JP2001224825A - Premium exchange web server used in game parlor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a premium exchange server permitting a variety of pre mium selection without requesting a player to go to a premium supply source shop and without requiring the frequent change of mark kinds of catalogs every season. SOLUTION: This server 24 is used being connected to each machine information terminal 50, a ball storage sever 32 and a network 37. The server 24 is provider with a data relay means 25 having access to a premium supply source server 38 through a network 37 according to the operation of each machine information terminal 50 when the player selects a premium, to acquire information generating data 40 that displays selectable premiums and to output it to each machine information terminal 50; an electronic ordering means 28 that transmits ordering information including selected premium data inputted from each machine information terminal 50, to the selected premium supply source server 38 through the network 37 when receiving a settlement completion signal from the ball storage server 32; and an electronic settling means 30 for electronically settling a premium chare with the premium supply source server 38.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used in a game arcade represented by a pachinko parlor, that is, a game arcade in which a player can play a game and exchange it for a prize having a value corresponding to the game result. Prize exchange WEB server. According to the present invention, the selection range of prizes is expanded for players and the trouble of prize exchange is simplified, and participation of prize suppliers in the prize exchange business is facilitated and the risk of collecting premiums is reduced. In addition, the present invention proposes a premium exchange WEB server that can reduce the inventory of premiums and reduce the cost of providing various premiums for a game arcade.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a traditional pachinko parlor, a prize ball obtained by a player playing a game is carried to a prize exchange counter.
By selecting prizes within the range of the value of the acquired prize balls, prizes are exchanged according to the game result. In modern pachinko parlors, a player has an ID card unique to the player, and the playground has a ball storage server,
Manage the number of prize balls that the player has. For example, if the player has won 1000 prize balls and does not exchange them for prizes, the number of stored balls of the player is increased by 1000 in the ball storage server of the game hall to increase the number of stored balls. Then, the player can perform the next replay within the range of the increased number of stored coins. Alternatively, it can be exchanged for a premium within the range of the value of the stored coins. Regardless of the type of amusement arcade, an increase in the number of types of prizes that can be exchanged at the amusement arcade is required to be an attractive amusement arcade.

A technique for realizing diversification of premiums is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
No. 156,009. According to this technique, a game arcade issues a card storing the number of prize balls to a player who has finished the game. A player wishing to exchange a prize goes to a prize supplier that handles the prize and offers to pay the prize using a card issued by the amusement arcade. A card reader and a card writer are prepared at the store of the prize supplier, and if the prize price is within the value of the number of prize balls stored on the card, the prize is handed and stored on the card. The number of prize balls equivalent to the prize money is subtracted from the number of prize balls, the number of prize balls stored on the card is updated, and the prize is charged to the game hall.

[0004] There is also adopted a method of realizing diversification of prizes by preparing a prize catalog in a game arcade. The player who has won the prize ball and finished the game selects a prize from the catalog, writes the selected prize code and the address where the prize is to be received on a predetermined sheet, and brings it to the prize exchange counter. At the prize exchange counter, the number of balls corresponding to the value of the prize is settled between the player and the game hall. After that, the amusement arcade orders a prize from the prize supplier using the paper filled in by the player. The prize supplier who has received the order sends the prize described in the order form to the address described in the order form, and charges the prize price to the game hall.

[0005]

According to the above-described prize exchange technology, although the number of types of prizes can be increased without increasing the prize inventory at the game arcade, the first technology uses the player to store the prize. In addition, there is a problem that the number of prize balls stored on the card is vulnerable to unauthorized use, such as being illegally rewritten. Second
In the technique of the present invention, the desired prize is not listed in the catalog in many cases, the selection of the prize is not as wide as expected, and it is troublesome for the player to enter the prize code, the destination address, etc. on the predetermined paper. Therefore, the method of selecting a prize in a catalog is not frequently used. In order to keep a catalog that matches the diverse tastes of players,
Many types of catalogs must be exchanged frequently, and the printing cost, management and exchange and effort and cost of catalogs exceed the allowable range.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique that does not require a player to go to a prize supplier's store and does not need to frequently exchange various kinds of catalogs, yet allows various prize selections. It is.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems, Functions and Effects The above-mentioned problems can be solved by installing the following prize exchange WEB server 24 in a game arcade, as schematically shown in FIG. . The prize exchange WEB server 24 is used by being connected to the information terminal 10 of the game arcade and the network 37. When the prize value selected by the player is settled by the number of prize balls, the information terminal 10 is used. Electronic ordering means 28 for transmitting order information including selected prize data input from the server to the selected prize supplier server 38 via the network 37.
And an electronic payment means 30 for electronic payment of a premium price between the premium providing server 38 and the premium providing server 38.

According to the prize exchange WEB server 24, the order information including the data (selected prize data) specifying the selected prize inputted by the player from the information terminal 10 is provided by the network 37 because of having the electronic ordering means 28. Is transmitted to the prize supply server 38 via the Internet, and an electronic order is executed. As a result, the prize supplier server 38 electronically receives a prize selected by the player. Also, this gift exchange W
Since the EB server 24 has the electronic payment means 30,
When the prize supplier server 38 receives an electronic order, electronic payment can be made between the prize supplier server 38 and the game hall. As described above, when the amusement arcade uses the prize exchange WEB server 24, the prize exchange can be processed by electronic ordering and electronic settlement, so that the amusement arcade can provide various prizes while reducing the prize inventory. , And the cost for that can be reduced. For the players, it is possible to expand the selection range of the prize and simplify the trouble of prize exchange, and to the prize supplier, it is possible to easily participate in the prize exchange business and reduce the risk of collecting the prize money. .

Various existing methods can be used for the electronic ordering / order receiving method. For example, the electronic ordering / order receiving technology described in JP-A-10-207962 or JP-A-10-207956 can be used. . Various existing methods can be used for the electronic settlement method.
As described in JP-A-240816, a method of electronically performing a process of transferring a prize money from a bank account of a game arcade to a bank account of a prize supplier, or JP-A-10-2079.
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 62, a method of performing electronic settlement between a game arcade and a credit card company and electronic settlement between a credit card company and a prize supplier using a credit card at a game arcade can be adopted. Instead of the credit card company, or together with the credit company, a center that manages the operation of the premium exchange system using the premium exchange WEB server 24 may participate in the electronic settlement process.

The prize supplier server 38 may be a server managed and operated by the prize supplier itself, or may be managed and operated by a person who is commissioned by the prize supplier. For example, the center that manages the operation of the prize exchange system using the WEB server 24 can operate the server 38 that executes electronic ordering / order receiving processing and electronic settlement processing instead of the prize supply source. At this time, the center is involved as a prize supplier. At this time, the ordering and order receiving between the center and the actual prize supplier and the settlement of the prize price may be performed electronically, or may be performed by a conventional method using a slip. According to the latter method, electronic ordering and
Premium suppliers who cannot respond to orders and electronic prize payments will be able to participate in the prize exchange business, which will also expand the range of prize selection.

An object of the present invention is to provide the following prize exchange WEB server 2 in a game arcade, as schematically shown in FIG.
4 is better solved. The premium exchange WEB server 24 includes an information terminal 10 and a ball storage server 32.
When the payment completion signal is received from the coin storage server 32, the order information including the selected prize data input from the information terminal 10 is sent to the selected prize via the network 37. An electronic ordering means 28 for transmitting to the supplier server 38 and an electronic settlement means 30 for electronic settlement of the premium price between the premium supplier server 38 are provided.

The WEB server 24 operates in substantially the same manner as the WEB server schematically shown in FIG. 1 to process electronic ordering and electronic settlement. In particular, since this WEB server is connected to the ball storage server 32, it is possible to electronically place an order after settingtle the prize value and the number of prize balls using the data on the number of balls stored in the ball storage server 32. Settlement based on the number of balls saved between venues, and settlement of the premium price between the amusement arcade and the premium supplier are executed in order.

An object of the present invention is to provide the following prize exchange WEB server 2 in a game arcade, as schematically shown in FIG.
4 is a better solution. The prize exchange WEB server 24 is used by being connected to each unit information terminal 50, the ball storage server 32, and the network 37, and is operated via the network 37 according to the operation of each unit information terminal 50 when the player selects the prize. Giveaway server 3
8 to obtain data 40 for generating information for displaying selectable prizes, and a data relay means 25 for outputting the information to each information terminal 50; An electronic ordering means 28 for transmitting order information including the selected prize data input from the platform information terminal 50 to the selected prize supply source server 38 via the network 37, and electronically transmits the prize price between the prize supply source server 38. Electronic payment means 30 for performing payment is provided.

According to the WEB server 24, a player can obtain information on exchangeable prizes from a prize supplier using each information terminal 50, and can select a prize based on this information. . This information generation data 40
Is easy to update in a timely manner at the prize supply server 38, so that the player can select a prize from various selectable prizes that are updated in a timely manner. At the amusement arcade, it is possible to respond to various choices of the player without stocking various prizes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the prize supplier server 38 may be managed and operated by the prize supplier itself, but as shown in FIG. It may be managed and operated by a person who has been commissioned by the supplier. For example, this web server 24
The center that manages the operation of the prize exchange system that uses the prize may install the center server 52 and execute the electronic ordering / order receiving processing and the electronic settlement processing in place of the prize supply source. Alternatively, the prize supply server 38 may be configured by a server group in which the center server 52 and the actual prize supply server 62 are connected via the network 37.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention are listed below. (Form 1 of 2) The WEB server 24 of claim 1 accesses the prize supplier server 38 via the network 37 in accordance with the operation of the information terminal 10 when the player selects the prize, and displays the selectable prize. It has data relay means for acquiring the generation data 40 and outputting it to the information terminal 10. (Form 1 of 3) The WEB server 24 of claim 1 transmits selected prize data and data for specifying a game arcade. (Form 1 of 4) The WEB server 24 of claim 1 sends the selected premium data and data specifying the address of the player. (Mode 2 of 2) The WEB server 24 of claim 2 is used by being connected to the information terminal 10 installed outside the game arcade. (Form 2 of 3) The WEB server 24 of claim 2 is a network for connecting the premium specifying data and the address of the player based on the data specifying the player input from the player specifying information input means 16 of the information terminal 10. Call 37. (Mode 3-2) The WEB server 24 of claim 3 is based on the data specifying the player input from the player specifying information input means 16 of each information terminal 50, and provides the prize specifying data and the address of the player. To the network 37

[0017]

[Example] (Explanation of each information terminal at the start of the game)
As shown in FIG. 4, one information terminal 50 is provided for one gaming machine 70, and is installed adjacent to the gaming machine 70. Each unit information terminal 50 also functions as a game ball lending device 18, and when coins are inserted into the slot 18A, a corresponding number of game balls are supplied from the cylinder 18B, and the player plays the game balls. Each unit information terminal 50 also serves as a data input unit for specifying a player, and for this purpose, a card slot 16A is provided. When starting a game, the player inserts an ID card into the card slot 16A. The ID card has unique information for each player, and by reading the information of the ID card with the card reader of the card slot 16A, the system determines which player is playing which game at which gaming table. Using an ID card uniquely issued to the player, the player can borrow a game ball or exchange it for a prize within the range of the number of stored balls. After inserting the ID card, the player inputs a password from the operation panel 50B, and when the input password is a previously registered password, the player can play the game.
The player inputs the number of game balls to be rented using the operation panel 50B, and if the number of balls is within the range of the number of stored balls of the player, the inputted number of game balls is supplied from the cylinder 18B. A game becomes possible. The number of balls saved is reduced by the number of balls lent.

(Each Machine Counter) As shown in FIG. 4, one machine counter 20 is provided for one gaming machine 70, and is installed below the gaming machine 70. . Each unit counting machine counts the number of prize balls obtained by the player playing the game, and increases the number of the player's balls stored in the ball storage server 32 by the counted number.

(Explanation at the time of exchanging prizes of each information terminal) A player who has finished the game can select a prize within the range of the number of stored coins. For this purpose, the player operates the operation panel 50B to display a selection of a prize and an input display of the selected prize on the display device 50A. When this display is read, a premium category list appears on the display device 50A. The display device 50A is of a touch panel type, and a player can input data to a computer by touching the screen. A player who wants to select a prize touches a desired category in the category list displayed on the display device 50A and selects a category. Thereafter, by repeating the same kind of operation, the premium is selected as a large category, a medium category, a detailed category, and a specific premium, and the player can display information introducing the desired premium on the display device 50A. During this operation, the web server 24 shown in FIG.
The prize supplier server 38 is accessed via the network 37 in accordance with the operation of A, the data 40 for generating information on selectable prizes is obtained, and the obtained data is output to each car information terminal 50 via the relay means 25. I do. As a result, a touch panel display 50A of each information terminal is provided with:
Information required by the player to select a prize according to the operation of the player is displayed. An icon to be touched when confirming the selection of a prize is displayed adjacent to the prize introduction information displayed on the display device 50A, and the player can select the prize to be exchanged when it is displayed on the display device 50A. Touch the icon to enter data identifying the selected prize into the system. As a result, the player finishes selecting the prize and inputting the selected prize, so that the player can pull out his / her ID card from the card slot 16A and leave the game hall.

(Player Information Server) As shown in FIG. 3, a player information server 22 is provided in the game hall.
This is a normal computer, and the hardware itself is not shown. As shown in FIG. 5, the server stores, for each player, card information, a personal identification number, a name, an address, various data indicating attributes of the player, and a unique number. Card slot 16A shown in FIG.
When an ID card is inserted into the player information, player information can be searched from the read card information. In order to avoid the occurrence of an unexpected situation, if a password registered in advance in the player information server 22 is not input, the system cannot be used any more. It is also possible to store a password, a name, an address, various data indicating the attributes of the player, and a unique number in the ID card. In this case, the player information server 22 is not required.

(Ball Saving Server) As shown in FIG. 3, a ball storage server 32 is provided in the game arcade. This is also a normal computer, and the hardware itself is not shown.
As shown in FIG. 6, the server stores the number of coins stored in association with a unique number unique to the player.
The ball count data is reduced when the player borrows a game ball, is increased by the number of balls counted by each counter 20, and is selected by the player following the game to select a prize. Is reduced by the number of spheres corresponding to the value of the prize selected.

(Premium Exchange WEB Server) The above-mentioned individual information terminal 50, each vehicle counter 20, the ball storage server 32, and the player information server 22, together with the premium exchange WEB server 24, as shown in FIG. They are interconnected via a LAN 23 in the game arcade. Premium exchange WEB server 24
Is connected to a network 37 such as the Internet. The premium exchange WEB server 24 is also composed of a normal computer, and the description of the hardware is omitted.

(Contents of Processing) FIG. 7 shows the entire processing procedure from the start to the end of the game. At the start of the game, the player inserts the ID card into the card slot 16A shown in FIG. 4 (S2). Next, the player inputs a password from the operation panel 50B (S4). Next, the personal identification number (see FIG. 5) stored in the player information server 22 shown in FIG. 3 in association with the card information is collated with the personal identification number input in step S4 (S6). Does not proceed (return from S6 to S4). When the correct password is input, the player can input the number of lending balls, and that number of game balls are supplied from the cylinder 18B shown in FIG. 4 (S
8). Along with this processing, the number of rented game balls is reduced from the number of stored balls for the player shown in FIG. 6 and the number of stored balls is updated (S10).

A player plays a game using the rented game balls. During the game, the player can return to the process in step S8. Even if the number of lending balls equal to or larger than the number of lending balls is input, the lending ball processing is performed within the range of the number of lending balls, and the number of lending balls is updated to zero. When ending the game, the player who has acquired the prize ball throws the acquired prize ball into each of the counters 20 shown in FIG. 4 and counts it (S14). As a result, the ball storage number data in the ball storage server 32 shown in FIG. 3 is increased by the counted number (S16). A player who wishes to select a prize operates the operation panel 50B shown in FIG. 4 to switch to a mode for displaying information introducing selectable prizes on the display device 50A. Then, the WE shown in FIG.
The B server 24 accesses the center server 52 via the network 37 and fetches data 40 necessary for displaying information for introducing selectable premiums stored in the center server 52. The fetched data 40 is sent to the display 50A shown in FIG. 4 by the relay means 25, and information necessary for prize selection is displayed on the display 50A (S18). To be able to choose from various kinds of prizes,
The screen for introducing the prize and supporting the selection of the prize is changed one after another by the operation of the player (S20). This technology is a common display technology for purchasing goods via the Internet, and is not unique to the present invention. During this time, the relay unit 25 shown in FIG. 3 sends the data obtained from the Internet 37 to each information terminal 50. When the player operates the screen and a desired prize is displayed (S
22), the player touches the icon operated when the selected prize displayed on the prize introduction screen is confirmed, and inputs the selected prize (S24).

Each information terminal 50 shown in FIG. 3 recognizes a prize code for specifying the selected prize from the prize information displayed when the icon is operated, and a prize corresponding to the selected prize value. Determine the number of spheres. The number of the specified prize balls is compared with the number-of-ball-stored data stored in the ball-store server 32, and when the former is equal to or smaller than the latter, the prize selection is valid and the process proceeds to the next processing (from step S26 to S28).
Processing to). When a prize having a value equal to or greater than the number-of-balls-stored data stored in the ball storage server is selected, the prize selection is invalidated and the prize selection process is performed again (step S26).
To S20).

When a prize having a value equal to or less than the ball count data stored in the ball storage server 32 shown in FIG. 3 is selected, the number of balls corresponding to the selected prize value is subtracted from the ball count data to reduce the ball count data. Update (Step S2
8). When the payment of the prize value and the prize ball is completed in the ball storage server 32, a payment completion signal is sent from the ball storage server 32 to the WEB server 24. When the settlement completion signal is input to the WEB server 24, the WEB server 24 executes a prize ordering process (step S30). In this case, the center server 5
2, data required for sending a prize, such as a prize code identifying the selected prize, the name, address, and telephone number of the selected player to the player, and
Send the bank account number of the playground where you ordered the prize,
An electronic ordering process is performed (step S30). After the order processing is completed, information indicating the selected prize and information for confirming the order are displayed on the display device 50A shown in FIG. 4, so that the player can confirm that the selected prize has been properly ordered (step). S31).

The transmitted order information is received by the center server 52 shown in FIG. 3 (step S32), whereby the electronic ordering / order receiving process is completed. The center server 52 electronically executes a process of transferring the premium price from the account of the game arcade to its own account (step S34), and arranges a process of sending out the premium after the electronic payment. After the completion of the electronic payment, information indicating the selected prize and information for confirming the order are displayed on the display device 50A shown in FIG. 4, so that the player can confirm that the selected prize has been properly received (step). S35). Finally, the player takes out the ID card from the card slot 16A, and completes the game and premium selection process.

In the meantime, the display unit 50A of each information terminal 50 shown in FIG. 4 displays a message that "prize has been ordered" after execution of step S30 (step S3).
1) After the execution of step S34, a message that "prize has been received" is displayed (step S35), and the player can confirm that the prize selected by himself has been correctly ordered and that the order has been correctly received. ing. Note that this display technique can also be used effectively when a player selects a prize stocked in a game hall and places an order. In this case, the center server 52 shown in FIG. 3 functions as a server for the amusement arcade which is also a prize supplier, so that the player can select a prize without leaving the gaming table. In this case, after confirming the display that "prize has been ordered", the player can leave the gaming table and drop by the prize counter to receive the selected prize. With this process,
The player can receive the prize without being crowded at the prize counter, and the comfort of the game hall is not impaired.

The center server 52 is operated under a commission from a plurality of prize suppliers, and between the center server and the actual prize supplier, in various forms, the transmission of the ordered information and the provision of the prize money. Movement is performed. As shown in FIG. 3, the prize supplier A who cannot respond to the electronic order and the order receives the information received by the center server by the slip,
Settle the prize price using a slip. It is possible to transmit order information electronically to prize supplier B that can respond to electronic ordering and ordering. For this purpose, use ordinary electronic ordering and ordering technology and utilize electronic settlement technology I do. The center server 52, which is operated on a commission basis, incorporates a program for calculating commission fees in accordance with the total value of the prize ordered and paying the commission with each prize supplier in order to generate the operation management cost. The commission fee is also settled electronically with prize suppliers that can settle electronically. In the center server 52, it is preferable to carry out a credit check of the game hall where the prize was ordered in cooperation with the credit card company, and to execute the order receiving process of step S32 only when the check result is YES. If the prize supplier itself can supply the prize introduction information generation data 65 with a server or a homepage, instead of the center server 52 having the data 40, the prize supply server 62 or the homepage is used to introduce the prize. The information may be displayed on the display 50A.

If all of the prize suppliers have servers,
As shown in FIG. 2, WEB without using the center server
A prize supplier server may be directly connected to the server 24 via a network 37. In this case, electronic ordering / order receiving and electronic settlement are directly performed between the game arcade and the prize supplier.

The information terminal does not necessarily need to be installed at each game console, and one or several information terminals may be provided for each prize counter or island. In this case, since the ID card is inserted into the information terminal 10 shown in FIG. 2 and the prize is selected and input processing is performed, the player information can be transmitted together with the electronic order, and the prize supplier Now you can send the prize to the player's address. In addition, it is possible to settle between the prize value and the number of stored coins. Therefore, the information terminal 10
May be outside the game hall, and it is also possible to use a personal computer at home having a card reader to select and place a prize within the range of the number of stored coins.

As an operation problem of the system, when performing an operation of obtaining the previously ordered prize when returning to the game arcade, player information is not required for electronic ordering. In this case, the prize supplier sends out the prize to the ordered amusement arcade.

When the gaming facility does not manage and operate the ball storage server, as shown in FIG. 1, it is required to bring a prize ball to the prize exchange counter of the gaming facility. By operating the information terminal 10 to allow the user to settle the prize value and the number of prize balls,
A game arcade without a ball storage server can also use this system. In this case, the prize ball and the premium may be settled using a receipt indicating the number of prize balls printed by the counter. The present invention is not limited to the above-exemplified embodiments, but can be variously modified and implemented within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims and the embodiments.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a first invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a second invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a third invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of a gaming table, each information terminal, and each counter.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing data stored in a player information server.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing stored data in a ball storage server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overall procedure of processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10: information terminal 50: each car information terminal 12: selectable prize information display means 14: selected prize input means 16: player specific information input means 24: WEB server 26: selected prize specific data storage means 28: electronic ordering means 30 ： Electronic settlement means 32 ： Ball savings server 34 ： Player / ball number data 36 ： Bill number updating means 37 ： Network (especially the Internet) 38 ： Premium supply source server 52 ： Center server 40, 65 ： Selectable premium information generation data storage Means 42: Electronic order receiving means 46: Electronic settlement means

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An information terminal 10 and a network 3 of a game arcade.
7 is connected to the server 24 and used when the prize value selected by the player is settled by the number of prize balls, and the order information including the selected prize data input from the information terminal 10 is transmitted via the network 37. Used in a game arcade, comprising electronic ordering means 28 for transmitting a premium to the selected premium supply server 38 and electronic payment means 30 for electronic payment of premiums between the premium supply server 38. A gift exchange WEB server 24. 2. A server 24 connected to and used by the information terminal 10, the ball storage server 32, and the network 37. When a settlement completion signal is received from the ball storage server 32, the selected premium data input from the information terminal 10. Electronic ordering means 28 for transmitting order information including the following to the selected prize supply server 38 via the network 37, and electronic settlement means 30 for electronically settingtling the prize money between the prize supply server 38. A prize exchange WEB server 24 used in a game hall. 3. A server 24 used by being connected to each information terminal 50, the ball storage server 32, and the network 37. When a player selects a prize, the prize is supplied via the network 37 according to the operation of each information terminal 50. The data relay means 25 for accessing the original server 38 to obtain the data 40 for generating information for displaying selectable prizes and outputting the data to each information terminal 50; and when the payment completion signal is received from the ball storage server 32. An electronic ordering means 28 for transmitting order information including the selected prize data input from each unit information terminal 50 to the selected prize supplier server 38 via the network 37; A prize exchange WEB server 24 used in a game arcade, comprising electronic settlement means 30 for electronic settlement of.