Game system

Abstract

This game system includes: a game ball, the centroid of which is eccentric; a board surface on which the ball rolls; a supply part for supplying the ball onto the board surface; an impetus part for giving impetus to the ball supplied by the supply part according to an operation by a player; and a control part for progressing a game according to arrival of the ball, which has been given impetus by the impetus part, at a designated position.

Description

Game System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to games.

[0002] Various games using spherical game objects have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pinball game in which a ball rolling across a playfield is struck by rotating flippers in response to a player's operation, and the game progresses according to the target the ball hits.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-237412

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the movement of the ball rolling across the playfield is monotonous. Therefore, for example, it is easy for a player skilled in the game to get the ball to a desired position. However, as a result of the above-mentioned simple task of playing the game, there is a problem that it is difficult to maintain sufficient entertainment value. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve the entertainment value of games using spherical game objects.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a spherical game object, a board on which the game object can roll, a supply unit that supplies the game object onto the board, a biasing unit that biases the game object supplied by the supply unit in accordance with operation by a player, a control unit that progresses a game in accordance with the game object biased by the biasing unit reaching a specific position, and a movement unit that changes the movement of the game object from the time it is supplied by the supply unit until it reaches the specific position, regardless of operation by the player.

[0006] 5 is a plan view of a game system in a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram regarding the progress of a game. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a game mechanism. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a first lottery device. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a game ball. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an image displayed on a display device in an initial lottery. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of lottery control processing. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a second lottery device. FIG. 15 is a display example of a display device in a first special lottery and a second special lottery. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a first lottery device in a second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a game ball in a modified example. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a game ball in a modified example. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a game ball in a modified example. FIG. 19 is a plan view of a first lottery device in a modified example.

[0007]

[0032] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below include various limitations that are not essential to the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0008] 1 is a plan view of a gaming system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The gaming system 100 is installed in, for example, a gaming facility. The gaming facility may be, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game center or a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The gaming system 100 provides games to players within the gaming facility.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 100 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of (four) stations 10 (10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4). Each of the plurality of stations 10 is a unit used by a player to play a game. Games by different players progress in parallel at the plurality of stations 10.

[0010] Stations 10-1 and 10-2 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The structures of stations 10-1 and 10-2 are symmetrical. Similarly, stations 10-3 and 10-4 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The structures of stations 10-3 and 10-4 are symmetrical. The back faces of stations 10-1 and 10-3 face each other, and the back faces of stations 10-2 and 10-4 face each other. In the following explanation, for convenience, station 10-1 will be explained as a representative, and explanations of the other stations 10 (10-2 to 10-4) will be omitted.

[0011] In the following description, an X-axis and a Y-axis are assumed to be orthogonal to each other in a horizontal plane. The X-axis is an axis extending from side to side of the player, and the Y-axis is an axis extending from front to back of the player. A direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the "X1 direction," and a direction opposite the X1 direction will be referred to as the "X2 direction." The X1 direction corresponds to the player's leftward direction, and the X2 direction corresponds to the player's rightward direction. Similarly, a direction along the Y-axis will be referred to as the "Y1 direction," and a direction opposite the Y1 direction will be referred to as the "Y2 direction." The Y1 direction corresponds to the player's rearward direction (toward the player's front side of the station 10), and the Y2 direction corresponds to the player's forward direction (toward the depth of the station 10).

[0012] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the game system 100. The game system 100 of the first embodiment includes a control device 11 and a storage device 12 in addition to a plurality of stations 10. The game system 100 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0013] The control device 11 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the game system 100. For example, the control device 11 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a sound processing unit (SPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Note that some or all of the functions of the control device 11 may be installed in each station 10.

[0014] The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. The storage device 12 is configured with a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium. The storage device 12 may also be configured with a combination of multiple types of storage medium. Furthermore, the storage device 12 may be a portable storage medium that is detachable from the game system 100, or a storage medium to which the control device 11 can write or read via a communication network (e.g., cloud storage).

[0015] 3 is an explanatory diagram regarding the progress of the game in the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the first embodiment, a normal game, an initial lottery, and multiple special lotteries (first special lottery, second special lottery, and third special lottery) are executed.

[0016] The normal game is a game that a player regularly plays. When a predetermined condition is met in the normal game, an initial lottery begins. The initial lottery is a lottery process for selecting one of a plurality of special lotteries. Each special lottery is a lottery process for determining the reward to be awarded to the player. The lottery conditions and reward amount differ for each special lottery. When the special lottery ends, the normal game resumes.

[0017] 1, each of the plurality of stations 10 includes a display device 20, an operation unit 30, a game mechanism 40, a first lottery device 50, an imaging device 60, and a second lottery device 70. Each station 10 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0018] The display device 20 displays an image under the control of the control device 11. The display device 20 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The display devices 20 of two adjacent stations 10 may be configured with a single display panel. The display device 20 is an example of a "display unit."

[0019] The operation unit 30 is an interface that accepts operations by the player. Specifically, the operation unit 30 includes an operation device 31, an acceptance device 32, and a payout device 33. The operation device 31 is an input device that accepts instructions from the player. The operation device 31 is, for example, a controller operated by the player, or a touch panel that detects contact by the player.

[0020] The reception device 32 accepts medals from players. Specifically, the reception device 32 accepts physical medals and electronic medals from players. Physical medals are tangible, disk-shaped game value. Electronic medals are intangible game value realized by electronic data. The mechanism of the reception device 32 that accepts physical medals includes an insertion port into which the physical medals are inserted and a detector that detects insertion of the physical medals into the insertion port. Furthermore, the mechanism of the reception device 32 that accepts electronic medals is, for example, a communication device that communicates with an account management system (not shown) that manages the player's electronic medal account. For example, the reception device 32 executes a withdrawal process for the electronic medals by communicating with the account management system.

[0021] The medals received by the reception device 32 from the player are exchanged for credits. Specifically, a value corresponding to the number of medals received by the reception device 32 is added to the credits held by the player (hereinafter referred to as "held credits"). The held credits are gaming value that the player consumes to play the game.

[0022] The payout device 33 pays out medals to the player. Specifically, the payout device 33 pays out medals in a quantity corresponding to the player's held credits. The mechanism of the payout device 33 that outputs physical medals includes a storage container that stores physical medals and a discharge mechanism that sequentially discharges the physical medals from the storage container. The mechanism of the payout device 33 that outputs electronic medals is a communication device that executes the deposit process of electronic medals by communicating with the account management system described above.

[0023] It should be noted that the gaming value to be paid out by the payout device 33 is not limited to medals. For example, tickets or points that have exchange value for prizes or other benefits may be paid out from the payout device 33 according to the amount of held credits.

[0024] 4 is a plan view of the game mechanism 40. The game mechanism 40 is used for a normal game. In the first embodiment, the normal game is a pusher game. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the game mechanism 40 includes a fixed table 41, a movable table 42, an insertion device 43, a supply device 44, a fixed wall 45, and a detection device 46.

[0025] The fixed table 41 is a flat plate material installed approximately horizontally. The movable table 42 is a three-dimensional structure (pusher table) that moves back and forth in the Y-axis direction on the fixed table 41. A plurality of game medals 47 and a plurality of game balls 48 are placed on the fixed table 41 and the movable table 42. The game medals 47 are disc-shaped members (tokens). The game balls 48 are spherical in appearance simulating baseballs.

[0026] The insertion device 43 supplies game medals 47 onto the movable table 42 in response to an operation by the player using the operation device 31. Specifically, the insertion device 43 inserts game medals 47 onto the movable table 42 in exchange for using the held credits.

[0027] The supply device 44 supplies game medals 47 and game balls 48 to the upper surface of the fixed table 41 or the movable table 42. For example, when a predetermined condition related to the progress of the normal game is met, the supply device 44 supplies the game medals 47 or game balls 48.

[0028] The fixed wall 45 is a structure that faces the upper surface of the movable table 42. The game medals 47 and game balls 48 placed on the movable table 42 are pressed in the Y1 direction by the fixed wall 45 as the movable table 42 moves in the Y2 direction. The game medals 47 and game balls 48 that have moved in the Y1 direction due to the pressure from the fixed wall 45 fall from the movable table 42 onto the fixed table 41.

[0029] Furthermore, the plurality of game medals 47 and the plurality of game balls 48 on the fixed table 41 are pressed in the Y1 direction by the movable table 42, causing them to fall from the fixed table 41. The detection device 46 is a sensor that detects the game medals 47 and game balls 48 that have fallen from the fixed table 41. When a game medal 47 falls from the fixed table 41, the control device 11 adds a predetermined value to the held credits. On the other hand, when a game ball 48 falls from the fixed table 41, the control device 11 starts an initial lottery.

[0030] 5 is a plan view of the first lottery device 50. The first lottery device 50 is a lottery mechanism used for an initial lottery. The first lottery device 50 is a simple baseball game device (a so-called baseball board) in which a game ball 80 is hit in response to an operation by a player (hereinafter referred to as a "hitting operation"). The game ball 80 is a spherical game object that can roll. Specifically, the game ball 80 is a sphere with an appearance that imitates a baseball.

[0031] The center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric. In other words, the center of gravity of the game ball 80 does not coincide with the center of the game ball 80. The center of gravity of the game ball 80 is the point of action of the resultant force of gravity acting on each part of the game ball 80. On the other hand, in the above-mentioned game ball 48, the center of gravity coincides with the center. However, the game ball 48 may be a sphere with an eccentric center of gravity, similar to the game ball 80. Furthermore, the size of the game ball 80 may be the same as or different from the size of the game ball 48.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a game ball 80. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the game ball 80 includes a spherical shell portion 81, a protrusion portion 82, and a weight member 83. The spherical shell portion 81 is a spherical shell-shaped portion composed of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface. The protrusion portion 82 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes radially from the inner peripheral surface of the spherical shell portion 81. The weight member 83 is installed inside the protrusion portion 82. For example, the weight member 83 is a cylindrical member (e.g., an insert nut) that is press-fitted into the inside of the protrusion portion 82. Note that a thread groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion portion 82, and a cylindrical weight member 83 (e.g., a hexagonal socket set screw) having a thread groove formed on its outer peripheral surface that engages with the thread groove of the protrusion portion 82 may be installed inside the protrusion portion 82.

[0033] The weight member 83 is made of a material with a higher density than the spherical shell portion 81 and the protrusion portion 82. For example, the spherical shell portion 81 and the protrusion portion 82 are made of various resin materials, and the weight member 83 is made of a metal material. With the above configuration, the eccentricity of the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is achieved. Note that the spherical shell portion 81 is manufactured by joining, for example, two hemispherical shells. For example, the game ball 80 is manufactured by fixing the weight member 83 to the protrusion portion 82 installed on the inner surface of one hemispherical shell and joining the other hemispherical shell.

[0034] As a result of the eccentricity of the center of gravity as described above, the movement conditions, such as the direction and speed of movement, change from moment to moment while the game ball 80 rolls. That is, the game ball 80 rolls along an irregular, curved trajectory while changing its speed irregularly.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the first lottery device 50 includes a gaming table 51 , a guide groove 52 , a supply unit 53 , a biasing unit 54 , and a moving unit 55 .

[0036] The game table 51 is a plate-like member including an upper surface (hereinafter referred to as "game board surface F") that simulates the grounds of a baseball stadium. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game table 51 overlaps a portion of the game mechanism 40 (specifically, a portion of the movable table 42) in a plan view. The game board surface F is a flat surface (game field) on which the game ball 80 can roll. The game board surface F is shaped like a polygon whose outline is formed by peripheral edges E1, E2, E3, and E4.

[0037] The periphery E1 is a linear end portion of the game board surface F that extends along the X-axis in the Y2 direction. The periphery E2 is a linear end portion of the game board surface F that extends along the X-axis in the Y1 direction. The periphery E1 is longer than the periphery E2. The periphery E3 is a linear end portion of the game board surface F that extends along the Y-axis in the X1 direction. The periphery E4 is a folded line end portion of the game board surface F that is located in the X2 direction. The periphery E3 is located further in the X1 direction than the periphery E4.

[0038] Perimeter E4 includes portions E41 and E42. Portion E41 is a section of perimeter E4 that continues from the end of perimeter E1. Portion E41 extends in a direction oblique to the X-axis and Y-axis. Specifically, the distance between the Y2-direction end of portion E41 and perimeter E3 is greater than the distance between the Y1-direction end of portion E41 and perimeter E3. On the other hand, portion E42 is a section of perimeter E4 that continues from the end of perimeter E2 and extends along the Y-axis. The rectangular area of ​​the game board surface F located between portion E42 of perimeter E4 and perimeter E3 corresponds to the batter's box on a baseball field.

[0039] The gaming table 51 is provided with side walls W2, W3, and W4. The side walls W2, W3, and W4 are wall-like structures that protrude vertically upward from the gaming board surface F and prevent the gaming ball 80 from falling from the gaming board surface F. Specifically, the side wall W3 extends in the Y-axis direction along the periphery E3. The side wall W4 extends along a portion E41 of the periphery E4. The side wall W2 is provided near the periphery E2 and is connected to the side wall W4. On the other hand, no side wall is provided on the periphery E1. Therefore, the gaming ball 80 rolling on the gaming board surface F can fall only from the periphery E1.

[0040] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 5. As illustrated in Figure 7, the game board surface F is an inclined surface that slopes downward in the Y1 direction. That is, the periphery E2 is located lower than the periphery E1. Therefore, the game ball 80 placed on the game board surface F rolls in the Y1 direction due to its own weight along the slope of the game board surface F.

[0041] 5 and 7 , a guide groove 52 is provided in the Y2 direction of the game board surface F. The guide groove 52 is a recess whose bottom surface 521 is lower than the game board surface F and extends along the periphery E1. Specifically, the guide groove 52 extends in the X-axis direction between both ends of the periphery E1. The width (dimension in the Y-axis direction) of the bottom surface 521 of the guide groove 52 exceeds the diameter of the game ball 80. Therefore, the game ball 80 can be accommodated inside the guide groove 52.

[0042] The bottom surface 521 of the guide groove 52 is an inclined surface that descends toward the X1 direction. That is, the end of the bottom surface 521 of the guide groove 52 in the X1 direction is located lower than the end in the X2 direction. Therefore, the game ball 80 accommodated in the guide groove 52 rolls in the X1 direction along the inclination of the bottom surface 521 due to its own weight.

[0043] The display device 20 is installed at a distance from the periphery E1 of the game board surface F. Specifically, the display device 20 is installed so that the display surface 21 that displays the image is aligned with the X axis. A guide groove 52 is located between the periphery E1 of the game board surface F and the display surface 21 of the display device 20. The lower edge 22 of the display surface 21 is located at the same height as the periphery E1 of the game board surface F.

[0044] 5, the supply unit 53 and the biasing unit 54 are installed spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the supply unit 53 is installed near the corner where the periphery E1 and the periphery E3 intersect, and the biasing unit 54 is installed near the periphery E2. The supply unit 53 corresponds to the pitcher, and the biasing unit 54 corresponds to the batter.

[0045] The supply unit 53 supplies the game balls 80 onto the game board surface F. Specifically, the supply unit 53 releases the game balls 80 in the Y1 direction toward the biasing unit 54. The supply unit 53 of the first embodiment includes a throwing arm 531 and a drive device 532.

[0046] Throwing arm 531 is a member that can rotate around a rotation axis along the X-axis. Throwing arm 531 includes a concave holding portion 533 that can hold game ball 80. Drive device 532 is an electric motor that rotates pitching arm 531. Driven by drive device 532, pitching arm 531 transitions from one of a standby state and a pitching state to the other. In Figure 7, pitching arm 531 in the standby state is shown by a solid line, and pitching arm 531 in the pitching state is shown by a dashed line.

[0047] The standby state is a state in which holding portion 533 has descended to the vicinity of bottom surface 521 of guide groove 52. Game ball 80 contained in guide groove 52 rolls in the X1 direction along the slope of bottom surface 521 and is held by holding portion 533 of pitching arm 531 in the standby state. On the other hand, the pitched state is a state in which holding portion 533 faces in the Y1 direction (toward biasing portion 54).

[0048] Throwing arm 531 transitions from the standby state to the throwing state by rotating in direction α1 in Figure 7. The game ball 80 held in holding unit 533 in the standby state is released from holding unit 533 toward biasing unit 54 in the process of transitioning to the throwing state. When the game ball 80 is released, throwing arm 531 transitions from the throwing state to the standby state by rotating in direction α2 opposite to direction α1, and waits for the supply of game ball 80 by guide groove 52. As explained above, guide groove 52 is a path for returning game ball 80 to supply unit 53.

[0049] The game ball 80 is released from the supply unit 53 in the Y1 direction, and the game board surface F is an inclined surface that descends in the Y1 direction. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 5, the game ball 80 released from the supply unit 53 rolls irregularly due to the eccentricity of its center of gravity as it advances toward the biasing unit 54. The biasing unit 54 biases the game ball 80 arriving from the supply unit 53 in response to a hitting operation by the player. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the biasing unit 54 of the first embodiment includes a hitting member 541 and a driving device 542.

[0050] The striking member 541 is a rod-shaped member that can rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game board surface F. That is, the striking member 541 rotates in a plane parallel to the game board surface F. Specifically, the striking member 541 has an appearance that resembles a baseball bat. The drive unit 542 is an electric motor that rotates the striking member 541. When driven by the drive unit 542, the striking member 541 transitions from one of a starting state and a terminal state to the other. In FIG. 5 , the striking member 541 in the starting state is illustrated by a solid line, and the striking member 541 in the terminal state is illustrated by a dashed line. Note that while FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the striking member 541 rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game board surface F (i.e., a rotation axis inclined with respect to the vertical direction), the striking member 541 may also rotate around a rotation axis along the vertical direction.

[0051] In the starting state, the tip of the striking member 541 faces the periphery E3 (or the periphery E2). That is, in the starting state, the striking member 541 faces laterally relative to the supply section 53. On the other hand, in the terminal state, the tip of the striking member 541 faces the periphery E1 (or the periphery E4). The striking member 541 is biased to the starting state by an elastic body such as a spring.

[0052] The driving device 542 rotates the striking member 541 from the starting state to the terminal state in response to a striking operation by the player on the operation device 31. That is, the timing at which the striking member 541 rotates corresponds to the timing of the striking operation by the player. In the process of transitioning from the starting state to the terminal state, the striking member 541 may collide with the game ball 80 released from the supply unit 53. As a result of being struck by the striking member 541, the direction of movement of the game ball 80 is reversed, and the game ball 80 rolls toward the periphery E1 of the game board surface F. That is, as a result of being struck by the striking member 541, the game ball 80 moves toward the display surface 21 (or the guide groove 52) of the display device 20.

[0053] The moving unit 55 moves the game ball 80 between the time it is released by the supplying unit 53 and the time it is urged by the urging unit 54. The moving unit 55 is installed between the supplying unit 53 and the urging unit 54. While the urging unit 54 urges the game ball 80 in response to a hitting operation by the player, the moving unit 55 moves the game ball 80 regardless of an operation by the player. In other words, the urging of the game ball 80 by the moving unit 55 is not affected by an operation by the player.

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the moving unit 55 includes a turntable 551 and a drive unit 552. The turntable 551 is a disk-shaped member that can rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game board surface F. The turntable 551 is installed inside a circular opening 511 formed in the game table 51. The drive unit 552 is an electric motor that rotates the turntable 551. The drive unit 552 continuously rotates the turntable 551 during the period in which the initial lottery is executed. The drive unit 552 is an example of a "drive unit." Note that while FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the turntable 551 rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game board surface F (i.e., a rotation axis inclined with respect to the vertical direction), the turntable 551 may also rotate around a rotation axis along the vertical direction.

[0055] The turntable 551 is located between the pitching arm 531 and the hitting member 541 in a plan view from the vertical direction. That is, the turntable 551 is installed at a position where the game ball 80 released by the supply unit 53 reaches when it is not hit by the hitting member 541. The above-mentioned side wall portion W2 is installed in the Y1 direction of the turntable 551 and extends in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the turntable 551. That is, the turntable 551 is located between the pitching arm 531 and the side wall portion W2.

[0056] Furthermore, the turntable 551 is located within the movable range of the striking member 541 in a plan view. The movable range of the striking member 541 is a sector-shaped area through which the striking member 541 passes between the start position and the end position. Part or all of the turntable 551 may be located outside the movable range of the striking member 541 in a plan view. The side wall W2 is also located within the movable range of the striking member 541. The top of the side wall W2 is located lower than the striking member 541. Therefore, there is no interference between the striking member 541 and the side wall W2.

[0057] The turntable 551 includes an upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "placing surface 553") on which the game ball 80 can be placed. The placing surface 553 is a flat surface parallel to the game board surface F. Therefore, the placing surface 553 is an inclined surface that descends in the Y1 direction. However, the placing surface 553 may also be a plane parallel to the horizontal plane (X-Y plane).

[0058] 7 , the placement surface 553 of the turntable 551 is located lower than the game board surface F. The height of the step between the placement surface 553 and the game board surface F is less than the diameter of the game ball 80. Specifically, the height of the step is less than half the diameter of the game ball 80.

[0059] As explained above, a cylindrical recess 56 is formed with the inner peripheral surface of the opening 511 of the gaming table 51 as its side surface and the placing surface 553 as its bottom surface. In order for the game ball 80 that has reached the placing surface 553 to move out of the recess 56, it must overcome the step between the placing surface 553 and the game board surface F. Therefore, the game ball 80 on the placing surface 553 remains in the recess 56.

[0060] As explained above, the game ball 80 stays on the placing surface 553 due to the step between the placing surface 553 and the game board surface F. That is, the game ball 80 stays within the range that can be biased by the biasing unit 54. According to the first embodiment, the game ball 80 can be made to stay on the placing surface 553 by a simple configuration that makes the placing surface 553 and the game board surface F different in height.

[0061] The turntable 551 of the first embodiment includes a protrusion 554 provided on the mounting surface 553. The protrusion 554 is a protrusion that protrudes upward from the mounting surface 553. The protrusion 554 is provided at a position on the mounting surface 553 that is spaced apart from the rotation axis of the turntable 551. Therefore, as the turntable 551 rotates, the protrusion 554 moves within the recess 56 on a circumference that is concentric with the turntable 551.

[0062] The protrusion 554 is, for example, a cylindrical portion. However, the shape of the protrusion 554 may be changed as desired. For example, a hemispherical or conical protrusion 554 may be provided on the mounting surface 553. The protrusion 554 may also be formed integrally with the mounting surface 553. Alternatively, the protrusion 554 may be separate from the mounting surface 553 and fixed to the mounting surface 553.

[0063] The top of the protrusion 554 is located lower than the striking member 541. Therefore, there is no interference between the striking member 541 and the protrusion 554. The height of the top of the protrusion 554 relative to the game board surface F is arbitrary. That is, it is possible to imagine a configuration in which the top of the protrusion 554 is located higher than the game board surface F, a configuration in which the game board surface F is located higher than the top of the protrusion 554, or a configuration in which the top of the protrusion 554 and the game board surface F are at the same height.

[0064] The game ball 80 on the placement surface 553 moves irregularly by repeatedly colliding with the protrusions 554 within the recess 56. That is, the moving unit 55 moves the game ball 80 released by the supply unit 53 while keeping it within the range that can be biased by the biasing unit 54. As explained above, in the first embodiment, the movement of the game ball 80 changes when the protrusions 554 come into contact (typically collide) with the game ball 80 on the placement surface 553. Therefore, it is possible to move the game ball 80 irregularly with a simple configuration.

[0065] When the striking member 541 rotates while the game ball 80 is lodged in the recess 56, the striking member 541 strikes the game ball 80. As a result of the strike by the striking member 541, the game ball 80 moves over the step between the placement surface 553 and the game board surface F to the outside of the recess 56, and rolls on the game board surface F toward the periphery E1 (and further toward the display surface 21 of the display device 20). Note that while the above description focuses on the strike by the striking member 541, the game ball 80 may also move outside the recess 56 as a result of a collision with the protrusion 554. In other words, a strike by the striking member 541 is not essential for the game ball 80 to fly out of the recess 56.

[0066] The game balls 80 that have reached the periphery E1 of the game table 51 fall from the periphery E1 into the guide groove 52. As described above, the game balls 80 contained in the guide groove 52 move in the X1 direction due to the inclination of the bottom surface 521. The supply unit 53 holds the game balls 80 supplied from the guide groove 52 in the holding unit 533, and waits for the next release of the game balls 80. As explained above, the game balls 80 basically circulate in the following order: release by the supply unit 53 → movement by the moving unit 55 → urging by the urging unit 54 → fall from the periphery E1 into the guide groove 52 → retention by the supply unit 53.

[0067] As described above, in the first embodiment, the game ball 80 released into the supply unit 53 moves by the action of the moving unit 55, regardless of the operation by the player. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the moving unit 55 is not provided, the movement of the game ball 80 is diversified, and as a result, the entertainment value of the game can be improved. Also, in the first embodiment, the game ball 80 can be moved by a simple configuration in which the drive device 552 rotates the turntable 551.

[0068] In the first embodiment, in particular, the game ball 80 moves within the range (specifically, the recess 56) that can be urged by the urging portion 54. Therefore, in order to hit the game ball 80 in the recess 56 in the appropriate direction with the hitting member 541, it is necessary to thoroughly observe or predict the behavior of the game ball 80 in the recess 56. As described above, the player can be provided with the fun of determining the timing of the hitting operation while observing the game ball 80.

[0069] 1 is installed above the first lottery device 50 in the vertical direction. The imaging device 60 is a video device that captures an image of the first lottery device 50 from above in the vertical direction. Specifically, the imaging device 60 captures an image of the vicinity of the periphery E1 of the gaming table 51 (the guide groove 52 and the display surface 21) to generate video data representing a moving image. The imaging device 60 includes, for example, an optical system such as a photographing lens, and an imaging element that receives incident light from the optical system.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates a reference line R. The reference line R is a virtual line (straight or curved) that extends in the X-axis direction along the periphery E1. Specifically, the reference line R is set inside the guide groove 52 in a plan view. The reference line R can also be expressed as a virtual line that runs along the guide groove 52 or the display surface 21. As described above, the game ball 80 urged by the urging unit 54 falls from the periphery E1 into the guide groove 52. The game ball 80 that has fallen into the guide groove 52 reaches the reference line R. The reference line R is an example of a "specific position."

[0071] The control device 11 can identify the position at which the game ball 80 has reached after being urged by the urging unit 54. Specifically, the control device 11 can identify the position on the reference line R at which the game ball 80 has reached (hereinafter referred to as the "arrival position") by analyzing the video data generated by the imaging device 60. The arrival position is a position in the direction of the X-axis. Specifically, the control device 11 recognizes the game ball 80 by analyzing the video data, and estimates the position on the reference line R that the game ball 80 has passed through as the arrival position.

[0072] 8 is a schematic diagram of an image displayed on the display device 20 in an initial lottery using the first lottery device 50. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control device 11 displays a plurality of lottery elements 23 on the display device 20. The plurality of lottery elements 23 are continuously displayed during the period in which the initial lottery is executed. Each lottery element 23 is an element that is the subject of a lottery in the initial lottery. In other words, the initial lottery is a lottery process in which one of the plurality of lottery elements 23 is selected.

[0073] Each lottery element 23 corresponds to one of a plurality of special lotteries. Specifically, the lottery element 23 corresponding to each special lottery is an image representing the special lottery. For example, in the example of FIG. 8 , the lottery element 23 displayed as "CHANCE!" corresponds to the first special lottery, the lottery element 23 displayed as "BIG CHANCE!" corresponds to the second special lottery, and the lottery element 23 displayed as "???" corresponds to the third special lottery. Selection of a lottery element 23 in the initial lottery means selection of the special lottery corresponding to the lottery element 23.

[0074] The plurality of lottery elements 23 are displayed in a band-shaped region of the display surface 21 of the display device 20, extending in the X-axis direction along the lower side 22 of the display surface 21. The plurality of lottery elements 23 are arranged in the X-axis direction. As described above, the lower side 22 of the display surface 21 extends along the reference line R (periphery E1 or guide groove 52). Therefore, the plurality of lottery elements 23 are arranged along the reference line R.

[0075] The control device 11 moves the plurality of lottery elements 23 displayed on the display device 20 in the direction of the X axis. Specifically, the plurality of lottery elements 23 move in the X direction at a predetermined speed. As described above, the plurality of lottery elements 23 displayed on the display device 20 move along the reference line R while being arranged along the reference line R. In other words, the position of each lottery element 23 on the display device 20 changes over time.

[0076] In the initial lottery, the control device 11 selects, from the plurality of lottery elements 23, the lottery element 23 that corresponds to the arrival position of the game ball 80. Specifically, from the plurality of lottery elements 23, the control device 11 selects the lottery element 23 that is closest to the arrival position of the game ball 80 at the time when the game ball 80 reaches the reference line R. The selection of one lottery element 23 means the selection of a special lottery corresponding to that lottery element 23 from among the plurality of special lotteries. For example, in the situation illustrated in FIG. 8 , the arrival position of the game ball 80 is closest to the lottery element 23 of "BIG CHANCE!", so the second special lottery corresponding to that lottery element 23 is selected. Because the arrangement of the plurality of lottery elements 23 is close to the reference line R, the player perceives as if the lottery element 23 that the game ball 80 hit with the striking member 541 hit by the player has been selected from among the plurality of lottery elements 23.

[0077] 3, the special lottery selected in the initial lottery from among the multiple special lotteries is executed following the initial lottery. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 11 progresses the game in accordance with the game ball 80, which is biased by the biasing unit 54, reaching a position (specific position) on the reference line R. The control device 11 is an example of a "control unit."

[0078] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the player with the fun of determining the conditions for hitting the game ball 80 (for example, the timing of the hitting operation) so that the game ball 80 reaches a position corresponding to a desired lottery element 23 among the plurality of lottery elements 23. In particular, in the first embodiment, since the positions of the lottery elements 23 change over time, it is possible to provide the player with the fun of determining the conditions for hitting the game ball 80 (particularly the timing of the hitting operation) while observing or predicting the change in the position of the desired lottery element 23.

[0079] 9 is a flowchart of the process (hereinafter referred to as "lottery control process") executed by the control device 11 for the initial lottery. As described above, the lottery control process is started when a game ball 48 falls from the fixed table 41. That is, the lottery control process is repeatedly executed each time the game ball 48 falls.

[0080] When the lottery control process is started, the control device 11 displays the plurality of lottery elements 23 on the display device 20 and moves the arrangement of the plurality of lottery elements 23 in the X-axis direction (S1). The control device 11 also drives the moving unit 55 (S2). Specifically, the control device 11 controls the drive device 552 to rotate the turntable 551.

[0081] The control device 11 causes the supply unit 53 to release the game ball 80 (S3). Specifically, the control device 11 controls the drive unit 532 to transition the throwing arm 531 from the standby state to the throwing state. The game ball 80 released from the supply unit 53 moves irregularly on the game board surface F toward the biasing unit 54. When the game ball 80 reaches the placement surface 553 of the turntable 551, the game ball 80 collides with the protrusion 554 within the recess 56, causing it to move irregularly.

[0082] The control device 11 determines whether a hitting operation on the operation device 31 has been received from the player (S4). If a hitting operation has been received (S4: YES), the control device 11 drives the biasing unit 54 (S5). Specifically, the control device 11 controls the drive device 542 to rotate the hitting member 541. When the hitting member 541 rotates with the game ball 80 within the movable range of the hitting member 541, the game ball 80 is hit by the hitting member 541 and rolls toward the periphery E1 of the game board surface F. On the other hand, if a hitting operation has not been received (S4: NO), the control device 11 does not execute the driving of the biasing unit 54 (S5).

[0083] The control device 11 analyzes the video data supplied from the imaging device 60 to determine whether or not the game ball 80 has reached the reference line R (S6). If the game ball 80 has not reached the reference line R (S6: NO), the control device 11 proceeds to step S4 to determine whether or not a hitting operation has been performed.

[0084] When the game ball 80 reaches the reference line R (S6: YES), the control device 11 identifies the lottery element 23 that corresponds to the reached position of the game ball 80 from among the plurality of lottery elements 23 (S7). Specifically, the control device 11 selects the lottery element 23 that is closest to the reached position at the time when the game ball 80 reaches the reference line R. Through the above processing, the special lottery corresponding to the lottery element 23 selected by the control device 11 is determined as the lottery result in the initial lottery.

[0085] As described above, in the first embodiment, in a game in which the game ball 80 released onto the game board surface F by the supply unit 53 is energized in response to a hitting operation by the player, the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric. Therefore, the game ball 80 released by the supply unit 53 or energized by the energizing unit 54 rolls irregularly on the game board surface F. With the above configuration, it is possible to improve the entertainment value compared to a game in which the center of gravity of the game ball 80 coincides with the center.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the game ball 80 rolls irregularly due to the configuration in which the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric, so it is possible to make the game ball 80 move irregularly with a simpler configuration than, for example, a configuration in which the movement of the game ball 80 is changed irregularly by the action of an external force.

[0087] The first special lottery and the second special lottery utilize the second lottery device 70 and the display device 20 illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second lottery device 70. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the second lottery device 70 includes a lottery wheel 71, a supply device 72, and a detection device 73.

[0088] The lottery wheel 71 is a disk-shaped structure (a so-called "crown") that is lower in the center than in the periphery. A lottery hole 74 (e.g., a through-hole) is formed in the center of the lottery wheel 71. The supply device 72 supplies lottery balls 75 to the lottery wheel 71. Like the game balls 48 and the game balls 80, the lottery balls 75 are spherical in appearance simulating baseballs. As described above, the game ball 80 has an eccentric center of gravity, whereas the lottery ball 75 has a center of gravity that coincides with the center of gravity. However, the lottery ball 75 may also be a spherical body with an eccentric center of gravity, like the game ball 80. The size of the lottery ball 75 may be the same as or different from the size of the game ball 80.

[0089] The lottery ball 75 supplied from the supply device 72 to the lottery wheel 71 gradually approaches the center while rolling in the circumferential direction on the upper surface of the lottery wheel 71, and finally enters the lottery hole 74. The detection device 73 detects that the lottery ball 75 has passed through the lottery hole 74. As explained above, the second lottery device 70 is a physical lottery mechanism that draws a lottery for determining the timing at which the lottery ball 75 will pass through the lottery hole 74.

[0090] FIG. 11 shows an example of the display on the display device 20 in the first special lottery and the second special lottery. In the first special lottery and the second special lottery, the control device 11 displays a lottery image 24 and an instruction image 25 on the display device 20. The lottery image 24 is a circular image in which a plurality of lottery elements 26 are arranged in the circumferential direction. Each lottery element 26 is assigned one of a plurality of lottery results. The lottery result is win / lose, or the amount of reward in the case of a win. The control device 11 rotates the lottery image 24. Note that while FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which the size of each lottery element 26 is the same, the size of the lottery elements 26 may differ depending on the reward amount, for example. Furthermore, the size of each lottery element 26 may change over time.

[0091] The instruction image 25 is an image that indicates a specific position in the circumferential direction of the lottery image 24. That is, any one of the plurality of lottery elements 26 is indicated by the instruction image 25. The control device 11 selects any one of the plurality of lottery elements 26 of the lottery image 24 in accordance with the behavior of the lottery ball 75 in the second lottery device 70. Specifically, the control device 11 selects, from the plurality of lottery elements 26, one lottery element 26 that is indicated by the instruction image 25 at the time when the lottery ball 75 falls into the lottery hole 74 of the lottery wheel 71. That is, a lottery process that selects any one of the plurality of lottery elements 26 is realized by cooperation between the second lottery device 70, the display device 20, and the control device 11.

[0092] The first special lottery and the second special lottery differ in the number of lottery elements 26 that make up the lottery image 24, the size of each lottery element 26, or the lottery result (e.g., reward amount) assigned to each lottery element 26. Therefore, although the lottery method is the same between the first special lottery and the second special lottery, the winning probability or reward amount differs.

[0093] The third special lottery is an electronic lottery that does not use a physical lottery mechanism such as the second lottery device 70. Specifically, in the third special lottery, the control device 11 displays a lottery image 24 and an instruction image 25 similar to those illustrated in FIG. 11 on the display device 20. The control device 11 rotates the lottery image 24 and stops the rotation of the lottery image 24 when a predetermined termination condition is met. The control device 11 selects one lottery element 26 indicated by the instruction image 25 at the time when the rotation of the lottery image 24 stops. The termination condition for stopping the rotation of the lottery image 24 is, for example, the passage of a predetermined time or the player operating the operation device 31.

[0094] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described. Note that, for elements in the following exemplary aspects that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment will be used, and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

[0095] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the first lottery device 50 in the second embodiment. In the first lottery device 50 of the second embodiment, the moving unit 55 of the first embodiment is omitted. Also, as illustrated in Fig. 12, a gaming table 51 of the second embodiment is formed with a return port 512 instead of the opening 511 of the first embodiment. The return port 512 is a circular opening through which the game ball 80 can pass.

[0096] For example, the return port 512 is formed so as to partially overlap with the striking member 541 in a standby state. Specifically, the return port 512 is provided at a position where the game ball 80 released by the supply unit 53 reaches when it is not struck by the striking member 541. Therefore, the player needs to strike the game ball 80 with the striking member 541 by operating the operating device 31 at an appropriate timing before the game ball 80 falls into the return port 512.

[0097] 12 , a return path 57 is formed directly below the game table 51. The return path 57 is a path for returning the game balls 80 that have fallen into the return port 512 toward the supply unit 53. Specifically, the return path 57 includes an inclined surface that descends in the Y2 direction. Therefore, the game balls 80 that have fallen from the return port 512 onto the return path 57 roll in the Y2 direction by their own weight toward the supply unit 53. The supply unit 53 holds the game balls 80 supplied from the return path 57 in the holding unit 533, and waits for the next release of the game balls 80.

[0098] In the second embodiment, the throwing arm 531 rotates only in the direction α1. When the throwing arm 531 approaches the return path 57, the game ball 80 is held in the holding portion 533, and when the throwing arm 531 reaches the game board surface F (thrown state), the game ball 80 is released onto the game board surface F. The configuration and operation other than the elements described above are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0099] [Modifications] Specific modifications that can be added to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not mutually contradicting each other.

[0100] (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, a game ball 80 having a structure in which a weight member 83 is attached to a protrusion 82 protruding from the inner circumferential surface of a spherical shell portion 81 has been illustrated, but the structure of the game ball 80 applied to the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. For example, as illustrated in Figure 13, a configuration in which the position of a space 84 inside the game ball 80 is offset from the center of the game ball 80 is also conceivable. While Figure 13 illustrates a hemispherical space 84, the shape of the space 84 may be changed as desired.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 14 , a game ball 80 may also be employed in which a weight member 85 separate from the spherical shell portion 81 is housed inside the spherical shell portion 81. In the game ball 80 of FIG. 14 , the weight member 85 moves inside the spherical shell portion 81. In addition, the game ball 80 of FIG. 15 includes a spherical shell portion 81, a support portion 86, and a weight member 87. The support portion 86 is a cylindrical portion that connects opposing portions of the inner circumferential surface of the spherical shell portion 81. The weight member 87 is an annular member that surrounds the support portion 86. In the configuration of FIG. 15 , the weight member 87 is movable along the support portion 86 inside the spherical shell portion 81. Note that while the game ball 80 of the first embodiment and the game ball 80 of FIG. 13 have a fixed center of gravity, in the configuration of FIG. 14 or FIG. 15 , the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is variable.

[0102] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the moving unit 55 moves the game ball 80 between the time the game ball 80 is released by the supply unit 53 and the time the game ball 80 is biased by the biasing unit 54. However, depending on the timing of the impact operation on the operation device 31, the game ball 80 released by the supply unit 53 may be biased by the biasing unit 54 before reaching the moving unit 55. Furthermore, the game ball 80 biased by the biasing unit 54 may roll in the Y1 direction due to the inclination of the game board surface F without falling into the guide groove 52, and eventually reach the moving unit 55. In other words, the game ball 80 may move in the following order: release by the supply unit 53 → biasing by the biasing unit 54 → movement by the moving unit 55. Considering the above circumstances, the moving unit 55 may also be expressed as an element that moves the game ball 80 from the time the game ball 80 is released by the supply unit 53 until it reaches the reference line R.

[0103] (3) In the above-described embodiments, the game ball 80 is retained on the mounting surface 553 by the step (recess 56) between the mounting surface 553 of the turntable 551 and the game board surface F, but the configuration for retaining the game ball 80 is not limited to the above examples. For example, in an embodiment in which the game ball 80 is made of a magnetic material, the game ball 80 may be retained within the movable range of the striking member 541 by attracting the game ball 80 with a magnet installed on the turntable 551.

[0104] (4) The likelihood that the game ball 80 will stay on the placement surface 553 (i.e., the ease with which the game ball 80 will stay) may be adjusted according to the rotation speed of the turntable 551. For example, when the rotation speed of the turntable 551 is slow, the game ball 80 will rotate while maintaining contact with the placement surface 553 and the inner circumferential surface of the opening 511 of the game table 51, and will therefore be likely to stay in the recess 56. On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the turntable 551 is fast, the movement speed of the game ball 80 in the recess 56 increases, and as a result, the game ball 80 will be more likely to jump over the step between the placement surface 553 and the game board surface F and fly out of the recess 56. If the game ball 80 stays stably on the placement surface 553, it is easier for the player to time the hitting operation.

[0105] Specifically, the control device 11 controls the rotation speed of the turntable 551 in accordance with various information related to the game, such as the progress of the game or various parameters. The rotation speed of the turntable 551 may be set in accordance with instructions from an administrator of the game system 100.

[0106] (5) In the first embodiment, the game ball 80 released from the supply unit 53 reaches the biasing unit 54 or the moving unit 55, but the destination of the game ball 80 released from the supply unit 53 is not limited to the above example. For example, the biasing unit 54 and the moving unit 55 in the first embodiment may be replaced with a lottery unit 515 illustrated in FIG. 16 .

[0107] 16 is a recess (so-called crane) recessed into the game board surface F, similar to the lottery wheel 71 of the second lottery device 70. Specifically, the lottery unit 515 is formed in a substantially circular shape with the center lower than the periphery. A lottery hole 516 (e.g., a through-hole) is formed in the center of the lottery unit 515. The supply unit 53 and the lottery unit 515 are surrounded by side wall portions 517 installed on the game board surface F. In addition, a guide portion 518 protruding from the game board surface F is installed on the game board surface F. The guide portion 518 is a guide that guides the game balls 80 released from the supply unit 53 to the lottery unit 515.

[0108] The lottery unit 515 is installed at a position spaced apart from the supply unit 53 in the Y1 direction. Therefore, the game ball 80 released by the supply unit 53 rolls irregularly toward the lottery unit 515 due to the eccentricity of its center of gravity. The game ball 80 that reaches the lottery unit 515 gradually approaches the center while rolling circumferentially on the upper surface of the lottery unit 515, and finally enters the lottery hole 516. The passage of the lottery ball 85 through the lottery hole 516 is detected by a detection device (not shown). As described above, the lottery unit 515 in FIG. 16 is a physical lottery mechanism that determines the timing at which the game ball 80 will pass through the lottery hole 516. In the configuration of FIG. 16, the game ball 80 that passes through the lottery hole 516 returns to the supply unit 53 via, for example, the return path 57 similar to that in FIG. 12 .

[0109] (6) The speed at which the game ball 80 is released by the supply unit 53 (i.e., the initial speed of the game ball 80) may be changed. For example, the control device 11 changes the initial speed of the game ball 80 by controlling the speed at which the drive device 532 rotates the throwing arm 531. For example, the initial speed of the game ball 80 changes with each throw. Specifically, the control device 11 randomly changes the initial speed of the game ball 80.

[0110] A change in the initial velocity of the game ball 80 changes the time it takes for the game ball 80 to reach the biasing unit 54 from the supply unit 53. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric, a change in the initial velocity of the game ball 80 also changes the trajectory of the game ball 80 after it is released by the supply unit 53. Therefore, it becomes more difficult for the player to predict the behavior of the game ball 80, and as a result, the enjoyment of the game is improved.

[0111] (7) In Fig. 8, a form in which the sizes of the plurality of lottery elements 23 displayed on the display device 20 in the initial lottery are the same is exemplified, but the sizes of the respective lottery elements 23 may be different. As in the above-described forms, in a form in which the lottery element 23 closest to the arrival position of the gaming ball 80 is selected from the plurality of lottery elements 23, the larger the size of the lottery element 23, the higher the possibility that the lottery element 23 will be selected. The size of the lottery element 23 is adjusted according to factors such as the payout rate.

[0112] Furthermore, the size of each lottery element 23 may change over time. For example, assuming a baseball game that progresses depending on the results of each special lottery, a form in which the size of each lottery element 23 is controlled depending on the parameters (e.g., physical condition, growth level, etc.) of the virtual participating players is envisioned. Also envisioned is a form in which the size of each lottery element 23 is controlled depending on the development of the baseball game. For example, a specific lottery element 23 may be enlarged in the final stages of a baseball game compared to the early stages.

[0113] In the above explanation, attention has been focused on the lottery elements 23 in the initial lottery, but the same applies to the lottery elements 26 in the first special lottery or the second special lottery, in which the sizes of the lottery elements 26 are different, or in which the sizes of the lottery elements 26 change over time.

[0114] (8) In the above-described embodiments, the arrival position of the game ball 80 is identified by analyzing the image (video data) captured by the imaging device 60 of the first lottery device 50. However, the method for identifying the arrival position of the game ball 80 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a detection device (not shown) installed on the game table 51 or the guide groove 52 may be used to detect the arrival position of the game ball 80. For example, any optical or mechanical sensor may be used to detect the arrival position.

[0115] In each of the above-described embodiments, a plurality of lottery elements 23 corresponding to one of a plurality of special lotteries are displayed on the display device 20, but the configuration and method for selecting one of a plurality of special lotteries according to the position reached by the game ball 80 are not limited to the above examples. For example, a plurality of spaces separated from each other by partitions may be installed at positions where the game ball 80 biased by the biasing unit 54 can reach. Each space corresponds to one of a plurality of special lotteries. The control device 11 selects the special lottery corresponding to the space reached by the game ball 80 from the plurality of spaces.

[0116] As can be understood from the above examples, the control device 11 is comprehensively expressed as an element that progresses the game in accordance with the game ball 80 being biased by the biasing unit 54 reaching a specific position. The control device 11 is also expressed as an element that progresses the game in accordance with the position that the game ball 80 reaches.

[0117] (9) In the above-described embodiments, the striking member 541 strikes the game ball 80, but the configuration for the urging unit 54 to urge the game ball 80 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the game ball 80 may be urged by applying an external force such as magnetic force or wind force to the game ball 80 in a non-contact manner. As can be understood from the above examples, the present disclosure does not consider whether the urging unit 54 comes into contact with the game ball 80.

[0118] (10) In the above-described embodiments, a baseball-themed game is assumed, but the form of the game in this disclosure may be changed as desired. For example, in a soccer-themed game, a game ball 80 simulating a soccer ball is used, and the game ball 80 is hit by a hitting member 541 having an appearance simulating the legs of a participating player.

[0119] (11) In the first embodiment, an example was given of a game system 100 having both: [Configuration A] a configuration in which the center of gravity of the game ball 80 is eccentric; and [Configuration B] a configuration in which the game ball 80 is moved by a moving unit 55. Configuration A and Configuration B can each be established independently. For example, as illustrated in the second embodiment, Configuration B is not essential for Configuration A. Similarly, Configuration A is not essential for Configuration B. For example, a game ball 80 whose center of gravity coincides with the center may be used in Configuration B.

[0120] (12) In the above-described embodiments, the game mechanism 40 and the second lottery device 70 are provided in addition to the first lottery device 50. However, the present invention can also be realized in a configuration in which the first lottery device 50, for example, the game mechanism 40 or the second lottery device 70 is not provided. In other words, the first lottery device 50 can be realized independently as a physical lottery mechanism that draws a plurality of lottery elements 23.

[0121] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the first drawing device 50 is used for an initial drawing to select one of a plurality of special drawing options, but the use of the first drawing device 50 is not limited to the initial drawing. For example, the first drawing device 50 may be used for drawing a lottery to determine whether a player wins or loses, or the amount of reward when a player wins.

[0122] (13) In the above-described embodiments, the game system 100 is installed in real space. However, the game system 100 may also be implemented as a virtual object installed in a virtual space implemented by computational processing. Therefore, a service similar to the game system 100 in the above-described embodiments may be provided to a player by an information device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. For example, a game similar to the game system 100 may be implemented as an application game provided by a program executed by the information device, or as a cloud game provided by a server capable of communicating with the information device.

[0123] (14) The functions of the game system 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized through cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 11 and a program stored in the storage device 12. The program according to the above-described embodiments can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the recording medium storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0124] [Additional Notes] From the above description, for example, the following preferred embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood: Note that, to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0125] [Supplementary Note 1] In order to solve the above problems, a game system (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a spherical game object (80), a board (F) on which the game object (80) can roll, a supply unit (53) that supplies the game object (80) onto the board (F), a biasing unit (54) that biases the game object (80) supplied by the supply unit (53) in accordance with an operation by a player, a control unit (11) that progresses a game in accordance with the game object (80) biased by the biasing unit (54) reaching a specific position (R), and a movement unit (55) that moves the game object (80) from the time it is supplied by the supply unit (53) until it reaches the specific position (R), regardless of an operation by the player.

[0126] In the above configuration, the game object (80) moves by the movement unit (55) regardless of the player's operation from the time it is supplied by the supply unit (53) until it reaches the specific position (R). Therefore, the movement of the game object (80) is diversified, which results in further increasing the entertainment value of the game.

[0127] The "game object (80)" is an element used in the game of the present disclosure. With respect to the game object (80), "spherical" means that the shape can be regarded as substantially spherical. Therefore, not only is a perfect sphere included in the concept of "spherical," but also an object with minute irregularities formed on its surface due to manufacturing reasons or circumstances such as painting or decoration, as long as the shape as a whole can be regarded as substantially spherical, is also included in the concept of "spherical."

[0128] The "board surface (F)" is a surface on which the game object (80) can roll. The "board surface (F)" may be a flat or curved surface, a combination of flat and curved surfaces, a combination of multiple flat surfaces at different angles, or a combination of multiple curved surfaces.

[0129] "Biasing" means changing the motion of the game object (80) (for example, the direction or speed of the game object (80)) by applying an external force to the game object (80). A typical example of the "biasing unit (54)" is a member that comes into contact with the game object (80) (for example, a member that strikes the game object (80)), but elements that change the motion of the game object (80) without contact, for example, by external forces such as magnetic force or wind force, are also included in the "biasing unit (54)".

[0130] "Applying force in response to an operation by a player" means that the action of the urging unit (54) urging the game object (80) depends on the operation by the player. For example, a configuration in which the urging unit (54) urges the game object (80) in response to an operation by the player, or a configuration in which the urging unit (54) urges the game object (80) by moving in conjunction with an operation by the player, falls under the category of "applying force in response to an operation by a player."

[0131] The "specific position (R)" is a position that the game object (80) biased by the biasing unit (54) can reach, and is not limited to a point on the game board (F). Furthermore, the "specific position (R)" is not limited to a single fixed point, but may be, for example, any position within a specific range or on a specific straight line.

[0132] "Progressing the game in response to the game unit (80) reaching a specific position (R)" means that the game situation changes when the game unit (80) reaches the specific position (R). For example, the initiation of a specific event (e.g., a lottery process) when the game unit (80) reaches the specific position (R), the change in the game state (e.g., an operation mode) when the game unit (80) reaches the specific position (R), or the change in a parameter related to the game when the game unit (80) reaches the specific position (R) fall under the category of "progressing the game in response to the game unit (80) reaching the specific position (R)." Note that, in a configuration in which the "specific position (R)" is any position within a specific range or on a specific straight line, controlling the progress of the game in response to the position reached by the game unit (80) also falls under the category of "progressing the game in response to the game unit (80) reaching the specific position (R)."

[0133] The "movement" of the gaming object (80) by the moving unit (55) means changing the movement (e.g., the direction or speed of the gaming object (80)) of the gaming object (80) that is supplied by the supply unit (53) and rolls on the board (F). In other words, the movement of the gaming object (80) simply rolling on the board (F) following supply by the supply unit (53) does not constitute "movement by the moving unit (55)." Note that the "supply" of the gaming object (80) by the supply unit (53) is, for example, the release (or insertion) of the gaming object (80) onto the board (F).

[0134] "Independent of player operation" means that the player cannot directly participate in the action of the moving unit (55) to move the game object (80). For example, a state in which the player cannot change the conditions (direction or speed of movement) under which the moving unit (55) moves the game object (80) is interpreted as a state "independent of player operation."

[0135] The "period from when the game body (80) is supplied by the supply unit (53) until when it reaches the specific position (R)" refers to, for example, the period from when the game body (80) is supplied by the supply unit (53) until when it is urged by the urging unit (54), or the period from when the game body (80) is urged by the urging unit (54) after being supplied by the supply unit (53) until it reaches the specific position (R). In other words, the game body (80) may reach the specific position (R) by going through the following sequence: supply by the supply unit (53), movement by the movement unit (55), and urging by the urging unit (54), or it may reach the specific position (R) by going through the following sequence: supply by the supply unit (53), urging by the urging unit (54), movement by the movement unit (55) (and then urging by the urging unit (54) again).

[0136] [Supplementary Note 2] In the specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the moving unit (55) moves the game object (80) supplied by the supply unit (53) while keeping it within the range in which the urging unit (54) can urge it. In the above configuration, the game object (80) moves within the range in which the urging unit (54) can urge it. Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with the fun of determining the conditions for operation (e.g., the timing of the operation) for urging the game object (80) with the urging unit (54) while observing or predicting the behavior of the game object (80) within the range in which the urging unit (54) can urge the game object (80).

[0137] The "range in which the urging unit (54) can urge" refers to the range in which an external force from the urging unit (54) acts on the game piece (80). The range in which the game piece (80) resides may be included within the range in which the urging unit (54) can urge. However, it is not necessarily necessary for the urging unit (54) to be able to urge the game piece (80) throughout the entire range in which the game piece (80) resides. In other words, the range in which the game piece (80) resides may include both the range in which the urging unit (54) can urge the game piece (80) and the range in which the urging unit (54) cannot urge the game piece (80).

[0138] The "state in which the gaming object (80) is retained" means that the gaming object (80) continues to be located within a specific range. The configuration is not limited to a configuration in which the gaming object (80) is completely maintained within the range until it is biased by the biasing unit (54), and the gaming object (80) may move out of the specific range as a result of movement by the moving unit (55), for example.

[0139] [Supplementary Note 3] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 2, the moving unit (55) includes a turntable (551) including a mounting surface (553) on which the game object (80) is placed, and a driving unit (552) that rotates the turntable (551). In the above configuration, the game object (80) can be moved by a simple configuration in which the turntable (551) is rotated by the driving unit (552).

[0140] [Supplementary Note 4] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 3, the turntable (551) includes a protrusion (554) protruding from the mounting surface (553) at a position of the mounting surface (553) spaced apart from the rotation axis of the turntable (551). In the above configuration, the protrusion (554) comes into contact (typically collides) with the game object (80) on the mounting surface (553), thereby changing the movement of the game object (80). Therefore, it is possible to move the game object (80) irregularly with a simple configuration.

[0141] [Supplementary Note 5] In the specific example (Supplementary Note 5) of Supplementary Note 3 or Supplementary Note 4, the placement surface (553) is located at a lower position than the board surface (F), and the gaming object (80) stays on the placement surface (553) due to the step between the placement surface (553) and the board surface (F). According to the above configuration, it is possible to keep the gaming object (80) on the placement surface (553) by a simple configuration that makes the placement surface (553) and the board surface (F) different in height.

[0142] [Supplementary Note 6] In any of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 6) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, the center of gravity of the game object (80) is eccentric. In the above configuration, in a game in which a spherical game object (80) supplied onto a board (F) by a supply unit (53) is energized in response to a player's operation, the center of gravity of the game object (80) is eccentric. Therefore, the game object (80) supplied by the supply unit (53) or energized by the energizing unit (54) rolls irregularly on the board (F). With the above configuration, the game can be more entertaining than a game in which the center of gravity of the game object (80) coincides with the center.

[0143] The "center of gravity" is the point of action of the resultant force of gravity acting on each part of the game body (80). A "center of gravity is eccentric" state means a state in which the center of gravity of the game body (80) does not coincide with the center of the game body (80). The "center" of the game body (80) is a point inside the game body (80) that is equidistant from any point on the surface of the game body (80). In addition to a configuration in which the position of the center of gravity of the game body (80) is fixed, a configuration in which the position of the center of gravity of the game body (80) is variable is also envisioned.

[0144] The degree of eccentricity of the center of gravity of the game object (80) (i.e., the distance between the center of gravity and the center) is arbitrary, but a configuration in which the center of gravity is eccentric enough that, for example, when the game object (80) is rolled on a horizontal plane, it is possible to visually confirm that the movement conditions of the game object (80) (e.g., the direction or speed of movement) change over time. For example, the trajectory of the game object (80) from the time it is supplied by the supply unit (53) to the time it is biased by the biasing unit (54) is indefinite and differs for each supply by the supply unit (53). Furthermore, even when the game object (80) rolls linearly along a guide such as a groove, the movement speed of the game object (80) fluctuates irregularly due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity.

[0145] [Supplementary Note 7] In any of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 7) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, a display unit (20) that displays a plurality of lottery elements (23) is further provided, and the control unit (11) selects, from the plurality of lottery elements (23), a lottery element (23) that corresponds to the specific position (R) reached by the game body (80) biased by the biasing unit (54). In the above aspect, it is possible to provide the player with the excitement of determining the operation conditions (for example, the timing of the operation) for biasing the game body (80) by the biasing unit (54) so ​​that the game body (80) reaches a position corresponding to a desired lottery element (23) from the plurality of lottery elements (23) displayed on the display unit (20).

[0146] The "lottery element (23)" is an image displayed on the display unit (20). A plurality of lottery elements (23) that progress the game in different states are displayed on the display unit (20). The "lottery element (23) corresponding to the specific position (R) reached by the game body (80)" is, for example, the lottery element (23) that is closest to the position (specific position (R)) reached by the game body (80) among the plurality of lottery elements (23).

[0147] [Supplementary Note 8] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 8) of Supplementary Note 7, the position of each of the plurality of lottery elements (23) on the display unit (20) changes over time. In the above aspect, it is possible to provide the player with the fun of determining the operation conditions (e.g., operation timing) for energizing the gaming device (80) by the energizing unit (54) while observing or predicting the change in the position of the desired lottery element (23) on the display unit (20).

[0148] [Supplementary Note 9] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 9) of Supplementary Note 7 or Supplementary Note 8, the plurality of lottery elements (23) include two or more lottery elements (23) corresponding to two or more lottery processes having different lottery conditions, respectively, and the control unit (11) executes a lottery process corresponding to the selected lottery element (23) from among the two or more lottery processes. According to the above aspect, one of the plurality of lottery processes having different lottery conditions is selectively executed depending on the position reached by the game body (80) after being energized by the energizing unit (54). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which only one type of lottery process is executed, the progress of the game can be diversified.

[0149] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 10) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, the biasing unit (54) includes a striking member (541) that can strike the game object (80) by rotating along the board surface (F) in response to an operation by the player. According to the above aspect, a game similar to a sport such as baseball can be realized.

[0150] 100... Game system, 10 (10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4)... Station, 11... Control device, 12... Storage device, 20... Display device, 21... Display surface, 22... Bottom side, 23... Lottery element, 24... Lottery image, 2 5...instruction image, 26...lottery element, 30...operation unit, 31...operation device, 32...reception device, 33...payout device, 40...game mechanism, 41...fixed table, 42...movable table, 43...insertion device, 44...supply device, 45...fixed wall, 46...detection device, 47...game medal, 48...game ball, 50...first lottery device, 51...game table, 511...opening, 512...return port, 515...lottery section, 516...lottery hole, 517...side wall section, 518...guide section, 52...guide groove, 521...bottom surface, 53...supply part, 531...pitching arm, 532...drive device, 533...holding part, 54...energizing part, 541...striking member, 542...drive device, 55...moving part, 551...turning disk, 552...drive device, 553...placing surface, 554...protrusion part, 56...recess, 57...return path, 60...imaging device, 70...second lottery device, 71...lottery disk, 72...supply device, 73...detection device, 74...lottery hole, 75...lottery ball, 80...game ball, 81...spherical shell part, 82...protrusion part, 83, 85, 87...weight member, 84...space, 86...support part.

Claims

1. A game system comprising: a spherical game body; a game board on which the game body can roll; a supply unit for supplying the game body onto the game board; a biasing unit for biasing the game body supplied by the supply unit according to an operation by a player; a control unit for advancing the game according to the game body biased by the biasing unit reaching a specific position; and a moving unit for changing the movement of the game body from when it is supplied by the supply unit until it reaches the specific position, independently of the operation by the player.

2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit moves the game body supplied by the supply unit while retaining the game body within a range where the biasing unit can bias it.

3. The game system according to claim 2, wherein the moving unit includes a rotating disk including a mounting surface on which the game body is placed, and a driving unit for rotating the rotating disk.

4. The game system according to claim 3, wherein the rotating disk includes a protrusion protruding from the mounting surface at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the rotating disk among the mounting surfaces.

5. The game system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the mounting surface is at a position lower than the game board, and the game body stays on the mounting surface due to a step difference between the mounting surface and the game board.

6. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game body has an eccentric center of gravity.

7. The game system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying a plurality of lottery elements, and the control unit selects a lottery element corresponding to the specific position reached by the game body biased by the biasing unit among the plurality of lottery elements.

8. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the position of each of the plurality of lottery elements on the display unit changes over time.

9. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of lottery elements include two or more lottery elements respectively corresponding to two or more lottery processes with different lottery conditions, and the control unit executes a lottery process corresponding to the selected lottery element among the two or more lottery processes.

10. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the biasing unit includes a striking member that can strike the game body by rotating along the game board according to an operation by the player.

Images