Game system, game program, and control method

Abstract

To permit a lending instruction and a deposit instruction of a game value, and a withdrawal instruction even in places other than game facilities.SOLUTION: A game value management system includes: a game value managing device for managing information on a game value that is a physical medium or an electronic medium consumed by a game device, and is deposited in game facilities in which the game device is installed, and for updating the information on the game value based on the depositing or withdrawal of the game value; and a game value management server for receiving update pattern designation information for designating an update patter of the information on the game value managed by the game value managing device via a user terminal. The game value managing device updates the information on the game value without the proviso that the game value is deposited or withdrawn in the game facilities when acquiring the update pattern designation information received by the game value management server or information generated based on the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming value management system, a gaming value management device, a gaming value management server, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] The medals used in medal game machines at game facilities are borrowed from the game facility and cannot be taken out of the game facility. Therefore, after finishing a game, any remaining medals must be deposited at the game facility. Also, as a conventional technique, a game device is disclosed that automatically progresses a game with a pre-specified bet amount for a user even when the user is not playing the game. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a game device that changes the attribute value of an object to be developed without depending on an input instruction from a player, regardless of whether the player is logged in to the game or not. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-19841 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such games, the user does not necessarily need to be near the game device to progress in the game, and therefore there is a demand for enabling users to borrow game media such as medals, i.e., game value, even outside of game facilities, and for game value to be deposited in and withdrawn from accounts at game facilities.

[0005] Some aspects of the present invention aim to provide a gaming value management system, a gaming value management device, a gaming value management server, and a computer program that enable instructions to lend, deposit, and withdraw gaming value to be given outside of gaming facilities.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention aims to provide a gaming value management system, a gaming value management device, a gaming value management server, and a computer program that enable the effects described in the embodiments described below to be achieved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management system that includes a gaming value management device, which is a physical or electronic medium consumed in a gaming device, manages information of gaming value deposited at a gaming facility in which the gaming device is installed and updates the information of the gaming value based on the deposit or withdrawal of the gaming value, and a gaming value management server that receives, via a user terminal, update pattern designation information that specifies an update pattern for the information of the gaming value managed by the gaming value management device, and when the gaming value management device obtains the update pattern designation information received by the gaming value management server or information generated based on that information, updates the information of the gaming value without the condition of the deposit or withdrawal of gaming value at the gaming facility.

[0008] Moreover, one aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management device which has a control unit and a memory unit, is a physical or electronic medium consumed in a gaming device, manages information on gaming value deposited at a gaming facility, and updates the information on gaming value based on the deposit or withdrawal of the gaming value, and when the control unit acquires update pattern designation information via a user terminal which specifies an update pattern for the information on gaming value managed by the device, or when it acquires information generated based on the information, updates the information on gaming value without the condition of the deposit or withdrawal of gaming value at the gaming facility in which the gaming device is installed.

[0009] Also, one aspect of the present invention is a game value management server having a control unit and a memory unit, the control unit receiving update pattern designation information, which is a physical or electronic medium consumed in a game device and which designates an update pattern for information on game value deposited at a game facility in which the game device is installed, via a user terminal different from the game device, and transmitting the update pattern designation information or information generated based on that information to a game value management device which manages the information on the game value.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to function as the gaming value management device or the gaming value management server. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a medal deposit process according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a medal consumption instruction process according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a table showing an example of instruction history information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a table showing an example of medal lending history information according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 11 is a table showing an example of game facility information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a table showing an example of game participation designation information according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a table showing an example of game result information according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of detailed consumption pattern generation rules according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a medal management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an external view of the game device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a touch panel display according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the planar configuration of the game device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer system according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a deposit process by the communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a consumption instruction process performed by the communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 shows an example of a medal consumption instruction screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 shows an example of an autoplay setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 shows a first example of a game result screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 shows a second example of a game result screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device according to the embodiment. [Figure 27] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a consumption instruction process performed by the communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 30] 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a consumption instruction process performed by the communication system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] [Overview of the first embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The communication system 1 according to this embodiment is a system including a device installed in a game facility B. The game facility B is a facility that provides services using a game device 70, and examples of such a facility include a game center and a shopping center having a game corner. The game facility B is equipped with a game device 70 that generates a game result on the condition that a game value is consumed. This game value may be a physical medium such as a medal, a ticket, or a card, or may be an electronic medium such as a point. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the game value corresponds to a medal, and the game device 70 consumes the medal to generate a game result. The medal is managed for each game facility.

[0013] A user, i.e., a game player, can, for example, receive loaned medals in exchange for a predetermined amount of money and insert the loaned medals into game device 70 to play a game. After the user has finished playing, the user can deposit the loaned medals into a medal account at game facility B. A medal account is an account in which a game facility manages medals loaned to each user. When the user revisits game facility B, for example, the user can withdraw the deposited medals from his or her own medal account and play the game.

[0014] Here, the user can use the user terminal 10 to give instructions to lend and deposit medals. The user terminal 10 is a device different from the game device 70, and examples of the user terminal 10 include electronic devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers. The user terminal 10 may be a portable device or a stationary device.

[0015] An overview will be given of medal lending instructions and deposit instructions using the user terminal 10. In the following, the process of issuing a medal lending instruction using the user terminal 10 and depositing the lent medal into a medal account will be referred to as a deposit process. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the medal deposit process. In FIG. 1, the user terminal 10 displays a medal lending screen G1. The medal lending screen G1 is a screen for receiving medals from a specific game facility. Various information related to medal lending is displayed on the medal lending screen G1. Specifically, the medal lending screen G1 displays information such as the name of the game facility B from which the medals are to be lent, the amount of medals to be lent, the amount required to receive the loan, and the payment method in a selectable manner. When a user instructs to lend medals via the medal lending screen G1, the newly lent amount of medals is deposited in the medal account of the user. This allows the user to receive medals and deposit them into the medal account even if he or she is not at game facility B. The above is an overview of the medal deposit process.

[0016] The game device 70 also has a function of performing automatic play. Automatic play is a function of generating game results in the game device 70 without the user performing play operations. Game results include, for example, medals, items, free play, character acquisition status, etc. In automatic play, the user places a bet before the game progresses. The bet contents can specify the amount of medals to bet, the number of bets, the game to bet on, the timing and frequency of consuming medals (timing and frequency of participating in games) (frequency of participating in games), etc. The game device 70 automatically progresses the game while consuming the medals bet by the user.

[0017] Here, the user can place a bet related to the automatic play using the user terminal 10. Hereinafter, the process related to the automatic play using the user terminal 10 will be referred to as a medal consumption instruction process. An overview of betting using the user terminal 10 will be given. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the medal consumption instruction process. In FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 displays a medal consumption instruction screen G2. The medal consumption instruction screen G2 is a screen for instructing the amount of medals to be consumed in the automatic play of the game device 70. The medal consumption instruction screen G2 displays various information related to the bet. Specifically, the medal consumption instruction screen G2 displays information such as the name of the game facility B where the bet is to be made, the amount of medals to be bet, and the automatic play settings in a selectable manner. The game device 70 performs the automatic play while consuming the game value equivalent to the instructed medals. Then, the game device 70 generates a game result as shown in a game result screen G3. This allows the user to perform the automatic play even if he or she is not at the game facility B. The above is an explanation of the outline of the medal consumption instruction process.

[0018] In this way, the communication system 1 allows the information in the medal account to be updated from the user terminal 10. Furthermore, the communication system 1 allows a bet related to automatic play to be placed from the user terminal 10. Therefore, even if the user is not at the game facility B, the user can receive loaned medals and have automatic play performed. It is also possible to use the user terminal 10 to issue an instruction to lend medals and specify the amount of the bet for automatic play without depositing the lent medals in a medal account. In this case, the amount of medals specified on the medal lending screen G1 is consumed by the game device 70 specified on the medal consumption instruction screen G2. The above is a description of the outline of the first embodiment.

[0019] [Configuration of communication system 1] Next, the configuration of the communication system 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 1. As shown in FIG. The communication system 1 includes user terminals 10-1, ..., 10-K, a payment device 20, a server device 30, and various devices installed in game facilities B-1, ..., BL. The various devices included in the communication system 1 are equipped with a computer system 90 as shown in FIG. 17, for example. Hereinafter, the user terminals 10-1, ..., 10-K are collectively referred to as user terminals 10. The game facilities B-1, ..., BL are collectively referred to as game facility B. The user terminals 10 and the server device 30 are communicatively connected by a first network NW1. The payment device 20 and the server device 30 are communicatively connected by a second network NW2. The server device 30 and various devices in the game facility B are communicatively connected by a third network NW3.

[0020] As described above, the user terminal 10 is an electronic device such as a smartphone, etc. The user terminal 10 may be owned by each user. The settlement device 20 is a device that manages electronic currency accounts. The settlement device 20 performs settlement processing using electronic currency or credit cards in response to requests from the server device 30, and updates the information of the electronic currency accounts. The server device 30 is a device that receives medal deposit instructions and consumption instructions from the user terminal 10. The server device 30 functions as a gaming value management server in terms of performing processes for depositing and withdrawing medals. In this respect, the communication system 1 functions as a gaming value management system. Moreover, the server device 30 functions as a game server in terms of receiving bets related to automatic play. In this respect, the communication system 1 functions as a game system. The server device 30 may be provided outside the game facility B or may be provided inside the game facility B.

[0021] In the game facility B, a medal lending machine 40, a medal depositing machine 60, a medal management device 50, and game devices 70-1, ..., 70-M are installed. Hereinafter, the game devices 70-1, ..., 70-M are collectively referred to as game devices 70. The medal management device 50 is communicatively connected to the medal lending machine 40, the medal depositing machine 60, and the game devices 70. Each device in the game facility B can communicate with the server device 30 via the second network NW2. The devices in the game facility B may be connected in any manner. Here, as an example, a case will be described in which the medal management device 50 relays communication between the server device 30 and the game devices 70.

[0022] The medal lending machine 40 is a device that lends medals to users. The medal lending machine 40 lends medals in exchange for money. The money may be physical currency or electronic currency (electronic money). The medal lending machine 40 also pays out medals managed in a medal account to the user. The medal depositing machine 60 is a device that accepts the deposit of medals from users. The medal depositing machine 60 counts the medals deposited by users. The medal depositing machine 60 outputs the user's identification information and information on the amount of deposited medals to the medal management device 50. The medal management device 50 is a device for managing a medal account. As described above, the game device 70 is a device that consumes medals inserted by a user to generate a game result. The game device 70 has a function of performing automatic play. The above is a description of the configuration of the communication system 1.

[0023] [Configuration of user terminal 10] Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 10. As shown in FIG. The user terminal 10 includes a terminal communication unit 11, a terminal input unit 12, a terminal display unit 13, and a terminal control unit 150. The terminal communication unit 11 communicates with the server device 30 . The terminal input unit 12 accepts input from a user. Specifically, the terminal input unit 12 accepts an operation to instruct execution of a medal deposit process, an operation to instruct execution of a medal consumption process, and the like. The terminal input unit 12 also acquires authentication information. As the authentication information, in addition to a code such as a password, biometric information such as a fingerprint pattern, an iris pattern, or a palm vein pattern may be used. The terminal display unit 13 displays various information. Specifically, the terminal display unit 13 displays a medal lending screen G1, a medal consumption instruction screen G2, and the like. The terminal storage unit 14 stores various information used for processing by the terminal control unit 150.

[0024] The terminal control unit 150 controls various components of the user terminal 10. The terminal control unit 150 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) executing a computer program stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 14. The terminal control unit 150 includes an instruction unit 151 and a result notification unit 152 . The instruction unit 151 accepts instructions from a user. The instruction unit 151 causes the terminal display unit 13 to display images such as a medal lending screen G1 and a medal consumption instruction screen G2. The instruction unit 151 acquires information required for generating images such as the medal lending screen G1 and the medal consumption instruction screen G2 from the server device 30. The instruction unit 151 generates information indicating an instruction by the user based on an operation input accepted by the terminal input unit 12. The instruction unit 151 transmits the generated information to the server device 30.

[0025] Here, the instructions from the user include deposit instructions and consumption instructions. A deposit instruction is an instruction to deposit medals into a medal account. The deposit instruction is given, for example, via the medal lending screen G1. The deposit instruction specifies the game facility B that will lend the medals, the amount of medals to be lent, the amount required for lending, the payment method, etc.

[0026] The consumption instruction is an instruction to make the game device 70 execute an automatic play using medals deposited in the medal account. The consumption instruction is given, for example, via the medal consumption instruction screen G2. The consumption instruction instructs the game facility B where medals are consumed (bet), the amount of medals to be consumed (bet), the setting of automatic play, and the like. The consumption instruction may not specify the details of the betting pattern. Specifically, the consumption instruction may not specify the details of the betting amount, the timing of the betting, the type of game to bet, and the frequency of the betting, and may specify, for example, only the guideline of the betting amount. The type of game is a type classified according to the difference in game content and the difference in the generation pattern of the game result. In the present embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the user specifies only the guideline of the betting amount (high risk high return bet, low risk low return bet, etc.), and the details of the bet are set by the server device 30 based on a predetermined rule.

[0027] The deposit instruction and the consumption instruction are examples of update pattern designation information. The update pattern designation information is information that designates an update pattern of medal account information. The consumption instruction is also an example of consumption pattern designation information. The consumption pattern designation information is information that designates a consumption pattern of medals related to automatic play, that is, a betting pattern. In other words, the consumption instruction is also an example of reservation instruction information that instructs in advance to consume medals. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the consumption instruction (consumption pattern designation information) designates only a guideline for the betting amount, such as 30 bets, 50 bets, or random, and the actual betting amount, timing of betting, type of game to bet on, frequency of betting, and other betting details are set by the server device 30.

[0028] The result notification unit 152 acquires the results generated in response to the information transmitted by the instruction unit 151 to the server device 30. The result notification unit 152 displays the acquired results on the terminal display unit 13 to notify the user of the results. The above is a description of the configuration of the user terminal 10.

[0029] [Configuration of server device 30] Next, the configuration of the server device 30 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device 30. As shown in FIG. The server device 30 includes a server first communication unit 31, a server second communication unit 32, a server third communication unit 33, a server storage unit 34, and a server control unit 350. The server first communication unit 31 communicates with the user terminal 10. The server second communication unit 32 communicates with the payment apparatus 20. The server third communication unit 33 communicates with various devices in the game facility B, such as the medal management device 50, for example.

[0030] The server storage unit 34 stores various information used for processing by the server control unit 350 . The server storage unit 34 includes an instruction history information storage unit 341 , a medal lending history information storage unit 342 , a game facility information storage unit 343 , a game participation designation information storage unit 344 , and a game result information storage unit 345 .

[0031] The instruction history information storage unit 341 stores instruction history information. The instruction history information is information indicating the history of instructions (for example, deposit instructions, consumption instructions) for updating the medal amount managed by the medal account. Here, the instruction history information will be described. FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of instruction history information. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the instruction history information IF1 is configured by associating a game facility ID (IDentifier), an account user ID, a number of coins, a deposited number of coins, and an account update instruction date and time with each other.

[0032] The game facility ID is information for identifying the game facility B. The account user ID is information that identifies the medal account of each user. The number of medals is information indicating the amount of medals requested in the consumption instruction. The number of medals to be deposited is information indicating the amount of medals requested in the deposit instruction. The account update instruction date and time is information that indicates the date and time when the instruction was made. The instruction history information IF1 configured as described above indicates that, at the date and time indicated by the account update instruction date and time, an instruction was given to withdraw the number of medals indicated by the Number of Medal Count from the medal account indicated by the account user ID at game facility B indicated by the game facility ID, or an instruction was given to deposit the number of medals indicated by the Deposit Number. This concludes the description of the instruction history information.

[0033] The medal lending history information storage unit 342 stores medal lending history information. The medal lending history information is information that indicates the lending history of a medal. Here, the medal lending history information will be explained. FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of medal lending history information. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the medal lending history information IF2 is configured by associating a game facility ID, an account user ID, the number of medals lent, the lending date and time, and the lending price with each other.

[0034] The number of medals to be lent is information indicating the number of medals that game facility B will lend in response to a deposit instruction. The lending date and time is information indicating the date and time when the deposit instruction was accepted. The loan unit price is information indicating the unit price of medals to be loaned in accordance with a deposit instruction. The medal lending history information IF2 configured as described above indicates that on the date and time indicated by the lending date and time, game facility B indicated by the game facility ID added the number of medals indicated by the lending quantity to the medal account indicated by the account user ID, at the unit price indicated by the lending price. This concludes the explanation of medal lending history information.

[0035] The game facility information storage unit 343 stores game facility information. The game facility information is information that is determined for each game facility B. Here, the game facility information will be explained. FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of game facility information. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the game facility information IF3 is configured by associating a game facility ID, a game facility group ID, a permissible number of coins, a permissible number of times, a permissible number of coins to be deposited, and a permissible number of times to be deposited with each other. The game facility group ID is information for identifying a group of game facilities B. A group of game facilities B is a collection of game facilities B operated by the same company.

[0036] The allowable number is information indicating the number of medals that can be withdrawn by game facility B. The allowable number may describe an upper limit on the number of medals that can be withdrawn in one withdrawal from the medal account, or may describe an upper limit on the total number of medals that can be withdrawn in multiple withdrawals from the medal account. The allowed number of times is information indicating the number of times medals can be withdrawn that is permitted by the game facility B. In the allowed number of times, for example, an upper limit on the number of withdrawals that is newly counted from the previous time the game device 70 was played is described.

[0037] The deposit limit is information indicating the number of medals that can be deposited by game facility B. The deposit limit may describe the upper limit of the number of medals that can be deposited at one time into the medal account, or may describe the upper limit of the total number of medals that can be deposited multiple times into the medal account. The allowable number of deposits is information indicating the number of times medals can be deposited that is allowable at game facility B. In the allowable number of deposits, for example, the allowable number of deposits that is newly counted from the last time the game device 70 was played is described.

[0038] The game facility information IF3 configured as described above indicates that the game facility B indicated by the game facility ID belongs to the group indicated by the game facility group ID. The game facility information IF3 also indicates that the game facility B indicated by the game facility ID allows the withdrawal of the number of medals indicated by the allowed number and the number of times indicated by the allowed number of times. The game facility information IF3 also indicates that the game facility B indicated by the game facility ID allows the deposit of the number of medals indicated by the allowed deposit number and the number of times indicated by the allowed number of times of deposit. This concludes the explanation of game facility information.

[0039] The game participation designation information storage unit 344 stores game participation designation information. The game participation designation information is information indicating a history of instructions (consumption instructions) to participate in automatic play instructed via the user terminal 10. Here, the game participation designation information will be explained. FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of the game participation designation information. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the game participation designation information IF4 is configured by associating a game facility ID, a game device ID, a player ID, a set number of participations, and a remaining number of participations with each other.

[0040] The game device ID is information for identifying the game device 70 . The player ID is information that identifies a user. The set number of participations is information indicating the number of automatic plays, that is, the number of times the game device 70 generates a game result through automatic play. The remaining number of participations is information indicating the remaining number of automatic plays.

[0041] The game participation designation information IF4 configured as described above indicates that the user indicated by the player ID has instructed the game device 70 indicated by the game device ID located in the game facility B indicated by the game facility ID to perform automatic play. The game participation designation information IF4 also indicates that automatic play is set to be performed the number of times indicated by the set number of participations, and that the number of automatic plays remaining is indicated by the remaining number of participations. This concludes the explanation of the game participation designation information.

[0042] The game result information storage unit 345 stores game result information. The game result information is information indicating a game result generated by the game device 70 in response to an instruction to participate in automatic play given via the user terminal 10. FIG. 10 is a table showing an example of game result information. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the game result information IF5 is information that is configured by associating a game facility ID, a game device ID, a player ID, a game participation date and time, and game result details with each other. The game participation date and time is information indicating the date and time when automatic play was performed. The game result content is information that indicates the content of the game result generated by automatic play. The game result content may describe the entire content of the game result, or may describe only a part of the content. The game result information configured as described above indicates that the game device 70 indicated by the game device ID, which is installed in the game facility B indicated by the game facility ID, performed automatic play for the user indicated by the player ID at the date and time indicated by the game participation date and time, and that this automatic play generated a game result whose content is indicated by the game result content. This concludes the explanation of the game result information.

[0043] The configuration of the server device 30 will be further explained. The server control unit 350 controls various components of the server device 30. The server control unit 350 is realized by, for example, causing a CPU to execute a computer program stored in advance in the server storage unit . The server control unit 350 includes an information presentation unit 351, a payment information control unit 352, a medal information control unit 353, and a game information control unit 354.

[0044] The information presenting unit 351 transmits various information to the user terminal 10. For example, the information presenting unit 351 transmits information required to generate a medal lending screen G1 and a medal consumption instruction screen G2 in response to a request from the user terminal 10. Specifically, the information presenting unit 351 may refer to game facility information and notify the medal lending price in order to generate the medal lending screen G1. The payment information control unit 352 controls payment information based on a deposit instruction via the user terminal 10. When the payment information control unit 352 accepts a deposit instruction from the user terminal 10, it requests the payment device 20 to make a payment of the amount specified in the deposit instruction by a specified payment method.

[0045] The medal information control unit 353 executes a process of updating medal account information based on update pattern designation information acquired from the user terminal 10, that is, a deposit instruction and a consumption instruction. First, the update of medal account information based on a deposit instruction will be described. When the medal information control unit 353 receives a deposit instruction from the user terminal 10, it judges whether or not to accept the received deposit instruction based on a predetermined deposit acceptance condition. When the medal information control unit 353 accepts the deposit instruction, it stores instruction history information corresponding to the deposit instruction in the instruction history information storage unit 341. In addition, the medal information control unit 353 requests the medal management device 50 to add the number of medals specified in the deposit instruction to the balance of the specified medal account. Then, the medal information control unit 353 stores medal lending history information corresponding to the deposit instruction in the medal lending history information storage unit 342.

[0046] Next, the update of information in a medal account based on a consumption instruction will be described. When the medal information control unit 353 receives a consumption instruction from the user terminal 10, it determines whether or not to accept the received consumption instruction based on a predetermined consumption acceptance condition. When the medal information control unit 353 accepts a consumption instruction, it stores instruction history information corresponding to the consumption instruction in the instruction history information storage unit 341. In addition, the medal information control unit 353 requests the medal management device 50 to subtract medals from a specified medal account in response to the consumption instruction.

[0047] Here, as described above, in this embodiment, the consumption pattern designation information designates only the guideline of the bet amount for the consumption pattern. Therefore, the medal information control unit 353 generates detailed consumption pattern designation information corresponding to each guideline (consumption pattern) based on the detailed consumption pattern generation rules. The detailed consumption pattern designation information is information indicating details of the consumption pattern such as the actual bet amount, the timing of the bet, the type of game to bet on, and the frequency of the bet. The detailed consumption pattern designation information may include information such as the medal account ID, the number of medals, and the lending date and time. The medal information control unit 353 transmits the detailed consumption pattern designation information to the medal management device 50 and requests the medal management device 50 to subtract medals from the specified medal account in the pattern indicated by the detailed consumption pattern designation information. When the medal information control unit 353 receives a completion notice from the medal management device 50 indicating that the subtraction of medals corresponding to the consumption instruction has been completed, the medal information control unit 353 updates the game participation designation information and stores it in the game participation designation information storage unit 344.

[0048] The detailed consumption pattern generation rules are stored in advance, for example, in the server storage unit 34. Any rules may be adopted as the detailed consumption pattern generation rules. In the detailed consumption pattern generation rules, for example, the target betting amount and the detailed consumption pattern (actual betting amount, betting timing, type of game to bet on, betting frequency, etc.) may be individually associated with each other, or the value of each item may be determined using any function.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of detailed consumption pattern generation rules. For example, if 50 medals are specified as consumption pattern designation information to be consumed in automatic play, the detailed consumption pattern designation information determines the number of times 50 medals are bet to be "1 time" and the number of times 10 medals are bet to be "0 times." In addition, if 1000 medals are specified as consumption pattern designation information to be consumed in automatic play, the number of times 100 medals are bet to be "10 times" and the number of times 50 medals and 10 medals are bet to be "0 times."

[0050] If a fractional portion of medals is allocated, the fractional portion may be added to the amount of any one of the bets. For example, if the remaining medals are "82", 0 100 bets, 1 50 bet, and 3 10 bets are allocated, but since a fractional portion of "2" occurs, it may be added to one of the three 10 bets to make it a 12 bet. For example, if the number of remaining medals is "156," then the allocation will be one 100 bet, one 50 bet, and zero 10 bets. However, since there will be a remainder of "6," this can be added to the one 50 bet to make a total of 56 bets.

[0051] The game information control unit 354 controls the updating of the game information based on consumption pattern designation information, i.e., consumption instructions, acquired from the user terminal 10. The game information is information related to the execution of a game, and includes, for example, game participation designation information, game result information, consumption pattern designation information, detailed consumption pattern designation information, and the like. The game information control unit 354 may perform all or part of the processing performed by the medal information control unit 353 when the medal information control unit 353 receives a consumption instruction.

[0052] The game information control unit 354 acquires play information from the game device 70. The play information is information about the result of automatic play. The play information includes a game facility ID, a game device ID, a player ID, a game participation date and time, a game result, and the like. The game information control unit 354 updates the game participation designation information stored in the game participation designation information storage unit 344 based on the play information. Specifically, when automatic play is executed in the game device 70, the number of completed games is subtracted from the remaining number of participations in the game participation designation information. The game information control unit 354 also generates game result information based on the play information, and stores the generated game result information in the game result information storage unit 345. For example, in response to a request from the user terminal 10, the game information control unit 354 reads game result information from the game result information storage unit 345 or reads the game participation designation information from the game participation designation information storage unit 344, and transmits the necessary information to the user terminal 10. The configuration of the server device 30 has been described above.

[0053] [Configuration of the medal management device 50] Next, the configuration of the medal management device 50 will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the medal management device 50. As shown in FIG. The medal management device 50 includes a management device first communication unit 51, a management device second communication unit 52, a management device storage unit 53, and a management device control unit 540. The management device first communication unit 51 communicates with the server device 30. The management device second communication unit 52 communicates with other devices in the game facility B. Specifically, the management device second communication unit 52 communicates with the medal lending machine 40, the medal depositing machine 60, and the game devices 70. The management device storage unit 53 stores various information used for processing by the management device control unit 540 . The management device storage unit 53 includes a medal account information storage unit 531 . The medal account information storage unit 531 stores medal account information. The medal account information includes information such as a player ID, an account balance, and an update history of the account balance.

[0054] The management device control unit 540 controls various components of the medal management device 50. The management device control unit 540 is realized by, for example, the CPU executing a computer program stored in advance in the management device storage unit 53. The management device control unit 540 includes a medal account management unit 541 . The medal account management unit 541 manages medal account information. The medal account management unit 541 adds a specified number of medals to the balance of the medal account in response to a request from the server device 30. Also, the medal account management unit 541 subtracts a specified number of medals from the balance of the medal account in response to a request from the server device 30.

[0055] Furthermore, when the medal lending machine 40 accepts a medal lending operation from a user, the medal account management unit 541 accepts the request from the medal lending machine 40 and subtracts the specified number of medals from the balance of the medal account. When the medal lending machine 40 completes the process of subtracting the medals from the medal account, it pays out the medals to the user. Furthermore, when a user deposits medals at the medal deposit machine 60, the medal account management unit 541 accepts the medal deposit request from the medal deposit machine 60 and adds the specified number of medals to the balance in the medal account. When the medal deposit process is completed, the medal deposit machine 60 notifies the user of the completion. The above is an explanation of the configuration of the medal management device 50.

[0056] [Configuration of the game device 70] Next, the configuration of the game device 70 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device 70. The game device 70 includes a game device communication unit 71, a common output unit 72, a game device storage unit 73, a game device control unit 740, and stations ST-1, ..., ST-N (N is a positive integer). Hereinafter, the stations ST-1, ..., ST-N are collectively referred to as stations ST. The game device communication unit 71 communicates with the server device 30 and the medal management device 50. The common output unit 72 outputs common information to each station ST. The game device storage unit 73 stores various information to be used in the processing of the game device control unit 740 .

[0057] The game device control unit 740 controls various components of the game device 70. The game device control unit 740 is realized, for example, by the CPU executing a computer program previously stored in the game device storage unit 73. The game device control unit 740 may execute a game common to each station ST. The game device control unit 740 causes the station ST to execute automatic play based on game participation designation information stored in the game participation designation information storage unit 344 of the server device 30. In addition, the game information control unit 354 acquires play information from the station ST and transmits the acquired play information to the server device 30.

[0058] The station ST includes a station input unit 75, a station output unit 76, a station memory unit 77, and a station control unit 780. The station input unit 75 accepts instructions from the user. Specifically, the station input unit 75 accepts a play operation, an automatic play setting operation, etc. The station input unit 75 also acquires authentication information. The station output unit 76 displays the game screen and reproduces the game sound. The station storage unit 77 stores various information to be used for processing by the station control unit 780 .

[0059] The station control unit 780 controls various components of the station ST. The station control unit 780 is realized by, for example, a CPU executing a computer program stored in advance in the station storage unit 77. The game executing unit 781 consumes medals to progress the game. The game executed by the game executing unit 781 is a non-automatic play game in which the progress of the game is affected by play operations. The game executing unit 781 stores information on the game result generated for each user, information on the progress of the game, etc., as play information in the play information storage unit 761. In addition, the game executing unit 781 transmits the play information to the server device 30 at a predetermined timing, for example, at the end of play.

[0060] The automatic play control unit 782 consumes medals to progress the game. The game executed by the automatic play control unit 782 is an automatic play game that progresses without the user performing a play operation. The automatic play control unit 782 may start automatic play in response to a consumption instruction from the user terminal 10, or in response to a user operation on the station input unit 75. The automatic play control unit 782 may start automatic play in response to an automatic play request made by the server device 30, or may refer to the remaining number of participations in the game participation designation information managed by the server device 30 at a predetermined timing to determine whether to execute the game by automatic play.

[0061] The autoplay game may be the same as or different from the game normally executed by the game device 70. The autoplay game may also be a game common to each station ST that is participated in from each station ST. For example, when performing autoplay in a game that requires play operations, such as those normally executed by the game device 70, the autoplay control unit 782 may have a function of inputting play operations without requesting the user. In this case, the autoplay control unit 782 may simulate a pattern of play operations by the user.

[0062] The auto play control unit 782 executes auto play in order of relatively high bet amount, for example. For example, when 10 bets of 100, 3 bets of 50, and 3 bets of 10 are specified, the auto play control unit 782 executes auto play in the order of 100 bets (10 times), 50 bets (3 times), and 10 bets (3 times). However, the order in which auto play is executed may be in order of relatively low bet amount, or may be determined regardless of the bet amount.

[0063] The auto-play control unit 782 stores information generated for each user related to the game result, information related to the progress of the game, etc. as play information in the play information storage unit 761. The auto-play control unit 782 also transmits play information to the server device 30 at predetermined times, such as when each game ends, when a predetermined amount of time has passed since the start of the game, when an achievement is made in the game, etc. This allows game result information to be accumulated in the server device 30, and the server device 30 can notify the user terminal 10 of the game result of the auto-play and the progress of the auto-play.

[0064] Note that automatic play may be stopped by a user instruction or the like before all automatic plays specified in the game participation specification information are completed. When the station ST of the game device 70 accepts the cancellation of automatic play, the station ST of the game device 70 may perform a process of adding the amount of medals that were not consumed to the credits. Also, when the user terminal 10 accepts the cancellation of automatic play, the server device 30 may notify the medal management device 50 of the amount of medals that were not consumed, and the medal management device 50 may perform a process of adding the specified amount of medals to the corresponding medal account. The game executed by the game executing unit 781 and the automatic play control unit 782 may be any game. In the following, as an example, a case where a roulette game is adopted as the game will be described. As the game, for example, a roulette game, a pusher game, a capture game, a shooting game, a sports game, a slot game, a competition game, a placement game, a battle game, a quiz game, a memory game, or a card game may be adopted.

[0065] A roulette game is, for example, a game in which a ball is thrown into a rotating disk having multiple pockets, and the game progresses by using information on the attributes (number, color, etc.) of the pocket into which the ball falls. A pusher game is, for example, a game in which a game medium is thrown into a cabinet in which a push plate and game media are arranged, and the game medium that is pushed out by the push plate and falls into a winning hole is acquired. A capture game is, for example, a game in which a target object displayed as a target is caught. A shooting game is, for example, a game in which a target object is shot down. A sports game is a game imitating a sport such as hitting a target object with a bat, racket, etc. A slot game is, for example, a game in which a reward is awarded based on a combination of symbols that are stopped by performing an operation to stop each of multiple rotating reels. A competitive game is, for example, a placement game, for example, a battle game, for example, a quiz game, for example, a memory game, for example, a card game, for example, a competitive game is, for example, a game in which a specific competitive object (car, horse, etc.) is operated to compete for ranking. A placement game is, for example, a game that requires an operation to adjust the position and inclination of multiple objects (blocks, etc.). A battle game is, for example, a game in which a player competes against an opponent by attacking or defending. A quiz game is, for example, a game that tests knowledge, calculation ability, ability to grasp shapes, etc. A memory game is, for example, a game that tests the memory of information temporarily presented to the player. A card game is, for example, a game that requires strategy, such as selecting and discarding cards.

[0066] Next, the hardware configuration of the game device 70 will be described. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the game device 70. Fig. 16 is a plan view of the game device 70 viewed from the ceiling direction. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the game device 70 includes eight stations ST (N=8). Although hidden and not shown in Fig. 14, a projector 721 and a camera 722 are attached to a ceiling 79 of the game device 70. The projector 721 projects an image onto a display surface 723, and the camera 722 captures an image of a local lottery machine 724 from the direction of the ceiling. The local lottery machine 724 is a device having a physical lottery mechanism, for example, a roulette type lottery mechanism. The camera 722 captures the lottery situation of the local lottery machine 724.

[0067] The eight touch panel displays 751 are arranged radially in a plan view with the display surface 723 and the local lottery machine 724 at the approximate center. The touch panel display 751 is a combination of a touch panel that accepts touch operations by the player's finger or the like, and a flat display that displays images. 14, the user P operates the touch panel display 751. Therefore, the user P can look at the local lottery machine 724 and the display surface 723 beyond the touch panel display 751 while operating the touch panel display 751.

[0068] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing two touch panel displays 751 partially extracted from FIG. The operation surface (display surface) of the touch panel display 751 has a shape formed by connecting a circle on the back side and a rectangle on the front side when viewed from the user P. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, in the circular portion, numbers and the like are superimposed on an image showing the roulette wheel, while in the rectangular portion, the results of a bingo game using the roulette are displayed.

[0069] Further, near the touch panel display 751, a card reader 752 for reading data from a card and an insertion slot 753 for inserting medals are provided. Information about the user P is written on the card from which data is read by the card reader 752. Examples of the information about the user P include a player ID, information about medals available in the game, and a game play history. It is not necessary to store all the information about the user P on the card, and information about the user P may be additionally stored in a device that can communicate with the game device 70 (for example, a server device that exists on the same local network as the game device 70, or a server device 30 connected via the Internet). For example, the medal information and the play history information may be stored in a dedicated server device in association with the player ID. The game medium inserted into the insertion slot 753 may be money (paper money, coins), token coins, redemption tickets, etc., in addition to medals. The medals inserted into the insertion slot 753 are stored in the game device 70. User P can participate in the game by holding a card over card reader 752 or inserting medals into insertion slot 753, causing game device 70 to store medal information, and consuming the required amount of medals. The above is a description of the configuration of the game device 70.

[0070] [Configuration of Computer System 90] Next, the configuration of a computer system 90 that can be installed in various devices of the communication system 1 will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer system 90. As shown in FIG. The computer system 90 includes a CPU 90, a communication unit 92, an input unit 93, a display unit 94, an audio output unit 95, and a storage unit 96. These components are connected by, for example, a bus. The CPU 91 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 96 and controls each unit of the computer system 90 . The memory unit 96 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc., and stores various information, programs, etc. processed by the computer system 90.

[0071] The communication unit 92 includes, for example, a plurality of Ethernet ports and a plurality of digital input / output ports such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), and communicates with other devices via a network. The communication unit 92 also includes an RFID reader and writer. The input unit 93 includes various input devices such as a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, mechanical buttons, etc. The input unit 93 may be integrated with the display unit 94 as a touch panel including a sensor for detecting contact with a user's finger or a stylus pen. The input unit 93 also includes a device such as an imaging unit for acquiring biometric information such as a fingerprint image. The display unit 94 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display panel, a projector, a light emitting diode, and the like. The audio output unit 95 includes, for example, a speaker. The above is a description of the configuration of computer system 90.

[0072] [Operation of communication system 1: Deposit processing] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the communication system 1. First, a description will be given of the operation of the communication system 1 in the deposit process. FIG. 18 is a sequence chart showing the flow of a deposit process by the communication system 1. (Step S100) The user terminal 10 generates a deposit instruction in response to an operation on the medal lending screen G1 by the user. The user terminal 10 transmits the received deposit instruction, i.e., update pattern designation information, to the server device 30. In other words, the user terminal 10 reserves the lending and deposit of medals. After that, the communication system 1 advances the process to step S300.

[0073] (Step S300) The server device 30 determines whether to accept the deposit instruction received from the user terminal 10. Specifically, the server device 30 determines whether the deposit instruction satisfies the deposit acceptance conditions. If the deposit acceptance conditions are not met (Step S300; NO), the server device 30 does not accept the deposit instruction. Then, the communication system 1 proceeds to step S302. If the deposit acceptance conditions are met (Step S300; YES), the server device 30 accepts the deposit instruction. Then, the communication system 1 proceeds to step S304.

[0074] In addition, in the case where information managed by another device is necessary in this judgment process, the server device 30 may acquire information necessary for the judgment from the other device, or may request the judgment process from the other device and acquire the result. For example, when the authentication information acquired by the user terminal 10 is compared with the authentication information acquired by the game device 70 to make a judgment, the server device 30 may acquire authentication information from each device. Also, for example, when medal account information is used for the judgment, the server device 30 may acquire medal account information from the medal management device 50 and make a judgment, or may request the medal management device 50 to make a judgment. When requesting the medal management device 50 to make a judgment, the medal management device 50 makes a judgment and responds with the judgment result to the server device 30. In this way, the server device 30 may determine whether or not to accept a deposit instruction based on information generated based on the information necessary for the judgment (for example, the judgment result).

[0075] (Step S302) Server device 30 notifies user terminal 10 of the refusal to accept the deposit instruction. After that, communication system 1 advances the process to step S102. (Step S304) The server device 30 executes a settlement process with the settlement device 20 for the payment for lending out the medals. Then, the server device 30 transmits update pattern designation information to the medal management device 50. That is, the server device 30 requests the medal management device 50 to add the amount of medals designated by the update pattern designation information to the medal account of the corresponding user (deposit request). After that, the communication system 1 proceeds to the process of step S500.

[0076] (Step S500) When the medal management device 50 receives a deposit request from the server device 30, it updates the medal account information in accordance with the request. Therefore, the medal management device 50 updates the medal account information in response to a request from outside game facility B. In other words, the medal management device 50 updates the medal account information without being conditional on the deposit operation being performed at game facility B. After that, the communication system 1 proceeds to process step S502. In addition, if the user does not have a medal account, the medal account information of the user may be newly generated. In other words, the update of the medal account information in this embodiment includes changing the content of the information and generating new information.

[0077] (Step S502) The medal management device 50 notifies the user terminal 10 that the update of the medal account information has been completed via the server device 30. After that, the communication system 1 advances the process to step S102. (Step S102) The user terminal 10 notifies the result of the processing for the deposit instruction. Then, the communication system 1 ends the processing shown in FIG. This concludes the description of the operation of the communication system 1 in the deposit process.

[0078] [Operation of communication system 1: Consumption instruction processing] Next, the operation of the communication system 1 in the consumption instruction process will be described. FIG. 19 is a sequence chart showing the flow of consumption instruction processing by the communication system 1. As shown in FIG. (Step S120) The user terminal 10 generates a consumption instruction in response to an operation on the medal screen G2 by the user. The user terminal 10 transmits the accepted consumption instruction to the server device 30. This consumption instruction corresponds to update pattern designation information and consumption pattern designation information. In other words, the user terminal 10 reserves the withdrawal of medals from the medal account and the execution of an automatic play. After that, the communication system 1 proceeds to the process of step S320.

[0079] Here, the user terminal 10 may generate consumption instructions or deposit instructions based on any operation other than the medal consumption instruction screen G2. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the medal consumption instruction screen. The medal consumption instruction screen G4 shown in Fig. 20 is provided with a button for setting the amount of bet per play, and the user can select the amount of bet and the number of automatic plays, i.e., the number of times to generate a game result. In addition, an automatic input button is separately provided, and the server device 30 can set the amount of bet and the number of automatic plays. The automatic input button may be set to bet all or a part of the medal account balance, for example.

[0080] In addition, the medal consumption instruction screen G4 displays the time (estimated end time) when all the bet medals are expected to be consumed according to the bet amount and the number of plays. It is convenient for the user to know the expected end time when giving a consumption instruction. 11, if the time required for one game is "0.33" (unit: hour (h)), when 10 bets of 100, 3 bets of 50, and 3 bets of 10 are specified, a total of 16 games will be played, so the expected completion time will be "5.3". In this way, the server device 30 may calculate the expected completion time of the automatic play corresponding to the consumption instruction and notify the user terminal 10.

[0081] In this example, the time required for one game is estimated as a fixed time, but this is not limiting. For example, it is possible to calculate the probability that the game device 70 will be available based on the operation status of the game device 70 (such as the ratio of time played per unit time), and to change the expected end time based on the probability. In this case, when the operation status of the game device 70 is high, the expected end time becomes relatively long. In contrast, when the operation status of each station is low, the expected end time becomes relatively short. The user terminal 10 may generate a consumption instruction based on an operation on such a medal consumption instruction screen G4.

[0082] Furthermore, the user terminal 10 may accept settings relating to automatic play in addition to a bet in the consumption instruction. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the automatic play setting screen. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the automatic play setting screen G5 displays characters in a selectable manner. The user can simultaneously execute automatic play on different game devices 70 for the number of characters. In addition, parameters that affect the progress of automatic play may be set for the characters. In addition, parameters that change when a predetermined condition is satisfied, such as the bet amount, the number of automatic plays, and the game result, may be set for the characters. These parameters may be visual, such as the color and pattern of the character. Specifically, when automatic play is instructed, the color, pattern, etc. of the character may change as the bet amount or number of bets increases, or the selectable colors, patterns, etc. for the character may increase.

[0083] (Step S320) The server device 30 determines whether to accept the received consumption instruction. Specifically, the server device 30 determines whether the consumption instruction satisfies the consumption acceptance conditions. If the consumption acceptance conditions are not met (Step S320; NO), the server device 30 does not accept the consumption instruction. Then, the communications system 1 advances the process to step S322. If the consumption acceptance conditions are met (Step S320; YES), the server device 30 accepts the consumption instruction. Then, the communications system 1 advances the process to step S324.

[0084] In addition, in this judgment process, if information managed by another device is necessary, the information necessary for the judgment may be obtained from the other device, or the judgment process may be requested from the other device and the result obtained. For example, when medal account information is used for the judgment, the server device 30 may obtain the medal account information from the medal management device 50 and make the judgment, or may request the medal management device 50 to make a judgment. When a judgment is requested from the medal management device 50, the medal management device 50 makes the judgment and returns the judgment result to the server device 30. In this way, the server device 30 may judge whether or not to accept the consumption instruction based on information generated based on the information necessary for the judgment (for example, the judgment result).

[0085] (Step S322) The server device 30 notifies the user terminal 10 of the refusal to accept the consumption instruction. After that, the communication system 1 advances the process to step S122. (Step S324) The server device 30 generates detailed consumption pattern designation information based on the accepted consumption instruction. After that, the communication system 1 advances the process to step S326.

[0086] (Step S326) The server device 30 transmits the detailed consumption pattern designation information to the medal management device 50. Then, the server device 30 requests the medal management device 50 to subtract the amount of medals set by the detailed consumption pattern designation information from the medal account (consumption request). The server device 30 also updates the game participation designation information stored in the game participation designation information storage unit 344 in accordance with the detailed consumption pattern designation information. Specifically, it performs a process of adding the number of times to participate in each game in which 10 bets, 50 bets, and 100 bets of medals are consumed, and the remaining number of times to participate in each game. After that, the communication system 1 proceeds to the process of step S520.

[0087] (Step S520) When the medal management device 50 receives a consumption request from the server device 30, it updates the medal account information in accordance with the request. Therefore, the medal management device 50 updates the medal account information in response to a request from outside game facility B. In other words, the medal management device 50 updates the medal account information without being conditional on a withdrawal operation being performed at game facility B. After that, the communication system 1 proceeds to process step S522. (Step S522) The medal management device 50 notifies the user terminal 10 via the server device 30 that the medals in the medal account have been subtracted. That is, the medal management device 50 notifies the update of the medal account. After that, the communication system 1 advances the process to step S722.

[0088] (Step S722) The game device 70 acquires game participation designation information related to the game device itself stored in the server device 30 at a predetermined timing, and executes automatic play of each game based on the information. Then, the game device 70 generates play information including game results. After that, the communication system 1 advances the process to step S724. The game device 70 may execute the automatic play process in response to an automatic play request from the server device 30.

[0089] (Step S724) The game device 70 notifies the server device 30 of the play information (game result). Thereafter, the communication system 1 proceeds to the process of step S122 and step S726. The server device 30 updates the game participation designation information stored in the game participation designation information storage unit 344 and the game result information stored in the game result information storage unit 345 based on the acquired play information. Specifically, when automatic play of each game is executed in the game device 70, the server device 30 performs a process of subtracting the remaining number of participations in each game.

[0090] (Step S726) The game device 70 notifies the user of the game result of the automatic play the next time the user logs in. Then, the communication system 1 ends the process shown in FIG. (Step S122) The user terminal 10 notifies the user of the processing result for the consumption instruction. Here, the processing result is whether or not the consumption instruction has been accepted, the game result (play information) of the automatic play executed when the instruction has been accepted, etc. Then, the communication system 1 ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0091] Here, the play information that can be confirmed on the user terminal 10 by the processing of step S122 and the play information that can be confirmed on the game device 70 by the processing of step S123 may be the same as or different from each other. 22 and 23 are diagrams showing examples of different game result screens. The game result screen G3 shown in Fig. 22 is an enlarged example of the screen shown in Fig. 2, and is a screen displayed on, for example, the game device 70. The game result screen G6 shown in Fig. 23 is a screen displayed on the user terminal 10. The game result screen G3 of the game device 70 displays details such as the ranking in the game participated in by automatic play, the type of game ("JACKPOT CHANCE", "Last JACKPOT CHANCE", etc.), the date and time of the game, and specific details of the game reward (acquired items, number of medals).

[0092] In contrast, the game result screen G6 of the user terminal 10 displays only the number of items acquired as rewards for the game, and does not display details such as the number of medals acquired. Instead, the character changes its movement and expression to reflect the game result. Specifically, if the game result is relatively good, a character with a lively pose is displayed, and if the game result is relatively good, a character with a dejected pose is displayed. In this way, the user terminal 10 can motivate the user to visit game facility B by notifying only an overview of the game result while concealing some of the details and not displaying the details.

[0093] The user terminal 10 may display any information other than the above. For example, the user terminal 10 may display information on the settings of the automatic play, such as the date and time when the consumption instruction was made, the name of the game facility B where the automatic play was executed, and the set bet amount and number of times of the automatic play, as well as information on the progress of the automatic play, such as the bet amount and number of times of the automatic play that has been completed, the bet amount and number of times of the automatic play that has not yet been completed, the number and grade of rewards acquired so far, and the expected end time.

[0094] Here, a case has been described in which automatic play is possible on the game device 70 on the condition that the medal account information is updated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Automatic play may also be possible on the game device 70 on the condition that electronic money is consumed. In this case, in the process of step S320, an amount corresponding to the amount of medals is settled with electronic money.

[0095] The medal account information stored in the medal account information storage unit 531 may be mirrored in the server device 30, and the update of the medal account information may be temporarily performed by the server device 30. Then, the server device 30 may notify the medal management device 50 of the update contents of the medal account information, and cause the update to be reflected. The above is a description of the operation of the communication system 1.

[0096] [Deposit acceptance conditions, consumption acceptance conditions] Next, specific examples of the deposit acceptance conditions and consumption acceptance conditions related to the processing of steps SS300 and SS320 will be described. The deposit acceptance conditions may be set using the update status of the medal account. In this case, for example, the following conditions 1-1 to 1-3 may be adopted. (Condition 1-1) The number of updates to medal account information must be within a specified number of times. As a result, the server device 30 rejects the deposit instruction if the number of updates to the medal account information is greater than a predetermined number. Therefore, the communication system 1 can restrict updates to the medal account from the user terminal 10, improving security. The number of times the medal account has been updated may be reset by operating the medal lending machine 40 or the medal deposit machine 60 to update the medal account information.

[0097] (Condition 1-2) It must be within a specified time from the date and time of the last update of the medal account information. As a result, the server device 30 rejects the deposit instruction if a predetermined time has passed since the last update date and time of the medal account information. Therefore, the communication system 1 can restrict updates of the medal account from the user terminal 10, thereby improving security.

[0098] (Condition 1-3) The amount of deposited medals must be within the specified upper and lower limits. As a result, the server device 30 rejects the deposit instruction when the medal deposit amount is outside the upper or lower limit. Therefore, the communication system 1 can restrict updates to the medal account from the user terminal 10, improving security.

[0099] The consumption acceptance condition may be set based on the execution status of the automatic play. In this case, for example, the following conditions 2-1 to 2-5 may be adopted. (Condition 2-1) The number of automatic plays must be within a specified number. Here, the number of automatic plays may be the number of games that have ended due to automatic play, or may be the number of times that an instruction to start automatic play has been issued, such as the number of consumption instructions. As a result, the server device 30 rejects the consumption instruction if the number of automatic plays is greater than a predetermined number. In this case, the user cannot repeatedly perform only automatic play. Therefore, the user needs to play on the game device 70 in order to perform automatic play. Therefore, the communication system 1 can motivate the user to visit the game facility B. The number of auto-plays may be reset by playing the game on the game device 70.

[0100] (Condition 2-2) It must be within a specified time from the date and time of the previous automatic play. Here, the date and time of the previous automatic play is the date and time when the user last instructed automatic play, or the date and time when the game device 70 last played a game through automatic play. As a result, the server device 30 rejects the consumption instruction if a predetermined time has elapsed since the date and time of the previous automatic play. Therefore, in order to perform automatic play, the user needs to play on the game device 70 periodically. Therefore, the communication system 1 can motivate the user to visit the game facility B.

[0101] (Condition 2-3) The bet amount must be within the specified upper and lower limits. As a result, the server device 30 rejects the consumption instruction if the bet amount is outside the upper or lower limit. Therefore, for example, if a lower limit is set for the bet amount, consumption of medals through automatic play can be promoted. Also, for example, if an upper limit is set for the bet amount, the risk of excessive medals being consumed through automatic play can be reduced.

[0102] (Condition 2-4) At game facility B, the game device 70 is directly operated to start automatic play. As a result, when the user has not started automatic play on the game device 70, the server device 30 rejects a consumption instruction from the user. In other words, only updating of the contents of automatic play is possible from the user terminal 10. Therefore, in order to start automatic play, the user needs to directly operate the game device 70. Therefore, the communication system 1 can motivate the user to visit the game facility B.

[0103] (Condition 2-5) The automatic play specified by operating the game device 70 has ended. As a result, the server device 30 rejects a consumption instruction when the automatic play set in the game device 70 has ended. Therefore, the user cannot change the betting pattern, such as by adding a bet amount, after the automatic play set in the game device 70 has ended. Therefore, the communication system 1 can restrict the acceptance of consumption instructions.

[0104] The deposit acceptance conditions and consumption acceptance conditions may be set using the play status of the game device 70. In this case, for example, the following conditions 3-1 to 3-3 may be adopted. (Condition 3-1) The game device 70 has a play history. As a result, if a user has not played a game at game facility B, the server device 30 rejects a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction from that user. Therefore, in order to update medal account information or perform automatic play, the user needs to play a game on the game device 70. Therefore, the communication system 1 can motivate the user to visit game facility B. Furthermore, the communication system 1 can improve security in updating medal account information. It should be noted that a condition may be that predetermined information, such as a predetermined game result, is present in the play history.

[0105] (Condition 3-2) A predetermined time has elapsed since the date and time of the previous play on the game device 70. As a result, the server device 30 rejects the deposit instruction and consumption instruction if a predetermined time has passed since the user last played a game on the game device 70. Therefore, in order to perform automatic play, the user needs to play the game on the game device 70 periodically. Therefore, the communication system 1 can motivate the user to visit the game facility B. Furthermore, the communication system 1 allows only users who frequently play games to update the medal account information, thereby improving security.

[0106] (Condition 3-3) The number of games played, the amount of bets, and the number of bets (number of plays) must be greater than or equal to a specified value. As a result, the server device 30 rejects the deposit instruction and consumption instruction when the number of games played, the bet amount, and the number of bets (number of plays) are less than a predetermined value. Therefore, in order to perform automatic play, the user needs to play the game at the game device 70 a predetermined number of times or more, bet a predetermined amount or more, or bet a predetermined number of times or more. Therefore, the communication system 1 can motivate the user to play more games at the game device 70. Furthermore, the communication system 1 can improve security because it allows only users who frequently play games to update medal account information.

[0107] The deposit acceptance conditions and consumption acceptance conditions may be set for each game facility B and each game device 70. In this case, for example, the following conditions 4-1 to 4-3 may be adopted. (Condition 4-1) Game facility B, medal management device 50, and game device 70 permit updating of medal account information and execution of automatic play. As a result, the server device 30 accepts or rejects deposit instructions and consumption instructions for each game facility B, each medal management device 50, and each game device 70. For example, the communication system 1 can reject the acceptance of deposit instructions and consumption instructions in accordance with maintenance and inspection of the game facility B or the game devices 70. Therefore, the server device 30 can permit the update of medal account information and the execution of automatic play in accordance with the request of the operator of the game facility B.

[0108] (Condition 4-2) The date, time and day of the week must be such that game facility B, the medal management device 50 and the game devices 70 permit updates to medal account information and automatic play. This allows the server device 30 to reject deposit instructions and consumption instructions according to the date, time, and day of the week set for each game facility B, the medal management device 50, and the game device 70. For example, when many visitors are expected during the day or on holidays, the game device 70 can be set not to allow automatic play, and when no or few visitors are expected at night or on weekdays, the game device 70 can be set to allow automatic play, allowing the game device 70 to operate efficiently. In addition, the game device 70 can be set to allow medal account information to be updated from the user terminal 10 only outside business hours. In this way, the server device 30 can allow medal account information to be updated and automatic play to be executed according to the request of the operator of the game facility B.

[0109] (Condition 4-3) The update contents of the medal account information and the contents of the automatic play are permitted by the game facility B and the game device 70. This allows the server device 30 to reject deposit instructions and consumption instructions according to, for example, the lending amount, deposit amount, betting amount, number of lendings, number of deposits, number of bets, etc., set for each game facility B, the medal management device 50, and the game device 70. Therefore, the server device 30 can permit updating of medal account information and execution of automatic play in accordance with the request of the operator of game facility B.

[0110] The deposit acceptance conditions and consumption acceptance conditions may be set using authentication information acquired at the game facility B. In this case, for example, the following conditions 5-1 to 5-4 may be adopted. Note that authentication at the game facility B may be performed by any device such as the game device 70, the medal management device 50, etc. (Condition 5-1) At game facility B, authentication (biometric authentication, password authentication, card authentication, etc.) has been received in order to update medal account information and execute automatic play. As a result, the server device 30 rejects a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction if authentication has not been performed at game facility B. Therefore, the communication system 1 can improve security. Furthermore, the user needs to be authenticated at game facility B in order to update medal account information or execute automatic play. Therefore, the communication system 1 can motivate the user to visit game facility B.

[0111] (Condition 5-2) It must be within a specified time since the last authentication at game facility B. As a result, the server device 30 rejects a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction if a predetermined time has passed since the last authentication at game facility B. Therefore, the communication system 1 can improve security. Also, in order to update medal account information and execute automatic play, the user needs to periodically visit game facility B and be authenticated. Therefore, the communication system 1 can motivate the user to visit game facility B.

[0112] (Condition 5-3) A password issued by the medal management device 50 or game device 70 at game facility B is entered into the user terminal 10. As a result, if the password issued by the medal management device 50 or the game device 70 is not entered by the user terminal 10, the server device 30 will refuse a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction to that game device 70. Therefore, in order to update medal account information or execute automatic play, the user must visit game facility B and operate the medal management device 50 or the game device 70 to issue a password. Furthermore, the communication system 1 can improve security.

[0113] (Condition 5-4) The biometric information acquired at game facility B matches the biometric information acquired by the user terminal 10. As a result, if the biometric information acquired at the game facility B does not match the biometric information acquired by the user terminal 10, the server device 30 will refuse a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction to that game device 70. Therefore, in order to update medal account information or execute automatic play, the user must visit the game facility B and operate the medal management device 50 and the game device 70 to register biometric information such as a fingerprint image. Furthermore, the communication system 1 can improve security.

[0114] The deposit acceptance conditions and consumption acceptance conditions may be set using medal account information managed by the medal management device 50. In this case, for example, the following conditions 6-1 to 6-6 may be adopted. (Condition 6-1) The user has a medal account at game facility B. As a result, if the user has not registered a medal account at game facility B, the server device 30 will reject a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction to that game facility B. Therefore, in order to update medal account information or execute automatic play, the user must visit game facility B and register his / her medal account. Therefore, the communication system 1 can improve security.

[0115] (Condition 6-2) Game facility B permits external updates to medal account information and automatic play using medals in the medal account. As a result, even if the user has a medal account, the server device 30 will reject a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction if the game facility B has not given permission. Therefore, the communication system 1 can permit the update of medal account information or the execution of automatic play in accordance with the request of the operator of the game facility B.

[0116] (Condition 6-3) The medal account number and password must be entered. As a result, even if the user has a medal account, the server device 30 will reject a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction if the medal account number or password is not entered. Therefore, the user must enter the medal account number or password to update medal account information or execute automatic play. Therefore, the communication system 1 can improve security.

[0117] (Condition 6-4) The specified number of medals must exist in the medal account. As a result, the server device 30 rejects the consumption instruction if the balance of the medal account is less than the designated amount. Therefore, in order to perform automatic play, for example, the user needs to borrow medals to add to the balance of the medal account. Therefore, the communication system 1 can prevent withdrawal of medals in excess of the balance.

[0118] (Condition 6-5) Communication with the medal management device 50 is successful, and the medal management device 50 is operating normally. As a result, the server device 30 rejects deposit and consumption instructions when it cannot communicate with the medal management device 50 or when the medal management device 50 is not operating normally. This ensures access to the latest medal account information managed by the medal management device 50.

[0119] (Condition 6-6) At game facility B, the medal account balance must be updated within a specified period of time. As a result, the server device 30 refuses to issue a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction after a predetermined time has elapsed since the medal account was last used via operation of the medal lending machine 40 or the medal depositing machine 60. Therefore, the communication system 1 can reduce the risk of medals in a dormant account being fraudulently used, and improve security.

[0120] The deposit acceptance conditions and consumption acceptance conditions may be set using electronic currency account information managed by the settlement device 20. In this case, for example, the following conditions 7-1 to 7-4 may be adopted. (Condition 7-1) The user holds a designated electronic currency account. As a result, the server device 30 rejects a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction if the user does not have a specified electronic currency account. Therefore, the user needs to have a specified electronic currency account to update medal account information or execute automatic play. Therefore, the communication system 1 allows the user to use a highly reliable electronic currency account, thereby improving security.

[0121] (Condition 7-2) Game facility B permits the updating of medal account information and the execution of automatic play from outside using electronic currency in the electronic currency account. As a result, even if the user has an electronic currency account, the server device 30 will reject a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction if the game facility B has not given permission. Therefore, the communication system 1 can permit the update of medal account information or the execution of automatic play in accordance with the request of the operator of the game facility B.

[0122] (Condition 7-3) There must be electronic currency in the electronic currency account equivalent to the specified number of medals. As a result, the server device 30 rejects a deposit instruction or a consumption instruction if the balance of the electronic currency account is less than the specified loan amount. Therefore, the user needs to add to the balance of the electronic currency account in order to update the medal account information or execute automatic play. Therefore, the communication system 1 can prevent the loaning of medals in excess of the balance of the electronic currency account.

[0123] (Condition 7-4) Communication with the payment device 20 is successful, and the payment device 20 is operating normally. As a result, the server device 30 rejects deposit instructions and consumption instructions when it cannot communicate with the settlement device 20 or when the settlement device 20 is not operating normally. This ensures access to the latest electronic currency account information managed by the settlement device 20.

[0124] Among the above-described conditions 1-1 to 1-3, 2-1 to 2-5, 3-1 to 3-3, 4-1 to 4-3, 5-1 to 5-4, 6-1 to 6-6, and 7-1 to 7-4, two or more conditions may be combined. In addition, the deposit acceptance condition and the consumption acceptance condition may be the same condition or may be different conditions. In addition, any condition other than the above-described conditions may be used as the deposit acceptance condition and the consumption acceptance condition, or may be combined. The above is an explanation of specific examples of deposit acceptance conditions and consumption acceptance conditions.

[0125] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, when a medal lending instruction is given using the user terminal 10, the lent medals are deposited in the medal account of the medal management device 50, but this is not limiting. For example, it is also possible to give a medal lending instruction using the user terminal 10 and specify the lent medals as a bet amount for automatic play without depositing them in the medal account. In this case, the server device 30 generates detailed consumption pattern information based on the medal lending amount specified on the medal lending screen G1, and updates the game participation designation information stored in the game participation designation information storage unit 344.

[0126] [Summary of the first embodiment] As described above, the communication system 1 according to this embodiment includes a game device 70 that generates a game result on the condition of consumption of gaming value (e.g., medals) as a physical or electronic medium, and a server device 30 that accepts consumption pattern designation information (e.g., consumption instructions) that designates a consumption pattern of the gaming value in the game device 70 via the user terminal 10. When the game device 70 acquires the consumption pattern designation information accepted by the server device 30 or information generated based on the information (e.g., detailed consumption pattern designation information), the game device 70 generates a game result without the condition of an operation on the game device itself (e.g., a play operation). As a result, the communication system 1 consumes the gaming value and generates a game result based on the consumption pattern designation information received via the user terminal 10. In other words, when placing a bet, the user only needs to operate the user terminal 10, which is not particularly limited to a specific installation location. In this way, the communication system 1 enables betting at places other than the game facility B. Therefore, the communication system 1 can increase the convenience for the user.

[0127] In addition, the server device 30 generates detailed consumption pattern designation information that designates a consumption pattern of game value in more detail than the consumption pattern designation information based on the consumption pattern designation information, and the game device 70 acquires the detailed consumption pattern designation information from the server device 30 and generates a game result. This eliminates the need for the communication system 1 to acquire detailed pattern designation information from the user terminal 10. In other words, the user does not need to make detailed settings for betting. Therefore, the communication system 1 can reduce the burden on the user in betting.

[0128] Furthermore, the server device 30 receives, as the consumption pattern designation information, information designating one or more of the amount of game value to be consumed in the game device 70, the number of times of consumption, the consumption timing, and the consumption frequency. This allows users to place bets according to their own desires.

[0129] The communication system 1 also includes a medal management device 50, which is a physical or electronic medium consumed in the game device 70 and which manages information on game value (e.g., medal account information) deposited at the game facility B where the game device 70 is installed, and updates the information on the game value based on the deposit or withdrawal of game value, and a server device 30 which accepts update pattern designation information (e.g., deposit instructions, consumption instructions) that designates an update pattern for the information on game value managed by the medal management device 50 via the user terminal 10, and when the medal management device 50 obtains the update pattern designation information accepted by the server device 30 or information generated based on that information (e.g., detailed consumption pattern designation information), it updates the information on the game value without the condition of the deposit or withdrawal of game value at the game facility.

[0130] As a result, the communication system 1 updates the information on the gaming value at the game facility B based on the update pattern designation information received via the user terminal 10. In other words, when issuing an instruction to lend or deposit gaming value at the game facility B, the user need only operate the user terminal, which is not particularly located. Thus, the communication system 1 enables instructions to lend, deposit, and withdraw gaming value at locations other than the game facility B. Thus, the communication system 1 can increase user convenience.

[0131] In addition, the server device 30 accepts, as update pattern designation information, information that designates one or more of the timing for updating the game value information in the medal management device 50, the number of updates, the amount of game value to be updated, and the update frequency. This allows the user to instruct the updating of the gaming value information in accordance with his / her own wishes.

[0132] [Second embodiment] [Overview of the second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the same explanations are incorporated herein. The communication system 1A according to this embodiment is a system capable of executing a deposit process and a consumption instruction process, similar to the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. However, a difference is that in the consumption instruction process, while the server device 30 generates the detailed consumption pattern designation information in the communication system 1, the game device 70A generates the detailed consumption pattern designation information in the communication system 1A. The above is a description of the outline of the second embodiment.

[0133] [Configuration of communication system 1A] Next, the configuration of the communication system 1A will be described. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1A. The communication system 1A includes a server device 30A and a game device 70A instead of the server device 30 and the game device 70 included in the communication system 1.

[0134] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device 30A. The server device 30A includes a server control unit 350A instead of the server control unit 350. The server control unit 350A includes a medal information control unit 353A instead of the medal information control unit 353 and the game information control unit 354 and a game information control unit 354A.

[0135] The medal information control unit 353A and the game information control unit 354A perform the same processing as the medal information control unit 353 and the game information control unit 354. However, the medal information control unit 353A and the game information control unit 354A do not generate detailed consumption pattern designation information for the medal consumption pattern designated by the consumption instruction, but instead notify the game device 70A of the consumption pattern designated by the consumption instruction as is.

[0136] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device 70A. The game device 70A includes a station control unit 780A instead of the station control unit 780 included in the game device 70. The station control unit 780A includes an automatic play control unit 782A instead of the automatic play control unit 782 included in the station control unit 780.

[0137] The automatic play control unit 782A performs the same processing as the automatic play control unit 782. However, the automatic play control unit 782A generates detailed consumption pattern designation information from a consumption pattern specified by a consumption instruction. The generation of the detailed consumption pattern designation information is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be used here. The automatic play control unit 782A executes automatic play based on the generated detailed consumption pattern designation information. This concludes the description of the configuration of the communication system 1A.

[0138] [Operation of communication system 1A] Next, the operation of the communication system 1A will be described. Here, the flow of the consumption instruction process will be described. FIG. 27 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the consumption instruction process by the communication system 1A. The processes of steps S120, S122, S320, S322, S520, S522, S722, S724, and S726 shown in FIG. 27 are similar to the processes shown in FIG. 19, and therefore the description thereof will be cited. (Step S1326) In the process of step S320, if the consumption instruction acceptance condition is met (step S320: YES), the server device 30A transmits the consumption instruction received from the user terminal 10 to the medal management device 50 and makes a consumption request. In the process of step S522, the betting pattern indicated by the consumption instruction is transmitted from the server device 30 or the medal management device 50 to the game device 70A. After that, the communication system 1A advances the process to step S520. (Step S1720) After the process of step S522, the game device 70A generates detailed consumption pattern designation information based on the bet pattern indicated by the consumption instruction acquired from the server device 30 or the medal management device 50. After that, the communication system 1A advances the process to step S722. This concludes the description of the operation of the communication system 1A.

[0139] [Summary of the second embodiment] As described above, the detailed consumption pattern designation information may be generated by a device other than the server device 30. In the present embodiment, the game device 70A generates the detailed consumption pattern designation information, but this process may be performed by the medal management device 50. In this manner, any process executed by any component included in the communication system 1 may be executed by another device.

[0140] [Third embodiment] [Outline of the third embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the same explanations are incorporated herein. The communication system 1B according to this embodiment is a system capable of executing a deposit process and a consumption instruction process, similar to the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. However, unlike the communication system 1, in which the game device 70 executes automatic play, the communication system 1B is different in that the server device 30B can also execute automatic play. Here, a case will be described in which the server device 30B executes automatic play on behalf of the game device 70 when the game device 70 is in an out-of-operation state. The above is a description of the outline of the third embodiment.

[0141] [Configuration of communication system 1B] Next, the configuration of the communication system 1B will be described. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1B. The communication system 1B includes a server device 30B instead of the server device 30. FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device 30B. The server device 30B includes a server control unit 350B instead of the server control unit 350 included in the server device 30. The server control unit 350B includes each component included in the server control unit 350, and in addition thereto, an auto-play control unit 355B. The auto-play control unit 355B has the same configuration as the auto-play control unit 782 provided in the game device 70. The auto-play control unit 782B stores the game results of the auto-play in the game result information storage unit 345. This concludes the description of the configuration of the communication system 1B.

[0142] [Operation of communication system 1B] Next, the operation of the communication system 1B will be described. FIG. 30 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the consumption instruction process by the communication system 1B. The processes of steps S120, S122, S320, S322, S324, S520, S522, and S726 shown in FIG. 30 are similar to the processes shown in FIG. 19, and therefore the description is used here. (Step S2326) After the process of step S324, the server device 30B makes a consumption request to the medal management device 50, similar to the process of step S326. Also, when the game device 70 is in an operating state, the server device 30B requests the game device 70 to perform automatic play. The process flow in this case is similar to that described using FIG. 19. On the other hand, when the game device 70 is in an inoperable state, the communication system 1B advances the process to step S2328 after the processes of steps S520 and S522. FIG. 30 shows, as an example, the process flow when the game device 70 is in an inoperable state. (Step S2328) When the game device 70 is in a non-operating state, the server device 30B executes the automatic play process by consuming the set medals. Then, the server device 30B generates play information including the game result. After that, the communication system 1B advances the process to step S2330. (Step S2330) The server device 30B notifies the user terminal 10 and the game device 70 of the play information. At this time, for the game device 70, the play information is transmitted when the game device 70 goes into operation and the corresponding user starts playing. After that, the communication system 1B proceeds to the process of step S122 and step S726.

[0143] [Summary of the third embodiment] As described above, in the communication system 1B according to this embodiment, when the game device 70 is in an operating state, the game device 70 executes the automatic play processing, and when the game device 70 is in a non-operating state, the server device 30B executes the automatic play processing. As a result, in the communications system 1B, even when the game device 70 is not in operation, the server device 30B executes the automatic play process instead, so that the user can enjoy automatic play at any time.

[0144] Note that, although an example has been described here in which the server device 30B executes automatic play on behalf of the game device 70 when the game device 70 is out of operation, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the server device 30B may execute the automatic play process on behalf of the game device 70 when a prescribed proxy condition is satisfied, such as when the load on the game device 70 is high or when a prescribed timing (day, time period, day of the week, etc.) is met, or automatic play may always be executed by the server device 30B, not by the game device 70.

[0145] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the same explanations are incorporated herein. The communication system 1C according to this embodiment is a system capable of executing a deposit process and a consumption instruction process, similar to the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. However, the communication system 1C is different in that it includes a communication device 80C connected to the game device 70 and the medal management device 50.

[0146] FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1C. The communication system 1C includes a communication device 80C. The communication device 80C relays communication between the server device 30 and the game device 70. The communication device 80C also relays communication between the server device 30 and the medal management device 50. The communication device 80C transmits detailed consumption pattern designation information transmitted from the server device 30 to the corresponding medal management device 50 and the corresponding game device 70. The communication device 80C also transmits updated pattern designation information transmitted from the server device 30 to the corresponding medal management device 50. The communication device 80C may include a function other than the transmission of information. For example, the communication device 80C may process a game played between game facilities B.

[0147] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included. For example, the configurations described in the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. Also, for example, the configurations described in the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments can be omitted if they are not necessary to perform a specific function. Also, for example, the configurations described in the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments can be separated and provided in another device. Also, any processing of each configuration can be executed by another device.

[0148] Furthermore, the communication systems 1, 1A to 1C may be capable of executing only one of the deposit process and the consumption instruction process. In the above embodiment, the case where the automatic play request is made directly from the server device 30, 30A, 30B to the game device 70, 70A in the consumption instruction process has been described, but this is not limited to this. For example, the medal management device 50 may make an automatic play request to the game device 70, 70A in response to a consumption request from the server device 30. In this way, the request from the server device 30, 30A, 30B may be made indirectly via another device.

[0149] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the deposit instruction and the consumption instruction may be divided into multiple pieces of information. For example, the betting instruction in the consumption instruction and the instruction to withdraw medals from the medal account may be issued separately. In this case, the server device 30 may accept a withdrawal instruction only when a betting instruction has been issued. This allows the server device 30 to restrict the execution of a withdrawal only when the purpose of the withdrawal is to bet, thereby improving security.

[0150] In addition, a program for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned user terminal 10, server device 30, 30A, 30B, medal management device 50, and game device 70, 70A may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing as the user terminal 10, server device 30, 30A, 30B, medal management device 50, and game device 70, 70A. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a dedicated line. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the distribution server and accessible to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined in the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network. The program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0151] In addition, some or all of the functions of the above-mentioned user terminal 10, server device 30, 30A, 30B, medal management device 50, and game device 70, 70A may be realized as an integrated circuit such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each of the above-mentioned functions may be individually processed, or some or all of them may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[0152] [Note] From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows: In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference characters in the accompanying drawings are conveniently added in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0153] (Appendix X1) One aspect of the present invention is a game system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) comprising a game device (70, 70A) that generates a game result on the condition of consumption of gaming value as a physical medium or an electronic medium, and a game server (30, 30A, 30B) that receives consumption pattern designation information that designates a consumption pattern of gaming value in the game device via a user terminal (10), wherein the game device, when acquiring the consumption pattern designation information received by the game server or information generated based on the information, generates a game result without requiring operation of the game device (S722).

[0154] According to the above configuration, the game system consumes the game value to generate a game result based on the information received through the user terminal. In other words, when placing a bet, the user only needs to operate the user terminal, which is not particularly located. Therefore, the game system allows betting to be made even outside the game facility.

[0155] (Appendix X2) Another aspect of the present invention is a game system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in Appendix X1, wherein there are a plurality of the game devices (70, 70A), the consumption pattern designation information further includes information designating one or more game devices from among the plurality of game devices, and the game server (30, 30A, 30B) transmits the consumption pattern designation information or information generated based on the information to the corresponding game device or a communication device (80C) connected to the corresponding game device based on the information designating the game device (S326, S1326).

[0156] According to the above configuration, the gaming system allows bets to be placed on a specific gaming device among the multiple gaming devices.

[0157] (Appendix X3) Another aspect of the present invention is the game system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in Appendix X2, wherein the game server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires conditions set for each of the game devices (70, 70A) and determines whether or not to accept the consumption pattern designation information based on the conditions (S320).

[0158] According to the above configuration, the gaming system can control whether or not a bet can be placed for each gaming device.

[0159] (Appendix X4) Another aspect of the present invention is a game system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in Appendix X2 or Appendix X3, wherein the plurality of game devices (70, 70A) are located at a plurality of game facilities, and the game server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires conditions set for each of the game facilities and determines whether or not to accept the consumption pattern designation information based on the conditions (S320).

[0160] According to the above configuration, the gaming system can control whether or not betting is possible for each gaming facility.

[0161] (Appendix X5) Another aspect of the present invention is a game system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices X1 to X4, wherein the game server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires a history of acceptance of the consumption pattern designation information and determines whether or not to accept the consumption pattern designation information based on the history (S320).

[0162] According to the above configuration, the gaming system can control whether or not a bet can be placed, depending on the betting history.

[0163] (Appendix X6) Another aspect of the present invention is a game system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices X1 to X5, wherein the game server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires a play history of the game device (70, 70A) and determines whether or not to accept the consumption pattern designation information based on the play history (S320).

[0164] According to the above configuration, the gaming system can control whether or not a bet can be placed depending on the play history of the gaming device.

[0165] (Appendix X7) Another aspect of the present invention is a game system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices X1 to X6, wherein the game server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires an authentication history of the game device (70, 70A) or an authentication device (50, 70, 70A) provided in the game facility, and determines whether or not to accept the consumption pattern designation information based on the authentication history (S320).

[0166] According to the above configuration, the gaming system can control whether or not a bet can be placed depending on the authentication history in the gaming facility.

[0167] (Appendix X8) Another aspect of the present invention is a game system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices X1 to X7, wherein the game server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires account information or information generated based on the account information from a management device (50) that manages the account information of the game value, or the account information of a physical medium exchangeable for the game value, or the account information of an electronic medium exchangeable for the game value, and determines whether or not to accept the consumption pattern designation information based on the information (S320).

[0168] According to the above configuration, the gaming system can control whether or not a bet can be placed depending on the content of the account information.

[0169] (Appendix X9) Another aspect of the present invention is a game system (1, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices X1 to X8, wherein the game server (30, 30B) generates detailed consumption pattern designation information that designates a consumption pattern of game value in more detail than the consumption pattern designation information based on the consumption pattern designation information (S324), and the game device (70) acquires the detailed consumption pattern designation information from the game server and generates a game result (S722).

[0170] According to the above configuration, the game system does not need to obtain detailed pattern designation information from the user terminal. Therefore, the game system can reduce the burden on the user in terms of betting. In addition, since the game server generates the detailed consumption pattern designation information, there is no burden on other devices.

[0171] (Appendix X10) Another aspect of the present invention is a game system (1A) described in any of Appendices X1 to X8, wherein the game device (70A) acquires the consumption pattern designation information from the game server (30A), generates detailed consumption pattern designation information that designates a consumption pattern more detailed than the consumption pattern designation information, and generates a game result based on the detailed consumption pattern designation information (S722).

[0172] According to the above configuration, the game system does not need to obtain detailed pattern designation information from the user terminal. Therefore, the game system can reduce the burden on the user in betting. In addition, since the game device generates the detailed consumption pattern designation information, there is no burden on other devices.

[0173] (Appendix X11) Another aspect of the present invention is a game system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices X1 to X10, wherein the game server (30, 30A, 30B) accepts information specifying one or more of the amount of game value consumed in the game device (70, 70A), the number of times of consumption, the timing of consumption, and the frequency of consumption as the consumption pattern designation information (S320).

[0174] According to the above configuration, the gaming system allows a user to specify one or more of the amount of gaming value to be consumed, the number of times to be consumed, the timing of consumption, and the frequency of consumption, thereby enabling the user to make a bet according to his / her desires.

[0175] (Appendix X12) Another aspect of the present invention is a game device (70, 70A) having a control unit (780, 780A) and a memory unit (77) and generating a game result on the condition of consumption of a game value as a physical medium or an electronic medium, wherein the control unit generates a game result (S722) without the condition of operation on the game device when it acquires consumption pattern designation information designating a consumption pattern of the game value on the game device via a user terminal or when it acquires information generated based on the information.

[0176] According to the above configuration, the gaming device consumes the gaming value to generate a game result based on the information received through the user terminal. In other words, when placing a bet, the user only needs to operate the user terminal, which is not particularly located. Therefore, the gaming device allows betting even outside the gaming facility.

[0177] (Appendix X13) Another aspect of the present invention is a game server (30, 30A, 30B) having a control unit (350, 350A, 350B) and a memory unit (34), wherein the control unit receives, via a user terminal (10), consumption pattern designation information that designates a consumption pattern of game value in a game device (70, 70A) that generates a game result on the condition of consumption of game value as a physical medium or an electronic medium, and transmits (S326, S1326) the consumption pattern designation information or information generated based on the information to the game device.

[0178] According to the above configuration, the game server causes the game device to consume the game value and generate the game result based on the information received through the user terminal. In other words, when placing a bet, the user only needs to operate the user terminal, which is not particularly located. Therefore, the game server enables betting even outside the game facility.

[0179] (Appendix X14) Another aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer (90) to function as a game device (70, 70A) described in Appendix X12 or a game server (30, 30A, 30B) described in Appendix X13.

[0180] According to the above configuration, the computer program enables bets to be placed outside the gaming facility.

[0181] (Appendix Y1) Another aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) comprising a gaming value management device (50) which is a physical or electronic medium consumed in a gaming device (70, 70A), manages information of gaming value deposited at a gaming facility in which the gaming device is installed, and updates the information of the gaming value based on the deposit or withdrawal of the gaming value, and a gaming value management server (30, 30A, 30B) which receives, via a user terminal (10), update pattern designation information which designates an update pattern for the information of the gaming value managed by the gaming value management device, and when the gaming value management device obtains the update pattern designation information received by the gaming value management server or information generated based on that information, updates the information of the gaming value without the condition of the deposit or withdrawal of gaming value at the gaming facility (S500, S520).

[0182] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management system updates the gaming value information of the gaming facility based on the information received via the user terminal. In other words, when a user issues an instruction to lend or deposit gaming value at a gaming facility, the user only needs to operate a user terminal that is not located in a specific place. Therefore, the gaming value management system makes it possible to issue an instruction to lend, deposit, or withdraw gaming value even outside the gaming facility.

[0183] (Appendix Y2) Another aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in Appendix Y1, in which the gaming value management server (30, 30A, 30B) accepts information designating a deduction of the gaming value of the game facility as the update pattern designation information, on condition that reservation instruction information instructing in advance to consume the gaming value in the game device (70, 70A) is obtained from the user terminal (10) (S300, S320).

[0184] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management system subtracts the gaming value only when a bet is reserved, thereby improving security.

[0185] (Appendix Y3) Another aspect of the present invention is a game value management system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in Appendix Y1 or Appendix Y2, in which the game value management server (30, 30A, 30B) accepts information designating an addition to the game value of the game facility as the update pattern designation information, on condition that game reward information indicating that the game value has been generated as a game reward in the game device (70, 70A) is obtained from the game device (70, 70A) (S300, S320).

[0186] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management system updates the gaming facility's gaming value information only when there is a track record of a gaming reward being won on a gaming device, thereby improving security.

[0187] (Appendix Y4) Another aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices Y1 to Y3, wherein there are a plurality of the gaming value management devices (50), the update pattern designation information further includes information designating one or more of the plurality of gaming value management devices, and the gaming value management server (30, 30A, 30B) transmits the update pattern designation information or information generated based on the information to the corresponding gaming value management device or a communication device connected to the corresponding gaming value management device based on the information designating the gaming value management device (S326, S1326).

[0188] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management system enables lending, depositing and withdrawing of gaming value in a specific gaming value management device among a plurality of gaming value management devices.

[0189] (Appendix Y5) Another aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in Appendix Y4, in which the gaming value management server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires conditions set for each of the gaming value management devices (50) and determines whether or not to accept the update pattern designation information based on the conditions (S300, S320).

[0190] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management system can control the lending, depositing, and withdrawal of gaming value for each gaming value management device.

[0191] (Appendix Y6) Another aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in Appendix Y4 or Appendix Y5, wherein the multiple gaming value management devices (50) are present in multiple gaming facilities, and the gaming value management server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires conditions set for each gaming facility and determines whether or not to accept the update pattern designation information based on the conditions (S300, S320).

[0192] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management system can control the lending, depositing, and withdrawal of gaming value for each gaming facility.

[0193] (Appendix Y7) Another aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices Y1 to Y6, wherein the gaming value management server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires a history of acceptance of the update pattern designation information and determines whether or not to accept the update pattern designation information based on the history (S300, S320).

[0194] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management system can control the lending, depositing, and withdrawal of gaming value in accordance with the history of update instructions for the gaming value.

[0195] (Appendix Y8) Another aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices Y1 to Y7, wherein the gaming value management server (30, 30A, 30B) acquires an authentication history in an authentication device (50, 70, 70A) provided in the game facility, and determines whether or not to accept the update pattern designation information based on the authentication history (S300, S320).

[0196] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management system can control the lending, depositing, and withdrawal of gaming value in accordance with the authentication history in the gaming facility.

[0197] (Appendix Y9) Another aspect of the present invention is a game value management system (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in any of Appendices Y1 to Y8, wherein the game value management server (30, 30A, 30B) receives information specifying one or more of the timing to update the game value information in the game value management device (50), the number of updates, the amount of the game value to be updated, and the update frequency as the update pattern designation information (S300, S320).

[0198] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management system can specify one or more of the timing of updating, the number of updates, the amount of gaming value to be updated, and the frequency of updating. Therefore, the gaming value management system can provide instructions for lending, depositing, and withdrawing gaming value in accordance with the user's requests.

[0199] (Appendix Y10) Another aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management device (50) having a control unit (540) and a memory unit (53), which is a physical or electronic medium consumed in a gaming device (70, 70A), which manages information on gaming value deposited at a gaming facility, and updates the information on gaming value based on the deposit or withdrawal of the gaming value, and when the control unit acquires, via a user terminal, update pattern designation information that specifies an update pattern for the information on gaming value managed by the device itself, or when it acquires information generated based on that information, it updates the information on gaming value without the condition of the deposit or withdrawal of gaming value at the gaming facility in which the gaming device is installed (S500, S520).

[0200] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management device updates the gaming value information of the gaming facility based on the information received via the user terminal. Therefore, the gaming value management device enables instructions to lend, deposit, and withdraw gaming value even outside the gaming facility.

[0201] (Appendix Y11) Another aspect of the present invention is a gaming value management server (30, 30A, 30B) having a control unit (350, 350A, 350B) and a memory unit (34), wherein the control unit is a physical medium or electronic medium consumed in a gaming device (70, 70A), receives update pattern designation information via a user terminal (10) that designates an update pattern for information on a gaming value deposited at a gaming facility where the gaming device is installed, and transmits (S326, S1326) the update pattern designation information or information generated based on that information to a gaming value management device that manages the information on the gaming value.

[0202] According to the above configuration, the gaming value management server updates the gaming value information of the gaming facility in the gaming value management device based on the information received via the user terminal. Therefore, the gaming value management server enables instructions to lend, deposit, and withdraw gaming value even outside the gaming facility.

[0203] (Appendix Y12) Another aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to function as the gaming value management device (50) described in Appendix Y10 or the gaming value management server (30, 30A, 30B) described in Appendix Y11.

[0204] According to the above configuration, the computer program enables instructions to lend, deposit, and withdraw gaming value even outside of a gaming facility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C... communication system, 10... user terminal, 11... terminal communication unit, 12... terminal input unit, 13... terminal display unit, 14... terminal storage unit, 150... terminal control unit, 151... instruction unit, 152... result notification unit, 30, 30A, 30B... server device, 31... server first communication unit, 32... server second communication unit, 33... server third communication unit, 34... server storage unit, 341... instruction history information storage unit, 342... medal lending history information storage unit, 343... game facility information storage unit, 344... game participation designation information storage unit, 345... game result information storage unit, 350, 350A, 350B... server control unit, 351... information presentation unit, 352... payment information control unit, 353, 353A ...medal information control unit, 354, 354A...game information control unit, 355B...automatic play control unit, 50...medal management device, 51...management device first communication unit, 52...management device second communication unit, 53...management device memory unit, 531...medal account information memory unit, 540...management device control unit, 541...medal account management unit, 70, 70A...game device, 71...game device communication unit, 72...common output unit, 73...game device memory unit, 740...game device control unit, 75...station input unit, 76...station output unit, 77...station memory unit, 780, 780A...station control unit, 781...game execution unit, 782, 782A...automatic play control unit, 80C...communication device

Claims

**Claim 1**: A game system in which a user terminal possessed by a user and a game device installed in a store are connected via a network, and the store is provided with an authentication unit that acquires authentication information from the user, wherein the user terminal includes an input unit that receives input from the user and acquires authentication information, and a terminal display unit that displays various information; the game device includes an output unit that displays various information, and a game control unit that controls the game; the user terminal receives an instruction from the user terminal by the input unit on condition that the authentication information acquired from the input unit and the authentication unit matches, and based on the instruction, the game control unit generates a game result without causing the user to perform a play operation on the game device. **Claim 2**: A program in a game system in which a user terminal possessed by a user and a game device installed in a store are connected via a network, and the store is provided with an authentication unit that acquires authentication information from the user, wherein the user terminal includes an input unit that receives input from the user and acquires authentication information, and a terminal display unit that displays various information; the game device includes an output unit that displays various information, and a game control unit that controls the game; the user terminal receives an instruction from the user terminal by the input unit on condition that the authentication information acquired from the input unit and the authentication unit matches, and based on the instruction, the game control unit generates a game result without causing the user to perform a play operation on the game device. **Claim 3**: A control method in a game system in which a user terminal possessed by a user and a game device installed in a store are connected via a network, and the store is provided with an authentication unit that acquires authentication information from the user, wherein the user terminal includes an input unit that receives input from the user and acquires authentication information, and a terminal display unit that displays various information; the game device includes an output unit that displays various information, and a game control unit that controls the game. The user terminal receives an instruction from the user terminal by the input unit on the condition that the authentication information acquired from the input unit and the authentication unit matches, and based on the instruction, the game control unit generates a game result without causing the user to perform a play operation in the game device.

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