JP7534777B2 - CRANE GAME MACHINE PAYMENT SYSTEM, CRANE GAME MACHINE PAYMENT METHOD, CRANE GAME MACHINE, INTERMEDIATE SERVER, GATEWAY DEVICE, AND ADMINISTRATOR DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a crane game payment system that enables electronic payment for a crane game machine in which a user can win prizes or other merchandise through user operation, a crane game payment method, a crane game machine, an intermediate server, a gateway device, and an administrator device.

Conventionally, it is common to attach a two-dimensional code label such as a barcode label or a QR (registered trademark) code (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "code label") indicating the product's identification number and sales price to each product, and to allow payment to be made by reading the code label with a dedicated code reader.

The information embedded in the code label is not limited to product identification numbers or sales prices; various other information can be embedded, and the label can be used to identify a variety of items and products.

In recent years, it has become possible for users to read a code label displayed on any item using the camera function of a mobile device such as a smartphone, and display products provided by the information embedded in the code label on the mobile device's terminal UI (user interface), and then pay online for the products the user wants to purchase via a payment brand.

For this reason, recent mobile terminals with cameras often come pre-installed with a code reading application (software) for reading code labels, or such code reading applications can be downloaded from various service servers via the Internet. Furthermore, mobile terminals with cameras are capable of downloading payment applications (software) from various service servers for making Internet payments with a payment brand designated by the user, and such payment applications may operate in conjunction with the code reading application or may be linked by user operation.

General gaming machines are used by users who pay for coins or other charges. In particular, among gaming machines, crane game machines, which allow users to win prizes or other items by operating the machine, are generally configured to allow users to play by paying for coins or other charges.

However, conventional crane game machines are inconvenient because they cannot be used when the user does not have coins on hand. Therefore, a system has been disclosed that uses a prepaid card to make payments for gaming machines such as crane games (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-213799 A

As mentioned above, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uses prepaid cards to make payments for gaming machines such as crane games.

However, even in a system that uses prepaid cards, if a user does not have the money to purchase the prepaid card, they will ultimately be unable to use gaming machines such as crane games and will be unable to make payments.

On the other hand, in recent years, many users always carry mobile terminals such as smartphones, and applications that enable Internet payments are known, allowing users to purchase products even if they do not have money on hand.

Therefore, it is desirable to build a payment system that allows users to make electronic payments (e.g., internet payments) via mobile terminals when using crane game machines, but it is necessary to devise ways to make electronic payments easier. Furthermore, because crane game machines often have a variety of prizes available and it is difficult to predict which prize will be paid out depending on the user's gameplay, it is also necessary to devise ways to make product management easier for system administrators.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop a crane game payment system that allows users to easily operate electronic payments via mobile terminals when using crane game machines, and that preferably facilitates payment for crane game machines while encouraging users to use crane game machines more, and also simplifies product management for the crane game machines for system administrators.

In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a crane game payment system, a crane game payment method, a crane game machine, an intermediate server, a gateway device, and an administrator device that facilitate electronic payment for the crane game machine and product management for the crane game machine while promoting the use of the crane game machine.

The crane game machine payment system of the present invention is a crane game machine payment system that allows electronic payment for a crane game machine, comprising: a crane game machine having prizes of products with product code labels individually identifying product types, and one or more code labels that display game machine code information identifying the game machine itself as well as payment code information identifying the payment brand related to the use of the game machine itself; an intermediate server that enables electronic payment for the use of the crane game machine to a payment server identified based on information obtained by reading the game machine code information and the code labels that display the payment code information with a camera- equipped mobile terminal used by a user, notifies the mobile terminal of payment completion information indicating that electronic payment has been completed, and presents product information of the products handled by the crane game machine for which electronic payment has been completed; The system is characterized in that it comprises a gateway device which enables play on the crane game machine based on payment completion information obtained from the intermediate server after confirming a communication connection with the crane game machine ; an administrator terminal equipped with a camera or a code reader which is used by a system administrator when replacing products in the crane game machine; and a game machine management server which is operated by the administrator terminal and has a database function of storing product information for each game machine including the crane game machine , and an administrator device for a system administrator which stores and manages the product information for each game machine including the crane game machine in the game machine management server based on the game machine code information and product code information obtained by reading the product code label by the administrator terminal, so as to enable the intermediate server to present the product information to the mobile terminal.

In addition, in the crane game machine settlement system of the present invention, the game machine management server is communicatively connected to a game machine manufacturer server which provides information regarding products, and automatically acquires and stores product information from the game machine manufacturer server based on input of the game machine code information obtained by reading a code label which displays game machine code information identifying at least the game machine by the administrator terminal, and product code information obtained by reading the product code label.

In addition, in the crane game machine settlement system of the present invention, a product dispensing sensor is provided at the product dispensing opening of the crane game machine, which can read the product code information of the product code label of the dispensed product automatically or manually by the user, and the crane game machine has a function of generating dispensed product information including the product code and dispensing date and time read by the product dispensing sensor and notifying the intermediate server via the gateway device, and the intermediate server obtains the dispensed product information and automatically generates and stores a dedicated dispensing history folder in the memory unit of the mobile terminal, thereby allowing the user to check the history of products that have been acquired in the past.

In addition, in the crane game machine payment system of the present invention, the intermediate server is characterized by having a means for presenting a game app related to play on the crane game machine in a manner that allows the user to select it.

Furthermore, the crane game machine settlement method of the present invention is a method for enabling electronic settlement for a crane game machine having prizes of merchandise with merchandise code labels individually identifying the type of merchandise, and one or more code labels displaying game machine code information identifying the game machine itself as well as settlement code information identifying the settlement brand related to the use of the game machine itself, the method including the steps of enabling electronic settlement for the use of the crane game machine to a settlement server identified by an intermediate server based on information obtained by reading the game machine code information and the code label displaying the settlement code information with a camera-equipped mobile terminal used by a user, notifying the mobile terminal of settlement completion information indicating that the electronic settlement has been completed, and presenting merchandise information of the merchandise handled by the crane game machine for which the electronic settlement has been completed; and a step of making the crane game machine playable based on payment completion information obtained from the intermediate server after confirming a communication connection with the crane game machine , and storing and managing product information for each game machine including the crane game machine in the game machine management server based on product code information and product code information obtained by reading the product code label by the administrator terminal, so that the intermediate server can present the product information to the mobile terminal by an administrator device for a system administrator, the administrator device including an administrator terminal equipped with a camera or a code reader and used by a system administrator when replacing products in the crane game machine, and a game machine management server operated by the administrator terminal and having a database function for storing product information for each game machine including the crane game machine.

Furthermore, the crane game machine of the present invention is a crane game machine in a crane game machine payment system that allows electronic payment, and is characterized in that the prizes are products with product code labels that individually identify the product type, and the machine has one or more types of code labels that display game machine code information that identifies the game machine itself as well as payment code information that identifies the payment brand related to the use of the game machine itself.

Furthermore, the intermediate server of the present invention is an intermediate server in the crane game machine payment system of the present invention which enables electronic payment for the crane game machine, and is characterized in that it enables electronic payment for use of the crane game machine to a payment server identified based on information obtained by reading a code label displaying game machine code information and payment code information possessed by the crane game machine using a camera-equipped mobile terminal used by a user, and presents product information of products handled by the crane game machine for which electronic payment has been completed to the mobile terminal.

Furthermore, the gateway device of the present invention comprises a crane game machine having prizes made of products each bearing a product code label identifying a product type, and one or more code labels displaying game machine code information identifying the game machine itself as well as payment code information identifying the payment brand related to the use of the game machine itself, and an intermediate server which enables electronic payment for use of the crane game machine to a payment server identified based on information obtained by reading the code label displaying the game machine code information and payment code information held by the crane game machine using a camera-equipped mobile terminal used by a user, and which notifies the mobile terminal of payment completion information indicating that the electronic payment has been completed and presents product information of the products handled by the crane game machine for which the electronic payment has been completed, and is a gateway device in a crane game machine payment system which enables electronic payment for the crane game machine, and which is characterized in that it confirms a communication connection with the crane game machine and then makes the crane game machine playable based on the payment completion information obtained from the intermediate server.

Furthermore, the administrator device of the present invention comprises a crane game machine having prizes of merchandise with merchandise code labels individually identifying the type of merchandise, and one or more code labels displaying game machine code information identifying the game machine itself and payment code information identifying the payment brand related to the use of the game machine itself, and an intermediate server which enables electronic payment for use of the crane game machine to a payment server identified based on information obtained by reading the game machine code information and the code label displaying the payment code information held by the crane game machine using a mobile terminal with a camera used by a user, notifies the mobile terminal of payment completion information indicating that the electronic payment has been completed, and presents product information of the merchandise handled by the crane game machine for which the electronic payment has been completed. an administrator device for a system administrator in a crane game machine payment system that enables electronic payment for the crane game machine, comprising : an administrator terminal equipped with a camera or a code reader that is used by the system administrator when replacing products in the crane game machine; and a game machine management server that is operated by the administrator terminal and has a database function of storing product information for each game machine including the crane game machine, and is characterized in that the product information for each game machine including the crane game machine is stored and managed in the game machine management server based on the game machine code information and product code information obtained by reading the product code label by the administrator terminal , so as to enable the intermediate server to present the product information to the mobile terminal .

According to the present invention, when a user uses a crane game machine, electronic payment is possible via a mobile terminal. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, payment at the crane game machine is facilitated while encouraging users to use the crane game machine more, and product management at the crane game machine is also facilitated for the system administrator.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a crane game machine settlement system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 11 is a diagram showing an example of a product information management table managed by a game machine management server in the crane game machine settlement system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an intermediate server for mobile terminals in a crane game machine settlement system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a crane game machine and a gateway device in a crane game machine settlement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a flowchart showing a typical operation example of the crane game machine settlement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of an operation screen and an example of a product explanation screen presented on a mobile terminal in a crane game machine settlement system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of payout history screens presented on a mobile terminal in the crane game machine settlement system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The crane game machine payment system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the crane game machine payment system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the intermediate server 4 for the mobile terminal 3 in the crane game machine payment system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. And FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the crane game machine 2 and the gateway device 6 in the crane game machine payment system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[System Configuration]
1 includes one or more crane game machines 2, an intermediate server 4 that enables electronic payment for use of the crane game machine 2 to a payment server 5 using a camera-equipped mobile terminal (i.e., a user terminal) 3 used by a user, a gateway device 6 that enables play on the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment based on payment completion information obtained from the intermediate server 4, and an administrator device 7 used by a system administrator. The administrator device 7 includes an administrator terminal (tablet, etc.) 8 with a camera or a code reader, and a game machine management server 9 that is connectable via the Internet to a game machine manufacturer server 10 that provides type and summary information on products 21, and that accumulates and manages product information of the products 21 handled by the crane game machine 2 by operating the administrator terminal 8.

Each of the one or more crane game machines 2 is a gaming machine in which the user tries to win one or more prizes 21, each of which has a product code label 21a that identifies the product type. Therefore, each of the one or more crane game machines 2 is similar to existing machines in that it has a game machine UI (user interface) 24 for user operation, charging for coins, etc., and dispensing the product 21, but differs from existing machines in that it has a game machine code label 22 that displays game machine code information that identifies the game machine itself, and a payment code label 23 that displays game machine code information that identifies the game machine itself and payment code information that identifies the payment brand related to the use of the game machine itself. Therefore, when it is desired to support multiple payment brands, a payment code label 23 for each payment brand is prepared, but in this example, a payment code label 23 for one payment brand defined by the system administrator is used.

In this example, the product code label 21a and the game machine code label 22 are barcode labels, and the payment code label 23 is a QR (registered trademark) code label, but this is not necessary. In this example, for the sake of convenience, the game machine code label 22 and the payment code label 23 are distinguished and each of the one or more crane game machines 2 has both, but the game machine code label 22 and the payment code label 23 may be one code label. For example, the payment code label 23 may be used to identify the game machine itself instead of the game machine code label 22. Therefore, each of the one or more crane game machines 2 may have one or more code labels that display game machine code information that identifies the game machine itself and payment code information that identifies the payment brand related to the use of the game machine itself.

The intermediate server 4 is a device that performs relay processing between the mobile terminal 3 equipped with a camera used by the user (i.e., the user terminal) 3, which identifies the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment based on the game machine code information and payment code information obtained by reading the payment code label 23, and the payment server 5, which performs payment processing for the payment brand based on the payment code information. More specifically, the intermediate server 4 is specified (URL specified) to automatically establish communication when the payment code label 23 is read by the mobile terminal (i.e., the user terminal) 3. Then, when the intermediate server 4 is designated by the mobile terminal (i.e., user terminal) 3 and connected to the mobile terminal 3, it checks the connection status of the crane game machine 2 that is the object of payment based on the game machine code information, and then obtains product information (including the type, summary information, and game fee information of each product 21 associated with each code of the game machine code label 22 and the product code label 21a) related to the crane game machine 2 to which the payment code label 23 is attached from the game machine management server 9, and presents an application (hereinafter referred to as a "product information and payment application") that enables a payment operation including the presentation of the product information to the mobile terminal 3. This allows the user of the mobile terminal 3 to know what kind of product 21 the crane game machine 2 deals with, and further to know the game fee for the crane game machine 2, and to make the payment.

In other words, when a payment request for the game fee for the crane game machine 2 is made by the mobile terminal 3 via the product information/payment app, the intermediate server 4 connects to and communicates with the payment server 5 corresponding to the payment brand specified by the payment code label 23 from among the payment servers 5A, 5B, 5C, etc. provided by the payment manufacturers A, B, C, etc. associated with each payment brand via the Internet, and requests and makes electronic payment (e.g., Internet payment) of the game fee. Then, when the payment is completed, the intermediate server 4 generates payment completion information indicating this, and notifies the mobile terminal 3 and the gateway device 6.

The gateway device 6 generates play enable information for enabling the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment based on the payment completion information obtained from the intermediate server 4, and transmits this information to the crane game machine 2. Since the gateway device 6 is connected to and communicates with one or more crane game machines 2, the payment completion information includes game machine code information that corresponds to the game machine code label 22 that identifies the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment. The crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment is made playable by obtaining the play enable information from the gateway device 6.

The crane game machine 2 is provided with a product dispensing sensor 27 (a code reader for the product code label 21a) at the dispensing port of the game machine UI 24 for the product 21, and the product code information on the product code label 21a of the dispensed product 21 can be read automatically or manually by the user. The crane game machine 2 then decodes the product code label 21a read by the product dispensing sensor 27, generates dispensed product information including the product code and dispensing date and time, and notifies the intermediate server 4 via the gateway device 6. The intermediate server 4 acquires the dispensed product information, and automatically generates and stores a dedicated dispensing history folder in the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3. This allows the user to check the history of products 21 that have been acquired in the past.

The administrator device 7 includes an administrator terminal 8 equipped with a camera or code reader and used by a system administrator, and a game machine management server 9 operated by the administrator terminal 8 and having a database function for storing product information for each game machine, including the crane game machine 2. The game machine management server 9 is connected to a game machine manufacturer server 10 that provides information about the product 21, and automatically acquires and stores product information from the game machine manufacturer server 10 based on input of game machine code information obtained by reading the code label 22 that displays game machine code information that identifies at least the game machine by the administrator terminal 8, and product code information obtained by reading the product code label 21a. FIG. 2 shows an example of a product information management table managed by the game machine management server 9. Therefore, the intermediate server 4 can always share product information about the product 21 in the crane game machine 2 through the game machine management server 9.

Therefore, when replacing the product 21 in the crane game machine 2, the administrator terminal 8 simply reads the game machine code label 22 or the payment code label 23 and the product code label 21a of the replaced product 21 and inputs them into the game machine management server 9, and the input game machine code and product code information is obtained from the game machine manufacturer server 10 and stored in the game machine management server 9, and the product information can be shared by the intermediate server 4.

As a result, the intermediate server 4 can immediately perform the game fee payment process even after the product 21 of the crane game machine 2 is replaced. Furthermore, the game machine code label 22 and the payment code label 23 do not need to be replaced every time the product 21 is replaced, and the game machine code information and the payment code information of the crane game machine 2 can be used without being deleted even after the product 21 is replaced.

Therefore, when the intermediate server 4 is designated by a mobile terminal (i.e., a user terminal) 3, it can obtain product information related to the crane game machine 2 to which the payment code label 23 is attached from the game machine management server 9, and present to the mobile terminal 3 product information and a payment app that enables payment operations, including the presentation of the product information.

The configuration of the crane game machine 2, the mobile terminal 3, the intermediate server 4, and the gateway device 6 will be described in more detail below.

(Crane game machine)
As shown in FIG. 4, the crane game machine 2 of this embodiment includes a control unit 20 that processes playable information obtained from the gateway device 6 to make the machine playable and controls operation of the game machine, one or more types of products 21 each having a product code label 21a attached thereto, a game machine code label 22, a payment code label 23, a game machine UI 24 for user operation, charging for coins etc., and dispensing the products 21, a communication unit 25 that performs wired or wireless communication (e.g., LAN communication connection) with the gateway device 6, a memory unit 26, and a product dispensing sensor 27.

The control unit 20 in the crane game machine 2 shown in FIG. 4 can be configured with a central processing unit (CPU), and causes each of the functional units, the play enablement processing unit 201, the game machine operation control unit 202, and the payout product information generation/notification unit 203, to function by reading and executing a program stored in a specified storage area of the memory unit 26.

The play enablement processing unit 201 is a functional unit that notifies the game machine operation control unit 202 of the paid game fee information when it receives play enablement information from the gateway device 6 that is connected to the communication unit 25. This play enablement information includes identification information of the paid game fee.

The game machine operation control unit 202 is a functional unit that controls game machine operation via the game machine UI 24 according to the gaming fee based on the gaming fee information that has been paid.

The dispensed product information generation and notification unit 203 is a functional unit that monitors the output of the product dispense sensor 27, and when the product code label 21a of the dispensed product 21 is read by the product dispense sensor 27 either automatically or manually by the user, decodes the product code label 21a read by the product dispense sensor 27, generates dispensed product information including the product code and dispense date and time, and notifies the intermediate server 4 via the gateway device 6.

(Mobile terminal)
As shown in FIG. 3 , the mobile terminal 3 is a typical smartphone or tablet equipped with a camera 31 capable of reading the payment code label 23 , and includes a control unit 30 , the camera 31 , a wireless communication unit 32 , a memory unit 33 , and a terminal UI 34 .

The control unit 30 in the mobile terminal 3 can be configured with a central processing unit (CPU), and by reading and executing a program stored in a specified storage area of the memory unit 33, causes the camera 31 that captures an image of a subject, the wireless communication unit 32 that enables wireless communication with an external device (in this example, the intermediate server 4), and the terminal UI 34 for displaying the screen of the mobile terminal 3 and for user operation to function, and in particular, as functions related to this embodiment, causes the respective functional units of the code reading application execution function unit 301 and the payment request processing unit 302 to function.

An existing code reading application is already installed in the memory unit 33, and when the code reading application execution function unit 301 reads the payment code label 23 with the camera 31, it automatically starts the code reading application and decodes the code to obtain game machine code information (corresponding to the game machine code information on the game machine code label 22) and payment code information, and automatically establishes communication with the intermediate server 4 via the wireless communication unit 32 based on the payment code information and notifies the game machine code information.

Then, the code reading application execution function unit 301 receives from the intermediate server 4 product information and a payment application that enables payment operations, including the presentation of product information (including the type of product 21, summary information, and game fee information) related to the crane game machine 2 to which the payment code label 23 is attached, displays it on the touch operation screen of the terminal UI 34, and causes the payment request processing unit 302 to function so that it can be operated by the user.

When a user requests payment of the game fee for the crane game machine 2 by presenting product information and a payment app, the payment request processing unit 302 connects to the payment server 5 corresponding to the payment brand specified by the payment code label 23 from among the payment servers 5A, 5B, 5C, etc. provided by the payment manufacturers A, B, C, etc. associated with each payment brand via the Internet, and processes the payment request to request and perform electronic payment of the game fee. Then, when the payment request processing unit 302 obtains payment completion information indicating that the payment has been completed from the intermediate server 4, it displays this fact on the touch operation screen of the terminal UI 34. This allows the user to know that play on the crane game machine 2 to which the payment code label 23 is attached is now available for the game fee requested to be paid.

The product information and payment app presented on the mobile terminal 3 displays an operation screen and a product description screen for explaining the product and requesting payment of the game fee, as described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7, as well as a payout history screen showing the history of products 21 acquired in the past.

(Intermediate server)
As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate server 4 includes a control unit 40, a wireless communication unit 41 that enables wireless communication with the mobile terminal 3, a communication unit 42 that enables wired or wireless communication with the game machine management server 9, a communication unit 43 that enables communication with the payment server 5 via the Internet, a communication unit 44 that enables short-range communication with the gateway device 6 (e.g., LAN connection communication), and a memory unit 45.

The control unit 40 in the intermediate server 4 shown in FIG. 3 can be configured with a central processing unit (CPU), and by reading and executing a program stored in a specified storage area of the memory unit 45, causes the wireless communication unit 41 that enables wireless communication with the mobile terminal 3, the communication unit 42 that enables wired or wireless communication with the game machine management server 9, the communication unit 43 that enables communication with the payment server 5 via the Internet, and the communication unit 44 that enables short-range communication (e.g., LAN connection communication) with the gateway device 6 to function, and in particular, as functions related to this embodiment, causes the functional units of the code payment game machine management unit 401, the product information/payment app presentation unit 402, and the game fee payment processing unit 403 to function.

The code payment game machine management unit 401 is a functional unit that, when designated by the mobile terminal 3 and connected for communication, acquires product information (including the type, summary information, and game fee information of each product 21) relating to the crane game machine 2 to which the payment code label 23 is attached from the game machine management server 9 via the communication unit 42.

The product information and payment app presentation unit 402 is a functional unit that cooperates with the code payment game machine management unit 401 to present, via the wireless communication unit 41, to the mobile terminal 3, product information and a payment app that enables payment operations, including the presentation of product information (including the type, summary information, and game fee information of each product 21) related to the crane game machine 2 to which the payment code label 23 is attached.

The product information and payment app presentation unit 402 also presents, on the product information and payment app presented to the mobile terminal 3, an operation screen and product description screen for making a product explanation and a payment request for a game fee, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, as well as a payout history screen showing the history of products 21 previously acquired. In particular, when the product information and payment app presentation unit 402 acquires payout product information from the crane game machine 2 via the gateway device 6, it automatically generates and stores a dedicated payout history folder in the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 so that summary information and payout date and time information of the product 21 corresponding to the product code can be read out on the payout history screen shown in FIG. 7.

The gaming fee payment processing unit 403 is a functional unit that, when a request for payment of the gaming fee for the crane game machine 2 is made by the mobile terminal 3 via the product information/payment app, communicates with the payment server 5 corresponding to the payment brand specified by the payment code label 23 via the communication unit 43 via the Internet, executes gaming fee payment processing to request and make electronic payment of the gaming fee, and when the electronic payment processing by the corresponding payment server 5 is completed, generates payment completion information indicating this, and notifies the mobile terminal 3 and gateway device 6 via the wireless communication unit 41 and communication unit 44.

(Gateway device)
As shown in FIG. 4, the gateway device 6 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 60 , a communication unit 61 , a communication unit 62 , and a storage unit 63 .

The control unit 60 in the gateway device 6 shown in FIG. 4 can be configured with a central processing unit (CPU), and by reading and executing a program stored in a specified storage area of the memory unit 63, causes the communication unit 61 that enables communication with the crane game machine 2 and the communication unit 62 that enables short-range communication (e.g., LAN connection communication) with the intermediate server 4 to function, and in particular, as functions related to this embodiment, causes the functional units of the connected game machine status management unit 601 and the play enablement information generation/notification unit 602 to function.

The connected game machine status management unit 601 is a functional unit that periodically monitors whether each crane game machine 2 is in a state where communication connection is possible via the communication unit 61 and when an inquiry is made from the intermediate server 4 in the operation of this system. That is, since the gateway device 6 is connected to one or more crane game machines 2, the connected game machine status management unit 601 holds and manages game machine code information corresponding to the game machine code label 22 of each connected crane game machine 2, and periodically connects to communication to maintain the system. In addition, before the intermediate server 4 presents the product information and payment app to the mobile terminal 3, the connected game machine status management unit 601 replies with the result of whether communication connection is possible when the intermediate server 4 inquires whether communication connection is possible with the crane game machine 2 having the corresponding game machine code information. Therefore, the intermediate server 4 presents the product information and payment app to the mobile terminal 3 only when the gateway device 6 is in a state where communication connection is possible with the corresponding crane game machine 2.

In other words, when making a payment using the payment code label 23 with the mobile terminal 3, the intermediate server 4 always checks whether the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of the payment can be connected before presenting the product information and payment app for the payment, and does not present the product information and payment app until this check has been completed. For this reason, the mobile terminal 3 cannot make a payment using the payment code label 23 unless the product information and payment app are presented. This makes it possible to prevent problems that may occur when the crane game machine 2 itself is broken or has an abnormality before payment is made.

In addition, when the connected game machine status management unit 601 receives payout product information from the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment and the crane game machine 2 is in a state where it can be connected, it transfers the payout product information to the intermediate server 4.

The play enablement information generating/notifying unit 602 is a functional unit that, when payment completion information is received from the gateway device 6 via the communication unit 62, generates play enablement information that enables play on the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment, and transmits the play enablement information to the crane game machine 2 via the communication unit 61. Since the gateway device 6 is communicatively connected to one or more crane game machines 2, the payment completion information includes game machine code information that corresponds to the game machine code label 22 that identifies the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment. The crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment is made playable by obtaining the play enablement information from the gateway device 6.

(System Operation)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a typical operation example of the crane game machine settlement system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

First, the mobile terminal 3 with the camera 31, by the user's operation, reads the payment code label 23 displayed on the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment (step S1), executes a code reading application to obtain the game machine code information and the payment code information (step S2), and while identifying the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment using this information, automatically establishes communication by designating an intermediate server 4 in order to perform relay processing between the mobile terminal 3 and the payment server 5 that performs payment processing for the payment brand based on the payment code information.

When the intermediate server 4 is designated by the mobile terminal 3 and connected to the mobile terminal 3, it checks the connection status of the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment based on the game machine code information, and then obtains product information (including the type, summary information, and game fee information of each product 21 associated with each code of the game machine code label 22 and the product code label 21a) related to the crane game machine 2 to which the payment code label 23 is attached from the game machine management server 9, and presents the product information and payment app to the mobile terminal 3, which enables payment operations including the presentation of the product information (step S3).

Then, the mobile terminal 3 receives the product information and payment application from the intermediate server 4 and displays it on the touch operation screen of the terminal UI 34 so that it can be operated by the user (step S4).

At this time, the user can confirm product information such as the type of product and the game fee of the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of payment by presenting the product information/payment app, and further performs an operation related to a payment request for the game fee of the crane game machine 2. This user operation causes the mobile terminal 3 to execute a payment request process for the game fee of the crane game machine 2 (step S5).

When a request for payment of the game fee for the crane game machine 2 is made by the mobile terminal 3 via the product information/payment app, the intermediate server 4 communicates with the payment server 5 corresponding to the payment brand specified by the payment code label 23 via the Internet and executes a game fee payment process to request and make electronic payment of the game fee (step S6).

Then, when the electronic payment process by the relevant payment server 5 is completed (step S7), the intermediate server 4 generates payment completion information indicating that fact and notifies the mobile terminal 3 and the gateway device 6 (step S8).

The gateway device 6 that has received the payment completion information generates play enablement information that enables play on the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of the payment, and transmits the play enablement information to the crane game machine 2 (step S9). The payment completion information includes game machine code information that corresponds to the game machine code label 22 that identifies the crane game machine 2 that is the subject of the payment.

The crane game machine 2 controls the game machine operation via the game machine UI 24 according to the paid game fee based on the paid game fee information (step S10). The crane game machine 2 also reads and decodes the product code label 21a of the dispensed product 21 via the product dispensing sensor 27, generates dispensed product information including the product code and dispensing date and time, and notifies the intermediate server 4 via the gateway device 6. The intermediate server 4 acquires the dispensed product information, and automatically generates and stores a dedicated dispensing history folder in the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 so that the summary information of the product 21 corresponding to the product code and the dispensing date and time information can be read on the dispensing history screen shown in FIG. 7.

In this way, the crane game machine payment system 1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 allows users to make electronic payments via the mobile terminal 3 when using the crane game machine. In addition, since users can easily pay for their gaming fees while product information is presented, this contributes to encouraging the use of the crane game machine 2.

For the system administrator, product management is also simplified because the administrator terminal 8 and game machine management server 9 configured as the administrator device 7 can be used to manage product information for the products 21 handled by various game machines, independent of the intermediate server 4, without specializing in the crane game machine 2. In particular, the administrator terminal 8 equipped with a camera or code reader can read the product code label 21a and game machine code label 22 (or settlement code label 23) for the products 21 handled by the crane game machine 2, allowing connection to the Internet from the game machine manufacturer server 10 that provides summary information on the products 21, while only storing and managing product information for the various products 21 in the game machine management server 9, thereby facilitating product management.

(Product information and payment app operation screen/product information display example)
Fig. 6(a) is an example of an operation screen by the product information and payment application presented on the mobile terminal 3, and Fig. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a product explanation screen by the product information and payment application presented on the mobile terminal 3. First, the operation screen shown in Fig. 6(a) is displayed on the touch operation screen of the terminal UI 34 upon receipt of the product information and payment application from the intermediate server 4, and is made operable by the user. On the operation screen, an appearance display section 341 showing the appearance of the crane game machine 2 corresponding to the game machine code prepared in advance by the product information and payment application, payment amount buttons 342 (¥100) and 343 (¥500) allowing the user to specify the payment amount of the game fee, a product explanation button 344, and a payout history button 345 are presented.

When the product description button 344 is specified by touch operation on the operation screen shown in FIG. 6(a), the screen transitions to the product description screen shown in FIG. 6(b). When the product description screen is touched (e.g., swiped), the products 21 contained in the crane game machine 2 are displayed one by one, and the user can check all the products 21 contained in the crane game machine 2 on the mobile terminal 3. In addition, the back button 367 is touched to return to the previous screen. Furthermore, as shown in the example, a product overview button 346 is provided on the screen, and a screen (not shown) for product type, product name, and product description may be transitioned to by touching the product overview button 346. Furthermore, for the product name and product description, a language switching button (not shown) corresponding to Japanese, English, and Chinese may be provided, or the language that the user normally uses on the mobile terminal 3 may be automatically recognized and the product description may be displayed in that language. Therefore, the user can check the products 21 contained in the crane game machine 2, which contributes to encouraging the use of the crane game machine 2.

In addition, by performing a touch operation to designate either the payment amount button 342 (¥100) or 343 (¥500) shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the user can move to the presentation screen of the payment brand app (not shown) presented by the payment server 5 and make a payment request for the designated payment amount.

Furthermore, when the payout history button 345 is touched on the operation screen shown in FIG. 6(a), the screen transitions to a payout history screen by the product information and payment app, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a payout history screen presented on the mobile terminal 3. On the payout history screen, the history information of the payout product is read from a dedicated payout history folder in the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 and displayed. The history information of the payout product displays an external view, an overview, and payout date and time information of the product 21 that has been previously paid out and stored, and a touch operation (e.g., swiping) allows the user to scroll through the history of the product 21 that has been previously acquired.

That is, a product dispense sensor 27 (a code reader for the product code label 21a) is provided at the dispense port of the game machine UI 24 of the crane game machine 2, and the product code information of the product code label 21a of the dispensed product 21 can be read automatically or manually by the user. Then, the control unit 303 of the crane game machine 2 decodes the product code label 21a read via the product dispense sensor 27 by the function of the dispensed product information generation/notification unit 303, generates dispensed product information including the product code and dispensed date and time, and notifies the intermediate server 4 via the gateway device 6. The intermediate server 4 acquires the dispensed product information, and automatically generates and stores a dedicated dispense history folder in the memory unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 so that the summary information of the product 21 corresponding to the product code and the dispensed date and time information can be read on the dispense history screen shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, it is preferable to allow operations such as enabling/disabling the creation of dispensing history folders and deleting dispensing history information in dispensing history folders on the dispensing history screen of the product information/payment app.

In addition, a menu may be provided on the product information and payment app that allows the user to specify a game app related to playing on the crane game machine 2. When the user specifies a game app, the specified URL is displayed, and the user can select it to play games or lotteries. For example, after completing payment, a roulette can be played by selecting the displayed URL of the game app, and if the roulette wins, a bonus such as one free use of the crane game machine 2 can be given.

The present invention has been described above using examples of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples of embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical concept thereof.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the intermediate server 4 presents a product information/payment app to the mobile terminal 3, and when the user specifies the payment amount (game amount), the payment brand app presented by the payment server 5 is launched and the game fee is paid electronically. However, a product information/payment app with equivalent functions may be downloaded or installed in advance on the mobile terminal 3 and operated.

The present invention makes it easy to make electronic payments for crane game machines, and is therefore useful for making electronic payments for crane game machines.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Crane game settlement system 2 Crane game 3 Mobile terminal 4 Intermediate server 5, 5A, 5B, 5C Settlement server 6 Gateway device 7 Administrator device 8 Administrator terminal 9 Game machine management server 10 Game machine manufacturer server 20 Control unit 21 Product 21a Product code label 22 Game machine code label 23 Settlement code label 24 Game machine UI (user interface)
25 Communication unit 26 Memory unit 27 Product dispensing sensor 30 Control unit 31 Camera 32 Wireless communication unit 33 Memory unit 34 Terminal UI
40 Control unit 41 Wireless communication unit 42 Communication unit 43 Communication unit 44 Communication unit 45 Memory unit 60 Control unit 61 Communication unit 62 Communication unit 63 Memory unit 201 Play enable processing unit 202 Game machine operation control unit 203 Payout product information generation/notification unit 301 Code reading application execution function unit 302 Payment request processing unit 401 Code payment game machine management unit 402 Product information/payment application presentation unit 403 Game fee payment processing unit 601 Connected game machine status management unit 602 Play enable information generation/notification unit 341 Appearance display unit 342, 343 Payment amount button 344 Product description button 345 Payout history button 346 Product overview button 347 Back button

Claims (9)

A crane game machine payment system that enables electronic payment for a crane game machine, comprising:
a crane game machine having prizes each containing a product code label identifying a product type, and having one or more types of code labels that display game machine code information identifying the game machine itself and settlement code information identifying a settlement brand related to the use of the game machine itself;
an intermediate server which enables electronic payment for use of the crane game machine to a payment server specified based on information obtained by reading a code label displaying the game machine code information and the payment code information using a camera-equipped mobile terminal used by a user, notifies the mobile terminal of payment completion information indicating that the electronic payment has been completed, and presents product information of the products handled by the crane game machine for which the electronic payment has been completed;
a gateway device that checks a communication connection with the crane game machine and enables the crane game machine to be played based on payment completion information obtained from the intermediate server;
an administrator device for a system administrator, comprising: an administrator terminal with a camera or a code reader, which is used by a system administrator when replacing products in the crane game machine; and a game machine management server, which is operated by the administrator terminal and has a database function for storing product information for each game machine, including the crane game machine, and which stores and manages the product information for each game machine, including the crane game machine, in the game machine management server based on the game machine code information and product code information obtained by reading the product code label by the administrator terminal , so as to enable the intermediate server to present the product information to the mobile terminal ;
A crane game machine payment system comprising: 2. The crane game machine settlement system according to claim 1 , wherein the game machine management server is communicatively connected to a game machine manufacturer server which provides information relating to products, and automatically acquires and accumulates product information from the game machine manufacturer server based on input of the game machine code information obtained by reading a code label which displays game machine code information identifying at least the game machine by the administrator terminal, and product code information obtained by reading the product code label. A product dispensing sensor is provided at a product dispensing opening of the crane game machine, the product dispensing sensor being capable of reading product code information of the product code label of a dispensed product automatically or manually by a user;
The crane game machine has a function of generating dispensed product information including a product code read by the product dispense sensor and a dispense date and time, and notifying the intermediate server of the dispensed product information via the gateway device;
The crane game machine payment system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate server acquires the dispensed product information and automatically generates and stores a dedicated dispense history folder in the memory unit of the mobile terminal, thereby enabling the user to check the history of products acquired in the past. The crane game machine payment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the intermediate server has a means for presenting a game app related to the play of the crane game machine in a manner that allows the user to select it. A crane game machine payment method that allows electronic payment for a crane game machine having one or more code labels that display game machine code information that identifies the game machine itself and payment code information that identifies a payment brand related to the use of the game machine itself, and prizes that are products with product code labels that identify individual product types, comprising:
a step of enabling electronic payment for use of the crane game machine to a payment server specified by an intermediate server based on information obtained by reading a code label displaying the game machine code information and the payment code information using a camera-equipped mobile terminal used by a user, notifying the mobile terminal of payment completion information indicating that the electronic payment has been completed, and presenting product information of the product handled by the crane game machine for which the electronic payment has been completed;
a step of confirming a communication connection with the crane game machine by a gateway device and enabling the crane game machine to be played based on settlement completion information obtained from the intermediate server;
a step of storing and managing in the game machine management server, by an administrator device for a system administrator, product information for each game machine including the crane game machine based on product code information and product code information obtained by reading the product code label by the administrator terminal, so that the intermediate server can present the product information to the mobile terminal, the step of storing and managing in the game machine management server product information for each game machine including the crane game machine based on product code information and product code information obtained by reading the product code label by the administrator terminal , the game machine management server having a database function and being operated by the administrator terminal and used by a system administrator when replacing the product of the crane game machine;
A crane game machine settlement method comprising: A crane game machine in a crane game machine payment system that enables electronic payment, comprising:
This crane game machine has prizes each having a product code label identifying a product type, and has one or more types of code labels that display game machine code information identifying the game machine itself and settlement code information identifying the settlement brand related to the use of the game machine itself. An intermediate server in the crane game machine settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which enables electronic settlement for the crane game machine,
The intermediate server enables electronic payment for use of the crane game machine to a payment server identified based on information obtained by reading a code label displaying game machine code information and payment code information possessed by the crane game machine using a camera-equipped mobile terminal used by a user, and presents product information of products handled by the crane game machine for which electronic payment has been completed to the mobile terminal. a crane game machine having prizes each of which is a product with a product code label identifying a product type, and one or more code labels which display game machine code information identifying the game machine itself and payment code information identifying a payment brand related to the use of the game machine itself; and an intermediate server which enables electronic payment for the use of the crane game machine to a payment server identified based on information obtained by reading the code label which displays the game machine code information and payment code information owned by the crane game machine with a camera-equipped mobile terminal used by a user, notifies the mobile terminal of payment completion information indicating that the electronic payment has been completed, and presents product information of the products handled by the crane game machine for which the electronic payment has been completed, said gateway device in a crane game machine payment system enabling electronic payment for the crane game machine,
A gateway device which, after confirming a communication connection with the crane game machine, enables the crane game machine to be played based on payment completion information obtained from the intermediate server. an administrator device for a system administrator in a crane game machine payment system that enables electronic payment for the crane game machine, the administrator device comprising: a crane game machine having prizes of merchandise with merchandise code labels each identifying a type of merchandise attached thereto, and one or more code labels that display game machine code information identifying the game machine itself as well as payment code information identifying a payment brand related to the use of the game machine itself; and an intermediate server that enables electronic payment for the use of the crane game machine to a payment server that is identified based on information obtained by reading the code labels that display the game machine code information and payment code information held by the crane game machine using a mobile terminal with a camera used by a user, and that notifies the mobile terminal of payment completion information indicating that the electronic payment has been completed and presents merchandise information for merchandise handled by the crane game machine for which the electronic payment has been completed;
an administrator device comprising: an administrator terminal equipped with a camera or code reader that is used by a system administrator when replacing products in the crane game machine; and a game machine management server that is operated by the administrator terminal and has a database function for storing product information for each game machine, including the crane game machine, wherein the administrator device stores and manages the product information for each game machine, including the crane game machine, in the game machine management server based on the game machine code information and product code information obtained by reading the product code label by the administrator terminal, so as to enable the intermediate server to present the product information to the mobile terminal .