Information processing equipment, information processing system, program

Abstract

To reduce time and effort of a player when a plurality of lottery games are executed in parallel.SOLUTION: And game execution means 56 for executing a first game (normal game) and a second game (special game), wherein a result of the first game is determined by using a plurality of times of lottery processing executed by the lottery means 54, and a result of the second game is determined by using a part of the plurality of times of lottery processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an apparatus capable of executing a plurality of lottery games has been known. A lottery game refers to a game including a lottery process and a game processed based on the lottery process.

[0003] The result of the game included in the lottery game is determined based on a plurality of lottery processes performed multiple times. As a specific example of the game, there is a bingo game using a bingo card in which numbers are randomly arranged in rows and columns. In the bingo game, if the number selected by the lottery process exists on the bingo card distributed to the player, the number on the bingo card is validated. Then, the result of the game is determined by the arrangement of the validated numbers in the bingo card when all the lottery processes are completed.

[0004] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus capable of executing a plurality of lottery games.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] For example, when a plurality of lottery games are executed in parallel, the player has to check the progress of each game that changes according to the result every time the result of the lottery process is obtained, which is troublesome.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program that can reduce the effort required of players when multiple lottery games are run in parallel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a lottery means for executing a lottery process multiple times; and a game execution means for executing a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using the multiple lottery processes executed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using some of the multiple lottery processes.

[0009] An information processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: a lottery means for executing a lottery process multiple times; and a game execution means for executing a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using a portion of the multiple lottery processes executed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using the lottery processes other than the portion of the multiple lottery processes.

[0010] An information processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises: a lottery means for performing a lottery process; and a game means for performing a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using the result of the lottery process performed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using the timing at which the result of the lottery process is finalized.

[0011] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the lottery process used by the game execution means to determine the result of the second game includes the latter half of the multiple lottery processes executed by the lottery means.

[0012] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the multiple lottery processes are grouped together as a single lottery process, The game execution means determines the result of the first game for each of the lottery processing groups, and determines the result of the second game for each of the multiple lottery processing groups.

[0013] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the game execution means determines the result of the first game and the result of the second game at the same time.

[0014] An information processing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention further comprises an information processing device and a storage means for storing the progress of the second game by the game execution means of the information processing device, wherein the game execution means can start the second game from the progress based on the information in the storage means.

[0015] A program according to the eighth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a lottery means that executes a lottery process multiple times, a game execution means that executes a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using the multiple lottery processes executed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using some of the multiple lottery processes.

[0016] A program according to the ninth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a lottery means that executes a lottery process multiple times, a game execution means that executes a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using a portion of the multiple lottery processes executed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using the lottery processes other than the portion of the multiple lottery processes.

[0017] A program according to the tenth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a lottery means for executing a lottery process, a game means for executing a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using the result of the lottery process executed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using the timing at which the result of the lottery process is finalized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor of players that occurs when a plurality of lottery games are executed in parallel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is an external perspective view of a lottery game machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a top view of a lottery device and a satellite in the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a view showing a protrusion located along the upper surface of a turntable in the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a view showing a protrusion protruding from the upper surface of a turntable in the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the lottery game machine of FIG. 1 and an IC card. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of the lottery game machine of FIG. 1 and an IC card. [Figure 7A] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of a reflection procedure of a lottery process for each of a normal game and a special game. [Figure 7B] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of a reflection procedure of a lottery process for each of a normal game and a special game. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing a first example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means of the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a view schematically showing a first example of a game screen displayed on the touch panel of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] [[ID=4,2]]It is a view schematically showing a second example of a game screen displayed on the touch panel of FIG. 2. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing a second example of the flow of processing performed by each functional means of the lottery game machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 12]Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a game screen displayed on a touch panel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are used for identical components and steps in each drawing whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0021] ===First Embodiment=== First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. ≪Overall Structure≫ Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the lottery game machine 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a top view of the lottery device 10 and satellite 20 in the lottery game machine 1 of Figure 1.

[0022] The lottery game machine 1 according to the first embodiment is an arcade game machine installed in a game center or the like, and is an information processing device that executes a game program. The lottery game machine 1 provides a lottery game to the player of the lottery game machine 1 by outputting the execution results of the game program (image data, audio data, etc.) to the lottery game machine 1.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lottery game machine 1 comprises a physical lottery device 10 located in the center, and a plurality of satellites 20 (eight in Figures 1 and 2) arranged around the lottery device 10 that receive input from players. In response to receiving input from each player at each of the plurality of satellites 20, the lottery game machine 1 executes a lottery process using balls B as the lottery medium at the lottery device 10.

[0024] The ball B used in the lottery process is, for example, a translucent resin sphere, and each ball has unique information. This unique information includes, for example, appearance information including at least one of the color, shape, or size of ball B, and a tag ID, which is identification information indicating the IC tag (not shown) that ball B has. The IC tag is a small recording medium capable of recording the unique information of ball B, and is, for example, embedded in ball B. The IC tag is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. Note that ball B does not have to be translucent. Also, the shape of ball B is not limited to a sphere, but may be spindle-shaped, for example, like a rugby ball. Furthermore, the lottery medium is not limited to ball B, but may be a polyhedron-shaped object made by combining planes, for example, like a die.

[0025] The lottery device 10 has a turntable 12, which is a lottery board into which balls B are inserted. The turntable 12 is a disc-shaped object with a bowl-shaped or hemispherical curve in the center and is rotatable by a rotational drive mechanism (not shown). This rotational drive mechanism supports the lower surface of the turntable 12 with multiple rollers that can be driven by motors, and the turntable 12 is made rotatable by the driving of the rollers by the motors. The upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 is a movable surface on which balls B can move (roll). Balls B inserted into the turntable 12 roll along the upper surface 12a of the rotating turntable 12, gradually moving towards the center of the turntable 12. A guide circle 13 is provided around the turntable 12. In addition, multiple transparent panels 7 are stretched over the turntable 12. For the sake of explanation, the illustration of the transparent panel 7 on the near side in Figure 1 is omitted, but in reality, a transparent panel 7 is also stretched over that area.

[0026] The turntable 12 has multiple (for example, 25) ball pockets 14 formed therein, which are holes into which balls B can be placed. Each ball pocket 14 is a hole into which balls B can be placed, in other words, a ball capturing part capable of capturing balls B. The multiple ball pockets 14 are arranged on the turntable 12 in a line on three concentric circles of different diameters. Each ball pocket 14 is equipped with a detection mechanism, such as an infrared sensor (not shown), to detect balls B that have entered the ball pocket 14. The ball B is detected when the infrared light from this infrared sensor is blocked by the ball B that has entered the ball pocket 14. The detection mechanism may also be equipped with an IC tag reader to detect IC tags, and the IC tag reader of the ball pocket 14 in which ball B has been detected may be activated to read (detect) the unique information of ball B. The ball pockets 14 are associated with numbers, for example, 1 to 25, and these numbers are randomly assigned without duplication in the vicinity of the ball pockets 14 (not shown). Furthermore, around (near) the ball pocket 14, there are light-emitting means (light-emitting members) (not shown) that emit light in multiple colors, composed of LEDs or the like. These light-emitting means are provided, for example, so as to surround the outer edge of the ball pocket 14. The conditions for illuminating these light-emitting means are not particularly limited; they may simply be illuminated randomly as decorative lighting, or they may be illuminated based on color information contained in the unique information of ball B. For example, these light-emitting means may be illuminated in the color of ball B that has been pre-associated with the ball pocket 14 during the execution of the lottery process, or they may be illuminated in the color of ball B when ball B enters the ball pocket 14.

[0027] Furthermore, a projection 16 is formed in the center of the turntable 12, which is movable in a direction intersecting the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 (up and down direction). The projection 16 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 and 4, which show enlarged views of the turntable 12. Figure 3 shows the projection 16 located along the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12. Figure 4 shows the projection 16 protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12.

[0028] The projection 16 has one or more (a pair in Figures 3 and 4) blade sections 16a and 16b, and has a windmill shape. A hole (also called a "center pocket") 16c is formed on the upper surface of the projection 16 (the surface on the upper surface 12a side of the turntable 12). The projection 16 can move up and down by the drive of a motor (not shown) during the execution of the lottery process.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, when the projection 16 is positioned along the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12, the center pocket 16c formed on the projection 16 functions as one of several ball-catching sections formed on the turntable 12. That is, when the motor drives the projection 16 downward, the projection 16 retracts so that it does not protrude from the turntable 12, and a ball-catching section appears in the center of the turntable 12. The center pocket 16c may also be provided with a ball detection mechanism, such as an infrared sensor and / or an IC tag reader (see the infrared sensor and IC tag reader of the ball pocket 14), similar to the ball pocket 14 described above.

[0030] In contrast, as shown in Figure 4, when the projection 16 is positioned protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12, the center pocket 16c does not function as one of the multiple ball-catching parts formed on the turntable 12. That is, when the projection 16 protrudes from the turntable 12 by the drive of the motor to move the projection 16 upward, the ball-catching part disappears from the center of the turntable 12. In this state, the projection 16 is rotatable by the drive of a motor (not shown). The direction of rotation of this projection 16 is, for example, the same direction of rotation as the turntable 12, and the rotation speed of this projection 16 is, for example, faster than the rotation speed of the turntable 12. This rotating projection 16 has the function of flicking the ball B that has rolled to the center of the turntable 12 toward the outside of the turntable 12 (towards the guide circle 13) with the blades 16a and 16b. Hereinafter, the rotating projection 16 will be referred to as a rotating windmill. Note that the rotation of the projection 16 is not limited to the above example; for example, it may be rotated in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the turntable 12. Doing so makes it possible to forcefully flick the ball B rolling on the turntable 12. Furthermore, the rotation of the projection 16 can be any rotation that is capable of flicking the ball B away, and the direction of rotation and rotation speed are not limited. For example, the rotation axis of the projection 16 may be offset from the rotation axis of the turntable 12, or the rotation axis direction of the projection 16 may be in a direction that intersects with the rotation axis direction of the turntable 12. Also, the rotation speed of the projection 16 may be slower than the rotation speed of the turntable 12.

[0031] Furthermore, below the turntable 12, there is a ball processing mechanism (not shown) that performs various operations on balls B that have entered either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket. This ball processing mechanism includes a ball recovery mechanism, a ball identification mechanism, a ball selection mechanism, a ball loading mechanism, and the like.

[0032] The ball retrieval mechanism retrieves ball B that has landed in either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c. The ball retrieval mechanism includes, for example, a collection box into which ball B that has landed in either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket is retrieved, a flap that opens and closes a hole formed between the ball pocket 14 and the collection box, and a solenoid that drives the flap. At a predetermined timing, the ball retrieval mechanism opens the hole formed between the ball pocket 14 and the collection box by driving the flap and retrieves ball B from the ball pocket 14. Ball B that has landed in the center pocket, for example, falls directly into the collection box and is retrieved by the ball retrieval mechanism without the need to drive the flap.

[0033] Furthermore, the ball identification mechanism identifies the unique information of ball B recovered by the ball recovery mechanism. The ball identification mechanism includes an IC tag reader for detecting the unique information of recovered ball B, a guide path for guiding recovered ball B to the ball selection mechanism, and a motor for rotating a rotating disc that sends ball B along the guide path.

[0034] Furthermore, the ball selection mechanism separates the balls B identified by the ball identification mechanism according to their unique information and selects the ball B to be fed. The ball selection mechanism is composed of, for example, a guide path that separates the identified balls B according to their unique information and guides them to the ball feeding mechanism, and a motor for rotating a rotating disc that feeds the balls B along the guide path.

[0035] Furthermore, the ball loading mechanism loads the ball B selected by the ball selection mechanism onto the turntable 12. The ball loading mechanism includes, for example, an elevator device that raises the ball B received from the guide path of the ball selection mechanism from the lower side to the upper side of the guide circle 13, and a loading chute 18 that loads the ball B raised by the elevator device onto the turntable 12 from the guide circle 13 side. In the first embodiment, multiple ball loading mechanisms, including the loading chute 18, are provided for each satellite 20. However, the ball loading mechanism does not need to be provided for each satellite 20; it is sufficient to have at least one on the lottery game machine 1. In other words, the ball loading mechanism may be shared among each satellite 20.

[0036] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, eight satellite units 20 are arranged around the lottery device 10. Each satellite unit 20 is an operating station operated by a player facing the player, and it accepts input from players participating in the lottery game. Each satellite unit 20 has an operating table 22 including a touch panel 42. The operating table 22 is equipped with a medal slot 24, a medal payout slot 26, operation buttons 28, etc. The operating table 22 is also equipped with a card reader (not shown) for reading information about the player from the amusement IC card (hereinafter simply referred to as "IC card") held by the player.

[0037] Hardware Configuration Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the lottery game machine 1.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the lottery game machine 1 comprises a computer 30, a speaker 40, a touch panel 42, and peripheral devices 44.

[0039] The computer 30 includes a CPU 31, a main memory unit 32, an auxiliary memory unit 33, an audio processing unit 34, an image processing unit 35, a communication interface 36, a peripheral device interface 37, and a system bus 38 connecting these.

[0040] The CPU 31 provides overall control of the lottery game machine 1. The main memory unit 32 consists of RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary memory unit 33 consists of a hard disk or the like. The main memory unit 32 and the auxiliary memory unit 33 store various programs and information necessary for the CPU 31 to execute processing, as well as information on the processing results. The CPU 31 executes predetermined programs stored in the main memory unit 32 and the auxiliary memory unit 33, etc., and operates other hardware under the control of the CPU 31, thereby realizing the various functional configurations of the lottery game machine 1 (see Figure 6).

[0041] The audio processing unit 34 performs various sound processing. The image processing unit 35 performs various graphics processing. The communication interface 36 enables communication between the lottery game machine 1 and external server devices or other game devices. The peripheral device interface 37 enables communication between the touch sensor 42B of the touch panel 42 and other peripheral devices 44.

[0042] Speaker 40 is a sound output device that outputs game music, sound effects, etc.

[0043] The touch panel 42 is an image display device that displays game screens and the like. The touch panel 42 has both display and input device functions, and is composed of a display 42A that functions as a display device and a touch sensor 42B that functions as an input device. The display 42A is composed of a common display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0044] The touch sensor 42B is an input device for receiving player operations, and is composed of elements for detecting contact operations on the screen displayed by the display 42A. The method for detecting contact operations by the touch sensor 42B can be any known method, such as capacitive, resistive (pressure-sensitive), or electromagnetic induction. The touch sensor 42B accepts player input by detecting the movement of the player's finger or stylus as an operator that contacts the screen. Note that the input device for receiving player operations is not limited to the touch sensor 42B, and may be any configuration that allows the player to input operations, such as an operation button 28 or an operation stick.

[0045] The peripheral devices 44 are installed in the lottery game machine 1 and are controlled by the computer 30 through communication with the computer 30. These devices include various sensors, IC tag readers, motors, solenoids, etc., installed in the lottery device 10 and satellite 20.

[0046] Furthermore, the IC card 2 shown in Figure 5 mainly comprises a communication unit 46 capable of communicating with peripheral devices 44, and a storage unit 48 where player information is stored. For example, by inserting, placing, or facing the IC card 2 onto a card reader (not shown) provided on the control panel 22 of the satellite 20, the IC tag reader of the peripheral device 44 reads the player information. In this embodiment, the lottery game machine 1 and the IC card 2 are collectively referred to as the "information processing system."

[0047] Note that Figure 5 only shows the main components of the lottery game machine 1, and it may also have other components found in typical arcade game machines. Furthermore, the computer 30 of the lottery game machine 1 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may also have other components found in dedicated or general-purpose computers or other information processing devices.

[0048] ≪Game Overview≫ The lottery game executed by the lottery game machine 1 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a medal game, and includes a lottery process and a game in which the result is determined based on the lottery process. Furthermore, the game in which the result is determined based on the lottery process includes a normal game (first game) that can be executed even if predetermined conditions are not met, and a special game (second game) that can be executed when predetermined conditions are met.

[0049] Furthermore, while the content of the regular game and the special game are not particularly limited, the following explanation will describe the case where the regular game is a bingo game and the special game is a lottery roulette.

[0050] The lottery game machine 1 can run a bingo game as a normal game that can be executed even if the predetermined conditions are not met. This bingo game uses a bingo card, which is a table in which numbers from 1 to 25 are arranged randomly and without repetition in a 5x5 grid. The information arranged on the bingo card can be any identification information, and is not limited to numbers; it can also be symbols or pictures, but it must correspond to the identification information of the ball pockets 14 (for example, if the numbers of the ball pockets 14 are 1 to 25, the numbers arranged on the bingo card will also be 1 to 25). When the bingo game is played, a different bingo card arrangement is displayed on each of the 20 satellites (players) on the display 42A as the bingo game screen. When the bingo game begins, as part of the drawing process, multiple balls B are sequentially or simultaneously dropped from the drop chute 18 onto the turntable 12. Then, it is determined whether the dropped balls B land in either the ball pockets 14 or the center pocket 16c (this determination is made based on their respective identification information). In this type of lottery process, for example, the number associated with the ball pocket 14 containing ball B is entered as a common lottery result (result of the lottery process) for each satellite 20. Subsequently, in the regular game, i.e., the bingo game, the same number as the number determined as the lottery result is activated and displayed on the display 42A in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other numbers. This selection of numbers by lottery and the activation of the selected numbers are repeated multiple times. When the activated numbers on the bingo card are arranged in a predetermined configuration, such as five in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, a bingo is achieved (a win is achieved).

[0051] Furthermore, the lottery game machine 1 can execute a lottery roulette as a special game that can be run when predetermined conditions are met. The lottery roulette has, for example, a rotating disc that is divided into multiple fan-shaped regions of different colors or patterns, and a marker such as an arrow fixed so as to overlap a part of the rotating disc.

[0052] The player pre-selects one or more areas from the above-mentioned regions. Then, when the rotating disc rotates and stops again, if the area that overlaps with the marker (the area positioned at a predetermined angle) is one of the areas the player pre-selected, the player wins.

[0053] ≪Functional Configuration≫ Figure 6 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the lottery game machine 1.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, the lottery game machine 1 comprises a storage means 50, a receiving means 52, a lottery means 54, a game execution means 56, a granting means 58, and an output means 60 as its main functional components. Also shown in Figure 6 is an IC card 2 that can communicate with the lottery game machine 1. The IC card 2 comprises a receiving means 64, a storage means 66, and an output means 68 as its main functional components.

[0055] The storage means 50 is implemented by one or more auxiliary storage units 33. Functional configurations other than the storage means 50 are implemented by the CPU 31 executing the lottery game program 50A stored in the main memory unit 32, auxiliary storage units 33, etc. Furthermore, all or part of the functional configuration of the lottery game machine 1 may be provided on an external server device, etc. For example, the storage means 50, game execution means 56, etc. may be provided on an external server device, etc.

[0056] The memory means 50 stores, for example, a lottery game program 50A, lottery information 50B, and game information 50C.

[0057] The lottery game program 50A is a program that provides the computer 30 with various functions for executing the lottery game. This program may be stored in an external storage device or the like of the lottery game machine 1. Alternatively, this program may be provided on a computer-readable storage medium, or it may be provided in a form that can be installed via a network such as the Internet.

[0058] The lottery information 50B is information necessary to execute the lottery process. The lottery information 50B is set in advance by, for example, the designer. The lottery process includes the operation of the lottery device 10 (including the turntable 12 and the ball handling mechanism) described above, and the process of determining whether the inserted ball B has entered either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c, identifying (determining) the pocket ID (identification information) of the pocket in which the ball entered if it has entered either, and outputting this as the lottery result to each satellite 20.

[0059] Game information 50C is information associated with lottery information 50B and is various information necessary for conducting regular games and special games. Game information 50C is set in advance by, for example, the designer. Game information 50C includes, for example, information linking satellite 20 and ball B's unique information, and information linking ball pocket 14's pocket ID (identification information) to the number used in regular games. Furthermore, if numbers are used in special games, it also includes information linking pocket IDs to the numbers used in special games.

[0060] The reception means 52 receives operations from each player at each satellite 20. The reception means 52 receives operations, for example, that indicate an instruction to start a lottery game by each player. Such operations include, for example, a player facing each satellite 20 inserting any number of medals into the medal slot 24 (betting). When medals are inserted into the medal slot 24, a sensor provided in the medal slot 24 detects the medals, and the detection result is output to the peripheral device interface 37. When the detection result is output to the peripheral device interface 37, the reception means 52 accepts the operation to insert medals by the player. Then, upon receiving this operation, the reception means 52 outputs information indicating an instruction to start a lottery game, along with the satellite ID indicating the satellite 20 that received the operation and the player ID indicating the player who performed the operation, to the lottery means 54 and the game execution means 56. Furthermore, if the number of players participating in the lottery game is less than the number of satellites 20, the reception means 52 may accept the instruction to start the lottery game through automatic control by the CPU 31. For example, in satellites 20 that are not accepting player operations, the reception means 52 may accept the instruction to start the lottery game through automatic control by the CPU 31 on behalf of the players.

[0061] The lottery means 54 executes the lottery process multiple times in a single lottery game in response to the requests (operations in the satellite 20) of each player received by the reception means 52. The lottery process is executed in parallel with the execution of a normal game (e.g., bingo game) and / or a special game (e.g., lottery roulette) by the game execution means 56, which will be described later. The program for the lottery means 54 to execute the lottery process is included in the lottery game program 50A described above.

[0062] For example, the lottery means 54 starts the lottery process when it receives information from the reception means 52 indicating an instruction to start a lottery game by each satellite 20. Alternatively, even when there are no players in any of the satellites 20, or when the reception means 52 has not received any operation (such as a BET operation) indicating an instruction to start a lottery game from any player, and the lottery means 54 has not received information from the reception means 52 indicating an instruction to start a lottery game, the lottery means 54 may automatically execute the lottery process at regular intervals.

[0063] The execution of the lottery process by the lottery means 54 will be explained in detail below using Figures 3 and 4. The lottery means 54 first sends a drive command to the motor that rotates the turntable 12 via the peripheral device interface 37. This drives the motor and rotates the turntable 12. The lottery means 54 also controls the ball processing mechanism to drop multiple balls B onto the turntable 12 sequentially or simultaneously.

[0064] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 determines a prize when ball B enters ball pocket 14 and outputs the number associated with ball pocket 14 to satellite 20. Satellite 20 determines this number to be commonly used and activated. More specifically, when ball B enters ball pocket 14 and is detected by an infrared sensor or the like, the infrared sensor outputs the detection information to peripheral device interface 37. When the lottery means 54 receives this detection information, it identifies the pocket ID of the ball pocket 14 in which ball B entered.

[0065] Furthermore, if ball B lands in the center pocket 16c without landing in any of the ball pockets 14, it is a loss. In other words, in this case, the center pocket 16c functions as a losing slot in the lottery. The lottery means 54, for example, in one lottery game, puts in a total of five balls B and determines the lottery results, i.e., numbers (pocket IDs), for the total number of balls B that were put in, which is five times (five balls).

[0066] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 may control the ball handling mechanism to retrieve the balls B that have entered the center pocket 16c and put them back into the turntable 12. Also, when all the balls B that have been put into the turntable 12 have entered the ball pockets 14, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to retrieve the balls B from the ball pockets 14 and ends the lottery process for one lottery game. Subsequently, if the next lottery game is to be held, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to put the retrieved balls B back into the turntable 14 and executes the next lottery process. Also, if the lottery game is to end, the lottery means 54 ends without executing the next lottery process.

[0067] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 may drive a motor to move the projection 16 up and down during the execution of the lottery process. This allows the lottery means 54 to control the movement of the projection 16 in a direction that intersects the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12. The movement control of the projection 16 by the lottery means 54 allows the projection 16 to move upward or downward. When the projection 16 is positioned along the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 (see Figure 3), a center pocket 16c that functions as a ball-catching part appears in the center of the turntable 12. Conversely, when the projection 16 is positioned protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 (see Figure 4), the center pocket 16c disappears, and its function as a ball-catching part in the center of the turntable 12 is disabled.

[0068] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 moves the projection 16 up and down to make the center pocket 16c appear or disappear, according to predetermined movement conditions that determine the conditions for moving the projection 16. These movement conditions are not particularly limited, but include, for example, conditions relating to the number of balls B on the turntable 12, and conditions relating to the elapsed time during the lottery (or the elapsed time of the entire lottery game). Conditions relating to the number of balls B on the turntable 12 include, for example, when balls B are inserted all at once, when the number of balls B on the turntable 12 has fallen to a predetermined number (e.g., three). Conditions relating to the elapsed time include when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since balls B were inserted into the turntable 12. When the movement conditions are met, the lottery means 54 moves the projection 16 upward to make the center pocket 16c appear, or moves the projection 16 downward to make the center pocket 16c disappear.

[0069] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 drives a motor to rotate the projection 16 when the projection 16 is protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12. This causes the lottery means 54 to rotate the projection 16 protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 along the rotation direction of the turntable 12. The lottery means 54 rotates the projection 16, for example, in the same direction as the rotation direction of the turntable 12 and at a speed faster than the rotation speed of the turntable 12. As a result, the center pocket 16c disappears from the turntable 12 and a rotating windmill 19 appears. This rotating windmill 19 makes it possible to flick the ball B that has rolled to the center of the turntable 12 outwards.

[0070] Returning to Figure 6, the game execution means 56 executes a game in each satellite 20 in response to the requests of each player received by the reception means 52 (for example, by betting), in which the result is determined based on a lottery process. This execution includes displaying the results on each touch panel 42.

[0071] Furthermore, the game includes one or more regular games (first game) and one or more special games (second game). The programs for executing these games are included in the lottery game program 50A mentioned above. As already stated, regular games are games that can be executed even if the predetermined conditions are not met, while special games are games that can be executed when the predetermined conditions are met. Both regular games and special games proceed and their results are determined based on a lottery process executed during a single lottery game. These predetermined conditions may include, for example, winning in a regular game.

[0072] The game execution means 56 determines the result of a normal game using multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means 54 during a single lottery game, and determines the result of a special game using some of the lottery processes among those multiple lottery processes. Preferably, the lottery process used by the game execution means 56 to determine the result of a special game includes the latter half of the multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means 54. More preferably, the lottery process used by the game execution means 56 to determine the result of a special game is the last lottery process among the multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means 54.

[0073] Furthermore, the game execution means 56 may determine the result of a normal game using a portion of the multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means 54, and determine the result of a special game using the lottery processes other than that portion of the multiple lottery processes.

[0074] Furthermore, the game execution means 56 may determine the result of a normal game using the "lottery result" (the result of the lottery process performed by the lottery means 54), and determine the result of a special game using the "timing" when the lottery result is finalized.

[0075] Furthermore, the game execution means 56 displays various game screens on the touch panel 42 (display 42A) of the satellite 20. The game execution means 56 changes the various game screens according to the progress of the lottery game. For example, the game execution means 56 displays the results of the normal game and the special game together on the touch panel 42.

[0076] Before receiving an operation from a player indicating the start of a lottery game (including a bet), the game execution means 56 displays an operation area on the touch panel 42 (display 42A) of each satellite 20 for playing a normal game and betting on a normal game. Furthermore, if a special game is also to be played, the touch panel 42 (display 42A) also displays an operation area for playing a special game and betting on a special game.

[0077] Furthermore, if the lottery game has not finished, the lottery means 54 will execute the next regular game and / or special game. Also, if the lottery game is to finish, the game execution means 56 will terminate without executing the next regular game and / or special game.

[0078] Furthermore, the game execution means 56 displays the numbers determined by the lottery process on the bingo card displayed on the display 42A of each satellite 20 in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from other numbers.

[0079] Here, Figure 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the procedure for reflecting the lottery process for both the regular game and the special game in a single lottery game. In Figure 7A, "16," "4," "21," "7," and "10" are examples of the numbers resulting from each lottery when all five balls B are thrown sequentially or simultaneously, and the arrows extending horizontally indicate the time axis. In other words, the numbers are arranged in the order in which they were determined (winning) from the starting point to the tip of the arrow.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7A, in a normal game (bingo game), (after the first draw) the result of the first draw, "16," is reflected on the bingo sheet. That is, if "16" is on the bingo sheet, it is activated. Next, (after the second draw) the result of the second draw, "4," is reflected on the bingo sheet. The same process is then carried out for the results of the third, fourth, and fifth draws. In other words, in Figure 7A, the result of a normal game is determined using all the draw results.

[0081] On the other hand, the result of the special game (lottery roulette) is determined using the last (fifth) lottery process out of multiple lottery processes in a single lottery game (however, the start of the special game itself may be at the same time as the start of the regular game). Furthermore, in the special game, the result is determined not by the number of the last lottery process (10 in Figure 7A), but by the timing when the result of the last lottery process is finalized. Specifically, the lottery roulette wheel is rotated at the start of the special game, and the wheel stops when the final lottery result is finalized, and the result is determined according to the area that overlaps with the marker. The lottery roulette is displayed on the touch panel 42 by the game execution means 56.

[0082] The timing at which the result of the final lottery process (lottery result) is finalized may be, for example, the timing at which the final lottery result is entered into satellite 20. Alternatively, it may be the timing at which the last ball B in the lottery process is placed in ball pocket 14. Specifically, the timing at which the last ball B is placed in ball pocket 14 may be the timing at which the infrared sensor (not shown) of the detection mechanism detects the last ball B that has entered ball pocket 14, or the timing at which the IC tag reader (not shown) of the detection mechanism reads out the unique information of the last ball B. Furthermore, if the last ball B lands in the center pocket 16c instead of the ball pocket 14, this can be considered the moment when ball B lands in the center pocket 16c (or, as already explained, if ball B lands in the center pocket 16c and is retrieved and put back into the turntable 12, this can be considered the moment when ball B finally lands in the ball pocket 14).

[0083] Regardless of the timing at which the results of the final lottery are determined, the results of the regular game will be determined using the results of that final lottery, and the results of the special game will also be determined using the timing at which the results of that final lottery are determined.

[0084] Furthermore, in the case of Figure 7A, the game execution means 56 determines the result of the normal game and the result of the special game at the same time.

[0085] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the procedure for reflecting the lottery process for both regular and special games in a single lottery game. In Figure 7B, "16," "4," "21," "7," "10," and "18" are examples of the numbers resulting from each lottery when all six balls B are thrown sequentially or simultaneously, and the horizontally extending arrows indicate the time axis. In other words, the numbers are arranged in the order they were determined, from the starting point to the tip of the arrow.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7B, in a normal game (bingo game), (after the first draw) the result of the first draw, "16," is reflected on the bingo sheet. Next, (after the second draw) the result of the second draw, "4," is reflected on the bingo sheet. The same process is then carried out for the results of the third, fourth, and fifth draws. In other words, in Figure 7A, the result of a normal game is determined using the results of all six draws except for the last sixth draw.

[0087] On the other hand, the result of the special game (lottery roulette) is determined using the last (sixth) lottery process out of multiple lottery processes. Furthermore, in the special game, the result is determined not by the number of the last lottery process ("18" in Figure 7B), but by the timing when the final lottery result is determined. Specifically, the lottery roulette wheel is spun at the start of the special game, and the wheel stops when the final lottery result is determined, and the result is determined according to the area that overlaps with the marker.

[0088] Returning to Figure 6, the rewarding means 58 is a functional means that calculates a reward for each player (each satellite 20) according to the results of the normal game and the special game, and then grants the calculated reward to each player (each satellite 20). Examples of such rewards include medals used in medal games, execution of various processes to improve the game results, the right to select a new game, and content used in the game (characters and items).

[0089] The output means 60 outputs information about each player, such as rewards, that has been granted to each player (each satellite 20) by the granting means 58, to the IC card 2 held by the player.

[0090] Furthermore, the IC card 2 receiving means 64 receives various player-related information output from the lottery game machine 1's output means 60.

[0091] The storage means 66 of the IC card 2 stores (or overwrites) each piece of player information received by the reception means 64 as player information 66A.

[0092] The output means 68 of the IC card 2 outputs the player information 66A stored in the storage means 66 to the lottery game machine 1 before the start of the lottery game. However, this output may be performed only when the IC card 2 is removed once and then read again by the card reader (not shown).

[0093] The player information 66A output from the output means 68 is received by the reception means 52 of the lottery game machine 1. Furthermore, when the game execution means 56 executes the lottery game, it may start the game with the player information 66A received by the reception means 52 reflected.

[0094] <<Processing Flow>> Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a first example of the processing flow performed by each functional means of the lottery game machine 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the order or content of the following processing can be changed as appropriate. Also, in Figure 8, the lottery processing is described as being performed sequentially (not all at once). Furthermore, the flowchart in Figure 8 assumes that the player has already met predetermined conditions (for example, winning the previous normal game) and is in a state where a request to execute a special game can be made.

[0095] (Step SP2) The reception means 52 accepts operations from players requesting the execution of a lottery game and a special game. Furthermore, in this step, the receiving means 52 accepts the player's selection operation regarding the special game. For example, if the special game is a lottery roulette on a rotating disc consisting of two or more fan-shaped regions, the player selects one of the regions. Furthermore, when the receiving means 52 receives the operation, it outputs information indicating the start of a lottery game (i.e., lottery processing, normal game, special game) to the lottery means 54 and the game execution means 56, respectively. The process then proceeds to step SP4.

[0096] (Step SP4) The game execution means 56 starts running a bingo game as a regular game, and also starts running a lottery roulette as a special game. However, the game execution means 56 may run multiple regular games in parallel. The game execution means 56 also displays each of these games on the touch panel 42 of the satellite 20. Furthermore, players bet medals on the displayed regular and special games (at Satellite 20). This is accepted via reception method 52.

[0097] Here, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a game screen displayed on the touch panel 42 of the satellite 20.

[0098] As shown in Figure 9, the game screen 92 displays four regular games: the first regular game 72, the second regular game 74, the third regular game 76, and the fourth regular game 78. Furthermore, the first regular game 72 includes, for example, a bingo card 72A and a BET counter unit 72B. The BET counter unit 72B allows the player to input the number of medals to bet. Similarly, the second regular game 74, the third regular game 76, and the fourth regular game 78 also include bingo cards 74A, 76A, and 78A, and BET counter units 74B, 76B, and 78B, respectively. Furthermore, in Figure 9, the first normal game 72 is displayed prominently in the center of the game screen 92, while the second normal game 74, the third normal game 76, and the fourth normal game 78 are displayed smaller on the right edge of the game screen 92. However, if one of the second normal game 74, the third normal game 76, or the fourth normal game 78 is clicked, the clicked normal game will then be displayed prominently in the center, and the first normal game 72 will be displayed smaller on the right edge of the game screen 92 alongside the other normal games.

[0099] Furthermore, the left edge of the game screen 92 displays the bulk bet section 70 and the special game 80 (lottery roulette (80A)). The Batch Bet section 70 is an area where the player can place a bet on all regular games 72-78 at once by clicking. The Single Bet section 70 also displays the total number of medals to bet. (For example, when betting 100 on each regular game, the Batch Bet section 70 will display 400). Furthermore, when clicking the Batch Bet section 70 to bet on each regular game 72-78, the player does not need to select the number of medals to bet on each regular game 72-78 (or the total number of medals), but the game execution means 56 may automatically determine the number of medals. This determination may also be the same amount as the number of medals the player bet on each regular game 72-78 in the previous draw game.

[0100] Here, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a game screen displayed on the touch panel 42 of the satellite 20.

[0101] As shown in Figure 10, the special game 80 is displayed enlarged on game screen 94. Clicking on the special game 80 in Figure 9 switches from game screen 92 to game screen 94. Furthermore, in the game screen 94, the special game 80 includes, as an example, a lottery roulette 80A and a bet selection unit 80B. The bet selection unit 80B allows the player to input the number of medals to bet and the area to bet on (hearts or spades, etc.). The spinning wheel of the lottery roulette 80A shown in Figures 9 and 10 is divided into four fan-shaped areas, two of which are heart areas and two are spade areas, and these areas are arranged alternately.

[0102] Players can bet on either the Heart or Spade area, which are unique symbols associated with each area. The amount of medals bet may be either the full amount or half of the reward received in the previous regular game. Players can also choose not to play the special game.

[0103] However, the spinning wheel of the roulette wheel 80A may be divided into any number of regions, as long as there are two or more regions. Furthermore, each region may be associated with different unique information (hearts, spades, etc.), or multiple regions may be associated with the same unique information (in Figure 10, as an example, the same unique information (hearts) is associated with two of the four regions, and the same unique information (spades) is associated with the other two regions). In addition, when a player places a bet, they may select one or more pieces of unique information from all the regions associated with each region.

[0104] For example, the spinning wheel of the roulette wheel 80A could be divided into four areas, each associated with different unique information, and when a player places a bet, they could select one unique piece of information from these four. Alternatively, the spinning wheel of the roulette wheel 80A could be divided into three areas, each associated with different unique information, and when a player places a bet, they could select two unique pieces of information from these three.

[0105] As mentioned above, the probability of winning naturally changes depending on the ratio of selectable unique information to the total number of unique information items when a player places a bet. Therefore, the reward given to the player when the selected unique information is selected may be varied according to the probability of winning. For example, if the reward is medals, the player may be given "the number of medals bet × the reciprocal of the winning probability" (for example, if the winning probability is 1 / 3, the player may be given three times the number of medals bet as a reward).

[0106] Furthermore, the number of medals that a player can bet when operating the BET selection unit 80B may be capped at the reward (number of medals) the player received according to the result of a special game if one was played in the previous lottery game, or the player may choose to bet either the same amount as the reward or half the amount of the reward. Alternatively, the number of medals a player can bet may be capped at the reward (number of medals) the player received in the previous draw game if no special game was played and only a regular game was played, or the player may choose either the same amount as the reward or half of the reward. Alternatively, the number of medals a player can bet may be capped at the sum of the rewards (number of medals) the player received from the previous special game if a special game was played in the previous draw game, and the rewards (number of medals) the player received from the regular game played at the same time (for example, if the reward for the previous special game was 300 medals and the reward for the previous regular game was 100 medals, the player can bet a maximum of 400 medals). Returning to Figure 8, after step SP4 is completed, the process moves to step SP6.

[0107] (Step SP6) While the game execution means 56 is executing the normal game and the special game, the lottery means 54 performs a lottery process once. The lottery process is carried out by the turntable 12 and the ball handling mechanism (not shown), etc. Specifically, the lottery means 54 sends a drive command to the motor that rotates the turntable 12 and drives the motor to rotate the turntable 12. Next, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to put one ball B into the turntable 12. Furthermore, the lottery means 54 determines whether the putt ball B has entered either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c, and if it has entered either (won a prize), it identifies the number of the pocket into which the ball entered as identification information and confirms this as the lottery result. Furthermore, the drawing means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism (not shown) to collect ball B that has landed in either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c, and to prepare it for the next drawing process. The process then proceeds to step SP8.

[0108] (Step SP8) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the lottery process performed in step SP6 is the last lottery process (for example, if there are five balls B to be thrown, the next one is the fifth ball). If it is the last lottery process, the process moves to step SP12; otherwise, the process moves to step SP10.

[0109] (Step SP10) The game execution means 56 updates the normal game based on the lottery result in step SP6. For example, if the normal game is a bingo game, the same number as the number determined in the lottery process is activated on the bingo card and displayed on the display 42A in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other numbers. After that, the process returns to step SP6.

[0110] (Step SP12) The game execution means 56 determines the results of the normal game and the special game, respectively. In a typical game, the selection of numbers through a lottery process and the activation of those numbers are repeated multiple times. Bingo is achieved (a win) when the activated numbers on the bingo card are arranged in a predetermined pattern, such as vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Conversely, if the numbers are not arranged in a predetermined pattern, bingo is not achieved (a loss).

[0111] In the special game, the spinning disc, which had been rotating since step SP4, stops when the final lottery result is determined. The winner or loser is determined by whether the area overlapping with the marker matches the area selected by the player in step SP2. The process then proceeds to step SP14.

[0112] (Step SP14) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the player wins in the regular game or the special game. If the player wins in either game, the process proceeds to step SP16; if the player does not win in either game (i.e., loses), the process ends. Note that "end of processing" here means ending the process of running both the regular game and the special game in parallel as lottery games (the process for the regular game only may be run upon the player's request).

[0113] (Step SP16) The awarding mechanism 58 determines the reward, such as medals. The total value of the reward differs depending on whether the player wins only in the regular game, only in the special game, or both. Furthermore, the reward may differ depending on the type of win in each of these games. In the special game, for example, the reward may be double the number of medals bet. The process then proceeds to step SP18.

[0114] (Step SP18) The awarding means 58 awards the reward determined in step SP16 to the player. Specifically, the medals as rewards are either dispensed by the awarding means 58 to the medal payout port 26 of the satellite 20, or stored as part of the game information 50C, linked to each player (each satellite 20). If stored as part of the game information 50C, linked to the player, the output means 60 may output it to the player's IC card 2 and store it as player information 66A. The process then proceeds to step SP20.

[0115] (Step SP20) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the reception means 52 has received an operation from the player requesting further execution of the special game. If it has received the operation, the process returns to step SP4; otherwise, the process terminates. Note that the termination of the process here means the termination of the process of executing the regular game and the special game in parallel as a lottery game (the process of executing only the regular game may be made executable upon the player's request).

[0116] <Effects> As described above, the lottery game machine 1 as an information processing device according to the first embodiment comprises a lottery means 54 that performs a lottery process multiple times, and a game execution means 56 that performs a first game (normal game) and a second game (special game), wherein the result of the first game is determined using multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means 54, and the result of the second game is determined using some of the multiple lottery processes. With this configuration, the second game uses only a portion of the lottery process, eliminating the need to check the progress of all games each time a lottery result is obtained. Therefore, the effort required of the player when running multiple lottery games can be reduced.

[0117] Furthermore, the lottery game machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes a lottery means 54 that performs a lottery process multiple times in response to a player's request, and a game execution means 56 that performs a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using a portion of the multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means 54, and the result of the second game is determined using the lottery processes other than the portion of the multiple lottery processes. With this configuration, since only a portion of the lottery process is used in both the first and second games, it becomes unnecessary to check the progress of all games each time a lottery result is obtained. Therefore, the effort required of the player when running multiple lottery games can be reduced.

[0118] Furthermore, the lottery game machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes a lottery means 54 that performs a lottery process in response to a player's request, and a game execution means 56 that performs a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using the result of the lottery process performed by the lottery means 54, and the result of the second game is determined using the timing at which the result of the lottery process is finalized. With this configuration, the outcome of the second game is determined by timing rather than the result of the lottery process, eliminating the need to check the progress of all games each time the lottery results are released. Therefore, the effort required of players when running multiple lottery games can be reduced.

[0119] Furthermore, in the lottery game machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the lottery process used by the game execution means 56 to determine the result of the second game includes the latter half of the multiple lottery processes executed by the lottery means 54. This configuration allows for a delay in determining the outcome of the second game, thereby maintaining the players' anticipation for the result and reducing the likelihood of players interrupting their play.

[0120] Furthermore, in the lottery game machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the game execution means 56 determines the result of the normal game (first game) and the result of the special game (second game) at the same time. This configuration increases the likelihood of players receiving more rewards at once, thereby improving their motivation to participate in the lottery game.

[0121] ===Second Embodiment=== In the second embodiment, the content of the special game (second game) differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0122] The following describes in detail the differences between the lottery game machine 1A according to the second embodiment and the first embodiment. Note that the configuration and functions of the lottery game machine 1 according to the second embodiment, which are not described below, are the same as those of the lottery game machine 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0123] ≪Functional Configuration≫ The lottery game machine 1 according to the second embodiment has the same functional configuration as the first embodiment (see Figure 6).

[0124] In the first embodiment, the special game executed by the game execution means 56 was described as being determined using the "timing" when the result of the last lottery process (the final lottery result) among multiple lottery processes is finalized. However, in the second embodiment, the "final lottery result" itself may be used.

[0125] Furthermore, while the first embodiment mentioned the use of a lottery roulette as an example of a special game, the second embodiment may use, for example, a number sheet which is a table in which 25 numbers are arranged randomly in a row. However, these numbers only need to be identification information and may be symbols, pictures, etc. However, they must correspond to the identification information of the ball pocket 14.

[0126] For example, if a lottery game is played, and in the last of the multiple lottery processes in the game, the number associated with the ball pocket 14 containing ball B—that is, the number resulting from the final lottery—matches the number at the beginning of the row on the number sheet, then that number is activated and displayed on the display 42A in a manner that distinguishes it from other numbers. Then, the next time the lottery game is played, if the number resulting from the final lottery matches the number at the second of the row on the number sheet, that number is activated in the same way. In the following, the current number that is used to determine whether or not it matches the lottery result number may be referred to as the "target number."

[0127] In this manner, the lottery game is repeated multiple times, and when all the numbers on the number sheet (for example, all 25 numbers) are activated, the winner is deemed to have won the grand prize (hereinafter also referred to as the "jackpot").

[0128] In other words, if multiple lottery processes in a single lottery game are considered as a single lottery process group, the game execution means 56 will determine the result of the normal game for each lottery process group and the result of the special game for each of the multiple lottery process groups.

[0129] Furthermore, the memory means 50 of the lottery game machine 1 stores the progress of the special game by the game execution means 56, linked to the player, as part of the game information 50C. In addition, the memory means 66 of the IC card 2 stores the progress of the special game of the player received by the reception means 64 from the lottery game machine 1 as player information 66A. The game execution means 56 can then start from the progress if the progress is stored in the memory means 50 or / or the memory means 66. The timing of when the progress is stored in the memory means 50 or / or the memory means 66 may be each time a lottery processing group is completed and the normal game and special game are updated. This ensures that even if a player ends a lottery game and then resumes it later, the progress from the previous session is reflected, preventing any wasted effort or betting costs from the previous session.

[0130] Furthermore, if the jackpot is awarded when the 25th number on the number sheet is activated, it is highly likely that it will take a long time to win the jackpot. To maintain the players' motivation until then, intermediate bonuses may be provided. For example, when a number that is a multiple of five (5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, etc.) is activated from the beginning of the number sheet, an intermediate bonus could be awarded each time. The intermediate bonus may also be a title that can be set as a player profile during medal payouts or lottery games (the title may be stored in the memory means 66 as player information 66A).

[0131] Furthermore, the awarding means 58 may, for example, set aside a portion of the medals that the player has bet until they win the jackpot, and when the player wins the jackpot, award the accumulated amount as a reward. For example, each time a player bets on a regular game, 5 to 20 percent, more preferably 10 percent, of the number of medals bet may be set aside. The accumulated number of medals may be stored in the storage means 50 as part of the game information 50C, linked to the player, or it may be stored as player information 66A in the storage means 66. Furthermore, the intermediate bonus may be a fixed reward. However, it is preferable that the jackpot reward be set to be greater than the intermediate bonus reward.

[0132] <<Processing Flow>> Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a second example of the processing flow performed by each functional means of the lottery game machine 1A according to the second embodiment. Note that the order or content of the following processing can be changed as appropriate. Also, in Figure 8, the lottery processing is described assuming that it is performed sequentially (not all at once). Furthermore, the flowchart in Figure 8 is assumed to start with the player already meeting predetermined conditions and in a state where a special game execution request is possible.

[0133] Furthermore, the processing of steps SP22 to SP30 in Figure 11 is the same as the processing of steps SP2 to SP10 in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted. However, in step 4 of the first embodiment, the player bets medals on regular games and special games (at the satellite 20), but in this embodiment, players can bet on regular games but not on special games (as mentioned above, a portion of the medals bet on regular games up to that point are accumulated for special games).

[0134] (Step SP32) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not you win in the normal game. If you win, the process proceeds to step SP34; if you do not win (you lose), the process proceeds to step SP36.

[0135] (Step SP34) The awarding mechanism 58 determines the reward, such as medals, according to the result of the regular game. The reward may differ depending on what is won in the regular game. The process then proceeds to step SP36.

[0136] (Step SP36) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the winning number in the lottery process matches the number currently being targeted on the special game's number sheet. If they match, the process proceeds to step SP38; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SP44.

[0137] Here, Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of the game screen displayed on the touch panel in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 12, the game screen 96 includes an information display area 82, a special game 84, and a reward display area 86. The information display area 82 displays information about the player and various information related to the lottery game. Special Game 84 displays a number sheet. The number sheet consists of 25 numbers arranged randomly in a line (folded in a curve), with the numbers that are multiples of five, which award intermediate bonuses, displayed differently from the other numbers. The last number, in particular, may be displayed in a special way that is different from all the other numbers. The reward display area 86 shows the reward (number of medals) when the jackpot is won. This reward is accumulated separately each time the player places a bet on a regular game or / or special game. Now, let's return to Figure 11.

[0138] (Step SP38) The game execution means 56 moves the target number to the next number. However, if the current target number is the last number in the sequence (for example, the 25th number), it may return to the first number in the sequence. Alternatively, a new number sheet may be set up, and the first number on that number sheet may be set as the target number. The process then proceeds to step SP40.

[0139] (Step SP40) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the target number on the special game's number sheet that matches the winning number in the lottery process is in a predetermined order. This predetermined order refers to the numbers that are multiples of five (e.g., the fifth, tenth, fifteenth, twentieth, twenty-fifth) to which intermediate bonuses or the grand prize are awarded. If the matching number is in the predetermined order, the process proceeds to step SP42; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SP44.

[0140] (Step SP42) The reward system 58 determines the medals and other rewards awarded to the player based on the results of the special game. Note that the jackpot and each intermediate bonus will have different rewards. The process then proceeds to step SP44.

[0141] (Step SP44) In the process from step SP32 to step SP42, the subsequent steps branch depending on whether or not a reward is generated. If a reward is generated, the process proceeds to step SP46; if no reward is generated, the process proceeds to step SP48.

[0142] (Step SP46) The rewarding mechanism 58 grants a reward to the player. This reward is a combination of the reward based on the results of the normal game (the reward determined in step SP34) and the reward based on the results of the special game (the reward determined in step SP42). After that, proceed to step SP48.

[0143] (Step SP48) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the reception means 52 has received an operation from the player requesting further execution of the lottery game and special game. If it has received the operation, the process returns to step SP24; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SP50.

[0144] (Step SP50) The memory means 50 of the lottery game machine 1 and the memory means 66 of the IC card 2 store the player's progress. The process will then be completed.

[0145] <Effects> In the lottery game machine 1 as an information processing device according to the second embodiment, when multiple lottery processes are grouped together, the game execution means 56 determines the result of the first game (normal game) for each group of lottery processes, and determines the result of the second game (special game) for each of the multiple groups of lottery processes. In this configuration, the result of the second game is revealed once for every multiple results of the first game. In other words, because the result of the second game is revealed later, it can encourage players to continue playing even after the result of the first game has been revealed.

[0146] Furthermore, the information processing system according to the second embodiment further comprises an information processing device (lottery game machine 1) and a storage means 66 that stores the progress of the second game by the game execution means 56 of the information processing device, and the game execution means 56 can start the second game from the progress based on the information in the storage means 66. With this configuration, even if a player finishes all the lottery games, they can resume the second game from where they left off, thus increasing the player's motivation to resume the lottery games.

[0147] ===Literal translation=== The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any design modifications made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments and the modifications described later can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and any combination thereof is also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as it retains the features of the present invention.

[0148] For example, the game execution means 56 may execute different regular games and special games in each satellite 20. Alternatively, the game execution means 56 may execute multiple different types of regular games in a single satellite 20 and reflect the lottery results in each of these different regular games. The same applies to special games.

[0149] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described examples in which the projection 16 has a pair of blades 16a and 16b, the number of blades of the projection 16 is one or more, and may be an odd or even number. The spacing between the blades may also be equal or not. In addition, the projection 16 may be controlled to perform at least one of various actions, including half-rotation, oscillation, vibration, etc., as long as it is an action that can flick away the ball B on the turntable 12, and is not limited to rotation.

[0150] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the case where a plurality of balls B are sequentially put into the turntable 12 has been mainly described, but they may be put in all at once. In the case of putting them in all at once, the number (identification information) of the ball pocket 14 into which the last ball B among the plurality of balls B has entered may be used as the last lottery result.

[0151] Also, in the first embodiment, with the start of the special game, the rotating disk of the lottery roulette is rotated, and the rotating disk stops when the last lottery result is determined, and the result is determined according to the area overlapping with the marker. However, the timing of the stop of the rotating disk may be later within a predetermined time range than the timing when the last lottery result is determined. For example, it may be assumed that the rotation speed of the rotating disk gradually decreases after the last lottery result is determined and stops after five seconds. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the game result is determined using the timing when the last lottery result is determined. Instead, it may be the timing when the last lottery process is started or a predetermined timing during the last lottery process. Regarding the timing when the last lottery process is started, for example, it may be the timing when the ball B input mechanism inputs the ball B into the turntable.

[0152] Also, as an example of the game executed by the game execution means 56, in the first embodiment, the normal game is a bingo game and the special game is a lottery roulette. In the second embodiment, the special game uses a number sheet. However, the normal game and the special game are not limited to these examples. For example, the normal game or / and the special game may be a battle-type game, an action game, a breeding game, a game using characters, etc.

[0153] Also, before the lottery means 54 executes the last lottery process, if a situation occurs in which winning occurs when the last number is filled (activated) in the normal game or / and the special game executed by the game execution means 56, this may be displayed on the game screen of the game.

[0154] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it was explained that the jackpot reward, which is an example of a special game executed by the game execution means 56, may be an accumulation of a portion of the number of medals that the player bets each time they bet on a regular game. However, the number of medals bet on a regular game may not be reduced, but a number of medals corresponding to that number may be accumulated and this may be used as the reward. Alternatively, the reward may be a fixed value that is stored in the game information 50C of the memory type 50 beforehand.

[0155] Furthermore, the normal game (first game) and / or special game (second game) described in the first and second embodiments may proceed based on events other than the lottery process (such as quests, missions, battles with enemy characters or other players, etc.) (for example, the game result may be determined). Furthermore, it may be assumed that there is a second game contained within the first game. Furthermore, the first game may proceed based on several of the above events that are guaranteed to occur. Furthermore, the second game may be advanced by clearing some of the above-mentioned events. Alternatively, the first game and / or the second game itself may be considered the above event. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1: Lottery game machine (computer, information processing device), 2: IC card, 54: Lottery means, 56: Game execution means, 58: Assignment means, 50: Storage means, 66: Storage means

Claims

1. A lottery method that performs the lottery process multiple times, A game execution means for executing a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using some of the multiple lottery processes, A means for awarding a first reward to a player based on the results of the second game, and awarding a second reward to the player, which is a reward greater than the first reward, based on the results of the second game, Equipped with, The second game is a game in which, if a target number in a sheet containing multiple numbers matches the result of the aforementioned lottery process, that target number is activated, and another number among those multiple numbers that has not been activated becomes the new target number. The granting means grants the first reward to the player based on the activation of a predetermined number among the plurality of numbers, and grants the second reward to the player based on the activation of all numbers in the sheet. Information processing device.

2. A lottery method that performs the lottery process multiple times, A game execution means for executing a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using a portion of a plurality of lottery processes executed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using the lottery processes other than the portion of the plurality of lottery processes, A means for awarding a first reward to a player based on the results of the second game, and awarding a second reward to the player, which is a reward greater than the first reward, based on the results of the second game, Equipped with, The second game is a game in which, if a target number in a sheet containing multiple numbers matches the result of the aforementioned lottery process, that target number is activated, and another number among those multiple numbers that has not been activated becomes the new target number. The granting means grants the first reward to the player based on the activation of a predetermined number among the plurality of numbers, and grants the second reward to the player based on the activation of all numbers in the sheet. Information processing device.

3. The lottery process used by the game execution means to determine the result of the second game includes the latter half of the multiple lottery processes executed by the lottery means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. If the aforementioned multiple lottery processes are treated as a single lottery process group, The game execution means determines the result of the first game for each of the lottery processing groups, and determines the result of the second game for each of the multiple lottery processing groups. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, The information processing device includes a storage means for storing the progress of the second game by the game execution means, Furthermore, The game execution means can start the second game from the current state based on the information in the storage means. Information processing system.

6. Computers, A lottery method that performs the lottery process multiple times. A game execution means for executing a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using some of the multiple lottery processes. A rewarding means that grants a first reward to a player based on the result of the second game, and grants a second reward to the player that is greater than the first reward based on the result of the second game. To make it function as, The second game is a game in which, if a target number in a sheet containing multiple numbers matches the result of the aforementioned lottery process, that target number is activated, and another number among those multiple numbers that has not been activated becomes the new target number. The granting means grants the first reward to the player based on the activation of a predetermined number among the plurality of numbers, and grants the second reward to the player based on the activation of all numbers in the sheet. program.

7. Computers, A lottery method that performs the lottery process multiple times. A game execution means for executing a first game and a second game, wherein the result of the first game is determined using a portion of a plurality of lottery processes performed by the lottery means, and the result of the second game is determined using the lottery processes other than the portion of the plurality of lottery processes. A rewarding means that grants a first reward to a player based on the result of the second game, and grants a second reward to the player that is greater than the first reward based on the result of the second game. To make it function as, The second game is a game in which, if a target number in a sheet containing multiple numbers matches the result of the aforementioned lottery process, that target number is activated, and another number among those multiple numbers that has not been activated becomes the new target number. The granting means grants the first reward to the player based on the activation of a predetermined number among the plurality of numbers, and grants the second reward to the player based on the activation of all numbers in the sheet. program.

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