Lottery drawing equipment and lottery drawing game equipment

Abstract

A lottery drawing device according to the present invention comprises: a lottery drawing table (60) having a dial (61) and a lottery drawing hole (62); a rotation driving means (70) that rotates the turntable (61) in the first direction (F1); and a rotation imparting unit 80 configured to apply an external force to the ball B2 rotating in the first direction F1 to rotate the ball B2 in the second direction F2. The rotation of the ball B2 in the first direction F1 is a first rotation T1 of the ball B2 with a rotation axis of the turntable 61 as a first rotation axis L1, and the rotation of the ball B2 in the second direction is a second rotation T2 of the ball B2 with a central axis passing through the center of the ball B2 as a second rotation axis L2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lottery device and a lottery game device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, various roulette-type lottery devices have been proposed and commercialized. In these devices, a lottery is conducted by placing a ball on a rotating disk serving as an agitator, and the rotation of the disk causes the ball to rotate around the disk and fall into a pocket of the roulette (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Document

[0005] Japanese Patent No. 6799237 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the conventional lottery device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the rotation directions of the wheel body and the rotating disk are opposite to each other to extend the time the ball stays on the rotating disk. However, in the conventional lottery device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ball rotates only in one direction. As a result, the movement of the ball on the rotating disk is ultimately monotonous, and in particular, the movement near the hole is not smooth, so that the time the ball spends on the rotating disk is ultimately predictable, resulting in a decrease in the amount of time the game feels attractive. Therefore, there is a risk that the player's expectation for the lottery may decrease and the lottery game will lose its entertainment value.

[0008] The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a lottery device and a lottery game device in which variability can be introduced into the movement of a ball on a rotating disk with a simple configuration, thereby extending the period during which the movement of the ball is particularly attractive, and thus increasing the player's expectation for the lottery and the entertainment value of the lottery game.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To achieve this object, the lottery device according to the present invention is provided with: a lottery table having a turntable on which balls are placed and a lottery hole provided at the center of the turntable into which the balls can fall; a rotation driving unit configured to rotate the turntable in a first direction so that the balls placed on the turntable rotate in the first direction; and a rotation imparting unit configured to apply an external force to the balls rotating in the first direction so that the balls rotate in a second direction while maintaining the rotation in the first direction. The rotation of the balls in the first direction is a first rotation of the balls around a first rotation axis, which is the rotation axis of the turntable, and the rotation of the balls in the second direction is a second rotation of the balls around a second rotation axis, which is a central axis passing through the center of the balls.

[0011] Adopting this configuration enables the introduction of variability to the movement of the balls on the turntable using a simple structure, thereby extending the particularly appealing period of the movement of the balls and thus enhancing the players' anticipation of the lottery and the entertainment value of the lottery game.

[0012] In the lottery device according to the present invention, the turntable may have a placement surface on which the balls are placed, and the placement surface may be inclined such that the balls move from the peripheral portion of the placement surface toward the central portion while rotating and fall into the lottery hole, and the second direction may be different from the first direction.

[0013] Adopting this configuration makes it easier to ensure that the balls do not fall into the lottery hole too quickly while rotating.

[0014] In the lottery device of the present invention, each of the first direction and the second direction may be a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, and the rotation driving unit may rotate the turntable in the first direction and then in the second direction.

[0015] Adopting this configuration increases the variability of the amount of time the balls spend on the agitation surface and can make the movement near the lottery opening more random.

[0016] In the lottery device according to the present invention, the turntable may have a placement surface on which the balls are placed, and the placement surface may have a guiding portion that guides the movement of the balls between the peripheral portion and the central portion of the placement surface, and when the turntable rotates in the first direction, the guiding portion may guide the first movement of the balls such that the balls move away from the central portion along the guiding portion while maintaining the first rotation and the second rotation of the balls.

[0017] With this configuration, the ball can be moved away from the lottery hole and the rolling time of the ball on the turntable can be extended.

[0018] In the lottery device according to the present invention, the rotation driving unit can rotate the turntable in the first direction and then in the second direction, and when the turntable rotates in the second direction, the guiding portion can guide the second movement of the ball so that the ball approaches the central portion along the guiding portion while maintaining the first rotation and the second rotation of the ball.

[0019] With this configuration, the rotation speed of the ball can be reduced and it is ensured that the ball does not fall into the lottery hole too quickly.

[0020] In the lottery device according to the present invention, a guide rail can also be provided around the turntable to limit the range of the first rotation of the ball within the turntable by contacting the ball, and at least one rotation imparting unit can be attached to the guide rail.

[0021] With this configuration, the attachment of the rotation imparting unit can be simplified.

[0022] In the lottery device according to the present invention, the rotation imparting unit can cause the ball to perform the second rotation by using the frictional force generated by contacting the ball.

[0023] With this configuration, the second rotation of the ball can be achieved using a simple structure.

[0024] In the lottery device according to the present invention, a conveying unit for conveying the ball in the lottery hole to the placement surface of the turntable can also be provided, wherein the conveying unit is arranged to be able to move in the vertical direction so that when the turntable starts to rotate in the first direction after the ball has been conveyed to the placement surface, the opening on the turntable side of the lottery hole is covered so that the ball does not fall into the lottery hole, and when the turntable starts to rotate in the first direction for a specific time, the opening is then opened so that the ball falls into the lottery hole.

[0025] With this configuration, it is easy to convey the ball and it also makes it less likely for the ball to fall into the lottery hole in the early stage.

[0026] The lottery game device 1 according to the present invention includes: a medium receiving device that receives a game medium through the operation of a player; a second lottery machine, which is an example of the above lottery device, and when the medium receiving device receives a real game medium or a virtual game medium, the second lottery machine starts a lottery game featuring balls; and a medium payment device that pays a real game medium or a virtual game medium corresponding to the lottery result to the player according to the lottery result of the second lottery machine. As a result, with a simple configuration, variability can be introduced into the movement of the balls during the lottery game, thereby extending the particularly attractive period of the movement of the balls, and thus enhancing the player's anticipation of the lottery and the entertainment value of the lottery game.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] With the present invention, a lottery device and a lottery game device can be provided, in which variability can be introduced into the movement of the balls on the turntable using a simple configuration, thereby extending the particularly attractive period of the movement of the balls, and thus enhancing the player's anticipation of the lottery and the entertainment value of the lottery game. Description of the Drawings

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 is a view showing the configuration of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 is a view showing the configuration of the lottery table of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 is a view showing the configuration of the balls used in the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 is a view showing a partial configuration of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the identification unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 is a view showing the configuration of the selection unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0036] Figure 8 is a view showing the configuration of the conveying path of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment and its surroundings;

[0037] Figure 9 FIG. Figure 9 is a view showing the configuration of the ball conveying unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0038] Figure 10 FIG. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the input unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0039] Figure 11 FIG. is a perspective view showing the configuration of the input track of the input unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0040] Figure 12 FIG. is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ball holder of the input unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0041] Figure 13 FIG. is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sub-conveying path of the input unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0042] Figure 14 FIG. is a perspective view showing the configuration of the input unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0043] Figure 15 FIG. is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sub-conveying path of the input unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0044] Figure 16 FIG. is a perspective view showing the change in ball conveyance of the input unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0045] Figure 17 FIG. is a perspective view showing the state in which the input unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment conveys the ball to the sub-conveying path;

[0046] Figure 18 FIG. is a perspective view showing the state in which the input unit of the first lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment inputs the ball;

[0047] Figure 19 FIG. is a perspective view showing the configuration of the second lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0048] Figure 20 FIG. is a sectional view showing the configuration of the second lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0049] Figure 21 FIG. is a perspective view showing the state in which the ball is conveyed to the turntable of the second lottery machine of the lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0050] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a state before a ball of a lottery game device according to the present embodiment falls into a lottery hole of a second lottery machine;

[0051] Figure 23 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit of a lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0052] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing a process of a first lottery game executed by a control unit of a lottery game device according to the present embodiment;

[0053] Figure 25 is a diagram showing Figure 24 details of step S01 in;

[0054] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing a game cancellation and collection process executed by a control unit of a lottery game device according to the present embodiment; and

[0055] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing a process of a second lottery game executed by a control unit of a lottery game device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0056] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, positional relationships (such as up, down, left, and right in the drawings) are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. Additionally, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to the depicted dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the following embodiments are given for describing the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. Moreover, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0057] OVERVIEW OF THE LOTTERY GAME DEVICE

[0058] First, an overview of a lottery game device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1 .

[0059] The lottery game device 1 according to the present embodiment is an example of a lottery game device designed to conduct a lottery game using balls. The lottery game device 1 is a game device that allows up to eight players to play simultaneously. As Figure 1As shown, the lottery game device 1 includes: a first lottery machine 1A located below, a second lottery machine 1B located above the first lottery machine 1A, an operation unit 1C arranged to surround the first lottery machine 1A, a control unit 1D provided inside the lottery game device 1, and a housing 1E arranged to surround the first lottery machine 1A and the second lottery machine 1B. Here, the first lottery machine 1A and the second lottery machine 1B are examples of the lottery devices included in the lottery game device 1. In addition, the lottery game device 1 may include either the first lottery machine 1A or the second lottery machine 1B.

[0060] The first lottery machine 1A is a component for conducting the first lottery game. The second lottery machine 1B is a component for conducting a second lottery game different from the first lottery game. Here, the first lottery game may be, for example, a connected lottery game using a plurality of small balls B1 (see Figure 4 ). The balls B1 include translucent resin balls in three colors: red, green, and yellow. The balls B1 may include balls in four colors, depending on the details of the first lottery game. The second lottery game may be, for example, a jumbo lottery game using a large ball B2 (see Figure 20 ). In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first lottery game and the second lottery game, the two may be collectively referred to as "lottery games".

[0061] The operation unit 1C has eight satellites 2C. Each satellite 2C is configured to allow a player to perform operations related to the lottery game. As Figure 1 shown, each satellite 2C includes: an operation table 2a; an operation button 2b for accepting operations related to the lottery game input by the player; a medium acceptance unit - a medium acceptance device 2c for accepting a game medium through the operation of the player; a medium payment unit - a medium payment device 2d for paying real game media or virtual game media corresponding to the lottery results of the first lottery machine 1A and / or the second lottery machine 1B to the player; and a display unit 2e for displaying information related to the lottery game and the player's operations.

[0062] Here, the game medium may be a physical game medium or an electronic game medium. In the case of using an electronic game medium, the medium acceptance device 2c and the medium payment device 2d are displayed on the display unit 2e. The physical game medium may be, for example, a coin-shaped physical object made of a material such as metal or plastic. For example, an electronic medal may be an object on which data is recorded or associated with an electronic medium.

[0063] The control unit 1D is a component that controls the operations of the first lottery machine 1A, the second lottery machine 1B, and the operation unit 1C. The housing 1E is a component for accommodating the first lottery machine 1A, the second lottery machine 1B, a speaker for outputting game sounds such as background music, a lighting unit, a display poster, etc.

[0064] Now, the process of the lottery game will be described. Players at each satellite 2C insert a game medium into the medium acceptance unit 2c while watching the lottery display such as winning shown on the display unit 2e provided at the satellite 2C. The inserted medals are stored in the control unit 1D as information for each player (such as the number of medals, etc.). Since the lottery for the linked game is executed at specific time intervals, the first lottery game and / or the second lottery game is executed after a specific length of time has passed. Thereafter, the control unit 1D determines the lottery result and displays the lottery result on the display unit 2e of each satellite 2C. At this time, if a win is achieved, the control unit 1D controls the medium payment unit 2d based on the lottery result so that it pays out game media according to the quantity (amount) of the inserted game media.

[0065] Main components of the lottery game device 1

[0066] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 27 The main components of the lottery game device 1, namely, the first lottery machine 1A, the second lottery machine 1B, and the control unit 1D, will be described in detail.

[0067] The first lottery machine 1A

[0068] As Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 8 shown, the first lottery machine 1A includes a lottery table 10 for linked lottery, a ball identification and storage unit 20 that identifies and stores balls B1 by color, a ball input unit 30 for throwing the lottery balls B1 into the lottery table 10, a ball conveying unit 40 for conveying the balls B1 stored in the ball identification and storage unit 20 to the ball input unit 30, and a ball collection unit 50 for collecting the balls B1 on the lottery table 10 and in each ball input unit 30.

[0069] The ball input units 30 are arranged around the lottery table 10. As Figure 3 shown, the ball identification and storage unit 20 and the ball collection unit 50 are arranged below the lottery table 10. As Figure 3 shown, the ball conveying unit 40 and the ball collection unit 50 are each connected to the ball identification and storage unit 20. As Figure 8 shown, the ball conveying unit 40 is configured to convey the ball B1 directly or indirectly to the ball input unit 30 via the conveying path P.

[0070] Therefore, when the first lottery game starts, the ball B1 stored in the ball recognition storage unit 20 is conveyed by the ball conveying unit 40 to the ball input unit 30, and then is input into the lottery table 10 by the ball input unit 30, so that the first lottery game can be carried out. After the first lottery game ends, the ball B1 on the lottery table 10 is collected by the ball collection unit 50 and conveyed back to the ball recognition storage unit 20 for storage therein.

[0071] In addition, the balls B1 of different colors used in the lottery game all have the same configuration. As Figure 4 shown, each ball B1 is internally provided with an IC tag B3 and reflective stickers B5 arranged on both sides of the IC tag B3. The IC tag B3 is a small recording medium. The IC tag B3 stores information for identifying the ball, such as information for identifying the color of the ball. Utilizing the electromagnetic induction generated between the IC tag B3 and the antenna 212 provided in the ball recognition storage unit 20 (discussed below), the IC tag B3 performs wireless non-contact communication with the antenna 212.

[0072] Lottery table 10

[0073] Next, the lottery table 10 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 5 As Figure 5 shown, the lottery table 10 includes a rotating unit 11, an enclosing unit 12 attached around the rotating unit 11, a supporting unit 13 provided on the lower surface of the rotating unit 11 and rotatably supporting the rotating unit 11, a windmill unit 14 provided to be rotatable relative to the rotating unit 11 and movable in the vertical direction, and a driving unit 15 for rotating the rotating unit 11.

[0074] As Figure 5 shown, the rotating unit 11 has a turntable 111, a central hole 112 provided at the center of the turntable 111, a plurality of holes 113 (for example, 25) provided on three concentric circles centered on the central hole 112, a light emitting unit 114 provided near each hole 113, a display unit 115 provided near each hole 113, and a pair of infrared sensors (not shown) provided below each hole 113.

[0075] The turntable 111 and the enclosing unit 12 together form the upper surface portion of the lottery table 10. The turntable 111 is in a disk shape, that is, a flat conical shape. The turntable 111 has an upper surface 111a and a lower surface 111b on both sides in the thickness direction. The upper surface 111a is formed as a conical surface.

[0076] The central hole 112 is a component that allows the windmill main body 141 of the windmill unit 14 (discussed below) to pass through. When the windmill main body 141 is at the same height as or higher than the central hole 112, the ball B1 cannot enter the central hole 112. On the other hand, when the windmill main body 141 is below the central hole 112, the ball B1 can enter the central hole 112 and enter the central collection unit 52 of the ball collection unit 50 (discussed below).

[0077] The hole 113 is configured to conduct a lottery based on a numerical value corresponding to the hole 113 into which the ball B1 falls. In Figure 5 the example shown, the number of holes 113 is 25, but the number of holes 113 is not limited to this. As Figure 5 shown, 25 holes 113 are arranged at equal intervals on three concentric circles.

[0078] The light-emitting unit 114 is configured to guide the player by illuminating the hole 113 into which the ball B1 of a specific color will enter with the same color as the ball B1, thereby improving the visibility of the guidance. Each of the light-emitting units 114 includes four LEDs capable of emitting multiple colors (such as red, blue, green, and yellow). During the first lottery game, each of the 25 light-emitting units 114 can randomly emit full-color light by combining colors such as red, blue, green, and yellow based on the control of the control unit 1D.

[0079] The display unit 115 is configured to display lottery details (such as numbers or other images) corresponding to the hole 113 into which the ball B1 has fallen. During the first lottery game, each of the 25 display units 115 can randomly display numbers from "1" to "25" based on the control of the control unit 1D, for example.

[0080] A pair of infrared sensors is configured to detect whether the ball B1 enters the hole 113. The pair of infrared sensors is arranged such that the infrared rays emitted by them intersect at right angles to each other, and the intersection point of the infrared rays is offset from the center of each hole 113.

[0081] The surrounding unit 12 and the turntable 111 together form the upper surface portion of the lottery table 10. As Figure 5 shown, the surrounding unit 12 has an outer peripheral unit 121 and a circumferential channel 122 provided on the inner circumferential side of the outer peripheral unit 121.

[0082] The outer peripheral unit 121 has a light-emitting unit 123 corresponding to each of the eight satellites 2C. For example, the light-emitting unit 123 can indicate information about winning by emitting light. The circumferential channel 122 is smoothly connected to the upper surface 111a of the turntable 111 and is configured to guide the rolling of the ball B1 input by the ball input unit 30 together with the upper surface 111a.

[0083] Here, the surface formed by the circumferential passage 122 and the upper surface 111a of the turntable 111 allows the ball B1 introduced along the tangential direction of the circumferential passage 122 by the introduction track 33 of the ball introduction unit 30 (discussed below) (see Figure 2 ) to roll along an arc on the circumferential passage 122, while gradually rolling inward to the upper surface 111a of the turntable 111, and then rotate along an arc on the upper surface 111a while gradually approaching the center of the upper surface 111a.

[0084] As Figure 5 shown, the support unit 13 is a component for rotatably supporting the turntable 111. The support unit 13 is fixed to the housing 1E. The support unit 13 has: an upper surface 131 for supporting the turntable 111; ball support rings 132, 133, and 134 formed on the upper surface 131; a collection hole 135 penetrating the turntable 111 in the thickness direction of the turntable 111; a baffle 136 provided on the collection hole 135 to open and close the collection hole 135; and a baffle drive unit 137 for driving the orientation change of the baffle 136.

[0085] The ball support rings 132, 133, and 134 are configured to hold the ball B1 in the hole 113 and allow the ball B1 to roll on the three ball support rings 132, 133, and 134 when the turntable 111 rotates. As Figure 5 shown, when the support unit 13 and the turntable 111 are attached one on top of the other, the ball support rings 132, 133, and 134 are formed at positions on the upper surface 131 corresponding to three concentric circles where the 25 holes 113 of the turntable 111 are located.

[0086] The collection hole 135 and the baffle 136 together are components for allowing the ball B1 in the hole 113 of the turntable 111 to fall into the collection groove 53 of the ball collection unit 50 (discussed below). The collection hole 135 has a rectangular shape.

[0087] The baffle 136 has a shape similar to that of the collection hole 135 so as to be able to cover the collection hole 135. A part of the ball support rings 132, 133, and 134 is formed on the upper surface of the baffle 136. The baffle 136 is provided to rotate relative to the collection hole 135 by the driving action of the baffle drive unit 137 to allow the collection hole 135 to be opened and closed.

[0088] When the baffle 136 closes the collection hole 135, when the turntable 111 rotates and passes by the collection hole 135, the ball B1 in the hole 113 of the turntable 111 will not fall into the collection groove 53 through the collection hole 135. In this case, the ball B1 rolls on a part of the ball support rings 132, 133, 134 on the baffle 136. On the other hand, when the baffle 136 opens the collection hole 135, when the turntable 111 rotates and passes by the collection hole 135, the ball B1 in the hole 113 of the turntable 111 falls into the collection groove 53 through the collection hole 135 and is thus collected.

[0089] The windmill unit 14 is configured such that when the ball B1 rotates on the upper surface of the turntable 111 and approaches the central hole 112, the ball B1 bounces on the peripheral portion of the turntable 111 or the circumferential channel 122, so that the ball B1 enters the hole 113. As Figure 5 shown, the windmill unit 14 has a windmill main body 141 and a windmill drive unit 142 that drives the movement of the windmill main body 141.

[0090] As Figure 5 shown, the windmill main body 141 is arranged in the central collection pipe 52 of the ball collection unit 50 (discussed below), and the central collection pipe 52 is coupled to the central hole 112 of the turntable 111. The windmill drive unit 142 drives the windmill main body 141 to move up and down and rotate.

[0091] More specifically, the windmill drive unit 142 can move the windmill main body 141 within a range from a position above the upper surface 111a to a position below the upper surface 111a. In addition, when the windmill main body 141 is located above the upper surface 111a, the windmill drive unit 142 drives the windmill main body 141 to rotate.

[0092] Thus, the windmill main body 141 can deflect the ball B1 in contact with it. In addition, when the windmill main body 141 is located below the upper surface 111a, the central hole 112 is opened. In this case, the ball B1 falls through the central hole 112 and enters the central collection pipe 52, where it is collected.

[0093] The drive unit 15 is an example of a component that drives the turntable 111 to rotate. As Figure 5 shown, the drive unit 15 has: a rotation transfer disk 151 for transferring rotation to the turntable 111; a motor 152; a drive roller 153 for transferring the output of the motor 152 to the rotation transfer disk 151; a plurality of rollers 154 for rotatably supporting the rotation transfer disk 151; and a plurality of rollers 155 for pressing the rotation transfer disk 151 from the outer peripheral surface of the rotation transfer disk 151 to set the position of the rotation transfer disk 151.

[0094] At the center of the rotary transfer disk 151, there is a mounting post 156 for mounting the turntable 111. The turntable 111 is fixed to the mounting post 156, which allows the turntable 111 to rotate as the rotary transfer disk 151 rotates.

[0095] Ball recognition storage unit 20

[0096] Next, reference will be made to Figure 3 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 to describe the configuration of the ball recognition storage unit 20. The ball recognition storage unit 20 is an example of a component that stores the balls B1 collected by the ball collection unit 50 by color. As Figure 3 shown, the ball recognition storage unit 20 has: a recognition unit 21 that recognizes the color of the ball B1 and classifies it by color; and a selection unit 22 that stores the balls B1 classified by the recognition unit 21 by color and sends the balls B1 of the color and quantity specified by the control unit 1D to the ball delivery unit 40.

[0097] As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the recognition unit 21 has: a delivery unit 211 that delivers the balls B1 delivered through the delivery collection path 54 of the ball collection unit 50 (discussed below) one by one; an antenna 212 that recognizes the color of the ball B1 delivered by the delivery unit 211; and a classification unit 213 that classifies the balls B1 whose colors are recognized by the antenna 212 into the storage units corresponding to the colors in the selection unit 22.

[0098] As Figure 6 shown, the delivery unit 211 has: a base unit 214; a rotary transfer disk 216 rotatably provided on the base unit 214; and a drive unit (not shown) that drives the rotary transfer disk 216 to rotate.

[0099] The base portion 214 is a component that rotatably supports the rotary transfer disk 216. At a position corresponding to the classification unit 213 on the base unit 214 (i.e., directly above the classification unit 213), there is a drop hole 215 for allowing the ball B1 to fall into the classification unit 213.

[0100] On the rotary transfer disk 216, there is a holding unit 217 for holding the ball B1. The holding unit 217 is a recess provided on the rotary transfer disk 216. When the delivery unit 211 is on standby, the rotary transfer disk 216 is arranged such that the holding unit 21 faces the outlet of the delivery collection path 54. In this way, when the ball B1 is delivered from the delivery collection path 54 to the delivery unit 211, the ball B1 is held by the holding unit 217 and then moves along on the rotary transfer disk 216Figure 6 Rotate in the direction shown, and thus be conveyed to the antenna 212 and then to the dropping hole 215.

[0101] The antenna 212 constitutes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system for communicating with the IC tag B3 built in the ball B1. More specifically, when the ball B1 is conveyed below the antenna 212, the antenna 212 transmits an activation signal to the IC tag B3 of the ball B1. The IC tag B3 of the ball B1 receives the activation signal, generates an electromotive force due to the energy of the activation signal, activates the internal control circuit, and starts communication via the antenna 212. Then, the antenna 212 receives the color identification signal and transmits it to the control unit 1C. The color identification signal is information for identifying the color of the ball B1 transmitted by the IC tag B3 of the ball B1. The control unit 1C can detect the color of the ball B1 by decoding the color identification signal.

[0102] The sorting unit 213 is a component that sorts the ball B1 that has fallen from the conveying unit 211 due to rotation into the storage unit corresponding to the color of the ball B1 in the selection unit 22 based on the control signal from the control unit 1D.

[0103] As Figure 7 shown, the selection unit 22 has: storage units 221, 222, 223, and 224 that store the balls B1 sorted by color by the sorting unit 213; solenoids 225, 226, 227, and 228 that can convey the balls B1 stored in the storage units 221, 222, 223, and 224 to the ball conveying unit 40 one by one; and a driving unit that drives the solenoids 225, 226, 227, and 228.

[0104] Here, in the first lottery game, more green balls are used than yellow balls and red balls. Therefore, the selection unit 22 is provided with two storage units for storing green balls. That is, the storage units 221, 222, 223, and 224 are for storing green balls, green balls, yellow balls, and red balls respectively.

[0105] During the lottery game, the solenoids 225, 226, 227, 228 convey one ball B1 in the corresponding storage units 221, 222, 223, 224 to the ball conveying unit 40 respectively based on the color and quantity of the ball B1 specified by the conveying signal from the control unit 1C.

[0106] The ball conveying unit 40

[0107] As Figure 9As shown, the ball transport unit 40 has: a transport elevator 41 for transporting the balls B1; a distribution unit 42 that distributes the transport direction of the balls B1 and is provided at the connection position between the transport elevator 41 and the transport path P; and a housing 43 for attaching and accommodating the transport elevator 41 and the distribution unit 42.

[0108] The transport elevator 41 is an example of a component capable of continuously transporting a plurality of balls B1 in one operation (i.e., one complete rotation of the endless belt 46 (discussed below)). As Figure 9 shown, the transport elevator 41 has: a pair of pulleys 44 and 45; an endless belt 46 tensioned between the pair of pulleys 44 and 45; a plurality of ball holders 47 spaced equidistantly on the surface of the endless belt 46 on which the balls B1 are placed; and a drive unit 48 that rotates the drive pulley 44.

[0109] During the game, the pulley 44 rotates by the driving force applied to the pulley 44 by the drive unit 48, and the endless belt 46 and the ball holders 47 rotate in the Figure 9 direction d shown. Then, the balls B1 transported to below the transport elevator 41 by the selection unit 22 are caught by the rotating ball holders 47 and placed on the ball holders 47. Then, by the rotation of the endless belt 46, the balls B1 are transported to the upper distribution unit 42.

[0110] Each time the transport elevator 41 transports a ball B1 based on the distribution signal from the control unit 1C, the distribution unit 42 can distribute the ball B1 to one of the transport paths P (discussed below), that is, the transport path Pa on the first peripheral portion 10a side of the lottery table 10 or the transport path Pb on the second peripheral portion 10b side of the lottery table 10. After describing the structure of the ball input unit 30, the detailed configuration of the transport path P will be described.

[0111] Ball input unit 30

[0112] As Figure 2 shown, the ball input unit 30 has eight input units 31 spaced equidistantly around the periphery of the lottery table 10. The eight input units 31 all have the same structure. In addition, as Figure 2 shown, among the eight input units 31, four input units 31 are spaced equidistantly on the first peripheral portion 10a of the lottery table 10, and the other four input units 31 are spaced equidistantly on the second peripheral portion 10b of the lottery table 10. The first peripheral portion 10a and the second peripheral portion 10b have the same dimensions. In addition, the ball transport unit 40 is located on one side at the boundary between the first peripheral portion 10a and the second peripheral portion 10b. Therefore, eight input units 31 are arranged on both sides of the ball transport unit 40.

[0113] Four input units 31 provided at the first peripheral portion 10a of the lottery table 10 will be described in detail below. Note that when distinguishing the four input units 31, the four input units 31 will sometimes be referred to as "input units 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d". The ball input unit 31a is an example of the first input unit and is arranged adjacent to the ball conveying unit 40. The ball input unit 31d is an example of the second input unit and is arranged adjacent to the main collecting pipe 51 of the ball collecting unit 50 (discussed below). The input units 31b and 31c are arranged between the input unit 31a and the input unit 31d.

[0114] As Figure 11 shown, each input unit 31 has: a sub-conveying elevator 32 for conveying the ball B1; an input track 33 for throwing the ball B1 into the turntable 10 in a specific direction; a conveying change unit 34 for changing the conveying destination of the ball B1; a ball detector 35 for detecting the presence of the ball B1 in the sub-conveying elevator 32; a driving unit 36 for driving the operations of the sub-conveying elevator 32 and the conveying change unit 34; and a housing 37 for attaching and accommodating the sub-conveying elevator 32 and other components.

[0115] The sub-conveying elevator 32 is an example of a component capable of conveying one ball B1 in one operation (i.e., one up and down movement of the elevator body 321 (discussed below)). The sub-conveying elevator 32 is configured to be able to convey the ball B1 to another ball input unit 30 and convey the ball B1 to the input track 33.

[0116] In addition, the sub-conveying elevator 32 has a simpler configuration than the conveying elevator 41 of the ball conveying unit 40. More specifically, as Figure 11 shown, the sub-conveying elevator 32 has: an elevator body 321; a ball holder 322 for holding the ball B1 and provided at the upper end of the elevator body 321; a pinion 323 provided on the elevator body 321; and a gear 324 attached to the housing 37 to mesh with the pinion 323.

[0117] During the game, the driving unit 36 is actuated to rotate the gear 324, so that the pinion 323 moves up or down. When the pinion 323 moves, the elevator body 321 and the ball holder 322 also move up or down. As a result, the ball B1 held by the ball holder 322 can also move up or down.

[0118] In addition, the driving unit 36 can stop the rotation of the gear 324 in response to a control signal from the control unit 1D. Therefore, as Figure 14As shown, the ball retainer 322 attached to the elevator body 321 can stop at the standby position A1, the conveying change position A2, the input standby position A3, and the input position A4 while moving upward in the vertical direction. The standby position A1 is the position where the input unit 31 receives the ball B1 conveyed by the ball conveying unit 40. The conveying change position A2 is the position where the ball B1 in one input unit 31 can advance to another input unit 31. The input position A4 is the entrance position of the input track 33 of the input unit 31. The input standby position A3 is the position directly below the input position A4.

[0119] Here, the conveying path P will be described in conjunction with the descriptions of the standby position A1, the conveying change position A2, the input standby position A3, and the input position A4. The conveying path P has a conveying path Pa on the side of the first peripheral portion 10a of the lottery table 10 and a conveying path Pb on the side of the second peripheral portion 10b of the lottery table 10. Since the conveying paths Pa and Pb have the same configuration, the conveying path Pa will be mainly described here.

[0120] As Figure 8 shown, the conveying path Pa has: a main conveying path P1 connecting the ball conveying unit 40 and the ball input unit 30a; a sub-conveying path P2a connecting the ball input unit 30a and the ball input unit 30b; a sub-conveying path P2b connecting the ball input unit 30b and the ball input unit 30c; and a sub-conveying path P2c connecting the ball input unit 30c and the ball input unit 30d. The sub-conveying path P2a, the sub-conveying path P2b, and the sub-conveying path P2c all have the same configuration. The sub-conveying path P2a will be mainly described below. In addition, when the sub-conveying paths P2a, P2b, and P2c are not distinguished from each other, each of these three sub-conveying paths can be referred to as the "sub-conveying path P2".

[0121] The main conveying path P1 is inclined so that the ball B1 conveyed on the main conveying path P1 advances along the main conveying path P1 under the action of its own weight. More specifically, as Figure 8 shown, the main conveying path P1 has: a main path entrance D1, and the main path entrance D1 is connected to the distribution unit 42 of the ball conveying unit 40; and a main path exit D2, and the main path exit D2 is connected to the input unit 31a. As Figure 8 shown, the main path exit D2 is an opening provided in the side surface 371 of the housing 37 of the input unit 31a. The main path exit D2 is provided at the same height as the standby position A1. Therefore, as Figure 8 shown, the main conveying path P1 is inclined so that the position of the main path entrance D1 is higher than that of the main path exit D2.

[0122] The sub-conveying path P2 is inclined so that the ball B1 conveyed to the sub-conveying path P2 advances along the sub-conveying path P2 under its own weight. More specifically, as Figure 8 shown, the sub-conveying path P2 has: a sub-path inlet D3 that is connected to the input unit 31a; and a sub-path outlet D4 that is connected to the input unit 31b. As Figure 8 shown, the sub-path inlet D3 is an opening provided in the side surface 372 of the housing 37 of the input unit 31a. The sub-path inlet D3 is provided at the same height as the conveying change position A2. As Figure 8 shown, the sub-path outlet D4 is an opening provided in the side surface 371 of the housing 37 of the input unit 31b. The sub-path outlet D4 is provided at the same height as the standby position A1. Therefore, as Figure 8 shown, the sub-conveying path P2 is inclined such that the position of the sub-path inlet D3 is higher than that of the sub-path outlet D4.

[0123] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the ball retainer 322 has: a retainer unit 325; a pressing plate 326 attached to cross the retainer unit 325; and a rotating shaft 327 attached to the lower surface of the retainer unit 325. The ball retainer 322 is rotatably provided at the upper end of the elevator body 321 via the rotating shaft 327.

[0124] When no external force is applied to the pressing plate 326 of the ball retainer 322, the retainer unit 325 maintains its horizontal state and can hold the ball B1. On the other hand, when an external force is applied to the pressing plate 326 of the ball retainer 322, the retainer unit 325 rotates in a manner of tilting around the rotating shaft 327 and can discharge the ball B1 inside the retainer unit 325.

[0125] Here, the external force applied to the pressing plate 326 of the ball retainer 322 includes the pressing force applied to the pressing plate 326 by the conveying change unit 34 when the ball retainer 322 stops at the conveying change position A2 and the conveying change unit 34 is operating, and includes the pressing force applied to the pressing plate 326 by the input track 33 when the ball retainer 322 stops at the input position A4. On the other hand, when the ball retainer 322 stops at the conveying change position A2, if the conveying change unit 34 is not operating, no external force is applied to the pressing plate 326, and the retainer unit 325 maintains its horizontal state.

[0126] As Figure 2As shown, the input track 33 is inclined so that the ball B1 can move along the input track 33 under its own weight. In addition, the input track 33 has a curved distal end portion 331. The guiding of the distal end portion 331 enables the ball B1 to fly out in the tangential direction of the circumference of the circumferential passage 122 of the lottery table 10.

[0127] As Figure 14 and Figure 16 shown, the detector 35 is provided on the side surface 372 of the housing 37 of the input unit 31, at a position slightly above the standby position A1. Therefore, when the ball holder 322 stops at the standby position A1, the detector 35 detects whether there is a ball B1 in the ball holder 322. The detector 35 can also detect the color of the ball B1.

[0128] When the detector 35 detects that there is no ball B1 in the ball holder 322, the detector 35 sends this information to the control unit 1D. Then, if there is no ball B1 in the input unit 31a, the control unit 1D drives the conveying elevator 41 of the ball conveying unit 40 to convey the ball B1 to the ball holder 322 of the input unit 31a via the main conveying path P1. On the other hand, if there is no ball B1 in the input unit 31b, the control unit 1D first drives the conveying elevator 41 of the ball conveying unit 40 to convey the ball B1 to the ball holder 322 of the input unit 31a via the main conveying path P1, and then drives the sub-conveying elevator 32 of the input unit 31a to convey the ball B1 to the ball holder 322 of the input unit 31b via the sub-conveying path P2. In addition, if there is no ball B1 in the input unit 31c or the input unit 31d, the sub-conveying elevator 32 of the input unit 31b or the input unit 31c can be further driven. In this case, since the conveyance of the ball B1 by the sub-conveying elevator 32 of the input unit 31b or the input unit 31c is the same as the conveyance of the ball B1 by the sub-conveying elevator 32 of the input unit 31a, it will not be elaborated here.

[0129] Ball collection unit 50

[0130] As Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 10 shown, the ball collection unit 50 has: a main collection pipe 51, which is connected to the identification unit 21 of the ball identification storage unit 20; a central collection pipe 52, which is used to collect the ball B1 falling from the central hole 112; and a collection trough 53, which is used to collect the ball B1 falling from the turntable 111 and the central collection pipe 52.

[0131] As Figure 5 shown, the central collection pipe 52 is arranged such that one end is connected to the central hole 112 and the other end is connected to the collection trough 53. As Figure 5As shown, the collection trough 53 is arranged such that its upper end opening 531 is connected to the collection hole 135 of the support unit 13 and the lower end of the central collection pipe 52, and its side opening 532 is connected to the main collection pipe 51. The main collection pipe 51 is connected via the collection path R to the first input unit 31d on the side of the first peripheral portion 10a and the first input unit 31d on the side of the second peripheral portion 10b.

[0132] The collection path R will now be described. The collection path R has a collection path Ra on the side of the first peripheral portion 10a of the lottery table 10 and a collection path Rb on the side of the second peripheral portion 10b of the lottery table 10. Since the collection paths Ra and Rb have the same configuration, the description will hereinafter focus on the collection path Ra.

[0133] As Figure 10 shown, the collection path Ra connects the ball input unit 30d and the main collection pipe 51. The collection path Ra is inclined so that the ball B1 conveyed to the sub-conveying path P2 advances along the collection path Ra under the action of its own weight. More specifically, as Figure 10 shown, the collection path Ra has: a collection path inlet D5 that is connected to the input unit 31d; and a collection path outlet D6 that is connected to the main collection pipe 51. As Figure 10 shown, the collection path inlet D5 is an opening provided in the side surface 372 of the housing 37 of the input unit 31d. The collection path inlet D5 is provided at the same height as the conveying change position A2. As Figure 11 shown, the collection path outlet D6 is provided on the side wall of the main collection pipe 51. As Figure 11 shown, the collection path Ra is inclined such that the position of the collection path inlet D5 is higher than the position of the collection path outlet D6.

[0134] The second lottery machine 1B

[0135] As Figure 1 and Figures 19 to 22As shown, the second lottery machine 1B includes: a lottery roulette 6 for grand lotteries; a lottery table 60 having a turntable 61 and a lottery hole 62 provided at the center of the turntable 61; a rotation drive unit 70 configured to rotate the ball B2 placed on the turntable 61 (discussed below) in the first direction F1 by rotating the turntable 61 of the lottery table 60 in the first direction F1; a rotation imparting unit 80 configured to apply an external force to the ball B2 rotating in the first direction, so as to rotate the ball B2 in the second direction F2 while maintaining the rotation of the ball B2 in the first direction F1; a guide rail 90 provided to surround the turntable 61 to limit the rotation range of the ball B2 in the first direction F1 within the turntable 61 by contacting the ball B2; and a conveying unit 100 that conveys the ball B2 to the turntable 61.

[0136] Herein, as Figure 21 shown, the first direction F1 is, for example, the clockwise direction, and the second direction F2 is, for example, the counterclockwise direction. The second direction F2 may also be the clockwise direction, and the first direction F1 may be the counterclockwise direction. In addition, the rotation of the ball B2 in the first direction F1 and the rotation in the second direction F2 are rotations about different rotation axes. The rotation of the ball B2 in the first direction F1 and the rotation in the second direction F2 will be described in detail below.

[0137] As Figure 1 shown, the lottery roulette 6 has a configuration in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a cylindrical shape. During the game, the plurality of LEDs of the lottery roulette 6 emit light in sequence in a cycle. After the ball B2 falls into the lottery hole 62, the cyclic light emission of the LEDs stops, and only the LED that emits light when the ball B2 falls into the lottery hole 62 continues to emit light. As a result, the control unit 1D can detect the satellite 2C corresponding to the emitting LED as the winning satellite of the second lottery game.

[0138] As Figure 19 and Figure 20 shown, the turntable 61 has a placement surface 63 on which the ball B2 is placed and a plurality of guide portions 64 provided on the placement surface 63. The turntable 61 is configured to be rotatable in either the first direction F1 or the second direction F2 by the rotation drive unit 70.

[0139] The lottery hole 62 has an opening 621 on the side of the turntable 61. The opening 621 can be opened or closed by the conveying unit 100. When the conveying unit 100 closes the opening 621, the ball B2 will not fall into the lottery hole 62. On the other hand, when the conveying unit 100 opens the opening 621, the ball B2 will fall into the lottery hole 62. In addition, when the ball B2 falls into the lottery hole 62, the second lottery game using the lottery roulette 6 ends.

[0140] As Figure 20As shown, the placement surface 63 is inclined so that the ball B2 moves from the peripheral portion 632 to the central portion 631 of the placement surface 63 while rotating, and falls into the lottery hole 62. More specifically, the placement surface 63 is disc-shaped. With this placement surface 63, the ball B2 can roll on the placement surface 63 of the turntable 61 while being guided by the guide rail 90, and gradually approach the central portion 631 of the turntable 61.

[0141] The guiding portion 64 is an example of a component that guides the movement of the ball B2 between the peripheral portion 632 and the central portion 631 of the placement surface 63. The guiding portion 64 protrudes from the placement surface 63. The guiding portion 64 is configured such that when the turntable 61 rotates in the first direction F1, it guides the ball B2 along the first movement M1 of the guiding portion 64 to move the ball B2 away from the central portion 631 while maintaining the rotation of the ball B2 in the first direction F1 and the second direction F2, and when the turntable 61 rotates in the second direction F2, it guides the ball B2 along the second movement M2 of the guiding portion 64 to move the ball B2 closer to the central portion 631 while maintaining the rotation of the ball B2 in the first direction F1 and the second direction F2.

[0142] The rotation driving unit 70 is an example of a component that drives the turntable 61 to rotate in the first direction F1 or the second direction F2. The rotation driving unit 70 can, for example, rotate the turntable 61 in the first direction F1 and then rotate the turntable 61 in the second direction F2. In addition, the stopped ball B2 rolls on the turntable 61 due to the frictional force f1 generated between it and the placement surface 63 of the turntable 61 rotating in the first direction. Therefore, due to the centrifugal force, the ball B2 rotates in the first direction F1 around the first rotation axis L1, where the rotation axis of the turntable 61 serves as the first rotation axis L1. In other words, the ball B2 revolves around the first rotation axis L1 in the first direction F1. This revolution of the ball in the first direction F1 will sometimes be referred to as "the first rotation T1" in this specification.

[0143] The rotation imparting unit 80 is an example of a component that imparts rotation in the second direction F2 to the ball B2. The rotation imparting unit 80 is a component that uses the frictional force generated by contacting the ball B2 to make the ball B2 rotate in the second direction F2. The rotation imparting unit 80 is made of a material such as rubber. As Figures 19 to 22 shown, the rotation imparting unit 80 is provided on the guide rail 90. In Figures 19 to 22 the example shown, the number of rotation imparting units 80 attached to the guide rail 90 is one, but this number is not limited to this. The number of rotation imparting units 80 can be one, or can be five or more.

[0144] During the game, the ball B2 contacts the rotation imparting unit 80 due to the first rotation T1. This contact generates a frictional force f2 between the surface of the ball B2 and the rotation imparting unit 80. In other words, the rotation imparting unit 80 rotates along Figure 19The direction shown applies a frictional force f2 to the surface of the ball B2. Additionally, the frictional force f2 is less than the frictional force f1. As a result, while the first rotation T1 is being performed, the ball B2 starts to rotate about its own axis in the second direction F2, with the central axis passing through the center of the ball B2 serving as the second rotation axis L2. In other words, the ball B2 rotates about the second rotation axis L2 in the second direction F2. The rotation of the ball in the second direction F2 will sometimes be referred to as the "second rotation T2" in this specification.

[0145] Therefore, when the rotation drive unit 70 starts to rotate the turntable 61 in the first direction F1, the ball B2 placed on the placement surface 63 of the turntable 61 undergoes a first rotation T1 in the first direction F1 due to the frictional force f1 between it and the placement surface 63, and undergoes a first movement M1 along the guide portion 64 to move away from the central portion 631 of the turntable 61. Additionally, when the ball B2 performing the first rotation T1 comes into contact with the rotation imparting unit 80, the ball B2 undergoes a second rotation T2 in the second direction F2 while performing the first rotation T1 and the first movement M1. Further, when the ball B2 performs the second rotation T2, the frictional force f1 exerted on the ball B2 by the placement surface 63 of the turntable 61 decreases. As a result, the speed of the first rotation T1 of the ball B2 decreases. After that, when the rotation drive unit 70 starts to rotate the turntable 61 in the second direction F2, the frictional force f1 between the ball B2 and the placement surface 63 further decreases, and the ball B2 undergoes a second movement along the guide portion 64. As a result, the ball B2 gradually approaches the lottery hole 62 and then falls into the lottery hole 62, as Figure 22 shown.

[0146] Control unit 1D

[0147] Next, reference will be made to Figures 23 to 27 describe the control unit 1D in detail.

[0148] Functional configuration of the control unit 1D

[0149] The control unit 1D is configured to control the overall operation of the lottery game device 1. As Figure 23 shown, the control unit 1D is connected to the first lottery machine 1A, the second lottery machine 1B, each of the eight satellites 2C of the operation unit 1C, the lighting unit, and the speaker. The control unit 1D receives the time information obtained by the infrared sensor of the first lottery machine 1A, the antenna 212, the ball detector 35, the respective operation buttons 2b of the eight satellites 2C of the operation unit 1C, etc., and based on the data and programs stored in the control unit 1D, uses this time information to control the respective display units 2e of the first lottery machine 1A, the second lottery machine 1B, the eight satellites 2C of the operation unit 1C, the lighting unit, the speaker, etc., so as to execute the lottery game.

[0150] Processing of the control unit 1D

[0151] Control related to the first lottery game

[0152] First, reference will be made to Figure 24 and Figure 25 to describe the control related to the first lottery game executed by the control unit 1D. In the following description, the configuration on the conveying path Pa side is sometimes referred to as the "Pa-side configuration", and the configuration on the conveying path Pb side is referred to as the "Pb-side configuration".

[0153] (Step S01)

[0154] When the control unit 1D detects a request to start the first lottery game from the satellite 2C used by the player, it first executes the initial process (Step S01).

[0155] In Step S01, as Figure 25 shown, the control unit 1D drives each of the solenoids 225, 226, 227, and 228 of the ball identification storage unit 20 to pick up and input six green balls, one yellow ball, and one red ball selected from the balls B1 of each color stored in the storage units 221, 222, 223, and 224 into the ball conveying unit 40 (Step S011). Then, the control unit 1D drives the ball conveying unit 40 to sequentially convey these eight balls along the conveying path P. Specifically, first, the ball conveying unit 40 conveys the first ball to the main conveying path P1 on the Pa side (Step S012). The first ball conveyed to the main conveying path P1 on the Pa side advances along the main conveying path P1 under its own weight and enters the first input unit 31a on the Pa side. When the first ball enters the first input unit 31a on the Pa side, the control unit 1D sequentially drives the corresponding sub-conveying elevators 32 of the input units 31a, 31b, and 31c on the Pa side to convey the first ball to the input unit 31d on the Pa side (Step S013).

[0156] More specifically, in step S013, the control unit 1D first drives the sub-conveyor elevator 32 of the input unit 31a on the Pa side to convey the first ball in the input unit 31a to the input unit 31b via the sub-conveyor path P2a. After the first ball is conveyed to the input unit 31b on the Pa side, the control unit 1D drives the sub-conveyor elevator 32 of the input unit 31b to convey the first ball in the input unit 31b to the input unit 31c on the Pa side via the sub-conveyor path P2b. After the first ball is conveyed to the input unit 31c on the Pa side, the control unit 1D then drives the sub-conveyor elevator 32 of the input unit 31c to convey the first ball in the input unit 31c to the input unit 31d on the Pa side via the sub-conveyor path P2c. Thus, the control unit 1D can convey the first ball to the input unit 31d located at the farthest side of the conveyor path Pa via the ball conveyor unit 40, the input unit 31a, the input unit 31b, and the input unit 31c.

[0157] After the first ball is conveyed to the main conveyor path P1 on the Pa side, the ball conveyor unit 40 conveys the second ball to the main conveyor path P1 on the Pb side (step S014). When the second ball enters the first input unit 31a on the Pb side under the action of its own weight, the control unit 1D sequentially drives the respective sub-conveyor elevators 32 of the input unit 31a, the input unit 31b, and the input unit 31c on the Pb side, thereby conveying the second ball to the input unit 31d on the Pb side (step S015).

[0158] Here, since the processing in step S015 is the same as the processing in the above step S013, the detailed description will be omitted. Similarly, if the processing related to the Pb side and the processing related to the Pa side described later are the same, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the processing related to step S014 and the processing related to step S013 are executed simultaneously. Furthermore, the processing related to step S016 and the processing related to step S015 are executed simultaneously; the processing related to step S018 and the processing related to step S017 are executed simultaneously; the processing related to step S020 and the processing related to step S019 are executed simultaneously; the processing related to step S022 and the processing related to step S021 are executed simultaneously; the processing related to step S024 and the processing related to step S023 are executed simultaneously.

[0159] After the second ball is conveyed to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pb side, the ball conveyance unit 40 conveys the third ball to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pa side (step S016). When the third ball enters the first input unit 31a on the Pa side under its own weight, the control unit 1D sequentially drives the respective corresponding sub-conveyance elevators 32 of the input unit 31a and the input unit 31b on the Pa side, thereby conveying the third ball to the input unit 31c on the Pa side (step S017). Here, the conveyance of the third ball from the input units 31a and 31b to the input unit 31c on the Pa side is the same as the conveyance of the first ball from the input units 31a and 31b to the input unit 31c on the Pa side described in the above step S013, and thus the detailed description is omitted.

[0160] After the third ball is conveyed to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pa side, the ball conveyance unit 40 conveys the fourth ball to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pb side (step S018). When the fourth ball enters the first input unit 31a on the Pb side under its own weight, the control unit 1D sequentially drives the respective corresponding sub-conveyance elevators 32 of the input unit 31a and the input unit 31b on the Pb side, thereby conveying the fourth ball to the input unit 31c on the Pb side (step S019).

[0161] After the fourth ball is conveyed to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pb side, the ball conveyance unit 40 conveys the fifth ball to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pa side (step S020). When the fifth ball enters the first input unit 31a on the Pa side under its own weight, the control unit 1D drives the sub-conveyance elevator 32 of the input unit 31a on the Pa side, thereby conveying the fifth ball to the input unit 31b on the Pa side (step S021).

[0162] After the fifth ball is conveyed to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pa side, the ball conveyance unit 40 conveys the sixth ball to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pb side (step S022). When the sixth ball enters the first input unit 31a on the Pb side under its own weight, the control unit 1D drives the sub-conveyance elevator 32 of the input unit 31a on the Pb side, thereby conveying the sixth ball to the input unit 31b on the Pb side (step S023).

[0163] After the sixth ball is conveyed to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pb side, the ball conveyance unit 40 conveys the seventh ball to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pa side (step S024). Then, the seventh ball enters the first input unit 31a on the Pa side under its own weight. After the seventh ball is conveyed to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pa side, the ball conveyance unit 40 conveys the eighth ball to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pb side (step S025). Then, the eighth ball enters the first input unit 31a on the Pb side under its own weight.

[0164] After the eighth ball is conveyed to the main conveyance path P1 on the Pa side, the control unit 1D determines whether there is a ball B1 in each of the input units 31 on the Pa side and the Pb side (step S026). If it is determined that there is a ball B1 in each of the input units 31 (step S026: Yes), the control unit 1D drives and stops the sub-conveyance elevators 32 of each of the input units 31 so that the ball holders 322 in each of the input units 31 rise to the input standby position A3 (step S027). Then, the control unit 1D displays numbers on each display unit 115, causes each light-emitting unit 114 to emit full-color light randomly by combining colors such as red, blue, green, and yellow, and causes the turntable 111 to rotate (step S028), thereby completing the initial process.

[0165] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no ball B1 in any of the input units 31 (step S026: No), the control unit 1D returns to the process of step S026.

[0166] In the description of the above initial process, the process related to step S028 is described as being executed after the processes related to steps S011 to S026. However, this is not limited to this order. The process related to step S028 can also be executed before or simultaneously with the processes related to steps S011 to S026.

[0167] (Steps S02 to S04)

[0168] Now, it will return to Figure 24 The description will be given. After the initial process is completed, the control unit 1D selects three input units 31 from the six input units 31 holding the green balls B1, drives the sub-conveyance elevators 32 of each of the selected three input units 31, and raises the ball holders 322 in the three input units 31 to the input position A4, which causes three green balls B1 to be input into the lottery table 10 (step S02). After three green balls B1 are input, the control unit 1D determines whether the three green balls B1 roll into the holes 113 and result in a win (step S03). If it is determined that the three green balls B1 result in a win (step S03: Yes), the control unit 1D replenishes one ball B1 of each color to the three input units 31 into which the green balls B1 are input (step S04). On the other hand, if it is determined that at least one of the three green balls B1 does not result in a win (step S03: No), the control unit 1D returns to the process of step S03.

[0169] (Steps S05 to S07)

[0170] After adding one ball B1 of each color, the control unit 1D selects one of the two input units 31 holding the yellow ball B1, drives the sub-conveyor elevator 32 of the selected input unit 31, and raises the ball holder 322 of the input unit 31 to the input position A4, thereby dropping one yellow ball B1 into the lottery table 10 (step S05). After dropping one yellow ball B1, the control unit 1D determines whether the one yellow ball B1 rolls into the hole 113 to result in a win (step S06). If it is determined that the one yellow ball B1 results in a win (step S06: Yes), the control unit 1D replenishes one green ball B1 to the input unit 31 into which the yellow ball B1 was dropped (step S07). On the other hand, if it is determined that the one yellow ball B1 does not result in a win (step S06: No), the control unit 1D returns to the process of step S06.

[0171] (Steps S08 to S010)

[0172] After adding one green ball B1, the control unit 1D selects one of the two input units 31 holding the red ball B1, drives the sub-conveyor elevator 32 of the selected input unit 31, and raises the ball holder 322 of the input unit 31 to the input position A4, thereby dropping one red ball B1 into the lottery table 10 (step S08). After dropping one red ball B1, the control unit 1D determines whether the one red ball B1 rolls into the hole 113 to result in a win (step S09). If it is determined that the one red ball B1 results in a win (step S09: Yes), the control unit 1D detects the winning information of each ball B1 that results in a win (step S010). Here, the winning information includes numerical information corresponding to the hole 113 into which each ball B1 enters, and information on whether the color of the ball B1 that enters the hole 113 matches the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 114 attached to the hole 113. On the other hand, if it is determined that the one red ball B1 does not result in a win (step S09: No), the control unit 1D returns to the process of step S09.

[0173] (Steps S011, S012)

[0174] Next, the control unit 1D collects the balls B1 that result in a winning (step S011). Specifically, the control unit 1D first drives the baffle 136 to open the collection slot 53 of the ball collection unit 50. Then, when the control unit 1D rotates the turntable 111, the ball B1 in the hole 113 of the turntable 111 falls from the hole 113 into the collection slot 53 when passing through the collection slot 53. The ball B1 that has fallen into the collection slot 53 moves to the main collection pipe 51 via the collection slot 53 under its own weight and enters the ball identification storage unit 20. Then, the control unit 1D receives the identification information of each ball B1 identified by the identification unit 21 of the ball identification storage unit 20, and after determining the color of each ball B1 based on this identification information, stores each ball B1 in the corresponding storage units 222, 223, and 224 of its own color in the selection unit 22 (step S012), thus completing the first lottery game process.

[0175] Control related to game cancellation and collection processing

[0176] Next, reference will be made to Figure 26 Describe the control related to game cancellation and collection processing executed by the control unit 1D. When the control unit 1D detects a cancellation request for the first lottery game from the satellite 2C used by the player, it executes the control related to game cancellation and collection processing to collect the balls B1 into each input unit 31. The control related to game cancellation and collection processing can be performed during or after the execution of the initial processing related to the first lottery game control (step S01), the replenishment processing of one ball B1 of each color (step S04), the replenishment processing of one ball B1 (step S07), and the collection processing of the balls B1 that result in a winning (step S011).

[0177] (Steps S1, S2)

[0178] The control unit 1D first determines whether a ball B1 is held in the input unit 31d (step S1). If it is determined that a ball B1 is held in the input unit 31d (step S1; yes), the control unit 1D drives the conveying elevator 32 of the input unit 31d to convey the ball B1 in the input unit 31d to the collection path R (step S2). The ball B1 moves along the collection path R under its own weight, enters the main collection pipe 51, and is collected by the ball identification storage unit 20.

[0179] (Steps S3, S4)

[0180] After the ball B1 is collected into the loading unit 31d, the control unit 1D determines whether the loading unit 31c holds the ball B1 (step S3). If it is determined that the loading unit 31c holds the ball B1 (step S3: Yes), the control unit 1D drives the conveying elevator 32 of the loading unit 31c to convey the ball B1 in the loading unit 31c to the loading unit 31d, and then drives the conveying elevator 32 of the loading unit 31d to convey the ball B1 in the loading unit 31d to the collection path R (step S4). Then, the ball B1 moves along the collection path R under its own weight, enters the main collection pipe 51, and is collected by the ball recognition storage unit 20.

[0181] (Steps S5, S6)

[0182] After the ball B1 is collected into the loading unit 31c, the control unit 1D determines whether the loading unit 31b holds the ball B1 (step S5). If it is determined that the loading unit 31b holds the ball B1 (step S3: Yes), the control unit 1D drives the conveying elevator 32 of the loading unit 31b to convey the ball B1 in the loading unit 31b to the loading unit 31c, and then drives the conveying elevator 32 of the loading unit 31c to convey the ball B1 in the loading unit 31c to the loading unit 31d, and then drives the conveying elevator 32 of the loading unit 31d to convey the ball B1 in the loading unit 31d to the collection path R (step S6). Then, the ball B1 moves along the collection path R under its own weight, enters the main collection pipe 51, and is collected by the ball recognition storage unit 20.

[0183] (Steps S7, S8)

[0184] After the ball B1 is collected into the loading unit 31b, the control unit 1D determines whether the loading unit 31a holds the ball B1 (step S7). If it is determined that the loading unit 31a holds the ball B1 (step S7: Yes), the control unit 1D drives the conveying elevator 32 of the loading unit 31a to convey the ball B1 in the loading unit 31a to the loading unit 31b, and then drives the conveying elevator 32 of the loading unit 31b to convey the ball B1 in the loading unit 31b to the loading unit 31c, and then drives the conveying elevator 32 of the loading unit 31c to convey the ball B1 in the loading unit 31c to the loading unit 31d, and then drives the conveying elevator 32 of the loading unit 31d to convey the ball B1 in the loading unit 31d to the collection path R (step S8). Then, the ball B1 moves along the collection path R under its own weight, enters the main collection pipe 51, and is collected by the ball recognition storage unit 20.

[0185] Once all the balls B1 are collected into the loading unit 31, the control unit 1D ends the control related to game cancellation and collection processing.

[0186] On the other hand, if it is determined that the input unit 31d does not hold the ball B1 (step S1: No), the control unit 1D proceeds to step S3. Similarly, if it is determined that the input unit 31c does not hold the ball B1 (step S3: No), the control unit 1D enters step S5. Additionally, if it is determined that the input unit 31b does not hold the ball B1 (step S5: No), the control unit 1D proceeds to step S7.

[0187] Control related to the second lottery game

[0188] Next, with reference to Figure 27 Describe the control related to the second lottery game executed by the control unit 1D.

[0189] When the control unit 1D detects a start request for the second lottery game from the satellite 2C used by the player, it causes the LEDs of the lottery wheel 6 to light up in a cycle (step S10), and drives the conveying unit 100 to convey the ball B2 stored in the lottery hole 62 to the turntable 61 (step S11). Then, the control unit 1D rotates the turntable 61 in the first direction F1 so that the ball B2 starts the first rotation T1 and the first movement M1, and then, through the contact between the ball B2 and the rotation imparting unit 80, causes the ball B2 to start the second rotation T2 (step S12). Next, the control unit 1D rotates the turntable 61 in the second direction F2 to decelerate the first rotation T1 of the ball B2 and cause the ball B2 to start the second movement M2 (step S13). Then, the control unit 1D determines whether the ball B2 has fallen into the lottery hole 62 (step S14). If it is determined that the ball B2 has fallen into the lottery hole 62 (step S14: Yes), the control unit 1D stops the cyclic lighting of the LEDs of the lottery wheel 6, detects the result of the second lottery corresponding to the position of the LED lights (step S15), and terminates the control related to the second lottery game.

[0190] The lottery device 1 according to the above-described embodiment includes: a lottery table 60 having a turntable 61 on which balls B2 are placed and a lottery hole 62 provided at the center of the turntable 61 through which the balls B2 can pass; a rotation driving unit 70 configured to rotate the turntable 61 in a first direction F1 so that the balls B2 placed on the turntable 61 rotate in the first direction F1; and a rotation imparting unit 80 configured to apply an external force to the balls B2 rotating in the first direction F1 so that the balls B2 rotate in a second direction F2 while maintaining the rotation in the first direction F1. Here, the rotation of the balls B2 in the first direction F1 is a first rotation T1 in which the balls B2 rotate about a first rotation axis L1, and the first rotation axis L1 is the rotation axis of the turntable 61. The rotation of the balls B2 in the second direction F2 is a second rotation T2 in which the balls B2 rotate about a second rotation axis L2, and the second rotation axis L2 is a central axis passing through the center of the balls B2. As a result, with a simple configuration, variability can be introduced into the movement of the balls B2 on the turntable 61, thereby extending the period during which the movement of the balls B2 is particularly attractive, and thus increasing the player's anticipation of the lottery and the entertainment value of the lottery game.

[0191] In addition, in the lottery device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the turntable 61 has a placement surface 63 on which the balls B2 are placed, and the placement surface 63 is inclined such that the balls B2 move from the peripheral portion 632 of the placement surface 63 toward the central portion 631 while rotating and fall into the lottery hole 62, and the second direction F2 is different from the first direction F1. As a result, it is possible to easily ensure that the balls B2 do not fall into the lottery hole 62 too quickly while rotating.

[0192] In addition, in the lottery device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, each of the first direction F1 and the second direction F2 is a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, and the rotation driving unit 70 rotates the turntable 61 in the first direction F1 and then in the second direction F2. As a result, the variability of the amount of time the balls spend on the stirring surface can be increased, and the movement near the lottery opening can be made more random.

[0193] In addition, in the lottery device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the turntable 61 has a placement surface 63 on which the balls B2 are placed, and the placement surface 63 has a guiding portion 64 that guides the movement of the balls B2 between the peripheral portion 632 and the central portion 631 of the placement surface 63. When the turntable 61 rotates in the first direction F1, the guiding portion 64 guides the first movement M1 of the balls B2 such that the balls B2 move away from the central portion 631 along the guiding portion 64 while maintaining the first rotation T1 and the second rotation T2 of the balls B2. As a result, the balls B2 can be moved away from the lottery hole 62, and the rolling time of the balls B2 on the turntable 61 can be extended.

[0194] In addition, in the lottery device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the rotation drive unit 70 rotates the turntable 61 in the first direction F1 and then in the second direction F2, and when the turntable 61 rotates in the second direction F2, the guiding portion 64 guides the second movement M2 of the ball B2 such that the ball B2 approaches the central portion 631 along the guiding portion 64 while maintaining the first rotation T1 and the second rotation T2 of the ball B2. As a result, the rotation speed of the ball B2 can be reduced, and it is ensured that the ball B2 does not fall into the lottery hole 62 too quickly.

[0195] In addition, in the lottery device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the guide rail 90 is also provided to surround the turntable 61 to limit the range of the first rotation T1 of the ball B2 within the turntable 61 by contacting the ball B2, and at least one rotation imparting unit 80 is attached to the guide rail 90. As a result, the attachment of the rotation imparting unit 80 can be simplified.

[0196] In addition, in the lottery device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the rotation imparting unit 80 causes the ball B2 to perform the second rotation T2 by using the frictional force generated by contacting the ball B2. As a result, the second rotation T2 of the ball B2 can be realized using a simple structure.

[0197] In addition, in the lottery device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, a conveying unit 100 for conveying the ball B2 in the lottery hole 62 to the placement surface 63 of the turntable 61 is also provided, wherein the conveying unit 100 is provided to be movable in the vertical direction such that when the turntable 61 starts to rotate in the first direction F1 after the ball B2 has been conveyed to the placement surface 63, the opening 621 of the lottery hole 62 on the turntable 61 side is covered so that the ball does not fall into the lottery hole 62, and when the turntable 61 starts to rotate in the first direction for a specific time, the opening 621 is then opened so that the ball falls into the lottery hole 62. As a result, the conveyance of the ball B2 can be easily performed, and it is less likely that the ball B2 falls into the lottery hole 62 at an early stage.

[0198] The lottery game device 1 according to the above-described embodiment includes: a medium receiving device 2c that receives a game medium through the operation of a player; a second lottery machine 1B, which is an example of the above-described lottery device, and when the medium receiving device 2c receives a real game medium or a virtual game medium, the second lottery machine starts a lottery game featuring balls; and a medium paying device 2d that pays a real game medium or a virtual game medium corresponding to the lottery result to the player according to the lottery result of the second lottery machine 1B. As a result, with a simple configuration, variability can be introduced into the movement of the balls during the lottery game, thereby extending the particularly appealing period of the movement of the balls and thus enhancing the player's anticipation of the lottery and the entertainment value of the lottery game.

[0199] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments, as long as they still have the features of the present invention, are also included within the scope of the present invention. That is to say, the elements of the above embodiments and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc. are not limited to these examples and can be changed as needed. Additionally, within the scope technically feasible, the elements of the above embodiments can be combined, and as long as these combinations still have the features of the present invention, they are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0200] List of reference characters

[0201] 1...Lottery device

[0202] 60...Lottery platform

[0203] 61...Turntable

[0204] 62...Lottery hole

[0205] 63...Placement surface

[0206] 70...Rotary drive unit

[0207] 80...Rotation imparting unit

[0208] 90...Guide rail

[0209] 100...Conveyor unit

[0210] 621...Opening

[0211] L1...First rotation axis

[0212] L2...Second rotation axis

Claims

1. A lottery device, comprising: A lottery table, which has a turntable for placing balls thereon and a lottery hole provided at the center of the turntable into which the balls can fall, A rotary drive unit configured to rotate the turntable in a first direction, so that the balls placed on the turntable rotate in the first direction, and A rotation imparting unit configured to apply an external force to the balls rotating in the first direction, so that the balls rotate in a second direction while maintaining the rotation in the first direction; Wherein, the rotation of the balls in the first direction is a first rotation of the balls rotating around a first rotation axis, the first rotation axis being the rotation axis of the turntable, and The rotation of the balls in the second direction is a second rotation of the balls rotating around a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis being a central axis passing through the center of the balls.

2. The lottery device according to claim 1, Among them, The turntable has a placement surface for placing the balls thereon, The placement surface is inclined such that the balls move from the peripheral portion to the central portion of the placement surface while rotating and fall into the lottery hole, and The second direction is different from the first direction.

3. The lottery device according to claim 1, Among them, The first direction and the second direction are each a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, and The rotary drive unit rotates the turntable in the first direction and then in the second direction.

4. The lottery device according to claim 1, Among them, The turntable has a placement surface for placing the balls thereon, The placement surface has a guiding portion that guides the movement of the balls between the peripheral portion and the central portion of the placement surface, and When the turntable rotates in the first direction, the guiding portion guides the first movement of the balls such that the balls move away from the central portion along the guiding portion while maintaining the first rotation and the second rotation of the balls.

5. The lottery device according to claim 4, Among them, The rotary drive unit rotates the turntable in the first direction and then in the second direction; and When the turntable rotates in the second direction, the guiding portion guides the second movement of the balls such that the balls approach the central portion along the guiding portion while maintaining the first rotation and the second rotation of the balls.

6. The lottery device according to claim 5, Further comprising a guide rail provided around the turntable to limit the range of the first rotation of the balls within the turntable by contacting the balls, and At least one biasing unit is attached to the guide rail.

7. The lottery device according to claim 6, Among them, The biasing unit causes the balls to perform the second rotation by using the frictional force generated by contacting the balls.

8. The lottery device according to claim 6, Further comprising a conveying unit that conveys the balls in the lottery hole to the placement surface of the turntable, Among them, The conveying unit is arranged to be movable in the vertical direction, such that: when the turntable starts to rotate in the first direction after the ball has been conveyed to the placing surface, the opening of the lottery hole on the turntable side is covered, so that the ball does not fall into the lottery hole, and when the turntable starts to rotate in the first direction for a specific time, the opening is then opened, so that the ball falls into the lottery hole.

9. A lottery game device, comprising: a medium receiving device configured to receive a game medium through an operation of a player, The lottery device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein starting a lottery game featuring balls when the medium receiving device receives the game medium, and a medium paying device configured to pay a game medium corresponding to the lottery result to the player according to the lottery result of the lottery device.

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