Game device, control method of game device, and program

Abstract

To realize an effective performance with a configuration for conveying value media acquirable by a player.SOLUTION: A game device includes: a bumper for moving a privilege ball; a conveyance mechanism 50 for conveying at least one reward card 51; a supply mechanism 53 for supplying at least one reward card 51 to the conveyance mechanism 50; and a conveyance control part for controlling the conveyance mechanism 50. The conveyance control part allows at least one reward card 51 to advance toward a discharge hole 547 with satisfaction of an operation condition regarding movement of a privilege ball as an opportunity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gaming device.

Background Art

[0002] Games in which players can acquire value media such as cards have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming device including a belt conveyor that conveys cards.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, since the cards are only conveyed by the belt conveyor, there is room for further improvement from the viewpoint of effective presentation. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to realize an effective presentation under a configuration that conveys value media that can be acquired by a player.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a gaming device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a motion mechanism that moves a game body, a conveyance mechanism that conveys one or more value media, and a conveyance control unit that controls the conveyance mechanism. The conveyance control unit advances the one or more value media toward an outlet契机 upon the establishment of an operation condition related to the motion of the game body.

[0006] A control method for a game device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a game device that provides a game using a motion mechanism for moving a game body and a transport mechanism for transporting one or more value media, wherein the one or more value media are advanced toward an outlet when an operating condition relating to the motion of the game body is met.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes one or more processors of a game device that provides a game using a motion mechanism for moving a game body and a transport mechanism for transporting one or more value media to function as a transport control unit that controls the transport mechanism, wherein the transport control unit advances the one or more value media toward an outlet when an operating condition related to the motion of the game body is met. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a game device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of a control device. [Figure 4] This is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a single station. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the game mechanism and display device. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the detailed steps of typical game processing. [Figure 7] These are plan and cross-sectional views illustrating the configuration of the central unit. [Figure 8] This is a side view of the bumper. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a transport unit. [Figure 10] This is a side view of the transport unit. [Figure 11] This is a magnified side view of the discharge mechanism. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the problem of proportionality 1. [Figure 13] This flowchart illustrates the detailed steps of the transport control process. [Figure 14] This flowchart illustrates the detailed procedure for supply control processing. [Figure 15] This flowchart illustrates the detailed procedure of the transport control process in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This flowchart illustrates the detailed procedure of the supply control process in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below include various limitations that are not essential to the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a game device 100 according to the first embodiment. The game device 100 is installed, for example, in a game facility. A game facility is, for example, an entertainment facility such as an arcade or casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The game device 100 provides games to users U (i.e., players) within the game facility. The game device 100 can be implemented as a single device, or as a group of devices configured separately from each other.

[0011] As illustrated in Figure 1, the game device 100 of the first embodiment comprises a plurality (e.g., six) of stations 11 and a central unit 12. The plurality of stations 11 are arranged circumferentially so as to surround the central unit 12. One or more users U play the game using one station 11.

[0012] The game device 100 of the first embodiment executes a normal game and a special game. The normal game is a game that each user U plays constantly using the station 11. The normal game is executed in parallel at each of the plurality of stations 11. A special game is executed for one station 11 in which a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game among the plurality of stations 11. Note that, at each of the plurality of stations 11, the normal game is executed in parallel with the special game.

[0013] The special game is a game that uses the central unit 12. Specifically, the special game is a game in which the user U aims to acquire a card (hereinafter referred to as "reward card") 51. The reward card 51 is a value medium that is the target of acquisition by the user U. The reward card 51 of the first embodiment is a rectangular thin plate, and various patterns are printed on the front and back surfaces. For example, the reward card 51 is a trading card that is the target of collection or trading.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game device 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the game device 100 includes a control device 13 and a storage device 14 in addition to the plurality of stations 11 and the central unit 12.

[0015] The control device 13 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the game device 100. Specifically, for example, the control device 13 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Note that part or all of the functions of the control device 13 may be mounted on each station 11.

[0016] The storage device 14 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 13 and various data used by the control device 13. The storage device 14 is composed of known recording media such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. A portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the game device 100 may be used as the storage device 14. Alternatively, a recording media that can be written to or read via a communication network (e.g., cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 14.

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the control device 13. The control device 13 implements multiple functions (game control unit 131, transport control unit 132, and supply control unit 133) by executing programs stored in the memory device 14. Details of each function implemented by the control device 13 will be described later.

[0018] Figure 4 is a plan view of any one of the multiple stations 11. As illustrated in Figure 4, each station 11 is equipped with an operation panel 20, a game mechanism 30, a display device 40, and a transport unit 50. As can be seen from Figure 1, two adjacent stations 11 have a line-symmetric structure.

[0019] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the game device 100 of the first embodiment includes a transparent panel 15. The transparent panel 15 is a plate-shaped member arranged in an annular shape when viewed from above in the vertical direction. The transparent panel 15 is made of a transparent material such as acrylic resin. The aforementioned central unit 12 and the game mechanisms 30 and display devices 40 of each station 11 are installed in the space surrounded by the transparent panel 15. Therefore, the user U cannot come into contact with the central unit 12, the game mechanisms 30 and the display devices 40. On the other hand, the operation panel 20 is installed in the space outside the transparent panel 15. The transport unit 50 is installed across the inside and outside of the transparent panel 15, as will be described later.

[0020] The control panel 20 comprises an operating device 21, a receiving device 22, and a dispensing device 23. The operating device 21 is an input device that receives instructions from the user U. For example, multiple controls operated by the user U, or a touch panel that detects contact by the user U, can be used as the operating device 21.

[0021] The reception device 22 accepts the insertion of game media Ma by user U. Game media Ma are typically elements such as medals (tokens) or coins used in games. The reception device 22 includes, for example, an insertion slot into which game media Ma is inserted, and a detector that detects the insertion of game media Ma into the insertion slot.

[0022] The dispensing device 23 dispenses game media Mb to the user U. Game media Mb is, for example, a ticket. A ticket is a value medium that has value that can be exchanged for various goods. The dispensing device 23 includes, for example, a storage container for storing game media Mb and a dispensing mechanism 54 for sequentially dispensing game media Mb from the storage container. Game media Mb may also be medals (tokens) or coins, similar to game media Ma. In other words, the type of game media Ma and game media Mb is irrelevant. The aforementioned reward card 51 may also be exchangeable for game media Mb within the gaming facility.

[0023] The display device 40 displays an image under the control of the control device 13. The display device 40 displays, for example, the progress of a game, including a regular game. The display device 40 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel. In addition to the display device 40 for each station 11 as exemplified above, a display device shared by two or more stations 11 may also be installed.

[0024] [A-1: Game mechanism 30] The game mechanism 30 is a mechanism that executes a normal game under the control of the control device 13. The game mechanism 30 of the first embodiment provides a pusher game as the normal game.

[0025] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the game mechanism 30 and the display device 40. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, in the following description, we assume mutually orthogonal X and Y axes in the horizontal plane. The X axis is the axis along the left-right direction of the user U. One direction along the X axis is denoted as the X1 direction, and the other direction as the X2 direction. The Y axis is the axis along the front-back direction of the user U. One direction along the Y axis is denoted as the Y1 direction, and the other direction as the Y2 direction. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the game mechanism 30 includes a fixed table 31, a movable table 32, a feeding device 33, a fixed wall 34, a supply device 35, a detection device 36, and a detection device 37.

[0026] The fixed table 31 is a plate-shaped member with a surface substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. The fixed table 31 has an end 311. The end 311 is the periphery located in the X2 direction on the fixed table 31. The movable table 32 is a platform-shaped member (pusher table) with a surface substantially parallel to the horizontal direction, and is positioned on the surface of the fixed table 31. The movable table 32 reciprocates along the X axis on the fixed table 31. Multiple game media Ma are placed on the surface of the fixed table 31 and the surface of the movable table 32. The input device 33 supplies the game media Ma received by the receiving device 22 onto the movable table 32. The timing and direction in which the input device 33 inserts the game media Ma are controlled according to instructions from the user U to the operating device 21. Note that in Figure 5, the game media Ma and the lottery balls 38 are omitted for convenience.

[0027] The fixed wall 34 is a component that faces the surface of the movable table 32. The game medium Ma placed on the movable table 32 is pressed in the X2 direction by the fixed wall 34 as the movable table 32 moves in the X1 direction. Due to the pressure by the fixed wall 34, multiple game mediums Ma on the movable table 32 move in the X2 direction, and the game mediums Ma that reach the end of the movable table 32 fall onto the fixed table 31. The game mediums Ma on the fixed table 31 are pressed by the movable table 32 moving in the X2 direction and sequentially move in the X2 direction, falling from the end 311 of the fixed table 31.

[0028] The supply device 35 supplies the lottery balls 38 onto the fixed table 31. The lottery balls 38 move in the X2 direction together with the game medium Ma in conjunction with the reciprocating motion of the movable table 32, and eventually fall from the end 311 of the fixed table 31.

[0029] A lottery frame 312 is installed on a portion of the end 311 of the fixed table 31 in the direction of the Y axis. The lottery frame 312 is a frame-shaped portion that protrudes from the end 311 in the X2 direction. Of the multiple game media Ma that fall from the fixed table 31, some pass through the lottery frame 312, while the remaining game media Ma fall without passing through the lottery frame 312. The lottery ball 38 cannot pass through the lottery frame 312.

[0030] The detection device 36 is a sensor that detects the game medium Ma passing through the lottery frame 312. For example, an optical sensor that optically detects the game medium Ma, or a contact sensor that detects contact with the game medium Ma, can be used as the detection device 36.

[0031] The detection device 37 is a sensor that detects the game medium Ma or lottery ball 38 falling from the fixed table 31. The detection device 37 detects the game medium Ma that has passed through the lottery frame 312 and the game medium Ma that has fallen without passing through the lottery frame 312. For example, an optical sensor that optically detects the game medium Ma or lottery ball 38, or a contact sensor that detects contact with the game medium Ma or lottery ball 38, can be used as the detection device 37.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed procedure of the process (hereinafter referred to as "normal game processing") Sa in which the control device 13 controls the progress of the normal game. For example, the normal game processing Sa is started when the game device 100 is activated. The normal game processing Sa is executed in parallel for each of the multiple stations 11. The control device 13 executes the normal game processing Sa, thereby realizing the game control unit 131 shown in Figure 3. In other words, the game control unit 131 controls the progress of the normal game.

[0033] When normal game processing Sa begins, the control device 13 determines whether the detection device 36 has detected the drop of the game medium Ma (Sa1). That is, it determines whether the game medium Ma has passed through the lottery frame 312. If the detection device 36 has detected the drop of the game medium Ma (Sa1: YES), the control device 13 executes the lottery process (Sa2). If the drop of the game medium Ma is not detected (Sa2: NO), the control device 13 proceeds to step Sa5 without executing the lottery process.

[0034] The lottery process is an electronic lottery that probabilistically determines whether user U wins or loses. As illustrated in Figure 5, the control device 13 displays a lottery screen 41 on the display device 40 that shows the process and results of the lottery process. The lottery process is a video slot. The lottery screen 41 displays multiple cylindrical rotating parts 42. Multiple different symbols are arranged circumferentially on the outer surface of each of the multiple rotating parts 42. When the lottery process starts, each of the multiple rotating parts 42 rotates and stops sequentially at predetermined points. The control device 13 determines that a win occurs if the symbols on the multiple rotating parts 42 in the stopped state are a predetermined combination, and that a loss occurs if the predetermined combination does not hold. As can be understood from the above explanation, the lottery process is a process in which the lottery result is determined by probabilistically selecting one of the multiple symbols. The multiple symbols on each rotating part 42 are lottery elements that are candidates for selection by the lottery process. Furthermore, a physical lottery using a physical lottery mechanism may be performed as part of the lottery process.

[0035] The control device 13 determines whether the result of the lottery process is a win or a loss (Sa3). If the result of the lottery process is a win (Sa3:YES), the control device 13 executes a winning process according to the combination of symbols in each rotating unit 42 (Sa4). For example, if a specific set of symbols is arranged in a row, the control device 13 controls the supply device 35 to supply the lottery balls 38. On the other hand, if the result of the lottery process is a loss (Sa3:NO), the control device 13 proceeds to step Sa5 without executing the winning process.

[0036] The control device 13 determines whether the detection device 37 has detected the dropping of the game medium Ma (Sa5). If the detection device 37 has detected the dropping of the game medium Ma (Sa5: YES), the control device 13 instructs the dispensing device 23 to dispense a predetermined amount of game medium Mb (Sa6). On the other hand, if the dropping of the game medium Ma is not detected (Sa5: NO), the control device 13 proceeds to step Sa7 without instructing the dispensing device 23 to dispense the game medium Mb.

[0037] Furthermore, the control device 13 determines whether the detection device 37 has detected the fall of the lottery ball 38 (Sa7). If the detection device 37 has detected the fall of the lottery ball 38 (Sa7: YES), the control device 13 starts the special game (Sa8). The special game may also be started on the condition that the number of times the lottery ball 38 has fallen from the fixed table 31 reaches a predetermined threshold. If the fall of the lottery ball 38 is not detected (Sa7: NO), the control device 13 proceeds to step Sa1 without starting the special game. The aforementioned central unit 12 and the transport unit 50 in Figure 4 are used for the special game.

[0038] [A-2: Central Unit 12] Figure 7 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the central unit 12. As illustrated in Figure 7, a bonus ball 60 is used in the special game. The bonus ball 60 is a hard sphere and is an example of a "game body". As illustrated in Figure 7, the central unit 12 comprises a rotating body 61, a base portion 62, a peripheral wall portion 63, a ball insertion device 64, and a plurality (6) of bumpers 65.

[0039] The rotating body 61 is a disc-shaped member that can rotate about a rotation axis that is aligned vertically. For example, a drive device such as a motor (not shown) rotates the rotating body 61. A projection 611 is provided on the surface of the rotating body 61. The projection 611 is an elongated portion that extends in a direction parallel to the surface of the rotating body 61. The rotating body 61 functions as a motion mechanism that moves the bonus ball 60.

[0040] The base portion 62 is an annular member that surrounds the rotating body 61 in a plan view. That is, the rotating body 61 is installed in a circular opening formed in the center of the base portion 62. The surface of the base portion 62 is an inclined surface where the inner circumference is lower than the outer circumference. The surface of the rotating body 61 and the surface of the base portion 62 constitute the rolling surface F on which the bonus ball 60 rolls. Multiple irregularities may be formed on the surface of the base portion 62.

[0041] The peripheral wall portion 63 is an arc-shaped member that protrudes vertically from the rolling surface F along the outer circumference of the base portion 62. Multiple passages 631 through which the bonus ball 60 can pass are formed in the peripheral wall portion 63. A movable wall may be installed in the peripheral wall portion 63 to close off the passages 631. As the special game progresses, the movable wall lowers, opening the passages 631.

[0042] The ball dispenser 64 dispenses the bonus balls 60 onto the rolling surface F at the start of the special game. The bonus balls 60 dispensed by the ball dispenser 64 roll along the rolling surface F. Specifically, the bonus balls 60 roll along the inclination of the rolling surface F by their own weight, making irregular contact with each bumper 65. In the first embodiment, the case in which the ball dispenser 64 dispenses one bonus ball 60 is illustrated for convenience, but the ball dispenser 64 may dispense multiple bonus balls 60.

[0043] Each of the bumpers 65 is a motion mechanism that moves the reward ball 60. The bumpers 65 are installed on the rolling surface F at intervals from each other. Specifically, the bumpers 65 are arranged on the circumference of the rotation axis of the rotating body 61. Each bumper 65 repels the reward ball 60 that comes into contact with it in the opposite direction. The number and position of the bumpers 65 are not limited to the examples given above.

[0044] Figure 8 is a side view of the bumper 65. As illustrated in Figure 8, the bumper 65 comprises a base 651, a detection unit 652, and a striking unit 653. The base 651 is a cylindrical member that protrudes from the rolling surface F. The detection unit 652 is installed at the base of the base 651 (near the rolling surface F), and the striking unit 653 is installed on the opposite side of the rolling surface F, with the detection unit 652 in between. That is, the detection unit 652 is located between the striking unit 653 and the rolling surface F.

[0045] The detection unit 652 is an annular plate-shaped member that surrounds the base unit 651. The surface of the detection unit 652 is an inclined surface where the outer circumference is lower than the inner circumference. The striking unit 653 is an annular plate-shaped member that surrounds the base unit 651. The lower surface of the striking unit 653 is an inclined surface where the inner circumference is lower than the outer circumference. The base unit 651 is equipped with a mechanism (not shown) that instantaneously lowers the striking unit 653 when the prize ball 60 comes into contact with the detection unit 652. Specifically, when the detection unit 652 is lowered by the load of the prize ball 60, the striking unit 653 instantaneously lowers and strikes the prize ball 60. The prize ball 60 is biased radially in the bumper 65 by being struck by the lower surface of the striking unit 653. As can be understood from the above description, the bumper 65 biases the prize ball 60 by contact (e.g., collision) with the prize ball 60. The bumper 65 of the first embodiment is capable of biasing bonus balls 60 arriving from any direction around the entire circumference of the bumper 65.

[0046] When a prize ball 60 comes into contact with a detection unit 652 on each bumper 65, a detection signal is transmitted from the bumper 65 to the control device 13. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control device 13 detects that the prize ball 60 has come into contact with each bumper 65.

[0047] The bonus balls 60, inserted by the insertion device 64, roll along the rolling surface F. Specifically, the bonus balls 60 move irregularly along the rolling surface F, approaching the rotating body 61, due to the biasing force from each bumper 65, contact with the projections 611 of the rotating body 61, and contact with the peripheral wall 63. That is, the bonus balls 60 repeatedly contact each of the multiple bumpers 65 at irregular intervals. In addition, bonus balls 60 that reach the passage 631 in the peripheral wall 63 during the process of rolling along the rolling surface F are released to the outside by passing through the passage 631. The special game ends when the bonus balls 60 are released to the outside from the passage 631.

[0048] [A-3: Conveyor Unit 50] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the transport unit 50. Figure 10 is a side view of the transport unit 50. The transport unit 50 of the first embodiment is a mechanism for transporting reward cards 51 along the W axis in a special game. The W axis is an axis extending radially from the center of the central unit 12 in a horizontal plane. In the following description, one direction along the W axis will be referred to as the W1 direction, and the other direction as the W2 direction. The W1 direction is the direction away from the central unit 12, and the W2 direction is the direction approaching the central unit 12.

[0049] The transport unit 50 comprises a transport mechanism 52, a supply mechanism 53, and a discharge mechanism 54. The transport mechanism 52 is a long mechanism along the W axis. The supply mechanism 53 is installed above the end of the transport mechanism 52 in the W2 direction. The discharge mechanism 54 is installed in the W1 direction relative to the transport mechanism 52. That is, the transport mechanism 52 is located between the central unit 12 and the discharge mechanism 54. As illustrated in Figure 4, the transport mechanism 52 and the supply mechanism 53 are installed in a space surrounded by the transparent panel 15. Therefore, the user U cannot come into contact with the transport mechanism 52 and the supply mechanism 53. The discharge mechanism 54 is located outside the transparent panel 15.

[0050] The transport mechanism 52 is a mechanism for transporting reward cards 51 along the W axis. As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the transport mechanism 52 is a belt conveyor comprising a first roller 521, a second roller 522, a transport belt 523, and a drive unit 524. The first roller 521 and the second roller 522 are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the W axis. The second roller 522 is located between the first roller 521 and the central unit 12. The first roller 521 is a cylindrical body that can rotate about a rotation axis A1 parallel to the horizontal direction. Similarly, the second roller 522 is a cylindrical body that can rotate about a rotation axis A2 parallel to the horizontal direction. The rotation axis A1 of the first roller 521 and the rotation axis A2 of the second roller 522 are parallel.

[0051] The drive device 524 in Figure 9 is, for example, a motor, which rotates the second roller 522. The drive device 524 rotates the second roller 522 in either the α1 direction or the α2 direction in Figure 10. The α1 direction and the α2 direction are opposite directions along the circumference centered on the rotation axis A2. It is also conceivable that the drive device 524 rotates the first roller 521, or that the drive device 524 rotates both the first roller 521 and the second roller 522. Furthermore, one or more driven rollers may be installed between the first roller 521 and the second roller 522.

[0052] The conveyor belt 523 is an endless belt formed in a ring shape from an elastic material such as rubber. The conveyor belt 523 is wound around the first roller 521 and the second roller 522. The width of the conveyor belt 523 exceeds the width (short side dimension) of the reward card 51. The reward card 51 is placed on the upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "conveyor surface") C of the conveyor belt 523. Specifically, the reward card 51 is placed on the conveyor surface C such that its long side is aligned with the W axis.

[0053] The conveying surface C of the conveyor belt 523 is the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 523 that faces upward in the vertical direction, and in a plan view, it is the region between the rotation axis A1 of the first roller 521 and the rotation axis A2 of the second roller 522. The conveying surface C is a flat surface parallel to the horizontal direction. The conveying surface C is located at the same height as the rolling surface F of the central unit 12. Specifically, the position on the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 62 on the rolling surface F and the conveying surface C of the conveyor belt 523 are located at the same height in the vertical direction. Therefore, the amount of eye movement required for the user U to view the reward ball 60 on the rolling surface and the reward card 51 on the conveying surface C is suppressed. In other words, it is easier for the user U to confirm both the behavior of the reward ball 60 and the position of the reward card 51.

[0054] The control device 13 can rotate the second roller 522 in any direction and by any angle by controlling the drive device 524. In conjunction with the rotation of the second roller 522, the conveying surface C of the conveying belt 523 moves in the direction of the W axis. Therefore, the reward card 51 on the conveying surface C moves in the direction of the W axis. That is, the reward card 51 on the conveying surface C moves in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the second roller 522 (W1 direction / W2 direction) and by a distance corresponding to the rotation angle of the second roller 522. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 13 functions as the conveying control unit 132 in Figure 3, which moves the reward card 51 by controlling the conveying mechanism 52.

[0055] Specifically, as can be seen from Figure 10, the rotation of the second roller 522 in the α1 direction causes the conveying surface C of the conveying belt 523 to move in the W1 direction. That is, the reward card 51 on the conveying surface C moves in the W1 direction. In the following description, the movement of the reward card 51 in the W1 direction will be referred to as "forward movement". Forward movement of the reward card 51 means that the reward card 51 is approaching the discharge mechanism 54. On the other hand, the rotation of the second roller 522 in the α2 direction causes the conveying surface C to move in the W2 direction. That is, the reward card 51 on the conveying surface C moves in the W2 direction. In the following description, the movement of the reward card 51 in the W2 direction will be referred to as "backward movement". Backward movement of the reward card 51 means that the reward card 51 is moving away from the discharge mechanism 54. As described above, the conveying mechanism 52 of the first embodiment conveys the reward card 51. When the reward card 51 reaches the end E in the W1 direction on the conveying surface C, it falls from the conveying surface C. In the following explanation, the end of the reward card 51 on the transport surface C that is located in the W1 direction will be referred to as the "front end," and the end located in the W2 direction will be referred to as the "rear end."

[0056] As described above, the transport mechanism 52 of the first embodiment is a belt conveyor in which a transport belt 523 is wound around a first roller 521 and a second roller 522. Therefore, the reward card 51 can be transported by simple control of rotating at least one of the first roller 521 and the second roller 522.

[0057] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the total length of the conveying surface C of the conveying belt 523 in the W-axis direction exceeds the total length (length of the long side) of a single reward card 51. Specifically, the total length of the conveying surface C is more than three times the total length of a single reward card 51. Therefore, multiple (e.g., three) reward cards 51 are arranged on the conveying surface C. In other words, the conveying mechanism 52 conveys multiple reward cards 51 simultaneously. Specifically, multiple reward cards 51 arranged on the conveying surface C along the W-axis move simultaneously in the W-axis direction. As described above, in the first embodiment, since multiple reward cards 51 are conveyed simultaneously, a more effective presentation is achieved compared to a configuration in which only a single reward card 51 is conveyed.

[0058] The supply mechanism 53 in Figure 9 is a mechanism for supplying reward cards 51 to the transport mechanism 52. The supply mechanism 53 is installed above the end of the transport surface C of the transport mechanism 52 in the W2 direction. The supply mechanism 53 comprises a storage case 531, a supply unit 532, and a supply guide 533. The storage case 531 is a case for storing multiple reward cards 51. Specifically, multiple reward cards 51 are stored in the storage case 531 in a vertically stacked state.

[0059] The supply unit 532 is a card vendor that sequentially supplies the reward cards 51 stored in the storage case 531 to the transport mechanism 52. Specifically, the supply unit 532 supplies the reward cards 51 one by one to the transport mechanism 52 in response to instructions from the control device 13. That is, the control device 13 functions as the supply control unit 133 in Figure 3, which controls the supply mechanism 53. Specifically, the supply control unit 133 controls the timing of the supply of the reward cards 51 by the supply unit 532. In the first embodiment, the supply unit 532 sends out the reward cards 51 in a horizontally parallel manner. Note that the supply mechanism 53 may supply two or more reward cards 51 to the transport mechanism 52 with each instruction from the control device 13.

[0060] The reward cards 51 discharged from the supply unit 532 fall onto the conveying surface C of the conveying belt 523. The supply guide 533 guides the fall of the reward cards 51 from the supply unit 532 onto the conveying surface C. That is, the supply guide 533 guides the reward cards 51 in the vertical direction. The supply guide 533 is a rectangular tubular member corresponding to the outer shape of the reward card 51. The supply guide 533 is positioned vertically above the area near the end of the conveying surface C in the W2 direction.

[0061] The cross-sectional shape of the internal space of the supply guide 533 is a rectangle slightly larger than the external dimensions of the reward card 51. As the reward card 51 falls onto the transport surface C, it comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the supply guide 533, restricting its horizontal movement. Therefore, the reward card 51 falls onto the transport surface C along the vertical direction while maintaining a position approximately parallel to the horizontal direction. The supply guide 533 is made of a transparent material such as acrylic resin. Therefore, the user U can visually observe the process of the reward card 51 being discharged from the supply unit 532 and falling onto the transport surface C. The reward card 51 is transported by the transport mechanism 52, with the position where it was supplied by the supply mechanism 53 on the transport surface C as its initial position. As described above, in the first embodiment, since the reward card 51 is automatically supplied from the supply mechanism 53 to the transport mechanism 52, it is not necessary for, for example, the administrator of the game device 100 to manually supply the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52.

[0062] The discharge mechanism 54 in Figures 9 and 10 is a mechanism for discharging reward cards 51 transported by the transport mechanism 52. Figure 11 is an enlarged side view of the discharge mechanism 54. The discharge mechanism 54 comprises a first transport path 541, a second transport path 542, a limiting member 543, a bottom member 544, and a discharge case 545. The discharge case 545 has a supply port 546 and a discharge port 547. As illustrated in Figure 9, the discharge port 547 is located outside the transparent panel 15. Therefore, the user U can obtain the reward cards 51 that have reached the discharge case 545 from the discharge port 547. On the other hand, the first transport path 541, the second transport path 542, the limiting member 543, and the bottom member 544 are located inside the transparent panel 15, so the user U cannot come into contact with them. The first roller 521 is positioned closer to the discharge port 547 than the second roller 522.

[0063] The first transport path 541 and the second transport path 542 constitute a path for guiding the reward cards 51 that have fallen from the transport surface C to the discharge case 545. The first transport path 541 is located between the transport mechanism 52 and the second transport path 542. The first transport path 541 guides the reward cards 51 that have fallen from the transport surface C of the transport belt 523 to the second transport path 542. The first transport path 541 is composed of a plate-shaped member having an upper end 541a and a lower end 541b.

[0064] The upper end 541a of the first conveyor path 541 faces the outer circumferential surface of the portion 523a of the conveyor belt 523 that contacts the first roller 521, with a gap D between them. That is, portion 523a is the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 523 located downstream of the conveying surface C, and is positioned higher than the rotation axis A1 of the first roller 521 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the lower end 541b of the first conveyor path 541 is positioned in the W1 direction higher than the upper end 541a in a plan view, and is positioned vertically lower than the upper end 541a. The first conveyor path 541 is formed in a curved or inclined shape from the upper end 541a to the lower end 541b. The reward card 51 sent out from the conveying surface C falls along the surface of the first conveyor path 541 by its own weight. Note that the position of portion 523a is not limited to the above examples. For example, portion 523a may be at the same height as the rotation axis A1, or lower than the rotation axis A1.

[0065] As the front end of the reward card 51 passes the end E in the W1 direction on the conveying surface C, the front end of the reward card 51 descends along the outer circumference of the first roller 521, and as a result, the rear end of the reward card 51 moves upward away from the conveying surface C. In other words, the reward card 51, in the process of being fed out from the conveying belt 523, is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The angle θ at which the reward card 51 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction increases as the reward card 51 moves forward. The limiting member 543 is a member that limits the increase in the angle θ of the reward card 51.

[0066] Figure 12 illustrates a configuration in which the limiting member 543 is not installed (hereinafter referred to as "proportionality 1"). As illustrated in Figure 12, in proportionality 1, the increase in the angle θ of the reward card 51 is not restricted. That is, as the reward card 51 moves forward, the angle θ increases excessively, and therefore the front end of the reward card 51 may reach the gap D between the outer surface of the conveyor belt 523 and the upper end 541a of the first conveyor path 541, and the reward card 51 may enter the gap D. A reward card 51 that enters the gap D will not reach the discharge port 547.

[0067] In the first embodiment, a limiting member 543 is installed to prevent the reward card 51 from entering the gap D. As illustrated in Figures 9 to 11, the limiting member 543 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the width direction of the conveyor belt 523 and faces the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 523 at a distance. Specifically, the limiting member 543 faces the outer circumferential surface of portion 523b, which is located upstream of portion 523a of the conveyor belt 523, at a distance. Portion 523b is located within the range of the conveying surface C in the direction of the W axis. That is, in a plan view, portion 523b is located between the rotation axis A1 of the first roller 521 and the rotation axis A2 of the second roller 522. Specifically, in a plan view, portion 523b overlaps with the first roller 521. Note that the position of portion 523b is not limited to the above examples. For example, portion 523b may be located outside the range of the conveying surface C in the direction of the W axis. For example, in a configuration where the distance between the limiting member 543 and the transport surface C is small, the portion 523b may be located in the W1 direction rather than the rotation axis A1 in the W-axis direction.

[0068] With the above configuration, when the rear end of the reward card 51 moves upward from the conveying surface C of the conveying belt 523 during the process of being discharged, the limiting member 543 comes into contact with the upper surface of the reward card 51, as illustrated in Figure 11. The contact of the limiting member 543 restricts the rear end of the reward card 51 from moving upward from the conveying surface C. In other words, the limiting member 543 restricts the increase in the angle θ at which the reward card 51 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. As a result of the angle θ being restricted by the limiting member 543, the front end of the reward card 51 does not reach the gap D. Therefore, compared to proportionality 1, the possibility of the reward card 51 entering the gap D can be reduced. Note that part 523a of the conveying belt 523 is an example of the "first part", and part 523b is an example of the "second part". Note that in configurations where an increase in angle θ is not a particular problem, the limiting member 543 may be omitted. In other words, the configuration of proportionality 1 described above is also included in the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] The bottom member 544 is a long, plate-like member in the direction of the W axis. The bottom member 544 is installed below the conveying mechanism 52. The end of the bottom member 544 in the W1 direction is connected to the lower end 541b of the first conveying path 541. However, it is not essential that the bottom member 544 and the first conveying path 541 are connected to each other. That is, the lower end 541b of the first conveying path 541 may be spaced apart from the bottom member 544.

[0070] The second transport path 542 is a guide that directs the reward cards 51 supplied from the first transport path 541 to the supply port 546 of the discharge case 545. The second transport path 542 is composed of a plate-shaped member having an upper end 542a and a lower end 542b. The upper end 542a is connected to the lower surface of the bottom member 544. That is, the upper end 542a of the second transport path 542 is located in the W2 direction in a plan view, relative to the lower end 541b of the first transport path 541. As can be understood from the above description, the surface of the first transport path 541 protrudes in the W1 direction from the surface of the second transport path 542. That is, as illustrated in Figure 11, a step difference σ is formed between the surface of the first transport path 541 and the surface of the second transport path 542. The step difference σ between the first transport path 541 and the second transport path 542 corresponds to the lower surface of the bottom member 544.

[0071] The lower end 542b of the second transport path 542 is located in the W1 direction relative to the upper end 542a in a plan view, and is also located vertically below the upper end 542a. The second transport path 542 is formed in a curved or inclined shape from the upper end 542a to the lower end 542b. The reward cards 51 supplied from the first transport path 541 fall along the surface of the second transport path 542 and eventually pass through the supply port 546. As can be understood from the above description, the reward cards 51 that fall from the transport surface C are guided by the first transport path 541 and the second transport path 542 to reach the discharge case 545. That is, the first transport path 541 and the second transport path 542 guide the reward cards 51 sent from the transport belt 523 toward the discharge port 547.

[0072] Incidentally, it is conceivable that fraudulent activity could occur in which a user attempts to obtain a reward card 51 on the transport surface C by inserting a long, thin tool such as a wire (hereinafter referred to as "fraudulent tool") into the discharge port 547 and the supply port 546 from outside the transparent panel 15. In the configuration in which the surface of the first transport path 541 and the surface of the second transport path 542 are continuous (hereinafter referred to as "proportional 2"), the tip of a fraudulent tool inserted from the supply port 546 toward the transport belt 523 would curve along the surface of the first transport path 541 and the surface of the second transport path 542, and as a result, it is highly likely that it would reach the transport surface C.

[0073] In contrast to proportionality 2, in the first embodiment, a step σ is formed between the surface of the first conveying path 541 and the surface of the second conveying path 542. In this configuration, when a fraudulent device inserted from the supply port 546 toward the conveying belt 523 curves along the surface of the second conveying path 542, the tip of the fraudulent device comes into contact with the step σ (the lower surface of the bottom surface member 544). That is, the step σ prevents the tip of the fraudulent device from approaching the conveying belt 523. Therefore, the possibility of the tip of the fraudulent device reaching the conveying surface C can be reduced compared to proportionality 2. However, in configurations where fraudulent activity using a fraudulent device does not pose a particular problem, the surface of the first conveying path 541 and the surface of the second conveying path 542 may be continuous. That is, the configuration of proportionality 2 described above is also included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0074] A detection device 548 may also be installed in the second transport path 542. The detection device 548 is a sensor that detects the passage of the reward card 51. For example, an optical sensor that optically detects the reward card 51, or a contact sensor that detects contact with the reward card 51, can be used as the detection device 548. The control device 13 determines whether or not the reward card 51 has been properly ejected by analyzing the detection signal from the detection device 548. The detection device 548 may also be installed in the first transport path 541.

[0075] Figures 13 and 14 are flowcharts of the process by which the control device 13 controls the transport unit 50 (transport mechanism 52 and supply mechanism 53). Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed steps of the process Sb in which the control device 13 controls the transport mechanism 52 (hereinafter referred to as the "transport control process"). For example, the transport control process Sb is started when a special game begins. The transport control unit 132 shown in Figure 3 is realized when the control device 13 controls the transport control process Sb. As described above, the transport control unit 132 controls the transport mechanism 52.

[0076] When the transport control process Sb is started, the control device 13 determines whether or not the reward ball 60 has made contact with any of the bumpers 65 (Sb1). By referring to the detection signals supplied from each bumper 65 due to the contact of the reward ball 60, the control device 13 determines whether or not the reward ball 60 has made contact with each bumper 65.

[0077] If the control device 13 determines that the reward ball 60 has made contact with the bumper 65 (Sb1: YES), it controls the transport mechanism 52 to move the reward card 51 toward the discharge port 547 (Sb2, Sb3). That is, the control device 13 instructs the transport mechanism 52 to advance the transport surface C by a predetermined amount in the W1 direction. On the other hand, if the reward ball 60 does not make contact with the bumper 65 (Sb1: NO), the control device 13 does not move the reward card 51. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 13 (transport control unit 132) advances the reward card 51 toward the discharge port 547 when the reward ball 60 makes contact with the bumper 65. That is, the reward card 51 advances each time the reward ball 60 makes contact with the bumper 65.

[0078] As described above, in the first embodiment, the reward card 51 moves forward in conjunction with the movement of the reward ball 60. Therefore, an effective presentation is achieved in which the movement of the reward ball 60 and the forward movement of the reward card 51 are linked. In particular, in the first embodiment, since the reward card 51 moves forward each time the reward ball 60 makes contact with the bumper 65, the user U can easily grasp the link between the movement of the reward ball 60 and the forward movement of the reward card 51. The specific procedure for controlling the movement of the reward card 51 each time the reward ball 60 makes contact is as follows.

[0079] When the reward ball 60 contacts the bumper 65 (Sb1: YES), the control device 13 controls the transport mechanism 52 to advance the reward card 51 on the transport surface C by a unit amount Q1 in the W1 direction (Sb2). That is, the control device 13 rotates the second roller 522 by a predetermined angle in the α1 direction. After advancing by the unit amount Q1, the control device 13 controls the transport mechanism 52 to move the reward card 51 on the transport surface C backward by an adjustment amount R in the W2 direction (Sb3). That is, the control device 13 rotates the second roller 522 by a predetermined angle in the α2 direction. The adjustment amount R is a distance smaller than the unit amount Q1. Therefore, each time the reward ball 60 contacts the bumper 65, the reward card 51 advances by a distance δ (δ = Q1 - R) corresponding to the difference between the unit amount Q1 and the adjustment amount R. As described above, in the first embodiment, with each contact of the reward ball 60, the reward card 51 repeatedly moves forward by a unit amount Q1 and immediately backward by an adjustment amount R. Therefore, compared to a form in which the reward card 51 simply comes to a stop after the unit amount Q1 moves forward, it is easier for the user U to clearly grasp the movement and stopping of the reward card 51. However, the backward movement of the adjustment amount R (Sb3) may be omitted.

[0080] The distance δ is sufficiently smaller than the total length of the transport surface C in the direction of the W axis. Therefore, the reward card 51, which is supplied to the initial position by the supply mechanism 53, reaches the end E of the transport surface C by repeatedly moving forward by distance δ multiple times. That is, the reward card 51 is discharged to the discharge port 547 by moving forward multiple times. With this configuration, for example, compared to a configuration in which the reward card 51 is discharged to the discharge port 547 by moving forward once, the user U can observe the reward card 51 gradually approaching the discharge port 547.

[0081] Furthermore, if the control device 13 determines that the bonus ball 60 has come into contact with the bumper 65, it instructs the payout device 23 to dispense a predetermined number of game media Mb (not shown). In other words, each time the bonus ball 60 comes into contact with the bumper 65, the reward card 51 advances by a distance δ and game media Mb is dispensed.

[0082] After performing the above processing, the control device 13 determines whether the termination conditions for the special game have been met (Sb4). The termination conditions for the special game are, for example, that all the reward balls 60 have been released to the outside from the passage 631, or that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of the special game. However, the termination conditions are not limited to the above examples. For example, the termination conditions may include that the reward balls 60 have reached a specific location on the central unit 12, or that the number of times the reward balls 60 have contacted the peripheral wall 63 has reached a predetermined value. If the termination conditions are not met (Sb4: NO), the control device 13 proceeds to step Sb1. That is, the advancement of the reward card 51 triggered by contact of the reward balls 60 is repeated until the end of the special game. On the other hand, if the termination conditions are met (Sb4: YES), the control device 13 terminates the transport control processing Sb.

[0083] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed procedure of the process Sc in which the control device 13 controls the supply mechanism 53 (hereinafter referred to as the "supply control process"). For example, the supply control process Sc is started when a special game begins. The transport control process Sb and the supply control process Sc are executed in parallel. The supply control unit 133 shown in Figure 3 is realized when the control device 13 controls the supply control process Sc. As described above, the supply control unit 133 controls the supply mechanism 53.

[0084] In the supply control process Sc, the forward distance L is used. The forward distance L is the distance the transport surface C moves forward in the W1 direction. The control device 13 updates the forward distance L each time the reward card 51 is moved in the transport control process Sb. Specifically, the control device 13 increases the forward distance L by a unit amount Q1 when the reward card 51 is moved forward by a unit amount Q1, and decreases the forward distance L by an adjustment amount R when the reward card 51 is moved backward by an adjustment amount R. In other words, the forward distance L is calculated according to the number of times the transport mechanism 52 is instructed to move the reward card 51 forward or backward.

[0085] When the supply control process Sc is started, the control device 13 determines whether the forward distance L has reached a threshold Ta (Sc1). That is, it is determined whether the reward card 51 has advanced a distance equivalent to the threshold Ta after the initialization of the forward distance L. The threshold Ta is a predetermined positive number less than the total length of the transport surface C in the direction of the W axis, for example. The threshold Ta is an example of a "specific quantity". In step Sc1, the control device 13 may also determine whether the forward distance L has exceeded the threshold Ta.

[0086] If the control device 13 determines that the forward distance L has reached the threshold Ta (Sc1:YES), it instructs the supply mechanism 53 to supply the reward card 51 (Sc2). The supply mechanism 53 supplies the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52 in response to the instruction from the control device 13. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 13 (supply control unit 133) causes the supply mechanism 53 to supply the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52 when the reward card 51 has advanced by a distance (specific amount) corresponding to the threshold Ta. When the control device 13 instructs the supply mechanism 53 to supply the reward card 51, it initializes the forward distance L to zero (Sc3). On the other hand, if the forward distance L is less than the threshold Ta (Sc1:NO), the control device 13 does not instruct the supply of the reward card 51 (Sc2) or initialize the forward distance L (Sc3).

[0087] After executing the above process, the control device 13 determines whether the aforementioned termination condition has been met (Sc4). If the termination condition is not met (Sc4: NO), the control device 13 proceeds to step Sc1. That is, the supply of reward cards 51 to the transport mechanism 52 is repeated each time the forward distance L reaches the threshold Ta until the termination condition is met. On the other hand, if the termination condition is met (Sc4: YES), the control device 13 terminates the supply control process Sc.

[0088] As can be understood from the above explanation, each time a reward card 51 on the transport surface C moves forward by a distance (specific amount) corresponding to the threshold Ta, a new reward card 51 is supplied to the transport surface C. Therefore, the possibility of the total number of reward cards 51 placed on the transport surface C being insufficient can be reduced.

[0089] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. In each of the embodiments described below, elements whose function is the same as in the first embodiment will use the same reference numerals as in the description of the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0090] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed procedure of the transport control process Sb in the second embodiment. The transport control process Sb in the first embodiment (Figure 13) is replaced by the transport control process Sb in Figure 15 in the second embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the transport control process Sb is started, for example, when a special game starts. The transport control unit 132 in Figure 3 is realized by the control device 13 controlling the transport control process Sb.

[0091] In the following explanation, the condition in which the bonus ball 60 makes contact with any of the bumpers 65 may be referred to as the "operating condition." The fulfillment of the operating condition means that the bonus ball 60 has made contact with a bumper 65, and the failure to fulfill the operating condition means that the bonus ball 60 has not made contact with a bumper 65.

[0092] When the transport control process Sb is started, the control device 13 determines whether the operating condition has been met (Sb11). That is, it determines whether the bonus ball 60 has come into contact with the bumper 65. If the operating condition has not been met (Sb11: NO), the control device 13 moves the process to step Sb19 and determines whether the aforementioned termination condition has been met. If the termination condition has not been met (Sb19: NO), the control device 13 moves the process to step Sb11. That is, the processes in steps Sb11 and Sb19 are repeated until either the operating condition or the termination condition is met. If the termination condition is met (Sb19: YES), the control device 13 terminates the transport control process Sb.

[0093] If the operating conditions are met (Sb11: YES), the control device 13 initializes the elapsed time t to zero and then starts timing the elapsed time t (Sb12). The control device 13 instructs the transport mechanism 52 to advance the reward card 51 on the transport surface C by a unit amount Q1 (Sb13). The transport mechanism 52 advances the reward card 51 in accordance with the instruction from the control device 13. Immediately after giving the instruction to the transport mechanism 52, the control device 13 moves the process to step Sb14. Therefore, the processes from step Sb14 onwards may be executed while the reward card 51 is advancing. Note that the order of steps Sb12 and Sb13 may be reversed.

[0094] The control device 13 determines whether the current elapsed time t has reached the threshold Tb (Sb14). The threshold Tb is set to a predetermined positive number. If the elapsed time t is below the threshold Tb (Sb14: NO), the control device 13 determines whether the operating condition has been met (Sb15). If the operating condition has not been met (Sb15: NO), the control device 13 proceeds to step Sb14. As can be understood from the above explanation, if the elapsed time t reaches the threshold Tb without the operating condition being met, the determination result in step Sb14 is positive. If the elapsed time t reaches the threshold Tb (Sb14: YES), the control device 13 controls the transport mechanism 52 to move the reward card 51 on the transport surface C backward by an adjustment amount R (Sb18). In step Sb14, the control device 13 may also determine whether the elapsed time t has exceeded the threshold Tb.

[0095] After executing the above process, the control device 13 determines whether the aforementioned termination condition has been met (Sb19). If the termination condition has not been met (Sb19: NO), the control device 13 proceeds to step Sb11. As can be understood from the above explanation, each time the operating condition is met at intervals exceeding the threshold Tb (Sb11: YES, Sb14: YES), the control device 13 advances the reward card 51 on the transport surface C by a unit amount Q1 (Sb13), and after the advance of the unit amount Q1, it moves the reward card 51 backward by an adjustment amount R (Sb18). Therefore, if the operating condition is met N times (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) at intervals exceeding the threshold Tb, the reward card 51 advances a total distance of N·δ.

[0096] On the other hand, if the operating condition is met before the elapsed time t reaches the threshold Tb (Sb15: YES), the control device 13 initializes the elapsed time t to zero and then starts timing the elapsed time t (Sb16). The control device 13 then controls the transport mechanism 52 to advance the reward card 51 on the transport surface C by a unit amount Q2 (Sb17). Note that the order of steps Sb16 and Sb17 may be reversed.

[0097] The unit quantity Q2 is a distance less than the unit quantity Q1. Specifically, the unit quantity Q2 is set to a value less than the unit quantity Q1 by the adjustment amount R (Q2 = Q1 - R). That is, the unit quantity Q2 corresponds to the aforementioned distance δ that the reward card 51 advances when it is moved forward by the unit quantity Q1 and then backward by the adjustment amount R (Q2 = δ). The threshold Tb is set to a time equivalent to, for example, the time required for the reward card 51 on the transport surface C to advance by the unit quantity Q2. However, the threshold Tb is arbitrary and may be set independently of the time required for the reward card 51 to advance by the unit quantity Q2. Note that the threshold Tb is just one example of a "predetermined value".

[0098] When the reward card 51 is advanced by a unit amount Q2 (Sb17), the control device 13 moves the process to step Sb14. That is, each time the operating condition is met at intervals below the threshold Tb (Sb14: NO, Sb15: YES), the control device 13 advances the reward card 51 on the transport surface C by a unit amount Q2 (Sb17). As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 13 (transport control unit 132) of the second embodiment advances and retracts the reward card 51 each time the operating condition is met at intervals above the threshold Tb, and advances the reward card 51 without retracting it each time the operating condition is met at intervals below the threshold Tb.

[0099] If the elapsed time t reaches the threshold Tb without the condition for operation being met again after the reward card 51 of unit quantity Q2 has advanced (Sb14: YES), the control device 13 controls the transport mechanism 52 to move the reward card 51 on the transport surface C backward by adjustment amount R (Sb18). The above process is repeated until the termination condition is met (Sb19: NO).

[0100] As can be understood from the above explanation, if the operating condition is met N times at intervals below the threshold Tb, the control device 13 will (1) Upon the fulfillment of the first operating condition (Sb11: Yes), reward card 51 is advanced by a unit amount Q1 (Sb13), (2) Each time the operating conditions are met from the 2nd to the Nth time (Sb15: YES), the reward card 51 is advanced by a unit amount Q2 (Sb17), (3) After the reward card 51 moves forward when the Nth action condition is met, the reward card 51 is moved backward by adjustment amount R (Sb18). That is, the reward card 51 moves in the following order: unit quantity Q1 moves forward → unit quantity Q2 moves forward → ... → unit quantity Q2 moves forward → adjustment amount R moves backward.

[0101] Therefore, if the operating condition is met N times with intervals below the threshold Tb, the reward card 51 will advance a total distance of N·δ (=Q1+(N-1)Q2-R). In other words, if the operating condition is met N times, the reward card 51 will advance a total distance of N·δ regardless of whether the interval between successive conditions is greater than or equal to the threshold Tb. However, if the interval between successive conditions is greater than the threshold Tb, the advance of unit quantity Q1 and the retreat of adjustment quantity R are repeated each time the condition is met, whereas if the interval is below the threshold Tb, the advance of unit quantity Q2 is repeated each time the operating condition is met from the second to the Nth time. In other words, the reward card 51 does not retreat when the operating condition is met from the second to the Nth time. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress the reward card 51 from repeatedly advancing and retreating excessively frequently in a short period of time.

[0102] Incidentally, in a configuration where the reward card 51 moves forward and backward repeatedly each time the operating condition is met at intervals below the threshold Tb (hereinafter referred to as "proportionality 3"), each time the distance δ is advanced, time is required for the card to move forward by a unit amount Q1 and time for it to move backward by an adjustment amount R. Therefore, in proportionality 3, the movement of the reward card 51 may be delayed relative to the meeting of the operating condition that triggered the movement. In contrast to proportionality 3, in the second embodiment, when the operating condition is met at intervals below the threshold Tb, the reward card 51 does not move backward for the second to the Nth meeting. Therefore, the delay in the movement of the reward card 51 relative to the time the operating condition is met is reduced. In other words, according to the second embodiment, the user U can easily grasp the temporal correspondence between the meeting of the operating condition and the movement of the reward card 51. Note that the first embodiment described above corresponds to proportionality 3. In other words, the configuration of proportionality 3 is also included in the scope of this disclosure.

[0103] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, among the N times the operating condition is met at intervals below the threshold Tb, the reward card 51 advances by a unit amount Q2 without retracting each time the condition is met from the second to the Nth time. Therefore, it is possible to advance the reward card 51 continuously and smoothly, triggered by the meeting of the operating condition from the second to the Nth time.

[0104] As described above, in the second embodiment as well, the reward card 51 moves forward in conjunction with the movement of the reward ball 60. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, an effective presentation is achieved in which the movement of the reward ball 60 and the forward movement of the reward card 51 are synchronized. In the second embodiment, the other effects described above for the first embodiment are also achieved in the second embodiment.

[0105] [Third Embodiment] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed procedure of the supply control process Sc in the third embodiment. The supply control process Sc in the first embodiment (Figure 14) is replaced by the supply control process Sc in Figure 16 in the third embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the supply control process Sc is started, for example, when a special game starts. The control device 13 controls the supply control process Sc, thereby realizing the supply control unit 133 in Figure 3.

[0106] When the supply control process Sc is started, the control device 13, similar to the first embodiment, instructs the supply mechanism 53 to supply the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52, provided that the forward distance L of the reward card 51 reaches a threshold Ta (Sc11-Sc13). That is, each time the reward card 51 moves forward by a distance (specific amount) corresponding to the threshold Ta, the supply mechanism 53 supplies the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52.

[0107] As mentioned above, the regular game continues in parallel with the special game. The control device 13 determines whether or not a special prize has been won in the lottery process of the regular game (Sc14). A special prize is, for example, a prize won when specific symbols in each rotating part 42 of the lottery screen 41 are arranged in a row. If a special prize has been won (Sc14: YES), the control device 13 instructs the supply mechanism 53 to supply the reward card 51 (Sc15). The supply mechanism 53 supplies the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52 in accordance with the instruction from the control device 13. On the other hand, if a special prize has not been won (Sc14: NO), the control device 13 does not execute the instruction to supply the reward card 51 (Sc15). If a special prize has not been won, for example, the result of the lottery process is a loss, or a prize other than a special prize is won. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 13 (supply control unit 133) instructs the supply mechanism 53 to supply the reward card 51 not only when the reward card 51 moves forward by a distance corresponding to the threshold Ta, but also when a condition related to the result of the lottery process (winning a special prize) is met.

[0108] In the first embodiment, a reward card 51 is supplied to the transport mechanism 52 each time the forward distance L of the reward card 51 reaches a threshold Ta, so multiple reward cards 51 are arranged at equal intervals on the transport surface C. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, a reward card 51 is supplied to the transport mechanism 52 according to the result of a lottery process unrelated to the operation of the transport mechanism 52. Therefore, the arrangement of multiple reward cards 51 is not necessarily at equal intervals. Multiple reward cards 51 may overlap on the transport surface C.

[0109] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, in addition to the reward card 51 advancing by a distance of threshold Ta, the reward card 51 is also supplied to the transport mechanism 52 if certain conditions related to the result of the lottery process are met. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly engaging game in which the possibility of user U acquiring the reward card 51 changes depending on the result of the lottery process.

[0110] In the first and third embodiments, the advance distance L of the reward card 51 reaching a threshold Ta, and in the third embodiment, the winning of a special prize, are comprehensively expressed as conditions (supply conditions) for the supply mechanism 53 to supply the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52. The supply conditions are not limited to the examples in each of the embodiments described above. For example, the supply mechanism 53 may supply the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52 when various supply conditions are met, such as the total number of game media Ma that have fallen from the fixed table 31 reaching a predetermined value, or the number of wins in the lottery process reaching a predetermined value.

[0111] [Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, the control device 13 (supply control unit 133) sets a threshold value Ta to be applied to the supply control process Sc. For example, the administrator of the game device 100 can instruct the threshold value Ta by operating the operation device 21. The control device 13 changes the threshold value Ta in response to the instruction from the administrator.

[0112] In the fourth embodiment, the control device 13, similar to the first embodiment, instructs the supply mechanism 53 to supply a reward card 51 whenever the forward distance L of the reward card 51 reaches a threshold Ta. Therefore, the smaller the threshold Ta, the more frequently the reward card 51 is supplied from the supply mechanism 53 to the transport mechanism 52. In other words, the probability of user U obtaining a reward card 51 is changed according to the threshold Ta. The spacing between the reward cards 51 arranged on the transport surface C also changes according to the threshold Ta. For example, the smaller the threshold Ta, the smaller the spacing between adjacent reward cards 51. Depending on the threshold Ta, there may be cases where multiple reward cards 51 supplied to the transport mechanism 52 in succession overlap with each other.

[0113] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the threshold Ta applied to the supply control process Sc is variable. Therefore, the possibility of user U acquiring a reward card 51 can be adjusted according to various circumstances, such as the desired payout rate for each store or the operating status of the store. In the third embodiment, where winning a special prize is included in the supply conditions, the control device 13 is configured to change the threshold Ta, similar to the fourth embodiment.

[0114] [Differentiation] Each of the forms exemplified above can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to each of the aforementioned forms are given below. Two or more forms arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be merged to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0115] (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the reward card 51 on the transport surface C was advanced as an operating condition when the reward ball 60 made contact with the bumper 65. However, the operating conditions for advancing the reward card 51 are not limited to the above examples. For example, in an embodiment in which one or more reward balls 60 roll on a board formed with multiple pockets into which the reward balls 60 can enter, the reward card 51 on the transport surface C may be advanced as an operating condition when the reward ball 60 enters a pocket. Alternatively, the reward card 51 on the transport surface C may be advanced as an operating condition when the game medium Ma or the lottery ball 38 falls from the fixed table 31. For example, the reward card 51 may advance when the game medium Ma falls from the fixed table 31, when the lottery ball 38 falls from the fixed table 31, or when the game medium Ma passes through the lottery frame 312.

[0116] As can be understood from the above examples, it is assumed that the transport mechanism 52 advances the reward card 51 when any operating conditions related to the movement of the game body are met. The game body refers to any movable element used in the game. The reward ball 60 or game medium Ma is an example of a "game body". The "movement mechanism" is any mechanism that moves the game body described above. The movement mechanism that moves the reward ball 60 is the rotating body 61 or bumper 65 in each of the above-mentioned forms. The movement mechanism that moves the game medium Ma is the movable table 32 in each of the above-mentioned forms.

[0117] Furthermore, the conditions for the advancement of the reward card 51 are not limited to the operational conditions related to the movement of the reward ball 60. For example, it is conceivable that the reward card 51 may advance on the condition that a predetermined number of game media Ma fall from the fixed table 31. Alternatively, the reward card 51 may advance on the condition that user U inserts game media Ma. As can be understood from the above explanation, it is conceivable that the reward card 51 advances in response to supply conditions that are met intermittently or probabilistically.

[0118] (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the forward distance L was calculated according to the number of times the control device 13 instructed the transport mechanism 52 to move the reward card 51. However, the method for determining the forward distance L is not limited to the above examples. For example, in a configuration in which a sensor (e.g., a rotary encoder) for detecting the rotation speed of the first roller 521 or the second roller 522 is installed in the transport unit 50, the control device 13 may calculate the forward distance L by analyzing the detection signal from the sensor. Also, in a configuration in which an imaging device for imaging the transport surface C is installed in the transport unit 50, the control device 13 may calculate the forward distance L by analyzing the image captured by the imaging device.

[0119] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the supply mechanism 53 supplied the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52 when the forward distance L reached a threshold Ta. However, the triggers for the supply mechanism 53 to supply the reward card 51 are not limited to the above examples. For example, the supply mechanism 53 may supply the reward card 51 to the transport mechanism 52 when the ejection of the reward card 51 is detected by the detection device 548. In an embodiment in which a weight sensor is installed to measure the weight of the reward card 51 on the transport surface C, the ejection of the reward card 51 may be detected by a decrease in weight. Furthermore, an embodiment in which the reward card 51 is supplied when the reward card 51 passes a specific position on the transport surface C is also conceivable.

[0120] (4) In the above-described embodiments, an example was given in which the forward distance L changes according to the number of instructions given from the control device 13 to the transport mechanism 52. However, the method for controlling the forward movement of the reward card 51 is not limited to the above examples. For example, in an embodiment in which optically readable indicators are installed at predetermined intervals on the transport belt 523, the drive device 524 may advance the transport surface C in response to an instruction from the control device 13 until the indicator reaches a predetermined position.

[0121] (5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the reward card 51 on the transport surface C was immediately advanced when the reward ball 60 came into contact with the bumper 65. However, the trigger for the advancement of the reward card 51 is not limited to the above examples. For example, an embodiment is also conceivable in which a predetermined amount is added to the user U's points each time the reward ball 60 comes into contact with the bumper 65, and when the points reach a predetermined value, the transport mechanism 52 advances the reward card 51. For example, when the points reach a predetermined value, the reward card 51 may be immediately discharged to the discharge port 547, or the reward card 51 may be gradually advanced in the W1 direction each time the points reach a predetermined value.

[0122] Furthermore, the transport mechanism 52 may advance the reward card 51 depending on the result of the lottery process that is executed when the reward ball 60 makes contact. For example, the control device 13 executes a lottery process each time the reward ball 60 makes contact with the bumper 65. The lottery process is, for example, an electronic lottery that probabilistically determines whether user U is a winner or loser. If the result of the lottery process is a win, the control device 13 instructs the transport mechanism 52 to advance the reward card 51, and if the result of the lottery is a loss, it does not instruct the transport mechanism 52 to advance the reward card 51. In other words, whether or not the reward card 51 advances is probabilistically controlled.

[0123] The aforementioned forms and the examples of this modification are collectively described as forms in which the reward card 51 is advanced when the reward ball 60 comes into contact with the bumper 65. In the forms in which the reward card 51 is advanced when the reward ball 60 comes into contact with the bumper 65, Form 1: In addition to the form in which the reward card 51 is immediately transported when the reward ball 60 comes into contact with the bumper 65, as described above, Form 2: A form in which the reward card 51 is transported according to the result of an event performed by contact with the reward ball 60, as illustrated in this modified example. This is included. The "event" in form 2 is, for example, the point addition or lottery process mentioned above.

[0124] Form 1 can be interpreted as a form in which the fulfillment of the operating conditions and the advancement of the reward card 51 are directly linked, while Form 2 can be interpreted as a form in which the fulfillment of the operating conditions and the advancement of the reward card 51 are indirectly linked. As described above, whether the relationship between the fulfillment of the operating conditions and the advancement of the reward card 51 is direct or indirect is irrelevant in this disclosure.

[0125] (6) The unit quantities Q1 and Q2, which represent the distance the reward card 51 advances, are not limited to fixed values. It is also conceivable that the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 are variable values. For example, the control device 13 sets the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 in response to instructions from the administrator to the operating device 21. The larger the values ​​of the unit quantities Q1 and Q2, the greater the possibility that user U can acquire the reward card 51. Therefore, the administrator can adjust the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 according to various circumstances, such as the desired payout rate for each store or the operating status of the store.

[0126] Furthermore, the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 may be dynamically controlled according to the game status of each user U. For example, one possible configuration is to set the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 according to the amount of game medium Ma used (number of bets). For example, the control device 13 increases the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 as the number of game medium Ma inserted increases. The information reflected in the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 is not limited to the examples above. For example, the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 may be set according to various information such as the number of times the lottery ball 38 has fallen from the fixed table 31 (number of steps) and the rank of user U. Also, the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 may be set according to the time user U continues playing the game (duration). For example, the control device 13 increases the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 as the duration increases. Another possible configuration is to increase the unit quantities Q1 and Q2 as the number of times user U plays the game increases. According to each of the examples above, it is possible to reflect a variety of information in the possibility that user U can acquire the reward card 51.

[0127] The movement amounts Q (Q1 and Q2) of the reward card 51 may be set probabilistically through a lottery process. For example, the control device 13 performs a lottery process each time the reward ball 60 comes into contact with the bumper 65. The lottery process is, for example, an electronic lottery that probabilistically determines the movement amount Q within a predetermined range. The control device 13 instructs the transport mechanism 52 to move by the movement amounts Q (Q1 and Q2) set by the lottery process. That is, the movement amount Q that the transport mechanism 52 moves on the transport surface C is probabilistically controlled. With this configuration, a probabilistic variable element is introduced into the transport of the transport cards, resulting in a more interesting game compared to a configuration where the movement amount Q is fixed.

[0128] (7) In each of the above-described forms, the reward card 51 is moved by a movement amount Q each time the reward ball 60 touches one of the bumpers 65, but the movement amount Q may be set individually for each bumper 65. For example, the storage device 14 stores the movement amount Q for each of the bumpers 65. The movement amount Q differs for each bumper 65. When the reward ball 60 touches any of the bumpers 65, the control device 13 instructs the transport mechanism 52 to move the amount Q corresponding to that bumper 65. The transport mechanism 52 moves the reward card 51 forward by the movement amount Q instructed by the control device 13. In the above forms as well, a probabilistic variable element is introduced into the transport of the transport card, so a more interesting game is realized compared to the form in which the movement amount Q is common to all bumpers 65.

[0129] Furthermore, the movement amount Q corresponding to one or more of the bumpers 65 may be set to a negative number. A negative movement amount Q means that the reward card 51 moves backward. That is, depending on which bumper 65 the bonus ball 60 touches, the reward card 51 may move forward or backward. In this configuration as well, a probabilistic variable element is introduced into the transport of the transport cards, resulting in a more interesting game compared to a configuration where the reward card 51 always moves forward when the bonus ball 60 touches it.

[0130] (8) In each of the above-described forms, an example was given in which a special game is played at one station 11 (hereinafter referred to as "special station 11") among the multiple stations 11, depending on the result of the normal game. That is, only the transport unit 50 of the special station 11 among the multiple stations 11 performs the operation of transporting the reward card 51, and the transport units 50 of each station 11 other than the special station 11 stop operating. However, the operation of the transport units 50 to transport the reward card 51 may be performed in parallel at all stations 11. For example, the amount of movement Q (Q1 and Q2) of the reward card 51 at each station 11 other than the special station 11 is set to a smaller value than the amount of movement Q (Q1 and Q2) of the reward card 51 at the special station 11. However, the amount of movement Q may be set to a common value at all stations 11.

[0131] Furthermore, it is possible that the transition conditions for starting a special game (the drop of the lottery ball 38) may be met at two or more of the multiple stations 11 simultaneously. In such a situation, the special game for transporting the reward card 51 may be executed in parallel at the two or more special stations 11 where the transition conditions have been met. Alternatively, the special game may be executed sequentially at each of the two or more special stations 11 at different intervals.

[0132] (9) In the above-described embodiments, the reward card 51 is dispensed after being supplied to the transport surface C by the supply mechanism 53 and then advanced multiple times. However, the reward card 51 may be dispensed after only one advance. That is, the reward mechanism may advance the reward card 51 by a distance exceeding the total length of the transport surface C, triggered by the contact of the reward ball 60 with the bumper 65. However, in the embodiments described above, the reward card 51 on the transport surface C advances gradually, which maintains the user U's expectation of being able to acquire the reward card 51, making it possible to keep the user U playing the game for a long time.

[0133] (10) In the second embodiment, when the operating condition (contact of the reward ball 60 with the bumper 65) was met N times at intervals below the threshold Tb, the reward card 51 was advanced by a unit amount Q1 upon the first meeting, and then advanced by a unit amount Q2 for each meeting from the second to the Nth meeting. However, the trigger for advancing the reward card 51 by a unit amount Q1 is not limited to the first meeting of the operating condition. For example, the reward card 51 may be advanced by a unit amount Q2 for each meeting from the first to the (N-1)th meeting, and then advanced by a unit amount Q1 upon the Nth meeting. The reward card 51 may also be advanced by a unit amount Q1 triggered by an intermediate meeting among the N meetings. Furthermore, the action of advancing the reward card 51 by a unit amount Q1 may be performed when two or more of the N meetings in which the operating condition was met at intervals below the threshold Tb are met.

[0134] As can be understood from the above explanation, the transport control unit 132 is (1) For each of the N times the operating condition is met at intervals below the threshold Tb, the reward card 51 is advanced by a unit amount Q1. (2) Each time the operating condition is met in any of the other N steps, the reward card 51 is advanced by a unit amount Q2. (3) After the reward card 51 moves forward due to the fulfillment of the Nth operation condition, the reward card 51 is moved backward.

[0135] The second embodiment described above is a form in which the "part" of (1) is defined as the fulfillment of the operating condition once out of N times, and the "other part" of (2) is defined as the fulfillment of the operating condition over the remaining (N-1) times out of N times. More specifically, the second embodiment is a form in which the "part" of (1) is defined as the fulfillment of the operating condition on the first time, and the "other part" of (2) is defined as the fulfillment of the operating condition from the second time to the Nth time. In addition, for each time that the operating condition is fulfilled over any two or more times out of the N times the operating condition is fulfilled, the reward card 51 may be advanced by a unit amount Q1. That is, the "part" of (1) means that the operating condition is fulfilled once or more times out of the N times the operating condition is fulfilled. The "other part" of (2) means that the operating condition is fulfilled once or more times other than the "part" of (1) out of the N times the operating condition is fulfilled. In other words, if the "part" of (1) is defined as the K times (where K is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) the operating condition is met over N times, then the "other part" of (2) is expressed as the (NK) times the operating condition is met.

[0136] (11) In each of the above-described embodiments, an example was given in which multiple reward cards 51 are arranged in a single row on the transport surface C of the transport mechanism 52. However, the arrangement of the reward cards 51 on the transport surface C is not limited to the above examples. For example, multiple reward cards 51 may be arranged in multiple rows on the transport surface C. With the above embodiments, compared to a configuration in which multiple reward cards 51 are arranged in a single row, it is possible to increase the total number of reward cards 51 placed on the transport surface C while suppressing the overall length of the transport surface C. Therefore, the possibility of the user U's desired reward card 51 appearing on the transport surface C increases, and as a result, it is expected that the user U will continue playing the game for a long time.

[0137] As an arrangement of multiple reward cards 51 in multiple rows, for example, a conveyor belt 523 with a width sufficient to exceed the arrangement width of the multiple reward cards 51 is used, or a configuration in which multiple conveyor belts 523 are arranged side by side is envisioned. In the configuration in which multiple conveyor belts 523 are arranged side by side, the conveying mechanism 52 advances the conveying surfaces C of the multiple conveyor belts 523 in parallel in the W1 direction when the reward ball 60 comes into contact with the bumper 65. Alternatively, one of the multiple conveying surfaces C may be advanced selectively. For example, the control device 13 executes a lottery process to probabilistically select one of the multiple conveying mechanisms 52, and advances the conveying surface C of the conveying mechanism 52 selected in the lottery process in the W1 direction.

[0138] (12) In each of the above-described forms, a pusher game was given as an example of a normal game, but the type or method of a normal game is not limited to the above examples. For example, a lottery game in which one or more balls roll on a board with multiple pockets (e.g., a roulette) may be played as a normal game. For example, a special game may start when a ball enters a particular pocket. Depending on the pocket the ball enters, the amount of movement Q (Q1 and Q2) of the reward card 51 is set.

[0139] Furthermore, a horse racing game in which multiple racehorses compete may be played as a regular game. For example, a special game may be started if a particular racehorse wins, or if user U's prediction regarding the race result is correct. The amount of movement Q (Q1 and Q2) on the reward card 51 is set according to the quantity of game medium Ma used by user U in the horse racing game (number of bets), the multiplier (odds) of the reward given to user U when the prediction is correct, or the reward amount obtained by multiplying the quantity of game medium Ma by the multiplier. In addition, the amount of movement Q may be registered individually for each racehorse, and the amount of movement Q registered for the winning racehorse among multiple racehorses may be adopted as the amount of movement Q on the reward card 51.

[0140] (13) In each of the above-described embodiments, an example was given in which the receiving device 22 receives game media Ma such as medals or coins, but the receiving device 22 may also receive intangible game media such as electronic medals or credits from the user U. For example, a communication device that performs the withdrawal process of electronic medals by short-range wireless communication with a recording medium such as an IC card may be used as the receiving device 22. Alternatively, a communication device that performs the withdrawal process of electronic medals by communicating with an account management server that manages the user U's electronic medal account may be used as the receiving device 22. A quantity of game media Ma corresponding to the quantity of game media received by the receiving device 22 is loaded onto the surface of the movable table 32 by the loading device 33.

[0141] (14) In each of the above-described embodiments, an example was given in which the dispensing device 23 dispenses a game medium Mb such as a ticket, but the dispensing device 23 may also dispense an intangible game medium such as an electronic medal. For example, a communication device that performs the deposit process of an electronic medal by short-range wireless communication with a recording medium such as an IC card may be used as the dispensing device 23. Alternatively, a communication device that performs the deposit process of an electronic medal by communicating with an account management server that manages the user U's electronic medal account may be used as the dispensing device 23.

[0142] (15) In each of the embodiments described above, a conveying mechanism 52 equipped with a conveying belt 523 has been illustrated, but the configuration of the conveying mechanism 52 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a roller conveyor equipped with a plurality of conveying rollers may be used as the conveying mechanism 52 for conveying the reward cards 51. The plurality of conveying rollers are arranged along the W axis such that their rotation axes are perpendicular to the W axis in the horizontal plane. The reward cards 51 are placed on the arrangement of the plurality of conveying rollers. As each conveying roller rotates, the reward cards 51 are conveyed in the direction of the W axis (W1 and W2).

[0143] (16) In each of the above-described forms, the reward card 51 was used as an example of a medium of value, but the type or form of the medium of value is not limited to the above examples. For example, tickets consumed as payment for various services may be transported by the transport mechanism 52 as a medium of value. Furthermore, the medium of value is not limited to flat objects. For example, three-dimensional objects such as model figures may be transported by the transport mechanism 52 as a medium of value.

[0144] In the aforementioned configurations, examples were given of how the value medium can be acquired by user U. However, the value medium sent from the transport mechanism 52 may be returned to the supply mechanism 53. In other words, the transport unit 50 may circulate the value medium. In the above configurations, a visual effect is achieved by the transport of the value medium by the transport mechanism 52. As can be understood from the above explanation, the value medium does not need to be an item that can be acquired by user U. From this perspective, the object transported by the transport mechanism 52 can be comprehensively expressed as an item that includes the value medium as an example.

[0145] (17) In each of the above-described embodiments, examples were given in which each element constituting the game device 100 (central unit 12, game mechanism 30, transport unit 50) is a tangible object placed in real space. However, each element constituting the game device 100 can also be realized as a virtual object placed in a virtual space realized by computational processing. For example, the central unit 12, game mechanism 30, and transport unit 50 can be realized as virtual objects in a virtual space. As can be understood from the above description, the game device 100 according to each of the above-described embodiments is represented as a device that provides a game using a motion mechanism (e.g., bumper 65), a transport mechanism 52, and a supply mechanism 53. The motion mechanism, transport mechanism 52, and supply mechanism 53 may be realized as tangible objects placed in real space, or as virtual objects placed in a virtual space.

[0146] (18) The functions of the game device 100 according to each of the above-described forms are realized through the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device 13 and the program stored in the storage device 14. The program according to each of the above forms can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on the computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and optical recording media such as CD-ROMs (optical discs) are good examples, but any known form of recording medium such as semiconductor recording media or magnetic recording media is also included. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except transient propagation signals (transitory, propagating signals), and volatile recording media are not excluded. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes programs via a communication network, the recording medium in which the distribution device stores the program corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0147] [Note] From the above description, preferred embodiments of this disclosure can be understood, for example, as follows. For the sake of ease of understanding each embodiment, the reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently included in parentheses below, but this does not mean that this disclosure is limited to the embodiments shown.

[0148] [Note 1] A game device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix 1) comprises a motion mechanism (61, 65, 32) for moving a game body (60), a transport mechanism (52) for transporting one or more value media (51), and a transport control unit (132) for controlling the transport mechanism (52), wherein the transport control unit (132) moves the one or more value media (51) forward toward an outlet (547) when the operating conditions related to the movement of the game body (60) are met. According to the above aspect, the value media (51) move forward toward the outlet (547) in conjunction with the movement of the game body (60). In other words, an effective presentation is realized in which the movement of the game body (60) and the forward movement of the value media (51) are linked.

[0149] A "game element (60)" is an element that can move through the action of a motion mechanism (61, 65, 32). For example, a ball that rolls on the game surface due to the biasing force of a motion mechanism (61, 65, 32), or a token (medal or coin) that moves on the game surface due to the pressure of a motion mechanism (61, 65, 32), are examples of a "game element (60)". Therefore, a motion mechanism (61, 65, 32) is, for example, a bumper (65) that biases a ball on the game surface, a rotating body (61) that similarly biases a ball, or a movable table (32) that presses a token on the game surface.

[0150] A "value medium (51)" is an element that users (U) aim to acquire. Examples of "value mediums (51)" include cards that are collected or traded (trading cards), or tickets that are consumed as payment for various services. Various prizes, such as model figurines, are also included in "value mediums (51)".

[0151] The "conveying mechanism (52)" is any mechanism capable of conveying the value medium (51). For example, various mechanisms such as a belt conveyor that conveys the value medium (51) by rotating an annular conveyor belt (523), or a roller conveyor that has multiple conveyor rollers arranged in the direction of conveyance, are exemplified as the "conveying mechanism (52)". The "discharge port (547)" is an opening that discharges the value medium (51) so that the user (U) can acquire the value medium (51). The movement of the value medium (51) by the conveying mechanism (52) may include "forward" movement of the value medium (51) toward the discharge port (547) and "backward" movement of the value medium (51) toward the opposite side of the discharge port (547). However, "backward" movement of the value medium (51) is not mandatory.

[0152] Furthermore, the direction of "forward" or "backward" is arbitrary, and there is no room for restrictive interpretation in relation to various elements such as the game device or the user. For example, when "forward" and "backward" are defined for the game device, the relationship between the "forward" and "backward" of the game device and the "forward" and "backward" directions of the value medium (51) is arbitrary, and the direction of "forward" or "backward" is not limited in relation to the direction of the game device. Similarly, when "forward" and "backward" are defined for the user, the relationship between the "forward" and "backward" of the user and the "forward" and "backward" directions of the value medium (51) is arbitrary, and the direction of "forward" or "backward" is not limited in relation to the direction of the user.

[0153] The "operational conditions" relating to the movement of the game body (60) are motion states that occur intermittently or probabilistically. In other words, states that are constant or permanently established for the game body (60) do not constitute "operational conditions." For example, the game body (60) reaching a specific location is an example of an "operational condition." Specifically, examples of "operational conditions" include the game body (60) contacting a specific part of the motion mechanism (61, 65, 32) (e.g., the bumper (65)), or the game body (60) passing through a specific opening. These operational conditions can be repeatedly established through the movement of the game body (60).

[0154] "Moving the value medium (51) forward when the operating condition is met" means that the value medium (51) is moved forward when the operating condition is met. It is not limited to a form in which the value medium (51) is moved forward immediately upon the fulfillment of the operating condition alone; for example, a form in which the value medium (51) is moved forward when multiple conditions, including the operating condition, are met is also included in the form of "moving the value medium (51) forward when the operating condition is met." Furthermore, it is not limited to a form in which the value medium (51) is moved forward upon the fulfillment of the operating condition once; a form in which the value medium (51) is moved forward when the operating condition is met a predetermined number of times is also conceivable.

[0155] The distance the value medium (51) advances in response to the fulfillment of the operating conditions is arbitrary. For example, one configuration is envisioned in which the value medium (51) advances by a predetermined unit amount (Q1, Q2) each time the operating conditions are fulfilled, and the value medium (51) reaches the discharge port (547) after multiple fulfillments of the operating conditions. The unit amounts (Q1, Q2) can be fixed or variable. Another configuration is envisioned in which the value medium (51) reaches the discharge port (547) immediately upon the fulfillment of a single operating condition.

[0156] Each element of the game device (100) relating to this disclosure (for example, the motion mechanism (61, 65, 32), the transport mechanism (52), and the supply mechanism (53)) are tangible objects placed in real space, but can also be realized as virtual elements (virtual objects) placed in virtual space.

[0157] [Note 2] In the specific example of Appendix 1 (Appendix 2), the transport control unit (132) moves the one or more value media (51) forward each time the operating condition is met, and the one or more value media (51) are discharged to the discharge port (547) through multiple forward movements. In the above embodiment, the value media (51) reach the discharge port (547) as the transport of unit quantities (Q1, Q2) is repeated multiple times, so the user (U) can visually observe the value media (51) gradually approaching the discharge port (547).

[0158] [Note 3] In the specific example of Appendix 2 (Appendix 3), the transport control unit (132) moves the one or more value media (51) forward by a unit amount (Q1) each time the operating condition is met, and after the unit amount (Q1) has moved forward, moves the one or more value media (51) backward by an adjustment amount (R) less than the unit amount (Q1). According to the above configuration, each time the operating condition is met, the value media (51) repeatedly moves forward by a unit amount (Q1) and then backward immediately afterward. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the value media (51) simply comes to a stop after moving forward by a unit amount (Q1), the movement and stopping of the value media (51) are easier for the user (U) to clearly grasp.

[0159] The "unit quantity (Q1)" is the distance the value medium (51) advances as a result of one fulfillment of the operating condition. The "unit quantity (Q1)" may be either a fixed value or a variable value.

[0160] [Note 4] In the specific example of Appendix 2 (Appendix 4), the transport control unit (132) moves the one or more value media (51) forward and backward each time the operating condition is met at intervals exceeding a predetermined value (Tb), and moves the one or more value media (51) forward without backward each time the operating condition is met at intervals less than the predetermined value (Tb). In the above embodiment, when the operating condition is met at intervals exceeding the predetermined value (Tb), the value media (51) moves forward and backward each time the operating condition is met. Therefore, compared to a form in which the value media (51) simply moves forward and stops, it is easier for the user (U) to clearly grasp the movement and stopping of the value media (51).

[0161] On the other hand, if the operating conditions are met at intervals below a predetermined value (Tb), the value medium (51) moves forward without moving backward each time the operating conditions are met. Therefore, even when the operating conditions are met at intervals below a predetermined value (Tb), it is possible to suppress the value medium (51) from repeatedly moving forward and backward excessively in a short period of time compared to a configuration in which the value medium (51) moves forward and backward each time the operating conditions are met.

[0162] Furthermore, in a configuration where the value medium (51) moves forward and backward each time an operating condition is met, even if the operating condition is met at intervals below a predetermined value (Tb), the movement of the value medium (51) may be delayed in relation to the meeting of the operating condition that triggered the movement. In the aforementioned configuration, where the value medium (51) moves forward instead of backward when the operating condition is met at intervals below the predetermined value (Tb), the delay in the movement of the value medium (51) in relation to the meeting of the operating condition is reduced. Therefore, the user (U) can easily grasp the correspondence between the meeting of the operating condition and the movement of the value medium (51).

[0163] "The interval between the fulfillment of the operating conditions" refers to the time interval between the first point in time when an operating condition is fulfilled and the second point in time when an operating condition is fulfilled immediately after the first point in time. If a time equivalent to a predetermined value (Tb) elapses after the first point in time without a new operating condition being fulfilled, it can be interpreted that the requirement of "the fulfillment of operating conditions at intervals exceeding the predetermined value (Tb)" is satisfied without waiting for the next fulfillment of the operating condition. Furthermore, if the interval between the fulfillment of the operating conditions matches the predetermined value (Tb), either an operation to move the value medium (51) forward or backward, or an operation to move the value medium (51) forward without moving it backward, may be performed.

[0164] [Note 5] In the specific example of Appendix 2 (Appendix 5), the transport control unit (132) advances the one or more value media (51) by a first unit amount (Q1) each time the operating condition is met at intervals exceeding a predetermined value (Tb), and after the first unit amount (Q1) has advanced, the one or more value media (51) is moved backward. If the operating condition is met N times (N is a natural number of 2 or more) at intervals less than the predetermined value (Tb), the transport control unit (132) advances the one or more value media (51) by a first unit amount (Q1) each time the operating condition is met in part of the N times, and advances the one or more value media (51) by a second unit amount (Q2) less than the first unit amount (Q1) each time the operating condition is met in another part of the N times, and after the one or more value media (51) has advanced due to the Nth meeting, the transport control unit (132) moves the one or more value media (51) backward. In the above embodiment, when the operating conditions are met at intervals exceeding a predetermined value (Tb), one or more value media (51) repeatedly advance the first unit quantity (Q1) and immediately afterward retract the adjustment quantity (R) each time the operating conditions are met. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the value media (51) simply comes to a stop after the first unit quantity (Q1) has advanced, the movement and stopping of the value media (51) are easier for the user (U) to clearly grasp.

[0165] On the other hand, if the operating condition is met N times (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) at intervals less than a predetermined value (Tb), the value medium (51) moves forward by a first unit quantity (Q1) each time the operating condition is met in some of the N times, while the value medium (51) moves forward by a second unit quantity (Q2) less than the first unit quantity (Q1) each time the operating condition is met in other parts of the N times, without moving backward. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the value medium (51) repeatedly moves forward and backward for all of the N times the operating condition is met, it is possible to suppress the value medium (51) from repeatedly moving forward and backward excessively in a short period of time.

[0166] Furthermore, even if the operating conditions are met at intervals below a predetermined value (Tb), in a configuration where the value medium (51) repeatedly moves forward and backward each time the operating conditions are met, the movement of the value medium (51) may be delayed in relation to the meeting of the operating conditions that triggered the movement. In contrast to the above configuration, in a configuration in which the value medium (51) may move forward without moving backward, the delay in the movement of the value medium (51) in relation to the meeting of the operating conditions is reduced. Therefore, the user (U) can easily grasp the temporal correspondence between the meeting of the operating conditions and the movement of the value medium (51).

[0167] Furthermore, "the fulfillment of the operating condition N times" can be interpreted as meaning that, for example, no other fulfillment of the operating condition occurs between any two consecutive fulfillments of the operating condition among those N times. Under this interpretation, "the fulfillment of the operating condition N times" means that the operating condition is fulfilled continuously N times. Also, if the interval between the fulfillment of the operating condition matches a predetermined value (Tb), either the operation that occurs when the interval exceeds the predetermined value (Tb) or the operation that occurs when the interval falls below the predetermined value (Tb) may be executed.

[0168] Furthermore, the second unit quantity (Q2) is less than the first unit quantity (Q1). Therefore, compared to the case where the first unit quantity (Q1) and the second unit quantity (Q2) are equal, it is possible to bring the total distance traveled by the value medium (51) closer to each other between the case where the operating conditions are met at intervals greater than the predetermined value (Tb) and the case where the operating conditions are met at intervals less than the predetermined value (Tb).

[0169] [Note 6] In the specific example of Appendix 5 (Appendix 6), the second unit quantity (Q2) is less than the first unit quantity (Q1) by the adjustment amount (R), and a portion of the N times is the fulfillment of the operating condition for one of the N times. The other part of the N times is the fulfillment of the operating condition in all but one of the N times, and after the forward movement due to the fulfillment of the Nth time, the one or more value media (51) are moved backward by the adjustment amount (R). According to the above embodiment, since the second unit quantity (Q2) is lower than the first unit quantity (Q1) by the adjustment amount (R), it is possible to make the total distance the value media (51) moves forward equal between the case where the operating condition is fulfilled at intervals above the predetermined value (Tb) and the case where the operating condition is fulfilled at intervals below the predetermined value (Tb).

[0170] [Note 7] In the specific example of Appendix 5 or Appendix 6 (Appendix 7), a portion of the N times is the fulfillment of the operating condition for the first time, and the other portion of the N times is the fulfillment of the operating condition from the second to the Nth time. According to the above embodiment, it is possible to advance the value medium (51) continuously and smoothly when the operating conditions are fulfilled from the second to the Nth time.

[0171] [Note 8] In any specific example from Appendix 1 to Appendix 7 (Appendix 8), the one or more value media (51) are multiple value media (51), and the transport mechanism (52) transports the multiple value media (51) simultaneously. In the above embodiment, since multiple value media (51) are transported simultaneously, a more effective presentation is achieved compared to a configuration in which only a single value media (51) is transported.

[0172] With respect to the transport of multiple value media (51), "simultaneous" means that the periods during which each of the multiple value media (51) is transported overlap with each other on the time axis. In other words, focusing on the first value media (51) and the second value media (51) among the multiple value media (51), the state in which the transport of the first value media (51) and the transport of the second value media (51) are carried out in parallel corresponds to the state in which the first value media (51) and the second value media (51) are transported simultaneously.

[0173] [Note 9] A game device (100) relating to any specific example (Note 9) of Notes 1 to 8 comprises a supply mechanism (53) that supplies one or more value media (51) to the transport mechanism (52). In the above embodiment, since the value media (51) are supplied from the supply mechanism (53) to the transport mechanism (52), it is not necessary, for example, for the manager of the game device (100) to manually supply the value media (51) to the transport mechanism (52).

[0174] [Note 10] The game device (100) according to the specific example of Appendix 9 (Appendix 10) further comprises a supply control unit (133) that controls the supply mechanism (53), and the supply control unit (133) causes the supply mechanism (53) to supply value medium (51) to the transport mechanism (52) when predetermined supply conditions are met, the supply conditions being that one or more value mediums (51) advance by a specific amount. In the above embodiment, each time one or more existing value mediums (51) advance by a predetermined amount, the supply mechanism (53) supplies new value medium (51) to the transport mechanism (52). Therefore, the possibility of the total number of value mediums (51) transported by the transport mechanism (52) being insufficient can be reduced.

[0175] [Note 11] In the specific example of Appendix 10 (Appendix 11), the supply control unit (133) changes the specific quantity (Ta). In the above embodiment, the amount of value medium (51) transported (specific quantity (Ta)) that triggers the supply of value medium (51) by the supply mechanism (53) is variable. Therefore, the possibility of a user (U) acquiring value medium (51) can be adjusted according to various circumstances, such as the game situation or a desired payout rate.

[0176] [Note 12] In the specific examples of Appendix 10 or Appendix 11 (Appendix 12), the supply conditions include conditions relating to the results of the lottery process. In the above embodiment, in addition to the value medium (51) advancing by a predetermined amount, the value medium (51) is also supplied to the transport mechanism (52) if the conditions relating to the results of the lottery process are met. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly engaging game in which the possibility of the user (U) acquiring the value medium (51) changes depending on the results of the lottery process.

[0177] A "lottery process" is a process that probabilistically (by default) selects one of several lottery elements. For example, a physical lottery using a physical lottery mechanism that selects one of several lottery elements, or an electronic lottery that probabilistically selects one of several lottery elements through computational processing, are examples of "lottery processes."

[0178] [Note 13] In any specific example from Appendix 1 to Appendix 12 (Appendix 13), the motion mechanism (61, 65, 32) includes a bumper (65) that biases the game body (60) upon contact with the game body (60), the transport control unit (132) moves the one or more value media (51) forward by the transport mechanism (52) each time the operating condition is met, the operating condition being that the game body (60) makes contact with the bumper (65). In the above embodiment, the value media (51) moves forward each time the game body (60) makes contact with the bumper (65). Therefore, the user (U) can easily grasp the linkage between the movement of the game body (60) and the forward movement of the value media (51).

[0179] The bumper (65) is, for example, a mechanism (pop bumper) that strikes the game body (60) that comes into contact with the biasing mechanism. Specifically, the bumper (65) comprises, for example, a detection unit (652) that detects contact with the game body (60), and a striking unit (653) that strikes the game body (60) when the detection unit (652) detects contact with the game body (60).

[0180] [Note 14] In any specific example of Appendix 1 to Appendix 13 (Appendix 14), the conveying mechanism (52) includes a first roller (521) and a second roller (522) installed at intervals from each other, and a conveying belt (523) wound around the first roller (521) and the second roller (522), and the one or more value media (51) are placed on the upper surface of the conveying belt (523). In the above embodiment, the conveying mechanism (52) is a belt conveyor in which a conveying belt (523) is wound around the first roller (521) and the second roller (522). Therefore, one or more value media (51) can be conveyed by simple control of rotating at least one of the first roller (521) and the second roller (522).

[0181] [Note 15] In the specific example of Appendix 14 (Appendix 15), the one or more value media (51) are cards, the first roller (521) is positioned closer to the discharge port (547) than the second roller (522), and the conveying path (541, 542) is positioned at a distance from the outer circumferential surface of the first portion (523a) of the conveying belt (523) that contacts the first roller (521), and guides the one or more value media (51) being discharged from the conveying belt (523) to the discharge port (547), and the conveying path (541, 542) is further positioned at a distance from the outer circumferential surface of the second portion (523b) of the conveying belt (523) that is located upstream of the first portion (523a), and contacts the upper surface of the value media (51) in the process of being discharged from the conveying belt (523), thereby limiting the increase in the angle (θ) of the value media (51).

[0182] In a configuration without a limiting member (543), the value medium being discharged from the conveyor belt (523) may be excessively inclined from the horizontal plane along the outer circumference of the first roller (521). Therefore, there is a possibility that the value medium (51) may enter the gap between the outer surface of the conveyor belt (523) and the conveying path (541). The value medium (51) that enters this gap will not reach the discharge port (547). In contrast to the above configuration, in a configuration with a limiting member (543), the limiting member (543) contacts the upper surface of the value medium (51) being discharged from the conveyor belt (523), thereby limiting the increase in the angle (θ) of the value medium (51). Therefore, the possibility of the value medium (51) entering the gap between the outer surface of the conveyor belt (523) and the conveying path (541) can be reduced.

[0183] [Note 16] A control method for a game device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix 16) is a control method for a game device (100) that provides a game using a motion mechanism (61, 65, 32) for moving a game body (60) and a transport mechanism (52) for transporting one or more value media (51), wherein the control method advances the one or more value media (51) toward an outlet (547) when an operating condition relating to the motion of the game body (60) is met.

[0184] [Note 17] A program relating to one aspect of the present disclosure (Aspect 17) is a program that causes one or more processors of a game device (100) that provides a game using a motion mechanism (61, 65, 32) for moving a game body (60) and a transport mechanism (52) for transporting one or more value media (51) to function as a transport control unit (132) for controlling the transport mechanism (52), wherein the transport control unit (132) moves the one or more value media (51) forward toward an outlet (547) when an operating condition relating to the motion of the game body (60) is met. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0185] 100...Game device, 11...Station, 12...Central unit, 13...Control device, 14...Storage device, 15...Transparent panel, 131...Game control unit, 132...Transport control unit, 133...Supply control unit, 20...Operation panel, 21...Operation device, 22...Reception device, 23...Dispensing device, 30...Game mechanism, 31...Fixed table, 311...End, 312...Lottery frame, 32...Movable table, 33...Input device, 34...Fixed wall, 35...Supply device, 36...Detection device, 37...Detection device, 38...Lottery ball, 40...Display device, 41...Lottery screen, 42...Rotating part, 50...Transportation unit, 51...Reward card, 52...Transportation mechanism, 521...First roller , 522...Second roller, 523...Conveyor belt, 523a...Part, 523b...Part, 524...Drive device, A1...Rotating shaft, A2...Rotating shaft, C...Conveyor surface, 53...Supply mechanism, 531...Housing case, 532...Supply unit, 533...Supply guide, 54...Discharge mechanism, 541...First transport path, 542...Second transport path, 543...Restricting member, 544...Bottom member, 545...Discharge case, 546...Supply port, 547...Discharge port, 548...Detection device, 60...Bonus ball, 61...Rotating body, 611...Protrusion, 62...Base part, 63...Peripheral wall part, 631...Passage, 64...Input device, 65...Bumper, 651...Base part, 652...Detection part, 653...Striking part,

Claims

1. A conveying mechanism for conveying one or more value media, and a conveyance control unit for controlling the conveyance mechanism, wherein the conveyance control unit advances the one or more value media by a unit amount upon the establishment of a predetermined operating condition, and after the advancement of the unit amount, retreats the one or more value media by an adjustment amount less than the unit amount A game device.

2. The conveyance control unit advances and retreats the one or more value media each time the predetermined operating condition is established at intervals of a predetermined value or more, and advances the one or more value media without retreating each time the predetermined operating condition is established at intervals less than the predetermined value, The game device according to Claim 1.

3. The conveyance control unit advances the one or more value media by a first unit amount each time the predetermined operating condition is established at intervals of a predetermined value or more, and after the advancement of the first unit amount, retreats the one or more value media, when the predetermined operating condition is established N times (N is a natural number of 2 or more) at intervals less than the predetermined value, advances the one or more value media by the first unit amount each time the predetermined operating condition is established in a part of the N times, advances the one or more value media by a second unit amount less than the first unit amount each time the predetermined operating condition is established in another part of the N times, and after the advancement of the one or more value media by the Nth establishment, retreats the one or more value media, The game device according to Claim 1.

4. A control method for a game device that provides a game using a conveyance mechanism for conveying one or more value media, comprising: advancing the one or more value media toward an outlet by a unit amount upon the establishment of a predetermined operating condition, and after the advancement of the unit amount, retreating the one or more value media by an adjustment amount less than the unit amount A control method for a game device. One or more processors of a game device that provides a game using a transport mechanism for transporting one or more value media, A transport control unit that controls the transport mechanism, A program that causes the above to function as, The transport control unit advances the one or more value media by a unit amount toward the discharge port upon establishment of a predetermined operating condition, and after advancing the unit amount, retreats the one or more value media by an adjustment amount less than the unit amount Program.

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