Game system and prize acquisition game device

Abstract

To allow a player himself / herself to change setting contents regarding a prize acquisition game device.SOLUTION: In a game system having a server device configured to be connectable to a player terminal and a prize acquisition game device via a network, the server device includes a setting content registration section for registering setting contents regarding the prize acquisition game device determined by a player's operation in association with the player in response to a request from the player terminal, and a player collaboration section for collaborating the prize acquisition game device with which the player plays a prize acquisition game and the player in response to a request from the player terminal. The prize acquisition game device includes a game control section for progressing a prize acquisition game that the player plays by reflecting setting contents by acquiring a setting content registered in association with the player under collaboration from the server device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Prize acquisition game devices are known that include a setting operation unit that allows an administrator (eg, a staff member of an amusement facility) to perform various settings related to the prize acquisition game device (eg, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-226627 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The administrator can change various settings (e.g., prize acquisition action, images, sounds, etc.) of the prize acquisition game device according to, for example, the type, size, shape, etc. of the prize. On the other hand, the players cannot change the settings of the prize acquisition game device by themselves by simply playing the prize acquisition game.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to enable players to change the settings relating to a prize acquisition game device by themselves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: A game system including a player terminal operated by a player, a prize acquisition game device that allows the player to play a prize acquisition game in a storage space that stores prizes, and a server device that is configured to be connectable to the player terminal and the prize acquisition game device via a network, The server device includes: a setting content registration section which, in response to a request from the player terminal, registers setting content relating to the prize acquisition game device determined by an operation of the player in association with the player; a prize acquisition game device in which a player plays a prize acquisition game and a player linking section which links the player in response to a request from the player terminal, The prize acquisition game device includes: a game control unit that acquires setting contents registered in association with a linked player from the server device and progresses the prize acquisition game played by the linked player by reflecting the setting contents; It is a game system. 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]

[0007] [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] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of player information according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] 10 is a diagram showing an example of prize information according to the present embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of facility information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram showing an example of game device information according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 8]11 is a configuration diagram showing an example of player cooperation information according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is an external view showing the configuration of a prize acquisition game device 50 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a prize acquisition game device 50 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting type information according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is an image diagram showing an example of a setting screen 500 of the prize acquisition game device 50 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is an image diagram showing another example of the setting screen 500 of the prize acquisition game device 50 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation relating to the pre-registration of settings determined by a player in this embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is an image diagram showing an example of a setting screen 600 of a player terminal 10 in this embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is an image diagram showing an example of a setting screen 650 of the player terminal 10 in this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation relating to cooperation with the prize acquisition game device 50 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an initial screen 700 in this embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen 800 in this embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing an example of a rendering screen 900 in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, the game system includes a player terminal operated by a player, a prize acquisition game device that allows the player to play a prize acquisition game in a storage space that stores prizes, and a server device that is configured to be connectable to the player terminal and the prize acquisition game device via a network, The server device includes: a setting content registration section which, in response to a request from the player terminal, registers setting content relating to the prize acquisition game device determined by an operation of the player in association with the player; a prize acquisition game device in which a player plays a prize acquisition game and a player linking section which links the player in response to a request from the player terminal, The prize acquisition game device includes: a game control unit that acquires setting contents registered in association with a linked player from the server device and progresses the prize acquisition game played by the linked player by reflecting the setting contents; It is a game system. According to this type of game system, a player operates a player terminal to determine the settings for a prize acquisition game device and registers the settings in advance in the server device, so that when the player plays a prize acquisition game on a linked prize acquisition game device, the linked prize acquisition game device can obtain the previously registered settings from the server device and reflect them in the prize acquisition game. In this way, the player himself can change the settings for the prize acquisition game device.

[0009] Moreover, in such a game system, the prize acquisition game device includes a display unit for displaying an image; The setting contents registered in association with the player include setting contents related to images, The game control unit may reflect the settings relating to the image in the image displayed by the display unit at any timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game being played by the player. According to this type of game system, a player operates a player terminal to determine settings related to images on a prize acquisition game device and these settings are pre-registered on a server device. Therefore, when the player plays a prize acquisition game on a linked prize acquisition game device, the linked prize acquisition game device can obtain the pre-registered settings related to the images from the server device and reflect them in the image displayed by the display unit. In addition, when a player is engrossed in playing a prize acquisition game, the player's gaze is directed at the prize he or she is aiming for, and so there is a problem in that the player cannot see the image displayed by the display unit. In response to this, in this game system, the settings related to the image registered in advance are reflected in the image displayed by the display unit at any timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game played by the player. Therefore, the image reflecting the settings related to the image registered in advance can be reliably shown to the player.

[0010] Moreover, in such a game system, the prize acquisition game device includes a sound output unit that outputs sound; The settings registered in association with the player include settings related to audio, The game control unit may reflect the settings related to the sound in the sound output by the sound output unit at any timing during the prize acquisition game played by the player. According to this type of game system, a player operates a player terminal to determine the settings related to the audio in the prize acquisition game device and these settings are pre-registered in the server device. Therefore, when the player plays a prize acquisition game on a linked prize acquisition game device, the linked prize acquisition game device can obtain the pre-registered settings related to the audio from the server device and reflect them in the audio output by the audio output unit. In addition, a player who is engrossed in playing the prize acquisition game can hear the sound without being impeded in playing even if he or she is looking at the prize that he or she is aiming for. Therefore, in this game system, the settings related to the sound that are registered in advance are reflected in the sound output by the sound output unit while playing the prize acquisition game.

[0011] Moreover, in such a game system, The prize acquisition game device includes a prize storage unit that stores prizes, and a prize acquisition unit that acquires the prizes by opening and closing an arm, The settings registered in association with the player include settings related to opening and closing of the arms, The game control unit may reflect settings relating to the opening and closing movement of the arm in the opening and closing movement of the arm performed by the prize acquisition unit when the player starts playing the prize acquisition game. According to this type of game system, a player operates a player terminal to determine settings regarding the opening and closing operations of the arms in a prize acquisition game device, and these settings are pre-registered in a server device. Therefore, when the player plays a prize acquisition game on a linked prize acquisition game device, the linked prize acquisition game device can obtain the settings regarding the opening and closing operations of the arms that were pre-registered from the server device and reflect them in the opening and closing operations of the arms performed by the prize acquisition section.

[0012] Moreover, in such a game system, the setting content registration unit registers, in association with the player, setting content associated with a character selected by a player's operation from among a plurality of types of characters to which setting contents of the prize acquisition game device are respectively associated; The game control unit may obtain from the server device setting contents associated with the character registered in association with the linked player, and progress the prize acquisition game played by the player by reflecting the setting contents. According to such a game system, a player can operate a player terminal to select one of a plurality of types of characters, and the setting contents associated with the selected character can be preregistered in the server device. In other words, even if a player cannot determine how to determine the setting contents for a prize acquisition game device, the setting contents can be preregistered easily by simply selecting one of the characters.

[0013] Moreover, in such a game system, The setting contents associated with each of the plurality of types of characters are different for each character, and include at least setting contents related to an image associated with each character and setting contents related to a sound associated with each character; The prize acquisition game device includes a display unit for displaying an image and a sound output unit for outputting sound, The game control unit may obtain from the server device setting contents associated with the character registered in association with the linked player, and may reflect the setting contents related to the image associated with the character included in the setting contents in the image displayed by the display unit at any timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game being played by the player, and may also reflect the setting contents related to the audio associated with the character included in the setting contents in the audio output by the audio output unit at any timing during the prize acquisition game played by the player. According to such a game system, the settings related to the sound and the settings related to the image in the prize acquisition game device are different for each character, so the player can change the settings related to the prize acquisition game device while enjoying the selection of the character. Also, the player can register in advance multiple types of settings (both the settings related to the sound and the settings related to the image in the prize acquisition game device) simply by selecting a character.

[0014] Next, a prize acquisition game device is configured to be connectable via a network to a server device accessible by a player terminal operated by the player, and allows the player to play a prize acquisition game in a storage space that stores prizes, a setting content registration unit which, in response to a request from the player terminal, registers setting content related to the prize acquisition game device determined by the player in association with the player, and a player linking unit which, in response to a request from the player terminal, links the player with the prize acquisition game device on which the player plays the prize acquisition game, and a game control unit which reflects the setting content and progresses the prize acquisition game played by the player; The present invention is a prize acquisition game device comprising: According to this type of prize acquisition game device, the player himself / herself can change the settings relating to the prize acquisition game device.

[0015] === Implementation form === In the following embodiment, a specific description will be given by taking as an example a game system using a prize acquisition game device installed in a facility (for example, an amusement facility).

[0016] <<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 device.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 according to this embodiment has a server device 20, a player terminal 10 used by a player, and a prize acquisition game device 50 used by the player and the administrator.

[0018] The player terminal 10 is a terminal device equipped with the functions of a digital camera (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "camera") such as a smartphone, and is connected to the server device 20 via a network so as to be able to communicate information.

[0019] Before playing a prize acquisition game on the prize acquisition game device 50, a player can use the player terminal 10 to make various settings related to the prize acquisition game device 50. When the player terminal 10 accesses the server device 20 via a network, the server device 20 can register in advance the setting contents related to the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player of the player terminal 10.

[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 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 read by the player terminal 10 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 of the player terminal 10 with the prize acquisition game device 50 by pairing the player terminal 10 with the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0022] When the prize acquisition game device 50 obtains setting contents relating to the prize acquisition game device 50 that has been registered in advance by a linked player from a server device via a network, the prize acquisition game device 50 can reflect the setting contents in the prize acquisition game played by the player.

[0023] It goes without saying that the game system 1 in Fig. 1 is only 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. Furthermore, the server device 20 may take on part of the functions of the player terminal 10, or the player terminal 10 may take on part of the functions of the server device 20. Furthermore, the server device 20 may 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 of 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 according to a procedure related to the cooperation between the player of 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 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 linkage with the prize acquisition game device 50 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 Server Device 20>> 3 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.

[0036] The server device 20 in this embodiment includes 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.

[0037] 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, a key generation unit 212, and a setting content registration unit 213.

[0038] When the player terminal 10 reads the identification code of the prize acquisition game device 50 on which the player is about to play the prize acquisition game, the player linking unit 211 responds to a request from the player terminal 10 and performs control to link the prize acquisition game device 50 with the player.

[0039] The key generating unit 212 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 212 generates (issues) a key code periodically (for example, about once an hour) and transmits it to the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0040] When a player operates the player terminal 10 to determine the setting contents for the prize acquisition game device 50, the setting content registration unit 213 responds to a request from the player terminal 10 and registers the setting contents for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player's operation in association with the player.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of player information according to this embodiment. The player information shown in Fig. 4 has items such as a player ID, a player name, a coupon, a prize category, permission information, and player setting information.

[0044] 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 a player terminal 10 possessed by a player, as the player ID. The player name is information indicating the name of the player. The coupons are information indicating the number of coupons possessed by the player. The prize category is information indicating a favorite prize category designated by the player himself.

[0045] The available information is information indicating the setting contents that a player is permitted to use among a plurality of setting contents related to the prize acquisition game device 50. In this embodiment, the setting contents are classified into four types, and the setting patterns differ depending on the type. Here, among the four types, the type that a player is permitted to use is registered as the available information. Note that the types are not limited to four.

[0046] In order to be permitted to use the settings for each type, the player must purchase the usage rights for each type. In this embodiment, the purchase of the usage rights for each type can be realized by purchasing the character that is associated with each type.

[0047] The player setting information is information indicating the setting contents related to the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player operating the player terminal 10. Here, one type selected by the player operating the player terminal 10 among the types the player is permitted to use based on the usable information is registered as the player setting information.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of prize information according to this embodiment. The facility information shown in FIG. 5 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.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of facility information according to this embodiment. The facility information shown in Fig. 6 has items such as a facility ID, a facility name, game device information, and player cooperation information.

[0050] The facility ID is information for uniquely identifying an amusement facility. The facility name is information indicating the name of the amusement facility. The game device information is information about the prize acquisition game device 50 installed in the amusement facility. The player association information is information about players who are associated with each other in the amusement facility.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of game device information according to this embodiment. The game device information shown in Fig. 7 has items such as a game device ID, a device name, key code information, gift information, and sales information.

[0052] 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).

[0053] The prize information is information indicating prizes that can be acquired at the prize acquisition game device 50 at the current time. In the prize information, prize IDs of 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.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of player cooperation information according to this embodiment. The player cooperation information shown in Fig. 8 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The server device communication unit 25 is used to communicate between the prize acquisition game device 50 installed in the amusement facility and the player terminal 10, and has the function of a receiving unit that receives various data and signals transmitted from the prize acquisition game device 50 and the player terminal 10, and the function of a transmitting unit that transmits various data and signals to the prize acquisition game device 50 and the player terminal 10 in response to instructions from the server device control unit 21.

[0058] <<Configuration of Prize Acquisition Game Device 50>> The configuration of the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 13. Fig. 9 is an external view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 11 is a configuration diagram showing an example of setting type information according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 is an image diagram showing an example of a setting screen 500 of the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 13 is an image diagram showing another example of the setting screen 500 of the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment.

[0059] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, 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 light emission unit 60, an audio output unit 61, a prize storage unit 73, a prize display unit 74, and a prize removal opening 75.

[0060] 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. 10, the game device control unit 51 in this embodiment has a prize acquisition game control unit 511, a code generation unit 512, a payment management unit 513, and a setting storage unit 514.

[0061] The prize acquisition game control unit 511 is an example of a game control unit, and performs various controls related to the prize acquisition game. The prize acquisition game control unit 511 in this embodiment 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.

[0062] In addition, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 in this embodiment progresses the prize acquisition game played by the player by reflecting the settings such as the gripping force of the prize acquisition unit 55 and the moving speed of the moving unit 56 determined by the administrator's operation.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the prize acquisition game control unit 511 obtains from the server device 20 the setting contents regarding the prize acquisition game device 50 that the player has registered in advance, it reflects the setting contents in the prize acquisition game being played by the player and progresses the prize acquisition game.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 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's operation, has been completed.

[0066] The setting storage unit 514 performs control for storing setting contents related to the prize acquisition game in the memory unit 120. In this embodiment, the setting storage unit 514 stores setting contents related to the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the operation of the administrator (setting contents such as the gripping force of the prize acquisition unit 55 and the moving speed of the moving unit 56) as administrator setting information. Also, the setting contents related to the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the operation of the player and received from the server device 20 via the network are stored as player setting information.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The game device storage unit 52 in this embodiment 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 acquiring game device 50), administrator setting information (setting contents related to the prize acquiring game device 50 currently determined by the administrator), setting type information, etc. Also, when it receives player setting information (setting contents related to the prize acquiring game device 50 currently determined by the player) from the server device 20 via the network, it stores the player setting information.

[0069] The administrator setting information is information indicating the setting contents of the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the administrator operating the prize acquisition game device 50. The setting contents include, for example, the play fee, the play time limit, the gripping force and moving speed of the prize acquisition part, the light emission color and light emission pattern of the illumination, and the like determined by the administrator.

[0070] The setting type information is information indicating setting contents prepared in advance for each type as setting contents that the player can decide. The setting contents are classified into four types, and the setting patterns differ depending on the type. In this embodiment, since a variety of setting contents are prepared in advance, the player can easily decide the setting contents by simply selecting from among them.

[0071] The setting type information according to this embodiment has items such as a setting type ID, a character, a setting type name, setting contents, etc., as shown in Fig. 11. The setting type ID is information for uniquely identifying the type of setting contents.

[0072] The character is a representation of the type of setting content so that the player can easily understand it, and is information indicating the type of character set in association with each type. The setting type name is information indicating a name for distinguishing the type of setting content. This setting type name may be the name of the character associated with the type.

[0073] The setting contents are information indicating a setting pattern configured by combining multiple types of setting items for each type. The setting contents according to this embodiment are, for example, a combination of setting items such as images, sounds, arm movements, and illuminations. Note that this combination is an example, and various combinations are possible. Also, the setting contents may be configured by one setting item without being combined in this way.

[0074] In this embodiment, for example, the setting content of "Type A" is set as the setting content of the setting item "Image" so that, for example, when a player gets a prize, a "cut-in image A" (interrupt image) in which a "character A" associated with "Type A" appears is displayed on the screen.

[0075] In addition, the setting for the setting item "audio" is set so that, for example, when a player gets a prize, "Voice A," which is the line of "Character A" associated with "Type A," is output.

[0076] The setting for the setting item "arm movement" is set so that, for example, when the player starts playing the game, the arm opens and closes according to a movement pattern in accordance with "performance movement A."

[0077] In addition, the settings for the setting item "Illumination" are set so that, for example, when a player starts playing the game, the light-emitting section will emit light in "Light Color A" that matches the image color of "Character A" in a lighting pattern that conforms to "Light-Emitting Action A."

[0078] The player setting information is obtained from the server device 20 and is information indicating the setting contents of the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the operation of the player. The setting contents are, for example, a setting type ID of one type selected by the player from four types.

[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. 9, 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 prizes, etc. 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 Figure 9, inside the prize storage section 73 in this embodiment, there are 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 prizes housed in the prize storage unit 73 (i.e., the prizes displayed in the prize display unit 74) by opening and closing the arms 55a. 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 used by the administrator to perform setting operations. In this embodiment, the setting operation unit 58 is configured with a touch panel, and receives input instructions from the operator from the position of the touch panel. 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] When the manager performs a predetermined touch operation using the setting operation unit 58, the setting storage unit 514 causes the game device display unit 53 to display a setting screen for the manager to determine the setting contents related to the prize acquisition game device.

[0088] For example, when the administrator sets the gripping force of the prize capturing unit 55, the setting storage unit 514 causes the setting screen 500 shown in Fig. 12 to be displayed on the game device display unit 53. On this setting screen 500, the administrator can set the gripping force of the prize capturing unit 55 to a desired value according to the type, size, shape, etc. of the prize.

[0089] After the administrator has determined the settings for the gripping force of the prize acquisition unit 55, he or she can perform a specified touch operation using the setting operation unit 58, and then save the settings that he or she has determined as administrator setting information.

[0090] By saving this setting, the prize capture unit 55 adjusts the gripping force by driving the arm opening / closing motor according to the desired numerical value set here.

[0091] Also, for example, when setting the movement speed of the prize capturing unit 55, the setting storage unit 514 displays a setting screen 500 shown in Fig. 13 on the game device display unit 53. On this setting screen 500, the administrator can set the movement speed of the prize capturing unit 55 to a desired level in stages according to the type, size, shape, etc. of the prize.

[0092] After the administrator has determined the settings for the movement speed of the prize acquisition unit 55 and performs a specified touch operation using the setting operation unit 58, the administrator can save the settings that he or she has determined as administrator setting information.

[0093] By saving this setting, the movement unit 56 adjusts the movement speed by driving the movement motor according to the desired level set here (i.e., the movement speed of the prize capture unit 55 is adjusted).

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a player 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 section 53.

[0095] 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.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 9, the light-emitting unit 60 is an illumination device configured to emit light along the pillars on both sides of the opening and closing door 11, and has multiple light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes are full-color LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), so the emitted color can be changed.

[0097] The light emitting unit 60 in this embodiment emits light in a color and pattern according to the settings determined by the administrator, thereby making it possible to notify the administrator of errors, etc. Also, by emitting light in a color and pattern according to the settings determined by the player, it is possible to make the illumination shine according to the setting type preferred by the player (according to the image color of the preferred character).

[0098] The audio output unit 61 amplifies audio signals (audio information) such as music, voice, and sound effects output from the game device control unit 51 using a digital amplifier or the like, and outputs the audible signals. For example, it is realized by a speaker or the like.

[0099] As shown in Figure 9, 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.

[0100] <<Game System 1 Operation>> An operation example of the game system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. In the following, an operation example regarding pre-registration of the setting contents determined by the player, an operation example regarding cooperation with the prize acquisition game device 50, an operation example regarding reflection of the setting contents determined by the player, and an operation example regarding cancellation of cooperation with the prize acquisition game device 50 will be specifically described.

[0101] <Pre-registration of settings determined by the player> An example of the operation relating to the pre-registration of the setting contents determined by the player according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16. Fig. 14 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the operation relating to the pre-registration of the setting contents determined by the player according to this embodiment. Fig. 15 is an image diagram showing an example of the setting screen 600 of the player terminal 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 16 is an image diagram showing an example of the setting screen 650 of the player terminal 10 according to this embodiment.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 14, first, after the player software is started, the display control unit 112 of the player terminal 10 displays an initial screen (not shown) on the player terminal display unit 15 (step S101).

[0103] Then, when the pre-registration item is selected by the player on the initial screen (not shown), the player terminal 10 transmits a request to start setting up the selected pre-registration together with the player's player ID to the server device 20 via the network (step S102).

[0104] Next, when the setting content registration unit 213 of the server device 20 receives the request transmitted from the player terminal 10, it refers to the player information shown in Fig. 4 and identifies the permission information associated with the player ID transmitted from the player terminal 10. Then, it refers to the identified permission information and determines whether or not the player is permitted to use at least one type of setting content among the four types previously classified (step S103).

[0105] If the setting content registration unit 213 of the server device 20 determines that there is no type permitted for use by the player (step S103: NO), it ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it determines that there is at least one type permitted for use by the player (step S103: YES), it identifies the type permitted for use by the player from among the four types classified in advance, and transmits data indicating the identified type to the player terminal 10.

[0106] Next, the display control unit 112 of the player terminal 10 causes the setting screen 600 of the player terminal 10 shown in FIG. 15 to be displayed on the player terminal display unit 15 based on the data received from the server device 20 (step S104).

[0107] Specifically, the display control unit 112 of the player terminal 10 refers to the setting type information shown in Fig. 11, identifies a type permitted to the player from among four predefined types based on the data received from the server device 20, and acquires a character associated with the identified type. Then, the acquired character is placed in a character placement area 601 included in a setting screen 600 shown in Fig. 15 as a selection target for the player.

[0108] Next, when the selection button 602 associated with any one of the characters in the character placement area 601 on the setting screen 600 of the player terminal 10 shown in FIG. 15 is selected by the player (step S105: YES), the display control unit 112 of the player terminal 10 causes the setting screen 650 for pre-registering the setting contents of the type associated with the selected character to be displayed on the player terminal display unit 15 (step S106).

[0109] Next, when the player operates the registration button 652 on the setting screen 650 of the player terminal 10 shown in FIG. 16 to pre-register the type of character 651 selected by the player himself (step S107: YES), the player terminal 10 transmits a request for pre-registration of the setting contents of the type associated with the selected character, together with the player's player ID, to the server device 20 via the network (step S108).

[0110] Next, when the setting content registration unit 213 of the server device 20 receives the request sent from the player terminal 10, it refers to the player information shown in Figure 4, identifies the player setting information associated with the player ID sent from the player terminal 10, and registers the type associated with the character selected by the player (step S109).

[0111] <Cooperation with the prize acquisition game device 50> An example of operation related to cooperation with the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 19. Fig. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation related to cooperation with the prize acquisition game device 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 18 is an image diagram showing an example of an initial screen 700 in this embodiment. Fig. 19 is an image diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen 800 in this embodiment.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 17, first, when a player 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 700 including an image of the two-dimensional code on the game device display unit 53 (step S201).

[0113] Specifically, if the key generating unit 212 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 further predetermined time has elapsed, then from time T3 onwards, 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. 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 700.

[0114] As shown in Fig. 18A, the initial screen 700 includes an information area 701 for the prize acquisition game device 50 and a link setting area 702 for linking with the prize acquisition game device 50. An operation button 703 is displayed in the link setting area 702. When the player selects the operation button 703 by touch operation using the setting operation unit 58 on the initial screen 700 shown in Fig. 18A, a two-dimensional code 704 is displayed in the link setting area 702 as shown in Fig. 18B.

[0115] 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 S202).

[0116] 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 S203).

[0117] Next, when the two-dimensional code 704 displayed on the initial screen 700 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 800 on the player terminal display unit 15 (step S204).

[0118] As shown in FIG. 19, the payment method selection screen 800 displays an operation button 801 for paying a play fee using coins, and an operation button 802 for paying a play fee using a coupon.

[0119] When a player uses the setting operation unit 58 to select operation button 801 or operation button 802 by touch operation on the payment method selection screen 800 shown in Figure 19, the game linkage unit 111 of the player terminal 10 transmits the player's selection operation information together with the player ID to the server device 20 via the network (step S205).

[0120] 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 play fee will be paid in coins or coupons based on the player's selection operation information (step S206).

[0121] If the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that the player will pay the play fee with coins (step S206: YES), it determines whether the payment of the play fee using coins has been completed at the prize acquisition game device 50 (step S207).

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] Next, if the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that the payment of the play fee by coins has not been completed (step S207: NO), it ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it determines that the payment of the play fee by coins has been completed (step S207: YES), it links the player and the prize acquisition game device 50 by associating and pairing the player terminal 10 that read the two-dimensional code of the prize acquisition game device 50 with each other (step S208).

[0125] Specifically, the player cooperation unit 211 of the server device 20 refers to the facility information shown in Fig. 6 and the game device information shown in Fig. 7, 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. 8, 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 player currently being cooperated with the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] Next, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 refers to the player setting information set in the player information shown in Figure 4 and determines whether the setting contents (i.e., any one of the four types of setting contents) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player who has been linked by pairing registration have been registered in advance (step S209).

[0129] When the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that no setting contents (any one type) related to the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player have been registered (step S209: NO), the process proceeds to step S211, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the player linking unit 211 determines that the setting contents (any one type) related to the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player have been registered (step S209: YES), the player linking unit 211 transmits data indicating the type of the pre-registered setting contents to the prize acquisition game device 50 with which the player is linked (step S210). Thereafter, the setting storage unit 514 of the linked prize acquisition game device 50 stores the data received from the server device 20 in the game device storage unit 52 as player setting information.

[0130] 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 S211). After that, the player who has been linked by pairing registration plays the game on the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0131] On the other hand, if the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that the player will pay the play fee with a coupon (step S206: NO), it determines whether the payment of the play fee using the coupon has been completed (step S212).

[0132] Specifically, the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 refers to the player information shown in FIG. 4 and determines that payment of the play fee using the coupons has been completed by reducing the number of coupons held by the player by the amount of one play.

[0133] In response to this, the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 refers to the player information shown in Figure 4, and if the number of coupons held by the player is less than the amount required for one play, it determines that payment of the play fee using the coupons has not yet been completed.

[0134] Next, if the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that the payment of the play fee using the coupon is not complete (step S212: NO), it ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it determines that the payment of the play fee using the coupon is complete (step S212: YES), it links with the prize acquisition game device 50 by associating 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 the same manner as the processing of step S208 described above (step S213).

[0135] Next, when the collaboration between the player and the prize acquisition game device 50 is completed, the player collaboration unit 211 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the setting contents (i.e., any one of the four types of setting contents) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the collaborating player have been pre-registered (step S214), similar to step S209 described above.

[0136] When the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 determines that no setting contents (any one type) related to the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player have been registered (step S214: NO), the process proceeds to step S216, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the player linking unit 211 determines that the setting contents (any one type) related to the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player have been registered (step S214: YES), the player linking unit 211 transmits data indicating the type of the pre-registered setting contents to the prize acquisition game device 50 with which the player is linked (step S215). Thereafter, the setting saving unit 514 of the linked prize acquisition game device 50 saves the data received from the server device 20 in the game device storage unit 52 as player setting information.

[0137] Next, 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 and the prize acquiring game device 50 and the completion of the coupon payment (step S216). After that, the player who has been linked by pairing registration plays the game on the prize acquiring game device 50.

[0138] <Reflection of settings determined by players> An example of the operation relating to the reflection of the setting contents determined by the player according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is an image diagram showing an example of a presentation screen 900 according to this embodiment. In the following, an example of the operation relating to the reflection of "image", which is an example of the setting contents, an example of the operation relating to the reflection of "sound", which is an example of the setting contents, an example of the operation relating to the reflection of "arm operation", which is an example of the setting contents, and an example of the operation relating to the reflection of "illumination", which is an example of the setting contents, will be specifically described.

[0139] <Reflecting cut-in images> The prize acquisition game control unit 511 of the prize acquisition game device 50 in cooperation with the player refers to the player setting information stored in the game device memory unit 52, and identifies the setting contents (i.e., the type of setting contents registered in advance) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player in cooperation with the player, which are obtained from the server device 20.

[0140] Then, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Figure 11, acquires the setting contents of the ``image'' included in the setting contents of the identified type, and reflects the acquired setting contents of the ``image'' in the image to be displayed on the game device display unit 53 at any timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game being played by the linked player.

[0141] Specifically, when the setting contents (i.e., the type of the setting contents registered in advance) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the linked player is "Type C," the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Fig. 11 and acquires a "cut-in image C" in which a "character C" corresponding to "Type C" appears. Then, at a timing when the linked player is not operating the game operation unit 57, for example, at a timing when it detects that the prize acquired by the prize acquisition unit 55 has fallen from an outlet arranged in the prize container 73, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 causes the game device display unit 53 to display a performance screen 900 reflecting a "cut-in image C" 901 in which the "character C" appears, as shown in Fig. 20.

[0142] An arbitrary timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game played by the player is, for example, a timing when the player is not operating the game operation unit 57. When the player is operating the game operation unit 57, the prize acquisition unit 55 is moving in the prize storage unit 73 according to the operation, and the player's gaze is directed exactly at the prize he is aiming for, so it can be said that it is a timing that interferes with the prize acquisition game played by the player. However, for example, when the arm 55a of the prize acquisition unit 55 performs a closing operation to grab a prize, when the arm 55a of the prize acquisition unit 55 performs an opening operation to release the grabbed prize, or when it is detected that the prize acquired by the prize acquisition unit 55 has fallen from the discharge port arranged in the prize storage unit 73, it is a state in which the player is not operating the game operation unit 57 (or a state in which the operation input of the player is not being accepted), and the player's gaze can be directed to the cut-in image, so it can be said that it is a timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game played by the player.

[0143] <Voice reflection> The prize acquisition game control unit 511 of the prize acquisition game device 50 in cooperation with the player refers to the player setting information stored in the game device memory unit 52, and identifies the setting contents (i.e., the type of setting contents registered in advance) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player in cooperation with the player, which are obtained from the server device 20.

[0144] Then, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Figure 11, acquires the "audio" setting contents included in the setting contents of the identified type, and reflects the acquired "audio" setting contents in the audio that is mainly output by the audio output unit 61 while the linked player is playing the prize acquisition game.

[0145] Specifically, when the setting contents (i.e., the type of the setting contents registered in advance) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the linked player is "Type C," the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Fig. 11 and acquires "Voice C," which is the lines of "Character C" associated with "Type C." Then, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 causes the audio output unit 61 to output "Voice C," which is the lines of "Character C," while the linked player is operating the game operation unit 57 to play the prize acquisition game.

[0146] In addition, unlike the case of "images," the setting contents for "audio" are not limited to "any timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game," and the settings for "audio" may be reflected at any timing during the prize acquisition game. This is because a player who is engrossed in playing the prize acquisition game can hear the audio without interfering with the game, even if he or she is looking directly at the prize he or she is aiming for.

[0147] In addition, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Figure 11, acquires the setting contents of "audio" and "image" included in the setting contents of the identified type, and reflects the acquired "image" setting contents in the image displayed on the game device display unit 53 at any timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game played by the linked player, and can also reflect the acquired "audio" setting contents in the audio output by the audio output unit 61 at any timing during the prize acquisition game played by the linked player.

[0148] Specifically, when the setting contents (i.e., the type of pre-registered setting contents) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the linked player is "Type C," the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in FIG. 11, acquires a "cut-in image C" in which a "character C" associated with "Type C" appears, and acquires a "voice C" which is the line spoken by the "character C" associated with "Type C." Then, at a timing when the linked player is not operating the game operation unit 57, for example, at a timing when it detects that the prize acquired by the prize acquisition unit 55 has fallen from an outlet located in the prize storage unit 73 (i.e., at a timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game being played by the player), the prize acquisition game control unit 511 causes the game device display unit 53 to display a presentation screen 900 reflecting a "cut-in image C" 901 in which the "character C" appears, as shown in FIG. 20, and also causes the audio output unit 61 to output the audio "Got a prize! Congratulations!!" reflecting the "voice C" that is the line of the "character C."

[0149] It should be noted that, for example, even when the player is operating the game operation unit 57 (that is, even when the player is playing a prize acquisition game that would be disrupted), it is possible to reflect the "sound" settings and also the "image" settings. For example, while outputting the "voice C" that is the dialogue of "character C," an animated image of "character C" lip-syncing in a cut-in state is displayed. In such a case, the image can be displayed to the extent that it does not substantially disrupt the prize acquisition game.

[0150] <Reflection of the performance action> The prize acquisition game control unit 511 of the prize acquisition game device 50 in cooperation with the player refers to the player setting information stored in the game device memory unit 52, and identifies the setting contents (i.e., the type of setting contents registered in advance) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player in cooperation with the player, which are obtained from the server device 20.

[0151] Then, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Figure 11, acquires the setting contents of "arm operation" included in the setting contents of the identified type, and reflects the acquired setting contents of "arm operation" in the opening and closing operation of the arm 55a performed by the prize acquisition unit 55 when the linked player starts playing the prize acquisition game.

[0152] Specifically, when the setting contents (i.e., the type of the setting contents registered in advance) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the linked player is "Type C," the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Fig. 11 and acquires the "presentation action C" associated with "Type C." Then, when the linked player starts playing the prize acquisition game, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 controls the prize acquisition unit 55 so that the arm 55a opens and closes in a motion pattern according to the "presentation action C."

[0153] In addition, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Figure 11, acquires the setting contents of "arm operation" and "sound" included in the setting contents of the identified type, and reflects the acquired setting contents of "arm operation" in the opening and closing operation of the arm 55a performed by the prize acquisition unit 55 when the linked player starts playing the prize acquisition game, and can also reflect the acquired setting contents of "sound" in the sound output by the sound output unit 61 at any timing during the prize acquisition game played by the linked player.

[0154] Specifically, when the setting contents (i.e., the type of the setting contents registered in advance) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the linked player is "Type C," the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Fig. 11, acquires the "presentation action C" associated with "Type C," and acquires the "voice C" which is the line of the "character C" associated with "Type C." Then, when the linked player starts playing the prize acquisition game, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 controls the prize acquisition unit 55 so that the arm 55a opens and closes in a motion pattern according to the "presentation action C," and causes the audio output unit 61 to output the sound "Do your best to get the prize!" which reflects the "voice C" which is the line of the "character C."

[0155] <Reflection of lighting action> The prize acquisition game control unit 511 of the prize acquisition game device 50 in cooperation with the player refers to the player setting information stored in the game device memory unit 52, and identifies the setting contents (i.e., the type of setting contents registered in advance) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the player in cooperation with the player, which are obtained from the server device 20.

[0156] Then, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Figure 11, acquires the setting content of ``illumination'' included in the setting content of the identified type, and reflects the acquired setting content of ``illumination'' in the light color and light pattern emitted by the light-emitting unit 60 when the linked player starts playing the prize acquisition game.

[0157] Specifically, when the setting contents (i.e., the type of the setting contents registered in advance) for the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the linked player is "Type C," the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Fig. 11 and acquires "light emitting color C" and "light emitting action C" that match the image color of "character C" associated with "Type C." Then, when the linked player starts playing the prize acquisition game, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 controls the light emitting unit 60 to emit light in "light emitting color C" that matches the image color of "character C" in a light emitting pattern according to "light emitting action C."

[0158] In addition, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Figure 11, acquires the setting contents of "illumination" and "sound" included in the setting contents of the identified type, and reflects the acquired "illumination" setting content in the light color and light pattern emitted by the light-emitting unit 60 when the linked player starts playing the prize acquisition game, and can also reflect the acquired "sound" setting content in the sound output by the sound output unit 61 at any timing during the prize acquisition game played by the linked player.

[0159] Specifically, when the setting contents (i.e., the type of the setting contents registered in advance) of the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the linked player is "Type C," the prize acquisition game control unit 511 refers to the setting type information shown in Fig. 11, acquires "light emitting color C" and "light emitting action C" that match the image color of "character C" associated with "Type C," and acquires "voice C" that is the line of "character C" associated with "Type C." Then, when the linked player starts playing the prize acquisition game, the prize acquisition game control unit 511 controls the light emitting unit 60 to emit light in the "light emitting color C" that matches the image color of "character C" in a light emitting pattern according to the "light emitting action C," and causes the audio output unit 61 to output the sound "Do your best to get the prize!" that reflects the "voice C" that is the line of "character C."

[0160] <Cancellation of Linkage with Prize Acquisition Game Device 50> After the prize acquisition game is over, 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 and the prize acquisition game device 50, along with the game device ID, to the server device 20 via the network.

[0161] In addition, the above-mentioned link cancellation request may be sent to the server device 20 on the condition that the play fee has not been paid within a predetermined time period since the prize acquisition game ended.

[0162] Furthermore, when a 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 deletes data indicating the type of setting contents stored as the player setting information of that player from the game device storage unit 52. As a result, the setting contents of that player are no longer reflected in the prize acquisition game device 50 that was linked.

[0163] In addition, the above setting contents may not be reflected under a condition such as if the play cost is not paid within a predetermined time period after the prize acquisition game ends.

[0164] 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 and the prize acquisition game device 50.

[0165] Specifically, the player cooperation unit 211 of the server device 20 refers to the facility information shown in Fig. 6 and the game device information shown in Fig. 7, and uses the game device ID of the prize acquisition game device 50 on which the release button has been 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 cooperating player and the prize acquisition game device 50 is deleted.

[0166] ===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.

[0167] <Direction action> In the above embodiment, the performance action is the opening and closing action of the arm 55a, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the performance action may be the moving action of the moving part 56, or the opening and closing action of the arm 55a and the moving action of the moving part 56 may be combined.

[0168] Specifically, the movement unit 56 moves the prize capturing unit 55 with the arm 55a in the "open" state downward in the vertical direction, and then stops the prize capturing unit 55 after returning slightly upward in the vertical direction, so that the prize capturing unit 55 operates so that the arm 55a alternates between the "open" state and the "closed" state. In this way, when the character corresponding to the set type is a "power character," it is possible to express a powerful movement like a sumo wrestler stomping his feet.

[0169] In another operation pattern, the movement unit 56 moves the prize capturing unit 55 from the initial position in the left-right direction to the extreme end position at high speed, and then moves the prize capturing unit 55 downward in the up-down direction while returning to the initial position in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to express a high-speed movement action when the character corresponding to the set type is a "speed type character."

[0170] In another operation pattern, the movement unit 56 moves the prize capturing unit 55 from the initial position in the vertical direction to the lowest position, and then randomly moves the prize capturing unit 55 in the horizontal direction while keeping the prize capturing unit 55 at the low position, while the prize capturing unit 55 repeats the "open" state and the "closed" state of the arm 55a. In this way, if the character is an "active character", it is possible to express vigorous and energetic movements.

[0171] In another operation pattern, the movement unit 56 moves the prize capturing unit 55 in a horizontal orbital or circular motion while rotating the prize capturing unit 55 and opening and closing the arm 55a. In this way, if the character is a "dancing character", it is possible to express a dance-like movement while smoothly rotating.

[0172] <Relationship between the player's settings and the administrator's settings> In the above embodiment, the administrator can use the prize acquisition game device 50 to determine the setting contents for the prize acquisition game device 50, and the player can use the player terminal 10 to determine the setting contents for the prize acquisition game device 50. Therefore, a problem occurs in that the setting contents determined by the administrator and the setting contents determined by the player overlap.

[0173] Therefore, in the case where there is an overlap in such settings, for example, the settings determined by the player are given priority. Specifically, if the administrator sets the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 60 to "white" when not playing in order to attract customers, and the player selects "Type C (Character C)" as the setting type and sets the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 60 to "green," which is the image color of "Character C," the settings of the player are given priority during the player's play, and the light-emitting unit 60 is controlled to change the color of the light emitted to "green" and emit light.

[0174] Conversely, the settings determined by the administrator may be given priority. Specifically, if the administrator sets the color of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 60 when an error is notified to "red," and the player selects "Type A (character A)" as the setting type and sets the color of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 60 to "blue," which is the image color of "character A," and an error occurs while the light-emitting unit 60 is emitting light in "blue," which is the image color of "character A," according to the settings made by the player, the settings made by the administrator may be given priority, and the light-emitting unit 60 may be controlled to change the color of light emitted to "red" and emit light.

[0175] <Character> In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the setting contents were classified into multiple types and characters were associated with each type, but it is not necessary to associate characters, as long as each setting content can be distinguished as a setting type.

[0176] In the above embodiment, when the setting contents are classified into a plurality of types, the type (setting type ID) that the player is permitted to use among the plurality of types is registered as the available information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, among the characters associated with the plurality of types, the character (character ID) that the player is permitted to use may be registered as the available information. In this case, among the characters that the player is permitted to use according to the available information, one character (character ID) selected by the player by operating the player terminal 10 may be registered as the player setting information.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the player setting information stored in the game device storage unit 52 is player setting information acquired from the server device 20, and is information indicating the setting contents of the prize acquisition game device 50 determined by the operation of the player, and the setting contents are the setting type ID of the type selected by the player, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the setting contents may be the character ID of the character selected by the player.

[0178] <Cooperation between the player terminal 10 and the prize acquisition game device 50> In the above embodiment, when a player pays a play fee with coins, the player linking unit 211 of the server device 20 links the player and the prize acquisition game device 50 by associating and pairing 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, 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 S206: YES), it is also possible to link the player and the prize acquisition game device 50 before the payment of the play fee with coins is completed.

[0179] 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 and the prize acquiring game device 50 by associating and pairing the player terminal 10 that reads the two-dimensional code of the prize acquiring game device 50 with the prize acquiring game device 50 on the condition that the payment of the play fee with the coupon is completed, 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 for a play fee with a coupon (step S206: NO), it is also possible to link the player and the prize acquiring game device 50 before the payment of the play fee with the coupon is completed.

[0180] <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 800 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.

[0181] <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.

[0182] <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.

[0183] <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]

[0184] 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 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 55a Arm 56 Mobile section 57 Game operation section 58 Setting operation section 59 Coin slot 60 Light emitting part 61 Audio output section 73 Prize Storage Section 74 Prize Exhibition Section 75 Prize outlet 111 Game Collaboration Department 112 Display control unit 211 Player Cooperation Department 212 Key Generation Unit 213 Setting contents registration section 511 Prize acquisition game control unit 512 Code Generation Unit 513 Payment Management Department 514 Settings storage section 500 Setting screen 600 Setting screen 601 Character placement area 602 Selection button 650 Settings screen 651 characters 652 Registration button 700 Initial screen 701 Information Area 702 Linkage Settings Area 703 Operation button 704 2D Code 800 Payment method selection screen 801 Operation button 802 Operation button 900 Production screen 901 Cut-in images

Claims

1. A game system including a player terminal operated by a player, a prize acquisition game device that allows the player to play a prize acquisition game in a storage space that stores prizes, and a server device that is configured to be connectable to the player terminal and the prize acquisition game device via a network, The server device includes: a setting content registration section which, in response to a request from the player terminal, registers setting content relating to the prize acquisition game device determined by an operation of the player in association with the player; a prize acquisition game device in which a player plays a prize acquisition game and a player linking section which links the player in response to a request from the player terminal, The prize acquisition game device includes: a game control unit that acquires setting contents registered in association with a linked player from the server device and progresses the prize acquisition game played by the linked player by reflecting the setting contents; Game system.

2. the prize acquisition game device includes a display unit for displaying an image; The setting contents registered in association with the player include setting contents related to images, the game control unit reflects the setting contents related to the image in the image displayed by the display unit at any timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game played by the player; The game system according to claim 1 .

3. the prize acquisition game device includes a sound output unit that outputs sound; The settings registered in association with the player include settings related to audio, the game control unit reflects the setting contents regarding the sound in the sound output by the sound output unit at any timing during the prize acquisition game played by the player; The game system according to claim 1 .

4. The prize acquisition game device includes a prize storage unit that stores prizes, and a prize acquisition unit that acquires the prizes by opening and closing an arm, The settings registered in association with the player include settings related to opening and closing of the arms, the game control unit reflects the setting contents regarding the opening and closing operation of the arm in the opening and closing operation of the arm performed by the prize acquisition unit when the player starts playing the prize acquisition game; The game system according to claim 1 .

5. the setting content registration unit registers, in association with the player, setting content associated with a character selected by a player's operation from among a plurality of types of characters to which setting contents of the prize acquisition game device are respectively associated; the game control unit acquires from the server device setting contents associated with the character registered in association with the linked player, and progresses the prize acquisition game played by the player while reflecting the setting contents; The game system according to claim 1 .

6. The setting contents associated with each of the plurality of types of characters are different for each character, and include at least setting contents related to an image associated with each character and setting contents related to a sound associated with each character; The prize acquisition game device includes a display unit for displaying an image and a sound output unit for outputting sound, the game control unit, by acquiring from the server device setting contents associated with the character registered in association with the linked player, reflects the setting contents related to the image associated with the character, which are included in the setting contents, in the image displayed by the display unit at any timing that does not interfere with the prize acquisition game played by the player, and reflects the setting contents related to the sound associated with the character, which are included in the setting contents, in the sound output by the sound output unit at any timing during the prize acquisition game played by the player; The game system according to claim 5 .

7. A prize acquisition game device that is configured to be connectable via a network to a server device that is accessible by a player terminal operated by a player, and allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in a storage space that stores prizes, a setting content registration unit which, in response to a request from the player terminal, registers setting content related to the prize acquisition game device determined by the player in association with the player, and a player linking unit which, in response to a request from the player terminal, links the player with the prize acquisition game device on which the player plays the prize acquisition game, and a game control unit which reflects the setting content and progresses the prize acquisition game played by the player; A prize acquisition game device comprising:

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