Game body

Abstract

To provide a game body capable of appropriately setting an operation of operation means or a performance of an output device in a game machine.SOLUTION: There is provided a prize acquisition game for imparting a prize TO to a user when a game body travels to a discharge port 5 by a conveyance operation of a belt conveyor BC for executing a conveyance operation for conveying the game body on a conveyance surface according to an operation for pressing a push button 4 in a storage part 6 for storing the game body as a game for utilizing the push button 4 and an LED display part 9 for adding a performance, and the prize TO is used as the game body in a game machine 1 for changing the conveyance operation, and the performance of the LED display part 9 according to a setting. Such a prize TO has a recording medium FM for recording so as to provide a game machine 1 with setting candidate data CD functioning as a candidate of setting of the conveyance operation or the like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides a prize acquisition game that utilizes an input device for inputting play actions and an output device for adding effects, in which a prize is awarded to a user when a contained object moves to a predetermined position due to the operation of an operating means that performs an operation related to changing the position of the contained object in accordance with a play action in a storage section that stores the contained object, and also relates to a gaming device that is used as a contained object in a game machine in which at least one of the operation and the effect is changed according to settings. [Background technology]

[0002] As a game that uses an input device for inputting play actions and an output device for adding effects, there is a prize acquisition game in which a prize is awarded to a user when an object moves to a predetermined position due to the operation of an operating means that performs an operation related to the change of the position of the object in accordance with the play action in a storage section that stores the object, and there is a gaming object that is used as a stored object in a gaming machine in which at least one of the operation and the effects is changed according to settings. For example, a gaming object that is used as a prize in a gaming machine that uses push buttons, a monitor (or an audio output unit or a pillar), a crane, and settings based on effect data as such input devices, output devices, operating means, and settings is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-157990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the gaming device of Patent Document 1, the image displayed on the monitor, the sound output by the audio output unit, the lighting of the pillar, and so on are set and changed according to the effect data. Furthermore, such effect data is associated with the prize via a prize ID. Meanwhile, such effect data is acquired from a server connected to the gaming device via the Internet (network) based on an operator's operation. Specifically, when the operator changes a prize, the operator transmits a prize ID from a store terminal to the server, and the effect data corresponding to the prize ID is transmitted to the gaming device. However, when effect data is acquired based on an operator's request (transmission), there is a possibility that incorrect effect data is acquired due to, for example, an incorrect input of the prize ID. Alternatively, when such a request is executed in a facility where multiple gaming devices are installed, there is a possibility that information about the gaming device to which effect data should be transmitted is transmitted to the server in error. In particular, in such facilities, the store terminal is often located in a backroom or other location separate from the gaming devices, and is therefore far from the target gaming device (and is often out of sight of the operator), making it easy for such transmission targets to be mistaken. As a result, it may be impossible to realize appropriate images, sounds, etc., that match the prize. In addition, there is a possibility that the network environment may affect the performance data, and that there may be a time lag (waiting time) before the performance data is obtained.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming device that can more appropriately set the operation of the operating means in the gaming machine or the presentation of the output device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gaming device of the present invention is a game that utilizes an input device for inputting play actions and an output device for adding effects, and provides a prize acquisition game in which a prize is awarded to a user when a contained object moves to a predetermined position due to the operation of an operating means that performs an operation related to a change in the position of the contained object in accordance with the play action in a storage section that stores the contained object, and is a gaming device that is used as the contained object in a gaming machine in which at least one of the operation and the effects is changed according to settings, and is accompanied by a recording medium for recording provision information for providing the gaming machine with candidate information that functions as a candidate for the setting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main parts of a control system of the game machine. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram for explaining how to play the prize game. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a game setting screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of operation setting data. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of performance setting data. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of setting candidate data. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the flow until setting candidate data is provided to a game machine. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the format of a recording medium that comes with a prize. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a data acquisition process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a data reflection process. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example in which setting candidate data is shared by a plurality of game machines. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An example of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the game machine 1. The game machine 1 is an example of a game device, and is configured as a commercial (industrial) game machine that allows users to play games within a range corresponding to a predetermined fee (play fee) collected (paid) in exchange for the fee. This type of game machine 1 is sometimes called an arcade game machine. The game machine 1 is a computer device installed in a predetermined facility with the main purpose of generating revenue by having many users repeatedly play games.

[0009] The gaming machine 1 is configured as a gaming machine that provides a prize game (prize acquisition game) played with the objective of winning a prize. A prize game is a type of game in which a prize is awarded to a user when a gaming object (often the prize itself, but sometimes a medium other than the prize) moves to a predetermined position via various operating means that operate in response to the user's play. The gaming machine 1 utilizes multiple belt conveyors BC that function as such operating means. Specifically, the gaming machine 1 includes a cabinet 2. The cabinet 2 is provided with a belt conveyor unit 3, a push button 4, an outlet 5, and a storage section 6. The push button 4 is a well-known input device that is used to input a push operation as a user's play operation. The operation of the belt conveyor unit 3 is controlled by the push operation of the push button 4. The relationship between the push operation of the push button 4 and the operation of the belt conveyor unit 3 will be described later.

[0010] The storage section 6 is a portion for storing game objects (stored objects), and is a space formed inside the cabinet 2. The storage section 6 is configured so that the inside can be seen from the outside, with the outside separated from the inside by a transparent material such as acrylic or glass that allows the inside to be seen. An opening 7 connected to the discharge outlet 5 is provided on the bottom surface of the storage section 6. In other words, the storage section 6 is connected to the discharge outlet 5 through the opening 7. The discharge outlet 5 is an opening for discharging (paying out) game objects stored in the storage section 6 to the outside of the cabinet 2 through the opening 7. When a game object is discharged from the discharge outlet 5, a prize is awarded to the user. In other words, the discharge outlet 5 functions as a predetermined position for awarding prizes.

[0011] The belt conveyor unit 3 is a well-known device that has multiple belt conveyors BC as a transport device (transport means) and transports (moves) objects in a predetermined direction via each belt conveyor BC. The belt conveyor unit 3 is provided inside the housing 2 so that the multiple belt conveyors BC form the bottom surface of the storage section 6. The belt conveyor unit 3 is configured as a single device that can be removed from and attached to the housing 2. The belt conveyor unit 3 is also positioned so that an opening 7 is located at the end of the predetermined direction.

[0012] In the example of FIG. 1 , the storage section 6 is formed in a roughly cubic shape, and two belt conveyor units 3 are provided below it to form the bottom surface of the storage section 6. These belt conveyor units 3 are arranged side by side along the same long side, with the opening 7 located at the end of the short side. The game objects in the storage section 6 are transported toward the opening 7 through the operation of each belt conveyor BC in a predetermined direction. More specifically, each belt conveyor unit 3 operates to transport the game objects located on the belt conveyor forming the bottom surface of the storage section 6 toward the opening 7 in response to a push of a push button 4. Each belt conveyor unit 3 is provided with ten belt conveyors BC, and each belt conveyor BC is configured to operate independently without being affected by the other belt conveyors BC. In this example, the ten belt conveyors BC and the two belt conveyor units 3 function as two or more operating means and multiple units of the present invention, respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, each belt conveyor unit 3 is provided with two LED units 8. Each LED unit 8 is provided with ten LED display units 9 spaced apart from each other at the same intervals as the intervals between the belt conveyors BC. The two LED units 8 are arranged in front of and behind the ten belt conveyors BC so that each belt conveyor BC is sandwiched between the LED display units 9 of each LED unit 8. In other words, the two LED units 8 are arranged so that one belt conveyor BC is sandwiched between the two front and rear LED display units 9.

[0014] In the example of FIG. 1 , two belt conveyor units 3 are provided inside the cabinet 2, and two openings 7, two outlets 5, and two push buttons 4 are provided corresponding to the belt conveyor units 3, respectively. However, the number of belt conveyor units 3 may be appropriately determined depending on their configuration (size, shape, etc.) and the configuration of the storage section 6. Furthermore, the number of openings 7, outlets 5, and push buttons 4 may or may not match the number of belt conveyor units 3. In other words, one opening 7 and one push button 4 may be provided to correspond to multiple belt conveyor units 3. The same applies to the relationship between the openings 7, outlets 5, and push buttons 4. Furthermore, the openings 7, outlets 5, and push buttons 4 are also provided on the front side of the cabinet 2 (the side from which the user plays, in other words, the predetermined direction in which the belt conveyor unit 3 transports the game objects). However, the positions of the openings 7, outlets 5, and push buttons 4 may be appropriate. Furthermore, the positions of the openings 7, outlets 5, and push buttons 4 may or may not match each other. Furthermore, the conveying direction (predetermined direction) of the belt conveyor unit 3 is not limited to the horizontal direction (forward in the example of Figure 1). For example, two belt conveyor units 3 may be arranged on both left and right ends of the storage section 6, sandwiching one opening. In this case, the two belt conveyor units 3 may be arranged horizontally so as to convey the game objects horizontally toward the central opening 7, or may be arranged diagonally so as to gradually climb an incline diagonally upward. Furthermore, the conveying directions of each belt conveyor BC may be different. Specifically, for example, if two openings 7 are arranged in opposite positions to each other, the two belt conveyors BC may be arranged in opposite directions to convey the game objects toward those openings 7, respectively. In other words, the arrangement of the belt conveyor units 3, etc. may be appropriate.

[0015] Next, the main components of the control system of the game machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The game machine 1 includes a control unit 21 as a computer, a memory unit 22 as storage means, the belt conveyor unit 3, the push buttons 4, the touch panel TP, the monitor MO, the sensor SM, and the reading mechanism RM. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU (a processor that executes various processes according to a predetermined computer program) with internal memory and other peripheral devices required for its operation. The control unit 21 includes a display control unit 23, a drive control unit 24, a screen control unit 25, and a data management unit 26, which are logical devices realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 21 with the program PG (software resource). The display control unit 23 executes various processes for controlling the operation of the LED display unit 9, and the drive control unit 24 executes various processes for controlling the operation of the motor 11. The screen control unit 25 executes various processes for controlling the display of the screen of the monitor MO. The data management unit 26 executes various processes for managing data recorded in the memory unit 22. For example, such processing includes a data acquisition process and a data reflection process, the details of which will be described later.

[0016] The memory unit 22, the belt conveyor unit 3, the push buttons 4, the touch panel TP, the monitor MO, the sensor SM, and the reading mechanism RM are all connected to the control unit 21. Input results (detection results or reading results) to the belt conveyor unit 3, the push buttons 4, the touch panel TP, the sensor SM, and the reading mechanism RM, which function as input devices, are provided to the control unit 21, and the control unit 21 controls the operation of the belt conveyor unit 3 and the monitor MO, which function as output devices, based on the input results, etc. For example, the LED display units 9 and the motors 11 of the belt conveyor unit 3 function as output devices. Therefore, the display of each of these LED display units 9 and the operation of each of the motors 11 are controlled by the control unit 21. More specifically, the operation of each of the LED display units 9 is controlled by the display control unit 23, and the operation of each of the motors 11 is controlled by the drive control unit 24. Therefore, the turning on and off of each of the LED display units 9 (including the color change and its stopping, described below) is controlled by an output signal from the display control unit 23. Similarly, each motor 11 operates in accordance with an output signal from the drive control unit 24. Each motor 11 is a drive source for driving each belt conveyor BC. Each motor 11 may be appropriately disposed so as to be able to drive each belt conveyor BC, and is disposed, for example, below each belt conveyor BC. Specifically, a timing pulley (not shown) constituting each belt conveyor BC is coaxially attached to a rotor portion (not shown) of each motor 11, and this timing pulley is disposed so as to rotate and drive with the rotation of the rotor portion. Therefore, each belt conveyor BC of the belt conveyor unit 3 operates in accordance with the operation of each motor 11. In other words, the operation of each belt conveyor BC is controlled by the drive control unit 24 via the motor 11.

[0017] Meanwhile, the measuring device 13 of each motor 11 and the push button 4 function as a type of input device that inputs signals corresponding to the measurement results or operation results to the control unit 21. Therefore, the measurement results of the measuring device 13 and the results of pressing the push button 4 are also output to the control unit 21. The measuring device 13 is a well-known device for measuring the rotation speed (amount of rotation) of a timing pulley. For example, the measuring device 13 is coaxially attached to the rotor portion of the motor 11, similar to the timing pulley, so as to rotate integrally with the timing pulley. The rotation speed of the timing pulley corresponds to the movement width (the transport width or movement amount of the game object) of the belt (conveying surface) constituting each belt conveyor BC. Therefore, the measuring device 13 is used to measure the movement width of the belt. Therefore, the measurement results of the measuring device 13 are output to the drive control unit 24 and used to control the drive of each motor 11, in other words, to control the operation of each belt conveyor BC. Similarly, the results of pressing the push button 4 are output to both the display control unit 23 and the drive control unit 24. The display control unit uses the output results to control the lighting of each LED display unit 9. The drive control unit 24 uses the output results to control the driving of each motor 11, in other words, to control the operation of each belt conveyor BC.

[0018] Similarly, the sensor SM is a well-known input device that outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result. The sensor SM is, for example, disposed at the discharge port 5 and configured as a detection device that detects whether a gaming object has been discharged from the discharge port 5. For example, an infrared sensor that detects whether a gaming object has passed through the discharge port 5 may be used as such a detection device. The detection result of the sensor SM is output to the screen control unit 25. The touch panel TP is a well-known input device that outputs a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (touching with a finger). The result of a touch operation on the touch panel TP is output to the screen control unit 25. The touch panel TP is disposed to cover the display surface of the monitor MO. The monitor MO is a well-known display device (output device) that displays various images. The monitor MO displays various screens containing various images based on signals output from the screen control unit 25. For example, such screens include an operation setting screen. The operation setting screen is a type of screen that is displayed on the monitor MO in response to a touch operation on the touch panel TP. On the operation setting screen, various settings related to the operation of each belt conveyor BC are executed through a touch operation on the touch panel TP. The detection result of the sensor SM is also used to display the operation setting screen. The operation setting screen will be described in detail later.

[0019] The reading mechanism RM is a well-known mechanism for acquiring the setting candidate data CD from a recording medium FM on which the setting candidate data CD is recorded. The setting candidate data CD (or, if the game console 1 is connected via a network to a server device that records the setting candidate data CD, information on the storage location of the setting candidate data CD in the server device, such as an address) can be recorded on the recording medium FM by various methods, such as a code, an IC tag, or a flash memory. Therefore, the reading mechanism RM may be configured appropriately according to these methods. Specifically, the reading mechanism RM may be, for example, a camera for reading codes, a receiver (reader) for reading IC tags, or a bus structure having a connection terminal for connecting a flash memory with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) type terminal. The reading result of the reading mechanism RM is output to the data management unit 26. The data management unit 26 then stores the reading result, i.e., the setting candidate data CD, in the storage unit 22.

[0020] The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 22 stores various data together with the program PG described above. The example in FIG. 2 shows game data GD. The game data GD is data for allowing a user to play a prize game in accordance with the program PG. The game data GD includes various data, such as background music (BGM) data for playing background music. The example in FIG. 2 shows operation setting data OD, effect setting data ED, and setting candidate data CD. The operation setting data OD and effect setting data ED are both data for managing various settings related to the operation of the gaming machine 1. Specifically, the operation setting data OD manages various settings related to the operation of each conveyor belt BC. The effect setting data ED manages various settings related to the effects of the prize game. These settings are implemented through various setting screens, such as an operation setting screen. The setting candidate data CD is data for managing information on setting candidates to be set through such setting screens. That is, the setting candidate data CD manages information on setting candidates that should be managed by the operation setting data OD and the effect setting data ED. Details of the operation setting data OD, the effect setting data ED, and the setting candidate data CD will be described later.

[0021] The gaming machine 1 may also be provided with various input devices and output devices that are included in commercial gaming machines. Such output devices include speakers that play various sounds such as background music or sound effects. Similarly, such input devices include, for example, a well-known fee collection mechanism for collecting the fee required to play the prize game. The fee collection mechanism may be configured to collect, for example, a predetermined amount of coins (including banknotes and tokens such as medals) as the predetermined fee, or may be configured to collect various other values such as electronic currency (including various points). However, these are not shown in the drawings.

[0022] Next, we will explain how to play the prize game, as well as the relationship between pressing the push button 4 and the operation of the belt conveyor unit 3. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to play the prize game. The example in FIG. 3 shows a case where the prize TO itself is used as the game object. In this case, the prize TO itself is discharged from the discharge port 5, and the prize TO is directly awarded to the user through such discharge. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the prize TO is placed on the belt conveyor unit 3 so as to be positioned across multiple belt conveyors BC. That is, the prize TO is placed directly on the conveying surface DA of the belt conveyors BC so that each part of the prize TO contacts the conveying surface DA of the belt conveyors BC. Specifically, since the belt conveyor unit 3 includes ten belt conveyors BC that can be driven independently of each other, the conveying surface of the belt conveyor unit 3 is formed by the collection of the individual conveying surfaces DA of each belt conveyor BC (the upper surfaces of the belts of the belt conveyors BC), and this conveying surface functions as the placement surface for the prize TO (the bottom surface of the storage section 6). As a result, ten conveying surfaces DA corresponding to the ten belt conveyors BC are formed on the conveying surface (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the arrangement surface DAG) of the belt conveyor unit 3, and prizes TO are arranged so as to straddle a plurality of the ten conveying surfaces DA.

[0023] Meanwhile, each LED display unit 9 is used to identify a belt conveyor BC to be driven among the ten belt conveyors BC by turning it on and off. Specifically, each LED display unit 9 of the two front and rear LED units 8 (only the front LED unit 8 is displayed in the example of FIG. 3) is associated with the belt conveyor BC located between them. The belt conveyor BC sandwiched between the lit LED display units 9 is identified as the belt conveyor to be driven and actually driven. Each LED display unit 9 has three indicator units 10. Each indicator unit 10 is composed of five boxes 10a. Each box 10a is shaped like an arrow pointing downward. An LED is provided inside each box 10a, and each box 10a can be turned on and off individually. In other words, each LED display unit 9 is configured to be turned on and off via each box 10a of each indicator unit 10.

[0024] Each indicator unit 10 functions as an indicator showing the movement amount of the belt conveyor BC corresponding to each LED display unit 9. Each indicator unit 10 of each LED display unit 9 lights up to indicate the movement amount (transport amount) of the belt conveyor BC corresponding to each LED display unit 9. Each indicator unit 10 notifies the user of the movement amount of the belt conveyor BC through the number of lit boxes 10a. Specifically, each indicator unit 10 lights up the number of boxes 10a corresponding to the movement amount, and notifies the movement amount based on the difference in the number of lit boxes. Furthermore, each indicator unit 10 is used to identify the belt conveyor BC to be operated and its movement amount. Specifically, each indicator unit 10 sequentially changes to light up a different color (intended to appear visually different, including a simple increase in brightness), and the color change stops when the push button 4 is pressed (hereinafter may be referred to as a stop operation). Then, the belt conveyor BC corresponding to the LED display unit 9 including the indicator unit 10 that has stopped with a different color lighting is determined as the object of operation, and the amount of operation indicated by the indicator unit 10 is determined as the amount of operation of the belt conveyor BC. As an example, the relationship between each LED display unit 9 and the belt conveyor BC to be driven, and the relationship between the lighting state of each indicator unit 10 and the amount of operation of the belt conveyor BC are set in this manner.

[0025] In the example of FIG. 3, the indicator sections 10 that are lit are indicated by left-side diagonal lines. Specifically, of the three indicator sections 10 of each LED display section 9, all five boxes 10a are lit in the central indicator section 10, and three boxes 10a are lit in the indicator sections 10 on either side of it. In this case, the central indicator section 10 indicates the maximum amount of movement, while the indicator sections 10 on either side of it indicate amounts of movement slightly more than half of that maximum amount. In other words, two types of movement amounts are indicated by the three indicator sections 10. In addition, the indicator section 10 located at the center of the fourth LED display section 9 from the right is indicated by right-side diagonal lines to indicate a different color scheme. In other words, pressing the push button 4 stops the color change of the indicator section 10 located at the center of the fourth LED display section 9 from the right (hereinafter, such indicator sections 10 with different color schemes, regardless of their position, may be referred to as different-color indicator sections 10S). In this case, the fourth belt conveyor BC from the right corresponding to the fourth LED display unit 9 is specified as the object to be operated, and operates at the maximum operation amount indicated by the different color indicator unit 10S.

[0026] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 3, the prize TO is not flat but has an uneven shape. Therefore, the prize TO only contacts a portion of the placement surface DAG. Specifically, the prize TO only contacts the conveying surfaces DA (colored in a dot pattern for ease of explanation) of the three belt conveyors BC, the fourth, fifth, and seventh from the left, and these three conveying surfaces DA support its weight from below. In other words, the prize TO is essentially supported by these three conveying surfaces DA. Therefore, the conveying (movement or displacement) of the prize TO involves only the belt conveyors BC having these three conveying surfaces DA. As a result, in this example, in order to convey (win) the prize TO, the user is required to operate the push button 4 to operate these three belt conveyors BC to a greater extent. In other words, the user is required to play by conveying each portion of the prize TO that is in contact with these conveying surfaces DA through the operation of these three belt conveyors BC. When the prize TO is transported to the opening 7 through the operation of the belt conveyor BC, it drops from the opening 7 and reaches the discharge outlet 5. In other words, these belt conveyors BC operate to drop the prize TO through the opening 7 to the discharge outlet 5.

[0027] However, depending on the shape of the prize TO, the load distribution may not be uniform among these three belt conveyors BC. Therefore, unless all three belt conveyors BC are operated, the prize TO will not move entirely (i.e., will not move toward the opening 7). Furthermore, the operation of a belt conveyor BC with a high load distribution may cause the entire prize TO to move significantly. As a result, the user is required to estimate the load distribution among these belt conveyors BC (e.g., the belt conveyor with a high load distribution, i.e., the belt conveyor that is more likely to contribute to the transport of the prize TO). Furthermore, because each belt conveyor BC supports a portion of the prize TO, the degree of transport of each portion of the prize TO may naturally differ, and the belt conveyors BC supporting each portion may also change depending on the degree of transport. Therefore, the user is required to play the game while taking such changes into consideration.

[0028] Note that prizes TO (game objects) of any suitable form (size, shape, etc.) may be placed on the placement surface DAG, as long as they span multiple conveying surfaces DA. Alternatively, conversely, a belt conveyor unit 3 of any suitable form may be used to place prizes TO of any suitable form. Furthermore, as long as it appears to the user to span multiple conveying surfaces DA (or there is a possibility that it does), there may be only one belt conveyor BC that actually comes into contact with the prize TO (or bears the load of the prize TO). The same applies to the belt conveyor BC involved in the transport of the prize TO. In other words, as long as it appears to the user to appear ...

[0029] Furthermore, the color change of the indicator unit 10 is not limited to occurring one by one. For example, such a change may occur simultaneously on multiple belt conveyors BC, and a single press of the push button 4 may cause multiple indicator units 10 to stop functioning as different-color indicator units 10S. That is, the color change of the indicator unit 10 may occur appropriately to indicate one or more belt conveyors BC. Furthermore, when multiple indicator units 10 function as different-color indicator units 10S, the multiple belt conveyors BC corresponding to the different-color indicator units 10S may all operate at once or may operate individually in sequence. The same applies to multiple operating belt conveyors BC corresponding to multiple play counts when multiple play counts are provided for a predetermined price. That is, the multiple operating belt conveyors BC corresponding to multiple play counts may operate individually in sequence for each play count, or after determining the operating belt conveyors BC for all play counts, all of the operating belt conveyors BC may operate simultaneously. That is, such multiple operating belt conveyors BC may operate at appropriate times.

[0030] In the example of Figure 3, only the lower LED unit 8 of the two LED units 8 (see Figure 1) located above and below each conveyor belt BC is shown, but the upper LED unit 8 also operates in the same way as the lower LED unit 8. In other words, the two LED units 8 perform the same operation in sync with each other. Because the prizes TO are constantly moving, there is a possibility that one of them may be hidden by the prize TO (not visible to the user), but even if this occurs, the other's display will notify the user of a change in color scheme, etc. In other words, the front and rear LED units 8 present the same display so that the other will support any defects in either one.

[0031] The color change of each LED display unit 9 may occur as appropriate. For example, the color change of each LED display unit 9 may occur as the indicator units 10 change color one by one, starting from the left end, in response to the collection of payment (e.g., inserting a coin into the payment collection mechanism). In other words, each indicator unit 10 may light up so that the color change moves sequentially from the left end to the right end. Furthermore, when this color change reaches the right end, it may occur again at the left end and move similarly toward the right end. In other words, the color change may occur repeatedly in a unidirectional cycle from the left end to the right end. Furthermore, when multiple belt conveyor units 3 are provided in the gaming machine 1, such color change may occur for each belt conveyor unit 3 in a predetermined order. Specifically, for example, when two belt conveyor units 3 are arranged side by side, the color change may occur in the order of the indicator units 10 of the leftmost belt conveyor unit 3 to the indicator units 10 of the rightmost belt conveyor unit. That is, the indicator portions 10 may be generated in order from the leftmost indicator portion 10 to the rightmost indicator portion 10 so as to straddle the two belt conveyor units 3.

[0032] Alternatively, the color change of each LED display unit 9 may occur in a looping manner rather than in a circular manner as described above. Specifically, the color change of all indicator units 10 included in a belt conveyor unit 3 may occur sequentially from the left end to the right, and after reaching the right end, may loop back from the right-most indicator unit 10 to the left-most indicator unit 10. Even when there are multiple belt conveyor units 3, the color change may occur from the left end to the right end in all indicator units 10 of all belt conveyor units 3, and after reaching the right-most indicator unit 10 of the right-most belt conveyor unit 3, may loop back from there to the left-most indicator unit 10 of the left-most belt conveyor unit 3. Alternatively, such color change may occur randomly in order in all indicator units 10. Furthermore, such a circular, looping, random, or other order of color change may be set according to the arrangement of the belt conveyor units 3. Specifically, for example, when two belt conveyor units 3 are arranged side by side on the same long side, a cyclical color change may occur between the two belt conveyor units 3. On the other hand, when each belt conveyor unit 3 is arranged on the short side as in the example of Fig. 7, a return-type color change may occur in each belt conveyor unit 3. The color change may be set appropriately in this way depending on the arrangement of the belt conveyor units 3, etc.

[0033] Furthermore, the color change of each LED display unit 9 may occur for any number of indicator units 10. For example, such a color change may occur for every two indicator units 10. Furthermore, such two indicator units 10 may be consecutive or not. The color change of these indicator units 10 may be stopped by a single stop operation, or by two stop operations for each indicator unit 10. The belt conveyor BC corresponding to each indicator unit 10 may then operate according to the amount of movement of that indicator unit 10. Specifically, if two indicator units 10 with changed color correspond to two belt conveyors BC, those two belt conveyors BC may operate with the amount of movement corresponding to each indicator unit 10. Alternatively, if two indicator units 10 with changed color correspond to one belt conveyor BC, that one belt conveyor BC may operate with the sum of the amounts of movement indicated by the two indicator units 10. Alternatively, when the color change of one belt conveyor BC stops in this manner, a special bonus may be awarded for the amount of movement, etc. In other words, the single belt conveyor BC may operate with an amount of movement greater than the total amount.

[0034] Furthermore, the LED display units 9 are not limited to a configuration in which one LED display unit 9 corresponds to each belt conveyor BC. For example, LED display units 9 corresponding to multiple belt conveyors BC may be provided. Specifically, the belt conveyor unit 3 may be provided with LED display units 9 corresponding to two belt conveyors BC between two belt conveyors BC. When the color change of each indicator unit 10 of such an LED display unit 9 stops, the two belt conveyors BC corresponding to that LED display unit 9 (e.g., the belt conveyors BC on both sides) may operate with the operation amount of the indicator unit 10 whose color change has stopped. In other words, while one belt conveyor BC normally operates with the operation amount of one indicator unit 10, two belt conveyors BC corresponding to twice the operation amount may operate. In this way, appropriate benefits may be provided for the operation amount of each belt conveyor BC. On the other hand, such a bonus (which may include changing the color of the multiple indicator units 10 because multiple conveyor belts BC are likely to transport prizes TO more efficiently when they are operating than when they are operating alone) may be limited to the case where an additional fee (for example, twice the fee or 1.5 times the fee of a normal play) is collected. The belt itself may also function as such an LED display unit 9. Specifically, such an LED display unit 9 or an equivalent display unit (indicating the target conveyor belt BC and its movement amount) may be provided on the belt itself. For example, such an equivalent display unit may be a projector or the like that projects information indicating the target conveyor belt BC and its movement amount (including, for example, the mere presence or absence of light or a change in color) onto the belt. In other words, the belt itself may function as a display unit indicating the target conveyor belt BC and its movement amount via such a projector or the like.

[0035] Similarly, the allocation of the operation amounts to the three indicator units 10 may be appropriate. For example, two boxes 10a may be lit on the left indicator unit 10, three boxes 10a on the right indicator unit 10, and four boxes 10a on the center indicator unit 10. Furthermore, the indicator unit 10 indicating the largest operation amount among the three indicator units 10 is not limited to being the center one. Such an indicator unit 10 may be disposed in an appropriate position, including on the left or right. Furthermore, the operation amount corresponding to the lit boxes 10a may also be appropriate. In other words, a predetermined operation amount is not limited to a configuration in which one box 10a is assigned and the operation amount indicated by each indicator unit 10 corresponds linearly to the number of lit boxes 10a. The operation amount indicated by each indicator unit 10 may be assigned appropriately according to the number of lit boxes 10a.

[0036] Furthermore, the number of indicator units 10 included in each LED display unit 9 is not limited to three and may be any appropriate number. Alternatively, instead of the indicator unit 10 for each LED display unit 9, a single indicator corresponding to all the LED display units may be provided. In this case, the amount of a scale (including a box-shaped indicator similar to the box 10a) indicating the amount of movement may change over time on such an indicator. The change in such a scale may be stopped by a stop operation. Alternatively, a single numeric display unit common to all the LED display units 9 may be provided, and the change in the value of the numeric display unit that changes over time may be stopped by a stop operation. The value at the time of stopping may function as the amount of movement. As a result, the relationship between the indicator indicating the amount of movement and the number of belt conveyors BC that operate correspondingly thereto is not limited to a one-to-one relationship and may be any appropriate ratio. The same applies to the LED display unit 9. That is, instead of multiple LED display units 9, a single display unit that displays information such as a numeric value indicating each belt conveyor BC may be provided, and the information may change to stop at information indicating a portion of the belt conveyors BC by a stop operation.

[0037] Furthermore, prizes TO of various shapes may be placed on the belt conveyor unit 3. For example, even if prizes TO have the same shape, large or small prizes TO may be placed. Small prizes TO tend to be located at a relatively greater distance from the opening 7 than large prizes TO. Furthermore, the movement width of the conveying surface DA in a predetermined direction, in other words, the distance the prize TO is transported in a predetermined direction, depends on the amount of movement of the belt conveyor BC. Therefore, if the amount of movement for small prizes TO is not greater than the amount of movement for large prizes TO, it may cause a sense of unfairness (or a decrease in the relative value of one play) among users. Therefore, the amount of movement corresponding to the number of lit boxes 10a may be configured to be appropriately changeable by an administrator of the game machine 1 (e.g., the owner of the game machine 1 or the operator of a predetermined facility, etc.). Furthermore, if the game machine 1 is equipped with a sensor capable of detecting the size of the prize TO, the game machine 1 (control unit 21) may automatically set the amount of movement based on the detection result of the sensor. The same applies when the amount of movement is changed by factors other than the size of the prize TO. Furthermore, the setting of the amount of movement is not limited to when the size of the prize TO changes, and may be performed in any appropriate case.

[0038] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the setting screen will be described in detail. The setting screen is displayed on the monitor MO. For example, the monitor MO is provided on the same table as each of the push buttons 4, for example, so as to be located between the two push buttons 4. In this case, the monitor MO may display various screens for users in addition to the setting screen. For example, such screens may include a rule explanation screen (not shown) that explains the rules of the game, an advertising screen (not shown) that advertises the game, or a presentation screen that displays various images (including videos) for presentation purposes. Furthermore, such advertising screens may include images such as videos prepared as appropriate by the operator of the facility where the game machine 1 is installed. In other words, the advertising screens may be configured to use appropriate content prepared by the operator. Such content may be provided to the game machine 1 as appropriate. For example, if the reading mechanism RM has a connection terminal for connecting a flash memory or the like, the content may be provided (copied or stored) in the memory unit 22 from various recording media via such a connection terminal, similar to the setting candidate data CD. Note that the monitor MO is not limited to a location visible to the user, and may be provided in any appropriate location, including inside the housing 2.

[0039] The setting screen is a screen displayed on the monitor MO for executing various settings related to the game machine 1. The setting screen includes an operation setting screen and a performance setting screen (not shown). The performance setting screen is a setting screen for setting the performance of the game. Such performance is realized (added) by the operation of various output devices of the game machine 1. Therefore, the operation of various output devices that contribute to such performance is set on the performance setting screen. The output devices for adding such performance may include appropriate devices, such as an LED display unit 9, a speaker, and the monitor MO. For example, the LED display unit 9 executes performance (illumination) by changing the number of lights or color scheme of each box 10a during play (however, this may exclude the time when the target conveyor belt BC, etc. to be operated is being determined) or during waiting times between plays. Similarly, the speaker performs auditory effects, for example, during play or during waiting times between plays, through background music or sound effects (for example, the sound effect when the push button 4 is pressed, the sound effect when the color of each indicator unit 10 is changing to determine the target of operation, such as the conveyor belt BC, the sound effect when such a target of operation is determined, or the sound effect when the conveyor belt BC is operating, etc.). Also, the monitor MO performs effects, for example, by explaining the rules through the above-mentioned rule explanation screen, advertising screen, or performance screen, displaying various advertising contents, or displaying various performance images (including videos).

[0040] On the other hand, the operation setting screen is a setting screen for executing various settings related to the operation of each belt conveyor BC as described above. These setting screens may be configured as appropriate, but below, the operation setting screen will be described as an example of a setting screen, using an example in which two left and right belt conveyor units 3 in the gaming machine 1 of the example of FIG. 1 independently provide prize games to two users along with two corresponding left and right push buttons 4. The operation setting screen includes a game setting screen. The game setting screen is a setting screen for setting (specifying) the operation of each belt conveyor BC among the operations of the belt conveyor unit 3. More specifically, the belt conveyor unit 3 is provided with various parameters whose setting contents can be changed to control (adjust) the operation of each belt conveyor BC. The game setting screen is used to change the setting of parameters related to the user's operation of pressing the push button 4. In addition, examples of such parameters include the movement amount (transport amount) of each belt conveyor BC and the speed (rate) at which the operating belt conveyor BC changes. In other words, the game setting screen is a setting screen for setting, among various settings, parameters related to the user's operation of pressing the push button 4, such as the amount of movement of each belt conveyor BC and the speed at which the belt conveyor BC to be operated changes.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a game setting screen. As shown in FIG. 4, the game setting screen 30 includes a speed setting area 31, a movement amount setting area 32, and a target setting area 33. The speed setting area 31 is an area for setting the speed at which the target belt conveyor BC changes. The target belt conveyor BC is determined, for example, by a stop operation (an example of a stopping action) in response to the change in color of each indicator unit 10, as described above. For example, such a color change occurs in each LED unit 8, circulating sequentially at a predetermined speed from the leftmost indicator unit 10 to the rightmost indicator unit 10 over time. Furthermore, when the left and right belt conveyor units 3 are used by different users, such a cycle occurs for each LED unit 8. That is, as an example, when a stop operation is performed in response to the color change that occurs in each indicator unit 10 circulating at a predetermined speed from the left end to the right end for each LED unit 8, the belt conveyor BC corresponding to the indicator unit 10 at the position where the color change stops is determined as the target belt conveyor BC. In such a case, a predetermined speed (the speed at which the color of each indicator unit 10 changes) functions as the speed at which the belt conveyor BC to be operated changes. For this reason, such a predetermined speed is set in the speed setting area 31.

[0042] Specifically, the speed setting area 31 includes a speed gauge 31A and a value change icon CI. The speed gauge 31A is a gauge that indicates a set speed that is set as a predetermined speed. The speed gauge 31A may be used to change the set speed through a touch operation. Meanwhile, the value change icon CI is an icon that functions as a touch position for changing the set value. The value change icon CI includes a value increase icon CI1 and a value decrease icon CI2. The value increase icon CI1 is a value change icon CI that functions as a touch position for increasing the set value, and the value decrease icon CI2 is a value change icon CI that functions as a touch position for decreasing the set value. In other words, the current set speed is increased or decreased through a touch operation on the value increase icon CI1 or the value decrease icon CI2. Note that, as described below, the movement amount (operation amount) of the belt conveyor BC is set for each indicator unit 10, and therefore the predetermined speed (the speed at which the color change occurs sequentially on each indicator unit 10 in the left-right direction, etc.) is also related to the movement amount of the belt conveyor BC. Specifically, even when the same belt conveyor BC is used, the actual movement amount of the belt conveyor BC changes depending on whether the stop position of the color change (the indicator unit 10 where the color change stopped) corresponds to an indicator unit 10 with a large movement amount or an indicator unit 10 with a small movement amount. For this reason, the predetermined speed can also be considered to be related to the movement amount of the belt conveyor BC.

[0043] The example in FIG. 4 shows a case in which the speed gauge 31A is used to change the set speed, and a maximum speed and a minimum speed are set as the set speed. In this case, the value change icon CI located at the right end of the speed gauge 31A is used to change the maximum speed, and the value change icon CI located at the left end is used to change the minimum speed. Similarly, the right end of the range (hatched diagonal lines) indicated as the set speed on the speed gauge 31A functions as the maximum set speed, and the left end functions as the minimum set speed. Therefore, for example, a touch operation that widens the right end of the set speed range to the right increases the maximum value (maximum speed of the set speed), and a touch operation that narrows the range to the left decreases the maximum value. The same applies to the left end of the set speed range (minimum speed of the set speed). In this case, the color changes that occur cyclically in sequence from the left end to the right end of each indicator unit 10 occur at speeds between the maximum and minimum set speeds. Specifically, the speed at which the color change of each indicator unit 10 actually occurs is randomly determined within the range of these maximum and minimum values when the user starts the color change (for example, the color change may be started automatically upon collection of a predetermined fee, or may be started upon an operation intending to start the color change, such as pressing the push button 4). Furthermore, this randomly determined speed (for example, the speed at which the color change actually occurs in the left-right direction for each indicator unit 10) is maintained for a predetermined period. Such a predetermined period may be any appropriate period, but for example, the period of one play (the range that occurs in exchange for a predetermined fee) is adopted. As a result, the speed at which the color change occurs is maintained at a constant speed for at least one play period.

[0044] The actual speed at which the color of each indicator unit 10 changes is not limited to being determined randomly. For example, the actual speed may be determined according to a predetermined rule. For example, such a rule may be such that the speed increases from a minimum value toward a maximum value at a predetermined interval (or may be cyclical after the maximum value). On the other hand, the set speed may be set to a constant speed rather than a range (width) between the maximum and minimum values.

[0045] On the other hand, the movement amount setting area 32 and the target setting area 33 are both areas for setting the movement amount of each belt conveyor BC. Specifically, the movement amount setting area 32 is used to set the movement amount of each belt conveyor BC, and the target setting area 33 is used to set the belt conveyor BC for which the movement amount is to be set. For this reason, the movement amount setting area 32 includes an amount display area 32A and a value change icon CI. The amount display area 32A is an area for displaying the belt movement amount of each belt conveyor BC, in other words, a set amount set as the operation amount of the belt conveyor BC to be operated. The amount display area 32A displays the movement amount per box 10a of each indicator unit 10 as the set amount. The value change icon CI is an icon for changing the set value and includes a value increase icon CI1 and a value decrease icon CI2. The value increase icon CI1 is used to increase the set amount, and the value decrease icon CI2 is used to decrease the set amount.

[0046] The target setting area 33 is an area for setting the target belt conveyor BC to which the setting amount set in the movement amount setting area 32 should be set, as described above. The target setting area 33 includes an indicator area 33A and two radio buttons 33B. The two radio buttons 33B are used to select whether the setting amount set in the movement amount setting area 32 is set uniformly to all belt conveyors BC, or whether the setting amount is set individually to each belt conveyor BC through the movement amount setting area 32. For this reason, one radio button 33B corresponds to "All" (setting a uniform setting amount to all belt conveyors BC), and the other radio button 33B corresponds to "Individual" (setting an individual setting amount to each belt conveyor BC).

[0047] On the other hand, the indicator area 33A includes LED corresponding parts 33C corresponding to each LED display part 9. The LED corresponding parts 33C correspond to the belt conveyor BC via each LED display part 9. Each LED corresponding part 33C also includes a box corresponding part BX corresponding to each box 10a. Each box corresponding part BX is arranged to form a column corresponding to each indicator part 10 in each LED corresponding part 33C. Then, by touching each box corresponding part BX in each LED corresponding part 33C, the set amount in the movement amount setting area 32 is set in units of the indicator part 10 of each belt conveyor BC. In other words, by touching each box corresponding part BX, the indicator part 10 of each belt conveyor BC is specified as the setting target of the set amount. Specifically, in each LED corresponding part 33C, the target is specified in units of the box corresponding part BX by touching each box corresponding part BX. Then, the indicator part 10 corresponding to the column to which the specified box corresponding part BX belongs is specified as the indicator part 10 to be set. Furthermore, the number of box corresponding parts BX specified in the column corresponding to the indicator part 10 to be set and the integrated amount of the set amount in the movement amount setting area 32 are set as the movement amount in units of each indicator part 10.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 4, of the two radio buttons 33B, the radio button 33B corresponding to "individual" is selected. In other words, the setting of individual set amounts for each belt conveyor BC is selected. Also, in the indicator area 33A, each box corresponding portion BX is selected in the third LED corresponding portion 33C from the right. More specifically, five box corresponding portions BX (box corresponding portions BX indicated by right-side diagonal lines) are selected in the middle column of the third LED corresponding portion 33C from the right in the vertical direction (the direction in which the column extends, or the direction in which the indicator portion 10 is formed). The five box corresponding portions BX in this selected state may be changed to an appropriate number by changing the touch operation, for example, in the up or down direction.

[0049] Similarly, in the example of FIG. 4, a movement amount of "10" is set in the amount display area 32A of the movement amount setting area 32. The unit of the movement amount may be any appropriate unit, but millimeters (mm) are used as an example. Therefore, 10 mm is set as the movement amount for each box 10a via the movement amount setting area 32. In this case, 50 mm, which is the set amount of 10 mm multiplied by 5 (corresponding to the five box corresponding portions BX), is set as the movement amount for the indicator portion 10 located in the middle of the belt conveyor BC corresponding to the third LED display portion 9 from the right of the belt conveyor unit 3. In other words, when the color change of this indicator portion 10 is stopped, the belt conveyor BC corresponding to this indicator portion 10 (the third belt conveyor BC from the right) operates to transport the prize TO over 50 mm via the belt.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 4, when the radio button 33B corresponding to "all" is selected, the selection state of the five box corresponding portions BX is applied to all rows formed by the box corresponding portions BX in the indicator area 33A. In other words, all box corresponding portions BX are selected, and a movement amount of 50 mm is set for all indicator portions 10 of all belt conveyors BC. Alternatively, the selection of the radio button 33B corresponding to "all" may be used as a setting for each row of box corresponding portions BX (in other words, each indicator portion 10). Specifically, when the radio button 33B corresponding to "all" is selected, for example, as in the example of FIG. 4, the setting for the row of the box corresponding portion BX in the middle of the LED corresponding portion 33C may be applied to the row of the box corresponding portion BX in the middle of all the LED corresponding portions 33C. Similarly, the setting for the row of box corresponding portions BX on the right side of any one LED corresponding portion 33C may be applied to the row of box corresponding portions BX on the right side of all LED corresponding portions 33C, and the setting for the row of box corresponding portions BX on the left side may be applied to the row of box corresponding portions BX on the left side of all LED corresponding portions 33C. Furthermore, as described above, the unit of the movement amount in the quantity display area 32A may be any appropriate unit. For example, if the timing pulley of each belt conveyor BC is configured as a gear, the pitch of the timing pulley (the width between each tooth) may be used as the unit of such movement amount. Alternatively, the unit of the movement amount may be time (e.g., the rotation time of the timing pulley). Furthermore, as long as the same value is reproducible, no specific unit may be set for the movement amount.

[0051] The game setting screen 30 also has various other auxiliary areas, etc. For example, such areas include a target display area 34, a target change icon 35, a test icon 36, a cancel icon 37, a duplicate icon 38, and an assist setting transition icon 39. The target display area 34 is an area for displaying the currently set belt conveyor unit 3 (for example, the left side is the belt conveyor unit 3 for 1P and the right side is the belt conveyor unit 3 for 2P, which are distinguished from each other). On the other hand, the target change icon 35 is an icon that functions as a touch position for changing the belt conveyor unit 3 to be set. In the example of FIG. 4, "1P," that is, information indicating the belt conveyor unit 3 for 1P as the currently set belt conveyor unit 3, is displayed in the target display area 34. In this case, the target change icon 35 functions as an icon for changing (switching) the set belt conveyor unit 3 to the other belt conveyor unit 3 for 2P.

[0052] Furthermore, the test icon 36 is an icon that functions as a touch position for causing each belt conveyor BC to perform a test operation. When a touch operation is performed on the test icon 36, each belt conveyor BC actually operates according to the currently set contents (with the game setting screen 30 maintained). Specifically, when the test icon 36 is touched in the example of FIG. 4, the belt conveyor BC located third from the right in the belt conveyor unit 3 for 1P actually operates with a movement amount of 50 mm.

[0053] Similarly, the cancel icon 37 is an icon that functions as a touch position for canceling (canceling) the current settings, and the duplicate icon 38 is an icon that functions as a touch position for duplicating (copying) the current settings to another belt conveyor unit 3 (for example, a belt conveyor unit 3 for 2P). On the other hand, the assist setting transition icon 39 is an icon that functions as a touch position for transitioning to an assist setting screen (not shown). In other words, when the assist setting transition icon 39 is touched, the assist setting screen is called up and a transition (transition) is made from the game setting screen 30 to the assist setting screen.

[0054] The assist setting screen is a setting screen for performing settings that assist in setting, among various settings, the movement amount of each belt conveyor BC and the speed at which the target belt conveyor BC changes on the game setting screen 30. More specifically, the assist setting screen is a setting screen for realizing automatic setting of the movement amount of each belt conveyor BC and the speed at which the target belt conveyor BC changes. In other words, the game machine 1 has an automatic setting function that automatically sets parameters related to the user's operation of pressing the push button 4 via the assist setting screen. Such automatic setting may be performed as appropriate, for example, based on a target payout rate (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the PO rate). For example, the PO rate is obtained by dividing the payout amount (the amount obtained by accumulating the cost of prizes awarded to users over a predetermined period) by the income amount (the amount obtained by accumulating the revenue collected as a predetermined consideration, i.e., the amount obtained by accumulating the revenue collected as a play fee over a predetermined period). Then, in order to reach such a target PO rate, the amount of movement of each conveyor belt on the game setting screen 30 or the speed of change in color of each indicator unit 10 is appropriately adjusted based on the actual PO rate (calculated, for example, by multiplying the number of prizes TO dispensed and the prize unit price).In this way, the game machine 1 is configured so that various operations of each conveyor belt BC, etc. or various effects of the LED display unit 9, etc. are set (adjusted or changed as appropriate) through these various setting screens.

[0055] Next, the details of the action setting data OD, the effect setting data ED, and the setting candidate data CD will be explained. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the action setting data OD. The action setting data OD is data for managing the setting results on the action setting screen. More specifically, the example in FIG. 5 shows action setting data OD in the case where the game setting screen 30 or the setting results (current setting contents) on the assist setting screen are managed as the setting results on the action setting screen. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the action setting data OD includes an action record ODR that manages the current setting contents. Furthermore, the action record ODR includes information on the "PO rate," "prize unit price," "movement amount," "speed," and "assist."

[0056] The "PO rate" is information indicating a target PO rate. Such a target PO rate may be set, for example, on the assist setting screen for automatic setting. If a target PO rate is not set, information indicating no such setting is written in the "PO rate." The "prize unit price" is information indicating the unit price per prize TO. Such a prize unit price may be set, for example, on the assist setting screen for calculating the actual PO rate. The "movement amount" is information indicating the movement amount set on the game setting screen 30 (or automatic setting). If the movement amount is set for each indicator unit 10 (if the "individual" radio button 33B is selected on the game setting screen 30), the "movement amount" information may include information for identifying each indicator unit 10. In other words, the "movement amount" may describe information on the movement amount for each indicator unit 10. The "speed" is information indicating the speed at which the target belt conveyor BC changes, i.e., the speed set on the game setting screen 30. "Assist" is information indicating whether automatic setting is ON / OFF (whether or not automatic setting of the movement amount of the belt conveyor BC, etc. is performed). Such ON / OFF may be set, for example, on the assist setting screen. In the operation record ODR, this information is recorded so that it is correlated with each other.

[0057] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the effect setting data ED. The effect setting data ED is data for managing the setting results (current setting contents) on the effect setting screen. As shown in Fig. 6, the effect setting data ED includes an effect record EDR that manages the current setting contents. The effect record EDR includes information on "illumination," "BGM," "sound effects," "explanatory image," "effect image," and "advertising image."

[0058] "Illumination" is setting information related to the effects of the LED display unit 9. The LED display unit 9 performs effects (illumination) by, for example, changing the number of lights on or the color scheme of each box 10a as described above. In this case, "illumination" describes the boxes 10a to be lit (which also functions as information on the number of lights on) and information on their color scheme. Furthermore, the number of lights on and the color scheme of each box 10a may be previously patterned by combining these. In this case, "illumination" may describe identification information for identifying these patterns.

[0059] "BGM" and "Sound Effects" are both setting information related to speaker effects. The speakers, for example, perform auditory effects through BGM or sound effects as described above, and the settings for these BGM and sound effects are described in "BGM" and "Sound Effects," respectively. Specifically, the game machine 1 is provided with multiple BGM or sound effects as candidates through BGM data or the like. "BGM" then describes one of the identification information for identifying each BGM candidate as the BGM to be used in a game or during standby time, i.e., as the setting result. Similarly, "Sound Effects" also describes one of the identification information for identifying each sound effect candidate as the sound effect (setting result) to be used in a game, etc. However, since sound effects have appropriate timings (or triggering actions), such as when the push button 4 is pressed, "Sound Effects" also includes information about such timings. In other words, "Sound Effects" describes identification information for identifying each sound effect for each such timing.

[0060] The "explanatory image," "performance image," and "advertising image" are all setting information related to the performance of the monitor MO. The monitor MO, for example, executes performance by explaining the rules through a rule explanation screen, an advertisement screen, or a performance screen, displaying various advertising content, or displaying various performance images, as described above. The settings for such images explaining the rules (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "explanatory image"), performance image, or advertising image (content) are described in the "explanatory image," "performance image," and "advertising image," respectively. Specifically, the game machine 1 prepares multiple explanatory images, performance images, or advertising images (all of which include moving images) as candidates for explanatory images, performance images, or advertising images (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "advertising images") through various data. The "explanatory image" contains one of the identification information for identifying each of the explanatory image candidates, the "performance image" contains one of the identification information for identifying each of the performance image candidates, and the "advertising image" contains one of the identification information for identifying each of the advertising image candidates, as images to be displayed on the rule explanation screen, advertising screen, or performance screen. The performance record EDR records these pieces of information so that they are correlated with each other.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of setting candidate data CD. As described above, setting candidate data CD is data for managing information on candidate setting contents to be set through various setting screens. For example, in the setting candidate data CD, candidates for information (settings) to be managed in the action setting data OD or the effect setting data ED as the setting results of the action setting screen or the effect setting screen are described as candidate setting contents. The example in FIG. 7 shows setting candidate data CD in the case where such candidates for information to be managed in the action setting data OD or the effect setting data ED are described as candidate setting contents. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the setting candidate data CD includes an action candidate section CD1 and an effect candidate section CD2.

[0062] The action candidate section CD1 is a section in which information on setting candidates to be managed as setting results in the action setting data OD is written. Specifically, the action candidate section CD1 includes an action candidate record CR1 in which information to be managed in the action record ODR is written. Therefore, like the action record ODR, the action candidate record CR1 includes information on the “PO rate,” “prize price,” “movement amount,” “speed,” and “assistance.” These pieces of information are managed as candidates for the “PO rate,” “prize price,” “movement amount,” “speed,” and “assistance” of the action record ODR, respectively. The action candidate record CR1 records these pieces of information so that they are correlated with each other. In this example, information such as the “movement amount” in the setting candidate data CD functions as the candidate information of the present invention. Furthermore, for example, if the movement amount of each belt conveyor BC is set in units of belt conveyor BC (“individually”) or belt conveyor unit 3 (“all”), the “movement amount” of the action record ODR includes information on the indicator unit 10 corresponding to each belt conveyor BC or each belt conveyor unit 3. Therefore, when the "movement amount" includes such information, the information of the "movement amount" of the action candidate record CR1 corresponding to the "movement amount" of the action record ODR functions as the target information of the present invention. Similarly, each belt conveyor BC or belt conveyor unit 3 specified by this "movement amount" functions as part of the operating means of the present invention.

[0063] Meanwhile, the effect candidate section CD2 is a section in which information on setting candidates to be managed as setting results in the effect setting data ED is written. Specifically, the effect candidate section CD2 includes an effect candidate record CR2 in which information to be managed in the effect record EDR is written. Therefore, like the effect record EDR, the effect candidate record CR2 includes information on "illumination," "BGM," "sound effects," "explanatory image," "effect image," and "advertising image." These pieces of information are managed as candidates for "illumination," "BGM," "sound effects," "explanatory image," "effect image," and "advertising image" in the effect record EDR, respectively. The effect candidate record CR2 records these pieces of information so that they are mutually associated.

[0064] The action setting data OD, effect setting data ED, and setting candidate data CD may appropriately manage various setting results (or setting candidates) set through setting screens such as the game setting screen 30. Therefore, the action setting data OD, etc. may include information on these various setting results. Furthermore, the setting candidate data CD may manage past setting results (setting results), the action setting data OD, or the description of the effect setting data ED. Such setting results (setting candidate data CD) may be used as a so-called template for setting the game setting screen 30, etc. Furthermore, if the control unit 21 is configured to function as an artificial intelligence (so-called AI), such action setting data OD, etc. may be used by such an AI. Specifically, based on various setting values including the target PO rate, more appropriate setting contents may be calculated from the various setting results (setting candidate data CD) using a predetermined algorithm (weighting), and set as the action setting data OD or the effect setting data ED.

[0065] The setting candidate data CD may be provided to the game machine 1 as appropriate, for example, by downloading (distribution) from a server device connected via a network, but the following describes a case where the setting candidate data CD is provided from a recording medium FM via a reading mechanism RM. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the flow up to when the setting candidate data CD is provided to the game machine 1 in such a case. As shown in Figure 8, the recording medium FM on which the setting candidate data CD is recorded is delivered together with the prize TO to the facility 40 where the game machine 1 is installed so as to be attached to the prize TO. Then, the setting candidate data CD is provided to the game machine 1 via the reading mechanism RM from the recording medium FM attached to the prize TO, and is used for various settings.

[0066] Specifically, the game machine 1 is installed in a facility 40 where commercial game machines such as a store are installed. The prize TO is produced in a factory and delivered to the facility 40, optionally via an intermediate management center such as a distribution center. The setting candidate data CD is created according to the type of prize TO. The setting candidate data CD is recorded on a recording medium FM by being downloaded from a server device that records the setting candidate data CD via a network or by being copied from various recording media that separately record the setting candidate data CD. This copying may be performed by an appropriate person at an appropriate location, for example, by an operator at a prize factory or an intermediate center. Similarly, at such a factory or intermediate center, the recording medium FM that records the setting candidate data CD is attached to the prize TO corresponding to the setting candidate data CD, and delivered to the facility 40 as an attachment to the prize TO.

[0067] When a prize TO with such a recording medium FM is delivered, the prize TO is stored in the storage unit 6 at the facility 40, and the recording medium FM attached to the prize TO is read by the game machine 1. Specifically, the game machine 1 reads the recording medium FM via the reading mechanism RM and obtains the setting candidate data CD from the recording medium FM. In other words, when the prize TO is stored, the setting candidate data CD prepared to correspond to the prize TO is provided to the game machine 1. Various settings are then actually performed based on the setting candidate data CD. Note that if the setting candidate data CD is prepared as data dedicated to each game, when the recording medium FM is used (or the setting candidate data CD is provided to the game machine) in a game machine that offers a different game from the game machine 1, information (a warning) indicating an error in the target of use, such as incompatibility, may be notified.

[0068] Settings based on the setting candidate data CD may be performed by invoking the setting candidate data CD on an action setting screen or a performance setting screen (e.g., a calling icon may be provided), and the contents of the candidate may be reflected on the action setting screen, etc. Alternatively, if multiple setting candidates exist, a selection screen (not shown) for selecting among those candidates may be appropriately intervened. In this manner, settings based on the setting candidate data CD may be appropriately performed. For example, a confirmation screen (not shown) may be displayed upon acquisition of the setting candidate data CD, and the settings may be performed through such a confirmation screen. Specifically, when the setting candidate data CD is acquired, a confirmation screen including, for example, a message such as "Applying settings for XX prize" (where XX represents information indicating the type of prize TO) is displayed on the monitor MO. If "Apply" is selected there (this application may be a part of the setting candidate data CD for each appropriate item, such as only the action candidate section CD1, or only the "sound effect" information in the performance candidate section CD2), the contents are reflected in the action setting data OD or the performance setting data ED. That is, when the setting candidate data CD is read, although a confirmation screen is displayed, the candidate contents written therein are basically set as the actual setting contents almost automatically by the data management unit 26. As an example, the setting candidate data CD is provided to the game machine 1 in this manner, and the contents thereof are used by the game machine 1.

[0069] The setting candidate data CD may not only be provided to the game machine 1 from an external source, but may also be provided from the game machine 1 to an external source. Specifically, similar to the case where the setting candidate data CD is provided from an external source, for example, when the game machine 1 is connected to a server device via a network, the setting candidate data CD may be uploaded to the server device so as to be shared with others via such a network. Alternatively, when the reading mechanism RM has a terminal for connecting an external storage device such as a flash memory (flash drive), the operational setting data OD may be provided to the outside via such a storage device.

[0070] Next, a prize TO with a recording medium FM will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the manner in which the recording medium FM is attached to the prize TO. The recording medium FM may be attached to the prize TO in various ways, either directly (for example, by being built into the prize TO and thus not removable) or indirectly (by being attached via an intermediary and thus removable as needed). However, the example in FIG. 9 shows a case in which the recording medium FM is indirectly attached to the prize TO. The example in FIG. 9 also shows three prizes TO in which the recording medium FM is indirectly attached to the prize TO: (a) a code FM1, (b) an IC tag FM2, and (c) a flash memory FM3. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording medium FM is indirectly attached to the prize TO via an intermediary such as a tag 41 or packaging 43.

[0071] Specifically, as shown in the prize TO in (a), for example, a tag 41 provided with a code FM1 is directly attached to each prize TO. Such code FM1 is generated according to a predetermined rule so as to include information about the setting candidate data CD. As a result, this code FM1 (or the tag 41 with the code FM1) functions as a recording medium FM. Any suitable code may be used as this code FM1, but in the example of FIG. 9, the code FM1 is configured as a two-dimensional code. This two-dimensional code is configured to include, as information about the setting candidate data CD, information about the storage location (e.g., a URL) of a server device that stores the setting candidate data CD via a network (indirect information about the setting candidate data CD). In this case, a camera is provided in the game machine 1 as a reading mechanism RM. Then, based on the information about the storage location acquired via this reading mechanism RM, for example, the data management unit 26 accesses the storage location and acquires the setting candidate data CD.

[0072] Similarly, as shown in the prize TO in (b), when each prize TO is individually packaged in a package 43 such as a bag, a tag 41 is attached to the package 43. Such a tag 41 may be provided with a recording medium FM via the above-mentioned code FM1 or the like, but in the example of FIG. 9, an IC tag FM2 is provided on the tag 41 as the recording medium FM. The information of the setting candidate data CD recorded on the IC tag FM2 may be indirect information like the code FM1, but as an example, the setting candidate data CD itself (direct information) is recorded on the IC tag FM2. In this case, the game machine 1 is provided with a well-known receiver (reader) as a reading mechanism RM for reading the IC tag FM2. Then, via such a reading mechanism RM, for example, the data management unit 26 directly acquires the setting candidate data CD from the IC tag FM2.

[0073] On the other hand, as shown in the prize TO in (c), when multiple prizes TO are contained in one package 43, the recording medium FM is packed (enclosed) in the package 43 together with the prizes TO. In other words, one recording medium FM is attached to each package 43. When such a package 43 is delivered, the recording medium FM is also delivered along with the multiple prizes TO. Any suitable object capable of packing (containing) multiple prizes TO may be used as the package 43; in the example of FIG. 9, a box is used. Similarly, such a package 43 may be provided with a suitable recording medium FM, such as a tag 41 bearing the above-mentioned code FM1, for recording suitable information on the setting candidate data CD. In the example of FIG. 9, such a recording medium FM is provided as a flash memory FM3 (e.g., with a USB terminal) that directly records the information on the setting candidate data CD. In this case, the game machine 1 is provided with a bus structure having a connection terminal (e.g., a USB terminal) as a reading mechanism RM. Then, via such a reading mechanism RM, for example, the data management unit 26 directly acquires the setting candidate data CD from the flash memory FM3. As an example, the recording medium FM is attached to the prize TO by such various methods. In these examples, the storage location information recorded in the code FM1, or the setting candidate data CD recorded in the IC tag FM2 or the flash memory FM3, functions as the provision information of the present invention.

[0074] Next, the details of the procedures of the data acquisition process and the data reflection process will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. The data acquisition process is a process for acquiring setting candidate data CD from the recording medium FM. When reading of the recording medium FM is executed via the reading mechanism RM (for example, when an operation for reading the code FM1 is executed via a camera, or when the recording medium FM is connected to the connection terminal and an operation for instructing reading of the recording medium FM is executed), the data management unit 26 starts the data acquisition process of Fig. 10, and first acquires the setting candidate data CD from the recording medium FM based on the output signal of the reading mechanism RM (step S101). For example, when information on a storage location is acquired as information on the setting candidate data CD via the code FM1, the data management unit 26 acquires the information on the storage location, and then further accesses the storage location in step S101 to acquire the setting candidate data CD.

[0075] Next, the data management unit 26 stores the setting candidate data CD acquired in step S101 in the storage unit 22 (step S102). After this storage, the data management unit 26 ends the current data acquisition process. As a result, the setting candidate data CD is acquired from the recording medium FM and stored in the storage unit 22. The setting candidate data CD is then used in other processes in the game machine 1.

[0076] On the other hand, the data reflection process is a process for reflecting the contents of the setting candidate data CD acquired from the recording medium FM in other data such as the operation setting data OD or the performance setting data ED. For example, when application of the setting candidate data CD is selected on the confirmation screen, the data management unit 26 starts the data reflection process of Fig. 11 and first acquires the setting candidate data CD (step S201). This acquisition may be performed directly from the recording medium FM (in this case, the data reflection process of Fig. 11 may be performed in parallel with the data acquisition process of Fig. 10), but as an example, it is realized by acquiring the setting candidate data CD stored in the storage unit 22.

[0077] Next, the data management unit 26 reflects the setting candidate data CD acquired in step S201 in other data (step S202). For example, the data management unit 26 reflects the contents of the setting candidate data CD in the action setting data OD or the effect setting data ED as other data. For example, the data management unit 26 reflects the contents of the action candidate record CR1 included in the action candidate section CD1 of the setting candidate data CD in the action record ODR of the action setting data OD. More specifically, the data management unit 26 achieves this reflection by writing information such as "PO rate" of the action candidate record CR1 into information such as "PO rate" of the corresponding action record ODR. The same applies to the effect setting data ED. That is, the data management unit 26 achieves this reflection by writing information such as "Illumination" of the effect candidate record CR2 included in the effect candidate section CD2 of the setting candidate data CD into information such as "Illumination" of the corresponding effect record EDR. Then, after this reflection, the data management unit 26 ends the current data reflection process.

[0078] 11, the contents of the setting candidate data CD are reflected in other data such as the operation setting data OD. The operation setting data OD and the effect setting data ED are data that manage the setting results of the operation setting screen, respectively. The contents of these data are reflected in the operation of the actual conveyor belt BC, etc., as the setting results of the operation setting screen, etc. In other words, by this procedure, the contents of the setting candidate data CD are automatically reflected in the operation of the actual conveyor belt BC or the effect of the actual LED display unit 9, etc. The storage unit 22 may store multiple setting candidate data CDs with different contents. Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 may store setting candidate data CDs that manage candidates for each situation (or effect to be obtained), such as setting candidate data CDs for events and setting candidate data CDs for normal use, or setting candidate data CDs that manage candidates for each period, such as past setting results. In such a case, these multiple setting candidate data CDs are presented as options on the confirmation screen, and the setting candidate data CD selected there is acquired as the target for use in the procedure of FIG. 11 and reflected in other data.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, the prize TO is provided with a recording medium FM that records information on the setting candidate data CD. The information on the setting candidate data CD on the recording medium FM is provided to the game machine 1, and the information on the setting candidate data CD functions as setting candidates for changing the operation of each conveyor belt BC and the effects of the LED display unit 9, etc. More specifically, the information on the setting candidate data CD (or information acquired from a storage location, if applicable) functions as a candidate managed by the operation setting data OD or the effect setting data ED, and when applied, it is actually reflected in the operation setting data OD, etc. The operation of the conveyor belt BC or the effects of the LED display unit 9, etc. are realized based on the settings managed by the operation setting data OD or the effect setting data ED. In other words, the information on the candidate settings for changing the operation of the conveyor belt BC, etc., is provided with the prize TO via the recording medium FM, and the candidate information is reflected in the actual operation of the conveyor belt B, etc. The operation of the belt conveyor BC or the presentation of the LED display unit 9, etc. should be set according to the shape or type of the prize TO so as to obtain a more appropriate PO rate or to make the prize TO look more attractive, and by utilizing the recording medium FM attached to such a prize TO, the setting candidate data CD corresponding to the prize TO can be more reliably provided to the game machine 1.

[0080] Furthermore, when a prize TO is used in the game machine 1, it is always stored in the storage unit 6. In other words, the prize TO must undergo a process to store (refill) it in the game machine 1. Therefore, if the prize TO comes with a recording medium FM, this process facilitates providing the setting candidate data CD to the game machine 1 via the recording medium FM attached to the prize TO and setting the contents of the setting candidate data CD. As a result, the prize TO, its corresponding recording medium FM (setting candidate data CD), and the game machine 1 can be physically associated through this process. Therefore, compared to when the setting candidate data CD is requested or provided through a terminal separate from the game machine 1, it is possible to prevent incorrect setting candidate data CD from being provided to the game machine 1. This allows for more appropriate settings for the operation of the conveyor belt BC in the game machine 1, the LED display unit 9, and other effects.

[0081] Furthermore, the game machine 1 allows the setting of operations, etc., in units of belt conveyor BC or belt conveyor unit 3. For this reason, the setting candidate data CD may contain information on setting candidates in units of such belt conveyor BC or belt conveyor unit 3. In such cases, the setting candidate data CD on the recording medium FM attached to the prize TO can be used to more appropriately set operations, etc., in units of belt conveyor BC or belt conveyor unit 3.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be embodied in various modified or altered forms. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the prize TO itself is used as the gaming object. However, the gaming object is not limited to this form. For example, the gaming object may be a separate object from the prize TO. In other words, the form of the gaming object that contributes to the difficulty or interest of the game may be different from that of the prize TO. In this case, when the gaming object and the prize are separate objects, the facility operator or the like may exchange the gaming object discharged from the discharge port 5 for the prize, which is then awarded to the user.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is provided with the push buttons 4, and a prize game is played in front of the gaming machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, when a server device (including multiple servers) is connected to the gaming machine 1 via a network, the belt conveyor unit 3 of the gaming machine 1 may be remotely operated via various user terminal devices (e.g., personal computers, smartphones, and other gaming devices) connected to such server device. The gaming machine 1 may then provide a prize game via various user terminal devices connected to such server device. That is, play actions may be input via the user terminal device, and the belt conveyor BC may actually operate in accordance with such play actions. That is, an input device for inputting play actions and an output device used for the prize game may be provided in the user terminal device. In this case, the gaming machine 1 may not be provided with an input device such as the push buttons 4 and an output device such as the LED display unit 9. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 (including a case where an input device such as the push buttons 4 and an output device such as the LED display unit 9 are not provided) may be configured to provide a prize game via a user terminal device connected to the gaming machine 1 via a network. In such cases, the prize may be given to the user by mail or electronic means, i.e., the prize may be electronic. In such cases, the output device of the user terminal device may function as the output device of the present invention.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the game machine 1 is configured so that both the operation of the belt conveyor BC and the effects of the LED display unit 9 and the like change according to the setting results. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The game machine 1 may be configured so that only one of the operation of the belt conveyor BC and the effects of the LED display unit 9 and the like changes according to the setting. In this case, the setting candidate data CD may also include only information on candidates corresponding to either the operation setting data OD or the effect setting data ED. Furthermore, the operating means of the game machine 1 is not limited to the belt conveyor BC (belt conveyor unit 3). Various operating means capable of changing the position of the game object may be adopted as the operating means of the game machine 1.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the setting candidate data CD is configured as data exclusive to the game machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in a case where there are multiple game machines that provide different games (which may be classified as the same prize-winning game) via multiple operating means that perform different operations, the setting candidate data CD may be configured to be shared among these multiple game machines. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the setting candidate data CD on the recording medium FM attached to the prize TO is shared by multiple game machines. As shown in FIG. 12, two types of game machines are installed in the facility 40: the game machine 1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the A game machine 1) and a game machine 50 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the B game machine 50) equipped with operating means (e.g., a crane 51) separate from the belt conveyor BC of the game machine 1, and the prize TO is shared by these game machines 1 and 50. Therefore, the setting candidate data CD recorded on the recording medium attached to the prize TO includes information for these game machines 1 and 50.

[0086] Specifically, the setting candidate data CD includes an A-information section CDA for the A game machine 1 and a B-information section CDA for the B game machine 50. These information sections CDA and CDB each include an action candidate section CD1 and a performance candidate section CD2, similar to the example in FIG. 7, but are configured to be specific to the A game machine 1 or the B game machine 50 (the information included in the action candidate records CR1, etc. is different). Specifically, the A-information section CDA includes an A-action candidate section CR1A and an A-performance candidate section CR2A, while the B-information section CDA includes a B-action candidate section CR1B and a B-performance candidate section CR2B. Furthermore, each of these A-action candidate sections CR1A, etc. includes a unique game ID for each game to identify the different games provided by the two game machines 1, 50. The setting candidate data CD is configured in this way and is shared by the two game machines 1, 50. In this case, each game machine 1, 50 can identify its own corresponding information section via the game ID. These features improve the convenience of the recording medium FM. In this example, the information section CDA for A and the information section CDA for B function as the multiple information sections of the present invention. Also, the game ID functions as the game identification information of the present invention.

[0087] 12, the information section CDA for A and the information section CDA for B may be treated as separate setting candidate data CD. In other words, the recording medium FM may include multiple setting candidate data CDs for each game machine 1, 50. Alternatively, the information section CDA for A and the information section CDA for B may have a data structure that divides each piece of information into a unique part (area) unique to each game machine 1, 50 and a common part (area) common to both game machines 1, 50. For example, if a sound effect is common to both game machine A 1 and game machine B 50, the "sound effect" information may be written in a common area and shared by game machine A 1 and game machine B 50.

[0088] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the game machine 1 is not limited to an arcade game machine. Any appropriate game machine capable of providing prize games (including a personal game machine such as a home game machine) may be used as the game machine 1.

[0089] Various aspects of the present invention derived from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, corresponding components shown in the accompanying drawings will be written in parentheses to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms.

[0090] The gaming body of the present invention is a game that uses an input device (4) for inputting play actions and an output device (9) for adding effects, and provides a prize acquisition game in which a prize (TO) is awarded to a user when a contained object (TO) moves to a predetermined position (5) by the operation of an operating means (BC) that performs an action related to a change in the position of the contained object in accordance with the play action in a storage section (6) that stores the contained object (TO), and is a gaming body (TO) that is used as the contained object in a game machine (1) in which at least one of the action and the effect is changed according to settings, and is accompanied by a recording medium (FM) that records provision information for providing candidate information that functions as a candidate for the setting to the game machine.

[0091] According to the present invention, a recording medium for recording provision information is attached to a gaming device. Then, based on the provision information on the recording medium, candidate information is provided to the gaming machine, and the candidate information functions as a setting candidate for changing at least one of the operation of the operating means and the presentation of the output device. In other words, information on setting candidates for changing the operation of the operating means, etc., is attached to the gaming device via the recording medium. This allows for more reliable provision of candidate information corresponding to the gaming device. Furthermore, when a gaming device is used in a gaming machine, it is always housed in a housing unit. In other words, a process for housing (replenishing) the gaming device in the gaming machine is always performed. Therefore, when a recording medium is attached to a gaming device, this process can promote the provision of candidate information to the gaming machine via the recording medium attached to the gaming device to be housed during such a process. As a result, the gaming device, its corresponding recording medium (candidate information), and the gaming machine can be physically associated through such a process. This reduces the likelihood of incorrect candidate information being provided to the gaming machine compared to when such candidate information is requested or provided through a terminal separate from the gaming machine, such as a terminal installed separately from the gaming machine. By using such candidate information, it is possible to more appropriately set the operation of the operation means in the game machine or the presentation of the output device.

[0092] A gaming machine may be provided with an appropriate number of operating means. For example, such operating means may be one or more. Furthermore, if a gaming machine is provided with multiple operating means, the operations that are changed according to the settings may be some or all of the operating means. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the gaming machine of the present invention, the recording medium may record the provision information so as to provide the candidate information including target information for identifying some of the operating means when the operating means are provided with multiple operating means and the operations of some of the multiple operating means are changed according to the settings. In this case, the operations of some of the multiple operating means can be more appropriately set.

[0093] The number of partial operating means identified by the target information may be appropriate. For example, one operating means may be identified as such an operating means, or multiple operating means may be identified. Specifically, for example, in a mode in which the candidate information includes target information, when the multiple operating means include multiple units, each of which is formed by two or more operating means, the target information may be configured to identify the partial operating means on a unit-by-unit basis. In this case, the operation of each operating means can be more appropriately set on a unit-by-unit basis.

[0094] The recording medium may be attached to the gaming unit as appropriate. For example, the recording medium may be built into the gaming unit and provided integrally therewith, or may be removably attached as a separate component. That is, the recording medium may be directly attached to the gaming unit by various methods. Alternatively, the recording medium may be indirectly attached to the gaming unit by various methods. Furthermore, the recording medium may be attached individually to each gaming unit, or one recording medium may be attached to a predetermined number of gaming units. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the gaming unit of the present invention, the recording medium may be attached so as to be directly attached to the gaming unit. Alternatively, in one aspect of the gaming unit of the present invention, the recording medium may be attached so as to be attached to a package (43) when the gaming unit is packaged in the package. In this aspect, the package may contain multiple gaming units, each of which functions as a gaming unit.

[0095] Various types of information may be adopted as the information to be provided. For example, the information to be provided may be the candidate information itself (direct information) or information for identifying the candidate information (indirect information). For example, when a gaming machine is connected via a network to a storage unit (including a server device) that stores candidate information, the storage location of the candidate information in such a storage unit (indirect information) may function as the information to be provided. Alternatively, in one aspect of the gaming machine of the present invention, the recording medium may directly record the candidate information as the information to be provided.

[0096] In the case where there are a plurality of gaming machines each provided with different types of operation means for performing mutually different operations, the candidate information may be prepared for each gaming machine, or may be prepared to be used commonly by these plurality of gaming machines. For example, in one aspect of the gaming machine of the present invention, when a plurality of gaming machines (1, 50) each provided with different types of operation means (BC, 51) for performing mutually different operations as the operation means are prepared as the gaming machines, the recording medium may record the provision information so as to provide the candidate information including a plurality of information sections (CDA, CDB) each functioning as the setting candidates in the plurality of gaming machines.

[0097] Furthermore, when the candidate information is shared among multiple game machines, the candidate information may or may not include information for identifying the information section corresponding to each game machine. For example, if the candidate information does not include such information, the information section corresponding to each game machine may be appropriately identified, for example, by an operator. Furthermore, if the candidate information includes such information, appropriate information may be used as the information. For example, in an aspect in which the candidate information is shared among multiple game machines, the multiple information sections may include game identification information for identifying each of the multiple games provided by each of the multiple game machines, so that the information section corresponding to each game machine can be identified. In this case, each game machine can identify its own information section via the game identification information. This improves the convenience of the recording medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Game console 3 Belt conveyor unit (operating means) 4 push buttons (input devices) 5 Discharge port (designated position) 6 Storage section 9 LED display (output device) 21 Control unit (computer) TO Prizes (game objects, contained items) BC Belt conveyor (operating means) FM recording media CD setting candidate data (candidate information, information to be provided)

Claims

[Claim 1] As a game that utilizes an input device for inputting play actions and an output device for adding effects, a prize acquisition game is provided in which a prize is awarded to a user when an object to be contained moves to a predetermined position by the operation of an operating means that executes an operation related to a change in the position of the object in accordance with the play action in a storage section that stores the object, and a gaming device that is used as the object to be contained in a gaming machine in which at least one of the operation and the effects is changed according to settings, A gaming machine that is provided with a recording medium that records provision information for providing candidate information that functions as a candidate for the setting to the gaming machine.

Images