Server equipment

Abstract

To provide a prize acquisition game device that can be used by a player and a manager easily.SOLUTION: A prize acquisition game device for executing a prize acquisition game in a storage space in which prizes are stored includes: a game operation part for a player to perform a game operation on a prize acquisition game; a setting operation part for a manager to perform various settings on the prize acquisition game; and an identification code for the prize acquisition game device that can be read in common by a player terminal used by the player and a manager terminal used by the manager, and that is used to cause the player terminal and the manager terminal to cooperate with the prize acquisition game device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device and a game system. [Background technology]

[0002] A game system is known in which a prize acquisition game device is linked to a player terminal (e.g., a smartphone) of a player who receives a service related to the prize acquisition game device by reading an identification code (e.g., a two-dimensional code) possessed by the prize acquisition game device (e.g., Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-58610 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In general, a prize acquisition game device can be used not only by players who play the prize acquisition game, but also by an administrator (e.g., facility staff, etc.) who sets various settings for the prize acquisition game. As with the player terminal, in order to link the administrator terminal used by the administrator with the prize acquisition game device, the administrator terminal needs to read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device. In this case, if the prize acquisition game device has a player identification code to be read by the player terminal and an administrator identification code to be read by the administrator terminal, it is difficult for the player and the administrator to determine which identification code to read. Therefore, there is a risk that the player will mistakenly read the administrator identification code with the player terminal, or the administrator will mistakenly read the player identification code with the administrator terminal. Such a prize acquisition game device is difficult for players and administrators to use. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a prize acquisition game device that is easy to use for players and managers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: A prize acquisition game device that executes a prize acquisition game in a storage space that stores prizes, a game operation unit through which a player performs game operations related to a prize acquisition game; a setting operation section for allowing an administrator to set various settings related to the prize acquisition game; an identification code of the prize acquisition game device that can be commonly read by a player terminal used by a player and an administrator terminal used by an administrator, the identification code being used to link the player terminal and the administrator terminal with the prize acquisition game device; It is a prize acquisition game device having the above structure. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a player terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an administrator terminal 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing an example of player information according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of prize information according to the present embodiment; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of facility information according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]4 is a diagram showing an example of game device information according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a configuration diagram showing an example of player cooperation information according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of administrator collaboration information according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is an external view showing the configuration of a prize acquisition game device 50 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a prize acquisition game device 50 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation regarding cooperation between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an initial screen 500 in this embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen 600 in this embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation regarding cooperation between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a setting screen 700 in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, a prize acquisition game device that executes a prize acquisition game in a storage space that stores prizes, a game operation unit through which a player performs game operations related to a prize acquisition game; a setting operation section for allowing an administrator to set various settings related to the prize acquisition game; an identification code of the prize acquisition game device that can be commonly read by a player terminal used by a player and an administrator terminal used by an administrator, the identification code being used to link the prize acquisition game device with each of the player terminal and the administrator terminal; It is a prize acquisition game device having the above structure. With this type of prize acquisition game device, when linked to the prize acquisition game device, the player terminal and the administrator terminal can each read a common identification code, making it possible to provide a prize acquisition game device that is easy for players and administrators to use.

[0008] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, each of the player terminal and the administrator terminal is configured to be able to access a server device via a network; The server device includes: a player linking section that, when a plurality of player terminals that have read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device access the prize acquisition game device, links the prize acquisition game device with one of the plurality of player terminals on a one-to-one basis; an administrator linking unit that links the prize acquisition game device with each of the multiple administrator terminals in a one-to-multiple relationship when the multiple administrator terminals access the prize acquisition game device by reading the identification code of the prize acquisition game device; It is also possible to have the following. With such a prize acquisition game device, one of a plurality of players can exclusively interact with the prize acquisition game device without being disturbed by the other players, and each manager can simultaneously interact with the same prize acquisition game device.

[0009] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, the player linking unit, when another player terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device accesses the prize acquisition game device during linking between the prize acquisition game device and the player terminal, does not link the prize acquisition game device with the other player terminal, The administrator linking unit may also be configured to link the prize acquisition game device with another administrator terminal when another administrator terminal that reads the identification code of the prize acquisition game device accesses the prize acquisition game device while the prize acquisition game device is linked with the administrator terminal. With such a prize acquisition game device, one player can exclusively interact with the prize acquisition game device without being disturbed by other players, and each manager can simultaneously interact with the same prize acquisition game device.

[0010] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, the player linking unit, when a player terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device accesses the prize acquisition game device during linking between the prize acquisition game device and the administrator terminal, links the prize acquisition game device with the player terminal; The administrator linking unit may also be configured to link the prize acquisition game device with the administrator terminal when an administrator terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device accesses the prize acquisition game device while the prize acquisition game device and a player terminal are linked. With such a prize acquisition game device, the player and the administrator can simultaneously work with the same prize acquisition game device without affecting each other.

[0011] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, the player linking unit, when accessed by a player terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device, links the prize acquisition game device with the player terminal on the condition that the player of the player terminal has completed payment of the price for playing the prize acquisition game on the prize acquisition game device; The administrator linking unit may be configured to link the prize acquisition game device with the administrator terminal when accessed by an administrator terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device, even if the administrator of the administrator terminal does not pay the fee. With this type of prize acquisition game device, a player who has paid the play fee can exclusively link with the prize acquisition game device without being disturbed by other players, and each manager can link with the same prize acquisition game device in parallel even if they have not paid the play fee.

[0012] Next, a game system having a prize acquisition game device that executes a prize acquisition game in a storage space that stores prizes, and a server device configured to be accessible via a network to a player terminal used by a player and an administrator terminal used by an administrator, The prize acquisition game device includes: a game operation unit through which a player performs game operations related to a prize acquisition game; a setting operation section for allowing an administrator to set various settings related to the prize acquisition game; an identification code of the prize acquisition game device that can be commonly read by both the player terminal and the administrator terminal, the identification code being used to link the prize acquisition game device with both the player terminal and the administrator terminal; having The server device includes: a player linking section that, when a plurality of player terminals that have read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device access the prize acquisition game device, links the prize acquisition game device with one of the plurality of player terminals on a one-to-one basis; an administrator linking unit that links the prize acquisition game device with each of the multiple administrator terminals in a one-to-multiple relationship when the multiple administrator terminals access the prize acquisition game device by reading the identification code of the prize acquisition game device; having It is a game system. According to such a game system, since the player terminal and the administrator terminal can each read a common identification code when linking with the prize acquisition game device, it is possible to provide a prize acquisition game device that is easy for players and administrators to use. Also, one of a plurality of players can exclusively link with the prize acquisition game device without being disturbed by the other players, and each administrator can link with the same prize acquisition game device in parallel.

[0013] Moreover, in such a game system, the player linking unit, when another player terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device accesses the prize acquisition game device during linking between the prize acquisition game device and the player terminal, does not link the prize acquisition game device with the other player terminal, The administrator linking unit may also be configured to link the prize acquisition game device with another administrator terminal when another administrator terminal that reads the identification code of the prize acquisition game device accesses the prize acquisition game device while the prize acquisition game device is linked with the administrator terminal. According to such a game system, one player can exclusively interact with a prize acquisition game device without being disturbed by other players, and each administrator can simultaneously interact with the same prize acquisition game device.

[0014] Moreover, in such a game system, the player linking unit, when a player terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device accesses the prize acquisition game device during linking between the prize acquisition game device and the administrator terminal, links the prize acquisition game device with the player terminal; The administrator linking unit may also be configured to link the prize acquisition game device with the administrator terminal when an administrator terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device accesses the prize acquisition game device while the prize acquisition game device and a player terminal are linked. Such a game system allows players and administrators to work in parallel with the same prize acquisition game device without affecting each other.

[0015] Moreover, in such a game system, the player linking unit, when accessed by a player terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device, links the prize acquisition game device with the player terminal on the condition that the player of the player terminal has completed payment of the price for playing the prize acquisition game on the prize acquisition game device; The administrator linking unit may be configured to link the prize acquisition game device with the administrator terminal when accessed by an administrator terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device, even if the administrator of the administrator terminal does not pay the fee. According to such a game system, a player who has paid the play fee can exclusively link with a prize acquisition game device without being hindered by other players, and each manager can link with the same prize acquisition game device in parallel even if they have not paid the play fee.

[0016] === Implementation form === In the following embodiment, a game system using a prize acquisition game device installed in a facility (for example, an amusement facility) will be specifically described. Note that the present invention is not limited to the prize acquisition game device, and can be widely applied to various types of arcade game devices.

[0017] <<Configuration of Game System 1>> 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a game system 1 according to this embodiment. In the game system 1 according to this embodiment, a player who enters an amusement facility can play a prize acquisition game using a prize acquisition game device in the facility. In addition, a manager of the amusement facility (e.g., a facility staff member) can use the prize acquisition game device in the facility to perform various settings related to the prize acquisition game.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment has a server device 20, a player terminal 10 used by a player, an administrator terminal 30 used by an administrator, and a prize acquisition game device 50 used by the player and the administrator.

[0019] The player terminal 10 and the administrator terminal 30 are terminal devices equipped with the functions of a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a "camera") such as a smartphone, and are connected to the server device 20 via a communication network so as to be able to communicate information.

[0020] The prize acquisition game device 50 is an arcade game device installed in an amusement facility, and is connected to the server device 20 via a communication network so as to be capable of communicating information. The prize acquisition game device 50 has an identification code (e.g., a two-dimensional code) that can be commonly read by the player terminal 10 and the administrator terminal 30 using the camera function.

[0021] When a player terminal 10 that has read the identification code of a prize acquisition game device 50 accesses the server device 20 via a network, the server device 20 has the function of linking the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 by matching and pairing the player of that player terminal 10 with the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0022] In addition, when the server device 20 is accessed via a network by an administrator terminal 30 that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device 50, the server device 20 has a function of linking the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50 by associating and pairing the administrator of the administrator terminal 30 with the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0023] It goes without saying that the game system 1 in Fig. 1 is just one example, and there are various system configurations depending on the application and purpose. For example, the server device 20 in Fig. 1 may be configured to be distributed across multiple computers. The server device 20 may also assume some of the functions of the player terminal 10 and the administrator terminal 30, or the player terminal 10 and the administrator terminal 30 may assume some of the functions of the server device 20. The server device 20 may also be installed in an amusement facility.

[0024] The prize acquisition game device 50 can also be connected to the server device 20 (external server) via a relay device (internal server) installed in the same amusement facility. The relay device is a device that relays between the server device 20 and the prize acquisition game device 50 to transmit and receive various information, and performs part of the functions of the server device 20. In other words, the relay device is not only connected to the server device 20 via a communication network, but also connected to the prize acquisition game device 50 installed in the same amusement facility via a communication network. In this case, the server device 20 may perform part of the functions of the relay device.

[0025] <<Configuration of the player terminal 10>> 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the player terminal 10 according to this embodiment. The player terminal 10 is an information processing device (for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone terminal, etc.) that each player can possess and use.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the player terminal 10 in this embodiment has a player terminal control unit 11, a player terminal memory unit 12, a player terminal operation unit 13, a code reading unit 14, a player terminal display unit 15, and a player terminal communication unit 16.

[0027] The player terminal control unit 11 controls the entire player terminal 10, and is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a predetermined memory. The player terminal control unit 11 in this embodiment has a game cooperation unit 111 and a display control unit 112.

[0028] The game cooperation unit 111 controls the cooperation between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50. The display control unit 112 controls the screen display of the player terminal 10 in accordance with a procedure related to the cooperation between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0029] The player terminal memory unit 12 has a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a read-only memory area in which various applications and information required by the player terminal 10 are stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a rewritable memory area used as a work area for calculation processing by the player terminal control unit 11, and is realized by a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk.

[0030] The player terminal storage unit 12 in this embodiment stores player software dedicated to the player, player information including a player ID for identifying the player who owns the player terminal 10, etc. The player software is a program for providing various services only to the player in cooperation with the prize acquisition game device.

[0031] The player terminal operation unit 13 has a touch panel for receiving operation inputs from the player. The player terminal operation unit 13 in this embodiment can receive operations specific to touch panels, such as tapping, swiping, and flicking, from the player.

[0032] The code reading unit 14 controls the reading of the identification code of the prize acquisition game device 50. In this embodiment, the code reading unit 14 reads an image of a two-dimensional code, which is an example of an identification code, by using the camera function of the player terminal 10, and extracts the content of the code.

[0033] The player terminal display unit 15 is used to display images and the like relating to the link with the prize acquisition game in accordance with the progress of the player software based on instructions from the player terminal control unit 11, and may be realized, for example, by an LCD display.

[0034] The player terminal communication unit 16 is used to communicate with the server device 20, and has the function of a receiving unit that receives various data and signals transmitted from the server device 20, and the function of a transmitting unit that transmits various data and signals to the server device 20 in response to instructions from the player terminal control unit 11.

[0035] <<Configuration of administrator terminal 30>> 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the administrator terminal 30 according to this embodiment. The administrator terminal 30 is an information processing device (for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone terminal, etc.) that can be owned and used by each administrator.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the administrator terminal 30 in this embodiment has an administrator terminal control unit 31, an administrator terminal memory unit 32, an administrator terminal operation unit 33, a code reading unit 34, an administrator terminal display unit 35, and an administrator terminal communication unit 36.

[0037] Administrator terminal control unit 31 controls the entire administrator terminal 30, and is realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a predetermined memory. Administrator terminal control unit 31 in this embodiment has a game cooperation unit 311 and a display control unit 312.

[0038] The game cooperation unit 311 controls the cooperation between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50. The display control unit 312 controls the screen display of the administrator terminal 30 in accordance with a procedure related to the cooperation between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0039] The administrator terminal memory unit 32 has a ROM, which is a read-only memory area in which various applications and various information required by the administrator terminal 30 are stored, and a RAM, which is a rewritable memory area used as a work area for calculations by the administrator terminal control unit 31, and is realized by a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk.

[0040] The administrator terminal storage unit 32 in this embodiment stores administrator software exclusively for the administrator, and administrator information in which an administrator ID and a password are set for identifying the administrator who possesses the administrator terminal 30. The administrator software differs from the player software in that it is a program for providing various services only to the administrator in cooperation with the prize acquisition game device.

[0041] The administrator terminal operation unit 33 has a touch panel for accepting operation inputs from the administrator. The administrator terminal operation unit 33 in this embodiment can accept operations specific to touch panels, such as a tap operation, a swipe operation, and a flick operation, from the administrator.

[0042] The code reading unit 34 controls the reading of the identification code of the prize acquisition game device 50. The code reading unit 34 in this embodiment reads an image of a two-dimensional code as an example of an identification code by using the camera function of the administrator terminal 30, and extracts the content of the code.

[0043] The administrator terminal display unit 35 is used to display images and the like related to the link with the prize acquisition game in accordance with the progress of the administrator software based on instructions from the administrator terminal control unit 31, and may be realized, for example, by an LCD display.

[0044] The administrator terminal communication unit 36 ​​is for communicating with the server device 20, and has the function of a receiving unit that receives various data and signals transmitted from the server device 20, and the function of a transmitting unit that transmits various data and signals to the server device 20 in response to instructions from the administrator terminal control unit 31.

[0045] <<Configuration of Server Device 20>> 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device 20 according to this embodiment. The server device 20 is an information processing device (such as a workstation or a personal computer) that is used by a system operator to operate various services related to the prize acquisition game.

[0046] The server device 20 in this embodiment has a server device control unit 21, a server device storage unit 22, a server device input unit 23, a server device display unit 24, and a server device communication unit 25, as shown in FIG.

[0047] The server device control unit 21 controls the entire server device 20, and is realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a predetermined memory. The server device control unit 21 in this embodiment has a player cooperation unit 211, an administrator cooperation unit 212, and a key generation unit 213.

[0048] The player linking unit 211 reads the identification code of the prize acquisition game device 50 and performs control for linking the prize acquisition game device 50 with the player terminal 10 that has accessed the prize acquisition game device 50 via the network.

[0049] In this embodiment, when multiple player terminals 10 that have read the identification code of a prize acquisition game device 50 access the player linking unit 211, the player linking unit 211 links the prize acquisition game device 50 with one of the multiple player terminals 10 on a one-to-one basis.

[0050] The administrator linking unit 212 reads the identification code of the prize acquisition game device 50 and performs control for linking the prize acquisition game device 50 with the administrator terminal 30 that has accessed the prize acquisition game device 50 via the network.

[0051] In this embodiment, when multiple administrator terminals 30 that have read the identification code of a prize acquisition game device 50 access the administrator linking unit 212, the prize acquisition game device 50 is linked with each of the multiple administrator terminals 30 in a one-to-many manner.

[0052] The key generating unit 213 generates a key code to be included in the identification code of the prize acquisition game device 50. In this embodiment, the key generating unit 213 generates (issues) a key code periodically (for example, about once an hour) and transmits it to the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0053] The server device memory unit 22 has a ROM, which is a read-only memory area in which the system program is stored, and a RAM, which is a rewritable memory area used as a work area for calculation processing by the server device control unit 21, and is realized by a non-volatile memory device such as a flash memory or a hard disk.

[0054] The server device memory unit 22 in this embodiment stores player information, which is information about the player using the player terminal 10, prize information about the prizes, and facility information, which is information about the amusement facility in which the prize acquisition game device 50 is installed.

[0055] Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of player information according to this embodiment. The player information shown in Fig. 5 has items such as a player ID, a player name, play points, coupons, prize categories, and play history.

[0056] The player ID is information for uniquely identifying a player. It is also possible to use terminal-specific identification information (terminal ID) such as the MAC address of the player terminal 10 owned by the player as the player ID. The player name is information indicating the name of the player.

[0057] The play points are information indicating the number of game points that the player has acquired per play. For example, the accumulated points can be exchanged for coupons. The coupons are information indicating the number of coupons that the player possesses. The prize category is information indicating the favorite prize category designated by the player himself.

[0058] The play history is information about the play history of prize games that a player has played up to now. For example, the play history includes information about which prize game device was used in which amusement facility, when the game was played, the number of times the game was played, the amount of money inserted, and the like.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of prize information according to this embodiment. The facility information shown in FIG. 6 has items such as a prize ID, a prize name, and a prize category. The prize ID is information for uniquely identifying a prize. The prize ID may be printed as a code (such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code) on a paper or resin tag attached to the prize, or may be written as identification data into an IC tag. The prize name is information indicating the name of the prize. The prize category is information indicating the category to which the prize belongs.

[0060] Fig. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of facility information according to this embodiment. The facility information shown in Fig. 7 has items such as a facility ID, a facility name, administrator information, game device information, player cooperation information, and administrator cooperation information.

[0061] The facility ID is information for uniquely identifying an amusement facility. The facility name is information indicating the name of the amusement facility. The administrator information is information about the administrator (facility staff, etc.) working at the amusement facility, and has items such as an administrator ID and an administrator name. The administrator ID is information for uniquely identifying facility staff, etc. involved in the amusement facility. The administrator name is information indicating the name of the administrator. A password may be set in association with the administrator ID.

[0062] The game device information is information about the prize acquisition game device 50 installed in the amusement facility. The player cooperation information is information about the player terminal 10 in cooperation with the amusement facility. The administrator cooperation information is information about the administrator terminal 30 in cooperation with the amusement facility.

[0063] Fig. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of game device information according to this embodiment. The game device information shown in Fig. 8 has items such as a game device ID, a device name, key code information, setting information, gift information, and sales information.

[0064] The game device ID is information for uniquely identifying a prize acquisition game device 50 installed in an amusement facility. The device name is information indicating the name of the prize acquisition game device 50. The key code information is information regarding a key code issued to the prize acquisition game device 50, and the key code is set in association with each issue time (generation time).

[0065] The setting information is information indicating the setting contents of the prize acquisition game device 50. The setting contents include, for example, the current play fee, play time limit, the gripping strength and movement speed of the prize acquisition part, etc. The prize information is information indicating prizes that can be acquired by the prize acquisition game device 50 at the current time. In the prize information, the prize IDs of the prizes that can be acquired are registered in association with the game device ID of the prize acquisition game device 50. The sales information is information indicating the amount of money that has been inserted into the prize acquisition game device 50 up to the current time.

[0066] Fig. 9 is a configuration diagram showing an example of player cooperation information according to this embodiment. The player cooperation information shown in Fig. 9 has, as items, a game device ID associated with the prize acquisition game device 50 in cooperation, a player ID associated with the player in cooperation, and the cooperation date and time when the cooperation was completed.

[0067] Fig. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of administrator cooperation information according to the present embodiment. The player cooperation information shown in Fig. 10 has, as items, a game device ID associated with the prize acquisition game device 50 in cooperation, an administrator ID associated with the administrator in cooperation, and the cooperation date and time when cooperation was completed.

[0068] The server device input unit 23 is for a system administrator or the like to input various data, and is realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. Note that the server device input unit 23 may be configured to be connectable as necessary.

[0069] The server device display unit 24 is for displaying an operation screen for a system administrator based on a command from the server device control unit 21, and is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The server device input unit 23 may be configured to be connectable as necessary.

[0070] The server device communication unit 25 is used to communicate between the prize acquisition game devices 50, player terminals 10, and administrator terminals 30 installed in the amusement facility, and has the function of a receiving unit that receives various data and signals transmitted from the prize acquisition game devices 50, player terminals 10, and administrator terminals 30, and the function of a transmitting unit that transmits various data and signals to the prize acquisition game devices 50, player terminals 10, and administrator terminals 30 in response to instructions from the server device control unit 21.

[0071] <<Configuration of Prize Acquisition Game Device 50>> Fig. 11 is an external view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment. The prize acquisition game device 50 is an arcade game device that is installed in an amusement facility and plays a prize acquisition game in a storage space that stores prizes.

[0072] The prize acquisition game device 50 in this embodiment has a game device control unit 51, a game device memory unit 52, a game device display unit 53, a game device communication unit 54, a prize acquisition unit 55, a movement unit 56, a game operation unit 57, a setting operation unit 58, a coin insertion unit 59, a prize storage unit 73, a prize display unit 74, and a prize removal outlet 75, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0073] The game device control unit 51 controls the entire prize acquisition game device 50, and is realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a predetermined memory. As shown in FIG. 11, the game device control unit 51 in this embodiment has a prize acquisition game control unit 511, a code generation unit 512, and a payment management unit 513.

[0074] The prize acquisition game control unit 511 performs various controls related to the prize acquisition game. In this embodiment, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 advances the prize acquisition game by operating the prize acquisition unit 55, the movement unit 56, etc. based on the game operation of the player. In addition, the control unit 511 changes settings such as the gripping force of the prize acquisition unit 55 and the movement speed of the movement unit 56 based on the setting operation of the administrator.

[0075] The code generation unit 512 controls the generation of an identification code associated with the prize acquisition game device 50. In this embodiment, the code generation unit 512 generates, as an example of an identification code, a two-dimensional code including the latest key code received from the server device 20 and the game device ID of the prize acquisition game device.

[0076] The payment management unit 513 manages the payment of the price for playing the prize acquisition game to the player. In this embodiment, the payment management unit 513 receives a detection signal from the coin insertion unit 59 detecting the payment of the play fee, and thereby manages whether or not the payment of the price for one play, which is preset in the prize acquisition game device 50 by the administrator, has been completed.

[0077] The game device memory unit 52 has a ROM, which is a read-only memory area in which various programs and information related to the prize acquisition game are stored, and a RAM, which is a rewritable memory area used as a work area for calculation processing by the game device control unit 51, and is realized by a non-volatile memory device such as a flash memory or a hard disk.

[0078] In this embodiment, the game device memory unit 52 stores, for example, in addition to the game program and the setting program, game device information (such as the game device ID of the prize acquisition game device 50) and setting information (such as the current setting contents of the gripping force and movement speed of the prize acquisition part).

[0079] The game device display unit 53 is used to display a setting screen on which the administrator can perform setting operations to change the settings of the prize acquisition game device 50, and to display an image of a two-dimensional code as an identification code associated with the prize acquisition game device 50, and is realized, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or the like.

[0080] The game device communication unit 54 is for communicating with the server device 20, and has a function as a receiving unit that receives various data and signals transmitted from the server device 20, and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits various data and signals to the server device 20 in response to instructions from the game device control unit 51.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 12, the prize storage section 73 stores one or more prizes inside the prize acquisition game device 50, and the front and left and right sides are formed of a transparent material (e.g., glass, etc.) so that players can see it from the outside. An opening and closing door is provided on the front of the prize storage section 73, allowing an administrator to display and replenish the prizes. The spatial area enclosed by this prize storage section 73 is used as a play field for players to play the prize acquisition game.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 12, inside the prize storage section 73 in this embodiment, there are arranged a prize acquisition section 55 for acquiring prizes, a moving section 56 for moving the prize acquisition section 55, a prize display section 74 for displaying the prizes, and a discharge outlet (not shown) for discharging the prizes acquired by the prize acquisition section 55 to the outside of the prize storage section 73.

[0083] The prize capturing unit 55 drives an arm opening / closing motor (not shown) to capture the prize housed in the prize storage unit 73 (i.e., the prize displayed in the prize display unit 74) by opening and closing the arm. The moving unit 56 drives a moving motor (not shown) to move the prize capturing unit 55 within the spatial area formed by the prize storage unit 73.

[0084] The movement section 56 in this embodiment has a horizontal movement section, a vertical movement section, and an elevation movement section. The horizontal movement section moves the prize capturing section 55 in the horizontal direction (i.e., the front-back direction and the left-right direction) within the spatial area formed by the prize storage section 73. The vertical movement section moves the prize capturing section 55 in the vertical direction (i.e., the up-down direction) within the spatial area formed by the prize storage section 73.

[0085] The game operation unit 57 is used by the player to operate the game. In this embodiment, the game operation unit 57 has at least a joystick and an operation button. When the joystick is operated by the player, the movement unit 56 operates to move the prize capture unit 55 in the horizontal direction. When the operation button is operated by the player, the movement unit 56 stops and the position of the prize capture unit 55 in the horizontal direction can be determined.

[0086] The setting operation unit 58 is for the administrator to perform setting operations. The setting operation unit 58 in this embodiment is configured with a touch panel, and accepts input instructions from the operator from the position of the touch. The touch panel is layered on the game device display unit 53, and when a touch operation is performed on the screen, the pressed position (contact position) can be detected based on a change in electrostatic capacitance between the fingertip and the conductive film.

[0087] In this embodiment, when the administrator performs a touch operation on the touch panel, an image of an identification code (two-dimensional code) associated with the prize acquisition game device 50 is displayed on the game device display unit 53. Also, when a player performs a touch operation, an image of the identification code (two-dimensional code) is displayed on the game device display unit 53.

[0088] The coin insertion unit 59 is for a player to pay the price for playing the prize acquisition game. In this embodiment, the coin insertion unit 59 has an insertion port into which coins are inserted, and a detection sensor that detects the coins inserted through the insertion port. A player who plays the prize acquisition game inserts a predetermined number of coins into the insertion port as the price for one play.

[0089] As shown in Figure 12, the prize outlet 75 is provided on the front of the prize acquisition game device 50, and is used by the player to remove a prize acquired by the prize acquisition section 55 when the prize falls from an outlet located in the prize storage section 73.

[0090] <<Game System 1 Operation>> An operation example of the game system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, an operation example relating to the cooperation between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 will be specifically described below. Next, an operation example relating to the cooperation between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50 will be specifically described.

[0091] <Linkage Between the Player Terminal 10 and the Prize Acquisition Game Device 50> FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation regarding the cooperation between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment.

[0092] When a player performs a specified touch operation using the setting operation unit 58, the code generation unit 512 of the prize acquisition game device 50 generates a two-dimensional code (identification code) that encodes the latest key code and game device ID previously transmitted from the server device 20, and displays an initial screen 500 including an image of the two-dimensional code on the game device display unit 53 (step S101).

[0093] Specifically, if the key generating unit 213 of the server device 20 generates a key code Q1 at time T1, generates a key code Q2 at time T2 after a predetermined time has elapsed, and generates a key code Q3 at time T3 after a predetermined time has elapsed, the latest key code Q3 transmitted from the server device 20 is stored in the game device storage unit 52 of the prize acquisition game device 50 after time T3. Therefore, the code generating unit 512 of the prize acquisition game device 50 generates a two-dimensional code including the latest key code Q3 after time T3 and displays it on the initial screen 500.

[0094] Fig. 14 is an image diagram showing an example of an initial screen 500 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14A, the initial screen 500 includes an information area 501 of the prize acquisition game device 50 and a link setting area 502 for linking with the prize acquisition game device 50. An operation button 503 is displayed in the link setting area 502. When the player selects the operation button 503 by touch operation using the setting operation unit 58 on the initial screen 500 shown in Fig. 14A, a two-dimensional code 504 is displayed in the link setting area 502 as shown in Fig. 14B.

[0095] The two-dimensional code 504 displayed in the collaboration setting area 502 is not a player-specific two-dimensional code that can be read by the player terminal 10 used by the player, but a common two-dimensional code that can also be read by the administrator terminal 30 used by the administrator.

[0096] Next, when the player performs a specified touch operation using the player terminal operation unit 13 after starting the player software, the code reading unit 14 of the player terminal 10 reads the image of the two-dimensional code displayed on the game device display unit 53 using the camera function of the player terminal 10, and extracts the key code and game device ID (step S102).

[0097] Next, the game linkage unit 111 of the player terminal 10 transmits a linkage request between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 to the server device 20 via the network, together with the player ID, the key code extracted by the code reading unit 14, and the game device ID (step S103).

[0098] Next, when the two-dimensional code 504 displayed on the initial screen 500 of the prize acquisition game device 50 is read by the code reading unit 14 of the player terminal 10, the game linkage unit 111 of the player terminal 10 displays a payment method selection screen 600 on the player terminal display unit 15 (step S104).

[0099] 15 is an image diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen 600 in this embodiment. The payment method selection screen 600 displays an operation button 601 for paying a play fee using coins, and an operation button 602 for paying a play fee using a coupon.

[0100] When a player uses the setting operation unit 58 to select operation button 601 or operation button 602 by touch operation on the payment method selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 15, the game linkage unit 111 of the player terminal 10 transmits the player's selected operation information together with the player ID to the server device 20 via the network (step S105).

[0101] Next, when the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 receives the player's selection operation information from the player terminal 10 that sent the collaboration request, it determines whether the payment for playing will be made with coins or coupons based on the player's selection operation information (step S106).

[0102] If the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that the player will pay the playing fee with coins (step S106: YES), it determines whether the payment of the playing fee using coins has been completed at the prize acquisition game device 50 (step S107).

[0103] Specifically, when the coin insertion unit 59 of the prize acquisition game device 50 detects that a predetermined number of coins have been inserted into the insertion slot as the payment for one play, it transmits the detection information together with the game device ID to the server device 20 via the network. When the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 receives the detection information from the prize acquisition game device 50 within a predetermined time, it determines that the payment of the play payment using coins has been completed in that prize acquisition game device 50.

[0104] In response to this, if the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 does not receive detection information from a prize acquisition game device 50 within a specified time, it determines that payment of the play fee using coins has not yet been completed at that prize acquisition game device 50.

[0105] Next, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 links the player terminal 10 that read the two-dimensional code of the prize acquisition game device 50 with the prize acquisition game device 50 by matching and pairing the player of the player terminal 10 that read the two-dimensional code of the prize acquisition game device 50, provided that payment of the play fee in coins has been completed (step S108).

[0106] Specifically, the player cooperation unit 211 of the server device 20 refers to the facility information shown in Fig. 7 and the game device information shown in Fig. 8, and uses the game device ID of the prize acquisition game device 50 whose two-dimensional code has been read by the player terminal 10 to identify the player cooperation information corresponding to the prize acquisition game device 50. Then, as shown in Fig. 9, the player ID of the player terminal 10 that read the two-dimensional code of the prize acquisition game device 50 is associated with the game device ID of the prize acquisition game device 50, and paired and registered in the player cooperation information. This makes it possible to identify the current player of the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0107] In this embodiment, when a collaboration request is sent again from a player (player terminal 10) that is already linked through pairing registration, or when a collaboration request is sent from another player (another player terminal 10) targeting a prize acquisition game device 50 that is already linked through pairing registration, the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 rejects the collaboration without performing a new pairing registration.

[0108] In other words, when multiple player terminals 10 that have read the two-dimensional code of a prize acquisition game device 50 access the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20, the player linking unit 211 links the prize acquisition game device 50 with one of the multiple player terminals 10 on a one-to-one basis.

[0109] For example, suppose that one player and another player read the same two-dimensional code 504 displayed on the initial screen 500 shown in Fig. 14B at almost the same time, and a collaboration request is transmitted from each of the player terminals 10. In this case, the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 links the player terminal 10 whose collaboration request was received first with the prize acquisition game device 50. Then, it notifies the player terminal 10 of the earlier player that the collaboration was successful, and notifies the player terminal 10 of the later player that the collaboration was unsuccessful.

[0110] Also, for example, suppose that another player has saved a two-dimensional code that was previously captured by the camera of his / her own player terminal 10. Then, suppose that during collaboration between a player terminal 10 that has read the two-dimensional code of a prize acquisition game device 50 and the prize acquisition game device 50, a collaboration request is transmitted from another player terminal 10 that has read the past two-dimensional code of the same prize acquisition game device 50. In this case, since the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 is already collaborating one-to-one with the player terminal 10, it rejects the collaboration without performing a new pairing registration with the other player terminal 10.

[0111] In addition, there is a risk that a player may save a two-dimensional code captured in the past by the camera of his / her player terminal 10, and a link request may be sent from a player terminal 10 that has read a two-dimensional code captured in the past. In this case, even if a player terminal 10 reads a two-dimensional code including an old key code Q1 obtained in the past and sends a link request after time T3, the player link unit 211 of the server device 20 will refuse linking with that player terminal 10 even if no one has linked yet, because the old key code Q1 does not match the latest key code Q3.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an administrator (administrator terminal 30) is already in cooperation with a prize acquisition game device 50 through pairing registration, and a cooperation request is transmitted from a player (player terminal 10) targeting the prize acquisition game device 50 that is already in cooperation with the administrator (administrator terminal 30), if another player is not yet in cooperation with the prize acquisition game device 50, the player cooperation unit 211 of the server device 20 cooperates with the player (player terminal 10) and the prize acquisition game device 50, even if the administrator (administrator terminal 30) is in cooperation with the prize acquisition game device 50. This allows the player and the administrator to cooperate with the same prize acquisition game device 50 in parallel without affecting each other.

[0113] Next, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 notifies the completion of linking between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 on the player terminal display unit 15 of that player terminal 10 (step S109). After that, the player who has been linked by pairing registration plays the game on the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0114] After the prize acquisition game ends, when the player selects the release button displayed on the game device display unit 53 by touching the setting operation unit 58, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 sends a request to release the connection between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50, along with the game device ID, to the server device 20 via the network (step S110).

[0115] Next, when the player cooperation unit 211 of the server device 20 receives a cooperation cancellation request from the prize acquisition game device 50, it cancels the pairing registration between the cooperated player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 (step S111).

[0116] Specifically, the player cooperation unit 211 of the server device 20 refers to the facility information shown in Fig. 7 and the game device information shown in Fig. 8, and uses the game device ID of the prize acquisition game device 50 on which the release button was pressed to identify the player cooperation information corresponding to the prize acquisition game device 50. Then, from the identified player cooperation information, the pairing registration between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 in cooperation is deleted.

[0117] Next, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 releases the link between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50, and gives play points for one play to the player of the player terminal 10 whose link has been released (step S112).

[0118] On the other hand, if the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that the player will pay the playing fee with a coupon (step S106: NO), it links the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 by matching and pairing the player of the player terminal 10 that read the two-dimensional code of the prize acquisition game device 50 with the prize acquisition game device 50, in a manner similar to the processing of step S108 described above (step S113).

[0119] Next, when the link between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 is completed, the player link unit 211 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the payment of the play fee using the coupon has been completed (step S114).

[0120] Specifically, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that payment of the play fee using the coupons has been completed by reducing the number of coupons owned by the player by one play with reference to the player information shown in Fig. 5. After that, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 transmits a notification to the prize acquisition game device 50 and the player terminal 10 that payment of the play fee using the coupons has been completed.

[0121] 5, if the number of coupons owned by the player is less than the amount for one play, the player cooperation unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that the payment of the play fee using the coupons has not yet been completed. After that, the player cooperation unit 211 of the server device 20 transmits a notification to the prize acquisition game device 50 and the player terminal 10 that the payment of the play fee using the coupons has not yet been completed.

[0122] Next, when the payment of the play fee using the coupon is completed (step S114: YES), the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 notifies the player terminal display unit 15 of the player terminal 10 of the completion of linking between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquiring game device 50 and the completion of payment of the play fee using the coupon (step S115). Thereafter, the player who has been linked by pairing registration plays the game on the prize acquiring game device 50.

[0123] After the prize acquisition game ends, when the player selects the release button displayed on the game device display unit 53 by touching the setting operation unit 58, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 sends a request to release the connection between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50, together with the game device ID, to the server device 20 via the network (step S116).

[0124] Next, when the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 receives a request to cancel collaboration from the prize acquisition game device 50, it cancels the pairing registration between the linked player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 in a manner similar to the processing of step S111 described above (step S117).

[0125] In addition, when a play fee is paid by coupon, even if the link between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 is released, no play points are given to the player of the player terminal 10 whose link has been released. In other words, a player who has paid a play fee by coins is given an advantage over a player who has paid a play fee by coupon.

[0126] Furthermore, if payment of the play fee using the coupon has not been completed (step S114: NO), the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 cancels the pairing registration between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 that were linked by the processing of step S113 described above (step S117), in the same manner as the processing of step S111 described above.

[0127] In this embodiment, it is also possible to continue playing the game after it has been completed. When continuing to play the game, the process may be returned to step S106 after the game is completed while maintaining the link. This allows the player to continue paying the play fee with coins or coupons. If the player does not wish to continue playing the game, the player may be allowed to request cancellation of the link.

[0128] <Cooperation between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50> FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation regarding the cooperation between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment.

[0129] When the administrator performs a predetermined touch operation using the setting operation unit 58, the code generation unit 512 of the prize acquisition game device 50 generates a two-dimensional code (identification code) that encodes the latest key code and game device ID previously transmitted from the server device 20, and displays an initial screen 500 including an image of the two-dimensional code on the game device display unit 53 (step S201).

[0130] The initial screen 500 displayed to the administrator is the same as that displayed to the player. Therefore, in the case of the administrator as well, when the operation button 503 is selected by touch operation using the setting operation unit 58 on the initial screen 500 shown in Fig. 14A, a two-dimensional code 504 is displayed in the link setting area 502 as shown in Fig. 14B. In other words, in linking with the prize acquisition game device 50, each of the player terminal 10 and the administrator terminal 30 is capable of reading the common two-dimensional code 504.

[0131] Next, when the administrator performs a specified touch operation using the administrator terminal operation unit 33 after launching the administrator software, the code reading unit 14 of the administrator terminal 30 reads the image of the two-dimensional code displayed on the game device display unit 53 using the camera function of the administrator terminal 30, and extracts the key code and game device ID (step S202).

[0132] Next, the game collaboration unit 311 of the administrator terminal 30 transmits a collaboration request between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize-acquiring game device 50 to the server device 20 via the network, together with the administrator ID, the key code extracted by the code reading unit 34, and the game device ID (step S203).

[0133] Next, the administrator linking unit 212 of the server device 20 links the administrator terminal 30 that read the two-dimensional code of the prize acquisition game device 50 with the prize acquisition game device 50 by associating and pairing the administrator of the administrator terminal 30 with the prize acquisition game device 50 (step S204).

[0134] Specifically, the administrator linking unit 212 of the server device 20 refers to the facility information shown in Fig. 7 and the game device information shown in Fig. 8, and uses the game device ID of the prize acquiring game device 50 whose two-dimensional code has been read by the administrator terminal 30 to identify administrator linking information corresponding to the prize acquiring game device 50. Then, as shown in Fig. 10, the administrator ID of the administrator terminal 30 that read the two-dimensional code of the prize acquiring game device 50 is associated with the game device ID of the prize acquiring game device 50, and paired and registered in the administrator linking information. This makes it possible to identify the current administrator of the prize acquiring game device 50.

[0135] In this embodiment, when a collaboration request is sent from another administrator (another administrator terminal 30) to a prize acquisition game device 50 that is already being linked through pairing registration, the administrator collaboration unit 212 of the server device 20 performs a new pairing registration to allow overlapping collaboration.

[0136] In other words, when multiple administrator terminals 30 that have read the two-dimensional code of a prize acquisition game device 50 access the administrator linking unit 212 of the server device 20, the administrator linking unit 212 links the prize acquisition game device 50 with each of the multiple administrator terminals 30 in a one-to-many manner.

[0137] 14B, an administrator and another administrator read the same two-dimensional code 504 displayed on the initial screen 500 at almost the same time, and a cooperation request is transmitted from each administrator terminal 30. In this case, the administrator cooperation unit 212 of the server device 20 cooperates with each administrator terminal 30 that has received the cooperation request and the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0138] Also, for example, suppose that while an administrator terminal 30 that has read the two-dimensional code of a prize acquisition game device 50 is linking with the prize acquisition game device 50, a link request is transmitted from another administrator terminal 30 that has read the two-dimensional code of the same prize acquisition game device 50. In this case, too, the administrator linking unit 212 of the server device 20 links the prize acquisition game device 50 with the other administrator terminal 30 of the later received linking request, even if the administrator terminal 30 of the earlier received linking request is currently linking.

[0139] The reason for allowing overlapping links in this manner is that it improves work efficiency for all administrators, since some administrators may want to check the sales of a prize-acquiring game device 50, while other administrators may want to check the settings of the same prize-acquiring game device 50.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a player (player terminal 10) is already linked through pairing registration, and a link request is transmitted from the administrator (administrator terminal 30) to a prize acquisition game device 50 that is already linked through pairing registration, the administrator linking unit 212 of the server device 20 links the administrator (administrator terminal 30) with the prize acquisition game device 50 even if the player (player terminal 10) is linked with the prize acquisition game device 50. This allows the administrator and the player to link with the same prize acquisition game device 50 in parallel without affecting each other.

[0141] Next, when the link between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50 is completed, the administrator link unit 212 of the server device 20 displays the setting screen 700 on the administrator terminal display unit 35 of the administrator terminal 30 (step S205).

[0142] FIG. 17 is an image diagram showing an example of a setting screen 700 in this embodiment. The setting screen 700 displays an area 701 showing the name of the linked prize acquisition game device, an area 702 showing the current sales information of the linked prize acquisition game device, an area 703 showing the current setting contents of the linked prize acquisition game device, and an end button 704. In this setting screen 700, the administrator can check the current sales situation, check the current setting contents, and change the setting contents. The administrator can also check the prizes registered in association with the linked prize acquisition game device. The association with the prize can be performed by the administrator reading the code (prize ID) printed on the tag of the prize with the administrator terminal 30.

[0143] Next, when the administrator touches the end button 704 displayed on the setting screen 700 using the administrator terminal operation unit 33, the administrator linkage unit 212 of the server device 20 transmits a request to cancel linkage between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50, together with the administrator ID, to the server device 20 via the network (step S206).

[0144] Next, when the administrator cooperation unit 212 of the server device 20 receives the cooperation cancellation request from the administrator terminal 30, it cancels the pairing registration between the cooperated administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50 (step S207).

[0145] 7, and uses the administrator ID of the administrator terminal 30 that has transmitted the link cancellation request to identify administrator link information corresponding to the prize obtaining game device 50. Then, the pairing registration between the administrator terminal 30 that has requested the link cancellation and the prize obtaining game device 50 is deleted from the identified administrator link information.

[0146] ===Other embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and the embodiments described below.

[0147] <2D code generation> In the above embodiment, the prize acquisition game device 50 generates a two-dimensional code (identification code), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the server device 20 may generate a two-dimensional code. In this case, the server device 20 generates an image of a two-dimensional code including the latest key code and game machine ID, and transmits it to the prize acquisition game device 50. Then, the prize acquisition game device 50 displays the two-dimensional code transmitted from the server device 20 on the game device display unit 53.

[0148] <Cooperation between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50> In the above embodiment, when the player pays the play fee with coins, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 links the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 by associating and pairing the player of the player terminal 10 that reads the two-dimensional code of the prize acquisition game device 50 with the prize acquisition game device 50 on the condition that the payment of the play fee with coins is completed in the processing of the above-mentioned step S108, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that the player will pay the play fee with coins (step S106: YES), it is also possible to link the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50 before the payment of the play fee with coins is completed in the same manner as the processing of the above-mentioned step S113.

[0149] In the above embodiment, when a player pays for a play fee with a coupon, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 links the player terminal 10 with the prize acquisition game device 50 before the payment of the play fee with the coupon is completed in the process of step S113 described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 can link the player terminal 10 with the prize acquisition game device 50 by associating and pairing the player of the player terminal 10 that reads the two-dimensional code of the prize acquisition game device 50 with the prize acquisition game device 50, on the condition that the payment of the play fee with the coupon is completed, in the same manner as in the process of step S108 described above.

[0150] <Cancellation of Linkage Between the Player Terminal 10 and the Prize Acquisition Game Device 50> In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the link between the prize acquisition game device 50 and the player terminal 10 is released by the player touching the release button displayed on the prize acquisition game device 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a release request including a player ID is transmitted to the server device 20 by the player touching the release button displayed on the player terminal 10. Then, when the server device 20 receives the release request, it releases the pairing registration between the player of the player ID and the prize acquisition game device 50 currently linked to the player.

[0151] <Cooperation between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50> In the above-described embodiment, a password is registered in the administrator information set in the facility information shown in FIG. 7, and in the case of the administrator terminal 30, a request for cooperation between the administrator terminal 30 and the prize-acquiring game device 50 is transmitted to the server device 20 via the network, together with the administrator ID, password, key code extracted by the code reading unit 34, and game device ID. When the server device 20 receives the cooperation request from the administrator terminal 30, it can refer to the facility information shown in FIG. 7, perform login authentication using the administrator ID and password, and then cooperate with the administrator terminal 30 and the prize-acquiring game device 50.

[0152] <Cancellation of link between administrator terminal 30 and prize acquisition game device 50> In the above embodiment, the case where the pairing registration between the linked administrator terminal 30 and the prize acquisition game device 50 is cancelled by selecting the end button 704 displayed on the setting screen 700 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, steps S206-S207 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 16 may be omitted, and when a link request transmitted from the administrator terminal 30 is received in step S203, if there is a prize acquisition game device 50 that has already been paired, the link with that device may be cancelled first, and then a pairing registration with a new prize acquisition game device 50 may be performed.

[0153] <Payment for play> In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the player is allowed to select either the payment method of coins or coupons on the payment method selection screen 600 of the player terminal 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to allow the player to perform payment operations on the screen of the player terminal 10 only when the payment for playing is made using a coupon. When the payment for playing is made using a coin, the prize acquisition game device 50 is configured to transmit a notification to the server device 20 that the coin has been inserted, without the player having to perform any operation in advance on the screen of the player terminal 10, simply by inserting a coin into the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0154] <Play points awarded> In the above-described embodiment, play points are awarded to a player of a player terminal 10 whose link is terminated after playing only when the player pays for playing with coins. However, it is also possible to award play points to a player of a player terminal 10 whose link is terminated after playing even when the player pays for playing with coupons.

[0155] <Game device> In the above embodiment, the game system 1 equipped with the prize acquisition game device 50 has been described as an example of an arcade game device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the game system may be equipped with a driving game device, a shooting game device, a battle game device, a music rhythm game device, a card game device, a medal game device, etc.

[0156] <Identification code> In the above-described embodiment, the identification code is not limited to a QR code (registered trademark) as an example of a two-dimensional code, but may be, for example, a maxicode, a berrycode, a data matrix code, a barcode, or the like.

[0157] <Prizes> In the above-described embodiment, the prizes contained in the prize acquisition game device 50 are not limited to items that the player can directly acquire (e.g., stuffed toys, etc.), but also include items that are stored as targets for acquisition in the game and can be exchanged for other prizes after acquisition, as well as items that are not provided themselves but are used to compete for points or rankings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1. Game System 10. Player terminal 11. Player terminal control unit 12. Player terminal memory unit 13. Player terminal operation section 14 Code reader 15 Player terminal display unit 16 Player terminal communication unit 20 Server device 21 Server device control unit 22 Server device memory unit 23 Server device input unit 24 Server device display unit 25 Server device communication unit 30 Administrator terminal 31 Administrator terminal control unit 32 Administrator terminal memory unit 33 Administrator terminal operation unit 34 Code reader 35 Administrator terminal display unit 36 Administrator terminal communication unit 50 Prize acquisition game device 51 Game device control unit 52 Game device memory unit 53 Game device display unit 54 Game device communication unit 55 Prize Collection Department 56 Mobile section 57 Game operation section 58 Setting operation section 59 Coin slot 73 Prize Storage Section 74 Prize Exhibition Section 75 Prize outlet 111 Game Collaboration Department 112 Display control unit 211 Player Cooperation Department 212 Administrator Liaison Department 213 Key Generation Unit 311 Game Collaboration Department 312 Display control unit 511 Prize acquisition game control unit 512 Code Generation Unit 513 Payment Management Department

Claims

1. A server device configured to communicate information via a network with a player terminal used by a player who operates a game on a prize-winning game device, and with an administrator terminal used by an administrator who performs setting operations on the prize-winning game device, When a player terminal and an administrator terminal read an identification code for the prize-winning game device and receive a cooperation request via the network from multiple player terminals, the player cooperation unit connects one of the multiple player terminals to the prize-winning game device on a one-to-one basis. When a cooperation request is received via the network from multiple administrator terminals that have read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device, which can be read by both the player terminal and the administrator terminal, the administrator cooperation unit provides one-to-many cooperation between the prize acquisition game device and each of the multiple administrator terminals. A server device characterized by having the following features.

2. When the player communication unit receives a communication request via the network from a player terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device while the prize acquisition game device and the administrator terminal are communicating, the player communication unit communicates the player terminal with the prize acquisition game device. The administrator linkage unit, when it receives a linkage request via the network from an administrator terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device during the linkage between the prize acquisition game device and the player terminal, links the administrator terminal with the prize acquisition game device. The server device according to feature 1.

3. When the player interaction unit receives an interaction request via the network from a player terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device, it interacts with the player terminal and the prize acquisition game device, provided that the player on the player terminal has completed payment for playing the prize acquisition game on the prize acquisition game device. When the administrator linkage unit receives a linkage request via the network from an administrator terminal that has read the identification code of the prize acquisition game device, it links the administrator terminal with the prize acquisition game device even if the administrator of the administrator terminal does not pay the aforementioned fee. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A server device configured to communicate information via a network with a player terminal used by a player who operates a game on a prize-winning game device, and with an administrator terminal used by an administrator who performs setting operations on the prize-winning game device, A player linking unit links a player terminal that reads the identification code of the prize acquisition game device, which can be read by both the player terminal and the administrator terminal, and sends a linking request via the network, by registering the player terminal associated with the prize acquisition game device in the player linking information. The administrator linkage unit links the player terminal and the administrator terminal by reading the identification code of the prize acquisition game device, which can be read by both the player terminal and the administrator terminal, and by registering the administrator terminal that has sent a linkage request via the network in association with the prize acquisition game device in the administrator linkage information. A server device characterized by having the following features.

Images