Game system

Abstract

To improve the amusement of a game using a spherical game ball.SOLUTION: A game system includes: a spherical game ball 80 whose centroid is eccentric; a game board surface F on which the game ball 80 rolls; a supply part 53 that supplies the game ball 80 onto the game board surface F; an impetus part 54 that gives impetus to the game ball 80 supplied by the supply part 53 according to an operation by a player; and a control part that progresses a game according to arrival of the game ball 80, which has been given impetus by the impetus part 54, at a designated position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Various games using spherical game objects have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pinball game in which a ball rolling on a playfield is hit by rotating flippers in response to a player's operation, and the game progresses according to the target the ball hits. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-237412 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the movement of the ball rolling on the playfield is monotonous. Therefore, for example, it is easy for a player skilled in the game to make the ball reach a desired position. However, as a result of the above-mentioned simple task of playing the game, there is a problem in that it is difficult to maintain sufficient entertainment value. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve the entertainment value of games using spherical game objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a spherical game object with an eccentric center of gravity, a board surface on which the game object rolls, a release unit that releases the game object onto the board surface, a biasing unit that biases the game object released by the release unit in response to an operation by a player, and a control unit that progresses the game in response to the game object biased by the biasing unit reaching a specific position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

[0009] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game system 100 of the first embodiment includes a plurality (four) of stations 10 (10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4). Each of the plurality of stations 10 is a unit used by a player to play a game. Games by different players proceed in parallel at the plurality of stations 10.

[0010] Station 10-1 and station 10-2 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The structure of station 10-1 and the structure of station 10-2 are symmetric about the left and right. Similarly, station 10-3 and station 10-4 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The structure of station 10-3 and the structure of station 10-4 are symmetric about the left and right. The back of station 10-1 and the back of station 10-3 face each other, and the back of station 10-2 and the back of station 10-4 face each other. In the following description, for convenience, station 10-1 will be typically described, and the description of the other stations 10 (10-2 to 10-4) will be omitted.

[0011] In the following description, an X-axis and a Y-axis are assumed to be orthogonal to each other in a horizontal plane. The X-axis is an axis extending from side to side of the player, and the Y-axis is an axis extending from front to back of the player. A direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the "X1 direction," and a direction opposite the X1 direction will be referred to as the "X2 direction." The X1 direction corresponds to the player's leftward direction, and the X2 direction corresponds to the player's rightward direction. Similarly, a direction along the Y-axis will be referred to as the "Y1 direction," and a direction opposite the Y1 direction will be referred to as the "Y2 direction." The Y1 direction corresponds to the player's backward direction (toward the player's front side of the station 10), and the Y2 direction corresponds to the player's forward direction (toward the depth of the station 10).

[0012] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 100. The game system 100 of the first embodiment includes a control device 11 and a storage device 12 in addition to a plurality of stations 10. The game system 100 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0013] The control device 11 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the game system 100. For example, the control device 11 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a sound processing unit (SPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Note that some or all of the functions of the control device 11 may be installed in each station 10.

[0014] The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store the programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. The storage device 12 is composed of a known recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, for example. The storage device 12 may be composed of a combination of multiple types of recording media. Also, a portable recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the game system 100, or a recording medium (e.g., cloud storage) to which the control device 11 can perform writing or reading via a communication network may be used as the storage device 12.

[0015] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram regarding the progress of the game in the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the first embodiment, a normal game, an initial lottery, and a plurality of special lotteries (first special lottery, second special lottery, third special lottery) are executed.

[0016] The normal game is a game that a player plays steadily. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game, the initial lottery is started. The initial lottery is a lottery process for selecting one of the plurality of special lotteries. Each special lottery is a lottery process for determining the reward given to the player. The lottery conditions and the amount of the reward differ for each special lottery. When the special lottery ends, the normal game resumes.

[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of stations 10 includes a display device 20, an operation unit 30, a game mechanism 40, a first lottery device 50, an imaging device 60, and a second lottery device 70. Note that each station 10 can be realized as a single device, or can also be realized by a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0018] The display device 20 displays an image under the control of the control device 11. The display device 20 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel, for example. Note that the display devices 20 of two adjacent stations 10 may be composed of a single display panel. Note that the display device 20 is an example of a “display unit”.

[0019] The operation unit 30 is an interface that receives operations by the player. Specifically, the operation unit 30 includes an operation device 31, a reception device 32, and a payout device 33. The operation device 31 is an input device that receives instructions from the player. The operation device 31 is, for example, an operator that the player operates, or a touch panel that detects contact by the player.

[0020] The reception device 32 receives medals from the player. Specifically, the reception device 32 receives physical medals and electronic medals from the player. A physical medal is a disc-shaped tangible game value. An electronic medal is an intangible game value realized by electronic data. The mechanism of the reception device 32 for receiving physical medals includes an insertion port into which the physical medal is inserted and a detector that detects the insertion of the physical medal into the insertion port. Also, the mechanism of the reception device 32 for receiving electronic medals is a communication device that communicates with, for example, an account management system (not shown) that manages the player's electronic medal account. For example, the reception device 32 executes a withdrawal process of electronic medals through communication with the account management system.

[0021] The medals received by the reception device 32 from the player are exchanged for credits. Specifically, a numerical value corresponding to the quantity of the medals received by the reception device 32 is added to the credits (hereinafter referred to as "held credits") held by the player. Held credits are game values that the player consumes for playing the game.

[0022] The payout device 33 pays out medals to the player. Specifically, a quantity of medals corresponding to the held credits is paid out by the payout device 33. The mechanism of the payout device 33 for outputting physical medals includes a storage container that stores the physical medals and a discharge mechanism that sequentially discharges the physical medals from the storage container. Also, the mechanism of the payout device 33 for outputting electronic medals is a communication device that executes a deposit process of electronic medals through communication with the aforementioned account management system.

[0023] Note that the game values to be paid out by the payout device 33 are not limited to medals. For example, tickets or points having an exchange value with prizes or the like may be paid out from the payout device 33 according to the quantity of the held credits.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the game mechanism 40. The game mechanism 40 is used for a normal game. The normal game of the first embodiment is a pusher game. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the game mechanism 40 includes a fixed table 41, a movable table 42, a throwing device 43, a supply device 44, a fixed wall 45, and a detection device 46.

[0025] The fixed table 41 is a flat plate material installed substantially horizontally. The movable table 42 is a three-dimensional structure (pusher table) that reciprocates in the Y-axis direction on the fixed table 41. A plurality of game medals 47 and a plurality of game balls 48 are placed on the fixed table 41 and the movable table 42. The game medal 47 is a disk-shaped member (token). The game ball 48 is a spherical body simulating the appearance of a baseball.

[0026] The throwing device 43 supplies the game medal 47 onto the movable table 42 according to the operation from the player with respect to the operation device 31. Specifically, the throwing device 43 throws the game medal 47 onto the movable table 42 in exchange for the use of the held credits.

[0027] The supply device 44 supplies the game medal 47 and the game ball 48 to the upper surface of the fixed table 41 or the movable table 42. For example, when a predetermined condition regarding the progress of the normal game is satisfied, the game medal 47 or the game ball 48 is supplied from the supply device 44.

[0028] The fixed wall 45 is a structure facing the upper surface of the movable table 42. The game medals 47 and game balls 48 placed on the movable table 42 are pressed in the Y1 direction by the fixed wall 45 as the movable table 42 moves in the Y2 direction. The game medals 47 and game balls 48, which have moved in the Y1 direction due to the pressure from the fixed wall 45, fall from the movable table 42 onto the fixed table 41.

[0029] Furthermore, the plurality of game medals 47 and the plurality of game balls 48 on the fixed table 41 are pressed in the Y1 direction by the movable table 42, causing them to fall from the fixed table 41. The detection device 46 is a sensor that detects the game medals 47 and game balls 48 that have fallen from the fixed table 41. When a game medal 47 falls from the fixed table 41, the control device 11 adds a predetermined value to the held credits. On the other hand, when a game ball 48 falls from the fixed table 41, the control device 11 starts an initial lottery.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first lottery device 50. The first lottery device 50 is a lottery mechanism used for an initial lottery. The first lottery device 50 is a simple baseball game device (a so-called baseball board) in which a game ball 80 is hit in response to an operation by a player (hereinafter referred to as a "hitting operation"). The game ball 80 is a spherical game object that can roll. Specifically, the game ball 80 is a sphere with an appearance that imitates a baseball.

[0031] The center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric. That is, the center of gravity of the game ball 80 does not coincide with the center of the game ball 80. The center of gravity of the game ball 80 is the point of action of the resultant force of gravity acting on each part of the game ball 80. On the other hand, in the game ball 48 described above, the center of gravity coincides with the center. However, the game ball 48 may be a sphere with an eccentric center of gravity, similar to the game ball 80. Furthermore, the size of the game ball 80 may be the same as or different from the size of the game ball 48.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the game ball 80. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the game ball 80 includes a spherical shell portion 81, a protruding portion 82, and a weight member 83. The spherical shell portion 81 is a spherical shell-shaped portion composed of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface. The protruding portion 82 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes radially from the inner peripheral surface of the spherical shell portion 81. The weight member 83 is installed inside the protruding portion 82. For example, the weight member 83 is a cylindrical member (e.g., an insert nut) that is press-fitted inside the protruding portion 82. Note that a screw groove may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the protruding portion 82, and a cylindrical weight member 83 (e.g., a set screw with a hexagonal hole) having a screw groove formed on its outer peripheral surface that meshes with the screw groove of the protruding portion 82 may be installed inside the protruding portion 82.

[0033] The weight member 83 is formed of a material with a higher density compared to the spherical shell portion 81 and the protruding portion 82. For example, the spherical shell portion 81 and the protruding portion 82 are formed of various resin materials, and the weight member 83 is formed of a metal material. With the above configuration, eccentricity of the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is achieved. Note that the spherical shell portion 81 is manufactured, for example, by joining two hemispherical shells. For example, the game ball 80 is manufactured by fixing the weight member 83 to the protruding portion 82 installed on the inner peripheral surface of one hemispherical shell and then joining the other hemispherical shell.

[0034] As a result of the eccentricity of the center of gravity as described above, in the process of the game ball 80 rolling, the moving conditions such as the moving direction and moving speed change moment by moment. That is, the game ball 80 rolls along an irregular curved trajectory while irregularly changing its moving speed.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first lottery device 50 includes a game table 51, a guide groove 52, a discharge portion 53, a biasing portion 54, and a moving portion 55.

[0036] The game table 51 is a plate-shaped member including an upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "game board surface F") that simulates the ground of a baseball field. The game board surface F is a flat surface (game field) on which the game ball 80 can roll. The game board surface F is formed in a polygonal shape whose contour line is formed by a peripheral edge E1, a peripheral edge E2, a peripheral edge E3, and a peripheral edge E4.

[0037] The peripheral edge E1 is a linear end along the X-axis in the Y2 direction of the game board surface F. The peripheral edge E2 is a linear end along the X-axis in the Y1 direction of the game board surface F. The peripheral edge E1 is longer than the peripheral edge E2. The peripheral edge E3 is a linear end along the Y-axis in the X1 direction of the game board surface F. The peripheral edge E4 is a polygonal line-shaped end located in the X2 direction of the game board surface F. The peripheral edge E3 is located in the X1 direction with respect to the peripheral edge E4.

[0038] The peripheral edge E4 includes a portion E41 and a portion E42. The portion E41 is a section of the peripheral edge E4 that is continuous with the end of the peripheral edge E1. The portion E41 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the X-axis and the Y-axis. Specifically, the distance between the end in the Y2 direction of the portion E41 and the peripheral edge E3 is greater than the distance between the end in the Y1 direction of the portion E41 and the peripheral edge E3. On the other hand, the portion E42 is a section of the peripheral edge E4 that is continuous with the end of the peripheral edge E2 and extends along the Y-axis. The rectangular region located between the portion E42 of the peripheral edge E4 and the peripheral edge E3 on the game board surface F corresponds to the batter's box in the baseball ground.

[0039] On the game table 51, a side wall portion W2, a side wall portion W3, and a side wall portion W4 are installed. The side wall portion W2, the side wall portion W3, and the side wall portion W4 are wall-like structures that protrude vertically upward from the game board surface F and prevent the game ball 80 from falling from the game board surface F. Specifically, the side wall portion W3 extends in the direction of the Y-axis along the peripheral edge E3. The side wall portion W4 extends along the portion E41 of the peripheral edge E4. The side wall portion W2 is installed near the peripheral edge E2 and is connected to the side wall portion W4. On the other hand, no side wall portion is installed on the peripheral edge E1. Therefore, the game ball 80 rolling on the game board surface F can fall only from the peripheral edge E1.

[0040] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 5. As illustrated in Figure 7, the game board surface F is an inclined surface that descends in the Y1 direction. That is, the peripheral edge E2 is at a lower position than the peripheral edge E1. Therefore, the game ball 80 placed on the game board surface F rolls in the Y1 direction by its own weight along the inclination of the game board surface F.

[0041] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, a guide groove 52 is provided in the Y2 direction of the game board surface F. The guide groove 52 is a recess whose bottom surface 521 is lower than the game board surface F and extends along the periphery E1. Specifically, the guide groove 52 extends in the X-axis direction between both ends of the periphery E1. The width (dimension in the Y-axis direction) of the bottom surface 521 of the guide groove 52 exceeds the diameter of the game ball 80. Therefore, the game ball 80 can be accommodated inside the guide groove 52.

[0042] The bottom surface 521 of the guide groove 52 is an inclined surface that descends toward the X1 direction. That is, the end of the bottom surface 521 of the guide groove 52 in the X1 direction is located lower than the end of the bottom surface 521 in the X2 direction. Therefore, the game ball 80 accommodated in the guide groove 52 rolls in the X1 direction along the inclination of the bottom surface 521 due to its own weight.

[0043] The display device 20 is installed at a distance from the periphery E1 of the game board surface F. Specifically, the display device 20 is installed so that the display surface 21 that displays the image is aligned with the X-axis. A guide groove 52 is located between the periphery E1 of the game board surface F and the display surface 21 of the display device 20. The lower edge 22 of the display surface 21 is located at the same height as the periphery E1 of the game board surface F.

[0044] 5, the release portion 53 and the biasing portion 54 are installed spaced apart from each other in the direction of the Y axis. Specifically, the release portion 53 is installed near the corner where the periphery E1 and the periphery E3 intersect, and the biasing portion 54 is installed near the periphery E2. The release portion 53 corresponds to the pitcher, and the biasing portion 54 corresponds to the batter.

[0045] The release unit 53 releases the game ball 80 onto the game board surface F. Specifically, the release unit 53 releases the game ball 80 in the Y1 direction toward the biasing unit 54. The release unit 53 of the first embodiment includes a throwing arm 531 and a drive device 532.

[0046] The pitching arm 531 is a member that can rotate about an axis along the X-axis. The pitching arm 531 includes a concave holding portion 533 that can hold the game ball 80. The drive device 532 is an electric motor that rotates the pitching arm 531. By being driven by the drive device 532, the pitching arm 531 transitions from one of a standby state and a pitching state to the other. In FIG. 7, the pitching arm 531 in the standby state is shown by a solid line, and the pitching arm 531 in the pitching state is shown by a dashed line.

[0047] The standby state is a state in which the holding portion 533 has descended near the bottom surface 521 of the guide groove 52. The game ball 80 accommodated in the guide groove 52 rolls in the X1 direction along the inclination of the bottom surface 521 and is held by the holding portion 533 of the pitching arm 531 in the standby state. On the other hand, the pitching state is a state in which the holding portion 533 faces the Y1 direction (the biasing portion 54 side).

[0048] The pitching arm 531 transitions from the standby state to the pitching state by rotating in the direction α1 in FIG. 7. The game ball 80 held by the holding portion 533 in the standby state is released from the holding portion 533 toward the biasing portion 54 in the process of transitioning to the pitching state. When the game ball 80 is released, the pitching arm 531 transitions from the pitching state to the standby state by rotating in the direction α2 opposite to the direction α1 and waits for the supply of the game ball 80 by the guide groove 52. As described above, the guide groove 52 is a path for returning the game ball 80 to the release portion 53.

[0049] The game ball 80 is released from the release portion 53 in the Y1 direction, and the game board surface F is an inclined surface that descends in the Y1 direction. Therefore, the game ball 80 released by the release portion 53 proceeds toward the biasing portion 54 while rolling irregularly due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The biasing portion 54 biases the game ball 80 coming from the release portion 53 according to the hitting operation by the player. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the biasing portion 54 of the first embodiment includes a hitting member 541 and a drive device 542.

[0050] The striking member 541 is a rod-shaped member that can rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game board surface F. That is, the striking member 541 rotates in a plane parallel to the game board surface F. Specifically, the striking member 541 has an appearance resembling a baseball bat. The driving device 542 is an electric motor that rotates the striking member 541. Driven by the driving device 542, the striking member 541 transitions from one of a starting state and a terminal state to the other. In FIG. 5, the striking member 541 in the starting state is illustrated by a solid line, and the striking member 541 in the terminal state is illustrated by a dashed line. Note that while FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the striking member 541 rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game board surface F (i.e., a rotation axis inclined with respect to the vertical direction), the striking member 541 may also rotate around a rotation axis along the vertical direction.

[0051] The starting state is a state in which the tip of the striking member 541 faces the periphery E3 (or the periphery E2). That is, the striking member 541 in the starting state faces laterally relative to the release portion 53. On the other hand, the terminal state is a state in which the tip of the striking member 541 faces the periphery E1 (or the periphery E4). The striking member 541 is biased to the starting state by an elastic body such as a spring.

[0052] The driving device 542 rotates the striking member 541 from the starting state to the terminal state in response to a striking operation by the player on the operation device 31. That is, the timing at which the striking member 541 rotates corresponds to the timing of the striking operation by the player. In the process of transitioning from the starting state to the terminal state, the striking member 541 may collide with the game ball 80 released from the release section 53. As a result of being struck by the striking member 541, the direction of movement of the game ball 80 is reversed, and the game ball 80 rolls toward the periphery E1 of the game board surface F. That is, as a result of being struck by the striking member 541, the game ball 80 moves toward the display surface 21 (or the guide groove 52) of the display device 20.

[0053] The moving unit 55 moves the game ball 80 between the release by the releasing unit 53 and the urging unit 54. The moving unit 55 is installed between the releasing unit 53 and the urging unit 54. While the urging unit 54 urges the game ball 80 in response to a hitting operation by the player, the moving unit 55 moves the game ball 80 regardless of an operation by the player. In other words, the urging of the game ball 80 by the moving unit 55 is not affected by an operation by the player.

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the moving unit 55 includes a turntable 551 and a drive unit 552. The turntable 551 is a disk-shaped member that can rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game board surface F. The turntable 551 is installed inside a circular opening 511 formed in the gaming table 51. The drive unit 552 is an electric motor that rotates the turntable 551. The drive unit 552 continuously rotates the turntable 551 during the period in which the initial lottery is executed. The drive unit 552 is an example of a "drive unit." Note that while FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the turntable 551 rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game board surface F (i.e., a rotation axis inclined with respect to the vertical direction), the turntable 551 may also rotate around a rotation axis along the vertical direction.

[0055] Rotating plate 551 is located between throwing arm 531 and hitting member 541 in a plan view from the vertical direction. That is, rotating plate 551 is installed at a position where game ball 80 released by releasing unit 53 reaches when not hit by hitting member 541. Side wall portion W2 described above is installed in the Y1 direction of rotating plate 551, and extends in an arc shape along the outer periphery of rotating plate 551. That is, rotating plate 551 is located between throwing arm 531 and side wall portion W2.

[0056] Further, the turntable 551 is located within the movable range of the striking member 541 in plan view. The movable range of the striking member 541 is a fan-shaped area through which the striking member 541 passes between the starting position and the ending position. Part or all of the turntable 551 may be located outside the movable range of the striking member 541 in plan view. Note that the side wall portion W2 is also located within the movable range of the striking member 541. The top of the side wall portion W2 is at a position lower than that of the striking member 541. Therefore, the striking member 541 and the side wall portion W2 do not interfere with each other.

[0057] The turntable 551 includes an upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "placement surface 553") on which the game ball 80 can be placed. The placement surface 553 is a flat surface parallel to the game board surface F. Therefore, the placement surface 553 is an inclined surface that descends in the Y1 direction. However, the placement surface 553 may be a plane parallel to the horizontal plane (X-Y plane).

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the placement surface 553 of the turntable 551 is at a position lower than the game board surface F. The height of the step between the placement surface 553 and the game board surface F is less than the diameter of the game ball 80. Specifically, the height of the step is less than half of the diameter of the game ball 80.

[0059] As described above, a columnar concave portion 56 is formed with the inner peripheral surface of the opening 511 of the game table 51 as the side surface and the placement surface 553 as the bottom surface. In order for the game ball 80 that has reached the placement surface 553 to move outside the concave portion 56, it is necessary to overcome the step between the placement surface 553 and the game board surface F. Therefore, the game ball 80 on the placement surface 553 stays within the concave portion 56.

[0060] As described above, the game ball 80 stays on the placement surface 553 due to the step between the placement surface 553 and the game board surface F. That is, the game ball 80 stays within the range where the biasing portion 54 can bias. According to the first embodiment, it is possible to make the game ball 80 stay on the placement surface 553 with a simple configuration that makes the heights of the placement surface 553 and the game board surface F different.

[0061] The turntable 551 of the first embodiment includes a protrusion 554 provided on the mounting surface 553. The protrusion 554 is a protrusion that protrudes upward from the mounting surface 553. The protrusion 554 is provided at a position on the mounting surface 553 that is spaced apart from the rotation axis of the turntable 551. Therefore, as the turntable 551 rotates, the protrusion 554 moves within the recess 56 on a circumference that is concentric with the turntable 551.

[0062] The protrusion 554 is, for example, a cylindrical portion. However, the shape of the protrusion 554 may be changed as desired. For example, a hemispherical or conical protrusion 554 may be provided on the mounting surface 553. The protrusion 554 is also configured integrally with the mounting surface 553. The protrusion 554 may be separate from the mounting surface 553 and fixed to the mounting surface 553.

[0063] The top of the protrusion 554 is located lower than the striking member 541. Therefore, there is no interference between the striking member 541 and the protrusion 554. The height of the top of the protrusion 554 relative to the game board surface F is arbitrary. That is, it is possible to imagine a configuration in which the top of the protrusion 554 is located higher than the game board surface F, a configuration in which the game board surface F is located higher than the top of the protrusion 554, or a configuration in which the top of the protrusion 554 and the game board surface F are at the same height.

[0064] The game ball 80 on the placing surface 553 moves irregularly by repeatedly colliding with the protrusions 554 in the recess 56. That is, the moving unit 55 moves the game ball 80 released by the releasing unit 53 while keeping it within the range that can be biased by the biasing unit 54. As explained above, in the first embodiment, the movement of the game ball 80 changes when the protrusions 554 come into contact (typically collide) with the game ball 80 on the placing surface 553. Therefore, it is possible to move the game ball 80 irregularly with a simple configuration.

[0065] When the striking member 541 rotates while the game ball 80 is retained in the recess 56, the striking member 541 strikes the game ball 80. As a result of the strike by the striking member 541, the game ball 80 moves over the step between the placement surface 553 and the game board surface F to the outside of the recess 56, and rolls on the game board surface F toward the periphery E1 (and further toward the display surface 21 of the display device 20). Note that while the above description focuses on the strike by the striking member 541, there is also a case where the game ball 80 moves to the outside of the recess 56 as a result of a collision with the protrusion 554. In other words, a strike by the striking member 541 is not essential for the game ball 80 to fly out of the recess 56.

[0066] The game ball 80 that has reached the periphery E1 of the game table 51 falls from the periphery E1 into the guide groove 52. As described above, the game ball 80 contained in the guide groove 52 moves in the X1 direction due to the inclination of the bottom surface 521. The release unit 53 holds the game ball 80 supplied from the guide groove 52 in the holding unit 533, and waits for the next release of the game ball 80. As explained above, the game ball 80 basically circulates in the following order: release by the release unit 53 → movement by the moving unit 55 → urging by the urging unit 54 → fall from the periphery E1 into the guide groove 52 → retention by the release unit 53.

[0067] As described above, in the first embodiment, the game ball 80 released into the release unit 53 moves by the action of the moving unit 55, regardless of the operation by the player. Therefore, compared to a form in which the moving unit 55 is not provided, the movement of the game ball 80 is diversified, and as a result, the entertainment value of the game can be improved. Also, in the first embodiment, the game ball 80 can be moved by a simple configuration in which the drive device 552 rotates the turntable 551.

[0068] In particular, in the first embodiment, the game ball 80 moves within the range where the biasing portion 54 can bias (specifically, the concave portion 56). Therefore, in order to strike the game ball 80 within the concave portion 56 in an appropriate direction by the striking member 541, it is necessary to sufficiently observe or predict the behavior of the game ball 80 within the concave portion 56. As described above, it is possible to provide the player with the interest of determining the timing of the striking operation while observing the game ball 80.

[0069] The imaging device 60 in FIG. 1 is installed above the first lottery device 50 in the vertical direction. The imaging device 60 is an imaging device that images the first lottery device 50 from above in the vertical direction. Specifically, the imaging device 60 generates moving image data representing a moving image by imaging the vicinity (the guide groove 52 and the display surface 21) of the peripheral edge E1 of the game table 51. The imaging device 60 includes, for example, an optical system such as a photographing lens and an imaging element that receives incident light from the optical system.

[0070] In FIG. 5, a reference line R is illustrated. The reference line R is a virtual line (a straight line or a curve) extending in the direction of the X-axis along the peripheral edge E1. Specifically, the reference line R is set inside the guide groove 52 in a plan view. The reference line R can also be expressed as a virtual line along the guide groove 52 or the display surface 21. As described above, the game ball 80 biased by the biasing portion 54 falls from the peripheral edge E1 into the guide groove 52. The game ball 80 that has fallen into the guide groove 52 reaches the reference line R. Note that the reference line R is an example of a "specific position".

[0071] The control device 11 can specify the position reached by the game ball 80 after being biased by the biasing portion 54. Specifically, the control device 11 can specify the position (hereinafter referred to as the "reached position") where the game ball 80 has reached on the reference line R by analyzing the moving image data generated by the imaging device 60. The reached position is a position in the direction of the X-axis. Specifically, the control device 11 recognizes the game ball 80 by analyzing the moving image data and estimates the position where the game ball 80 has passed on the reference line R as the reached position.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an image displayed on the display device 20 in the initial lottery using the first lottery device 50. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control device 11 displays a plurality of lottery elements 23 on the display device 20. The plurality of lottery elements 23 are continuously displayed during the period in which the initial lottery is executed. Each lottery element 23 is an element to be the subject of the lottery by the initial lottery. That is, the initial lottery is a lottery process for selecting any one of the plurality of lottery elements 23.

[0073] Each lottery element 23 corresponds to any one of a plurality of special lotteries. Specifically, the lottery element 23 corresponding to each special lottery is an image representing the special lottery. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the lottery element 23 displayed as "CHANCE!" corresponds to the first special lottery, the lottery element 23 displayed as "BIG CHANCE!" corresponds to the second special lottery, and the lottery element 23 displayed as "???" corresponds to the third special lottery. The selection of the lottery element 23 in the initial lottery means the selection of the special lottery corresponding to the lottery element 23.

[0074] The plurality of lottery elements 23 are displayed in a strip-shaped area extending in the X-axis direction along the lower side 22 of the display surface 21 of the display device 20. The plurality of lottery elements 23 are arranged in the X-axis direction. As described above, the lower side 22 of the display surface 21 extends along the reference line R (the peripheral edge E1 or the guide groove 52). Therefore, the plurality of lottery elements 23 are arranged along the reference line R.

[0075] The control device 11 moves the plurality of lottery elements 23 displayed on the display device 20 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the plurality of lottery elements 23 move in the X2 direction at a predetermined speed. As described above, the plurality of lottery elements 23 displayed on the display device 20 move along the reference line R in a state of being arranged along the reference line R. That is, the position of each lottery element 23 on the display device 20 changes with time.

[0076] In the initial lottery, the control device 11 selects the lottery element 23 corresponding to the arrival position of the game ball 80 among the plurality of lottery elements 23. Specifically, the control device 11 selects, among the plurality of lottery elements 23, the lottery element 23 closest to the arrival position when the game ball 80 reaches the reference line R. The selection of one lottery element 23 means the selection of the special lottery corresponding to the lottery element 23 among the plurality of special lotteries. For example, in the situation illustrated in FIG. 8, since the arrival position of the game ball 80 is closest to the lottery element 23 of "BIG CHANCE!", the second special lottery corresponding to the lottery element 23 is selected. Since the arrangement of the plurality of lottery elements 23 is close to the reference line R, the player recognizes that, among the plurality of lottery elements 23, the lottery element 23 that the game ball 80 he struck with the striking member 541 collided with was selected.

[0077] As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special lottery selected in the initial lottery among the plurality of special lotteries is executed following the initial lottery. As understood from the above description, the control device 11 advances the game in response to the game ball 80 biased by the biasing unit 54 reaching a position (specific position) on the reference line R. The control device 11 is an example of a "control unit".

[0078] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the player with the interest of determining the hitting conditions (for example, the timing of the hitting operation) of the game ball 80 so that the game ball 80 reaches a position corresponding to the desired lottery element 23 among the plurality of lottery elements 23. In particular, in the first embodiment, since the position of each lottery element 23 changes over time, it is possible to provide the player with the interest of determining the hitting conditions (particularly the timing of the hitting operation) of the game ball 80 while observing or predicting the change in the position of the desired lottery element 23.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process (hereinafter referred to as "lottery control process") executed by the control device 11 for the initial lottery. As described above, the lottery control process is started when the game ball 48 falls from the fixed table 41. That is, the lottery control process is repeatedly executed every time the game ball 48 falls.

[0080] When the lottery control process is started, the control device 11 displays a plurality of lottery elements 23 on the display device 20 and moves the arrangement of the plurality of lottery elements 23 in the X-axis direction (S1). The control device 11 also drives the moving unit 55 (S2). Specifically, the control device 11 controls the driving device 552 to rotate the turntable 551.

[0081] The control device 11 causes the release unit 53 to release the game ball 80 (S3). Specifically, the control device 11 controls the drive unit 532 to transition the throwing arm 531 from the standby state to the throwing state. The game ball 80 released from the release unit 53 moves irregularly on the game board surface F toward the biasing unit 54. When the game ball 80 reaches the placement surface 553 of the turntable 551, the game ball 80 collides with the protrusion 554 in the recess 56, causing it to move irregularly.

[0082] The control device 11 determines whether or not a hitting operation on the operation device 31 has been received from the player (S4). If a hitting operation has been received (S4: YES), the control device 11 drives the urging unit 54 (S5). Specifically, the control device 11 controls the drive device 542 to rotate the hitting member 541. When the hitting member 541 rotates with the game ball 80 within the movable range of the hitting member 541, the game ball 80 is hit by the hitting member 541 and rolls toward the periphery E1 of the game board surface F. On the other hand, if a hitting operation has not been received (S4: NO), the control device 11 does not execute the driving of the urging unit 54 (S5).

[0083] The control device 11 analyzes the video data supplied from the imaging device 60 to determine whether or not the game ball 80 has reached the reference line R (S6). If the game ball 80 has not reached the reference line R (S6: NO), the control device 11 shifts the processing to step S4 and determines whether or not a hitting operation has been performed.

[0084] When the game ball 80 reaches the reference line R (S6: YES), the control device 11 identifies the lottery element 23 corresponding to the arrival position of the game ball 80 among the plurality of lottery elements 23 (S7). Specifically, the control device 11 selects the lottery element 23 closest to the arrival position when the game ball 80 reaches the reference line R. Through the above processing, the special lottery corresponding to the lottery element 23 selected by the control device 11 is determined as the lottery result in the initial lottery.

[0085] As described above, in the first embodiment, in the game in which the game ball 80 released onto the game board surface F by the release unit 53 advances by being urged in response to the hitting operation by the player, the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric. Therefore, the game ball 80 released by the release unit 53 or urged by the urging unit 54 rolls irregularly on the game board surface F. According to the above configuration, the interestingness can be improved as compared with a game in which the center of gravity of the game ball 80 coincides with the center.

[0086] Also, according to the first embodiment, since the game ball 80 rolls irregularly due to the configuration in which the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric, for example, compared with a form in which the movement of the game ball 80 is irregularly changed by the action of an external force, the game ball 80 can be moved irregularly with a simple configuration.

[0087] For the first special lottery and the second special lottery, the second lottery device 70 and the display device 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 are used. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second lottery device 70. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second lottery device 70 includes a lottery board 71, a supply device 72, and a detection device 73.

[0088] The lottery disk 71 is a disk-shaped structure (so-called kurune) with a lower center compared to the periphery. A lottery hole 74 (for example, a through-hole) is formed in the center of the lottery disk 71. The supply device 72 supplies lottery balls 75 to the lottery disk 71. The lottery balls 75 are spherical bodies with an appearance simulating a baseball, similar to the game balls 48 and 80. As described above, while the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric, the center of gravity and the center of the lottery ball 75 coincide. However, the lottery ball 75 may also be a spherical body with an eccentric center of gravity, similar to the game ball 80. Also, the size of the lottery ball 75 may coincide with or differ from the size of the game ball 80.

[0089] The lottery balls 75 supplied from the supply device 72 to the lottery disk 71 gradually approach the center while rolling in the circumferential direction on the upper surface of the lottery disk 71, and finally enter the lottery hole 74. The detection device 73 detects that the lottery ball 75 has passed through the lottery hole 74. As described above, the second lottery device 70 is a physical lottery mechanism that lotteries the timing when the lottery ball 75 passes through the lottery hole 74.

[0090] FIG. 11 is an example of the display on the display device 20 in the first special lottery and the second special lottery. In the first special lottery and the second special lottery, the control device 11 displays a lottery image 24 and an instruction image 25 on the display device 20. The lottery image 24 is a circular image in which a plurality of lottery elements 26 are arranged in the circumferential direction. Any one of a plurality of lottery results is assigned to each lottery element 26. The lottery result is a win / loss or the amount of reward at the time of winning. The control device 11 rotates the lottery image 24. In FIG. 11, a form in which the sizes of the respective lottery elements 26 are equal is illustrated, but the sizes of the lottery elements 26 may differ, for example, for each amount of reward. Also, the sizes of the respective lottery elements 26 may change over time.

[0091] The instruction image 25 is an image that indicates a specific position in the circumferential direction of the lottery image 24. That is, any one of the plurality of lottery elements 26 is indicated by the instruction image 25. The control device 11 selects any one of the plurality of lottery elements 26 of the lottery image 24 according to the behavior of the lottery ball 75 in the second lottery device 70. Specifically, the control device 11 selects one lottery element 26 indicated by the instruction image 25 when the lottery ball 75 drops into the lottery hole 74 of the lottery board 71 among the plurality of lottery elements 26. That is, through the cooperation of the second lottery device 70, the display device 20, and the control device 11, a lottery process for selecting any one of the plurality of lottery elements 26 is realized.

[0092] Between the first special lottery and the second special lottery, the number of lottery elements 26 constituting the lottery image 24, the size of each lottery element 26, or the lottery result (for example, the amount of reward) assigned to each lottery element 26 is different. Therefore, between the first special lottery and the second special lottery, although the lottery method is common, the winning probability or the amount of reward is different.

[0093] The third special lottery is an electronic lottery that does not use a physical lottery mechanism such as the second lottery device 70. Specifically, in the third special lottery, the control device 11 displays the lottery image 24 and the instruction image 25 similar to the example shown in FIG. 11 on the display device 20. The control device 11 rotates the lottery image 24 and stops the rotation of the lottery image 24 when a predetermined end condition is satisfied. The control device 11 selects one lottery element 26 indicated by the instruction image 25 when the rotation of the lottery image 24 stops. The end condition for stopping the rotation of the lottery image 24 is, for example, that a predetermined time has elapsed or the player has operated the operating device 31.

[0094] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described. For elements whose functions are the same as those in the first embodiment in each aspect exemplified below, the same reference numerals as those in the description of the first embodiment are used, and the detailed description of each is omitted as appropriate.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the first lottery device 50 in the second embodiment. In the first lottery device 50 of the second embodiment, the moving part 55 of the first embodiment is omitted. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a return port 512 is formed in the game table 51 of the second embodiment instead of the opening 511 of the first embodiment. The return port 512 is a circular opening through which the game ball 80 can pass.

[0096] For example, the return port 512 is formed so as to partially overlap with the striking member 541 in the standby state. Specifically, the return port 512 is installed at a position where the game ball 80 discharged by the discharging part 53 reaches when it is not struck by the striking member 541. Therefore, the player needs to operate the operating device 31 at an appropriate timing before the game ball 80 falls into the return port 512 to strike the game ball 80 with the striking member 541.

[0097] As illustrated in FIG. 12, a return path 57 is formed directly below the game table 51. The return path 57 is a path for returning the game ball 80 that has fallen into the return port 512 toward the discharging part 53. Specifically, the return path 57 includes an inclined surface that descends in the Y2 direction. Therefore, the game ball 80 that has fallen from the return port 512 into the return path 57 rolls in the Y2 direction by its own weight toward the discharging part 53. The discharging part 53 holds the game ball 80 supplied from the return path 57 by the holding part 533 and waits for the next discharge of the game ball 80.

[0098] Note that the pitching arm 531 of the second embodiment rotates only in the direction α1. When the game ball 80 is held by the holding part 533 at the stage when the pitching arm 531 approaches the return path 57, and when the pitching arm 531 reaches the game board surface F (pitching state), the game ball 80 is discharged onto the game board surface F. The configurations and operations other than the elements described above are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as those in the first embodiment are also achieved in the second embodiment. [[ID=I4]]

[0099] [Modification Example] Specific modified aspects added to each of the aspects exemplified above are exemplified below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined within a range where they do not conflict with each other.

[0100] (1) In each of the above-described forms, the game ball 80 having a structure in which the weight member 83 is installed on the protrusion 82 protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the spherical shell portion 81 was exemplified. However, the structure of the game ball 80 applied to the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 13, a configuration in which the position of the internal space 84 of the game ball 80 is uneven with respect to the center of the game ball 80 is also assumed. Although a hemispherical space 84 is exemplified in FIG. 13, the shape of the space 84 may be arbitrarily changed.

[0101] Also, as exemplified in FIG. 14, a game ball 80 in which a weight member 85 separate from the spherical shell portion 81 is housed inside the spherical shell portion 81 is also adopted. In the game ball 80 of FIG. 14, the weight member 85 moves inside the spherical shell portion 81. Further, the game ball 80 of FIG. 15 includes a spherical shell portion 81, a support portion 86, and a weight member 87. The support portion 86 is a columnar portion that connects mutually opposing portions of the inner peripheral surface of the spherical shell portion 81. The weight member 87 is an annular member that surrounds the support portion 86. In the configuration of FIG. 15, the weight member 87 is movable along the support portion 86 inside the spherical shell portion 81. Note that, while the position of the center of gravity is fixed in the game ball 80 of the first embodiment and FIG. 13, the position of the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is variable in the configuration of FIG. 14 or FIG. 15.

[0102] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the moving unit 55 moves the game ball 80 between the time of release by the releasing unit 53 and the time of biasing by the biasing unit 54. However, depending on the timing of the impact operation on the operation device 31, the game ball 80 released by the releasing unit 53 may be biased by the biasing unit 54 before reaching the moving unit 55. Furthermore, the game ball 80 biased by the biasing unit 54 may roll in the Y1 direction due to the inclination of the game board surface F without falling into the guide groove 52, and eventually reach the moving unit 55. In other words, the game ball 80 may move in the following order: release by the releasing unit 53 → biasing by the biasing unit 54 → movement by the moving unit 55. Considering the above circumstances, the moving unit 55 may also be expressed as an element that moves the game ball 80 from the time of release by the releasing unit 53 until it reaches the reference line R.

[0103] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the game ball 80 is retained on the mounting surface 553 of the turntable 551 by the step (recess 56) between the mounting surface 553 and the game board surface F, but the configuration for retaining the game ball 80 is not limited to the above examples. For example, in an embodiment in which the game ball 80 is made of a magnetic material, the game ball 80 may be retained within the movable range of the striking member 541 by attracting the game ball 80 with a magnet installed on the turntable 551.

[0104] (4) The likelihood that the game ball 80 will stay on the placement surface 553 (i.e., the ease with which the game ball 80 will stay) may be adjusted according to the rotation speed of the turntable 551. For example, when the rotation speed of the turntable 551 is slow, the game ball 80 will rotate while maintaining contact with the placement surface 553 and the inner circumferential surface of the opening 511 of the game table 51, and will therefore be more likely to stay in the recess 56. On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the turntable 551 is fast, the movement speed of the game ball 80 in the recess 56 will increase, and as a result, the game ball 80 will be more likely to jump over the step between the placement surface 553 and the game board surface F and fly out of the recess 56. If the game ball 80 stays stably on the placement surface 553, it will be easier for the player to time the hitting operation.

[0105] Specifically, the control device 11 controls the rotation speed of the turntable 551 according to various information related to the game, such as the progress of the game or various parameters. Note that the rotation speed of the turntable 551 may be set according to an instruction from the administrator of the game system 100.

[0106] (5) In the first embodiment, the form in which the game ball 80 discharged from the discharge unit 53 reaches the biasing unit 54 or the moving unit 55 is exemplified, but the destination of the game ball 80 discharged from the discharge unit 53 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the biasing unit 54 and the moving unit 55 in the first embodiment may be replaced with the lottery unit 515 illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0107] The lottery unit 515 in FIG. 16 is a recess (so-called kurune) recessed with respect to the game board surface F, similar to the lottery board 71 of the second lottery device 70. Specifically, the lottery unit 515 is formed in a substantially circular shape with a lower center compared to the periphery. A lottery hole 516 (for example, a through hole) is formed at the center of the lottery unit 515. The discharge unit 53 and the lottery unit 515 are surrounded by a side wall portion 517 installed on the game board surface F. In addition, a guide portion 518 protruding from the game board surface F is installed on the game board surface F. The guide portion 518 is a guide that guides the game ball 80 discharged from the discharge unit 53 to the lottery unit 515.

[0108] The lottery unit 515 is installed at a position separated from the discharge unit 53 in the Y1 direction. Therefore, the game ball 80 discharged by the discharge unit 53 travels toward the lottery unit 515 while rolling irregularly due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. The game ball 80 that reaches the lottery unit 515 rolls in the circumferential direction on the upper surface of the lottery unit 515 and gradually approaches the center, and finally enters the lottery hole 516. It is detected by a detection device (not shown) that the lottery ball 75 has passed through the lottery hole 516. As described above, the lottery unit 515 in FIG. 16 is a physical lottery mechanism that lotteries the timing at which the game ball 80 passes through the lottery hole 516. Note that the game ball 80 that has passed through the lottery hole 516 in the configuration of FIG. 16 is returned to the discharge unit 53 by a return path 57 similar to that in FIG. 12, for example.

[0109] (6) The speed at which the game ball 80 is released by the release unit 53 (i.e., the initial speed of the game ball 80) may be changed. For example, the control device 11 changes the initial speed of the game ball 80 by controlling the speed at which the drive device 532 rotates the throwing arm 531. For example, the initial speed of the game ball 80 changes with each throw. Specifically, the control device 11 randomly changes the initial speed of the game ball 80.

[0110] A change in the initial velocity of the game ball 80 changes the time it takes for the game ball 80 to reach the biasing unit 54 from the releasing unit 53. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric, a change in the initial velocity of the game ball 80 also changes the trajectory of the game ball 80 after it is released by the releasing unit 53. Therefore, it becomes more difficult for the player to predict the behavior of the game ball 80, which results in an increase in the enjoyment of the game.

[0111] (7) In Fig. 8, a form in which the sizes of the plurality of lottery elements 23 displayed on the display device 20 in the initial lottery are the same is exemplified, but the sizes of the respective lottery elements 23 may be different. As in each of the above-described forms, in a form in which the lottery element 23 closest to the position reached by the gaming ball 80 is selected from the plurality of lottery elements 23, the larger the size of the lottery element 23, the higher the possibility that the lottery element 23 will be selected. The size of the lottery element 23 is adjusted according to factors such as the payout rate.

[0112] Furthermore, the size of each lottery element 23 may change over time. For example, assuming a baseball game that progresses depending on the results of each special lottery, a mode is envisioned in which the size of each lottery element 23 is controlled depending on the parameters (e.g., physical condition, growth level, etc.) of the virtual participating players. Also envisioned is a mode in which the size of each lottery element 23 is controlled depending on the development of the baseball game. For example, a specific lottery element 23 may be enlarged in the final stages of a baseball game compared to the early stages.

[0113] In the above description, the lottery element 23 in the initial lottery was focused on. Similarly, regarding the lottery element 26 in the first special lottery or the second special lottery, a form in which the sizes of the respective lottery elements 26 are different, or a form in which the sizes of the respective lottery elements 26 change over time is adopted.

[0114] (8) In each of the above-described forms, the arrival position of the game ball 80 was specified by analyzing the result (video data) of the imaging device 60 imaging the first lottery device 50. However, the method for specifying the arrival position of the game ball 80 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a detection device (not shown) installed on the game table 51 or the guide groove 52 may be used to detect the arrival position of the game ball 80. For detecting the arrival position, for example, any optical or mechanical sensor may be used.

[0115] In each of the above-described forms, a form in which a plurality of lottery elements 23 corresponding to any one of the plurality of special lotteries are displayed on the display device 20 was exemplified. However, the configuration and method for selecting any one of the plurality of special lotteries according to the arrival position of the game ball 80 are not limited to the above examples. For example, a plurality of spaces partitioned from each other by partition walls may be installed at positions where the game ball 80 biased by the biasing portion 54 can reach. Each space corresponds to any one of the plurality of special lotteries. The control device 11 selects the special lottery corresponding to the space reached by the game ball 80 among the plurality of spaces.

[0116] As understood from the above examples, the control device 11 is comprehensively expressed as an element for advancing the game in response to the game ball 80 biased by the biasing portion 54 reaching a specific position. The control device 11 is also expressed as an element for advancing the game according to the position reached by the game ball 80.

[0117] (9) In each of the above-described embodiments, the form in which the striking member 541 strikes the game ball 80 has been exemplified. However, the configuration for the urging unit 54 to urge the game ball 80 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the game ball 80 may be urged by applying an external force such as magnetic force or wind force to the game ball 80 non-contact. As understood from the above examples, the presence or absence of contact between the urging unit 54 and the game ball 80 is not a concern in the present disclosure.

[0118] (10) In each of the above-described embodiments, a game assuming baseball as a theme has been assumed. However, the form of the game in the present disclosure can be arbitrarily changed. For example, in a game with soccer as a theme, a game ball 80 simulating a soccer ball is used, and the game ball 80 is struck by a striking member 541 having an appearance simulating the legs of the participating players.

[0119] (11) In the first embodiment, [Configuration A] A configuration in which the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric. [Configuration B] A configuration in which the game ball 80 is moved by the moving unit 55. A game system 100 having both has been exemplified. Each of Configuration A and Configuration B can be established independently. For example, as exemplified in the second embodiment, Configuration B is not essential for Configuration A. Similarly, Configuration A is not essential for Configuration B. For example, a game ball 80 whose center of gravity coincides with the center may be used for Configuration B.

[0120] (12) In each of the above-described embodiments, a form in which the game mechanism 40 and the second lottery device 70 are provided in addition to the first lottery device 50 has been exemplified. However, it can also be realized in a configuration in which the first lottery device 50, for example, the game mechanism 40 or the second lottery device 70 is not installed. That is, the first lottery device 50 can also be realized alone as a physical lottery mechanism for lotterying a plurality of lottery elements 23.

[0121] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the first drawing device 50 is used in an initial drawing to select one of a plurality of special drawing options, but the use of the first drawing device 50 is not limited to the initial drawing. For example, the first drawing device 50 may be used in a drawing to determine whether a player wins or loses, or the amount of reward when a player wins.

[0122] (13) In the above-described embodiments, the game system 100 is installed in a real space. However, the game system 100 may also be implemented as a virtual object installed in a virtual space realized by computational processing. Therefore, a service similar to the game system 100 in the above-described embodiments may be provided to a player by an information device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. For example, a game similar to the game system 100 may be implemented as an application game provided by a program executed by the information device, or as a cloud game provided by a server capable of communicating with the information device.

[0123] (14) The functions of the game system 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 11 and a program stored in the storage device 12. The program according to the above-described embodiments can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known form of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the recording medium storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0124] [Note] From the above description, for example, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood as follows. For ease of understanding each embodiment, hereinafter, the reference numerals in the drawings are also shown in parentheses for convenience, but this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated embodiments.

[0125] [Appendix 1] In order to solve the above problems, a game system (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a spherical game body (80) with an eccentric center of gravity, a game board surface (F) on which the game body (80) rolls, a discharge unit (53) that discharges the game body (80) onto the game board surface (F), a biasing unit (54) that biases the game body (80) discharged by the discharge unit (53) according to an operation by a player, and a control unit (11) that advances the game in response to the game body (80) biased by the biasing unit (54) reaching a specific position (R).

[0126] In the above configuration, in the game in which the spherical game body (80) discharged onto the game board surface (F) by the discharge unit (53) advances by being biased according to an operation by a player, the center of gravity of the game body (80) is eccentric. Therefore, the game body (80) discharged by the discharge unit (53) or biased by the biasing unit (54) rolls irregularly on the game board surface (F). According to the above configuration, the interestingness can be improved as compared with a game in which the center of gravity of the game body (80) coincides with the center.

[0127] The "game body (80)" is an element used in the game of the present disclosure. The term "spherical" for the game body (80) means a shape that can be regarded as substantially spherical. Therefore, of course, a perfect sphere is included in the concept of "spherical". For example, an object with fine irregularities formed on its surface due to manufacturing reasons or circumstances such as painting and decoration can also be included in the concept of "spherical" as long as it can be evaluated as substantially spherical as a whole.

[0128] The "center of gravity" is the point of action of the resultant force of gravity acting on each part of the game body (80). A "center of gravity is eccentric" state means a state in which the center of gravity of the game body (80) does not coincide with the center of the game body (80). The "center" of the game body (80) is a point inside the game body (80) that is equidistant from any point on the surface of the game body (80). In addition to a configuration in which the position of the center of gravity of the game body (80) is fixed, a configuration in which the position of the center of gravity of the game body (80) is variable is also envisioned.

[0129] The degree of eccentricity of the center of gravity of the game object 80 (i.e., the distance between the center of gravity and the center) is arbitrary, but a configuration in which the center of gravity is eccentric enough that, for example, when the game object 80 is rolled on a horizontal plane, it is possible to visually confirm that the movement conditions of the game object 80 (e.g., the direction or speed of movement) change over time. For example, the trajectory of the game object 80 from when it is released by the release portion 53 to when it is biased by the biasing portion 54 is indefinite and differs each time it is released by the release portion 53. Furthermore, even when the game object 80 rolls in a straight line along a guide such as a groove, the speed of movement of the game object 80 will fluctuate irregularly due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity.

[0130] The "board surface (F)" is the surface on which the game object (80) can roll. The "board surface (F)" may be a flat or curved surface, a combination of flat and curved surfaces, a combination of multiple flat surfaces at different angles, or a combination of multiple curved surfaces.

[0131] "Biasing" means changing the motion of the game object 80 (for example, the direction or speed of the game object 80) by applying an external force to the game object 80. A typical example of the "biasing unit 54" is a member that comes into contact with the game object 80 (for example, a member that strikes the game object 80), but the "biasing unit 54" also includes elements that change the motion of the game object 80 without contact, for example, by external forces such as magnetic force or wind force.

[0132] "To bias according to the player's operation" means that the operation of the biasing unit (54) to bias the game body (80) depends on the player's operation. For example, a configuration in which the biasing unit (54) biases the game body (80) triggered by the player's operation, or a configuration in which the biasing unit (54) moves in conjunction with the player's operation to bias the game body (80) corresponds to "biasing according to the player's operation".

[0133] "Specific position (R)" is a position that the game body (80) biased by the biasing unit (54) can reach, and is not limited to a point on the game board (F). Further, the "specific position (R)" is not limited to a single fixed point, and may be, for example, any position within a specific range or on a specific straight line.

[0134] "To advance the game according to the game body (80) reaching a specific position (R)" means that the game situation changes triggered by the game body (80) reaching the specific position (R). For example, when the game body (80) reaches a specific position (R), a specific event (for example, a lottery process) is started, when the game body (80) reaches a specific position (R), the state of the game (for example, the operation mode) changes, or when the game body (80) reaches a specific position (R), the parameters related to the game change, etc. correspond to "advancing the game according to the game body (80) reaching a specific position (R)". In the form where the "specific position (R)" is any position within a specific range or on a specific straight line, controlling the progress of the game according to the position reached by the game body (80) also corresponds to "advancing the game according to the game body (80) reaching a specific position (R)".

[0135] [Appendix 2] In the specific example (Appendix 2) of Appendix 1, a moving part (55) is further provided for moving the game body (80) independently of the operation by the player from the time it is released by the releasing part (53) until it reaches the specific position (R). In the above configuration, during the period from when the game body (80) is released by the releasing part (53) until it reaches the specific position (R), the game body (80) moves independently of the operation by the player due to the action of the moving part (55). Therefore, the movement of the game body (80) becomes diversified, and as a result, the interest of the game can be further improved.

[0136] The "movement" of the game body (80) by the moving part (55) means changing the movement (e.g., the direction or speed of the game body (80)) of the game body (80) that rolls on the game board (F) after being released by the releasing part (53). That is, the movement in which the game body (80) simply rolls on the game board (F) continuously from the release by the releasing part (53) does not correspond to the "movement by the moving part (55)".

[0137] "Independent of the operation by the player" means that the player cannot be directly involved in the operation of the moving part (55) to move the game body (80). For example, a state where the player cannot change the conditions (direction or speed of movement) for the moving part (55) to move the game body (80) is interpreted as a state "independent of the operation by the player".

[0138] "During the period from when it is released by the releasing part (53) until it reaches the specific position (R)" means, for example, the period from when the game body (80) is released by the releasing part (53) until it is biased by the biasing part (54), or the period from when the game body (80) is biased by the biasing part (54) after being released by the releasing part (53) until it reaches the specific position (R). That is, the game body (80) may reach the specific position (R) through release by the releasing part (53) → movement by the moving part (55) → biasing by the biasing part (54), or may reach the specific position (R) through release by the releasing part (53) → biasing by the biasing part (54) → movement by the moving part (55) (→ re - biasing by the biasing part (54)).

[0139] [Appendix 3] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 2, the moving unit 55 moves the game object 80 released by the releasing unit 53 while keeping it within the range in which the urging unit 54 can urge it. In the above configuration, the game object 80 moves within the range in which the urging unit 54 can urge it. This provides the player with the fun of determining the operation conditions (e.g., the timing of the operation) for urging the game object 80 with the urging unit 54 while observing or predicting the behavior of the game object 80 within the range in which the urging unit 54 can urge the game object 80.

[0140] The "range in which the urging unit 54 can urge" refers to the range in which the external force from the urging unit 54 acts on the game piece 80. The range in which the game piece 80 resides may be included within the range in which the urging unit 54 can urge. However, it is not necessarily necessary for the urging unit 54 to be able to urge the game piece 80 throughout the entire range in which the game piece 80 resides. In other words, the range in which the game piece 80 resides may include both the range in which the urging unit 54 can urge the game piece 80 and the range in which the urging unit 54 cannot urge the game piece 80.

[0141] The "state in which the game object 80 is retained" means that the game object 80 continues to be located within a specific range. The game object 80 is not limited to being completely maintained within the range until it is biased by the biasing unit 54, and may be moved from the specific range to the outside as a result of movement by the moving unit 55, for example.

[0142] [Appendix 4] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 3, the moving unit 55 includes a rotating disk 551 including a mounting surface 553 on which the game object 80 is placed, and a driving unit 552 that rotates the rotating disk 551. In the above configuration, the game object 80 can be moved by a simple configuration in which the rotating disk 551 is rotated by the driving unit 552.

[0143] [Appendix 5] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 5) of Supplementary Note 4, the rotating disk (551) includes a protrusion (554) protruding from the placement surface (553) at a position spaced from the rotation axis of the rotating disk (551). In the above configuration, the protrusion (554) comes into contact (typically collides) with the game object (80) on the placement surface (553), thereby changing the movement of the game object (80). Therefore, it is possible to move the game object (80) irregularly with a simple configuration.

[0144] [Appendix 6] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 6) of Supplementary Note 4 or Supplementary Note 5, the placement surface 553 is located lower than the board surface F, and the gaming object 80 stays on the placement surface 553 due to the step between the placement surface 553 and the board surface F. According to the above configuration, the placement surface 553 and the board surface F are simply configured to be different in height, and the gaming object 80 can be kept on the placement surface 553.

[0145] [Appendix 7] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 7) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, a display unit (20) that displays a plurality of lottery elements (23) is further provided, and the control unit (11) selects, from the plurality of lottery elements (23), a lottery element (23) that corresponds to the specific position (R) reached by the game object (80) biased by the biasing unit (54). In the above-described aspect, it is possible to provide the player with the excitement of determining the operation conditions (e.g., operation timing) for biasing the game object (80) by the biasing unit (54) so that the game object (80) reaches a position corresponding to a desired lottery element (23) from the plurality of lottery elements (23) displayed on the display unit (20).

[0146] The "lottery element (23)" is an image displayed on the display unit (20). A plurality of lottery elements (23) that progress the game in different states are displayed on the display unit (20). The "lottery element (23) corresponding to the specific position (R) reached by the game object (80)" is, for example, the lottery element (23) that is closest to the position (specific position (R)) reached by the game object (80) among the plurality of lottery elements (23).

[0147] [Appendix 8] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 8) of Supplementary Note 7, the position of each of the plurality of lottery elements 23 on the display unit 20 changes over time. In the above-described embodiment, the player can be provided with the enjoyment of determining the operation conditions (e.g., operation timing) for energizing the game piece 80 by the energizing unit 54 while observing or predicting the change in the position of the desired lottery element 23 on the display unit 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 100...game system, 10 (10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4)...station, 11...control device, 12...storage device, 20...display device, 21...display surface, 22...bottom edge, 23...lottery element, 24...lottery image, 25...instruction image, 26...lottery element, 30...operation unit, 31...operation device, 32...reception device, 33...payout device, 40...game mechanism, 41...fixed table, 42...movable table, 43...insertion device, 44...supply device, 45...fixed wall, 46...detection device, 47...game medal, 48...game ball, 50...first lottery device, 51...game table, 511...opening, 512...return port, 515 ...lottery portion, 516...lottery hole, 517...side wall portion, 518...guide portion, 52...guide groove, 521...bottom surface, 53...release portion, 531...pitching arm, 532...drive device, 533...holding portion, 54...urge portion, 541...striking member, 542...drive device, 55...moving portion, 551...turning disk, 552...drive device, 553...placing surface, 554...protrusion portion, 56...recess, 57...return path, 60...imaging device, 70...second lottery device, 71...lottery wheel, 72...supply device, 73...detection device, 74...lottery hole, 75...lottery ball, 80...game ball, 81...spherical shell portion, 82...protrusion portion, 83, 85, 87...weight member, 84...space, 86...support portion.

Claims

1. A spherical game piece with an eccentric center of gravity, a game board on which the game piece rolls, a release unit that releases the game piece onto the game board, a biasing unit that biases the game piece released by the release unit according to an operation by a player, and a control unit that advances the game according to the game piece biased by the biasing unit reaching a specific position A game system comprising.

2. A moving unit that moves the game piece independently of the player's operation from when it is released by the release unit until it reaches the specific position The game system according to claim 1, further comprising.

3. The moving unit moves the game piece released by the release unit while retaining it within the range where the biasing unit can bias it The game system according to claim 2.

4. The moving unit includes a turntable including a placement surface on which the game piece is placed, and a drive unit that rotates the turntable The game system according to claim 3.

5. The turntable includes a protrusion protruding from a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the turntable among the placement surfaces The game system according to claim 4.

6. The placement surface is at a position lower than the game board, and the game piece stays on the placement surface due to the step between the placement surface and the game board The game system according to claim 4 or claim 5.

7. Further comprising a display unit that displays a plurality of lottery elements, and the control unit selects a lottery element corresponding to the specific position reached by the game piece biased by the biasing unit among the plurality of lottery elements The game system according to claim 1.

8. The position of each of the plurality of lottery elements on the display unit changes over time The game system according to claim 7.

Images