Game system

Abstract

To rapidly sort multiple kinds of game bodies utilized in a game system.SOLUTION: A game system includes: a game field 211 in which a flat plate-like game card P1, and a flat plate-like game token P2 having a different shape from that of the game card P1 are placed; a guidance section 40 for allowing the game card P1 and the game token P2 falling from the game field 211 in a posture along a vertical direction; and a sorting section 50 that is installed in a path in which the game card P1 and the game token P2 fall under the guidance of the guidance section 40, prevents a fall of the game card P1, and allows the game token P2 to pass.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to games. [Background technology]

[0002] Various games using a variety of game objects with different shapes have been proposed. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a game system in which a disk-shaped medal and a flat card are dropped from a table. In the configuration of Non-Patent Document 1, a transport mechanism is installed to transport the medals and cards dropped from the table in a horizontal direction. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] I WON THE MARVEL AVENGERS ARCADE JACKPOT!!! (NEW COIN PUSHER),[online],[Retrieved July 23, 2023],Internet,<URL:https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=XeRxm9GU6yg> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a game using multiple types of game objects, it is necessary to select each game object. In the technology of Non-Patent Document 1, medals and cards dropped from a table are transported horizontally and then selected, so it takes a long time for a card to be discharged to an outlet and then acquired by a player. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to quickly select multiple types of game objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a game field on which a flat first game body and a flat second game body having a shape different from that of the first game body are placed, a guide unit that causes the first game body and the second game body that fall from the game field to fall in a vertical posture, and a first sorting unit that is installed on a path along which the first game body and the second game body fall under the guidance of the guide unit, prevents the first game body from falling, and allows the second game body to pass. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a game system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game system. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram of each gaming object. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart of a process related to a normal game. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed in a normal game. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart of a process related to a special game. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed in a special game. [Figure 13] 11 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a storage mechanism. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram regarding the state of the accommodation mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of the accommodation mechanism in a accommodated state. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a front view of a processing mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a sorting section in a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a side view of a processing mechanism in a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a front view of a processing mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a side view of a processing mechanism in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a side view of a processing mechanism in a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a game system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a front view of a processing mechanism in a modified example. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a side view of a processing mechanism in a modified example. [Figure 26] 13A and 13B are a plan view and a side view of a processing mechanism in a modified example. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a storage mechanism in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below include various limitations that are not essential to the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0008] [First embodiment] 1 is a plan view of a gaming system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The gaming system 100 is installed in, for example, a gaming facility. The gaming facility is, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game center or a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The gaming system 100 provides games to players in the gaming facility.

[0009] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the game system 100 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of (four) stations 11 and a transport system 12. Each of the plurality of stations 11 is a unit used by a player to play a game. Games by different players progress in parallel at the plurality of stations 11. Although four stations 11 are illustrated in Fig. 1, the number of stations 11 is arbitrary.

[0010] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the game system 100. The game system 100 of the first embodiment includes a control device 13 and a storage device 14 in addition to a plurality of stations 11 and a transport system 12. The game system 100 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0011] The control device 13 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the game system 100. For example, the control device 13 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a sound processing unit (SPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Note that some or all of the functions of the control device 13 may be installed in each station 11.

[0012] The storage device 14 is one or more memories that store the programs executed by the control device 13 and various data used by the control device 13. The storage device 14 is configured with a known recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium. The storage device 14 may be configured with a combination of multiple types of recording media. In addition, a portable recording medium that is detachable from the game system 100, or a recording medium (e.g., cloud storage) that can be written to or read by the control device 13 via a communication network may be used as the storage device 14.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a plan view of any one of the stations 11. In the following description, three mutually orthogonal axes (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) are assumed. The X-axis and Y-axis are horizontal axes. Specifically, the X-axis is an axis along the left-right direction of the player, and the Y-axis is an axis along the front-back direction of the player. The Z-axis is an axis along the vertical direction. Moreover, one direction along the X-axis is denoted as the "X1 direction", and the opposite direction to the X1 direction is denoted as the "X2 direction". Similarly, one direction along the Y-axis is denoted as the "Y1 direction", and the opposite direction to the Y1 direction is denoted as the "Y2 direction".

[0014] 3, the station 11 of the first embodiment includes a display device 15, an operation unit 16, and a game mechanism 20. Each station 11 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0015] The display device 15 displays an image under the control of the control device 13. The display device 15 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. Note that the display devices 15 of two adjacent stations 11 in FIG. 1 may be configured with a single display panel.

[0016] The operation unit 16 in Fig. 3 is an interface that accepts operations by a player. Specifically, the operation unit 16 includes an operation device 161, a reception device 162, a payout device 163, and a discharge port 164. The operation device 161 is an input device that accepts instructions from a player. The operation device 161 is, for example, an operator operated by the player, or a touch panel that detects contact by the player.

[0017] The reception device 162 receives game medals P2 from a player. The game medals P2 are disc-shaped game objects P (coins, tokens) used in games. For example, the reception device 162 includes an insertion port into which the game medals P2 are inserted, and a detector that detects the insertion of the game medals P2 into the insertion port. The reception device 162 may receive electronic medals from a player. The payout device 163 pays out the game medals P2 to the player. For example, the payout device 163 includes a storage container that stores the game medals P2, and a discharge mechanism that sequentially discharges the game medals P2 from the storage container. The discharge port 164 is an opening through which a game card P1, which will be described later, is discharged.

[0018] The game mechanism 20 is a mechanism that provides a game to a player. Specifically, the game mechanism 20 of the first embodiment provides a pusher game to a player. The game mechanism 20 includes a fixed table 21, a movable table 22, a fixed wall 23, an input mechanism 24, a supply device 25, a supply device 26, a detection device 27, and a processing mechanism 28.

[0019] The fixed table 21 is a flat structure including a game field 211. The game field 211 is a surface that is approximately parallel to the XY plane (i.e., a horizontal plane). The game field 211 includes a tip portion 212. The tip portion 212 is a periphery located in the Y1 direction of the fixed table 21, and extends along the X axis. A long opening is formed in the Y1 direction of the tip portion 212 along the X axis. As described above, each of the multiple stations 11 includes a game field 211.

[0020] The movable table 22 is a platform-like structure including a mounting surface 221. The mounting surface 221 is a surface that is approximately parallel to the XY plane (i.e., a horizontal plane). The movable table 22 reciprocates in the direction of the Y axis on the game field 211. Note that the game field 211 and the mounting surface 221 are not limited to a horizontal plane. For example, one or both of the game field 211 and the mounting surface 221 may be a plane inclined relative to the horizontal plane, or may be a three-dimensionally curved surface.

[0021] A plurality of game objects P (P1, P2, P3) are placed on the game field 211 and the placement surface 221. The plurality of game objects P include a game card P1, a game medal P2, and a game ball P3. The game card P1 is an example of a "first game object," the game medal P2 is an example of a "second game object," and the game ball P3 is an example of a "third game object."

[0022] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of each game object P. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the game card P1, the game medal P2, and the game ball P3 have different shapes. The game card P1 is a flat card formed into a substantially rectangular shape. For example, a trading card on which an image of a celebrity or character is drawn is exemplified as the game card P1. The game medal P2 is a disk-shaped game object P as described above. The game ball P3 is a sphere that can roll. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the game card P1 and the game medal P2 is referred to as the "in-plane direction". In other words, the in-plane direction is a direction parallel to the plate surface of the game card P1 and the game medal P2.

[0023] The size of the game card P1 exceeds the size of the game medal P2. Specifically, the dimension of the long side (hereinafter referred to as the "long side length") D11 and the dimension of the short side (hereinafter referred to as the "short side length") D12 of the game card P1 exceed the diameter D2 of the game medal P2. Also, the size of the game card P1 exceeds the size of the game ball P3. Specifically, the length of the long side D11 and the length of the short side D12 of the game card P1 exceed the diameter D3 of the game ball P3. The relationship between the diameter D2 of the game medal P2 and the diameter D3 of the game ball P3 is arbitrary. That is, a form in which the diameter D2 exceeds the diameter D3, a form in which the diameter D2 is smaller than the diameter D3, and a form in which the diameters D2 and D3 are equal to each other are assumed.

[0024] 3 is a structure facing the placement surface 221 of the movable table 22. The game objects P (P1, P2, P3) placed on the placement surface 221 are pressed in the Y1 direction by the fixed wall 23 while the movable table 22 moves in the Y2 direction. Pressed by the fixed wall 23, the multiple game objects P fall from the placement surface 221.

[0025] Furthermore, the game object P placed on the game field 211 of the fixed table 21 moves in the Y1 direction by being pushed by the movable table 22, and finally falls from the tip 212. As described above, the game mechanism 20 of the first embodiment is a mechanism that causes multiple game objects P (P1, P2, P3) placed on the game field 211 to fall from the tip 212. That is, according to the first embodiment, a pusher game is realized in which multiple types of game objects P (P1, P2, P3) fall from the game field 211 by the reciprocating movement of the movable table 22.

[0026] The insertion mechanism 24 is a mechanism that inserts the game medal P2 into the game field 211 or the placement surface 221 in response to an instruction from the player. For example, the game medal P2 accepted by the acceptance device 162 from the player is inserted into the game field 211 by the insertion mechanism 24. The time and direction at which the insertion mechanism 24 inserts the game medal P2 are controlled in response to an instruction from the player to the operation device 161.

[0027] The supply device 25 inserts game medals P2 into the game field 211 or the placement surface 221 according to the progress of the game. The supply device 26 inserts game balls P3 into the game field 211 or the placement surface 221 according to the progress of the game.

[0028] The detection device 27 is a sensor that detects the game medal P2 and the game ball P3 that have fallen from the game field 211. For example, the detection device 27 includes a sensor that detects the game medal P2 and a sensor that detects the game ball P3. The detection device 27 may also detect the game card P1.

[0029] [Processing mechanism 28] The processing mechanism 28 is a mechanism for sorting a plurality of game objects P that have fallen from the game field 211 into game cards P1, game medals P2, and game balls P3. According to the first embodiment, the game cards P1, game medals P2, and game balls P3 are sorted, so that a variety of games can be realized using the game cards P1, game medals P2, and game balls P3. The detection device 27 detects the game medals P2 and game balls P3 sorted by the processing mechanism 28.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a side view of the processing mechanism 28. FIG. 6 is a front view of the processing mechanism 28. As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the processing mechanism 28 of the first embodiment includes a sorting unit 30, a guide unit 40, and a sorting unit 50. The guide unit 40 is installed directly below the tip 212 of the game field 211. The sorting unit 30 is installed between the game field 211 and the guide unit 40, and the sorting unit 50 is installed directly below the guide unit 40. In other words, the guide unit 40 is located between the sorting unit 30 and the sorting unit 50. The sorting unit 30 is an example of a "second sorting unit", and the sorting unit 50 is an example of a "first sorting unit".

[0031] The game object P that has fallen from the game field 211 reaches the sorting unit 30. The sorting unit 30 is an elongated structure that extends across the entire game field 211 (i.e., the entire width) in the X-axis direction, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Specifically, the sorting unit 30 includes a horizontal shaft portion 31, a horizontal shaft portion 32, and a plurality of vertical shaft portions 33.

[0032] The horizontal shaft portion 31 and the horizontal shaft portion 32 are members extending in the direction of the X-axis. The horizontal shaft portion 31 and the horizontal shaft portion 32 are installed parallel to each other with a predetermined interval between them. The multiple vertical shaft portions 33 are rod-shaped members connecting the horizontal shaft portion 31 and the horizontal shaft portion 32. The multiple vertical shaft portions 33 are installed with intervals between them in the direction of the X-axis. The horizontal shaft portion 32 is located at a lower position than the horizontal shaft portion 31. Therefore, each vertical shaft portion 33 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the end portion on the guide portion 40 side is located at a lower point than the end portion on the game field 211 side.

[0033] A plurality of openings Oa are formed in the sorting section 30. Each opening Oa is a rectangular space surrounded by a horizontal axis portion 31, a horizontal axis portion 32, and two vertical axis portions 33 adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. The plurality of openings Oa are arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0034] The vertical dimension L1 of each opening Oa corresponds to the distance between the horizontal axis portion 31 and the horizontal axis portion 32. The horizontal dimension L2 of each opening Oa corresponds to the distance between two adjacent vertical axis portions 33 in the X-axis direction. The dimensions L1 and L2 of each opening Oa are smaller than the long side length D11 and short side length D12 of the game card P1. Furthermore, the diagonal dimension of the opening Oa is smaller than the short side length D12 of the game card P1. Moreover, the dimensions L1 and L2 of each opening Oa exceed the diameter D2 of the game medal P2 and the diameter D3 of the game ball P3.

[0035] Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the game ball P3 passes through the opening Oa of the sorting unit 30 and falls vertically downward. On the other hand, the game card P1 cannot pass through the opening Oa of the sorting unit 30. Therefore, the game card P1 reaches the guide unit 40 by moving along each vertical axis portion 33. Also, some of the game medals P2 pass through the opening Oa of the sorting unit 30 and fall, and the remaining game medals P2 reach the guide unit 40 by moving along each vertical axis portion 33. That is, the multiple game cards P1 and the multiple game medals P2 reach the guide unit 40. As can be understood from the above explanation, the sorting unit 30 is an element that selects the game balls P3 (and the game medals P2) from the multiple game bodies P.

[0036] The guide unit 40 is a guide mechanism that guides the game cards P1 and game medals P2 supplied from the sorting unit 30. Specifically, the guide unit 40 drops the game cards P1 and game medals P2 in a posture along the vertical direction. A posture along the vertical direction is, for example, a state in which the in-plane directions of the game cards P1 and game medals P2 form an angle of 45° or less (more specifically, 30° or less) with respect to the vertical direction.

[0037] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the guide section 40 of the first embodiment includes a first wall member 41, a second wall member 42, and a third wall member 43. The first wall member 41, the second wall member 42, and the third wall member 43 extend across the entirety (i.e., the entire width) of the game field 211 in the direction of the X-axis. Note that the second wall member 42 and the third wall member 43 are omitted from illustration in Fig. 6 for convenience.

[0038] 5, the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 are flat plate-like members extending along the vertical direction. Specifically, the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 are supported in a mutually parallel posture along the XZ plane. The first wall member 41 is a wall-like structure extending vertically downward from the lower end (horizontal shaft portion 32) of the sorting section 30. The second wall member 42 faces the first wall member 41 with a predetermined interval Δ therebetween.

[0039] The upper end of the second wall member 42 is located above the upper end of the first wall member 41 (the lower end of the sorting section 30). The third wall member 43 is a flat plate-shaped member that is continuous with the upper end of the second wall member 42. The third wall member 43 is inclined with respect to the second wall member 42 (vertical direction). Specifically, the upper end of the third wall member 43 is located in the Y1 direction compared to the lower end of the third wall member 43.

[0040] In the above configuration, the game cards P1 and game medals P2 supplied from the sorting unit 30 fall through the space between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42. Specifically, the game cards P1 and game medals P2 that reach the guiding unit 40 from the sorting unit 30 collide with the third wall member 43, changing to a vertically downward posture, and fall through the space between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42. Note that there are also game cards P1 and game medals P2 that fall into the space between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 without colliding with the third wall member 43.

[0041] The interval Δ between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 is less than the long side length D11 and the short side length D12 of the game card P1. Furthermore, the interval Δ between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 is less than the diameter D2 of the game medal P2. For example, the interval Δ is set to a dimension of about half the diameter D2 of the game medal P2. Therefore, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 falling between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 cannot move to a posture along the horizontal direction (sideways). That is, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 fall while maintaining a posture along the vertical direction. Specifically, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 fall in a posture along the XZ plane. As described above, the guide unit 40 functions as a guide that regulates the posture of the game card P1 and the game medal P2 to a posture along the vertical direction.

[0042] The sorting unit 50 is installed on a path along which the game cards P1 and game medals P2 fall under the guidance of the guiding unit 40. That is, the game cards P1 and game medals P2 reach the sorting unit 50 while maintaining their vertical orientation. The sorting unit 50 is a mechanism for sorting the game cards P1 and game medals P2. Specifically, the sorting unit 50 prevents the game cards P1 from falling and allows the game medals P2 to pass through.

[0043] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the sorting unit 50. As illustrated in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, the sorting unit 50 of the first embodiment includes a sorting mechanism 51 and a transport mechanism 60. The transport mechanism 60 is disposed in the Y1 direction of the sorting mechanism 51.

[0044] The sorting mechanism 51 includes a fixed plate 52 and a plurality of support members 53. The fixed plate 52 is a flat plate-like structure that supports the plurality of support members 53. The plurality of support members 53 are arranged in the X-axis direction at an interval G between each other. The plurality of support members 53 are arranged across the entirety (i.e., the entire width) of the game field 211 in the X-axis direction. Each support member 53 is a cylindrical member whose central axis is aligned with the Y-axis. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the lower end of the first wall member 41 is located near the tip of each support member 53. The shape of the support members 53 is arbitrary. For example, a rectangular column-shaped support member 53 may be installed.

[0045] As described above, the game card P1 falls in the guide section 40 in a posture along the XZ plane. That is, the in-plane direction of the game card P1 that has reached the sorting mechanism 51 and the direction of the central axis of the support member 53 intersect with each other (typically perpendicularly). Therefore, as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, the lower end of the game card P1 that has reached the sorting mechanism 51 collides with the side surface of the support member 53.

[0046] 6 and 7, a plurality of openings Ob are formed by a plurality of support members 53. The openings Ob are spaces between two adjacent support members 53 in the X-axis direction. A plurality of openings Ob are provided over the entirety (i.e., the entire width) of the game field 211 in the X-axis direction.

[0047] The interval G between two adjacent support members 53 is the dimension of the opening Ob in the direction of the X-axis. The interval G between each support member 53 is less than the long side length D11 and the short side length D12 of the game card P1. Therefore, the game card P1 that has reached the sorting mechanism 51 cannot pass through the opening Ob and is supported by the support members 53. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the game card P1 is supported by two or more support members 53 while maintaining a vertical posture. As described above, the multiple support members 53 are a structure that supports the game card P1 from below. It is also expressed that the game card P1 is captured by the multiple support members 53.

[0048] Also, the interval G between each support member 53 exceeds the diameter D2 of the game medal P2. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the game medal P2 passes through each opening Ob and falls. As described above, the sorting mechanism 51 of the first embodiment has openings Ob that are smaller than the size (D11, D12) of the game card P1 and larger than the size (D2) of the game medal P2. The sorting mechanism 51 then selectively passes only the game medal P2 out of the game card P1 and the game medal P2, thereby sorting the game card P1 and the game medal P2.

[0049] As described above, the sorting unit 50 sorts the game cards P1 and the game medals P2 according to whether or not they are of a size that can pass through the opening Ob. Therefore, the game cards P1 and the game medals P2 can be sorted with high accuracy by a simple configuration that does not require power. In addition, the opening Ob for sorting the game cards P1 and the game medals P2 can be formed by a simple configuration in which a plurality of support members 53 are installed at intervals from each other.

[0050] The transport mechanism 60 is a mechanism that transports the game card P1 blocked by the sorting mechanism 51 toward the discharge port 164 of the operation unit 16. Specifically, the transport mechanism 60 transports the game card P1 supported by the support member 53 in the X-axis direction. As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, the transport mechanism 60 of the first embodiment includes a rotating shaft 61, a rotating shaft 62, an annular body 63, a driving device 64, and a plurality of pressing members 65.

[0051] The rotating shafts 61 and 62 are cylindrical rotating bodies spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The rotating shafts 61 and 62 are arranged so that their central axes are along the Y-axis. The ring-shaped body 63 is an annular (specifically, elliptical) power transmission member wound around the rotating shafts 61 and 62. For example, a deformable mechanical element such as a chain or a belt is used as the ring-shaped body 63. The ring-shaped body 63 extends across the entirety (i.e., the entire width) of the game field 211 in the X-axis direction.

[0052] The driving device 64 is an electric motor that rotates the rotating shaft 61. The rotation of the rotating shaft 61 rotates the ring-shaped body 63. Therefore, the linear section (hereinafter referred to as the "transport section") located at the top of the ring-shaped body 63 advances in the X1 direction. Note that in addition to the driving device 64 that rotates the rotating shaft 61, a driving device 64 that rotates the rotating shaft 62 may be installed.

[0053] The multiple pressing members 65 are structures installed at different circumferential positions of the annular body 63. Each pressing member 65 is an elongated member protruding in the Y2 direction from a side surface of the annular body 63. Each pressing member 65 moves in conjunction with the rotation of the annular body 63. For example, the pressing member 65 located in the conveying section of the annular body 63 moves in the X1 direction in conjunction with the rotation of the annular body 63.

[0054] Each pressing member 65 passes above the arrangement of the support members 53. Therefore, the pressing member 65 located in the transport section presses the game card P1 supported by the support members 53 in the X1 direction. The distance between the support members 53 and the pressing member 65 in the vertical direction is less than the short side length D12 of the game card P1. Therefore, even when the game card P1 is supported by the support members 53 with its long side facing horizontally, the pressing member 65 can reliably press the game card P1. As described above, the transport mechanism 60 transports the game card P1 supported by the support members 53 in the X1 direction.

[0055] The game card P1 transported by the transport mechanism 60 reaches the end of the sorting mechanism 51 in the X1 direction. The game card P1 that has reached the end of the sorting mechanism 51 reaches the discharge port 164 via a transport path (not shown). The player can obtain the game card P1 from the discharge port 164.

[0056] As described above, in the first embodiment, the game card P1 blocked by the sorting unit 50 is transported by the transport mechanism 60 toward the discharge opening 164. Therefore, the game card P1 can be discharged to the discharge opening 164 more quickly than in a configuration in which the transport mechanism 60 is not provided.

[0057] Incidentally, as a form of sorting the game card P1 and the game medal P2, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a form in which the game card P1 and the game medal P2 are transported horizontally and then sorted (hereinafter referred to as a "comparative example"). In the comparative example, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 dropped from the game field 211 are transported horizontally by a transport mechanism 90, and the game card P1 and the game medal P2 are sorted in the process of sliding down along an inclined surface 91. For example, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 are sorted by dropping only the game medal P2 from an opening 93 installed in the path. However, in the comparative example, a considerable amount of time passes from the drop of the game card P1 to the sorting, so a long time is required from the drop of the game card P1 to the time the player can actually obtain the game card P1.

[0058] In contrast to the comparative example, in the first embodiment, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 are sorted by the sorting unit 50 while the game card P1 and the game medal P2 are falling in a vertical posture. Therefore, compared to the comparative example in which the game card P1 and the game medal P2 are transported in a horizontal direction and then sorted, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 can be sorted quickly. In other words, the time from when the game card P1 falls to when the player can actually obtain the game card P1 can be shortened.

[0059] In the comparative example, the game medal P2 may be transported while being placed on the game card P1. Since the game medal P2 placed on the game card P1 does not fall from the opening 93 on the path, the game medal P2 is discharged together with the game card P1. That is, in the comparative example, there is a problem that the accuracy of sorting the game card P1 and the game medal P2 is low. In contrast to the comparative example, in the first embodiment, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 are sorted in a vertical orientation, so the possibility that the game medal P2 is placed on the game card P1 is reduced. Therefore, compared to the comparative example, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 can be sorted with high accuracy.

[0060] 1 is a mechanism for transporting a game card P1 to each station 11. Specifically, the transport system 12 includes a moving body 121, a transport path 122, and a supply device 123. The moving body 121 moves along the transport path 122 under the control of the control device 13. The transport path 122 is installed in a circular shape so that the moving body 121 travels around each of the multiple stations 11 in turn.

[0061] The moving body 121 includes, for example, a transport mechanism 124, a storage mechanism 70a, and a storage mechanism 70b. The transport mechanism 124 transports the storage mechanism 70a and the storage mechanism 70b. For example, the transport mechanism 124 uses a power source such as an electric motor to pull the storage mechanism 70a and the storage mechanism 70b along the transport path 122. The transport mechanism 124 in the first embodiment transports the storage mechanism 70a and the storage mechanism 70b to each of the multiple stations 11. The storage mechanism 70a and the storage mechanism 70b are hollow housings capable of storing and discharging the game card P1.

[0062] The supply device 123 supplies the game card P1 to the storage mechanism 70a or the storage mechanism 70b under the control of the control device 13. When the moving body 121 approaches the supply device 123, the game card P1 is supplied from the supply device 123 to the storage mechanism 70a or the storage mechanism 70b, and when the moving body 121 approaches one of the stations 11, the game card P1 is released from the storage mechanism 70a or the storage mechanism 70b to the game field 211.

[0063] As described above, in the first embodiment, since the storage mechanism 70a and the storage mechanism 70b are transported to each of the multiple stations 11, it is not necessary to install the storage mechanism 70a, the storage mechanism 70b, and the supply device 123 individually for each station 11. Therefore, compared to a form in which the storage mechanism 70a, the storage mechanism 70b, and the supply device 123 are individually installed for each station 11, the configuration of the game system 100 can be simplified.

[0064] [Game Progression] A game executed in the game system 100 will be described. The game system 100 of the first embodiment provides a normal game and a special game to a player at each of the multiple stations 11. The normal game is a game that is regularly played at each of the multiple stations 11. The special game is a game in which a player can acquire a large number of game cards P1. The special game is executed at a station 11 among the multiple stations 11 where a specific condition is met. The control device 13 controls the progress of the normal game and the special game. The control device 13 is an example of a "control unit."

[0065] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the process executed by the control device 13 in the normal game. When the normal game is started, the control device 13 displays the screen 151 of Fig. 10 on the display device 15 (Sa1). A plurality of squares Qa (Qa1, Qa2) are displayed on the screen 151. The normal game is a board game (sugoroku) in which a character C is moved along an arrangement of the plurality of squares Qa. Each square Qa is a point where the character C can stop. The plurality of squares Qa includes a bonus square Qa1 and a target square Qa2.

[0066] The control device 13 judges whether or not the game medal P2 has fallen from the game field 211 (Sa2). If the game medal P2 has fallen (Sa2: YES), the control device 13 pays out a predetermined amount of the game medal P2 to the player by the payout device 163 (Sa3). If the game medal P2 has not fallen (Sa2: NO), the payout (Sa3) of the game medal P2 is not executed.

[0067] The control device 13 determines whether the game ball P3 has fallen from the game field 211 (Sa4). If the game ball P3 has fallen (Sa4: YES), the control device 13 controls the supply device 26 to supply the game ball P3 to the game field 211 (Sa5). As described above, the game ball P3 is replenished every time the game ball P3 falls, so that a predetermined number of game balls P3 are constantly maintained on the game field 211.

[0068] The control device 13 determines the movement amount of the character C by lottery processing (Sa6). The lottery processing is processing for selecting one of a plurality of candidate values ​​(e.g., 1 to 6) as the movement amount. For example, the lottery processing is exemplified by a physical lottery in which one of a plurality of candidate values ​​is randomly selected by a physical lottery mechanism, or an electronic lottery in which one of a plurality of candidate values ​​is randomly selected by a calculation process. The control device 13 moves the character C by the movement amount determined by the lottery processing (Sa7).

[0069] The control device 13 determines whether the character C has stopped on the bonus space Qa1 (Sa8). If the character C has stopped on the bonus space Qa1 (Sa8: YES), the control device 13 grants the player the bonus shown below (Sa9). Benefit A1: A predetermined number of game medals P2 are supplied from the supply device 25 to the game field 211 (for example, "50 WIN"). Benefit A2: A predetermined number of game cards P1 are supplied to the game field 211 by the transport system 12 (eg, "CARD"). Reward A3: A predetermined number of reward tickets are awarded to the player (eg, "10 TICKETS").

[0070] When awarding the bonus A1, the control device 13 controls the supply device 25 to supply a predetermined number of game medals P2 to the game field 211. When awarding the bonus A3, the control device 13 controls a payout device (not shown) to dispense a predetermined number of bonus tickets. The bonus tickets are game value that have a value exchangeable for, for example, a specific prize.

[0071] When the privilege A2 is awarded, the control device 13 controls the transport system 12. Specifically, the control device 13 supplies a predetermined number of game cards P1 to the storage mechanism 70b from the supply device 123 while the storage mechanism 70b is in close proximity to the supply device 123, and releases the game cards P1 from the storage mechanism 70b to the game field 211 while the storage mechanism 70b is moved to the vicinity of the station 11. As described above, the supply device 123 supplies the game cards P1 to the storage mechanism 70b according to the progress of the normal game.

[0072] The control device 13 judges whether or not the end condition of the normal game is satisfied (Sa10). The end condition is, for example, an instruction to end the normal game by a player's operation on the operation device 161. If the end condition is not satisfied (Sa10: NO), the control device 13 shifts the process to step Sa2. That is, until the end condition of the normal game is satisfied, the payout of the game medal P2 on the condition that the game medal P2 falls (Sa2, Sa3) and the granting of the benefit on the condition that the game medal P2 stops on the benefit space Qa1 (Sa4 to Sa9) are repeated. The normal game ends when the end condition is satisfied (Sa10: YES).

[0073] On the other hand, if the character C does not stop on the bonus square Qa1 (Sa8: NO), the control device 13 determines whether or not the character C has stopped on the target square Qa2 (Sa11). The target square Qa2 is a square Qa that is a condition for starting the special game. If the character C does not stop on the target square Qa2 (Sa11: NO), the control device 13 determines whether or not the end condition for the normal game has been met (Sa10). On the other hand, if the character C has stopped on the target square Qa2 (Sa11: YES), the control device 13 starts the special game (Sa12).

[0074] Fig. 11 is a flowchart of the process executed by the control device 13 in the special game. When the special game starts, the control device 13 displays the screen 152 of Fig. 12 on the display device 15 (Sb1). A plurality of squares Qb are displayed on the screen 152. The special game is a board game (sugoroku) in which the character C moves along the arrangement of the plurality of squares Qb, similar to the normal game. Each square Qb is a point where the character C can stop.

[0075] The control device 13 determines the movement amount of the character C by lottery processing (Sb2). The lottery processing is processing for selecting one of a plurality of candidate values ​​(for example, 1 to 6) as the movement amount. For example, the physical lottery or electronic lottery described above for the normal game is executed as the lottery processing. The control device 13 moves the character C by the movement amount determined by the lottery processing (Sb3).

[0076] A bonus is set for each of the multiple squares Qb. The control device 13 grants the player a bonus corresponding to the square Qb on which the character C stops (Sb4). The control device 13 grants the player, for example, the bonuses exemplified below. Benefit B1: A predetermined number of game medals P2 are supplied from the supply device 25 to the game field 211 (for example, "100 WIN"). Benefit B2: A predetermined number of game cards P1 are supplied from the supply device 123 to the storage mechanism 70a (for example, "CARD+5"). Benefit B3: A predetermined number of benefit tickets are awarded to the player (e.g., "100 TICKETS").

[0077] When awarding the privilege B1, the control device 13 controls the supply device 25 to supply a predetermined number of game medals P2 to the game field 211. When awarding the privilege B3, the control device 13 controls a payout device (not shown) to dispense a predetermined number of privilege tickets.

[0078] When the privilege B2 is awarded, the control device 13 controls the transport system 12. Specifically, the control device 13 supplies a predetermined number of game cards P1 to the storage mechanism 70a from the supply device 123 while bringing the storage mechanism 70a close to the supply device 123. As described above, the supply device 123 supplies the game cards P1 to the storage mechanism 70a according to the progress of the special game.

[0079] The control device 13 judges whether or not the end condition of the special game is met (Sb5). The end condition is, for example, that the character C stops again on the square Qb where it previously stopped in the current special game. If the end condition is not met (Sb5: NO), the control device 13 shifts the process to step Sb2. That is, the awarding of the benefit to the player (Sb2 to Sb4) is repeated until the end condition of the special game is met. By repeatedly stopping the character C on the square Qb corresponding to the benefit B2, a large number of game cards P1 are accumulated in the storage mechanism 70a.

[0080] When the end condition of the special game is met (Sb5: YES), the control device 13 controls the transport system 12 to release a plurality of game cards P1 stored in the storage mechanism 70a onto the game field 211 (Sb6). The game cards P1 released from the storage mechanism 70a are spread onto the game field 211. This provides the player with an opportunity to acquire a large number of game cards P1. The release of the game cards P1 (Sb6) ends the special game.

[0081] [Containment Mechanism 70] Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the storage mechanism 70a. Fig. 14 is a side view of the storage mechanism 70a. In reality, the direction of the storage mechanism 70a can change at any time on the transport path 122, but in the following description, it is assumed that the storage mechanism 70a is approaching the station 11, and the above-mentioned three orthogonal axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) are also used for the description of the storage mechanism 70a for convenience. The configuration of the storage mechanism 70b is the same as that of the storage mechanism 70a, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] The containing mechanism 70a includes a housing portion 71, a lid portion 72, a mounting surface 73, and a dolly 74. Note that the lid portion 72 is not shown in FIG.

[0083] The housing 71 is a box-shaped structure. As illustrated in Fig. 14, an opening 75z and an opening 75y are formed in the housing 71. The opening 75z is an opening facing upward in the vertical direction. The opening 75y is an opening in the Y1 direction. In other words, the housing 71 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped structure with the top surface in the vertical direction and the side surface in the Y1 direction removed.

[0084] The lid portion 72 is a structure supported by the housing portion 71 via a rotation shaft along the X-axis. The opening 75y is switched between open and closed by the rotation of the lid portion 72 relative to the housing portion 71. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the vertical opening 75z is maintained in an open state. The game card P1 supplied from the supply device 123 passes through the opening 75z and is stored inside the housing portion 71. The cart 74 is a transport mechanism capable of moving while supporting the housing portion 71. The housing portion 71 rotates around an axis along the X-axis.

[0085] The placement surface 73 is a plane installed inside the housing 71. The game cards P1 stored in the storage mechanism 70a are placed on the placement surface 73. The placement surface 73 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. Specifically, the placement surface 73 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the end of the placement surface 73 located in the Y1 direction is lower than the end of the placement surface 73 located in the Y2 direction. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the placement surface 73 has a plurality of vertical grooves 731 formed thereon. Therefore, compared to a case where the placement surface 73 is a flat surface, friction between the game cards P1 and the placement surface 73 is reduced. However, the plurality of grooves 731 may be omitted.

[0086] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the state of the storage mechanism 70a. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the storage mechanism 70a of the first embodiment is controlled to a storage state and a discharge state. The storage state is a state in which a plurality of game cards P1 supplied from the supply device 123 are held. Specifically, in the storage state, the bottom surface of the housing part 71 is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the opening 75y of the housing part 71 is closed by the lid part 72. The plurality of game cards P1 placed on the placement surface 73 are held in the housing part 71 by the lid part 72. The lid part 72 is opaque. Therefore, the player cannot see the game cards P1 in the storage mechanism 70a.

[0087] Fig. 16 shows the inside of the storage mechanism 70a in the storage state. As shown in Fig. 16, in the storage state, the multiple game cards P1 are held in the same position. That is, the multiple game cards P1 are stored in the storage mechanism 70a in a state where they are stacked parallel to each other on the placement surface 73. According to the above-described form in which the multiple game cards P1 are stacked, the storage mechanism 70a can be made smaller than, for example, a form in which the multiple game cards P1 are stored without overlapping.

[0088] On the other hand, the release state is a state in which multiple game cards P1 are released onto the game field 211, as illustrated in Fig. 15. When the end condition of the special game is established (Sb5: YES), the control device 13 changes the storage mechanism 70a from the storage state to the release state, thereby releasing multiple game cards P1 onto the game field 211 (Sb6).

[0089] The discharged state is a state in which the housing 71 is maintained in a tilted state relative to the cart 74, and the lid 72 opens the opening 75y. In the discharged state, the placement surface 73 is maintained in a tilted state relative to the horizontal plane. Specifically, in the discharged state, the placement surface 73 is tilted relative to the horizontal plane so that the end in the Y1 direction is lower than the end in the Y2 direction. As a result of the lid 72 being opened under the above state, the multiple game cards P1 stored in the storage mechanism 70a are released in the Y1 direction along the placement surface 73. When the multiple game cards P1 are released, the storage mechanism 70a transitions from the discharged state to the storage state.

[0090] As described above, in the first embodiment, in the stored state, the multiple game cards P1 are stored in the storage mechanism 70a in the same orientation, and in the released state, the multiple game cards P1 are released onto the game field 211. Therefore, compared to a mode in which the multiple game cards P1 are stored in the storage mechanism 70a in different orientations, for example, the multiple game cards P1 can be released vigorously over a wide range of the game field 211.

[0091] In particular, in the first embodiment, a plurality of game cards P1 stacked parallel to each other are released from the containing mechanism 70a along a placement surface 73 inclined relative to a horizontal plane. Therefore, the plurality of game cards P1 can be spread over a wide range by sliding the upper surface of each game card P1 with the other game cards P1. Specifically, in the released state, the placement surface 73 is inclined so that the end in the Y1 direction is lower than the end in the Y2 direction. Therefore, the plurality of game cards P1 can be spread over a wide range, even to positions close to the player.

[0092] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. Note that, for elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment in each aspect exemplified below, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment will be used, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] Fig. 17 is a front view of the processing mechanism 28 in the second embodiment. Fig. 18 is a plan view of the sorting unit 50 in the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the sorting unit 50 includes a sorting mechanism 51 and a transport mechanism 60. The processing mechanism 28 in the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the sorting unit 50. The configuration other than the sorting unit 50 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0094] The sorting section 50 of the second embodiment includes a sorting mechanism 51 and a conveying mechanism 60. The sorting mechanism 51 includes a plurality of support members 53. The conveying mechanism 60 includes a rotating shaft 61, a rotating shaft 62, an annular body 63, and a driving device 64. The sorting section 50 of the second embodiment has a structure in which the pressing member 65 of the conveying mechanism 60 in the first embodiment is replaced with a plurality of support members 53 of the sorting mechanism 51. Therefore, the fixed plate 52 of the sorting mechanism 51 and the pressing member 65 of the conveying mechanism 60 are omitted in the second embodiment.

[0095] Specifically, in the second embodiment, a plurality of support members 53 are provided at different circumferential positions of the annular body 63. Each support member 53 protrudes in the Y2 direction from a side surface of the annular body 63. Each support member 53 moves in conjunction with the rotation of the annular body 63. For example, the support member 53 located in the conveying section of the annular body 63 moves in the X1 direction in conjunction with the rotation of the annular body 63.

[0096] The multiple support members 53 are installed on the annular body 63 at intervals G between each other. As in the first embodiment, multiple openings Ob are formed by the multiple support members 53. The multiple openings Ob are installed across the entirety (i.e., the entire width) of the game field 211 in the X-axis direction.

[0097] The interval G between the support members 53 is less than the long side length D11 and the short side length D12 of the game card P1. Therefore, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the game card P1 that has reached the sorting mechanism 51 cannot pass through the opening Ob and is supported by the support members 53. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the game card P1 is supported by two or more support members 53 while maintaining its vertical orientation.

[0098] Also, the interval G between each support member 53 (the dimension of the opening Ob in the X-axis direction) exceeds the diameter D2 of the game medal P2. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the game medal P2 passes through each opening Ob and falls. As described above, the sorting mechanism 51 (multiple support members 53) of the second embodiment has an opening Ob that is smaller than the size (D11, D12) of the game card P1 and larger than the size (D2) of the game medal P2. The sorting mechanism 51 then sorts the game card P1 and the game medal P2 by selectively allowing only the game medal P2 to pass through from among the game card P1 and the game medal P2.

[0099] As in the first embodiment, the drive device 64 drives the rotating shaft 61 to rotate the ring-shaped body 63. The support members 53 move in conjunction with the rotation of the ring-shaped body 63. For example, the support members 53 located in the transport section of the ring-shaped body 63 move in the X1 direction in conjunction with the rotation of the ring-shaped body 63. Therefore, the game card P1 supported by the support members 53 moves in the X1 direction together with each support member 53. That is, the sorting mechanism 51 of the second embodiment is used both for sorting the game cards P1 and game medals P2 and for transporting the game cards P1.

[0100] As described above, the transport mechanism 60 moves the sorting mechanism 51 in the X-axis direction. The transport mechanism 60 can also be expressed as a mechanism that transports the game cards P1 supported by each support member 53 in the X1 direction. In the above description, the sorting mechanism 51 and the transport mechanism 60 are understood as separate elements, but the sorting mechanism 51 may be interpreted as an element of the transport mechanism 60. In other words, the transport mechanism 60 may be expressed as including a plurality of support members 53.

[0101] The game card P1 transported by the transport mechanism 60 reaches the end of the annular body 63 in the X1 direction. The game card P1 that has reached the end of the annular body 63 reaches the discharge opening 164 via a transport path (not shown). The player can obtain the game card P1 from the discharge opening 164.

[0102] The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Moreover, in the second embodiment, the sorting mechanism 51 is used for both sorting the game cards P1 and the game medals P2 and transporting the game cards P1. Therefore, compared with a form in which the sorting and transporting of the game cards P1 are realized by separate mechanisms (for example, the first embodiment), the configuration for sorting and transporting the game cards P1 can be simplified. For example, according to the second embodiment, the fixed plate 52 and the multiple pressing members 65 in the first embodiment can be omitted.

[0103] [Third embodiment] Fig. 19 is a side view of the processing mechanism 28 in the third embodiment. Fig. 20 is a front view of the processing mechanism 28. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the sorting unit 50 is different from those in the first and second embodiments. The configuration other than the sorting unit 50 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0104] The sorting unit 50 of the third embodiment includes a cylindrical member 55, a protrusion 56, and a drive unit 57. The cylindrical member 55 is a cylindrical structure. The cylindrical member 55 is installed so that the central axis is along the X-axis. Specifically, the cylindrical member 55 extends over the entirety (i.e., the entire width) of the game field 211 in the direction of the X-axis. The cylindrical member 55 is installed directly below the guide unit 40. Specifically, as illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20, an outer peripheral surface 551 of the cylindrical member 55 faces the lower ends of the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 with a gap therebetween.

[0105] The protrusion 56 is a spiral protrusion provided on the outer circumferential surface 551 of the cylindrical member 55. The protrusion 56 is formed over the entire length of the cylindrical member 55, and protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 551. Note that the period Lx of the spiral constituting the protrusion 56 is arbitrary, but is set to a dimension greater than the short side length D12 of the game card P1, for example.

[0106] The driving device 57 rotates the cylindrical member 55 about the central axis. The driving device 57 is formed of, for example, an electric motor.

[0107] 19, the distance between the outer peripheral surface 551 of the cylindrical member 55 and the lower ends of the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 exceeds the thickness of the game medal P2. Therefore, the game medal P2 that falls between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 and reaches the sorting section 50 passes through the distance between the outer peripheral surface 551 of the cylindrical member 55 and the first wall member 41 or the second wall member 42, as shown in FIG. 19. The game medal P2 that passes through the sorting section 50 via the above-mentioned path is detected by the detection device 27.

[0108] On the other hand, the game card P1 that has fallen between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 and reached the sorting section 50 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 551 at its lower end, as illustrated in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. When the lower end of the game card P1 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 551, the upper end of the game card P1 comes into contact with the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42, thereby preventing the game card P1 from further tilting. Therefore, the game card P1 does not fall due to the gap between the outer peripheral surface 551 of the cylindrical member 55 and the first wall member 41 or the second wall member 42. As described above, the gap Δ between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 and the gap between the outer peripheral surface 551 of the cylindrical member 55 and the lower ends of the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 are set so that the game card P1 is held on the cylindrical member 55 in a state where the game card P1 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 551.

[0109] When the cylindrical member 55 rotates in the above state, the game card P1 is pressed by the spiral protrusion 56 and moves in the X1 direction (i.e., the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical member 55). The game card P1 eventually reaches the end of the cylindrical member 55 in the X1 direction. The game card P1 that has reached the end of the cylindrical member 55 reaches the discharge opening 164 via a transport path (not shown). The player can obtain the game card P1 from the discharge opening 164.

[0110] The third embodiment also achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the game medal P2 passes between the lower end of the first wall member 41 or the second wall member 42 and the outer circumferential surface 551 of the cylindrical member 55, and the game card P1 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface 551 of the cylindrical member 55. Due to the above differences, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 are selected. The game card P1 is transported in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical member 55 (specifically, the X1 direction) by the spiral protrusion 56. That is, in the third embodiment, the cylindrical member 55 is used both for selecting the game card P1 and the game medal P2 and for transporting the game card P1. Therefore, compared with a form in which the selection and transport of the game card P1 are realized by separate mechanisms, the configuration for selecting and transporting the game card P1 can be simplified.

[0111] [Fourth embodiment] 21 and 22 are side views of the processing mechanism 28 in the fourth embodiment. The processing mechanism 28 in the fourth embodiment includes a movable member 46 and a connecting member 47 instead of the third wall member 43 in the first embodiment.

[0112] The movable member 46 is a plate-like member extending across the entirety (i.e., the entire width) of the game field 211 in the direction of the X-axis. The movable member 46 is installed at a distance from the tip 212 of the game field 211. The lower end of the movable member 46 is connected to the upper end of the second wall member 42 via a rotation shaft 461 along the X-axis. The movable member 46 is rotatable around the rotation shaft 461. The movable member 46 can also be expressed as a member obtained by modifying the third wall member 43 of the first embodiment to a structure rotatable relative to the second wall member 42.

[0113] The distance between the lower end of the movable member 46 and the sorting section 30 (e.g., the horizontal shaft section 32) is less than the diameter D3 of the game ball P3. Therefore, the game ball P3 cannot pass between the movable member 46 and the sorting section 30. For example, the game ball P3 that has fallen from the game field 211 changes direction due to collision with the movable member 46, and passes through the opening Oa of the sorting section 30 and falls. On the other hand, the game card P1 and the game medal P2 pass between the movable member 46 and the sorting section 30 and reach the guide section 40. As can be understood from the above explanation, the movable member 46 functions as a stopper that prevents the game ball P3 from passing to the guide section 40 side.

[0114] The connecting member 47 is a member (link) that connects the movable table 22 and the movable member 46. Specifically, a plurality of connecting members 47 are installed at different positions in the X-axis direction. In the above configuration, the movable member 46 moves (rotates) in conjunction with the reciprocation of the movable table 22 in the Y-axis direction.

[0115] Specifically, in the process of the movable table 22 moving in the Y1 direction, the movable member 46 rotates in the direction α1 in Figures 21 and 22. When the movable table 22 reaches the end of the reciprocating range in the Y1 direction, the movable member 46 reaches position W1 in Figure 21. Position W1 is a position sufficiently separated from the tip 212 of the game field 211.

[0116] On the other hand, in the process of the movable table 22 moving in the Y2 direction, the movable member 46 rotates in the direction α2 in Figures 21 and 22. When the movable table 22 reaches the end of its reciprocating range in the Y2 direction, the movable member 46 reaches position W2 in Figure 22. Position W2 is closer to the tip 212 than position W1. As described above, the movable member 46 reciprocates between positions W1 and W2 in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the movable table 22. Note that position W1 is an example of a "first position," and position W2 is an example of a "second position."

[0117] As illustrated in Figure 21, when multiple game bodies P are stacked on the game field 211, even if the game card P1 actually protrudes sufficiently in the Y1 direction from the tip 212, it may not fall from the game field 211 because it is held by the other game bodies P.

[0118] In the above state, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the game card P1 is pressed by the movable member 46 in the process of the movable member 46 moving from position W1 to position W2. According to the fourth embodiment, the pressing from the movable member 46 can promote the fall of the game card P1. Specifically, the stacking state of the multiple game objects P changes when the game card P1 that sufficiently protrudes in the Y1 direction from the tip portion 212 is pressed by the movable member 46, and as a result, the game card P1 falls. As explained above, the movable member 46 is used both to hinder the movement of the game ball P3 and to promote the fall of the game card P1.

[0119] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the movable member 46 is connected to the movable table 22 by the connecting member 47, and thus the movable member 46 moves in conjunction with the reciprocation of the movable table 22. Therefore, the configuration of the game system 100 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the movable member 46 is moved by a drive device separate from the drive device that reciprocates the movable table 22. However, the movable member 46 may also be moved by a drive device separate from the drive device that reciprocates the movable table 22.

[0120] In the fourth embodiment, the sorting unit 50 may have any configuration. That is, the sorting unit 50 having any of the configurations exemplified in the first to third embodiments is applicable to the fourth embodiment.

[0121] 21 and 22 show an example in which the movable member 46 is connected to the second wall member 42, but the structure for installing the movable member 46 is not limited to the above example. For example, the movable member 46 may be installed at a position separated from the second wall member 42 as long as the game card P1 and the game medal P2 do not enter between the second wall member 42 and the movable member 46. In other words, a gap may be formed between the upper end of the second wall member 42 and the lower end of the movable member 46.

[0122] [Fifth embodiment] Fig. 23 is a plan view of a game system 100 according to a fifth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 23, in the game system 100 according to the fifth embodiment, a bonus device 17 is installed at each of a plurality of stations 11. The bonus device 17 is a device that grants a bonus to a player. Specifically, the bonus device 17 grants a predetermined number of bonus tickets to a player. Note that one bonus device 17 may be installed for a plurality of stations 11.

[0123] A player can obtain different types of game cards P1 by playing the game system 100. For example, a player can obtain a plurality of types of game cards P1 with different drawn images. Identification information representing the type of game card P1 is recorded on the game card P1. For example, the identification information is recorded in a memory circuit such as an IC tag mounted on the game card P1. Therefore, a relationship in which the types of game cards P1 are different can also be expressed as a relationship in which the identification information is different. Note that the identification information may be recorded on the game card P1 by a method of drawing an optically readable image, such as a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark).

[0124] The bonus device 17 of the fifth embodiment grants bonus tickets to a player when the player acquires a predetermined number of types (e.g., five types) of game cards P1. The player sequentially inserts the game cards P1 he or she has acquired into the insertion slot of the bonus device 17. The bonus device 17 reads identification information from each game card P1 and determines whether the number of types of the game cards P1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If the number of types is equal to or greater than the threshold, the bonus device 17 dispenses a predetermined number of bonus tickets to the player. On the other hand, if the number of types of the game cards P1 is less than the predetermined value, the bonus device 17 notifies the player of the insufficient number of types without dispensing bonus tickets.

[0125] The configuration other than the bonus device 17 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is realized in the fifth embodiment. In addition, in the fifth embodiment, a bonus is given to a player who has acquired a predetermined number of game cards P1. Therefore, an incentive to continue playing the game in order to acquire a predetermined number of game cards P1 can be given to the player.

[0126] [Variations] Specific modified embodiments added to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0127] (1) The configuration of the sorting unit 50 is not limited to the configuration exemplified in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 24, the sorting unit 50 may be configured by a plurality of support members 53. The plurality of support members 53 are arranged at intervals from each other along a straight line inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. Specifically, the vertical position of each support member 53 is set so that the support member 53 located at the end in the X1 direction among the plurality of support members 53 is lower than the support member 53 located at the end in the X2 direction. As in the first embodiment, the game medal P2 falls through the interval (opening Ob) between the support members 53.

[0128] On the other hand, the game card P1 is supported by a plurality of support members 53. The game card P1 moves in the X1 direction along the inclination of the arrangement formed by the plurality of support members 53. With the above-mentioned configuration, the game card P1 can be moved to the discharge port 164 with a simple configuration. The movement of the game card P1 may be promoted by vibrating the plurality of support members 53.

[0129] (2) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the guide unit 40 includes the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42. However, the configuration of the guide unit 40 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the second wall member 42 may be omitted. In the configuration of FIG. 25, the first wall member 41 is installed in a state inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The game card P1 and the game medal P2 that reach the guide unit 40 fall along the inclination of the first wall member 41 in a state of contact with the first wall member 41. That is, the guide unit 40 in FIG. 25 functions as a guide that restricts the posture of the game card P1 and the game medal P2 to a posture along the vertical direction, similar to the guide unit 40 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0130] (3) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the game ball P3 is selected by the selection unit 30, but the selection unit 50 may be used to select the game ball P3. For example, a form in which the distance Δ between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42 of the guide unit 40 exceeds the diameter D3 of the game ball P3 is also assumed. The game ball P3 that has fallen from the game field 211 falls between the first wall member 41 and the second wall member 42, similar to the game card P1 and the game medal P2. The game ball P3 that has reached the selection unit 50 falls through the opening Ob between the support members 53, similar to the game medal P2. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the game card P1 can be selected from a plurality of game bodies P. In a configuration in which the selection unit 50 selects the game ball P3, the selection unit 30 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be omitted.

[0131] (4) A processing mechanism 28 as exemplified in Fig. 26 may be mounted on the game system 100. The processing mechanism 28 in Fig. 26 is a structure in which a plurality of openings Oc are arranged in a matrix, and is installed in an inclined position with respect to the vertical direction. A plurality of game objects P that have fallen from the game field 211 are placed on the processing mechanism 28.

[0132] The size of the opening Oc is smaller than the size of the game card P1 and larger than the size of the game medal P2 and the game ball P3. Therefore, the game medal P2 and the game ball P3 pass through the opening Oc and fall. On the other hand, the game card P1 cannot pass through the opening Oc and moves along the inclination of the processing mechanism 28. Therefore, the game card P1 can be selected from the multiple game bodies P. The movement of the game card P1 may be promoted by vibrating the processing mechanism 28 in FIG. 26.

[0133] (5) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the lid portion 72 is an opaque member, so that the player cannot see the game card P1 in the storage mechanism 70a. As illustrated in FIG. 27, a part or the whole of the lid portion 72 may be made of a transparent member. The player can see the game card P1 in the storage mechanism 70a through the lid portion 72. For example, the player can confirm that the game card P1 he or she wants is in the storage mechanism 70a. This provides the player with an incentive to continue playing the game.

[0134] (6) In each of the above embodiments, the game system 100 using three types of game objects P (P1, P2, P3) is illustrated, but the number of types of game objects P is not limited to the above examples. For example, the game ball P3 may be omitted.

[0135] (7) The shape of each game object P is not limited to the above-mentioned examples. For example, the planar shape of the game card P1 or the game medal P2 may be a polygonal or annular shape. The game medal P2 may be, for example, a lens shape in which the thickness of the central part is greater than the thickness of the peripheral part. The three-dimensional shape of the game ball P3 may be, for example, a polyhedron. In addition, the three-dimensional shape of the game ball P3 may be a shape in which the corners of various polyhedrons are curved.

[0136] (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the transport mechanism 124 transports the storage mechanism 70a and the storage mechanism 70b to each station 11. However, the storage mechanism 70a, the storage mechanism 70b, and the supply device 123 may be installed individually for each of the multiple stations 11.

[0137] (9) In each of the above-described embodiments, the game system 100 installed in real space is exemplified, but the game system 100 may also be realized as a virtual object installed in a virtual space realized by computation. Therefore, a service similar to the game system 100 in the above-described embodiments may be provided by an information device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. For example, a game similar to the game system 100 may be realized as an application game provided by a program executed by the information device, or a cloud game provided by a server capable of communicating with the information device.

[0138] (10) The term "nth" (n is a natural number) in this application is used only as a formal and convenient label to distinguish each element in the description and does not have any substantial meaning. Therefore, there is no room for restrictive interpretation of the position or order of each element based on the term "nth".

[0139] [Note] From the above description, for example, preferred aspects of the present disclosure can be understood as follows. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated aspects.

[0140] [Appendix A] In a game using multiple types of game objects, it is necessary to select each game object. In the technology of Non-Patent Document 1, medals and cards dropped from a table are transported horizontally and then selected, so it takes a long time for a card to be discharged to an outlet and acquired by a player. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix A) aims to quickly select multiple types of game objects.

[0141] [Appendix A1] In order to solve the above problems, a game system (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (Appendix A1) includes a game field (211) on which a flat first game body (P1) and a flat second game body (P2) having a different shape from the first game body (P1) are placed, a guide unit (40) that causes the first game body (P1) and the second game body (P2) that have fallen from the game field (211) to fall in a vertical posture, and a first sorting unit (50) that is installed on a path along which the first game body (P1) and the second game body (P2) fall under the guidance of the guide unit (40), prevents the first game body (P1) from falling, and allows the second game body (P2) to pass through.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) are selected by the first selection unit (50) in the process of the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) falling in a vertical posture. Therefore, the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) can be selected more quickly than in a form in which the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) are transported in a horizontal direction and then selected. In addition, since the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) are selected in a vertical posture, the possibility that, for example, the second game object (P2) is placed on the first game object (P1) is reduced. Therefore, compared to a mode in which the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) fall in a horizontal orientation, the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) can be selected with high accuracy by the first sorting section (50).

[0143] A "game object" is any object used in a game. The "shape" of a game object refers to the characteristics of the external form of the game object (e.g., the shape defined by the outline). "Different shapes" includes cases where the external forms of the game objects are different, as well as cases where the external forms themselves are similar but the dimensions are different. The first game object (P1) is, for example, a rectangular card, and the second game object (P2) is, for example, a disk-shaped coin (medal).

[0144] "Flat" refers to a shape in which the dimensions in a specific direction (thickness direction) are sufficiently large relative to the dimensions in that direction in an in-plane direction (hereinafter referred to as the "in-plane direction"), and is a concept that includes not only shapes in which the plate thickness is sufficient to maintain the shape on its own, but also flexible sheet or film shapes.

[0145] "Vertical posture" means that the in-plane direction of the game object is closer to the vertical direction than to the horizontal direction. Specifically, the angle between the in-plane direction of the game object and the vertical direction is within 45° (more specifically, within 30°) and corresponds to a "vertical posture."

[0146] The game system (100) is realized by a computer system installed in real space, and also as a virtual object installed in a virtual space realized by computational processing. That is, a service similar to the game system (100) according to the present disclosure is provided by an information device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0147] [Appendix A2] In a specific example (Appendix A2) of Appendix A1, the size of the first game object (P1) is larger than the size of the second game object (P2), and the first sorting unit (50) includes a sorting mechanism (51) having an opening (Ob) of a size smaller than the size of the first game object (P1) and larger than the size of the second game object (P2). In the above embodiment, the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) are sorted according to whether or not they are large enough to pass through the opening (Ob). Therefore, the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) can be sorted with high accuracy by a simple configuration that does not require power.

[0148] The "size" of a gaming body means the outer dimensions of the gaming body. The outer dimensions are the dimensions of the edges (long or short sides) of a virtual rectangle circumscribing the gaming body in a plan view. Specifically, the relationship in which the size of the first gaming body (P1) exceeds the size of the second gaming body (P2) means, for example, a relationship in which the minimum value of the outer dimensions of the first gaming body (P1) exceeds the minimum value of the outer dimensions of the second gaming body (P2), and the maximum value of the outer dimensions of the first gaming body (P1) exceeds the maximum value of the outer dimensions of the second gaming body (P2).

[0149] [Appendix A3] In a specific example (Supplementary Note A3) of Appendix A2, the first sorting section (50) further includes a transport mechanism (60) that transports the first game object (P1) blocked by the sorting mechanism (51) in a direction intersecting the vertical direction toward the discharge opening (164). In the above embodiment, the first game object (P1) blocked by the first sorting section (50) is transported toward the discharge opening (164) by the transport mechanism (60). Therefore, the first game object (P1) can be quickly discharged to the discharge opening (164).

[0150] The "discharge opening (164)" is an opening for discharging a game object so that the player can acquire the game object. "Toward the discharge opening (164)" means a direction in which the game object approaches the discharge opening (164) along a path that the game object moves from the play field (211) to the discharge opening (164).

[0151] [Appendix A4] In a specific example (Appendix A4) of Appendix A3, the sorting mechanism (51) includes a plurality of support members (53) that support the first game object (P1) from below, and the opening (Ob) is formed between the plurality of support members (53). In the above embodiment, the opening (Ob) for sorting the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) can be formed by a simple configuration in which a plurality of support members (53) are installed at intervals from each other.

[0152] [Appendix A5] In a specific example (Appendix A5) of Appendix A4, the sorting mechanism (51) includes a support member (53) that supports the first game body (P1) from below, the transport mechanism (60) includes a pressing member (65) that presses the first game body (P1) supported by the support member (53), and the distance between the support member (53) and the pressing member (65) in the vertical direction is smaller than the minimum value of the outer dimension of the first game body (P1). In the above embodiment, the distance between the support member (53) and the pressing member (65) is smaller than the minimum value of the outer dimension of the first game body (P1). Therefore, for example, even if the first game body (P1) is supported by the support member (53) with its long side facing horizontally, the first game body (P1) can be reliably pressed by the pressing member (65).

[0153] [Appendix A6] In a specific example (Appendix A6) of Appendix A2, the first sorting section (50) includes a transport mechanism (60) that moves the sorting mechanism (51) in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. In the above embodiment, the sorting mechanism (51) is used both for sorting the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) and for transporting the first game object (P1). Therefore, the configuration for sorting and transporting the first game object (P1) can be simplified compared to a configuration in which sorting and transport are achieved by separate mechanisms (sorting mechanism (51), transport mechanism (60)).

[0154] [Appendix A7] In a specific example (Appendix A7) of Appendix A1, the guide section (40) includes a wall member (41) extending along the vertical direction, the first sorting section (50) includes a cylindrical member (55) having a spiral protrusion (56) on its outer peripheral surface facing the lower end of the wall member (41) at a distance, and a drive device (57) for rotating the cylindrical member (55) around a central axis, the second game body (P2) passes between the lower end of the wall member (41) and the outer peripheral surface (551) of the cylindrical member (55), and the first game body (P1) moves in the direction of the central axis by the protrusion (56) while in contact with the outer peripheral surface (551) of the cylindrical member (55). In the above embodiment, the second game object (P2) passes between the lower end of the wall member (41) and the outer circumferential surface (551) of the cylindrical member (55), and the first game object (P1) comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface (551) of the cylindrical member (55), so that the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) are selected. The first game object (P1) is transported in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical member (55) by the spiral protrusion (56). That is, the cylindrical member (55) is used both for selecting the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) and for transporting the first game object (P1). Therefore, the configuration for selecting and transporting the first game object (P1) can be simplified compared to an embodiment in which the selection and transport are realized by separate mechanisms (the selection mechanism (51), the transport mechanism (60)).

[0155] [Appendix A8] In any of the specific examples (Appendix A8) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A7, a third game object (P3) having a shape different from the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) is placed on the game field (211), and a second sorting unit (30) is installed between the game field (211) and the guide unit (40) and selects the third game object (P3). In the above embodiment, in addition to being able to select the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2), the first game object (P1) and the third game object (P3) can also be selected. Therefore, various games using the first game object (P1) to the third game object (P3) can be realized. The second sorting section (30) allows the second game object (P2) and the third game object (P3) to pass through. That is, a part of the second game object (P2) that has fallen from the game field (211) passes through the second sorting section (30), and the remaining part passes through the guide section (40) and reaches the first sorting section (50).

[0156] [Appendix A9] In any of the specific examples (Appendix A9) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A8, a fixed table (21) having the game field (211) and a movable table (22) reciprocating on the game field (211) are included, and the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) placed on the game field (211) are pushed by the movable table (22) to fall from the tip (212) of the game field (211). According to the above embodiment, a game (pusher game) is realized in which the first game object (P1) and the second game object (P2) fall from the game field (211) by the reciprocating movement of the movable table (22).

[0157] [Appendix A10] In the specific example (Appendix A10) of Appendix A9, a movable member (46) is provided at a distance from the tip (212), and a connecting member (47) connects the movable table (22) and the movable member (46), and the movable member (46) reciprocates between a first position (W1) spaced apart from the tip (212) and a second position (W2) closer to the tip (212) than the first position (W1) by linking with the reciprocation of the movable table (22) via the connecting member (47). According to the above embodiment, the first game object (P1) that is maintained in a state protruding from the tip (212) of the game field (211) can be pushed by the movable member (46) to drop from the game field (211). That is, the first game object (P1) that does not fall off the game field (211) even though it sufficiently protrudes from the tip (212) of the game field (211) can be encouraged to fall off the game field (211). Also, since the movable member (46) is connected to the movable table (22) by the connecting member (47), the movable member (46) moves in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the movable table (22). Therefore, the structure of the game system (100) can be simplified compared to a structure in which the movable member (46) is moved by a drive device separate from the drive device that reciprocates the movable table (22).

[0158] [Appendix B] In games using game objects such as game cards, it is required to release multiple game objects from a storage mechanism over a wide area of ​​a game field, for example, for reasons of presentation. However, for example, in a form in which multiple game cards are stored in a storage mechanism in different positions, it is difficult to release multiple game cards vigorously over a wide area. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix B) aims to release multiple game cards vigorously over a wide area of ​​a game field.

[0159] [Appendix B1] In order to solve the above problems, a game system (100) according to one embodiment (Appendix B1) of the present disclosure includes a control unit (13) for controlling the progress of a game, a storage mechanism (70a, 70b) for storing a plurality of game cards (P1), and a supply device (123) for supplying the game cards (P1) to the storage mechanism (70a, 70b) according to the progress of the game, and the storage mechanism (70a, 70b) is controlled to a storage state in which the plurality of game cards (P1) are held in the same position, and a release state in which the plurality of game cards (P1) are released onto a game field (211). In the above embodiment, in the storage state, the plurality of game cards (P1) are stored in the storage mechanism (70a, 70b) in the same position, and in the release state, the plurality of game cards (P1) are released onto the game field (211). Therefore, for example, the plurality of game cards (P1) can be released vigorously over a wide range of the game field (211) as compared with a case where the plurality of game cards (P1) are stored in the storage mechanisms (70a, 70b) in different orientations.

[0160] [Appendix B2] In a specific example (Appendix B2) of Appendix B1, in the storage state, the plurality of game cards (P1) are stored in the storage mechanism (70a, 70b) in a state where they are stacked parallel to each other. In the above embodiment, since the plurality of game cards (P1) are stacked, the storage mechanism (70a, 70b) can be made smaller than, for example, a configuration in which the plurality of game cards (P1) are stored without overlapping.

[0161] [Appendix B3] In a specific example (Appendix B3) of Appendix B2, the storage mechanism (70a, 70b) includes a placement surface (73) on which the multiple game cards (P1) are placed, and in the discharged state, the multiple game cards (P1) are discharged along the placement surface (73) with the placement surface (73) inclined relative to a horizontal plane. In the above embodiment, the multiple game cards (P1) stacked parallel to each other are discharged from the storage mechanism (70a, 70b) along the placement surface (73) inclined relative to a horizontal plane. Therefore, the multiple game cards (P1) can be spread over a wide range by sliding the upper surface of each game card (P1) over other game cards (P1).

[0162] [Appendix B4] In a specific example (additional note B4) of Appendix B3, in the discharged state, the placement surface (73) is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the end closer to the player is lower than the opposite end. According to the above embodiment, it is possible to spread a plurality of game cards (P1) over a wide area up to a position close to the player.

[0163] [Appendix B5] In any of the specific examples (Appendix B5) of Appendix B1 to Appendix B4, the game system further includes a plurality of stations (11) each including the game field (211), and a transport mechanism (124) for transporting the storage mechanisms (70a, 70b) to each of the plurality of stations (11). In the above embodiment, since the storage mechanisms (70a, 70b) are transported to each of the plurality of stations (11), it is not necessary to install the storage mechanisms (70a, 70b) individually for each of the plurality of game fields (211). This simplifies the configuration of the game system (100).

[0164] [Appendix B6] In any of the specific examples (Appendix B6) of Appendix B1 to Appendix B5, the game is a game in which a player acquires a game card (P1), and further includes a bonus device (17) that grants a bonus to the player when the player acquires a predetermined number of game cards (P1). In the above embodiment, a bonus is granted to a player who acquires a predetermined number of game cards (P1). Therefore, an incentive to continue playing the game in order to acquire a predetermined number of game cards (P1) can be given to the player. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 100...game system, 11...station, 12...transport system, 13...control device, 14...storage device, 15...display device, 16...operation unit, 17...prize device, 20...game mechanism, 21...fixed table, 211...game field, 212...tip, 22...movable table, 221...placement surface, 23...fixed wall, 24...insertion mechanism, 25...supply device, 26...supply device, 27...detection device, 28...processing mechanism, 30...sorting section, 31...horizontal shaft section, 32...horizontal shaft section, 33...vertical shaft section, 40...guide section, 41...first wall member, 42...second wall member, 43...third wall member, 46...movable member, 47...connecting member, 50...sorting section, 51...sorting mechanism, 52...fixed plate, 53...support member, 5 5...cylindrical member, 551...outer peripheral surface, 56...projection portion, 57...drive device, 60...transport mechanism, 61...rotating shaft, 62...rotating shaft, 63...annular body, 64...drive device, 65...pressure member, 70...storage mechanism, 70a, 70b...storage mechanism, 71...casing portion, 72...lid portion, 73...mounting surface, 731...groove portion, 74...cart, 90...transport mechanism, 91...inclined surface, 93...opening, 121...moving body, 122...transport path, 123...supply device, 124...transport mechanism, 151...screen, 152...screen, 161...operation device, 162...reception device, 163...dispensing device, 164...discharge port, C...character, Oa, Ob, Oc...opening, P...game body, P1...game card, P2...game medal, P3...game ball.

Claims

1. a game field on which a flat-plate-like first game body and a flat-plate-like second game body having a different shape from the first game body are placed; a guide section that causes the first game object and the second game object that have fallen from the game field to fall in a vertical orientation; a first sorting unit that is installed on a path along which the first game object and the second game object fall under the guidance of the guiding unit, and that prevents the first game object from falling and allows the second game object to pass; A game system comprising:

2. The size of the first gaming object is greater than the size of the second gaming object; The first sorting unit is A sorting mechanism having an opening smaller than the size of the first game object and larger than the size of the second game object. The game system of claim 1.

3. The first sorting unit is The game machine further includes a transport mechanism that transports the first game object blocked by the sorting mechanism toward a discharge port in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The game system of claim 2.

4. The sorting mechanism includes a plurality of support members that support the first game body from below, The opening is formed between the plurality of support members. The game system of claim 3.

5. The sorting mechanism includes a support member that supports the first game body from below, The transport mechanism includes a pressing member that presses the first game body supported by the support member, The distance between the support member and the pressing member in the vertical direction is less than the minimum value of the outer dimension of the first play unit. The game system of claim 4.

6. The first sorting unit is A conveying mechanism that moves the sorting mechanism in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The game system of claim 2.

7. The guide portion includes a wall member extending along the vertical direction, The first sorting unit is a cylindrical member having a spiral protrusion on its outer circumferential surface facing the lower end of the wall member with a gap therebetween; a drive device that rotates the cylindrical member about a central axis, The second play object passes between the lower end of the wall member and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member, The first play object is moved in the direction of the central axis by the protrusion while in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member. The game system of claim 1.

8. A third game object having a shape different from that of the first game object and the second game object is placed on the game field; The game machine further includes a second sorting unit that is installed between the game field and the guide unit and that sorts the third game object. The game system of claim 1.

9. a fixed table having the game field; a movable table that moves back and forth on the game field; The first and second game objects placed on the game field are pushed by the movable table and fall from the tip of the game field. The game system of claim 1.

10. A movable member disposed at a distance from the tip portion; a connecting member connecting the movable table and the movable member, The movable member reciprocates between a first position spaced apart from the tip and a second position closer to the tip than the first position by being linked to the reciprocation of the movable table via the connecting member. The game system of claim 9.

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