 112 acquires, via the NFC reader 188N, information identifying the game machine 106 that is the subject of payment (terminal identification information TID, etc.) and information regarding the access destination (access destination information ACI) from the device terminal 110. After acquiring the information regarding the access destination, the user terminal 112 accesses the access destination and transmits the acquired information identifying the game machine 106 that is the subject of payment and information identifying the payment source PAS required for payment (payment source identification information PSI). The access destination is within the billing assistance server 122, and a request for payment is made to the payment execution server 117 based on the acquired information identifying the game machine 106 that is the subject of payment (including information identifying the payment recipient PYI (payment recipient identification information PII)) and information identifying the payment source PAS, and information about the game machine 106 that is the subject of payment recorded in the billing assistance server 122 (including fee information (fee information CHI)). It is not necessary to use the payment assistance application PSA. For example, the user terminal 112 may obtain electronic transaction information ETI from the device terminal 110, then access a payment web page managed by the billing assistance server 122 using a general-purpose web browser based on the access destination information ACI, and transmit transaction information PTI to the access destination. After obtaining a payment request and necessary information, the billing assistance server 122 transmits payment execution information PEI to the payment execution server 117. The user terminal 112 may also be configured to allow the user to input information necessary for payment from the user terminal input device 186, as necessary.

[0140] Meanwhile, in step CS6 in billing support server 122, transaction number generator 220 outputs transaction number TNO based on a predetermined rule, and then the process proceeds to step CS7. In step CS7, if it is determined that the transaction information PTI has been received from the user terminal 112, the process proceeds to step CS9, and if it is not determined that the transaction information PTI has been received, the process proceeds to step CS8. In step CS8, if the transaction information PTI is not determined within a predetermined time, the process returns to step CS1 as an error, and if it is within the predetermined time, the process returns to step CS7. In step CS9, the information contained in the received transaction schedule information SPI is recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT, and then the process proceeds to step CS10. That is, in step CS9, the terminal identification information TID, terminal date and time information EDTI, fee information CHI, affiliated store identification information MID, service name information SNI, the operation availability signal AVS in the charging support table CST at the time of output, and the charging availability signal CAS are recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT in association with the transaction number TNO generated in step CS7, and then the process proceeds to step CS10. In step CS10, the received transaction information PTI is recorded in the charging recipient transaction table CBT, and then the process proceeds to step CS11. That is, the transaction number TNO generated in step CS7, the fee information CHI included in the transaction information PTI, the terminal date and time information EDTI, the payment source information PAI, the access destination information ACD (charging support server identification information CID), the recipient email address BMA, the service name information SNI, and the affiliated store identification information MID are recorded in association with the terminal identification information TID included in the transaction information PTI. In step CS11, the newly received transaction information PTI recorded in the charging terminal transaction table CBT is compared with the scheduled transaction information SPI recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT. If the transaction information PTI and the scheduled transaction information SPI match, the transaction is determined to be authentic, and the process proceeds to step CS12. The comparison of the transaction information PTI and the scheduled transaction information SPI indicates that the transaction is authentic if the transaction number TNO recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT matches the transaction number TNO recorded in the charging terminal transaction table CBT. Whether a transaction corresponds can also be determined by other methods, without including the transaction number TNO, if at least the terminal identification information TID and terminal date and time information EDTI recorded in the charging terminal transaction table CBT and the charging terminal transaction table ETT match. It is also preferable to include fee information CHI in determining whether a transaction corresponds. If the transaction cannot be determined to be a corresponding transaction, such as when the terminal identification information TID and the terminal date and time information EDTI do not match, proceed to step CS13, output transaction unavailability information UAI to the recipient terminal 112 or the equipment terminal 110, and then return to step CS1.

[0141] In step BS16 in the user terminal 112, if transaction impossibility information UAI is determined, the process proceeds to step BS17, and if transaction impossibility information UAI is not determined, the process proceeds to step BS18. In step BS17, a message indicating that the transaction is not possible (cannot be operated) is displayed on the user terminal display device 176, and then the process returns to step BS1.

[0142] In step ES19 in the equipment terminal 110, if the transaction impossibility information UAI is determined, the process proceeds to step ES20, and if the transaction impossibility information UAI is not determined, the process proceeds to step ES21. In step ES20, a message indicating that the transaction is not possible (transaction is not possible) is displayed on the equipment terminal display device 154, and then the process returns to step ES0.

[0143] Meanwhile, in step CS12 of the billing support server 122, it is determined whether the billing possibility signal CAS recorded in the billing support table CST in association with the same terminal device identification information TID is "1" for the billing possible signal CCS or "0" for the billing prohibition signal CPS, and if it is "0" for billing prohibition, it proceeds to step CS15 (Figure 14) and then to step CS14, and if it is "1" for not prohibiting billing, it proceeds to step CS14. In step CS15, the charge prohibition information UCI is output to the device terminal 110 or the user terminal 112, and then the process proceeds to step CS14.

[0144] In step ES21 in the device terminal 110, if the charging prohibition information UCI is determined, the process proceeds to step ES22, and if the charging prohibition information UCI is not determined, the process proceeds to step ES23. In step ES22, after displaying on the device terminal display device 154 that billing is not possible, the process proceeds to step ES23.

[0145] If the user terminal 112 determines in step BS18 that the charging prohibition information UCI is present, the process proceeds to step BS19, and if the user terminal 112 does not determine that the charging prohibition information UCI is present, the process proceeds to step BS20. In step BS19, after displaying on the user terminal display device 176 that charging is currently prohibited, the process proceeds to step BS20.

[0146] Meanwhile, in step CS14, the billing support server 122 outputs payment confirmation information SCI to the user terminal 112, and then proceeds to step CS16. The payment confirmation information SCI includes at least fee information CHI. In this first embodiment, it also includes the affiliated store name MNA, terminal identification information TID, and service name information SNI. Here, the processing of steps CS14, CS16, and CS18 can be omitted if confirmation of the user's payment is not required.

[0147] In step BS20 in the user terminal 112, if the payment confirmation information SCI output from the billing support server 122 is determined, the process proceeds to step BS21, where the transaction confirmation screen TCS shown in Figure 10(D) is displayed on the user terminal display device 176, and then the process proceeds to step BS23, and if the payment confirmation information SCI is not determined, the process proceeds to step BS22. The transaction confirmation screen TCS displays the affiliated store name MNA, terminal identification information TID, service name information SNI, and fee information CHI (100 yen in this embodiment 1), as well as a confirmation button 274 and a confirmation cancel button 276. In step BS22, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since proceeding to step BS20. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step BS20, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step BS1. Here, the recipient taps the confirmation button 274 as proof that he / she agrees to pay 100 yen. If it is determined in step BS23 that the confirmation button 274 has been tapped, the process proceeds to step BS24, where transaction request information TRI is output to the billing support server 122. The processing from step BS20 to step BS24 may be omitted. This is a process for confirming the payment, but the confirmation part may be omitted. After outputting transaction information PTI in the processing of step BS15, steps BS16 to BS19 may be executed, and payment processing ST may be executed by billing support server 122 and payment execution server 117, and the process may proceed to step BS26, where the results are obtained. Furthermore, steps BS16 to BS19 may be executed in other processes.

[0148] If the accounting support server 122 determines in step CS16 that the transaction request information TRI is present, the process proceeds to step CS17. In step CS17, payment execution information PEI is output to payment execution server 117, and then the process proceeds to step CS19. The payment execution information PEI includes payment source information PAI for identifying the payment source PAS, payment destination information PYI for identifying the payment destination PYE, fee information CHI, and transaction number TNO. If the transaction request information TRI is not determined in step CS16, the process proceeds to step CS18, where it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since proceeding to step CS16. If not, the process returns to step CS16, and if the predetermined time has passed, it is assumed that there is no intention to complete the payment and the process returns to step CS1.

[0149] In step GS1 in the payment GW server 118, if the payment execution information PEI from the billing support server 122 is identified, the process proceeds to step GS2, where the necessary information contained in the payment execution information PEI is recorded in the payment GW transaction table GTT, linked to the transaction number TNO, and then the process proceeds to step GS3. In step GS3, the payment execution information PEI is output to the payment server 126, and then the process proceeds to step GS4. The payment execution information PEI includes payment source information PAI, payment recipient information PYI, and fee information CHI, which are payment source identification information PSI.

[0150] In step PS1 in the payment server 126, if the payment execution information PEI output from the payment GW server 118 is determined, the process proceeds to step PS2, where the received payment execution information PEI is recorded in the payment server memory device 244, and then the process proceeds to step PS3. In step PS3, a settlement process ST is executed to transfer an amount equivalent to the fee information CHI from the payment source PAS specified by the payment source information PAI to the payment destination PYE specified by the payment destination information PYI, and then the process proceeds to step PS4. In step PS4, payment result information PRI is output to the payment GW server 118. The payment result information PRI is information linking the payment processing result to the transaction number TNO. The payment processing result is payment completion information PCI if the settlement processing is completed, and payment failure information NAI if the payment processing ST is not completed, such as when payment source information PAI does not exist. In other words, the payment result information PRI is information such as "1" for the payment completion information PCI linked to the transaction number TNO or "0" for the payment failure information NAI. For example, "1" indicates payment completion, and "0" indicates payment failure. Note that in the payment processing ST in the payment server 126, even if funds have not actually been transferred, they can be processed as having already been transferred if certain conditions are met that allow the funds to be considered to have actually been transferred.

[0151] In step GS4 in the payment GW server 118, if it is determined that payment result information PRI (information "1" or "0" linked to the transaction number TNO) has been received, the process proceeds to step GS5. In step GS5, the received payment result information PRI is recorded in the payment GW transaction table GTT, and then the process proceeds to step GS6. That is, the payment result information "1" or "0" is recorded in the same table as the received transaction number TNO. In step GS6, electronic payment result information ERI is output to the billing support server 122, and then the process returns to step GS1. The electronic payment result information ERI includes at least payment result information PRI (payment completion information PCI or payment failure information NAI) linked to the transaction number TNO for which the electronic payment was made.

[0152] In step CS19 in the billing support server 122, if the electronic payment result information ERI output from the payment gateway server 118 is determined, the process proceeds to step CS20. In step CS20, the received electronic payment result information ERI is recorded in the billing terminal transaction table ETT in association with the transaction number TNO for the transaction already recorded, and electronic payment billing information EPI (payment completion information PCI or payment failure information NAI) is output to the device terminal 110 associated with the terminal identification information TID for the transaction number TNO and to the recipient terminal 112 identified by the recipient terminal identification information RID for the transaction number TNO, and is recorded in the billing terminal transaction table ETT. The output of the electronic payment billing information EPI to the recipient terminal 112 can also be sent to the recipient email address BMA recorded in the billing recipient transaction table CBT.

[0153] In step ES23 in the device terminal 110, if the electronic payment billing information EPI output from the billing support server 122 is determined, the process proceeds to step ES24, and if the electronic payment billing information EPI is not determined, the process proceeds to step ES25. In step ES25, it is determined whether the waiting time for the electronic payment billing information EPI has exceeded a predetermined time. If the predetermined time has been exceeded, a processing error occurs and the process returns to step ES0. If the predetermined time has not been exceeded, the process returns to step ES23 and the electronic payment billing information EPI enters standby mode. In step ES24, if the electronic payment billing information EPI is "1" in the payment completion information PCI, the process proceeds to step ES26, and if the payment failure information NAI is "0", the process proceeds to step ES27. In step ES27, the payment failure information NAI is displayed on the device terminal display device 154 for a predetermined time, and then the process returns to step ES0. In step ES26, the electronic payment result screen ERS is displayed on the equipment terminal display device 154, and then the process proceeds to step ES28. The electronic payment result screen ERS displays the amount of the electronic payment. In step ES28, an electronic settlement charge signal ECS is output to the automated service equipment 102, and then the process proceeds to step ES29.

[0154] If the electronic settlement charge signal ECS is detected in step AS7 in the game machine control device 132, the process proceeds to step AS6. In step AS6, the game hardware 134 is activated to start a predetermined game, and then the process proceeds to step AS8. In step AS8, the in-service signal RNS is output to the equipment terminal 110, and then the process returns to step AS1.

[0155] If the device terminal 110 determines in step ES29 that the in-operation signal RNS is present, the process proceeds to step ES30, where electronic billing result information ECRI is linked to the terminal identification information TID and output to the billing support server 122. In other words, if the game machine 106 starts operating normally, the transaction number TNO and the in-operation signal RNS are output to the billing support server 122 as electronic billing result information ECRI. If the in-operation signal RNS is not determined in step ES29, the process proceeds to step ES31, where it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since proceeding to step ES29. If the predetermined time has passed, the process returns to step ES29. If the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to step ES32. In other words, if the in-operation signal RNS is not received within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step ES32, where the operation failure information AFI of "0" linked to the transaction number TNO is output to the billing support server 122.

[0156] In step CS22 in the billing support server 122, if electronic billing result information ECRI or operation failure information AFI is determined, the process proceeds to step CS23, and if electronic billing result information ECRI or operation failure information AFI is not determined, the process proceeds to step CS24. In step CS24, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since proceeding to step CS22. If not, the process returns to step CS22; if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process assumes that the operation has failed and proceeds to step CS25. In step CS24, "0" is output as the operation failure information AFI, and the process proceeds to step CS23. In step CS23, if the information is electronic charging result information ECRI, the value "1" representing electronic charging result information ECRI is recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT in association with the transaction number TNO, and then the process returns to step CS1. In step CS23, if it is operation failure information AFI, the value "0" which is operation failure information AFI is recorded in the charging terminal transaction table ETT in association with the transaction number TNO, and then the process returns to step CS1. Therefore, the billing terminal transaction table ETT records the transaction number TNO, terminal transaction date and time information EDTI, fee information CHI, affiliated store identification information MID, service name information SNI, operation availability signal AVS, billing availability signal CAS, electronic payment result information ERI, electronic payment billing information EPI, and electronic billing result information ECRI or operation failure information AFI, all linked to the terminal identification information TID, and can therefore be used as log information.

[0157] In step BS26, the user terminal 112 determines whether electronic payment billing information EPI has been received from the billing support server 122, and if the electronic payment billing information EPI has been received, the process proceeds to step BS27. In step BS27, the received electronic payment billing information EPI is recorded in the receiver terminal storage device 178, and then the process proceeds to step BS29, where the received electronic payment billing information EPI is displayed on the receiver terminal display device 176, for example, as an electronic payment failure screen FAS or an electronic payment result screen ERS shown in Figure 11, and the process proceeds to step BS30. For example, the electronic payment failure screen FAS may display "Payment not possible" as shown in Figure 11(A), and the electronic payment result screen ERS may display "100 yen paid by credit card" as shown in Figure 11(B). The user can check the display on the user terminal display device 176 to see whether the game fee has been paid electronically or not. In step BS30, the electronic settlement billing information EPI is displayed on the user terminal display device 176 for a predetermined time, and then the process returns to step BS1.

[0158] The payment support application PSA may be a web application software in which a server on an information and communication network processes requests from the user terminal 112 via a web browser, and the server provides the processing results, thereby providing dynamic functions to the user terminal 112, or it may be application software dedicated to payment. Furthermore, by connecting the recipient terminal device 112, such as a tablet personal computer 286, to the billing support server 122 via the Internet communication line 116, it is possible to refer to the recorded information in the billing recipient transaction table CBT, etc., and check the status of electronic payments, which can be used to resolve problems with the recipient.

[0159] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be practiced in various modified forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 102 Automated Service Equipment 106 Game Consoles 110 Automatic service equipment terminal (equipment terminal) 112 User terminal 116 Information and communication networks (Internet communication lines) 117 Payment Execution Server 122 Billing Support Server 170 Transaction information recording device 148 Output means for outputting an electronic payment billing signal (electronic payment activation device) 153 Charging availability signal output device 158 Storage means for storing the billing availability signal (device terminal storage device) 170T NFC Tag 188 Acquisition device 188N NFC Reader 200 Wireless communication means ACI Access Information AID: Information that identifies automated service equipment (automated machine identification information) CAS charge availability signal CPS (Charge Prohibition Signal) CHI Pricing Information CPI Prohibited Charge Information ECS Electronic Payment Charging Signal EPI Electronic Payment Billing Information ERI Information showing settlement results (electronic settlement result information) ETI Electronic Transaction Information PAI Payment Source Information PEI Payment Execution Information PAI Payment Source Information PTI Transaction Information PYI Payment Information SPI payment schedule information ST Payment Processing TID: Information that identifies an automated service equipment terminal (terminal identification information)

Claims

1. a device terminal communicably connected to an automated service device that provides a predetermined product or service in exchange for receiving a fee; An electronic payment system for an automated service machine having a billing support server capable of communicating with the device terminal, The device terminal is a transaction information recording device having a first storage means for storing electronic transaction information including at least identification information and access destination information for guiding to an electronic payment means for electronically paying the fee, and a first communication means, the transaction information recording device being accessed via the first communication means and outputting the electronic transaction information from the first communication means; an input means for initiating the electronic payment process; a second storage means for storing the identification information and the fee for the automated service machine identified by the identification information in association with each other; a second communication means for enabling communication with an external device; output means for outputting a charging signal that starts operation of the automated service equipment when the fee has been electronically paid; The billing support server a third communication means for enabling communication with an external device; a third storage means, When the electronic payment process is started by the input means, the device terminal outputs the electronic payment schedule information including the identification information and the fee from the device terminal to the billing support server; When the schedule information is input, the billing support server stores the schedule information in the third storage means, The billing support server is accessed based on the access destination information contained in the electronic transaction information obtained from the transaction information recording device by accessing the transaction information recording device via the first communication means from a user terminal operated by a user using the automatic service equipment, and when a request for electronic payment including the identification information contained in the electronic transaction information is input and the scheduled information corresponding to the input identification information is stored in the third storage means, the billing support server requests the payment execution server to make the electronic payment of the fee corresponding to the scheduled information.

2. the billing support server receives the result of the electronic payment corresponding to the request for the electronic payment from the payment execution server, and outputs the result to the device terminal corresponding to the identification information; 2. The electronic settlement system according to claim 1, wherein said device terminal outputs said charging signal from said output means based on said input result.

3. the third storage means stores the identification information and payment destination information corresponding to the identification information in association with each other; The electronic payment system of claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the fee is paid by the payment execution server based on information necessary for payment, including fee information contained in the schedule information output from the equipment terminal corresponding to the identification information that identifies the automatic service equipment that is the subject of the electronic payment, payment destination information output from the billing support server, and payment source information output from the recipient terminal.

4. When the connected automatic service device is in a charging prohibited state, the device terminal outputs charging prohibited information to the charging support server; The electronic payment system described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that when the billing support server inputs the billing prohibition information, it stores it in association with the identification information corresponding to the third storage means, and does not make the electronic payment related to the identification information corresponding to the billing prohibition information.

5. a device terminal communicably connected to an automated service device that provides a predetermined product or service in exchange for receiving a fee; and a billing support server capable of communicating with the device terminal, The device terminal is a transaction information recording device having a first storage means for storing electronic transaction information including at least identification information and access destination information for guiding to an electronic payment means for electronically paying the fee, and a first communication means, the transaction information recording device being accessed via the first communication means and outputting the electronic transaction information from the first communication means; an input means for initiating the electronic payment process; a second storage means for storing the identification information and the fee for the automated service machine identified by the identification information in association with each other; a second communication means for enabling communication with an external device; output means for outputting a charging signal that starts operation of the automated service equipment when the fee has been electronically paid; The billing support server a third communication means for enabling communication with an external device; a third storage means, the third storage means stores the identification information and payment destination information corresponding to the identification information in association with each other; the device terminal has a step of outputting, when the electronic payment process is started by the input means, scheduled information for the electronic payment, including the identification information and the fee, from the device terminal to the billing support server; the billing support server has a step of storing the schedule information in the third storage means when the schedule information is input; The billing support server is accessed based on the access destination information contained in the electronic transaction information obtained from the transaction information recording device by accessing the transaction information recording device via the first communication means from a user terminal operated by a user using the automatic service equipment, and when a request for electronic payment including the identification information contained in the electronic transaction information is input and the scheduled information corresponding to the input identification information is stored in the third storage means, the billing support server is accessed based on the access destination information contained in the electronic transaction information obtained from the transaction information recording device, and when the request for electronic payment including the identification information contained in the electronic transaction information is input and the scheduled information corresponding to the input identification information is stored in the third storage means, the billing support server is

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