JP2002297827A - Prize competition device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize competition device capable of immediately reporting an applicant to a prize competition on whether the applicant has won the prize or not, and enabling the applicant to simply know whether winning or not. SOLUTION: This prize competition device uses a server computer for providing a user with a predetermined total number of advantages prepared to give to the user. The prize competition device has a means for transmitting prize data to a client computer of the user through a communication network, a means for recording application data transmitted from the client computer according to the prize data, a determining means for determining whether the advantage is given or not to the user who has transmitted the application data, and a means for transmitting the determination result to the client computer through the communication network. The determining means determines whether the advantage is given or not according to the remainder of the advantages when the application data are transmitted without waiting for the limit of application to the prize competition.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prize apparatus using a server computer for providing benefits such as prizes and prizes to lottery applicants by lottery.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional sweepstakes system, information such as an application method required to apply for a sweepstakes is widely reported in newspapers, magazines, televisions, radios and the like. Then, a person who sees and hears the information and wishes to apply for the prize can apply for the prize using, for example, a letter.
The operator of the sweepstakes system determines a winner by a predetermined method (for example, lottery) from applicants who have applied within the application deadline.

[0003] More specifically, in a sweepstakes system in which a benefit is provided to a winner selected by lottery from among the correct answerers of the quiz, for example, the quiz itself, the content of the sweepstakes, the method of applying for the sweepstakes, and the like are described in magazines. Will be posted on And
If the reader who sees the magazine wants to apply for the sweepstakes, they can apply for the sweepstakes according to the application method. For example, by mailing a letter describing predetermined information such as a quiz answer within the application deadline, it is possible to apply for a prize. The operator of the sweepstakes system decides a winner who will provide benefits from applicants who have applied within the application deadline, for example, by lottery.

In recent years, with the spread of the Internet, a prize system using the Internet has been proposed. In this sweepstakes system, information necessary for applying for a sweepstakes is described on a web page. By looking at the web page, a person who wants to apply for a prize can obtain information and the like necessary for applying for the prize. The web page on which information necessary for applying for a prize is described is provided with an input field for inputting information (for example, a quiz answer, applicant identification information, etc.) necessary for applying for a prize. Sometimes. A person who wants to apply for a prize can apply for a prize by inputting predetermined information in this input field and then performing a predetermined operation such as clicking a send button. The application information (application data) input in the input field is transmitted from the client computer of the applicant to the server computer via the Internet. The server computer stores the received application information in the storage device, and determines the winner by a predetermined method such as lottery after the application deadline has elapsed.

[0005]

However, in the conventional prize system using newspapers, magazines, televisions and the like and the prize system using the Internet,
Applicants to the sweepstakes cannot know the result (whether or not they won the applied sweepstakes) until the application deadline has passed.

[0006] Also, an applicant for a prize cannot easily know whether or not the prize has been won. This is because winners are usually announced using the same media that announced the prize information. If the prize information is published in a magazine, for example, the winner is usually announced in the next issue of the magazine with the same title. Therefore,
If you want to know if an applicant has won a prize, you need to check the magazine in which the winner is listed. A system may be adopted in which the sending of benefits such as prizes is replaced with the announcement of the winner. However, even in this case, the applicant can know that the prize has been won only after the benefits such as prizes have been sent. Also, even after a sufficient date and time has passed after the application deadline has passed, the benefit is not sent, so that the applicant can know that he has not won the prize. For this reason, in the conventional prize system, the applicant sometimes forgets that he / she applied for the prize. Eventually, the willingness to apply for the same type of prize may decrease.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a prize apparatus that can immediately notify an applicant for a prize whether or not the prize has been won.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a prize apparatus that can easily determine whether or not an applicant for a prize has won a prize.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems [1] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a server computer for providing a user with a predetermined total number of benefits prepared to be provided to the user. A prize apparatus used, wherein prize data which allows a user to apply for a prize by performing a predetermined operation on the client computer of the user is transmitted to the client computer of the user via a communication network. Prize data transmission means, and an application data record for recording application data for a prize transmitted via a communication network when a user performs a predetermined operation on the client computer of the user based on the prize data. Means and, based on the recorded application data, whether to provide benefits to the user who transmitted the application data. Decision means for deciding whether or not to make a decision, and decision result transmitting means for transmitting the decision result to a client computer of the user who has transmitted the application data based on the decision result by the decision means via a communication network. When the application data is transmitted from the user without waiting for the application deadline for the sweepstakes to arrive, the determination means may determine whether the application data has been transmitted based on the remaining number of benefits. And determining whether to provide a benefit. [1-1] Hereinafter, the prize winning device of the present invention will be described.

The prize apparatus of the present invention is for providing a benefit as a prize to a user (applicant to a prize). The benefit is provided to a user selected by a predetermined method described later (a user determined to provide the benefit by lottery). However, a benefit is provided to the user from a predetermined total number of benefits prepared to be provided to the user.

The prize apparatus of the present invention utilizes a server computer (server computer system). The server computer has at least one computer and at least one storage device. The server computer can be connected to the communication network, and can transmit predetermined data to the user's client computer via the communication network. Typically, the server computer may be always connected to the communication network. The server computer does not necessarily need to be owned by the person who operates the prize system.
The server computer may be, for example, one owned by an Internet service provider. [1-2] The prize apparatus of the present invention has the following prize data transmission means, application data recording means, determination means, and determination result transmission means achieved by cooperation of hardware and software of a server computer. (A) The prize data transmission means is for transmitting prize data to a user's client computer (client computer system) via a communication network.

The prize data transmission means transmits prize data to the client computer in response to a prize data transmission request from the client computer of the user, for example. A request to send prize data to the server computer is provided, for example, on one or more web pages by providing a button capable of issuing the transmission request, and transmitted to the server computer when the button is clicked by the user. What should I do?

The prize data to be transmitted is data that the user can apply for a prize by performing a predetermined operation on the client computer based on the prize data. The predetermined operation that the user should perform in order to apply for the prize is, for example, an operation of inputting information necessary for applying for the prize on the client computer,
For example, an operation of clicking a button for applying for a sweepstakes. The prize data may be data that allows a user to apply for a prize when a user performs a predetermined operation on the client computer of the user and a predetermined condition is satisfied.

The prize data is, for example, data for displaying predetermined information (for example, a method of applying for a prize, etc.) on a display device of the client computer of the user, and for allowing the user to input the predetermined information on the client computer. The data includes data for causing a client computer to perform a predetermined operation (for example, an operation of transmitting predetermined data to a server computer at a predetermined timing).

When the user performs a predetermined operation on the client computer based on the transmitted prize data, application data for applying for the prize is transmitted from the client computer to the server computer via the communication network. You. The user may perform a predetermined operation on the client computer based on the prize data, and the application data may be transmitted from the client computer to the server computer when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

The user who transmitted the application data may be referred to as an applicant in the following description.

The application data may include, for example, identification information of the applicant and / or identification information (for example, an IP address) of the client computer of the applicant.
The application data does not necessarily need to include identification information (name, address, etc.) of the applicant. If the application data includes, for example, identification information of the client computer of the applicant, predetermined data can be transmitted and received between the server computer and the client computer. After it is determined that the benefit is to be provided to the user, the identification information of the user may be transmitted from the client computer of the user to the server computer.

The application for a prize made by the user based on the prize data may be made consciously by the user or may be made without the user's particular recognition. (B) The application data recording means records the application data for the prize transmitted from the user's client computer in the storage device of the server computer.

The storage device of the server computer for recording the application data may be a volatile storage device or a non-volatile storage device. (C) The determining means is based on the recorded application data,
Determine whether to provide benefits to the user who sent the application data. (D) The decision result transmitting means transmits the decision result to the client computer of the user who transmitted the application data via the communication network based on the decision result by the decision means. The determination result transmitting means transmits to the client computer that the benefit is provided when the determining means determines to provide the benefit, and transmits to the client computer that the benefit is not provided when the determining means determines that the benefit is not provided. [1-3] In the prize apparatus of the present invention, the deciding means for deciding whether or not to provide a benefit to the user makes the decision at the next timing unlike the conventional one.

The decision means makes a decision when the application data is transmitted from the client computer of the user to the server computer without waiting for the application deadline for the prize to come.

In the conventional prize system, an application deadline is set for the prize, and after the application deadline has passed, benefits are provided by a predetermined method (for example, lottery) from the applicants who have applied for the prize. The user to be used was determined. Therefore, in the conventional prize system, the applicant who applied for the prize had to wait several days, several weeks, and sometimes several months until the result was obtained.

On the other hand, the determination means of the prize apparatus according to the present invention is arranged such that when the application data is transmitted from the client computer of the user without waiting for the application deadline for the prize to expire (the application data is transmitted). (Immediately after the application has been made), a decision is made as to whether or not to provide a benefit to the user who transmitted the application data.

Therefore, the user who has applied for the prize provided by the prize apparatus of the present invention, after transmitting the application data, immediately receives the application result (whether or not the prize has been won) without waiting for the application deadline to come. ) Can be known. Therefore, the sweepstakes apparatus of the present invention can construct a speed sweepstakes system that can immediately notify an applicant of a sweepstakes of an application result. More specifically, the present invention can provide such a speed prize system. In addition, since the determination result transmitting means transmits the result determined by the determining means to the client computer, the applicant can easily know the application result.

In order to determine whether or not to provide the benefit to the applicant at the above timing, the determination means is based on the remaining number of the predetermined total number of benefits prepared to be provided to the user ( (Depending on the number of remaining benefits) and determine whether or not to provide benefits to applicants. (A) The determining means may determine, for example, as follows according to the remaining number of benefits. The deciding means, for example, a1) when there is a remaining benefit, determines by lottery whether or not to provide a prize to the user (applicant) who transmitted the application data, and a2) there is no remaining benefit. Occasionally, it may be decided not to provide benefits to the applicant.

In the above determination, when there is a remaining benefit, the determination means determines that the benefit is to be provided to the applicant who has won the lottery, and that the benefit is not provided to the applicant who has failed the lottery. I do. (B) The determining means may determine whether or not to provide the benefit to the applicant based on the application data as well as the remaining number of benefits.

That is, the determining means is, for example, b1) when there is a remaining benefit, and when a predetermined condition related to the application data is satisfied, the user who transmitted the application data (applicant ) Is determined by lottery whether or not a prize is to be provided; b2) When there is a remaining benefit and the predetermined conditions related to the application data are not satisfied, no benefit is provided to the applicant. B3) If there is no remaining benefit, it may be decided not to provide the benefit to the applicant.

The predetermined condition relating to the application data is, for example, when the information to be input by the user (applicant) on the client computer is included in the application data, or when the user inputs the information on the client computer. The information may be satisfied when the information included in the submitted application data matches the predetermined information. For example, when constructing a sweepstakes system that provides benefits to those selected by a predetermined method from among the correct answerers of the quiz, the user is required to input the quiz answer on the client computer and enter Make sure that the quiz answer is included, and when the quiz answer in the application data is correct (when the quiz answer in the application data matches the correct answer)
The predetermined condition relating to the application data may be satisfied.

As described above, the determining means determines whether or not to provide benefits to the applicant based on the remaining number of benefits, so that more benefits than the predetermined total number prepared for providing to the applicant can be obtained. It is possible to prevent deciding to provide to the applicant.

The determining means determines, for example, in accordance with the order in which the application data was transmitted, a determination on the user who transmitted the application data first, and before the determination on the user who transmitted the application data. Just do it. In order to determine the order for making the determination by the determining means, the application data recording means determines the order in which the application data was transmitted, when the application data was transmitted, in association with the application data. May be recorded in the storage device. The application data recording means associates the received application data with, for example, a reception number or
The date and time when the application data was transmitted may be recorded in the storage device. [2] The prize winning device of the present invention will be further described. [2-1] In the prize apparatus of the present invention and the prize system constructed by the prize apparatus of the present invention, the application deadline for the prize may or may not be provided.

For example, the expiration date of the sweepstakes may end when the predetermined total number of benefits prepared to be provided to the user is exhausted. In this case, for example, the user may be notified in advance. Further, the remaining number of benefits may be notified to the user. Such information (such as information on the number of remaining benefits) in the prize data sent to the client computer
May be included. [2-2] In the prize apparatus of the present invention and the prize system constructed by the prize apparatus of the present invention, the total number of benefits prepared to be provided to the user may be a finite number.
It may be an infinite number. In other words, there is no need to set a limit on the total number of benefits prepared to be provided to users.

When the total number of benefits prepared to be provided to the user is an infinite number, the benefits always have a remainder. Note that even when the total number of benefits is infinite, the determining means determines whether or not to provide benefits to the applicant based on the remaining number of benefits (infinite number).

In the prize apparatus of the present invention and the prize system constructed by the prize apparatus of the present invention, for example, the total number of benefits to be prepared is set to a finite number for a large benefit, and the total number of benefits to be prepared for a non-high price benefit. May be an infinite number. [2-3] In the prize apparatus of the present invention and the prize system constructed by the prize apparatus of the present invention, the benefits prepared to be provided to the user are provided with grades such as 1, 2, 3, and the like. You may.

In the case where the benefit is graded,
The deciding means, for example, first decides on which grade to decide whether to provide the benefit based on the application data transmitted from the client computer of the user, and then decides as described above. The decision on whether or not to provide the benefit of the determined grade may be made based on the remaining number of benefits of the grade.

The determining means may determine whether or not to provide the applicant with the benefit of the grade in a predetermined order regarding the benefit grade, as described above, according to the remaining number of the benefits of the grade. Good. For example, if the benefit is provided with three grades, such as 1, 2, 3, etc., the determining means is, for example, 1, 2, 3, etc.
Whether to provide the benefit of the class to the applicant in the order of the order or the like may be determined in order according to the remaining number of the benefits of the class. For example, the determining means first determines whether or not to provide the first benefit to the applicant according to the remaining number of the first benefit as described above, and provides the first benefit to the applicant. When it is decided, the first benefit is provided to the applicant without deciding whether to provide the second and third benefits to the applicant. 1
If it is determined that the benefits such as the benefits are not provided to the applicant, then whether or not the benefits such as the second benefit are provided to the applicant is similarly determined according to the remaining number of the benefits such as the second. When it is determined that the second benefit is to be provided, the second benefit is transmitted to the applicant's client computer without determining whether the third benefit is provided to the applicant. If it is decided not to provide the second benefit, then it may be determined whether the third benefit is to be provided to the applicant according to the remaining number of the third benefit. [2-5] According to the prize apparatus of the present invention, various prize systems can be constructed in accordance with prize data transmitted to the client computer by the prize data transmitting means. By defining the prize data transmitted by the prize data transmitting means in, for example, the following (a) or (b),
Each of the following prize systems can be constructed. (A) The prize data transmitted by the prize data transmitting means to the client computer may be, for example, game data for causing the user to play a game on the client computer. The game data as prize data includes, for example, when a user plays a game on a client computer based on the game data and a predetermined condition (an example of this condition is described later) related to the game is satisfied. In addition, data for transmitting the application data from the client computer to the server computer via the communication network may be included. Based on the application data, the determination unit determines whether to provide a benefit to the user who transmitted the application data as described above. Further, the result of the determination by the determining means is transmitted to the client computer by the determination result transmitting means. At this time, when the decision means decides to provide a benefit to the user, the decision result transmitting means may transmit, for example, data for satisfying a predetermined victory condition in a game played on the client computer by the user. May be transmitted to the client computer as the result of the determination by the determining means.
When the deciding means decides not to provide a benefit to the user, the decision result transmitting means transmits, for example, data for not satisfying a predetermined victory condition in a game played on the client computer by the user. May be transmitted to the client computer as a result of the determination by the determining means.

In this way, the user performs a predetermined operation based on the game data (prize data) transmitted by the prize data transmitting means to the client computer, so that the user plays the game on the client computer. be able to. Then, when the user plays a game on the client computer and predetermined conditions related to the game are satisfied, application data for the prize is transmitted from the client computer to the server computer. Based on the application data, the determination means determines whether to provide benefits to the applicant.

When it is determined by the determining means that the benefit is provided, data for satisfying a predetermined victory condition in the game played by the user is transmitted to the client computer as the determined result by the determined result transmitting means. Is done. As a result, a predetermined victory condition is satisfied in the game played on the client computer.

If the decision means decides not to provide a benefit, the result transmitting means transmits to the client computer as a decision result data for not satisfying a predetermined victory condition in the game being played by the user. You. As a result, the predetermined victory condition is not satisfied in the game played on the client computer.

In the above manner, the prize apparatus of the present invention provides a benefit (for example, a benefit according to the satisfied victory condition) to a user who satisfies a predetermined victory condition in the game. An attached game system can be constructed.

When the deciding means decides to provide a benefit, the decision result transmitting means transmits to the client computer data for satisfying a predetermined victory condition in the game played by the user. Thus, the fact that benefit is provided to the user is indirectly transmitted to the client computer. Similarly, when the deciding means decides not to provide a benefit, the decision result transmitting means transmits data for not satisfying a predetermined victory condition in the game being played by the user to the client computer, The fact that no benefit is provided to the user is indirectly transmitted to the client computer.

The game to be played by the user on the client computer may be, for example, a game using symbols. More specifically, the game may be, for example, a slot machine game, a roulette game, a card game, a rock-paper-scissor game, a dice game, a coin game, a mahjong game, a pachinko game, a flower card game, and the like.

The application data for the prize is transmitted from the client computer to the server computer when the user plays the game on the client computer and a predetermined condition is satisfied, as described above. This predetermined condition may be satisfied, for example, when the game starts on the client computer.
If the game is a game using symbols,
This predetermined condition may be satisfied, for example, when the game reaches a predetermined reach state in the game. (B) The prize data transmitted by the prize data transmitting means is:
Although slightly described above, quiz information (quiz data) may be included. In this case, the prize data includes data for allowing a user to input a quiz answer on a client computer, and data for causing a quiz answer input by a user to be transmitted from a client computer to a server computer via a communication network. May be included. The prize data includes data for allowing the user to input user identification information (name, address, etc.) on the client computer, and user identification information input by the user via the communication network from the client computer. May be included for transmission to the server computer. When the user performs a predetermined operation on the client computer based on the prize data including such quiz information, the application data transmitted from the client computer to the server computer includes at least a quiz answer to be input by the user. What is necessary is just to include it. Then, the determination means may determine whether or not to provide the benefit to the applicant based on the remaining number of benefits and the answer of the quiz entered by the user in the application data as described above. The determination result is transmitted from the server computer to the client computer by the determination result transmitting means as described above.

In the manner described above, the prize apparatus of the present invention makes it possible to construct a prize system that provides benefits to users selected by a predetermined method from those who have correctly answered the quiz. [2-6] The communication network used for transmitting prize data and the like is, for example, a communication network such as a telephone network, a satellite network, an optical fiber cable network, or a combination thereof. The use of the Internet, which is currently widely used, as a communication network is convenient for transmitting prize data to many users. The communication network may be a network for data communication of a cable television company (for example, a network capable of performing both television image transmission and data communication). [2-7] The prize system constructed by the prize apparatus of the present invention can be used by using a client computer connectable to a communication network. The client computer may be in any form (shape). The client computer is, for example, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Data).
Assistance: portable information terminal), communication network compatible game machine (for example, Internet compatible game machine), communication network compatible TV (for example, Internet compatible TV), car navigation device, mobile phone, P
HS or the like may be used. The prize system is, for example, “i-
mode, EZweb, and JSky compatible mobile phones. Note that “i-mode” is a registered trademark of NTT Mobile Communication Network, Inc., “EZweb” is a registered trademark of Daini Denden Co., Ltd., and “JSky” is a trademark used by J-Phone Tokyo Co., Ltd.

[0043]

[3] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The prize apparatus according to the present invention utilizes a server computer SC (see FIG. 1). The server computer (server computer system) SC has a computer SCc and a storage device SCs. The cooperation of the hardware and software of the server computer SC allows the server computer SC to have the following functions. The prize system as described below is constructed by the function.

The prize apparatus of the present invention (server computer S
The prize system constructed by C) can be used by using the client computer CC. By performing a predetermined operation on the user's client computer CC, the user can obtain prize data necessary for applying for a prize or apply for a prize.

The prize data necessary for applying for the prize,
Application data and the like for applying for a prize are exchanged between the server computer SC and the user's client computer CC via a communication network.
In this example, the Internet is used as a communication network.

Therefore, the client computer of the user used to use the prize system is required to be able to connect to a communication network (the Internet in this example). Further, the client computer needs to include a display device for displaying various information, an input device for inputting, and the like. The client computer CC of this example (see FIG. 1) includes a computer CCc, a display device CCd, a keyboard CCk, and a mouse CCm. Client computer CC
Can be connected to the Internet via a modem built in the computer CCc.

The server computer SC can transmit the prize data necessary for the user to apply for the prize to the client computer CC of the user via the communication network. Although only one client computer is shown in FIG. 1, the server computer SC can transmit prize data to a plurality of client computers.

The prize system of this example is a prize-winning game system that provides a user who has satisfied a predetermined victory condition in a game with a benefit according to the satisfied victory condition.

The server computer SC provides the following game as prize data for allowing the user to apply for a prize (prize data that can be applied to the prize by performing a predetermined operation on the client computer). The data is transmitted to the client computer CC via the Internet. The transmitted game data (prize data) includes data for displaying the game screen 2 shown in FIG. 2 on the display device CCd of the client computer CC and for causing the user to play the game on the client computer CC. . In this game data, when a user plays a game on the client computer CC and predetermined conditions are satisfied, application data for applying for a prize is communicated from the client computer CC to the server computer SC. Data and the like for transmission via the network are also included.

The game played by the user through the game screen 2 of FIG. 2 is a slot machine game (slot game) in this example.

The game screen 2 has three symbol display areas 2
1, 22, and 23 are provided. When the user clicks "STAR
Click the "T" button B14 to start the game,
The symbols displayed in each of the symbol display areas 21 to 23 change in a predetermined order in a plurality of types (16 types in this example) shown in FIG. In other words, the display in each of the symbol display areas 21 to 23 is a display in which the symbols are changed in a predetermined order.

After the game has started, the symbol display area 2
In the order of 1, 22, and 23, the symbols in the symbol display area stop changing, and one symbol selected from 16 types of symbols is displayed in each symbol display area. The user plays this slot machine game with the goal of making the combination of the three symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 into a predetermined winning symbol. The victory condition of this game is that the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 become predetermined winning symbols. In the present example, when the same symbols are arranged in the symbol display areas 21 to 23, the symbols become hit symbols. That is, the winning symbol in this example is “0
00, 111, 222, 333, 44
4 "," 555 "," 666 "," 777 "," 88 "
8 ”,“ 999 ”,“ ＄＄＄ ”,“ ￥￥￥ ”,“ ££
£ ”,“ ☆☆☆ ”,“ ★★★ ”or“ *** ”.

The user who has won the winning symbol is provided with a benefit corresponding to the winning symbol. In the present example, the benefits are provided with four grades, such as 1st to 4th grades, and a user who has won the winning symbol is provided with a benefit of a predetermined grade according to the winning symbol.

The first benefit is a prize of 1 million yen in this example, and the first benefit is provided to the user who has won the symbol of "777".

The second benefit is a prize of 100,000 yen in this example, and the second benefit is provided to the user who has won the symbol "333".

In the present example, the third benefit is a prize (one dozen beers), and the third benefit is provided to the user who has won the symbol "＄＄＄".

In this example, the benefit such as 4 is the right to play the game 1
It is to increase 0 times. In this example, the number of times the user can play the game is limited,
The user can play the game only a given number of times. The remaining number of times the user can play the game (remaining number of rights to play the game given to the user)
It is displayed in the remaining number display area 24 of the game screen 2. Benefits of 4th class are winning designs other than 1st, 2nd or 3rd winning designs (“000”, “111”, “222”, “44”).
4 "," 555 "," 666 "," 888 "," 99 "
9 ”,“ ￥￥￥ ”,“ £££ ”,“ ☆☆☆ ”,“ ★★
★ ”or“ *** ”).

The benefits of each class are prepared to be provided to the user, and a predetermined total number of benefits are prepared. In this example, three first-class benefits (prize money) are prepared, and ten second-class benefits (prize money) are prepared. That is, the number of first-class benefits provided to users is three.
It is limited to books, and the number of second-class benefits is limited to 10. On the other hand, the number of third benefits (prizes) provided to the user is not limited in this example. Also, 4
The number of equal benefits (increase in the right to play a game) is not limited in this example. That is, the total number of the third and fourth benefits prepared to be provided to the user is infinite.

Hereinafter, the operations performed by the server computer SC and the user's client computer CC will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When a request to transmit the game data as the prize data is transmitted from the client computer CC to the server computer SC via the Internet (# 101 in FIG. 4), the server computer SC responds to the request. The game data (prize data) is transmitted to the computer CC (# 102).

In this example, when the button B0 provided in the web page P0 shown in FIG. 7 is clicked, the client computer CC sends the server computer S
C is requested to transmit game data (prize data).

Game data to be transmitted (prize data)
In this example, is the data of the web page P1 shown in FIG. 2, and the web page P1 includes a game screen 2 for playing a slot machine game. In the client computer CC of the user, the web page P1 including the game screen 2 can be displayed on the display device CCd by using web page browsing software (for example, a web browser). That is, the web including the game screen 2 transmitted by the server computer SC
The format of the data of the page P1 is a format (for example, HTML format) that can be displayed by a web browser. By sending data for displaying the game screen 2 on the user's display device CCd in such a format, the user can display the game screen 2 without largely depending on the OS (operating system) of the user's computer CCc. On the display device CCd. As many users can play the game through the game screen 2 and participate in the prize.

The client computer CC displays the web page P1 including the game screen 2 based on the transmitted data of the web page P1 (# 103).

When the user clicks the "START" button B14 in the game screen 2 of the web page P1 using the mouse CCm of the client computer CC (# 104: YES), the game starts (# 105).

The client computer CC reads “ST
When the "ART" button B14 is clicked, first, a display for changing symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 is performed. Next, one symbol to be displayed in the symbol display area 21 is selected by a predetermined method (for example, a method using a random number), and the selected symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 21 (#
106). Next, one selected symbol is similarly displayed in the symbol display area 22 (# 106). Note that data for causing the client computer CC to perform such an operation is also included in the game data (prize data) transmitted from the server computer SC.

The client computer CC performs the following processes (a) to (d) according to the combination of the symbols selected as the symbols to be displayed in the symbol display areas 21 and 22. The game data (prize data) transmitted from the server computer SC also includes data for causing the client computer CC to perform the following processes (a) to (d). (A) If the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 and 22 are not reach symbols (# 107: NO), the client computer CC selects one symbol to be displayed in the last remaining symbol display area 23 by a predetermined method. The selected symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 23 (# 108). In this case, since the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 do not become hit symbols, no benefit is provided to the user. (B) Reach symbols (in this example, “00”, “1”) for the hit symbols whose symbols in the symbol display areas 21 and 22 are 4 or the like.
1 "," 22 "," 44 "," 55 "," 66 "," 8 "
8 ”,“ 99 ”,“ ￥￥ ”,“ ££ ”,“ ☆☆ ”,“ ★ ”
★ ”or“ ** ”) (# 107: N
O), the client computer CC selects one symbol to be displayed in the last remaining symbol display area 23 by a predetermined method, and displays the selected symbol in the symbol display area 23 (# 108). Thus, when the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 become a winning symbol such as 4 or the like, the client computer CC increases the number of right to play the game displayed in the area 24 by 10 times (# 108). (C) Reach symbol (“77”, symbol “1”, symbol 2 or symbol 3 in symbol display areas 21 and 22)
If it is “33” or “＄＄”, (# 107: Y
ES), the client computer CC sends the following application data for the prize to the server computer SC via the Internet (# 109).

The client computer CC includes, as application data for the prize, data indicating that the prize is to be applied,
The data representing the reach symbol and the identification information (in this example, the IP address) of the client computer CC itself are transmitted to the server computer SC. Application data is transferred from client computer CC to server computer SC
Is transmitted to the client computer C
The user playing the game in C has applied for a prize (a first prize, a second prize, or a third prize according to the reach symbol). The application data is transmitted to the server computer SC without the user performing any special operation on the client computer CC. Therefore, in this example, the user applies for the prize without particularly recognizing that the user has applied for the prize.

The server computer SC performs the following processing in response to the transmission of the application data from the client computer CC.

The server computer SC first assigns a reception number to the transmitted application data, and
(# 110). More specifically, the transmitted identification information of the client computer, the data representing the reach symbol, and the receipt number are recorded. By assigning a reception number in this way, even if application data is transmitted from each of a plurality of client computers, it is possible to know which application data was transmitted earlier. As will be described later in detail, in the prize system of the present invention, the decision of the application data is determined (whether the user who transmitted the application data is provided with a benefit of a predetermined grade according to the application data). The order in which they are performed affects whether or not the benefits of that grade are provided to the user when the total number of benefits of that grade is finite. Therefore, the server computer SC
Records the receipt number along with the application data in the storage device, as described above. Note that the server computer SC may record the reception time in the storage device instead of the reception number.

Next, the server computer SC determines which application data is to be determined based on the receipt number recorded in the storage device. The server computer SC determines whether or not the application data is accepted in the order from the earliest application data as follows.

The server computer SC first determines which grade of benefit is to be determined based on the data indicating the reach symbol in the application data (# 111 in FIG. 5). In this example, the client computer CC
The reach symbol on the game screen above is “77”, “3”
3 "and" ＄＄ ", respectively, 1st, 2nd, etc.
Decide whether or not benefits such as 3rd are appropriate.

After deciding which grade of benefit is to be determined as described above, the server computer SC checks whether there is any remaining benefit of that grade (#).
112). Regarding the benefits such as 1st and 2nd, as described above, since the total number of benefits prepared to be provided to the user is limited, the remaining number of benefits is confirmed in this way. The remaining numbers of the benefits such as 1 and 2 are recorded in a predetermined area of the storage device SCs of the server computer SC, and the server computer SC confirms the remaining number based on the data recorded therein. . As for the benefits of the third tier, the benefits of the third tier always remain because the total number of benefits prepared to be provided to the user is infinite as described above.

If there is no remaining benefit of the class for making the decision (# 112: NO), the server computer SC
Decides not to provide benefits (# 113). And
The client computer CC that transmitted the application data on which this determination was made is sent to the server computer S
C is a symbol display area 21 to 23 in the slot machine game played on the client computer CC.
Is transmitted via the Internet to remove the symbol displayed on the screen as a symbol (# 116). In this example, the server computer SC uses the symbol display area 21 based on the reach symbol on the client computer CC.
The data of the symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 23 which is left last, in which the symbols of the symbols .about.23 come off and become symbols, is transmitted. In response to this, the client computer CC displays the symbol specified by the server computer SC in the symbol display area 23 that has been left last (# 119). For example, when the reach design is the reach design “77” such as 1 on the client computer CC and there is no remaining benefit of the design such as 1, the server computer SC transmits the data of the design other than “7” to the client computer. CC, and the client computer CC displays a symbol other than “7” in the last symbol display area 23. Thereafter, if the user has the right to play the game, the user can further play the game by clicking the "START" button B14. If there is a remaining benefit of the class for which the decision is made (# 112: YE
S), the server computer SC determines by lottery whether or not to provide the benefit of the class to the user (# 11).
4).

When it is determined that the benefit of the class is not to be provided to the user (# 115: NO), the remaining number of benefits is transmitted to the client computer CC which transmitted the application data on which the determination was made. As in the case where there is no symbol display area 21 to 23 in the slot machine game being played on the client computer CC.
The server computer SC transmits data for removing the symbol displayed on the screen as a symbol, via the Internet (# 116).

When it is determined that the benefits of the class are to be provided to the user (# 115: YES), the server computer SC identifies the client computer CC which has transmitted the application data on which the determination was made (see FIG. In this example, the IP address) and the benefits to be provided (grade of benefits)
Are associated with each other and recorded in the storage device SCs (# 11
7). Further, when the grade of the benefit determined to be provided is 1st grade or 2nd grade, the server computer SC reduces the remaining number of benefits of the grade recorded in the storage device SCs by one. In addition, the server computer SC changes the information on the remaining number of benefits displayed on the web page P1 (see FIG. 2) including the game screen transmitted to the client computer when a transmission request is made thereafter.

Further, the server computer SC sends a symbol display area of the slot machine game played on the client computer CC to the client computer CC which has transmitted the application data on which the decision is made to provide the benefit. Data for hitting the symbols displayed on 21 to 23 and making them symbols is transmitted via the Internet (# 118). Server computer SC
In this example, based on the reach symbol data, the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 become the hit symbols and the symbol data to be displayed in the last remaining symbol display area 23 is transmitted.

In response to this, the client computer C
C displays the design specified by the server computer SC in the last remaining design display area 23 (# 120).
Thereby, the symbol display area 21 of the slot machine game being played on the client computer CC.
The symbols displayed in Nos. To 23 are winning symbols. As a result, the user playing the slot machine game is provided with a benefit of a predetermined grade according to the winning symbol.
Furthermore, by playing the game, the user receives a benefit according to the winning symbol.

Thereafter, the client computer CC
Is the data indicating the winning symbol and the server computer C
The identification information of C is transmitted to the server computer SC via the Internet (# 121 in FIG. 6). In response, the server computer SC decides to provide a benefit of a predetermined grade according to the transmitted hit symbol to the user playing the game on the client computer CC having the transmitted identification information. It is determined on the basis of the information recorded in the storage device SCc as described above (grade of benefit to be provided and identification information of the client computer) (# 122). By making such a determination, even if the client computer creates fraudulent data on the client computer side and sends the data to the server computer SC, even if the data is transmitted to the server computer SC, the storage device SCs of the server computer SC has the client computer. Such fraud can be eliminated because it is not recorded that the benefit is provided to the user.

If there is no such fraud, the server computer SC inputs the information necessary for actually providing the user with the benefits of the class to the user and transmits the data to the user for transmission. Is transmitted via the Internet to the client computer CC which has transmitted the data indicating the winning symbol (# 123). In this example, the data of the web page P2 shown in FIG.
Is transmitted to the client computer CC.

When the user enters the client computer CC
When the user inputs a name and an address in predetermined input fields on the web page P2 and clicks a “send” button B21, the client computer CC transmits the input information and the identification information of the client computer to the server computer SC.

In response, server computer SC
Confirms whether or not the transmitted data is invalid, as in step # 122. If the data is not invalid, the server computer SC records the transmitted name and address of the user together with information on the benefits to be provided to the user in the winner database of the storage device SCs. By referring to the winner database of the storage device SCs, the operator of the prize system can know the name of the user to whom the benefit should be provided, the address of the user, and the benefit to be provided. Note that the winner database also has a flag indicating whether or not the benefit has been sent to the user, and from the flag, it is possible to know the user who has not yet sent the benefit.

According to the prize apparatus of the present invention described above,
The user who has applied for the sweepstakes can know the result of the success or failure immediately after applying for the sweepstakes without waiting until the application period for the sweepstakes has passed. Furthermore, the prize system constructed by the prize apparatus of the present invention has an immediate determination of the prize result. In addition, the user who has applied for the prize can know the result of the success or failure on the client computer. As a result, the result of the pass / fail can be known more easily than before.

Thus, the user's willingness to apply for a prize can be increased. Thereby, the number of users accessing the web page P1 (see FIG. 2) for applying for the prize increases. Therefore, for example, this we
The more effective the advertisement is on the b page P1, the higher the effect of the advertisement becomes. [4] In the above example, the application data for the prize is transmitted from the client computer CC to the server computer SC when a predetermined reach symbol is obtained in the slot machine game.
The "TART" button B14 may be clicked by the user and the application data may be transmitted when the game starts.

In this case, the server computer SC and the client computer CC may be operated as follows, for example. This will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0086] After displaying the web page P1 including the game screen 2 based on the game data (prize data) transmitted from the server computer SC, the client computer CC clicks the "START" button B14 by the user. (# 201 in FIG. 9: YE
S), the game is started (# 202). Thereafter, the client computer CC connects to the server computer SC.
The application data is transmitted to (# 203).

When the application data is transmitted from the client computer CC, the server computer S
C first attaches a reception number to the application data and records it in the storage device SCs in the same manner as described above (# 204). Here, the application data transmitted from the client computer CC to the server computer SC is, in the present example, data indicating that a prize is to be applied and identification information of the client computer (IP address in this example).

Next, the server computer SC determines, by lottery, which class of benefit is to be determined as valid or invalid (# 205). In this example, the benefits are provided with grades of 1st to 4th grade, so that it is determined which grade of the benefits of the 1st to 4th grades is to be determined.

Next, the remaining number of benefits of the determined class is confirmed (# 206).

If there is no remaining benefit for that class (#
206: NO), the server computer SC transmits the data of the missing symbol to the client computer CC (#
211).

If the benefits of the class have a remainder (#
206: YES), it is determined whether to provide the benefit of the class by lottery (# 207). When it is determined not to provide the benefit of the class (# 208: NO), the server computer SC
Is transmitted to the client computer CC in order to make the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 of the game started in (2) in the present example (data in the present example). When it is determined that the benefit of the class is provided (# 208: YES), the server computer SC
Is the identification information of the client computer CC that transmitted the application data from which this determination was made (in this example, I
The P address) and the class of the benefit to be provided are recorded in the storage device SCs in association with each other (# 209). Further, when the grade of the benefit to be provided is 1 or 2 (when the benefit of the grade in which the total number of prepared benefits is finite) is provided, the server computer SC stores the grade recorded in the storage device SCs. Reduce the number of remaining benefits by one. Further, the server computer SC sends to the client computer CC data for making the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 of the game started on the client computer CC into winning symbols of the class (in this example, winning symbol data). It is transmitted (# 210).

The client computer CC displays a symbol in each of the symbol display areas 21 to 23 based on the symbol data transmitted from the server computer SC (# 212 in FIG. 10). As a result, when the data of the missing symbol is transmitted from the server computer SC, the missing symbol is displayed in the symbol display areas 21 to 23. When the winning symbol data is transmitted from the server computer SC, the winning symbols of the grade determined by the server computer SC are displayed in the symbol display areas 21 to 23.

If the symbol displayed in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 is a winning symbol such as 4 (# 213: NO,
# 214: YES), the client computer CC increases the user's right to play the game by a predetermined number (# 21).
5).

If the symbol displayed in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 is a hit symbol such as 1st, 2nd or 3rd, (#
213: YES), the client computer CC
The winning symbol data is transmitted to the server computer SC (# 216). In response, the server computer S
C confirms whether the transmitted winning symbol data and the identification information of the client computer CC are unauthorized, based on the information recorded in the storage device SCs (# 217). If not illegal, the server computer SC transmits to the client computer CC data for requesting the user who has won the symbol to transmit information necessary for providing benefits (#
218). In this example, the server computer SC
Transmits the data of the web page P2 in FIG. 8 to the client computer CC. When the user inputs predetermined information on the client computer CC and clicks a "Send" button B21, the input information is transmitted from the client computer CC to the server computer S.
C (# 219). The server computer records the transmitted user information in the winner database of the storage device SCs together with the grade of the benefit to be provided to the user (# 220).

Even in this case, the user can know the result immediately after applying for the sweepstakes without waiting for the application deadline for the sweepstakes to come. Also in this case, the user will apply for the prize without recognizing that the user will apply for the prize.

As in the above-described example, when the game is played on the client computer CC and a predetermined reach symbol is obtained, the application data for the prize is transmitted to the server computer SC. However, the load on the server computer SC is reduced.

The conditions for transmitting the application data from the client computer CC to the server computer SC may be such that the conditions other than the above-described reach symbol or the condition that the game has been started are satisfied. [5] The game to be played on the client computer by the user may be provided with various known methods and functions such as to enhance the interest of the game. For example, a game to be played by a user may be provided with a reach action function, a re-lottery function, and the like.

The game to be played by the user may be composed of a plurality of element games associated with at least one other element game in order to enhance the interest of the game. For example, the game to be played by the user may include a main game (main element game) and a sub game (sub element game) that appears when a predetermined sub game appearance condition is satisfied in the main game. .

In any case, when the game data is transmitted to the user's client computer as prize data, the application data for the prize is transmitted to the server computer when predetermined application conditions relating to the game are satisfied. What is necessary is just to transmit.

For example, if the user is to play a game including a main game and a sub game, wherein the main game is the slot machine game and the sub game is a coin game as described below, The server computer and the client computer may be operated, for example, in the following manner, for example, to transmit application data from the client computer to the server computer at the next timing. This will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS.

It is assumed that the victory condition of the slot machine game (main game) is the same as the above example, and that the user is provided with a benefit of a grade corresponding to the victory condition as in the above example.

The server computer SC transmits game data including data of the main game (slot machine game) and data of the sub game (coin game) in response to the transmission request of the prize data (game data) from the client computer. I do. This game data is included in the data of the web page.

[0103] Based on the web page data containing the game data (prize data) transmitted from the server computer SC, the client computer CC first
The web page P1 including the main game screen is displayed (# 301 in FIG. 11). The main game screen is the game screen 2 in the web page P1 in FIG. 2 in this example.

When the user clicks the "START" button B14 on the client computer CC (# 302: YES), the client computer CC changes the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 in a predetermined order to change the main game ( The slot machine game) is started (# 303).

Next, the client computer CC
The symbols selected by the predetermined method are displayed in the symbol display areas 21 and 2
2 (# 304). The client computer CC performs the following operation based on the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 and 22. Note that data for causing the client computer to perform the following operation is also included in the prize data (game data) transmitted from the server computer.

If the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 and 22 are not reach symbols (# 305: NO), the client computer selects one symbol to be displayed in the last remaining symbol display area 23 by a predetermined method. The selected symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 23 (# 306). In this case, since the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 do not become hit symbols, no benefit is provided to the user.

When the combination of the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 and 22 is a reach symbol of any of the first to fourth grades (# 305: YES), the client computer CC displays the reach action display on the game screen. It starts (# 307).

Next, the client computer CC selects, as a symbol to be temporarily displayed in the symbol display area 23, a symbol in which the symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 do not become hit symbols, and selects the selected symbol. It is temporarily displayed in the symbol display area 23 (# 307). That is, at this point, the symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 are out-of-design symbols.

Next, the client computer CC
Shifts the game played by the user from the main game (slot machine game) to the sub game (coin game). That is, the client computer CC is configured as shown in FIG.
The sub game screen 3 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the main game screen 2 of FIG.
08).

When the sub game is completed as described below, the process returns to the main game. According to the result (win / loss) of the sub game, it is determined whether or not the symbol temporarily displayed in the symbol display area 23 in the main game is advanced by one. The symbols in the symbol display area 23 are arranged in a predetermined order (“0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, ＄, ￥, £, ☆, ★, * ”). The symbol in the symbol display area 23 advances by one, and becomes the next symbol in this order. For example, when the symbol in the symbol display area 23 is “2”, the next symbol is “3”. When the user loses in the sub game, the symbol temporarily displayed in the symbol display area 23 becomes a fixed symbol, and the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 of the main game are removed. If the user wins in the sub game, the symbol in the symbol display area 23 advances by one. As a result, when the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 become hit symbols in the main game, benefits of a grade corresponding to the hit symbols are provided to the user. Even if the symbol of the symbol display area 23 advances by one,
When the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 are not hit symbols, the process shifts to the sub game again, and the same processing as described above is performed according to the result of the sub game. In this example, the sub game is shifted up to four times.

The coin game to be played by the user as the sub game is a game using two coins C1 and C2 in this example (see FIG. 14). Each coin has
The symbol "★" is drawn on one side, and the symbol "☆" is drawn on the other side. At the beginning of the coin game, all coins are spinning. The rotation of the two coins C1 and C2 stops when the "STOP" button B31 is clicked by the user, and two symbols to be selected are displayed on the sub game screen 3 as described below. When the two symbols are completed, the player has won the coin game (sub game). That is, in this coin game, if the two coin symbols are the same, the symbol is a winning symbol, and if the two coin symbols are different, the symbol is a miss symbol.

The design of each coin in the coin game is
The selection is made as described in the following (a) to (c) according to the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 in the main game (slot machine game). (A) Symbol display areas 21 and 22 in the main game
Is a reach symbol for a hit symbol such as 4 (in this example, "00", "11", "22", "44",
"55", "66", "88", "99", "$",
If it is “££”, “☆☆”, “★★” or “**”) (# 309: NO), the client computer CC selects a symbol for each coin in the coin game (sub game). (# 320 in FIG. 13), the selected symbol is displayed in the coin game (# 321). (B) Reach symbols for symbols such as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd symbol in the symbol display areas 21 and 22 (“7” in this example)
7 "," 33 "or" ＄＄ "), and the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 are hit even if the symbol temporarily displayed in the symbol display area 23 is advanced by one. Also when it does not occur (# 309: NO), the client computer CC selects a symbol of each coin in the coin game (sub game) (# 320), and the selected symbol is displayed in the coin game (# 321). (C) The symbols in the symbol display areas 21 and 22 are reach symbols for symbols such as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, and the symbols temporarily displayed in the symbol display area 23 are If the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 are the first symbol, the second symbol, or the third symbol, etc. (# 3
09: YES), the client computer CC transmits the following application data for the prize to the server computer SC via the Internet (# 310). In this case, the server computer SC selects a symbol of each coin in the sub game (coin game) as described below. For example, the symbol in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 is “7”.
76 ", the client computer CC
Transmits the following application data to the server computer SC, and the server computer SC selects a symbol for each coin in the coin game.

The client computer CC includes, as application data for the prize, data indicating that the prize is to be applied,
The data indicating the reach symbol and the identification information (IP address in this example) of the client computer CC itself are transmitted to the server computer SC. Application data is transferred from client computer CC to server computer SC
Is transmitted to the client computer C
The user playing the game in C has applied for a prize (a first prize, a second prize, or a third prize according to the reach symbol). The application data is transmitted to the server computer SC without the user performing any special operation on the client computer CC. Therefore, also in this example, as in the above example, the user applies for the prize without particularly recognizing that the user has applied for the prize.

In response to the transmission of the application data from the client computer CC, the server computer SC responds to steps # 110 to # 110 in FIGS.
In the same manner as 115, it is determined whether or not to provide a benefit of a grade corresponding to the reach symbol in the main game (slot machine game) based on the remaining number of benefits of the grade (see FIGS. 11 and 12). # 311- # 316).

If it is determined that no benefit is to be provided (# 314 or # 316: NO), the server computer SC sends the data for missing the symbol in the sub game to the client computer CC that transmitted the application data. Transmission via the Internet (# 31
7).

If it is decided to provide benefits (# 3
16: YES), the server computer SC records the identification information (the IP address in this example) of the client computer CC that transmitted the application data and the benefit to be provided (grade of benefit) in the storage device SCs in association with each other ( # 318). Further, when the grade of the benefit determined to be provided is 1st grade or 2nd grade, the server computer SC reduces the remaining number of benefits of the grade recorded in the storage device SCs by one. Also, the server computer SC
Transmits, via the Internet, data for making a winning symbol in the sub game to the client computer CC which has transmitted the application data (# 31)
9).

In response to this, the client computer CC which transmitted the application data becomes the server computer SC.
The symbols of each coin in the sub game (coin game) are displayed based on the data returned from
# 322). When data for removing a coin symbol is transmitted from the server computer SC, the client computer CC displays a coin symbol which is a missing symbol on the coin game screen. When data for winning a coin symbol is transmitted from the server computer SC, the client computer CC displays the symbol on the coin game screen.

After the coin symbol selected as described in (a) to (c) above is displayed on the sub game screen, the client computer CC checks whether the coin symbol in the sub game (coin game) is a hit symbol. The following processing is further performed based on whether or not.

When the coin symbol in the coin game is a lost symbol, that is, when the user loses in the sub game (# 323: NO), the client computer CC changes the game screen to the main game (slot machine game) screen. And temporarily switch to the symbol display area 23
The main game is terminated with the symbol displayed in the step (a) as the determined symbol (# 324). As a result, in the slot machine game, the symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 are deviated symbols.

If the coin symbol in the coin game is a winning symbol, the client computer CC switches the game screen to the main game screen and advances the symbol in the symbol display area 23 by one (# 325).

Even if the symbol in the symbol display area 23 is advanced by one,
If the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 are still out of symbol (# 326: NO) and the number of transitions to the sub game has reached a predetermined number (four in this example) (# 328: YES), symbol display area 2 of the main game
The main game is ended with the symbol temporarily displayed in No. 3 as the determined symbol (# 329). When the number of transitions to the sub game has not reached the predetermined number (# 328: N
O), the process again shifts to the sub game, and the client computer CC performs the same processing as described above.

When the symbols in the symbol display areas 21 to 23 become hit symbols by advancing the symbol in the symbol display area 23 by one (# 326: YES), the symbols in FIG. The client computer CC and the server computer SC perform the same processing as that of 121 to # 125.

As described above, a user who has applied for a sweepstakes can know the result of the success or failure immediately after applying for the sweepstakes without waiting for the application deadline for the sweepstakes to expire. In addition, the user who has applied for the prize can know the result of the success or failure on the client computer.
Furthermore, by adopting a game in which the main game shifts to the sub-game when the game reaches the reach state as described above, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game and excite the user's ambition. As a result, the user can enjoy the game more, the user's desire to play the game can be increased, and the user's willingness to apply for the prize can be increased. Therefore, for example, if an advertisement is performed on the main game screen or the sub game screen, the effect of the advertisement increases accordingly. [6] The prize system constructed by the prize apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above.

For example, a system may be used in which benefits are provided to those who are selected by lottery or the like from those who have correctly answered the quiz. In this case, the server computer SC
The client computer CC may be operated as follows, for example. This will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the client computer CC transmits a prize data transmission request, the server computer SC replaces the game data with a web page P4 (for example, quiz information and information on how to apply for a prize). 17) as prize data to the requesting client computer CC (FIG. 15).
# 401, # 402). W as prize data of this example
In the data of the eb page P4, as described below, data for prompting the user to answer the quiz, input the user's name and address on the client computer CC, and the input data are stored in the client computer CC. From the server computer SC via the Internet.

The client computer CC displays the web page P4 based on the transmitted prize data (data of the web page P4) (# 403). By looking at the web page P4, the user can know the quiz itself, how to apply for the prize, and the like. The web page P4 has a web page with hints for quiz answers.
A link button B42 for page b (not shown) is provided. The user can know the hint of the answer to the quiz by looking at the web page displayed by clicking the button B42. The web page P4 is also provided with input fields I41 to I43 for inputting a quiz answer, a user's name and address, as input fields for inputting information necessary for applying for a prize. When the user inputs predetermined information in the input fields I41 to I43 and clicks on the "Apply" button B41, the client computer CC inputs the information (quiz answer, user name and address) input as the application data, The data is transmitted to the server computer SC via the Internet (# 404, # 405).

In response, the server computer SC
First, the application data is recorded in the storage device SCs with a reception number (# 406). Based on the receipt number, the server computer SC determines the order of determining the success or failure in the same manner as described above. Then, based on the application data, the server computer SC determines whether or not to provide a benefit to the user who transmitted the application data as follows.

The server computer SC first determines whether or not the answer to the quiz entered by the user on the client computer CC is correct based on the application data (# 407 in FIG. 16).

If the quiz is not answered correctly (# 40
7: NO), the server computer SC transmits to the client computer CC data for displaying on the client computer CC that no benefit is provided (# 412).

If the quiz is answered correctly (# 40)
7: YES), the server computer SC checks whether there is any remaining benefit (# 408). In this example, no grade is provided for the benefit.

If there is no remaining benefit (# 408: N
O), the server computer SC transmits data for displaying on the client computer CC that no benefit is provided to the client computer CC (# 4)
12).

When there is a remaining benefit (# 408: Y
ES), the server computer SC determines whether or not to provide a benefit by lottery (# 409).

When it is determined that no benefit is provided, (#
410: NO), the server computer SC transmits to the client computer CC data for displaying on the client computer CC that no benefit is provided (# 412).

When it is decided to provide benefits (# 4
10: YES), the server computer SC first records the name and address of the winner (user) in the winner database of the storage device SCs based on the application data on which this determination is made (# 411). . Then, the server computer SC transmits to the client computer CC, data for displaying on the client computer CC that benefit is to be provided (# 413).

On the basis of the data transmitted from the server computer SC in this manner, the display device CCd of the client computer CC is provided with a benefit (a prize has been won) or a benefit is not provided. (The fact that the prize has been lost) is displayed (# 414, # 41
5).

Even in this way, the user can know the result immediately after applying for the sweepstakes without waiting for the application deadline for the sweepstakes. That can increase the user's willingness to apply for the prize. In addition, the user can easily know the result of the application for the prize.

[0137]

As described above, the present invention can provide a prize apparatus that can immediately notify an applicant for a prize whether or not the prize has been won.

[0138] Further, the present invention can provide a prize apparatus capable of easily knowing whether or not an applicant for a prize has won a prize.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a server computer of a prize apparatus according to the present invention and a client computer of a user.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a web page including a game screen displayed on a client computer based on prize data (game data) transmitted from a prize apparatus (server computer) of the present invention to a client computer of a user. is there.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a plurality of symbols used on the game screen of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing an example of an operation performed by a prize apparatus (server computer) of the present invention and a client computer of a user.

FIG. 5, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing an example of an operation performed by a prize apparatus (server computer) of the present invention and a client computer of a user.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of an operation performed by the prize apparatus (server computer) of the present invention and a client computer of a user.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a web page provided with a link button to the web page in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a web page displayed on a client computer based on data transmitted to a client computer of a user who has won a prize by a prize apparatus (server computer) of the present invention.

9 and 10 are flowcharts showing another example of the operation performed by the prize apparatus (server computer) of the present invention and the client computer of the user.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing another example of the operation performed by the prize apparatus (server computer) of the present invention and the client computer of the user.

FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 are flowcharts showing still another example of the operation performed by the prize apparatus (server computer) and the client computer of the user of the present invention.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing still another example of the operation performed by the prize apparatus (server computer) and the client computer of the user according to the present invention.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing still another example of the operation performed by the prize apparatus (server computer) and the client computer of the user according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a sub game (coin game) screen.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are flowcharts showing still another example of the operation performed by the prize apparatus (server computer) and the client computer of the user according to the present invention.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing still another example of the operation performed by the prize apparatus (server computer) of the present invention and the client computer of the user.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of a web page displayed on the client computer based on the prize data transmitted from the prize apparatus (server computer) of the present invention to the client computer of the user.

[Explanation of symbols]

SC server computer (server computer system) SCc server computer computer SCs server computer storage device CC client computer (client computer system) CCc client computer computer CCd client computer display device CCk client computer keyboard (input device) CCm client computer Mouse (input device) P1 to P4 Web page

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A prize apparatus using a server computer for providing a user with a predetermined total number of benefits prepared to be provided to a user, wherein the user is provided on a client computer of the user. A prize data transmitting means for transmitting prize data that can be applied for a prize by performing a predetermined operation to a client computer of the user via a communication network; and By performing a predetermined operation on the client computer, application data recording means for recording application data to the sweepstakes transmitted from the client computer via the communication network; and based on the recorded application data, Deciding means for deciding whether or not to provide a benefit to a user who has transmitted the Decision result transmitting means for transmitting a result of the decision made by the decision means to a client computer of a user who has transmitted the application data, via a communication network. When the application data is transmitted from the client computer of the user without waiting for the user, it is determined whether or not the benefit is to be provided to the user who transmitted the application data based on the remaining number of the benefits. Features a sweepstakes device. 2. The determination means determines, by lottery, whether or not to provide a benefit to the user who transmitted the application data when there is a remaining benefit, and transmits the application data when there is no remaining benefit. 2. The prize winning device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that no benefit is provided to the user who has made the prize. 3. The decision means makes a decision based on the remaining number of benefits and the application data, and when there is a benefit remaining, and when a predetermined condition related to the application data is satisfied, It is determined by lottery whether or not to provide a benefit to the user who has transmitted the application data, and when there is a remaining benefit and the predetermined conditions related to the application data are not satisfied, the application 2. The prize winning device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that no benefit is provided to the user who has transmitted the data, and when there is no remaining benefit, it is determined that no benefit is provided to the user who has transmitted the application data. 4. The prize apparatus for providing a benefit to a user who satisfies a predetermined victory condition in a game played on a client computer of the user, wherein the prize data transmitting means transmits the prize data. The prize data to be
Game data for causing a user to play the game on the client computer of the user, and the game data is played by the user performing a predetermined operation on the client computer based on the game data. Performing, when a predetermined condition related to the game is satisfied, the client computer includes data for causing the server computer to transmit the application data to the server computer via a communication network. When the deciding means decides to provide a benefit to the user, data for satisfying a predetermined victory condition in a game played on the client computer by the user is transmitted to the client computer, Decision means do not provide benefits to users When it is determined that the game has been completed on the client computer,
4. A transmission to the client computer.
The prize winning device according to any one of the above. 5. The prize apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition related to the game is satisfied when the game reaches a reach state or the game starts.