Information processing device and program

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an apparatus capable of executing a plurality of lottery games. A lottery game refers to a game including a lottery process and a game whose result is determined based on the lottery process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In apparatuses such as the one disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, even if a plurality of lottery games are prepared, there is a tendency that the lottery games played by the player become fixed or biased.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an information processing apparatus and a program that encourage a player to play a plurality of games.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: lottery means for executing a lottery process; game execution means for executing a game whose result is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means, the game execution means executing a plurality of the games in parallel according to a predetermined condition; and granting means for granting a reward to the player in accordance with the number of the games executed in parallel by the game execution means.

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

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

[0009] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the game execution means executes the game based on a bet operation by the player, and the rewarding means grants a third reward to the player according to the amount bet by the bet operation and the result of the game.

[0010] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the granting means changes the first reward according to the amount bet by the player.

[0011] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the granting of the second reward by the granting means enables the game execution means to execute a game different from the game at the request of the player.

[0012] A program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a lottery means for executing a lottery process, a game execution means for executing a game whose result is determined using the lottery process executed by the lottery means, and which executes a plurality of such games in parallel according to predetermined conditions, and a reward means for giving the player a reward in proportion to the number of games executed in parallel by the game execution means.

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

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to encourage players to play multiple games. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of a lottery game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a top view of the lottery device and satellite in a lottery game machine. [Figure 3] This figure shows the protrusions located along the upper surface of the turntable in the lottery game machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows a projection that protrudes from the upper surface of the turntable in the lottery game machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the hardware configuration of a lottery game machine. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the lottery game machine. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by each functional means of the lottery game machine. [Figure 8] This figure schematically shows an example of a game screen displayed on the touch panel shown in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same constituent elements and steps in each drawing as much as possible, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0017] ===Embodiment=== ≪Overall Configuration≫ Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a lottery game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment"). Figure 2 is a top view of the lottery device 10 and the satellite 20 in the lottery game machine 1 of Figure 1.

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

[0019] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the lottery game machine 1 includes a physical lottery device 10 disposed at the center, and a plurality (eight in Figure 1 and Figure 2) of satellites 20 disposed around the lottery device 10 for receiving player operations. The lottery game machine 1 executes a lottery process using a ball B as a lottery medium in the lottery device 10 in response to receiving an operation from each player at each of the plurality of satellites 20.

[0020] The ball B used in the lottery process is, for example, a translucent resin sphere, and each ball has unique information. This unique information includes, for example, appearance information including at least one of the color, shape, or size of ball B, and a tag ID, which is identification information indicating the IC tag (not shown) that ball B has. The IC tag is a small recording medium capable of recording the unique information of ball B, and is, for example, embedded in ball B. The IC tag is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. Note that ball B does not have to be translucent. Also, the shape of ball B is not limited to a sphere, but may be spindle-shaped, for example, like a rugby ball. Furthermore, the lottery medium is not limited to ball B, but may be a polyhedron-shaped object made by combining planes, for example, like a die.

[0021] The lottery device 10 has a turntable 12, which is a lottery board into which balls B are inserted. The turntable 12 is a disc-shaped object with a bowl-shaped or hemispherical curve in the center and is rotatable by a rotational drive mechanism (not shown). This rotational drive mechanism supports the lower surface of the turntable 12 with multiple rollers that can be driven by motors, and the turntable 12 is made rotatable by the driving of the rollers by the motors. The upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 is a movable surface on which balls B can move (roll). Balls B inserted into the turntable 12 roll along the upper surface 12a of the rotating turntable 12, gradually moving towards the center of the turntable 12. A guide circle 13 is provided around the turntable 12. In addition, multiple transparent panels 7 are stretched over the turntable 12. For the sake of explanation, the illustration of the transparent panel 7 on the near side in Figure 1 is omitted, but in reality, a transparent panel 7 is also stretched over that area.

[0022] The turntable 12 has multiple (for example, 25) ball pockets 14 formed therein, which are holes into which balls B can be placed. Each ball pocket 14 is a hole into which balls B can be placed, in other words, a ball capturing part capable of capturing balls B. The multiple ball pockets 14 are arranged on the turntable 12 in a line on three concentric circles of different diameters. Each ball pocket 14 is equipped with a detection mechanism, such as an infrared sensor (not shown), to detect balls B that have entered the ball pocket 14. The ball B is detected when the infrared light from this infrared sensor is blocked by the ball B that has entered the ball pocket 14. The detection mechanism may also be equipped with an IC tag reader to detect IC tags, and the IC tag reader of the ball pocket 14 in which ball B has been detected may be activated to read (detect) the unique information of ball B. The ball pockets 14 are associated with numbers, for example, 1 to 25, and these numbers are randomly assigned without duplication in the vicinity of the ball pockets 14 (not shown). Furthermore, around (near) the ball pocket 14, there are light-emitting means (light-emitting members) (not shown) that emit light in multiple colors, composed of LEDs or the like. These light-emitting means are provided, for example, so as to surround the outer edge of the ball pocket 14. The conditions for illuminating these light-emitting means are not particularly limited; they may simply be illuminated randomly as decorative lighting, or they may be illuminated based on color information contained in the unique information of ball B. For example, these light-emitting means may be illuminated in the color of ball B that has been pre-associated with the ball pocket 14 during the execution of the lottery process, or they may be illuminated in the color of ball B when ball B enters the ball pocket 14.

[0023] Furthermore, a projection 16 is formed in the center of the turntable 12, which is movable in a direction intersecting the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 (up and down direction). The projection 16 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 and 4, which show enlarged views of the turntable 12. Figure 3 shows the projection 16 located along the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12. Figure 4 shows the projection 16 protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12.

[0024] The projection 16 has one or more (a pair in Figures 3 and 4) blade sections 16a and 16b, and has a windmill shape. A hole (also called a "center pocket") 16c is formed on the upper surface of the projection 16 (the surface on the upper surface 12a side of the turntable 12). The projection 16 can move up and down by the drive of a motor (not shown) during the execution of the lottery process.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, when the projection 16 is positioned along the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12, the center pocket 16c formed on the projection 16 functions as one of several ball-catching sections formed on the turntable 12. That is, when the motor drives the projection 16 downward, the projection 16 retracts so that it does not protrude from the turntable 12, and a ball-catching section appears in the center of the turntable 12. The center pocket 16c may also be provided with a ball detection mechanism, such as an infrared sensor and / or an IC tag reader (see the infrared sensor and IC tag reader of the ball pocket 14), similar to the ball pocket 14 described above.

[0026] In contrast, as shown in Figure 4, when the projection 16 is positioned protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12, the center pocket 16c does not function as one of the multiple ball-catching parts formed on the turntable 12. That is, when the projection 16 protrudes from the turntable 12 by the drive of the motor to move the projection 16 upward, the ball-catching part disappears from the center of the turntable 12. In this state, the projection 16 is rotatable by the drive of a motor (not shown). The direction of rotation of this projection 16 is, for example, the same direction of rotation as the turntable 12, and the rotation speed of this projection 16 is, for example, faster than the rotation speed of the turntable 12. This rotating projection 16 has the function of flicking the ball B that has rolled to the center of the turntable 12 toward the outside of the turntable 12 (towards the guide circle 13) with the blades 16a and 16b. Hereinafter, the rotating projection 16 will be referred to as a rotating windmill. Note that the rotation of the projection 16 is not limited to the above example; for example, it may be rotated in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the turntable 12. Doing so makes it possible to forcefully flick the ball B rolling on the turntable 12. Furthermore, the rotation of the projection 16 can be any rotation that is capable of flicking the ball B away, and the direction of rotation and rotation speed are not limited. For example, the rotation axis of the projection 16 may be offset from the rotation axis of the turntable 12, or the rotation axis direction of the projection 16 may be in a direction that intersects with the rotation axis direction of the turntable 12. Also, the rotation speed of the projection 16 may be slower than the rotation speed of the turntable 12.

[0027] Furthermore, below the turntable 12, there is a ball processing mechanism (not shown) that performs various operations on balls B that have entered either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket. This ball processing mechanism includes a ball recovery mechanism, a ball identification mechanism, a ball selection mechanism, a ball loading mechanism, and the like.

[0028] The ball retrieval mechanism retrieves ball B that has landed in either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c. The ball retrieval mechanism includes, for example, a collection box into which ball B that has landed in either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket is collected, a flap that opens and closes a hole formed between the ball pocket 14 and the collection box, and a solenoid that drives the flap. At a predetermined timing, the ball retrieval mechanism opens the hole formed between the ball pocket 14 and the collection box by driving the flap and retrieves ball B from the ball pocket 14. Ball B that has landed in the center pocket, for example, falls directly into the collection box and is retrieved by the ball retrieval mechanism without the need to drive the flap.

[0029] Furthermore, the ball identification mechanism identifies the unique information of ball B recovered by the ball recovery mechanism. The ball identification mechanism includes an IC tag reader for detecting the unique information of recovered ball B, a guide path for guiding recovered ball B to the ball selection mechanism, and a motor for rotating a rotating disc that sends ball B along the guide path.

[0030] Furthermore, the ball selection mechanism separates the balls B identified by the ball identification mechanism according to their unique information and selects the ball B to be fed. The ball selection mechanism is composed of, for example, a guide path that separates the identified balls B according to their unique information and guides them to the ball feeding mechanism, and a motor for rotating a rotating disc that feeds the balls B along the guide path.

[0031] Furthermore, the ball loading mechanism loads the ball B selected by the ball selection mechanism onto the turntable 12. The ball loading mechanism includes, for example, an elevator device that raises the ball B received from the guide path of the ball selection mechanism from the lower side to the upper side of the guide circle 13, and a loading chute 18 that loads the ball B raised by the elevator device onto the turntable 12 from the guide circle 13 side. In this embodiment, multiple ball loading mechanisms, including the loading chute 18, are provided for each satellite 20. However, the ball loading mechanism does not need to be provided for each satellite 20; it is sufficient to have at least one on the lottery game machine 1. In other words, the ball loading mechanism may be shared among each satellite 20.

[0032] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, eight satellites 20 are arranged around the lottery device 10. Each satellite 20 is an operating station that players operate facing each other, and it accepts input from players participating in the lottery game. Each satellite 20 has an operating table 22 including a touch panel 42. The operating table 22 is equipped with a medal slot 24, a medal payout slot 26, operation buttons 28, etc. The operating table 22 is also equipped with a card reader (not shown) for reading player information from the amusement IC card held by the player.

[0033] Hardware Configuration Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the lottery game machine 1.

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

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

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

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

[0038] Speaker 40 is a sound output device that outputs game music, sound effects, etc.

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

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

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

[0042] Note that Figure 5 only shows the main components of the lottery game machine 1, and it may also have other components found in typical arcade game machines. Furthermore, the computer 30 of the lottery game machine 1 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may also have other components found in dedicated or general-purpose computers or other information processing devices.

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

[0044] Furthermore, while the content of the regular game and the special game are not particularly limited, the following explanation will describe the case where the regular game is a bingo game and the special game is a game using number sheets.

[0045] The lottery game machine 1 can run a bingo game as a normal game that can be run even if the first predetermined condition is not met. This bingo game uses a bingo card, which is a table in which numbers from 1 to 25 are arranged randomly and without repetition in a 5x5 grid. The information arranged on the bingo card can be any identification information, and is not limited to numbers; it may also be symbols or pictures, but it must correspond to the identification information of the ball pockets 14 (for example, if the numbers of the ball pockets 14 are from 1 to 25, the numbers arranged on the bingo card will also be from 1 to 25). When the bingo game is played, a different bingo card arrangement is displayed on each of the 20 satellites (players) on the display 42A as the bingo game screen. When the bingo game begins, as part of the drawing process, multiple balls B are sequentially or simultaneously dropped from the drop chute 18 onto the turntable 12. Then, it is determined whether the dropped balls B land in either the ball pockets 14 or the center pocket 16c (this determination is made based on their respective identification information). In this type of lottery process, for example, the number associated with the ball pocket 14 containing ball B is entered as a common lottery result (result of the lottery process) for each satellite 20. Subsequently, in the regular game, i.e., the bingo game, the same number as the number determined as the lottery result is activated and displayed on the display 42A in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other numbers. This selection of numbers by lottery and the activation of the selected numbers are repeated multiple times. When the activated numbers on the bingo card are arranged in a predetermined configuration, such as five in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, a bingo is achieved (a win is achieved).

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

[0047] The player pre-selects one or more areas from the above-mentioned regions. Then, when the rotating disc rotates and stops again, if the area that overlaps with the marker (the area positioned at a predetermined angle) is one of the areas the player pre-selected, the player wins.

[0048] ≪Functional Configuration≫ Figure 6 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the lottery game machine 1.

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

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

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

[0052] The lottery game program 50A is a program that provides the computer 30 with various functions for executing the lottery game. This program may be stored in an external storage device or the like of the lottery game machine 1. Alternatively, this program may be provided on a computer-readable storage medium, or it may be provided in a form that can be installed via a network such as the Internet.

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

[0054] Game information 50C is information associated with lottery information 50B and is various information necessary for conducting regular games and special games. Game information 50C is set in advance by, for example, the designer. Game information 50C includes, for example, information linking satellite 20 and ball B's unique information, and information linking ball pocket 14's pocket ID (identification information) to the number used in regular games. Furthermore, if numbers are used in special games, it also includes information linking pocket IDs to the numbers used in special games.

[0055] The reception means 52 receives operations from each player at each satellite 20. The reception means 52 receives operations indicating the start of a lottery game by each player. For example, such operations include a player facing each satellite 20 inserting (betting on) any number of medals into the medal slot 24. When medals are inserted into the medal slot 24, a sensor provided in the medal slot 24 detects the medals, and the detection result is output to the peripheral device interface 37. When the detection result is output to the peripheral device interface 37, the reception means 52 accepts the operation of inserting medals by the player. Then, upon receiving this operation, the reception means 52 outputs information indicating the start of a lottery game, along with the satellite ID indicating the satellite 20 that received the operation and the player ID indicating the player who performed the operation, to the lottery means 54 and the game execution means 56. Furthermore, if the number of players participating in the lottery game is less than the number of satellites 20, the reception means 52 may accept the instruction to start the lottery game through automatic control by the CPU 31. For example, in satellites 20 that are not accepting player operations, the reception means 52 may accept the instruction to start the lottery game through automatic control by the CPU 31 on behalf of the players.

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

[0057] For example, the lottery means 54 starts the lottery process when it receives information from the reception means 52 indicating an instruction to start a lottery game by each satellite 20. Alternatively, even when there are no players in any of the satellites 20, or when the reception means 52 has not received any operation (such as a BET operation) indicating an instruction to start a lottery game from any player, and the lottery means 54 has not received information from the reception means 52 indicating an instruction to start a lottery game, the lottery means 54 may automatically execute the lottery process at regular intervals.

[0058] The execution of the lottery process by the lottery means 54 will be explained in detail below using Figures 3 and 4. The lottery means 54 first transmits a drive command to the motor that rotates the turntable 12 via the peripheral device interface 37. This drives the motor and rotates the turntable 12. The lottery means 54 also controls the ball processing mechanism to sequentially or simultaneously drop multiple balls B into the turntable 12.

[0059] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 determines a prize when ball B enters ball pocket 14, and determines the number associated with said ball pocket 14 as a number (pocket ID) that will be commonly used and activated in each satellite 20. More specifically, when ball B that has entered ball pocket 14 is detected by an infrared sensor or the like, the detection information is output from the infrared sensor to the peripheral device interface 37. When the lottery means 54 receives this detection information, it identifies the pocket ID of the ball pocket 14 in which ball B entered.

[0060] Furthermore, if ball B lands in the center pocket 16c without landing in any of the ball pockets 14, it is a loss. In other words, in this case, the center pocket 16c functions as a losing slot in the lottery. The lottery means 54, for example, in one lottery game, puts in a total of five balls B and determines the lottery results, i.e., numbers (pocket IDs), for the total number of balls B that were put in, which is five times (five balls).

[0061] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to retrieve the balls B that have entered the center pocket 16c and put them back into the turntable 12. Also, when all the balls B that have been put into the turntable 12 have entered the ball pockets 14, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to retrieve the balls B from the ball pockets 14 and ends the lottery process for one lottery game. Subsequently, if the next lottery game is to be held, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to put the retrieved balls B back into the turntable 12 and executes the lottery process again. Also, if the lottery game is to end, the lottery means 54 ends without executing the next lottery process.

[0062] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 may drive a motor to move the projection 16 up and down during the execution of the lottery process. This allows the lottery means 54 to control the movement of the projection 16 in a direction that intersects the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12. The movement control of the projection 16 by the lottery means 54 allows the projection 16 to move upward or downward. When the projection 16 is positioned along the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 (see Figure 3), a center pocket 16c that functions as a ball-catching part appears in the center of the turntable 12. Conversely, when the projection 16 is positioned protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 (see Figure 4), the center pocket 16c disappears, and its function as a ball-catching part in the center of the turntable 12 is disabled.

[0063] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 moves the projection 16 up and down to make the center pocket 16c appear or disappear, according to predetermined movement conditions that determine the conditions for moving the projection 16. These movement conditions are not particularly limited, but include, for example, conditions relating to the number of balls B on the turntable 12, and conditions relating to the elapsed time during the lottery (or the elapsed time of the entire lottery game). Conditions relating to the number of balls B on the turntable 12 include, for example, when balls B are inserted all at once, when the number of balls B on the turntable 12 has fallen to a predetermined number (e.g., three). Conditions relating to the elapsed time include when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since balls B were inserted into the turntable 12. When the movement conditions are met, the lottery means 54 moves the projection 16 upward to make the center pocket 16c appear, or moves the projection 16 downward to make the center pocket 16c disappear.

[0064] Furthermore, the lottery means 54 drives a motor to rotate the projection 16 when the projection 16 is protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12. This causes the lottery means 54 to rotate the projection 16 protruding from the upper surface 12a of the turntable 12 along the rotation direction of the turntable 12. The lottery means 54 rotates the projection 16, for example, in the same direction as the rotation direction of the turntable 12 and at a speed faster than the rotation speed of the turntable 12. As a result, the center pocket 16c disappears from the turntable 12 and a rotating windmill 19 appears. This rotating windmill 19 makes it possible to flick the ball B that has rolled to the center of the turntable 12 outwards.

[0065] Returning to Figure 6, the game execution means 56 executes a game in each satellite 20 in response to the requests of each player received by the reception means 52 (for example, by betting), in which the result is determined using a lottery process. This execution includes displaying the results on each touch panel 42.

[0066] Furthermore, the game includes one or more regular games and one or more special games. The programs for running these games are included in the lottery game program 50A mentioned above. As already stated, regular games are games that can be run even if the first predetermined condition is not met, while special games, which are different from regular games, are games that can be run when the first predetermined condition is met. Moreover, this first predetermined condition may be, for example, winning in a regular game, or obtaining the second reward described later.

[0067] In regular games, the outcome is determined based on a lottery process performed during a single lottery game. In special games, the game progresses or the outcome is determined based on a lottery process performed during a single lottery game.

[0068] The game execution means 56 executes multiple regular games in parallel according to the second predetermined condition. For example, the game execution means 56 may display multiple regular games on the touch panel 42 of the satellite 20, and among the displayed multiple regular games, the regular game to which the player has placed a bet (and which the reception means 52 has received) may be executed. Furthermore, if the first predetermined condition is met, the game execution means 56 also executes special games in parallel with these regular games according to the second predetermined condition. Special games may be executed when the reception means 52 receives an operation on the touch panel 42 by the player while the first predetermined condition is met (a betting operation may not be required). The second predetermined condition may, for example, be a player request (betting operation or start instruction operation) received by the reception means 52. Alternatively, it may be the result of the previous regular game and / or special game (the game execution means 56 selects each game according to these results), or it may be the number of plays and / or play time of the regular game and / or special game (the game execution means 56 determines the number of games to be executed in parallel according to these numbers and times). Furthermore, if a program is incorporated in advance as part of the lottery game program 50A that enables the game execution means 56 to automatically select and execute regular games and special games, the second predetermined condition may be a predetermined timing (i.e., the game execution means 56 selects and executes regular games and special games without player selection).

[0069] The game execution means 56 determines the result of a normal game using multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means 54 during a single lottery game, and determines the result of a special game using some of the lottery processes among those multiple lottery processes. Preferably, the lottery process used by the game execution means 56 to determine the result of a special game includes the latter half of the multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means 54. More preferably, the lottery process used by the game execution means 56 to determine the result of a special game is the last lottery process among the multiple lottery processes performed by the lottery means 54.

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

[0071] Furthermore, the game execution means 56 may determine the results of the regular game and the special game using the "lottery result" (the result of the lottery process performed by the lottery means 54).

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

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

[0074] Furthermore, if the lottery game has not finished, the lottery means 54 will execute the next regular game and / or special game. Also, if the lottery game is to finish, the game execution means 56 will terminate without executing the next regular game and / or special game.

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

[0076] Furthermore, the result of the special game is determined using the last (fifth) lottery process out of multiple lottery processes (however, the start of the special game itself may be at the same time as the start of the regular game). In the last lottery process out of multiple lottery processes in the lottery game, if the number associated with the ball pocket 14 containing ball B, that is, the number as the result of the last lottery, matches the number at the beginning of the row on the number sheet for the special game, then that number is activated and displayed on the display 42A in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other numbers. Then, the next time the lottery game is played, if the number from the last lottery result matches the second number in the row on the number sheet, that number will be activated. In this way, the lottery game is repeated multiple times, and when all the numbers on the number sheet (for example, all 25 numbers) are activated, the winner is declared to have won the grand prize (jackpot).

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

[0078] Furthermore, the memory means 50 of the lottery game machine 1 stores the progress of the special game by the game execution means 56, linked to the player, as part of the game information 50C. In addition, the IC card (not shown) stores the progress of the special game of the player received from the lottery game machine 1 as player information. The game execution means 56 can then start from the progress stored in the memory means 50 and / or the IC card (not shown) if the progress is stored in that progress. The timing of storing the progress in the memory means 50 and / or the IC card (not shown) may be each time a lottery processing group is completed and the normal game and special game are updated. This ensures that even if a player ends a lottery game and then resumes it later, the progress from the previous session is reflected, preventing any wasted effort or betting costs from the previous session.

[0079] Furthermore, if the jackpot is awarded when the 25th number on the number sheet is activated, it is highly likely that it will take a long time to win the jackpot. To maintain the players' motivation until then, intermediate bonuses may be provided. For example, when a number that is a multiple of five (5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, etc.) is activated from the beginning of the number sheet, an intermediate bonus could be awarded each time. Regarding the intermediate bonus, it may be a title that can be set as part of the player profile during medal payouts or lottery games (the title may be stored on the IC card as part of the player information).

[0080] Furthermore, the awarding means 58 may, for example, set aside a portion of the medals a player has bet until they win the jackpot, and when the player wins the jackpot, award the accumulated amount as a reward. For example, each time a player bets on a regular game, 5 to 20 percent, more preferably 10 percent, of the number of medals bet may be set aside. The accumulated number of medals may be stored in the storage means 50 as part of the game information 50C, linked to the player, or it may be stored as player information on an IC card (not shown). Furthermore, the intermediate bonus may be a fixed reward. However, it is preferable that the jackpot reward be set to be greater than the intermediate bonus reward.

[0081] The reward distribution means 58 is a functional means that determines a reward for each player (each satellite 20) and distributes said reward. The said reward includes a first reward, a second reward, and a third reward.

[0082] The first reward is, for example, points linked to each player. In other words, "granting the first reward" means, for example, accumulating those points. The second reward is, for example, permission to play a special game. In other words, "granting a second reward" means, for example, that the game execution means 56 can play a special game at the player's request. Furthermore, the third reward includes, for example, medals used in medal games, various processes to improve the game outcome, and content used in the game (characters and items). In other words, "granting the third reward" means, for example, granting the medals, executing the various processes, or granting the content.

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

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

[0085] Alternatively, the granting means 58 may change the lottery process and / or the progress of the normal games for each satellite 20, according to the number of normal games being executed in parallel by the game execution means 56. Changes in progress may include, for example, changes in presentation, changes in images or sounds, or effects that make the game content more advantageous to the user.

[0086] Furthermore, the rewarding means 58 grants a third reward to each player (each satellite 20) according to the amount bet by each player through their betting operations (for example, the amount of medals inserted) and the results of the regular game.

[0087] Furthermore, the lottery game machine 1 may also output information such as the rewards given to each player by the granting means 58 to an IC card (not shown) held by each player, using an output means (not shown).

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

[0089] (Step SP2) The reception means 52 receives an operation from the player requesting the execution of one or more regular games. This request is, for example, a betting operation. The process then proceeds to step SP4.

[0090] (Step SP4) The granting means 58 determines the first reward according to the number of normal games that the game execution means 56 executes in response to the player's request operation in step SP2. For example, it determines the points associated with the player.

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

[0092] As shown in Figure 8, the game screen 60 displays four regular games: the first regular game 62, the second regular game 64, the third regular game 66, and the fourth regular game 68. Furthermore, the first regular game 62 includes, for example, a bingo card 62A and a bet counter unit 62B. The bet counter unit 62B allows the player to input the number of medals to bet (paid from the player's credits). Similarly, the second regular game 64, the third regular game 66, and the fourth regular game 68 also include bingo cards 64A, 66A, and 68A, and bet counter units 64B, 66B, and 68B, respectively. Furthermore, in Figure 8, the first normal game 62 is displayed prominently in the center of the game screen 60, while the second normal game 64, the third normal game 66, and the fourth normal game 68 are displayed smaller on the right edge of the game screen 60. However, if one of the second normal game 64, the third normal game 66, or the fourth normal game 68 is clicked, the clicked normal game will then be displayed prominently in the center, and the first normal game 62 will be displayed smaller on the right edge of the game screen 60 alongside the other normal games. In this game screen 60, the player selects a regular game to bet on.

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

[0094] (Step SP6) The game execution means 56 executes a normal game, such as a bingo game. However, the game execution means 56 executes the number of normal games received in step SP2. Note that the order of this step and step SP4 may be reversed. The process then proceeds to step SP8.

[0095] (Step SP8) While the game is being played normally by the game execution means 56, the lottery means 54 performs a lottery process in response to a request from a player received by the reception means 52. The lottery process is performed by the turntable 12 and the ball handling mechanism (not shown), etc. Specifically, the lottery means 54 sends a drive command to a motor that rotates the turntable 12, driving the motor and rotating the turntable 12. Next, the lottery means 54 controls the ball handling mechanism to place one ball B into the turntable 12. Furthermore, the lottery means 54 determines whether the placed ball B has entered either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c, and if it has entered either (won a prize), it identifies the number of the pocket into which the ball entered and confirms this as the lottery result. Furthermore, the drawing means 54 retrieves the ball B that has landed in either the ball pocket 14 or the center pocket 16c, controls the ball handling mechanism (not shown) to prepare for the next drawing process, and executes the next drawing process. In this way, the lottery process is repeated multiple times. The process then proceeds to step SP10.

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

[0097] (Step SP12) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not at least one regular game is won as a result of step SP10. If at least one regular game is won, the process proceeds to step SP14; if no regular games are won, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0098] (Step SP14) The awarding means 58 determines the amount of medals to be paid out as the first reward, according to the bet amount from the bet operation in step SP1 and the result of the normal game determined in step SP10. The process then proceeds to step SP16.

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

[0100] (Step SP18) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the game execution means 56 is currently running a special game. If it is running, the process proceeds to step SP28; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0101] (Step SP20) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the points accumulated by the awarding means 58 as the first reward have reached a predetermined value. If the predetermined value has been reached, the process proceeds to step SP22; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0102] (Step SP22) The granting means 58 enables the granting of the second reward, and the game execution means 56 enables the execution of a special game. The player is also notified of this. This notification is made by the satellite 20 using images and audio. The process then proceeds to step SP24.

[0103] (Step SP24) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the reception means 52 has received an operation requesting the player to execute a special game. If the request operation is received, the process proceeds to step SP26; if the request operation is not received, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0104] (Step SP26) The game execution means 56 executes a special game, for example, a game using number sheets. Next, proceed to step SP28.

[0105] (Step SP28) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether the reception means 52 has received an operation requesting the player to perform a further lottery game. If it has received the operation, the process returns to step SP24; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SP30.

[0106] (Step SP30) The memory means 50 and IC card (not shown) of the lottery game machine 1 store the player's progress. The process will then be completed.

[0107] <Effects> As described above, the lottery game machine 1 as an information processing device according to this embodiment comprises: a lottery means 54 that performs a lottery process; a game execution means 56 that performs a game (normal game) whose result is determined using the lottery process performed by the lottery means 54, and which performs a plurality of such games in parallel according to predetermined conditions (second predetermined conditions); and a reward means 58 that provides a reward to the player according to the number of games performed in parallel by the game execution means 56. With this configuration, the reward is determined by the number of games played at the player's request, which can encourage players to play multiple games.

[0108] Furthermore, the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a lottery means 54 that performs a lottery process, a game execution means 56 that performs a game in which the result is determined using the lottery process performed by the lottery means 54, and performs a plurality of such games in parallel according to predetermined conditions (second predetermined conditions), and an awarding means 58 that changes the lottery process and / or the progress of the game according to the number of games performed in parallel by the game execution means 56. With this configuration, the subsequent lottery process and game progression change depending on the number of games executed at the player's request, thus encouraging players to play multiple games.

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

[0110] Furthermore, in the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the game execution means 56 executes the game based on the player's betting operation, and the rewarding means 58 grants the player a third reward according to the amount bet and the result of the game. This configuration can encourage players to play games with multiple betting elements.

[0111] Furthermore, in the lottery game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the awarding means 58 changes the first reward according to the bet amount. This configuration can encourage players to increase the amount they bet.

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

[0113] ===Unique Text=== The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any design modifications made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments and the modifications described later can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and any combination thereof is also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as it retains the features of the present invention.

[0114] For example, in the above embodiment, the lottery means 54 is said to perform the lottery process multiple times, but it may be done only once. In that case, the normal game performed by the game execution means 56 will not be a bingo game, but a game in which the result can be determined using only one lottery. Also, the special game is said to be a game that uses the result of the last lottery, but in this case, it will be a game that uses the result of one lottery, along with the normal game.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which the ball B is automatically thrown onto the turntable 12 under the control of the game execution means 56 regardless of the player's operation has been described, but the ball B may be thrown in accordance with the player's operation, for example. For example, the reception means 52 may receive a throw instruction operation by the player, and the game execution means 56 may perform control to throw the ball B onto the turntable 12 at the timing when the throw instruction operation is received.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which the protrusion 16 has a pair of blade portions 16a and 16b has been described, but the number of the blade portions of the protrusion 16 may be one or more, and may be an odd number or an even number, and the intervals between the blade portions may be equal or non-equal, either is acceptable. In addition, as long as the protrusion 16 can perform an action capable of flicking away the ball B on the turntable 12, the protrusion 16 is not limited to rotation, and may be controlled to perform at least any one of various actions including half rotation, swinging, vibration, and the like.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the description has focused on the case where a plurality of balls B are sequentially thrown onto the turntable 12, but they may be thrown all at once. In the case of simultaneous throwing, the number (identification information) of the ball pocket 14 into which the last ball B among the plurality of balls B enters may be set as the final lottery result.

[0118] Furthermore, as examples of the game executed by the game execution means 56, in the above embodiment, the normal game is a bingo game, and the special game uses a number sheet. However, the normal game and the special game are not limited to these examples. For example, the normal game and / or the special game may be a lottery roulette game, a battle-type game, an action game, a training game, a game using characters, or the like.

[0119] Furthermore, if, before the lottery means 54 executes the final lottery process, a situation arises in a normal game or / or special game executed by the game execution means 56 where a win would occur if the remaining number were to be matched (activated), this fact may be displayed on the game screen of that game.

[0120] Furthermore, it was explained that the jackpot reward, which is an example of a special game executed by the game execution means 56, may be an accumulation of a portion of the number of medals that the player bets each time they bet on a regular game. However, the reward may also be calculated by accumulating a number of medals corresponding to the number of medals bet on a regular game without reducing the number of medals bet on that game. Alternatively, the reward may be a fixed value that is stored in advance in the game information 50C of the storage means 50.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second reward granted by the granting means 58 was, for example, permission to play a special game, but instead, it may be a specific item. The granting means 58 may then grant permission to play the special game to a player who has been granted a predetermined number of such specific items. For example, the specific items may be five different alphabet letters, "B," "I," "N," "G," and "O," and the granting means 58 may grant permission to play the special game when the player has been granted all of these specific items. In that case, for example, the display area 74 in Figure 8 may show the alphabet letters as specific items instead of the bonus described in the above embodiment (the brightness may be divided into two types depending on whether or not the alphabet has been granted to the player). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the granting means 58 grants a second reward to a player when the points accumulated as the first reward reach a predetermined value. Alternatively, the granting means 58 may grant a second reward to a player when certain conditions are met during a normal game. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 1: Lottery game machine (computer, information processing device), 54: Lottery means, 56: Game execution means, 58: Assignment means, 50: Memory means

Claims

1. A lottery means that performs a lottery process in response to a player's request, A game execution means for executing a game in which the result is determined using the lottery process performed by the lottery means, the game execution means for executing a plurality of such games in parallel according to predetermined conditions, A rewarding means that grants a reward to a player, regardless of the outcome of the game, in proportion to the number of games that are executed in parallel by the game execution means in response to a request from that player, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. If the aforementioned reward is designated as the first reward, The granting of the first reward by the granting means involves accumulating points associated with the player, and when the accumulated points reach a predetermined value, the granting means grants a second reward to the player. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The game execution means executes the game based on the betting operations performed by the player. The rewarding means grants a third reward to the player according to the amount bet by the betting operation and the result of the game. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The granting means modifies the first reward according to the bet amount. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The granting of the second reward by the granting means enables the game execution means to execute a game different from the game at the request of the player. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. Computers, A lottery means that performs a lottery process in response to a player's request. A game execution means for executing a game in which the result is determined using the lottery process performed by the lottery means, the game execution means for executing a plurality of such games in parallel according to predetermined conditions, A rewarding means that grants a reward to a player, regardless of the outcome of the game, in proportion to the number of games that are executed in parallel by the game execution means in response to a request from that player. A program that makes it function as such.

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