Game system, method of operating the game system, and program

Abstract

To restrict the flexibility of game media between a plurality of business forms that provide games.SOLUTION: A game system 100 includes: a first management system 20 for managing, for each user H, a first game medium used for playing a game using a game device 30 that operates according to a first business form; and a second management system 50 for managing, for each user H, separately from the first game medium, a second game medium used for playing the game using the game device 30 that operates in a second business form different from the first business form.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a game system.

Background Art

[0002] Various techniques for providing games to users have been proposed conventionally. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of displaying a live video of a game device photographed by a camera device on a client device via a communication network. The number of medals managed for each user increases or decreases according to the lottery result. A user can play a game using the game device remotely.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a scenario where a game device in a specific facility is used in different business forms is assumed. For example, in addition to the normal business form of providing games to users in the facility, a business form of providing games using the game device to users in a remote location is assumed. However, if medals that can be used for a game in one business form can also be diverted to games in other business forms, there is a problem that the restrictions on the use of medals in the facility are substantially invalidated. In view of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to restrict the transferability of game media among multiple business forms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, a game system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a first management system for managing a first game medium used for playing a game using a game device operating under a first business model, for each user, and a second management system for managing a second game medium used for playing a game using the game device operating under a second business model different from the first business model, separately from the first game medium and for each user.

[0006] The operation method of a game system according to one aspect of this disclosure involves managing a first game medium used for playing a game using a game device operating under a first business model, for each user, while managing a second game medium used for playing a game using the same game device operating under a second business model different from the first business model, separately from the first game medium, for each user.

[0007] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer system to function as a first management system for managing a first gaming medium used to play games using a game machine operating under a first business model, for each user, and a second management system for managing a second gaming medium used to play games using the game machine operating under a second business model different from the first business model, separately from the first gaming medium and for each user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first management system. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the first management data. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the game device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game device. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the process for user registration within a gaming facility. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of the process executed by the first management system. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of the process executed by the gaming system. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart of the first withdrawal process. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of the first deposit process. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram of the first game screen. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system. [Figure 13] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the second management system. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram of the second management data. [Figure 15] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram of the facility data. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram of the second game screen. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart of the operation for authenticating the user in the second business form. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart of the process for providing a game to the user. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart of the second withdrawal process. / / There seems to be a duplicate ID=42 in the original, but following the rule to keep it as is [Figure 21] It is a flowchart of the second deposit process. [Figure 22] It is a schematic diagram of the selection screen. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart of the operation for authenticating the user in the second embodiment. [Figure 24] It is a flowchart of the process for providing a game to the user in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] It is a schematic diagram of the selection screen. [Figure 26] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game system in the third embodiment. [Figure 27]It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the third management system. [Figure 28] It is a schematic diagram of the third management data. [Figure 29] It is a schematic diagram of the third game screen. [Figure 30] It is a flowchart of the process of providing a game to a user in the third business form. [Figure 31] It is a flowchart of the third withdrawal process. [Figure 32] It is a flowchart of the third deposit process. [Figure 33] It is a flowchart of the process of providing a game to a user in a modified example. [Figure 34] It is a flowchart of the process executed by the gaming system in a modified example. [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Each amusement facility F can provide games to each user H through two types of business models: a first business model and a second business model. The first business model is a model in which games are provided to users H located within the amusement facility F. In the first business model, users H within the amusement facility F play games using the game system 11 directly. On the other hand, the second business model is a model in which games are provided to users H located outside the amusement facility F. In the second business model, users H outside the amusement facility F play games using their own terminal device 70. The terminal device 70 is, for example, a portable information device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or a portable or stationary information device such as a personal computer.

[0013] The hours during which the first business model is used and the hours during which the second business model is used are different. For example, during the normal business hours of amusement facility F, from opening to closing, the first business model is used, and during the time from closing time to the next opening time of amusement facility F, the second business model is used. In other words, the first business model is a model in which games are provided to user H during the business hours of amusement facility F, and the second business model is a model in which games are provided to user H outside of the business hours of amusement facility F.

[0014] User H can play the game using electronic tokens. Electronic tokens are intangible gameplay materials that user H can use to play the game. For example, electronic tokens are used as payment for user H to play the game.

[0015] The electronic tokens usable by user H are divided into two categories: first electronic tokens and second electronic tokens. First electronic tokens are the game medium usable by user H in games provided under the first business model. On the other hand, second electronic tokens are the game medium usable by user H in games provided under the second business model. The first and second electronic tokens held by each user H are managed individually. That is, combining or exchanging first and second electronic tokens is not permitted. For example, it is not possible to convert one of the first or second electronic tokens into the other.

[0016] In the operation of each amusement facility F under the first business model, the amusement system 11 of said amusement facility F is used. On the other hand, in the operation of each amusement facility F under the second business model, the amusement system 11 of said amusement facility F and the information system 12 are used. As can be understood from the above explanation, the amusement system 11 within amusement facility F is used not only for normal operations during business hours under the first business model, but also for operations outside of business hours under the second business model. In addition, the information system 12 is shared among multiple amusement systems 11 for operations under the second business model.

[0017] As illustrated in Figure 1, the gaming system 11 comprises a first management system 20 and multiple game devices 30. The first management system 20 and the multiple game devices 30 are installed within a gaming facility F. The first management system 20 is a computer system configured separately from each game device 30, and communicates with each of the multiple game devices 30, for example, via a communication network (hereinafter referred to as "private network") 110 within the gaming facility F. The private network 110 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN. Note that multiple first management systems 20 may be installed within a single gaming facility F. Also, one game device 30 may be installed within a single gaming facility F. The number of game devices 30 installed within a gaming facility F may differ from one gaming facility F to another.

[0018] The first management system 20 is a computer system for managing the first electronic medal for each user H. Each of the multiple game devices 30 is a computer system for providing games to user H. Multiple game devices 30 that provide different types of games are installed in the amusement facility F. However, two or more game devices 30 that provide the same type of game may also be installed in the amusement facility F.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first management system 20. As illustrated in Figure 2, the first management system 20 comprises a control device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display device 24, an operating device 25, a reading device 26, an imaging device 27, and a dispensing device 28. The first management system 20 can be implemented as a single device or as a group of devices configured separately from each other.

[0020] The control device 21 consists of one or more processors that control each element of the first management system 20. Specifically, the control device 21 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The communication device 23 communicates with each of the multiple game devices 30 via the premises network 110 of the amusement facility F. The communication device 23 may also communicate with the game devices 30 via a communication network 300, such as the Internet.

[0021] The display device 24 displays various images. The display device 24 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel. The operating device 25 receives operations from user H. Specifically, the operating device 25 is a set of controls operated by user H, or a touch panel integrated with the display surface of the display device 24.

[0022] A user H who wishes to use the services provided by the game system 100 is issued a registration card E. The registration card E is a recording medium on which identification information U1 for identifying user H is recorded. For example, various IC cards or magnetic cards can be used as registration cards E. The reader 26 obtains the identification information U1 from the registration card E. The reader 26 is, for example, a contactless reader. That is, the reader 26 obtains the identification information U1 by short-range wireless communication with the registration card E placed on the reading surface. Alternatively, a contact-type reader may be used as the reader 26. That is, the reader 26 obtains the identification information U1 via a connection terminal that contacts the registration card E inserted into the slot, for example.

[0023] The imaging device 27 is a video device that captures images of user H. The imaging device 27 generates image data Df representing user H's face image by capturing images of user H. Image data Df is biometric information representing user H's biological characteristics. In other words, the imaging device 27 functions as a detector that detects user H's biometric information. Specifically, the imaging device 27 comprises an optical system such as a photographic lens, an image sensor that receives incident light from the optical system, and a processing circuit that generates image data Df according to the amount of light received by the image sensor. Note that the imaging device 27, which is separate from the first management system 20, may be connected to the first management system 20 by wire or wireless connection.

[0024] The storage device 22 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. The storage device 22 is composed of known recording media such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. A portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the first management system 20 may be used as the storage device 22. Alternatively, a recording media accessible by the control device 21 via the communication network 300 (e.g., cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 22.

[0025] In the first embodiment, the storage device 22 stores first management data X1 for each user H. As illustrated in Figure 3, the first management data X1 for each user H includes the user H's identification information U1 and reference data Dref, and the quantity of first electronic medals held by the user H (hereinafter referred to as the "first holding quantity") N1. In other words, the first management data X1 is data representing each user H's account for first electronic medals (hereinafter referred to as the "first electronic medal account"). The first management data X1 is managed individually for each gaming facility F. Specifically, the first management data X1 for first electronic medals usable at each gaming facility F is stored in the storage device 22 of the first management system 20 of that gaming facility F. In other words, the first management system 20 manages each user H's first electronic medals individually for each gaming facility F. This can also be rephrased as the first electronic medal account being managed individually for each gaming facility F. With the above configuration, it is possible to restrict the exchange of first electronic medals between multiple different gaming facilities F.

[0026] The identification information U1 in the first management data X1 is a code sequence for identifying each user H. For example, through prior user registration by the first management system 20, the identification information U1 stored on the user H's registration card E is registered in the first management data X1. In other words, the identification information U1 in the first management data X1 is the identification information of a registered and legitimate user H. In addition, the reference data Dref is the image data Df of the face image of a registered and legitimate user H. In other words, the image data Df generated by the imaging device 27 at the time of user registration is registered in the first management data X1 as the reference data Dref.

[0027] The dispensing device 28 in Figure 2 dispenses physical tokens that can be used by users H within the gaming facility F. Specifically, the dispensing device 28 comprises a storage container for storing physical tokens and a dispensing mechanism for sequentially dispensing physical tokens from the storage container. The dispensing device 28 dispenses a predetermined quantity of physical tokens in exchange for payment of currency, such as cash or electronic money.

[0028] Figure 4 is a plan view of each of the multiple game devices 30. As illustrated in Figure 4, the game device 30 of the first embodiment comprises a lottery unit 34, multiple stations 35, and an imaging device 36. Each game device 30 can be implemented as a single device, or as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0029] The lottery unit 34 performs a physical lottery. The physical lottery in the first embodiment is a lottery process using lottery balls 37. The lottery unit 34 in the first embodiment is a structure that is generally circular in shape when viewed from a vertical plane. The lottery balls 37 are rolling objects such as spheres or polyhedra. The lottery unit 34 comprises a lottery field 341 and a supply device 342.

[0030] The lottery field 341 is a game surface on which lottery balls 37 can roll. Multiple pockets 343 into which lottery balls 37 can enter are installed on the lottery field 341. Each of the multiple pockets 343 is assigned a number. The supply device 342 sequentially supplies lottery balls 37 to the lottery field 341. The lottery balls 37 supplied from the supply device 342 roll on the lottery field 341 and eventually enter one of the multiple pockets 343. When a lottery ball 37 enters a pocket 343, it signifies the selection of the number corresponding to that pocket 343. That is, the lottery unit 34 performs a physical lottery that probabilistically selects one of the multiple numbers. Note that the lottery elements assigned to each pocket 343 are not limited to numbers. For example, other lottery elements such as colors or characters may be assigned to each pocket 343.

[0031] The imaging device 36 is a video device that images the lottery unit 34. The imaging device 36 generates video data Dv representing a video of the physical lottery conducted by the lottery unit 34 (hereinafter referred to as "lottery video"). The imaging device 36 is installed, for example, above the lottery field 341. That is, the video data Dv represents a lottery video showing the lottery ball 37 rolling on the lottery field 341. Specifically, the imaging device 36 comprises an optical system such as a photographic lens, an image sensor that receives incident light from the optical system, and a processing circuit that generates video data Dv according to the amount of light received by the image sensor. The imaging device 36 may be a separate unit from the game device 30 and connected to the game device 30 by wire or wireless.

[0032] As illustrated in Figure 4, multiple stations 35 are arranged circumferentially to surround the lottery unit 34. Each station 35 is a unit used by users H within the gaming facility F to play games. Each station 35 is equipped with a display device 351, an operating device 352, a reading device 353, a reception device 354, and a payout device 355.

[0033] The display device 351 displays various images. The display device 351 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The operating device 352 receives operations from user H. Specifically, the operating device 352 is a set of controls operated by user H, or a touch panel integrated with the display surface of the display device 351.

[0034] The reader 353 obtains identification information U1 from the registration card E held by user H. The reader 353 is, for example, a contact-type reader. That is, the reader 353 obtains identification information U1 by short-range wireless communication with the registration card E placed on the reading surface. Note that a contact-type reader may be used as the reader 353. That is, the reader 353 obtains identification information U1 via a connection terminal that makes contact with the registration card E inserted into the slot, for example.

[0035] The reception device 354 accepts the insertion of physical tokens by user H. For example, the reception device 354 comprises an insertion slot into which physical tokens are inserted and a detector that detects the insertion of physical tokens into the insertion slot. The physical tokens received by the reception device 354 from user H are exchanged for credits (hereinafter referred to as "first credits"). First credits are the value that user H can spend to play the game. Specifically, a value corresponding to the number of physical tokens received by the reception device 354 is added to the amount of first credits held by user H (hereinafter referred to as "first credit count C1").

[0036] The dispensing device 355 dispenses physical tokens. The dispensing device 355 dispenses a quantity of physical tokens corresponding to the user H's first credit number C1. Specifically, the dispensing device 355 comprises a storage container for storing physical tokens and a dispensing mechanism for sequentially dispensing physical tokens from the storage container.

[0037] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game device 30. As illustrated in Figure 5, the game device 30 of the first embodiment includes a lottery unit 34, a plurality of stations 35, and an imaging device 36, in addition to a control device 31, a storage device 32, and a communication device 33.

[0038] The control device 31 consists of one or more processors that control each element of the game device 30. Specifically, the control device 31 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. Some or all of the functions of the control device 31 may be installed in each station 35.

[0039] The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. The storage device 32 is composed of known recording media such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. A portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the game device 30 may be used as the storage device 32. Alternatively, a recording media accessible by the control device 31 via the communication network 300 (e.g., cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 32. The storage device 32 stores the first number of credits C1 for each user H who plays the game in the first business form.

[0040] The communication device 33 communicates with the first management system 20 via the local network 110. Alternatively, the communication device 33 may communicate with the first management system 20 via the communication network 300. Furthermore, the communication device 33 communicates with the information system 12 shown in Figure 1 via the communication network 300. The method of communication between the communication device 33 and the first management system 20 and the method of communication between the communication device 33 and the information system 12 are not considered.

[0041] [First Business Model] Figures 6 to 10 are flowcharts showing the process for user H to play games under the first business model within amusement facility F. First, Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process for user H's registration.

[0042] When user H attempts to play a game for the first time under the first business model, they move to the first management system 20 within the amusement facility F. User H places their registration card E on the reader 26 of the first management system 20 and instructs the system to register by operating the operation device 25. Upon receiving the registration instruction from user H (Sa1), the control device 21 obtains the identification information U1 of registration card E from the reader 26 (Sa2). The control device 21 also generates image data Df of user H's face image as reference data Dref using the imaging device 27 (Sa3). The display device 24 displays a screen guiding user H through the operation.

[0043] The control device 21 newly saves user H's first management data X1 to the storage device 22 (Sa4). As illustrated in Figure 3, the first management data X1 includes identification information U1 obtained from user H's registration card E and reference data Dref of user H's face image. The first number N1 of the first management data X1 is set to an initial value (e.g., zero).

[0044] When user H, who has completed the above user registration, visits the amusement facility F, the first management system 20 executes the process shown in Figure 7 for user H. Upon arriving at the amusement facility F, user H places their registration card E on the reader 26 of the first management system 20 and operates the operation device 25 to instruct the system to begin using the amusement system 11. Upon receiving the instruction to begin use from user H (Sa11), the control device 21 obtains the identification information U1 of the registration card E from the reader 26 (Sa12). The control device 21 also generates image data Df of user H's face image from the imaging device 27 (Sa13). The display device 24 displays a screen guiding user H through the operation.

[0045] The control device 21 performs the first authentication process (Sa14). Specifically, the control device 21 first searches the storage device 22 for first management data X1 containing identification information U1 obtained from the registration card E. Second, the control device 21 compares the reference data Dref in the first management data X1 with the image data Df generated by the imaging device 27. The control device 21 then authenticates the legitimacy of user H if the similarity between the face image in the reference data Dref and the face image in the image data Df exceeds a threshold. On the other hand, if the first management data X1 containing identification information U1 from the registration card E is not found, or if the similarity of the face images falls below the threshold, the control device 21 does not authenticate the legitimacy of user H. If the first authentication process is successful, the control device 21 stores authentication data Da, which means that user H has been authenticated, in association with the first management data X1, as illustrated in Figure 3 (Sa15). On the other hand, if the first authentication process fails, the storage of authentication data Da (Sa15) is not performed.

[0046] User H, who has successfully completed the first authentication process, can acquire a desired quantity of first electronic tokens within the gaming facility F. Specifically, user H can acquire first electronic tokens using the first management system 20. For example, a quantity of first electronic tokens corresponding to the amount paid by user H is granted to user H. The method of payment by user H is arbitrary; in addition to cash payments, electronic payments using electronic money or credit cards are also possible. The control device 21 adds the quantity corresponding to the amount paid by user H to the first number of tokens held N1 stored in the storage device 22 for user H (Sa16). User H can acquire first electronic tokens using the first management system 20 at any point in time, not limited to the time of initial use. However, user H can only acquire first electronic tokens usable within the gaming facility F. User H may also acquire first electronic tokens by making a payment at the game machine 30. Furthermore, following the user registration illustrated in Figure 6, the storage of authentication data Da (Sa15) and the addition of the first possession count N1 (Sa16) in Figure 7 may also be performed.

[0047] After the above process is completed and the user H is authenticated, the user H moves to a station 35 on a desired game machine 30 within the amusement facility F and places their registration card E on the reader 353 of that station 35. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the process that the amusement system 11 performs for user H to play a game.

[0048] The control device 31 obtains the identification information U1 of the registered card E from the reader 353 (Sb21). The control device 31 transmits a start request R21 containing the identification information U1 from the communication device 33 to the first management system 20 (Sb22). The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives the start request R21 from the communication device 23 (Sa21). The control device 21 determines whether or not user H is authenticated (Sa22). Specifically, the control device 21 determines whether or not authentication data Da is attached to the first management data X1 containing the identification information U1 in the start request R21. If authentication data Da is attached to the first management data X1, the control device 21 determines that user H is authenticated. On the other hand, if the first management data X1 is not retrieved, or if authentication data Da is not attached to the first management data X1, the control device 21 determines that user H is not authenticated. The control device 21 transmits the result of the determination described above (hereinafter referred to as the "first authentication result") R22 from the communication device 23 to the requesting game device 30 (Sa23). The control device 31 receives the first authentication result R22 via the communication device 33 (Sb23).

[0049] The control device 31 controls the game played by user H (Sb24). For example, the control device 31 runs a lottery game that utilizes a physical lottery conducted by the lottery unit 34. The lottery game determines whether user H wins or loses based on the results of the physical lottery conducted by the lottery unit 34. The lottery game runs in parallel at multiple stations 35. The control device 31 displays a first game screen G1, which shows the progress of the lottery game, on the display device 351 (Sb25). Note that a positive first authentication result R22 is necessary for user H to use the first electronic medal. However, user H can also play the game using a physical medal. Therefore, the provision of the lottery game to user H (Sb24, Sb25) is performed regardless of the first authentication result R22.

[0050] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the first game screen G1 displayed on the display device 351 when the lottery game is being executed. The first game screen G1 is an image representing the progress of the lottery game. Specifically, the first game screen G1 includes a plurality of operators Z1 (Z11 to Z14), a play image P, and the first credit count C1. Each of the plurality of operators Z1 is a software key implemented by the operating device 352 and accepts instructions from the user H. The play image P is an image representing the progress of the lottery game. The first credit count C1 is, as mentioned above, the quantity of first credits held by the user H.

[0051] The game device 30 of the first embodiment can selectively provide one of several types of lottery games that utilize the results of a physical lottery at each station 35. The method for determining whether user H wins or loses based on the results of the physical lottery differs for each lottery game. The operator Z11 receives instructions from user H to select a lottery game. In Figure 11, it is assumed that a lottery game using a lottery card L (bingo game) has been selected from among the several types of lottery games. Therefore, the play image P in Figure 11 includes the lottery card L. The lottery card L has multiple panels La arranged in a matrix, each with different numbers. The arrangement of the multiple numbers on the lottery card L differs for each station 35.

[0052] Each time a lottery ball 37 enters one of the pockets 343 of the lottery unit 34, the panel La of the lottery card L corresponding to that pocket 343 is set to an active state. If any row of panels La on the lottery card L (for example, one vertical, one horizontal, or one diagonal row) is set to an active state, user H wins.

[0053] The operator Z12 receives instructions from user H to spend (i.e., bet) the first credit. By operating operator Z12, the quantity of the first credit to be spent for the lottery game (hereinafter referred to as "consumption amount") is instructed. For example, the quantity specified by user H or a predetermined quantity is instructed as the consumption amount. User H plays the lottery game in exchange for spending the first credit. If user H wins the lottery game, they are awarded a quantity of first credit corresponding to the consumption amount as a reward. The number of first credits C1 in Figure 11 is updated as needed according to the progress of the lottery game. For example, the number of first credits C1 decreases as credits are spent in the lottery game and increases as rewards are awarded. As described above, the game device 30 of the first embodiment proceeds with the lottery game in response to instructions from user H to operator Z11 or operator Z12.

[0054] Operator Z13 receives instructions from user H to withdraw the first electronic medal from the first electronic medal account. Operator Z14 also receives instructions from user H to deposit the first electronic medal into the first electronic medal account. The withdrawal and deposit of the first electronic medal are described in detail below.

[0055] [First withdrawal process] If the aforementioned first authentication result R22 is positive, user H can instruct the withdrawal of the first electronic token by operating the operator Z13. The first withdrawal process shown in Figure 9 is executed in response to the instruction to withdraw the first electronic token. The first withdrawal process is the process of making user H's first electronic token, which is managed by the first management system 20, usable for playing games within the amusement facility F. If the first authentication result R22 is negative, the instruction to withdraw the first electronic token and the first withdrawal process triggered by that instruction are not executed.

[0056] When the control device 31 receives a withdrawal instruction from user H for the withdrawal of the first electronic medal (Sb31), it transmits a withdrawal request R31 from the communication device 33 to the first management system 20 (Sb32). The withdrawal request R31 includes user H's identification information U1 and the withdrawal quantity Mw1. The withdrawal quantity Mw1 is the amount of the first electronic medal to be withdrawn from the first electronic medal account. For example, user H specifies the withdrawal quantity Mw1 by operating the operating device 352.

[0057] The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives a withdrawal request R31 via the communication device 23 (Sa31). The control device 21 searches the storage device 22 for the first management data X1 containing the identification information U1 in the withdrawal request R31, and subtracts the withdrawal number Mw1 from the first number N1 of the first management data X1 (Sa32). The control device 21 transmits a withdrawal notification R32, indicating the completion of the withdrawal of the first electronic medal, from the communication device 23 to the game device 30 (Sa33).

[0058] When the communication device 33 receives a withdrawal notification R32 (Sb33), the control device 31 adds a quantity corresponding to the withdrawal amount Mw1 to the user H's first credit number C1 (Sb34). For example, the withdrawal amount Mw1 multiplied by a predetermined coefficient is added to the first credit number C1. Alternatively, the withdrawal amount Mw1 may be added to the first credit number C1. As can be understood from the above explanation, the first electronic medal held by user H is transferred to the game device 30, and the first electronic medal is converted into the first credit. In addition to the first electronic medal being converted into the first credit, as mentioned above, a physical medal received by the reception device 354 may also be converted into the first credit.

[0059] As can be understood from the above explanation, the use of the first electronic medal is permitted to user H, conditional on the success of the first authentication process (Sa14). In other words, the registration card E is used as an authentication medium to determine whether or not the use of the first electronic medal is permitted.

[0060] [First Deposit Processing] If the aforementioned first authentication result R22 is positive, user H can instruct the deposit of the first electronic medal by operating the operator Z14. The first deposit process shown in Figure 10 is executed in response to the instruction to deposit the first electronic medal. The first deposit process is the process of converting the first credit held by user H in the game device 30 into the first electronic medal and depositing the converted first electronic medal into user H's first electronic medal account. If the first authentication result R22 is negative, the instruction to deposit the first electronic medal is not received, and the first deposit process triggered by that instruction is not executed.

[0061] When the control device 31 receives an instruction from user H to deposit the first electronic medal (Sb41), it transmits a deposit request R41 from the communication device 33 to the first management system 20 (Sb42). The deposit request R41 includes user H's identification information U1 and the deposit amount Md1. The deposit amount Md1 is the quantity of first electronic medals to be deposited into the first electronic medal account. For example, user H specifies the withdrawal amount Mw1 by operating the operating device 352. The control device 31 subtracts the quantity corresponding to the deposit amount Md1 from user H's first credit amount C1 (Sb43). For example, the value obtained by multiplying the deposit amount Md1 by a predetermined coefficient is subtracted from the first credit amount C1. Alternatively, the deposit amount Md1 may be subtracted from the first credit amount C1.

[0062] The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives a deposit request R41 via the communication device 23 (Sa41). The control device 21 searches the storage device 22 for the first management data X1 containing the identification information U1 in the deposit request R41, and adds the deposit amount Md1 to the first number held N1 of the first management data X1 (Sa42). As can be understood from the above explanation, the first credits held by user H are converted into first electronic medals, and these first electronic medals are deposited into the first electronic medal account. In addition, when user H gives an instruction to end the game, a quantity of first electronic medals corresponding to the number of first credits C1 (deposit amount Md1) may be deposited into the first electronic medal account. That is, all of the first credits may be converted into first electronic medals. Furthermore, a quantity of physical medals corresponding to the number of first credits C1 of user H may be dispensed from the dispensing device 355. In other words, the first electronic medals and physical medals are mutually convertible via the first credits.

[0063] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the first business model, the first electronic tokens managed by the first management system 20 of the amusement facility F are used to play games using the game machine 30 within the amusement facility F. In other words, the first electronic tokens managed at each amusement facility F are used exclusively for playing games at that amusement facility F and cannot be used to play games at other amusement facilities F.

[0064] The information system 12 in Figure 1 is used for the operation of each amusement facility F under the second business model. As illustrated in Figure 1, the information system 12 comprises a control system 40 and a second management system 50.

[0065] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system 40. The control system 40 is a computer system that controls the games provided to each user H under the second business model. As illustrated in Figure 12, the control system 40 comprises a control device 41, a storage device 42, and a communication device 43. The control system 40 can be implemented as a single device or as a group of separate devices. For example, the control system 40 may be composed of devices individually installed for each game provided in multiple gaming facilities F.

[0066] The control device 41 consists of one or more processors that control each element of the control system 40. Specifically, the control device 41 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0067] The storage device 42 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 41 and various data used by the control device 41. The storage device 42 is composed of known recording media such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. A portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the control system 40 may be used as the storage device 42. Alternatively, a recording media accessible by the control device 41 via the communication network 300 (e.g., cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 42. The storage device 42 stores the quantity of second credits (hereinafter referred to as "second credit count C2") for each user H who plays the game in the second business form. The second credit, like the first credit, is the value that user H consumes to play the game.

[0068] The communication device 43 communicates with the game machines 30 of each amusement facility F via the communication network 300. The communication device 43 also communicates with the terminal devices 70 of each user H via the communication network 300. Furthermore, the communication device 43 communicates with the second management system 50 via the communication network 300. The method of communication between the communication device 43 and each device (game machine 30, terminal device 70, or second management system 50) is not specified. For example, the communication device 43 may communicate with the second management system 50 via a local area network (not shown), such as a wired LAN or wireless LAN.

[0069] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the second management system 50. The second management system 50 is a computer system for managing the second electronic medal for each user H. As illustrated in Figure 13, the second management system 50 comprises a control device 51, a storage device 52, and a communication device 53. The second management system 50 can be implemented as a single device or as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0070] The control device 51 consists of one or more processors that control each element of the second management system 50. Specifically, the control device 51 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 53 communicates with the control system 40 via the communication network 300.

[0071] The storage device 52 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 51 and various data used by the control device 51. The storage device 52 is composed of known recording media such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. A portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the second management system 50 may be used as the storage device 52. Alternatively, a recording media accessible by the control device 51 via the communication network 300 (e.g., cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 52.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the storage device 52 stores second management data X2 for each user H. As illustrated in Figure 14, the second management data X2 for each user H includes the user H's identification information U2 and password information Ux, and a plurality of second holding quantities N2 corresponding to different gaming facilities F. The second holding quantity N2 for each gaming facility F is the quantity of second electronic medals that user H can use in games using the gaming system 11 of that gaming facility F. In other words, the second management data X2 is data representing an account for second electronic medals for each gaming facility F (hereinafter referred to as the "second electronic medal account") for each of the multiple users H. As can be understood from the above explanation, the second management system 50 manages each user H's second electronic medals for each gaming facility F. In other words, each user H's second electronic medal account is managed individually for each gaming facility F. That is, second electronic medals cannot be combined or converted between multiple gaming facilities F. With the above configuration, it is possible to restrict the act of exchanging second electronic tokens between multiple different gaming facilities F.

[0073] The identification information U2 in the second management data X2 is a code sequence used to identify each user H. Upon prior registration by user H, the user H's identification information U2 is registered in the second management data X2. Note that identification information U1 may be reused as identification information U2, or a separate identification information U2 may be used. In a configuration where identification information U1 is reused as identification information U2, the first authentication process and the second authentication process described later may be executed by a common system (first management system 20 or second management system 50). The password information Ux is used to authenticate the legitimacy of user H in the second business model. For example, an arbitrary code sequence (passcode) specified by user H during user registration is registered as the password information Ux in the second management data X2.

[0074] User H can acquire a second electronic medal through electronic payment using the terminal device 70. For example, a quantity corresponding to the payment amount via electronic payment is added to the second number held N2 in the second management data X2. As mentioned above, the second electronic medals are managed individually for each amusement facility F. Therefore, user H selects a desired amusement facility F from among several amusement facilities F and then acquires the second electronic medals at that amusement facility F. As described above, in the first embodiment, since user H can acquire the second electronic medal through electronic payment, the burden or effort on user H regarding the acquisition of the second electronic medal can be reduced compared to a form in which user H needs to acquire the second electronic medal at amusement facility F. However, a form in which user H can acquire the second electronic medal through payment within amusement facility F is also conceivable. Furthermore, user H may be given a second electronic medal free of charge as a perk for visiting amusement facility F. User H may also be given a second electronic medal when user H plays a game using the game device 30 at amusement facility F.

[0075] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 70. As mentioned above, each user H's terminal device 70 is a computer system for users H to play games provided under the second business model. The terminal device 70 comprises a control device 71, a storage device 72, a communication device 73, a display device 74, an operating device 75, and an imaging device 76. The terminal device 70 can be implemented as a single device or as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0076] The control device 71 consists of one or more processors that control each element of the terminal device 70. Specifically, the control device 71 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 73 communicates with the control system 40 via the communication network 300.

[0077] The storage device 72 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 71 and various data used by the control device 71. The storage device 72 is composed of known recording media such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. A portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the terminal device 70 may be used as the storage device 72. Alternatively, a recording media accessible by the control device 71 via the communication network 300 (e.g., cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 72.

[0078] The storage device 72 stores facility data Q for each of the multiple gaming facilities F. As illustrated in Figure 16, the facility data Q for each gaming facility F is information about the multiple game devices 30 installed in that gaming facility F. Specifically, the facility data Q includes identification information Q1 for the gaming facility F, identification information Q2 for each game device 30 installed in the gaming facility F, and guidance information Q3. The guidance information Q3 includes the name of the gaming facility F and the names of each game device 30 within the gaming facility F (e.g., game titles). The facility data Q is provided, for example, by the control system 40 and stored in the storage device 72.

[0079] The imaging device 76 in Figure 15 is an image capture device that captures images of user H. For example, the imaging device 76 comprises an optical system such as a photographic lens, an image sensor that receives incident light from the optical system, and a processing circuit that generates image data according to the amount of light received by the image sensor. The imaging device 76, which is separate from the terminal device 70, may be connected to the terminal device 70 by wire or wireless connection.

[0080] The display device 74 displays various images. The display device 74 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The operating device 75 receives operations from the user H. Specifically, the operating device 75 is a set of controls operated by the user H, or a touch panel integrated with the display surface of the display device 74.

[0081] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the second game screen G2 displayed on the display device 74 of each terminal device 70. The second game screen G2 is an image representing the progress of the lottery game provided under the second business model. As illustrated in Figure 17, the second game screen G2 includes multiple operators Z2 (Z21-Z24), a lottery video V, a play image P, and the second credit count C2. Each of the multiple operators Z2 is a software key that receives instructions from the user H. The play image P is an image representing the progress of the lottery game. The lottery video V is a video representing the physical lottery conducted by the lottery unit 34. The second credit count C2 is the number of second credits available to the user H.

[0082] The operator Z21 accepts a selection from user H for one of several types of lottery games. In Figure 17, it is assumed that a lottery game using lottery card L (bingo game) is selected, similar to the example in Figure 11. Therefore, the play image P in Figure 17 includes lottery card L. The state of each panel La on lottery card L is updated according to the result of the physical lottery by lottery unit 34, similar to the lottery game in the first usage form.

[0083] The operator Z22 receives instructions from user H to spend (i.e., bet) the second credit. The amount of the second credit to be spent is instructed by the operation of operator Z22. User H plays a lottery game in exchange for spending the second credit. If user H wins the lottery game, they are awarded a number of second credits corresponding to the amount spent as a reward. The number of second credits C2 in Figure 17 is updated as needed according to the progress of the lottery game. For example, the number of second credits C2 decreases as credits are spent in the lottery game and increases as rewards are given. As described above, the lottery game provided by the second usage mode progresses according to instructions from user H to operator Z21 or operator Z22 and the results of the physical lottery conducted by the lottery unit 34 in the gaming facility F. By viewing the second game screen G2, user H can check the status and results of the physical lottery conducted by the lottery unit 34 and the progress of the lottery game (specifically, the state of the lottery card L).

[0084] Operator Z23 receives instructions from user H to withdraw second electronic tokens from the second electronic token account corresponding to the gaming facility F where user H is located. Operator Z24 also receives instructions from user H to deposit second electronic tokens into the second electronic token account. As can be understood from the above explanation, the second game screen G2 receives instructions from user H regarding the lottery game.

[0085] [Second business model] Figures 18 to 21 are flowcharts showing the process for a user H outside of the amusement facility F to play games under the second business model. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the process of authenticating the legitimacy of user H who wishes to play games under the second business model.

[0086] A user H outside the gaming facility F instructs the start of a game provided under the second business model by operating the operating device 75 of the terminal device 70. Upon receiving the start instruction from user H (Sc51), the control device 71 transmits a start request R51 from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc52). The start request R51 includes identification information U2 and password information Ux. The identification information U2 and password information Ux are specified by user H, for example, through an operation on the operating device 75. The identification information U2 and password information Ux stored in the storage device 72 may also be included in the start request R51.

[0087] The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the start request R51 via the communication device 43 (Sd51) and transmits the start request R51 from the communication device 43 to the second management system 50 (Sd52). The control device 51 of the second management system 50 executes the second authentication process (Se52) upon receiving the start request R51 (Se51). Specifically, the control device 51 first searches the storage device 52 for the second management data X2 containing the identification information U2 in the start request R51. Secondly, the control device 51 compares the password information Ux in the second management data X2 with the password information Ux in the start request R51. The control device 51 then authenticates the legitimacy of user H if the password information Ux matches. On the other hand, if the second management data X2 containing the identification information U2 in the start request R51 is not found, or if the password information Ux does not match, the control device 51 does not authenticate the legitimacy of user H. The control device 51 transmits the authentication result R52 described above (hereinafter referred to as the "second authentication result") R52 from the communication device 53 to the control system 40 (Se53). The second authentication result R52 transmitted from the second management system 50 is received by the terminal device 70 via the control system 40 (Sd53, Sd54) (Sc53).

[0088] If the second authentication result R52 is positive, the process shown in Figure 19, which provides a game to user H, is initiated. When the process shown in Figure 19 is initiated, the control device 71 displays the selection screen Gs1 shown in Figure 22 on the display device 74 (Sc61). The selection screen Gs1 is an image for user H to select a gaming facility F and a game device 30. The aforementioned facility data Q is used to display the selection screen Gs1. As illustrated in Figure 22, the selection screen Gs1 includes multiple options g1 corresponding to different gaming facilities F. Each option g1 is the name of a gaming facility F that can provide games under the second business model. Each option g1 is displayed using the guidance information Q3 in the facility data Q of each gaming facility F. User H selects the option g1 corresponding to the desired gaming facility F from among the multiple options g1 by operating the operating device 75.

[0089] Furthermore, the selection screen Gs1 includes multiple options g2 corresponding to different game machines 30. The multiple options g2 are the names of game machines 30 available for the second business operation at the amusement facility F selected by user H. Each option g2 is displayed using the guidance information Q3 in the facility data Q of each amusement facility F. The types and number of game machines 30 installed at each amusement facility F differ from one amusement facility F to another. Therefore, the combination of game machines 30 represented by each option g2 and the number of options g2 change depending on the option g1 selected by user H.

[0090] User H selects the option g2 corresponding to the desired game device 30 from among several options g2 by operating the operating device 75. The control device 71 receives the selection of the gaming facility F and the selected game device 30 from User H (Sc62). In the following description, the gaming facility F selected by User H will be referred to as "selected gaming facility F," and the game device 30 selected by User H will be referred to as "selected game device 30."

[0091] As illustrated in Figure 19, the control device 71 transmits a connection request R61 from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc63). The connection request R61 includes identification information Q1 of the selected gaming facility F and identification information Q2 of the selected game device 30. The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the connection request R61 from the communication device 43 (Sd61). The control device 41 transmits the connection request R61 from the communication device 43 to the selected game device 30 in the selected gaming facility F (Sd62).

[0092] The control device 31 of the selection game device 30 receives a connection request R61 (Sb61) from the communication device 33. After the selection game device 30 receives the connection request R61, predetermined processing is performed between the terminal device 70, the control system 40, and the selection game device 30, thereby establishing a communication path between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30 via the control system 40. Part or all of the communication path between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30 is established, for example, by a P2P method. In the above state, communication between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30 is relayed by the control system 40.

[0093] Once the communication path is established through the above procedure, the following process is executed to display the second game screen G2 on the display device 74 of the terminal device 70. The following process is executed iteratively at appropriate times.

[0094] The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 transmits instruction data D from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc64). Instruction data D is data representing instructions from user H regarding the lottery game. The control device 71 generates instruction data D in response to instructions from user H to the operation device 75. For example, the lottery game selected by user H in an operation to operator Z21 and the amount of second credits to be consumed in an operation to operator Z22 are specified by instruction data D. The transmission of instruction data D is performed repeatedly at arbitrary intervals. For example, instruction data D is generated and transmitted each time an operation from user H is received by the operation device 75.

[0095] The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives instruction data D from the communication device 43 (Sd63). The control device 41 also transmits condition data Dc from the communication device 43 to the selection game device 30 (Sd64). Condition data Dc is data that specifies the conditions for the operation (e.g., physical lottery) to be performed by the selection game device 30. For example, if user H wins a special prize in the lottery game, condition data Dc instructing a special procedure for physical lottery corresponding to the special prize is transmitted from the control system 40 to the selection game device 30. The control device 31 of the selection game device 30 receives condition data Dc from the communication device 33 (Sb62). The control device 31 controls the lottery unit 34 so that the physical lottery is performed under the conditions specified by condition data Dc (Sb63).

[0096] The control device 31 of the selection game device 30 transmits status data Ds from the communication device 33 to the control system 40 (Sb64). The status data Ds is data in any format that represents the status of the operation of the selection game device 30. Specifically, the status data Ds in the first embodiment includes video data Dv generated by the imaging device 36 and result data Dr representing the result of the physical lottery by the lottery unit 34. Note that the video data Dv and the result data Dr do not need to be transmitted in parallel with each other, and the video data Dv and the result data Dr may be transmitted at different times. For example, the video data Dv is transmitted sequentially from the selection game device 30 at a predetermined interval using a streaming method. On the other hand, the result data Dr is transmitted, for example, each time the lottery is performed by the lottery unit 34. The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the video data Dv and the result data Dr (i.e., status data Ds) from the communication device 43 (Sd65). The status data Ds transmitted from the selection game device 30 to the control system 40 is an example of "first status data".

[0097] The control device 41 controls the lottery game played by user H (Sd66). That is, the control device 41 proceeds with the lottery game specified by instruction data D. Specifically, the control device 41 determines whether user H wins or loses according to the result of the physical lottery represented by result data Dr. User H plays the lottery game in exchange for the amount of 2 credits to be consumed as specified by instruction data D. If user H wins the lottery game, they are awarded 2 credits in a quantity corresponding to the amount consumed as a reward. As described above, the lottery game provided under the second business model includes the consumption of credits by user H and the awarding of rewards to user H, similar to the lottery game under the first business model.

[0098] The control device 41 generates image data Dg representing the second game screen G2 in Figure 17 (Sd67). Specifically, the control device 41 generates image data Dg corresponding to the video data Dv and the result data Dr. For example, the second game screen G2 includes a lottery video V represented by the video data Dv and a lottery card L corresponding to the lottery result represented by the result data Dr, as illustrated in Figure 17. The control device 41 also updates the number of second credits C2 on the second game screen G2 according to the result of the consumption or granting of second credits.

[0099] The control device 41 transmits image data Dg from the communication device 43 to the terminal device 70 (Sd68). The image data Dg is transmitted sequentially from the control system 40 to the terminal device 70, for example, by streaming. The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 receives the image data Dg from the communication device 73 (Sc65). The control device 71 displays the second game screen G2 of Figure 17, represented by the image data Dg, on the display device 74 (Sc66). Since the second game screen G2 includes a lottery video V of the lottery unit 34 in the actual game device 30, the user H can play the lottery game while visualizing a realistic and immersive physical lottery. In other words, the control system 40 provides the terminal device 70 with a lottery game that utilizes situation data Ds representing the status of the selected game device 30. Therefore, the terminal device 70 can be provided with a lottery game that appropriately reflects the status of the selected game device 30.

[0100] As explained above, in the second business model, the control system 40 displays the second game screen G2, including the lottery video V, on the terminal device 70, and proceeds with the game in accordance with instructions from the user H to the terminal device 70. That is, while users H inside the amusement facility F play the game by directly using the game device 30, users H outside the amusement facility F play the game in the same way by operating their own terminal device 70. Therefore, users H outside the amusement facility F can be provided with the same level of enjoyment as when playing the game inside the amusement facility F. Furthermore, the control system 40 of the first embodiment displays the second game screen G2 on the terminal device 70 according to the result of the operation of the selected game device 30 (result data Dr). Therefore, users H can easily check the status of the operation of the selected game device 30.

[0101] When user H instructs the end of the game by operating the control device 75, the communication path between the terminal device 70 and the selected game device 30 is terminated. In other words, the operation of providing the game to user H under the second business model ends.

[0102] [Second withdrawal process] If the aforementioned second authentication result R52 is positive, user H can instruct the withdrawal of the second electronic medal by operating the operator Z23. The second withdrawal process shown in Figure 20 is executed in response to the instruction to withdraw the second electronic medal. The second withdrawal process is the process of making user H's second electronic medal, which is managed by the second management system 50, usable for playing the game. If the second authentication result R52 is negative, the instruction to withdraw the second electronic medal is not received, and the second withdrawal process triggered by that instruction is not executed.

[0103] When the control device 71 receives a command from user H to withdraw the second electronic medal (Sc71), it transmits a withdrawal request R71 from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc72). The withdrawal request R71 includes user H's identification information U2, the selected gaming facility F's identification information Q1, and the number of medals to be withdrawn Mw2. The selected gaming facility F is the gaming facility F corresponding to the option g1 selected by user H from the selection screen Gs1 in Figure 22 in the process shown in Figure 19, which is performed before the start of the second withdrawal process. The withdrawal amount Mw2 is the quantity of second electronic tokens to be withdrawn from the second electronic token account. For example, user H specifies the withdrawal amount Mw2 by operating the operating device 75.

[0104] The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the retrieval request R71 via the communication device 43 (Sd71) and transmits the retrieval request R71 from the communication device 43 to the second management system 50 (Sd72). The control device 51 of the second management system 50 receives the retrieval request R71 via the communication device 53 (Se71). The retrieval request R71 may also be transmitted directly from the terminal device 70 to the second management system 50.

[0105] The control device 51 subtracts the withdrawal amount Mw2 from user H's second electronic medal account (Se72). Specifically, the control device 51 searches the storage device 22 for the second management data X2, which includes the identification information U2 in the withdrawal request R71. Then, the control device 51 subtracts the withdrawal amount Mw2 from the second holding amount N2 of the selected gaming facility F corresponding to the identification information Q1 in the withdrawal request R71, among the multiple second holding amounts N2 of the second management data X2. The control device 51 transmits a withdrawal notification R72, which indicates the completion of the withdrawal of the second electronic medal, from the communication device 53 to the control system 40 (Se73).

[0106] When the communication device 43 receives a withdrawal notification R72 (Sd73), the control device 41 adds a quantity corresponding to the withdrawal amount Mw2 to the user H's second credit amount C2 (Sd74). For example, the withdrawal amount Mw2 multiplied by a predetermined coefficient is added to the second credit amount C2. Alternatively, the withdrawal amount Mw2 may be added to the second credit amount C2. As can be understood from the above explanation, the second electronic medals held by user H are converted into second credits. As mentioned above, in the lottery game provided under the second business model, the second credits prepared by the above procedure are consumed. Note that in the second business model, physical medals are not dispensed. That is, while the first electronic medals can be converted into physical medals as mentioned above, the second electronic medals cannot be converted into physical medals.

[0107] [Second Deposit Processing] If the aforementioned second authentication result R52 is positive, user H can instruct the deposit of second electronic medals by operating the operator Z24. The second deposit process shown in Figure 21 is executed in response to the instruction to deposit second electronic medals. The second deposit process converts the second credits held by user H into second electronic medals and deposits the converted second electronic medals into user H's second electronic medal account. If the second authentication result R52 is negative, neither the instruction to deposit second electronic medals nor the second deposit process triggered by that instruction will be executed.

[0108] When the control device 71 receives an instruction from user H to deposit a second electronic medal (Sc81), it transmits a deposit request R81 from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc82). The deposit request R81 includes user H's identification information U2, the identification information Q1 of the selected gaming facility F, and the deposit amount Md2. The deposit amount Md2 is the quantity of second electronic medals to be deposited into the second electronic medal account. For example, user H specifies the deposit amount Md2 by operating the operating device 75.

[0109] The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the deposit request R81 via the communication device 43 (Sd81). The control device 41 subtracts a quantity corresponding to the deposit amount Md2 from the user H's second credit amount C2 (Sd82). For example, the deposit amount Md2 is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient and then subtracted from the second credit amount C2. Alternatively, the deposit amount Md2 may be subtracted from the second credit amount C2. The control device 41 then transmits the deposit request R81 from the communication device 43 to the second management system 50 (Sd83).

[0110] The control device 51 of the second management system 50 receives a deposit request R81 via the communication device 53 (Se81). The control device 51 adds the deposit amount Md2 to the user H's second electronic medal account (Se82). Specifically, the control device 51 searches the storage device 52 for the second management data X2 containing the identification information U2 in the deposit request R81. Then, the control device 51 adds the deposit amount Md2 to the second holding amount N2 of the selected gaming facility F corresponding to the identification information Q1 in the deposit request R81, from among the multiple second holding amounts N2 of the second management data X2. In addition, when user H gives an instruction to end the game, the amount of second electronic medals corresponding to the second credit amount C2 at that time (deposit amount Md2) may be deposited into the second electronic medal account. That is, all of the second credits may be converted into second electronic medals.

[0111] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the second business model, the second electronic tokens corresponding to the amusement facility F are used to play games using the game machines 30 within the amusement facility F. In other words, the second electronic tokens managed for each amusement facility F are used exclusively for playing games using the game machines 30 in that amusement facility F and cannot be used to play games using the game machines 30 in other amusement facilities F.

[0112] As explained above, in the first embodiment, the first electronic medals used to play games under the first business model and the second electronic medals used to play games under the second business model are managed separately. Therefore, it is possible to operate in a way that clearly distinguishes between the first and second business models. For example, it is possible to effectively prohibit user H from using electronic medals acquired in one of the first and second business models for use in the other. In particular, in the first embodiment, the first electronic medals used for games played by user H inside the amusement facility F and the second electronic medals used for games played by user H outside the amusement facility F are managed separately. Therefore, for example, it is possible to restrict the use of electronic medals acquired by playing games outside the amusement facility F for playing games inside the amusement facility F.

[0113] In the first embodiment, user H can play games using the game device 30 inside the amusement facility F during its operating hours, and can play games using the game device 30 outside the amusement facility F outside of its operating hours. In other words, it is possible to provide user H with the opportunity to play games both during and outside of operating hours, while preventing the mixing of the first electronic tokens usable for playing inside the amusement facility F and the second electronic tokens usable for playing outside the amusement facility F.

[0114] Furthermore, the gaming system 11 is used for operations under the first business model, while the control system 40 is used for operations under the second business model. In other words, the entity providing the game to user H differs between the first and second business models. Therefore, there is also the advantage that the game situation played by user H can be clearly distinguished between the first and second business models.

[0115] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. In each of the embodiments described below, elements whose function is the same as in the first embodiment will use the same reference numerals as in the description of the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0116] In the first embodiment, in the first business model, a user H within the amusement facility F plays a game by directly using the game device 30. In the second embodiment, in addition to playing a game using the game device 30 in the same way as in the first embodiment, user H within the amusement facility F can also play a game using their own terminal device 70. That is, the first business model of the second embodiment includes not only a model in which user H within the amusement facility F plays a game by operating the game device 30, but also a model in which user H within the amusement facility F plays a game by operating their own terminal device 70. As described above, the first business model is comprehensively expressed as a model in which a game is provided to user H within the amusement facility F.

[0117] Figure 23 is a flowchart of the process for a user H who has come to amusement facility F to play a game using terminal device 70. When the process in Figure 23 is started, the control device 71 of terminal device 70 determines whether terminal device 70 can connect to the local network 110 within amusement facility F (Sc91). Only terminal devices 70 located within amusement facility F can connect to the local network 110. Therefore, the above determination (Sc91) corresponds to determining whether terminal device 70 is located within amusement facility F.

[0118] If it is not possible to connect to the premises network 110 (Sc91:NO), it means that the terminal device 70 is located outside the gaming facility F. In this case, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 proceeds to step Sc61 in Figure 19. That is, the processing described in Figures 18 to 21 is executed. As described above, for the terminal device 70 outside the gaming facility F, games are provided by the second business model using the information system 12, similar to the first embodiment. Specifically, the control system 40 communicates with the selection game device 30 to provide the terminal device 70 outside the gaming facility F with a game corresponding to the operation of the selection game device 30.

[0119] On the other hand, if the terminal device 70 can connect to the local network 110 (Sc91: YES), it means that the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F. If the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F, the control device 71 obtains the identification information U1 stored in the storage device 72 (Sc92). The control device 71 also generates image data Df of the user H's face image using the imaging device 76 of the terminal device 70 (Sc93). The control device 71 transmits a start request R91 from the communication device 73 to the first management system 20 (Sc94). The start request R91 includes the identification information U1 and the image data Df.

[0120] The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives a start request R91 from the communication device 23 (Sa91). The control device 21 performs the same first authentication process as in the first embodiment (Sa92). Specifically, the control device 21 first searches the storage device 22 for first management data X1 containing identification information U1 acquired from the terminal device 70. Second, the control device 21 compares the reference data Dref in the first management data X1 with the image data Df acquired from the terminal device 70. The control device 21 then authenticates the legitimacy of user H if the similarity between the face image in the reference data Dref and the face image in the image data Df exceeds a threshold. On the other hand, if the first management data X1 containing identification information U1 is not found, or if the similarity of the face images falls below a threshold, the control device 21 does not authenticate the legitimacy of user H. The control device 21 transmits the result of the determination described above (first authentication result R92) from the communication device 23 to the requesting game device 30 (Sa93). The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 receives the first authentication result R92 via the communication device 73 (Sc95).

[0121] As described above, in the first embodiment, the imaging device 27 of the first management system 20 is used for the first authentication process, whereas in the second embodiment, the imaging device 76 of the terminal device 70 is also used for the first authentication process. That is, a user H in the gaming facility F can start a game using their own terminal device 70 without having to go to the first management system 20. In the first embodiment, if user H loses their registration card E in the gaming facility F after the first authentication process has been executed, there is a possibility that the person who finds the registration card E could illegally use user H's first electronic tokens to play the game. According to the second embodiment, in which the terminal device 70 is used for the first authentication process, the illegal use of the first electronic tokens as exemplified above can be suppressed. In other words, there is an advantage in that the security of using the first electronic tokens can be ensured.

[0122] If the first authentication result R92 is positive, the process shown in Figure 24, which provides a game to user H, is initiated. When the process shown in Figure 24 is initiated, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 displays the selection screen Gs2 shown in Figure 25 on the display device 74 (Sc101). The selection screen Gs2 is an image for user H to select one of several game machines 30 within the amusement facility F. The aforementioned facility data Q is used to display the selection screen Gs2. As illustrated in Figure 25, the selection screen Gs2 includes multiple options g2 corresponding to different game machines 30 within the amusement facility F where user H is located. Each option g2 is displayed using the guidance information Q3 in the facility data Q of the amusement facility F.

[0123] User H selects an option g2 from among several options g2 that corresponds to the desired game device 30 (selected game device 30) by operating the operating device 75. The control device 71 receives the selection of the selected game device 30 from user H (Sc102).

[0124] As illustrated in Figure 24, the control device 71 transmits a connection request R101 from the communication device 73 to the first management system 20 (Sc103). The connection request R101 includes identification information Q2 of the selected game device 30. The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives the connection request R101 from the communication device 23 (Sa101). The control device 21 transmits the connection request R101 from the communication device 23 to the selected game device 30 (Sd102).

[0125] The control device 31 of the selection game device 30 receives a connection request R101 (Sb101) from the communication device 33. After the selection game device 30 receives the connection request R101, predetermined processing is performed between the terminal device 70, the first management system 20, and the selection game device 30, thereby establishing a communication path between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30 via the first management system 20. Part or all of the communication path between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30 is established, for example, by a P2P method. In the above state, communication between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30 is relayed by the first management system 20.

[0126] As illustrated above, when the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F, a communication path is established between the terminal device 70, the first management system 20, and the game selection device 30. When the terminal device 70 is located outside the gaming facility F, a communication path is established between the terminal device 70, the control system 40, and the game selection device 30, as illustrated in Figure 19. Once a communication path is established for the terminal device 70 within the gaming facility F using the above procedure, the following process is executed to display the first game screen G1 shown in Figure 11 on the display device 74 of the terminal device 70. The following process is executed iteratively at appropriate times.

[0127] The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 transmits instruction data D from the communication device 73 to the first management system 20 (Sc104). The instruction data D is data representing instructions from user H regarding the lottery game, similar to the first embodiment. For example, the lottery game selected by user H in an operation to operator Z21 and the amount of second credits to be consumed in an operation to operator Z22 are specified by the instruction data D. The transmission of instruction data D is repeated, for example, each time an operation from user H is received by the operation device 75.

[0128] The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives instruction data D from the communication device 23 (Sa103). The control device 21 also transmits condition data Dc from the communication device 23 to the selection game device 30 (Sa104). The condition data Dc is data that specifies the conditions for the operation (e.g., physical lottery) to be performed by the selection game device 30, similar to the first embodiment. The control device 31 of the selection game device 30 receives the condition data Dc from the communication device 33 (Sb102). The control device 31 controls the lottery unit 34 so that the physical lottery is performed under the conditions specified by the condition data Dc (Sb103).

[0129] The control device 31 of the selection game device 30 transmits status data Ds from the communication device 33 to the first management system 20 (Sb104). The status data Ds in the second embodiment includes result data Dr representing the result of the physical lottery by the lottery unit 34 of the selection game device 30. The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives the result data Dr from the communication device 23 (Sa105). The status data Ds transmitted from the selection game device 30 to the first management system 20 is an example of "second status data".

[0130] The control device 21 controls the lottery game played by user H (Sa106). Specifically, the control device 21 proceeds with the lottery game specified by the instruction data D. More precisely, the control device 21 determines whether user H wins or loses based on the result of the physical lottery represented by the result data Dr. User H plays the lottery game in exchange for the amount of 1 credits specified by the instruction data D. If user H wins the lottery game, they are rewarded with 1 credits in a quantity corresponding to the amount consumed.

[0131] The control device 21 generates image data Dg representing the first game screen G1 in Figure 11 (Sa107). Specifically, the control device 21 generates image data Dg corresponding to the result data Dr. For example, the first game screen G1 includes a lottery card L corresponding to the lottery result represented by the result data Dr, as illustrated in Figure 11. The control device 21 also updates the first credit count C1 on the first game screen G1 according to the result of the consumption or granting of the first credit.

[0132] The control device 21 transmits image data Dg from the communication device 23 to the terminal device 70 (Sa108). The image data Dg is transmitted sequentially from the first management system 20 to the terminal device 70, for example, by streaming. The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 receives the image data Dg from the communication device 73 (Sc105). The control device 71 displays the first game screen G1 of Figure 11, represented by the image data Dg, on the display device 74 (Sc106). The processes described above (Sc104~Sc106) are executed iteratively. That is, the game system 11 (first management system 20) of the second embodiment provides the terminal device 70 with a lottery game corresponding to the operation of the selection game device 30 when the terminal device 70 is located within the game facility F. Specifically, the first management system 20 uses the status data Ds received from the selection game device 30 to provide the terminal device 70 within the game facility F with a lottery game.

[0133] The instruction data D transmitted from the terminal device 70 is generated in response to instructions from user H regarding the first game screen G1. For example, the lottery game selected by the operation of operator Z11 and the amount of first credits to be consumed instructed by the operation of operator Z12 are specified by the instruction data D. As described above, the first management system 20 of the second embodiment causes the terminal device 70 to display the first game screen G1, which accepts instructions from user H regarding the lottery game.

[0134] User H can play the lottery game using the terminal device 70 while observing the physical lottery process performed by the selection game device 30 in the amusement facility F and the first game screen G1 displayed on the terminal device 70. In other words, the terminal device 70 of the second embodiment provides the same functionality as the station 35 of the game device 30. It may also be said that the terminal device 70 functions as an additional station 35.

[0135] When user H instructs the end of the game by operating the control device 75, the communication path between the terminal device 70 and the selected game device 30 is terminated. In other words, the operation of providing the game to user H in the first business mode ends.

[0136] If the first authentication result R92 is positive, the first withdrawal process (Figure 9), similar to that of the first embodiment, is executed in response to an operation on the operator Z13 of the first game screen G1. Similarly, the first deposit process (Figure 10), similar to that of the first embodiment, is executed in response to an operation on the operator Z14 of the first game screen G1. In other words, the game system 11 of the second embodiment provides user H with a game that uses the first electronic medal authorized to user H through the first authentication process using the terminal device 70. That is, the terminal device 70 of the second embodiment is used as an authentication medium to determine whether or not the use of the first electronic medal is permitted. Therefore, user H does not need to possess a dedicated authentication medium such as a registration card E.

[0137] As can be understood from the above explanation, the first management system 20 of the second embodiment manages the first electronic medals used by user H to play games using the game device 30 and to play games using the terminal device 70 inside the amusement facility F. On the other hand, the second management system 50 manages the second electronic medals used to play games using the terminal device 70 outside the amusement facility F, as illustrated in the first embodiment. In other words, the first electronic medals used to play games using the terminal device 70 inside the amusement facility F and the second electronic medals used to play games using the terminal device 70 outside the amusement facility F are managed by separate systems. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, it is easy to implement an operation that clearly distinguishes between the first electronic medals and the second electronic medals.

[0138] The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that users H within the amusement facility F can play games using the terminal device 70. For example, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first electronic tokens used under the first business model and the second electronic tokens used under the second business model are managed separately. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the second embodiment.

[0139] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the control system 40 uses the status data Ds acquired from the selection game device 30 to provide a game to the terminal device 70 of the user H outside the amusement facility F. In other words, in the second embodiment, the amusement system 11 provides a game corresponding to the operation of the selection game device 30 to the terminal device 70 inside the amusement facility F, and the control system 40 provides a game corresponding to the operation of the selection game device 30 to the terminal device 70 outside the amusement facility F. Therefore, various forms of game play are realized. For example, whether the terminal device 70 is located inside or outside the amusement facility F, a game reflecting the operation of the selection game device 30 can be provided to the user H.

[0140] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, user H can play both games under the first business model and games under the second business model using a single terminal device 70. That is, user H can play the common games provided by the selection game device 30 using their own terminal device 70, both inside and outside the amusement facility F. Therefore, convenience such as user H being able to seamlessly play the same games inside and outside the amusement facility F can be ensured.

[0141] [Third Embodiment] Figure 26 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game system 100 in the third embodiment. The game system 100 in the third embodiment provides games to user H through a third business form in addition to the first and second business forms. The third business form is a business form in which games are provided without using the game units of the amusement facility F. Therefore, in the third business form, games are provided to user H regardless of the business hours of the amusement facility F. User H uses third electronic tokens to play games provided through the third business form. The third electronic tokens held by user H are managed separately from the first and second electronic tokens. That is, combining or exchanging third electronic tokens with first electronic tokens, or between third electronic tokens and second electronic tokens, is not permitted.

[0142] As illustrated in Figure 26, the information system 12 of the third embodiment includes a third management system 60 in addition to the control system 40 and the second management system 50. The third management system 60 is a computer system for managing the third electronic medal for each user H. The third management system 60 can communicate with the control system 40, for example, via the communication network 300.

[0143] Figure 27 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the third management system 60. As illustrated in Figure 27, the third management system 60 comprises a control device 61, a storage device 62, and a communication device 63. The third management system 60 can be implemented as a single device or as a group of separate devices.

[0144] The control device 61 consists of one or more processors that control each element of the third management system 60. Specifically, the control device 61 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 63 communicates with the control system 40 via the communication network 300. The communication device 63 may also communicate with the control system 40 via a local area network (not shown), such as a wired LAN or wireless LAN.

[0145] The storage device 62 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 61 and various data used by the control device 61. The storage device 62 is composed of known recording media such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. A portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the third management system 60 may be used as the storage device 62. Alternatively, a recording media accessible by the control device 61 via the communication network 300 (e.g., cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 62.

[0146] In the third embodiment, the storage device 62 stores third management data X3 for each user H. As illustrated in Figure 28, the third management data X3 for each user H includes the user H's identification information U3 and password information Ux, and the quantity of third electronic medals held by the user H (hereinafter referred to as "third holding quantity") N3. In other words, the third management data X3 is data representing an account for managing third electronic medals for each user H (hereinafter referred to as "third electronic medal account"). Users H can acquire third electronic medals through electronic payment using the terminal device 70. Specifically, a quantity corresponding to the payment amount via electronic payment is added to the third holding quantity N3 in the third management data X3. While the first and second electronic medals are managed individually for each gaming facility F, the third electronic medals are managed without distinguishing between gaming facilities F.

[0147] The identification information U3 in the third management data X3 is a code sequence used to identify each user H. Upon prior registration by user H, the user H's identification information U3 is registered in the third management data X3. Note that identification information U1 or U2 may be used as identification information U3. The password information Ux is a code sequence (passcode) used to authenticate the legitimacy of user H in the third business model.

[0148] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the third game screen G3 displayed on the display device 74 of the terminal device 70 in the third business model. The third game screen G3 is an image representing the progress of the lottery game provided in the third business model. As illustrated in Figure 29, the third game screen G3 includes multiple operators Z3 (Z31-Z34), a lottery video Va, a play image P, and the third credit count C3.

[0149] Each of the multiple operators Z3 is a software key that receives instructions from user H. The lottery video Va is a video representing a virtual physical lottery. That is, while the lottery video V on the second game screen G2 is a video of an actual physical lottery conducted by a lottery unit 34 that exists in real space, the lottery video Va on the third game screen G3 is a three-dimensional image representing a virtual physical lottery conducted by a virtual lottery unit in virtual space. In other words, the image of the lottery unit placed in virtual space as a virtual object and captured by a virtual imaging device is used as the lottery video Va. Alternatively, a planar image simulating the lottery unit 34 may be used as the lottery video Va. The third credit number C3 is the number of third credits that user H can use in the lottery game.

[0150] Operator Z31 receives a selection from user H for one of several types of lottery games. In Figure 29, it is assumed that a lottery game using lottery card L (bingo game) is selected, similar to the example in Figure 11. Operator Z32 receives an instruction from user H to spend (i.e., bet) the third credit. Operator Z33 receives an instruction from user H to withdraw the third electronic medal from the third electronic medal account. Operator Z34 also receives an instruction from user H to deposit the third electronic medal into the third electronic medal account.

[0151] [Third Business Model] Figure 30 is a flowchart of the process for user H to play a game under the third business model. User H instructs the start of the game provided under the third business model by operating the operating device 75 of the terminal device 70. Upon receiving the start instruction from user H (Sc111), the control device 71 transmits a start request R111 from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc112). The start request R111 includes the identification information U3 and password information Ux specified by user H.

[0152] The start request R111 transmitted from the terminal device 70 is received by the third management system 60 via the control system 40 (Sd111, Sd112) (Sf111). The control device 61 of the third management system 60 performs the third authentication process (Sf112). The third authentication process, like the second authentication process described above, is a process that determines the legitimacy of user H using the identification information U3 and the password information Ux. The control device 61 transmits the result of the third authentication process (hereinafter referred to as the "third authentication result") R112 from the communication device 63 to the control system 40 (Sf113). The third authentication result R112 transmitted from the third management system 60 is received by the terminal device 70 via the control system 40 (Sd113, Sd114) (Sc113). If the third authentication result R112 is positive, the following processes are performed to provide the game to user H. If the third authentication result R112 is negative, the following process will not be performed.

[0153] The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 transmits instruction data D from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 in response to instructions from user H (Sc114). The instruction data D specifies, for example, the lottery game selected by user H in an operation on operator Z31 and the amount of third credits to be consumed in an operation on operator Z32 instructed by user H. The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the instruction data D from the communication device 43 (Sd115).

[0154] The control device 41 controls the lottery game played by user H (Sd116). For example, the control device 41 determines whether user H wins or loses through an electronic lottery that simulates a physical lottery by the lottery unit 34. The control device 41 also generates a lottery video Va according to the result of the electronic lottery and increases or decreases user H's third credit according to the result of the electronic lottery. The control device 41 then generates image data Dg representing the third game screen G3 (Sd117). The third game screen G3 includes the lottery video Va and lottery card L according to the result of the electronic lottery, and the number of third credits C3 which has been updated according to the result of the increase or decrease in the third credit.

[0155] The control device 41 transmits image data Dg from the communication device 43 to the terminal device 70 (Sd118). The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 receives the image data Dg from the communication device 73 (Sc115) and displays the third game screen G3 represented by the image data Dg on the display device 74 (Sc116). As the above process is repeated, the third game screen G3 is updated in conjunction with the progress of the lottery game.

[0156] [Third withdrawal process] If the third authentication result R112 is positive, user H can instruct the withdrawal of the third electronic medal by operating the operator Z33. The third withdrawal process shown in Figure 31 is executed in response to the instruction from user H. The third withdrawal process is the process of making user H's third electronic medal, which is managed by the third management system 60, available for use in the lottery game.

[0157] When the control device 71 receives a request from user H to withdraw the third electronic medal (Sc121), it transmits a withdrawal request R121 from the communication device 73 (Sc122). The withdrawal request R121 includes user H's identification information U3 and the withdrawal amount Mw3 specified by user H. The withdrawal request R121 is received by the third management system 60 via the control system 40 (Sd121, Sd122) (Sf121). Alternatively, the withdrawal request R121 may be transmitted directly from the terminal device 70 to the third management system 60.

[0158] The control device 61 subtracts the withdrawal amount Mw3 from user H's third electronic medal account (Sf122). Specifically, the control device 61 subtracts the withdrawal amount Mw3 from the third holding amount N3 of the third management data X3, which includes identification information U3. The control device 61 transmits a withdrawal notification R122 from the communication device 63 to the control system 40 (Sf123).

[0159] When the communication device 43 receives the withdrawal notification R122 (Sd123), the control device 41 adds the amount corresponding to the withdrawal amount Mw3 to the user H's third credit amount C3 (Sd124). As can be understood from the above explanation, the third electronic medal held by user H is converted into third credits. Note that, like the second electronic medal, the third electronic medal cannot be converted into a physical medal.

[0160] [Third Deposit Processing] If the third authentication result R112 is positive, user H can instruct the deposit of third electronic medals by operating the operator Z34. The third deposit process shown in Figure 33 is executed in response to the instruction from user H. The third deposit process converts the third credits held by user H into third electronic medals and deposits the converted third electronic medals into user H's third electronic medal account.

[0161] When the control device 71 receives an instruction from user H to deposit a third electronic medal (Sc131), it transmits a deposit request R131 from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc132). The deposit request R131 includes user H's identification information U3 and the deposit amount Md3 specified by user H. The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the deposit request R131 via the communication device 43 (Sd131). The control device 41 subtracts the amount corresponding to the deposit amount Md3 from user H's third credit amount C3 (Sd132). The control device 41 also transmits the deposit request R131 from the communication device 43 to the third management system 60 (Sd133).

[0162] The control device 61 of the third management system 60 receives a deposit request R131 via the communication device 63 (Sf131). The control device 61 adds the deposit amount Md3 to user H's third electronic medal account (Sf132). Specifically, the control device 61 adds the deposit amount Md3 to the third holding amount N3 of the third management data X3, which includes identification information U3. In addition, when user H gives an instruction to end the game, all of the third credits may be converted into third electronic medals.

[0163] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, games are provided to users H regardless of the operating hours of the amusement facility F, ensuring that users H have ample opportunities to play games. The games provided under the third business model are the same as the games provided by the game machines 30 within the amusement facility F. Therefore, it is possible to encourage a large number of users H to visit the amusement facility F. In addition, in the third embodiment, the control system 40 is shared between the second and third business models, thus simplifying the configuration compared to the configuration in which separate systems are used for the second and third business models.

[0164] [Differentiation] Each of the forms exemplified above can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to each of the aforementioned forms are given below. Two or more forms arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be merged to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0165] (1) In the second embodiment (Figure 24), the first management system 20 is shown to perform the control of the lottery game (Sa106) and the generation of image data Dg (Sa107) provided to the terminal device 70, but the selection game device 30 may also perform the above processing. For example, if the first authentication result R92 is positive, the processing in Figure 33 is performed instead of the processing in Figure 24.

[0166] The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 displays the selection screen Gs2 on the display device 74 (Sc141), similar to the second embodiment, and accepts the selection of option g2 by user H (Sc142). The control device 71 transmits a connection request R141 to the selection game device 30 corresponding to the option g2 selected by user H (Sc143). The control device 31 of the selection game device 30 receives the connection request R141 via the communication device 33 (Sb141). After receiving the connection request R141, a communication path is established between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30. Alternatively, a communication path directly connecting the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30 may be established, or a communication path via the first management system 20 may be established between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30. In a configuration in which the first management system 20 is interposed between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30, the first management system 20 functions exclusively as a relay system that relays communication between the terminal device 70 and the selection game device 30.

[0167] The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 transmits instruction data D from the communication device 73 to the selection game device 30 (Sc144). The instruction data D, as in the second embodiment, specifies, for example, the lottery game selected by user H in an operation on operator Z21 and the amount of second credits to be consumed in an operation on operator Z22 instructed by user H.

[0168] The control device 31 of the selection game device 30 receives instruction data D from the communication device 33 (Sb142). The control device 31 controls the lottery game played by user H (Sb143). For example, the control device 31 advances user H's lottery game according to the result of the physical lottery by the lottery unit 34 and the instruction data D. The control device 31 generates image data Dg of the first game screen G1 representing the progress of the lottery game (Sb144) and transmits the image data Dg from the communication device 33 to the terminal device 70 (Sb145). The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 receives the image data Dg from the communication device 73 (Sc145). The control device 71 displays the first game screen G1 represented by the image data Dg on the display device 74 (Sc146).

[0169] As can be understood from the above explanation, the entity that provides games to the terminal device 70 in the amusement facility F may be either the first management system 20 or the game device 30. The second embodiment and this modified example comprehensively represent a form in which the amusement system 11 (first management system 20 or game device 30) provides games to the terminal device 70 in the amusement facility F. However, if we focus only on the function of providing games to the terminal device 70 in the amusement facility F, the first management system 20 is not an essential requirement for the amusement system 11.

[0170] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, in which a separate first management system 20 provides games to terminal devices 70 within the amusement facility F, it is not necessary to equip each game device 30 with the function of providing games to terminal devices 70. In addition, the first management system 20 can comprehensively provide games corresponding to the operation of the multiple game devices 30 to terminal devices 70 within the amusement facility F.

[0171] (2) In the second embodiment, in which a game is provided to a terminal device 70 in the amusement facility F, depending on the communication environment, for example, the progress of the game on the terminal device 70 may be delayed compared to the actual operation of the selection game device 30 in the amusement facility F. If the above delay is excessive, there is a possibility of fraudulent activity, such as deciding to use the first credit on the terminal device 70 after confirming the actual operation of the selection game device 30. Considering the above circumstances, it is preferable to allow the provision of a game to the terminal device 70 only when the communication between the terminal device 70 and the amusement system 11 is low-latency. For example, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 or the amusement system 11 acquires the amount of delay of the communication by the terminal device 70 and executes the processing in Figures 23 and 24 only when the amount of delay is below a predetermined threshold. With the above configuration, the aforementioned fraudulent activity that takes advantage of communication delay can be prevented.

[0172] (3) In the second embodiment, it was determined whether the terminal device 70 can connect to the premises network 110 of the gaming facility F. However, the method for determining whether the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F is not limited to the above examples. For example, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 may determine whether the location represented by the location information of the terminal device 70 is within a predetermined range including the gaming facility F. Known technologies can be arbitrarily used to generate the location information. For example, a form in which location information is generated using GPS (Global Positioning System) is conceivable. Alternatively, a form in which location information is generated using a wireless base station used for wireless communication such as mobile communication or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is also conceivable. Furthermore, user H may specify that the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F. A form in which user H is allowed to choose whether the terminal device 70 is located inside or outside the gaming facility F is conceivable. If user H chooses that the terminal device 70 is located outside the gaming facility F (Sc91:NO), the game is provided according to the second business model. On the other hand, if user H chooses that the terminal device 70 be located within the gaming facility F (Sc91:YES), the gaming system 11 provides games to the terminal device 70 according to the first business model.

[0173] Even if the terminal device 70 communicates using the communication network 300, if the communication is via the private network 110 within the amusement facility F and takes place during the amusement facility F's business hours, it may be determined to be a legitimate access from within the amusement facility F, and user H may be allowed to play the game in the first business form. Furthermore, whether or not the terminal device 70 is located within the amusement facility F may be determined based on whether or not the above-mentioned conditions are met. For example, if user H explicitly states that the terminal device 70 is located within the amusement facility F, and the terminal device 70 communicates via the private network 110 of the amusement facility F, it may be determined that the terminal device 70 is located within the amusement facility F.

[0174] (4) In the second embodiment, the first game screen G1 displayed on the terminal device 70 may include a lottery video V. For example, the status data Ds transmitted from the selection game device 30 to the first management system 20 in step Sb104 of Figure 24 may include video data Dv in addition to the result data Dr. The control device 21 of the first management system 20 generates image data Dg of the first game screen G1, which includes a plurality of operators Z1, a play image P, a first credit count C1, and the lottery video V. With the above configuration, even if a user H in the amusement facility F is not located near the selection game device 30, the user H can confirm the physical lottery process by the lottery video V. In other words, the location constraints for the user H playing the game are relaxed. Similarly, in the process of Figure 33, the first game screen G1 that the selection game device 30 displays on the terminal device 70 may also include a lottery video V.

[0175] (5) In each of the above-described forms, an example was given in which the first management system 20 performs the first authentication process for a user H who visits the amusement facility F. However, the first authentication process by the first management system 20 may be omitted. For example, in a configuration in which an imaging device is installed at each station 35 of the game machine 30, the first authentication process may be performed using the image data Df generated by the imaging device.

[0176] Figure 34 is a flowchart of the processes executed by the gaming system 11 when the imaging device is installed in the game device 30. The processes described in Figure 8 above are replaced by the processes in Figure 34.

[0177] User H, who has come to the amusement facility F, moves to a station 35 on a desired game machine 30 and places their registration card E on the reader 353 of that station 35. The control device 31 obtains the identification information U1 of the registration card E from the reader 353 (Sb151). The control device 31 also generates image data Df of user H's face image using the imaging device (Sb152). The control device 31 transmits an authentication request R151 containing the identification information U1 and image data Df from the communication device 33 to the first management system 20 (Sb153).

[0178] The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives an authentication request R151 via the communication device 23 (Sa151). The control device 21 performs the first authentication process in response to the authentication request R151 (Sa152). Specifically, the control device 21 searches the storage device 22 for the first management data X1 containing the identification information U1 in the authentication request R151, and compares the reference data Dref in the first management data X1 with the image data Df in the authentication request R151. The control device 21 then authenticates the legitimacy of user H if the similarity between the face image in the reference data Dref and the face image in the image data Df exceeds a threshold.

[0179] The control device 21 transmits the result of the first authentication process (first authentication result) R152 from the communication device 23 to the requesting game device 30 (Sa153). The control device 31 receives the first authentication result R152 via the communication device 33 (Sb154). The control device 31 performs the same actions as in Figure 8, controlling the game played by user H (Sb155) and displaying the first game screen G1 (Sb156).

[0180] In the above configuration, user H does not need to perform the first authentication process using the first management system 20 each time they visit the amusement facility F. That is, user H, upon arriving at the amusement facility F, can go directly to the desired game machine 30 and start playing a game. However, in the first embodiment described above, if user H loses their registration card E within the amusement facility F after the first authentication process has been performed, there is a possibility that the person who finds the registration card E could fraudulently use user H's first electronic tokens to play a game. In the configuration shown in Figure 34, where the first authentication process is performed at the request of the game machine 30 each time user H starts a game, the person who finds the registration card E cannot use user H's first electronic tokens to play a game. In other words, the configuration in Figure 34 has the advantage of ensuring the security of the use of the first electronic tokens.

[0181] (6) As described above, the second electronic medal is managed individually for each gaming facility F. Therefore, user H selects a desired gaming facility F from among multiple gaming facilities F and then obtains the second electronic medal through electronic payment. The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 may preferentially present to user H gaming facilities F that user H has visited in the past as candidates for obtaining the second electronic medal. For example, the control device 71 stores data of gaming facilities F that user H has visited in the past in the storage device 72. The control device 71 displays the multiple gaming facilities F that are eligible for obtaining the second electronic medal on the display device 74 in descending order of the number of visits. With the above configuration, user H can easily select a gaming facility F that they frequently use. In addition, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 may selectively present to user H gaming facilities F that user H has visited in the past as candidates for obtaining the second electronic medal. With the above configuration, the profits generated from user H's acquisition of the second electronic medal can be returned exclusively to the amusement facility F that user H has visited in the past.

[0182] (7) In the first embodiment, image data Dg representing the second game screen G2 was transmitted from the control system 40 to the terminal device 70. However, the method for causing the terminal device 70 to display the second game screen G2 is not limited to the above examples. For example, control data including video data Dv, result data Dr, and the second credit count C2 may be transmitted from the control system 40 to the terminal device 70, and the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 may generate image data Dg of the second game screen G2 from the control data. That is, the process of step Sd67 in Figure 19 is executed by the control device 71. The control device 71 causes the display device 74 to display the second game screen G2 represented by the image data Dg. As can be understood from the above description, the format of the data transmitted from the control system 40 to the terminal device 70 is arbitrary, as long as the control system 40 can cause the terminal device 70 to display the second game screen G2. The image data Dg in the first embodiment and the control data in this modified example are comprehensively expressed as display control data that causes the terminal device 70 to display the second game screen G2.

[0183] In the above explanation, we focused on the display of the second game screen G2, but the same applies to the display of the first game screen G1 by the terminal device 70. For example, control data including result data Dr and the first credit count C1 may be transmitted from the gaming system 11 to the terminal device 70, and the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 may generate image data Dg of the first game screen G1 from the control data. That is, the process of step Sa107 in Figure 24 or step Sb144 in Figure 33 is executed by the control device 71 of the terminal device 70. The control device 71 causes the display device 74 to display the first game screen G1 represented by the image data Dg. As described above, the format of the data for displaying the first game screen G1 on the terminal device 70 is arbitrary.

[0184] The same applies to the display of the third game screen G3 illustrated in the third embodiment. For example, control data including result data Dr and the third credit count C3, and video data representing the lottery video Va, may be transmitted from the control system 40 to the terminal device 70. The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 generates image data Dg of the third game screen G3 from the control data. That is, the process of step Sd117 in Figure 30 is executed by the control device 71 of the terminal device 70. The control device 71 causes the display device 74 to display the third game screen G3 represented by the image data Dg. As described above, the format of the data for displaying the third game screen G3 on the terminal device 70 is arbitrary.

[0185] (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, a physical lottery in which a lottery ball 37 is placed into one of the multiple pockets 343 has been illustrated, but the types of games that the game device 30 can play are not limited to the above examples. For example, the game device 30 may play a pusher game in which physical medals are dropped from a table by a pusher table that moves back and forth repeatedly, or a horse racing game in which multiple virtual racehorses compete. In addition to an embodiment in which a game mechanism such as a lottery unit 34 is installed in the center of multiple stations 35 (a so-called mass medal machine), the above-described embodiments also apply to an embodiment in which the game device 30 is composed of a single unit (a so-called single medal machine). Examples of embodiments composed of a single unit include a game device 30 for a slot game or a poker game.

[0186] (9) If the state of each game machine 30 at the time the operation under the first business model ends is carried over to the operation immediately following under the second business model, then the profits earned by user H from playing games under the first business model can be effectively carried over to the second business model. For example, if we assume a model in which a special game can be played by acquiring a predetermined number of step items, the number of acquired step items may be carried over from the first business model to the second business model. Also, for example, the state of physical medals in a pusher game may be carried over from the first business model to the second business model. Considering the above circumstances, it is preferable that the state of each game machine 30 is initialized at the time the operation under the first business model ends. For example, the control device 31 of each game machine 30 initializes the state of the game machine 30 when the operation under the first business model is instructed to end by the manager. For example, the control device 31 initializes the number of acquired step items at each station 35 to zero. Furthermore, the control device 31 initializes the state of the physical tokens in the pusher game by supplying and dispensing a large amount of physical tokens. Although the above example illustrates how the control device 31 initializes the game state, the game state may also be initialized manually by an employee or other manager of the amusement facility F.

[0187] (10) In the third embodiment, the control system 40 is shown as having a configuration that performs both the provision of games under the second business model and the provision of games under the third business model. However, the system for providing games under the second business model and the system for providing games under the third business model may be installed separately. That is, the control system 40 may be composed of multiple systems corresponding to different business models.

[0188] (11) In the above-mentioned forms, the provision of games outside of the operating hours of the amusement facility F was given as an example of the second form of business, but the second form of business is not limited to the above examples. For example, a form in which game machines 30 installed in a storage place such as a warehouse that users H do not visit is also given as an example of the second form of business. Game machines 30 installed in the storage place are game machines 30 that can also be operated inside the amusement facility F. For example, game machines 30 that have become difficult to install inside the amusement facility F due to reasons such as a reduction in installation area are moved to the storage place. The second form of business has the advantage that game machines 30 stored in the storage place can be used effectively. As can be understood from the above examples, for example, in businesses that require permission from administrative authorities (licensed businesses), the "form of business" is distinguished according to whether or not there are restrictions on gaming. The first form of business is business within the scope of restrictions on licensed businesses, and the second form of business is business within the scope in which such restrictions are not imposed.

[0189] (12) In each of the above-described embodiments, facial recognition using image data Df was given as an example of the first authentication process, but the specific method of the first authentication process is not limited to the above examples. For example, biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication using the user H's fingerprint, or authentication using password information Ux such as a PIN, may be adopted as the first authentication process. Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, a second authentication process using password information Ux was given as an example, but the specific method of the second authentication process is not limited to the above examples. For example, biometric authentication such as facial recognition or fingerprint authentication may be adopted as the second authentication process. Similarly, various biometric authentication methods may be adopted for the third authentication process.

[0190] (13) The functions of the game system 100 in each of the above-described forms are realized through the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device (21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71) and programs stored in the storage devices (22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72). The programs in each of the above forms can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on the computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disc) like a CD-ROM, but also includes any known form of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. A non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except for transient propagation signals (transitory, propagating signals), and volatile recording media are not excluded. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes programs via a communication network 300, the recording medium in which the distribution device stores the programs corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0191] [Note] From the above description, preferred embodiments of this disclosure can be understood, for example, as follows. For the sake of ease of understanding each embodiment, the reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently included in parentheses below, but this does not mean that this disclosure is limited to the embodiments shown.

[0192] [Note A] It is conceivable that game machines within a specific facility may be used under different business models. For example, in addition to the normal business model of providing games to users within the facility, a business model of providing games using the game machines to users in remote locations may be conceivable. However, if tokens usable for games under one business model can be used for games under another business model, there is a problem that restrictions on the use of tokens within the facility will be effectively nullified. Taking these circumstances into consideration, one aspect of this disclosure (Appendix A) aims to restrict the exchange of gaming media between multiple business models.

[0193] [Note A1] A game system (100) relating to one aspect of this disclosure (Appendix A1) comprises a first management system (20) for managing a first game medium used for playing a game using a game device (30) operating under a first business model, for each user (H), and a second management system (50) for managing a second game medium used for playing a game using the game device (30) operating under a second business model different from the first business model, separately from the first game medium, for each user (H).

[0194] In the above embodiment, the first gaming medium used to play the game under the first business model and the second gaming medium used to play the game under the second business model are managed separately. Therefore, it is possible to operate in a way that clearly distinguishes the gaming medium between the first and second business models. For example, it is possible to effectively prohibit a user (H) from using a gaming medium acquired under one of the first or second business models in the other.

[0195] "Business format" refers to the format of business using the game device (30). Specifically, in businesses requiring a license (licensed business), "business format" is distinguished according to whether or not there are restrictions on gaming. Restrictions on gaming include, for example, restrictions on business hours or restrictions on the location of business. For example, focusing on restrictions on business hours, the first business format is business conducted during business hours in which the provision of games to users (H) within the facility (F) is permitted, and the second business format is business conducted outside of those business hours (business conducted during hours in which it is permitted because games are not provided to users (H) within the facility (F)). Furthermore, focusing on restrictions on the location of business, the first business format is business conducted in a location in which the provision of games to users (H) is permitted, and the second business format is business conducted in a warehouse or other location where users (H) are not present (business conducted in a location in which it is permitted because there are no users (H) directly playing the games).

[0196] A "game medium" is a medium of value that a user (H) can use in playing a game. For example, a game medium is used as payment for playing. Examples of tangible mediums of value such as physical medals (token coins), currency (coins), or tickets are given as "game mediums." Intangible mediums of value such as electronic medals, electronic currency (electronic money), credits, or points are also given as "game mediums." The first game medium and the second game medium may be of the same type or different types.

[0197] "To manage the first game medium and the second game medium separately" means that each of the first game medium and the second game medium is managed independently, and that, for example, no calculations (e.g., addition, subtraction) or exchanges are performed between them.

[0198] [Appendix A2] In the specific example of Appendix A1 (Appendix A2), the first business form is a form in which the game is provided to users (H) within a facility (F) where the game device (30) is installed, and the second business form is a form in which the game is provided to users (H) outside the facility (F). In the above embodiment, the first game medium used for games played by users (H) inside the facility (F) and the second game medium used for games played by users (H) outside the facility (F) are managed separately. Therefore, acts such as using game mediums obtained by playing games outside the facility (F) for playing games inside the facility (F) are restricted.

[0199] [Note A3] In the specific example of Appendix A2 (Appendix A3), in the first business mode, the game device (30) advances the game in response to instructions from users (H) inside the facility (F), and in the second business mode, the control system (40) further comprises a control system (40) that displays a game screen (G2) including a video (V) generated by imaging by the game device (30) on a terminal device (70) of a user (H) outside the facility (F), and advances the game in response to instructions from the user (H) to the terminal device (70). In the above embodiments, users (H) inside the facility (F) play the game by directly using the game device (30), and users (H) outside the facility (F) play the game by operating the game's own terminal device (70). Therefore, the same level of entertainment as when playing the game inside the facility (F) can be provided to users (H) outside the facility (F).

[0200] [Note A4] In the specific example of Appendix A2 (Appendix A4), the first business form is a form in which games using the game device (30) are provided during the operating hours of the facility (F), and the second business form is a form in which games using the game device (30) are provided outside of the operating hours. In the above embodiment, the user (H) can play games using the game device (30) inside the facility (F) during the facility (F)'s operating hours, and can play games using the game device (30) outside the facility (F) outside of the operating hours. In other words, the user (H) can be given the opportunity to play games both during and outside of operating hours, while preventing the mixing of the first game medium usable for play inside the facility (F) and the second game medium usable for play outside the facility (F).

[0201] [Note A5] In any specific example from Appendix A2 to A4 (Appendix A5), the first gaming medium is available for purchase within the facility (F), and the second gaming medium is available for purchase via electronic payment using the terminal device (70). In this embodiment, the user (H) can purchase the first gaming medium within the facility (F) and the second gaming medium via electronic payment using the terminal device (70). Therefore, compared to a configuration where, for example, the user (H) needs to purchase the second gaming medium at the facility (F), the burden or effort on the user (H) regarding the purchase of the second gaming medium can be reduced.

[0202] [Note A6] In any specific example from Appendix A1 to A5 (Appendix A6), the first management system (20) manages the first gaming medium of each user (H) for each facility (F), and the first gaming medium of the facility (F) is used to play games using the game device (30) within the facility (F). In the above embodiment, the first gaming medium is managed for each facility (F). Therefore, the act of exchanging gaming mediums between multiple different facilities (F) can be restricted.

[0203] [Note A7] In any specific example from Appendix A1 to Appendix A6 (Appendix A7), the first management system (20) manages the second gaming medium of each user (H) for each facility (F), and the second gaming medium of the facility (F) is used to play games using the game device (30) within the facility (F). In the above embodiment, the second gaming medium is managed for each facility (F). Therefore, the act of exchanging gaming mediums between multiple different facilities (F) can be restricted.

[0204] [Note A8] The operation method of the game system (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure (Appendix A8) involves managing a first game medium used for playing a game using a game device (30) operating under a first business model, for each user (H), while managing a second game medium used for playing a game using the game device (30) operating under a second business model different from the first business model, separately from the first game medium, for each user (H).

[0205] [Note A9] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure (Appendix A9) causes a computer system to function as a first management system (20) that manages a first game medium used for playing games using a game device (30) operating under a first business model, for each user (H), and a second management system (50) that manages a second game medium used for playing games using the game device (30) operating under a second business model different from the first business model, separately from the first game medium, for each user (H).

[0206] [Note B] Recent game devices are required to allow users to play in a variety of ways. Taking these circumstances into consideration, one aspect of the present invention (Appendix B) aims to realize game play in a variety of ways.

[0207] [Note B1] A game system (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix B1) includes a game device (30) that provides games within a facility (F), and comprises a gaming system (11) that provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to a terminal device (70) when the terminal device (70) is located within the facility (F), and a control system (40) that, through communication with the game device (30), provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70) located outside the facility (F).

[0208] According to the above configuration, the game system (11) can perform the operation of providing a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to a terminal device (70) within the facility (F), and the control system (40) can perform the operation of providing a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70). Therefore, various forms of game play can be realized. For example, whether the terminal device (70) is located inside or outside the facility (F), a game reflecting the operation of the game device (30) can be provided to the user (H).

[0209] The elements that provide games to terminal devices (70) within the facility (F) may be implemented by a separate management system (20) from the game device (30), or they may be installed on the game device (30). Furthermore, the management system (20) may be a system dedicated to providing games to terminal devices (70) within the facility (F), or it may be a system (Millionet) that manages the gaming media used in games within the facility (F). In the configuration in which the elements that provide games to terminal devices (70) within the facility (F) are installed on the game device (30), the management system (20) in the gaming system (11) may be omitted.

[0210] The gaming system (11) provides games when the terminal device (70) is located inside the facility (F). The gaming system (11) is restricted from providing games to terminal devices (70) located outside the facility (F). On the other hand, the control system (40) provides games to terminal devices (70) located outside the facility (F). The control system (40) may also provide games to terminal devices (70) located inside the facility (F).

[0211] [Note B2] In the specific example of Appendix B1 (Appendix B2), the gaming system (11) displays a game screen (G1) that accepts instructions from the user (H) regarding the game on the terminal device (70) within the facility (F). In the above embodiment, the game screen (G1) that accepts instructions from the user (H) is displayed on the terminal device (70). Therefore, the user (H) within the facility (F) can play the game using the terminal device (70) while visually observing the operation of the game device (30) within the facility (F). For example, in an embodiment in which the game device (30) is equipped with a station (35) that displays the game screen (G1) that accepts instructions from the user (H), the user's (H) terminal device (70) functions as an additional station (35).

[0212] [Note B3] In a specific example of Appendix B1 or Appendix B2 (Appendix B3), the control system (40) receives first status data (Ds) representing the status of the game device (30) from the game device (30), and uses the first status data (Ds) to provide the terminal device (70) with a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30). In the above embodiment, the game is provided to the terminal device (70) using the first status data (Ds) representing the status of the game device (30). Therefore, a game that appropriately reflects the status of the game device (30) can be provided to the terminal device (70).

[0213] "First status data (Ds)" is data in any format that represents the status of the game device (30). For example, video data (Dv) generated by imaging the game device (30), or result data (Dr) representing the result of an operation such as a lottery performed by the game device (30), are included in "status data (Ds)".

[0214] [Note B4] In the specific example of Appendix B3 (Appendix B4), the first situation data (Ds) includes video data (Dv) generated by imaging of the game device (30), and the control system (40) causes the terminal device (70) to display a game screen (G2) including the video (V) represented by the video data (Dv). In the above embodiment, the video (V) of the game device (30) is displayed on the terminal device (70). Therefore, compared to a form in which, for example, a virtual object representing the game device (30) is displayed on the terminal device (70), a more realistic or immersive game can be provided to the user (H).

[0215] [Note B5] In the specific example of Appendix B3 or Appendix B4 (Appendix B5), the first status data (Ds) includes result data (Dr) representing the result of the operation by the game device (30), and the control system (40) causes the terminal device (70) to display a game screen (G2) corresponding to the result represented by the result data (Dr). In the above embodiment, the game screen (G2) corresponding to the result of the operation by the game device (30) is displayed on the terminal device (70). Therefore, the user (H) can easily check the status of the operation of the game device (30).

[0216] "Result of operation by the game device (30)" is, for example, the result of a lottery process performed by the game device (30). The lottery process is, for example, a process that probabilistically selects whether the user (H) wins or loses, or a process that probabilistically selects one of several lottery elements. Therefore, "result data (Dr)" is, for example, data representing whether the user (H) wins or loses, or data representing the selected lottery element from among several lottery elements.

[0217] [Note B6] In any specific example from Appendix B1 to Appendix B5 (Appendix B6), the gaming system (11) includes a first management system (20) separate from the game device (30), the first management system (20) receives second status data (Ds) representing the status of the game device (30) from the game device (30), and uses the second status data (Ds) to provide a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to a terminal device (70) within the facility (F). In the above embodiment, the first management system (20), separate from the game device (30), provides the game to the terminal device (70) within the facility (F). Therefore, it is not necessary to install a function to provide games to the terminal device (70) in the game device (30). Furthermore, the first management system (20) can comprehensively provide games corresponding to the operation of multiple game devices (30) to the terminal device (70) within the facility (F).

[0218] [Note B7] In the specific example of Appendix B6 (Appendix B7), the first management system (20) further comprises a second management system (50) that manages a first game medium used for playing games using the game device (30) and for playing games using terminal devices (70) within the facility (F), and manages a second game medium used for playing games using terminal devices (70) outside the facility (F). In the above embodiment, the first game medium used for playing games using terminal devices (70) within the facility (F) and the second game medium used for playing games using terminal devices (70) outside the facility (F) are managed by separate systems. Therefore, it is easy to implement an operation that clearly distinguishes between the first game medium and the second game medium.

[0219] [Note B8] In any specific example from Appendix B1 to Appendix B6 (Appendix B8), the game device (30) provides the terminal device (70) within the facility (F) with a game that uses a first game medium authorized through authentication processing using the terminal device (70). In the above embodiment, the user's (H) terminal device (70) is used as an authentication medium for determining whether or not to permit the use of the game medium. Therefore, the user (H) does not need to possess a dedicated authentication medium.

[0220] [Note B9] A method of operation of a game system (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix B9) is as follows: A gaming system (11) including a game device (30) that provides games within a facility (F) provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to a terminal device (70) when the terminal device (70) is located within the facility (F), and a control system (40) that communicates with the game device (30) provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70) located outside the facility (F).

[0221] [Note B10] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure (Appendix B10) includes a game device (30) that provides games within a facility (F), and when a terminal device (70) is located within the facility (F), the program functions as a computer system comprising: a gaming system (11) that provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70); and a control system (40) that, through communication with the game device (30), provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70) located outside the facility (F). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0222] 100...Game system, 200...Amusement facility, 300...Communication network, E...Registration card, 11...Amusement system, 12...Information system, 110...Private network, 20...First management system, 21,31,41,51,61,71...Control device, 22,32,42,52,62,72...Storage device, 23,33,43,53,63,73...Communication device, 24,351,74...Display device, 25,35 2,75...Operating device, 26,353...Reading device, 27,36,76...Imaging device, 28,355...Dispensing device, 30...Game device, 34...Lottery unit, 341...Lottery field, 342...Supply device, 343...Pocket, 35...Station, 354...Reception device, 37...Lottery ball, 40...Control system, 50...Second management system, 60...Third management system, 70...Terminal device.

Claims

1. In a facility where a game machine and management system are installed, the management system processes for each user the management of the first game medium used to play the game and the authentication of the user, and the game machine and the management system are connected via a network, Within the aforementioned facility, the management system is operated to enable users who have been authenticated to use the first gaming medium for playing the game on the game device. Within the aforementioned facility, a user who has been authenticated by operating a terminal device connected to the management system and network is enabled to use the first gaming medium for playing a game using the game device on the terminal device. Game system.

2. The authentication performed by the user by operating the management system includes the management system obtaining information on the recording medium associated with the user. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the authentication performed by the user by operating the terminal device includes the management system acquiring information on the terminal device operated by the user.

3. In a facility where a game machine and management system for providing games are installed, the management system processes the management of the first game medium used to play the game and authenticates the user for each user, and the game machine and the management system are connected to a computer incorporated into a game system via a network. Within the aforementioned facility, the management system is operated to enable users who have been authenticated to use the first gaming medium for playing the game on the game device. Within the aforementioned facility, a user who has been authenticated by operating a terminal device connected to the management system and network is enabled to use the first gaming medium for playing a game using the game device on the terminal device. How the game system works.

4. In a facility where a game machine and management system for providing games are installed, the management system processes the management of the first game medium used to play the game and authenticates the user for each user, and the game machine and the management system are connected to a computer incorporated into a game system via a network. Within the aforementioned facility, the management system is operated to enable a user who has been authenticated to use the first gaming medium for playing the game on the game device. Within the aforementioned facility, a process is performed on the terminal device, which is connected to the management system and network, to enable a user who has been authenticated to use the first gaming medium for playing a game using the game device. A program that executes the command.

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