Program, game support apparatus, and game support method

Abstract

To provide a flexible crane game for which free gifts can be changed.SOLUTION: A flexible crane game for which free gifts can be changed is provided by a program that provides a crane game allowing a user to obtain a free gift by operating a crane through a terminal device. The program causes a computer to execute: a selection receiving process which receives a selection of a desired free gift from the terminal device; a change request receiving process which receives a request from the terminal device to change the desired free gift after the user plays the crane game on a pick-up device for picking up the desired free gift and before the user wins at the crane game; and a change process which changes, in response to the change request, the desired free gift without requiring the user to change the pick-up device that the user played with.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game support device and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a game method that enables a game to be efficiently started from among a plurality of acquisition devices that can be remotely operated via a network, regardless of the type of prize desired by the user (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Such a game method goes through the following steps. That is, it goes through a prize display step of displaying, on the user terminal, prizes that can be acquired from a plurality of acquisition devices capable of remote operation via a network. Next, it goes through a desired prize reception step of receiving, from the user terminal, a desired prize that the user desires from among the prizes that can be acquired displayed on the user terminal. Next, when the desired prize is received from the user terminal, it goes through a remote operation device determination step of determining, from among the plurality of acquisition devices, a remote operation device that is the target of remote operation by the user terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, it is desirable to have a crane game in which the prizes can be flexibly changed. Therefore, one object of the present application is to enable the prizes of the crane game to be flexibly changed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a program that provides a crane game in which a user can obtain a prize by operating a crane via a terminal device, the program causing a computer to execute: a selection reception process that receives a selection of a desired prize to be obtained from the terminal device; a change request reception process that receives a change request for the desired prize to be obtained from the terminal device after the user has played a crane game against an acquisition device for obtaining the desired prize and before the crane game is successful; and a change process that changes the desired prize to be obtained in response to the change request without changing the acquisition device on which the user has played.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a crane game in which the prizes of the game can be flexibly changed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a game support device and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, components denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same operations, and thus the description may be omitted again.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a game support device in which prizes can be changed will be described. In particular, in this embodiment, a game support device that enables the user to change the desired prize to be obtained without changing the game machine being played will be described. The desired prize to be obtained is the prize that the user wishes to obtain. The desired prize to be obtained is usually the prize selected by the user. The game machine is, for example, an acquisition device for obtaining prizes in a crane game.

[0011] Also, in this embodiment, a game support device in which prizes can be changed will be described, where the candidate prize group, which is a set of prizes to be changed, is changed, and the user can select a prize different from the previous prize from the candidate prize group.

[0012] Also, in this embodiment, a game support device in which prizes can be changed when the change conditions are met will be described.

[0013] Also, in this embodiment, a game support device that determines a group of prize candidates presented to a user using user attribute values will be described.

[0014] Also, in this embodiment, a game support device that determines a group of prize candidates presented to a user using pedestal attribute values will be described.

[0015] Also, in this embodiment, a game support device that determines a group of prize candidates presented to a user using environmental attribute values will be described.

[0016] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a game support device in which prizes are automatically changed will be described.

[0017] In this specification, the fact that information X is associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of the association does not matter. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, information Y may be included in information X, and so on.

[0018] Also, in this specification, selecting or determining information Z means obtaining information Z, obtaining a pointer to information Z, obtaining the ID of information Z, setting a flag for information Z, etc., as long as information Z can be accessed.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a game system A in this embodiment. The game system A includes a game support device 1, one or two or more terminal devices 2, and one or two or more game machines 3.

[0020] The game support device 1 is a server that receives instructions and information from the terminal device 2 and provides support for determining the prizes in the crane game. Although it is preferable that the game support device 1 is a device that controls the game machine 3, the control of the game machine 3 may be performed by another device (not shown). The game support device 1 is preferably a device that supports a user in remotely playing the crane game.

[0021] The game support device 1 is a so-called server. The game support device 1 is, for example, a server that controls the game machine 3. The server is, for example, a so-called cloud server or an ASP server, and its type does not matter.

[0022] The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by a user who plays the crane game. The terminal device 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a so-called personal computer.

[0023] The game machine 3 is, for example, a physical machine capable of playing the crane game. However, the game machine 3 may also be a virtual game machine that plays the crane game.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the game system A in the present embodiment. The game support device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, a processing unit 13, and an output unit 14.

[0025] The storage unit 11 includes a stage management unit 111, a prize management unit 112, and a user management unit 113. The reception unit 12 includes a selection reception unit 121 and an operation reception unit 122. The processing unit 13 includes a stage identifier acquisition unit 131, a stage attribute value acquisition unit 132, a user attribute value acquisition unit 133, an environment attribute value acquisition unit 134, a game execution unit 135, a result acquisition unit 136, a change determination unit 137, a prize change unit 138, and an end determination unit 139. The prize change unit 138 includes, for example, a second screen acquisition means 1381 and a prize change means 1382. The output unit 14 includes a candidate prize group output unit 141 and a game output unit 142.

[0026] The terminal device 2 includes a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal reception unit 22, a terminal processing unit 23, a terminal transmission unit 24, a terminal reception unit 25, and a terminal output unit 26.

[0027] Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 11 that constitutes the game support device 1. The various types of information are, for example, the table information described later, the prize information described later, the user information described later, one or more environmental attribute values, various conditions, and various screen information. The various conditions are, for example, change conditions, end conditions, first candidate conditions, and second candidate conditions. The various screen information is, for example, a template of game screen information, first screen information, and second screen information. The screen information is information for constructing a screen. The screen information is realized by, for example, HTML, XML, programs, etc., but the realization means is not limited. Needless to say, the various conditions of the storage unit 11 may be embedded in the program.

[0028] The change condition is a condition for changing the prize given to the user. The change condition may also be a condition for giving the user an opportunity to change the prize. Changing the prize means, for example, changing the prize information output by the game support device 1. The change condition is, for example, a condition related to one or more pieces of operation information, a condition related to the game result, a condition related to one or more user attribute values, a condition related to one or more stand attribute values, a condition related to one or more environment attribute values, or a combination of two or more of these conditions. The change condition is, for example, that the user has failed in the crane game multiple times. The change condition is, for example, that the user has failed in the crane game N times (N is a natural number of 1 or more). As an example, the crane game machine of the present embodiment is a crane game machine (acquisition device) called a so-called takoyaki stand. One feature of the takoyaki stand is that the more times you play, the easier it is to acquire a prize. According to the present embodiment, after the user has failed in the crane game multiple times, it is possible to change the prize without changing the acquisition device. This is good for a user who, for example, does not want to change the acquisition device after selecting the desired acquired prize and playing the crane game multiple times, but wants to change the desired acquired prize. Also, according to the present embodiment, when the number of failures increases, it is also possible to change to a more expensive prize. The prize to be acquired (desired acquired prize) is selected from a plurality of prize candidates according to the user's desire. Also, when the change condition is satisfied, the user can change the already selected desired acquired prize without changing the acquisition device. Conversely, when the change condition is not satisfied, it may be arranged so that the desired acquired prize cannot be changed without changing the acquisition device.

[0029] The end condition is a condition for the game to end. The end condition is, for example, that a predetermined instruction has been received, that a timeout has occurred, or that the game result "win" has been received.

[0030] The first candidate condition is a condition for determining prize information included in the first screen information. The first candidate condition is, for example, a condition related to one or more prize attribute values. The condition related to one or more prize attribute values is, for example, having a first candidate flag indicating that it is included in the first screen information among one or more prize attribute values, the price which is a prize attribute value being below a threshold value, the rank of the prize which is a prize attribute value being below a threshold value, having a prize attribute value indicating that it is for one or more user attribute values (for example, gender, age group) among one or more prize attribute values, having a stand identifier among one or more prize attribute values, and having a prize attribute value indicating that it is for an environmental attribute value (for example, weather "rain") among one or more prize attribute values.

[0031] The second candidate condition is a condition for determining prize information included in the second screen information. The second candidate condition is, for example, a condition related to one or more prize attribute values. The condition related to one or more prize attribute values is, for example, having a second candidate flag indicating that it is included in the second screen information among one or more prize attribute values, the price which is a prize attribute value being above a threshold value, the rank of the prize which is a prize attribute value being above a threshold value, having a prize attribute value indicating that it is for one or more user attribute values (for example, gender, age group) among one or more prize attribute values, having a stand identifier among one or more prize attribute values, and having a prize attribute value indicating that it is for an environmental attribute value (for example, weather "rain") among one or more prize attribute values.

[0032] The template of the game screen information is information for constructing a screen on which an image of the game machine 3 is placed.

[0033] The game screen information is information for constructing a screen for the user to play the crane game.

[0034] The first screen information is information for constructing the first screen which is the first screen for the user to select a prize.

[0035] The second screen information is information for configuring a second screen, which is a screen for the user to select a prize in order to change the prize when the prize has been determined once.

[0036] The machine management unit 111 stores one or more pieces of machine information. The machine information is information regarding the gaming machine 3. It can be said that the gaming machine 3 is a crane game machine. The machine information is associated with a machine identifier. The machine information usually has one or more machine attribute values. The machine identifier is information for identifying the gaming machine 3. The machine identifier is, for example, the ID of the gaming machine 3 or the name of the gaming machine 3. The machine attribute value is an attribute value of the gaming machine 3 that realizes the crane game. The machine attribute value is, for example, the difficulty level for winning the game of the gaming machine 3 and the cost of one game.

[0037] The prize management unit 112 stores two or more pieces of prize information. The prize information is information regarding the prize given when the user wins the game. The prize information has, for example, a prize identifier, a prize name, an image of the prize, and one or more prize attribute values. The prize name and the image of the prize can also be considered as prize attribute values. The prize identifier is information for identifying the prize. The prize identifier is, for example, the ID of the prize or the prize name. The prize attribute value is, for example, the price of the prize (e.g., cost price, selling price), the specification of the prize, the title of the prize, and the description text regarding the prize.

[0038] When the prize is determined, the two or more pieces of prize information will include selected prize information. The selected prize information is information on the selected prize. Although it is preferable that the user selects the prize, the processing unit 13 may also perform the selection. The selected prize information is, for example, first selected prize information or second selected prize information. The first selected prize information is information on the determined prize before the determination of the second selected prize information. It is preferable that the first selected prize information and the second selected prize information are information on the prize selected by the user, but they can also be information on the prize determined without the user's selection.

[0039] The user management unit 113 stores one or more pieces of user information. The user information is information regarding the user who plays the game. The user information usually corresponds to a user identifier. The user information usually has one or more user attribute values. The user attribute values are, for example, the current number of play times, the cumulative amount of charges, the cumulative number of play times, and the rank of the user. The rank may also be referred to as a type or the like. The rank of the user is, for example, "premium member" or "ordinary member".

[0040] The reception unit 12 receives various types of information and instructions. Here, receiving usually refers to receiving information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, but may also include the concept of receiving information input from an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and receiving information read from a recording medium such as an optical disk, magnetic disk, or semiconductor memory.

[0041] The various types of information and instructions are, for example, a user identifier, the identifier of the game console 3 on which the user plays the game, the prize identifier of the prize desired by the user, the prize identifier of the prize to be changed by the user, the selection information described later, the operation information described later, a start instruction, an end instruction, a user registration instruction, and a game result. The selection information is, for example, first selection information and second selection information.

[0042] The start instruction is an instruction to start the game. The start instruction may be an instruction to log in to the game support device 1. The start instruction has, for example, a user identifier, a console identifier, and one or more environmental attribute values.

[0043] The end instruction is an instruction to end the game. The end instruction may be a logout instruction from the game support device 1. The end instruction has, for example, a user identifier.

[0044] A user registration instruction is an instruction to register user information. The user registration instruction has one or more user attribute values. Here, the user attribute values are user static attribute values. A user static attribute value is a static attribute value of a user. A user static attribute value is an attribute value that does not change frequently. User static attribute values are, for example, name, gender, age, and occupation.

[0045] A game result is information regarding the fact that a crane game has been played. The game result is usually the result of the crane game. The game result is, for example, information indicating whether the crane game was successful, the number of game times which is the number of times the crane game was played, and the game time which is the time when the crane game was played. Information indicating whether the crane game was successful is, for example, win (e.g., "1") or loss (e.g., "0").

[0046] The selection reception unit 121 receives first selection information for specifying first selected prize information selected by the user from one or more first candidate prize information included in the first screen information. The first selection information is, for example, a prize identifier or prize information. The selection reception unit 121 receives the first selection information from, for example, the terminal device 2.

[0047] Note that it is preferable that the first selection information is a prize identifier or prize information of the prize selected by the user, but it may also be a prize identifier or prize information of a prize not selected by the user.

[0048] The selection reception unit 121 receives a selection of a desired prize to be obtained from the user. Such processing is called selection reception processing. The reception of the selection here is the reception of the first selected prize information. The selection reception processing is usually the reception of a selection from the terminal device 2.

[0049] The selection reception unit 121 receives second selection information that identifies second selected prize information, which is prize information selected by the user from among one or more candidate prize information in the second screen information. The second selection information is, for example, the prize identifier of the prize selected by the user, or the prize information of the prize selected by the user. The selection reception unit 121 receives the second selection information from, for example, the terminal device 2.

[0050] Note that it is preferable that the second selection information is the prize identifier or prize information of the prize selected by the user, but it may also be the prize identifier or prize information of a prize not selected by the user.

[0051] The selection reception unit 121 receives a change request for the desired prize to be obtained after the user has played the crane game on the gaming machine 3 for obtaining the desired prize and before the crane game is successful. Such processing is referred to as change request reception processing. The reception of the selection is the reception of the first selected prize information. The selection reception processing is usually the reception of the selection from the terminal device 2.

[0052] It is preferable that the selection reception unit 121 enables the reception of the change request when the change request is received after the user has failed the crane game a plurality of times.

[0053] The operation reception unit 122 receives one or two or more pieces of operation information. The operation reception unit 122 may continuously receive two or more pieces of operation information.

[0054] The operation information is information that identifies the user's operation on the crane game in the terminal device 2. The operation reception unit 122 receives one or two or more pieces of operation information from, for example, the terminal device 2. The operation information is, for example, "button press" and "button press time". The button is, for example, a button for advancing the crane game, such as a "move horizontally" button and a "move forward and backward" button.

[0055] The processing unit 13 performs various processes. The various processes are, for example, processes performed by a table identifier acquisition unit 131, a table attribute value acquisition unit 132, a user attribute value acquisition unit 133, an environment attribute value acquisition unit 134, a game execution unit 135, a result acquisition unit 136, a change determination unit 137, a prize change unit 138, and an end determination unit 139.

[0056] Using one or more pieces of operation information or the like received by the operation reception unit 122, the processing unit 13 acquires one or more user dynamic attribute values, associates the one or more user dynamic attribute values with a user identifier, and stores them in the user management unit 113. The operation information or the like is, for example, operation information, a game result, or operation information and a game result.

[0057] The user dynamic attribute value is a dynamic user attribute value. The user dynamic attribute value is, for example, the number of game plays, the number of logins, the game time, the number of losses, the cumulative number of losses, the number of wins, the cumulative number of wins, the investment amount, and the cumulative investment amount.

[0058] The number of game plays is the number of times the crane game has been played at the current stage after receiving the start instruction and before receiving the end instruction. The number of game plays is, for example, the number of times the crane game has been played from logging in to the game support device 1 to logging out.

[0059] The number of logins is the number of times the user has input a start instruction to the game support device 1 so far. The number of logins is the number of times of logging in to the game support device 1.

[0060] The game time is the elapsed time so far after receiving the start instruction and before receiving the end instruction. The game time is, for example, the time taken to play the crane game from logging in to the game support device 1 to logging out.

[0061] The number of losses refers to the number of times of loss in the crane game after receiving the start instruction and before receiving the end instruction, up to the current stage. Losing means not succeeding in the crane game. The number of losses is, for example, the number of times not succeeding in the crane game from logging in to the game support device 1 to logging out.

[0062] The cumulative number of losses refers to the number of times the user has lost in the crane game so far. The cumulative number of losses may also be the cumulative number of times not succeeding in the crane game in two or more logins.

[0063] The number of wins refers to the number of times of winning in the crane game after receiving the start instruction and before receiving the end instruction, up to the current stage. Winning means succeeding in the crane game. The number of wins is, for example, the number of times succeeding in the crane game from logging in to the game support device 1 to logging out.

[0064] The cumulative number of wins refers to the number of times the user has won in the crane game so far. The cumulative number of wins may also be the cumulative number of times succeeding in the crane game in two or more logins.

[0065] The investment amount refers to the amount of money spent in the crane game after receiving the start instruction and before receiving the end instruction, up to the current stage. The investment amount is, for example, the amount of money spent in the crane game from logging in to the game support device 1 to logging out.

[0066] The cumulative investment amount refers to the amount of money the user has spent in the crane game so far. The cumulative investment amount may also be the cumulative amount of money spent in the crane game in two or more logins.

[0067] The processing unit 13 performs an end process. The end process is a process for ending the crane game. The end process is, for example, a process of accumulating one or more user dynamic attribute values obtained by playing the game in pairs with the user identifier in the user management unit 113. The end process is, for example, a process of deleting the information temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown). Note that such user dynamic attribute values are, for example, the updated cumulative number of wins, the updated cumulative number of losses, and the updated cumulative investment amount.

[0068] The machine identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires a machine identifier for identifying the gaming machine 3 used by the user. The machine identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires, for example, the machine identifier received from the terminal device 2. The machine identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires, for example, the machine identifier included in the start instruction. The machine identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires, for example, the default machine identifier from the machine management unit 111.

[0069] The machine attribute value acquisition unit 132 acquires one or more machine attribute values associated with the machine identifier acquired by the machine identifier acquisition unit 131 from the machine management unit 111.

[0070] The user attribute value acquisition unit 133 acquires one or more user attribute values of the user. Such user attribute values can be either user static attribute values or user dynamic attribute values. The user attribute value acquisition unit 133 acquires, for example, one or more user attribute values paired with the user identifier received from the terminal device 2 from the user management unit 113. The user attribute value acquisition unit 133 acquires, for example, one or more user attribute values received from the terminal device 2.

[0071] The environment attribute value acquisition unit 134 acquires one or more environment attribute values related to the environment in which the user plays the crane game. The environment attribute value acquisition unit 134 acquires, for example, one or more environment attribute values received from the terminal device 2. Note that the environment attribute values are, for example, the weather, temperature, humidity, and location information of the location where the user is. The location information is, for example, the name of a place or the name of a building.

[0072] The game execution unit 135 executes a crane game. For example, the game execution unit 135 transmits the operation information received by the operation reception unit 122 to the game machine 3 and operates the game machine 3. For example, the game execution unit 135 transmits the operation information received by the operation reception unit 122 to the game machine 3 identified by the stand identifier and operates the game machine 3. For example, the game execution unit 135 operates a virtual crane game according to the operation information received by the operation reception unit 122. Since the game execution unit 135 is a known technique, detailed description thereof is omitted. At the start of the game, the correspondence between the user identifier and the stand identifier is managed.

[0073] The result acquisition unit 136 acquires the game result of the crane game in which the operation according to the operation information is performed. For example, the result acquisition unit 136 receives the game result from the game machine 3. For example, the result acquisition unit 136 may analyze an image of the game machine 3 which is an actual machine and acquire the game result.

[0074] The change determination unit 137 determines whether or not the change condition is satisfied. Usually, the change determination unit 137 determines whether or not the change condition is satisfied during the execution of the game. For example, during the execution of the game, the change determination unit 137 constantly or periodically determines whether or not the change condition is satisfied.

[0075] For example, the change determination unit 137 determines whether or not one or more pieces of operation information received by the operation reception unit 122 or the game result acquired by the result acquisition unit 136 match the change condition.

[0076] For example, the change determination unit 137 determines whether or not the change condition is satisfied by using one or more user attribute values acquired by the user attribute value acquisition unit 133.

[0077] The change determination unit 137 determines whether or not the change condition is satisfied by using one or more stand attribute values acquired by the stand attribute value acquisition unit 132.

[0078] The change determination unit 137 determines whether or not the change conditions are satisfied by using one or two or more environmental attribute values acquired by the environmental attribute value acquisition unit 134.

[0079] The change determination unit 137 determines whether or not the change conditions are satisfied by using two or more types of information among, for example, one or two or more pieces of operation information, game results, one or more user attribute values, one or more machine attribute values, and one or more environmental attribute values.

[0080] The prize change unit 138 performs a change process. The change process is a process for making it possible to change information specifying a prize to be given to a user who has won a crane game during a series of crane games played by the user after the prize to be given to the user is specified.

[0081] After the prize to be given to the user is specified, it is usually after the user has selected a prize before the game starts. After the prize to be given to the user is specified, it may also be after the prize information of the automatically determined prize is output.

[0082] During a series of crane games means any point in time while the crane game by the same gaming machine 3 is performed a plurality of times by the user. During a series of crane games is usually after the user has failed the crane game one or two or more times. During a series of crane games is any point in time while the crane game is performed a plurality of times without changing the gaming machine 3. During a series of crane games is, for example, the period from when the user logs in to the game support device 1 and starts the game until logging out. During a series of crane games is, for example, the period from when the user inputs an instruction to start the game until inputting an instruction to end the game.

[0083] The change process is a process of changing the desired prize to be obtained without changing the gaming machine 3 on which the user has been playing.

[0084] The change process is, for example, after the prize given to the user is specified, output second screen information including prize information of two or more candidate prizes including prizes other than the specified prize, and change the first selected prize information according to the selection of prize information from the user. Note that the first selected prize information is an example of information specifying the desired prize to be obtained.

[0085] The change process is, for example, after the prize given to the user is specified, output second screen information including prize information that does not exist in the first candidate prize information when the prize is selected as candidate prize information, and change the selected prize information from the first selected prize information to the second selected prize information selected according to the selection of prize information from the user. The second selected prize information is an example of information specifying the desired prize to be obtained.

[0086] The change process is, for example, when the user wins the crane game, change the selected prize information specifying the prize given to the user from the first selected prize information to other prize information.

[0087] It is preferable that the prize change unit 138 performs a change process when the change determination unit 137 determines that the change condition is met.

[0088] It is preferable that the prize change unit 138 enables a change to a desired prize to be obtained with a higher cost than the desired prize to be obtained selected in the selection reception process without increasing the user's items consumed per game when a change request is received after the user fails the crane game a plurality of times. Note that the user's items may be equivalent to a monetary value such as points held by the user, money of a coin user, or the like.

[0089] The prize change unit 138 performs a change process of automatically changing the first selected prize information to second selected prize information different from the first selected prize information, for example.

[0090] The prize change unit 138 is realized by, for example, the second screen acquisition means 1381 and the prize change means 1382.

[0091] The second screen acquisition means 1381 acquires second screen information including candidate prize information other than one or more pieces of candidate prize information included in the first screen information during the progress of a series of crane games by the user. For example, the second screen acquisition means 1381 acquires two or more pieces of candidate prize information including candidate prize information other than one or more pieces of candidate prize information included in the first screen information, and configures second screen information which is screen information having the two or more pieces of candidate prize information selectable. For example, the second screen acquisition means 1381 reads out from the storage unit 11 the second screen information which is screen information having two or more pieces of candidate prize information including candidate prize information other than one or more pieces of candidate prize information included in the first screen information selectable.

[0092] For example, the second screen acquisition means 1381 acquires one or more user attribute values of the user from the user management unit 113, acquires from the prize management unit 112 one or more pieces of candidate prize information which is prize information associated with user conditions that match the one or more user attribute values, and acquires second screen information including the one or more pieces of candidate prize information.

[0093] For example, the second screen acquisition means 1381 acquires one or more user attribute values at two or more time points of the user from the user management unit 113, acquires from the prize management unit 112 one or more pieces of candidate prize information which is prize information associated with user conditions that match the one or more user attribute values at the two or more time points, and acquires second screen information including the one or more pieces of candidate prize information.

[0094] For example, the second screen acquisition means 1381 acquires one or more table attribute values of the crane game performed by the user from the table management unit 111, acquires from the prize management unit 112 one or more pieces of candidate prize information which is prize information associated with table conditions that match the one or more table attribute values, and acquires second screen information including the one or more pieces of candidate prize information. Note that the one or more table attribute values may be the table attribute values acquired by the table attribute value acquisition unit 132.

[0095] The second screen acquisition means 1381 acquires, for example, one or more pieces of candidate prize information, which is prize information associated with environmental conditions that match one or more environmental attribute values acquired by the environmental attribute value acquisition unit 134, from the prize management unit 112, and acquires second screen information including the one or more pieces of candidate prize information.

[0096] The prize change means 1382 changes the information specifying the prize given to the user from the first selected prize information to the second selection information.

[0097] The prize change means 1382 changes, for example, the information specifying the prize given to the user from the first selected prize information to the second selection information using the second selection information received by the selection reception unit 121.

[0098] The end determination unit 139 determines whether or not it matches the end condition. The end determination unit 139 determines, for example, whether or not one or more pieces of operation information received by the operation reception unit 122 match the end condition.

[0099] The end determination unit 139 determines that it matches the end condition, for example, when the game result acquired by the result acquisition unit 136 is a win (for example, "1").

[0100] The output unit 14 outputs various types of information. The various types of information are, for example, screen information and prize information. The screen information is, for example, first screen information and second screen information.

[0101] Here, output usually means transmission to the terminal device 2, but it may also be a concept including display on a display, projection using a projector, printing by a printer, sound output, storage in a recording medium, delivery of a processing result to another processing device or another program, etc.

[0102] The candidate prize group output unit 141 outputs first screen information including one or more pieces of candidate prize information that can be selected by the user from two or more pieces of prize information. The candidate prize group output unit 141 acquires, for example, one or more pieces of candidate prize information that can be selected by the user from two or more pieces of prize information, and outputs first screen information including the one or more pieces of candidate prize information.

[0103] The candidate prize group output unit 141 outputs the second screen information acquired by the second screen acquisition means 1381.

[0104] The candidate prize group output unit 141 transmits, for example, the first screen information or the second screen information to the terminal device 2.

[0105] The game output unit 142 outputs game screen information, which is screen information for performing a game. The game screen information has, for example, an image of the game machine 3. The game output unit 142 arranges, for example, the video transmitted from a camera (not shown) that photographs the game machine 3 in the template of the game screen information, configures the game screen information, and outputs the game screen information. The game output unit 142 transmits, for example, the game screen information to the terminal device 2. Note that the process for configuring the game screen information may be performed by the processing unit 13.

[0106] The game output unit 142 outputs the game result received by the reception unit 12 from the game machine 3. The game output unit 142 transmits, for example, the game result to the terminal device 2. The game output unit 142 stores, for example, the game result in the storage unit 11 in pairs with the user identifier.

[0107] Various types of information are stored in the terminal storage unit 21 that constitutes the terminal device 2. The various types of information are, for example, a user identifier, one or more user attribute values, a stand identifier, and prize information of a prize selected by the user.

[0108] The terminal reception unit 22 receives various instructions and information. The various information and instructions, etc. are, for example, a user identifier, one or more user static attribute values, a stand identifier, prize information of a prize selected by the user, a start instruction, an end instruction, a first selection, a second selection, a user registration instruction, and an operation for performing a game.

[0109] The first selection is the selection of one or more prizes from the first screen based on the first screen information. The second selection is the selection of one or more prizes from the second screen based on the second screen information.

[0110] The user registration instruction is an instruction to register user information. The user registration instruction has, for example, one or two or more user static attribute values.

[0111] The input means for various instructions and information can be anything, such as a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, or a menu screen.

[0112] The terminal processing unit 23 performs various processes. The various processes are, for example, processes that convert received information, instructions, etc. into information and instructions of a structure for transmission. The various processes are, for example, processes that convert received information into information of a structure for output.

[0113] The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits various information, instructions, etc. to the game support device 1. The various information, instructions, etc. are, for example, a start instruction, operation information, an end instruction, and a user registration instruction.

[0114] The terminal reception unit 25 receives various information. The various information is, for example, various screen information, game results, and prize information.

[0115] The terminal output unit 26 outputs various information. The various information is, for example, various screens, game results, and prize information.

[0116] Here, output includes concepts such as display on a display, projection using a projector, printing by a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage in a recording medium, and delivery of a processing result to another processing device or another program.

[0117] The storage unit 11, the stand management unit 111, the prize management unit 112, the user management unit 113, and the terminal storage unit 21 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized with volatile recording media.

[0118] The process of storing information in the storage unit 11 or the like is not limited. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 or the like via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the storage unit 11 or the like, or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11 or the like.

[0119] The reception unit 12, the selection reception unit 121, and the operation reception unit 122 are preferably realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by means for receiving broadcasts, device drivers of input means such as touch panels and keyboards, control software for menu screens, or the like.

[0120] The processing unit 13, the stand identifier acquisition unit 131, the stand attribute value acquisition unit 132, the user attribute value acquisition unit 133, the environmental attribute value acquisition unit 134, the game execution unit 135, the result acquisition unit 136, the change determination unit 137, the prize change unit 138, the end determination unit 139, the second screen acquisition means 1381, the prize change means 1382, and the terminal processing unit 23 can usually be realized from a processor, a memory, or the like. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13 and the like are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). Note that the processor may be a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, or the like, and its type is not limited.

[0121] The output unit 14, the candidate prize group output unit 141, and the game output unit 142 are preferably realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by driver software for output devices such as displays and speakers, or driver software for output devices and output devices.

[0122] The terminal reception unit 22 can be realized by a device driver of an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, or the like.

[0123] The terminal transmission unit 24 is usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by broadcast means.

[0124] The terminal receiving unit 25 is usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by means of receiving broadcasts.

[0125] The terminal output unit 26 may or may not be considered to include output devices such as displays and speakers. The terminal output unit 26 can be realized by the driver software of the output device or by the driver software of the output device and the output device, etc.

[0126] Next, an operation example of the game support device 1 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 4.

[0127] (Step S401) The reception unit 12 determines whether it has received a start instruction. If it has received a start instruction, it proceeds to step S402; if not, it proceeds to step S410. Here, the reception unit 12 receives the start instruction from the terminal device 2.

[0128] (Step S402) The user attribute value acquisition unit 133 acquires the user identifier included in the start instruction. The user attribute value acquisition unit 133 acquires one or more user attribute values corresponding to the user identifier from the user management unit 113, pairs the one or more user attribute values with the user identifier, and temporarily stores them in a buffer (not shown).

[0129] (Step S403) The table identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires the table identifier included in the start instruction. The table attribute value acquisition unit 132 acquires one or more table attribute values corresponding to the table identifier from the table management unit 111, pairs the table identifier and the one or more table attribute values with the user identifier, and temporarily stores them in a buffer (not shown).

[0130] (Step S404) The environment attribute value acquisition unit 134 acquires one or more environment attribute values included in the start instruction, pairs the one or more environment attribute values with the user identifier, and temporarily stores them in a buffer (not shown).

[0131] (Step S405) The processing unit 13 performs first screen acquisition processing. An example of such first screen acquisition processing will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 5. Note that the first screen acquisition processing may be performed by first screen acquisition means (not shown). Here, the processing unit 13 may read the first screen information in the storage unit 11.

[0132] (Step S406) The candidate prize group output unit 141 outputs the first screen information acquired in Step S405. Here, the candidate prize group output unit 141 transmits the first screen information to the terminal device 2.

[0133] (Step S407) The selection reception unit 121 determines whether first selection information has been received. If the first selection information has been received, the process proceeds to Step S408; if not, the process returns to Step S407. Here, the selection reception unit 121 receives the first selection information from the terminal device 2.

[0134] (Step S408) The processing unit 13 stores the first selected prize information, which is the prize information specified by the first selection information received in Step S407, in a buffer (not shown) in association with the user identifier.

[0135] (Step S409) The processing unit 13 acquires game screen information. The game output unit 142 outputs the game screen information. The process returns to Step S401. For example, the processing unit 13 may receive an image from a camera that captures the game machine 3 identified by the table identifier, arrange the image in a template of the game screen information, and configure the game screen information, or may read the game screen information from the storage unit 11. Here, the game output unit 142 transmits the game screen information to the terminal device 2.

[0136] (Step S410) The operation reception unit 122 determines whether operation information has been received. If the operation information has been received, the process proceeds to Step S411; if not, the process proceeds to Step S420. Here, the operation reception unit 122 receives the operation information from the terminal device 2.

[0137] (Step S411) The processing unit 13 accumulates the operation information received in step S410 in a buffer (not shown) in a pair with the user identifier. It is preferable that the processing unit 13 accumulates the operation information in a buffer (not shown) in a pair with the time specifying when the operation was performed.

[0138] (Step S412) The game execution unit 135 transmits the operation information received in step S410 to the game machine 3.

[0139] By transmitting the operation information to the game machine 3, the crane game is executed. That is, the game machine 3 receives the operation information, operates the crane according to the operation information, and executes the crane game.

[0140] (Step S413) The reception unit 12 determines whether it has received the game result from the game machine 3. If it has received the game result, it proceeds to step S414, and if it has not received it, it proceeds to step S415.

[0141] (Step S414) The game output unit 142 outputs the game result received in step S413. It proceeds to step S416. Here, the game output unit 142 transmits the game result to the terminal device 2.

[0142] (Step S415) The processing unit 13 determines whether it is a timeout. If it is a timeout, it proceeds to step S416, and if it is not a timeout, it returns to step S413. Note that a timeout means that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the operation information was transmitted.

[0143] (Step S416) The processing unit 13 obtains one or more user dynamic attribute values using the operation information and / or game results stored in a buffer (not shown), associates the user dynamic attribute values with the user identifier, and stores them in the user management unit 113. Note that the user dynamic attribute values are, for example, the number of game times, the number of logins, the game time, the number of losses, the cumulative number of losses, the number of wins, the cumulative number of wins, the investment amount, and the cumulative investment amount. Also, here, if the user dynamic attribute values cannot be obtained, the process proceeds to step S417.

[0144] (Step S417) The change determination unit 137 performs a change determination process. An example of the change determination process will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0145] (Step S418) If the determination result in step S417 is "change", the process proceeds to step S419; if it is "do not change", the process returns to step S401.

[0146] (Step S419) The prize change unit 138 performs a change process. An example of the change process will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0147] (Step S420) The reception unit 12 determines whether an end instruction has been received. If an end instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S421; if not, the process proceeds to step S425.

[0148] (Step S421) The processing unit 13 determines whether the game result is "win" or "lose". If it is "win", the process proceeds to step S422; if it is "lose", the process proceeds to step S424.

[0149] (Step S422) The processing unit 13 obtains the prize information of the selected prize.

[0150] (Step S423) The output unit 14 outputs the prize information acquired in step S422. Here, the output unit 14 transmits the prize information to the terminal device 2. The output of the prize information is for notifying the user of the prize obtained by the user through the crane game.

[0151] (Step S424) The processing unit 13 performs an end process. It returns to step S401. The end process is, for example, the logout process of the user from the game support device 1.

[0152] (Step S425) The reception unit 12 determines whether a user registration instruction has been received. If a user registration instruction has been received, it proceeds to step S426, and if not, it returns to step S401.

[0153] (Step S426) The processing unit 13 acquires a unique user identifier. The processing unit 13 constructs user information having the user identifier and one or more user attribute values included in the user registration instruction.

[0154] (Step S427) The processing unit 13 stores the user information in the user management unit 113. It returns to step S401.

[0155] Note that in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process ends due to a power-off or a process end interrupt.

[0156] Next, an example of the first screen acquisition process in step S405 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0157] (Step S501) The processing unit 13 acquires the first candidate condition from the storage unit 11.

[0158] (Step S502) The processing unit 13 assigns 1 to the counter i.

[0159] (Step S503) The processing unit 13 determines whether the i-th prize information exists in the prize management unit 112. If the i-th prize information exists, it proceeds to step S504; if it does not exist, it proceeds to step S507.

[0160] (Step S504) The processing unit 13 determines whether the i-th prize information satisfies the first candidate condition. If it satisfies the first candidate condition, it proceeds to step S505; if it does not satisfy, it proceeds to step S506. Note that the processing unit 13, for example, acquires one or more prize attribute values that the i-th prize information has, and determines whether the one or more prize attribute values satisfy the first candidate condition.

[0161] (Step S505) The processing unit 13 temporarily stores the i-th prize information as the first candidate prize information in a buffer (not shown).

[0162] (Step S506) The processing unit 13 increments the counter i by 1. It returns to step S503.

[0163] (Step S507) The processing unit 13 uses the one or two or more first candidate prize information temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown) in step S505 to construct first screen information, which is information on the screen where each of the one or more first candidate prize information can be selected. It returns to the upper-level process. Note that the process of constructing the screen information of the screen where each of the one or more first candidate prize information can be selected is a known technique.

[0164] Note that in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the processing unit 13 may only acquire the first screen information from the storage unit 11. Also, the first screen information may be screen information having default one prize information.

[0165] Next, an example of the change determination process in step S417 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0166] (Step S601) The change determination unit 137 acquires the change condition from the storage unit 11.

[0167] (Step S602) The change determination unit 137 acquires one or more pieces of information for determining the change conditions acquired in Step S601. Each piece of information of one or two or more is, for example, a user dynamic attribute value, a user static attribute value, or a game result.

[0168] (Step S603) The change determination unit 137 determines whether or not one or more pieces of information acquired in Step S602 satisfy the change conditions. If the change conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to Step S604, and if the change conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to Step S605.

[0169] (Step S604) The change determination unit 137 assigns the value "change" to the variable "determination result". Return to the upper-level process.

[0170] (Step S605) The change determination unit 137 assigns the value "do not change" to the variable "determination result". Return to the upper-level process.

[0171] Next, an example of the change process in Step S419 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0172] (Step S701) The second screen acquisition means 1381 performs a second screen acquisition process. An example of the second screen acquisition process will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0173] (Step S702) The candidate prize group output unit 141 outputs the second screen information acquired in Step S701. Here, the candidate prize group output unit 141 transmits the second screen information to the terminal device 2.

[0174] (Step S703) The selection reception unit 121 determines whether or not second selection information has been received in response to the output of the second screen information in Step S702. If the second selection information has been received, the process proceeds to Step S704, and if not, the process returns to Step S703. Here, the selection reception unit 121 receives the second selection information from the terminal device 2.

[0175] (Step S704) The processing unit 13 stores the second selected prize information, which is the prize information specified by the second selection information, in association with the user identifier, assuming it is the prize information newly selected by the user. Return to the upper-level processing.

[0176] Next, an example of the second screen acquisition process in step S701 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0177] (Step S801) The second screen acquisition means 1381 acquires the second candidate condition from the storage unit 11. Note that the second candidate condition is different from the first candidate condition. As a result, usually, the second screen information is different from the first screen information.

[0178] (Step S802) The second screen acquisition means 1381 substitutes 1 for the counter i.

[0179] (Step S803) The second screen acquisition means 1381 determines whether the i-th prize information exists in the prize management unit 112. If the i-th prize information exists, it proceeds to step S804; if it does not exist, it proceeds to step S807.

[0180] [[ID=1�]] (Step S804) The second screen acquisition means 1381 determines whether the i-th prize information satisfies the second candidate condition. If it satisfies the second candidate condition, it proceeds to step S805; if it does not, it proceeds to step S806.

[0181] (Step S805) The second screen acquisition means 1381 temporarily stores the i-th prize information as the second candidate prize information in a buffer (not shown).

[0182] (Step S806) The second screen acquisition means 1381 increments the counter i by 1. Return to step S803.

[0183] (Step S807) The second screen acquisition means 1381 uses the one or more pieces of second candidate prize information temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown) to configure second screen information, which is information on a screen on which each of the one or more pieces of second candidate prize information can be selected. Return to the upper-level process.

[0184] Note that the second screen information may be screen information including one or more pieces of prize information that cannot be selected. In such a case, the second screen acquisition means 1381 will automatically determine one or more prizes.

[0185] Next, an operation example of the terminal device 2 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 9.

[0186] (Step S901) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received a start instruction. If it has received a start instruction, it proceeds to step S902; if not, it proceeds to step S909.

[0187] (Step S902) The terminal processing unit 23 configures a start instruction that pairs with the user identifier in the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the start instruction to the game support device 1 in pair with the user identifier.

[0188] (Step S903) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received the first screen information from the game support device 1. If it has received the first screen information, it proceeds to step S904; if not, it returns to step S903.

[0189] (Step S904) The terminal processing unit 23 configures the first screen from the first screen information received in step S903. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the first screen.

[0190] (Step S905) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received a first selection on the first screen. If it has received the first selection, it proceeds to step S906; if not, it returns to step S905.

[0191] (Step S906) The terminal processing unit 23 constructs first selection information (for example, the prize identifier of the selected prize, the prize information of the selected prize) based on the first selection received in step S905. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the first selection information in pairs with the user identifier to the game support device 1. Note that the first selection information is information on the prize corresponding to the first selection.

[0192] (Step S907) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received game screen information from the game support device 1. If it has received the game screen information, it proceeds to step S908; if not, it returns to step S907.

[0193] (Step S908) The terminal processing unit 23 constructs a game screen using the game screen information received in step S907. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the game screen. It returns to step S901.

[0194] (Step S909) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received an operation for the crane game. If it has received an operation, it proceeds to step S910; if not, it proceeds to step S914.

[0195] (Step S910) The terminal processing unit 23 constructs operation information paired with the user identifier according to the operation received in step S909. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the operation information in pairs with the user identifier to the game support device 1.

[0196] (Step S911) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received a game result. If it has received a game result, it proceeds to step S912; if not, it proceeds to step S913.

[0197] (Step S912) The terminal processing unit 23 constructs a game result to be output. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the game result.

[0198] (Step S913) The terminal processing unit 23 determines whether it is a timeout. If it is a timeout, it returns to step S901; if it is not a timeout, it returns to step S911. Note that a timeout means that a predetermined period has elapsed since the operation information was sent.

[0199] (Step S914) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received the second screen information. If it has received the second screen information, it proceeds to step S915; if it has not received it, it proceeds to step S918.

[0200] (Step S915) The terminal processing unit 23 constructs the second screen from the second screen information received in step S914. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the second screen.

[0201] (Step S916) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received the second selection on the second screen. If it has received the second selection, it proceeds to step S917; if it has not received it, it returns to step S916.

[0202] (Step S917) The terminal processing unit 23 constructs second selection information (for example, the prize identifier of the selected prize, the prize information of the selected prize) based on the second selection received in step S916. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the second selection information paired with the user identifier to the game support device 1. It returns to step S901. Note that the second selection information is the information of the prize corresponding to the second selection.

[0203] (Step S918) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received an end instruction. If it has received an end instruction, it proceeds to step S919; if it has not received it, it proceeds to step S922.

[0204] (Step S919) The terminal processing unit 23 constructs an end instruction paired with the user identifier in the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the end instruction paired with the user identifier to the game support device 1.

[0205] (Step S920) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received information from the game support device 1 in response to the transmission of the end instruction. If it has received the information, it proceeds to step S921; if not, it returns to step S920. Here, the information is the prize information of the prize obtained by the user or the information indicating that the game has ended.

[0206] (Step S921) The terminal processing unit 23 uses the information received in step S920 to construct the information to be output. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the information.

[0207] (Step S922) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received a user registration instruction. If it has received the user registration instruction, it proceeds to step S923; if not, it returns to step S901.

[0208] (Step S923) The terminal processing unit 23 constructs the user registration instruction to be transmitted. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the user registration instruction to the game support device 1.

[0209] Note that in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the process ends due to a power-off or a processing end interrupt.

[0210] Hereinafter, a specific operation example of the game system A in the present embodiment will be described.

[0211] A table management table shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the table management unit 111 of the game support device 1. The table management table is a table for managing table information. The table management table manages a number of records having "ID", "table identifier", and "table attribute value". The "table attribute value" has "level" and "cost". The "ID" is information for identifying a record. The "level" indicates the difficulty level of the crane game machine. The "cost" indicates the cost required when playing the crane game. The cost may be an amount of money or points, etc.

[0212] In the Premium Management Department 112, a premium management table shown in FIG. 11 is stored. The premium management table is a table for managing premium information. The premium management table manages a number of records having "ID", "premium identifier", and "premium attribute value". The "premium attribute value" has "price", "flag", and "premium image". The "price" is the price of the premium.

[0213] The flag indicates the type of screen information to be used. The premium information corresponding to the flag "1" indicates that it is to be used in the first screen information. The premium information corresponding to the flag "2" indicates that it is to be used in the second screen information. That is, here, the first candidate condition is that the premium information corresponds to the flag "1". The second candidate condition is that the premium information corresponds to the flag "2".

[0214] In the User Management Department 113, a user management table shown in FIG. 12 is stored. The user management table is a table for managing user information. The user management table manages a number of records having "ID", "user identifier", "user static attribute value", and "user dynamic attribute value". The "user static attribute value" has "gender", "age", and "address" here. The "user dynamic attribute value" has "number of play times", "cumulative charged amount", and "user rank" here. Note that the number of play times is the number of game times.

[0215] Furthermore, it is assumed that the storage unit 11 stores a change condition of "number of play times >= 5". Also, it is assumed that the storage unit 11 stores an end condition of "(game result = "win") or (end instruction received)".

[0216] In the above situation, it is assumed that a user identified by the user identifier "U01" (hereinafter, the said user) inputs a start instruction to the terminal device 2. Next, the terminal device 2 transmits the said start instruction to the game support device 1 in pair with the user identifier "U01". Note that the said start instruction has a stand identifier of "stand 1" and an environmental attribute value of "<weather> rain".

[0217] Next, the reception unit 12 of the game support device 1 receives a start instruction paired with the user identifier "U01" from the terminal device 2.

[0218] Next, the user attribute value acquisition unit 133 acquires two or more user attribute values paired with the user identifier "U01" from the user management table in FIG. 12, and temporarily stores the two or more user attribute values in a buffer (not shown) paired with the user identifier "U01". At this stage, it is assumed that the number of play times of the user dynamic attribute value is "0".

[0219] Also, the table identifier acquisition unit 131 acquires the table identifier "Table 1" included in the received start instruction, and temporarily stores the table identifier "Table 1" in a buffer (not shown) paired with the user identifier "U01".

[0220] Also, the environment attribute value acquisition unit 134 acquires the environment attribute value "<Weather> Rain" included in the start instruction, and temporarily stores the environment attribute value in a buffer (not shown) paired with the user identifier "U01".

[0221] Next, the processing unit 13 performs the first screen acquisition process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, and acquires first screen information. The first screen information is screen information that enables selection of prizes corresponding to the flag "1" in the prize management table of FIG. 11.

[0222] Next, the candidate prize group output unit 141 transmits the first screen information to the terminal device 2.

[0223] Next, the terminal device 2 receives the first screen information by the process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, and outputs the first screen. Such a first screen is G01 and G02 in FIG. 13. When the "Next" button on the screen G01 is instructed, the screen on the terminal device 2 switches from the screen G01 to the screen G02. The screen G02 is a screen on which prize information of prizes that the user can select can be selected. It may be considered that only the screen G02 is the first screen.

[0224] Here, assume that the user has selected the prize (1302) in the upper left. Then, the terminal reception unit 22 of the terminal device 2 receives the first selection on the first screen (G02). Next, the terminal processing unit 23 obtains first selection information (here, the prize identifier "P01" of the selected prize) based on the first selection. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the first selection information "P01" in a pair with the user identifier "U01" to the game support device 1.

[0225] Next, the selection reception unit 121 of the game support device 1 receives the first selection information "P01" that pairs with the user identifier "U01" from the terminal device 2. Then, the processing unit 13 accumulates the first selection prize information (the prize information of "P01"), which is the prize information specified by the first selection information, in a buffer (not shown) in a pair with the user identifier "U01".

[0226] Next, the processing unit 13 configures game screen information. Here, the processing unit 13 configures game screen information that enables the prize selected by the user to be grasped. Next, the game output unit 142 transmits the game screen information to the terminal device 2.

[0227] Next, the terminal device 2 receives the game screen information through the process described using the flowchart in FIG. 9 and outputs the game screen. Such game screens are the screens G03 and G04 in FIG. 14. Note that 1301 of screen G03 and 1302 of screen G04 are the prize information of the prize selected by the user. Also, 1303 of screen G03 and 1304 of screen G04 are images obtained by photographing the game machine 3 identified by the stand identifier "stand 1", and are images transmitted by the camera that is photographing the game machine 3.

[0228] Then, assume that in the situation where screen G03 is being displayed on the terminal device 2, the user has instructed the "Play Start" button 1305. Then, the screen of the terminal device 2 switches from G03 to G04.

[0229] Assume that the user enjoys the crane game by operating the "Move Horizontally" button 1306 on screen G04. In such a case, the terminal device 2 performs the process described using the flowchart of FIG. 9, and the game support device 1 performs the process described using the flowchart of FIG. 4.

[0230] Assume that the user enjoys the crane game five times. Assume that the game result of all five times is "lost".

[0231] As a result of the above operations, as shown in the user management table of FIG. 12, the number of game times paired with the user identifier "U01" is updated to "5".

[0232] Next, the change determination unit 137 performs change determination processing as follows. That is, the change determination unit 137 acquires the change condition "number of game times >= 5" from the storage unit 11 of the game support device 1. Next, the change determination unit 137 acquires the number of game times "5", which is the information paired with the user identifier "U01" and is the information for determining the acquired change condition, from the user management table (FIG. 12). Then, the change determination unit 137 determines that the acquired number of game times "5" satisfies the change condition "number of game times >= 5". Next, the change determination unit 137 substitutes the value "change" into the variable "determination result".

[0233] Next, the prize change unit 138 performs the change process described using the flowchart of FIG. 7. That is, first, the second screen acquisition means 1381 performs the second screen acquisition process described using the flowchart of FIG. 8 and acquires second screen information. The second screen information is screen information that enables selection of a prize corresponding to the flag "2" in the prize management table of FIG. 11.

[0234] Next, the candidate prize group output unit 141 transmits the second screen information to the terminal device 2.

[0235] Next, the terminal device 2 receives the second screen information and outputs a second screen through the process described using the flowchart of FIG. 9. Such a second screen is G05 in FIG. 15.

[0236] Here, assume that the user selects the prize (1501) in the lower right on the screen G05. Then, the terminal reception unit 22 of the terminal device 2 receives the second selection on the second screen (G05). Next, the terminal processing unit 23 obtains second selection information (here, the prize identifier "P59" of the selected prize) based on the second selection. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the second selection information "P59" in a pair with the user identifier "U01" to the game support device 1. Note that the prize information of the prize (1501) is information that does not exist in the first screen information.

[0237] Next, the selection reception unit 121 of the game support device 1 receives the second selection information "P59" that pairs with the user identifier "U01" from the terminal device 2. Then, the processing unit 13 accumulates the second selection prize information (the prize information of "P59"), which is the prize information specified by the second selection information, in a buffer (not shown) in a pair with the user identifier "U01".

[0238] Then, on the terminal device 2, it switches to the screen G06 in FIG. 15, and the 6th crane game can be started. Note that on the screen G06, the prize information (1503) identified by the second selection information selected by the user is displayed.

[0239] Next, assume that the user performs the crane game by operating the "Move Horizontally" button 1502 or the like. As a result, assume that the user succeeds in the crane game.

[0240] Then, the reception unit 12 receives the game result "win" from the game machine 3 identified by the stand identifier "stand 1".

[0241] Next, the game output unit 142 transmits screen information including the received game result to the terminal device 2.

[0242] Next, the terminal device 2 receives the screen information, constructs a screen based on the screen information, and outputs it. An example of such a screen is screen G07 in FIG. 16.

[0243] Next, when the user instructs the "View Acquired Prizes" button 1601 on screen G07, the screen of the terminal device 2 switches from G07 to G08.

[0244] Note that upon receiving the game result "win", the processing unit 13 of the game support device 1 determines that the end condition is met and performs end processing.

[0245] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which game prizes can be changed during the progress of the crane game.

[0246] Also, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the user can select to change the game prizes during the progress of the crane game.

[0247] Also, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which game prizes can be changed at appropriate times during the progress of the crane game.

[0248] Also, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the game prizes can be changed to appropriate prizes according to the user attribute values at appropriate times during the progress of the crane game.

[0249] Also, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the game prizes can be changed to appropriate prizes according to the history of user attribute values at appropriate times during the progress of the crane game.

[0250] Also, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the game prizes can be changed to appropriate prizes according to the stand attribute values at appropriate times during the progress of the crane game.

[0251] Moreover, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the game prize can be changed to an appropriate prize according to the environmental attribute value when appropriate during the progress of the crane game.

[0252] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a crane game that automatically changes the game prize during the progress of the crane game.

[0253] Note that the processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. And this software may be distributed by software download or the like. Also, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. Note that this also applies to other embodiments in this specification. The software that realizes the game support device 1 in this embodiment is a program as follows. That is, this program is a program that operates in a game support device that supports a user to play a crane game remotely, and is a program for functioning as a prize change unit that performs a change process, which is a process for making information for specifying a prize to be given to the user who has won the crane game changeable from the first selected prize information, after the prize given to the user is specified and during the progress of the series of crane games of the user, and is capable of accessing a prize management unit that stores two or more pieces of prize information including first selected prize information for specifying a prize given to the user when the user wins the crane game.

[0254] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the game support device 1 is a terminal used by the user.

[0255] FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of the game system B in this embodiment. The game system B includes one or two or more game support devices 1 and one or two or more game machines 3.

[0256] The block diagram of the game support device 1 that constitutes the game system B in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 3.

[0257] In this embodiment, the reception unit 12, the selection reception unit 121, and the operation reception unit 122 usually receive user input. Note that the reception unit 12 also has a function of receiving information from the game machine 3.

[0258] In this embodiment, the output unit 14, the candidate prize group output unit 141, and the game output unit 142 usually display information.

[0259] As described above, in this embodiment, there are effects similar to those described in Embodiment 1. That is, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the prizes of the game can be changed during the progress of the crane game. Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the user can select a change in the prizes of the game during the progress of the crane game. Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the prizes of the game can be changed at an appropriate time during the progress of the crane game. Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the prizes of the game can be changed to appropriate prizes according to the user attribute value at an appropriate time during the progress of the crane game. Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the prizes of the game can be changed to appropriate prizes according to the history of the user attribute value at an appropriate time during the progress of the crane game. Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the prizes of the game can be changed to appropriate prizes according to the stand attribute value at an appropriate time during the progress of the crane game. Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly flexible crane game in which the prizes of the game can be changed to appropriate prizes according to the environmental attribute value at an appropriate time during the progress of the crane game. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a crane game in which the prizes of the game are automatically changed during the progress of the crane game.

[0260] Also, the appearance of a computer that executes the programs described in this specification and realizes the game support device 1 and the like of the various embodiments described above is shown, for example, by the game support device 1 in FIG. 1 or the design of the game support device 1 in FIG. 17.

[0261] The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon. FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a computer system 300.

[0262] In FIG. 18, in addition to a CD-ROM drive 3012, the computer 301 includes an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 3012 and the like, a ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, a RAM 3016 connected to the MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions of an application program and providing a temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing an application program, a system program, and data. Here, although not shown, the computer 301 may further include a network card that provides a connection to a LAN.

[0263] A program for causing the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the game support device 1 and the like of the above-described embodiments may be stored in a CD-ROM 3101, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 3012, and further transferred to the hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into the RAM 3016 during execution. The program may be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0264] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the game support device 1 or the like in the above-described embodiment, or a third-party program or the like. The program only needs to include only the part of the instructions that calls appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner so as to obtain a desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0265] In the above program, in steps such as the step of transmitting information and the step of receiving information, processes performed by hardware, for example, processes performed by a modem or an interface card in the transmission step (processes that can only be performed by hardware) are not included.

[0266] Also, the computer that executes the above program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

[0267] Also, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means existing in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0268] Also, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by being centrally processed by a single device, or may be realized by being distributedly processed by a plurality of devices.

[0269] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and those are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0270] As described above, the game support device 1 according to the present invention has an effect of being able to provide a highly flexible crane game in which game prizes can be changed during the progress of the crane game, and is useful as a game server or the like that can perform the crane game remotely.

Explanation of Symbols

[0271] A, B game systems 1 game support device 2 terminal devices 3 game machines 11 storage unit 12 reception unit 13 processing unit 14 output unit 21 terminal storage unit 22 terminal reception unit 23 terminal processing unit 24 terminal transmission unit 25 terminal reception unit 26 terminal output unit 111 platform management unit 112 prize management unit 113 user management unit 121 selection reception unit 122 operation reception unit 131 platform identifier acquisition unit 132 platform attribute value acquisition unit 133 user attribute value acquisition unit 134 environment attribute value acquisition unit 135 game execution unit 136 result acquisition unit 137 change judgment unit 138 prize change unit 139 end judgment unit 141 candidate prize group output unit 142 game output unit 1381 second screen acquisition means 1382 prize change means

Claims

1. A program that provides a crane game in which a user can obtain a prize by operating a crane via a terminal device, a selection reception process for receiving a selection of a desired prize to be obtained from the terminal device, a change request reception process for receiving a change request for the desired prize to be obtained from the terminal device after the user has played the crane game against an acquisition device for obtaining the desired prize and before the crane game is successful, a change process for changing the desired prize to be obtained without changing the acquisition device on which the user has played in response to the change request, a program for causing a computer to execute.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the change request is received after the user has failed the crane game a plurality of times, reception of the change request is enabled. The program according to claim 1.

3. The program according to claim 2, wherein when the change request is received after the user has failed the crane game a plurality of times, it is possible to change to a desired prize to be obtained that is more expensive than the desired prize to be obtained selected in the selection reception process without increasing the user's items consumed per game. The program according to claim 2.

4. A game support device that supports a user in performing a crane game remotely, a prize management unit that stores two or more pieces of prize information including first selection prize information that specifies a prize given to the user when the user wins the crane game, a prize change unit that performs a change process, which is a process for making information that specifies a prize to be given to the user who has won the crane game changeable from the first selection prize information after the prize given to the user has been specified and during the progress of the series of crane games of the user. A game support device comprising:

5. a candidate prize group output unit that acquires one or more pieces of candidate prize information selectable by the user from the two or more pieces of prize information and outputs first screen information including the one or more pieces of candidate prize information, a selection reception unit that receives first selection information that specifies first selection prize information selected by the user from the one or more pieces of first candidate prize information included in the first screen information, and further comprises: the first selection prize information in the prize management unit is prize information specified by the first selection information received by the selection reception unit, the prize change unit is During the progress of the series of the user's crane games, there is provided a second screen acquisition means for acquiring second screen information including candidate prize information other than the one or more pieces of candidate prize information included in the first screen information. The candidate prize group output unit: outputs the second screen information acquired by the second screen acquisition means; The selection reception unit: receives second selection information for specifying second selected prize information, which is the prize information selected by the user from among the one or more pieces of candidate prize information in the second screen information; The prize change unit: The game support device according to claim 4, comprising prize change means for changing information for specifying a prize given to the user from the first selected prize information to the second selection information.

6. An operation reception unit for receiving operation information, which is an operation by the user on the crane game, or a result acquisition unit for acquiring a game result of a crane game in which an operation according to the operation information has been performed, and further comprising a change determination unit for determining whether or not the operation information received by the operation reception unit or the game result acquired by the result acquisition unit matches a change condition. The prize change unit: The game support device according to claim 5, wherein when the change determination unit determines that the change condition is met, the change process is performed.

7. further comprising a user management unit in which one or more pieces of user information including one or more user attribute values are stored, each of the two or more pieces of prize information in the prize management unit is associated with a user condition, which is a condition related to one or more user attribute values, The second screen acquisition means: acquires the one or more user attribute values of the user from the user management unit, and acquires second screen information including one or more pieces of candidate prize information, which is prize information associated with a user condition that matches the one or more user attribute values. The game support device according to claim 6.

8. The user information: includes one or more user attribute values at two or more time points, The second screen acquisition means: acquires the one or more user attribute values of the user at the two or more time points from the user management unit, and acquires second screen information including one or more pieces of candidate prize information, which is prize information associated with a user condition that matches the one or more user attribute values at the two or more time points. The game support device according to claim 7.

9. A game support method for assisting a user in remotely playing a crane game, comprising: A game support method realized by a prize management unit that stores two or more pieces of prize information including first selection prize information for specifying a prize given to the user when the user wins a crane game, and a prize change unit, wherein: The game support method includes a prize change step of performing a change process, which is a process for making information for specifying a prize to be given to the user who has won the crane game changeable from the first selection prize information after the prize to be given to the user is specified and during the progress of the series of crane games played by the user.

10. A program that operates in a game support device for assisting a user in remotely playing a crane game, A game support device that can access a prize management unit that stores two or more pieces of prize information including first selection prize information for specifying a prize given to the user when the user wins a crane game, A program for causing a prize change unit to function, which performs a change process that is a process for making information for specifying a prize to be given to the user who has won the crane game changeable from the first selection prize information after the prize to be given to the user is specified and during the progress of the series of crane games played by the user.

Images