Game system, program, and method of operating the game system

Abstract

To reduce complexity in a user's operation when drawing out an electronic game medium.SOLUTION: A game system comprises a game device for executing a game utilizing an electronic game medium, and a managing device 10, the managing device 10 has an account management section 141 for managing account data in which the amount of possession of an electronic game medium is registered for each user, an authentication section 142 for authenticating a user who tries to utilize the managing device 10, a setting section 143 for presetting a fixed drawing-out amount that is a fixed amount of an electronic game medium, and a transfer control section 144 for drawing out an electronic game medium of a fixed drawing-out amount set by the setting section 143 from account data and transferring it to the game device when receiving a fixed amount drawing-out request from the game device, and the game device has a requesting section for transmitting a fixed amount drawing-out request to the transfer control section 144 on condition of authentication by the authentication section 142, and an acquisition section for acquiring an electronic game medium of a fixed drawing-out amount transmitted from the transfer control section 144.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system, a management system, a program, and an operation method of a game system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, game systems that use electronic game media such as electronic medals in place of tangible physical game media such as medals (coins) have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic medal management system that receives a withdrawal request for electronic medals from a game device and outputs information on the electronic medals to the destination game device. In a game system including this type of electronic management system, for example, when a user specifies a desired number of electronic medals on a game device and requests a transfer of the electronic medals, the game device transmits a withdrawal request for the electronic medals to the electronic medal management system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, in the method in which the user specifies the desired number of electronic medals on the game device in order to withdraw the electronic medals from the electronic medal management system, the operation of the user specifying the number each time the electronic medals are withdrawn may become complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of the problems to be solved is to provide a technique that reduces the complexity of the user's operation when withdrawing electronic game media.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a game system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a game device that executes a game using an electronic game medium, and a management system that is communicably connected to the game device, wherein the management system includes an account management unit that manages account data in which the amount of electronic game medium owned by each user is registered, an authentication unit that authenticates a user attempting to use the management system, a setting unit that sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic game medium, in advance, and a transfer control unit that, when it receives a withdrawal request for a fixed amount from the game device, withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game medium set by the setting unit from the account data and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game medium withdrawn from the account data to the game device, wherein the game device includes a request unit that transmits the fixed withdrawal request to the transfer control unit on the condition of authentication by the authentication unit, and an acquisition unit that acquires the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game medium transferred from the transfer control unit.

[0007] A management system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a management system that is communicatively connected to a game device that executes a game using electronic gaming media, and comprises: an account management unit that manages account data in which the amount of electronic gaming media owned by each user is registered; an authentication unit that authenticates a user attempting to use the management system; a setting unit that sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic gaming media, in advance; and a transfer control unit that, when it receives a withdrawal request for a fixed amount from the game device, withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media set by the setting unit from the account data and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account data to the game device.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a program for a management system that is communicatively connected to a game device that executes a game using electronic gaming media, wherein the processor of the management system functions as: an account management unit that manages account data in which the amount of electronic gaming media owned by each user is registered; an authentication unit that authenticates a user attempting to use the management system; a setting unit that sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic gaming media; and a transfer control unit that, when it receives a withdrawal request for a fixed amount from the game device, withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media set by the setting unit from the account data and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account data to the game device.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of operating a game system, comprising a game device that executes a game using electronic gaming media, and a management system that is communicably connected to the game device, wherein the management system manages account data in which the amount of electronic gaming media owned by each user is registered, authenticates users attempting to use the management system, sets a fixed withdrawal amount which is a certain amount of electronic gaming media, and when it receives a request to withdraw a fixed amount from the game device, it withdraws the predetermined fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media from the account data, transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account data to the game device, and the game device, subject to authentication by the management system, transmits the request to withdraw a fixed amount to the management system and obtains the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media transferred from the management system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the outline of the game system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device. [Figure 4] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a game device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an account table. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a settings screen displayed on the control unit's display panel. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit of a game device. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of how the control device operates. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of how a game device works. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating an example of a matching process. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of a process for withdrawing a fixed amount of money. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing an example of a specified amount withdrawal process. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the outline of the game system related to the 10th modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below include various technically preferred limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated below.

[0012] [1. Embodiments] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the outline of a game system 1 according to an embodiment. The game system 1 shown in Figure 1 is installed, for example, in a gaming facility. A gaming facility is, for example, an entertainment facility such as an arcade or casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. In the example shown in Figure 1, multiple users H are present in the gaming facility.

[0013] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that electronic game media are used in the game system 1. The electronic game media may be, for example, electronic game media used in games. The electronic game media may be, for example, electronic data having a value as consideration to be consumed for a user to play a game. Specifically, the electronic game media may be, for example, electronic data indicating the value of game media such as medals (coins), tokens (substitute coins (token coins)), coins, and tickets. Note that the game media is a concept encompassing all elements having value related to games. Further, for example, the electronic game media may be payable out as physical medals such as coins. Hereinafter, the electronic game media may be referred to as electronic medals in contrast to physical medals.

[0014] Further, the use of electronic game media means, for example, that a user consumes the electronic game media for some act related to game play. For example, consuming the electronic game media to start play, and consuming the electronic game media for various operations such as participating in a specific event in a game or acquiring an item, are typical examples of the use of electronic game media.

[0015] In order to use the electronic game media in the game system 1, the user H needs to perform registration (hereinafter also referred to as "use registration") in advance. Identification information UID is assigned to the user H who has performed the use registration (see FIG. 6). The identification information UID is a code string for identifying the user H. The identification information UID may be stored in, for example, a portable recording medium such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card issued to the user H. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the identification information UID is stored in an IC card. Hereinafter, the IC card storing the identification information UID may be referred to as a registration card. Further, hereinafter, the user H who has already performed the use registration may be referred to as a registered user H, and the user H who has not performed the use registration may be referred to as an unregistered user H.

[0016] The game system 1 includes, for example, a management device 10 that manages data such as electronic game media for each user H, and a plurality of game devices 20 that execute games using the electronic game media. The management device 10 is an example of a "management system". The management device 10 may be implemented as a single device, or as a collection of a plurality of devices configured separately from each other. That is, the "management system" may be implemented as a single device, or may be implemented by a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0017] The management device 10 is communicably connected to the plurality of game devices 20. For example, the management device 10 communicates with each of the plurality of game devices 20 via the communication network 2. The communication network 2 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed in a game facility. The communication between the management device 10 and the communication network 2 may be either wired or wireless. Similarly, the communication between each game device 20 and the communication network 2 may be either wired or wireless. The communication network 2 may include, for example, the Internet.

[0018] Note that the configuration of the game system 1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. For example, the game system 1 may include a non-compliant game device that does not support the control signals of the management device 10, and an adapter that mediates communication between the management device 10 and the non-compliant game device by converting the control signals into a format suitable for both the management device 10 and the non-compliant game device.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device 10. The management device 10 includes, for example, a control unit 140, a storage unit 150, a communication unit 160, a display unit 170, an operation unit 180, and a reception unit 190.

[0020] The control unit 140 controls, for example, various parts of the management device 10. Furthermore, the control unit 140 executes processes related to the management of electronic game media. These processes include, for example, a withdrawal process that transfers electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 20, and a deposit process that transfers electronic game media from the game device 20 to the management device 10. In addition to the processes related to the management of electronic game media, the control unit 140 may also execute processes related to the management of user H's game data. Game data includes, for example, various game-related information such as the progress (play history) of games previously played by user H. This embodiment will primarily describe the processes related to the management of electronic game media.

[0021] For example, the control unit 140 includes an account management unit 141, an authentication unit 142, a setting unit 143, and a transfer control unit 144. The account management unit 141 manages, for example, the account table TBLa stored in the storage unit 150. The account table TBLa registers the amount X of electronic game media owned for each user H (see Figure 6). The account table TBLa is an example of "account data".

[0022] The authentication unit 142 authenticates user H who attempts to use the management device 10. For example, the authentication unit 142 authenticates user H by performing an authentication process using one or more of the following: biometric information indicating user H's biological characteristics (e.g., information indicating fingerprints or vein patterns, etc.) and passwords, along with user H's identification information UID. The password may be, for example, a password set in advance by user H, or a one-time password generated by the authentication unit 142, etc.

[0023] The setting unit 143 pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a certain quantity of electronic game media. For example, the setting unit 143 may set the fixed withdrawal amount in response to a setting instruction from user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142. The setting instruction is, for example, an instruction to set the fixed withdrawal amount.

[0024] The transfer control unit 144 performs actions such as withdrawing electronic game media from the account table TBLa. For example, when the transfer control unit 144 receives a fixed-amount withdrawal request from the game device 20 requesting the withdrawal of a fixed amount of electronic game media, it withdraws the fixed amount of electronic game media set by the setting unit 143 from the account table TBLa. Then, the transfer control unit 144 transfers the fixed amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account table TBLa to the game device 20. For example, withdrawing a quantity Q of electronic game media from the account table TBLa may be done by subtracting the quantity Q from the amount of electronic game media owned by user H who is withdrawing the electronic game media, which is registered in the account table TBLa.

[0025] In the following, the withdrawal of a fixed amount of electronic game media from the account table TBLa may be referred to as a fixed-amount withdrawal. That is, the setting unit 143 pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount as the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn by a fixed-amount withdrawal. In the following, the withdrawal of electronic game media specified by user H each time electronic game media is withdrawn may be referred to as a specified-amount withdrawal. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the management device 10 supports both fixed-amount withdrawals and specified-amount withdrawals, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the management device 10 may support only fixed-amount withdrawals among fixed-amount withdrawals and specified-amount withdrawals.

[0026] The storage unit 150 stores various information such as the control program PRa, the account table TBLa, and the authenticated table TBLb. In this embodiment, the control program PRa includes, for example, a program for the management device 10 to manage electronic game media for each user H. However, the control program PRa may also include, for example, an operating system program for the control unit 140 to control each part of the management device 10.

[0027] The authenticated table TBLb contains the identification information UID of user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142. For example, if the authentication unit 142 authenticates user H attempting to use the management device 10 as a legitimate user H (registered user H) of the management device 10, it registers the identification information UID of the authenticated user H in the authenticated table TBLb. The identification information UID registered in the authenticated table TBLb is deleted at a predetermined time, for example. This predetermined time may be a predetermined time such as the start of business at the gaming facility, or it may be a predetermined time elapsed from the time user H was authenticated (a time corresponding to the validity period for one authentication). Furthermore, if the identification information UID registered in the authenticated table TBLb is deleted at a predetermined time, the authentication unit 142 may delete the identification information UID registered in the authenticated table TBLb by deleting the authenticated table TBLb from the storage unit 150 at the predetermined time. Furthermore, if the authenticated table TBLb, which is the destination for registering the identification information UID of the authenticated user H, does not exist, the authentication unit 142 may create the authenticated table TBLb and register the identification information UID in the created authenticated table TBLb. Alternatively, the authenticated table TBLb may be included in the account table TBLa. In this case, among the multiple identification information UIDs registered in the account table TBLa, a flag or the like indicating that user H is an authenticated user may be set for the identification information UID of user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142.

[0028] The communication unit 160 performs communication with external devices such as the game device 20. The display unit 170 displays various images. The operation unit 180 receives operations from users H within the gaming facility.

[0029] The reception unit 190 accepts input of information used for authentication. For example, the reception unit 190 may be implemented by a card reader that acquires information from an IC card such as a registration card on which identification information UID is stored. Alternatively, for example, if biometric information is used in the authentication process by the authentication unit 142, the reception unit 190 may be implemented by a device that acquires biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint sensor or a vein sensor). Alternatively, for example, the reception unit 190 may be implemented by a code reader that acquires information from a two-dimensional code (barcode) or a QR code (registered trademark). The two-dimensional code or QR code may be printed on a medium such as paper, or displayed on a terminal device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, the reception unit 190 may be implemented by a combination of multiple devices including a card reader, a device that acquires biometric information, and a code reader. In other words, the reception unit 190 encompasses all means of acquiring information used for authentication. Note that password input may be accepted by the operation unit 180.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 10.

[0031] The management device 10 includes a control device 14 that controls each part of the management device 10, a storage device 15 that stores various information such as the control program PRa, a communication device 16, a display device 17, an operation device 18, and a reception device 19. The control device 14 is an example of a "processor of the management system."

[0032] The control device 14 is, for example, a processor including one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). For example, the control device 14 functions as a control unit 140 by executing a control program PRa stored in the storage device 15 and operating according to the control program PRa. In this embodiment, the control device 14 functions as an account management unit 141, an authentication unit 142, a setting unit 143, and a transfer control unit 144 by executing a program (a program included in the control program PRa) for managing electronic game media for each user H.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, if the control device 14 is configured to include multiple CPUs, some or all of the functions of the control unit 140 may be realized by these multiple CPUs cooperating and operating according to a program such as a control program PRa. In addition, the control device 14 may be configured to include hardware such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) in addition to one or more CPUs, or in place of some or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, some or all of the control unit 140 realized by the control device 14 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP.

[0034] The storage device 15 includes, for example, one or both of a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a work area for the control device 14, and a non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) that stores various information such as the control program PRa, and functions as a storage unit 150. The storage device 15 may be detachable from the management device 10. Specifically, the storage device 15 may be a storage medium such as a memory card that is detachable from the management device 10. Alternatively, the storage device 15 may be a storage device (e.g., online storage) that is connected to the management device 10 via a network or the like so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0035] The communication device 16 is hardware for communicating with external devices such as game devices 20 located outside the management device 10 via either a wired network or a wireless network, and functions as a communication unit 160.

[0036] The display device 17 is hardware such as a liquid crystal display that displays various images and functions as a display unit 170. The operating device 18 is hardware for receiving operations from users H in the gaming facility and functions as an operating unit 180. For example, the operating device 18 may consist of one or more devices, including some or all of operation buttons, a touch panel, a keyboard, a joystick, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The display device 17 and the operating device 18 may be configured as an integrated unit (for example, a touch panel display that detects contact by user H). In this embodiment, the display device 17 and the operating device 18 are assumed to be a touch panel display integrated with the display device 17. That is, in this embodiment, the display unit 170 and the operating unit 180 are realized by a touch panel display.

[0037] The reception device 19 is, for example, hardware for receiving input of information from an external source, and functions as a reception unit 190. For example, the reception device 19 may consist of one or more devices, including a card reader, a device for acquiring biometric information, and some or all of a code reader.

[0038] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game device 20. The game device 20 includes, for example, a control unit 240, a storage unit 250, a communication unit 260, a display unit 270, an operation unit 280, and a reception unit 290.

[0039] The control unit 240 controls, for example, various parts of the game device 20. The control unit 240 also performs, for example, the withdrawal of electronic game media, the deposit of electronic game media, and the process of allowing user H to play a game. The process of allowing user H to play a game may, for example, if game data is managed by the management device 10, resume the game from the state it was in when user H played the game in the past.

[0040] For example, the control unit 240 includes a matching unit 241, a request unit 242, and an acquisition unit 243. The matching unit 241, for example, checks whether user H of the game device 20 has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, and notifies the request unit 242 of the matching result. For example, the matching unit 241 queries the management device 10 to see if the identification information UID of user H of the game device 20 matches the identification information UID of an authenticated user H (the identification information UID registered in the authenticated table TBLb). This verifies whether user H of the game device 20 has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, as described above, the user H's identification information UID is assumed to be the information used for verification. However, the information used for verification is not limited to the user H's identification information UID. For example, when user H is authenticated by the authentication unit 142, the management device 10 may provide user H with an authenticated code as information used for verification. The authenticated code may be provided to user H by printing it on a medium such as paper, or by transmitting it to user H's terminal device such as a smartphone. In this case, the authenticated code is associated with the user H's identification information UID that has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, a facility card that allows withdrawals from electronic gaming media owned by the gaming facility manager may be provided to user H by the gaming facility manager (or the device that provides the electronic gaming media) in exchange for currency. The facility card stores, for example, an identification information UID (an identification information UID assigned to the gaming facility manager) authenticated by the authentication unit 142, and the amount of electronic gaming media that can be withdrawn. Since the identification information UID authenticated by the authentication unit 142 is stored in the facility card, user H who is provided with a facility card in exchange for currency is considered to be user H who has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142. Therefore, user H who possesses a facility card may use the identification information UID stored in the facility card as information used for verification.

[0043] The request unit 242 transmits a fixed-amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10, subject to authentication by the authentication unit 142. For example, the request unit 242 determines whether user H of the game device 20 is user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142, based on the verification result notified by the verification unit 241. Then, if user H of the game device 20 is user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142, the request unit 242 transmits a fixed-amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144, for example, in response to a fixed-amount withdrawal instruction from user H of the game device 20 (i.e., user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142). In this way, the request unit 242 transmits a fixed-amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit 144, subject to the condition that user H of the game device 20 is user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142. Note that a fixed-amount withdrawal instruction is an example of a "transfer instruction that instructs the transfer of a fixed amount of electronic game media."

[0044] The acquisition unit 243 acquires a fixed amount of electronic game media transferred from the transfer control unit 144 as a response to a request to withdraw a fixed amount. The fixed amount of electronic game media acquired by the acquisition unit 243 is converted into credits in an amount represented by the product of a predetermined conversion rate and the fixed withdrawal amount. The predetermined conversion rate is the ratio of the amount of credits to the amount of electronic game media (so-called credits / electronic medals), and is stored in the storage unit 250, for example. Credits are electronic media (i.e., electronic data) that user H consumes as payment for playing the game. The amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20 is stored in the storage unit 250, for example.

[0045] The amount of credits that user H possesses within the game device 20 increases or decreases as the game progresses, for example, according to the progress of the game played by the game device 20. For example, if user H wins a lottery conducted in the game, or if user H achieves an objective in various events such as a match, the amount of credits that user H possesses within the game device 20 increases. Conversely, if user H does not win a lottery, or if user H fails to achieve an objective in various events, the amount of credits that user H possesses within the game device 20 decreases by, for example, the amount consumed as payment for playing the game.

[0046] Electronic gaming media and credits are mutually interchangeable. As can be understood from the above explanation, credits consumed to play games are also included in the concept of "electronic gaming media."

[0047] The storage unit 250 stores various information, such as the control program PRb. In this embodiment, the control program PRa includes, for example, an application program for the game device 20 to perform processes such as withdrawing electronic game media, depositing electronic game media, and allowing user H to play a game. However, the control program PRb may also include, for example, an operating system program for the control unit 240 to control each part of the game device 20.

[0048] The communication unit 260 performs communication with external devices such as the management device 10. The display unit 270 displays various images. The operation unit 280 accepts operations from the user H of the game device 20.

[0049] The reception unit 290 accepts, for example, input of information used for verification. For example, if the reception unit 290 obtains the identification information UID used for verification from a registration card (IC card), it may be implemented by a card reader that obtains information from the IC card. The reception unit 290 encompasses all means of obtaining the information used for verification. That is, the reception unit 290 may be implemented by one or more combinations of a card reader, a biometric information acquisition device, and a code reader. Furthermore, if the information used for verification includes a password, the password input may be accepted by the operation unit 280.

[0050] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the game device 20.

[0051] The game device 20 includes a control device 24 that controls each part of the game device 20, a storage device 25 that stores various information such as the control program PRb, a communication device 26, a display device 27, an operation device 28, and a reception device 29.

[0052] The control device 24 is, for example, a processor including one or more CPUs. For example, the control device 24 functions as a control unit 240 by executing a control program PRb stored in the storage device 25 and operating according to the control program PRb. In this embodiment, the control device 24 functions as a matching unit 241, a request unit 242, and an acquisition unit 243 by executing an application program included in the control program PRb.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, if the control device 24 is configured to include multiple CPUs, some or all of the functions of the control unit 240 may be realized by these multiple CPUs cooperating and operating according to a program such as a control program PRb. Also, the control device 24 may be configured to include hardware such as a GPU, DSP, or FPGA in addition to one or more CPUs, or in place of some or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, some or all of the control unit 240 realized by the control device 24 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP.

[0054] The storage device 25 includes, for example, one or both of a volatile memory such as RAM that functions as a work area for the control device 24 and a non-volatile memory such as EEPROM that stores various information such as the control program PRb, and functions as a storage unit 250. The storage device 25 may be detachable from the game device 20. Specifically, the storage device 25 may be a storage medium such as a memory card that is detachable from the game device 20. Alternatively, the storage device 25 may be a storage device (e.g., online storage) that is connected to the game device 20 via a network or the like so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0055] The communication device 26 is hardware for communicating with external devices such as the management device 10 located outside the game device 20 via either a wired network or a wireless network, and functions as a communication unit 260.

[0056] The display device 27 is hardware such as a liquid crystal display that displays various images, and functions as a display unit 270. The operating device 28 is hardware for receiving operations from user H of the game device 20, and functions as an operating unit 280. For example, the operating device 28 may consist of one or more devices, including some or all of operation buttons, a touch panel, a keyboard, a joystick, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The display device 27 and the operating device 28 may be configured as an integrated unit (for example, a touch panel display). In this embodiment, the display device 27 and the operating device 28 are assumed to be a touch panel display integrated with the display device 27. That is, in this embodiment, the display unit 270 and the operating unit 280 are realized by a touch panel display.

[0057] The reception device 29 is, for example, hardware for receiving input of information from an external source, and functions as a reception unit 290. For example, the reception device 29 may consist of one or more devices, including a card reader, a device for acquiring biometric information, and some or all of a code reader.

[0058] Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, the game device 20 is actually equipped with game mechanisms according to the content of the game. For example, a game device 20 for a lottery game that includes a physical draw will be equipped with a physical draw mechanism (e.g., a roulette wheel). Similarly, a game device 20 for a pusher game that involves dropping multiple physical tokens will be equipped with a pusher mechanism for moving and dropping the physical tokens. Each game device 20 may be implemented as a single device, or as a collection of multiple devices that are configured separately from each other.

[0059] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the account table TBLa. The account table TBLa registers the identification information UID (UIDa, UIDb, UIDc, ...) and owned quantity X (Xa, Xb, Xc, ...) for each of the multiple registered users H. The owned quantity X is the amount of electronic game media owned by user H. User H can use the electronic game media in any game device 20 by transferring the electronic game media from the management device 10 to any game device 20 within the range of their owned quantity X.

[0060] Figure 7 shows examples of setting screens G10a and G10b displayed on the display unit 170 of the management device 10. The setting screen G10a shown in Figure 7 is displayed on the display unit 170 when, for example, user H is authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. For example, when user H is authenticated by the authentication unit 142, the setting unit 143 of the management device 10 displays the setting screen G10a, which includes buttons BTN (BTN11 and BTN12), on the display unit 170. Hereinafter, the operation of selecting a button BTN may be referred to as pressing a button BTN. For example, button BTN11 is pressed when setting a fixed withdrawal amount, and button BTN12 is pressed when ending the display of the setting screen G10a. When button BTN11 is pressed, the setting unit 143 displays the setting screen G10b, which includes the fixed withdrawal amount input area CIW and buttons BTN13 and BTN14, on the display unit 170.

[0061] For example, if an authenticated user H wants to set a fixed withdrawal amount, they press button BTN11 on setting screen G10a. This displays setting screen G10b on the display unit 170 of the management device 10. User H then inputs the desired withdrawal amount (for example, the number of electronic tokens) into the fixed withdrawal amount input area CIW by operating the operation unit 180, for example. After that, if user H wants to set the desired withdrawal amount entered in the fixed withdrawal amount input area CIW as the fixed withdrawal amount, they press button BTN13. This causes the setting unit 143 to set the desired withdrawal amount entered in the fixed withdrawal amount input area CIW as the fixed withdrawal amount. The management device 10 then finishes the process of setting the fixed withdrawal amount desired by user H.

[0062] Furthermore, if button BTN12 on setting screen G10a is pressed, or if button BTN14 on setting screen G10b is pressed, the management device 10 will terminate the display of setting screen G10a or setting screen G10b without performing any setting or change of the fixed withdrawal amount.

[0063] Figure 8 shows an example of a game screen G20 displayed on the display unit 270 of the game device 20. The control unit 240 of the game device 20 displays the game screen G20, which includes, for example, operation images for buttons BTN21 and BTN22, on the display unit 270. For example, button BTN21 is pressed when user H withdraws a certain amount, and button BTN22 is pressed when user H withdraws a specified amount. Although not shown in Figure 8, images and other elements corresponding to the game content are also displayed on the game screen G20 in reality.

[0064] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management device 10. Figure 9 shows an example of the operation of the management device 10 when it performs authentication processing for user H who is playing a game using an electronic gaming medium. The operation shown in Figure 9 is performed, for example, before user H plays a game using an electronic gaming medium. Furthermore, Figure 9 assumes that the information used in the authentication process is biometric information. For example, biometric information showing the vein pattern of the registered user H's hand (palm and fingers) is stored in the storage unit 150 in association with the registered user H. In the explanation of Figure 9, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H who is the subject of the authentication process.

[0065] First, in step S100, the reception unit 190 receives the user H's identification information UID. For example, the reception unit 190 obtains the identification information UID from the registration card owned by user H. After obtaining user H's identification information UID, the reception unit 190 proceeds to step S102.

[0066] In step S102, the reception unit 190 receives the user H's biometric information UID. For example, the reception unit 190 acquires biometric information showing the vein pattern of user H's hand. Specifically, the reception unit 190 detects the vein pattern of user H's hand and generates biometric information based on the detected vein pattern. This acquires user H's biometric information. After acquiring user H's biometric information, the reception unit 190 proceeds to step S104.

[0067] In step S104, the authentication unit 142 uses the identification information UID obtained by the reception unit 190 in step S100 and the biometric information obtained by the reception unit 190 in step S102 to perform authentication processing for user H.

[0068] For example, in step S100, the authentication unit 142 reads the biometric information associated with the identification information UID acquired by the reception unit 190 from the storage unit 150. Then, if the biometric information acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S102 matches the biometric information read from the storage unit 150, the authentication unit 142 authenticates user H as a legitimate user H (registered user H) of the management device 10. In other words, if the biometric information acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S102 does not match the biometric information associated with the identification information UID acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S100 (biometric information read from the storage unit 150), user H is not authenticated as a legitimate user H of the management device 10.

[0069] Next, in step S106, the authentication unit 142 determines whether or not user H has been authenticated by the authentication process in step S104. That is, in step S106, it is determined whether or not user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142. If the result of the determination in step S106 is negative, the authentication unit 142 terminates the operation shown in Figure 9. Note that if the result of the determination in step S106 is negative, the authentication unit 142 may notify user H that authentication was not performed before terminating the operation shown in Figure 9. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S106 is positive, the authentication unit 142 proceeds to step S108.

[0070] In step S108, the authentication unit 142 registers the user H's identification information UID (the identification information UID acquired by the reception unit 190 in step S100) in the authenticated table TBLb.

[0071] Next, in step S110, the setting unit 143 displays, for example, the setting screen G10a shown in Figure 7 on the display unit 170. The processing from step S110 onward assumes that the setting screens G10a and G10b shown in Figure 7 are displayed on the display unit 170.

[0072] Next, in step S112, the setting unit 143 determines whether or not to set a constant withdrawal amount. For example, if the button BTN11 ("Set constant withdrawal amount") on the setting screen G10a is pressed, and then the button BTN13 ("Set and exit") on the setting screen G10b is pressed, the management device 10 receives a setting instruction to set the desired withdrawal amount entered in the constant withdrawal amount input area CIW as the constant withdrawal amount. Therefore, the setting unit 143 determines, for example, that the constant withdrawal amount will be set if the button BTN13 on the setting screen G10b is pressed. The setting unit 143 determines that the constant withdrawal amount will not be set if the button BTN12 ("Exit") on the setting screen G10a or the button BTN14 ("Exit without setting") on the setting screen G10b is pressed.

[0073] If the result of the determination in step S112 is negative, the setting unit 143 proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S112 is positive, the setting unit 143 proceeds to step S114.

[0074] In step S114, the setting unit 143 sets a fixed withdrawal amount. For example, if the button BTN13 on the setting screen G10b is pressed, the setting unit 143 sets the desired withdrawal amount entered in the fixed withdrawal amount input area CIW as the fixed withdrawal amount. Then, the setting unit 143 proceeds to step S116.

[0075] In step S116, the setting unit 143 determines whether the setting of the fixed withdrawal amount has been completed. For example, the setting unit 143 determines that the setting of the fixed withdrawal amount has been completed if any of the buttons BTN12 on setting screen G10a, or buttons BTN13 and BTN14 on setting screen G10b are pressed. If the result of the determination in step S116 is negative, the setting unit 143 returns to step S112. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S116 is positive, the setting unit 143 terminates the operation shown in Figure 9. Note that if button BTN12 on setting screen G10a or button BTN14 on setting screen G10b is pressed, the setting or change of the fixed withdrawal amount is not performed.

[0076] In this way, the setting unit 143 pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn by a fixed withdrawal, based on the operation of the management device 10 by the authenticated user H. Here, for example, the operation shown in Figure 9 may be repeated in order for user H to change the already set fixed withdrawal amount.

[0077] Note that the operation of the management device 10 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 9. For example, in step S100, instead of the reception unit 190 obtaining the identification information UID from the registration card, the authentication unit 142 may obtain the identification information UID instructed by the user H's operation of the operation unit 180. Also, for example, information other than biometric information (e.g., a password) may be used in addition to or in place of biometric information for the authentication process. If multiple pieces of information are used for the authentication process, the management device 10 may, for example, obtain multiple pieces of information in step S102, or it may repeat the process corresponding to the series of processes in steps S102 and S104 (acquisition of information used for the authentication process, and the authentication process). Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the game device 20. Figure 10 shows an example of the operation of the game device 20 when user H plays a game using an electronic gaming medium. In the explanation of Figure 10, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H of the game device 20 performing the operations shown in Figure 10.

[0078] First, in step S220, the game device 20 performs a verification process to check whether user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the game device 20 communicates with the management device 10 and performs a verification process using the user H's identification information UID. Details of the verification process are explained in Figure 11. After performing the verification process, the game device 20 proceeds to step S230.

[0079] In step S230, the request unit 242 determines, based on the result of the verification process in step S220, whether or not user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. If the result of the determination in step S230 is negative, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S290. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S230 is positive, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S232.

[0080] In step S232, the request unit 242 determines whether or not a withdrawal of a fixed amount has been instructed. For example, the request unit 242 determines that a withdrawal of a fixed amount has been instructed if the game device 20 receives a withdrawal instruction for transferring a fixed amount of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 20. Note that the method by which the game device 20 receives the withdrawal instruction of a fixed amount may differ, for example, between the first embodiment and the second embodiment illustrated below.

[0081] The first embodiment is, for example, an embodiment in which the period during which the game can be executed is the period during which the registration card is placed in a predetermined position (a position in which the reception unit 290 can obtain identification information UID from the registration card). In the first embodiment, for example, when the button BTN21 ("withdraw a fixed amount") on the game screen G20 shown in Figure 8 is pressed, the operation unit 280 receives a command to withdraw a fixed amount. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the request unit 242 determines, for example, that when the button BTN21 on the game screen G20 is pressed, a command to withdraw a fixed amount has been issued. In the first embodiment, the operation unit 280 is an example of a "command reception unit".

[0082] Furthermore, the second embodiment is one in which, for example, if user H is authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, the game can be played until the process of step S290 described later is executed, even if the registration card is not placed in a predetermined location. In the second embodiment, for example, the reception unit 290 may accept the input of the identification information UID used in the verification process of step S220 as an instruction to withdraw a certain amount. In this case, the input of the identification information UID may be to cause the reception unit 290 to acquire the identification information UID stored on the registration card. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the request unit 242 may determine, for example, that an instruction to withdraw a certain amount has been given when the reception unit 290 acquires the identification information UID (the identification information UID used in the verification process of step S220) from the registration card.

[0083] In this case, when the reception unit 290 receives the input of identification information UID as a command to withdraw a fixed amount, the reception unit 290 is an example of a "command reception unit". The input of identification information UID may also be received by the operation unit 280. In this case, the operation unit 280 is an example of a "command reception unit". Furthermore, in the second embodiment as well, a command to withdraw a fixed amount may be received by pressing the button BTN21 ("withdraw a fixed amount") on the game screen G20 shown in Figure 8.

[0084] If the result of the determination in step S232 is negative, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S250. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S232 is positive, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S240.

[0085] In step S240, the game device 20 performs a fixed-amount withdrawal process, which involves transferring a fixed amount of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 20. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the game device 20 communicates with the management device 10 to perform the fixed-amount withdrawal process. Details of the fixed-amount withdrawal process are explained in Figure 12. After performing the fixed-amount withdrawal process, the game device 20 proceeds to step S250.

[0086] In step S250, the request unit 242 determines whether or not a specified amount withdrawal has been instructed. For example, when the button BTN22 ("specified amount withdrawal") on the game screen G20 shown in Figure 8 is pressed, the request unit 242 receives a specified amount withdrawal instruction to transfer a specified amount of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 20. Therefore, the request unit 242 determines, for example, that a specified amount withdrawal has been instructed when the button BTN22 on the game screen G20 is pressed. If the result of the determination in step S250 is negative, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S280. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S250 is positive, the request unit 242 proceeds to step S260.

[0087] In step S260, the game device 20 performs a specified amount withdrawal process, which involves transferring a specified amount of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 20. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the game device 20 communicates with the management device 10 to perform the specified amount withdrawal process. Details of the specified amount withdrawal process are explained in Figure 13. After performing the specified amount withdrawal process, the game device 20 proceeds to step S280.

[0088] In step S280, the game device 20 determines whether or not to start the game. For example, the game device 20 determines to start the game if a predetermined start condition is met. The predetermined start condition may be, for example, receiving a game start instruction from user H, or the current time may be a predetermined start timing. The predetermined start timing may be, for example, the closing time for inserting game media (i.e., betting) in the game device 20 that executes a lottery game or a horse racing game.

[0089] If the result of the determination in step S280 is negative, the game device 20 returns to step S232. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S280 is positive, the game device 20 proceeds to step S282.

[0090] In step S282, the game device 20 executes the game. Although not specifically shown in Figure 10, drawdown processes such as a fixed amount drawdown process and a specified amount drawdown process may be executed even while the game is running. In other words, the game and the drawdown processes may be executed in parallel.

[0091] Next, in step S284, the game device 20 determines whether user H will continue the game. For example, the game device 20 determines to continue the game if a predetermined continuation condition is met. The predetermined continuation condition may be, for example, that the game device 20 accepts an operation to continue the game. Alternatively, the predetermined continuation condition may be, for example, that no operation to terminate the game has been performed on the game device 20.

[0092] If the result of the determination in step S284 is positive, the game device 20 returns to step S232. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S284 is negative, the game device 20 proceeds to step S290.

[0093] In step S290, the game device 20 performs the game termination process. For example, if user H has credits in the game device 20, the game device 20 performs the electronic game medium deposit process. Specifically, the game device 20 transfers an amount of electronic game medium corresponding to the amount of credits that user H has in the game device 20 to the management device 10 as user H's electronic game medium. As a result, for example, the amount of electronic game medium transferred from the game device 20 to the management device 10 is added to the amount of electronic game medium X associated with user H in the amount of electronic game medium X registered in the account table TBLa. The amount of electronic game medium corresponding to the amount of credits that user H has in the game device 20 is calculated, for example, by multiplying the amount of credits that user H has in the game device 20 by the reciprocal of the predetermined conversion rate explained in Figure 4. After performing the deposit process, the game device 20 terminates the operation shown in Figure 10.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, if user H does not possess any credits in the game device 20, or if the result of the determination in step S230 is negative, the game device 20 may terminate the operation shown in Figure 10 without performing the deposit process. In addition, if the result of the determination in step S230 is negative, the game device 20 may terminate the operation shown in Figure 10 after notifying user H of the verification result (that user H did not match the authenticated user H).

[0095] Thus, withdrawal processes such as a fixed amount withdrawal process and a specified amount withdrawal process are executed on the condition that the user H of the game device 20 is authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. In other words, if the user H of the game device 20 is not authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, the withdrawal process will not be executed. This prevents unauthorized withdrawals in this embodiment.

[0096] Note that the operation of the game device 20 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 10. For example, the series of processes in steps S232 and S240 may be performed after the series of processes in steps S250 and S260.

[0097] Furthermore, the game played by the game device 20 may utilize physical game media. In this case, the game device 20 may determine, for example, whether or not physical game media has been inserted before executing the process in step S280. If physical game media has been inserted, the game device 20 adds an amount of credit corresponding to the amount of physical game media inserted to the amount of credit owned by user H in the game device 20. The amount of credit corresponding to the amount of physical game media inserted is calculated, for example, by multiplying the amount of physical game media inserted by a predetermined conversion rate explained in Figure 4. Also, if the game played by the game device 20 can utilize physical game media, even if the result of the determination in step S230 is negative (if user H does not match the authenticated user H), user H (for example, an unregistered user H) can play the game using physical game media.

[0098] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a matching process. The matching process shown in Figure 11 corresponds, for example, to the matching process in step S220 of Figure 10. In the description of Figure 11, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H of the game device 20 that performs the actions shown in Figure 11.

[0099] In step S222, the reception unit 290 of the game device 20 receives the user H's identification information UID. For example, the reception unit 290 obtains the identification information UID from a registration card owned by user H. After obtaining the identification information UID, the reception unit 290 proceeds to step S224.

[0100] In step S224, the verification unit 241 of the game device 20 sends a verification request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260, requesting verification of whether or not user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. The verification request includes the identification information UID (user H's identification information UID) acquired by the reception unit 290 in step S222.

[0101] Upon execution of step S224, the management device 10 executes the process in step S124. The process in step S228 is delayed until the management device 10 has executed the series of processes from step S124 to step S128. Therefore, before describing the process in step S228, the series of processes from step S124 to step S128 executed by the management device 10 will be described.

[0102] In step S124, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 receives a verification request from the game device 20 via the communication unit 160, which includes the user H's identification information UID.

[0103] Next, in step S126, the authentication unit 142 determines whether user H, indicated by the identification information UID included in the matching request, is authenticated or not. For example, if the identification information UID included in the matching request matches an identification information UID registered in the authenticated table TBLb, the authentication unit 142 determines that user H, indicated by the identification information UID included in the matching request, is authenticated. In this way, the management device 10 determines whether user H is user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142.

[0104] Next, in step S128, the authentication unit 142 transmits the verification result, which indicates the determination result of step S126, to the game device 20 that sent the verification request via the communication unit 160. This completes the processing of the management device 10 related to the verification process. As a result of the execution of step S128, the game device 20 executes the processing of step S228.

[0105] In step S228, the verification unit 241 of the game device 20 receives the verification result for user H from the management device 10 via the communication unit 260 as a response to the verification request sent to the management device 10 in step S224. The verification unit 241 then notifies the request unit 242 of the verification result received from the management device 10 and terminates the verification process. If the verification process is completed, the game device 20 proceeds to step S230 in Figure 10.

[0106] Note that the verification process is not limited to the example shown in Figure 11. For example, some or all of the series of processes from step S124 to step S128 may be executed by a functional block other than the authentication unit 142 among the functional blocks included in the management device 10 (for example, the account management unit 141).

[0107] Furthermore, for example, the process in step S126 (determining whether user H is authenticated or not) may be performed by the game device 20. That is, the verification process in step S220 shown in Figure 10 may be performed by only the game device 20, of the management device 10 and the game device 20. For example, if the management device 10 provides user H with an authenticated code as information to be used for verification when user H has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 (when the result of the determination in step S106 shown in Figure 9 is positive), the verification process may be performed by only the game device 20. Specifically, the game device 20 may determine that user H is authenticated if the correct authenticated code is entered by user H. Alternatively, the management device 10 may transmit the information of the authenticated table TBLb to the game device 20, and the verification unit 241 may perform verification using the information of the authenticated table TBLb transmitted from the management device 10.

[0108] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fixed-amount withdrawal process. The fixed-amount withdrawal process shown in Figure 12 corresponds, for example, to the fixed-amount withdrawal process in step S240 of Figure 10. For example, the process in step S242 is executed if the result of the determination in step S232 of Figure 10 is positive. In the explanation of Figure 12, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H of the game device 20 that performs the operations shown in Figure 12.

[0109] In step S242, the request unit 242 of the game device 20 transmits a fixed amount withdrawal request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260. That is, the request unit 242 transmits a fixed amount withdrawal request to the management device 10 in response to the game device 20 receiving a fixed amount withdrawal instruction from user H (for example, the button BTN21 on the game screen G20 shown in Figure 8 being pressed). The fixed amount withdrawal request includes, for example, user identification information to identify user H. The user identification information may be user H's identification information UID, or it may be information other than the identification information UID. For example, if terminal identification information that identifies the game device 20 is associated with user H's identification information UID through the matching process in step S220 shown in Figure 10, the terminal identification information may be included in the fixed amount withdrawal request as user identification information.

[0110] Upon execution of step S242, the management device 10 executes the process of step S142. The process of step S244 is delayed until the management device 10 executes the process of step S144. Therefore, before describing the process of step S244, we will describe the series of processes from step S142 to step S146 that are executed in the management device 10.

[0111] In step S142, the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 receives a request to withdraw a certain amount from the game device 20 via the communication unit 160.

[0112] Next, in step S144, the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 transfers a certain amount (a fixed withdrawal amount predetermined by the setting unit 143) of electronic game media to the game device 20, the source of the fixed-amount withdrawal request, via the communication unit 160. For example, the transfer control unit 144 withdraws the fixed-amount amount of electronic game media set by the setting unit 143 from the account table TBLa. Then, the transfer control unit 144 transfers the fixed-amount amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account table TBLa to the game device 20. The identification information UID of user H who owns the electronic game media subject to the fixed-amount withdrawal, among the identification information UIDs registered in the account table TBLa, is identified by the user identification information included in the fixed-amount withdrawal request.

[0113] Next, in step S146, the account management unit 141 of the management device 10 updates the account table TBLa. For example, the account management unit 141 subtracts a certain withdrawal amount from the amount of electronic game media owned by user H, out of the amount of electronic game media owned by user H, which is registered in the account table TBLa. With this, the management device 10's processing related to the fixed-amount withdrawal process is completed.

[0114] Furthermore, the game device 20 executes the process in step S244 when the process in step S144 is executed in the management device 10.

[0115] In step S244, the acquisition unit 243 of the game device 20 receives a certain amount (a fixed withdrawal amount predetermined by the setting unit 143) of electronic game media from the management device 10 via the communication unit 260 as a response to the fixed amount withdrawal request transmitted to the management device 10 in step S242. As a result, the acquisition unit 243 acquires the fixed amount of electronic game media from the management device 10.

[0116] Next, in step S246, the acquisition unit 243 of the game device 20 updates the amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20. For example, the acquisition unit 243 adds the amount of credits corresponding to a fixed amount of electronic game media acquired from the management device 10 to the amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20. The amount of credits corresponding to a fixed amount of electronic game media is calculated, for example, by the product of a predetermined conversion rate and a fixed amount of withdrawal, as explained in Figure 4. Upon completion of the process in step S246, the fixed amount withdrawal process is completed. When the fixed amount withdrawal process is completed, the game device 20 proceeds to step S250 in Figure 10.

[0117] Thus, in this embodiment, the request unit 242 of the game device 20 transmits a request to withdraw a fixed amount to the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 each time the operation unit 280 or the reception unit 290 receives a request to withdraw a fixed amount. The transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10, upon receiving the request to withdraw a fixed amount, then transfers a fixed amount of electronic game media to the game device 20, the source of the request to withdraw a fixed amount. In other words, in this embodiment, a fixed amount of electronic game media is transferred from the management device 10 to the game device 20 each time the operation unit 280 or the reception unit 290 receives a request to withdraw a fixed amount. As a result, in this embodiment, the user H can withdraw a fixed amount of electronic game media by performing a simple operation for the request to withdraw a fixed amount (for example, pressing button BTN21 or entering identification information UID).

[0118] Note that the fixed-amount withdrawal process is not limited to the example shown in Figure 12. For example, authentication similar to that performed in the specified-amount withdrawal process shown in Figure 13 (the series of processes from step S262 to step S270 and the series of processes from step S164 to step S170 shown in Figure 13) may be performed.

[0119] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a specified amount withdrawal process. The specified amount withdrawal process shown in Figure 13 corresponds, for example, to the specified amount withdrawal process in step S260 of Figure 10. For example, the process in step S262 is executed if the result of the determination in step S250 of Figure 10 is positive. In the explanation of Figure 13, unless otherwise specified, user H refers to user H of the game device 20 that performs the operations shown in Figure 13.

[0120] In step S262, the game device 20 receives account authentication information for withdrawing a specified amount. For example, if the account authentication information includes a password, the game device 20 obtains the password indicated by the user H's operation on the operation unit 280. Also, for example, if the account authentication information includes biometric information, the reception unit 290 obtains the user H's biometric information (for example, the vein pattern of user H's hand). Also, for example, if the account authentication information includes identification information UID, the reception unit 290 obtains the identification information UID from the registration card owned by user H. Note that in the specified amount withdrawal process shown in Figure 13, it is assumed that account authentication information is pre-registered for each identification information UID in the account table TBLa stored in the storage unit 150 of the management device 10.

[0121] Next, in step S264, the verification unit 241 of the game device 20 transmits an account authentication request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260, requesting authentication to verify that user H is the legitimate owner of the electronic game medium to be withdrawn. The account authentication request includes, for example, the user identification information described in Figure 12 and the account authentication information obtained in step S262.

[0122] Upon execution of step S264, the management device 10 executes the process of step S164. The process of step S268 is delayed until the management device 10 executes the process of step S168. Therefore, before describing the process of step S268, we will describe the series of processes from step S164 to step S170 that are executed in the management device 10.

[0123] In step S164, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 receives an account authentication request, which includes user identification information and account authentication information, from the game device 20 via the communication unit 160.

[0124] Next, in step S166, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 uses the user identification information and account authentication information included in the account authentication request received in step S164 to perform account authentication processing for user H.

[0125] For example, the authentication unit 142 reads account authentication information from the account table TBLa that is associated with the user H's identification information UID, which is indicated by the user identification information included in the account authentication request. If the account authentication information included in the account authentication request matches the account authentication information read from the account table TBLa, the authentication unit 142 authenticates user H as the legitimate owner of the electronic game medium to be withdrawn. In other words, if the account authentication information included in the account authentication request does not match the account authentication information registered in the account table TBLa, user H is not authenticated as the legitimate owner of the electronic game medium to be withdrawn.

[0126] Next, in step S168, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 transmits the authentication result obtained from the account authentication process in step S166 to the game device 20, the source of the account authentication request, via the communication unit 160. After the process in step S168 is executed, the game device 20 executes the process in step S268, and the management device 10 executes the process in step S170.

[0127] In step S170, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 determines whether user H has been authenticated by the account authentication process in step S166. If the result of the determination in step S170 is negative, the processing of the management device 10 related to the specified amount withdrawal process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S170 is positive, the authentication unit 142 proceeds to step S174.

[0128] Note that the process in step S174 is delayed until the game device 20 executes the process in step S274. Therefore, before explaining the process in step S174, we will explain the series of processes from step S268 to step S274 that are executed in the game device 20.

[0129] In step S268, the verification unit 241 of the game device 20 receives the authentication result of user H from the management device 10 via the communication unit 260 as a response to the account authentication request sent to the management device 10 in step S264.

[0130] Next, in step S270, the verification unit 241 of the game device 20 determines whether user H has been authenticated as the legitimate owner of the electronic game medium to be withdrawn, based on the authentication result received from the management device 10 in step S268. If the result of the determination in step S270 is negative, the verification unit 241 terminates the specified amount withdrawal process. Alternatively, if the result of the determination in step S270 is negative, the verification unit 241 may notify user H that authentication was not successful before terminating the specified amount withdrawal process. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S270 is positive, the verification unit 241 proceeds to step S272.

[0131] In step S272, the request unit 242 of the game device 20 receives a specification of the amount of electronic game medium to be withdrawn. The request unit 242 obtains the withdrawal amount indicated by, for example, an operation on the operation unit 280 by user H. Hereinafter, in the case of specified amount withdrawal, the withdrawal amount specified by user H may be referred to as the specified amount.

[0132] Next, in step S274, the request unit 242 of the game device 20 transmits a specified amount withdrawal request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260. The specified amount withdrawal request includes, for example, the user identification information explained in Figure 12 and the withdrawal amount (specified amount) obtained in step S272.

[0133] Upon execution of step S274, the management device 10 executes the process of step S174. The process of step S276 is delayed until the management device 10 executes the process of step S176. Therefore, before describing the process of step S276, we will describe the series of processes from step S174 to step S178 that are executed in the management device 10.

[0134] In step S174, the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 receives a specified amount withdrawal request from the game device 20 via the communication unit 160.

[0135] Next, in step S176, the transfer control unit 144 of the management device 10 transfers the specified amount (the amount to be withdrawn specified by user H) of electronic game media to the game device 20, the source of the specified amount withdrawal request, via the communication unit 160. For example, the transfer control unit 144 retrieves the amount of electronic game media (specified amount) indicated by the specified amount withdrawal request received in step S174 from the account table TBLa. Then, the transfer control unit 144 transfers the specified amount of electronic game media retrieved from the account table TBLa to the game device 20. The identification information UID of user H, who owns the electronic game media subject to the specified amount withdrawal, among the identification information UIDs registered in the account table TBLa, is identified by the user identification information included in the specified amount withdrawal request.

[0136] Next, in step S178, the account management unit 141 of the management device 10 updates the account table TBLa. For example, the account management unit 141 subtracts a specified amount from the amount of electronic game media owned by user H, out of the amount of electronic game media owned by user H, which is registered in the account table TBLa. With this, the management device 10's processing related to the specified amount withdrawal process is completed.

[0137] Furthermore, the game device 20 executes the process in step S276 when the process in step S176 is executed in the management device 10.

[0138] In step S276, the acquisition unit 243 of the game device 20 receives a specified amount (the amount to be withdrawn specified by user H) of electronic game media from the management device 10 via the communication unit 260 as a response to the specified amount withdrawal request transmitted to the management device 10 in step S274. As a result, the acquisition unit 243 acquires the specified amount of electronic game media from the management device 10.

[0139] Next, in step S278, the acquisition unit 243 of the game device 20 updates the amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20. For example, the acquisition unit 243 adds an amount of credits corresponding to a specified amount of electronic game media acquired from the management device 10 to the amount of credits owned by user H in the game device 20. The amount of credits corresponding to a specified amount of electronic game media is calculated, for example, by the product of a predetermined conversion rate and a specified amount, as explained in Figure 4. The specified amount withdrawal process ends when the processing in step S278 is completed. When the specified amount withdrawal process is completed, the game device 20 proceeds to step S280 in Figure 10.

[0140] Thus, with specified-amount withdrawal, user H can transfer a desired amount of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 20 by specifying the withdrawal amount. However, with specified-amount withdrawal, user H must perform the operation of specifying the withdrawal amount each time they attempt to withdraw electronic game media. For this reason, with specified-amount withdrawal, the operation of specifying the withdrawal amount each time user H attempts to withdraw electronic game media may become cumbersome.

[0141] Furthermore, with fixed-amount withdrawal, as explained in Figure 12, user H does not need to specify the amount to withdraw when withdrawing the electronic game medium. Therefore, with fixed-amount withdrawal, the complexity of user H's operation when withdrawing the electronic game medium can be reduced compared to specified-amount withdrawal. For example, if the game start timing is determined regardless of user H's situation, especially if the time from the current time to the game start timing is short, user H is likely to find it troublesome to specify the amount to withdraw each time they withdraw the electronic game medium. Even in this case, in this embodiment, user H can withdraw a fixed amount of electronic game medium with simple operation by selecting fixed-amount withdrawal, thus reducing the inconvenience that user H finds when withdrawing the electronic game medium.

[0142] Furthermore, in games such as lottery games or horse racing games, there may be a time limit for credit insertion (for example, a time limit for betting). In this case, with a specified amount withdrawal, the operation of specifying the withdrawal amount when withdrawing the electronic game medium takes time, and there is a possibility of running out of time. In contrast, with a fixed amount withdrawal, user H does not need to perform an operation to specify the withdrawal amount when withdrawing the electronic game medium, thus reducing the likelihood of running out of time.

[0143] The specified amount withdrawal process is not limited to the example shown in Figure 13. For example, the series of processes from step S264 to step S270 may be executed by a functional block (e.g., request unit 242) other than the verification unit 241 among the functional blocks included in the game device 20. The game device 20 may also send a request to the management device 10 that combines the account authentication request and the specified amount withdrawal request. In this case, the game device 20 obtains the withdrawal amount before sending the request that combines the account authentication request and the specified amount withdrawal request to the management device 10. Note that the acquisition of the withdrawal amount only needs to be performed before the game device 20 sends the request that combines the account authentication request and the specified amount withdrawal request to the management device 10, and may be performed before the game device 20 receives the account authentication information, or after the game device 20 receives the account authentication information.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the specified amount withdrawal process is executed when user H matches user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, the series of processes from step S262 to step S270 and the series of processes from step S164 to step S170 may be omitted.

[0145] In this embodiment, the game system 1 comprises a game device 20 that executes games using electronic gaming media, and a management device 10 that is communicatively connected to the game device 20. The management device 10 comprises an account management unit 141 that manages an account table TBLa in which the amount of electronic gaming media owned X is registered for each user H, an authentication unit 142 that authenticates users H who attempt to use the management device 10, a setting unit 143 that pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic gaming media, and a transfer control unit 144. When the transfer control unit 144 receives a request to withdraw a fixed amount from the game device 20, it withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media set by the setting unit 143 from the account table TBLa and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account table TBLa to the game device 20. The game device 20 includes a request unit 242 that, subject to authentication by the authentication unit 142, sends a request to withdraw a certain amount of electronic game media to the transfer control unit 144, and an acquisition unit 243 that acquires the certain amount of electronic game media transferred from the transfer control unit 144. The game device 20 also includes a verification unit 241 that verifies whether the user H of the game device 20 has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 and notifies the request unit 242 of the verification result. The verification unit 241 may be implemented as one of the functions of the request unit 242.

[0146] In this embodiment, as described above, when the transfer control unit 144 receives a request to withdraw a certain amount from the game device 20, the setting unit 143 transfers a predetermined amount of electronic game media to the game device 20. Therefore, the user H does not need to specify the amount to withdraw each time they withdraw a certain amount of electronic game media. For this reason, in this embodiment, the complexity of the user H's operation when withdrawing electronic game media can be reduced. In other words, in this embodiment, the user H can withdraw a predetermined amount of electronic game media without performing complicated operations. For this reason, the convenience of the game system 1 can be improved in this embodiment.

[0147] [2. Variant] Each of the above forms can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications are given below. Two or more forms arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be combined as appropriate, within the bounds of mutual consistency. In the modified examples given below, for elements whose function or action is equivalent to that of the embodiments, the same reference numerals used in the above description will be reused, and detailed explanations of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0148] [First variation] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the setting unit 143 of the management device 10 pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount based on an operation of the management device 10 by a user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the setting unit 143 may pre-set a fixed withdrawal amount based on an operation of the management device 10 by a facility-related person such as the manager or employee of the amusement facility where the game system 1 is installed. That is, the setting unit 143 may pre-set a fixed withdrawal amount based on an operation of the management device 10 by a user H authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10, or by a specific person such as a facility-related person at the amusement facility where the game system 1 is installed. Alternatively, when the control device 14 of the management device 10 starts the control program PRa, the setting unit 143 may set the fixed withdrawal amount specified by the control program PRa, or the address of the storage device 15 in which the fixed withdrawal amount is pre-stored (the location of the storage area in which the fixed withdrawal amount is stored).

[0149] Furthermore, the setting unit 143 may set a fixed withdrawal amount based on operations performed on the game device 20 by user H, who has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. For example, the operation unit 280 of the game device 20 may accept an operation to set a fixed withdrawal amount if user H of the game device 20 matches user H, who has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10. In this case, the game device 20 may, for example, transmit setting information indicating the fixed withdrawal amount specified by the operation performed on the operation unit 280 by user H of the game device 20 to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260. The setting unit 143 of the management device 10 may then set a fixed withdrawal amount based on the setting information received from the game device 20.

[0150] The operation of the control unit 280 to set a fixed withdrawal amount may be accepted after the fixed withdrawal amount has been set based on the operation of the control device 10, or it may be accepted regardless of whether the fixed withdrawal amount has already been set or not. The same effects as the embodiment described above can be obtained in the first modified example as well.

[0151] [Second variation] In the embodiments and the first modified example described above, the relationship between the multiple game devices 20 and the constant withdrawal amount is not specifically explained. However, the constant withdrawal amount may be set commonly for the multiple game devices 20, or it may be set independently for at least two of the multiple game devices 20. One of the at least two game devices 20 is an example of a "game device," and the other game device 20 is an example of "another game device."

[0152] For example, the setting unit 143 of the management device 10 may independently set a fixed withdrawal amount for one of the multiple game devices 20 and for the other game devices 20. That is, the setting unit 143 may independently set a fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request from one game device 20 and a fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request from the other game devices 20. The fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request from a game device 20 corresponds to the "fixed withdrawal amount corresponding to a fixed withdrawal request from a game device".

[0153] In a configuration where a fixed withdrawal amount is independently set for at least two of the multiple game devices 20, for example, if the amount of electronic game media (e.g., credits) used to satisfactorily play one game differs among the game devices 20, a fixed withdrawal amount can be set for each game device 20. This reduces the effort required of the user H when withdrawing electronic game media in a configuration where a fixed withdrawal amount is independently set for at least two of the multiple game devices 20.

[0154] For example, in a pusher game where multiple physical tokens are dropped, a large number of electronic tokens are used for user H to play the game satisfactorily. In contrast, in a horse racing game, user H tends to be able to play the game satisfactorily even if the number of electronic tokens used per play is less than in a pusher game. For example, in a configuration where a common fixed withdrawal amount is set for both pusher games and horse racing games, if we consider a first situation where the fixed withdrawal amount is small and a second situation where the fixed withdrawal amount is large, the following problems may occur compared to a configuration where a fixed withdrawal amount can be set for each game device 20.

[0155] For example, in the first scenario, if user H plays a pusher game, they will repeatedly issue withdrawal commands for a fixed amount, which may reduce the effort required for user H to withdraw electronic game tokens. Also, for example, in the second scenario, if user H plays a horse racing game, the amount of electronic game tokens withdrawn in one fixed amount is large, so user H may end up using more electronic game tokens in a single play than they anticipated.

[0156] In contrast, in a configuration where a fixed withdrawal amount can be set for each game device 20 (a configuration where a fixed withdrawal amount is set independently for at least two of the multiple game devices 20), the fixed withdrawal amount can be set to an appropriate amount depending on the game being played by the game device 20. Therefore, in a configuration where a fixed withdrawal amount can be set for each game device 20, the problems described in the first and second situations above can be prevented from occurring.

[0157] Furthermore, when user H sets a fixed withdrawal amount for each game device 20 by operating the control unit 180 of the management device 10, user H may specify the game device 20 or game to which the fixed withdrawal amount is to be set, and set the fixed withdrawal amount for the specified game device 20 or game.

[0158] [Third variation] In the embodiments, the first modified example, and the second modified example described above, the setting unit 143 may set a fixed withdrawal amount according to the amount X owned of electronic game media registered in the account table TBLa.

[0159] For example, the setting unit 143 may change the fixed withdrawal amount to a smaller amount when the amount of electronic game media owned X is small compared to when the amount of electronic game media owned X is large. In this case, user H can understand that the amount of electronic game media owned X registered in the account table TBLa has decreased by noticing that the amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request has decreased. That is, in the third modified example, user H can understand that the amount of electronic game media owned X registered in the account table TBLa has decreased without having to perform a balance inquiry to check the amount of electronic game media owned X registered in the account table TBLa. For this reason, a decrease in the amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request can also be an opportunity for user H to deposit additional electronic game media in exchange for currency. For example, if user H notices that the amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request has decreased, user H may deposit additional electronic game media in exchange for currency in order to continue enjoying the game.

[0160] Thus, in this third modification, user H can roughly grasp the amount of electronic game media owned X registered in the account table TBLa by knowing the amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to a certain withdrawal request, without having to check the balance of the account table TBLa. For this reason, the convenience of the game system 1 can be improved in this third modification.

[0161] [Fourth variation] In the embodiments described above, and in the modifications from the first to the third modification, the setting unit 143 may set a fixed withdrawal amount according to one or more of the current time, date, and day of the week.

[0162] For example, if a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the current time, user H can use the change in the amount of electronic game tokens withdrawn in response to the fixed withdrawal request as a guide for ending the game. For example, if the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic tokens is set to 200 tokens until 6 PM and to 50 tokens after 6 PM, user H may recognize that it is evening when the number of electronic tokens withdrawn in response to the fixed withdrawal request changes to 50 tokens and end the game.

[0163] Furthermore, for example, if a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the day of the week, the fixed withdrawal amount on days when the use of electronic gaming media tends to increase may be set higher than the fixed withdrawal amount on days when the use of electronic gaming media tends to decrease. In this case, for example, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times user H issues a fixed withdrawal instruction on days when the use of electronic gaming media tends to increase. Also, for example, if a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the date, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times user H issues a fixed withdrawal instruction, similar to the case where a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the day of the week.

[0164] The management device 10 may also have an information acquisition unit that acquires at least one piece of information from the current time, date, and day of the week. In this case, the setting unit 143 may set a fixed withdrawal amount based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit from the current time, date, and day of the week. If the information acquisition unit acquires multiple pieces of information from the current time, date, and day of the week, the setting unit 143 may set a fixed withdrawal amount based on one or more of the multiple pieces of information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0165] [Fifth variation] In the embodiments described above, and in the modifications from the first to the fourth modifications, the transfer control unit 144 may restrict the withdrawal of electronic game media by user H when the total amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account table TBLa in a day reaches a predetermined upper limit.

[0166] For example, the transfer control unit 144 may stop the withdrawal of electronic game media from the account table TBLa for user H if the total amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account table TBLa in a day reaches a predetermined upper limit. Alternatively, the transfer control unit 144 may, for user H if the total amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account table TBLa in a day reaches a predetermined upper limit, stop the withdrawal of a fixed amount and restrict the user to only the withdrawal of a specified amount.

[0167] In the fifth modification, withdrawals of electronic game media by user H are restricted when the daily withdrawal limit for electronic game media reaches the upper limit, thus preventing user H from overusing electronic game media. In other words, the fifth modification reduces the effort required for user H to withdraw electronic game media while preventing user H from overusing it. Furthermore, in the fifth modification, even if, for example, a lost registration card is used by someone else, the loss due to the loss of the registration card can be reduced because an upper limit is set on the daily withdrawal amount of electronic game media.

[0168] [Sixth variation] In the embodiments described above, and in the first to fifth modified examples, the game device 20 may stop accepting withdrawal instructions for a predetermined period after receiving a withdrawal instruction for a predetermined amount. In the sixth modified example, since the game device 20 stops accepting withdrawal instructions for a predetermined period after receiving a withdrawal instruction for a predetermined amount, it is possible to prevent the continuous acceptance of withdrawal instructions for a predetermined amount against the will of the user H.

[0169] Here, for example, if the game device 20 does not have a function to stop accepting instructions to withdraw a certain amount for a predetermined period after receiving such instructions, there is a risk that more electronic game media than the user H intended may be withdrawn due to the continuous acceptance of instructions to withdraw a certain amount. In contrast, in the sixth modified example, the game device 20 stops accepting instructions to withdraw a certain amount for a predetermined period after receiving such instructions, thus preventing the electronic game media from being withdrawn against the user H's will due to user H's erroneous operation, etc. One advantage of the game device 20 without the function to stop accepting instructions to withdraw a certain amount for a predetermined period, compared to the sixth modified example, is that, for example, by continuously accepting instructions to withdraw a certain amount, a larger amount of electronic game media than the fixed withdrawal amount can be withdrawn in a short time.

[0170] [7th variation] In the embodiments described above, and in the modifications from the first to the sixth modification, the request unit 242 may send a withdrawal request for a fixed amount to the transfer control unit 144 when the amount of electronic game media (e.g., credits) owned by user H, authenticated by the authentication unit 142, in the game device 20 falls below a predetermined value. Hereinafter, the function that automatically sends a withdrawal request for a fixed amount to the transfer control unit 144 when the amount of electronic game media owned by user H, authenticated by the authentication unit 142, in the game device 20 falls below a predetermined value may be referred to as the auto-transfer function.

[0171] The predetermined value may be set in advance based on operations performed on the management device 10 or game device 20 by a specific person, such as user H or a facility staff member at the amusement facility where the game system 1 is installed. Alternatively, when the control device 14 of the management device 10 starts the control program PRa, the predetermined value may be set by the setting unit 143 setting the value specified by the control program PRa, or the address of the storage device 15 in which a certain value is pre-stored (the location of the storage area in which a certain value is stored).

[0172] For example, in the seventh modified example, the auto-transfer function automatically transfers a certain amount of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 20 when the amount of electronic game media owned by user H, who has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142, falls below a predetermined value. As a result, in the seventh modified example, the effort required of user H when withdrawing electronic game media can be reduced. Note that whether or not to use the auto-transfer function may be selectable by user H, who has been authenticated by the authentication unit 142.

[0173] [8th variation] In the embodiments described above, and in the modifications from the first to the seventh modifications, the case in which the user H's identification information UID is used to authenticate whether user H attempting to use the management device 10 is a legitimate user H (authentication by the authentication unit 142) has been explained as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, card identification information that identifies a registered card may be used for authentication by the authentication unit 142. In this case, the card identification information may be associated with the identification information UID when the identification information UID is assigned to user H upon user registration. In the embodiment in which card identification information is used for authentication, for example, even if user H loses their registered card, the unauthorized use of the lost registered card by user H can be prevented by associating the card identification information of a newly issued registered card with the identification information UID.

[0174] [9th variation] In the embodiments described above, and in the modifications from the first to the eighth modification, the storage process for the electronic game medium when an unregistered user H runs the game is not specifically explained. However, the game device 20 used by the unregistered user H may undergo the storage process as described below.

[0175] For example, the storage process of electronic game media owned by an unregistered user H in the game device 20 may be performed as the termination process of step S290 shown in Figure 10. Hereinafter, the amount of electronic game media owned by the unregistered user H in the game device 20 may be referred to as the storage amount. When the control unit 240 of the game device 20 starts the storage process, it presents temporary identification information to the unregistered user H (user H of the game device 20). The temporary identification information is a sequence of codes for authenticating that user H is the legitimate owner of the electronic game media in the game device 20. Specifically, the control unit 240 presents the temporary identification information to the unregistered user H by displaying it on the display unit 270. The temporary identification information can only be confirmed by the unregistered user H. The unregistered user H stores or memos the temporary identification information. In addition, the control unit 240 may present the temporary identification information when a facility staff member of the gaming facility performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 280.

[0176] Furthermore, the control unit 240 transmits a storage request to the management device 10 via the communication unit 260. The storage request is a message requesting the management device 10 to temporarily store the electronic game media owned by the unregistered user H within the game device 20. The storage request includes provisional identification information presented to the unregistered user H and the amount of electronic game media to be stored.

[0177] The control unit 140 of the management device 10 receives a storage request from the game device 20 via the communication unit 160. The control unit 140 stores the storage amount and temporary identification information included in the storage request in the storage unit 150. That is, the electronic game media owned by the unregistered user H in the game device 20 is not registered in the account table TBLa at this time and is temporarily stored in the storage unit 150. The storage amount and temporary identification information stored in the storage unit 150 are erased after a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours).

[0178] An unregistered user H, presented with temporary identification information, moves from the game machine 20 to the management device 10 within the gaming facility. Unregistered user H instructs the management device 10 to perform a registration process for user registration by appropriately operating the control unit 180 of the management device 10. The registration process is a process to retrospectively register the electronic gaming media owned by unregistered user H in the game machine 20 into the account table TBLa after the unregistered user H has played a game. When unregistered user H performs the registration process, the amount held, which was associated with the temporary identification information, is associated with the new identification information UID as the amount owned X. As a result, the electronic gaming media owned by unregistered user H in the game machine 20 is registered in the account table TBLa. Also, unregistered user H becomes registered user H. Note that the temporary identification information may be used for verification until the registration process is performed. For example, the authentication unit 142 of the management device 10 may perform authentication of unregistered user H using the temporary identification information before the registration process is performed. In this case, an unregistered user H authenticated using temporary identification information may set a fixed withdrawal amount to withdraw a certain amount from the stored electronic game media in the storage unit 150 by operating the operation unit 180 of the management device 10. The ninth modification also provides the same effects as the embodiments described above and the modifications from the first to the eighth modification.

[0179] [10th variation] In the embodiments described above, and in the modifications from the first to the ninth modification, specific examples of cases where the management device 10 is realized as a collection of multiple devices configured separately from each other are not specifically illustrated. However, as shown in Figure 14, the management device 10A may be realized as a collection of account management devices 12 and user management devices 13.

[0180] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the outline of the tenth modified game system 1A. Game system 1A is the same as game system 1 shown in Figure 1, except that it has a management device 10A instead of the management device 10 shown in Figure 1. Elements similar to those described in Figures 1 to 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted. For example, game system 1A has a management device 10A that manages data such as electronic game media for each user H, and a plurality of game devices 20. The management device 10A is another example of a "management system".

[0181] Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the account management device 12 is the same as that of the management device 10 shown in Figure 3, except that the reception device 19 is omitted. Similarly, the hardware configuration of the user management device 13 is the same as that of the management device 10 shown in Figure 3. For this reason, the same reference numerals as those used in the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3 are used for the respective hardware configurations of the user management device 13 and the account management device 12.

[0182] The management device 10A includes, for example, an account management device 12 that manages electronic game media for each user H, and a user management device 13 that provides game-related services to user H. Game-related services may include, for example, presenting user H with the progress (play history) of games that user H has played in the past.

[0183] The account management device 12 is connected to the user management device 13, for example, by wired or wireless means, and communicates with the user management device 13. The account management device 12 may also communicate with the user management device 13 via the communication network 2. The account management device 12 includes, for example, a control unit 140a that controls various parts of the account management device 12, a storage unit 150a that stores various information such as the control program PR1 and the account table TBLa, a communication unit 160a, a display unit 170a, and an operation unit 180a.

[0184] The control unit 140a is the same as the control unit 140 shown in Figure 2, except that the authentication unit 142, setting unit 143, and transfer control unit 144 are omitted. For example, the control unit 140a has the account management unit 141 described in Figure 2. The storage unit 150a, communication unit 160a, display unit 170a, and operation unit 180a are the same as the storage unit 150, communication unit 160, display unit 170, and operation unit 180 shown in Figure 2. However, the control program PR1 stored in the storage unit 150a is different from the control program PRa shown in Figure 2. For this reason, for example, the control device 14 of the account management device 12 functions as a control unit 140a having the account management unit 141 by executing the control program PR1.

[0185] Furthermore, the user management device 13 communicates with each of the multiple game devices 20 via the communication network 2. The user management device 13 includes, for example, a control unit 140b that controls various parts of the user management device 13, a storage unit 150b that stores various information such as the control program PR2 and the authenticated table TBLb, a communication unit 160b, a display unit 170b, an operation unit 180b, and a reception unit 190 as described in Figure 2.

[0186] The control unit 140b is the same as the control unit 140 shown in Figure 2, except that the account management unit 141 is omitted. For example, the control unit 140b has the authentication unit 142, setting unit 143, and transfer control unit 144 described in Figure 2. The storage unit 150b, communication unit 160b, display unit 170b, and operation unit 180b are the same as the storage unit 150, communication unit 160, display unit 170, and operation unit 180 shown in Figure 2. However, the control program PR2 stored in the storage unit 150b is different from the control program PRa shown in Figure 2. For this reason, for example, the control device 14 of the user management device 13 functions as a control unit 140b having the authentication unit 142, setting unit 143, and transfer control unit 144 by executing the control program PR2.

[0187] The configuration of the game system 1A is not limited to the example shown in Figure 14. For example, the display unit 170a and the operation unit 180a may be omitted from the account management device 12. Alternatively, the account management device 12 may have a function equivalent to that of the reception unit 190. Furthermore, the game system 1A may include, for example, an incompatible game device that does not respond to the control signals of the user management device 13, and an adapter that mediates communication between the user management device 13 and the incompatible game device by converting the control signals into a format suitable for both the user management device 13 and the incompatible game device.

[0188] In the 10th modified example, the same effects as those of the embodiments described above, and the modified examples from the 1st to the 9th modified examples, can be obtained.

[0189] [11th variation] In the embodiments described above, and in the first to tenth modifications, examples were given in which the electronic game medium transferred to the game device 20 is converted into credits, and the credits converted from the electronic game medium are consumed to play the game. However, the conversion from the electronic game medium to credits may be omitted. That is, the user H may play the game in exchange for consuming a predetermined amount of the electronic game medium transferred to the game device 20. The eleventh modification can also obtain the same effects as the embodiments described above, and in the first to tenth modifications.

[0190] [3. Others] The functions of the management device 10 or 10A (e.g., account management unit 141, authentication unit 142, setting unit 143, and transfer control unit 144, etc.) in the above-described embodiments and the first to eleventh modified examples are realized through the cooperation of the control device 14 and the program. Similarly, the functions of the game device 20 (e.g., matching unit 241, request unit 242, and acquisition unit 243) in the above-described embodiments and the first to eleventh modified examples are realized through the cooperation of the control device 24 and the program. The programs in each of the above embodiments can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disc) like a CD-ROM, but also includes any known form of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except for transient propagation signals, and volatile recording media are not excluded. Furthermore, in a configuration where the distribution device distributes programs via a communication network, the storage device that stores the programs in the distribution device corresponds to the aforementioned non-transient recording medium.

[0191] [4. Addendum] From the above description, the present invention can be understood as follows, for example. For the sake of easier understanding of each embodiment, the reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently included in parentheses below, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0192] [Note 1] A preferred embodiment of the present invention (Note 1) of the game system (1 or 1A) comprises a game device (20) that executes a game using an electronic game medium, and a management system (10 or 10A) that is communicably connected to the game device (20), wherein the management system (10 or 10A) includes an account management unit (141) that manages account data (TBLa) in which the amount of electronic game medium owned (X) is registered for each user (H), an authentication unit (142) that authenticates a user (H) attempting to use the management system (10 or 10A), a setting unit (143) that sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic game medium, in advance, and the game device The game device (20) has a transfer control unit (144) that, upon receiving a request to withdraw a certain amount from the device (20), withdraws the predetermined amount of electronic game media set by the setting unit (143) from the account data (TBLa) and transfers the predetermined amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) to the game device (20), and the game device (20) has a request unit (242) that transmits the request to withdraw a certain amount to the transfer control unit (144) subject to authentication by the authentication unit (142), and an acquisition unit (243) that acquires the predetermined amount of electronic game media transferred from the transfer control unit (144).

[0193] In this embodiment, the setting unit (143) pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount, and the transfer control unit (144) transfers a fixed amount of electronic game media to the game device (20) when it receives a withdrawal request for a fixed amount from the game device (20). Therefore, in this embodiment, the user (H) does not need to perform an operation to specify the withdrawal amount each time a fixed amount of electronic game media is withdrawn. As a result, in this embodiment, the complexity of the user's (H) operation when withdrawing electronic game media can be reduced. Thus, in this embodiment, a fixed amount of electronic game media is transferred from the management system (10 or 10A) to the game device (2) with less effort, thus improving the convenience of the game system (1 or 1A).

[0194] Here, "electronic gaming medium" may refer to, for example, an electronic gaming medium used in a game. "Electronic gaming medium" may also refer to, for example, electronic data indicating the value of gaming mediums such as medals (coins), tokens (substitute coins), coins, and tickets. Furthermore, "gaming medium" is a concept that encompasses all elements that have value in relation to a game. Hereafter, electronic gaming medium may be referred to as an electronic medal in contrast to physical medals such as coins.

[0195] Furthermore, the "management system (10 or 10A)" may be implemented by, for example, one device, or by multiple devices (for example, two devices: a first device (12) including an account management unit (141), and a second device (13) including an authentication unit (142), a setting unit (143), and a transfer control unit (144)).

[0196] Furthermore, "setting a fixed withdrawal amount in advance" may also mean setting a fixed withdrawal amount based on an operation to the management system (10 or 10A) by a user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142), or by a specific person such as an employee of the facility where the game system (1 or 1A) is installed, before the management system (10 or 10A) receives a request to withdraw a fixed amount from the game device (20). Also, "setting a fixed withdrawal amount in advance" may mean setting a fixed withdrawal amount specified by the program (PRa or PR2) when a control device (14) such as a processor in the management system (10 or 10A) starts the program (PRa or PR2) of the game system (1 or 1A), or it may mean setting the address of the storage device (15) in which the fixed withdrawal amount is stored in advance (the location of the storage area where the fixed withdrawal amount is stored).

[0197] [Note 2] In the preferred example of Appendix 1 (Appendix 2), the setting unit (143) sets the constant withdrawal amount in accordance with the setting instruction from the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142).

[0198] According to this embodiment, a certain amount desired by the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) can be set as a fixed withdrawal amount.

[0199] Here, the "setting instruction" may be, for example, an instruction to set a new fixed withdrawal amount, or an instruction to change an already set fixed withdrawal amount.

[0200] [Note 3] In a preferred example of Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 (Appendix 3), the game device (20) further includes a verification unit (241) that verifies whether the user (H) of the game device (20) has been authenticated by the authentication unit (142) and notifies the request unit (242) of the verification result.

[0201] In this embodiment, the condition that the user (H) of the game device (20) matches the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) is equivalent to the condition that authentication by the authentication unit (142) is performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the request unit (242) sends a request to the transfer control unit (144) to withdraw a certain amount, on the condition that the user (H) of the game device (20) matches the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142).

[0202] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a withdrawal request of a certain amount from being sent to the management system (10 or 10A) from a game device (20) used by a user (H) who has not been authenticated by the authentication unit (142). In other words, in this embodiment, the game device (20) will not send a withdrawal request of a certain amount until it is confirmed that the user (H) of the game device (20) is a user (H) who has been authenticated by the authentication unit (142). As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a certain amount of electronic game media from being fraudulently withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) by a user (H) who has not been authenticated by the authentication unit (142) (so-called impersonation).

[0203] [Note 4] In a preferred example of any one of the appendices 1 to 3 (Appendix 4), the game device (20) further includes an instruction receiving unit (280 or 290) that receives a transfer instruction instructing the transfer of a fixed amount of electronic game media when the user (H) of the game device (20) is authenticated by the authentication unit (142), and the requesting unit (242) transmits the fixed amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit (144) each time the instruction receiving unit (280 or 290) receives the transfer instruction.

[0204] According to this embodiment, the user (H) can withdraw a fixed amount of electronic game media at a desired timing by issuing a transfer instruction at the desired timing. Furthermore, the user (H) does not need to specify the amount of electronic game media to withdraw from the account data (TBLa) when issuing a transfer instruction. Therefore, this embodiment reduces the effort required of the user (H) when withdrawing electronic game media.

[0205] Here, a "transfer instruction" may, for example, be when a predetermined operation is performed by a user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) to an operation unit (280) that accepts operations from the user (H). In this case, the operation unit (280) is an example of an "instruction receiving unit". Alternatively, a "transfer instruction" may also be when identification information (UID) identifying the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) is input to the game device (20). "Inputting identification information (UID) to the game device (20)" may, for example, be when identification information (UID) stored on an IC card is read by the game device (20). In this case, the game device (20) may have a receiving unit (290) implemented by a card reader or the like that acquires information from an IC card. When the receiving unit (290) reading the identification information (UID) stored on an IC card corresponds to receiving a transfer instruction, the receiving unit (290) is an example of an "instruction receiving unit".

[0206] [Note 5] In the preferred example of Appendix 4 (Appendix 5), the instruction receiving unit (280 or 290) receives the transfer instruction and then suspends the acceptance of the transfer instruction for a predetermined period of time.

[0207] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent transfer instructions from being received continuously against the user's (H) will. Furthermore, for example, if the game device (20) does not have a function to stop receiving transfer instructions for a predetermined period after receiving one, there is a risk that more electronic game media than the user (H) expects may be withdrawn due to the continuous receipt of transfer instructions. In contrast, in this embodiment, the instruction receiving unit (280 or 290) stops receiving transfer instructions for a predetermined period after receiving one, thus preventing more electronic game media than the user (H) expects from being withdrawn. One advantage of the game device (20) without a function to stop receiving transfer instructions for a predetermined period compared to this embodiment is that, for example, if transfer instructions are received continuously, a larger amount of electronic game media than a certain withdrawal amount can be withdrawn in a short time.

[0208] [Note 6] In a preferred example of any one of the appendices 1 to 5 (Appendix 6), the request unit (242) transmits the fixed-amount withdrawal request to the transfer control unit (144) when the amount of electronic game media owned by the user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) in the game device (20) falls below a predetermined value.

[0209] In this embodiment, when the amount of electronic game media owned by a user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) in the game device (20) falls below a predetermined value, a withdrawal request for a fixed amount is sent to the transfer control unit (144). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the amount of electronic game media owned by a user (H) authenticated by the authentication unit (142) in the game device (20) falls below a predetermined value, a fixed amount of electronic game media is automatically transferred from the management system (10 or 10A) to the game device (20). As a result, in this embodiment, the effort required of the user (H) when withdrawing electronic game media can be reduced.

[0210] [Note 7] In a preferred example of any one of the appendices 1 to 6 (appendix 7), there is further a game device (20) separate from the game device (20), and the setting unit (143) independently sets the fixed withdrawal amount corresponding to the fixed withdrawal request from the game device (20) and the fixed withdrawal amount corresponding to the fixed withdrawal request from the other game device (20).

[0211] According to this embodiment, for example, even if the type of game played by one game device (20) is different from the type of game played by another game device (20), a fixed withdrawal amount can be set according to the type of game. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, even if the amount of electronic game medium used in the game differs depending on the type of game, a fixed withdrawal amount can be set according to the type of game, thereby improving the convenience of the game system (1 or 1A).

[0212] [Note 8] In a preferred example of any one of the appendices 1 to 7 (appendix 8), the setting unit (143) sets the fixed withdrawal amount according to the amount (X) of electronic game media owned that is registered in the account data (TBLa).

[0213] According to this embodiment, for example, if the amount of electronic gaming media owned (X) is small, the fixed withdrawal amount can be reduced compared to when the amount of electronic gaming media owned (X) is large. In this case, the user (H) can understand that the amount of electronic gaming media owned (X) registered in the account data (TBLa) has decreased by noticing that the amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request has decreased. In other words, in this embodiment, the user (H) can understand that the amount of electronic gaming media owned (X) registered in the account data (TBLa) has decreased without having to perform a balance inquiry to check the amount of electronic gaming media owned (X) registered in the account data (TBLa). For this reason, a decrease in the amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn in response to a fixed withdrawal request can also be an incentive for the user (H) to deposit additional electronic gaming media in exchange for currency. For example, if user (H) notices that the amount of electronic game currency withdrawn in response to a certain withdrawal request has decreased, they may deposit additional electronic game currency in exchange for currency in order to continue enjoying the game.

[0214] Thus, in this embodiment, the user (H) can roughly grasp the amount of electronic game media (X) owned by the user by knowing the amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to a certain withdrawal request, without having to check the balance of the account data (TBLa). For this reason, the convenience of the game system (1 or 1A) can be improved in this embodiment.

[0215] [Note 9] In a preferred example of any one of the appendices 1 to 8 (appendix 9), the setting unit (143) sets the constant withdrawal amount based on one or more of the current time, date, and day of the week.

[0216] According to this embodiment, for example, if a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the current time, the user (H) can use the change in the amount of electronic game media withdrawn in response to the fixed withdrawal request as a guide for ending the game. For example, if the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic tokens is set to 200 until 6pm and to 50 after 6pm, the user (H) may recognize that it is evening when the number of electronic tokens withdrawn in response to the fixed withdrawal request changes to 50 and end the game.

[0217] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, if a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the day of the week, the fixed withdrawal amount on days when the use of electronic game media tends to increase can be made larger than the fixed withdrawal amount on days when the use of electronic game media tends to decrease. In this case, for example, on days when the use of electronic game media tends to increase, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times a transfer instruction is issued to transfer a fixed amount of electronic game media from the management system (10 or 10A) to the game device (20). Also, for example, even if a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the date, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times a transfer instruction is issued, similar to the case where a fixed withdrawal amount is set according to the day of the week.

[0218] [Note 10] In a preferred example of any one of the appendices 1 to 9 (appendix 9), the transfer control unit (144) restricts the withdrawal of electronic game media by a user (H) whose daily total amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) has reached a predetermined upper limit.

[0219] According to this embodiment, withdrawals of electronic game media by a user (H) whose daily withdrawal limit for electronic game media has reached the upper limit are restricted, thereby preventing the user (H) from overusing electronic game media. In other words, this embodiment reduces the effort required of the user (H) when withdrawing electronic game media while preventing the user (H) from overusing electronic game media. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if, for example, a lost registration card is used by someone else, the loss due to the loss of the registration card can be reduced because an upper limit is set on the daily withdrawal amount of electronic game media.

[0220] Here, "restricting the withdrawal of electronic game media" may, for example, mean stopping the withdrawal of electronic game media from account data (TBLa). Alternatively, "restricting the withdrawal of electronic game media" may mean, for example, stopping the withdrawal of electronic game media from account data (TBLa) based on a fixed amount withdrawal request, and limiting it to other withdrawal methods. Other withdrawal methods may include, for example, specified amount withdrawal, where the user (H) specifies the amount to withdraw, and the desired amount of electronic game media specified by the user (H) is transferred from the management system (10 or 10A) to the game device (20). In specified amount withdrawal, the user (H) must perform the operation of specifying the amount to withdraw each time they attempt to withdraw electronic game media.

[0221] [Note 11] A management system (10 or 10A) according to another aspect of the present invention (Appendix 11) is a management system (10 or 10A) that is communicably connected to a game device (20) that executes a game using electronic gaming media, and comprises: an account management unit (141) that manages account data (TBLa) in which the amount of electronic gaming media owned (X) is registered for each user (H); an authentication unit (142) that authenticates a user (H) attempting to use the management system (10 or 10A); a setting unit (143) that sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a fixed amount of electronic gaming media; and a transfer control unit (144) that, when a withdrawal request for a fixed amount is received from the game device (20), withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media set by the setting unit (143) from the account data (TBLa) and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) to the game device (20). In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in Appendix 1 can be obtained.

[0222] [Note 12] A program (PRa, or PR1 and PR2) according to another aspect of the present invention (Appendix 12) is a program for a management system (10 or 10A) that is communicably connected to a game device (20) that executes a game using an electronic game medium, wherein the processor (14) of the management system (10 or 10A) is configured to manage account data (TBLa) in which the amount of electronic game medium owned (X) is registered for each user (H), and attempts to utilize the management system (10 or 10A). The system is configured to function as follows: an authentication unit (142) that authenticates the user (H), a setting unit (143) that pre-sets a fixed withdrawal amount, which is a certain amount of electronic game media, and a transfer control unit (144) that, when it receives a withdrawal request for a certain amount from the game device (20), withdraws the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media set by the setting unit (143) from the account data (TBLa) and transfers the fixed withdrawal amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) to the game device (20). In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in Appendix 1 can be obtained.

[0223] [Note 13] A method of operating a game system (1 or 1A) according to another aspect of the present invention (Note 13) is a method of operating a game system (1 or 1A) including a game device (20) that executes a game using electronic gaming media and a management system (10 or 10A) that is communicably connected to the game device (20), wherein the management system (10 or 10A) manages account data (TBLa) in which the amount of electronic gaming media owned (X) is registered for each user (H), authenticates a user (H) attempting to use the management system (10 or 10A), and performs a certain withdrawal of a certain amount of electronic gaming media. A predetermined amount is set, and when a withdrawal request for a fixed amount is received from the game device (20), the predetermined fixed amount of electronic game media is withdrawn from the account data (TBLa), the fixed amount of electronic game media withdrawn from the account data (TBLa) is transferred to the game device (20), the game device (20) transmits the fixed amount withdrawal request to the management system (10 or 10A) subject to authentication by the management system (10 or 10A), and the fixed amount of electronic game media transferred from the management system (10 or 10A) is acquired. In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in Appendix 1 can be obtained. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0224] 1, 1A…Game system, 2…Communication network, 10, 10A…Management device, 12…Account management device, 13…User management device, 14…Control device, 15…Storage device, 16…Communication device, 17…Display device, 18…Operation device, 19…Reception device, 20…Game device, 24…Control device, 25…Storage device, 26…Communication device, 27…Display device, 28…Operation device, 29…Reception device, 140, 140a, 140b…Control unit, 141…Account Management unit, 142…Authentication unit, 143…Setting unit, 144…Transfer control unit, 150, 150a, 150b…Storage unit, 160, 160a, 160b…Communication unit, 170, 170a, 170b…Display unit, 180, 180a, 180b…Operation unit, 190…Reception unit, 240…Control unit, 241…Verification unit, 242…Request unit, 243…Acquisition unit, 250…Storage unit, 260…Communication unit, 270…Display unit, 280…Operation unit, 290…Reception unit.

Claims

1. A game device that runs a game using an electronic game medium, operated by an unregistered user, and a management system that is communicably connected to the game device, The aforementioned game device, When the aforementioned unregistered user terminates the game, a display unit presents temporary identification information to the aforementioned unregistered user, A communication unit that transmits a storage request to the management system, which includes the amount of electronic game media held in the game device by the unregistered user, and the provisional identification information. A request unit transmits a withdrawal request, which is a request to withdraw a predetermined amount of electronic game media, to the management system. An acquisition unit that acquires electronic game media transferred from the aforementioned management system, Equipped with, The aforementioned management system is A storage unit that, upon receiving the aforementioned storage request, stores the storage quantity and the provisional identification information in association with each other, An authentication unit that authenticates an unregistered user attempting to use the management system using the aforementioned provisional identification information, A setting unit sets in advance the withdrawal amount, which is the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn from the storage amount stored in the storage unit, based on the operation of the unregistered user authenticated using the provisional identification information, A transfer control unit, upon receiving the withdrawal request from the game device, withdraws the amount of electronic game media stored in the storage unit and transfers it to the game device. A game system characterized by having the following features.

2. A program for operating a computer incorporated into a game system comprising a game device that runs a game using an electronic game medium operated by an unregistered user, and a management system that is communicably connected to the game device, In the aforementioned game device, When the aforementioned unregistered user terminates the game, a means for presenting temporary identification information to the aforementioned unregistered user, A communication means for transmitting a storage request to the management system, which includes the amount of electronic game media held in the game device by the unregistered user, and the provisional identification information. Request means for transmitting a withdrawal request, which is a request to withdraw a predetermined amount of electronic game media in the management system, to the management system. Acquisition means for acquiring electronic game media transferred from the aforementioned management system, In the aforementioned management system, A storage means that, upon receiving the aforementioned storage request, stores the storage quantity and the provisional identification information in association with each other. Authentication means for authenticating an unregistered user attempting to use the management system using the aforementioned provisional identification information, A setting means that, based on the operation of the unregistered user authenticated using the provisional identification information, pre-sets the withdrawal amount, which is the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn from the storage amount stored in the storage means. A transfer means that, upon receiving the withdrawal request from the game device, withdraws the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn from the amount stored in the storage means and transfers it to the game device. A program that makes it function as such.

3. A computer incorporated into a game system comprising a game device that runs a game using an electronic game medium operated by an unregistered user, and a management system that is communicably connected to the game device, In the aforementioned game device, A procedure for presenting temporary identification information to an unregistered user when the user terminates the game, A communication procedure for transmitting a storage request to the management system, which includes the amount of electronic game media held in the game device by the unregistered user, and the provisional identification information. A request procedure for transmitting a withdrawal request, which is a request to withdraw a predetermined amount of electronic game media from the management system, to the management system, Acquisition procedure for obtaining electronic game media transferred from the aforementioned management system, In the aforementioned management system, A storage procedure that, upon receiving the aforementioned storage request, stores the storage quantity and the provisional identification information in association with each other, An authentication procedure for authenticating an unregistered user attempting to use the management system using the aforementioned provisional identification information, A setting procedure for pre-setting a withdrawal amount, which is the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn from the stored amount stored in the storage procedure, based on the operation of the unregistered user authenticated using the aforementioned provisional identification information, A transfer procedure which, upon receiving the withdrawal request from the game device, withdraws the amount of electronic game media to be withdrawn from the amount stored in the storage procedure and transfers it to the game device, The method by which the game system operates to execute this action.

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