JP7473934B2 - Tournament system, tournament system control method and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tournament system that provides a user with a visible code, a method for controlling the tournament system, and a computer program for the tournament system.

Patent Document 1 discloses an event management system in which a hosting member invests points to host an event. In this event management system, selected participating members choose in advance whether or not to participate, and on the day of the event, a process is carried out to confirm whether or not the participants actually participated in the event. Then, when a participating member actually participates in the event, participant points are added.

Patent No. 5072003

When a game tournament is held using the above system, the number of users participating in the tournament is often not finalized due to schedule conflicts between users, putting the tournament in jeopardy. As a tournament system for managing a game tournament, a system that allows a store operator to set a tournament to be held at a specific store at a set time is considered. On the other hand, when a game tournament is held by users (hereinafter referred to as players) who participate in a game tournament at a store and play games, the circumstances of the participants are often taken into consideration, and there is a problem that it is difficult to determine the tournament details in advance. For example, it is difficult to determine the tournament details in advance due to circumstances such as the time of the tournament being irregular, the number of participants not being determined until just before the tournament, or participants being unable to come to the venue due to circumstances. Therefore, there is a demand for a tournament system that manages a game tournament that is easier to participate in by providing flexibility to the conditions for approval of tournament participation.

The tournament system according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a game system having a game device that functions as a client, and is equipped with a server and manages a game tournament using a game provided by the game device. The tournament system includes: a setting means for setting tournament details for the game tournament according to input from a user and saving the details on the server; a code providing means for providing a user of the game system with a visible code including tournament information that identifies the saved tournament details; a discrimination means for acquiring the tournament information recorded in the visible code when the visible code is read by a user playing the game and discriminating the tournament details corresponding to the acquired tournament information; and a processing means for processing at least a portion of the play information of the game played by the user who has read the visible code based on the discriminated tournament details.

In addition, a control method according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a game system having a game device that functions as a client, and is a control method for a tournament system that includes a server and manages a game tournament using a game provided by the game device, and the method sets tournament details for the game tournament according to input from a user and stores them in the server, provides a user of the game system with a visible code including tournament information that identifies the stored tournament details, and when a user playing the game has the visible code read, acquires the tournament information recorded in the visible code, determines the tournament details that correspond to the acquired tournament information, and processes at least a portion of the play information of the game played by the user who has read the visible code based on the determined tournament details.

In addition, a computer program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer program for a tournament system that is used in a game system having a game device that functions as a client, and that includes a server and manages a game tournament using a game provided by the game device, the tournament system including a computer, and the computer program causes the computer to function as: a setting means for setting tournament details for the game tournament according to input from a user and saving them in the server; a code providing means for providing a user of the game system with a visible code including tournament information that identifies the saved tournament details; a discrimination means for acquiring the tournament information recorded in the visible code when the user playing the game has the visible code read, and discriminating the tournament details corresponding to the acquired tournament information; and a processing means for processing at least a portion of the play information of the game played by the user who has had the visible code read, based on the discriminated tournament details.

This allows users to obtain and distribute a visible code associated with the tournament details they set themselves. Players who wish to participate in the game tournament and play the game can then join the tournament simply by entering the visible code they have obtained. This means that users who wish to host a game tournament can do so without having to go through complicated procedures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a game system. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a game system. Schematic block diagram of the tournament system. FIG. 13 is a schematic sequence diagram for setting tournament outlines. A schematic sequence diagram for participating in a tournament. 13 is a schematic flowchart for setting tournament outlines. A simplified flowchart for participating in the tournament. 13 is a schematic flowchart for saving play results. FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a tournament system according to a second embodiment.

Below, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be set arbitrarily and can be changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[First embodiment]
1, a game system 100 having game machines 30 and user terminals 40 functioning as clients includes a center server 20 and the game machines 30. The center server 20, which is an example of a server, functions as a server device. Furthermore, the game machines 30, which are an example of a game device, can be connected to the center server 20 via a predetermined network 50. As an example, the game machines 30 are installed in a predetermined facility such as a store 31. Furthermore, the game system 100 includes a user terminal 40 that can be connected to the center server 20 via the network 50.

The center server 20 is configured as a single logical server device by combining multiple server units 21 as computers. However, the center server 20 may be configured from a single server unit 21. Alternatively, the center server 20 may be configured logically using cloud computing. The center server 20 provides various services for game devices to the game machines 30 or users of the game machines 30. These services include a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data for the game machines 30 via the network 50. The center server 20 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary to provide games to each game machine 30 through this distribution service.

The services for game devices may include a service in which the center server 20 receives user identification information of a player from the game machine 30 and authenticates the player. Note that a user of the game system 100 refers to a person who can input the tournament details described below. Therefore, users who hold a tournament include the store operator who operates the store 31, the operator who manages the game machine 30, and the player who plays the game on the game machine 30. In the following, in principle, a user who inputs tournament information will be described as a user, and a user who plays the game on the game machine 30 will be described as a player. However, a user may also participate in a tournament as a player.

The service for the game device may include a service in which the center server 20 receives play data including the play results of the authenticated player from the game machine 30 and stores it. Furthermore, the service for the game device may include a service in which the center server 20 provides the play data stored by the center server 20 to the game machine 30. In addition, the service for the game device may include a service in which the center server 20 matches players together when multiple players play a common game via the network 50. Furthermore, the service for the game device may include a service in which the center server 20 collects fees from players.

The center server 20 provides various Web services to users of the user terminals 40 via the network 50. For example, the center server 20 provides a service of holding a game tournament using games provided by the game machines 30. The Web services may also include a service of providing various game information related to games provided by the game machines 30, a service of distributing various data or software (including updates to data, etc.) to each user terminal 40, a service of providing a place for users to communicate, exchange, and share information, and a service of assigning a user identification ID to identify each user.

The network 50 is configured to connect the game machines 30 and the user terminals 40 to the center server 20. As an example, the network 50 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP/IP protocol. Specifically, a LAN 52 connects the center server 20 and the game machines 30 to the Internet 51. The Internet 51 and the LAN 52 as a WAN are connected via a router 53. The user terminals 40 are also configured to be connected to the Internet 51. Alternatively, a local server may be installed between the game machines 30 and the router 53 of the store 31. The game machines 30 can be connected to the center server 20 via this local server so as to be able to communicate with the center server 20. The server units 21 of the center server 20 may be connected to each other via the Internet 51 instead of or in addition to the LAN 52.

The game machine 30 is a commercial (commercial) game device that allows users to play games within a range corresponding to the payment of a predetermined fee. This game machine 30 is sometimes called an arcade game machine. The game machine 30 is a computer device that is installed in a store 31 with the main purpose of making a profit by having many users repeatedly play the game. As an example, the game machine 30 provides a music game in which an operation button is operated in accordance with the timing of a falling object reaching a judgment line. The game machine 30 may provide various games other than music games, such as quiz games, sports games, action games, and role-playing games. The following describes the case of providing a music game as an example.

The user terminal 40 is a computer device that can be connected to a network. For example, the user terminal 40 includes a stationary or notebook personal computer 41, and a mobile terminal device 42 such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone). In addition, the user terminal 40 includes various types of computer devices such as a stationary home game device, a portable game device, and a portable tablet terminal device. The user terminal 40 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 20 by implementing various types of computer software.

Next, an overview of the invention according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. A user who will be hosting a game tournament uses a user terminal 40 to access a web page provided by the center server 20. The user then inputs tournament details, including the tournament name, duration, and participation conditions, from the web page, and saves them in the center server 20. This sets up a game tournament according to the input details. At this time, tournament information that identifies the tournament details, such as a tournament identification ID, is generated.

The code providing unit 81 generates and issues a visible code including tournament information. For example, the visible code records a tournament identification ID, which is tournament information, or identification information that can identify the tournament information. This visible code includes, for example, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark), one-dimensional codes such as barcodes, and identification codes composed of specified characters or symbols. The code providing unit 81 may generate a visible code that includes the tournament outline. In this case, the control unit of each of the user terminal 40 or game machine 30 may function as the code providing unit 81. However, the visible code can be simplified by generating a visible code that includes only tournament information.

The code providing unit 81 provides the issued visible code to the user. For example, the code providing unit 81 displays the visible code on a web page generated by the server control unit 26. The user can then access the web page using the user terminal 40 to obtain the visible code. The user can distribute the obtained visible code to recruit participants for the game tournament. For example, the user can save the visible code as image data and send it by email to player A whom the user wishes to encourage to participate. Alternatively, the user can distribute the visible code via a social networking service (SNS). The code providing unit 81 may also display the visible code and an outline of the tournament requirements on a web page. Player A can view this outline and obtain the visible code for a tournament of his/her choice. This makes it possible to encourage unspecified players to participate in the game tournament.

When player A plays a game on a game machine 30 that is the target of the tournament, he displays a visible code on the user terminal 40 and has the game machine 30 read it. For example, player A logs into the game system 100 by having the game machine 30 read his IC card or user terminal 40 and undergoes user authentication. After that, in an authenticated state, player A has the game machine 30 read the visible code. The center server 20 obtains the tournament information contained in the visible code from the game machine 30 and determines whether player A can participate in the tournament. If the participation conditions (e.g., the event period, number of participants, play conditions, and hosting store) are met, the center server 20 approves player A's participation. The center server 20 then associates the tournament information with player A's user identification information and stores it.

When participation is approved, the center server 20 processes the play information based on the tournament outline and transmits the set assignment song, etc. to the game machine 30. Then, player A plays the game provided by the game machine 30. The center server 20 may process the play information based on the tournament outline so that player A's selection of songs or game modes is restricted. For example, the center server 20 may send to the game machine 30 play information that specifies that the song or game mode played by player A is automatically set in the game data based on the tournament outline.

When player A finishes playing, the play results are stored in the center server 20 as play results A associated with the tournament information. In other words, the play results of player A, whose participation has been approved by having the visible code read, are stored in association with the tournament information. Then, when the center server 20 determines that the end conditions have been met, such as the end of the event period, the maximum number of players for which results can be determined has been reached, or the maximum number of participants has been reached, it judges the results of each player who played the game based on the saved play results. Then, the center server 20 generates results (e.g., rankings) based on the play results of each player who participated in the tournament and the victory conditions in the tournament outline.

The end conditions include the participation end conditions such as the expiration of the event period, as well as the play end conditions of participating players. The play end conditions are met when the participation end conditions are met and the play results of each player required for determining victory or defeat are saved. For example, if the tournament rules state that victory or defeat is determined by the play results of a single play, the participation end conditions and play end conditions are met within a short period of time. On the other hand, if the tournament rules state that victory or defeat is determined by the play results of multiple plays, the time during which the play end conditions are not met will be longer, even if the participation end conditions are met. In other words, if the participation end conditions are met on the day that a player's participation is approved, and the player ends multiple plays on the following day, the time during which the play end conditions are not met will be longer.

After the tournament ends, the center server 20 displays the results to player A who participated in the tournament. For example, when player A has the game device 30 read the visible code, the center server 20, which has acquired the tournament information from the game device 30, displays player A's results on the game device 30. Player A can then view his or her own results (e.g., ranking) displayed by the game device 30. The center server 20 may also generate a web page that displays the results (e.g., ranking) so that any number of people can view it.

During the tournament, player B, who is not participating in the tournament, can play the normal game provided by the game machine 30. Player B logs in to the game machine 30 that is the target of the tournament and plays the game. At this time, player B does not allow the game machine 30 to read the visible code. In this case, the center server 20 stores only player B's play result B, that is, play result B without associating it with tournament information. Note that if player A's participation is not approved or player A does not allow the visible code to be read, the center server 20 also stores play result A without associating it with tournament information.

As a result, when player B who is not participating in the tournament plays, the game machine 30 can provide a normal game. Therefore, even during the tournament period, players who are not participating in the tournament can play the game machine 30. If play by players who are not participating in the tournament is restricted during the tournament period, the store operator's permission is required to hold the tournament, which increases the barrier to holding the tournament. However, since the game machine 30 can provide a normal game when the visible code is not read, the store operator's permission is not required and the tournament can be held easily. Furthermore, players who participate in the tournament can practice before participating in the tournament with the normal game provided by the game machine 30 by not reading the visible code. Here, the normal game means, for example, a game whose play results are saved without being associated with tournament information. Furthermore, a special game that is not provided in the normal game may be provided in the tournament. In this case, the game machine 30 provides the special game only when the visible code is read.

[Server configuration]
The control system of the game system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The center server 20 includes a server control unit 26 that controls the center server 20, and a server memory 23 that serves as a server storage unit that stores the control program PGA of the center server 20. The server control unit 26 is configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined program, and other peripheral devices. The center server 20 is used in the game system 100, and also functions as a tournament system that manages a game tournament using a game provided by the game machine 30. The tournament system may further include at least one of the game machine 30 and the user terminal 40. However, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, an example in which the center server 20 functions as a tournament system will be described.

As an example, the processor of the server control unit 26 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), which controls the entire device and also centrally controls various processes based on the programs stored in the server memory 23. The server memory 23 also includes RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a system work memory for the processor to operate, as well as ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs and system software, and storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disc Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive).

In this embodiment, the CPU can execute various processing operations such as calculations, control, and discrimination according to a control program stored in the ROM or HDD. In addition, an operation unit including a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data is connected to the server control unit 26 via a wired or wireless connection. In addition, a display unit for displaying the input state, setting state, measurement results, and various information of the device is connected to the server control unit 26 via a wired or wireless connection. Furthermore, the server control unit 26 can also perform control according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a CF (Compact Flash) card, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet.

The server memory 23 is an external storage device that includes a non-volatile storage medium (a computer-readable non-transient storage medium) such as a hard disk and a semiconductor storage device. The server memory 23 may hold all data on one storage unit, or may store data in a distributed manner across multiple storage units. The server memory 23 also records the program PGA as an example of a computer program that causes the server control unit 26 to execute various required processes. The server control unit 26 executes the program PGA to provide the user with various services, including music games.

The server memory 23 also stores tournament details D1, participating user information D2 indicating the players who participated in the tournament, play result information D3A indicating the play results, and performance information D4 indicating the player's performance. The server memory 23 also stores various data for the music game. As an example, the server memory 23 stores image data, music data, and score data. The image data includes, for example, data on icons, objects, and backgrounds. The music data includes data on music, sound effects, and performance sounds. The score data is data that defines the operation procedures for the game, and includes, for example, data on the type of object, the timing of operation, and the position to reach the judgment line on the game screen.

The tournament outline D1 is information that is set according to input from the user via the user terminal 40. The tournament outline setting unit 82 of the server control unit 26 then stores the input tournament outline in association with the tournament information. That is, the tournament outline D1 of each game tournament can be identified and specified by the tournament information. This tournament information is, for example, a tournament identification ID unique to each tournament outline D1, but may also be other identification information such as the input date and time as long as it can identify the tournament outline D1. Note that the following describes the case where a tournament identification ID is used as an example of tournament information.

The tournament outline D1 includes at least one of the participation conditions and the victory conditions. Furthermore, the tournament outline D1 includes information related to the tournament (tournament details), such as, for example, the tournament name, user identification information that identifies the participant designated by the user, data (image data, for example) indicating a visible code associated with the user identification information, and user names.

The participation conditions indicate, for example, the target game, event period, number of participants, play conditions, hosting store, and participating users. The target game indicates the model of the game machine that provides the target game of the tournament, the name of the target game, etc., and players can participate in the tournament by playing the target game. The event period indicates the event date, event time, start date and end date, start time and end time, etc., and players can participate in the tournament by playing the game during the event period. The number of participants indicates the maximum number of participants that can participate, the minimum number of people required to hold the tournament, etc., and can be set to allow players to participate in the tournament until the maximum number is reached, or to allow players to participate in the tournament once the minimum number is reached, or to accept participation from all players during the event.

The play conditions indicate the player's level, cumulative number of plays, cumulative play period, etc., and only players who meet the conditions can participate in the tournament. The host store indicates the name of the store 31 and the name of the prefecture in which the store 31 is located, etc., and players can participate in the tournament by playing games provided by the game machines 30 installed in the relevant store 31. The participating users indicate the user identification information entered by the user hosting the tournament, and user identification information corresponding to users who have a specified relationship with that user (for example, users registered as friends). When the participating users are set, only players corresponding to the relevant user identification information can participate in the tournament.

The victory conditions indicate conditions for determining the results such as the winner or the ranking of players, such as the assigned song (one song or multiple songs, etc.), the number of attempts (one or multiple times, etc.), the play mode (normal mode or advanced mode, etc.), and other methods for determining the winner or loser (score, number of mistakes, number of combos, etc.). For example, when a assigned song is set, it can be set so that the player who has obtained the highest score among the players who have played the assigned song wins. When the number of attempts is set, it can be set so that the highest score obtained by each player in multiple games is compared, and the player who has obtained the higher score wins. When a play mode is set, it can be set so that the player who has obtained the highest score among the players who have played the set mode wins. When the number of mistakes is set as the method for determining the winner or loser, it can be set so that the player who has made the fewest mistakes wins. The ranking of players can be determined even during the tournament, and the winner can be determined when the tournament ends, but in the case of a tournament, the winner is determined for each match.

The participating user information D2 is information that identifies a player who will participate in a tournament or a player who has participated in a tournament, and is, for example, user identification information associated with a tournament identification ID. As an example, when a player is approved, the participating user information D2 is stored in the server memory 23 by including the tournament identification ID of the tournament in which the player will participate in the play data of the player. In addition, the participating user information D2 can be stored in the server memory 23 by recording the user identification information associated with the tournament identification ID.

The user identification information is information that is set to identify each player and is unique to each player. As an example, the user identification information is a user identification ID that is composed of specific characters or symbols. The user identification information may also be associated with the player's personal information. This personal information can be input by the player using a user terminal 40 or the like, and is stored in the server memory 23. As an example, the personal information includes information that can identify the user, such as name, address, and telephone number, as well as a PIN number set by the player.

The play result information D3A is the play result of the game played by the player, such as the points the player obtained by playing the game, and is stored in association with the tournament identification ID. In addition, the play result information D3A can correspond to the victory conditions in the tournament outline. For example, if the victory condition is the points earned on the assigned song, the play result information D3A will include the points earned on the assigned song played by the players who participated in the tournament as play results associated with the tournament identification ID.

Score information D4 is the score of each player who played the game, and is determined based on play result information D3A and stored in association with a tournament identification ID. For example, score information D4 is the player's ranking in the tournament, the player's rank in the tournament, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, the server control unit 26 includes, as logical devices, a processing unit 71, which is an example of a processing means, and a code providing unit 81, which is an example of a code providing means. These logical devices are realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the server control unit 26 and the program PGA, which is a software resource. Specifically, the program PGA is a computer program for a tournament system used in a game system 100 having game machines 30 and user terminals 40 that function as clients.

The center server 20 includes a computer, and the program PGA causes the computer to function as a tournament outline setting unit 82, a code providing unit 81, a tournament outline discrimination unit 72, and a processing unit 71. The tournament outline setting unit 82 sets the tournament outline of the game tournament according to input from the user via the user terminal 40, and saves it in the center server 20. The code providing unit 81 also provides a visible code including tournament information that identifies the saved tournament outline to the user of the game system 100. When a player playing a game has the visible code read by the code reading unit 37 of the game machine 30, the tournament outline discrimination unit 72 acquires the tournament information recorded in the visible code and discriminates the tournament outline D1 corresponding to the acquired tournament information. The processing unit 71 also processes at least a portion of the play information of the game played by the player who has had the visible code read, based on the discriminated tournament outline D1.

The processing unit 71 has a tournament outline discrimination unit 72, which is an example of discrimination means, a participation approval unit 73, which is an example of approval means, a score determination unit 74, which is an example of score determination means, a score display unit 75, which is an example of score display means, and a service provision unit 76, which is a service provision means. Furthermore, the processing unit 71 has a tournament information acquisition unit 77 that acquires the tournament identification ID recorded in the visible code. Moreover, the code provision unit 81 has a code issuing unit 83 that issues a visible code, a tournament outline setting unit 82, which is an example of setting means, and a code display unit 84, which is an example of code display means.

When a user playing a game causes the code reading unit 37 of the game machine 30 to read the visible code, the game machine 30 transmits the tournament identification ID recorded in the visible code to the center server 20. The tournament information acquisition unit 77 then acquires the received tournament identification ID and passes it to the tournament outline discrimination unit 72. As a result, the tournament outline discrimination unit 72 acquires the tournament identification ID contained in the visible code. The tournament outline discrimination unit 72 then discriminates the tournament outline D1 corresponding to the acquired tournament identification ID from the tournament outline D1 stored in the server memory 23. Alternatively, the game machine 30 may transmit the visible code to the center server 20. In this case, the tournament information acquisition unit 77 acquires the tournament identification ID from the visible code and passes it to the tournament outline discrimination unit 72. As a result, the tournament outline discrimination unit 72 acquires the tournament identification ID recorded in the visible code. Furthermore, if the visible code includes information indicating the tournament outline D1, the tournament outline discrimination unit 72 may acquire the tournament outline D1 from the visible code via the tournament information acquisition unit 77.

The processing unit 71 processes at least a portion of the play information of the game played by the player who had the visible code read, based on the determined tournament details. This play information includes play data, game data played by the player, and information used in connection with the provision of the game played in the tournament. The processing unit 71 then performs processing to generate, change, add, delete, etc. this play information, and sends it to, for example, the game machine 30.

As an example, the play information is information indicating the assigned song set based on the tournament outline. The processing unit 71 then generates information indicating the assigned song based on the tournament outline identified by the tournament outline discrimination unit 72, and transmits the information to the game machine 30. The game machine 30 displays the assigned song set in the tournament outline based on the received play information. Furthermore, the game machine 30 provides the player with a game corresponding to the assigned song. In addition, the play information may include at least a portion of the information included in the tournament outline (e.g., the name of the tournament). The processing unit 71 generates information included in the tournament outline based on the tournament outline identified by the tournament outline discrimination unit 72, and transmits the information to the game machine 30. The game machine 30 displays the received play information on the monitor 38 so that it can be viewed by players participating in the tournament.

The participation approval unit 73 approves a player who has had the code reading unit 37 of the game machine 30 read the visible code as a participant in the game tournament based on the tournament identification ID obtained from the game machine 30. That is, the participation approval unit 73 refers to the participation conditions in the tournament outline D1 and determines whether the player can participate. For example, the participation approval unit 73 obtains play data based on the player's user identification ID and determines whether the participation conditions set in the tournament outline D1 (e.g. level, cumulative number of plays, and cumulative play period) are met.

Then, the participation approval unit 73 approves the player if the player is eligible to participate, and stores the player's user identification information in the server memory 23 in association with the tournament identification ID. This makes it possible to identify participants during and after the tournament. On the other hand, if the player is not approved, the participation approval unit 73 displays on the monitor 38 of the game machine 30 a message indicating that the participation conditions are not met. The participation approval unit 73 acquires the user identification information entered by the player when the player performs user authentication, and the user identification information read via a medium such as a card owned by the player. Furthermore, if the visible code includes the player's user identification information, the participation approval unit 73 may receive the visible code or user identification information from the game machine 30 and acquire the user identification information included in the visible code.

Furthermore, when the player's participation is approved, the processing unit 71 stores the results of the game played by the player in the server memory 23 in association with the tournament ID. The score determination unit 74 then determines the results of each player who played the game based on the play results stored in association with the tournament ID. This score determination unit 74 determines whether the end conditions of the game tournament are met, and determines the results when it determines that the end conditions (participation end conditions and play end conditions) are met. These end conditions are set based on the tournament outline, and include, for example, the expiration of the holding period, the reaching of the maximum number of participants, and the player obtaining a predetermined score. Furthermore, when the player causes the code reading unit 37 of the game machine 30 to read the visible code, the score display unit 75 displays the results corresponding to the tournament outline D1 determined by the tournament outline determination unit 72 on the monitor 38 of the game machine 30. For example, the score display unit 75 transmits the results to the game machine 30 and displays them on the monitor 38 of the game machine 30.

The results display unit 75 may display the results on the display 44 of the user terminal 40. In this case, when the player causes a reading unit (not shown) of the user terminal 40 to read the visible code, the results corresponding to the tournament identification ID acquired by the tournament outline determination unit 72 are displayed on the display 44 of the user terminal 40. The results display unit 75 may also display the results on a web page so that any person can view the results via the Internet.

When a player has the code reading unit 37 of the game machine 30 read the visible code, the service providing unit 76 provides an additional service corresponding to the tournament identification ID acquired by the tournament outline determination unit 72. For example, the service providing unit 76 provides an additional service of displaying a chat or message board on the monitor 38 of the game machine 30 that can only be viewed and written by players who have participated in the tournament. During and after the tournament, players can write their impressions of the tournament, messages of thanks to the organizer, and the like. The service providing unit 76 may also provide an additional service of displaying a question chat that can only be viewed and written by the player who has read the visible code before the tournament begins.

The service providing unit 76 may also provide an additional service of notifying the player who has read the visible code of information identifying the participants (e.g., the player's name). For example, when a player has the code reading unit of the game machine 30 read the visible code, the service providing unit 76 transmits participating user information D2 corresponding to the tournament identification ID acquired by the tournament outline determination unit 72 to the game machine 30. Then, based on the participating user information D2, the game machine 30 notifies each player of the names of the multiple players participating in the tournament by displaying them on the monitor 38. Furthermore, when the participation approval unit 73 approves participation before the tournament begins, the service providing unit 76 may provide an additional service of notifying information identifying the prospective participants.

This allows users and players to accurately identify and be notified of players who are scheduled to participate in the tournament or who are currently participating in the tournament. Having the system perform this identification allows for accurate player identification and eliminates the need for a human to identify the players. The service providing unit 76 may provide an additional service that displays participants or prospective participants so that they can be viewed only by users logged into the game system 100, or so that any number of people can view them.

Furthermore, the service providing unit 76 may provide an additional service of matching the player who has read the visible code with an opponent player. For example, when the player has the code reading unit of the game machine 30 read the visible code, the service providing unit 76 selects an opponent by referring to the participating user information D2 corresponding to the tournament identification ID acquired by the tournament outline determination unit 72. The service providing unit 76 then transmits information identifying the selected opponent to the game machine 30. Based on the information, the game machine 30 provides the player with a game in which they can play against the selected player. Note that matching may be performed in advance if participation is approved in advance. Also, once the player's participation is approved, players may be automatically matched as the tournament progresses. This allows a tournament-style tournament to be held.

The code providing unit 81 is an example of a code providing means for providing a visible code including a tournament identification ID to users of the game system 100, i.e., users who organize the game tournament and players who participate in the game tournament. The code providing unit 81 also has a tournament outline setting unit 82, which is an example of a setting means, a code issuing unit 83 that generates and issues a visible code, and a code display unit 84, which is an example of a code display means.

The tournament outline setting unit 82 sets the tournament outline for the game tournament entered by the user, generates a tournament identification ID, and stores the tournament outline D1 in association with the tournament identification ID on the server. The code issuing unit 83 then generates a two-dimensional code that can be read by the game machine 30, for example, as a visible code including the tournament identification ID, and stores the code issuing unit 83 in the server memory 23. The code issuing unit 83 may also issue a visible code including the tournament identification ID and the tournament outline. In this case, the tournament outline discrimination unit 72 of the processing unit 71 obtains the tournament outline corresponding to the tournament identification ID from the game machine 30 and discriminates the tournament outline. Furthermore, the code issuing unit 83 may issue a visible code including the tournament outline as tournament information. In this case, the tournament outline can be distinguished from other tournament outlines by the content of the tournament outline itself.

The code providing unit 81 may provide a visible code in association with user identification information that identifies the user who plays the game. In this case, the code issuing unit 83 issues a visible code in association with user identification information that identifies the player who plays the game. For example, if a user who can participate is set in the tournament outline D1 entered by the user, the code issuing unit 83 may issue a visible code to include the user identification ID of the user who can participate. The participation approval unit 73 compares the user identification ID included in the tournament outline D1 with the user identification ID included in the visible code. Then, if the two identification IDs match, the player's participation is approved. Furthermore, when the user enters the tournament outline, the user may select whether to issue a visible code associated with user identification information or a normal visible code.

The code display unit 84 displays the visible code stored in the server memory 23 on the monitor 38 of the game machine 30 and the display 44 of the user terminal 40. For example, the code display unit 84 generates a web page that displays the visible code so that any person can download the visible code via the Internet. This web page displays, for example, a list of game tournaments, and when a player selects a tournament, displays the visible code. A player who wishes to participate in a game tournament can access the web page using the user terminal 40 and obtain the visible code. Therefore, a user who holds a game tournament can easily recruit participants by announcing the URL of the web page. Furthermore, a user can obtain a visible code from the web page himself and distribute the obtained visible code to players. In addition, a user can distribute a medium such as a card on which a visible code is printed.

Furthermore, the code display unit 84 may display the visible code only to a specific player. For example, the code display unit 84 may display the visible code to an authenticated player when playing a game on the game machine 30. Alternatively, the code display unit 84 may display the visible code only to a player corresponding to the user identification information included in the tournament outline D1 input by the user. For example, the code display unit 84 compares the user identification information included in the tournament outline D1 with the user identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit 34 of the game machine 30 when authenticating the player. Then, if the two pieces of identification information match, the code display unit 84 transmits the visible code to the game machine 30 and displays the visible code on the monitor 38 of the game machine 30. Alternatively, the code display unit 84 may display the visible code on the display 44 of the user terminal 40 when the user identification information input from the user terminal 40 matches the user identification information included in the tournament outline D1.

The code providing unit 81 may also provide the visible code to the user by sending the visible code to the user terminal 40 by email. Furthermore, the code providing unit 81 may provide the visible code to the game machine 30 and other devices (e.g., a media supply device).

[Game Device Configuration]
The game machine 30 includes a game machine control unit 32 that controls the game machine 30, and a game machine memory 33 that stores a control program. The game machine control unit 32 is a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation control according to a predetermined program, and other peripheral devices. The game machine 30 also includes a code reader 37 and a monitor 38.

As an example, the processor of the game machine control unit 32 is, for example, a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire device and also controls various processes in a centralized manner based on a program stored in the game machine memory 33. The game machine memory 33 also includes a RAM, which is a system work memory for the processor to operate, as well as storage devices such as a ROM, HDD, and SSD that store programs and system software. In this embodiment, the CPU can execute various processing operations such as calculations, control, and discrimination according to a control program stored in the ROM or HDD. The game machine control unit 32 can also perform control according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, CF card, and USB memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet.

The game machine memory 33 is an external storage device that includes a non-volatile storage medium (a non-transient storage medium that can be read by a computer) such as a hard disk and a semiconductor storage device. The game machine memory 33 also records various data, such as game data, along with the program PGB. This game data is data for allowing a player to play a specific game in accordance with the program PGB. For example, the game data includes image data, music data, score data, and play data. This play data is data for carrying over content unique to each player, such as the player's play history (past achievements), to subsequent plays.

The game machine memory 33 also stores play result information D3B included in the play data. The play result information D3B is the play results of the game played by the player, such as the points the player has earned by playing the game, and is stored in association with the tournament information. Note that the game machine memory 33 may only temporarily store play data including the play result information D3B.

The game machine control unit 32 has an information acquisition unit 34 as a logical device. This logical device is realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the game machine control unit 32 and the program PG2 as a software resource. The game machine control unit 32 executes various calculation controls necessary for the progress of the game in order to control the progress of the game. The game machine control unit 32 also executes processing to enjoy the services provided by the server control unit 26 of the center server 20.

When the participation approval unit 73 of the center server 20 approves the player's participation, the game machine control unit 32 provides a game according to the play information processed by the processing unit 71 based on the tournament outline. As an example, the game machine control unit 32 provides a music game that guides the player on operation timing corresponding to the assignment song set in the tournament outline D1. Specifically, the game machine control unit 32 reads out operation timing information included in the music score data, and determines the timing for making the object appear at the appearance position by calculating backwards while referring to the object's movement speed set for each song. In other words, the game machine control unit 32 refers to the set timing, movement speed, and screen length. The game machine control unit 32 then makes the object appear so that it reaches the judgment line at the set timing, and then moves the object according to the set movement speed.

The information acquisition unit 34 acquires the tournament information recorded in the visible code. Specifically, the player playing the game has the code reading unit 37 of the game machine 30 read the visible code. As a result, the information acquisition unit 34 acquires the tournament information recorded in the visible code and temporarily stores it in the game machine memory 33. The game machine control unit 32 of the game machine 30 then transmits the tournament information recorded in the visible code to the center server 20. Alternatively, the game machine 30 may transmit the visible code to the center server 20. Furthermore, if the visible code is an identification code, the information acquisition unit 34 may acquire the tournament information from information input from an input device (not shown), such as a numeric keypad or a touch panel. In addition, if the game machine 30 can be connected to the user terminal 40 via a wired or wireless connection, the information acquisition unit 34 may acquire the tournament information recorded in the visible code received from the user terminal 40.

Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 34 acquires user identification information (e.g., a user identification ID) that identifies the user. As an example, when a reader (not shown) reads the user identification ID written on the authentication medium, the information acquisition unit 34 acquires the read user identification ID. Alternatively, the reader of the game machine 30 may read the user identification ID displayed on the screen of the user terminal 40. The information acquisition unit 34 may also acquire the user identification ID input by the user via an input device (not shown), such as a numeric keypad or a touch panel. The information acquisition unit 34 stores the acquired user identification information in the game machine memory 33.

The code reading unit 37 is an imaging device that reads visible codes displayed on the screen of the user terminal 40 and visible codes printed on physical media such as cards. Alternatively, if the visible code is a one-dimensional code, the code reading unit 37 may be a barcode reader. Furthermore, the code reading unit 37 may be a reading device that can communicate with the center server 20 or the game machine 30. For example, the code reading unit 37, which is a reading device, transmits the tournament identification ID recorded in the visible code to the center server 20. The tournament information acquisition unit 77 then acquires the received tournament identification ID and passes it to the tournament outline determination unit 72. The monitor 38 is a display device that displays the game screen, a guide screen for the visible code reading operation, and a selection screen for tournaments to participate in, etc.

[User terminal configuration]
The user terminal 40 includes a terminal control unit 43 that controls the user terminal 40, and a terminal memory (not shown) that stores a control program. The terminal control unit 43 is a computer that combines a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined program, and other peripheral devices. The user terminal 40 also includes a display 44 and an input unit 45.

As an example, the processor of the terminal control unit 43 is, for example, a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire device and also controls various processes in a centralized manner based on a program stored in the terminal memory. The terminal memory also includes a RAM, which is a system work memory for the processor to operate, as well as storage devices such as a ROM, HDD, and SSD that store programs and system software. In this embodiment, the CPU can execute various processing operations such as calculations, control, and discrimination according to a control program stored in the ROM or HDD. The terminal control unit 43 can also perform control according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, CF card, and USB memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet.

The terminal memory is an external storage device that includes a non-volatile storage medium (a non-transient storage medium that can be read by a computer) such as a hard disk and a semiconductor storage device. When the user terminal 40 functions as a game device, the terminal memory stores game data and a game program in addition to the control program.

The input unit 45 is an input device such as a numeric keypad or a touch panel, and the user inputs the tournament details via the input unit 45. The tournament details input via the input unit 45 of the user terminal 40 are then recorded in the server memory 23. The user may also input the tournament details by selecting a desired item from a number of items via the input unit 45. The display 44 not only displays the visible code, but also displays a web page including an input screen for the tournament details that is provided on the Internet. The user inputs the tournament details via the input unit 45 in accordance with the web page displayed on the display 44.

[Game tournament flow]
Next, the setting of the tournament outline and the flow of the game tournament will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figure 4, a user hosting a game tournament uses a user terminal 40 to access a web page provided by the server control unit 26. When the user logs in by inputting predetermined items such as a user identification ID, the server control unit 26 displays an input screen for the tournament outline on the display 44 of the user terminal 40. The user inputs the tournament outline into the input screen of the web page from the input unit 45 of the user terminal 40.

The tournament outline setting unit 82 of the server control unit 26 generates a tournament identification ID and stores the tournament outline D1 in the server memory 23 in association with the tournament identification ID. The code providing unit 81 of the server control unit 26 also provides a visible code to the user. That is, the code issuing unit 83 of the code providing unit 81 issues a visible code including the tournament identification ID. The code display unit 84 of the code providing unit 81 then displays the issued visible code on a web page generated by the server control unit 26, and causes it to be displayed on the display 44 of the user terminal 40. This provides the visible code to the user, who can distribute the visible code to recruit participants. The code providing unit 81 may also send image data of the visible code to the user by email.

As shown in FIG. 5, a player who wishes to participate in the tournament logs into the game system 100 by having the IC card or user terminal 40 read by the reader of the game machine 30. If the player wishes to participate in the tournament, the player has the code reading unit 37 of the game machine 30 read the visible code. Whether the player wishes to participate in the tournament is determined by whether the visible code is read. The game machine control unit 32 of the game machine 30 then passes the tournament information recorded in the visible code to the center server 20. When the participation approval unit 73 of the server control unit 26 approves the player's participation, the processing unit 71 of the server control unit 26 processes and sends the play information based on the tournament outline determined by the tournament outline determination unit 72. For example, the processing unit 71 generates information indicating the assignment song set in the tournament outline and sends it to the game machine 30.

The game machine control unit 32 of the game machine 30 provides the player with a game that corresponds to the play information (e.g., information indicating a challenge song) processed by the processing unit 71. The game machine control unit 32 then passes the tournament identification ID and the play result to the processing unit 71. The processing unit 71 associates the play result of the game played by the player with the tournament identification ID and stores it in the server memory 23. Note that the game machine control unit 32 may also associate the play result with the tournament identification ID and pass it to the processing unit 71.

On the other hand, if the player wishes to play a normal game after the game corresponding to the play information processed by the processing unit 71 has ended, the player selects a song without having the visible code read. In this case, the game machine control unit 32 provides the player with a game corresponding to the song selected by the player. The game machine control unit 32 then passes the play results of the game played by the player to the processing unit 71. The processing unit 71 then stores the play results in the server memory 23 without associating them with the tournament identification ID. For example, the processing unit 71 stores only the play results in the server memory 23.

This allows the game machine 30 to provide a normal game to players who are not participating in the tournament. Furthermore, by not allowing the visible code to be read, players who participate in the tournament can play the normal game provided by the game machine 30 before and after participating in the tournament. Here, a normal game means a game whose play results are saved without being associated with tournament information. However, a special game that is not provided in normal games may be provided in a tournament. In this case, the processing unit 71 processes the play information based on the tournament outline D1 determined by the tournament outline determination unit 72 so that the game machine 30 provides a special game. For example, the processing unit 71 transmits game data of a special song that is not normally provided and that is set in the tournament outline D1 to the game machine 30 as play information. Then, the game machine control unit 32 provides the player with a game corresponding to this special song.

Next, referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, the flow of processing performed by the center server 20 and the game machine 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, when a player participating in the tournament accesses a web page from a user terminal 40 and logs into the game system 100, the server control unit 26 of the center server 20 authenticates the player by referring to the user identification information (S601). The user then selects a predetermined button (e.g., a "hold a tournament" button) displayed on the web page. In accordance with the user's selection, the server control unit 26 causes an input screen for the tournament outline to be displayed on the display 44 of the user terminal 40. The user inputs the tournament outline into the input screen of the web page from the input unit 45 of the user terminal 40. The tournament outline may be input by the user from another device, such as the game machine 30.

Then, the server control unit 26 displays a confirmation screen for the input contents. Then, when the user selects the Confirm button, the tournament outline setting unit 82 of the server control unit 26 accepts the input of the tournament information (S602). The tournament outline setting unit 82 also generates a tournament identification ID and associates the tournament outline D1 with the tournament identification ID and stores it in the server memory 23 (S603). Furthermore, the code providing unit 81 of the server control unit 26 provides a visible code to the user. That is, the code issuing unit 83 of the code providing unit 81 generates and issues a visible code including the tournament identification ID (S604).

The code display unit 84 of the code providing unit 81 displays the issued visible code on a web page generated by the server control unit 26, and causes it to be displayed on the display 44 of the user terminal 40 (S605). For example, when the user selects the code display button, the code display unit 84 causes the issued visible code to be displayed. The code display unit 84 may also cause the visible code to be displayed on a web page that the player logs in to and accesses. For example, the code display unit 84 causes the visible code to be displayed together with the tournament outline on a web page that can be viewed by an authenticated user (player). This marks the end of the center server 20 setting the tournament outline and providing the visible code.

7, a player who will participate in the tournament logs into the game system 100 from the game machine 30 (S701). Specifically, the player logs into the game system 100 by having the IC card or user terminal 40 read by the reader of the game machine 30. The server control unit 26 authenticates the player by referring to the user identification information of the logged-in player. Then, when the user has the code reading unit 37 of the game machine 30 read the visible code (YES in S702), the information acquisition unit 34 of the game machine 30 acquires the tournament identification ID recorded in the visible code. For example, the user can operate the input device of the game machine 30 to display a visible code reading start screen on the monitor 38. Then, when the user has the code reading unit 37 of the game machine 30 read the visible code, an overview of the tournament is displayed on the monitor 38. The user may select the tournament to participate in from the list or search screen displayed on the monitor 38. When the user performs an operation to check the overview of the tournament, a visible code reading start screen is displayed on the monitor 38.

Then, the game machine control unit 32 of the game machine 30 sends the tournament information recorded in the visible code to the center server 20 (S703). When the participation approval unit 73 of the server control unit 26 approves the player's participation, the processing unit 71 of the server control unit 26 processes the play information based on the tournament outline determined by the tournament outline determination unit 72. Then, when the processed play information (e.g., information indicating the challenge song and victory conditions) is obtained from the processing unit 71 (YES in S704), the game machine control unit 32 displays the play information on the monitor 38. The game machine control unit 32 also provides the player with a game that corresponds to the challenge song as indicated by the play information (S705). For example, if there are three challenge songs indicated by the play information, the game machine control unit 32 provides a game that corresponds to the three songs.

On the other hand, if the participation approval unit 73 does not approve the player's participation, the game machine control unit 32 cannot obtain the play information (NO in S704) and displays on the monitor 38 that participation has been rejected (S707). When the player finishes playing the game, the game machine control unit 32 sends the tournament identification ID and the play result to the processing unit 71 (S706). Also, if the user does not allow the code reading unit 37 to read the visible code (NO in S702), the game machine control unit 32 provides a normal game (S708). Then, when the player finishes playing the game, the game machine control unit 32 sends the play result to the processing unit 71 without associating it with the tournament identification ID (S709). This ends the process of the game machine 30 participating in the game tournament and providing the game. The game machine control unit 32 may send the play result associated with the tournament identification ID to the processing unit 71.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, when a player who will participate in the tournament logs in, the server control unit 26 performs user authentication by referring to the user identification information of the logged-in player (S801). Then, when the player causes the visible code to be read, the participation approval unit 73 obtains a tournament identification ID from the game machine control unit 32 (S802). Then, the participation approval unit 73 approves the player as a participant of the game tournament based on the tournament identification ID. As an example, the participation approval unit 73 obtains play data from the server memory 23 based on the player's user identification ID and determines whether or not the play conditions set in the tournament outline D1 are met. If the conditions are not met (NO in S803), the participation approval unit 73 notifies the game machine 30 that participation has been rejected (S804). Then, the game machine control unit 32 causes the monitor 38 to display the fact that participation has been rejected.

When participation is approved (YES in S803), the participation approval unit 73 associates the player's user identification information with the tournament identification ID and stores it in the server memory 23 as participating user information D2 (S805). The processing unit 71 then processes at least a portion of the play information of the game played by the approved player based on the determined tournament outline and sends it to the game machine 30 (S806). For example, the processing unit 71 sends it as play information indicating the assignment song to be played by the player. The game machine 30 then displays the assignment song set in the tournament outline on the monitor 38 and provides a game corresponding to the assignment song.

When the player finishes playing the game, the game machine control unit 32 sends the play results associated with the tournament ID to the processing unit 71. The processing unit 71 then stores the play results of the game played by the player in the server memory 23 in association with the tournament ID (S807). The score determination unit 74 determines whether the end condition of the tournament is met based on the tournament outline (S808). If the end condition is not met (NO in S808), the processing unit 71 repeats the process until the end condition is met. Note that, until the end condition is met, the score determination unit 74 may determine the intermediate results of each player who played the game based on the play results stored in association with the tournament ID. Furthermore, the score display unit 75 may display the intermediate results determined by the score determination unit 74 on the monitor 38 of the game machine 30. For example, the score display unit 75 may display the intermediate results of other players participating in the tournament on the monitor 38 in a ranking format.

If the end conditions (participation end conditions and play end conditions) are met (YES in S808), for example, if the event period has expired, the score determination unit 74 determines the scores of each player who played the game based on the saved play results (S809). Then, the score display unit 75 displays the scores determined by the score determination unit 74 on the monitor 38 of the game machine 30 (S810). Furthermore, the score display unit 75 may display the scores on a web page that can be viewed using the user terminal 40. This ends the processing by the center server 20 of participating in the game tournament and displaying the scores.

According to the tournament system of the first embodiment described above, users can obtain and distribute a visible code associated with the tournament details they set themselves. Players who participate in the game tournament and play the game can participate in the tournament simply by entering the obtained visible code. Therefore, users who host a game tournament can do so without going through complicated procedures.

Furthermore, the game machine 30 can provide a normal game to players who are not participating in the tournament. Therefore, even during the tournament period, players who are not participating in the tournament can play on the game machine 30. This eliminates the need for permission from the store operator, making it easier for users to hold a tournament.

The participation approval unit 73 can also approve players who will participate in a tournament in advance. In this case, the processing unit 71 sends the processed play information to the game machine 30 after the tournament period has begun. The player can also have the visible code read in advance using the user terminal 40. For example, the player uses the user terminal 40 to access a web page provided by the server control unit 26. When the player logs in by entering a specific item such as a user identification ID, the server control unit 26 displays a list of tournaments. The player selects a tournament to participate in from the displayed list and obtains a visible code. The player can then send the visible code from the user terminal 40 to the center server 20 via the web page. The player may also participate in multiple tournaments at the same time. In this case, the game machine control unit 32 of the game machine 30 may display the assignment songs for each of the multiple tournaments on the monitor 38.

Also, for example, when a venue for a game tournament is set, the user terminal 40 (for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone) may function as the game machine 30, and the reader functioning as the code reader 37 may read the visible code. For example, a participant who is a player may obtain the distributed visible code and display it on the display 44 of the user terminal 40. When the participant causes the code reader 37, which is a reader, to read the visible code, the code reader 37 transmits the tournament identification ID recorded in the visible code to the center server 20. The participation approval unit 73 then approves the player as a participant based on the tournament identification ID obtained from the code reader 37 via the tournament outline discrimination unit 72. Note that the setting of the tournament outline by the user and the acquisition of the visible code are the same as those described above, and therefore will not be described here. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 43 of the user terminal 40 may function as the code reader 37, and the terminal control unit 43 may read the visible code. The terminal control unit 43, functioning as the code reading unit 37, transmits the tournament identification ID recorded in the visible code to the center server 20.

In particular, when the visible code includes user identification information, the code reading unit 37, which is a reading device, can obtain the user identification information from the visible code. Therefore, since the participants can be identified by the visible code, the work of participants logging in to the code reading unit 37, which is a reading device, can be omitted. In addition, the code reading unit 37, which is a reading device, can communicate with the center server 20. Therefore, the center server 20 can transmit the participation status of the players (e.g., the number of participants) to the user terminal 40, which functions as the game machine 30. Furthermore, if the venue of the game tournament is set and the participation of the players is approved in advance, re-reading of the visible code may not be necessary. In other words, when the player plays the game on the user terminal 40, which functions as the game machine 30, he or she can automatically participate in the game tournament. When the player finishes playing the game, the terminal control unit 43 transmits the play result associated with the tournament identification ID to the processing unit 71 of the center server 20.

[Second embodiment]
The second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the game machine 30 includes a medium providing unit 236. In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and components already described will be given the same reference numbers and their description will be omitted. Except as otherwise described, components given the same reference numbers perform substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects.

The game machine 30 of the second embodiment is equipped with a medium providing unit 236 that provides a medium on which a visible code is printed, as an example of a medium providing means. The game machine control unit 32 executes a card issuing process by the medium providing unit 236 in addition to various calculation controls necessary for the progress of the music game. This medium providing unit 236 is a printing device that prints, for example, visible codes, images, various symbols, and characters based on an output signal from the game machine control unit 32. The medium providing unit 236 then ejects the printed medium from a payout outlet. This medium is a tangible object on which print can be made, such as a card, paper, figure, stuffed animal, or medal.

The code providing unit 81 of the center server 20 provides the visible code issued by the code issuing unit 83 to the medium providing unit 236. This allows the medium providing unit 236 to provide a card with a visible code printed on demand to a user or player. A player can participate in a game tournament by having the code reading unit 37 read the visible code printed on the medium. This allows the provided medium to function as a physical invitation ticket. When a user who hosts a tournament obtains the medium, the medium can be distributed to recruit players to participate. The medium providing unit 236 may print an original image or the like in addition to the visible code. Alternatively, the medium providing unit 236 may eject a medium on which a visible code has been printed in advance from a payout outlet.

The medium providing unit 236 may be built into the game machine 30, or the medium providing unit 236 may be separate from the game machine 30 and connected to the game machine 30 by wire or wirelessly. Furthermore, a medium providing device (e.g., a home printer, a commercial printer, or a commercial multifunction machine) installed outside the store 31 may be used as the medium providing unit 236.

The service providing unit 76 of the center server 20 may provide an additional service to a player who has read the visible code, by providing a medium on which a participation certificate or a participation benefit (e.g., a special image) is printed. When the player has the code reading unit of the game machine 30 read the visible code, the service providing unit 76 transmits image data corresponding to the tournament information acquired by the tournament outline determination unit 72 to the game machine 30. Then, the medium providing unit 236 of the game machine 30 prints the image data on a card and provides it to the player. Note that the service providing unit 76 may transmit image data to a medium providing device other than the game machine 30 (e.g., a home printer, a commercial printer, and a commercial multifunction machine). Furthermore, the service providing unit 76 may transmit image data to the user terminal 40. In addition, the service providing unit 76 may provide an additional service in which a physical medium corresponding to the tournament information, for example, a benefit medium given as a present according to the tournament that the player has participated in, is mailed to the player.

The tournament system according to the second embodiment described above also allows users to obtain and distribute visible codes associated with the tournament details they set themselves. Players who participate in a game tournament and play a game can then participate in the tournament simply by entering the obtained visible code. This allows users hosting a game tournament to do so without having to go through complicated procedures. Furthermore, the tournament system according to the second embodiment can provide special media to users and players. This provides an incentive to participate in the tournament, making it possible to attract more participants.

The present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Inventions that have been modified without going against the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention, are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified form can be appropriately combined without going against the present invention.

For example, the center server 20 and at least one of the game machine 30 and the user terminal 40 may cooperate to configure a tournament system. In this case, the code providing means, the discrimination means, the processing means, the approval means, the code display means, the score determination means, the score display means, or the service providing means may be provided in the game machine 30 or the user terminal 40. For example, if the service providing means is provided in the game machine 30, the service providing means provides the player with a bonus (e.g. bonus media, points, electronic currency, etc.) corresponding to the tournament identification ID. Also, instead of or in addition to the game machine 30, a user terminal 40 such as a smartphone may provide a game to be used in the game tournament. In this case, the user terminal 40 functions as a game device. Also, the visible code may include information indicating the acquisition date of the code or the validity period of the code. The participation approval unit 73 approves the participation of the player when the player has read the visible code within a predetermined validity period from the acquisition date, or when the player has read the visible code within the validity period.

The play results associated with the tournament ID may be stored in the game machine memory 33 of the game machine 30. In this case, the score determination unit 74 acquires the play results from the game machine 30 when determining the results. The play results may also include a play video in which the player plays the game or the game screen is recorded. In this case, the service provision unit 76 may provide an additional service of distributing the play video. Furthermore, if the tournament details entered by the user meet the conditions for prohibiting holding the tournament, the tournament details setting unit 82 may notify the user that the tournament cannot be held without saving the tournament details. Examples of the conditions for prohibiting holding the tournament include the fact that the hosting store is not open during the tournament period, the fact that the hosting store overlaps with other tournaments (including official tournaments), and the like. Furthermore, if the tournament details meet the conditions for prohibiting setting the tournament, the tournament details setting unit 82 may notify the user that the tournament cannot be held without saving the tournament details. Examples of the conditions for prohibiting setting the tournament include the fact that the tournament name includes personal information, the fact that the tournament name is similar or identical to the official tournament, the fact that the user is holding a tournament that has not yet been held, and the like.

Various aspects derived from the above-described embodiments and modified examples are described below. In order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, the reference symbols shown in the attached drawings are used. However, the reference symbols are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated forms.

The tournament system 20 is used in a game system 100 having a game device 30 functioning as a client, and includes a server 20. The tournament system 20 manages a game tournament using a game provided by the game device 30. The tournament system 20 includes a setting means 82 that sets tournament details D1 for the game tournament according to input from a user and stores it in the server 20, a code providing means 81 that provides a user of the game system 100 with a visible code including tournament information that identifies the stored tournament details D1, a discrimination means 72 that acquires the tournament information recorded in the visible code when the user playing the game has the visible code read, and discriminates the tournament details D1 that correspond to the acquired tournament information, and a processing means 71 that processes at least a portion of the play information of the game played by the user who has had the visible code read, based on the discriminated tournament details D1.

A control method for a tournament system 20 used in a game system 100 having a game device 30 functioning as a client, equipped with a server 20, and managing a game tournament using a game provided by the game device 30, sets tournament details D1 for the game tournament according to input from a user and stores it in the server 20, provides a user of the game system 100 with a visible code including tournament information that identifies the stored tournament details D1, and when a user playing the game has the visible code read, acquires the tournament information recorded in the visible code, determines the tournament details D1 that correspond to the acquired tournament information, and processes at least a portion of the play information of the game played by the user who has read the visible code based on the determined tournament details D1.

A computer program PGA for a tournament system 20 that is used in a game system 100 having a game device 30 functioning as a client, includes a server 20, and manages a game tournament using a game provided by the game device 30. The tournament system 20 includes a computer, and the computer program PGA causes the computer to function as: a setting means 82 that sets tournament details D1 for the game tournament according to input from a user and stores it in the server 20; a code providing means 81 that provides a user of the game system 100 with a visible code that includes tournament information that identifies the stored tournament details D1; a discrimination means 72 that, when a user playing the game has read the visible code, acquires the tournament information recorded in the visible code and discriminates the tournament details D1 that correspond to the acquired tournament information; and a processing means 71 that processes at least a portion of the play information of the game played by the user who has read the visible code based on the discriminated tournament details D1.

This allows users to obtain and distribute a visible code associated with the tournament outline D1 that they set themselves. Then, players who participate in a game tournament and play a game can participate in the tournament simply by entering the obtained visible code. Therefore, a user who hosts a game tournament can hold a game tournament without going through complicated procedures. Furthermore, since a player can participate in the tournament simply by having the visible code read, the game machine 30 can provide a normal game when a player who does not have the visible code read plays. Therefore, even during the tournament period, players who do not participate in the tournament can play the game machine 30. This eliminates the need for permission from the store operator, and users can more easily hold a tournament according to the tournament outline that they themselves freely set. In addition, since no special approval is required, a game tournament can be set up simply by the user entering information, allowing the center server 20 to complete the setting process in a shorter time.

The users to whom the visible code is provided include the user who hosts the tournament, as well as the players who play the game on the game machine 30. The computer provided in the tournament system can be configured as a center server 20, or the center server 20 and at least one of the game machine 30 and the user terminal 40.

The tournament system 20 further includes an approval means 73 that approves the user who has read the visible code as a participant in the game tournament based on the tournament information, and if the user is approved, stores the user in association with the tournament information. If the user who plays the game is approved, the processing means 71 stores the play results of the game played by the user in association with the tournament information. As a result, if a player does not participate in a tournament, the game machine 30 provides a normal game, so that other players can play the game machine 30 as usual even during the tournament period. Therefore, the permission of the store operator is not required to hold a tournament, making it easier to hold a tournament.

The visible code is a two-dimensional code that can be read by the game device 30, and the discrimination means 72 acquires the tournament information contained in the two-dimensional code. This allows players to participate in the tournament simply by having the code reader 37 (e.g., a camera) of the game device 30 read the two-dimensional code. This allows players to participate in the tournament without having to go through complicated procedures, making it possible to attract more participants.

The tournament system 20 further includes a code display means 84 that displays the visible code. This allows the user hosting the tournament to obtain the visible code displayed by the code display unit 84 on a web page or the like and distribute it to players. The players themselves can also obtain the visible code displayed by the code display unit 84 on a web page or the like. This allows players to participate in the tournament without going through complicated procedures, making it possible to attract more participants.

The code providing means 81 provides the visible code to the medium providing means 236, which provides a medium on which the visible code is printed. This makes it possible to provide a medium with special value and increase the desire to participate, thereby attracting more participants. Furthermore, by printing the visible code on a physical medium that functions as an invitation ticket, the user hosting the tournament can limit participation in the tournament to players to whom the medium has been distributed.

The tournament outline D1 includes at least one of a participation condition and a victory condition. The tournament system 20 further includes a result determination means 74 for determining the results of each user playing the game based on the play results stored in association with the tournament information, and a result display means 75 for displaying the results corresponding to the acquired tournament information. This allows players who have participated in a tournament to view their own results after the tournament ends or while the tournament is in progress. Furthermore, if a condition is set that allows players to re-participate in a tournament, the motivation to improve one's ranking can be provided, increasing the desire to participate.

The code providing means 81 provides the visible code in association with user identification information that identifies the user who plays the game. This allows only players designated (invited) by the user hosting the tournament to participate in the tournament.

The tournament system 20 further includes a service providing means 76 for providing additional services corresponding to the tournament information acquired. This makes it possible to provide special additional services to increase the desire to participate, thereby attracting more participants.

Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

(Appendix 1)
A game system comprising a game device and a server, and managing a game tournament in which players participate using the game device,
a setting means for receiving and setting an input of tournament outline for the game tournament;
a code issuing means for issuing a visible code including tournament information for identifying the tournament outline;
a tournament information acquisition means for acquiring tournament information contained in the visible code read by a player participating in the game tournament;
A game system comprising: a storage means for storing play results of the game by the players who participated in the game tournament in association with the tournament information.

(Appendix 2)
A computer program causing a computer provided in the game system to function as each of the means described in appendix 1.

20: Center server (server, tournament system)
30: Game machine (game device)
71: Processing section (processing means)
72: Competition outline discrimination unit (discrimination means)
73: Participation approval unit (approval means)
74: Grade determination unit (grade determination means)
75: Results display unit (score display means)
76: Service providing unit (service providing means)
81: Code providing unit (code providing means)
82: Tournament outline setting unit (setting means)
84: Code display unit (code display means)
100: Game system 236: Medium providing unit (medium providing means)
D1: Tournament Guidelines PGA: Program (Computer Program)

Claims (13)

A tournament system for use in a game system having a game device functioning as a client, the tournament system including a server, and managing a game tournament using a game provided by the game device, comprising:
The server,
a setting means for setting and saving tournament details for the game tournament in accordance with an input from a user;
a code providing means for providing a visible code to the user of the game system, the visible code including tournament information that identifies the stored tournament outline;
a determination means for, when a player of the game has read the visible code distributed by the user , acquiring the tournament information recorded in the visible code and determining the tournament outline corresponding to the acquired tournament information;
a processing means for transmitting information to the game device, the information being used to allow the player who has read the visible code to play the game in the game tournament, based on the determined tournament outline;
A tournament system that includes: 2. The tournament system according to claim 1, wherein the server further comprises an approval means for approving the player who has had the visible code read as a participant of the game tournament based on the tournament information, and, if the player is approved, storing the player in association with the tournament information. 3. The tournament system according to claim 1, wherein the processing means, when the player playing the game is approved, stores a result of the game played by the player in association with the tournament information. the visible code is a two-dimensional code that can be read by the game device,
The tournament system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination means acquires the tournament information contained in the two-dimensional code. The tournament system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the server further comprises a code display means for displaying the visible code. The tournament system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the code providing means provides the visible code to a medium providing means that provides a medium on which the visible code is printed. The tournament system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tournament outline includes at least one of a participation condition and a victory condition. The server,
a score determination means for determining the score of each player playing the game based on the play results stored in association with the tournament information;
The tournament system according to claim 3 , further comprising a result display means for displaying results corresponding to the acquired tournament information. The tournament system according to claim 1 , wherein the code providing means provides the visible code in association with user identification information that identifies the player who plays the game. The tournament system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the server further comprises a service providing means for providing additional services corresponding to the acquired tournament information. A tournament system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the information used to play the game includes at least any of information indicating the game mode or challenge song of the game tournament, game data of the game played by the player in the game tournament, and information used to provide the game played in the game tournament. A control method for a tournament system that is used in a game system having a game device that functions as a client, that includes a server, and that manages a game tournament using a game provided by the game device, comprising:
The server,
Setting and saving tournament details for the game tournament in accordance with input from a user;
providing a visible code to the user of the gaming system that includes tournament information identifying the stored tournament outline;
when a player of the game has the visible code distributed by the user read, the tournament information recorded in the visible code is obtained, and the tournament outline corresponding to the obtained tournament information is determined;
a control method for transmitting information to the game device, based on the determined tournament outline, for use in allowing the player who has read the visible code to play the game in the game tournament; A computer program for a tournament system that is used in a game system having a game device that functions as a client and that manages a game tournament using a game provided by the game device, comprising:
The tournament system comprises a computer;
The computer program comprises:
a setting means for setting and saving tournament details for the game tournament in accordance with an input from a user;
a code providing means for providing a visible code to the user of the game system, the visible code including tournament information that identifies the stored tournament outline;
a determination means for, when a player of the game has read the visible code distributed by the user , acquiring the tournament information recorded in the visible code and determining the tournament outline corresponding to the acquired tournament information;
a processing means for transmitting information to the game device, which is used to allow the player who has read the visible code to play the game in the game tournament, based on the determined tournament outline;
A computer program that causes the computer to function.

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