WO2003095051A1

WO2003095051A1 - Prize acquiring game system using communication network, host computer for prize acqurijng game, and player terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2003095051A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/004573
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazuyoshi Shimoda
Original assignee: Banpresto Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-05-10
Filing date: 2002-05-10
Publication date: 2003-11-20
Also published as: JPWO2003095051A1; AU2002255342A1

Abstract

A host computer connected to player terminals through a communication network, on receiving a prize allocation request of a player terminal, subtracts the number of virtual prizes currently allocated (allocated number) from the number of virtual prizes allocatable (allocatable number) to determine the number of virtual prizes unallocated. The host computer compares the number of virtual prizes unallocated with the number of virtual prizes requested to be allocated so as to judge whether the allocation is possible or not. The host computer notifies the terminal of the result of the judgment. The allocatable number is set according to the actual quantity of inventory of the virtual prizes recorded in an inventory management database and to the payout factor for controlling the prize acquisition rate at the terminal. The lower the payout factor is, the larger the total allocatable number can be. Therefore virtual prizes can be allocated to many users. As a result, the users simultaneously enjoying the game can be increased, and a wide range of users can enjoy games.

Description

Description Technical field of prize acquisition game system using communication network and host computer and player terminal for prize acquisition game>

The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game system that allows a user to virtually enjoy a prize acquisition game such as a catcher game installed at a game center on a computer. The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game system, a host computer for a prize acquisition game, and a player terminal, which can surely provide a real prize corresponding to a virtual prize acquired by a player to the player.

Background technology>

In recent years, prize acquisition games, called so-called catcher games, have gained popularity in game centers and other amusement facilities. This prize acquisition game is a game in which one prize is taken out of a large number of prizes housed in a transparent showcase, carried to a predetermined exit, and taken out of the case. The prizes include various popular character dolls. The prize is transferred using a magic hand that can pinch the prize from both sides like a human hand. This magic hand is installed in the same showcase as the prize, and is operated using operation buttons provided outside the showcase. The magic hand moves in only at least two directions, usually, back and forth, left and right, up and down, or diagonal.There is only one chance to move in each direction, and when you release the pressed operation button, I can't move the magic hand again in the direction. The player moves the magic hand by looking at the inside of the showcase from the outside of the showcase and operating the operation buttons to a position where the desired prize can be obtained. Here, if the magic hand stops at an appropriate position, the magic hand can pinch the target prize from both sides, carry it to a predetermined outlet, drop the prize there, and take it out.

On the other hand, in recent years, with the remarkable development of the Internet, The boundaries are being developed rapidly. In addition, it is becoming possible to deliver huge amounts of data in a short time due to the improvement in data communication speed. Against this background, online games such as Go and Shogi have been widely spread on the Internet. One of the reasons online games are becoming more widespread is the convenience of playing games anywhere, anytime. In other words, the convenience of being able to easily enjoy games through a PC while staying at home without having to go to a game center, etc., has become a factor that has gained popularity.

Under such circumstances, the present inventor has found that if a prize acquisition game such as the catcher game described above can be enjoyed on the Internet in the same manner as other games, it will gain popularity and anyone can try it once. I thought I would want to try it. In particular, since there is no need to go to a game center, anyone can enjoy it anywhere and eliminate regional disparities.

However, there are challenges that must be overcome in order for the prize acquisition game to be as entertaining as the other games on the Internet. That is, how to manage prize inventory. When a prize acquisition game is enjoyed at a game center or the like, since the prize actually exists in such a game machine, if the player acquires the prize, the prize is surely at hand. Cross over. However, when trying to realize a prize acquisition game on the Internet, the prize is only a virtual thing, so even if the prize can actually be acquired in the game, the prize is not in stock and immediately In some cases, it cannot be delivered to the player. In particular, with regard to popular prizes such as one-character prizes and rare prizes with a small number of stocks, there are many people who want games, and it is highly likely that many prizes will be obtained in a short period of time. In such a case, if the prize is not enough to be delivered to the player due to the shortage of the prize inventory, if the prize is no longer available or replaced with another prize, Even if you win a prize, you may not be able to get the prize, which may frustrate the players and diminish interest.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and one of the objects is to enable a prize acquisition game installed at a game center or the like to be virtually enjoyed on a personal computer or the like at home, and to provide a game. A prize acquisition game system using a communication network capable of surely transferring the acquired prize to a player without delay, and a system for the prize acquisition. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize acquisition game host computer and a player terminal used for a game.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

In order to solve the above and other problems, a first configuration of the present invention is a host computer communicably connected to a number of player terminals on which a virtual prize acquisition game is executed via a communication network. A game system comprising: providing a real prize corresponding to a virtual prize obtained by the player in the virtual prize acquisition game to the player,

An inventory management database that manages the number of stocks of the real prizes,

Prize allocation means for allocating a virtual prize to a player terminal trying to play a virtual prize acquisition game;

A payout control means for issuing, to a player terminal who intends to play a virtual prize acquisition game, instruction information of permission / non-permission of virtual prize acquisition based on a preset payout rate for the real prize. Prepared,

Setting means for setting the total number that can be allocated based on the stock quantity and the payout rate;

Management means for storing and managing the number of virtual prizes already allocated to the player terminal;

A determination unit configured to determine whether allocation is possible based on the total number of allocations and the already allocated number.

In the present invention, for example, a host computer connected to a large number of player terminals via a communication network is configured to sequentially assign virtual prizes to the accessing player terminals. Can access the host computer at the same time, there is no problem such as lack of stock or out of stock, and it is possible to avoid situations where the acquired prize is not available even on the virtual prize acquisition game It is possible to surely provide the obtained prize to the player. The same games as prize acquisition games such as catcher game machines installed at game centers can be enjoyed on personal computers. And anywhere, anytime, anywhere Since they can enjoy the game, they can enjoy the prize-gaining game fairly anywhere without regional disparity.

Furthermore, in this system, the payout control means issues instruction information on permission / non-permission of the prize acquisition to the player terminal, so that the number of prizes acquired at the player terminal can be controlled. You can prevent overprize of prizes. Furthermore, here, the setting means sets the total number of allocations based on the number of inventory in the inventory management database and the payment rate, so that it is possible to allocate more virtual prizes than the actual number of inventory, thereby reducing the number of inventory. Even if it is a prize, the chance of obtaining the prize can be increased. As many users as possible can enjoy the prize acquisition game.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a basic configuration of a prize acquisition game system using a communication network according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing one embodiment of a game screen in the virtual prize acquisition game of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of an exchange between a host computer and a player terminal of a prize acquisition game system using a communication network according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of registered contents of the inventory management database of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of the payload control information of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the payload control information of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the number of stocks in the stock management database according to the present invention, the payout rate, and the total number of assignable stocks.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of an allocation management method of the management unit according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the already allocated number, the allocatable total number, and the unallocated number obtained based on these according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a determination procedure of the determination unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the exchange between the host computer of the present invention and the player terminal. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram shown in a series.

FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing an example of a system configuration when a prize acquisition game system using a communication network according to the present invention is constructed using the Internet.

= = = Basic configuration of system = = =

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a prize acquisition game system using a communication network according to the present invention. This system is composed of a host computer 2 communicably connected to each other via a communication network 6 and a large number of player terminals 4.

The host computer 2 is a computer system having a communication interface, a large-capacity data storage device, and the like, reads a program stored in the large-capacity data storage device, and executes data processing according to the program. The host computer 2 is composed of a workstation-class high-performance computer or the like, and can communicate with many player terminals 4 at the same time. The host computer 2 is not limited to the case where the host computer 2 is constituted by one computer device, but also includes the case where the host computer 2 is constituted by two or more computers linked to each other and performs distributed processing.

The communication network 6 includes any communication network that can connect the host computer 2 and the player terminal 4, such as the Internet, a public telephone network, and a dedicated communication network such as WAN and VAN. In addition to this, the communication network 6 according to the present invention includes an in-house LAN constructed inside a hotel building and the like, a store within a store such as a family-less train, a first store, a convenience store, or between stores. Includes various types of communication networks that are closed to the outside, such as intranets constructed by connecting

On the other hand, the player terminal 4 is not only a personal computer installed in each general home, a personal computer, a small portable communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), but also a “Playstation (place station)”. (Sony) (registered trademark), Dreamcast (Sega Enterprises) (registered trademark), NINTEND 064 (Nintendo) (registered trademark), etc. Home video game machines. For player terminal 4, Any terminal that can access the host computer 2 via the communication network 6 may be used.

Further, the player terminal 4 may be installed as a game machine in an amusement facility such as a game center. In addition, the player terminal 4 according to the present invention includes a guest room terminal installed in each guest room of a hotel or the like, or various information terminals installed in a store such as a family restaurant @ first hood or a convenience store. Including.

The player terminal 4 includes communication control means for communicating with the host computer 2, operation input means for receiving an operation input from the player, screen display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display for displaying a game screen, It has storage means such as a hard disk device and memory for storing various programs and data. The operation input means includes a keyboard and a mouse for a personal computer and the like, and a video game machine includes device devices such as a dedicated game controller. Each player terminal 4 is equipped with a virtual prize acquisition game program, and executes the virtual prize acquisition game program according to a command from the player.

= = = Virtual prize acquisition game = =

The virtual prize acquisition game is a game aimed at acquiring and playing virtual prizes. In the present invention, a prize corresponding to the virtual prize exists, and the prize acquirer can actually obtain a real prize corresponding to the virtual prize acquired in the game.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a game screen of a virtual prize acquisition game. In this virtual prize acquisition game, the virtual prize 53 displayed on the display screen of the player terminal 4 is moved by the image of the magic hand 51 displayed at the lower left of the display screen, and the virtual prize is obtained. This is a game in which 5 3 is virtually acquired with the magic hand 5 1. The virtual prizes 53 include various character dolls and confectionery, and a plurality of images of the virtual prizes 53 are simultaneously arranged and displayed on the same screen. The magic hand 51 can be moved vertically or horizontally by using two direction buttons 55a and 55b displayed at the lower right of the display screen. The operation of each direction button 55 a, 55 b is performed through the operation input means of the player terminal 4. Each direction button 55a, 55b can be operated only once, and the player moves the magic hand 51 to the vicinity of the virtual prize image desired by one operation in each direction. Prizes are caught It must be stationary at a suitable position where it can be obtained.

In addition, the virtual prize acquisition game according to the present invention can be applied to any game, such as a shooting game or a quiz game, as long as the prize can be acquired by winning the game.

The virtual prize acquisition game program is provided to each player terminal 4 by download via the communication network 6 or provided by being stored in an appropriate storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. Or be done. When provided through the communication network 6, it also includes those provided as a Java Abratable (registered trademark). In addition, in providing the virtual prize acquisition game program according to the present invention, a flash technology can be applied.

= = = Host computer configuration = = =

The host computer 2 has an inventory management database that manages the number of real prizes in stock corresponding to the virtual prizes acquired by the player in the virtual prize acquisition game, and a player terminal 4 that attempts to play the virtual prize acquisition game. It has a prize allocation means for allocating virtual prizes, and payout control means for controlling the amount of prizes obtained by the player. FIG. 3 schematically shows the relationship between the configuration of the host computer 2 and the player terminal 4.

《Inventory management database》

In the stock management database 7, the number of stocks of real prizes is registered and managed for each type of real prizes. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, character doll A has a stock quantity of "10", character doll B has a stock quantity of "40", character doll C has a stock quantity of "100", and character doll D has a stock quantity of "100" The number of stocks is registered for each prize, such as the number of stocks "15" and the single character E is "30". The number of stocks is updated sequentially when a prize is acquired by a player or when a prize is newly received.

《Payt control means》

The payout control means issues, based on the payout rate set in advance to the real prize, instruction information of permission / non-permission of the prize acquisition to the player terminal 4 which intends to start the game (S111). S 1 2), thereby controlling the number of prizes obtained at the player terminal 4. A game that has received instruction information of permission to acquire prizes In the player terminal 4, the virtual prize acquisition game program adjusts so that the player cannot acquire the prize. On the other hand, in the player terminal 4 which has received the instruction information of the prize acquisition permission, the player is given a chance to acquire the prize, and if the player operates well, the prize can be obtained. In this way, by instructing the player terminal to permit / disallow prize acquisition, the host computer 2 controls how much of the prize can be acquired with respect to the total number of games. be able to. The payout rate is directly expressed as numerical data, such as "5% (0.05)", "15% (0.15)", "20% (0.20)". It may be obtained as Figure 5 shows the data list when the payout rate is set for each type of prize. Based on this data, the host computer 2 issues, in a well-balanced manner, prize acquisition permission instruction information and prize acquisition non-permission instruction information so as to achieve a predetermined payout ratio while also referring to past history data and the like. .

In addition, the payout rate may be determined by the following payout control table. FIG. 6 shows an example of the payout control table. This payout control table is a table in which the vertical axis indicates the number of games, and the horizontal axis indicates flags ("0" and "1") for instructing issuance of prize acquisition permission / non-permission instruction information. Here, “0” and “1” flags are set for each payout rate (0% to 100%). Each time a request to start a game is received from the player terminal 4, the host computer 2 refers to the corresponding pay control table one line at a time and, based on the flag indicated in that line, permits or denies prize acquisition. Issue the instruction information. That is, for example, when the referenced flag is “0”, the instruction information of the prize acquisition is issued, and when the referenced flag is “1”, the instruction information of the permission to acquire the prize is issued. Issue. In this way, it is possible to control how much of the total number of games executed on all the player terminals 4 issues instruction information for permission to acquire prizes. In addition, by considering the arrangement of “1” and “0”, it is possible to make the issuance of prize acquisition permission / non-permission undulating, thereby improving the game characteristics.

Note that the payout rate may be fixed in advance or may be changed sequentially.

<< Premium allocation means >> The prize allocating means includes: setting means for setting the total number of prizes that can be allocated from the inventory number in the inventory management database and the payout rate in order to allocate virtual prizes to the player terminal 4; and a virtual device currently allocated to the player terminal 4. It has management means for storing and managing the already allocated number of prizes, and determining means for determining whether or not allocation is possible based on the total number of allocatable items and the already allocated number.

The setting means obtains the data of the number of real prizes from the inventory management database, and derives the total number of virtual prizes that can be allocated, that is, the total number of prizes that can be allocated based on the data of the number of real prizes and the payout rate described above (S 13 and S14). Specifically, according to the payout rate, for example, the lower the payout rate is, the larger the allocation permission number is set. In other words, the total number that can be allocated exceeds the number of real prizes in stock. This is done to increase the chances of obtaining prizes on the player's side even if the prizes are in low stock, so that as many users as possible can enjoy the prize acquisition games. The purpose is. Fig. 7 shows an example of the relationship between the actual stock quantity registered in the stock management database, the payout rate, and the number of allowed allocations. Here, the value obtained by dividing the actual number of actual prizes in stock by the payment rate is set as the total number of assignable items.

On the other hand, the management means stores and manages the number of virtual prizes currently allocated to the player terminal 4, that is, the already allocated number (S15). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the number of already allocated reserves is registered and managed for each type of prize on the management table. The number of allocated prizes for each prize is updated each time a prize is allocated or each prize is released.

On the other hand, the judging means judges whether or not the player terminal 4 can be assigned based on the total number of assignables set by the setting means and the already assigned number stored by the managing means (S16, S16). 17). For example, by subtracting the number already allocated from the total number of available allocations, the number of virtual prizes that have not yet been allocated, that is, the number of unallocated allocations, is derived, and this unallocated number is compared with the number requested for allocation. To determine whether the assignment is possible.

Figure 9 shows an example of the relationship between the total number that can be allocated, the already allocated number, and the unallocated number calculated based on these. In this embodiment, the unallocated number If it is equal to or greater than the number required for allocation, it is determined that allocation is possible. On the other hand, even if the unallocated number is less than the number required for allocation, if the unallocated number is not “0”, the allocation is performed by the unallocated number. On the other hand, if the unallocated number is “0”, it is determined that allocation is impossible.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the determination procedure of the determination unit. As shown in FIG. 10, first, the unassigned number T is obtained (S01), and it is determined whether the unassigned number T is equal to or more than the assigned request number S (S02). Here, if the unallocated number T is equal to or more than the allocation request number S, it is determined that allocation is possible, and allocation is performed with the allocation request number S (S O 3). In other words, the management means stores the allocation request number S as the already allocated number. The player terminal 4 responds to the effect that allocation is possible with the allocation request number S (SO4).

On the other hand, if the unallocated number T is smaller than the allocation request number S, it is determined whether or not the unallocated number T power S is "0" (SO5). If not, the allocation is performed using the unallocated number T. Do (SO 6). That is, the unallocated number T is stored as the already allocated number. It responds to the player terminal 4 to the effect that allocation is possible with the unallocated number T (S04). On the other hand, if the number that can be allocated is "0", it is determined that allocation is impossible, and a response to that effect is made to the player terminal 4 (S07).

These setting means, management means, judgment means, and the above-described partition control means are all realized by a computer program executable on the host computer 2.

=== Host computer processing ===

Processing at the start of the game>

FIG. 11 shows the exchange between the player terminal 4 and the host computer 2 in chronological order. When there is a prize allocation request from the player terminal 4 (S21), the host computer 2 determines whether or not the allocation is possible by the determination means, and notifies the player terminal 4 of the result (S22).

When the game terminal is instructed from the player terminal 4 that has notified that the allocation is possible (S23), the host computer 2 permits or disables the acquisition of the prize by the payout control means based on the preset payout rate. Issue the instruction information The instruction information is transmitted to the player terminal 4 (S24).

On the other hand, when the virtual prize acquisition game ends, the player terminal 4 sends a game end notification to the host computer 2 (S25). This game end notification includes information on the number of virtual prizes acquired by the player in the prize acquisition game executed on the player terminal 4 and information on the virtual prize acquisition game executed on the player terminal 4. Various information such as information on the number of virtual prizes allocated at the start of the game is included. The information on the number of virtual prizes acquired includes information on the number of prizes acquired by the player and, if there are two or more virtual prizes, information on the types and the like. Even if the prize is not acquired at the player terminal 4, information indicating that the acquired number is “0” (zero) is transmitted to the host computer 2.

On the other hand, the information on the number of virtual prizes allocated at the start of the game is information used to release the allocation of virtual prizes to the player terminal 4, and includes the following two types of information. There are embodiments.

① At the start of the game, the host computer 2 sends information on the number of virtual prizes allocated to the player terminal 4, and the player terminal 4 sends this information to the host computer 2 at the end of the game.

(2) At the start of the game, the host computer 2 stores the set actual allocation number in the storage unit in association with each player terminal 4 or the ID assigned to each player, and stores this ID in the player terminal 4. At the end of the game, the player terminal 4 transmits this ID to the host computer 2 as the information, and the host computer 2 specifies the number of allocated virtual prizes based on the ID.

The host computer 2 that has received the game end notification from the player terminal 4 updates the inventory number in the inventory management database 7 based on the acquired number information included in the game end notification. For example, if the stock quantity before the update is “30” and the acquired quantity is “2”, the stock quantity is updated from “30” to “28”. When the acquired number is “0”, the inventory number in the inventory management database need not be updated.

Here, if the player wishes to continue the game (continue) and a request to start the game is made again from the player terminal 4 (S26), the host computer 2 sends a request to the player terminal 4 to the player terminal 4. Payout system while retaining the status of virtual prizes Based on the payment control information, instruction information for permission / non-permission of prize acquisition will be issued again by control means. Then, the issued instruction information is transmitted to the player terminal 4 (S27). In the player terminal 4, the second prize acquisition game is executed.

As a result, even if a prize cannot be obtained at the player terminal 4, it is possible to challenge for the same virtual prize again. When the prize is acquired again, it is possible to avoid a situation where the prize is allocated to another player terminal 4 and the game cannot be re-challenged.

Then, when the player attempts to end the game play, the player terminal 4 notifies the host computer 2 of the cancellation of the prize allocation (S28). The host cost computer 2 having received the notification subtracts the number of virtual prizes allocated to the player terminal 4 from the already allocated number by the management means, and sends the bow I to the player. A process of releasing the allocated virtual prize is performed. In addition, the host computer 2 monitors the reception interval of the request or notification generated from each player terminal 4, and there is no request or notification from the player terminal 4 which is allocating a prize even if a predetermined time has elapsed. In such a case, the assignment of the prize to the player terminal 4 is automatically released.

Gu prize delivery process>

The host computer 2 has information necessary for delivering the real prize to the player in order to deliver the real prize corresponding to the virtual prize acquired by the player to the player, that is, the name and address of the delivery destination. Get information such as phone numbers. The following methods are available for the host computer 2 to obtain such information.

(1) It is obtained directly from the player himself / herself through the player terminal 4 for each game.

(2) A database that manages information on the delivery destination specified by the player in advance for each player is provided on the host computer 2, and information on the delivery destination of the player is obtained from the database.

The host computer 2 registers the obtained delivery destination information in the prize delivery database together with information on the type of prize obtained by the player. At the prize distribution center, actual prizes are delivered based on the information registered in the prize distribution database. Regarding the status of the prize delivery, It is transmitted to the player.

= = = Example of building a system using the Internet = = =

An embodiment in which a prize acquisition game system using a communication network according to the present invention is constructed using the Internet will be described below. FIG. 12 schematically shows the configuration of this system.

This system comprises a WWW server 8 functioning as the host computer 2 of the present invention, and a number of Web terminals 12 functioning as the player terminals 4 of the present invention connected to the WWW server 8 via the Internet 10. Is done. The web terminal 12 is any communication terminal that can be connected to the Internet 10, such as a personal computer installed in each home, or a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone or PDA equipped with communication control means. including.

On the other hand, the WWW server 8 is a server installed on the WWW (World Wide Web), that is, on the Internet 10, and provides various information to the Web terminals 12 accessed through the Internet 10. In addition, it provides various virtual game services and is operated as a game site.

A person who wishes to obtain a virtual prize acquisition game activates a web browser mounted on the web terminal 12 and accesses the web server 8 via the internet 10 using the web browser, The homepage of the WWW server 8 is acquired (S31). Obtain the login screen from this homepage and perform the prescribed authentication procedure such as transmitting your user ID and password to the WWW server 8, and perform the procedure to specify the payment method such as the game price, Obtain screen configuration data for displaying the game selection page.

On the game selection page, virtual prize acquisition games are prepared for each prize combination. The game applicant selects a virtual prize acquisition game he or she wants to play from among these virtual prize acquisition games, and clicks on the virtual prize acquisition game. The web terminal 12 transmits to the WWW server 8 information necessary for executing the game, such as a prize combination code in the virtual prize acquisition game selected by the game applicant, a game code for specifying the type of the game, and the like. .

The WWW server 8 receives the information from the web terminals 12 and, based on the received game code, generates a predetermined virtual prize acquisition game program corresponding to the received game code. It is distributed to the web terminal 12 as a va applet (registered trademark) or the like (S32). Also, the WWW server 8 reads out data corresponding to this code based on a prize combination code from the Web terminal 12 from a prize combination code table prepared in advance. In this code table, the combination of the prize and the required number are registered in advance with the prize combination code as a key. For example, for code 1, the required number of prizes is 7 for the combination of prize C and prize D, and for code 2, the required number of prizes is 1 for the combination of prize E, prize F, and prize G. Data is registered in the form of zero. The WWW server 8 refers to the prize combination list and acquires information on the type and the required number of virtual prizes of the virtual prize acquisition game selected by the game applicant.

The WWW server 8 determines whether the virtual prize can be allocated to the Web terminal 12 based on the information. Here, the assignable number is set by the setting means described above from the number of stocks in the inventory management database and the payout rate. Based on the assignable total number, whether or not the assignment is possible is determined by the determination means. Since the total number that can be allocated is set in this way, the number that can be allocated can be set to a number that exceeds the number of real prizes in stock. Can be increased. As a result, as many users as possible can enjoy the prize acquisition game widely.

The WWW server 8 notifies the result of the assignment availability to the Web terminal (S33). If it is determined that allocation is possible, the WWW server 8 stores information on the type and number of allocated virtual prizes by the management unit. Here, the information is stored using the user ID of the person who wished the virtual prize acquisition game as a key. Then, the already allocated number of the virtual prize is updated. In addition, the WWW server 8 attaches the notification and the information on the storage location of the assigned virtual prize image data so that the Web terminal 12 can acquire the image data of the allocated virtual prize. I do. In other words, the WWW server 8 has a database in which image data of virtual prizes is stored for each type of virtual prize. This database can be accessed from the outside via the Internet, and the web terminal 12 allocates information from the database based on the information on the storage location of the virtual prize image data sent from the WWW server 8. Image of a virtual prize Data.

Based on the image data corresponding to the virtual prize sent from the WWW server 8, the web terminal 12 displays the virtual prize image on the display screen of the display means in accordance with the virtual prize acquisition game program distributed in advance. Displaying the game image including the game, the game applicant can enjoy the virtual prize acquisition game.

When the virtual prize acquisition game ends, the web terminal 12 sends a game end notification including the player's prize acquisition result in the game and the user ID of the player to the WWW server 8 ( S34).

The WWW server 8 updates the stock number in the stock management database based on the obtained number obtained from the obtained number information included in the game end notification transmitted from the Web terminal 12. In addition, the WWW server 8 refers to the contents of the log based on the user ID sent together with the game end notification, and obtains data on the type and number of allocated prizes associated with the user ID. Search and delete these data from the log to release the allocation.

In addition, the WWW server 8 transmits to the web terminal 12 information about the delivery destination of the prize, for example, an input screen for information such as the address, name, and telephone number of the delivery destination, and transmits the information on the delivery destination of the prize. The information about the delivery destination of the prize is obtained by requesting the prize acquirer to input the prize, or by asking the player to specify information on the delivery destination (S35). Then, the WWW server 8 registers the obtained information in the prize delivery database together with information on the type of prize obtained by the player (S36). The prize delivery center proceeds with the delivery of the actual prize based on the information registered in the prize delivery database (S37). The prizes for which the delivery work has been completed are registered as delivered in the prize delivery database one by one (S38). The status of the prize delivery is communicated to each player via e-mail or the like (S39).

According to a prize acquisition game system using a communication network according to the present invention, and a host player and a player terminal for a prize acquisition game used in this system, a host computer connected to a number of player terminals via a communication network is Virtual prizes are sequentially assigned to the accessing player terminals Therefore, even if many player terminals access the host computer at the same time, there is no problem such as lack of stock or out of stock, and even if it is a virtual prize acquisition game, the acquired prizes are not available. It can be avoided and the obtained prize can be reliably provided to the player. Games similar to prize acquisition games such as catcher game machines installed at game centers can be enjoyed on personal computers. In addition, since the user can enjoy the game freely anytime and anywhere regardless of the place, he / she can enjoy the prize-acquisition game fairly anywhere without regional disparity.

In addition, here, the payout control means issues instruction information on permission / non-permission of the prize acquisition to the player terminal, so that the number of prizes acquired at the player terminal can be controlled. This can prevent overprize of prizes. Further, in this case, the setting means sets the total number of allocations based on the number of inventory in the inventory management database and the payment rate, so that virtual prizes larger than the actual number of inventory can be allocated, thereby reducing the number of inventory. Even with a small amount of prizes, you can increase the chances of obtaining prizes. This allows as many wide-ranging users as possible to enjoy the prize acquisition game.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A host computer connected to a number of player terminals on which a virtual prize acquisition game is executed and which can communicate with each other via a communication network, and corresponding to the virtual prize obtained by the player in the virtual prize acquisition game. Game system that provides a real prize to a player

A payout control means for issuing, to a player terminal who wants to play a virtual prize acquisition game, instruction information of permission / non-permission of virtual prize acquisition based on a payout rate preset for the real prize. Prepared,

Setting means for setting the total number that can be allocated based on the stock quantity and the payout ratio,

A prize acquisition game system using a communication network, comprising: determination means for determining whether or not allocation is possible based on the allocatable total number and the already allocated number.

2. The prize acquisition game system using a communication network according to claim 1, wherein the stock quantity is updated based on the prize acquisition number information transmitted from the player terminal.

3. The communication network according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the allocated number is updated by the allocation release notification sent from the player terminal. A prize acquisition game system.

4. A host computer connected to a number of player terminals on which the virtual prize acquisition game is executed and communicable with each other via a communication network, and corresponding to the virtual prize obtained by the player in the virtual prize acquisition game. This is a prize acquisition game system that uses a communication network to provide real prizes to players, and is characterized by the following items (1) to (4). (1) The host computer has an inventory management database for managing the number of real prizes in stock that can be provided to the player, and a prize allocation means for allocating the virtual prize to a player terminal for playing the virtual prize acquisition game. A payout control means for issuing, to a player terminal who wants to play a virtual prize acquisition game, instruction information on permission / non-permission of virtual prize acquisition based on a preset payout rate for the real prize. It has.

(2) The prize allocating means sets a total allocable number based on the stock quantity and the payout rate, and stores and manages the already allocated number of virtual prizes currently being allocated to the player terminal. Management means; and determination means for determining whether or not allocation is possible based on the allocatable total number and the already allocated number.

(3) The host computer determines whether or not the virtual prize can be allocated by the determining means in response to a request from the player terminal. If it is determined that the allocation is possible, a game start permission notification is transmitted to the player terminal, and the management means stores the number of allocations.

(4) When the host computer receives the game end notification from the player terminal, the host computer obtains information on the number of virtual prizes obtained by the player at the player terminal and the virtual prize allocated by the player terminal. When the player acquires virtual prizes, the number of stocks in the stock management database is updated. To update.

5. The host computer according to claim 1, wherein the host computer is a Web server installed on the Internet, and the player terminal is a Web terminal equipped with a browser connectable to the Internet. A prize acquisition game system using the communication network described in any one of Items 4 to 4.

6. A prize acquisition game system using the communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the prize acquisition game host computer is used as the host computer. .

7. A prize acquisition game system using the communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the prize acquisition game player is used as the player terminal. Terminal.