JP7437008B2 - game system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game systems have been proposed in which the game progresses according to the results of a physical lottery using a lottery medium such as a sphere. For example, in Patent Document 1, in a roulette-type physical lottery game machine in which a ball is thrown into a game field in which a plurality of pockets are formed, a projection unit (projector) installed above the game field is used to display the game field. A configuration for projecting a game image on a surface is disclosed.

JP2017-108960A

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to project the game image by irradiating light onto the surface of the game field from a projection unit installed above the game field. Therefore, there is a structural restriction that, for example, mechanisms for other games or structures for presentation and design cannot be installed between the game field section and the projection section. In consideration of the above circumstances, a preferred embodiment of the present invention aims to alleviate structural constraints on a configuration that realizes various displays related to physical lottery.

In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes: a physical lottery section in which a plurality of lottery holes into which lottery media can enter; a display unit that is installed near the first lottery hole and displays an image; a game control unit that executes control according to one of a plurality of game modes; and a display unit that controls the image displayed by the display unit according to the game mode. and a display control unit that switches the display.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a game system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the game system. It is an explanatory diagram of a game mode. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of processing executed by the control device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an image displayed on a display device in normal game mode. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the physical lottery section in the normal game mode. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the physical lottery section in the multiplication lottery game mode. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an image displayed on a display device in an intermediate game mode. It is a top view of the physical lottery part in a 2nd special game mode. It is a flowchart which illustrates the specific procedure of the process which a control apparatus performs in a 2nd special game mode. It is a chart for explaining a second special game mode. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the physical lottery section in the normal game mode of the second embodiment. It is a top view of the physical lottery part in a modification. It is a top view of the physical lottery part in a modification. It is a top view of the physical lottery part in a modification. It is a top view of the physical lottery part in a modification.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings are appropriately different from the dimensions and scale of the actual configuration. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the forms illustrated below.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a game system 100 according to the first embodiment. The game system 100 is installed, for example, in an entertainment facility such as a game center or a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The gaming system 100 used in a casino is also called a gaming machine.

The player can play the game by the game system 100 by consuming the game value. The game value is, for example, a tangible medium such as a token coin (medal), a coin (money), or a ticket, or an intangible value such as credits or points. The quantity of intangible game value is stored as data in a recording medium such as an IC card, for example. The player may select and consume either tangible gaming value or intangible gaming value. The consumption of gaming value can also be referred to as the input of gaming value.

The game value is given to the player as a benefit (reward) depending on the result of the game. That is, one of the objectives of the game is to acquire gaming value. Providing gaming value can also be referred to as paying out gaming value. Note that the gaming value consumed for playing the game and the gaming value given to the player as a benefit depending on the result of the game may be of the same type or different types. For example, a predetermined amount of credits (i.e., the same type of gaming value) may be given to the player as a benefit depending on the result of the player playing the game by consuming credits, which are intangible gaming value, or Token coins (that is, different types of gaming values) may be given to the player as a benefit.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game system 100 of the first embodiment includes a lottery mechanism 10 and a plurality of stations 20. The lottery mechanism 10 has a substantially circular shape when viewed in plan from the vertical direction, and is used for a physical lottery using the lottery medium B. The lottery medium B is, for example, a three-dimensional object such as a sphere. The plurality of stations 20 are arranged in the circumferential direction so as to surround the lottery mechanism 10. A player plays a game using each of the plurality of stations 20.

The lottery mechanism 10 includes a physical lottery section 11, a lottery field 12, and an input mechanism 13. The physical lottery unit 11 is a rotatably supported disc-shaped structure (roulette). The physical lottery unit 11 of the first embodiment is rotated by being driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor, for example. Note that the physical lottery unit 11 does not need to be rotated.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a lottery area Q1 and a display area Q2 are defined on the surface of the physical lottery section 11. The lottery area Q1 is an annular area concentric with the physical lottery part 11, and the display area Q2 is an annular area surrounding the lottery area Q1. Note that the display area Q2 may be formed inside the lottery area Q1.

N lottery holes H are formed in the lottery area Q1 (N is a natural number of 2 or more). Specifically, N lottery holes H are formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction in the lottery area Q1. In addition, in 1st Embodiment, the case where 25 (N=25) lottery holes H are formed is illustrated. Each lottery hole H is a circular pocket into which the lottery medium B can enter. A different number is assigned to each of the N lottery holes H. Specifically, consecutive numbers are given to each lottery hole H in the order in which the N lottery holes H are arranged.

The configuration of the N lottery holes H is actually the same, but in the first embodiment, for convenience, the N lottery holes H are replaced with N1 (N1 is a natural number of 1 or more) first lottery holes H1 and N2. (N2=N-N1) second lottery holes H2. In FIG. 1, the first lottery hole H1 and the second lottery hole H2 are illustrated in different manners for convenience. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the N1 first lottery holes H1 are lottery holes H selected from a predetermined number of lottery holes H at equal intervals from an array of N lottery holes H. The second lottery hole H2 is a lottery hole H other than the first lottery hole H1 among the N lottery holes H. A predetermined number (for example, four) of second lottery holes H2 are located between two first lottery holes H1 that are adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction. Specifically, among the numbers "1" to "25" assigned to each lottery hole H, a total of five pieces corresponding to each number "5", "10", "15", "20", and "25" The (N1=5) lottery holes H are the first lottery holes H1, and the other 20 (N2=20) lottery holes H are the second lottery holes H2.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display area Q2 is divided into N unit areas U corresponding to different lottery holes H. A unit area U corresponding to any one lottery hole H is located outside in the radial direction when viewed from the lottery hole H. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a display section 112 is installed in each unit area U corresponding to each first lottery hole H1 among the N unit areas U. That is, the display section 112 is installed near the first lottery hole H1. In FIG. 1, the display portion 112 is shaded for convenience. On the other hand, a marker portion 114 is installed in each unit area U corresponding to each second lottery hole H2 among the N lottery holes H. That is, the marker portion 114 is installed near the second lottery hole H2. The marker portion 114 corresponding to any one second lottery hole H2 is a plate-like member on which the number assigned to the second lottery hole H2 is printed or the like. Note that among the plurality of lottery holes H, the lottery hole H corresponding to the display section 112 is the first lottery hole H1, and the lottery hole H corresponding to the sign section 114 is the second lottery hole H2. good. As illustrated above, in the first embodiment, N1 display sections 112 corresponding to the first lottery hole H1 and N2 sign sections 114 corresponding to the second lottery hole H2 are installed in the display area Q2. . Therefore, compared to a configuration in which display sections 112 are installed for all N lottery holes H, there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost of game system 100 or the processing load for controlling each display section 112 is reduced.

The display section 112 corresponding to each first lottery hole H1 is composed of a display device that displays various images. Specifically, the display unit 112 includes a direct-view display device in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix, and can display any image and change the image. For example, a flat panel such as an LED display panel in which a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged in a plane, a liquid crystal display panel in which the orientation of liquid crystal is controlled for each pixel, or an organic EL display panel that utilizes organic EL (Electro Luminescence) light emission. A type display panel is suitable as the display section 112. The surface of the marker portion 114 and the surface of the display portion 112 are located in substantially the same plane, and there is no step between them. Therefore, the lottery medium B can smoothly roll between the display section 112 and the sign section 114 within the display area Q2.

As understood from the above explanation, the number of the second lottery hole H2 is fixedly displayed on the sign section 114, whereas the display section 112 displays an arbitrary image and changes the image at any time. It is possible. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the display unit 112 corresponding to any one first lottery hole H1 displays the number assigned to the first lottery hole H1.

As described above, since the N1 first lottery holes H1 are arranged at equal intervals, the N1 display sections 112 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Specifically, five display units 112 are installed at every 72°. Further, a plurality of (for example, four) marker portions 114 are installed between two display portions 112 adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction. As described above, in the first embodiment, since the plurality of display units 112 are installed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the player has the advantage that each display unit 112 is easily visible from any direction around the game system 100. There is.

The lottery field 12 is an annular plate-like member that surrounds the physical lottery section 11 when viewed from above in the vertical direction. The surface of the lottery field 12 is an inclined surface that descends from the outer periphery to the inner periphery (that is, toward the physical lottery section 11 side). The input mechanism 13 is installed near the outer periphery of the lottery field 12, and sequentially inputs the lottery media B onto the surface of the lottery field 12. The lottery medium B inserted by the input mechanism 13 gradually approaches the physical lottery section 11 while rolling on the surface of the lottery field 12, and finally reaches any of the N lottery holes H of the physical lottery section 11. Enter the crab. The number corresponding to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B entered is the lottery result. That is, the physical lottery using the lottery mechanism 10 is an operation of randomly selecting any one of N numbers corresponding to different lottery holes H.

Each of the plurality of stations 20 is a device used by the player to play the game. Specifically, a game using the results of a physical lottery using the lottery mechanism 10 is executed at each station 20. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each station 20 includes a reception section 21 used for inputting or paying out game values. The reception unit 21 is configured to include an input port into which tangible gaming value such as token coins is inserted, and a payout port into which tangible gaming value is discharged as a benefit. However, a reading circuit that reads intangible gaming value such as credit from a recording medium such as an IC card, and a writing circuit that writes intangible gaming value to the recording medium may be used as the reception unit 21. .

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of stations 20 includes a display device 22 and an operating device 23. The display device 22 displays various images. For example, a flat display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel is suitably used as the display device 22. For example, a screen representing a game using the results of a physical lottery using the lottery mechanism 10 is displayed on the display device 22. The operating device 23 accepts operations by the player. The operating device 23 of the first embodiment is a touch panel that is integrated with the display surface of the display device 22 and detects a touch by a player. However, an operator operated by the player may be used as the operating device 23.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the game system 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the game system 100 of the first embodiment includes a management system 30. Each of the plurality of stations 20 is connected to a management system 30.

The management system 30 is a computer system that includes a control device 31 and a storage device 32. The control device 31 is composed of a processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the entire game system 100 including the lottery mechanism 10 and each station 20 in an integrated manner. The storage device 32 stores programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. For example, image data representing an image displayed by the display unit 112 is stored in the storage device 32. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium and a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media may be arbitrarily employed as the storage device 32.

The control device 31 of the first embodiment functions as a game control section 311 and a display control section 312 by executing a program stored in the storage device 32. The game control unit 311 controls a game using the lottery mechanism 10. The game system 100 of the first embodiment operates in any one of a plurality of game modes. The game control unit 311 executes control according to any one of a plurality of game modes. The display control unit 312 causes each display unit 112 to display an image. Specifically, the display control unit 312 displays the image by outputting image data representing the image to the display unit 112. The display control unit 312 of the first embodiment switches the image (still image or moving image) displayed by the display unit 112 according to the game mode.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the transition of game modes. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the game modes of the first embodiment include a normal game mode, a multiplier lottery game mode, an intermediate game mode, a first special game mode, and a second special game mode. The first special game mode and the second special game mode are game modes in which the player attempts to obtain a large amount of game value (so-called jackpot). The intermediate game mode is a game mode for transitioning to the first special game mode or the second special game mode. In the magnification lottery game mode, the magnification D is determined by lottery. The multiplier D is a numerical value for determining the amount of gaming value given to the player upon winning in the first special game mode. The normal game mode is a game mode in which the player obtains game values and predetermined items (hereinafter referred to as "transition items"). By acquiring a predetermined number of transition items in the normal game mode, the game transitions to the multiplier lottery game mode and the intermediate game mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of processing executed by the control device 31 of the first embodiment. The operation of the control device 31 will be explained by focusing on the content of the game executed in each game mode and the images displayed on each display section 112.

<Normal game mode>
When the process of FIG. 4 is started, the game control unit 311 selects the normal game mode (S1). In the normal game mode, a normal game is executed at each of the plurality of stations 20. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed on the display device 22 of each station 20 when a normal game is executed. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the normal game of the first embodiment is a bingo game that progresses according to the lottery hole H into which the lottery media B that are sequentially introduced into the lottery field 12 enter. The game control unit 311 advances the normal game according to the number corresponding to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered among the N lottery holes H.

Specifically, the game control unit 311 causes the display device 22 to display the bingo cards Ca shown in FIG. Lottery media B are sequentially introduced. The game control unit 311 changes the number corresponding to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered out of the N lottery holes H to a valid state, and changes the number corresponding to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered into the valid state, and When all the numbers in a row or one diagonal row are changed to a valid state, it is determined that a win (bingo) has been achieved. The game control unit 311 grants a predetermined amount of gaming value as a benefit to the player of the station 20 who has won. Furthermore, the game control unit 311 provides transfer items to the player according to the winning column among the plurality of columns of the bingo cards Ca. For example, if a win is established in a pre-selected column out of multiple columns, or if the total number of columns in which a win is established reaches a predetermined value, the transfer item is given to the player.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the physical lottery section 11 in the normal game mode. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the normal game mode, the display control section 312 causes the display section 112 of each first lottery hole H1 to display an image corresponding to the number assigned to each first lottery hole H1. Specifically, the number assigned to the first lottery hole H1 is displayed on the display section 112. Therefore, N numbers corresponding to each lottery hole H are displayed in the display area Q2 by the N1 display sections 112 and the N2 marker sections 114. As explained above, in the normal game mode, the player can visually and intuitively grasp the numbers corresponding to each first lottery hole H1.

When a predetermined shift condition is satisfied in the normal game mode (S2: YES), the game control unit 311 shifts the game mode from the normal game mode to the multiplier lottery game mode (S3). For example, when the number of transition items given to a player in a normal game reaches a predetermined value at one or more stations 20, the game mode at the station (hereinafter referred to as "transition station") 20 changes from the normal game mode to the multiplier. Shift to lottery game mode. On the other hand, if the transition condition is not satisfied in any station 20 (S2: NO), the game mode is maintained in the normal game mode and the above-mentioned normal game is repeated (S1).

<Magnification lottery game mode>
In the multiplier lottery game mode, a multiplier lottery game is executed at the transition station 20. The magnification lottery game is a game in which the aforementioned magnification D is determined by lottery. Specifically, the game control unit 311 sets the magnification D according to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered among the N lottery holes H. The multiplier lottery game mode is an example of the "second game mode."

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the physical lottery unit 11 in the multiplier lottery game mode. As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the magnification lottery game mode, the display control unit 312 displays an image corresponding to the magnification D that is set when the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1. It is displayed on the display section 112 of H1. Specifically, a plurality of candidate values “×2,” “×3,” “×5,” and “×10” regarding the magnification D are displayed on each display section 112. Furthermore, the display control unit 312 of the first embodiment causes one of the N1 display units 112 to display the special image Ga. The special image Ga is an image indicating permission to shift to the second special game mode. As can be understood from the above explanation, the multiplier lottery game mode has the advantage that the player can visually and intuitively grasp the multiplier D that will be set when the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1. .

In the multiplication lottery game mode, the game control unit 311 causes the input mechanism 13 to input one lottery medium B. When the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1 to which the candidate value of the magnification D is assigned among the N lottery holes H, the game control unit 311 selects the candidate value assigned to the first lottery hole H1. Set as magnification D. For example, when the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1 corresponding to the display section 112 displaying "x5", the magnification D is set to "x5". When the lottery medium B enters the second lottery hole H2 among the N lottery holes H, the game control unit 311 sets the magnification D to a common value "×1" across the N2 second lottery holes H2. . On the other hand, when the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1 corresponding to the display section 112 that displays the special image Ga, the game control section 311 allows transition to the second special game mode. For example, a flag indicating permission or disapproval of the second special game mode is set to "1".

<Intermediate game mode>
When the multiplier lottery game ends, the game control unit 311 shifts from the multiplier lottery game mode to the intermediate game mode (S4). In the intermediate game mode, an intermediate game is executed at the transition station 20. The intermediate game is a game in which whether or not to proceed to the first special game or the second special game is determined by lottery. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed on the display device 22 of the transition station 20 when an intermediate game is executed. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the intermediate game is a bingo game that progresses according to the lottery hole H into which the lottery media B that are sequentially introduced into the lottery field 12 enter. The game control unit 311 advances the intermediate game according to the number corresponding to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered among the N lottery holes H.

Specifically, the game control unit 311 causes the display device 22 to display the bingo card Cb of FIG. 8 in which some of the N numbers are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows x 3 columns, and plays a plurality of lottery tickets. The medium B is sequentially input by the input mechanism 13. The game control unit 311 changes the number corresponding to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered out of the N lottery holes H to a valid state, and changes the number corresponding to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered into a valid state, and When all the numbers in a row or one diagonal row are changed to a valid state, it is determined that a win (bingo) has been achieved.

In the intermediate game mode, the display control unit 312 displays an image corresponding to the number assigned to each first lottery hole H1 on the display unit 112 of the first lottery hole H1, similarly to the normal game mode illustrated in FIG. Display. That is, N numbers corresponding to each lottery hole H are displayed within the display area Q2 by the N1 display sections 112 and the N2 marker sections 114. Therefore, in the intermediate game mode, the player can visually and intuitively grasp the numbers corresponding to each first lottery hole H1.

If the winning is not established in the intermediate game (S5: NO), the game control unit 311 shifts the game mode from the intermediate game mode to the normal game mode. That is, transition to the first special game mode or the second special game mode is not permitted. On the other hand, if the winning is established in the intermediate game (S5: YES), the game control unit 311 determines whether or not the shift to the second special game mode is permitted in the multiplier lottery game (S6). That is, in the lottery magnification game, it is determined whether the lottery medium B has entered the first lottery hole H1 corresponding to the display section 112 on which the special image Ga is displayed.

<First special game mode>
If the transition to the second special game mode is not permitted (S6: NO), the game control unit 311 transitions the game mode from the intermediate game mode to the first special game mode (S7). In the first special game mode, a first special game is executed. In the first special game, lottery media B exceeding the total number N of lottery holes H are sequentially drawn into the lottery field 12, and depending on whether or not the lottery media B has entered all N lottery holes H. This is a lottery game that determines the success or failure of winning. That is, the game control unit 311 causes the input mechanism 13 to sequentially input more than N (for example, 70) lottery media B. The game control unit 311 determines that the winning is achieved when the lottery medium B enters all of the N lottery holes H, and determines that the winning is not achieved when there is a lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B does not enter. judge.

In the first special game mode, similarly to the normal game mode illustrated in FIG. 112. That is, N numbers corresponding to each lottery hole H are displayed within the display area Q2 by the N1 display sections 112 and the N2 marker sections 114. Therefore, in the first special game mode, the player can visually and intuitively grasp the numbers corresponding to each first lottery hole H1.

When the first special game ends, the game control unit 311 determines whether or not the winning has been achieved (S8). If the winning is established in the first special game (S8: YES), the game control unit 311 gives the player a bonus of gaming value in an amount corresponding to the multiplier D set in the multiplier lottery game mode (S9). Specifically, a gaming value equal to the multiplication factor D multiplied by a predetermined reference value is awarded to the player. If a win has not been established in the first special game (S8: NO), no game value will be awarded. After executing the above process, the game control unit 311 shifts the game mode from the first special game mode to the normal game mode.

As understood from the above explanation, the normal game mode, intermediate game mode, and first special game mode are game modes in which the game progresses according to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered among the N lottery holes H. (Example of the first game mode)

<Second special game mode>
When transition to the second special game mode is permitted in the multiplier lottery game (S6: YES), the game control unit 311 transitions the game mode from the intermediate game mode to the second special game mode (S10). In the second special game mode, a second special game is executed. The second special game is a lottery game in which winning/non-winning is determined according to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered among the N lottery holes H. When the second special game mode ends, the game control unit 311 shifts the game mode to the normal game mode. The second special game mode is an example of the "third game mode."

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the physical lottery unit 11 in the second special game mode. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the second special game mode, the display control unit 312 displays on the display unit 112 an image corresponding to winning/non-winning when lottery medium B enters each first lottery hole H1. let Specifically, a winning image Gb representing winning is displayed on each display section 112. That is, if the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1, the lottery is won, and if the lottery medium B enters the second lottery hole H2, the lottery is not won. As can be understood from the above explanation, the second special game mode has the advantage that the player can visually and intuitively grasp whether the lottery medium B enters each lottery hole H as to whether or not he or she has won.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of the second special game executed by the control device 31 (game control unit 311 and display control unit 312) in the second special game mode. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the game control unit 311 sets the number M of lottery media B (hereinafter referred to as the "number of inputs") to an initial value M0, and sets the number of lottery media B (hereinafter referred to as the "number of inputs") to an initial value M0, '') is set to the initial value P0 (S101). The initial value M0 of the number M of inputs is, for example, the number N1 of the first lottery holes H1. The initial value P0 of the grant number P is, for example, 0.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the display control unit 312 displays the winning image Gb on the N1 display units 112 corresponding to the first lottery hole H1 (S102). That is, the number K of lottery holes (hereinafter referred to as "winning holes") H that are determined to be a winning hole upon entry of the lottery medium B is initialized to N1. As understood from the above explanation, all N1 first lottery holes H1 are set as winning holes H immediately after the second special game is started.

The game control unit 311 causes the insertion mechanism 13 to insert M lottery media B (S103), and determines whether the lottery media B has entered one or more of the K winning holes H. (S104). That is, winning/non-winning is determined according to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered. Insertion of M lottery media B (S103) and determination of winning/non-winning (S104) constitute one process (hereinafter referred to as "unit process") of the second special game. If the lottery medium B does not enter any of the K winning holes H (S104: NO), the game control unit 311 grants the player a gaming value corresponding to the current award amount P (S105), and Finish the special game.

On the other hand, if the lottery medium B enters any of the K winning holes H (S104: YES), the game control unit 311 determines whether or not the unit process has been repeated N1 times (S106). The fact that the unit process was repeated N1 times means that the winning was achieved continuously over the N1 unit processes.

If the number of executions of the unit process is less than N1 times (S106: NO), the display control unit 312 controls the winning number displayed on the display unit 112 of the first lottery hole H1 selected from the K winning holes H. The image Gb is changed to the number corresponding to the first lottery hole H1 (S107). The first lottery hole H1 whose display on the display unit 112 has been changed to a number is determined to be non-winning when the lottery medium B enters, similarly to the second lottery hole H2. That is, the number K of winning holes H decreases every time a winning is achieved in a unit process. Furthermore, the game control unit 311 decreases the number M of input lottery media B by 1 (S108) and increases the number P of game values awarded (S109).

After executing the above process, the game control unit 311 moves the process to step S103. That is, the number M of input lottery media B and the number K of winning holes H are sequentially decreased in each unit process. Therefore, the probability of winning in a unit process decreases step by step for each unit process. When the unit process is repeated N1 times (S106: YES), the game control unit 311 awards the player with a gaming value corresponding to the current award number P (S105), and ends the second special game.

Figure 11 shows the number M of lottery media B inserted and the number of winning holes H in each unit process, and the number of game values awarded when the second special game ends due to non-winning in the unit process immediately after the unit process. It is a chart illustrating the relationship with P. In FIG. 11, it is assumed that the initial value M0 of the number M of input lottery media B is set to the number "5" of the first lottery hole H1, and the unit process is repeated a maximum of 5 times (N1 = 5). ing. As can be understood from FIG. 11, as the number of unit processes increases, the number M of input lottery media B and the number of winning holes H decrease, so the probability of winning decreases, while the number P of game values awarded increases. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly interesting game.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the display unit 112 installed near each first lottery hole H1 displays an image according to the game mode. Therefore, compared to the configuration of Patent Document 1 in which a game screen is projected by irradiating light from a projection section above the game field section onto the surface of the game field section, structural constraints of the game system 100 can be reduced. is possible. For example, in the space above the physical lottery section 11, it is possible to install mechanisms for other games or structures for presentation and design.

The normal game mode, intermediate game mode, and first special game mode are game modes in which each display section 112 displays an image of the same type as the image written on the marker section 114. That is, each display section 112 displays the number of the lottery hole H together with the indicator section 114. On the other hand, the magnification lottery game mode and the second special game mode are game modes in which each display section 112 displays an image different from the image written on the sign section 114. That is, each display section 112 displays an image other than the number of each lottery hole H. As understood from the above description, the plurality of game modes of the first embodiment include a game mode in which the display section 112 displays an image corresponding to the number of the first lottery hole H1, and a game mode in which the display unit 112 displays an image corresponding to a number other than the number. and a game mode displayed by section 112. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that various game modes can be realized.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each of the following examples, for elements whose functions are similar to those in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the physical lottery unit 11 in the normal game mode of the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, in the normal game mode, the display control unit 312 of the second embodiment displays an image corresponding to a benefit to be given when the lottery medium B enters each first lottery hole H1 on the display unit. 112. Specifically, a privilege image Gc (specifically, a star-shaped image) representing the granting of a privilege is displayed on each display section 112. Further, the display control unit 312 of the second embodiment causes the number assigned to each first lottery hole H1 to be displayed on the display unit 112 of the first lottery hole H1 together with the privilege image Gc. The normal game mode of the second embodiment is an example of the "fourth game mode."

In the normal game, when the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1 of the N lottery holes H, the game control unit 311 gives the above-mentioned transition item to the player as a benefit. That is, the privilege image Gc is an image representing the provision of a transition item. Note that the content of the privilege represented by the privilege image Gc is not limited to the above example. For example, a predetermined amount of gaming value may be given to the player as a benefit.

The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Further, in the second embodiment, a privilege image Gc corresponding to a privilege given to the player in the normal game mode is displayed on the display unit 112. Therefore, there is an advantage that the player can visually and intuitively understand that a privilege will be awarded when the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1. In addition, in FIG. 12, the bonus image Gc is displayed on all of the N1 display sections 112 corresponding to the first lottery hole H1, but it is limited to some display sections 112 among the N1 display sections 112. The bonus image Gc may also be displayed.

[Modified example]
Each form illustrated above can be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that can be applied to each of the above embodiments are illustrated below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

(1) The image displayed by the display unit 112 is not limited to the examples of each form described above. For example, images illustrated below may be displayed on each display section 112.

[A] In each of the above-mentioned normal game modes, the numbers assigned to each first lottery hole H1 are displayed on the display section 112 so that the numbers are continuous over N lottery holes H. As illustrated, the numbers displayed on each display section 112 may be replaced as appropriate. That is, the numbers of the lottery holes H do not necessarily have to be continuous along the circumferential direction within the display area Q2.

[B] As illustrated in FIG. 14, a plurality of numbers may be displayed on each display section 112. For example, when the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1 in the normal game mode, the game control section 311 specifies the plurality of numbers displayed on the display section 112 of the first lottery hole H1 as the lottery result. That is, a plurality of numbers are determined by a lottery using one lottery medium B.

[C] As illustrated in FIG. 15, images for presentation may be displayed on each display section 112. For example, an image for presentation is displayed on each display section 112 in a game mode during a waiting period for the player to input game value (for example, bet) or during a period during which presentation operations related to winning or the like are being executed. FIG. 15 illustrates a case where images of various characters such as animals are displayed on the display unit 112 in a specific game mode. Images of characters owned by each player may be displayed on the display unit 112.

Note that the game mode illustrated in FIG. 15 is a game mode that does not affect the amount of gaming value given to the player. On the other hand, in the normal game mode, multiplier lottery game mode, intermediate game mode, first special game mode, and second special game mode, the game mode provides information to the player according to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B has entered among the N lottery holes H. It is comprehensively expressed as a game mode in which the amount of game value awarded changes. As can be understood from the above explanation, in the plurality of game modes in each of the above-mentioned forms, the amount of game value given to the player is determined according to the lottery hole H into which the lottery medium B enters among the N lottery holes H. Contains two or more game modes that change.

[D] As illustrated in FIG. 16, an image of a slot machine composed of a plurality of reels may be displayed on the display unit 112 in a specific game mode. A plurality of symbols are arranged along the circumferential direction on each of the plurality of reels. When the rotation of each reel stops at a specific time and common symbols are arranged in a straight line with each reel stopped, a predetermined amount of gaming value is awarded to the player. Specifically, it is preferable that the rotation of each reel displayed on each display section 112 is stopped when the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1 corresponding to the display section 112.

[E] In FIG. 16, a case where a plurality of reels are displayed on one display section 112 is illustrated, but one reel of a slot machine may be displayed on the display section 112 in a specific game mode. A plurality of symbols are arranged along the circumferential direction on the reels displayed by the display unit 112. The rotation of the reels displayed on the display section 112 stops, for example, when the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1 corresponding to the display section 112. A benefit (for example, a predetermined amount of gaming value) is given to the player according to the type of symbol displayed when the rotation is stopped. A configuration is also envisioned in which a bonus is given to the player according to the combination of symbols displayed on the plurality of display sections 112 at the time the reels stop. For example, if a plurality of display units 112 have the same symbol when stopped, a benefit is given. Further, in a configuration in which a plurality of numbers are arranged on the reels displayed by the display section 112, the number displayed by the reels when stopped is determined as the number of the first lottery hole H1 corresponding to the display section 112.

[F] In addition to the numbers exemplified in each of the above embodiments, various symbols such as letters, symbols, colors, patterns, or pictures may be displayed on the display section 112. Furthermore, the images displayed by each display section 112 may be changed over time. For example, each time the lottery medium B enters the first lottery hole H1 in the normal game, the image displayed on the display unit 112 corresponding to the first lottery hole H1 may be changed.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the display section 112 is installed for N1 first lottery holes H1 that are a part of N lottery holes H, and the sign section 114 is installed for each second lottery hole H2. However, the display section 112 may be installed for all N lottery holes H. Specifically, N display units 112 are installed in the circumferential direction over the entire circumference of the annular display area Q2. In a configuration in which display units 112 are installed for all N lottery holes H, the reach number in a game executed at one or more stations 20 is highlighted among the N numbers displayed by each display unit 112. It's okay.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, the display section 112 is individually installed for each first lottery hole H1, but in the above-described configuration in which the display section 112 is installed for all of the N lottery holes H, for example, a plurality of The display section 112 of each lottery hole H may be integrally configured over the lottery hole H. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the indicator section 114 is installed individually for each second lottery hole H2, but the display section 112 of each second lottery hole H2 may be configured integrally over a plurality of second lottery holes H2. good.

(4) In each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration in which one of the N numbers is determined by lottery has been exemplified, but the element determined by lottery (lottery element) is not limited to the number. For example, it may be determined by lottery from a plurality of candidates using various symbols such as letters, symbols, colors, patterns, or pictures as lottery elements. As understood from the above explanation, a typical example of a lottery using the lottery mechanism 10 is comprehensively expressed as a process of determining any one of a plurality of lottery elements.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the game system 100 is configured as a single device (game device), but the game system 100 may be configured with a plurality of devices formed separately from each other. Further, a part of the functions of the game system 100 may be realized by a server device that can communicate with the game system 100.

(6) The functions of the management system 30 in each of the above-described embodiments are realized by cooperation between a processing circuit such as the control device 31 and a program, as described above. The programs according to each of the above embodiments may be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium and installed in a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM is a good example, but any known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium is used. Also included are recording media in the form of. Note that the non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except for transitory, propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Further, the program may be provided to the computer in the form of distribution via a communication network.

[Additional notes]
From the above description, preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows. Note that in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, the reference numerals in the drawings will be conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

[Additional note 1]
A game system (100) according to a preferred embodiment (Appendix 1) of the present invention includes a physical lottery section (11) in which a plurality of lottery holes (H) into which lottery media (B) can enter, and a physical lottery section (11) in which a plurality of lottery holes (H) into which lottery media (B) can enter; A display unit (112) that is installed near one or more first lottery holes (H1) among the lottery holes (H) and displays an image, and a game control that executes control according to any one of a plurality of game modes. (311), and a display control unit (312) that switches the image displayed by the display unit (112) according to the game mode. According to the above aspect, since the image displayed on the display section (112) is switched according to the game mode, the image displayed in the vicinity of the first lottery hole (H1) can be displayed in a variety of ways, compared to a configuration in which the display in the vicinity of the first lottery hole (H1) is fixed. It is possible to provide interest to the player. Further, an image corresponding to the game mode is displayed on a display section (112) installed near the first lottery hole (H1). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the image of the physical lottery section (11) is projected by a projection section installed above the physical lottery section (11), the structural constraints of the game system (100) can be reduced. It is possible. For example, it is possible to install mechanisms for other games, or structures for presentation and design in the space above the physical lottery section (11).

"Nearby" means the extent to which the player can visually grasp the correspondence between the display section (112) and the first lottery hole (H1) (in other words, the first lottery hole (H1) corresponding to the display section (112)). This means that the display section (112) and the first lottery hole (H1) are close enough to each other that the player can visually identify them from among the plurality of lottery holes (H).

The "lottery hole (H)" includes both a through hole through which the lottery medium (B) can pass and a hole with a bottom through which the lottery medium (B) cannot pass. Further, a hole provided with a mechanism for transitioning from a state through which the lottery medium (B) can pass and a state through which the lottery medium (B) cannot pass is also included in the concept of "lottery hole (H)."

A typical example of a "game mode" is a unit operation mode that includes determination of a result regarding an event corresponding to the game mode (for example, a winning/non-winning lottery or a multiplier lottery). However, the "game mode" is not limited to the above examples. For example, an operation mode for performance (that is, an operation mode that does not assume determination of a lottery result, for example) may be included in the "multiple game modes."

The "first lottery hole (H1)" is one or more lottery holes (H) among the plurality of lottery holes (H). If the display section (112) is installed near at least one first lottery hole (H1) among the plurality of lottery holes (H), the presence or absence of the display section (112) in other lottery holes (H) is determined. is not a question. That is, the display section (112) may be installed corresponding to all the lottery holes (H) of the physical lottery section (11), or may be installed corresponding to some of the lottery holes (H). .

[Additional note 2]
In a preferred aspect of Appendix 1 (Appendix 2), in a first game mode of the plurality of game modes, the game control unit (311) selects the lottery medium (B) from among the plurality of lottery holes (H). ) advances the game according to the lottery element corresponding to the lottery hole (H) into which the player entered, and the display control unit (312) displays the image corresponding to the lottery element corresponding to the first lottery hole (H1). It is displayed on the display section (112). In the above aspect, in the first game mode, the player can visually and intuitively grasp the lottery element corresponding to the first lottery hole (H1).

The "lottery element" is an element selected in a lottery by the physical lottery unit (11), and is typically a number. However, any element such as a symbol or a pattern is included in the lottery element. Furthermore, the "image corresponding to the lottery element" is an image that allows the player to recognize the lottery element. For example, in addition to an image that directly represents a lottery element, an image that does not directly represent the lottery element itself but is associated with the lottery element (i.e., an image that indirectly represents the lottery element) is also an image that does not directly represent the lottery element itself. "corresponding images".

[Additional note 3]
In a preferred embodiment of Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 (Appendix 3), in a second game mode of the plurality of game modes, the game control unit (311) determines the amount of gaming value to be given to the player. The display control unit (312) sets a magnification (D) according to the lottery hole (H) into which the lottery medium (B) has entered among the plurality of lottery holes (H), and the display control unit (312) An image corresponding to the magnification (D) set when the lottery medium (B) enters the lottery hole (H1) is displayed on the display section (112). In the above aspect, the advantage is that the player can visually and intuitively grasp the magnification (D) that is set when the lottery medium (B) enters the first lottery hole (H1) in the second game mode. There is.

"Game value" is a value that is a goal to be acquired in a game using the game system (100), and includes, for example, a tangible value medium (token coin) or an intangible game value (credit).

The "image corresponding to the magnification (D)" is an image that allows the player to recognize the magnification (D). For example, in addition to images that directly represent the magnification (D) as a numerical value, images that do not directly represent the magnification (D) itself but are associated with the magnification (D) (i.e., images that indirectly represent the magnification (D)) ) is also included in the "image corresponding to the magnification (D)".

[Additional note 4]
In a preferred embodiment of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3 (Appendix 4), in the third game mode of the plurality of game modes, the game control unit (311) controls the selection of the plurality of lottery holes (H). The display control unit (312) determines winning/non-winning according to the lottery hole (H) into which the lottery medium (B) has entered, and the display control unit (312) inserts the lottery medium (B) into the first lottery hole (H1). The display unit (112) displays an image corresponding to winning/non-winning when the person enters. The above aspect has the advantage that the player can visually and intuitively grasp whether the lottery medium (B) has entered the first lottery hole (H1) in the third game mode and whether or not he has won.

The "image corresponding to winning/non-winning" is an image that allows the player to recognize winning/non-winning. For example, in addition to images that directly represent winning/non-winning (for example, text), images that do not directly represent winning/non-winning itself but are associated with winning/non-winning (i.e., images that do not directly represent winning/non-winning). (Images that indirectly represent images) are also included in "images corresponding to winning/non-winning."

[Additional note 5]
In a preferred embodiment of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4 (Appendix 5), in the fourth game mode of the plurality of game modes, the game control unit (311) controls the selection of the plurality of lottery holes (H). The display control unit (312) provides the player with a benefit corresponding to the lottery hole (H) into which the lottery medium (B) has entered, and the display control unit (312) is configured to display the lottery medium (B) in the first lottery hole (H1). The display unit (112) displays an image corresponding to the privilege that will be given when the user enters the vehicle. In the above aspect, an image corresponding to a privilege provided in the fourth game mode is displayed on the display section (112). Therefore, there is an advantage that the player can visually and intuitively understand that a privilege will be awarded when the lottery medium (B) enters the lottery hole (H).

"Benefits" are benefits to the player regarding the game, including, for example, gaming value, items for use within the game, or the right to play special games. Furthermore, the "image corresponding to the bonus" is an image that allows the player to recognize the bonus. For example, in addition to images that directly represent a benefit, images that do not directly represent the benefit itself but are associated with the benefit (i.e., images that indirectly represent the benefit) are also "images that correspond to the benefit." included in

[Appendix 6 and 7]
In a preferred embodiment of Appendix 1 (Appendix 6), the plurality of game modes are provided to the player according to the lottery hole (H) into which the lottery medium (B) enters among the plurality of lottery holes (H). The game includes two or more game modes in which the amount of game value provided varies. In addition, in another aspect of Appendix 1 (Appendix 7), the plurality of game modes are arranged so that the player can select the plurality of game modes according to the lottery hole (H) into which the lottery medium (B) has entered among the plurality of lottery holes (H). The game mode includes a game mode in which the amount of game value given to the player changes, and a game mode that does not affect the amount of game value given to the player.

[Additional note 8]
In a preferred embodiment of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7 (Appendix 8), the plurality of lottery holes (H) include a plurality of first lottery holes (H1) and a plurality of second lottery holes (H2). , the display section (112) is installed corresponding to each of the plurality of first lottery holes (H1), and the second lottery hole (H2) is provided near each of the plurality of second lottery holes (H2). A sign section (114) on which lottery elements corresponding to H2) are displayed is installed. According to the above aspect, the display section (112) is installed for each of the plurality of first lottery holes (H1), and the display part (112) is installed for each of the plurality of second lottery holes (H2) that are separate from the first lottery hole (H1). A sign (114) on which a lottery element corresponding to the second lottery hole (H2) is written is installed near the second lottery hole (H2). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which display units (112) are installed for all of the plurality of lottery holes (H), the manufacturing cost of the game system (100) and the processing load for controlling each display unit (112) are reduced. Reduced.

[Additional note 9]
In a preferred aspect of Appendix 8 (Appendix 9), the plurality of game modes include a game mode in which the display unit (112) displays an image corresponding to a lottery element of the first lottery hole (H1); The game mode includes a game mode in which the display section (112) displays images corresponding to items other than the elements. According to the above configuration, there is a game mode in which the display section (112) displays lottery elements together with the sign section (114), and a game mode in which the display section (112) displays an image of a different type than the sign section (114). There is. Therefore, there is an advantage that various game modes can be realized.

[Additional note 10]
In a preferred embodiment (Appendix 10) of Appendix 8 or Appendix 9, the plurality of display sections (112) are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and are two display sections that are adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction. The marker section (114) is installed between (112). According to the above aspect, since the plurality of display sections (112) are installed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the player can visually recognize each display section (112) from any direction around the game system (100). It has the advantage of being easy.

[Additional note 11]
In a preferred embodiment of any one of Appendixes 1 to 10 (Appendix 11), the display section (112) is a direct-view display device. Note that a "direct-view display device" is a display device in which the light emitted from the display device directly reaches the player's eyes, and the light emitted from the display device indirectly reaches the player's eyes through the projection surface. It is distinguished from projection-type display devices that reach the eyes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Game system, 10... Lottery mechanism, 11... Physical lottery part, 12... Lottery field, 13... Input mechanism, B... Lottery medium, H... Lottery hole, 20... Station, 21... Reception part, 22... Display device, 23... Operating device, 30... Management system, 31... Control device, 311... Game control section, 312... Display control section, 32... Storage device.

Claims (1)

a physical lottery section in which a plurality of lottery holes are formed into which lottery media can enter;
a display unit that is installed corresponding to each of the plurality of first lottery holes among the plurality of lottery holes and displays an image;
a game control unit that executes control according to one of a plurality of game modes with the same winning determination method ;
Depending on the game mode, in the first game mode , one number used for determining the winning is set for each of the first lottery holes, and in the second game mode, at least one number of the first lottery holes is set. a setting unit for setting a plurality of numbers , each of which is used to determine the winning ;
A display control section that causes the display section to display a number set for each of the first lottery holes according to the game mode.

Images