Information processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To promote a player to play a plurality of games.SOLUTION: A game device includes lottery means 54 for executing lottery processing, game execution means 56 for executing a plurality of games in parallel according to a predetermined condition, the game execution means 56 being game execution means for executing a game in which a result is determined using the lottery processing executed by the lottery means 54, and giving means 58 for giving a reward to a player according to the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means 56.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a device capable of executing multiple lottery games. A lottery game refers to a game that includes a lottery process and a game whose outcome is determined based on the lottery process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6752436 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if a plurality of lottery games are prepared, the lottery games that players play tend to be fixed or biased.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a program that encourage players to play multiple games. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a lottery means for executing a lottery process; a game execution means for executing a game whose outcome is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means, the game execution means executing a plurality of the games in parallel according to predetermined conditions; and an award means for awarding a reward to the player according to the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means.

[0007] An information processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a lottery means for executing a lottery process, a game execution means for executing a game whose outcome is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means, the game execution means executing a plurality of the games in parallel in response to requirements of the predetermined conditions, and an awarding means for changing the lottery process and / or the progress of the game in response to the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means.

[0008] In a third aspect of the present invention, when the reward is a first reward, the granting means grants the first reward by accumulating points linked to the player, and when the accumulated points reach a predetermined value, the granting means grants the player a second reward.

[0009] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the game execution means executes the game in response to a betting operation by the player, and the awarding means awards a third reward to the player in accordance with the betting amount in response to the betting operation and the result of the game.

[0010] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the awarding means changes the first reward in accordance with the amount of the bet by the player.

[0011] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the granting of the second reward by the granting means is such that the game execution means can execute a game different from the game in response to a request from the player.

[0012] A program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as lottery means that executes a lottery process, game execution means that executes a game whose outcome is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means and that executes a plurality of the games in parallel in accordance with predetermined conditions, and award means that awards a reward to the player in accordance with the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means.

[0013] A program according to an eighth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a lottery means for executing a lottery process, a game execution means for executing a game whose outcome is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means, and a game execution means for executing multiple games in parallel according to predetermined conditions, and an award means for changing the lottery process and / or the progress of the game according to the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, players can be encouraged to play multiple games. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a lottery game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a top view of a lottery device and a satellite in the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing protrusions located along the upper surface of the turntable in the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing a protrusion protruding from the upper surface of the turntable in the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the lottery game machine of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means of the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a game screen displayed on the touch panel of FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0017] === Implementation form === <Overall structure> Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a lottery game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment"). Fig. 2 is a top view of a lottery device 10 and a satellite 20 in the lottery game machine 1 of Fig. 1.

[0018] The lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment is an arcade game machine installed in a game center or the like, and is an information processing device that executes a game program. The lottery game machine 1 provides a lottery game to a player of the lottery game machine 1 by outputting the execution results of the game program (image data, audio data, etc.) to the lottery game machine 1.

[0019] 1 and 2, the lottery game machine 1 includes a physical lottery device 10 located in the center, and a plurality of (eight in FIGS. 1 and 2) satellites 20 that are arranged around the lottery device 10 and accept operations from players. In response to the acceptance of operations from each player at each of the plurality of satellites 20, the lottery game machine 1 executes a lottery process using a ball B as a lottery medium at the lottery device 10.

[0020] The balls B used in the lottery process are, for example, spheres made of translucent resin, and each has unique information that is different from the others. This unique information includes, for example, appearance information including at least one of the color, shape, and size of the ball B, and a tag ID, which is identification information indicating an IC tag (not shown) that the ball B has. The IC tag is a small recording medium that can record the unique information of the ball B, and is, for example, built into the ball B. The IC tag is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. Note that the ball B does not have to be translucent. Furthermore, the shape of the ball B is not limited to a sphere, and may be, for example, a spindle shape like a rugby ball. Furthermore, the lottery medium is not limited to the ball B, and may be, for example, a polyhedral object formed by combining flat surfaces, such as a die.

[0021] The lottery device 10 has a turntable 12, which is a lottery wheel onto which a ball B is dropped. The turntable 12 is disc-shaped with a cone-shaped or hemispherical curve with a concave center, and is rotatable by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown). This rotation drive mechanism is, for example, a mechanism in which the underside of the turntable 12 is supported by a plurality of rollers driven by a motor, and the turntable 12 can be rotated by driving the rollers by the motor. The upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 is a moving surface on which the ball B can move (roll). The ball B dropped onto the turntable 12 gradually moves toward the center of the turntable 12 while rolling on the upper surface 12a of the rotating turntable 12. A guide circle 13 is provided around the turntable 12. In addition, multiple transparent panels 7 are stretched above the turntable 12. For ease of explanation, the transparent panel 7 on the front side is not shown in FIG. 1, but in reality, a transparent panel 7 is also stretched in that location.

[0022] The turntable 12 is formed with a plurality of (e.g., 25) ball pockets 14 as holes into which a ball B can be placed. The ball pockets 14 are holes into which a ball B can be placed, in other words, ball capture sections into which a ball B can be captured. The plurality of ball pockets 14 are arranged on the turntable 12 in three concentric circles of different diameters. Each ball pocket 14 is provided with, for example, an infrared sensor (not shown) as a detection mechanism for detecting a ball B that has entered the ball pocket 14. The ball B is detected when the infrared light of the infrared sensor is blocked by the ball B that has entered the ball pocket 14. The detection mechanism may also be provided with an IC tag reader that detects an IC tag, and the IC tag reader of the ball pocket 14 into which the ball B has been detected may be operated to read (detect) the unique information of the ball B. The ball pockets 14 are associated with numbers, for example, 1 to 25, and these numbers are assigned randomly and without duplication near the ball pockets 14 (not shown). Additionally, light-emitting means (light-emitting members) (not shown) that emit light in multiple colors and are configured by LEDs or the like are provided around (near) the ball pocket 14. This light-emitting means is provided, for example, so as to surround the outer edge of the ball pocket 14. The conditions for illuminating this light-emitting means are not particularly limited, and it may simply emit light randomly as an electric decoration, or it may emit light based on color information included in the unique information of ball B. For example, this light-emitting means may emit light in the color of ball B that is pre-associated with ball pocket 14 during the lottery process, or may emit light in the color of ball B when ball B enters ball pocket 14, for example.

[0023] Furthermore, a protrusion 16 is formed in the center of the turntable 12, which is movable in a direction intersecting the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 (up and down direction). This protrusion 16 will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, which show enlarged views of the turntable 12. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the protrusion 16 positioned along the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the protrusion 16 positioned to protrude from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12.

[0024] The protrusion 16 has one or more blades 16a, 16b (a pair in Figs. 3 and 4) and is shaped like a windmill. A hole (also called a "center pocket") 16c is formed on the upper surface of the protrusion 16 (the surface facing the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12). The protrusion 16 can move up and down by being driven by a motor (not shown) during the lottery process.

[0025] 3, when protrusion 16 is positioned along upper surface 12a of turntable 12, center pocket 16c formed in protrusion 16 functions as one of multiple ball catching portions formed on turntable 12. That is, by driving a motor to move protrusion 16 downward, protrusion 16 retracts so as not to protrude from turntable 12, and the ball catching portion appears in the center of turntable 12. Note that, similar to ball pocket 14 described above, center pocket 16c may be provided with, for example, an infrared sensor and / or an IC tag reader (see the infrared sensor and IC tag reader of ball pocket 14) as a mechanism for detecting ball B.

[0026] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 4, when the protrusion 16 is positioned protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12, the center pocket 16c does not function as one of the multiple ball catching portions formed on the turntable 12. That is, when a motor is driven to move the protrusion 16 upward, the protrusion 16 protrudes from the turntable 12, and the ball catching portion disappears from the center of the turntable 12. In addition, in this state, the protrusion 16 can be rotated by driving a motor (not shown). The rotation direction of the protrusion 16 is, for example, along the rotation direction of the turntable 12 (the same rotation direction as the turntable 12), and the rotation speed of the protrusion 16 is, for example, faster than the rotation speed of the turntable 12. The rotating protrusion 16 has the function of flicking the ball B that has rolled to the center of the turntable 12 outward (toward the guide circle 13) from the turntable 12 by means of the blades 16a and 16b. Hereinafter, the protrusions 16 that rotate in this manner will be referred to as a rotating windmill. The rotation of the protrusions 16 is not limited to the above example, and for example, they may be rotated in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the turntable 12. This makes it possible to forcefully repel the ball B rolling on the turntable 12. Furthermore, the rotation of the protrusions 16 may be any rotation that can repel the ball B, and the rotation direction, rotation speed, etc. are not limited. For example, the rotation axis of the protrusions 16 may be offset from the rotation axis of the turntable 12, or the rotation axis direction of the protrusions 16 may be in a direction that intersects with the rotation axis direction of the turntable 12. Furthermore, the rotation speed of the protrusions 16 may be slower than the rotation speed of the turntable 12.

[0027] In addition, a ball processing mechanism (not shown) that performs various processes on the ball B that has fallen into either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket is provided below the turntable 12. This ball processing mechanism includes a ball recovery mechanism, a ball identification mechanism, a ball selection mechanism, a ball throwing mechanism, etc.

[0028] The ball recovery mechanism recovers balls B that have fallen into either ball pocket 14 or center pocket 16c. The ball recovery mechanism is composed of, for example, a recovery box into which balls B that have fallen into either ball pocket 14 or center pocket are recovered, a flap that opens and closes a hole formed between ball pocket 14 and the recovery box, a solenoid that drives the flap, and the like. At a predetermined timing, the ball recovery mechanism opens the hole formed between ball pocket 14 and the recovery box by driving the flap, and recovers balls B from ball pocket 14. Furthermore, balls B that have fallen into the center pocket may, for example, fall directly into the recovery box and be recovered by the ball recovery mechanism without being driven by the flap.

[0029] The ball identification mechanism also identifies the unique information of the ball B collected by the ball collection mechanism. The ball identification mechanism includes an IC tag reader that detects the unique information of the collected ball B, a guide path that guides the collected ball B to the ball selection mechanism, and a motor that rotates a rotating disk that sends out the ball B along the guide path.

[0030] The ball selection mechanism separates the balls B identified by the ball identification mechanism according to the unique information and selects the ball B to be thrown in. The ball selection mechanism is configured to include, for example, a guide path that separates the identified balls B according to the unique information and guides them to the ball throwing mechanism, a motor for rotating a rotating disk that sends out the balls B along the guide path, and the like.

[0031] The ball throwing mechanism throws the ball B selected by the ball selection mechanism into the turntable 12. The ball throwing mechanism is configured to include, for example, an elevator device that raises the ball B received from the guide path of the ball selection mechanism from the lower side to the upper side of the guide circle 13, and a throwing chute 18 that throws the ball B raised by the elevator device from the guide circle 13 side into the turntable 12. In this embodiment, a plurality of ball throwing mechanisms including the throwing chute 18 are provided for each satellite 20. Note that the ball throwing mechanism does not need to be provided for each satellite 20, as long as at least one is provided for the lottery game machine 1. In other words, the ball throwing mechanism may be shared by each satellite 20.

[0032] 1 and 2, eight satellites 20 are arranged around the lottery device 10. The satellites 20 are operation seats that are faced and operated by players, and accept operations by players participating in the lottery game. Each satellite 20 has an operation console 22 including a touch panel 42. The operation console 22 is provided with a medal insertion slot 24, a medal payout slot 26, operation buttons 28, etc. The operation console 22 is also provided with a card reader (not shown) for reading information about the player from an amusement IC card held by the player, etc.

[0033] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the lottery game machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the lottery game machine 1 includes a computer 30, a speaker 40, a touch panel 42, and peripheral devices 44.

[0035] The computer 30 has a CPU 31, a main memory unit 32, an auxiliary memory unit 33, an audio processing unit 34, an image processing unit 35, a communication interface 36, a peripheral device interface 37, and a system bus 38 connecting these.

[0036] The CPU 31 controls the entire lottery game machine 1. The main memory 32 is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary memory 33 is composed of a hard disk or the like. The main memory 32 and the auxiliary memory 33 store various programs and various information required for the CPU 31 to execute processes, as well as information on the processing results. The CPU 31 executes predetermined programs stored in the main memory 32, the auxiliary memory 33, etc., and operates other hardware under the control of the CPU 31, thereby realizing various functional configurations of the lottery game machine 1 (see FIG. 6).

[0037] The audio processing unit 34 performs various sound processing. The image processing unit 35 performs various graphics processing. The communication interface 36 enables communication with an external server device or other game devices of the lottery game machine 1. The peripheral device interface 37 enables communication with the touch sensor 42B of the touch panel 42 and other peripheral devices 44.

[0038] The speaker 40 is a sound output device that outputs game music, sound effects, and the like.

[0039] The touch panel 42 is an image display device that displays a game screen, etc. The touch panel 42 has the functions of both a display device and an input device, and is composed of a display 42A that functions as a display device and a touch sensor 42B that functions as an input device. The display 42A is composed of a general display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0040] The touch sensor 42B is an operation input device for inputting player operations, and is composed of an element for detecting touch operations on the screen displayed by the display 42A. The method for detecting touch operations by the touch sensor 42B can be any known method, such as a capacitance type, a resistive film type (pressure-sensitive type), or an electromagnetic induction type. The touch sensor 42B accepts the player's operation input by detecting the movement of the player's finger, stylus, or the like as an operator that contacts the screen. Note that the operation input device for inputting the player's operation is not limited to the touch sensor 42B, and may be any configuration that allows the player to input operations, such as the operation buttons 28 or an operation stick.

[0041] The peripheral devices 44 are devices that are provided in the lottery game machine 1 and are controlled by the computer 30 through communication with the computer 30. The peripheral devices 44 include various sensors, IC tag readers, motors, solenoids, etc. that are provided in the lottery device 10 and the satellite 20.

[0042] 5 only shows the main components of the lottery game machine 1, and the lottery game machine 1 may also have other components that are included in a general arcade game machine. Furthermore, the computer 30 of the lottery game machine 1 is not limited to the components described above, and may also have other components that are included in an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose computer.

[0043] <Game Overview> The lottery game executed by the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment is, for example, a medal game, and includes a lottery process and a game whose result is determined based on the lottery process. The game whose result is determined based on the lottery process includes a normal game that can be executed even if the first predetermined condition is not satisfied, and a special game that can be executed when the first predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0044] The contents of the normal game and the special game are not particularly limited, but the following description will be given of a case where the normal game is a bingo game and the special game is a game using a number sheet.

[0045] The lottery game machine 1 can execute a bingo game as a normal game that can be executed even if the first predetermined condition is not satisfied. This bingo game uses a bingo card, which is a table on which numbers, for example, 1 to 25, are randomly arranged without duplication in a 5×5 matrix. The information arranged on the bingo card may be any identification information, and may be not only numbers but also symbols, pictures, etc., as long as it corresponds to the identification information of the ball pocket 14 (for example, if the numbers in the ball pocket 14 are 1 to 25, the numbers arranged on the bingo card will also be 1 to 25). When a bingo game is played, a different arrangement of bingo cards for each satellite 20 (player) is displayed on the display 42A as a game screen of the bingo game. When the bingo game starts, a lottery process involves dropping multiple balls B from the drop chute 18 into the turntable 12, either sequentially or all at once. Then, it is determined whether the dropped balls B will land in either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c (based on the identification information of each). In this lottery process, for example, the number associated with the ball pocket 14 containing ball B is input as a common lottery result (lottery process result) to each satellite 20. Subsequently, in the normal game, i.e., the bingo game, the same number as the number determined as the lottery result is validated and displayed on the display 42A in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other numbers. This process of selecting numbers by lottery and validating the selected numbers is repeated multiple times. When the validated numbers on the bingo card are arranged in a predetermined manner, such as five in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, a bingo is established (a win is made).

[0046] In addition, the lottery game machine 1 can execute a special game that can be executed when a first predetermined condition is met, for example, a game that uses a number sheet, which is a table on which 25 numbers are randomly arranged in a row.

[0047] The player selects one or more areas from the above areas in advance. Then, the wheel spins, and if the area that overlaps with the marker when the wheel stops again (the area located at a predetermined angle) is the area selected by the player in advance, the player wins.

[0048] <Functional Configuration> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the lottery game machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the lottery game machine 1 includes a storage means 50, a receiving means 52, a lottery means 54, a game execution means 56, and an awarding means 58 as main functional components.

[0050] The storage means 50 is realized by one or more auxiliary storage units 33. The functional configuration other than the storage means 50 is realized by the CPU 31 executing a lottery game program 50A stored in the main storage unit 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, etc. Furthermore, all or part of the functional configuration of the lottery game machine 1 may be provided in an external server device, etc. For example, the storage means 50, the game execution means 56, etc. may be provided in an external server device, etc.

[0051] The storage means 50 stores, for example, a lottery game program 50A, lottery information 50B, and game information 50C.

[0052] The lottery game program 50A is a program for providing the computer 30 with various functions for executing a lottery game. The program may be stored in an external storage device of the lottery game machine 1. The program may also be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided in a format that allows it to be installed via a network such as the Internet.

[0053] The lottery information 50B is information necessary to execute the lottery process. The lottery information 50B is set in advance by, for example, a designer or the like. The lottery process includes each operation of the lottery device 10 (including the turntable 12 and the ball handling mechanism) described above, and a process of determining whether the inserted ball B has landed in either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c, and if the ball B has landed in either one, identifying (determining) the pocket ID (identification information) of the pocket in which the ball B has landed, and outputting this as the lottery result to each satellite 20.

[0054] The game information 50C is information associated with the lottery information 50B, and includes various pieces of information necessary for progressing the normal game and the special game. The game information 50C is set in advance by, for example, a designer. The game information 50C includes, for example, information linking the satellite 20 with the unique information of the ball B, and information linking the pocket ID (identification information) of the ball pocket 14 with the number used in the normal game. Furthermore, if a number is used in the special game, the game information 50C further includes information linking the pocket ID with the number used in the special game.

[0055] The reception means 52 receives operations from each player at each satellite 20. The reception means 52 receives, for example, an operation by each player indicating an instruction to start a lottery game. For example, the operation may involve a player facing each satellite 20 inserting (betting on) any number of medals into the medal insertion slot 24. When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 24, a sensor provided in the medal insertion slot 24 detects the medal, and the detection result is output to the peripheral device interface 37. When the detection result is output to the peripheral device interface 37, the reception means 52 receives an operation to insert a medal by the player. Upon receiving this operation, the reception means 52 outputs information indicating an instruction to start a lottery game to the lottery means 54 and the game execution means 56, together with a satellite ID indicating the satellite 20 that received the operation, a player ID indicating the player who performed the operation, and the like. Note that, when the number of players participating in the lottery game is smaller than the number of satellites 20, the reception means 52 may receive the instruction to start the lottery game through automatic control by the CPU 31. For example, in a satellite 20 that does not receive operations by a player, the reception means 52 may receive the instruction to start the lottery game through automatic control by the CPU 31 instead of the player.

[0056] The lottery means 54 executes the lottery process once or multiple times in one lottery game in response to each player's request (operation at the satellite 20) received by the reception means 52. The lottery process is executed in parallel with the execution of a normal game (e.g., a bingo game) and / or a special game (e.g., a game using a number sheet) by the game execution means 56, which will be described later. The program for the lottery means 54 to execute the lottery process is included in the lottery game program 50A described above.

[0057] For example, the lottery means 54 starts the lottery process when it acquires information indicating a command to start a lottery game from each satellite 20 from the acceptance means 52. Alternatively, even in a state where there are no players at any of the satellites 20, or in a state where the acceptance means 52 has not accepted an operation (such as a bet operation) indicating a command to start a lottery game from any player, and the lottery means 54 has not acquired information on a command to start a lottery game from the acceptance means 52, the lottery means 54 may automatically execute the lottery process at regular intervals.

[0058] Hereinafter, the execution of the lottery process by the lottery means 54 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. The lottery means 54 first transmits a drive instruction to a motor for rotating the turntable 12 via the peripheral device interface 37. This drives the motor to rotate the turntable 12. The lottery means 54 also controls the ball handling mechanism to throw multiple balls B onto the turntable 12 sequentially or all at once.

[0059] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 determines that a prize has been won when ball B enters the ball pocket 14, and determines the number linked to the ball pocket 14 as a number (pocket ID) that is commonly validated by each satellite 20. More specifically, when ball B entering the ball pocket 14 is detected by an infrared sensor or the like, the infrared sensor outputs the detection information to the peripheral device interface 37. When the detection information is output, the lottery means 54 identifies the pocket ID of the ball pocket 14 into which ball B has entered.

[0060] If the ball B does not enter any of the ball pockets 14 but enters the center pocket 16c, it is considered a loss. That is, in this case, the center pocket 16c functions as a loss hole in the lottery. Furthermore, for example, in one lottery game, a total of five balls B are thrown, and the lottery means 54 determines the results of five lottery draws (five numbers), i.e., the number of numbers (pocket IDs), which corresponds to the total number of thrown balls B.

[0061] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to retrieve the ball B that has fallen into the center pocket 16c and throw it back into the turntable 12. Furthermore, when all of the balls B that have been thrown into the turntable 12 have fallen into the ball pockets 14, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to retrieve the balls B from the ball pockets 14, thereby ending the lottery process for one lottery game. Subsequently, when the next lottery game is to be played, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to re-throw the retrieved balls B, and executes the lottery process again. Furthermore, when the lottery game is to be ended, the lottery means 54 ends without executing the next lottery process.

[0062] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 may drive a motor for moving the protrusion 16 up and down during the lottery process. In this way, the lottery means 54 controls the movement of the protrusion 16 in a direction intersecting the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12. The movement control of the protrusion 16 by the lottery means 54 allows the protrusion 16 to move upward or downward. As a result, when the protrusion 16 is positioned along the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 (see FIG. 3), a center pocket 16c functioning as a ball catching portion appears in the center of the turntable 12. On the other hand, when the protrusion 16 is positioned so as to protrude from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 (see FIG. 4), the center pocket 16c disappears, and the function of the protrusion 16 as a ball catching portion in the center of the turntable 12 is disabled.

[0063] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 moves the protrusion 16 up and down to make the center pocket 16c appear or disappear in accordance with a predetermined movement condition, which is a condition for moving the protrusion 16. The movement condition is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, a condition regarding the number of balls B on the turntable 12 and a condition regarding the elapsed time during the lottery (or the elapsed time of the entire lottery game). An example of a condition regarding the number of balls B on the turntable 12 is that, in the case of simultaneously throwing balls B, the number of balls B on the turntable 12 falls to a predetermined number (e.g., three) or less. An example of a condition regarding the elapsed time is that a predetermined time has elapsed since a ball B was thrown onto the turntable 12. When the movement condition is satisfied, the lottery means 54 moves the protrusion 16 upward to make the center pocket 16c appear or moves the protrusion 16 downward to make the center pocket 16c disappear.

[0064] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 drives a motor for rotating the protrusion 16 in a state in which the protrusion 16 protrudes from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12. As a result, the lottery means 54 rotates the protrusion 16 protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 in the rotation direction of the turntable 12. The lottery means 54 rotates the protrusion 16, for example, in the same direction as the rotation direction of the turntable 12 but at a speed faster than the rotation speed of the turntable 12. As a result, the center pocket 16c disappears on the turntable 12, and instead a rotating windmill 19 appears. This rotating windmill 19 makes it possible to repel ball B that has rolled to the center of the turntable 12 outward.

[0065] 6, the game execution means 56 executes a game in each satellite 20, the result of which is determined using a lottery process, in response to a request from each player accepted by the acceptance means 52 (for example, by a betting operation). Note that this execution includes displaying the game on the screen of each touch panel 42.

[0066] The game includes at least one normal game and at least one special game. The programs for executing these games are included in the lottery game program 50A. As already mentioned, the normal game is a game that can be executed without satisfying a first predetermined condition, and the special game, which is different from the normal game, is a game that can be executed when the first predetermined condition is satisfied. Furthermore, this first predetermined condition may be, for example, winning the normal game, or obtaining a second reward, which will be described later.

[0067] The result of the normal game is determined based on a lottery process executed during one lottery game, and the progress of the special game or the result of the special game is determined based on a lottery process executed during one lottery game.

[0068] The game executing means 56 executes multiple normal games in parallel in accordance with a second predetermined condition. For example, the game executing means 56 may display multiple normal games on the touch panel 42 of the satellite 20, and execute a normal game among the multiple normal games on which a player has placed a bet (and on which the receiving means 52 has accepted the bet). Furthermore, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the game executing means 56 may execute a special game in parallel with the normal games in accordance with a second predetermined condition. The special game may be executed when the receiving means 52 accepts an operation on the touch panel 42 by the player when the first predetermined condition is satisfied (a betting operation may not be required). The second predetermined condition may be, for example, a player's request (betting operation or start instruction operation) accepted by the accepting means 52. Alternatively, it may be the results of the previous normal game and / or special game (the game execution means 56 selects each game depending on these results), or it may be the number of times and / or the play time of the normal game and / or special game (the game execution means 56 determines the number of games to be executed in parallel depending on these number and play time). Furthermore, if a program that enables the game execution means 56 to automatically select and execute a normal game and a special game is incorporated in advance as part of the lottery game program 50A, the second predetermined condition may be a predetermined timing (i.e., the game execution means 56 selects and executes a normal game and a special game without the player's selection).

[0069] The game execution means 56 determines the result of the normal game using a plurality of lottery processes executed by the lottery means 54 during one lottery game, and determines the result of the special game using a portion of the plurality of lottery processes. Preferably, the lottery process used by the game execution means 56 to determine the result of the special game includes a latter portion of the plurality of lottery processes executed by the lottery means 54. More preferably, the lottery process used by the game execution means 56 to determine the result of the special game is the last portion of the plurality of lottery processes executed by the lottery means 54.

[0070] In addition, the game execution means 56 may determine the result of the normal game using a portion of the multiple lottery processes executed by the lottery means 54, and may determine the result of the special game using a portion of the multiple lottery processes other than the portion.

[0071] The game execution means 56 may also determine the results of the normal game and the special game using the "lottery result" (the result of the lottery process executed by the lottery means 54).

[0072] Furthermore, the game execution means 56 displays various game screens on the touch panel 42 (display 42A) of the satellite 20. The game execution means 56 changes the various game screens according to the progress of the lottery game. For example, the game execution means 56 displays the result of the normal game and the result of the special game together on the touch panel 42.

[0073] Before accepting an operation indicating a command to start a lottery game (including a betting operation) from a player, the game execution means 56 displays a normal game and an operation area for performing a betting operation on the normal game on the touch panel 42 (display 42A) of each satellite 20. Furthermore, if a special game is also to be executed, the touch panel 42 (display 42A) further displays a special game and an operation area for performing a betting operation on the special game.

[0074] If the lottery game has not ended, the lottery means 54 executes the next normal game and / or special game. If the lottery game has ended, the game execution means 56 terminates without executing the next normal game and / or special game.

[0075] Furthermore, the game execution means 56 displays the numbers determined by the lottery process on the bingo card displayed on the display 42A of each satellite 20 in the bingo game as a normal game in a manner that allows the numbers to be distinguished from other numbers.

[0076] Furthermore, the result of the special game is determined using the final (fifth) lottery process among the multiple lottery processes (however, the start of the special game itself may be at the same timing as the start of the normal game). In the final lottery process among the multiple lottery processes in the lottery game, if the number associated with the ball pocket 14 containing ball B, i.e., the number as the final lottery result, matches the number at the top of the column on the number sheet for the special game, the number is validated and displayed on the display 42A in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other numbers. Then, the next time the lottery game is played, if the number obtained as the last lottery result matches the second number in the column on the number sheet, that number will be validated. In this way, the lottery game is repeated multiple times, and when all the numbers on the number sheet (for example, all 25 numbers) are validated, the player is deemed to have won the grand prize (jackpot).

[0077] In other words, if multiple lottery processes in one lottery game are considered to be one lottery process group, the game execution means 56 will determine the result of the normal game for each lottery process group, and will determine the result of the special game for each of multiple lottery process groups.

[0078] Furthermore, the storage means 50 of the lottery game machine 1 stores the progress status of the special game played by the game execution means 56 as part of the game information 50C, linked to the player. Furthermore, an IC card (not shown) stores the progress status of the special game of the player received from the lottery game machine 1 as player information. If the progress status is stored in the storage means 50 or / and the IC card (not shown), the game execution means 56 can start from that progress status. Furthermore, the timing for storing the progress status in the storage means 50 or / and the IC card (not shown) may be every time one lottery process group ends and the normal game and special game are updated. As a result, even if a player ends the lottery game once and then resumes it later, the previous progress status will be reflected, so the effort and bet money made up until that point will not be wasted.

[0079] Furthermore, if the jackpot is won when the twenty-fifth number on the number sheet is validated, it is likely that it will take a long time to win the jackpot. To maintain the player's motivation until then, an intermediate bonus may be provided along the way. For example, whenever a number that is a multiple of five from the top of the number sheet (e.g., the fifth, tenth, fifteenth, or twentieth) is validated, the intermediate bonus may be won. The intermediate bonus may be a title that can be set as a player profile in the payout of medals or in the lottery game (the title may be stored in an IC card as player information).

[0080] The awarding means 58 may also be configured to, for example, allocate a portion of the medals bet by the player up until the player wins the jackpot to a savings account, and award the savings as a reward when the player wins the jackpot. For example, each time the player bets on the base game, 5 to 20 percent, more preferably 10%, of the number of medals bet may be saved as savings. The number of saved medals may be linked to the player and stored as part of the game information 50C in the storage means 50, or may be stored as player information in an IC card (not shown). The intermediate bonus may be a fixed reward, but it is preferable that the jackpot reward be set to be higher than the intermediate bonus reward.

[0081] The awarding means 58 is a functional means for determining a reward for each player (each satellite 20) and awarding the reward. The rewards include a first reward, a second reward, and a third reward.

[0082] The first reward may be, for example, points associated with each player. In other words, "granting the first reward" means, for example, accumulating the points. The second reward may be, for example, permission to play a special game. That is, "granting the second reward" means, for example, that the game execution means 56 allows a special game to be played in response to a player's request. Furthermore, the third reward may be, for example, a medal used in a medal game, various processes for improving the game outcome, content (characters or items) used in the game, etc. In other words, "granting the third reward" means, for example, granting the medal, executing the various processes, granting the content, etc.

[0083] The awarding means 58 awards a first reward to each player (i.e., for each satellite 20) according to the number of base games executed in parallel by the game execution means 56. For example, the more base games played, the more points are accumulated. The awarding means 58 may also change the first reward according to the amount of bet by the player.

[0084] Furthermore, when the accumulated points reach a predetermined value, the awarding means 58 awards a second reward to the player (satellite 20).

[0085] Alternatively, the awarding means 58 may change the progress of the lottery process and / or the normal game depending on the number of normal games executed in parallel by the game executing means 56 for each satellite 20. The change in progress may be, for example, a change in presentation, a change in images or sounds, or an effect that makes the game content more advantageous for the user.

[0086] Furthermore, the awarding means 58 awards a third reward to each player (each satellite 20) according to the amount of bet by each player's betting operation (for example, the amount of medals inserted) and the result of the base game.

[0087] Furthermore, the lottery game machine 1 may be configured to output information about each reward, etc., granted to each player by the granting means 58 to an IC card, not shown, carried by each player, using an output means, not shown.

[0088] <Processing flow> 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means of the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment. Note that the order or content of the following processing can be changed as appropriate. Also, in FIG. 7, the lottery processing will be described as being performed sequentially (not simultaneously).

[0089] (Step SP2) The accepting unit 52 accepts an operation by a player to request the execution of one or more base games. This request is, for example, a betting operation. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP4.

[0090] (Step SP4) The awarding means 58 determines a first reward according to the number of base games executed by the game execution means 56 in response to the player's request operation in step SP2. For example, the awarding means 58 determines points associated with the player.

[0091] Here, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on the touch panel 42 of the satellite 20. As shown in FIG.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 8, four normal games, namely, a first normal game 62, a second normal game 64, a third normal game 66, and a fourth normal game 68, are displayed on a game screen 60. Moreover, the first normal game 62 includes, for example, a bingo card 62A and a bet counter unit 62B. The bet counter unit 62B allows the player to input the number of medals to be bet (the number is paid from the player's credits). Similarly, the second normal game 64, the third normal game 66, and the fourth normal game 68 also include bingo cards 64A, 66A, and 68A and bet counter units 64B, 66B, and 68B, respectively. 8, the first normal game 62 is displayed large in the center of the game screen 60, and the second normal game 64, the third normal game 66, and the fourth normal game 68 are displayed in small size along the right edge of the game screen 60. However, when one of the second normal game 64, the third normal game 66, and the fourth normal game 68 is clicked, the clicked normal game is now displayed large in the center, and the first normal game 62 is displayed in small size along the right edge of the game screen 60 alongside the other normal games. On such a game screen 60, the player selects the normal game on which to place a bet.

[0093] Furthermore, a point gauge 72 and a display area 74 are displayed on the left edge of the game screen 60. The point gauge 72 visualizes the amount of points accumulated as the first reward by the awarding means 58. The display area 74 displays a bonus as the fourth reward that is awarded to the player by the awarding means 58 when a special game is played. This fourth reward may be awarded when a third predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of the normal game. Returning to FIG. 7, after step SP4 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP6.

[0094] (Step SP6) The game execution means 56 executes a normal game, such as a bingo game, etc. However, the game execution means 56 executes the normal game for the number of times accepted in step SP2. The order of this step and step SP4 may be reversed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP8.

[0095] (Step SP8) While the game execution means 56 is executing the base game, the lottery means 54 executes a lottery process in response to a player's request received by the reception means 52. The lottery process is performed by the turntable 12, the ball handling mechanism (not shown), and the like. Specifically, the lottery means 54 sends a drive command to a motor for rotating the turntable 12 to drive the motor and rotate the turntable 12. Next, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to drop ball B onto the turntable 12 in one shot. Furthermore, the lottery means 54 determines whether the dropped ball B has landed in either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c, and if the ball B has landed (won), identifies the number as identification information of the pocket where the ball B landed and determines this as the lottery result. Furthermore, the lottery means 54 collects the ball B that has fallen into either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c, controls the ball handling mechanism (not shown) to prepare for the next lottery process, and executes the next lottery process. In this way, the lottery process is repeated multiple times. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0096] (Step SP10) The game execution means 56 determines the result of the normal game being executed based on the result of the lottery process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0097] (Step SP12) The subsequent process branches depending on whether or not the result of step SP10 is that at least one normal game has been won. If at least one normal game has been won, the process proceeds to step SP14. If no normal game has been won, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0098] (Step SP14) The awarding means 58 determines the amount of medals to be paid out as the first reward, depending on the bet amount made in the betting operation in step SP1 and the result of the base game determined in step SP10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0099] (Step SP16) The granting means 58 accumulates points as the first reward and pays out medals as the third reward. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0100] (Step SP18) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not the special game is being executed by the game execution means 56. If it is being executed, the processing proceeds to step SP28, and if it is not being executed, the processing proceeds to step SP20.

[0101] (Step SP20) The subsequent process branches depending on whether the points accumulated by the granting means 58 as the first reward have reached a predetermined value. If the predetermined value has been reached, the process proceeds to step SP22, and if the predetermined value has not been reached, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0102] (Step SP22) The awarding means 58 awards the second reward, enabling the game execution means 56 to execute a special game. The player is notified of this. This notification is made by the satellite 20 using images and sounds. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP24.

[0103] (Step SP24) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not the receiving means 52 has received an operation by the player requesting the execution of a special game. If the request operation has been received, the processing proceeds to step SP26, and if the request operation has not been received, the processing proceeds to step SP28.

[0104] (Step SP26) The game execution means 56 executes a special game, for example, a game using a number sheet. Then, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0105] (Step SP28) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not the receiving means 52 has received an operation by the player requesting further playing of the lottery game. If the operation has been received, the processing returns to step SP24, and if the operation has not been received, the processing proceeds to step SP30.

[0106] (Step SP30) The storage means 50 of the lottery game machine 1 and an IC card (not shown) store the progress of the player. The process then ends.

[0107] <Action and effect> As described above, the lottery game machine 1 as an information processing device according to this embodiment comprises lottery means 54 that executes lottery processing, game execution means 56 that executes a game (normal game) whose outcome is determined using the lottery processing executed by the lottery means 54 and executes a plurality of such games in parallel according to a predetermined condition (second predetermined condition), and awarding means 58 that awards a reward to a player according to the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means 56. According to this configuration, the reward is determined according to the number of games executed in response to the player's request, which can encourage players to play multiple games.

[0108] Furthermore, the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a lottery means 54 that executes a lottery process, a game execution means 56 that executes a game whose outcome is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means 54 and executes multiple games in parallel according to a predetermined condition (second predetermined condition), and an awarding means 58 that changes the lottery process and / or the progress of the game according to the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means 56. According to this configuration, the subsequent lottery process and game progress change depending on the number of games executed in response to the player's request, thereby encouraging players to play multiple games.

[0109] Furthermore, in the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment, if the above-mentioned reward is the first reward, the granting means grants the first reward by accumulating points linked to the player, and the granting means 58 grants the second reward to the player when the accumulated points reach a predetermined value. This configuration allows players to maintain their motivation to continue playing the lottery game.

[0110] Furthermore, in the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the game execution means 56 executes the game in response to a betting operation by the player, and the awarding means 58 awards the third reward to the player in accordance with the betting amount in response to the betting operation and the result of the game. This configuration can encourage players to play games with multiple betting elements.

[0111] Furthermore, in the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the awarding means 58 changes the first reward depending on the bet amount. This configuration can motivate players to increase the amount of their bets.

[0112] Furthermore, in the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the awarding means 58 awards the second reward by enabling the game execution means 56 to execute a game (special game) different from the above game (normal game) in response to a player's request. This configuration can increase the value of the reward, thereby encouraging players to play multiple games.

[0113] === Variations === The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, variations on the above-described embodiments, which are appropriately modified by a person skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the modifications described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention.

[0114] For example, in the above embodiment, the lottery means 54 executes the lottery process multiple times, but it may execute the lottery process once. In this case, the normal game executed by the game execution means 56 is not a bingo game, but a game in which the result can be determined using a single lottery. Also, although the special game is a game in which the result of the last lottery is used, in this case, it will be a game in which the result of a single lottery is used together with the normal game.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which ball B is thrown into the turntable 12 automatically under the control of the game execution means 56 without any operation by the player, but ball B may also be thrown in response to an operation by the player. For example, the reception means 52 may receive a throw-in instruction operation by the player, and the game execution means 56 may perform control so as to throw ball B into the turntable 12 at the timing of receiving the throw-in instruction operation.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the protrusion 16 has a pair of blades 16a, 16b, but the number of blades of the protrusion 16 may be one or more, and may be an odd or even number, and the blades may be spaced equally or not. In addition, the protrusion 16 may be controlled to perform at least one of various actions, including not only rotation but also half rotation, swinging, vibration, etc., as long as the action can repel the ball B on the turntable 12.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the case where multiple balls B are sequentially dropped onto the turntable 12 has been mainly described, but they may also be dropped all at once. In the case where multiple balls B are dropped all at once, the number (identification information) of the ball pocket 14 into which the last ball B of the multiple balls B falls may be used as the final lottery result.

[0118] In the above embodiment, examples of games executed by the game execution means 56 include a bingo game as the normal game and a special game using a number sheet. However, the normal game and the special game are not limited to these examples. For example, the normal game and / or the special game may be a lottery roulette, a competitive game, an action game, a training game, a game using characters, etc.

[0119] Furthermore, if a situation arises in which a winning result will be achieved if one remaining number is matched (activated) in the normal game or / and special game executed by the game execution means 56 before the lottery means 54 executes the final lottery process, this fact may be displayed on the game screen of the game.

[0120] It has also been explained that the reward for a jackpot, which is an example of a special game executed by the game execution means 56, may be a portion of the number of medals bet by a player each time the player bets on a base game. However, the number of medals bet on the base game itself may not be reduced, but may be accumulated according to the number of medals bet, and this may be used as the reward. Alternatively, the reward may be a fixed value stored in advance in the game information 50C of the storage means 50.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second reward granted by the granting means 58 is, for example, permission to play a special game. However, instead, it may be a specific item. The granting means 58 may then grant permission to play a special game to a player to whom a predetermined number of the specific items have been granted. For example, the specific items may be five different alphabetical characters, "B," "I," "N," "G," and "O," and the granting means 58 may grant permission to play a special game when all of these specific items have been granted to a player. In this case, for example, the display area 74 in FIG. 8 may display alphabetical characters as the specific items, instead of the bonus described in the above embodiment (the brightness may be divided into two levels depending on whether the alphabetical characters have been granted to the player). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the points accumulated as the first reward for a player reach a predetermined value, the granting means 58 grants the second reward to the player. However, instead, the granting means 58 may grant the second reward to the player when a specific condition is satisfied in the base game. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1: lottery game machine (computer, information processing device), 54: lottery means, 56: game execution means, 58: granting means, 50: storage means

Claims

1. lottery means for executing lottery processing; a game execution means for executing a game whose outcome is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means, the game execution means executing a plurality of games in parallel in accordance with a predetermined condition; a rewarding means for rewarding the player according to the number of games executed in parallel by the game executing means; An information processing device comprising:

2. lottery means for executing lottery processing; a game execution means for executing a game whose outcome is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means, the game execution means executing a plurality of games in parallel in accordance with a predetermined condition; an awarding means for changing the lottery process and / or the progress of the game in accordance with the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means; An information processing device comprising:

3. If the above-mentioned reward is the first reward, the granting means grants the first reward by accumulating points associated with the player, and when the accumulated points reach a predetermined value, the granting means grants the second reward to the player; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the game execution means executes the game in response to a betting operation by the player, the awarding means awards a third reward to the player according to the betting amount through the betting operation and the result of the game. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. the awarding means changes the first reward in accordance with the bet amount. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. The granting of the second reward by the granting means is performed by the game execution means enabling execution of a game different from the game in response to a request from the player. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

7. Computer, lottery means for executing lottery processing; a game execution means for executing a game whose outcome is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means, the game execution means executing a plurality of the games in parallel in accordance with the predetermined condition; a rewarding means for rewarding the player according to the number of games executed in parallel by the game executing means; A program that functions as a

8. Computer, lottery means for executing lottery processing; a game execution means for executing a game whose outcome is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means, the game execution means executing a plurality of games in parallel in accordance with predetermined conditions; an awarding means for changing the lottery process and / or the progress of the game in accordance with the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means; A program that functions as a

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