JP7549865B2 - Lottery System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lottery system.

For example, lottery systems that combine a physical lottery using a lottery object such as a sphere and an electronic lottery using an image displayed by a display device have been proposed. For example, FIG. 6 of Patent Document 1 discloses a lottery system that includes an arc-shaped passageway along which the lottery object rolls and a display unit that displays multiple candidates. An outlet section into which the lottery object can enter is formed in the passageway. The multiple candidates displayed by the display device move over time. In the above configuration, a candidate that is in a specific position at the time when the lottery object enters the outlet section among the multiple candidates is identified as the lottery result.

Patent No. 6611100

In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the lottery result is determined the moment the lottery body enters the discharge section, making it difficult to maintain the user's sense of expectation (interest or excitement) for an appropriate period of time. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present invention aims to appropriately ensure that the user's sense of expectation is maintained for an appropriate period of time.

To solve the above problems, a lottery system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a transport body that transports a lottery object to a target location while holding the lottery object, a display unit that displays lottery elements that change over time, and a lottery unit that identifies the lottery elements displayed on the display unit as lottery results based on the lottery object reaching the target location.

1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a lottery system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a game in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of each station. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lottery system. FIG. 2 is a front view of the display unit and the conveying device. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a normal game process. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a lottery screen. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure routinely executed by a control device of the lottery system. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a special process. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of reference data. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for special processing. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control device related to special processing. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure for an additional lottery. A block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a control device related to an additional lottery. A schematic diagram of a screen displayed while the second special lottery is being conducted. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a lottery table. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a setting process; 13 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for a second special lottery. A block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a control device related to a second special lottery. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of reference data in the second embodiment.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below includes various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[First embodiment]
1 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a lottery system 1 according to the first embodiment. The lottery system 1 is a game system installed in, for example, an amusement facility. The amusement facility is, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game center or a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The lottery system 1 provides a game to users (i.e., players) in the amusement facility. The lottery system 1 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lottery system 1 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of stations 10 and a central unit 20. Each of the plurality of stations 10 is a unit used by a user to play a game. The plurality of stations 10 are arranged in a circumferential direction so as to surround the central unit 20. Games by different users proceed in parallel at the plurality of stations 10.

Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram outlining the game in the first embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 2, in the lottery system 1 of the first embodiment, a normal game process, a first special lottery, a second special lottery, and an additional lottery are executed. The normal game process is a process for controlling a game that each user regularly plays using a station 10. The normal game process is executed in parallel for each of the multiple stations 10. The first special lottery is an example of a "first lottery", and the second special lottery is an example of a "second lottery".

The first special lottery is executed for a station 10 among the multiple stations 10 for which a predetermined condition is met in the normal game processing. The first special lottery is a lottery process for determining whether a special prize will be won or lost. The special prize is a jackpot in which a large number of rewards are awarded to users. The first special lottery is executed for any of the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3. Each attribute λi (i = 1 to 3) is, for example, a characteristic that can be recognized by users regarding the first special lottery. Specifically, the colors that symbolize the first special lottery are typical examples of the attributes λ1 to λ3. For example, the attribute λ1 is red, the attribute λ2 is blue, and the attribute λ3 is yellow.

If the result of the first special lottery is a failure to win the special prize, the game will transition to normal game processing. Note that "failing to win the special prize" includes not only failure to win the special prize when the lottery determines whether the special prize is won or lost, but also winning a prize other than the special prize when the lottery determines whether the special prize is won or lost.

On the other hand, if the result of the first special lottery is a win of the special prize, a process for producing the win of the special prize (hereinafter referred to as the "special process") is executed. The additional lottery in FIG. 2 is an additional lottery process executed within the special process.

The second special lottery is executed when a predetermined condition is met in the normal game processing. The second special lottery is a lottery process in which the amount of reward is determined by lottery and the reward is awarded to the user.

Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of each of the multiple stations 10. As illustrated in Figure 3, the station 10 of the first embodiment includes a display device 11, an operation panel 12, a game device 13, and an attribute lottery device 14. The display device 11 displays an image to the user of the station 10. The display device 11 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel.

The operation panel 12 is an input device that accepts instructions from the user. The operation panel 12 comprises an operation unit 121, a reception unit 122, and an ejection unit 123. The operation unit 121 is an operation button that can be operated by the user. The reception unit 122 accepts the insertion of game media Ga by the user. The game media Ga is a disk-shaped tangible object such as a token (medal) used in a game. The ejection unit 123 ejects the game media Ga to the user.

The game device 13 is a mechanism for providing a game to a user. The game device 13 in the first embodiment is a pusher game machine that includes a fixed table 131, a movable table 132, an input mechanism 133, a fixed wall portion 134, and a supply device 135.

The fixed table 131 is a flat plate material installed approximately horizontally. The movable table 132 is a three-dimensional structure (pusher table) that moves back and forth on the fixed table 131. A structure means an object configured in a specific structure or shape. A large number of game media Ga are placed on the fixed table 131 and the movable table 132. The insertion mechanism 133 supplies the game media Ga to the upper surface of the movable table 132. The time and direction at which the insertion mechanism 133 supplies the game media Ga are controlled according to instructions from the user to the operation unit 121. The aforementioned reception unit 122 may also accept intangible game media such as electronic medals or credits from the user. The insertion mechanism 133 inserts the game media Ga into the upper surface of the movable table 132 in exchange for the consumption of the intangible game media accepted from the user.

The fixed wall 134 is a structure facing the upper surface of the movable table 132. The game media Ga placed on the movable table 132 are pressed forward by the fixed wall 134 as the movable table 132 moves backward. Pressed by the fixed wall 134, the multiple game media Ga on the movable table 132 move forward, and the game media Ga that reach the front edge of the movable table 132 fall from the movable table 132. In addition, the multiple game media Ga on the fixed table 131 are pressed forward by the movable table 132 as the movable table 132 moves forward. Pressed by the movable table 132, the multiple game media Ga on the fixed table 131 move forward, and the game media Ga that reach the front edge of the fixed table 131 fall from the fixed table 131. Game media Ga corresponding to the number of game media Ga that have fallen from the fixed table 131 are discharged from the discharge section 123.

A number of lottery holes 132a are formed on the front surface of the movable table 132. Some of the game media Ga that fall from the surface of the movable table 132 enter the lottery holes 132a. When the game media Ga enter the lottery holes 132a, a regular lottery is executed. The regular lottery is a lottery process that determines whether a user wins or loses by lottery. Specific examples of regular lotteries will be described later.

The supply device 135 supplies the game medium Ga or the game medium Gb to the surface of the fixed table 131. The game medium Gb is a tangible object having a different shape from the game medium Ga. For example, a sphere is used as the game medium Gb. The game medium Gb moves forward together with the game medium Ga in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the movable table 132, and eventually falls from the fixed table 131.

The attribute lottery device 14 is a lottery mechanism for randomly selecting one of the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3. The attribute lottery device 14 in the first embodiment is a substantially disk-shaped structure (so-called a clun) with a center lower than the periphery. The attribute lottery device 14 is formed with multiple lottery holes H1 to H3 corresponding to different attributes λi. Each lottery hole Hi is a through hole into which a spherical lottery body 141 can enter. The lottery body 141 supplied from a supply device (not shown) gradually approaches the center while rolling in the circumferential direction on the upper surface of the attribute lottery device 14, and finally enters one of the multiple lottery holes H1 to H3. The attribute λi corresponding to the lottery hole Hi into which the lottery body 141 has entered among the multiple lottery holes H1 to H3 is the lottery result by the attribute lottery device 14.

Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the lottery system 1. The central unit 20 is a lottery unit shared by multiple stations 10. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the central unit 20 includes a support 21, multiple (three) lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3, a display unit 23, and a transport device 24. The support 21 is a structure that supports the multiple lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3, the display unit 23, and the transport device 24. By rotating the support 21 around a vertical rotation axis, it is possible to move any one of the multiple lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 or the display unit 23 to a state facing a user of any one of the multiple stations 10.

Each of the multiple lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 is a lottery mechanism that executes a first special lottery, and is shared by multiple stations 10. Each of the multiple lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 corresponds to a different attribute λi. In the first special lottery for each attribute λi, the lottery device 22_i corresponding to that attribute λi among the multiple lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 is used. Each lottery device 22_i draws whether or not a special prize will be won. Each of the multiple lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 has a different structure. In other words, the drawing method for the first special lottery differs for each attribute λi. With the above configuration, a variety of first special lotteries can be realized.

The display unit 23 displays various images (still images and videos). The transport device 24 is a mechanism used for the additional lottery described above. FIG. 5 is a front view of the display unit 23 and the transport device 24. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the display unit 23 includes a display device 231 and a display device 232. Each of the display device 231 and the display device 232 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays an image.

The display device 231 and the display device 232 can move laterally. Specifically, the display device 231 and the display device 232 move laterally to approach or move away from each other. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the display unit 23 is controlled from one of a first state in which the display device 231 and the display device 232 are adjacent to each other, and a second state in which the display device 231 and the display device 232 are separated from each other. The payout device 25, which is located behind the display device 231 and the display device 232 in the first state, is exposed between the display device 231 and the display device 232 in the second state. If the result of the first special lottery is a special prize win, the payout device 25 pays out a large number of game media Ga to the game device 13. Specifically, a large number of game media Ga are paid out from the payout device 25 to the upper surface of the fixed table 131 and the upper surface of the movable table 132.

In the second state, the display device 232 is located behind the transport device 24. The display device 232 located behind the transport device 24 and the transport device 24 constitute the lottery device 26. The lottery device 26 is a lottery mechanism that executes the additional lottery in FIG. 2. The specific configuration of the lottery device 26 will be described later. The display device 232 is an example of a "display unit."

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lottery system 1 includes a control device 50 and a memory device 55 in addition to multiple stations 10 and a central unit 20. The control device 50 is a single or multiple processors that control the entire lottery system 1. Specifically, the control device 50 is configured with one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Note that some or all of the functions of the control device 50 may be installed in each station 10.

The storage device 55 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 50 and various data used by the control device 50. The storage device 55 is configured from a known recording medium, such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. Note that a portable recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the lottery system 1, or a recording medium that can be written to or read from via a communication network (e.g., cloud storage) may also be used as the storage device 55.

Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of the normal game process Sa. During operation of the lottery system 1, the normal game process Sa is executed repeatedly. The normal game process Sa is executed in parallel for each of the multiple stations 10.

When the normal game process Sa is started, the control device 50 determines whether or not the game medium Ga has fallen from the front edge of the fixed table 131 (Sa1). If the game medium Ga has fallen (Sa1: YES), the control device 50 discharges a predetermined amount of game medium Ga from the discharge unit 123 (Sa2). If the game medium Ga has not fallen (Sa1: NO), the discharge of the game medium Ga (Sa2) is not executed.

The control device 50 determines whether the game medium Ga has fallen into the lottery hole 132a of the movable table 132 (Sa3). If the game medium Ga has fallen into the lottery hole 132a (Sa3: YES), the control device 50 executes a normal lottery (Sa4). The normal lottery is a lottery process that determines whether the player wins or loses. If the game medium Ga has not fallen into the lottery hole 132a (Sa3: NO), the control device 50 transitions the process to step Sa11. In other words, the normal lottery is not executed.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "lottery screen") displayed on the display device 11 in a normal lottery. As illustrated in Figure 7, the normal lottery is a video slot. A plurality of rotating parts 112 are displayed on the lottery screen. Each of the rotating parts 112 is a virtual cylinder. A plurality of patterns are arranged in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of each of the rotating parts 112. The plurality of patterns of each rotating part 112 include a plurality of numerical values (1 to 9) and one or more objects Ob (Ob1 to Ob3). Each object Ob is an element (item) that is given to each station 10 depending on the result of the normal lottery. Each object Ob corresponds to one of a plurality of attributes λ1 to λ3.

In the normal lottery, the control device 50 rotates each of the multiple rotating parts 112 and stops them sequentially at a predetermined time. The control device 50 determines whether or not one or more objects Ob are displayed on the lottery screen when all the rotating parts 112 are stopped (hereinafter referred to as the "stopped state") (Sa5). If an object Ob is displayed on the lottery screen (Sa5: YES), the control device 50 assigns the object Ob to the station 10 (Sa6). The storage device 55 stores the number Ni (N1 to N3) of objects Ob held for each of the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3. The number Ni held for each attribute λi is the number (accumulated value) of objects Ob of the attribute λi that were assigned to the station 10 in the past normal lottery. In step Sa6, the control device 50 adds the number of objects Ob of each attribute λi displayed on the lottery screen in the stopped state to the number Ni held for the attribute λi. On the other hand, if the object Ob is not displayed on the lottery screen in the stopped state (Sa5: NO), the object Ob is not given (Sa6). In other words, the respective numbers Ni stored in the storage device 55 are not updated. As shown in the above example, the control device 50 controls the numerical values of the multiple numbers N1 to N3 corresponding to the different attributes λi for each of the multiple stations 10 according to the progress of the game at that station 10 (specifically, the result of the normal lottery).

The control device 50 determines whether the winning conditions are met in the normal lottery (Sa7). Specifically, the control device 50 determines that the winning conditions are met when the patterns on each rotating part 112 in the stopped state form a predetermined combination (e.g., a combination of the same patterns). If the winning conditions are met (Sa7: YES), the control device 50 executes processing according to the combination of patterns (Sa8).

For example, when certain numbers are arranged in a row, the control device 50 controls the supply device 135 to supply game media Gb onto the fixed table 131. Also, when other numbers are arranged in a row, the control device 50 assigns a lottery step to the station 10. The lottery step is an object required to start the second special lottery. Specifically, the control device 50 increases the number K of lottery steps stored in the storage device 55. Note that the operations executed when the winning conditions are met are not limited to the above examples.

The control device 50 judges whether the number of possessions K in the lottery step has reached a predetermined value Kth (Sa9). When the number of possessions K reaches the predetermined value Kth (Sa9: YES), the control device 50 starts the second special lottery (Sa10). On the other hand, when the number of possessions K falls below the predetermined value Kth (Sa9: NO), the control device 50 does not execute the second special lottery. Details of the second special lottery will be described later. Note that the condition for starting the second special lottery is not limited to the above example (collection of the lottery step). For example, the second special lottery may be started on the condition that the game medium Gb falls from the fixed table 131. When the winning condition is not met in the normal lottery (Sa7: NO), the process according to the combination of symbols (Sa8) and the second special lottery (Sa9, Sa10) are not executed.

The control device 50 determines whether the gaming medium Gb has fallen from the fixed table 131 (Sa11). If the gaming medium Gb has fallen (Sa11: YES), the control device 50 determines whether the conditions for starting the first special lottery have been met (Sa12). For example, the first special lottery is started on the condition that the result of the lottery process started in response to the fall of the gaming medium Gb is a win. Also, for example, the first special lottery may be started on the condition that the number of lottery steps (accumulated value) that occurs each time the gaming medium Gb falls reaches a predetermined value. Note that the conditions for starting the first special lottery are not limited to the above examples and are arbitrary.

If the conditions for executing the first special lottery are met (Sa12: YES), the control device 50 sets the right to the first special lottery (hereinafter referred to as the "special lottery right") in the station 10 (Sa13). For example, the control device 50 changes the flag stored in the memory device 55 from an invalid state to an active state. On the other hand, if the game medium Gb has not fallen (Sa11: NO) or the conditions for executing the first special lottery are not met (Sa12: NO), the special lottery right is not granted. The above is the specific procedure of the normal game processing Sa.

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing routinely executed by the control device 50 during operation of the lottery system 1. For example, the processing of Figure 8 is started in response to the start-up of the lottery system 1.

When the processing of FIG. 8 starts, the control device 50 executes the normal game processing Sa described above with reference to FIG. 6. Then, the control device 50 determines whether or not a special lottery right has been set in the station 10 (Sb). If the special lottery right has not been set (Sb: NO), the control device 50 executes the normal game processing Sa. In other words, the normal game processing Sa is repeated until the special lottery right is granted.

When the special lottery right is set in the station 10 (Sb: YES), the control device 50 selects an attribute λi (hereinafter referred to as the "first selected attribute λA") to be applied to the first special lottery from among the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 (Sc). The control device 50 of the first embodiment selects one of the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 (first attribute) by a lottery using the attribute lottery device 14 (hereinafter referred to as the "first attribute lottery"). The control device 50 identifies the attribute λi corresponding to the lottery hole Hi into which the lottery object 141 has fallen, among the multiple lottery holes H1 to H3 of the attribute lottery device 14, as the first selected attribute λA.

The control device 50 executes a first special lottery for the first selection attribute λA (Sd). That is, the control device 50 executes a first special lottery using the lottery device 22_i corresponding to the first selection attribute λA among the multiple lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3. Specifically, the control device 50 brings the lottery device 22_i corresponding to the first selection attribute λA among the multiple lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 close to the station 10 in which the special lottery right has been set, and determines whether the special prize will be won or lost by the first special lottery using the lottery device 22_i.

The control device 50 determines whether or not the result of the first special lottery is a win of the special prize (Se). If the result of the first special lottery is a win of the special prize (Se: YES), the control device 50 executes the setting process Sf and the special process Sg. The setting process Sf is a process for setting a numerical value to be applied to the second lottery process. The specific steps of the setting process Sf will be described later. The special process Sg is a process for producing the win of the special prize. On the other hand, if the result of the first special lottery is not a win of the special prize, a quantity of game media Ga according to the result of the first special lottery is paid out to the game device 13 (Sh).

[Special Processing Sg]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the special process Sg. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the special process Sg is a process including a plurality of unit processes U (U1 to U3, U2a, U3a). Each of the plurality of unit processes U includes a performance process X (X1 to X3, Xc) and a payout process Y (Y1 to Y3, Yc). The performance process X is a process for performing a special prize winning. Specifically, the performance process X is a process for displaying a video for performance on the display device 231 of the display unit 23 in the second state. The payout process Y is a process for paying out the game media Ga from the payout device 25. The quantity W1 of the game media Ga paid out in the payout process Y of the plurality of unit processes U in the special process Sg (hereinafter referred to as the "first reward amount") is set according to the quantity of the game media Ga inserted by the plurality of users. For example, a quantity equivalent to a predetermined ratio to the total quantity of the game media Ga inserted by the plurality of users is set as the first reward amount W1. In addition, the first remuneration amount W1 may be determined by a first special lottery.

The unit process U1 includes a presentation process X1 and a payout process Y1. The payout process Y1 is a process in which the payout device 25 pays out the amount E1 of the first reward amount W1 of game media Ga. The presentation process X1 is a process in which the display device 231 displays a moving image V1 that presents the payout of game media Ga by the payout process Y1. An additional lottery L1 is executed in parallel with the unit process U1. The additional lottery L1 is a process in which the amount A1 of game media Ga to be paid out in addition to the first reward amount W1 (hereinafter referred to as the "additional reward amount") is selected.

If a predetermined condition C1 is satisfied for the result of the additional lottery L1, the unit process U2 is executed following the unit process U1. The condition C1 is that the additional reward amount A1 exceeds a predetermined value Ath1. The unit process U2 includes a presentation process X2 and a payout process Y2. The payout process Y2 is a process in which the payout device 25 pays out the game media Ga of the quantity E2 of the first reward amount W1. The presentation process X2 is a process in which the display device 231 displays a moving image V2 that presents the payout of the game media Ga by the payout process Y2. The additional lottery L2 is executed in parallel with the unit process U2. The additional lottery L2 is a process in which the additional reward amount A2 of the game media Ga to be paid out in addition to the first reward amount W1 is selected.

When a predetermined condition C2 is satisfied for the result of the additional lottery L2, the unit process U3 is executed following the unit process U2. The condition C2 is that the additional reward amount A2 exceeds a predetermined value Ath2. The unit process U2 includes a performance process X3 and a payout process Y3. The payout process Y3 is a process for paying out the amount E3 of game media Ga by the payout device 25. The amount E3 is the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount E1 and the amount E2 from the first reward amount W1. That is, the first reward amount W1 of game media Ga is paid out by the payout process Y1 of the unit process U1, the payout process Y2 of the unit process U2, and the payout process Y3 of the unit process U3. The performance process X3 is a process for displaying a moving image V3 on the display device 231 to produce the payout of game media Ga by the payout process Y3.

Performance process X1, performance process X2, and performance process X3 constitute a series of mutually continuous performances. That is, performance process X2 is continuous with performance process X1, and performance process X3 is continuous with performance process X2. Specifically, the content of the video V2 displayed in performance process X2 is continuous with the content of the video V1 displayed in performance process X1, and the content of the video V3 displayed in performance process X3 is continuous with the content of the video V2 displayed in performance process X2. For example, the video V1 of performance process X1 is a video of a specific character entering a cave, the video V2 of performance process X2 is a video of the character progressing through the cave, and the video V3 of performance process X3 is a video of the character reaching a target point in the cave. As described above, if condition C1 of additional lottery L1 and condition C2 of additional lottery L2 are satisfied, the user can view a series of videos V1 to V3 that are continuous in content.

Following unit process U3, additional payout process Za is executed. Additional payout process Za is a process for paying out from payout device 25 a quantity of gaming media Ga equivalent to the sum of the additional reward amount A1 determined in additional lottery L1 and the additional reward amount A2 determined in additional lottery L2. In other words, when condition C1 and condition C2 are met, gaming media Ga equivalent to the additional reward amount A1 and the additional reward amount A2 are paid out in addition to the first reward amount W1.

If condition C1 is not satisfied for the result of additional lottery L1 (for example, if the additional reward amount A1 falls below a predetermined value Ath1), unit process U2a is executed following unit process U1. Unit process U2a includes common performance process Xc and payout process Yc. Payout process Yc is a process in which a quantity of gaming media Ga equivalent to the sum of quantities E2 and E3 of the first reward amount W1 is paid out by payout device 25. That is, the first reward amount W1 of gaming media Ga is paid out by payout process Y1 of unit process U1 and payout process Yc of unit process U2a.

Following unit process U2a, additional payout process Zb is executed. Additional payout process Zb is a process in which a quantity of gaming media Ga equivalent to the additional reward amount A1 determined in additional lottery L1 is paid out from the payout device 25. In other words, if condition C1 is not met, gaming media Ga equivalent to the additional reward amount A1 is paid out in addition to the first reward amount W1. As shown in the above example, if condition C1 is not met, additional lottery L2 is not executed.

Furthermore, if condition C2 is not satisfied for the result of the additional lottery L2 (for example, if the additional reward amount A2 falls below the predetermined value Ath2), unit process U2 is followed by unit process U3a. Unit process U3a includes common performance process Xc and payout process Yc. Payout process Yc is a process in which the payout device 25 pays out the amount E3 of game media Ga of the first reward amount W1, similar to payout process Y3 in unit process U3. That is, the first reward amount W1 of game media Ga is paid out by payout process Y1 of unit process U1, payout process Y2 of unit process U2, and payout process Y3 of unit process U3a.

Common performance processing Xc is a performance processing prepared in common for unit processing U2a and unit processing U3a. That is, common performance processing Xc is a performance processing prepared in common as a processing after two or more unit processing U (U1, U2). Specifically, common performance processing Xc is a processing for displaying on the display device 231 a moving image whose content is unlikely to be perceived as unnatural as a performance immediately after performance processing X1 or as a performance processing immediately after performance processing X2. That is, the moving image of common performance processing Xc is less related to the moving image of performance processing X1 than the moving image of performance processing X2, and is also less related to the moving image of performance processing X2 than the moving image of performance processing X3.

Following unit process U3a, additional payout process Zc is executed. Similar to additional payout process Za, additional payout process Zc is a process for paying out from payout device 25 a quantity of gaming media Ga equivalent to the sum of additional reward amount A1 determined in additional drawing L1 and additional reward amount A2 determined in additional drawing L2. In other words, if condition C2 is not satisfied, gaming media Ga equivalent to additional reward amount A1 and additional reward amount A2 are paid out in addition to first reward amount W1.

For the special process Sg described above, reference data D in FIG. 10 is used. The reference data D is stored in the storage device 55. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the reference data D is a data table that associates presentation patterns Px_n (Px_1 to Px_3) with payout patterns Py_n (Py_1 to Py_3) for each of a number of numerical ranges Rn (n = 1 to 3) of the first reward amount W1.

The multiple numerical ranges Rn are ranges that divide the range of values expected for the first reward amount W1. Specifically, numerical range R1 is from 1000 to 4999, numerical range R2 is from 5000 to 9999, and numerical range R3 is from 10000 to 10000. In other words, the lower limit of numerical range R2 exceeds the upper limit of numerical range R1, and the lower limit of numerical range R3 exceeds the upper limit of numerical range R2.

Each performance pattern Px_n is data that specifies the moving image V (V1 to V3) to be used in each of the performance processes X1 to X3. That is, the performance pattern Px_n corresponding to the numerical range Rn specifies the moving image V (V1 to V3) to be used in each performance process X (X1 to X3) when the first reward amount W1 belongs to the numerical range Rn. The moving image V1 is used in the performance process X1, the moving image V2 is used in the performance process X2, and the moving image V3 is used in the performance process X3. As can be understood from the above explanation, the performance pattern Px_n that specifies the aspect of the performance process X (specifically, the time series of the moving image V) is set for each numerical range Rn. Therefore, by referring to the reference data D, it is possible to specify the performance pattern Px_n that corresponds to the first reward amount W1 among the multiple performance patterns Px_1 to Px_3. Each moving image V is stored in the storage device 55 as video data of any format.

The payout pattern Py_n is data that specifies the quantity E (E1 to E3) of game media Ga paid out in each of the payout processes Y1 to Y3. That is, the payout pattern Py_n corresponding to the numerical range Rn specifies the quantity E (E1 to E3) in each payout process Y (Y1 to Y3) when the first reward amount W1 belongs to the numerical range Rn. The quantity E1 is the quantity of game media Ga paid out in the payout process Y1, and the quantity E2 is the quantity of game media Ga paid out in the payout process Y2. The quantity E3 is the quantity of game media Ga paid out in the payout process Y3, and is the value obtained by subtracting the quantity E1 and the quantity E2 from the first reward amount W1. As can be understood from the above explanation, the payout pattern Py_n that specifies the mode of the payout process Y (specifically, the time series of the quantity E) is set for each numerical range R. Therefore, by referring to the reference data D, it is possible to identify the payout pattern Py_n that corresponds to the first reward amount W1 among the multiple payout patterns Py_1 to Py_3.

The moving image V1 of the presentation pattern Px_n corresponding to each numerical range Rn is set to a time length suitable for the payout of the game media Ga of the quantity E1 specified by the payout pattern Py_n of the numerical range Rn. As described above, the lower limit value of the numerical range R2 exceeds the upper limit value of the numerical range R1. Therefore, the moving image V1 specified by the presentation pattern Px_2 corresponding to the numerical range R2 in the presentation process X1 is longer than the moving image V1 specified by the presentation pattern Px_1 corresponding to the numerical range R1 in the presentation process X1. In addition, the lower limit value of the numerical range R3 exceeds the upper limit value of the numerical range R2. Therefore, the moving image V1 specified by the presentation pattern Px_3 corresponding to the numerical range R3 in the presentation process X1 is longer than the moving image V1 specified by the presentation pattern Px_2 corresponding to the numerical range R2 in the presentation process X1. Similarly, the video V2 specified by the performance pattern Px_n corresponding to each numerical range Rn for the performance process X2 is set to a length of time suitable for the amount E2 specified by the payout pattern Py_n for the payout process Y2. Also, the video V3 specified by the performance pattern Px_n corresponding to each numerical range Rn for the performance process X3 is set to a length of time suitable for the amount E3 specified by the payout pattern Py_n for the payout process Y3. As can be understood from the above explanation, the video V used in the performance process X in each unit process U (U1 to U3) is set to a length of time corresponding to the required time for the payout process Y in that unit process U.

Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of special process Sg. As described above with reference to Figure 8, special process Sg is executed on the condition that the first special lottery is won. Special process Sg is executed for a station 10 (hereinafter referred to as a "winning station 10") that has the right to draw a special lottery among the multiple stations 10.

When the special process Sg is started, the control device 50 controls the central unit 20 so that the display unit 23 faces the winning station 10, and changes the display unit 23 from the first state to the second state (Sg1). When the display unit 23 transitions to the second state, the lottery device 26 including the transport device 24 and the display device 232 is formed.

The control device 50 refers to the reference data D stored in the memory device 55 to determine the presentation pattern Px_n and payout pattern Py_n that correspond to the numerical range Rn that includes the first reward amount W1 for the current special prize, among the multiple numerical ranges R1 to R3 (Sg2). In other words, when the result of the first special drawing is a win for the special prize, the control device 50 determines the presentation process X and payout process Y according to the first reward amount W1 for the special prize.

The control device 50 executes a unit process U1 (Sg3). The unit process U1 includes a performance process X1 that causes the display device 231 to display a moving image V1 specified by the performance pattern Px_n, and a payout process Y1 that causes the payout device 25 to pay out game media Ga in the quantity E1 specified by the payout pattern Py_n.

The control device 50 causes the display device 11 of the winning station 10 to display the predetermined value Ath1, which is the target value for the additional reward amount A1 in the additional drawing L1, and information informing the user of the method of the additional drawing (Sg4). The control device 50 may also display the predetermined value Ath1 and information about the additional drawing on the display device 231. The control device 50 executes the additional drawing L1 using the drawing device 26 (Sg5). As described above, the additional drawing L1 is executed in parallel with the unit process U1. Specific examples of the additional drawing L1 will be described later.

The control device 50 determines whether or not the condition C1 is satisfied with respect to the result of the additional lottery L1 (Sg6). Specifically, the control device 50 determines whether or not the additional reward amount A1 exceeds a predetermined value Ath1. If the condition C1 is not satisfied (Sg6: NO, A1 < Ath1), the control device 50 executes a unit process U2a (Sg7). As described above, the unit process U2a includes a common performance process Xc and a payout process Yc. In addition, the control device 50 executes an additional payout process Zb that pays out game media Ga of the additional reward amount A1 determined in the additional lottery L1 (Sg8). After executing the above processes, the control device 50 transitions to the normal game process Sa of FIG. 8.

On the other hand, if the condition C1 is satisfied (Sg6: YES, A1>Ath1), the control device 50 executes the unit process U2 (Sg9). The unit process U2 includes a performance process X2 that causes the display device 231 to display the moving image V2 specified by the performance pattern Px_n, and a payout process Y2 that causes the payout device 25 to pay out the game media Ga in the quantity E2 specified by the payout pattern Py_n.

The control device 50 causes the display device 11 of the winning station 10 to display the predetermined value Ath2, which is the target value for the additional reward amount A2 in the additional drawing L2, and information informing the user of the method of the additional drawing (Sg10). The control device 50 may also display the predetermined value Ath2 and information about the additional drawing on the display device 231. The control device 50 executes the additional drawing L2 using the drawing device 26 (Sg11). As described above, the additional drawing L2 is executed in parallel with the unit process U2. Specific examples of the additional drawing L2 will be described later.

The control device 50 determines whether the condition C2 is satisfied for the result of the additional lottery L2 (Sg12). Specifically, the control device 50 determines whether the additional reward amount A2 exceeds the predetermined value Ath2. If the condition C2 is not satisfied (Sg12: NO, A2<Ath2), the control device 50 executes the unit process U3a (Sg13). As described above, the unit process U3a includes the common performance process Xc and the payout process Yc. In the payout process Yc, the amount E3 of game media Ga is paid out. In addition, the control device 50 executes the additional payout process Zc to pay out the amount of game media Ga equivalent to the sum of the additional reward amount A1 and the additional reward amount A2 (Sg14). After executing the above processes, the control device 50 transitions to the normal game process Sa of FIG. 8.

On the other hand, when the condition C2 is satisfied (Sg12: YES, A2>Ath2), the control device 50 executes the unit process U3 (Sg15). The unit process U3 includes a performance process X3 that causes the display device 231 to display the moving image V3 specified by the performance pattern Px_n, and a payout process Y3 that causes the payout device 25 to pay out the game media Ga of the amount E3 specified by the payout pattern Py_n. Following the unit process U3, the control device 50 executes an additional payout process Za that pays out the game media Ga of the amount equivalent to the sum of the additional reward amount A1 and the additional reward amount A2 (Sg16). After executing the above processes, the control device 50 shifts the process to the normal game process Sa of FIG. 8. Note that, like the unit processes U1 and U2, an additional lottery L may be executed in parallel with the unit process U3.

Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the control device 50 for the special process Sg. As illustrated in Figure 12, the control device 50 realizes multiple functions (a determination unit 511, a processing unit 512, a lottery unit 513, and a payout unit 514) by executing a program stored in the storage device 55.

When the user wins the special prize (Se: YES), the determination unit 511 determines the presentation process X (Sg2). Specifically, the determination unit 511 determines the presentation process X according to the first reward amount W1 (i.e., the amount of game media Ga paid out for the special prize). The determination unit 511 in the first embodiment determines the presentation process X corresponding to the numerical range Rn that includes the first reward amount W1 among the multiple numerical ranges Rn by referring to the reference data D that associates the presentation process X (presentation pattern Px_n) with each of the multiple numerical ranges Rn (R1 to R3).

The processing unit 512 executes a winning process including the presentation process X determined by the determination unit 511 and a payout process Y that pays out gaming media Ga in the first reward amount W1. The winning process includes a plurality of unit processes U, each of which includes a presentation process X and a payout process Y. Each of the plurality of unit processes U includes a payout process Y (Y1 to Y3) that pays out gaming media Ga in the amount E set for each unit process U out of the first reward amount W1.

The lottery unit 513 executes an additional lottery L (L1, L2) for the user in parallel with the winning process. Specifically, the lottery unit 513 executes an additional lottery L1 in parallel with unit process U1 among the multiple unit processes U, and executes an additional lottery L2 in parallel with unit process U2. The processing unit 512 changes the state of the unit process U after the unit process U among the multiple unit processes U according to the result of the additional lottery L in parallel with the unit process U (U1, U2).

Specifically, when the result of the additional lottery L1 is the first result (when condition C1 is satisfied), the processing unit 512 executes the unit process U2 including the performance process X2 that is continuous with the performance process X1 in the unit process U1. On the other hand, when the result of the additional lottery L1 is the second result (when condition C1 is not satisfied), the processing unit 512 executes the unit process U2a including the common performance process Xc that is prepared in common for the multiple unit processes U. Also, when the result of the additional lottery L2 is the first result (when condition C2 is satisfied), the processing unit 512 executes the unit process U3 including the performance process X3 that is continuous with the performance process X2 in the unit process U2. On the other hand, when the result of the additional lottery L2 is the second result (when condition C2 is not satisfied), the processing unit 512 executes the unit process U3a including the common performance process Xc.

Any one of the multiple unit processes U corresponds to the "first unit process", and the unit process U executed after that unit process U corresponds to the "second unit process". For example, if unit process U1 is the "first unit process", then unit process U2 or unit process U2a corresponds to the "second unit process". Also, if unit process U2 is the "first unit process", then unit process U3 or unit process U3a corresponds to the "second unit process". The performance process X in the first unit process corresponds to the "first performance process", and the performance process X in the second unit process corresponds to the "second performance process".

The results of the additional lottery L are expressed as the first result and the second result. A specific example of the first result is when condition C (C1, C2) is satisfied, for example when the additional reward amount A exceeds a predetermined value Ath (Ath1, Ath2). A specific example of the second result is when condition C (C1, C2) is not satisfied, for example when the additional reward amount A falls below the predetermined value Ath. Note that when the additional reward amount A is equal to the predetermined value Ath, it may be determined as either the first result or the second result. The payout unit 514 pays out game media Ga of the additional reward amount A (A1, A2) determined by the additional lottery L using the payout device 25.

As can be understood from the above explanation, in the first embodiment, when a user wins a special prize, an additional lottery L (L1, L2) is executed for that user in parallel with the winning process (unit process U1 or unit process U2). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the user only watches the presentation process X and payout process Y when the user wins a special prize, the user's sense of anticipation can be maintained even while the winning process is being executed. Also, in the first embodiment, since the state of the unit process U after the unit process U changes depending on the result of the additional lottery L executed in parallel with the unit process U, there is also the advantage that it is easier to maintain the user's anticipation for the additional lottery L.

In the first embodiment, gaming media Ga of the additional reward amount A determined by the additional lottery L are paid out, which has a particularly remarkable effect of maintaining the user's sense of anticipation even while the winning process is being executed. In addition, since the additional lottery L is used to determine both the additional reward amount A and the mode of the unit process U, the configuration or operation of the lottery system 1 is simplified compared to a configuration in which the additional reward amount A and the mode of the unit process U are determined by different elements.

In the first embodiment, the presentation process X is determined according to the first reward amount W1, so that an appropriate presentation process X can be executed for the quantity E of game media Ga paid out by the payout process Y. For example, the larger the quantity E of game media Ga paid out (the longer the time required to pay out game media Ga), the longer the presentation process X can be determined. In particular, in the first embodiment, the quantity E of game media Ga set for each unit process U is paid out in the payout process Y of each unit process U. Therefore, the duration of the presentation process X in each unit process U can be set to an appropriate time according to the quantity E paid out by the payout process Y of that unit process U. Another advantage is that the presentation process X according to the first reward amount W1 can be easily determined by referring to the reference data D.

[Additional lottery L using lottery device 26]
The additional lottery L using the lottery device 26 will be described in detail below. FIG. 13 is a front view of the lottery device 26 viewed from the horizontal direction, and FIG. 14 is a plan view of the lottery device 26 viewed from above in the vertical direction. In the following description, mutually orthogonal x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are assumed. The z-axis is an axis along the vertical direction. Therefore, the x-y plane corresponds to a horizontal plane. The direction of the x-axis corresponds to the left-right direction of the user (the circumferential direction in a plan view of the lottery system 1). The direction of the y-axis corresponds to the front-rear direction of the user (the radial direction in a plan view of the lottery system 1). FIG. 15 is a side view of the transport device 24 viewed from a point in the positive direction of the x-axis (the right side in FIG. 13).

As described above, the lottery device 26 of the first embodiment includes a conveying device 24 and a display device 232. The display device 232 is located in the negative direction of the y axis when viewed from the conveying device 24 (i.e., behind the conveying device 24 when viewed from the user of the winning station 10). Specifically, the display device 232 protrudes in the positive direction of the z axis (i.e., vertically upward) relative to the conveying device 24, with the display surface 232a on which the image is displayed facing in the positive direction of the y axis (i.e., toward the user).

The transport device 24 is a mechanism for transporting the lottery body 40 used in the additional lottery L. The lottery body 40 is a rollable spherical structure. As illustrated in Figures 13 to 15, the transport device 24 includes a transport body 30, a drive device 34, a standby path 35, a return path 36, a number of partitions 37 (37_1 to 37_4), and a movable body 38. Note that the drive device 34 is omitted from the illustration in Figure 14 for convenience.

The transport body 30 transports the lottery object 40 to a predetermined location (hereinafter referred to as the "target location") while holding it. The target location in the first embodiment includes multiple target points Q1 to Q3. The transport body 30 transports the lottery object 40 to one of the multiple target points Q1 to Q3, target point Qk (k = 1 to 3). The position of each target point Qk on the x-axis is different. One target point Qk1 (k1 = 1 to 3) selected from the multiple target points Q1 to Q3 is an example of a "first target point", and the other target point Qk2 (k2 = 1 to 3, k2 ≠ k1) is an example of a "second target point".

The conveying body 30 of the first embodiment includes a rotating body 31, a plurality of holding parts 32 (32_1 to 32_3), and a plurality of protrusions 33. The rotating body 31 is a cylindrical structure that rotates around a rotation axis Ax parallel to the x-axis. The rotation axis Ax is the central axis of the rotating body 31. In the following description, the circumferential direction of a virtual circle of any diameter centered on the rotation axis Ax is referred to as the "circumferential direction". The driving device 34 is an electric motor such as a motor that rotates the rotating body 31 at a predetermined speed (angular velocity). As illustrated in FIG. 15, the rotating body 31 rotates clockwise when viewed from a point located in the positive direction of the x-axis. Therefore, the part of the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31 located in the positive direction of the y-axis moves in the positive direction of the z-axis.

Each of the multiple holding parts 32 is a structure that holds the lottery body 40. The multiple holding parts 32 are installed at intervals from each other on the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31. In the first embodiment, each holding part 32 is a cylindrical protrusion protruding from the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31. Each holding part 32 is composed of a permanent magnet and holds the lottery body 40 by magnetic force. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the lottery body 40 held by each holding part 32 is transported in the circumferential direction by the rotation of the rotating body 31. The above configuration has the advantage that the lottery body 40 can be transported by simple control of the rotation of the rotating body 31, and the space required for installing the transport body 30 can be reduced.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the lottery body 40. As illustrated in Figure 16, the lottery body 40 includes a base portion 41 and a plurality of permanent magnets 42. The base portion 41 is a hollow structure in which a spherical space is formed inside. For example, the base portion 41 is formed by joining hemispherical structures. The base portion 41 is formed of a non-magnetic material. Note that the shape of the lottery body 40 is arbitrary and does not need to be a perfect sphere. For example, a configuration in which the base portion 41 is formed of a rollable polyhedron, or a configuration in which a plurality of protrusions are formed on the surface of the base portion 41 are also envisioned.

A plurality of storage sections 411 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base section 41. Each storage section 411 is a circular recess. A cylindrical protrusion 412 is formed on the bottom surface of each storage section 411, protruding from the bottom surface toward the center of the base section 41. A ring-shaped permanent magnet 42 is stored in each of the plurality of storage sections 411. The outer diameter of the storage section 411 and the outer diameter of the permanent magnet 42 are approximately the same, and the inner diameter of the storage section 411 (the outer diameter of the protrusion 412) and the inner diameter of the permanent magnet 42 are approximately the same. The protrusion 412 penetrates the permanent magnet 42. The outer peripheral surface of the permanent magnet 42 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the storage section 411, and the inner peripheral surface of the permanent magnet 42 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 412, so that the permanent magnet 42 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the base section 41. A plurality of permanent magnets 42 are arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the base section 41 in a substantially evenly distributed manner. Note that multiple permanent magnets 42 may be arranged unequally. Note that, as illustrated above, the permanent magnet 42 is positioned by inserting the protrusion 412 into the permanent magnet 42. If the permanent magnet 42 is positioned without the protrusion 412, such as in a configuration in which the outer peripheral surface of the permanent magnet 42 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion 411, the protrusion 412 may be omitted. Therefore, the shape of the permanent magnet 42 is not limited to annular and may be any shape.

The lottery body 40 is held in the holding part 32 by the magnetic force generated between each holding part 32 and each permanent magnet 42 of the lottery body 40. With the above configuration, contact between the lottery body 40 and the holding part 32 is reduced compared to a configuration that employs a container-shaped holding part 32 on which the lottery body 40 is placed. Therefore, wear or damage caused by contact between the lottery body 40 and the holding part 32 can be suppressed.

As described above, the multiple permanent magnets 42 are distributed and arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the lottery body 40. Therefore, the magnetic force generated between each holding portion 32 and the lottery body 40 changes depending on the direction of the lottery body 40 relative to the holding portion 32. For example, focus on the first and second regions, which are different from each other, on the surface of the lottery body 40. The first region is a region that overlaps with the permanent magnet 42. The second region is a region that does not overlap with the permanent magnet 42. The magnetic force acting between the lottery body 40 and the holding portion 32 when the first region of the lottery body 40 faces the holding portion 32 is different from the magnetic force acting between the lottery body 40 and the holding portion 32 when the second region faces the holding portion 32. Specifically, the magnetic force when the first region faces the holding portion 32 exceeds the magnetic force when the second region faces the holding portion 32. As described above, the magnetic force generated between the lottery body 40 and the holding part 32 differs depending on the position on the surface of the lottery body 40, which has the advantage of making it easier to ensure randomness in whether or not the lottery body 40 is held by the holding part 32.

As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31 includes multiple transport areas Fa_1 to Fa_3 corresponding to different target points Qk. Transport area Fa_1 corresponds to target point Q1, transport area Fa_2 corresponds to target point Q2, and transport area Fa_3 corresponds to target point Q3. Specifically, target point Qk is located within the range of transport area Fa_k on the x-axis. Transport area Fa_1 is located in the negative direction of the x-axis as viewed from transport area Fa_2, and transport area Fa_3 is located in the positive direction of the x-axis as viewed from transport area Fa_2.

The multiple holding units 32 include multiple holding units 32_1, multiple holding units 32_2, and multiple holding units 32_3. The multiple holding units 32_1 are installed within the transport area Fa_1. That is, the multiple holding units 32_1 correspond to the target point Q1. Specifically, the multiple holding units 32_1 are installed at positions corresponding to the target point Q1 in the direction of the rotation axis Ax. For example, the position of each holding unit 32_1 on the x-axis and the position of the target point Q1 on the x-axis approximately coincide with each other. The multiple holding units 32_1 are arranged in the transport area Fa_1 at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating body 31.

Similarly, the multiple holding units 32_2 are arranged in the transport area Fa_2 at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating body 31. That is, each of the multiple holding units 32_2 corresponds to the target point Q2. Specifically, the multiple holding units 32_2 are installed at positions corresponding to the target point Q2 in the direction of the rotation axis Ax. Furthermore, the multiple holding units 32_3 are arranged in the transport area Fa_3 at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating body 31. That is, each of the multiple holding units 32_3 corresponds to the target point Q3. Specifically, the multiple holding units 32_3 are installed at positions corresponding to the target point Q3 in the direction of the rotation axis Ax.

In the above configuration, the lottery item 40 held in any one of the multiple holding units 32_1 moves in the circumferential direction due to the rotation of the rotating body 31 to reach the target point Q1. Similarly, the lottery item 40 held in the holding unit 32_2 is transported to the target point Q2, and the lottery item 40 held in the holding unit 32_3 is transported to the target point Q3. Note that the positions of the holding units 32_1, 32_2, and 32_3 in the circumferential direction of the rotating body 31 may be the same or different from each other. Of the multiple holding units 32, the holding unit 32_k1 is an example of a "first holding unit," and the holding unit 32_k2 is an example of a "second holding unit."

The multiple protrusions 33 are installed at intervals on the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31. One or more protrusions 33 are installed in each of the transport areas Fa_1, Fa_2, and Fa_3. Each protrusion 33 protrudes from the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31. Specifically, the protrusions 33 are installed between two adjacent holding parts 32 that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating body 31. In the first embodiment, each protrusion 33 is an elongated protrusion that extends in a spiral shape in a direction inclined to the circumferential direction of the rotating body 31. Each protrusion 33 is made of a non-magnetic material. Therefore, the lottery body 40 does not adhere to each protrusion 33.

The waiting path 35 is a path along which the lottery body 40 moves until it is held by the holding unit 32. The waiting path 35 extends along the rotation axis Ax around the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31. Specifically, the waiting path 35 is installed in the positive direction of the y axis with respect to the rotating body 31. The waiting path 35 is installed next to the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31 with a gap smaller than the outer diameter of the lottery body 40. The lottery body 40 rolls in the direction of the x axis (positive and negative directions) on the upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "path surface") sA of the waiting path 35. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the path surface sA of the waiting path 35 is located lower than the rotation axis Ax of the rotating body 31. As illustrated in FIG. 14, a fence portion 35a is installed on the waiting path 35 along the outer edge of the waiting path 35. The fence portion 35a is a structure for preventing the lottery body 40 from falling from the path surface sA. For convenience, the fence portion 35a has been omitted from FIG. 13.

The lottery object 40 moving on the path surface sA of the waiting path 35 is held by any one of the multiple holding parts 32_1 to 32_3 that move in the circumferential direction due to the rotation of the rotating body 31. Specifically, when any one of the multiple holding parts 32_1 to 32_3 reaches the vicinity of the path surface sA, if the lottery object 40 approaches the holding part 32_k on the waiting path 35, the lottery object 40 is held by the holding part 32_k. Then, the lottery object 40 moves in the circumferential direction while being held by the holding part 32_k, and finally reaches the target point Qk. As can be understood from the above explanation, the lottery object 40 moves on the waiting path 35 until it is held by any one of the multiple holding parts 32. Therefore, a highly interesting lottery can be realized in which the user cannot immediately know which of the multiple holding parts 32 the lottery object 40 is held by.

The multiple protrusions 33 move in the circumferential direction due to the rotation of the rotating body 31, and impinge on the lottery body 40 rolling on the waiting path 35, thereby urging the lottery body 40. The collision of each protrusion 33 causes the lottery body 40 to move irregularly on the waiting path 35. This realizes a highly interesting lottery in which the user cannot immediately know which of the multiple holding parts 32 the lottery body 40 will be held in.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the path plane sA is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the path plane sA is a curved surface in which point p2 corresponding to the holding portion 32_2 is lower than point p1 corresponding to the holding portion 32_1 and point p3 corresponding to the holding portion 32_3. Point p2 is a point near the center of the path plane sA in the direction of the x-axis. Point p1 is a point near the end of the path plane sA located in the negative direction of the x-axis. Point p3 is a point near the end of the path plane sA located in the positive direction of the x-axis. Point p2 is an example of a "first point", and points p1 and p3 are examples of a "second point".

As can be understood from the above description, the height of the lottery body 40 when it is located at the point p2 on the path plane sA of the waiting path 35 is lower than the height of the lottery body 40 when it is located at the point p1 or the point p3 on the path plane sA. Therefore, the probability that the lottery body 40 is located near the point p2 exceeds the probability that the lottery body 40 is located near the point p1 or the point p3. In other words, the probability that the lottery body 40 is held in the holding part 32_2 close to the point p2 among the multiple holding parts 32 is higher than the probability that the lottery body 40 is held in the holding part 32_1 close to the point p1 or the holding part 32_3 close to the point p3. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the probability that the lottery body 40 reaches each of the multiple target points Q1 to Q3 different. Specifically, it is possible to increase the possibility that the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Q2 whose position in the direction of the rotation axis Ax is close to the point p2 among the multiple target points Q1 to Q3.

The return path 36 in FIG. 14 is a path that returns the lottery body 40 that has reached one of the multiple target points Q1 to Q3 toward the conveying body 30. The return path 36 in the first embodiment includes a first path 361 and a second path 362. The first path 361 extends along the rotation axis Ax around the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31. Specifically, the first path 361 is located in the negative direction of the y axis with respect to the rotating body 31. The first path 361 is provided adjacent to the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31 with a gap that is less than the outer diameter of the lottery body 40. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "path surface") sB of the first path 361 is located at a higher position than the rotation axis Ax of the rotating body 31. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the path surface sB of the first path 361 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the path surface sB is an inclined surface in which the end in the positive direction of the x-axis is lower than the end in the negative direction. Therefore, the lottery item 40 supplied to the first path 361 rolls in the positive direction of the x-axis due to its own weight.

The partitions 37_1 to 37_4 are structures that form passages q1 to q3 corresponding to different target points Qk, and are installed on the path plane sB of the first path 361. The partitions 37_1 to 37_4 are arranged in the x-axis direction at intervals. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the distance between partitions 37_1 and 37_2 is the path q1 corresponding to target point Q1. The distance between partitions 37_2 and 37_3 is the path q2 corresponding to target point Q2. The distance between partitions 37_3 and 37_4 is the path q3 corresponding to target point Q3.

The lottery item 40 transported while held by the holding unit 32_k in the transport area Fa_k of the transport body 30 collides with the path surface sB of the first path 361 in the passage qk and separates from the holding unit 32_k. The point where the lottery item 40 held by the holding unit 32_k collides with the path surface sB of the first path 361 is the target point Qk. That is, the target point Q1 is located in the passage q1, the target point Q2 is located in the passage q2, and the target point Q3 is located in the passage q3. The lottery item 40, which has been separated from the holding unit 32_k by reaching the target point Qk, rolls on the first path 361 in the positive direction of the x-axis.

A detector 39_1 is installed in the partition 37_1 to detect the lottery object 40 that has reached the target point Q1. Similarly, a detector 39_2 is installed in the partition 37_2 to detect the lottery object 40 that has reached the target point Q2, and a detector 39_3 is installed in the partition 37_3 to detect the lottery object 40 that has reached the target point Q3. Each detector 39_k is, for example, an optical sensor composed of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, or a mechanical sensor that detects the contact of the lottery object 40. The control device 50 detects that the lottery object 40 has reached one of the multiple target points Q1 to Q3 by analyzing the detection signal generated by each detector 39_k. The point at which the lottery object 40 is detected by each detector 39_k may be expressed as the target point Qk. By appropriately adjusting the position of the detector 39_k in each partition 37_k, for example, it is possible to set the point before the lottery object 40 held by the holding portion 32_k collides with the path surface sB as the target point Qk. Note that the point where the lottery object 40 moves a predetermined distance along the passage qk after leaving the holding portion 32_k may also be set as the target point Qk.

The second path 362 is a path that connects the first path 361 and the waiting path 35. Specifically, the second path 362 extends along the y-axis so as to connect the end of the first path 361 in the positive direction of the x-axis and the end of the waiting path 35 in the positive direction of the x-axis. The upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "path surface") sC of the second path 362 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the path surface sC is an inclined surface in which the end in the positive direction of the y-axis (i.e., the end on the waiting path 35 side) is lower than the end in the negative direction (i.e., the end on the first path 361 side). Therefore, the lottery item 40 supplied to the second path 362 rolls in the positive direction of the y-axis due to its own weight. A fence portion 363 is installed on the second path 362 along the outer edge of the second path 362. The fence portion 363 is a structure for preventing the lottery item 40 from falling from the path surface sC.

As can be understood from the above explanation, the lottery object 40 that has reached one of the multiple target points Q1 to Q3 reaches the second path 362 by rolling on the path surface sB of the first path 361 in the positive direction of the x-axis, and returns to the waiting path 35 by rolling on the path surface sC of the second path 362 in the positive direction of the y-axis. In other words, the lottery object 40 circulates along the waiting path 35 → conveyor 30 → target point Qk (passage qk) → first path 361 → second path 362 → waiting path 35.

As can be understood from the above example, in the first embodiment, the lottery object 40 that has reached the target point Qk returns to the transport body 30 via the return path 36. Therefore, it is possible to repeat additional lotteries L using the lottery object 40 without requiring a mechanism for supplying the lottery object 40 from the outside to the transport body 30. The lottery object 40 rolls by its own weight from the target point Q to the waiting path 35. Therefore, no external power is required to move the lottery object 40 from the target point Q to the waiting path 35.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the movable body 38 is installed on the return path 36. Specifically, the movable body 38 is installed near the boundary between the first path 361 and the second path 362. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the movable body 38. The movable body 38 is a wall-shaped structure that can move in the direction of the z-axis under the control of the control device 50. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the movable body 38 is controlled to one of a blocked state and a released state. The blocked state is a state in which the movable body 38 protrudes from the path surface sB of the first path 361. When the movable body 38 is in the blocked state, the lottery body 40 rolling on the first path 361 collides with the movable body 38 and stops, and does not enter the second path 362. In other words, the blocked state is a state in which the movable body 38 blocks the movement of the lottery body 40 toward the conveyor 30 on the return path 36. On the other hand, the released state is a state in which the movable body 38 does not protrude from the path plane sB of the first path 361. When the movable body 38 is in the released state, the lottery body 40 rolling on the first path 361 passes above the movable body 38 and enters the second path 362. In other words, the released state is a state in which the movement of the lottery body 40 toward the conveying body 30 on the return path 36 is permitted. As described above, the movable body 38 installed on the return path 36 is controlled to either the blocked state or the released state. Therefore, by controlling the state of the movable body 38, the time at which the lottery body 40 is supplied toward the conveying body 30 can be controlled.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the display surface 232a of the display device 232 includes a plurality of display areas Fb_1 to Fb_3 corresponding to different target points Qk. Each display area Fb_k is a strip-shaped area extending along the z-axis. The display area Fb_1 is located in the negative direction of the x-axis as viewed from the display area Fb_2, and the display area Fb_3 is located in the positive direction of the x-axis as viewed from the display area Fb_2. The display area Fb_1 corresponds to the target point Q1, the display area Fb_2 corresponds to the target point Q2, and the display area Fb_3 corresponds to the target point Q3. Specifically, the target point Qk is located within the range of the display area Fb_k on the x-axis. In other words, each transport area Fa_k and each display area Fb_k correspond to each other. Of the multiple display areas Fb_1 to Fb_3, one display area Fb_k1 is an example of a "first display area," and the other display area Fb_k2 is an example of a "second display area."

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the target point Qk and the transport area Fa_k are located in the negative direction of the z-axis relative to each display area Fb_k. A selection area Fc is set on the display surface 232a. The selection area Fc is the area of each display area Fb_k that is closest to the target point Qk (i.e., the bottom end of the display area Fb_k).

The display device 232 displays an element sequence Mk (M1 to M3) in each display area Fb_k under the control of the control device 50. Each element sequence Mk is an array of multiple different lottery elements m. Each lottery element m is, for example, a numerical value. The display device 232 changes the element sequence Mk displayed in each display area Fb_k over time. Specifically, the display device 232 moves (scrolls) the element sequence Mk in the negative direction of the z-axis. That is, the display device 232 moves each lottery element m constituting the element sequence Mk toward the target point Qk. For example, each lottery element m displayed in the display area Fb_1 moves toward the target point Q1, each lottery element m displayed in the display area Fb_2 moves toward the target point Q2, and each lottery element m displayed in the display area Fb_3 moves toward the target point Q3. In each display area Fb_k, any of the multiple lottery elements m of the element sequence Mk is located within the lottery area Fc. As the element row Mk moves in the display area Fb_k, the lottery element m located in the lottery area Fc changes from moment to moment. The control device 50 specifies the lottery element m as the lottery result in response to the lottery body 40 reaching any one of the multiple target points Q1 to Q3. Specifically, the control device 50 specifies the lottery element m displayed in the lottery area Fc of the display area Fb_k corresponding to the target point Qk among the multiple display areas Fb_1 to Fb_3 at the time when the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk as the lottery result. Note that the control device 50 may specify the lottery element m displayed in the lottery area Fc in the display area Fb_k at the time when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk as the lottery result. In other words, the time when the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk does not necessarily have to coincide with the time when the lottery result is determined.

Figure 18 is a flow chart illustrating the specific procedure for the additional lottery L using the lottery device 26 illustrated above. As described above, the additional lottery L in Figure 18 is executed in steps Sg5 and Sg11 of the special process Sg. When the additional lottery L is started, the movable body 38 is maintained in a blocked state, and the lottery body 40 is stopped on the first path 361.

When the additional lottery L starts, the control device 50 controls the drive device 34 to start the rotation of the rotor 31 (La1). The control device 50 displays the element string Mk in each display area Fb_k of the display device 232, and moves the multiple lottery elements m of each element string Mk toward the target point Qk (La2).

With the above process maintaining the rotation of the rotating body 31 and the display by the display device 232, the control device 50 transitions the movable body 38 from the blocked state to the released state (La3). As the movable body 38 transitions to the released state, the lottery body 40 is supplied to the standby path 35 via the return path 36. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the movable body 38 transitioned to the released state, the control device 50 transitions the movable body 38 from the released state to the blocked state (La4).

The lottery item 40 supplied to the waiting path 35 repeatedly travels back and forth along the waiting path 35 while being urged by each protrusion 33 as needed, and is held by one of the multiple holding parts 32 that move in the positive direction of the z-axis. The lottery item 40 held by the holding part 32_k is transported in the circumferential direction by the rotation of the rotating body 31, and reaches the target point Qk. The control device 50 waits until the lottery item 40 reaches one of the multiple target points Q1 to Q3 (La5: NO).

When the lottery body 40 reaches any one of the target points Qk among the multiple target points Q1 to Q3 (La5: YES), the control device 50 identifies a lottery element m located within the lottery area Fc at the time when the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk, from among the element sequence Mk displayed in the display area Fb_k corresponding to the target point Qk (La6). The control device 50 adds a numerical value represented by the lottery element m to the additional reward amount A (La7). For example, in the additional lottery L1, the numerical value is added to the additional reward amount A1, and in the additional lottery L2, the numerical value is added to the additional reward amount A2.

The control device 50 judges whether the number of lottery processes (hereinafter referred to as "unit lotteries"), which are one unit consisting of steps La3 to La7, has reached a predetermined value (La8). In other words, it is judged whether the unit lottery has been repeated a predetermined number of times. The unit lottery described above is repeated until the number of unit lotteries reaches the predetermined value (La8: NO). On the other hand, if the number of unit lotteries has reached the predetermined value (La8: YES), the control device 50 ends the additional lottery L. As can be understood from the above explanation, the additional lottery L in the first embodiment is composed of a predetermined number of unit lotteries, and the numerical value of the lottery element m is calculated as the additional reward amount A by adding up the numerical value of the lottery element m over the predetermined number of unit lotteries. Note that the additional lottery L may be composed of one unit lottery. Also, the maximum value of the lottery elements m selected in multiple unit lotteries may be selected as the additional reward amount A.

Figure 19 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control device 50 for the additional lottery L. As illustrated in Figure 19, the control device 50 realizes multiple functions (lottery unit 521 and control unit 522) by executing a program stored in the storage device 55.

The control unit 522 controls the lottery device 26. Specifically, the control unit 522 executes control (La1) to rotate the rotating body 31 by controlling the drive device 34, and control (La2) to change the element sequence Mk displayed in each display area Fb_k of the display device 232. The control unit 522 also controls the movable body 38 to either a blocked state or a released state (La3, La4).

The lottery unit 521 specifies, as the lottery result, the lottery element m displayed on the display device 232 when the lottery body 40 reaches the target location (La6). Specifically, when the lottery body 40 reaches any one of the target points Qk among the multiple target points Q1 to Q3, the lottery unit 521 specifies, as the lottery result, the lottery element m displayed in the display area Fb_k (lottery area Fc) corresponding to the target point Qk among the multiple display areas Fb_1 to Fb_3.

As exemplified above, in the first embodiment, the lottery element m displayed on the display device 232 at the time when the lottery body 40 reaches the target location is identified as the lottery result. Therefore, in the process of the lottery body 40 being transported by the transport body 30, the user expects that the desired lottery element m will be displayed on the display device 232 at the time when the lottery body 40 reaches the target location. Since the transport body 30 transports the lottery body 40 to the target location while holding the lottery body 40, an appropriate amount of time is ensured from when the transport body 30 starts to hold the lottery body 40 until the lottery body 40 reaches the target location. In other words, there is an advantage in that it is easy to ensure the time during which the user's sense of expectation is maintained.

In the first embodiment, the lottery result is determined according to the target point Qk, among the multiple target points Q1 to Q3, where the lottery body 40 reaches by the transport body 30, and the display content of the display area Fb_k at the time when the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk. Therefore, the user expects the lottery body 40 to reach the target point Qk corresponding to the display area Fb_k where the desired lottery element m is displayed among the multiple target points Q1 to Q3, and expects the desired lottery element m to be displayed in the display area Fb_k at the time when the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the lottery result is determined only according to the target point Qk where the lottery body 40 reaches among the multiple target points Q1 to Q3, a lottery with more diverse factors that affect the lottery result and high interest can be realized.

The holding units 32_1 to 32_3 are installed at positions corresponding to different target points Qk in the direction of the rotation axis Ax. Specifically, the holding unit 32_k1 is installed at a position corresponding to the target point Qk1, and the holding unit 32_k2 is installed at a position corresponding to the target point Qk2. Therefore, there is an advantage that the user can easily grasp the target point Qk to which the lottery object 40 held by each holding unit 32_k will reach. In particular, in the first embodiment, the multiple holding units 32_k corresponding to each target point Qk are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating body 31. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which only one holding unit 32_k is installed for each target point Qk, it is possible to increase the possibility that the lottery object 40 is held by the holding unit 32_k (and thus the possibility of reaching the target point Qk). However, a configuration in which there is only one target point Qk or a configuration in which there is only one holding unit 32_k is also included in the scope of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, the lottery elements m displayed in each display area Fb_k approach the target point Qk, so the user can predict the position of each lottery element m at the time when the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk. Therefore, it is possible to realize a highly entertaining lottery that is likely to maintain the user's interest in the process until the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk.

In the first embodiment, the height of the path surface sA differs depending on the position in the direction of the rotation axis Ax, so the probability that the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk differs for each target point Qk. In the above configuration, it is possible to adjust the magnitude of the numerical value of each lottery element m of the element sequence Mk corresponding to each target point Qk according to the probability that the lottery body 40 reaches each target point Qk. For example, each lottery element m of the element sequence Mk corresponding to the target point Qk where the lottery body 40 has a low probability of reaching is set to a numerical value larger than each lottery element m of the element sequence Mk corresponding to the target point Qk where the lottery body 40 has a high probability of reaching. As illustrated above, according to the first embodiment, there is also the advantage that it is easy to adjust the balance between the probability that one of the multiple element sequences Mk is selected and the numerical value of the lottery element m selected from the element sequence Mk (expected value of the second special lottery).

[Second Special Lottery]
The second special lottery (Sa10) will be described in detail. As described above, the second special lottery is a lottery process executed for each station 10 on the condition that the number of holdings K in the lottery step reaches a predetermined value Kth. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed on the display device 11 during the execution of the second special lottery.

The second special lottery includes a second attribute lottery and a numerical lottery. The second attribute lottery is a lottery process for selecting one of a plurality of attributes λ1 to λ3 (hereinafter referred to as the "second selected attribute λB"). The numerical lottery is a lottery process for selecting one of a plurality of numerical values (hereinafter referred to as the "multiplication factor") α. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the reward amount W2 of the second special lottery (hereinafter referred to as the "second reward amount") is determined according to the number Ni of objects Ob corresponding to the second selected attribute λB among the plurality of types of objects Ob and the multiplication factor α selected by the numerical lottery among the plurality of multiplication factors α (α1, α2, ...). Specifically, the second reward amount W2 is determined by multiplying the number Ni of objects held by the multiplication factor α. The plurality of multiplication factors α are an example of a "lottery parameter".

The lottery table T in FIG. 21 is used for the second special lottery. A lottery table T is stored in the storage device 55 for each of the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3. The lottery table T for each attribute λi is a data table that specifies multiple multipliers α to be applied to the numerical lottery when that attribute λi is selected in the second attribute lottery. In other words, one of the multiple multipliers α specified by the lottery table T for the attribute λi selected in the second attribute lottery is selected by numerical lottery. The numerical values of each of the multiple multipliers α may be common across the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 or may be different for each attribute λi.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the lottery table T is set to either the normal state or the special state. The numerical value of one or more of the multiple multipliers α in the lottery table T for the special state exceeds the numerical value of the corresponding multiplier α in the lottery table T for the normal state. Note that there are also multipliers α whose numerical values are the same in the special state and the normal state.

Figure 22 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the setting process Sf. As described above with reference to Figure 8, the setting process Sf is started when the result of the first special lottery is a win of a special prize. Therefore, as described above, at the time when the setting process Sf is started, one of the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 has been selected as the first selected attribute λA by the first attribute lottery before the start of the first special lottery. Note that the setting process Sf may be executed after the execution of the special process Sg.

When the setting process Sf is started, the control device 50 stores the first selected attribute λA selected in the immediately preceding first attribute lottery as the special attribute Λ in the storage device 55 (Sf1). The special attribute Λ is an attribute λi among the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 that will be valid in the second special lottery. If a special prize is won in the first special lottery at any of the multiple stations 10, the first selected attribute λA in that first special lottery is set as the special attribute Λ common to all stations 10.

As can be understood from the above explanation, the special attribute Λ in the multiple stations 10 is updated each time a special prize is won in any of the multiple stations 10. Therefore, the special attribute Λ is maintained from the winning of the first special lottery in any of the stations 10 to the first winning of the first special lottery held for any of the stations 10 after the winning. In other words, the first selected attribute λA is updated for each first special lottery depending on the result of the first attribute lottery, but if the result of the first special lottery continues to be a loss for the special prize, the special attribute Λ is not updated and is maintained until the next special prize is won. The control device 50 sets the lottery table T of the attribute λi that matches the special attribute Λ among the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 to a special state (Sf2 to Sf5).

The control device 50 determines which of the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 the special attribute Λ corresponds to (Sf2). If the special attribute Λ is the attribute λ1, the control device 50 sets the lottery table T corresponding to the attribute λ1 to a special state, and sets the lottery tables T corresponding to the attributes λ2 and λ3 to a normal state (Sf3). If the special attribute Λ is the attribute λ2, the control device 50 sets the lottery table T corresponding to the attribute λ2 to a special state, and sets the lottery tables T corresponding to the attributes λ1 and λ3 to a normal state (Sf4). Also, if the special attribute Λ is the attribute λ3, the control device 50 sets the lottery table T corresponding to the attribute λ3 to a special state, and sets the lottery tables T corresponding to the attributes λ1 and λ2 to a normal state (Sf5).

As can be understood from the above explanation, among the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3, the lottery table T of the attribute λi that matches the first selected attribute λA (i.e., the special attribute Λ) in the first special lottery in which the special prize was won immediately before is selectively set to the special state.

Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the second special lottery (Sa10). When the second special lottery is started, the control device 50 selects one of the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 as the second selected attribute λB by the second attribute lottery using the attribute lottery device 14 (Sa101). Specifically, the control device 50 specifies the attribute λi corresponding to the lottery hole Hi into which the lottery object 141 has fallen, among the multiple lottery holes H1 to H3 of the attribute lottery device 14, as the second selected attribute λB. The control device 50 specifies the number Ni of objects Ob corresponding to the second selected attribute λB among the multiple objects Ob (Sa102). As described above, the number Ni is the number of objects Ob with the attribute λi assigned to the station 10 in the normal lottery (Sa4).

The control device 50 acquires the lottery table T corresponding to the second selected attribute λB from the storage device 55 among the multiple lottery tables T corresponding to the different attributes λ1 to λ3 (Sa103). The control device 50 executes a numerical lottery to select one of the multiple multipliers α specified by the lottery table T for the second selected attribute λB (Sa104). The numerical lottery is a process of randomly selecting one of the multiple multipliers α. For example, the control device 50 sequentially selects each of the multiple multipliers α specified by the lottery table T, and determines the multiplier α selected when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when the lottery object falls into the lottery hole) as the lottery result. However, the specific method of the numerical lottery is arbitrary, and may be either a physical lottery or an electronic lottery.

As described above, the lottery table T for the first selection attribute λA (special attribute Λ) in the first special lottery in which a special prize was won immediately before is set to a special state. Therefore, the value of the multiplier α when the second selection attribute λB matches the special attribute Λ differs from the value of the multiplier α when the second selection attribute λB does not match the special attribute Λ. Specifically, when the second selection attribute λB matches the special attribute Λ, the value of one or more of the multiple multipliers α is set to a larger value compared to when the second selection attribute λB does not match the special attribute Λ. As described above, in the first embodiment, the first selection attribute λA (special attribute Λ) in the first special lottery of any of the multiple stations 10 affects the multiplier α of the second special lottery of the other stations 10.

When the number of possessions Ni and the magnification α are determined by the above process, the control device 50 executes a determination process to determine the second reward amount W2 according to the number of possessions Ni and the magnification α (Sa105). Specifically, the control device 50 determines the second reward amount W2 by multiplying the number of possessions Ni and the magnification α. Note that the specific method of determining the second reward amount W2 is not limited to the above example. For example, a method of calculating the second reward amount W2 by a predetermined calculation using the number of possessions Ni and the magnification α as variables, or a method of searching for the second reward amount W2 from a data table in which the second reward amount W2 is registered for each pair of the number of possessions Ni and the magnification α are also conceivable. The control device 50 causes the payout device 25 to pay out a quantity of game media Ga equivalent to the second reward amount W2 (Sa106).

Figure 24 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the control device 50 for the second special lottery. As illustrated in Figure 24, by executing a program stored in the memory device 55, the control device 50 realizes multiple functions (a control unit 531, a first lottery unit 532, a second lottery unit 533, and a setting unit 534).

The control unit 531 controls the numerical values of the multiple numbers of possessions N1 to N3 corresponding to different attributes λi for each of the multiple stations 10 in accordance with the progress of the game at that station 10 (Sa5, Sa6). Each number of possessions Ni is an example of a "game parameter."

The first lottery unit 532 executes a first special lottery for any one of the multiple stations 10, using the lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 shared by the multiple stations 10, for a first selection attribute λA selected from the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 (first attribute) (Sd). The second lottery unit 533 executes a second special lottery for each of the multiple stations 10, for a second selection attribute λB selected from the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 (second attribute).

When the result of the first special lottery is a win, the setting unit 534 differentiates the numerical values of the multiple multipliers α applied to the second special lottery when the second selected attribute λB corresponds to the first selected attribute λA from the numerical values of the multiple multipliers α applied to the second special lottery when the second selected attribute λB does not correspond to the first selected attribute λA.

In the above embodiment, the multiplier α applied to the second special lottery differs between when the second selection attribute λB selected for the second special lottery executed for each station 10 matches the first selection attribute λA (special attribute Λ) of the first special lottery in any of the multiple stations 10 and when it does not match the first selection attribute. That is, the result of the second special lottery changes depending on whether the second selection attribute λB corresponds to the special attribute Λ. Therefore, users of each station 10 other than the winning station 10 where the first special lottery is executed among the multiple stations 10 pay attention to the first selection attribute λA selected for the first special lottery and the result of the first special lottery (win/lose). That is, there is an advantage that users of each station 10 other than the station 10 where the first special lottery is executed can maintain their interest in the first special lottery.

In addition, in the first embodiment, when the second selected attribute λB matches the special attribute Λ, the numerical value of one or more of the multiple multipliers α is set to a numerical value that is larger than when the second selected attribute λB does not match the special attribute Λ. Therefore, the second reward amount W2 when the second selected attribute λB corresponds to the special attribute Λ is likely to be larger than the second reward amount W2 when the second selected attribute λB does not correspond to the special attribute Λ. In other words, the second reward amount W2 for users of each station 10 is influenced by the first selected attribute λA in the first special lottery. Therefore, the effect of maintaining each user's interest in the first special lottery is particularly remarkable.

In particular, in the first embodiment, the second reward amount W2 is calculated according to the number Ni of objects Ob held at each station 10. Therefore, users of each station 10 expect that the attribute λi with the largest number Ni held at that station 10 from among the multiple numbers N1 to N3 corresponding to different attributes λi will be selected in the first special lottery. The above configuration has a particularly remarkable effect of maintaining the interest of users of each station 10 in the first special lottery.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the special attribute Λ is maintained from the time when a first special lottery is won at any station 10 until the first time when a first special lottery is won at any station 10 after the first special lottery is won. Therefore, users at each station 10 will actively play the game in order to enjoy the benefits of the change in the multiplier α. In other words, there is an advantage in that game play can be effectively promoted.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in each of the following exemplary embodiments, for elements having the same functions as 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.

In the reference data D of the first embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 10, one effect pattern Px_n and one payout pattern Py_n are registered for each of the multiple numerical ranges R1 to R3 of the first reward amount W1. In the reference data D of the second embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 25, multiple effect patterns Px_n (Px_n1 to Px_n3) and multiple payout patterns Py_n (Py_n1 to Py_n3) are registered for each of the multiple numerical ranges R1 to R3. In FIG. 25, only one arbitrary numerical range Rn out of the multiple numerical ranges R1 to R3 is illustrated for convenience. The moving image V (V1 to V3) specified by the effect pattern Px_n for each effect process X differs for each effect pattern Px_n. Similarly, the quantity E (E1 to E3) specified by the payout pattern Py_n for each payout process Y differs for each payout pattern Py_n.

In step Sg2 of the special process Sg, the control device 50 selects one of the multiple performance patterns Px_n corresponding to the numerical range Rn including the first reward amount W1 and one of the multiple payout patterns Py_n corresponding to the numerical range Rn. The method of selecting the performance pattern Px_n is arbitrary. For example, a configuration in which the control device 50 randomly selects one of the multiple performance patterns Px_n, or a configuration in which the control device 50 selects each of the multiple performance patterns Px_n in a predetermined order for each special process Sg is assumed. Similarly, the method of selecting the payout pattern Py_n is arbitrary. For example, a configuration in which the control device 50 randomly selects one of the multiple payout patterns Py_n, or a configuration in which the control device 50 selects each of the multiple payout patterns Py_n in a predetermined order for each special process Sg is assumed.

The second embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, one of a plurality of presentation patterns Px_n and one of a plurality of payout patterns Py_n are selected, so it is possible to diversify each presentation process Xn and each payout process Yn.

[Modification]
Each of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that may be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

(1) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a numerical value added to the additional reward amount A is exemplified as the lottery element m in the additional lottery L, but the lottery element m in the additional lottery L is not limited to a numerical value. For example, a configuration in which multiple lottery elements m include winning and losing is also envisioned. Furthermore, the condition C (C1, C2) regarding the result of the additional lottery L1 is not limited to the example (A>Ath) in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, in a configuration in which multiple lottery elements m include winning and losing, the success or failure of the condition C (C1, C2) may be determined as the result of the additional lottery L being a winning.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration has been exemplified in which game media Ga of the additional reward amount A is paid out in additional payout process Z (Za, Zb, Zc) after the end of performance process X and payout process Y, but the time at which game media Ga of the additional reward amount A is paid out is not limited to the above example. For example, game media Ga of the additional reward amount A for the additional lottery L may be paid out each time the additional lottery L ends.

(3) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the display of the moving image V is exemplified as the production process X, but the contents of the production process X are not limited to the above examples. The production process X means a production for enhancing the user's winning of a special prize. For example, any operation that generates various production effects that the user can perceive visually or audibly, such as displaying an image by a display device, controlling lighting by a lighting device, and emitting sound (e.g., sound effects) by a sound emitting device, is adopted as the production process X. The aspect of the production process X is the content of the displayed image for the production process X using a display device, the lighting pattern (on/off or change in the color of the emitted light over time) for the production process X using a lighting device, and the condition of the reproduced sound (e.g., type of music) for the production process X using an audio device.

(4) The payout process Y of the gaming medium Ga means the operation of moving the gaming medium Ga to a state where the user can use it. Specifically, for example, the operation of discharging the gaming medium Ga from a payout outlet that the user can use is a typical example of the payout process Y. In addition, in a pusher game in which multiple gaming media Ga on the gaming surface gradually fall from the periphery of the gaming surface by being pressed by a moving body (pusher table) that reciprocates on the gaming surface, the operation of inserting the gaming medium Ga onto the gaming surface (field) corresponds to the payout process Y. In addition, the gaming medium Ga is a medium used in the lottery system 1. For example, a tangible medium such as a physical medal (token) or a ticket is a typical example of the gaming medium Ga. However, in a lottery game (video game) that is played in a virtual space, the virtual medium in the virtual space corresponds to the gaming medium Ga.

(5) The additional lottery L refers to a process of probabilistically selecting one of multiple lottery elements. For example, examples of the additional process include a process of probabilistically selecting either a win or a loss for a user, or a process of probabilistically selecting one of multiple numerical values. The additional lottery L may be either a physical lottery using a lottery device, or an electronic lottery realized by calculation processing. In addition, the action according to the result of the additional lottery L is arbitrary. For example, a mode in which gaming media Ga is paid out to a user who wins the additional lottery L is envisioned. In addition, a configuration in which a special presentation process is executed when a user wins the additional lottery L is also exemplified.

(6) In each of the above forms of additional lottery L, the unit lottery was repeated a predetermined number of times, but the additional lottery L may be composed of a single unit lottery, and the lottery element selected in that unit lottery may be determined as the additional reward amount A (A1, A2).

(7) The specific structure of the conveying body 30 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the multiple protrusions 33 may be omitted. In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a cylindrical holding portion 32 is exemplified, but the configuration of the holding portion 32 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a permanent magnet (a portion that does not protrude from the outer surface 31a) embedded in the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31 may be used as the holding portion 32. Also, for example, a permanent magnet installed on the inner surface of a cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical or square) rotating body 31 may be used as the holding portion 32. That is, the holding portion 32 holds the lottery body 40 on the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31 through the cylindrical portion of the rotating body 31. As can be understood from the above explanation, the configuration in which the holding portion 32 is installed on the outer surface 31a of the rotating body 31 is not essential.

The shape of the rotor 31 is not limited to a cylinder with a constant diameter throughout the direction of the rotation axis Ax. For example, a cylinder with a different diameter depending on the position in the direction of the rotation axis Ax (e.g., a cylinder with a truncated cone shape) or a cylinder with a polygonal cross-sectional shape may be used as the rotor 31. In addition, the holding part 32 may be provided on each of a number of cylindrical supports that protrude radially from the outer surface 31a. For example, a rotor 31 having a shape (crankshaft shape) in which a number of cylinders eccentric to the rotation axis Ax at different angles are connected in the direction of the rotation axis Ax is also conceivable.

(8) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the central point p2 of the path surface sA of the waiting path 35 is lower than points p1 and p3, but the shape of the path surface sA is not limited to the above examples. For example, a path surface sA in which one end of the waiting path 35 in the x-axis direction is lower than the other parts may be adopted. In addition, a configuration in which the path surface sA is lowest at a point near the boundary between the transport area Fa_1 and the transport area Fa_2, or at a point near the boundary between the transport area Fa_2 and the transport area Fa_3, may also be adopted. Since the holding unit 32 is not installed at the boundary between the transport area Fa_1 or the transport area Fa_3 and the transport area Fa_2, the above configuration realizes a highly interesting additional lottery L in which the lottery object 40 is unlikely to be held by the holding unit 32.

(9) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the waiting path 35 is exemplified as a path along which the lottery body 40 rolls on an inclined surface (curved surface or flat surface) inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, but the specific structure of the waiting path 35 is not limited to the above example. For example, the surface of the waiting path 35 may be a stepped surface including a plurality of surfaces of different heights. Furthermore, the waiting path 35 is not limited to a path having a surface along which the lottery body 40 rolls. For example, the waiting path 35 may be configured by two rods arranged horizontally with a gap less than the outer diameter of the lottery body 40. By configuring the two rods so that the gap between the first ends is wider than the gap between the opposite second ends, it is possible to move the lottery body 40 in the direction from the second end toward the first end.

(10) In each of the above-described embodiments, the return path 36 is exemplified as a path including an inclined surface (flat or curved surface) that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the lottery body 40 rolls under its own weight, but the specific structure of the return path 36 is not limited to the above examples. For example, in a configuration in which a mechanism for moving the lottery body 40 toward the rotating body 31 is installed, the surface of the return path 36 may be a flat surface parallel to the horizontal plane. Also, for example, at least a portion of the return path 36 may be constituted by two rods arranged horizontally with a gap less than the outer diameter of the lottery body 40.

(11) In each of the above-described embodiments, the element sequence Mk displayed in each display area Fb_k is moved independently of the rotation of the rotating body 31. However, the rotation of the rotating body 31 and the movement of the element sequence Mk may be linked. For example, depending on the rotation speed of the rotating body 31, a state may occur in which the lottery body 40 is difficult to hold in the holding section 32. The rotation of the rotating body 31 and the movement of the element sequence Mk may be linked so that when the lottery body 40 held in the above state reaches the target point Qk, the lottery element m with a large value is located within the lottery area Fc.

(12) In each of the above-described embodiments, the rotating body 31 rotates at a constant speed, but the rotation speed of the rotating body 31 may change over time. For example, a configuration in which the rotation speed of the rotating body 31 increases or decreases periodically or irregularly is envisioned. The possibility that the lottery object 40 is held in the holding section 32 depends on the rotation speed of the rotating body 31. For example, the faster the rotating body 31 rotates, the lower the possibility that the lottery object 40 is held in the holding section 32 tends to be. Therefore, according to a configuration in which the rotation speed of the rotating body 31 changes, even if the lottery object 40 is in the same position on the waiting path 35, a highly interesting lottery is realized in which the possibility that the lottery object 40 is held in the holding section 32 changes from moment to moment.

(13) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a plurality of permanent magnets 42 are dotted on the inner circumferential surface of the base portion 41, but the shape and arrangement of the permanent magnets 42 are not limited to the above examples. For example, a linear or strip-shaped permanent magnet 42 may be installed on the inner circumferential surface of the base portion 41. In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a plurality of permanent magnets 42 that generate an attractive force between the base portion 41 and the holding portion 32 are installed on the lottery body 40, but a plurality of permanent magnets 42 that generate an attractive force between the base portion 32 and a permanent magnet 42 that generates a repulsive force between the base portion 32 may be installed on the inner circumferential surface of the base portion 41. In other words, a plurality of permanent magnets 42 with the same magnetic poles may be installed on the lottery body 40. According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to move the lottery body 40 irregularly on the waiting path 35. In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the permanent magnets 42 are installed on the inner circumferential surface of the base portion 41, but the permanent magnets 42 may be embedded in the outer surface of the hollow or solid base portion 41, for example. By adjusting the depth of the permanent magnet 42 relative to the outer surface of the base portion 41, it is possible to adjust the magnetic force generated between the permanent magnet 42 and the holding portion 32. In addition, in a configuration in which each permanent magnet 42 of the lottery body 40 is formed by stacking multiple magnets, it is possible to adjust the magnetic force generated between the lottery body 40 and the holding portion 32 by adjusting the number of magnet layers. For example, the magnetic force may be made different depending on the position on the outer surface of the lottery body 40 by varying the number of magnet layers that make up the permanent magnet 42 for each permanent magnet 42.

In the above explanation, attention has been focused on the permanent magnet 42 of the lottery body 40, but the same configuration is also adopted for the permanent magnets constituting the holding part 32. For example, by adjusting the depth or number of layers of the permanent magnet relative to the holding part 32, it is possible to adjust the magnetic force generated between the holding part 32 and the lottery body 40. In addition, by varying the depth or number of layers of the permanent magnet for each holding part 32, the magnetic force between the lottery body 40 and each holding part 32 may be made different.

(14) In each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration in which both the holding unit 32 and the lottery body 40 include a permanent magnet has been exemplified, but a configuration in which only one of the holding unit 32 and the lottery body 40 includes a permanent magnet is also envisioned. For example, in a configuration in which the holding unit 32 is configured with a permanent magnet, the lottery body 40 may include a magnetic body (e.g., a metal piece). Also, in a configuration in which the lottery body 40 includes a permanent magnet, the holding unit 32 may include a magnetic body. The embodiments exemplified for the lottery body 40 in which the permanent magnet 42 is installed are similarly valid for a configuration in which the permanent magnet 42 is replaced with a magnetic body. As can be understood from the above examples, the configuration in which the holding unit 32 holds the lottery body 40 by magnetic force includes:
(A) A configuration in which the holding portion 32 includes a magnet and the lottery body 40 includes a magnetic material;
(B) A configuration in which the holding unit 32 includes a magnetic material and the lottery body 40 includes a magnet, or
(C) A configuration in which both the holding unit 32 and the lottery body 40 include magnets;
The magnet to be installed in the holder 32 may be an electromagnet in addition to a permanent magnet.

(15) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the configuration in which the holding unit 32 holds the lottery body 40 by magnetic force has been exemplified, but the configuration for the holding unit 32 to hold the lottery body 40 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a dish-shaped protrusion on which the lottery body 40 is placed, or a recess that accommodates the lottery body 40, may be installed on the rotating body 31 as the holding unit 32. Also, an element that holds the lottery body 40 by a method other than magnetic force may be used as the holding unit 32. For example, any element that can hold the lottery body 40 may be used as the holding unit 32, such as an element to which the lottery body 40 is attached and detached by a surface fastener formed with mutually engaging hooks or loops, an element to which the lottery body 40 is attached by an adhesive substance, or an element to which the lottery body 40 is attached by suction of air.

(16) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the outer surface 31a of the single rotating body 31 is divided into a plurality of transport areas Fa_1 to Fa_3, but a transport area Fa_k may be formed in each of the plurality of rotating bodies 31 that can rotate independently of each other. That is, each of the plurality of transport areas Fa_1 to Fa_3 may rotate independently of each other. For example, a configuration in which each of the plurality of rotating bodies 31 rotates at a different speed is assumed. With the above-mentioned configuration, a variety of highly interesting additional lotteries L can be realized. Also, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the display surface 232a of the single display device 232 is divided into a plurality of display areas Fb_1 to Fb_3, but a display area Fb_k may be formed in each of the plurality of display bodies that are configured as separate bodies.

(17) In each of the above-described embodiments, the additional lottery L using the lottery device 26 is executed in the special process Sg, but the situation in which the lottery device 26 is used is not limited to the special process Sg. Therefore, the lottery using the lottery device 26 is not limited to a lottery that is additional to the first special lottery. In other words, a lottery using the lottery device 26 may be executed independently of the first special lottery.

(18) In each of the above-described embodiments, the element sequence Mk displayed in the display area Fb_k of the display device 232 is moved (scrolled) in the direction of the z-axis, but the method of changing the lottery element m over time is not limited to the above examples. For example, any of the multiple lottery elements m constituting the element sequence Mk may be displayed sequentially in the display area Fb_k. When the lottery body 40 reaches the target point Qk, the lottery element m displayed in the display area Fb_k is identified as the lottery result.

(19) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the same type of attribute is selected in the first attribute lottery and the second attribute lottery, but the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 (first attribute) selected in the first attribute lottery and the multiple attributes λ1 to λ3 (second attribute) selected in the second attribute lottery may be different types of attributes. For example, one of multiple colors (first attribute) is selected as the first selection attribute λA in the first attribute lottery, and one of multiple objects Ob (second attribute) is selected as the second selection attribute λB in the second attribute lottery. As can be understood from the above explanation, the "case where the second selection attribute λB corresponds" to the first selection attribute λA (special attribute Λ) includes both the case where the first selection attribute λA and the second selection attribute λB are different types of attributes and correspond to each other, and the case where the first selection attribute λA and the second selection attribute λB are the same type of attributes and match each other.

(20) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the configuration in which the multiplier α applied to the calculation of the second reward amount W2 is changed is exemplified, but the lottery parameter that changes depending on the difference between the second selection attribute λB and the special attribute Λ is not limited to the multiplier α. For example, in a form in which one of multiple reward amounts is selected by lottery in the second special lottery, one or more of the multiple reward amounts to be selected may be changed depending on the difference between the second selection attribute λB and the special attribute Λ. In addition, in a form in which one of multiple lottery elements (e.g., items) is selected by lottery in the second special lottery, the probability of each lottery element being selected may be changed depending on the difference between the second selection attribute λB and the special attribute Λ. As can be understood from the above explanation, the numerical value that changes depending on the difference between the second selection attribute λB and the special attribute Λ is collectively expressed as the lottery parameter applied to the second special lottery.

(21) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the number Ni of each object Ob is held is applied to the second special lottery is exemplified, but the game parameter applied to the second special lottery is not limited to the number Ni of each object Ob held. Any numerical value that changes according to the progress of the game at each station 10 is applied to the second special lottery as a game parameter.

(22) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the configuration in which the special attribute Λ is maintained from the winning of the special prize in the first special lottery to the winning of the next special prize is illustrated, but the period during which the special attribute Λ is maintained is not limited to the above examples. For example, a configuration in which the special attribute Λ is valid only for the second special lottery held at each station 10 immediately after the winning of the special prize, a configuration in which the special attribute Λ is valid for a predetermined number of second special lotteries after the winning of the special prize, or a configuration in which the special attribute Λ is valid until a predetermined condition is met after the winning of the special prize is envisaged.

(23) The number of types of attribute λi is not limited to the examples (three types) in each of the above-mentioned forms. That is, a configuration in which any of two types of attribute λi is selected, or a configuration in which any of four or more types of attribute λi is selected, is also assumed. In addition, the number of target points Qk is not limited to the examples (three) in each of the above-mentioned forms. That is, a configuration in which the lottery body 40 is transported to any of two target points Qk, or a configuration in which the lottery body 40 is transported to any of four or more target points Qk, is also assumed. Therefore, the number of transport areas Fa_k or the number of display areas Fb_k is not limited to the examples (three) in each of the above-mentioned forms. Similarly, the number of numerical ranges Rn of the first reward amount W1 is not limited to the examples (three) in each of the above-mentioned forms. For example, a configuration in which the value range of the first reward amount W1 is divided into two numerical ranges Rn, or a configuration in which the value range of the first reward amount W1 is divided into four or more numerical ranges Rn is also assumed.

(24) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the lottery system 1 is provided with a plurality of lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 dedicated to the first special lottery of different attributes λi. However, for example, the display unit 23 may be used for the first special lottery of a specific attribute λi. That is, for any of the plurality of attributes λ1 to λ3, the lottery device 22 dedicated to the first special lottery of the attribute λi may be omitted. In addition, in a configuration in which the lottery system 1 is provided with a plurality of lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 corresponding to different attributes λi, one or more lottery devices 22_i of the plurality of lottery devices 22_1 to 22_3 may be used for lottery processing other than the first special lottery. In addition, in a configuration in which the display unit 23 is used for the first special lottery of a specific attribute λi, the display unit 23 may be used for lottery processing other than the first special lottery.

(25) In each of the above embodiments, the game device 13 of each station 10 provides a pusher game, but the types of games provided by the game device 13 are not limited to the above examples.

(26) A plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) may be arranged in a matrix on the surface of the payout device 25, and the illumination and extinguishing of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements may be controlled according to the pattern of payout of the game media Ga by the payout device 25. For example, a configuration is envisaged in which, among the plurality of light-emitting elements, each light-emitting element that forms a pattern similar to the payout pattern of the game media Ga is illuminated, and the other light-emitting elements are extinguished. Also, a configuration is envisaged in which, among the plurality of light-emitting elements, each light-emitting element that forms a pattern similar to the payout pattern of the game media Ga is extinguished, and the other light-emitting elements are illuminated. The above configuration has the advantage that the payout pattern of the game media Ga can be easily visually recognized by the user.

(27) As another example of a lottery using the lottery device 22_i, for example, an increase process (so-called double-up) for increasing the first reward amount W1 may be included. When the first reward amount W1 is determined, the user can select whether or not to perform the increase process. If the user selects to perform the increase process, for example, one of a plurality of numerical values including 0 (e.g., 0, 1, 5) is selected by lottery, and the new first reward amount W1 is calculated by multiplying the first reward amount W1 by the selected numerical value. Therefore, there is a possibility that the first reward amount W1 will be 0. On the other hand, if the user selects not to perform the increase process, one of a plurality of numerical values having a minimum value of 1 (e.g., 1, 2, 3) is selected by lottery, and the new first reward amount W1 is calculated by multiplying the first reward amount W1 by the selected numerical value. Therefore, the first reward amount W1 does not decrease.

(28) As another example of a lottery using the lottery device 22_i, for example, a physical lottery in which a spherical lottery object is made to enter one of a plurality of lottery holes is assumed. In the above lottery, when the number of times that the lottery object has entered one of the plurality of lottery holes reaches a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times), the physical lottery ends. On the other hand, when the number of times that the lottery object has entered each of all the lottery holes reaches a predetermined number of times (e.g., two times) (i.e., when the lottery object has entered each of the lottery holes twice), the number of times for each lottery hole is initialized to zero. In other words, the number of lottery draws increases.

(29) The functions of the lottery system 1 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device 50 and the program stored in the storage device 55. The above-mentioned programs can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium and installed in the computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and a good example is an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known type of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except a transient, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. In addition, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the above-mentioned non-transitory recording medium.

[Additional Notes]
From the above description, for example, preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood as follows. In order to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are written in parentheses for convenience, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[Appendix A]
Lottery devices that pay out game media such as physical medals according to the results of a lottery process have been proposed. In the lottery device, a user may win a special prize (e.g., a jackpot) through a special lottery with stricter participation conditions than a normal lottery process. A large number of game media are paid out to the user who wins the special prize. Japanese Patent No. 5178244 discloses a configuration that, when a second user wins a jackpot during a period in which a large number of medals are paid out to a first user who has won the jackpot, the number of medals paid out to the second user is increased according to the time the second user waits for the payout of game media.

In the technology of Patent Document 1, a user who wins a jackpot can only passively watch the payout of gaming media and the presentation process, such as image display, for a long period of time until the payout of a large number of gaming media is completed. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain the user's sense of expectation (interest or excitement) while the presentation process is being executed. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present invention (Appendix A) aims to maintain the user's sense of expectation even while the presentation process is being executed.

[Appendix A1]
A lottery system (1) according to one aspect (Appendix A1) of the present invention comprises a determination unit (511, Sg2) which determines a presentation processing when a user wins a special prize, a processing unit (512, Sg3, Sg7, Sg9, Sg13, Sg15) which executes a winning processing including the presentation processing (X) determined by the determination unit (511, Sg2) and a payout processing (Y) which pays out the gaming media (Ga) in the payout amount (E) related to the special prize, and a lottery unit (513, Sg5, Sg11) which executes an additional lottery (L) for the user in parallel with the winning processing.

In the above embodiment, when a user wins a special prize, an additional lottery (L) is executed for that user in parallel with the winning process. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the user only watches the presentation process (X) and payout process (Y) when the user wins a special prize, the user's sense of anticipation can be maintained even while the winning process is being executed.

A "special prize" is a prize (e.g., a jackpot) that is awarded by winning a special lottery that has stricter participation or winning conditions than regular lotteries that are regularly or repeatedly executed. The payout amount (E) of gaming media (Ga) for the special prize is a variable value that depends on, for example, the play by one or more users until the special prize is won.

The winning process and the additional lottery (L) being "in parallel" means that the period during which the winning process is executed and the period during which the additional lottery (L) is executed at least partially overlap. For example, the additional lottery (L) is executed so as to overlap on the time axis with at least one of the presentation process (X) and the payout process (Y) that constitute the winning process.

[Appendix A2]
In a specific example (Appendix A2) of Appendix A1, the winning process includes a plurality of unit processes (U), the lottery unit (513, Sg5, Sg11) executes the additional lottery (L) in parallel with a first unit process (U) among the plurality of unit processes (U), and the processing unit (512, Sg3, Sg7, Sg9, Sg13, Sg15) changes the mode of a second unit process (U) after the first unit process (U) among the plurality of unit processes (U) according to the result of the additional lottery (L) in parallel with the first unit process (U). In the above mode, the mode of the second unit process (U) after the first unit process (U) changes according to the result of the additional lottery (L) in parallel with the first unit process (U), so that it is easy to maintain the user's expectation for the additional lottery (L).

Each of the multiple unit processes (U) includes a presentation process (X) and a payout process (Y). The aspect of the unit process (U) refers to various conditions related to the unit process (U), such as the content of the presentation process (X) in the unit process (U), the duration of the unit process (U) (at least one of the presentation process (X) and the payout process (Y)), or the conditions of the payout process (Y) in the unit process (U) (e.g., the payout amount per unit time (E)).

The result of the additional lottery (L) typically refers to whether the user wins or loses in the additional lottery (L). In addition, if the additional lottery (L) includes multiple processes for randomly selecting one of multiple numbers, the result of the additional lottery (L) may be whether or not the total value of the numbers selected in the multiple processes exceeds a predetermined value.

"Changing the mode of the second unit processing (U) depending on the result of the additional lottery (L)" means that the mode of the second unit processing (U) differs depending on whether or not a specified condition is met as a result of the additional lottery (L).

[Appendix A3]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note A3) of Appendix A2, in the payout process (Y) of each of the plurality of unit processes (U), the amount of game media (Ga) set for each unit process (U) is paid out from the payout amount (E) for the special prize. In the above embodiment, the amount of game media (Ga) set for each unit process (U) is paid out in the payout process (Y) of each unit process (U). Therefore, the duration of the performance process (X) in each unit process (U) can be set to an appropriate time according to the payout amount (E) by the payout process (Y) of the unit process (U).

[Appendix A4]
In a specific example (Appendix A4) of Appendix A2 or Appendix A3, the processing unit (512, Sg3, Sg7, Sg9, Sg13, Sg15) executes the second unit processing (U) including a second performance processing (X) consecutive to the first performance processing (X) in the first unit processing (U) when the result of the additional lottery (L) parallel to the first unit processing (U) is a first result, and executes the second unit processing (U) including a common performance processing (X) prepared in common as a performance processing (X) after two or more unit processings (U) among the multiple unit processings (U) when the result of the additional lottery (L) parallel to the first unit processing (U) is a second result different from the first result. In the above aspect, when the result of the additional lottery (L) is the first result, the second unit process (U) including the second performance process (X) that is continuous with the first performance process (X) in the first unit process (U) is executed, so that the user can be given an incentive to hope that the result of the additional lottery (L) will be the first result. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the user's sense of expectation for the additional lottery (L). Also, when the result of the additional lottery (L) is the second result, the user can be given an incentive to try again in the additional lottery (L). Note that the second performance process (X) "continues" to the first performance process (X) means, for example, a relationship in which the user can recognize that the content of the second performance process (X) is continuous with the content of the first performance process (X).

[Appendix A5]
In the specific example (Appendix A5) of Appendix A4, the additional lottery (L) is a process for determining a numerical value, the first result is that the numerical value exceeds a predetermined value, and the second result is that the numerical value falls below the predetermined value. According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide the user with an incentive to hope that the additional lottery (L) will proceed so that the numerical value exceeds the predetermined value. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the user's sense of expectation for the additional lottery (L).

The "additional lottery (L)" for determining a numerical value is, for example, a single lottery process in which one of a number of numerical values is randomly determined as the numerical value. Alternatively, the "additional lottery (L)" may be a process in which a process of randomly selecting one of a number of numerical values is repeated multiple times, and the total value of the multiple numerical values is determined as the numerical value.

[Appendix A6]
In the specific example (Appendix A6) of Appendix A5, a payout unit (514, Sg6, Sg12) is provided that pays out the game media (Ga) in an amount corresponding to the numerical value. In the above embodiment, the game media (Ga) in an amount corresponding to the numerical value determined by the additional lottery (L) is paid out, so that the effect of maintaining the user's sense of expectation even during the execution of the winning process is particularly remarkable. In addition, the additional lottery (L) is used both to determine the numerical value reflected in the payout amount (E) of the game media (Ga) and to determine the mode of the second unit process (U), so the configuration or operation of the lottery system (1) is simplified compared to a configuration in which the numerical value and the mode of the second unit process (U) are determined by different elements.

"Paying out a quantity of game media (Ga) according to the numerical value" includes not only the case where the same number of game media (Ga) as the numerical value determined by the additional lottery (L) is paid out, but also the case where a variable number of game media (Ga) according to the numerical value is paid out. An example of the latter case is the case where a quantity of game media (Ga) calculated by multiplying the numerical value determined by the additional lottery (L) by a predetermined coefficient is paid out.

[Appendix A7]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix A7) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A4, a payout unit (514, Sg6, Sg12) is provided that pays out the game media (Ga) in an amount corresponding to the result of the additional lottery (L). In the above-mentioned aspects, when the user wins the additional lottery (L), the game media (Ga) are paid out, so that the effect of maintaining the user's sense of expectation even during the execution of the winning process is particularly remarkable.

The timing of the payout of the amount of gaming media (Ga) corresponding to the result of the additional lottery (L) (hereinafter referred to as "additional payout") is arbitrary. For example, the additional payout may be performed in parallel with the winning process, or after the winning process is completed.

The quantity according to the result of the additional lottery (L) means the quantity according to the numerical value in a mode in which the additional lottery (L) is a process for determining a numerical value. Also, in a mode in which the additional lottery (L) is a process for determining whether or not a winner will win, the quantity set for each of the winners and losers (for example, 200 for a winner and 50 for a loser) corresponds to the "quantity according to the result of the additional lottery (L)".

[Appendix A8]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix A8) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A7, the determination unit (511, Sg2) determines the presentation process (X) according to the payout amount (E) of the gaming media (Ga) for the special prize. In the above-mentioned aspect, the presentation process (X) is determined according to the payout amount (E) for the special prize, so that the presentation process (X) appropriate for the payout amount (E) can be executed. For example, the larger the payout amount (E) (i.e., the longer the time required to pay out the gaming media (Ga)), the longer the presentation process (X) can be determined.

"Determining the presentation process (X) according to the payout quantity (E)" means that the mode of the presentation process (X) (e.g., the presentation content or presentation time) is different when the payout quantity (E) is a first quantity and when the payout quantity (E) is a second quantity different from the first quantity. For example, a different mode of presentation process (X) is associated with each of a plurality of numerical ranges (Rn) that divide the numerical range of the payout quantity (E), and the presentation process (X) associated with the numerical range (Rn) that includes the payout quantity (E) for the special prize won by the user is determined by the determination unit (511, Sg2).

[Appendix A9]
In a specific example (Appendix A9) of Appendix A8, the determination unit (511, Sg2) determines the effect process (X) corresponding to the numerical range (Rn) including the payout amount (E) for the special prize among the multiple numerical ranges (Rn) by referring to the reference data (D) that associates the effect process (X) with each of the multiple numerical ranges (Rn). The above aspect has the advantage that the effect process (X) corresponding to the payout amount (E) for the special prize can be easily determined by referring to the reference data (D).

[Appendix A10]
The operation method of the lottery system (1) according to one aspect (Appendix A10) of the present invention determines a presentation process (X) when a user wins a special prize, executes a winning process including the determined presentation process (X) and a payout process (Y) for paying out the game media (Ga) in the payout amount (E), and executes an additional lottery (L) for the user in parallel with the winning process.

[Appendix A11]
A program relating to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix A11) causes a computer system to function as a determination unit (511, Sg2) that determines a presentation process (X) when a user wins a special prize, a processing unit (512, Sg3, Sg7, Sg9, Sg13, Sg15) that executes a winning process including the presentation process (X) determined by the determination unit (511, Sg2) and a payout process (Y) that pays out the game media (Ga) in the payout amount (E), and a lottery unit (513, Sg5, Sg11) that executes an additional lottery (L) for the user in parallel with the winning process.

[Appendix B]
A lottery system (1) that combines a physical lottery using a lottery object such as a sphere and an electronic lottery using an image displayed by a display device has been proposed. For example, FIG. 6 of Japanese Patent No. 6611100 discloses a lottery system (1) that includes an arc-shaped passage along which the lottery object rolls and a display unit that displays multiple candidates. A discharge unit into which the lottery object can enter is formed in the passage. The multiple candidates displayed by the display device move over time. In the above configuration, a candidate that is in a specific position at the time when the lottery object enters the discharge unit among the multiple candidates is identified as the lottery result.

In the configuration of Patent Publication No. 6611100, the lottery result is determined the moment the lottery body enters the discharge section, making it difficult to maintain the user's sense of anticipation (interest or excitement) for an appropriate period of time. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present invention (Appendix B) aims to appropriately ensure that the user's sense of anticipation is maintained for an appropriate period of time.

[Appendix B1]
A lottery system (1) according to one aspect (Appendix B1) of the present invention includes a transport body (30) that transports a lottery body (40) to a target location while holding the lottery body (40), a display unit (232) that displays a lottery element (m) that changes over time, and a lottery unit (521, La6) that identifies the lottery element (m) displayed on the display unit (232) as a lottery result based on the lottery body (40) reaching the target location.

In the above embodiment, the lottery element (m) displayed on the display unit (232) is identified as the lottery result based on the lottery body (40) reaching the target location. Therefore, the user expects that the desired lottery element (m) will be displayed on the display unit (232) at the time corresponding to the lottery body (40) reaching the target location during the process of the lottery body (40) being transported by the transport body (30). Since the transport body (30) transports the lottery body (40) to the target location while holding the lottery body (40), an appropriate time is ensured from when the transport body (30) starts holding the lottery body (40) until the lottery body (40) reaches the target location. In other words, there is an advantage in that it is easy to ensure the time during which the user's sense of expectation is maintained.

The "lottery body (40)" is any object used in the lottery. A typical example of the lottery body (40) is a three-dimensional object (e.g., a sphere) that can roll on a flat surface, but the shape of the lottery body (40) is not limited to the above example. For example, a disk-shaped lottery body (40) (e.g., a physical medal) may be used.

The fact that the lottery element (m) displayed on the display unit (232) "changes over time" includes, for example, the manner in which the lottery element (m) moves (scrolls) or the manner in which the appearance of the lottery element (m) changes over time.

The lottery unit (521, La6) that specifies the lottery element (m) displayed on the display unit (232) as the lottery result based on the lottery body (40) reaching the target location is, for example, an element that specifies the lottery element (m) displayed on the display unit at the time when the lottery body (40) reaches the target location as the lottery result. However, it does not matter whether the time when the lottery body (40) reaches the target location is different from the time when the lottery result is specified. For example, the lottery element (m) displayed on the display unit (232) at the time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the lottery body (40) reached the target location may be specified as the lottery result. As can be understood from the above example, if the lottery element is specified due to the lottery body reaching the target location, the requirement of "based on the lottery body (40) reaching the target location" is satisfied.

[Appendix B2]
In a specific example (Appendix B2) of Appendix B1, the transport body (30) includes a rotating body (31) that rotates around a rotation axis (Ax) and a holding part (32) that is installed on the rotating body (31) and holds the lottery body (40). In the above embodiment, the lottery body (40) held by the holding part (32) is transported by the rotation of the rotating body (31) to reach the target location. Therefore, there is an advantage that the lottery body (40) can be transported by simple control of the rotation of the rotating body (31), and the space required for installing the transport body (30) is reduced.

[Appendix B3]
In a specific example (Appendix B3) of Appendix B2, the holding portion (32) holds the lottery body (40) by magnetic force. In the above embodiment, since the holding portion (32) holds the lottery body (40) by magnetic force, contact between the lottery body (40) and the holding portion (32) is reduced compared to a configuration employing a holding portion (32) on which the lottery body (40) is placed. Therefore, wear or damage to the lottery body (40) and the holding portion (32) caused by contact between them can be suppressed.

[Appendix B4]
In a specific example (Appendix B4) of Appendix B3, the magnetic force acting between the lottery body (40) and the holding part (32) in a state where a first region of the surface of the lottery body (40) contacts the holding part (32) is different from the magnetic force acting between the lottery body (40) and the holding part (32) in a state where a second region of the surface different from the first region contacts the holding part (32). In the above embodiment, the probability that the lottery body (40) is held by the holding part (32) differs between a case where the lottery body (40) approaches the holding part (32) with the first region facing and a case where the lottery body (40) approaches the holding part (32) with the second region facing. That is, there is an advantage that it is easy to ensure randomness in the behavior of the lottery body (40) (whether it is held by the holding part (32) or not).

[Appendix B5]
In a specific example (Appendix B5) of Appendix B1, the target location includes a plurality of target points (Qk), the transport body (30) transports the lottery body (40) to any one of the plurality of target points (Qk), the display unit (232) includes a plurality of display areas (Fb_k) that display a lottery element (m) that changes over time, and the lottery unit (521, La6) identifies, based on the lottery body (40) reaching any one of the plurality of target points (Qk), the lottery element (m) displayed in the display area (Fb_k) corresponding to the target point (Qk) among the plurality of display areas (Fb_k), as the lottery result.

In the above embodiment, the lottery result is determined according to the target point (Qk) where the lottery body (40) reaches by the transport by the transport body (30) among the multiple target points (Qk) and the display content of the display area (Fb_k) at the time corresponding to the lottery body (40) reaching the target point (Qk). Therefore, the user expects the lottery body (40) to reach the target point (Qk) corresponding to the display area (Fb_k) where the desired lottery element (m) is displayed among the multiple target points (Qk), and expects the desired lottery element (m) to be displayed in the display area (Fb_k) at the time corresponding to the lottery body (40) reaching the target point (Qk). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the lottery result is determined only according to the target point (Qk) where the lottery body (40) reaches among the multiple target points (Qk), a lottery with a high level of interest can be realized with a variety of factors that affect the lottery result.

Each of the multiple display areas (Fb_k) is typically an area formed on a single display device. However, the display areas (Fb_k) may also be formed on each of multiple display devices configured separately from one another. In other words, the display unit (232) may be realized by a single display device or by multiple display devices.

"The lottery element (m) displayed in the display area (Fb_k) corresponding to the target point (Qk) among the multiple display areas (Fb_k)" means, for example, the lottery element (m) displayed in the display area (Fb_k) corresponding to the target point (Qk) among the multiple display areas (Fb_k) in an aspect in which any of the multiple lottery elements (m) are sequentially displayed in each display area (Fb_k). Also, for example, in an aspect in which any of the multiple lottery elements (m) moves (e.g., scrolls) within each display area (Fb_k), it means the lottery element (m) displayed in a specific area among the display area (Fb_k) corresponding to the target point (Qk) among the multiple display areas (Fb_k).

[Appendix B6]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note B6) of Appendix B5, the plurality of target points (Qk) include a first target point (Qk1) and a second target point (Qk2) that are different in position in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax), the conveyor (30) includes a rotating body (31) that rotates around the rotation axis (Ax) and a plurality of holding parts (32) that hold the lottery body (40), and the plurality of holding parts (32) include one or more first holding parts (32_k1) installed at a position corresponding to the first target point (Qk1) in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax), and one or more second holding parts (32_k2) installed at a position corresponding to the second target point (Qk2) in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax). In the above embodiment, the holding parts (32) are arranged at positions corresponding to the different target points (Qk) in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax) of the rotating body (31). Specifically, one or more first holding units (32_k1) are installed at a position corresponding to the first target point (Qk1), and one or more second holding units (32_k2) are installed at a position corresponding to the second target point (Qk2). Therefore, there is an advantage that the user can easily grasp the target point (Qk) where the lottery object (40) held in each holding unit (32) will arrive.

[Appendix B7]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note B7) of Appendix B6, the one or more first holding parts (32_k1) are two or more first holding parts (32_k1) arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating body (31), and the one or more second holding parts (32_k2) are two or more second holding parts (32_k2) arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating body (31). In the above-mentioned aspect, two or more first holding parts (32_k1) are installed at a position corresponding to the first target point (Qk1), and two or more second holding parts (32_k2) are installed at a position corresponding to the second target point (Qk2). Therefore, compared with a configuration in which one first holding part (32_k1) and one second holding part (32_k2) are installed, it is possible to increase the possibility that the lottery object (40) is held by the holding part (32) (and thus the possibility of reaching the target point (Qk)).

[Appendix B8]
In a specific example (Appendix B8) of any of Supplementary Notes B5 to B7, the multiple display areas (Fb_k) include a first display area (Fb_k1) corresponding to the first target point (Qk1) in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax) and a second display area (Fb_k2) corresponding to the second target point (Qk2) in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax), and the display unit (232) moves the lottery element (m) displayed in the first display area (Fb_k1) toward the first target point (Qk1) and moves the lottery element (m) displayed in the second display area (Fb_k2) toward the second target point (Qk2). In the above embodiment, the lottery element (m) displayed in each display area (Fb_k) moves to approach the target point (Qk), so that the user can predict the position of the lottery element (m) in each display area (Fb_k) at the time corresponding to the lottery body (40) reaching the target point (Qk). Therefore, a highly entertaining lottery that can easily maintain the user's interest in the process until the lottery body (40) reaches the target point (Qk) can be realized.

[Appendix B9]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix B9) of Appendix B2 to Appendix B4 and Appendix B6 to Appendix B8, a waiting path (35) extending along the rotation axis (Ax) around the rotating body (31) is provided, and the lottery body (40) rolls on the waiting path (35) until it is held by the transport body (30). In the above embodiment, the lottery body (40) moves on the waiting path (35) until it is held by the transport body (30) (specifically, the holding part (32)). Therefore, it is possible to realize a highly interesting lottery in which the user cannot immediately know which of the multiple holding parts (32) the lottery body (40) is held.

[Appendix B10]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note B10) of Appendix B9, the height of the lottery body (40) when it is at a first point in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax) on the waiting path (35) is lower than the height of the lottery body (40) when it is at a second point different from the first point in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax) on the waiting path (35). In the above aspect, since the height of the lottery body (40) when it is at the first point is lower than the height of the lottery body (40) when it is at the second point, the probability that the lottery body (40) is located near the first point exceeds the probability that the lottery body (40) is located near the second point. In other words, the probability that the lottery body (40) is held in the holding part (32) close to the first point among the multiple holding parts (32) is higher than the probability that the lottery body (40) is held in the holding part (32) close to the second point. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the probability that the lottery body (40) reaches each of the plurality of target points (Qk) different. Specifically, it is possible to increase the possibility that the lottery body (40) reaches the target point (Qk) whose position in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax) is close to the first point among the plurality of target points (Qk).

The first position and the second position in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax) are arbitrary. For example, if a position near the center of the rotating body (31) in the direction of the rotation axis (Ax) is defined as the first position, and a position near the end of the rotating body (31) is defined as the second position, it is possible to concentrate the lottery bodies (40) in the holding portion (32) near the center of the rotating body (31).

[Appendix B11]
In a specific example (Appendix B11) of Appendix B9 or Appendix B10, the conveying body (30) includes a plurality of protrusions (33) protruding from the outer surface (31a) of the rotating body (31), and the plurality of protrusions (33) bias the lottery body (40) rolling on the waiting path (35). In the above embodiment, the lottery body (40) on the waiting path (35) moves irregularly due to the bias (e.g., collision) from the plurality of protrusions (33). Therefore, a highly interesting lottery is realized in which the user cannot immediately know which of the plurality of holding parts (32) the lottery body (40) is held in.

[Appendix B12]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix B12) of Appendix B1 to Appendix B11, a return path (36) is provided for returning the lottery object (40) that has reached the target location toward the transport body (30). In the above-mentioned aspect, the lottery object (40) that has reached the target location returns to the transport body (30) via the return path (36). Therefore, it is possible to repeat the lottery using the lottery object (40) without requiring a mechanism for throwing the lottery object (40) from the outside toward the transport body (30).

[Appendix B13]
In a specific example (Appendix B13) of Appendix B12, a movable body (38) installed on the return path (36) and a control unit (522, La3, La4) that controls the movable body (38) to either a blocking state that blocks the movement of the lottery body (40) toward the transport body (30) or a release state that allows the movement of the lottery body (40) toward the transport body (30) are provided. In the above aspect, the movable body (38) installed on the return path (36) is controlled to either a blocking state that blocks the movement of the lottery body (40) or a release state that allows the movement of the lottery body (40). Therefore, by controlling the state of the movable body (38), the time when the lottery body (40) is supplied toward the transport body (30) can be controlled.

[Appendix C]
Lottery devices that pay out game media such as physical medals according to the results of a lottery process have been proposed. In the lottery device, a user may win a special prize (e.g., a jackpot) through a special lottery with stricter participation conditions than a normal lottery process. A large number of game media are paid out to the user who wins the special prize. Japanese Patent No. 5178244 discloses a configuration that, when a second user wins a jackpot during a period in which a large number of medals are paid out to a first user who has won the jackpot, the number of medals paid out to the second user is increased according to the time the second user waits for the payout of game media.

In conventional configurations, only one user among multiple users who wins a special prize can obtain a large number of rewards, and the progress or outcome of the lottery for the special prize is irrelevant to other users. Note that the above explanation focuses on the lottery for the special prize, but similar circumstances are assumed for other lotteries. Taking the above into consideration, one aspect of the present invention (Appendix C) aims to maintain the interest of users of each station other than the station where the lottery is held in the lottery.

[Appendix C1]
A lottery system (1) according to one aspect (Appendix C1) of the present invention includes a first lottery unit (532, Sd) that executes a first lottery for a first selection attribute (λA) selected from a plurality of first attributes (λi) for any one of a plurality of stations (10) at which different users play a game, by using a lottery device (22-i) shared by the plurality of stations (10); The system includes a second lottery unit (533, Sa10) that executes a second lottery for a second selection attribute (λB) to which a lottery parameter (α) is applied, and a setting unit (534, Sf) that, when the result of the first lottery is a win, makes a difference between the numerical value of the lottery parameter (α) applied to the second lottery when the second selection attribute (λB) corresponds to the first selection attribute (λA) and the numerical value of the lottery parameter (α) applied to the second lottery when the second selection attribute (λB) does not correspond to the first selection attribute (λA).

In the above embodiment, when the result of the first lottery executed for any station (10) among the multiple stations (10) is a winning result, the numerical value of the lottery parameter (α) applied to the second lottery differs between the case where the second selection attribute (λB) selected from the multiple second attributes (λi) for the second lottery for each station (10) corresponds to the first selection attribute (λA) selected from the multiple first attributes (λi) for the first lottery and the case where the second selection attribute (λB) does not correspond to the first selection attribute (λA). That is, the result of the second lottery changes depending on whether the second selection attribute (λB) corresponds to the first selection attribute (λA). Therefore, users of each station (10) among the multiple stations (10) other than the station (10) where the first lottery is executed pay attention to the first selection attribute (λA) selected for the first lottery. That is, there is an advantage that users of each station (10) other than the station (10) where the first lottery is executed can maintain their interest in the first lottery.

The "first attribute (λi)" is a feature related to the first lottery. For example, the method or conditions of the first lottery, the lottery device (22-i) used for the first lottery, and the performance process during the execution of the first lottery, and other operations related to the first lottery change according to a first selection attribute (λA) selected from a plurality of first attributes (λi). The first selection attribute (λA) is selected, for example, by a lottery before the execution of the first lottery.

The "second attribute (λi)" is a feature related to the second lottery. For example, the method or conditions of the second lottery, and operations related to the second lottery, such as the presentation processing during the execution of the second lottery, change according to a second selected attribute (λB) selected from a plurality of second attributes (λi). The second selected attribute (λB) is selected, for example, by a lottery before the execution of the second lottery. The first attribute (λi) and the second attribute (λi) may be the same type of attribute or different types of attributes.

The "lottery parameter (α)" is any parameter that affects the result of the second lottery. For example, if the second lottery is a process for determining a numerical value, the variable applied to the calculation of the numerical value corresponds to the lottery parameter (α). Also, if the second lottery is a process for probabilistically selecting one of multiple elements, the probability that each element will be selected corresponds to the lottery parameter (α).

"When the first selected attribute (λA) and the second selected attribute (λB) correspond" means that the first selected attribute (λA) and the second selected attribute (λB) have a predetermined relationship. For example, when the first selected attribute (λA) and the second selected attribute (λB) are attributes of the same type or are attributes that are related to each other, it can be said that the first selected attribute (λA) and the second selected attribute (λB) correspond. On the other hand, "when the first selected attribute (λA) and the second selected attribute (λB) do not correspond" means that the first selected attribute (λA) and the second selected attribute (λB) do not have a predetermined relationship. For example, when the first selected attribute (λA) and the second selected attribute (λB) are attributes of different types or are attributes that are lowly related to each other, it can be said that the first selected attribute (λA) and the second selected attribute (λB) do not correspond.

In a typical embodiment, each first attribute (λi) and each second attribute (λi) correspond one-to-one, but the numerical correspondence between the first attribute (λi) and the second attribute (λi) is not limited to the above examples. For example, there may be cases where two or more first attributes (λi) out of multiple first attributes (λi) correspond to one second attribute (λi), or cases where two or more second attributes (λi) out of multiple second attributes (λi) correspond to one first attribute (λi).

The conditions for the period during which the first selection attribute (λA) of the first lottery that results in a winning result is maintained are arbitrary. For example, possible conditions include a mode in which the first selection attribute (λA) is valid only for the second lottery that is executed immediately after the winning first lottery, a mode in which the first selection attribute (λA) is valid until a predetermined number of second lotteries are executed after the winning first lottery, a mode in which the first selection attribute (λA) is valid in all second lotteries after the winning first lottery, or a mode in which the first selection attribute (λA) is valid for the period after the winning first lottery until a predetermined condition is met.

[Appendix C2]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note C2) of Appendix C1, the lottery parameter (α) includes a plurality of numerical values, the second lottery includes a numerical lottery (Sa104) for selecting one of the plurality of numerical values by lottery, and a determination process (Sa105) for determining a reward amount (W2) according to the numerical value selected by the numerical lottery (Sa104), and the setting unit (534, Sf) sets at least one of the plurality of numerical values to a larger numerical value when the second selection attribute (λB) corresponds to the first selection attribute (λA) compared to when the second selection attribute (λB) does not correspond to the first selection attribute (λA). In the above aspect, the reward amount (W2) when the second selection attribute (λB) corresponds to the first selection attribute (λA) is likely to be larger than the reward amount (W2) when the second selection attribute (λB) does not correspond to the first selection attribute (λA). That is, the amount of reward (W2) given to the user of each station (10) is influenced by the first selection attribute (λA) in the first lottery. Therefore, the effect of being able to maintain the interest of the users of each station (10) in the first lottery is particularly remarkable.

The change in the numerical value may be realized, for example, by a calculation such as adding or multiplying the numerical value by a predetermined coefficient, or by switching between a series of multiple numerical values.

[Appendix C3]
In a specific example (additional note C3) of appendix C2, a control unit (531, Sa5, Sa6) is provided for controlling the numerical values of a plurality of game parameters (Ni) corresponding to different second attributes (λi) for each of the plurality of stations (10) in accordance with the progress of the game at the station (10), and the determination process (Sa105) is a process for calculating the reward amount (W2) in accordance with the numerical value of the game parameter (Ni) corresponding to the second selection attribute (λB) among the plurality of game parameters (Ni) and the numerical value selected by the numerical lottery (Sa104). In the above aspect, the reward amount (W2) is calculated in accordance with the numerical value of the game parameter (Ni) at each station (10). Therefore, the user of each station (10) expects that the first attribute (λi) corresponding to the second attribute (λi) of the game parameter (Ni) having a larger numerical value at the station (10) among the plurality of game parameters (Ni) will be selected in the first lottery. According to the above embodiment, the effect of maintaining the interest of users of each station (10) in the first lottery is particularly remarkable.

A "game parameter (Ni)" is any parameter whose value changes as the game progresses. For example, in a game in which objects such as items are given to the user, the number of such objects given is exemplified as a "game parameter (Ni)." An "object" is a virtual element that appears in the game (e.g., a gem). A typical example of a second attribute (λi) is the color of an object, and a typical example of a first attribute (λi) is a color that symbolizes the first lottery (e.g., the representative color of a lottery machine used in the first lottery).

[Appendix C4]
In any of the specific examples (appendix C4) of appendix C1 to appendix C3, the first selection attribute (λA) that is valid for the second lottery is maintained from the winning of the first lottery to the first winning of the first lottery after the winning of the first lottery. In the above-mentioned aspect, since the first selection attribute (λA) is maintained from the winning of the first lottery to the first winning of the first lottery after the winning of the first lottery, users of each station (10) actively play the game to enjoy the benefits due to the change in the lottery parameter (α).

[Appendix C5]
A method of operating a lottery system (1) according to one aspect (Appendix C5) of the present invention includes: for any one of a plurality of stations (10) where different users play a game, using a lottery device (22-i) shared by the plurality of stations (10), conducting a first lottery for a first selection attribute (λA) selected from a plurality of first attributes (λi); for each of the plurality of stations (10), conducting a second lottery for a second selection attribute (λB) selected from a plurality of second attributes (λi), to which a lottery parameter (α) is applied; and, when the result of the first lottery is a win, differentiating the numerical value of the lottery parameter (α) applied to the second lottery when the second selection attribute (λB) corresponds to the first selection attribute (λA) from the numerical value of the lottery parameter (α) applied to the second lottery when the second selection attribute (λB) does not correspond to the first selection attribute (λA).

[Appendix C6]
A program according to one aspect (appendix C6) of the present invention includes a first lottery section (532, Sd) that executes a first lottery for a first selection attribute (λA) selected from a plurality of first attributes (λi) for any one of a plurality of stations (10) where different users play a game, by using a lottery device (22-i) shared by the plurality of stations (10), and a second lottery for a second selection attribute (λB) selected from a plurality of second attributes (λi) for each of the plurality of stations (10). The computer system functions as a second lottery unit (533, Sa10) that executes a second lottery to which a lottery parameter (α) is applied, and a setting unit (534, Sf) that, when the result of the first lottery is a win, makes a difference between the numerical value of the lottery parameter (α) applied to the second lottery when the second selection attribute (λB) corresponds to the first selection attribute (λA) and the numerical value of the lottery parameter (α) applied to the second lottery when the second selection attribute (λB) does not correspond to the first selection attribute (λA).

1...lottery system, 10...station, 11...display device, 112...rotating unit, 12...operation panel, 121...operation unit, 122...reception unit, 123...discharge unit, 13...game device, 131...fixed table, 132...movable table, Ha...lottery hole, 133...insertion mechanism, 134...fixed wall portion, 135...supply device, 14...attribute lottery device, 141...lottery body, H1 to H3...lottery hole, 20...central unit, 21...support, 22_1, 22_2, 22_3...lottery device, 23...display unit, 231...display device, 232...display device, 232a...display surface, 24...transport device, 25...payout device, 26...lottery device, 30...transport body, 31...rotating body, 31a...outer surface, 32_ k (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) ... holding portion, 33 ... protrusion portion, 34 ... driving device, 35 ... standby path, 35a ... fence portion, 36 ... return path, 361 ... first path, 362 ... second path, 363 ... fence portion, 37 (37_1, 37_2, 37_3, 37_4) ... partition portion, 38 ... movable body, 39_k (39_1, 39_2, 39_3) ... detection Dispenser, 40...lottery body, 41...base portion, 411...storage portion, 412...projection portion, 42...permanent magnet, 50...control device, 55...storage device, 511...determination portion, 512...processing portion, 513...lottery portion, 514...payout portion, 521...lottery portion, 522...control portion, 531...control portion, 532...first lottery portion, 533...second lottery portion, 534...setting portion.

Claims (12)

A carrier that carries the lottery object to any one of a plurality of target points while holding the lottery object;
A display unit including a plurality of display areas for displaying lottery elements that change over time;
and a lottery unit that, based on the lottery body reaching any one of the plurality of target points , identifies, as a lottery result, a lottery element displayed in a display area among the plurality of display areas that corresponds to the target point . The carrier is
A rotor that rotates around a rotation axis;
The lottery system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a holding unit that is installed on the rotating body and holds the lottery body. The lottery system according to claim 2 , wherein the holding unit holds the lottery body by magnetic force. The lottery system of claim 3, wherein a magnetic force acting between the lottery body and the holding part when a first region of the surface of the lottery body is in contact with the holding part is different from a magnetic force acting between the lottery body and the holding part when a second region of the surface different from the first region is in contact with the holding part. The carrier is
A rotor that rotates around a rotation axis;
A plurality of holding units for holding the lottery bodies,
the plurality of target points include a first target point and a second target point that are different in position in a direction of the rotation axis,
The plurality of holding portions include
One or more first holding units installed at positions corresponding to the first target points in the direction of the rotation axis;
The lottery system according to claim 1 , further comprising: one or more second holding units installed at positions corresponding to the second target points in the direction of the rotation axis. the one or more first holding portions are two or more first holding portions arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotating body,
The lottery system according to claim 5 , wherein the one or more second holding portions are two or more second holding portions arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotating body. The plurality of display areas include
a first display area corresponding to the first target point in the direction of the rotation axis;
a second display area corresponding to the second target point in a direction of the rotation axis,
The display unit is
moving the lottery element displayed in the first display area toward the first target point;
The lottery system according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the lottery elements displayed in the second display area are moved toward the second target point. a waiting path extending along the rotation axis around the rotor,
The lottery system according to claim 2 , wherein the lottery body rolls on the waiting path until it is held by the transport body. The lottery system of claim 8, wherein the height of the lottery body when it is at a first point on the waiting path in the direction of the rotation axis is lower than the height of the lottery body when it is at a second point on the waiting path different from the first point in the direction of the rotation axis. the conveying body includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from an outer surface of the rotating body,
The lottery system according to claim 8 or 9 , wherein the plurality of protrusions bias the lottery body rolling on the waiting path. The lottery system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , further comprising a return path for returning the lottery object that has reached any one of the plurality of target points toward the transport body. A movable body installed on the return path;
The lottery system of claim 11, further comprising: a control unit that controls the movable body to either a blocked state that blocks movement of the lottery body toward the transport body or a released state that allows movement of the lottery body toward the transport body.

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