Programs and Servers

Abstract

To provide a program and a server that can easily transfer the playing right of a prize acquisition game to another player.SOLUTION: A program causes a terminal to execute: receiving information on a second player to whom the playing right of a first player who operates a prize acquisition apparatus on the terminal can be transferred from a server; and transmitting a transfer request of the playing right to the second player to the server, on the basis of the selection of the first player.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program and a server.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a technology has been put into practical use in which a player uses a terminal to operate an online game machine such as a prize acquisition device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game method for a crane game machine in which a player operates a crane game machine with a terminal while photographing a crane game device and viewing its image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the game method of Patent Document 1, it is not considered to transfer the right to play a crane game to another player.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a program and a server that can easily transfer the right to play a prize acquisition game to another player.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a program causes a terminal to receive information of a second player to whom the right to play of a first player who operates a prize acquisition device with the terminal can be transferred from a server, and based on the selection of the first player, transmit a request to transfer the right to play to the second player to the server. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the server includes a communication unit that transmits to the terminal information of a second player to whom the play rights of a first player operating the prize winning device from a terminal can be transferred, and a control unit that, upon receiving a request from the terminal to transfer play rights to the second player, controls the prize winning device in accordance with operation instructions transmitted from the second player's terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it will be possible to easily transfer the right to play the prize-winning game to another player. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the system configuration in one embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a function realized by the communication unit of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a function realized by the storage unit of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a function realized by the control unit of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of a function realized by the communication unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a function realized by the storage unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a function realized by the control unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a prize acquisition device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by each device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of a selection screen for choosing a prize winning device. [Figure 11] This diagram shows an example of a gameplay screen illustrating the progress of a prize-winning game. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of a list of friends registered on the server. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of displaying a friend list based on a transfer button. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of a play screen displayed on a terminal in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of an invitation notice for inviting another player to a prize-winning game in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of restricting the number of transferable play rights in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of transferring consideration in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] A diagram showing an example of displaying content on a play screen in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of a play screen displayed on a terminal in the eighth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] <Compliance with Legal Matters> It should be noted that the disclosure described in this specification is based on compliance with the legal matters of the country of implementation required for the implementation of this disclosure, such as the secrecy of communications.

[0010] Embodiments for implementing the program and server according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As disclosed in FIG. 1, in the communication system 1, a server 10, terminals 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, terminal 20C), and game machines 40 (game machine 40A, game machine 40B, game machine 40C) are connected via a network 30. The server 10 provides a service for operating the game machine 40 to the terminal 20 owned by the user via the network 30. Note that the number of terminals 20 and game machines 40 connected to the network 30 is not limited.

[0012] Network 30 plays the role of connecting one or more terminals 20, one or more servers 10, and one or more game consoles 40. In other words, network 30 refers to a communication network that provides a connection path so that after a terminal 20 connects to a game console 40 via a server 10, data can be sent and received between the terminal 20 and the game console 40 via the server 10.

[0013] One or more parts of network 30 may or may not be wired or wireless networks. Network 30 may include, but is not limited to, an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), part of the internet, part of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a mobile phone network, ISDN (integrated service digital networks), wireless LAN, LTE (long term evolution), CDMA (code division multiple access), Bluetooth (registered trademark), satellite communications, or two or more combinations thereof. Network 30 may include one or more networks 30.

[0014] Terminal 20 (Terminal 20A, Terminal 20B, Terminal 20C) can be any information processing terminal capable of realizing the functions described in each embodiment. Terminal 20 includes, but is not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones (feature phones), computers (but is not limited to, for example, desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.), media computer platforms (but is not limited to, for example, cable, satellite set-top boxes, digital video recorders), handheld computer devices (but is not limited to, for example, PDAs (personal digital assistants), email clients, etc.), wearable devices (glasses-type devices, watch-type devices, etc.), or other types of computers or communication platforms. Terminal 20 may also be referred to as an information processing terminal.

[0015] Since the configurations of terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C are basically the same, the following explanation will focus on terminal 20. Furthermore, where necessary, the terminal used by user X will be referred to as terminal 20X, and user information associated with user X or terminal 20X in a given service will be referred to as user information X. User information refers to user information associated with the account used by the user in a given service. User information includes, but is not limited to, information associated with the user, such as the user's name, user icon image, user's age, user's gender, user's address, user's hobbies and preferences, and user identifier, which are entered by the user or assigned by the given service. It may include any one of these, a combination thereof, or not.

[0016] Server 10 has the function of providing predetermined services to terminal 20. Server 10 may be any information processing device capable of realizing the functions described in each embodiment. Server 10 includes, but is not limited to, a server device, a computer (for example, a desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a media computer platform (for example, a cable, satellite set-top box, digital video recorder, etc.), a handheld computer device (for example, a PDA, email client, etc.), or other types of computers or communication platforms. Server 10 may also be referred to as an information processing device. If it is not necessary to distinguish between Server 10 and terminal 20, Server 10 and terminal 20 may or may not be referred to as information processing devices.

[0017] The game machine 40 is connected to the terminal 20 online and operates under the control of the server 10 in response to the operation of the terminal 20. The game machine 40 may be any device that can realize the functions described in each embodiment. For example, the game machine 40 may be a prize-winning device that provides a prize-winning game in which players can win prizes. Furthermore, a prize-winning game is a game in which a player wins a prize if the conditions for winning a prize are met as a result of the physical action of the game machine 40 performed by the player. Prize-winning games may also include, but are not limited to, games in which a prize is won by moving a prize (including a substitute medium for the prize) to a specific location using a crane arm, or games in which a prize is won by dropping a prize into a drop-off point using means other than a crane. Additionally, prize-winning games include a variety of prize-winning games that are not limited to games that move prizes, such as games in which a prize is won by putting a ball or stick into a specific hole.

[0018] [Hardware configuration of each device] The hardware configuration of each device included in communication system 1 will be explained using Figure 1.

[0019] (1) Hardware configuration of terminal 20 Terminal 20 comprises a control unit 21 (CPU: central processing unit), a storage unit 28, a communication interface 22, an input / output unit 23, a display unit 24, a microphone 25, a speaker 26, and a camera 27. The hardware components of terminal 20 are interconnected via bus B, not limited to but as an example. It is not mandatory for terminal 20's hardware configuration to include all components. For example, terminal 20 may have a configuration in which individual components, or multiple components, such as the microphone 25 and camera 27, are removed, or it may not.

[0020] The communication interface 22 transmits and receives various types of data via the network 30. This communication may be performed via wired or wireless connection, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the two parties is possible. The communication interface 22 has the function of communicating with the server 10 via the network 30. The communication interface 22 transmits various types of data to the server 10 according to instructions from the control unit 21. The communication interface 22 also receives various types of data transmitted from the server 10 and transmits them to the control unit 21. The communication interface 22 may also be simply referred to as the communication unit. Furthermore, if the communication interface 22 is composed of a physically structured circuit, it may also be referred to as the communication circuit.

[0021] The input / output unit 23 includes a device for inputting various operations to the terminal 20, and a device for outputting the processing results processed by the terminal 20. The input / output unit 23 may have an integrated input unit and an output unit, or it may have separate input and output units, or it may not have been integrated.

[0022] The input unit is implemented by any or any combination of any type of device capable of receiving input from the user and transmitting the information related to said input to the control unit 21. The input unit includes, but is not limited to, hardware keys such as touch panels, touch displays, and keyboards, pointing devices such as mice, cameras (operation input via video), and microphones (operation input via voice).

[0023] The output unit is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of outputting the processing results processed by the control unit 21. The output unit includes, but is not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, speakers (for audio output), lenses (for, but is not limited to, 3D (three-dimensional) output or hologram output), printers, and the like.

[0024] The display unit 24 is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of displaying data according to the display data written to the frame buffer. The display unit 24 includes, but is not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, monitors (including, but is not limited to, liquid crystal displays and OLEDs (organic electroluminescence displays)), head-mounted displays (HMDs), projection mapping, holograms, and devices capable of displaying images, text information, etc., in air (which may or may not be a vacuum). These display units 24 may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D.

[0025] If the input / output unit 23 is a touch panel, the input / output unit 23 and the display unit 24 may be arranged facing each other and have substantially the same size and shape.

[0026] The control unit 21 has physically structured circuitry to perform functions realized by code or instructions contained within the program, and is implemented, but is not limited to, by a data processing device built into the hardware. Therefore, the control unit 21 may or may not be described as a control circuit.

[0027] The control unit 21 includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), and an FPGA (field programmable gate array).

[0028] The storage unit 28 has the function of storing various programs and data necessary for the operation of the terminal 20. The storage unit 28 includes, but is not limited to, various storage media such as HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), flash memory, RAM (random access memory), and ROM (read-only memory). The storage unit 28 may or may not be referred to as memory.

[0029] Terminal 20 stores a program in the storage unit 28, and by executing this program, the control unit 21 performs the processing of each part included in the control unit 21. In other words, the program stored in the storage unit 28 enables terminal 20 to implement each function that the control unit 21 performs. Furthermore, this program may or may not be described as a program module.

[0030] Microphone 25 is used for inputting audio data. Speaker 26 is used for outputting audio data. Camera 27 is used for acquiring video data.

[0031] (2) Server hardware configuration Server 10 comprises a control unit 11 (CPU), a storage unit 15, a communication interface 14, an input / output unit 12, and a display 13. The hardware components of Server 10 are interconnected via bus B, not as an example but as an example. It is not mandatory for Server 10's hardware configuration to include all components. For example, Server 10's hardware may or may not include the display 13.

[0032] The control unit 11 has physically structured circuitry to perform functions realized by code or instructions contained within the program, and is implemented, but is not limited to, by a data processing device built into the hardware.

[0033] The control unit 11 is typically a central processing unit (CPU), but may also be a microprocessor, processor core, multiprocessor, ASIC, FPGA, or otherwise. In this disclosure, the control unit 11 is not limited to these.

[0034] The storage unit 15 has the function of storing various programs and data necessary for the operation of the server 10. The storage unit 15 is implemented using various storage media such as HDDs, SSDs, and flash memory. However, in this disclosure, the storage unit 15 is not limited to these. Also, the storage unit 15 may or may not be referred to as memory.

[0035] The communication interface 14 transmits and receives various types of data via the network 30. This communication may be performed via wired or wireless connection, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the two parties is possible. The communication interface 14 has the function of communicating with the terminal 20 and the game console 40 via the network 30. The communication interface 14 transmits various types of data to the terminal 20 according to instructions from the control unit 11. The communication interface 14 also receives various types of data transmitted from the terminal 20 and transmits them to the control unit 11. The communication interface 14 may also be simply referred to as the communication unit. Furthermore, if the communication interface 14 is composed of a physically structured circuit, it may also be referred to as the communication circuit.

[0036] The input / output unit 12 is implemented by a device that inputs various operations to the server 10. The input / output unit 12 is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device that can receive input from a user and transmit information related to said input to the control unit 11. The input / output unit 12 is typically implemented by hardware keys such as a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse. The input / output unit 12 is not limited to these and may include, for example, a touch panel, a camera (operation input via video), or a microphone (operation input via voice). However, in this disclosure, the input / output unit 12 is not limited to these.

[0037] The display 13 is typically implemented as a monitor (but is not limited to, examples include a liquid crystal display or an OLED (organic electroluminescence display)). The display 13 may also be a head-mounted display (HMD) or not. These displays 13 may or may not be capable of displaying data in 3D. In this disclosure, the display 13 is not limited to these. Server 10 stores the program in the storage unit 15, and by executing this program, the control unit 11 performs the processing of each part included in the control unit 11. In other words, the program stored in the storage unit 15 enables Server 10 to implement each function that the control unit 11 performs. This program may or may not be described as a program module.

[0038] (3) Hardware configuration of the game console The game console 40 comprises a control unit 41 (CPU), a memory unit 47, a communication interface 46, an input / output unit 42, a display unit 43, a speaker 44, and a camera 45. The hardware components of the game console 40 are interconnected via bus B, not as an example but as an example. It is not mandatory for the hardware of the game console 40 to include all components. For example but as an example, the hardware of the game console 40 may or may not include the display unit 43.

[0039] The communication interface 46 transmits and receives various types of data via the network 30. This communication may be performed via wired or wireless connection, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the two parties is possible. The communication interface 46 has the function of communicating with the server 10 via the network 30. The communication interface 46 transmits various types of data to the server 10 according to instructions from the control unit 41. The communication interface 46 also receives various types of data transmitted from the server 10 and transmits them to the control unit 41. The communication interface 46 may also be simply referred to as the communication unit. Furthermore, if the communication interface 46 is composed of a physically structured circuit, it may also be referred to as the communication circuit.

[0040] The input / output unit 42 includes a device for inputting various operations to the game console 40, and a device for outputting the processing results processed by the game console 40. The input / output unit 42 may have an integrated input unit and an output unit, or it may have separate input and output units, or it may not have been integrated.

[0041] The input unit is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of receiving input from the user and transmitting the information related to said input to the control unit 41. The input unit includes, but is not limited to, hardware keys such as operation buttons, touch panels, touch displays, and keyboards, as well as pointing devices such as mice, cameras (operation input via video), and microphones (operation input via voice).

[0042] The output unit is implemented by any or any combination of any type of device capable of outputting the processing results processed by the control unit 41. The output unit includes, but is not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a speaker (for audio output), a lens (for, but is not limited to, 3D (three-dimensional) output or hologram output), a printer, and the like.

[0043] The display unit 43 is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of displaying data according to the display data written to the frame buffer. The display unit 43 includes, but is not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, monitors (including, but is not limited to, liquid crystal displays and OLEDs (organic electroluminescence displays)), head-mounted displays (HMDs), projection mapping, holograms, and devices capable of displaying images, text information, etc., in air (which may or may not be a vacuum). These display units 43 may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D.

[0044] If the input / output unit 42 is a touch panel, the input / output unit 42 and the display unit 43 may be arranged facing each other and have substantially the same size and shape.

[0045] The control unit 41 has physically structured circuitry to perform functions realized by code or instructions contained within the program, and is implemented, but is not limited to, by a data processing device built into the hardware. Therefore, the control unit 41 may or may not be described as a control circuit.

[0046] The control unit 41 includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), and an FPGA (field programmable gate array).

[0047] The memory unit 47 has the function of storing various programs and data necessary for the operation of the game console 40. The memory unit 47 includes, but is not limited to, various storage media such as HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), flash memory, RAM (random access memory), and ROM (read-only memory). The memory unit 47 may or may not be referred to as memory.

[0048] The game console 40 stores a program in the memory unit 47, and by executing this program, the control unit 41 performs the processing of each part included in the control unit 41. In other words, the program stored in the memory unit 47 enables the game console 40 to realize each function executed by the control unit 41. Furthermore, this program may or may not be referred to as a program module.

[0049] Speaker 44 is used for outputting audio data. Camera 45 is used for acquiring video data.

[0050] Each embodiment of this disclosure is described as being realized by the CPU of the terminal 20, server 10, and / or game console 40 executing a program.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 21 of terminal 20, the control unit 11 of server 10, and / or the control unit 41 of game console 40 may implement each process not only with a CPU having a control circuit, but also with logic circuits (hardware) or dedicated circuits formed on an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), etc., or they may not. Also, these circuits may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, and the multiple processes shown in each embodiment may be implemented by a single integrated circuit, or they may not. In addition, LSIs are sometimes called VLSI, Super LSI, Ultra LSI, etc., depending on the degree of integration. Therefore, the control units 21, 11, and / or 41 may or may not be described as control circuits.

[0052] Furthermore, the programs of each embodiment of the present disclosure (for example, not limited to, software programs, computer programs, or program modules) may or may not be provided stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium is a “tangible medium that is not temporary” on which programs can be stored. Also, the programs may or may not be for the purpose of implementing some of the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the programs may or may not be so-called differential files (differential programs) that can implement the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure in combination with programs already recorded on the storage medium.

[0053] The storage medium may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (for example, but not limited to, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical disks, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards, or drives, any other suitable storage medium, or any two or more suitable combinations thereof. The storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate. The storage medium is not limited to these examples and may be any device or medium capable of storing a program. The storage medium may or may not be referred to as memory.

[0054] The server 10, terminal 20, and / or game console 40 can realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment by reading programs stored in a storage medium and executing the read programs.

[0055] Furthermore, the program of this disclosure may or may not be provided to the server 10, terminal 20, and / or game console 40 via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). The server 10, terminal 20, and / or game console 40 realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment by executing the program downloaded via the Internet or the like, for example, without limit.

[0056] Furthermore, each embodiment of this disclosure can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission. At least part of the processing in server 10, terminal 20, and / or game console 40 may or may not be implemented by cloud computing consisting of one or more computers. The configuration may or may not involve the server 10 performing at least a portion of the processing in terminal 20 and / or game console 40. In this case, the configuration may or may not involve the server 10 performing at least a portion of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 21 of terminal 20 and / or the control unit 41 of game console 40. The server 10 may be configured to perform at least a portion of its processing on the terminal 20 and / or the game console 40, or it may not be configured to do so. In this case, the server 10 may be configured to perform at least a portion of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 11 on the terminal 20 and / or the game console 40, or it may not be configured to do so. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the configuration of the determination in the embodiments of this disclosure is not mandatory, and a predetermined process may be performed if the determination condition is met, or if the determination condition is not met, or not.

[0057] The programs disclosed herein may be implemented using, but are not limited to, scripting languages ​​such as ActionScript and JavaScript®, object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Objective-C and Java®, and markup languages ​​such as HTML5.

[0058] Furthermore, and to reiterate, the various programs and data in this disclosure can be stored (recorded) on a computer-readable storage medium (recording medium). This storage medium includes various types of storage media such as magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, and flash memory.

[0059] <First Embodiment> Generally, in real-world prize-winning machines 40 that are not online, multiple players (for example, friends) may take turns playing the game. However, in online prize-winning games, it has been difficult for multiple players to take turns playing. Also, in prize-winning games where prize points are moved with each play, the probability of winning prize points fluctuates, unlike in games where the game returns to its initial state with each play. For this reason, players who end a prize-winning game midway may want to take over with a specific player, such as a friend, depending on the state of the prizes.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play to another player B (user B) based on the selection of player A (user A) who is playing the prize-winning game of the prize-winning device 40 (game machine 40). As a result, player B continues to play the prize-winning game on behalf of player A. Players A to C refer to players A to C of terminals 20A to 20C. The contents described in the first embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments.

[0061] <Functional Configuration> (1) Server Functional Configuration Figure 2 shows an example of a function realized by the communication unit 14 of the server 10 in this embodiment. The communication unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, a communication main processing unit 141 and a player information transmission unit 142.

[0062] The communication main processing unit 141 has the function of performing communication main processing, which is the process of sending and receiving information between the terminal 20 and the prize acquisition device 40, under the control of the control unit 11.

[0063] The player information transmission unit 142 has the function of performing a player information transmission process, which is the process of transmitting player information of player B, to whom the play rights of player A, who operates the prize acquisition device 40 with terminal 20A, can be transferred, under the control of the control unit 11.

[0064] Figure 3 shows an example of information stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10 in this embodiment. The storage unit 15 stores, as an example but not an exhaustive list, a server main processing program 151 that is read by the control unit 11 and executed as the server main processing.

[0065] Furthermore, the server main processing program 151 includes, as an example (not limited to), a transmission processing program 1511, which is read by the control unit 11 and executed as player information transmission processing, as a subroutine program.

[0066] Furthermore, the server main processing program 151 includes, as an example and not an exhaustive, a control processing program 1512, which is read by the control unit 11 and executed as device control processing, as a subroutine program.

[0067] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 stores player information 152, not as an example but as an example. The player information 152 is information about players who have been registered in advance to play the prize-winning game, and may include, for example, the identification information of the terminal 20 (e.g., the player's name, identification number, etc.), information about other players associated with the player (e.g., a list of friends, etc.), the rewards for the prize-winning game that each player possesses (e.g., tickets, points, etc.), and the prizes that each player has won in the prize-winning game.

[0068] Figure 4 shows an example of the functions realized by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in this embodiment. The control unit 11 includes, but is not limited to, a server main processing unit 111, a transmission processing unit 112, and a control processing unit 113.

[0069] The server main processing unit 111 has the function of executing server main processing, which is processing for comprehensively controlling the server 10, according to the server main processing program 151 stored in the storage unit 15.

[0070] The transmission processing unit 112 executes a player information transmission process to send player information of player B, to whom the play rights of player A, who operates the prize acquisition device 40 with terminal 20A, can be transferred, according to the transmission processing program 1511 stored in the storage unit 15.

[0071] When the control processing unit 113 receives a request from terminal 20A to transfer the right to play to player B, according to the control processing program 1512 stored in the memory unit 15, it executes device control processing to control the prize acquisition device 40 in accordance with the operation instructions transmitted from player B's terminal 20B.

[0072] (2) Terminal Functional Configuration Figure 5 shows an example of the functions realized by the communication unit 22 of terminal 20A in this embodiment. The communication unit 22 includes, but is not limited to, a communication main processing unit 221, a player information receiving unit 222, and a transfer request transmission unit 223.

[0073] The communication main processing unit 221 has the function of executing communication main processing, which is the process of sending and receiving information with the server 10, under the control of the control unit 21.

[0074] The player information receiving unit 222 has the function of receiving player information from the server 10, under the control of the control unit 21, to receive player information of player B to whom the play rights of player A, who operates the prize acquisition device 40 with terminal 20A, can be transferred.

[0075] The transfer request transmission unit 223 has the function of performing a transfer request transmission process, which, under the control of the control unit 21, sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play to player B, based on the selection of player A.

[0076] Figure 6 shows an example of information stored in the memory unit 28 of terminal 20A in this embodiment. The memory unit 28 stores, as an example, a terminal main processing program 281 that is read by the control unit 21 and executed as terminal main processing.

[0077] Furthermore, the terminal main processing program 281 includes, as an example, a receiving processing program 2811 which is read by the control unit 21 and executed as player information receiving processing, as a subroutine program. Furthermore, the terminal main processing program 281 also includes, as an example, a transmitting processing program 2812 which is read by the control unit 21 and executed as transfer request transmission processing, as a subroutine program.

[0078] Figure 7 shows an example of the functions realized by the control unit 21 of terminal 20A in this embodiment. The control unit 21 includes, but is not limited to, a terminal main processing unit 211, a player information receiving processing unit 212, and a transfer request transmission processing unit 213.

[0079] The terminal main processing unit 211 has the function of executing terminal main processing, which is processing for comprehensively controlling the terminal 20A, according to the terminal main processing program 281 stored in the storage unit 28.

[0080] The player information receiving processing unit 212 has the function of receiving player information from the server 10, which is the process of receiving player information of player B to whom the play rights of player A, who operates the prize acquisition device 40 with terminal 20A, can be transferred, in accordance with the receiving processing program 2811 stored in the storage unit 28.

[0081] The transfer request transmission processing unit 213 has the function of executing a transfer request transmission process that sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play to player B, based on the selection of player A, according to the transmission processing program 2812 stored in the storage unit 28.

[0082] <Device configuration> (1) Device configuration of the prize acquisition device 40 Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the prize acquisition device 40 in this embodiment. The prize acquisition device 40 includes, but is not limited to, a housing 48, a crane 49, a drop-off opening 50, and a retrieval opening 51. A camera 45 is also positioned on the outside of the housing 48, for example, cameras 45a and 45b. The crane 49, cameras 45a and 45b are electrically connected to the control unit 41.

[0083] The enclosure 48 has a prize compartment R formed inside, and a placement section 52 for placing prizes P is arranged in the prize compartment R. The placement section 52 may be composed of, for example, a flat platform, a stepped platform, or multiple rod-shaped members. As a result, multiple prizes P can be placed on the placement section 52.

[0084] Furthermore, the prize room R may be formed to be enclosed by, for example, a transparent plate member that is visible from the outside. Outside the prize room R, cameras 45a and 45b are arranged to capture images of the crane 49 being operated under the control of the control unit 41. For example, camera 45a may be positioned in front of the housing 48 to capture images from the front of the prize room R. Camera 45b may be positioned to the side of the housing 48 to capture images from the side of the prize room R. The shooting range of cameras 45a and 45b may be set to include, for example, the crane 49 and the mounting section 52.

[0085] The crane 49 is positioned in the housing 48 to move within the prize room R under the control of the control unit 41. The crane 49 is positioned in the housing 48 to move, for example, in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions relative to the housing 48. The crane 49 also has an arm, which is operated to open and close its tip. This allows the crane 49 to grasp the prize P.

[0086] The drop-off opening 50 is for dropping the prizes P from the prize room R and is formed in the prize room R of the housing 48. The drop-off opening 50 may be formed, for example, on the bottom surface of the prize room R.

[0087] The retrieval opening 51 communicates with the drop-off opening 50 and retrieves the prize P that has been dropped into the drop-off opening 50. The retrieval opening 51 may be formed on the entire surface of the housing 48, for example. A sensor for detecting the prize P that has fallen into the drop-off opening 50 may also be placed near the drop-off opening 50. This allows the control unit 41 to detect the acquisition of the prize P based on the detection signal from the sensor. Prize identification information may be attached to the prize P. This allows the control unit 41 to detect the acquisition of the prize P and the type of prize P based on the prize identification information. Examples of prize identification information include RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, IC tags, and code information. The sensor may also consist of a camera. The control unit 41 may detect the acquisition of the prize P based on the image captured by the camera. The control unit 41 may also detect the type of prize P based on the image captured by the camera.

[0088] <Information Processing> Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by each device in this embodiment. From left to right, it shows an example of the processing performed by the control unit 21 of terminal 20A, the processing performed by the control unit 21 of terminal 20B, the processing performed by the control unit 11 of server 10, and the processing performed by the control unit 41 of prize acquisition device 40, respectively.

[0089] Each step in each process is indicated by a combination of uppercase letters and numbers, and the term "step" is omitted in this specification. Furthermore, the flowchart described below is merely an example of the process in this embodiment, and some steps in the flowchart described below may be omitted, or additional steps may be inserted. These also apply to other flowcharts in this specification.

[0090] First, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A selects a specific prize winning device 40 from among the multiple prize winning devices 40 managed by server 10 based on the input operation of player A, and transmits the selection information to server 10 (A1). For example, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may display a selection screen 53 on the display unit 24 for selecting to play or view a specific prize winning game. The selection screen 53 displays multiple selection buttons 54 for selecting a prize winning device 40. Here, player A of terminal 20A selects the selection button 54a for prize winning device 40A which has a transfer function from among the multiple selection buttons 54. As a result, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A transmits selection information to server 10 indicating that the player has selected to play prize winning device 40A.

[0091] Meanwhile, the prize-winning device 40A transmits the images captured by cameras 45a and 45b to the server 10, as shown in Figure 8 (D1). For example, the prize-winning device 40A may automatically transmit the images to the server 10. Alternatively, the prize-winning device 40A may transmit the images to the server 10 in response to a transmission request from the server 10.

[0092] When the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives selection information for the prize winning device 40A from the terminal 20A, it sends a play screen for operating the prize winning device 40A to the terminal 20A (C1). The control unit 11 of the server 10 may also collect a fee for operating the prize winning device 40A from the rewards for the prize winning game held by player A, managed by the server 10, such as tickets or points.

[0093] As a result, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A displays the play screen on the display unit 24, as shown in Figure 11. Here, the play screen 62 may include, for example, a switching button 63 for switching between a captured image 61 taken by camera 45a and a captured image 61 taken by camera 45b. The play screen 62 may also include a prize amount display field 64 indicating the prize amount for the prize-winning game. Furthermore, the play screen 62 may include a viewer count display field 65a indicating the number of viewers of the prize-winning game and a reservation count display field 65b indicating the number of reservations for the prize-winning device 40A.

[0094] The play screen 62 may also include operation buttons 66 for operating the prize winning device 40A. The control unit 21 of terminal 20A transmits operation instructions for the prize winning device 40A to the server 10 based on the input operation of player A to the operation buttons 66 (A2). When the control unit 11 of server 10 receives the operation instructions from terminal 20A, it transmits those instructions to the prize winning device 40A (C2).

[0095] Here, player B of terminal 20B can view the prize-winning game that player A is playing. For example, the control unit 21 of terminal 20B may display a list of players associated with player B by identification information, etc., on the display unit 24 in response to player B's input. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the control unit 21 of terminal 20B may display a friend list 55 of friends A and D that player B has previously registered with the server 10 as friends on the display unit 24. In this case, the friend list 55 may register players A and D as friends who have mutually registered (e.g., followed) other players A and D with player B, or it may register players A and D as friends who have only been registered by player B.

[0096] The friend list 55 may include, for example, a status display section 56 that displays the status of players A and D. The status display section 56 may display, for example, whether the terminals 20A and 20D of players A and D are online to server 10, that is, whether terminals 20A and 20D are connected to server 10 of the prize-winning game. The online status may include, for example, players A and D playing the prize-winning game, viewing the prize-winning game, or other situations (for example, displaying the selection screen 53).

[0097] Here, the friend list 55 may include a move button 56a provided in response to the status display area 56 of player A who is playing or viewing a prize-winning game. This move button 6a is for player B to move as a viewer to the same prize-winning game room as player A. Note that the prize-winning game room is a virtual game space provided for each prize-winning game, and may consist of a space where players, viewers, and reserved players gather, for example, as shown in the play screen 62.

[0098] The control unit 21 of terminal 20B sends a request to the server 10 to view the prize-winning game being played by player A, based on player B's input operation to the movement button 56a (B1). When the control unit 11 of server 10 receives the viewing request, it sends a viewing play screen 62 for viewing the prize-winning game to terminal 20B (C3). As a result, the control unit 21 of terminal 20B displays a captured image 61 of the prize-winning game being played by player A on the display unit 24 (B2), and player B is able to view player A's prize-winning game. The viewing play screen 62 may be configured, for example, to exclude the operation buttons 66 from the operation play screen 62.

[0099] When the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends the play screen for viewing to the terminal 20B, as shown in Figure 11, it displays in the friend information 67 on player A's play screen 62 that player B is viewing player A's prize-winning game. Here, it is assumed that player A's prize-winning game is being viewed by two people, for example, player B and player C, as shown in the viewer count display field 65a. Also, it is assumed that the prize-winning device 40A is reserved by one person, for example, player C, as shown in the reservation count display field 65b.

[0100] Furthermore, when the control unit 41 of the prize acquisition device 40A receives an operation instruction from player A from the server 10, it operates the crane 49 based on that operation instruction, as shown in Figure 8 (D2). The control unit 41 of the prize acquisition device 40A transmits a detection result indicating the detection of a prize P to the server 10, for example, based on a detection signal from a sensor (not shown) located at the dispensing opening 51 (D3).

[0101] The control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not prize P has been won based on the detection result of the prize winning device 40A (C4). If the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that prize P has been won, it sends the result of winning prize P to the terminal 20A and ends the prize winning game. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that prize P has not been won, it sends continue information to the terminal 20A (C5). As a result, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the continue information 68 on the play screen 62, as shown in Figure 13A.

[0102] The continue information 68 may include, for example, a time limit 68a, a start button 68b, and a transfer button 68c. The start button 68b is a button that allows player A of terminal 20A to choose to play the prize-winning game again. The transfer button 68c is a button that allows player A to choose to transfer the right to play the prize-winning game to another player. The time limit 68a is the time limit that indicates the deadline for selecting either the start button 68b or the transfer button 68c. If the start button 68b or the transfer button 68c is not operated within the time limit 68a, the control unit 11 of server 10 may transfer the right to play the prize-winning game to player C, who is the next reserved player after player A.

[0103] Here, when player A finishes operating the prize acquisition device 40A and displays the continue information 68, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A enables the operation of the transfer button 68c, i.e., the selection to transfer the play rights. The control unit 11 of server 10 may also control the operation of the transfer button 68c. If player A inputs the transfer button 68c within the time limit 68a, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A requests server 10 to send player information of other players to whom player A's play rights can be transferred (A3). Here, the player information may include information of other players associated with player A, for example, online information of other players registered as friends of player A. The player information may also include, for example, viewing information of other players who are viewing player A's play of the prize acquisition game using the prize acquisition device 40A.

[0104] When the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives a request to transmit player information from terminal 20A, it retrieves the player information from the storage unit 15 and transmits that player information to terminal 20A via the communication unit 14 (C6). As a result, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A displays a friend list 55, including the player information 69, on the display unit 24, as shown in Figure 13B. Here, the friend list 55 includes the player information 69 of player B who is viewing player A's prize-winning game, and the player information 69 of player E of terminal 20E, which is connected to the server 10 online. Based on player A's selection of the player information 69, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play (A4). Here, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play to player B. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may allow the transfer of the right to play to player B only if it determines that there are no reservations for the prize winning device 40A (i.e., there are zero reservations). This allows the control unit 11 of the server 10 to prevent player B from interrupting a reservation and playing the prize winning game.

[0105] When the control unit 11 of server 10 receives a request to transfer play rights from terminal 20A, it sends a play screen 62 for operating the prize winning device 40A to player B's terminal 20B based on the transfer request (C7). The control unit 11 of server 10 may also send continue information 68 to terminal 20B before sending the play screen 62. If the start button 68b is pressed within the time limit 68a, the control unit 11 of server 10 may determine that the transfer of play rights has been approved by player B and send the play screen 62 to terminal 20B. At this time, the control unit 11 of server 10 may collect the cost of operating the prize winning device 40A from the rewards for the prize winning game held by player B managed by server 10, such as tickets or points.

[0106] Here, the rewards for a prize-winning game include, for example, rewards obtained by the player through payment and rewards obtained for free. If the transfer of play rights is approved by player B, the control unit 11 of server 10 may not accept free rewards and may only accept paid rewards. In other words, the control unit 11 of server 10 may restrict the use of rewards based on information about the rewards, such as distinctions based on how they were obtained. This makes it possible to prevent player B, whose play rights have been transferred, from playing the prize-winning game using only free rewards.

[0107] Next, when the control unit 21 of terminal 20B receives the play screen 62 from the server 10, it sends an operation instruction for the prize acquisition device 40A to the server 10 based on the input operation of player B to the operation button 66 (B3). When the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives the operation instruction from terminal 20B, it sends that operation instruction to the prize acquisition device 40A (C8). When the control unit 41 of the prize acquisition device 40A receives the operation instruction from the server 10, it operates the crane 49 based on that operation instruction, as shown in Figure 8 (D4). In this way, the control unit 11 of the server 10 controls the prize acquisition device 40A according to the operation instruction sent from player B's terminal 20B. Then, the control unit 41 of the prize acquisition device 40A sends a detection result indicating the detection of a prize P to the server 10 based on the detection signal of a sensor (not shown) located in the dispensing opening 51, for example (D5). Furthermore, when the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits the play screen 62 to terminal 20B, it may also transmit the play screen 62 for viewing the prize-winning game operated by player B to terminal 20A. This allows player A on terminal 20A to view the gameplay of player B, to whom the play rights have been transferred.

[0108] The control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not prize P has been acquired based on the detection result of the prize acquisition device 40A (C9). If the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that prize P has been acquired, it sends the acquisition result of prize P to the terminal 20B and ends the prize acquisition game. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that prize P has not been acquired, it sends continue information to the terminal 20B (C10). Then, as shown in Figure 13A, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B displays the continue information 68 on the display unit 24 and accepts input operations for the start button 68b or the transfer button 68c within the time limit 68a. The control unit 11 of the server 10 may, for example, collect the price for the prize acquisition game from player B at the timing when the operation of the prize acquisition game is started on terminal 20B.

[0109] Here, if player B, whose play rights have been transferred, plays the prize-winning game after player A, the start time for player C, who has a reservation after player A, will be delayed. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can prevent player C from feeling uncomfortable by displaying on the selection screen 53 for selecting the prize-winning device 40 that the prize-winning device 40A has a function to transfer play rights. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may also indicate to player C that play rights may be transferred by displaying friend information 67 indicating that player B, who is associated with player A, is viewing it. At this time, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may also display the number of players associated with player A who are included in the viewers or reservations.

[0110] <Effects of the First Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the communication unit 22 of terminal 20A receives player information 69 from server 10 of player B to whom the play rights of player A, who operates the prize acquisition device 40A with terminal 20A, can be transferred. Then, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to server 10 to transfer the play rights to player B based on player A's selection.

[0111] One example of the effects of this configuration is that Player A can easily transfer their playing rights to Player B.

[0112] In the first embodiment, the player information 69 indicates player B, who is viewing player A's gameplay using the prize acquisition device 40A.

[0113] One example of the effects of this configuration is that player A can smoothly transfer the right to play to player B, who is aware of the status of the prize-winning game.

[0114] In the first embodiment, the player information 69 indicates player B associated with player A.

[0115] As an example of the effects of this configuration, Player A can transfer the right to play to Player B, who is associated with them.

[0116] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A allows the user to choose to transfer the right to play once the operation of the prize acquisition device 40A is completed.

[0117] As an example of the effects of this configuration, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A can reliably transfer the play rights of player A.

[0118] In the first embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the time limit 68a for transferring play rights on the display unit 24.

[0119] One example of the effects of this configuration is that player A is given limited time to decide whether or not to transfer their playing rights, allowing them to transfer them smoothly.

[0120] In the first embodiment, the communication unit 14 of the server 10 transmits player information 69 of player B to the terminal 20A, which is to whom player A can transfer the play rights of player A, who operates the prize winning device 40A with terminal 20A. When the control unit 21 of terminal 20A receives a request from terminal 20A to transfer the play rights to player B, it controls the prize winning device 40A according to the operation instructions transmitted from player B's terminal 20B.

[0121] One example of the effects of this configuration is that Player A can easily transfer their playing rights to Player B.

[0122] <First variation (1)> In the first embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 provides a time limit 68a for player B to approve the transfer of play rights, in addition to the time limit 68a for player A to choose to transfer play rights. However, it is sufficient for player A to transfer play rights to player B, and is not limited to this.

[0123] In the first modified example (1), the control unit 11 of the server 10 may set a single time limit 68a that proceeds consecutively for player A's selection to transfer play rights and player B's approval of the transfer of play rights.

[0124] First, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits continue information 68 to the terminal 20A (C5). At this time, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sets a time limit 68a that progresses continuously for player A's selection to transfer play rights and player B's approval of the transfer of play rights, for example, a time limit of 90 seconds 68a. As a result, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the continue information 68 indicating a 90-second time limit 68a on the display unit 24, as shown in Figure 13A. Then, based on player A's input operation to the transfer button 68c, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits a request to the server 10 to transmit player information 69 30 seconds after the start of the display of the time limit 68a (A3).

[0125] Next, when the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play to player B (A4), the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends continue information 68 to terminal 20B for player B to approve the transfer of the right to play. At this time, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may continue to use the time limit 68a used by player A to select the transfer of the right to play. That is, since 30 seconds of the 90-second time limit 68a were used by player A to select the transfer of the right to play, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may set the remaining 60 seconds as the time limit 68a for player B to select approval. If the start button 68b is pressed within the 60-second time limit 68a, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that the transfer of the right to play has been approved by player B and sends the play screen 62 to player B's terminal 20B (C7).

[0126] <Effects of the first modified example (1)> In the first modified example (1), the control unit 11 of the server 10 may set a time limit 68a that proceeds consecutively for player A's selection to transfer play rights and player B's approval of the transfer of play rights.

[0127] As an example of the effects of this configuration, the control unit 11 of server 10 can suppress fluctuations in the time required for transferring play rights. Therefore, for example, fluctuations in the waiting time for player C, who has a reservation after player A, can be suppressed.

[0128] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, player B of terminal 20B moved to the same prize-winning game room as player A by manually pressing the move button 56a. However, it is sufficient and not limited to moving to the same prize-winning game room as player A.

[0129] In the second embodiment, player B of terminal 20B may move to player A's prize-winning game room in response to player A's invitation.

[0130] Note that components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their further explanation is omitted. The contents described in the second embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments.

[0131] First, similar to the first embodiment, when the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives selection information for the prize winning device 40A from the terminal 20A, it transmits a play screen for operating the prize winning device 40A to the terminal 20A (C1). As a result, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the play screen 62 on the display unit 24, as shown in Figure 14. Here, the play screen 62 may include an invite button 66a to invite other players to a specific prize winning game. When the invite button 66a is pressed by player A, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A requests the server 10 to transmit player information 69 of other players who can be invited to the prize winning game.

[0132] As a result, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may display a friend list 55, including player information 69, on the display unit 24, for example, as shown in Figure 13B. Based on player A's selection of player information 69, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to send an invitation notification to player B. This invitation notification is an invitation to view the prize-winning game that player A is playing. When the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives the request to send the invitation notification from terminal 20A, it sends the invitation notification to player B's terminal 20B based on the request. Then, the control unit 21 of terminal 20B displays the invitation notification 70 on the display unit 24, for example, as shown in Figure 15. Here, the invitation notification 70 may include a move button 70a that moves to the same prize-winning game room as player A as a viewer.

[0133] The control unit 21 of terminal 20B sends a request to the server 10 to view the prize-winning game being played by player A, based on player B's input operation to the movement button 70a (B1). When the control unit 11 of server 10 receives the viewing request, it sends a viewing play screen to terminal 20B (C3). As a result, the control unit 21 of terminal 20B displays the viewing play screen of the prize-winning game being played by player A on the display unit 24 (B2). As a result, player B moves to the same prize-winning game room as player A, similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, when player A inputs the transfer button 68c of the continue information 68, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A displays a friend list 55 including player B's player information 69 on the display unit 24, as shown in Figure 13B.

[0134] The control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play to player B based on player A's selection of player information 69 (A4). As a result, the right to play the prize-winning game from player A is transferred to player B.

[0135] <Effects of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment, player information 69 indicates player B who was invited by player A. One example of the effects of this configuration is that Player A can easily invite Player B to a game where they can win a desired prize.

[0136] <Second variation (1)> In the second embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sent an invitation notification from server 10 to terminal 20B for player B while player A was playing a prize-winning game. However, it is sufficient, and not limited to, that an invitation notification can be sent to terminal 20B.

[0137] In the second variation (1), the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may send an invitation notification to player B from server 10 to terminal 20B when it is connected online to the prize-winning game.

[0138] For example, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may send an invitation notification to terminal 20B to invite player B to a specific prize-winning game while player A is browsing that game. Alternatively, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may send an invitation notification to player B from the server 10 to terminal 20B while player A is selecting the prize-winning device 40 on the selection screen 53 shown in Figure 10.

[0139] <Effects of the second modified example (1)> In the second variation (1), the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may send an invitation notification to player B to terminal 20B when it is connected online to the prize-winning game.

[0140] One example of the effects of this configuration is that Player A can easily invite Player B to a game where they can win a desired prize.

[0141] <Third Embodiment> In the first and second embodiments, the control unit 11 of the server 10 configured the play screen 62 so that the right to play the prize-winning game could be repeatedly transferred to other players, but restrictions may be placed on the transfer of play rights.

[0142] In the third embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may limit the number of times the right to play the prize-winning game can be transferred to other players.

[0143] Note that components identical to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their further explanation is omitted. The contents described in the third embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments.

[0144] First, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits the play screen 62 to the terminal 20A (C1). At this time, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may set the number of times that play rights can be transferred. For example, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may set the number of times that play rights can be transferred to 3. The control unit 11 of the server 10 may also set the number of people to whom play rights can be transferred to 3. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may restrict the number of times that play rights can be transferred to 1, that is, player B cannot transfer the transferred play rights to other players. Once the control unit 11 of the server 10 has set the number of times that play rights can be transferred, it may provide a limit number display field 65c on the play screen 62, as shown in Figure 16A, to indicate that number. As a result, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the limit number of times that play rights can be transferred on the display unit 24.

[0145] Next, when Player A finishes playing the prize-winning game and chooses to transfer their play rights, the control unit 11 of the server 10 reduces the limit on the number of play rights that can be transferred by one. Then, as shown in Figure 16B, the control unit 11 sends a play screen 62 with the limit in the limit display field 65c reduced by one to the terminal 20B (C7).

[0146] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the limited number of play rights that can be transferred on the display unit 24.

[0147] One example of the effects of this configuration is that Player A can easily understand the limit on the number of times they can transfer their play rights.

[0148] <Third variation (1)> In the third embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 limited the number of times play rights could be transferred, but a limit may also be placed on the number of consecutive plays by player B.

[0149] The third variation (1) is a variation in which the control unit 11 of the server 10 limits the number of plays for player B to whom the play rights have been transferred.

[0150] For example, when the right to play is transferred from player A to player B, the control unit 11 of server 10 may set the number of consecutive plays that player B can make in the prize-winning game. Here, the control unit 11 may limit the number of plays for player B, to whom the right to play has been transferred, to 10. The control unit 11 may also provide a display field for displaying the limited number of plays on the play screen 62 or the continue information 68. As a result, the control unit 21 of terminal 20B displays the limited number of plays on the display unit 24.

[0151] Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends the continue information 68 to the terminal 20B (C10), and when player B inputs the start button 68b of the continue information 68, the control unit 11 of the server 10 reduces player B's play count to 9.

[0152] <Effects of the third modified example (1)> In the third variation (1), the control unit 21 of terminal 20A displays the limited number of plays for player B, to whom the play rights have been transferred, on the display unit 24.

[0153] One example of the effects of this configuration is that Player B can easily keep track of the number of times they can play the prize-winning game consecutively.

[0154] <Fourth Embodiment> In the first to third embodiments, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may impose restrictions on the assist conditions for player B to whom the play rights have been transferred.

[0155] Generally, the control unit 11 of the server 10 counts the number of consecutive plays of the prize-winning game by player A, and when the number of plays reaches a predetermined number, it notifies the operator of the prize-winning device 40A that an assist will occur. This allows the operator to move the position of prize P in the prize-winning device 40A so that it is easier to win prize P. In this case, if player A's number of plays is carried over to the number of plays of player B, who has transferred the play rights, then even though they are different players, player B will receive an assist under more favorable conditions than the other player.

[0156] In the fourth embodiment, the assist conditions are set such that the number of plays by player A does not carry over to the assist conditions for player B.

[0157] Note that components identical to those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their further explanation is omitted. The contents described in the fourth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments.

[0158] First, similar to the first embodiment, if the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that prize P has not been won, it sends continue information 68 to the terminal 20A (C5). At this point, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to start playing the prize-winning game based on the input operation of player A to the start button 68b shown in Figure 13A. This allows player A of the terminal 20A to resume playing the prize-winning game. At this time, the control unit 11 of the server 10 counts the number of times player A has played the prize-winning game consecutively and determines whether the assist condition has been met. The assist condition may include, for example, reaching a predetermined number of plays.

[0159] Next, when the prize-winning game ends, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play based on player A's selection in the continue information 68 (A4). As a result, the server 10 sends the play screen 62 to terminal 20B, and the control unit 21 of terminal 20B starts the prize-winning game based on player B's input on the play screen 62.

[0160] In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may set the assist conditions so that the number of plays by player A is not carried over to the assist conditions for player B. For example, suppose the control unit 11 of the server 10 sets the assist conditions for player A so that an assist occurs when the number of plays reaches 15. If player A then transfers the right to play to player B after 10 plays, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may increase the assist condition from 15 plays to 20 plays. Alternatively, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may reduce the count for player A's 10 plays to 5 plays. As a result, player B, to whom the right to play has been transferred, will only need to play the prize-winning game 10 times to satisfy the assist conditions, thus limiting the assist conditions compared to when the assist conditions were carried over as they were.

[0161] Furthermore, if the right to play is transferred to player B while maintaining the 15-play assist condition, the control unit 11 of server 10 may suspend assistance until player B plays a predetermined number of times, for example, 5 times, after the total number of plays by player A and player B reaches 15. For example, if player A plays 12 times and transfers the right to play to player B, the control unit 11 of server 10 may suspend assistance until player B plays 2 more times (5 times since the transfer), after player B has played 3 more times, bringing the total number of plays to 15.

[0162] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may set an assist condition to reset the number of plays to zero when the right to play is transferred to player B. As a result, player B will not receive any assistance until the number of plays in the prize-winning game reaches 15.

[0163] <Effects of the 4th Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, the number of plays by player A is not carried over to the assist conditions for player B.

[0164] As an example of the effects of this configuration, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can fairly set assist conditions for multiple players.

[0165] <Fifth Embodiment> In the first to fourth embodiments, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A transferred player A's play rights to player B (for example, a game viewer) who is in the same prize-winning game room as player A. However, it is sufficient, and not limited to, that player A's play rights be transferred to any other player.

[0166] In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may transfer player A's playing rights to player E of terminal 20E, which is connected online to server 10, for example, player E who is not in the same prize-winning game as player A.

[0167] Note that components identical to those in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their further explanation is omitted. The contents described in the fifth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments.

[0168] First, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends a friend list 55 including player information 69 to terminal 20A based on the player information transmission request sent from terminal 20A, as shown in Figure 13B (C6). The control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to transfer play rights to the server 10 based on player A's selection of player information 69 (A4). Here, it is assumed that the control unit 21 of terminal 20A has sent a request to transfer play rights to player E of terminal 20E, which is connected to the server 10 online, to the server 10.

[0169] When the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives a request to transfer play rights to player E, it may send a transfer notification indicating that play rights have been transferred from player A, and transition information indicating that player E will be transitioned to player A's prize-winning game room, to terminal 20E. This allows player E to understand that play rights have been transferred based on the transfer notification and to transition to the prize-winning game room based on the transition information. For example, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may send the play screen 62 to terminal 20E in response to player E's input operation of the transition information (C7). This allows the control unit 21 of terminal 20E to send operation instructions for the prize-winning device 40A to the server 10 based on player E's input operation of the operation button 66.

[0170] <Effects of the Fifth Embodiment> In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 for the transfer of play rights from terminal 20E, which is connected to the server 10 online, to player E.

[0171] As an example of the effects of this configuration, player A can transfer play rights to player E on terminal 20E, which is connected online to server 10, thus enabling a smooth transfer of play rights.

[0172] <Sixth Embodiment> In the first to fifth embodiments, the control unit 11 of the server 10 collected the fees for the prize-winning game from players A and B, respectively, but it is sufficient to collect the fees for the prize-winning game, and is not limited to this.

[0173] In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may set up a collection process to collect the price for the prize-winning game played by player B, who has transferred the play rights, from player A's price, based on player A's input operation.

[0174] Note that components identical to those in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their further explanation is omitted. The contents described in the sixth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments.

[0175] First, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play to player B based on player A's selection of player information 69 (A4). Here, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may also set the server 10 to collect the price for the prize-winning game that player B plays from the price held by player A, based on player A's input.

[0176] For example, before sending a request to transfer play rights, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may send a request to the server 10 to transfer the consideration for playing the prize-winning game to player B, based on the input operation of player A. At this time, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may display player A's consideration information 73, as shown in Figure 17, based on the reception of information managed by the server 10. This consideration information 73 displays player information of player A registered with the server 10, and may, for example, display player A's held consideration 73a. The consideration information 73 may also include a consideration purchase button 73b and a consideration transfer button 73c. ​​Held consideration 73a indicates the consideration for the prize-winning game held by player A, and may, for example, indicate the number of tickets or points.

[0177] Tickets may include regular tickets, transferable tickets, and transfer-only tickets. Regular tickets may consist of tickets purchased by Player A themselves. Transferable tickets are tickets transferred from other players and may be configured so that they cannot be further transferred to other players, for example. Transfer-only tickets are tickets to be transferred to other players and may be configured so that Player A cannot use them, for example. Points may also include regular points, transferable points, and transfer-only points, similar to tickets.

[0178] The purchase button 73b is for purchasing the prize for the prize-winning game. The transfer button 73c is for transferring the prize to another player, and may be configured to transfer, for example, a prize selected by player A from their held prizes 73a to another player.

[0179] The control unit 21 of terminal 20A may send a consideration transfer request to the server 10 to transfer the consideration held by player A to player B, based on player A's input operation to the consideration transfer button 73c of the consideration information 73. At this time, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may accept player A's selection to specify the recipient of the consideration. For example, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may display a list of players associated with player A by identification information, etc., on the display unit 24 based on player A's input operation to the consideration transfer button 73c. ​​For example, as shown in Figure 13B, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may display a friend list 55 of friends B and E that have been previously registered with the server 10 as friends by player A on the display unit 24. When player A selects player B in the friend list, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may send a consideration transfer request to the server 10 specifying player B as the recipient.

[0180] Next, when the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives a request for transfer of consideration from terminal 20A, it transfers the consideration from player A to player B based on the transfer destination specified by player A, that is, it transfers it to the consideration held by player B managed by the server 10. In this way, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may set up the consideration collection process by the server 10 to collect the consideration for the prize-winning game played by player B from the consideration held by player A, based on the input operation of player A. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends a transfer notification to terminal 20B indicating the transfer of consideration from player A.

[0181] As a result, player B on terminal 20B may play the prize-winning game using the consideration transferred from player A. Alternatively, player B on terminal 20B may play the prize-winning game using the regular consideration they purchased themselves. Alternatively, player B on terminal 20B may play the prize-winning game using both the consideration transferred from player A and the regular consideration they purchased themselves.

[0182] <Effects of the 6th Embodiment> In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sets up a collection process to collect the price for the prize-winning game played by player B, who has transferred the play rights, from player A's price, based on player A's input operation.

[0183] One example of the effects of this configuration is that Player A can easily ask Player B to play the prize-winning game.

[0184] <Seventh Embodiment> In the first to sixth embodiments, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may, for example, exchange content such as messages with terminal 20B when transferring play rights.

[0185] In the seventh embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may output content such as text, images, or audio transmitted from terminal 20B via a chat function or voice chat function.

[0186] Note that components identical to those in the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their further explanation is omitted. The contents described in the seventh embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments.

[0187] First, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A transmits operation instructions for the prize winning device 40A to the server 10 based on the input operation of player A to the operation buttons 66 on the play screen 62 (A2). Also, the control unit 21 of terminal 20B transmits a viewing request to the server 10, and displays a captured image 61 of the prize winning game being played by player A on the viewing play screen 62 (B2). Here, the play screen 62 may be equipped with a chat function or voice chat function for exchanging text, images, or audio.

[0188] For example, the play screen 62 may have a chat field 81, as shown in Figure 18. The chat field 81 has a chat function that allows content to be sent bidirectionally or unidirectionally between terminal 20A and terminal 20B. Examples of content include text, images, and audio.

[0189] Terminals 20A or 20B may send content to player A or B to server 10 based on input operations to the chat field 81 on the play screen 62. For example, the control unit 21 of terminal 20B may send content such as a message of support for player A or advice on the prize-winning game. Terminals 20A and 20B may also send content related to the transfer of play rights to server 10. For example, the control unit 21 of terminal 20B may send a message to player A proposing the transfer of play rights, a message accepting the transfer of play rights, etc. The control unit 21 of terminal 20A may also send a message requesting the transfer of play rights, a message thanking for winning prize points, etc. Here, the chat field 81 may be configured to allow free input of content. Alternatively, the chat field 81 may be configured to allow input only of content selected from pre-set templates or stamps.

[0190] Next, when the control unit 11 of server 10 receives content from terminal 20B, it sends that content to terminals 20A and 20B. For example, the control unit 11 of server 10 may send the content to terminals 20A and 20B along with the play screen 62. When the control unit 21 of terminal 20A receives content from server 10, it outputs that content to the chat field 81 of the play screen 62. Similarly, when the control unit 21 of terminal 20B receives content from server 10, it outputs that content to the chat field 81 of the play screen 62. As a result, messages of support from viewer B, etc., will be displayed on the play screen 62 of terminal 20A.

[0191] <Effects of the 7th Embodiment> In the seventh embodiment, when the control unit 21 of terminal 20A receives content from terminal 20B of player B, it outputs that content.

[0192] One example of the effects of this configuration is that, for instance, player A can smoothly transfer play rights to player B when content related to the transfer of play rights is output.

[0193] <Eighth Embodiment> In the eighth embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A accepts from player A the option to transfer the right to play to player B if player B has reserved the prize winning device 40A that player A is playing. For example, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A may accept the option to transfer the right to play to player B on the condition that player B has reserved the prize winning device 40A.

[0194] Note that components identical to those in the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their further explanation is omitted. The contents described in the eighth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments.

[0195] First, similar to the first embodiment, when the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines that prize P has not been won, it sends continue information 68 to the terminal 20A (C5). As a result, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the continue information 68 on the play screen 62, as shown in Figure 19. Here, it is assumed that player B of terminal 20B has reserved the prize winning device 40A that player A will play, as shown in the friend information 67.

[0196] The control unit 21 of terminal 20A requests the server 10 to send player information 69 based on player A's input operation to the transfer button 68c (A3). As a result, the control unit 11 of server 10 sends the player information 69 to terminal 20A (C6), and the control unit 21 of terminal 20A displays the friend list 55, including the player information 69, on the display unit 24, as shown in Figure 13B. The control unit 21 of terminal 20A then accepts player A's selection of player information 69, i.e., the selection to transfer the right to play, provided that player B has reserved the prize winning device 40A that player A will play. In other words, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A will not accept the selection to transfer the right to play to a player who has not reserved the prize winning device 40A. When player A selects player information 69 of player B, who is the reserved player, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A sends a request to the server 10 to transfer the right to play to player B (A4).

[0197] In this embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A permitted the transfer of play rights to player B. However, the control unit 11 of server 10 may also permit the transfer of play rights to player B on the condition that player B has reserved the prize winning device 40A. For example, the control unit 11 of server 10 may present only friend B, who has reserved the prize winning device 40A, to player A's terminal 20A as a recipient of the play rights. For example, the control unit 11 of server 10 may send a friend list 55 to terminal 20A that allows selection of only the player information 69 of player B who has reserved the prize winning device 40A. As a result, when terminal 20A displays the friend list 55, player A will select the player information 69 of player B who has reserved the prize winning device 40A.

[0198] Then, when the control unit 11 of the server 10 receives a request to transfer play rights from terminal 20A, it transmits a play screen 62 for operating the prize acquisition device 40A to player B's terminal 20B based on the transfer request (C7). Note that the control unit 11 of the server 10 may accept the transfer request from player A regardless of player B's reservation order. That is, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may accept the transfer request even if player B's reservation order is after player A. Also, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may accept the transfer request even if player B's reservation order is second after player A, i.e., after player C.

[0199] Here, player B, who has reserved the prize winning device 40A, is generally considered to want to play with that device, that is, to want to transfer the right to play. Therefore, when the right to play is transferred to player B, who has reserved the prize winning device 40A, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can omit various processes associated with the transfer, such as confirming player B's approval or intention regarding the transfer of the right to play. For example, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may omit processes such as sending continue information 68 to terminal 20B and accepting input operations for the start button 68b, which require player B to approve the transfer of the right to play.

[0200] In this way, when the control unit 21 of terminal 20B receives the play screen 62 from the server 10, it sends operation instructions for the prize acquisition device 40A to the server 10 based on the input operation of player B to the operation button 66, similar to the first embodiment (B3).

[0201] <Effects of the 8th Embodiment> In the eighth embodiment, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A accepts from player A the option to transfer the right to play to player B, provided that player B has reserved the prize winning device 40A that player A will play.

[0202] As an example of the effects of this configuration, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can transfer player A's play rights to player B who wishes to play the prize winning device 40A, thereby suppressing processes associated with the transfer of play rights, such as player B's approval process for the transfer of play rights. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transfers the right to play to player B who wishes to play the prize winning device 40A, thereby reducing the chance of the right to play being transferred to players who do not wish to play the prize winning device 40A.

[0203] <Other> While embodiments of this disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. Not limited to, but as an example, the functions, etc., included in each means, each step, etc., can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means, steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided. Furthermore, the configurations shown in each embodiment may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 1 System 10 servers 20 devices 30 Networks 40 Game machines (prize winning devices)

Claims

1. Information of a second player to whom the play rights of a first player operating a prize acquisition device via a terminal can be transferred, and information of the second player indicating a player who views the first player's gameplay using the prize acquisition device, is received from the server. Based on the selection of the first player, a request to transfer the play rights to the second player is sent to the server, A program executed by the terminal, which displays on a display unit the limited number of play rights that can be transferred.

2. Information of a second player to whom the play rights of a first player operating a prize acquisition device via a terminal can be transferred, and receiving information of the second player, which indicates a player associated with the first player, from the server; Based on the selection of the first player, a request to transfer the play rights to the second player is sent to the server, A program executed by the terminal, which displays on a display unit the limited number of play rights that can be transferred.

3. Information of a second player to whom the play rights of a first player operating a prize acquisition device via a terminal can be transferred, and receiving information of the second player, which indicates a player invited by the first player, from the server, Based on the selection of the first player, a request to transfer the play rights to the second player is sent to the server, A program executed by the terminal, which displays on a display unit the limited number of play rights that can be transferred.

4. The system receives information from the server about a second player who can transfer the play rights of the first player, who operates the prize acquisition device using a terminal, and Based on the selection of the first player, a request to transfer the play rights to the second player is sent to the server, When the operation of the prize acquisition device is completed, the option to transfer the play rights is made available. A program executed by the terminal, which displays on a display unit the limited number of play rights that can be transferred.

5. The system receives information from the server about a second player who can transfer the play rights of the first player, who operates the prize acquisition device using a terminal, and Based on the selection of the first player, a request to transfer the play rights to the second player is sent to the server, A program executed by the terminal that displays on the display unit the time limit for transferring the play rights and the limit on the number of play rights that can be transferred.

6. Information of a second player to whom the play rights of a first player operating a prize acquisition device via a terminal can be transferred, and information of the second player indicating a player who views the first player's gameplay using the prize acquisition device, is received from the server. Based on the selection of the first player, a request to transfer the play rights to the second player is sent to the server, A program executed by the terminal, wherein the number of plays by the first player is not carried over to the assist conditions for the second player.

7. A communication unit transmits to the terminal information of a second player to whom the play rights of a first player operating a prize winning device at a terminal can be transferred, the second player indicating a player who views the first player's gameplay using the prize winning device; The system includes a control unit that, upon receiving a request from the terminal to transfer the play rights to the second player, controls the prize acquisition device in accordance with operation instructions transmitted from the second player's terminal, The control unit is a server that performs a process to display the limited number of play rights that can be transferred on the display unit of the terminal.

8. A communication unit transmits to the terminal information of a second player to whom the play rights of a first player operating a prize winning device at a terminal can be transferred, the second player indicating a player who views the first player's gameplay using the prize winning device; The system includes a control unit that, upon receiving a request from the terminal to transfer the play rights to the second player, controls the prize acquisition device in accordance with operation instructions transmitted from the second player's terminal, The control unit is a server that performs a process that does not carry over the number of plays by the first player to the assist conditions for the second player.

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