Online game system and online game method

Abstract

To provide an online game system and an online game method that can achieve improvement in amusement level.SOLUTION: An online game system is provided, including: server means for performing motion management and user point management of real or virtual game machines that are connected in such a manner that transmission and reception of signals via telecommunication circuits are possible; and operation means for performing remote control operation of games in the game machines. The server means has functions to change an amount charged by a user through the operation means into a lottery point capable of being used in a lottery in a game machine and to cause the game machine to start the lottery based on the user's start operation of games through the operation means. The server means has functions to issue a coupon ticket that can be used for taking part in a prize competition or for taking part in a discount in EC sites, when the user performs a change into the lottery point or performs the start operation through the operation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming system and a gaming method for playing games online.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to play games such as pachinko and crane games, it was necessary to actually operate a real machine at a store such as a pachinko parlor or a game center. Therefore, when there was no store nearby or when there were circumstances where it was impossible to go to the store, it was difficult to play games.

[0003] In response to the above problems, a network-based gaming system has been proposed (Patent Document 1) that allows a user to operate a terminal such as a personal computer from a location away from the store and play games using a real pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a "gaming machine"). Also, a crane game machine has been proposed (Patent Document 2) that allows a user to operate a real machine in a remote location in real time and play games while watching the operation. Furthermore, for the purpose of utilizing the characteristics of online game services via the Internet, pachinko games and pachislot games that do not use real machines have also been proposed (Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] With the recent development of information and communication technologies, the types of games that can be played on personal devices such as personal computers and smartphones have increased exponentially. Along with this increase in the types of games that can be played on devices, the demand for games that anyone can easily play has also increased.

[0006] Under such circumstances, the number of icons for game applications (hereinafter also referred to as game apps) placed on the user's device screen has also increased, and the difficulty of continuously attracting the user's interest over a long period has also increased.

[0007] The present invention has been made to address such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an online game system and an online game method capable of improving the interestingness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The online game system of the present invention is an online game system including server means for performing operation management of an actual or virtual game machine and point management of a user, which is connected to enable transmission and reception of signals via a telecommunication line, and operation means for remotely operating a game on the game machine, wherein the server means converts the amount charged by the user using the operation means into lottery points that can be used for a lottery in the game machine, starts a lottery in the game machine based on a start operation of the game by the user using the operation means, and when the user subtracts the lottery points by conversion to the lottery points or start operation via the operation means, has a function of issuing a coupon ticket that can be used for applying for a prize or a discount at an EC site.

[0009] The server means is characterized by having a function of converting the acquired points obtained as a result of the lottery in the game machine into event participation points that can be used for participating in an event, and issuing the coupon ticket when the user uses the event participation points via the operation means.

[0010] The gaming machine is an actual gaming machine, and the server means transmits a start winning signal, which is a signal for causing the gaming machine to recognize the winning of a game ball into the start port, based on a start operation of the game by the user using the operation means. When receiving a lottery end signal, which is a signal transmitted when the lottery performed by the gaming machine after receiving the start winning signal is completed, the server means subtracts a predetermined number of points from the number of points held by the user. When receiving a payout signal, which is a signal transmitted by the gaming machine when paying out prize balls, the server means acquires the acquired points. The winning of the game ball into the start port in the gaming machine is virtually performed in the gaming machine without interposing actual game balls, by transmitting the start winning signal from the server means to the gaming machine. The payout of the prize balls from the gaming machine is virtually performed in the gaming machine without interposing actual game balls, by transmitting the payout signal from the gaming machine to the server means.

[0011] The server means has a game server that provides a game to the user as a virtual gaming machine, and has a function of transmitting the user's point information and game information in the virtual gaming machine generated by the game server to the operation means.

[0012] The online gaming method of the present invention is an online gaming method using a system including server means for operating and managing a real or virtual gaming machine and managing a user's points, which is connected to enable transmission and reception of signals via a telecommunication line, and operation means for remotely operating the game on the gaming machine. The server means includes a first issuing step of converting the amount charged by the user using the operation means into lottery points available for lottery in the gaming machine and issuing a coupon ticket available for applying for a prize or for a discount at an EC site, and a second issuing step of issuing the coupon ticket when the gaming machine conducts a lottery and subtracts lottery points based on a start operation of the game by the user using the operation means.

[0013] The step in which the server means converts the acquired points obtained as a result of the lottery in the gaming machine into event participation points that can be used for participating in an event, and a third issuance step in which the server means issues the coupon ticket when the user uses the event participation points via the operation means. It is characterized by including these steps.

[0014] The gaming machine is an actual gaming machine. When the user performs a start operation of the game using the operation means, a start winning signal, which is a signal for the server means to recognize the winning of a game ball into the start opening for the gaming machine, is transmitted. A lottery step in which a lottery is conducted in the gaming machine, a point subtraction step in which the server means subtracts a predetermined number of points from the number of points held by the user when receiving a lottery end signal, which is a signal transmitted when the lottery in the gaming machine ends, a payout step in which a payout signal, which is a signal transmitted when the gaming machine pays out a prize ball, is transmitted from the gaming machine to the server means based on the result of the lottery in the lottery step, and an acquired point addition step in which the server means acquires the acquired points and adds the number of points when receiving the payout signal from the gaming machine. In the lottery step, the winning of the game ball into the start opening in the gaming machine is virtually performed without intervening actual game balls in the gaming machine by transmitting the start winning signal from the server means to the gaming machine, and in the payout step, the payout of the prize ball from the gaming machine is virtually performed without intervening actual game balls in the gaming machine by transmitting the payout signal from the gaming machine to the server means. It is characterized by this.

[0015] The server means has a game server that provides the user with a game on a virtual gaming machine as the gaming machine, and is characterized by including a step in which the server means transmits the user's point information and game information on the virtual gaming machine generated by the game server to the operation means.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] The online gaming system of the present invention has a function in which server means converts the amount charged by a user using operating means into lottery points that can be used for lottery draws on a gaming machine, starts a lottery on the gaming machine based on a start operation of a game by the user using the operating means, and issues a coupon ticket that can be used for applying for a prize or for a discount on an EC site when the user subtracts lottery points by converting them or by a start operation using the operating means. Therefore, the user can enjoy pleasures other than the game, such as obtaining a coupon ticket, applying for a prize, or getting a discount on an EC site, and the entertainment value can be improved.

[0017] Server means has a function of converting the acquired points obtained as a result of a lottery draw on a gaming machine into event participation points that can be used for participating in an event, and issuing a coupon ticket when the user uses event participation points via operating means. Therefore, the user can obtain coupon tickets in more situations and can also enjoy the pleasure of participating in an event. In addition, the user has more opportunities to apply for a prize or get a discount on an EC site, and the entertainment value can be further improved.

[0018] The gaming machine is an actual gaming machine. Server means transmits a start port winning signal, which is a signal for recognizing the winning of a game ball into the start port, to the gaming machine based on a start operation of a game by the user using the operating means. When server means receives a lottery end signal, which is a signal transmitted when the lottery conducted by the gaming machine after receiving the start port winning signal ends, it subtracts a predetermined number of points from the number of points held by the user. When server means receives a payout signal, which is a signal transmitted when the gaming machine pays out a prize ball, it acquires acquired points. The winning of a game ball into the start port in the gaming machine is virtually performed without actually intervening game balls in the gaming machine by transmitting the start port winning signal from server means to the gaming machine, and the payout of a prize ball from the gaming machine is virtually performed without actually intervening game balls in the gaming machine by transmitting the payout signal from the gaming machine to server means. Therefore, the user can enjoy the real atmosphere unique to the actual machine while playing the game without actually moving the game balls on the gaming machine. As a result, the user can enjoy the game more efficiently and the entertainment value can be further improved.

[0019] The server means has a game server that provides the user with a game on a virtual gaming machine as a gaming machine, and has a function of transmitting the user's point information and the game information on the virtual gaming machine generated by the game server to the operation means. Therefore, there is no need to keep the actual machine running continuously, and the maintenance burden can be reduced. In addition, there is no need to secure a gaming machine for this system, and it is not necessary to continuously secure a space for placing the actual machine during the service provision period. Therefore, the cost for service operation can be reduced.

[0020] In the online gaming method of the present invention, when the server means converts the amount charged by the user using the operation means into lottery points that can be used for the lottery on the gaming machine, a first issuance step of issuing a coupon ticket that can be used for applying for a prize or a discount on an EC site is included. When the gaming machine conducts a lottery and subtracts the lottery points based on the start operation of the game by the user using the operation means, the server means includes a second issuance step of issuing the above-mentioned coupon ticket. Therefore, the user can obtain the coupon ticket multiple times during the game process, and the interestingness can be improved.

[0021] The server means includes a step of converting the acquired points obtained as a result of the lottery on the gaming machine into event participation points that can be used for participating in an event, and a third issuance step of issuing a coupon ticket when the user uses the event participation points via the operation means. Therefore, the user can enjoy more the pleasure of obtaining the coupon ticket and the pleasure of applying for a prize or getting a discount on an EC site, and the interestingness can be further improved.

[0022] The gaming machine is a real gaming machine. When the user performs a start operation of the game using the operation means, a start port winning signal, which is a signal for causing the gaming machine to recognize the winning of a game ball into the start port from the server means, is transmitted. A lottery step in which a lottery is conducted on the gaming machine, and when the server means receives a lottery end signal, which is a signal transmitted when the lottery is completed, from the gaming machine, a point subtraction step of subtracting a predetermined number of points from the number of points held by the user, and based on the result of the lottery in the lottery step, a payout step of transmitting a payout signal, which is a signal transmitted when the gaming machine pays out a prize ball, from the gaming machine to the server means, and a acquired point addition step of acquiring acquired points and adding the number of points when the server means receives the payout signal from the gaming machine. In the lottery step, the winning of a game ball into the start port in the gaming machine is virtually performed without intervening the actual game ball in the gaming machine by transmitting the start port winning signal from the server means to the gaming machine, and the payout of the prize ball from the gaming machine in the payout step is virtually performed without intervening the actual game ball in the gaming machine by transmitting the payout signal from the gaming machine to the server means. Therefore, the user can efficiently play the game without actually moving the game ball on the gaming machine while enjoying the real atmosphere unique to the real machine.

[0023] The server means has a game server that provides the user with a game on a virtual gaming machine as the gaming machine. Since the server means includes a step of transmitting the user's point information and the game information on the virtual gaming machine generated by the game server to the operation means, there is no need to prepare a real machine, and it is possible to reduce the maintenance burden and cut costs for service operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The online game system and game method of the present invention enable a user to operate a real gaming machine at a remote location or a virtual gaming machine provided by a game server via a network, thereby providing the user with a convenient gaming experience. In particular, by linking a pachinko game with a lottery or a discount, it provides a gaming experience with excellent interestingness.

[0026] <Embodiment of the Online Game System> An embodiment of the online game system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2. However, the embodiment shown below is an example of a game system for embodying the present invention, and does not specify the online game system of the present invention as the following.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of the online game system. The online game system shown in FIG. 1 includes a real gaming machine 10 that plays a pachinko game, an operation means 20 that operates the gaming machine 10, etc., and a photographing means 30 that photographs the gaming machine 10. Further, this online game system includes a control means 40 that controls the gaming machine 10 and a server means 50 that processes and manages various information obtained from each means. Signals are transmitted and received between the control means 40, the operation means 20, the photographing means 30, and the server means 50 via a telecommunication line. In the present invention, the "telecommunication line" is a line capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals and data, and includes a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, a WAN, the Internet, etc.

[0028] The gaming machine 10 is provided in a space separate from the space where the user is located and is played based on remote operation by the user. A plurality of gaming machines may be provided. When providing a plurality of gaming machines, they may be provided in one space or in a plurality of separate spaces.

[0029] The user uses an information terminal such as their own personal computer or smartphone as the operation means 20 to remotely operate the game on the gaming machine 10. The user can, by means of the operation means 20, log in to the online game system, convert points obtained by charging into lottery points (points available for lottery on the gaming machine), play games on the gaming machine, participate in events, apply for prizes, get discounts on the EC site, etc. Here, the "EC site" is a website that conducts Electronic Commerce, and examples include a dedicated site provided by the system provider, a partnered site of another company that enables the use of coupon tickets, etc. Note that the user can play games in the online game system using a web browser or an app downloaded to the operation means 20. From the perspective of making it easier to play games, it is preferable that the games in the online game system are provided on a web browser.

[0030] The server means 50 manages the points of the user and the operation of the gaming machine 10. As point management, the server means 50 can manage the number of lottery points obtained by the user through charging and the number of points (acquisition points described later) obtained as a result of the game. The server means 50 preferably also manages the number of points available for the user to participate in events (event participation points described later) and the number of coupon tickets. If the user does not use points for a predetermined period, the server means 50 may invalidate the points. Here, an event is, for example, a multi-user participation type tournament on the Internet.

[0031] As operation management of the gaming machine 10, the server means 50 can transmit a signal of an operation instruction from the operation means 20 to the gaming machine 10, receive and process a signal for notifying various results from the gaming machine 10, and further transmit the processed signal to the operation means 20.

[0032] The server means 50 has a function of converting the amount charged by the user using the operation means 20 into lottery points. Further, the server means 50 has a function of causing the gaming machine 10 to start a lottery based on a game start operation by the user using the operation means 20. When the user converts or starts an operation to lottery points via the operation means 20, the server means 50 has a function of issuing a coupon ticket that can be used for applying for a prize or a discount at an EC site. Thereby, regardless of the result of the game (the number of acquired points), the user can enjoy pleasures other than the game such as obtaining a coupon ticket, applying for a prize, or a discount at an EC site, and the interestingness can be improved. From the viewpoint of improving the interestingness, further, the server means 50 preferably has a function of converting the acquired points obtained as a result of the lottery in the gaming machine 10 into event participation points that can be used for participating in an event, and issuing a coupon ticket when the user uses the event participation points via the operation means 20. The coupon ticket can be said to be a right point (right of use) for purchasing lottery points, playing a pachinko game, etc., and can be acquired along with them, and is used for using a prize or a discount at an EC site. The server means 50 can also manage information regarding a prize, such as the number of coupon tickets and the past application history.

[0033] The issuance of the coupon ticket may be performed when at least either the conversion of the user to lottery points or a certain lottery point subtraction by a start operation is performed. From the viewpoint of improving the interestingness, it is preferable that the issuance of the coupon ticket is performed every time the conversion to lottery points and a certain lottery point subtraction by a start operation are performed, and it is more preferable that it is also performed when event participation points are used.

[0034] The control means 40 is provided in the gaming machine 10 and is arranged within the same space as the gaming machine 10. When there are multiple gaming machines, the control means is provided for each gaming machine. The control means 40 includes a control board 41 that controls the normal operation of the gaming machine 10 and a jackpot processing device 42 that controls the operation of the gaming machine during a jackpot. Note that when the function of the jackpot processing device is provided on the control board, etc., the control means may not have the jackpot processing device.

[0035] The transmission and reception of signals and information between external means such as the operation means 20 and the server means 50 and the gaming machine 10 are performed via the control means 40. Specifically, when a signal is transmitted from an external means to the gaming machine 10 and a response signal is returned from the gaming machine 10, the signal is transmitted in the order of the control board 41, the jackpot processing device 42, and the gaming machine 10, and the response signal from the gaming machine 10 is returned via the control board 41. Note that when the control means does not have the jackpot processing device, the transmission of a signal to the gaming machine is directly transmitted from the control board to the gaming machine.

[0036] The control board and the jackpot processing device are installed, for example, in the vicinity of the gaming machine such as a place adjacent to the gaming machine and directly connected without using an electric communication line such as the Internet, thereby suppressing the occurrence of errors caused by the high-frequency transmission and reception of signals during a jackpot or a probability change. As a result, online pachinko games can be stably played.

[0037] Figure 2 is an arrangement diagram of the gaming machine and photographing means for photographing the gaming machine. As shown in Figure 2, the photographing means 30 is arranged in front of or above the gaming machine 10 so as to be paired with the gaming machine 10 and can photograph a moving image or a still image of the gaming machine 10. A display unit 12 for displaying a production symbol for producing the lottery status during the game is provided on the panel 11 of the gaming machine 10. The photographing means 30 can photograph the panel 11 and the display unit 12 of the gaming machine 10. In addition, a sound collecting means 31 is provided and can collect sounds and voices from the gaming machine 10.

[0038] On the display unit of the operating means operated by the user, for example, during a game, there are displayed production symbols such as images (including videos) that produce the lottery status displayed on the display unit 12 of the gaming machine photographed by the photographing means 30. Also, on the display unit of the operating means, images of tournaments and missions are displayed when participating in an event, and various products (prizes) are displayed when applying for a lottery. Further, sounds and voices collected by the sound collection means 31 are output from the voice output unit of the operating means.

[0039] In one embodiment including an actual gaming machine, the user can easily enjoy the game in a short time while enjoying the real atmosphere unique to the actual machine. For this reason, the user can fully enjoy not only the game but also applying for a lottery or a discount on an EC site, and can further improve the interestingness.

[0040] Another embodiment of the online gaming system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of another embodiment of the online gaming system. The online gaming system shown in FIG. 3 includes an operating means 20 and a server means 51. This gaming system is different from the above-described one embodiment in that it does not include an actual gaming machine. In this gaming system, the user can enjoy the game by operating a virtual gaming machine provided by the server means 51. Specifically, the server means 51 has a game server 52, and generation of an image (including a video) of the virtual gaming machine and its operation are performed by the game server 52. The server means 51 has a function of transmitting the user's point information and gaming information (information such as image information, lottery results, and gaming history) in the virtual gaming machine generated by the game server 52 to the operating means 20.

[0041] Regarding the server means 51, differences from the server means 50 in one embodiment will be described. The server means 51 can establish a game only through information processing inside the server means 51 without performing a complicated signal exchange for virtually operating without intervening actual game balls while using an actual gaming machine as in one embodiment. In the case of this embodiment, on the display unit of the operation means 20 operated by the user, for example, production symbols drawn in computer graphics (CG) are displayed during the game. Therefore, compared with one embodiment, other embodiments do not require preparations such as an actual machine, photographing means, control means, etc., and can reduce the cost of the actual machine installation location, maintenance burden, etc. Note that on the display unit of the operation means, production symbols of an actual machine photographed in the past may be displayed instead of CG.

[0042] <Embodiment of Online Gaming Method> Next, based on FIGS. 4 to 6, regarding one embodiment of the online gaming method using the online gaming system of the present invention, details of the signal processing and operations of each means will be described. The online gaming method described here uses one embodiment of the above-described online gaming system.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a flowchart before the start of a game in one embodiment of the online gaming method. As shown in FIG. 4, this gaming method includes a state confirmation step S1 of confirming the state of the gaming machine and a gaming machine selection step S2 of selecting a gaming machine before the start of the game.

[0044] In the state confirmation step S1, at startup, the server means transmits a state confirmation request signal to the gaming machine via the control means, and confirms the state of the gaming machine by receiving any response signal of "awaiting reception", "in game", or "under adjustment" from the gaming machine. Thereafter, a state notification signal is transmitted from the server means to the operation means, and the user can confirm the state of the gaming machine on the screen of the operation means. Note that unless otherwise specified, the transmission and reception of signals between the gaming machine and other than the server means are also performed via the control means.

[0045] In the gaming machine selection step S2, when the user performs an operation to select a "receiving" gaming machine on the screen of the operation means, a gaming machine selection signal, which is a signal for selecting a gaming machine, is transmitted to the gaming machine via the server means. When a playable response signal is transmitted from the gaming machine to the operation means via the server means, the gaming machine selected by the user is displayed as being "in play", and the operation means is in a playable gaming state.

[0046] Also, in the gaming machine selection step S2, when the user performs a gaming machine selection operation, which is an operation of selecting a gaming machine with a "playing" display on the screen of the operation means, a viewing request signal, which is a signal for requesting viewing of a gaming machine being played by another user, is transmitted via the server means. As a result, gaming machine information of the gaming machine is transmitted as a response signal from the gaming machine to the operation means via the server means, and the operation means is in a viewing state where the user can view the gaming situation by another user on the screen of the user's operation means.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a flowchart at the start of a game. As shown in FIG. 5, one embodiment of the online gaming method includes, at the start of a game, a first point conversion step S3 in which the charged amount is converted into lottery points (lottery points are purchased), a first issuance step S4 in which a coupon ticket is issued when the conversion into lottery points is made, a lottery step S5 in which a lottery is conducted on the gaming machine, a point subtraction step S6 in which points are subtracted after the lottery, and a second issuance step S7 in which a coupon ticket is issued when the lottery is conducted.

[0048] In the first point conversion step S3, when the user performs a charging operation using the operation means, a point conversion request signal, which is a signal for requesting conversion into lottery points, is transmitted from the operation means to the server means. As a result, in the server means, a process of converting the amount charged by the user into lottery points at a predetermined conversion rate is performed. The point information of the obtained lottery points is transmitted from the server means to the operation means and can be confirmed on the screen of the operation means. The obtained lottery points are managed by the server means. Note that the lottery points are used only for the start of the lottery on the gaming machine and cannot be reconverted into money.

[0049] In the first issuance step S4, when the server means converts the amount charged by the user using the operation means into lottery points available for the lottery in the gaming machine, it issues a coupon ticket. In FIG. 5, the first issuance step S4 is shown as a step following the first point conversion step S3, but it may be included in the first point conversion step S3. For example, the server means may issue a coupon ticket after point conversion in the first point conversion step S3.

[0050] In the lottery step S5, when the user performs a start operation of the game using the operation means, a start request signal, which is a signal requesting the start of the lottery, is transmitted from the operation means to the server means. When the server means receives the start request signal from the operation means, it transmits a start winning signal to the gaming machine, which is a signal for recognizing the winning of a game ball into the start port. The gaming machine that has received the start winning signal starts the lottery. When the lottery ends, a lottery end signal is transmitted from the gaming machine to the server means. The winning of the game ball into the start port is virtually performed in the gaming machine without intervening actual game balls by the above-described signal processing. For this reason, no actual game balls win in the winning port.

[0051] In the lottery step S5, the user can freely select within a predetermined range the subtraction magnification (hereinafter, also referred to as "BET magnification"), which is the magnification of the points to be subtracted by the start operation for performing the lottery. Information on the selected BET magnification is transmitted from the user's operation means to the server means together with the start request signal (not shown in the figure).

[0052] In the point subtraction step S6, when the server means receives the lottery end signal from the gaming machine, it subtracts a predetermined number of points from the number of lottery points or acquired points held by the user. Note that the lottery points are used only for starting the lottery in the gaming machine, and the subtraction of the lottery points is performed regardless of the result of the lottery. However, when the probability variation state occurs, the lottery points are not subtracted.

[0053] In the second issuance step S7, based on the start operation of the game by the user using the operation means, the gaming machine conducts a lottery by the server means, and when a certain lottery point is subtracted, a coupon ticket is issued. In FIG. 5, the second issuance step S7 is shown as a step following the point subtraction step S6, but it may be included in the lottery step S5. For example, the server means may issue a coupon ticket after transmitting a start opening winning signal or after receiving a lottery end signal.

[0054] The subtraction of points at the server is performed according to the BET ratio selected by the user in the lottery step S5. The number of points to be subtracted is proportional to the BET ratio, for example.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a flowchart after the start of the game. As shown in FIG. 6, one embodiment of the online gaming method includes, after the start of the game, a big winning step S8 for causing the gaming machine to recognize a big win during a big hit, a payout step S9 in which a signal for paying out prize balls is transmitted from the gaming machine, a point addition step S10 in which the acquired points converted from the number of prize balls are added to the held point number, a second point conversion step S11 in which the acquired points are converted into event participation points, and a third issuance step S12 in which a coupon ticket is issued when the event participation points are used.

[0056] In the big winning step S8, when the gaming machine enters a big hit state as a result of the lottery, a big hit signal, which is a signal notifying the big hit state from the gaming machine to the server means and the control means, is transmitted. Further, a big winning opening winning signal, which is a signal for causing the gaming machine to recognize the winning of a game ball into the big winning opening, is transmitted from the control means that has received the signal to the gaming machine. At this time, the big hit processing device provided in the control means processes the received big hit signal to generate a big winning opening winning signal. The winning of a game ball into the big winning opening is virtually performed by the above-described signal processing, and the actual game ball does not win.

[0057] In the payout step S9, when the gaming machine receives the big winning opening winning signal from the control means, a payout signal, which is a signal transmitted when the gaming machine pays out prize balls, is transmitted from the gaming machine to the server means. The payout of prize balls from the gaming machine is virtually performed by the above-described signal processing without intervening actual gaming balls in the gaming machine. For this reason, no actual prize balls are paid out from the gaming machine.

[0058] In the point addition step S10, when the server means receives the payout signal from the gaming machine, the number of virtual prize balls is converted into the number of acquired points and added to the user's held point number. The acquired points are used for the start of the lottery or conversion into event participation points.

[0059] The conversion from the number of virtual prize balls obtained using the lottery points to the number of acquired points is performed according to the BET ratio selected by the user in the lottery step. The number of points to be converted is proportional to the BET ratio, for example.

[0060] In the second point conversion step S11, the server means converts the acquired points into event participation points that can be used to participate in events. Specifically, when the user uses the operation means to perform an operation to convert the acquired points into event participation points, a point conversion request signal, which is a signal requesting the conversion into event participation points, is transmitted from the operation means to the server means. As a result, in the server means, a process of converting the acquired points into event participation points at a predetermined conversion rate is performed. The point information of the event participation points is transmitted from the server means to the operation means and can be confirmed on the screen of the operation means. The acquired event participation points are managed by the server means. Note that the event participation points are used only for participating in events and cannot be reconverted into acquired points.

[0061] In the third issuance step S12, when the user uses (participates in the event) the event participation points via the operation means, the server means issues a coupon ticket. Note that the user may participate in the event on the day of the pachinko game, or may participate in the event by using the stored event participation points on a day when the pachinko game is not played. Also, the pachinko game and participation in the event can be carried out simultaneously.

[0062] The server means can manage the lottery points, acquired points, and event participation points separately. When setting the expiration date for each point, the server means can set and manage the expiration date for each of them.

[0063] One embodiment of the online game method further includes a prize-winning step S13 in which the user applies for a prize using the coupon tickets obtained in the above-described various issuance steps S4, S7, and S12. In the prize-winning step S13, when the user performs an application operation to apply for a product selected on the screen of the operation means, an application signal, which is a signal for applying for the product, is transmitted to the server means. The server means determines the winning users at a predetermined date and time and transmits the prize-winning result information to the prize applicants. The winning users are determined with a predetermined probability, and the probability is, for example, in the range of 1 to 99%.

[0064] One embodiment of the online game method includes an EC site discount step S14 instead of, or together with, the above-described prize-winning step S13. In the EC site discount step S14, the user can display a dedicated EC site provided by the system provider or an EC site of a partnering company on the screen of the operation means, and use the coupon tickets obtained in the various issuance steps S4, S7, and S12 at the site to purchase the target product at a discounted price.

[0065] Another embodiment of the online gaming method of the present invention will be described. The online gaming method described here uses another embodiment of the above-described online gaming system. Unlike one embodiment, since the actual gaming machine is not used in another embodiment of the online gaming method, the status confirmation step S1, the gaming machine selection step S2, the lottery step S5, the big winning step S8, and the payout step S9 (see FIGS. 4 to 6) are processed between the operation means and the server means. And this embodiment includes a step in which the server means transmits the user's point information and the gaming information on the virtual gaming machine generated by the game server to the operation means. As a result, it is a simple configuration in which signal transmission and reception between the server means and the gaming machine and the control means are not required, and signal delay and malfunctions due to devices and communication equipment are less likely to occur. At the same time, the user can enjoy gaming, participating in events, applying for prizes, and getting discounts on the EC site.

[0066] <Flow from charging to prize application and discount utilization> FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the flow from charging to prize application when the user plays using the gaming system of the present invention. When the user makes a charge and obtains lottery points, a coupon ticket that can be used to apply for a prize can also be obtained. Further, the user can also obtain a coupon ticket when playing a game by consuming lottery points or acquired points. That is, the user can obtain a coupon ticket even when not playing a game or when no acquired points can be obtained as a result of the game. And when the user participates in an event such as a tournament or a mission by using (consuming) the event participation points converted from the acquired points, a coupon ticket can also be obtained. The event can be participated in by using a predetermined number of event participation points. The user can obtain a predetermined number of (for example, 1) coupon tickets for obtaining or consuming a predetermined number of (for example, 4000) lottery points, or consuming acquired points or event participation points. In addition, when the user participates in an event and satisfies a predetermined condition (rank, score, etc.), the user can also obtain a corresponding number of coupon tickets according to the result.

[0067] When applying for a lottery, the user opens the prize application page on the display screen of the operation means and uses a coupon to apply for the lottery. It is preferable that the number of coupons required for one application varies according to the value of the product. The lottery is held, for example, on a weekly basis, and the application deadline is set on the end date, followed by a lottery draw. When using a discount on an e-commerce site, the user selects whether to use a coupon (and in some cases, the number of coupons used) when selecting a product or during settlement on the site. The coupon is set with an expiration date of, for example, 30 days and becomes invalid if not used beyond the expiration date. In this way, during the process of playing games using the game system of the present invention, the user can enjoy joys and pleasures other than pachinko games, such as the joy of obtaining a coupon, the pleasure of applying for a lottery with a coupon (and furthermore, the joy of obtaining a product if winning the lottery draw), and the joy of being able to get a discount on an e-commerce site.

[0068] As described above, the online game system and the online game method have been explained based on each figure and the like, but the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this.

Industrial Applicability

[0069] The online game system and the online game method of the present invention can improve the interestingness, so that users can enjoy online games for a long time.

Explanation of Signs

[0070] 10 Gaming Machine 11 Game Board 12 Display Unit 20 Operation Means 30 Photographing Means 31 Sound Collecting Means 40 Control Means 41 Control Substrate 42 Big Hit Processing Device 50, 51 Server Means

Claims

1. An online gaming system comprising server means for performing operation management of an actual or virtual gaming machine and point management of a user, which is connected to enable transmission and reception of signals via a telecommunication line, and operation means for remotely operating a game on the gaming machine, wherein the server means converts the amount charged by the user using the operation means into lottery points that can be used for a lottery in the gaming machine, starts a lottery in the gaming machine based on a start operation of the game by the user using the operation means, and when the user subtracts the lottery points by conversion to the lottery points or by a start operation using the operation means, issues a coupon ticket that can be used for applying for a prize or for a discount at an EC site. The online gaming system is characterized by this function.

2. The server means according to claim 1, wherein the server means has a function of converting the acquired points obtained as a result of the lottery in the gaming machine into event participation points that can be used for participating in an event, and issuing the coupon ticket when the user uses the event participation points via the operation means. The online gaming system is characterized by this function.

3. The gaming machine is an actual gaming machine, The server means is a means for subtracting a predetermined number of points from the number of points held by the user when receiving a lottery end signal, which is a signal transmitted when the lottery performed by the gaming machine after receiving the start port winning signal transmitted by the server means based on the start operation of the game by the user using the operation means is completed, and for acquiring the acquired points when receiving a payout signal, which is a signal transmitted by the gaming machine when paying out a prize ball. The online gaming system according to claim 2, wherein the winning of the game ball at the start port in the gaming machine is virtually performed without intervening actual game balls in the gaming machine by transmitting the start port winning signal from the server means to the gaming machine, and the payout of the prize ball from the gaming machine is virtually performed without intervening actual game balls in the gaming machine by transmitting the payout signal from the gaming machine to the server means. The online gaming system is characterized by this function.

4. The server means has a game server that provides the user with a game on a virtual gaming machine as the gaming machine, and has a function of transmitting the user's point information and game information on the virtual gaming machine generated by the game server to the operation means. The online gaming system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that.

5. An online gaming method using a system comprising server means for performing operation management of an actual or virtual gaming machine and point management of a user, connected so as to enable transmission and reception of signals via a telecommunication line, and operation means for remotely operating a game on the gaming machine, When the server means converts the amount charged by the user using the operation means into lottery points that can be used for a lottery in the gaming machine, a first issuance step of issuing a coupon ticket that can be used for applying for a prize or a discount on an EC site; The online gaming method is characterized by including a second issuance step of issuing the coupon ticket when the server means performs a lottery in the gaming machine based on a start operation of the game by the user using the operation means and subtracts lottery points.

6. A step of converting the acquired points obtained as a result of the lottery in the gaming machine into event participation points that can be used for participating in an event by the server means; The online gaming method according to claim 5, characterized by including a third issuance step of issuing the coupon ticket when the user uses the event participation points via the operation means by the server means.

7. The gaming machine is an actual gaming machine, When the user performs a start operation of the game using the operation means, a start port winning signal, which is a signal for causing the gaming machine to recognize the winning of a game ball into the start port, is transmitted from the server means, and a lottery step in which a lottery is performed in the gaming machine; When the server means receives a lottery end signal, which is a signal transmitted when the lottery in the gaming machine ends, from the gaming machine, a point subtraction step of subtracting a predetermined number of points from the number of points held by the user; A payout step of transmitting a payout signal, which is a signal transmitted when the gaming machine pays out a prize ball, from the gaming machine to the server means based on the result of the lottery in the lottery step; When the server means receives the payout signal from the gaming machine, it includes an acquired point addition step of acquiring the acquired points and adding the number of points. In the lottery step, the winning of the game ball into the start port in the gaming machine is virtually performed without intervening actual game balls in the gaming machine by transmitting the start port winning signal from the server means to the gaming machine, and the payout of the prize balls from the gaming machine in the payout step is virtually performed without intervening actual game balls in the gaming machine by transmitting the payout signal from the gaming machine to the server means. The online gaming method according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. The server means has a game server that provides the user with a game on a virtual gaming machine as the gaming machine. The online gaming method according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the server means includes a step of transmitting the point information of the user and the game information on the virtual gaming machine generated by the game server to the operation means.

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