JP7619636B2 - GAME SYSTEM, GAME SYSTEM OPERATION METHOD AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a game system.

Various technologies have been proposed for providing games to users. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which live video of a game device captured by a camera device is displayed on a client device via a communication network. The number of medals managed for each user increases or decreases according to the results of a lottery. Users can play games using the game device in remote locations.

JP 2008-245869 A

However, it is conceivable that gaming devices within a particular facility may be used in different business formats. For example, in addition to the normal business format of providing games to users within the facility, a business format may be envisaged in which games using the gaming devices are provided to users in remote locations. However, if medals that can be used for games in one business format can also be used for games in other business formats, there is a problem in that restrictions on the use of medals within the facility are essentially nullified. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to limit the interchange of gaming media between multiple business formats.

To solve the above problems, a game system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first management system that manages, for each user, a first gaming medium used to play a game using a gaming device that operates in a first business form, and a second management system that manages, for each user, a second gaming medium used to play a game using the gaming device that operates in a second business form that is different from the first business form, separately from the first gaming medium.

A method of operating a game system according to one aspect of the present disclosure manages, for each user, a first game medium used to play a game using a game device operated in a first business form, while managing, for each user, a second game medium used to play a game using the game device operated in a second business form that is different from the first business form, separately from the first game medium.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer system to function as a first management system that manages, for each user, a first gaming medium used to play a game using a gaming device that operates in a first business form, and a second management system that manages, for each user, a second gaming medium used to play a game using the gaming device that operates in a second business form that is different from the first business form, separately from the first gaming medium.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first management system. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of first management data. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the game device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game device. 13 is a flowchart of a process for user registration within an amusement facility. 11 is a flowchart of a process executed by a first management system. 13 is a flowchart of a process executed by the gaming system. 13 is a flowchart of a first withdrawal process. 13 is a flowchart of a first deposit process. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first game screen. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second management system. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of second management data. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of facility data. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a second game screen. 13 is a flowchart of an operation for authenticating a user in a second business mode. 13 is a flowchart of a process for providing a game to a user. 13 is a flowchart of a second withdrawal process. 13 is a flowchart of a second deposit process. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a selection screen. 13 is a flowchart of an operation for authenticating a user in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart of a process for providing a game to a user in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a selection screen. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a third management system. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of third management data. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third game screen. 13 is a flowchart of a process for providing a game to a user in a third business mode. 13 is a flowchart of a third withdrawal process. 13 is a flowchart of a third deposit process. 13 is a flowchart of a process for providing a game to a user in a modified example. 13 is a flowchart of a process executed by a gaming system in a modified example.

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.

[First embodiment]
1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 100 in the first embodiment. The game system 100 in the first embodiment is a computer system for providing a game to each of a plurality of users H. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game system 100 includes a plurality of game systems 11 and one information system 12.

A gaming system 11 is installed in each of the multiple gaming facilities F. Each gaming facility F is, 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 11 in each gaming facility F provides games to one or more users H (i.e., players) who visit the gaming facility F. The gaming facility F is an example of a "facility."

Each gaming facility F can provide games to each user H in two types of business forms: a first business form and a second business form. The first business form is a form in which games are provided to users H located within the gaming facility F. In the first business form, users H within the gaming facility F directly use the gaming system 11 to play games. On the other hand, the second business form is a form in which games are provided to users H located outside the gaming facility F. In the second business form, users H outside the gaming facility F play games using their own terminal device 70. The terminal device 70 is, for example, a portable information device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or a portable or stationary information device such as a personal computer.

The time period during which the first business form is operated is different from the time period during which the second business form is operated. For example, the first business form is operated during normal business hours from the opening time to the closing time of the gaming facility F, and the second business form is operated during the time period from the closing time of the gaming facility F to the opening time immediately thereafter. In other words, the first business form is a form in which games are provided to user H during the business hours of the gaming facility F, and the second business form is a form in which games are provided to user H outside the business hours of the gaming facility F.

User H can play the game by using electronic medals. Electronic medals are intangible gaming media that user H can use when playing the game. For example, electronic medals are used as payment for user H's play of the game.

The electronic medals that user H can use are divided into first electronic medals and second electronic medals. The first electronic medals are game media that user H can use in games provided by the first business form. On the other hand, the second electronic medals are game media that user H can use in games provided by the second business form. The first electronic medals and second electronic medals owned by each user H are managed separately. In other words, the first electronic medals and the second electronic medals cannot be combined or exchanged. For example, it is not possible to convert one of the first electronic medals and the second electronic medals into the other.

When each gaming facility F is operated in the first business form, the gaming system 11 of that gaming facility F is used. On the other hand, when each gaming facility F is operated in the second business form, the gaming system 11 and information system 12 of that gaming facility F are used. As can be understood from the above explanation, the gaming system 11 in the gaming facility F is used for normal business during business hours in the first business form, as well as for business outside business hours in the second business form. Furthermore, the information system 12 is shared for business in the second business form using multiple gaming systems 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the gaming system 11 includes a first management system 20 and a plurality of gaming devices 30. The first management system 20 and the plurality of gaming devices 30 are installed in a gaming facility F. The first management system 20 is a computer system configured separately from each gaming device 30, and communicates with each of the plurality of gaming devices 30 via a communication network (hereinafter referred to as an "in-house network") 110 within the gaming facility F, for example. The in-house network 110 is configured, for example, by a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN. Note that a plurality of first management systems 20 may be installed within one gaming facility F. Also, one gaming device 30 may be installed within one gaming facility F. The number of gaming devices 30 installed within a gaming facility F may differ for each gaming facility F.

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

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first management system 20. As illustrated in Figure 2, the first management system 20 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display device 24, an operation device 25, a reading device 26, an imaging device 27, and a dispensing device 28. The first management system 20 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

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

The display device 24 displays various images. The display device 24 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The operation device 25 accepts operations by the user H. Specifically, the operation device 25 is a plurality of operators operated by the user H, or a touch panel that is integrated with the display surface of the display device 24.

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

The imaging device 27 is a video device that captures an image of the user H. The imaging device 27 captures an image of the user H to generate image data Df representing a facial image of the user H. The image data Df is biometric information representing the biological characteristics of the user H. In other words, the imaging device 27 functions as a detector that detects the biometric information of the user H. Specifically, the imaging device 27 includes an optical system such as a photographing lens, an imaging element that receives incident light from the optical system, and a processing circuit that generates image data Df according to the amount of light received by the imaging element. Note that the imaging device 27, which is separate from the first management system 20, may be connected to the first management system 20 by wire or wirelessly.

The storage device 22 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. The storage device 22 is configured from a known recording medium, such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. Note that a portable recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the first management system 20 may be used as the storage device 22. Also, a recording medium (e.g., cloud storage) that the control device 21 can access via the communication network 300 may be used as the storage device 22.

In the first embodiment, the storage device 22 stores the first management data X1 for each user H. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first management data X1 for each user H includes the identification information U1 and reference data Dref of the user H, and the number of first electronic medals held by the user H (hereinafter referred to as the "first holding number") N1. That is, the first management data X1 is data representing the account of each user H regarding the first electronic medal (hereinafter referred to as the "first electronic medal account"). The first management data X1 is managed individually for each amusement facility F. Specifically, the first management data X1 of the first electronic medals that can be used in each amusement facility F is stored in the storage device 22 of the first management system 20 of the amusement facility F. That is, the first management system 20 manages the first electronic medals of each user H individually for each amusement facility F. In other words, the first electronic medal account is managed individually for each amusement facility F. With the above configuration, it is possible to restrict the sharing of first electronic medals between multiple different gaming facilities F.

The identification information U1 of the first management data X1 is a code sequence for identifying each user H. For example, the identification information U1 stored in the registration card E of the user H is registered in the first management data X1 by prior registration by the first management system 20. That is, the identification information U1 of the first management data X1 is the identification information of the registered, legitimate user H. Furthermore, the reference data Dref is image data Df of the facial image of the registered, legitimate user H. That is, the image data Df generated by the imaging device 27 at the time of registration is registered in the first management data X1 as the reference data Dref.

The payout device 28 in FIG. 2 pays out physical medals that can be used by user H in amusement facility F. Specifically, the payout device 28 is equipped with a storage container for storing physical medals, and a discharge mechanism for sequentially discharging the physical medals from the storage container. The payout device 28 pays out a predetermined number of physical medals in exchange for payment of currency such as cash or electronic money.

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

The lottery unit 34 executes a physical lottery. The physical lottery of the first embodiment is a lottery process that uses a lottery ball 37. The lottery unit 34 of the first embodiment is a structure that is configured to be roughly circular in a plan view from the vertical direction. The lottery ball 37 is a rollable object such as a sphere or polyhedron. The lottery unit 34 includes a lottery field 341 and a supply device 342.

The lottery field 341 is a play surface on which the lottery ball 37 can roll. A plurality of pockets 343 into which the lottery ball 37 can enter are installed on the lottery field 341. A number is assigned to each of the plurality of pockets 343. The supply device 342 sequentially supplies the lottery balls 37 to the lottery field 341. The lottery balls 37 supplied from the supply device 342 roll on the lottery field 341 and eventually enter one of the plurality of pockets 343. The lottery ball 37 entering the pocket 343 means the selection of the number corresponding to that pocket 343. In other words, the lottery unit 34 executes a physical lottery that stochastically selects one of the plurality of numbers. Note that the lottery element assigned to each pocket 343 is not limited to a number. For example, other lottery elements such as a color or a character may be assigned to each pocket 343.

The imaging device 36 is a video device that captures the lottery unit 34. The imaging device 36 generates video data Dv that represents a video of the physical lottery by the lottery unit 34 (hereinafter referred to as "lottery video"). The imaging device 36 is installed, for example, above the lottery field 341. That is, the video data Dv represents a lottery video of the lottery ball 37 rolling on the lottery field 341. Specifically, the imaging device 36 includes an optical system such as a photographing lens, an imaging element that receives incident light from the optical system, and a processing circuit that generates video data Dv according to the amount of light received by the imaging element. Note that the imaging device 36, which is separate from the game device 30, may be connected to the game device 30 by wire or wirelessly.

As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple stations 35 are arranged in a circumferential direction so as to surround the lottery unit 34. Each station 35 is a unit used by a user H in the gaming facility F to play a game. Each station 35 is equipped with a display device 351, an operating device 352, a reading device 353, a reception device 354, and a payout device 355.

The display device 351 displays various images. The display device 351 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The operation device 352 accepts operations by the user H. Specifically, the operation device 352 is a plurality of operators operated by the user H, or a touch panel that is integrated with the display surface of the display device 351.

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

The reception device 354 accepts the insertion of physical medals by user H. For example, the reception device 354 is equipped with an insertion port through which the physical medal is inserted, and a detector that detects the insertion of the physical medal into the insertion port. The physical medals accepted by the reception device 354 from user H are exchanged for credits (hereinafter referred to as "first credits"). The first credits are a value that user H can consume to play the game. Specifically, a numerical value according to the number of physical medals accepted by the reception device 354 is added to the number of first credits held by user H (hereinafter referred to as "first credit number C1").

The payout device 355 pays out physical medals. The payout device 355 pays out a quantity of physical medals corresponding to the first credit number C1 of user H. Specifically, the payout device 355 includes a storage container that stores the physical medals, and a discharge mechanism that sequentially discharges the physical medals from the storage container.

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

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

The storage device 32 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. The storage device 32 is configured from a known recording medium, such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. A portable recording medium that is detachable from the game device 30 may be used as the storage device 32. A recording medium that the control device 31 can access via the communication network 300 (e.g., cloud storage) may also be used as the storage device 32. The storage device 32 stores the first credit number C1 of each user H who plays the game in the first business form.

The communication device 33 communicates with the first management system 20 via the local network 110. The communication device 33 may also communicate with the first management system 20 via the communication network 300. The communication device 33 also communicates with the information system 12 in FIG. 1 via the communication network 300. It does not matter whether the method of communication between the communication device 33 and the first management system 20 is the same as the method of communication between the communication device 33 and the information system 12.

[First business model]
6 to 10 are flowcharts of the process for a user H in the game facility F to play a game under the first business mode. First, Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the process for user H's user registration.

User H, who is about to play a game for the first time under the first business model, moves to the first management system 20 within the amusement facility F. User H places his/her own registration card E on the reading device 26 of the first management system 20 and operates the operation device 25 to instruct user registration. Upon receiving the instruction for user registration from user H (Sa1), the control device 21 acquires the identification information U1 of the registration card E by the reading device 26 (Sa2). The control device 21 also generates image data Df of the face image of user H as reference data Dref by the imaging device 27 (Sa3). A screen guiding user H's operation is displayed on the display device 24.

The control device 21 newly stores the first management data X1 of user H in the storage device 22 (Sa4). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first management data X1 includes the identification information U1 acquired from the registration card E of user H and the reference data Dref of the face image of user H. The first possession count N1 of the first management data X1 is set to an initial value (e.g., zero).

When user H who has completed the above user registration visits the gaming facility F, the first management system 20 executes the process of FIG. 7 for that user H. User H who visits the gaming facility F places his/her own registration card E on the reading device 26 of the first management system 20 and operates the operation device 25 to instruct the user to start using the gaming system 11. When the instruction to start using the gaming system 11 is received from user H (Sa11), the control device 21 acquires the identification information U1 of the registration card E by the reading device 26 (Sa12). The control device 21 also generates image data Df of the face image of user H by the imaging device 27 (Sa13). A screen guiding user H's operation is displayed on the display device 24.

The control device 21 executes the first authentication process (Sa14). Specifically, the control device 21 first searches the storage device 22 for the first management data X1 including the identification information U1 acquired from the registered card E. Secondly, the control device 21 compares the reference data Dref in the first management data X1 with the image data Df generated by the imaging device 27. Then, the control device 21 authenticates the authenticity of the user H when the similarity between the face image of the reference data Dref and the face image of the image data Df exceeds a threshold value. On the other hand, when the first management data X1 including the identification information U1 of the registered card E is not searched for or the similarity of the face image is below the threshold value, the control device 21 does not authenticate the authenticity of the user H. If the first authentication process is successful, the control device 21 stores the authentication data Da, which means that the user H has been authenticated, in association with the first management data X1, as illustrated in FIG. 3 (Sa15). On the other hand, if the first authentication process fails, the storage of the authentication data Da (Sa15) is not executed.

A user H who has succeeded in the first authentication process can obtain a desired number of first electronic medals in the gaming facility F. Specifically, the user H can obtain the first electronic medals using the first management system 20. For example, the number of first electronic medals corresponding to the amount paid by the user H is given to the user H. The payment method by the user H is arbitrary, and in addition to cash payment, electronic payment using, for example, electronic money or a credit card is also possible. The control device 21 adds the number corresponding to the amount paid by the user H to the first possession number N1 stored in the memory device 22 for the user H (Sa16). The user H can obtain the first electronic medals using the first management system 20 at any time, not limited to the start of use. However, the first electronic medals that the user H can obtain in the gaming facility F are limited to the gaming facility F. The user H may obtain the first electronic medals by making a payment at the game device 30. Following the usage registration illustrated in FIG. 6, the authentication data Da may be stored (Sa15) and the first possession number N1 may be incremented (Sa16) in FIG. 7.

User H, who has been authenticated by the above process, moves to one of the stations 35 at the desired game device 30 in the gaming facility F, and places his/her own registration card E in the reading device 353 of that station 35. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the process executed by the gaming system 11 in order for user H to play a game.

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

The control device 31 controls the game played by user H (Sb24). For example, the control device 31 advances a lottery game that utilizes a physical lottery drawn by the lottery unit 34. The lottery game is a game in which whether user H wins or loses is determined according to the result of the physical lottery drawn by the lottery unit 34. The lottery game advances in parallel at multiple stations 35. The control device 31 displays a first game screen G1 showing the progress of the lottery game on the display device 351 (Sb25). Note that the first authentication result R22 must be positive in order for user H to use the first electronic medal. However, user H can also play the game by using a physical medal. Therefore, the lottery game is provided to user H (Sb24, Sb25) regardless of the first authentication result R22.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the first game screen G1 displayed on the display device 351 when the lottery game is being played. The first game screen G1 is an image that represents the progress of the lottery game. Specifically, the first game screen G1 includes a plurality of operators Z1 (Z11 to Z14), a play image P, and a first credit number C1. Each of the plurality of operators Z1 is a software key realized by the operation device 352, and accepts instructions from the user H. The play image P is an image that represents the progress of the lottery game. As described above, the first credit number C1 is the amount of first credits held by the user H.

The game device 30 of the first embodiment can selectively provide any one of a number of types of lottery games that utilize the results of a physical lottery for each station 35. The method of determining whether user H has won or lost based on the results of the physical lottery differs for each lottery game. The operator Z11 receives an instruction from user H to select a lottery game. In FIG. 11, it is assumed that a lottery game (bingo game) that uses a lottery card L is selected from among the number of types of lottery games. Therefore, the play image P in FIG. 11 includes the lottery card L. On the lottery card L, a number of panels La, each having different numbers set thereto, are arranged in a matrix. The arrangement of the numbers on the lottery card L differs for each station 35.

Each time the lottery ball 37 enters one of the pockets 343 of the lottery unit 34, the panel La of the lottery card L having the number corresponding to that pocket 343 is set to a valid state. When any one row of panels La (e.g., one vertical row, one horizontal row, or one diagonal row) on the lottery card L is set to a valid state, user H wins.

The operator Z12 receives an instruction from the user H to consume (i.e., bet) the first credits. The quantity of first credits to be consumed for the lottery game (hereinafter referred to as "consumption amount") is specified by operating the operator Z12. For example, the consumption amount is specified as a quantity specified by the user H or a predetermined quantity. The user H plays the lottery game in exchange for consuming the first credits. If the user H wins the lottery game, the amount of first credits according to the consumption amount is awarded as a reward. The number of first credits C1 in FIG. 11 is updated as the lottery game progresses. For example, the number of first credits C1 decreases as the number of credits is consumed in the lottery game and increases as a reward is awarded. As described above, the game device 30 of the first embodiment progresses the lottery game in response to an instruction from the user H to the operator Z11 or the operator Z12.

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

[First withdrawal process]
If the above-mentioned first authentication result R22 is positive, user H can give an instruction to withdraw the first electronic medal by operating the operator Z13. The instruction to withdraw the first electronic medal triggers the execution of the first withdrawal process in Fig. 9. The first withdrawal process is a process for making the first electronic medal of user H, which is managed by the first management system 20, available for use in playing games in the amusement facility F. Note that if the first authentication result R22 is negative, the instruction to withdraw the first electronic medal is not accepted, and the first withdrawal process triggered by this instruction is not executed.

When an instruction to withdraw the first electronic medals is received from user H (Sb31), the control device 31 transmits a withdrawal request R31 from the communication device 33 to the first management system 20 (Sb32). The withdrawal request R31 includes user H's identification information U1 and the withdrawal number Mw1. The withdrawal number Mw1 is the number of first electronic medals to be withdrawn from the first electronic medal account. For example, user H specifies the withdrawal number Mw1 by operating the operation device 352.

The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives the withdrawal request R31 via the communication device 23 (Sa31). The control device 21 searches the storage device 22 for the first management data X1 that includes the identification information U1 in the withdrawal request R31, and subtracts the withdrawal number Mw1 from the first holding number N1 of the first management data X1 (Sa32). The control device 21 transmits a withdrawal notification R32, which means that the withdrawal of the first electronic medal has been completed, from the communication device 23 to the game device 30 (Sa33).

When the communication device 33 receives the withdrawal notification R32 (Sb33), the control device 31 adds the amount corresponding to the withdrawal number Mw1 to the first credit number C1 of user H (Sb34). For example, a numerical value obtained by multiplying the withdrawal number Mw1 by a predetermined coefficient is added to the first credit number C1. Note that the withdrawal number Mw1 may also be added to the first credit number C1. As can be understood from the above explanation, the first electronic medal held by user H is transferred to the game device 30, and the first electronic medal is converted into the first credit. Note that in addition to converting the first electronic medal into the first credit, as described above, a physical medal accepted by the acceptance device 354 may also be converted into the first credit.

As can be understood from the above explanation, user H is permitted to use the first electronic medal, provided that the first authentication process (Sa14) is successful. In other words, the registration card E is used as an authentication medium for determining whether or not the use of the first electronic medal is permitted.

[First deposit process]
If the above-mentioned first authentication result R22 is positive, user H can give an instruction to deposit the first electronic medal by operating the operator Z14. The instruction to deposit the first electronic medal triggers the execution of the first deposit process in Fig. 10. The first deposit process is a process for converting the first credits held by user H in the game device 30 into a first electronic medal and depositing the converted first electronic medal into the first electronic medal account of said user H. It should be noted that if the first authentication result R22 is negative, the instruction to deposit the first electronic medal is not accepted and the first deposit process triggered by said instruction is not executed.

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

The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives the deposit request R41 through the communication device 23 (Sa41). The control device 21 searches the storage device 22 for the first management data X1 including the identification information U1 in the deposit request R41, and adds the deposit number Md1 to the first holding number N1 of the first management data X1 (Sa42). As can be understood from the above explanation, the first credits held by the user H are converted into first electronic medals, and the first electronic medals are deposited into the first electronic medal account. Note that, when the user H issues an instruction to end the game, the first electronic medals in the amount (deposit number Md1) corresponding to the first credit number C1 may be deposited into the first electronic medal account. That is, all of the first credits may be converted into first electronic medals. Also, the payout device 355 may pay out the physical medals in the amount corresponding to the first credit number C1 of the user H. That is, the first electronic medals and the physical medals can be converted into each other via the first credits.

As can be understood from the above explanation, in the first business mode, the first electronic medals managed by the first management system 20 of the amusement facility F are used to play games using the game devices 30 in that amusement facility F. In other words, the first electronic medals managed at each amusement facility F are used exclusively to play games at that amusement facility F, and cannot be used to play games at other amusement facilities F.

The information system 12 in FIG. 1 is used for operating each amusement facility F in the second business mode. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information system 12 includes a control system 40 and a second management system 50.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control system 40. The control system 40 is a computer system that controls the games provided to each user H in the second business form. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the control system 40 includes a control device 41, a storage device 42, and a communication device 43. The control system 40 may be realized as a single device, or as multiple devices configured separately from each other. For example, the control system 40 may be configured by a device installed individually for each game provided in multiple gaming facilities F.

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

The storage device 42 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 41 and various data used by the control device 41. The storage device 42 is configured, for example, of a known recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. A portable recording medium that is detachable from the control system 40 may be used as the storage device 42. A recording medium that the control device 41 can access via the communication network 300 (for example, cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 42. The storage device 42 stores the quantity of second credits (hereinafter referred to as the "second credit number C2") of each user H who plays the game in the second business form. The second credits are a value consumed by the user H to play the game, similar to the first credits.

The communication device 43 communicates with the game devices 30 of each amusement facility F via the communication network 300. The communication device 43 communicates with the terminal devices 70 of each user H via the communication network 300. The communication device 43 also communicates with the second management system 50 via the communication network 300. It does not matter whether the communication method between the communication device 43 and each device (the game devices 30, the terminal devices 70, or the second management system 50) is the same. For example, the communication device 43 may communicate with the second management system 50 via an in-house network (not shown), such as a wired LAN or wireless LAN.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the second management system 50. The second management system 50 is a computer system for managing the second electronic medals for each user H. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the second management system 50 includes a control device 51, a storage device 52, and a communication device 53. The second management system 50 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

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

The storage device 52 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 51 and various data used by the control device 51. The storage device 52 is configured from a known recording medium, such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. Note that a portable recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the second management system 50 may be used as the storage device 52. Also, a recording medium (e.g., cloud storage) that the control device 51 can access via the communication network 300 may be used as the storage device 52.

In the storage device 52 of the first embodiment, the second management data X2 is stored for each user H. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the second management data X2 of each user H includes the identification information U2 and password information Ux of the user H, and a plurality of second holding numbers N2 corresponding to different gaming facilities F. The second holding number N2 of each gaming facility F is the number of second electronic medals that the user H can use in a game using the gaming system 11 of the gaming facility F. In other words, the second management data X2 is data representing an account (hereinafter referred to as a "second electronic medal account") for each gaming facility F regarding the second electronic medal for each of the multiple users H. As can be understood from the above explanation, the second management system 50 manages the second electronic medals of each user H for each gaming facility F. In other words, the second electronic medal account of each user H is managed individually for each gaming facility F. In other words, the second electronic medals cannot be added up or converted between multiple gaming facilities F. With the above configuration, it is possible to restrict the sharing of second electronic medals between multiple different gaming facilities F.

The identification information U2 of the second management data X2 is a code sequence for identifying each user H. The identification information U2 of the user H is registered in the second management data X2 by the user H's prior registration. The identification information U1 may be used as the identification information U2, or identification information U2 separate from the identification information U1 may be used. In a configuration in which the identification information U1 is used as the identification information U2, the first authentication process and the second authentication process described below may be executed by a common system (the first management system 20 or the second management system 50). The secret information Ux is used to authenticate the legitimacy of the user H in the second business form. For example, an arbitrary code sequence (passcode) designated by the user H at the time of registration is registered in the second management data X2 as the secret information Ux.

User H can obtain the second electronic medal by electronic payment using the terminal device 70. For example, the quantity according to the payment amount by electronic payment is added to the second possession number N2 in the second management data X2. As described above, the second electronic medal is managed individually for each gaming facility F. Therefore, user H selects a desired gaming facility F from multiple gaming facilities F and obtains the second electronic medal for that gaming facility F. As described above, in the first embodiment, since user H can obtain the second electronic medal by electronic payment, the burden or effort of user H regarding the acquisition of the second electronic medal can be reduced compared to a form in which user H needs to obtain the second electronic medal at the gaming facility F. However, a form in which user H can obtain the second electronic medal by payment within the gaming facility F is also assumed. In addition, the second electronic medal may be given to user H free of charge as a privilege for visiting the gaming facility F. When user H plays a game using the game device 30 of the gaming facility F, the second electronic medal may be given to user H.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a terminal device 70. As described above, the terminal device 70 of each user H is a computer system for the user H to play the game provided by the second business form. The terminal device 70 comprises a control device 71, a storage device 72, a communication device 73, a display device 74, an operation device 75, and an imaging device 76. The terminal device 70 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

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

The storage device 72 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 71 and various data used by the control device 71. The storage device 72 is configured from a known recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. Note that a portable recording medium that is detachable from the terminal device 70 may be used as the storage device 72. Also, a recording medium that the control device 71 can access via the communication network 300 (e.g., cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 72.

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

The imaging device 76 in FIG. 15 is a video device that captures an image of the user H. For example, the imaging device 76 includes an optical system such as a photographing lens, an imaging element that receives incident light from the optical system, and a processing circuit that generates image data according to the amount of light received by the imaging element. Note that the imaging device 76, which is separate from the terminal device 70, may be connected to the terminal device 70 by wire or wirelessly.

The display device 74 displays various images. The display device 74 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The operation device 75 accepts operations by the user H. Specifically, the operation device 75 is a plurality of operators operated by the user H, or a touch panel that is integrated with the display surface of the display device 74.

Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the second game screen G2 displayed on the display device 74 of each terminal device 70. The second game screen G2 is an image showing the progress of the lottery game provided by the second business form. As illustrated in Figure 17, the second game screen G2 includes a plurality of operators Z2 (Z21 to Z24), a lottery video V, a play image P, and a second credit number C2. Each of the plurality of operators Z2 is a software key that accepts instructions from user H. The play image P is an image showing the progress of the lottery game. The lottery video V is a video showing the state of a physical lottery by the lottery unit 34. The second credit number C2 is the amount of second credits that user H can use.

The operator Z21 accepts a selection from one of a number of types of lottery games from the user H. In FIG. 17, as in the example of FIG. 11, it is assumed that a lottery game (bingo game) using a lottery card L is selected. Therefore, the play image P in FIG. 17 includes the lottery card L. The state of each panel La on the lottery card L is updated according to the result of the physical lottery by the lottery unit 34, as in the lottery game in the first mode of use.

The operator Z22 receives an instruction from the user H to consume (i.e., bet) the second credits. The amount of the second credits to be consumed is specified by operating the operator Z22. The user H plays the lottery game in exchange for consuming the second credits. The user H wins the lottery game and is awarded a reward of the amount of second credits according to the amount consumed. The number of second credits C2 in FIG. 17 is updated as the lottery game progresses. For example, the number of second credits C2 decreases as the second credits are consumed in the lottery game and increases as the reward is awarded. As described above, the lottery game provided by the second usage form progresses according to the instruction from the user H to the operator Z21 or Z22 and the result of the physical lottery by the lottery unit 34 in the amusement facility F. The user H can check the status and result of the physical lottery by the lottery unit 34 and the progress of the lottery game (specifically, the state of the lottery card L) by viewing the second game screen G2.

Operator Z23 accepts instructions from user H to withdraw the second electronic medal from the second electronic medal account corresponding to the amusement facility F where user H is located. Additionally, operator Z24 accepts instructions from user H to deposit the second electronic medal into the second electronic medal account. As can be understood from the above explanation, the second game screen G2 accepts instructions from user H regarding the lottery game.

[Second business model]
18 to 21 are flowcharts of a process for allowing a user H outside the gaming facility F to play a game under the second business mode. Fig. 18 is a flowchart of an operation for authenticating the legitimacy of a user H who wishes to play a game under the second business mode.

A user H outside the gaming facility F operates the operation device 75 of the terminal device 70 to instruct the start of a game provided in the second business mode. When the start instruction is received from the user H (Sc51), the control device 71 transmits a start request R51 from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc52). The start request R51 includes the identification information U2 and the secret code Ux. The identification information U2 and the secret code Ux are specified by the user H, for example, by operating the operation device 75. The identification information U2 and the secret code Ux stored in the storage device 72 may be included in the start request R51.

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

If the second authentication result R52 is positive, the process of FIG. 19 is started to provide a game to user H. When the process of FIG. 19 is started, the control device 71 displays the selection screen Gs1 of FIG. 22 on the display device 74 (Sc61). The selection screen Gs1 is an image for user H to select a gaming facility F and a game device 30. The facility data Q described above is used to display the selection screen Gs1. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the selection screen Gs1 includes a plurality of options g1 corresponding to different gaming facilities F. Each option g1 is the name of a gaming facility F that can provide a game in the second business form. Each option g1 is displayed using the guidance information Q3 in the facility data Q of each gaming facility F. User H operates the operation device 75 to select the option g1 corresponding to the desired gaming facility F from the plurality of options g1.

The selection screen Gs1 also includes multiple options g2 corresponding to different game devices 30. The multiple options g2 are the names of game devices 30 that can be used for the second business mode at the gaming facility F selected by user H. Each option g2 is displayed using the guidance information Q3 in the facility data Q of each gaming facility F. The type and number of game devices 30 installed at each gaming facility F differs for each gaming facility F. Therefore, the combination of game devices 30 represented by each option g2 and the number of options g2 change depending on the option g1 selected by user H.

By operating the operation device 75, user H selects option g2 that corresponds to the desired game device 30 from among the multiple options g2. The control device 71 accepts the selection of the gaming facility F and the selected game device 30 from user H (Sc62). In the following description, the gaming facility F selected by user H will be referred to as the "selected gaming facility F," and the game device 30 selected by user H will be referred to as the "selected game device 30."

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

The control device 31 of the selected game device 30 receives the connection request R61 via the communication device 33 (Sb61). After the selected game device 30 receives the connection request R61, a predetermined process is executed between the terminal device 70, the control system 40, and the selected game device 30, and a communication path is established between the terminal device 70 and the selected game device 30 via the control system 40. Part or all of the communication path between the terminal device 70 and the selected game device 30 is established, for example, by the P2P method. In the above state, communication between the terminal device 70 and the selected game device 30 is relayed by the control system 40.

When a communication path is established by the above procedure, the following process is executed to display the second game screen G2 on the display device 74 of the terminal device 70. The following process is executed repeatedly at appropriate times.

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

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

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

The control device 41 controls the lottery game played by user H (Sd66). That is, the control device 41 progresses with the lottery game specified by the instruction data D. Specifically, the control device 41 determines whether user H wins or loses depending on the result of the physical lottery represented by the result data Dr. User H plays the lottery game in exchange for the consumption amount of second credits specified by the instruction data D. User H who wins the lottery game is awarded a quantity of second credits according to the consumption amount as a reward. As described above, the lottery game provided by the second business form includes the consumption of credits by user H and the awarding of a reward to user H, similar to the lottery game in the first business form.

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

The control device 41 transmits the image data Dg from the communication device 43 to the terminal device 70 (Sd68). The image data Dg is sequentially transmitted from the control system 40 to the terminal device 70 by, for example, a streaming method. The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 receives the image data Dg by the communication device 73 (Sc65). The control device 71 displays the second game screen G2 of FIG. 17 represented by the image data Dg on the display device 74 (Sc66). Since the second game screen G2 includes the lottery video V of the lottery unit 34 in the actual game device 30, the user H can play the lottery game while visually recognizing the state of the physical lottery with a sense of reality and ambience. That is, the control system 40 provides the terminal device 70 with a lottery game that utilizes the situation data Ds that represents the situation of the selected game device 30. Therefore, a lottery game that appropriately reflects the situation of the selected game device 30 can be provided to the terminal device 70.

As described above, in the second business form, the control system 40 displays the second game screen G2 including the lottery video V on the terminal device 70, and progresses the game in response to instructions from the user H to the terminal device 70. That is, the user H inside the gaming facility F plays the game by directly using the game device 30, whereas the user H outside the gaming facility F plays the game in a similar manner by operating his/her own terminal device 70. Therefore, the same interest can be provided to the user H outside the gaming facility F as when playing the game inside the gaming facility F. Furthermore, the control system 40 of the first embodiment displays the second game screen G2 on the terminal device 70 according to the result (result data Dr) of the operation by the selected game device 30. Therefore, the user H can easily check the status of the operation of the selected game device 30.

When user H instructs the game to end by operating the operation device 75, the communication path between the terminal device 70 and the selected game device 30 is disconnected. In other words, the operation of providing the game to user H in the second business form is terminated.

[Second withdrawal process]
If the above-mentioned second authentication result R52 is positive, user H can give an instruction to withdraw the second electronic medal by operating the operator Z23. The instruction to withdraw the second electronic medal triggers the execution of the second withdrawal process in Fig. 20. The second withdrawal process is a process for making the second electronic medal of user H, which is managed by the second management system 50, available for use in playing the game. Note that if the second authentication result R52 is negative, the instruction to withdraw the second electronic medal is not accepted, and the second withdrawal process triggered by this instruction is not executed.

When an instruction to withdraw second electronic medals is received from the user H (Sc71), the control device 71 transmits a withdrawal request R71 from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc72). The withdrawal request R71 includes the identification information U2 of the user H, the identification information Q1 of the selected amusement facility F, and the withdrawal number Mw2.
The selected gaming facility F is the gaming facility F corresponding to the option g1 selected by the user H on the selection screen Gs1 of Fig. 22 in the process of Fig. 19 executed before the start of the second withdrawal process. The withdrawal number Mw2 is the number of second electronic medals to be withdrawn from the second electronic medal account. For example, the user H specifies the withdrawal number Mw2 by operating the operation device 75.

The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the withdrawal request R71 via the communication device 43 (Sd71), and transmits the withdrawal request R71 from the communication device 43 to the second management system 50 (Sd72). The control device 51 of the second management system 50 receives the withdrawal request R71 via the communication device 53 (Se71). Note that the withdrawal request R71 may be transmitted directly from the terminal device 70 to the second management system 50.

The control device 51 subtracts the withdrawal number Mw2 from the second electronic medal account of the user H (Se72). Specifically, the control device 51 searches the storage device 22 for the second management data X2 including the identification information U2 in the withdrawal request R71. The control device 51 then subtracts the withdrawal number Mw2 from the second holding number N2 of the selected amusement facility F that corresponds to the identification information Q1 in the withdrawal request R71, among the multiple second holding numbers N2 in the second management data X2. The control device 51 transmits a withdrawal notification R72, which means that the withdrawal of the second electronic medals has been completed, from the communication device 53 to the control system 40 (Se73).

When the communication device 43 receives the withdrawal notification R72 (Sd73), the control device 41 adds the amount corresponding to the withdrawal number Mw2 to the second credit number C2 of user H (Sd74). For example, a numerical value obtained by multiplying the withdrawal number Mw2 by a predetermined coefficient is added to the second credit number C2. Note that the withdrawal number Mw2 may also be added to the second credit number C2. As can be understood from the above explanation, the second electronic medals held by user H are converted into second credits. As described above, in the lottery game provided by the second business form, the second credits prepared by the above procedure are consumed. Note that in the second business form, the payout of physical medals is not executed. In other words, the first electronic medals can be converted into physical medals as described above, whereas the second electronic medals cannot be converted into physical medals.

[Second deposit processing]
If the above-mentioned second authentication result R52 is positive, user H can give an instruction to deposit the second electronic medal by operating the operator Z24. The instruction to deposit the second electronic medal triggers the execution of the second deposit process in Fig. 21. The second deposit process is a process for converting the second credits held by user H into a second electronic medal and depositing the converted second electronic medal into user H's second electronic medal account. Note that if the second authentication result R52 is negative, the instruction to deposit the second electronic medal is not accepted and the second deposit process triggered by this instruction is not executed.

When an instruction to deposit second electronic medals is received from user H (Sc81), the control device 71 transmits a deposit request R81 from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc82). The deposit request R81 includes the identification information U2 of user H, the identification information Q1 of the selected amusement facility F, and the deposit number Md2. The deposit number Md2 is the number of second electronic medals to be deposited in the second electronic medal account. For example, user H specifies the deposit number Md2 by operating the operation device 75.

The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the deposit request R81 via the communication device 43 (Sd81). The control device 41 subtracts the amount corresponding to the deposit number Md2 from the second credit number C2 of user H (Sd82). For example, a value obtained by multiplying the deposit number Md2 by a predetermined coefficient is subtracted from the second credit number C2. Note that the deposit number Md2 may also be subtracted from the second credit number C2. The control device 41 also transmits the deposit request R81 from the communication device 43 to the second management system 50 (Sd83).

The control device 51 of the second management system 50 receives the deposit request R81 through the communication device 53 (Se81). The control device 51 adds the deposit number Md2 to the second electronic medal account of the user H (Se82). Specifically, the control device 51 searches the storage device 52 for the second management data X2 including the identification information U2 in the deposit request R81. The control device 51 then adds the deposit number Md2 to the second holding number N2 of the selected gaming facility F that corresponds to the identification information Q1 in the deposit request R81 among the multiple second holding numbers N2 in the second management data X2. Note that, when the user H instructs to end the game, the quantity of second electronic medals (deposit number Md2) corresponding to the second credit number C2 at that time may be deposited into the second electronic medal account. In other words, all of the second credits may be converted into second electronic medals.

As can be understood from the above explanation, in the second business mode, the second electronic medals corresponding to each gaming facility F are used to play games using the game devices 30 in that gaming facility F. In other words, the second electronic medals managed for each gaming facility F are used exclusively to play games using the game devices 30 in that gaming facility F, and cannot be used to play games using the game devices 30 in other gaming facilities F.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the first electronic medal used to play the game in the first business form and the second electronic medal used to play the game in the second business form are managed separately. Therefore, it is possible to operate in a way that clearly distinguishes the electronic medals between the first and second business forms. For example, it is possible to effectively prohibit an action such as a user H using an electronic medal acquired in one of the first and second business forms in the other. In particular, in the first embodiment, the first electronic medal used in a game played by user H in the gaming facility F and the second electronic medal used in a game played by user H outside the gaming facility F are managed separately. Therefore, for example, an action such as using an electronic medal acquired by playing a game outside the gaming facility F to play a game within the gaming facility F is restricted.

In the first embodiment, user H can play a game using game device 30 within amusement facility F during the opening hours of said facility F, and can play a game using said game device 30 outside said facility F outside of said facility F outside of said facility F outside of said facility F. In other words, user H can be given the opportunity to play a game both during and outside of business hours, while preventing mixing of the first electronic medals that can be used for play within said facility F and the second electronic medals that can be used for play outside said facility F.

In addition, the gaming system 11 is used for the first business form, and the control system 40 is used for the second business form. In other words, the entity that provides the game to user H differs between the first and second business forms. Therefore, there is also the advantage that the situation of the game played by user H can be clearly distinguished between the first and second business forms.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, in each of the following exemplary embodiments, for elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

In the first embodiment, in the first business form, user H in the gaming facility F plays the game directly using the game device 30. In the second embodiment, user H in the gaming facility F plays the game using the game device 30 as in the first embodiment, and can also play the game using his/her own terminal device 70. That is, the first business form of the second embodiment includes a form in which user H in the gaming facility F plays the game by operating the game device 30, as well as a form in which user H in the gaming facility F plays the game by operating his/her own terminal device 70. As described above, the first business form is comprehensively expressed as a form in which a game is provided to user H in the gaming facility F.

Figure 23 is a flowchart of the process for user H who visits amusement facility F to play a game using a terminal device 70. When the process of Figure 23 starts, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 determines whether or not the terminal device 70 can connect to the on-premise network 110 in the amusement facility F (Sc91). Only terminal devices 70 within the amusement facility F can connect to the on-premise network 110. Therefore, the above determination (Sc91) corresponds to a determination of whether or not the terminal device 70 is located within the amusement facility F.

If the terminal device 70 cannot connect to the on-premise network 110 (Sc91: NO), this means that the terminal device 70 is located outside the gaming facility F. In the above case, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 transitions to step Sc61 in FIG. 19. That is, the processes in FIG. 18 to FIG. 21 described above are executed. As described above, for terminal devices 70 outside the gaming facility F, games are provided by the second business form using the information system 12, as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the control system 40 communicates with the selected game device 30 to provide a game corresponding to the operation of the selected game device 30 to the terminal device 70 outside the gaming facility F.

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

The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives the start request R91 through the communication device 23 (Sa91). The control device 21 executes the first authentication process similar to that of the first embodiment (Sa92). Specifically, the control device 21 first searches the storage device 22 for the first management data X1 including the identification information U1 acquired from the terminal device 70. Secondly, the control device 21 compares the reference data Dref in the first management data X1 with the image data Df acquired from the terminal device 70. Then, the control device 21 authenticates the authenticity of the user H when the similarity between the face image of the reference data Dref and the face image of the image data Df exceeds a threshold value. On the other hand, when the first management data X1 including the identification information U1 is not searched for or when the similarity of the face image is below the threshold value, the control device 21 does not authenticate the authenticity of the user H. The control device 21 transmits the result of the judgment described above (first authentication result R92) from the communication device 23 to the game device 30 that is the request source (Sa93). The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 receives the first authentication result R92 via the communication device 73 (Sc95).

As described above, in the first embodiment, the imaging device 27 of the first management system 20 is used in the first authentication process, whereas in the second embodiment, the imaging device 76 of the terminal device 70 is also used in the first authentication process. That is, the user H in the game facility F can start the game using his/her own terminal device 70 without moving to the first management system 20. Note that in the first embodiment, if the user H loses the registered card E in the game facility F after the first authentication process is performed, there is a possibility that the finder of the registered card E can illegally use the first electronic medal of the user H to play the game. According to the second embodiment in which the terminal device 70 is used in the first authentication process, the illegal use of the first electronic medal as exemplified above can be suppressed. That is, there is an advantage in that the safety of the use of the first electronic medal can be ensured.

If the first authentication result R92 is positive, the process of FIG. 24 is started to provide a game to user H. When the process of FIG. 24 is started, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 displays the selection screen Gs2 of FIG. 25 on the display device 74 (Sc101). The selection screen Gs2 is an image that allows user H to select one of multiple game devices 30 in the gaming facility F. The facility data Q described above is used to display the selection screen Gs2. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the selection screen Gs2 includes multiple options g2 corresponding to different game devices 30 in the gaming facility F where user H is located. Each option g2 is displayed using the guidance information Q3 in the facility data Q of the gaming facility F.

By operating the operation device 75, the user H selects the option g2 corresponding to the desired game device 30 (selected game device 30) from among the multiple options g2. The control device 71 accepts the selection of the selected game device 30 from the user H (Sc102).

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

The control device 31 of the selected game device 30 receives the connection request R101 by the communication device 33 (Sb101). After the selected game device 30 receives the connection request R101, a predetermined process is executed between the terminal device 70, the first management system 20, and the selected game device 30, and a communication path is established between the terminal device 70 and the selected game device 30 via the first management system 20. Part or all of the communication path between the terminal device 70 and the selected game device 30 is established, for example, by the P2P method. In the above state, communication between the terminal device 70 and the selected game device 30 is relayed by the first management system 20.

As shown in the above example, when the terminal device 70 is located inside the gaming facility F, a communication path is established between the terminal device 70, the first management system 20, and the selected game device 30, and when the terminal device 70 is located outside the gaming facility F, a communication path is established between the terminal device 70, the control system 40, and the selected game device 30, as shown in the example of FIG. 19. When a communication path is established for the terminal device 70 inside the gaming facility F by the above procedure, the following process is executed to display the first game screen G1 of FIG. 11 on the display device 74 of the terminal device 70. The following process is executed repeatedly at appropriate times.

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

The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives the instruction data D via the communication device 23 (Sa103). The control device 21 also transmits condition data Dc from the communication device 23 to the selected game device 30 (Sa104). The condition data Dc is data that specifies the conditions of an operation (e.g., a physical lottery) to be executed by the selected game device 30, as in the first embodiment. The control device 31 of the selected game device 30 receives the condition data Dc via the communication device 33 (Sb102). The control device 31 controls the lottery unit 34 so that a physical lottery is executed under the conditions specified by the condition data Dc (Sb103).

The control device 31 of the selected game device 30 transmits the situation data Ds from the communication device 33 to the first management system 20 (Sb104). In the second embodiment, the situation data Ds includes result data Dr representing the result of the physical lottery by the lottery unit 34 of the selected game device 30. The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives the result data Dr via the communication device 23 (Sa105). The situation data Ds transmitted from the selected game device 30 to the first management system 20 is an example of "second situation data".

The control device 21 controls the lottery game played by user H (Sa106). That is, the control device 21 progresses the lottery game specified by the instruction data D. Specifically, the control device 21 determines whether user H has won or lost depending on the result of the physical lottery represented by the result data Dr. User H plays the lottery game in exchange for the consumption amount of first credits specified by the instruction data D. User H who wins the lottery game is given a quantity of first credits according to the consumption amount as a reward.

The control device 21 generates image data Dg representing the first game screen G1 of FIG. 11 (Sa107). Specifically, the control device 21 generates image data Dg according to the result data Dr. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 11, the first game screen G1 includes a lottery card L according to the lottery result represented by the result data Dr. In addition, the control device 21 updates the number of first credits C1 of the first game screen G1 according to the result of the consumption or granting of the first credits.

The control device 21 transmits the image data Dg from the communication device 23 to the terminal device 70 (Sa108). The image data Dg is sequentially transmitted from the first management system 20 to the terminal device 70 by, for example, streaming. The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 receives the image data Dg by the communication device 73 (Sc105). The control device 71 displays the first game screen G1 of FIG. 11 represented by the image data Dg on the display device 74 (Sc106). The above-described processes (Sc104 to Sc106) are repeatedly executed. That is, the gaming system 11 (first management system 20) of the second embodiment provides the terminal device 70 with a lottery game according to the operation of the selected game device 30 when the terminal device 70 is located in the gaming facility F. Specifically, the first management system 20 provides the lottery game to the terminal device 70 in the gaming facility F using the situation data Ds received from the selected game device 30.

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

User H can use the terminal device 70 to play the lottery game while visually checking the state of the physical lottery by the selected game device 30 in the amusement facility F and the first game screen G1 displayed on the terminal device 70. That is, the terminal device 70 of the second embodiment realizes the same function as the station 35 of the game device 30. It may also be expressed that the terminal device 70 functions as an additional station 35.

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

When the first authentication result R92 is positive, an operation on the operator Z13 on the first game screen G1 triggers the execution of a first withdrawal process (FIG. 9) similar to that of the first embodiment. An operation on the operator Z14 on the first game screen G1 triggers the execution of a first deposit process (FIG. 10) similar to that of the first embodiment. That is, the gaming system 11 of the second embodiment provides user H with a game that uses a first electronic medal that has been permitted to user H by the first authentication process using the terminal device 70. That is, the terminal device 70 of the second embodiment is used as an authentication medium for determining whether or not the use of the first electronic medal is permitted. Therefore, user H does not need to carry a dedicated authentication medium such as a registration card E.

As can be understood from the above explanation, the first management system 20 of the second embodiment manages the first electronic medals used to play games in which the user H uses the game device 30, and to play games with the terminal device 70 within the amusement facility F. On the other hand, the second management system 50 manages the second electronic medals used to play games with the terminal device 70 outside the amusement facility F, as exemplified in the first embodiment. In other words, the first electronic medals used to play games with the terminal device 70 within the amusement facility F and the second electronic medals used to play games with the terminal device 70 outside the amusement facility F are managed by separate systems. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, an operation in which the first electronic medals and the second electronic medals are clearly distinguished can be easily realized.

The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that users H in the amusement facility F can use a terminal device 70 to play the game. For example, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first electronic medal used in the first business form and the second electronic medal used in the second business form are managed separately. Therefore, the second embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

Also, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the control system 40 uses the situation data Ds acquired from the selected game device 30 to provide a game to the terminal device 70 of user H outside the gaming facility F. That is, in the second embodiment, the gaming system 11 performs an operation of providing a game corresponding to the operation of the selected game device 30 to the terminal device 70 inside the gaming facility F, and the control system 40 performs an operation of providing a game corresponding to the operation of the selected game device 30 to the terminal device 70 outside the gaming facility F. Therefore, a variety of forms of game play are realized. For example, whether the terminal device 70 is located inside the gaming facility F or outside the gaming facility F, a game that reflects the operation of the selected game device 30 can be provided to user H.

In addition, in the second embodiment, user H can play a game according to the first business form and a game according to the second business form using a single terminal device 70. In other words, whether inside or outside gaming facility F, user H can use his or her own terminal device 70 to play a common game provided by the selected game device 30. This ensures the convenience of, for example, allowing user H to seamlessly play a common game both inside and outside gaming facility F.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 100 in the third embodiment. The game system 100 in the third embodiment provides games to user H in a third business form in addition to the first and second business forms. The third business form is a business form in which games are provided without using the game units of the gaming facility F. Therefore, in the third business form, games are provided to user H regardless of the business hours of the gaming facility F. User H uses third electronic medals to play games provided in the third business form. The third electronic medals owned by user H are managed separately from the first and second electronic medals. In other words, no combination or exchange is permitted between the third electronic medals and the first electronic medals, or between the third electronic medals and the second electronic medals.

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

Figure 27 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the third management system 60. As illustrated in Figure 27, the third management system 60 includes a control device 61, a storage device 62, and a communication device 63. The third management system 60 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

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

The storage device 62 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 61 and various data used by the control device 61. The storage device 62 is configured from a known recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media. Note that a portable recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the third management system 60 may be used as the storage device 62. Also, a recording medium (e.g., cloud storage) that the control device 61 can access via the communication network 300 may be used as the storage device 62.

In the third embodiment, the third management data X3 is stored in the storage device 62 for each user H. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the third management data X3 for each user H includes the identification information U3 and password Ux of the user H, and the number of third electronic medals held by the user H (hereinafter referred to as the "third number of holdings") N3. In other words, the third management data X3 is data representing an account (hereinafter referred to as the "third electronic medal account") for managing the third electronic medals for each user H. The user H can obtain the third electronic medals by electronic payment using the terminal device 70. Specifically, the number according to the amount paid by electronic payment is added to the third number of holdings N3 in the third management data X3. The first and second electronic medals are managed individually for each game facility F, whereas the third electronic medals are managed without distinguishing between game facilities F.

The identification information U3 of the third management data X3 is a code sequence for identifying each user H. When the user H registers in advance for use, the identification information U3 of that user H is registered in the third management data X3. Note that the identification information U1 or the identification information U2 may also be used as the identification information U3. The secret code Ux is a code sequence (passcode) used to authenticate the legitimacy of the user H in the third business form.

Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the third game screen G3 displayed on the display device 74 of the terminal device 70 in the third operating mode. The third game screen G3 is an image that shows the progress of the lottery game provided in the third operating mode. As shown in Figure 29, the third game screen G3 includes multiple controls Z3 (Z31 to Z34), a lottery video Va, a play image P, and a third credit number C3.

Each of the multiple operators Z3 is a software key that accepts instructions from the user H. The lottery video Va is a video that represents a virtual physical lottery. That is, the lottery video V of the second game screen G2 is a video of an actual physical lottery by the lottery unit 34 that actually exists in real space, while the lottery video Va of the third game screen G3 is a three-dimensional image that represents a virtual physical lottery by a virtual lottery unit in a virtual space. That is, an image of a lottery unit arranged in a virtual space as a virtual object captured by a virtual imaging device is used as the lottery video Va. Note that a planar image simulating the lottery unit 34 may also be used as the lottery video Va. The third credit number C3 is the amount of third credits that the user H can use in the lottery game.

Operator Z31 accepts a selection from one of multiple types of lottery games from user H. In FIG. 29, it is assumed that a lottery game (bingo game) using a lottery card L has been selected, as in the example of FIG. 11. Operator Z32 accepts an instruction from user H to consume (i.e., bet) a third credit. Operator Z33 accepts an instruction from user H to withdraw the third electronic medal from the third electronic medal account. Operator Z34 also accepts an instruction from user H to deposit the third electronic medal into the third electronic medal account.

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

The start request R111 sent from the terminal device 70 is received by the third management system 60 (Sf111) via the control system 40 (Sd111, Sd112). The control device 61 of the third management system 60 executes the third authentication process (Sf112). The third authentication process is a process for determining the validity of the user H using the identification information U3 and the secret information Ux, similar to the second authentication process described above. The control device 61 transmits the result of the third authentication process (hereinafter referred to as the "third authentication result") R112 from the communication device 63 to the control system 40 (Sf113). The third authentication result R112 sent from the third management system 60 is received by the terminal device 70 via the control system 40 (Sd113, Sd114) (Sc113). If the third authentication result R112 is positive, the following process is executed to provide the game to the user H. If the third authentication result R112 is negative, the following process is not executed.

The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 transmits instruction data D corresponding to the instruction by user H from the communication device 73 to the control system 40 (Sc114). The instruction data D specifies, for example, the lottery game selected by user H by operating operator Z31 and the amount of third credits to be consumed specified by user H by operating operator Z32. The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the instruction data D via the communication device 43 (Sd115).

The control device 41 controls the lottery game played by user H (Sd116). For example, the control device 41 determines whether user H will win or lose by an electronic lottery that simulates a physical lottery by the lottery unit 34. The control device 41 also generates a lottery video Va according to the result of the electronic lottery, and increases or decreases user H's third credit according to the result of the electronic lottery. The control device 41 then generates image data Dg that represents a third game screen G3 (Sd117). The third game screen G3 includes a lottery video Va and a lottery card L according to the result of the electronic lottery, and a third credit number C3 updated according to the result of the increase or decrease of the third credit.

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

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

When an instruction to withdraw the third electronic medal is received from user H (Sc121), the control device 71 transmits a withdrawal request R121 from the communication device 73 (Sc122). The withdrawal request R121 includes the identification information U3 of user H and the number of withdrawals Mw3 specified by user H. The withdrawal request R121 is received by the third management system 60 via the control system 40 (Sd121, Sd122) (Sf121). Note that the withdrawal request R121 may also be transmitted directly from the terminal device 70 to the third management system 60.

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

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

[Third deposit processing]
If the third authentication result R112 is positive, user H can instruct the deposit of the third electronic medal by operating the operator Z34. The third deposit process in Fig. 33 is executed in response to an instruction from user H. The third deposit process is a process for converting the third credits held by user H into a third electronic medal and depositing the converted third electronic medal into user H's third electronic medal account.

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

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

The third embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, games are provided to user H regardless of the business hours of the gaming facility F, so that user H has ample opportunities to play games. The games provided by the third business form are the same as those provided by the game devices 30 in the gaming facility F. This can therefore encourage a large number of users H to visit the gaming facility F. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the control system 40 is shared between the second and third business forms, so the configuration can be simplified compared to a form in which separate systems are used for the second and third business forms.

[Modification]
Each of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that may be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

(1) In the second embodiment (FIG. 24), the control of the lottery game provided to the terminal device 70 (Sa106) and the generation of image data Dg (Sa107) are performed by the first management system 20, but the above processes may be performed by the selection game device 30. For example, if the first authentication result R92 is positive, the process of FIG. 33 is executed instead of the process of FIG. 24.

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

The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 transmits instruction data D from the communication device 73 to the selected game device 30 (Sc144). As in the second embodiment, the instruction data D specifies, for example, the lottery game selected by user H by operating operator Z21 and the amount of second credits to be consumed specified by user H by operating operator Z22.

The control device 31 of the selected game device 30 receives the instruction data D via the communication device 33 (Sb142). The control device 31 controls the lottery game played by user H (Sb143). For example, the control device 31 progresses the lottery game of user H in accordance with the result of the physical lottery by the lottery unit 34 and the instruction data D. The control device 31 generates image data Dg of a first game screen G1 representing the progress status of the lottery game (Sb144), and transmits the image data Dg from the communication device 33 to the terminal device 70 (Sb145). The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 receives the image data Dg via the communication device 73 (Sc145). The control device 71 displays the first game screen G1 represented by the image data Dg on the display device 74 (Sc146).

As can be understood from the above explanation, the entity that provides games to the terminal devices 70 in the gaming facility F may be either the first management system 20 or the game devices 30. The second embodiment and this modified example are comprehensively expressed as a form in which the gaming system 11 (the first management system 20 or the game devices 30) provides games to the terminal devices 70 in the gaming facility F. Note that, when focusing only on the function of providing games to the terminal devices 70 in the gaming facility F, the first management system 20 is not a necessary requirement for the gaming system 11.

In addition, according to the second embodiment in which the first management system 20, which is separate from the multiple game devices 30, provides games to the terminal devices 70 in the gaming facility F, there is no need to equip each game device 30 with a function for providing games to the terminal devices 70. In addition, the first management system 20 can comprehensively provide games corresponding to the operations of the multiple game devices 30 to the terminal devices 70 in the gaming facility F.

(2) In the second embodiment in which a game is provided to the terminal device 70 in the gaming facility F, for example, depending on the communication environment, the progress of the game on the terminal device 70 may be delayed with respect to the actual operation of the selected gaming device 30 in the gaming facility F. In a situation in which the above-mentioned delay is excessive, there is a possibility of fraudulent conduct, such as deciding to use the first credit on the terminal device 70 after checking the actual operation of the selected gaming device 30. In consideration of the above circumstances, it is preferable to allow the provision of a game to the terminal device 70 only when the communication between the terminal device 70 and the gaming system 11 has low latency. For example, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 or the gaming system 11 acquires the amount of delay in communication by the terminal device 70, and executes the processes of FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 only when the amount of delay is below a predetermined threshold. With the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned fraudulent conduct using communication delays.

(3) In the second embodiment, it is determined whether the terminal device 70 can connect to the on-premise network 110 of the gaming facility F, but the method of determining whether the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F is not limited to the above example. For example, the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 may determine whether the location indicated by the location information of the terminal device 70 is within a predetermined range including the gaming facility F. Any known technology is adopted for generating the location information. For example, a form in which the location information is generated by a global positioning system (GPS) is assumed. Also, a form in which the location information is generated by using a wireless base station used for wireless communication such as mobile communication or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is assumed. Also, the user H may explicitly indicate that the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F. A form in which the user H is allowed to select whether the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F or outside the gaming facility F is assumed. If the user H selects that the terminal device 70 is located outside the gaming facility F (Sc91: NO), a game is provided by the second business form. On the other hand, if user H selects that the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F (Sc91: YES), the gaming system 11 provides a game to the terminal device 70 in the first business mode.

Even if the terminal device 70 communicates using the communication network 300, if the communication is via the on-premise network 110 within the gaming facility F and is during the business hours of the gaming facility F, it may be determined that the access is appropriate from within the gaming facility F, and user H may be permitted to play the game in the first business mode. In addition, whether or not the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F may be determined based on whether or not the multiple conditions exemplified above are met. For example, if user H clearly indicates that the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F and the terminal device 70 communicates via the on-premise network 110 of the gaming facility F, it may be determined that the terminal device 70 is located within the gaming facility F.

(4) In the second embodiment, the first game screen G1 displayed on the terminal device 70 may include a lottery video V. For example, the situation data Ds transmitted from the selected game device 30 to the first management system 20 in step Sb104 of FIG. 24 may include video data Dv in addition to the result data Dr. The control device 21 of the first management system 20 generates image data Dg of the first game screen G1 including the lottery video V in addition to the multiple operators Z1, the play image P, and the first credit number C1. With the above configuration, even if the user H in the gaming facility F is not located near the selected game device 30, the user H can check the state of the physical lottery from the lottery video V. In other words, the location constraints for the user H playing the game are relaxed. Similarly, in the process of FIG. 33, the first game screen G1 displayed on the terminal device 70 by the selected game device 30 may include the lottery video V.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the first management system 20 executes the first authentication process for a user H who visits the gaming facility F, but the first authentication process by the first management system 20 may be omitted. For example, in a configuration in which an imaging device is installed at each station 35 of the game device 30, the first authentication process may be executed using image data Df generated by the imaging device.

Figure 34 is a flowchart of the processing executed by the gaming system 11 in a configuration in which the imaging device is installed in the game device 30. The processing of Figure 8 described above is replaced by the processing of Figure 34.

When user H visits the gaming facility F, he or she moves to one of the stations 35 at the desired gaming device 30 and places his or her own registered card E in the reading device 353 of that station 35. The control device 31 acquires the identification information U1 of the registered card E by the reading device 353 (Sb151). The control device 31 also generates image data Df of the face image of user H by the imaging device (Sb152). The control device 31 transmits an authentication request R151 including the identification information U1 and image data Df from the communication device 33 to the first management system 20 (Sb153).

The control device 21 of the first management system 20 receives the authentication request R151 via the communication device 23 (Sa151). The control device 21 executes the first authentication process in response to the authentication request R151 (Sa152). Specifically, the control device 21 searches the storage device 22 for the first management data X1 including the identification information U1 in the authentication request R151, and compares the reference data Dref in the first management data X1 with the image data Df in the authentication request R151. Then, the control device 21 authenticates the authenticity of the user H when the similarity between the facial image in the reference data Dref and the facial image in the image data Df exceeds a threshold value.

The control device 21 transmits the result of the first authentication process (first authentication result) R152 from the communication device 23 to the requesting game device 30 (Sa153). The control device 31 receives the first authentication result R152 via the communication device 33 (Sb154). The control device 31 controls the game played by user H (Sb155) and displays the first game screen G1 (Sb156), similar to the process in FIG. 8.

In the above configuration, user H does not need to execute the first authentication process using the first management system 20 every time he visits the gaming facility F. That is, user H who visits the gaming facility F can go directly to the desired gaming device 30 and start the game. In the first embodiment described above, if user H loses the registered card E in the gaming facility F after the first authentication process is executed, there is a possibility that the finder of the registered card E can illegally use the first electronic medal of user H to play the game. According to the form in which the first authentication process is executed in response to a request from the gaming device 30 every time user H starts a game as in FIG. 34, the finder of the registered card E cannot use the first electronic medal of user H in the game. That is, according to the form in FIG. 34, there is an advantage in that the safety of the use of the first electronic medal can be ensured.

(6) As mentioned above, the second electronic medal is managed individually for each gaming facility F. Therefore, the user H selects a desired gaming facility F from multiple gaming facilities F and acquires the second electronic medal through electronic payment. The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 may preferentially present to the user H gaming facilities F that the user H has visited in the past as candidates for obtaining the second electronic medal. For example, the control device 71 stores data on the gaming facilities F that the user H has visited in the past in the storage device 72. The control device 71 displays on the display device 74 multiple gaming facilities F that are targets for obtaining the second electronic medal in descending order of the number of visits. With the above configuration, the user H can easily select a gaming facility F that he or she frequently uses. The control device 71 of the terminal device 70 may also present to the user H gaming facilities F that the user H has visited in the past as candidates for obtaining the second electronic medal. With the above configuration, the profits generated by user H's acquisition of the second electronic medal can be returned only to the amusement facility F that user H has visited in the past.

(7) In the first embodiment, the image data Dg representing the second game screen G2 is transmitted from the control system 40 to the terminal device 70, but the method for displaying the second game screen G2 on the terminal device 70 is not limited to the above example. For example, control data including the video data Dv, the result data Dr, and the second credit number C2 may be transmitted from the control system 40 to the terminal device 70, and the control device 71 of the terminal device 70 may generate the image data Dg of the second game screen G2 from the control data. That is, the process of step Sd67 in FIG. 19 is executed by the control device 71. The control device 71 displays the second game screen G2 represented by the image data Dg on the display device 74. As can be understood from the above description, as long as the control system 40 can display the second game screen G2 on the terminal device 70, the format of the data transmitted from the control system 40 to the terminal device 70 is arbitrary. The image data Dg in the first embodiment and the control data in this modification are collectively expressed as display control data for displaying the second game screen G2 on the terminal device 70.

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

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

(8) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a physical lottery in which the lottery ball 37 is caused to enter one of the multiple pockets 343 is exemplified, but the types of games executed by the game device 30 are not limited to the above examples. For example, the game device 30 may execute a pusher game in which a pusher table that repeatedly moves back and forth causes physical medals to fall from a table, or a horse racing game in which multiple virtual racehorses race. Note that the above-mentioned embodiments are also applicable to a form in which a game mechanism such as a lottery unit 34 is installed in the center of multiple stations 35 (so-called mass medal machine), as well as a form in which the game device 30 is configured as a single unit (so-called single medal machine). Examples of a form configured as a single unit include a game device 30 for a slot game or a poker game.

(9) If the state of each game device 30 at the time when the first business mode ends is continued to the business immediately after the second business mode, the profit acquired by the user H in playing the game in the first business mode can be substantially carried over to the second business mode. For example, assuming a mode in which a special game can be played by acquiring a predetermined number of step items, the number of acquired step items may be carried over from the first business mode to the second business mode. Also, for example, the state of the physical medal in a pusher game may be carried over from the first business mode to the second business mode. In consideration of the above circumstances, a mode in which the state of each game device 30 is initialized at the time when the first business mode ends is preferable. For example, the control device 31 of each game device 30 initializes the state of the game device 30 when the administrator instructs the end of the first business mode. For example, the control device 31 initializes the number of acquired step items in each station 35 to zero. Furthermore, the control device 31 initializes the state of the physical medals by supplying and discharging a large amount of physical medals in the pusher game. Note that, although the above describes an example in which the control device 31 initializes the game state, a manager such as an employee of the gaming facility F may manually initialize the game state.

(10) In the third embodiment, a configuration was exemplified in which the control system 40 executes both the provision of games in the second business form and the provision of games in the third business form, but a system that provides games in the second business form and a system that provides games in the third business form may be installed separately. In other words, the control system 40 may be composed of multiple systems corresponding to different business forms.

(11) In each of the above-mentioned forms, the provision of games outside the business hours of the gaming facility F is exemplified as the second business form, but the second business form is not limited to the above examples. For example, the second business form may be exemplified by a form in which the gaming device 30 installed in a storage location such as a warehouse where the user H does not visit. The gaming device 30 installed in the storage location is a gaming device 30 that can be operated in the gaming facility F. For example, a gaming device 30 that has become difficult to install in the gaming facility F due to reasons such as a reduction in installation area is moved to the storage location. The second business form has the advantage that the gaming device 30 stored in the storage location can be effectively used. As can be understood from the above examples, for example, in a business that requires permission from the administrative authorities (licensed business), the "business form" is distinguished depending on whether or not there are restrictions on games. The first business form is a business within the scope of restrictions on licensed business, and the second business form is a business within the scope of such restrictions.

(12) In each of the above-described embodiments, facial authentication using image data Df has been exemplified as the first authentication process, but the specific method of the first authentication process is not limited to the above examples. For example, biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication using the fingerprint of user H, or authentication process using secret information Ux such as a secret number may be adopted as the first authentication process. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, a second authentication process using secret information Ux has been exemplified, but the specific method of the second authentication process is not limited to the above examples. For example, biometric authentication such as facial authentication or fingerprint authentication may be adopted as the second authentication process. Similarly, various types of biometric authentication may be adopted for the third authentication process.

(13) The functions of the game system 100 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device (21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71) and the program stored in the storage device (22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72). The program according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium and installed in the computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and a good example is 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 except a transient, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. In addition, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network 300, the recording medium that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[Additional Notes]
From the above description, for example, preferred aspects of the present disclosure can be understood as follows. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated aspects.

[Appendix A]
It is assumed that a gaming device in a specific facility is used in different business formats. For example, in addition to a normal business format in which games are provided to users in the facility, a business format in which games using the gaming device are provided to users in remote locations is also assumed. However, if medals that can be used for games in one business format can be used for games in another business format, there is a problem that restrictions on the use of medals in the facility are essentially invalidated. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix A) aims to restrict the interchange of gaming media between multiple business formats.

[Appendix A1]
A game system (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix A1) comprises a first management system (20) that manages, for each user (H), a first game medium used to play a game utilizing a game device (30) that operates in a first business form, and a second management system (50) that manages, for each user (H), a second game medium used to play a game utilizing the game device (30) that operates in a second business form that is different from the first business form, separately from the first game medium.

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

The "business form" is a form of business using the game device (30). Specifically, in businesses that require a license (licensed businesses), the "business form" is distinguished according to the presence or absence of restrictions on games. Restrictions on games are, for example, restrictions on business hours or restrictions on the business location. For example, when focusing on restrictions on business hours, the first business form is business during business hours when it is permitted to provide games to users (H) in the facility (F), and the second business form is business outside of those business hours (business during hours during which business is permitted because games are not provided to users (H) in the facility (F)). Also, when focusing on restrictions on the business location, the first business form is business in a place where it is permitted to provide games to users (H), and the second business form is business in a place such as a warehouse where users (H) are not present (business in a place where business is permitted because there are no users (H) who play directly).

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

"Individually managing" the first game medium and the second game medium means that the first game medium and the second game medium are each managed independently, meaning that no calculations (e.g., addition, subtraction) or exchanges are performed between the two.

[Appendix A2]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note A2) of Appendix A1, the first business form is a form in which the game is provided to users (H) within the facility (F) where the game device (30) is installed, and the second business form is a form in which the game is provided to users (H) outside the facility (F). In the above-mentioned form, the first game medium used for the game played by the user (H) within the facility (F) and the second game medium used for the game played by the user (H) outside the facility (F) are managed separately. Therefore, the act of using game media acquired by playing a game outside the facility (F) for playing a game within the facility (F) is restricted.

[Appendix A3]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note A3) of Appendix A2, in the first business form, the game device (30) progresses the game in response to instructions from the user (H) in the facility (F), and in the second business form, a control system (40) is further provided that displays a game screen (G2) including a video (V) generated by imaging the game device (30) on a terminal device (70) of a user (H) outside the facility (F) and progresses the game in response to instructions from the user (H) to the terminal device (70). In the above-mentioned aspect, the user (H) in the facility (F) plays the game by directly using the game device (30), and the user (H) outside the facility (F) plays the game by operating the terminal device (70) of the game itself. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user (H) outside the facility (F) with the same level of interest as when playing the game within the facility (F).

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

[Appendix A5]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix A5) of Appendix A2 to Appendix A4, the first game medium can be purchased in the facility (F), and the second game medium can be purchased by electronic payment using the terminal device (70). In the above-mentioned aspect, the user (H) can purchase the first game medium in the facility (F), and can purchase the second game medium by electronic payment using the terminal device (70). Therefore, compared to a form in which the user (H) needs to purchase the second game medium in the facility (F), for example, the burden or effort of the user (H) in purchasing the second game medium can be reduced.

[Appendix A6]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix A6) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A5, the first management system (20) manages the first gaming medium of each user (H) for each facility (F), and the first gaming medium of the facility (F) is used to play a game using the game device (30) in the facility (F). In the above-mentioned aspect, the first gaming medium is managed for each facility (F). Therefore, it is possible to restrict the act of sharing gaming media between multiple different facilities (F).

[Appendix A7]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix A7) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A6, the first management system (20) manages the second game medium of each user (H) for each facility (F), and the second game medium of the facility (F) is used to play a game using the game device (30) in the facility (F). In the above-mentioned aspect, the second game medium is managed for each facility (F). Therefore, it is possible to restrict the act of sharing game media between multiple different facilities (F).

[Appendix A8]
A method of operating a game system (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix A8) includes managing a first game medium used to play a game using a game device (30) operating in a first business form for each user (H), while managing a second game medium used to play a game using the game device (30) operating in a second business form different from the first business form for each user (H) separately from the first game medium.

[Appendix A9]
A program relating to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix A9) causes a computer system to function as a first management system (20) that manages, for each user (H), a first gaming medium used to play a game utilizing a gaming device (30) that operates in a first business form, and a second management system (50) that manages, for each user (H), a second gaming medium used to play a game utilizing the gaming device (30) that operates in a second business form that is different from the first business form, separately from the first gaming medium.

[Appendix B]
In recent years, there has been a demand for game devices that allow users to play in a variety of ways. In consideration of the above, one aspect of the present invention (Appendix B) aims to realize game play in a variety of ways.

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

According to the above aspect, it is possible for the gaming system (11) to perform an operation of providing a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70) in the facility (F), and for the control system (40) to perform an operation of providing a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70). Therefore, it is possible to realize game play in various forms. For example, whether the terminal device (70) is located inside or outside the facility (F), it is possible to provide a user (H) with a game that reflects the operation of the game device (30).

The elements that provide games to the terminal devices (70) in the facility (F) may be realized by a management system (20) separate from the game devices (30), or may be mounted on the game devices (30). The management system (20) may be a system dedicated to providing games to the terminal devices (70) in the facility (F), or may be a system (Millionet) that manages the gaming media used in the games in the facility (F). In a form in which the elements that provide games to the terminal devices (70) in the facility (F) are mounted on the game devices (30), the management system (20) in the gaming system (11) may be omitted.

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

[Appendix B2]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note B2) of Appendix B1, the gaming system (11) causes the terminal device (70) in the facility (F) to display a game screen (G1) for receiving instructions from the user (H) regarding the game. In the above embodiment, the game screen (G1) for receiving instructions from the user (H) is displayed on the terminal device (70). Therefore, the user (H) in the facility (F) can play the game using the terminal device (70) while visually checking the operation of the game device (30) in the facility (F). For example, in an embodiment in which the game device (30) has a station (35) for displaying a game screen (G1) for receiving instructions from the user (H), the terminal device (70) of the user (H) functions as an additional station (35).

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

The "first situation data (Ds)" is data in any format that represents the situation of the game device (30). For example, the "situation data (Ds)" includes video data (Dv) generated by imaging the game device (30) or result data (Dr) that represents the results of an operation such as a lottery performed by the game device (30).

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

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

The "result of the operation by the game device (30)" is, for example, the result of a lottery process executed by the game device (30). The lottery process is, for example, a process of probabilistically selecting whether the user (H) will win or lose, or a process of probabilistically selecting one of multiple lottery elements. Therefore, the "result data (Dr)" is, for example, data representing whether the user (H) will win or lose, or data representing the lottery element selected from multiple lottery elements.

[Appendix B6]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix B6) of Appendix B1 to Appendix B5, the gaming system (11) includes a first management system (20) separate from the game device (30), and the first management system (20) receives second status data (Ds) representing the status of the game device (30) from the game device (30), and uses the second status data (Ds) to provide a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to a terminal device (70) in the facility (F). In the above-mentioned aspect, the first management system (20) separate from the game device (30) provides a game to the terminal device (70) in the facility (F). Therefore, it is not necessary to install a function of providing a game to the terminal device (70) in the game device (30). In addition, the first management system (20) can provide a game corresponding to the operation of a plurality of game devices (30) to the terminal device (70) in the facility (F) in a comprehensive manner.

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

[Appendix B8]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix B8) of Appendix B1 to Appendix B6, the game device (30) provides the terminal device (70) in the facility (F) with a game using a first game medium permitted by an authentication process using the terminal device (70). In the above embodiment, the terminal device (70) of the user (H) is used as an authentication medium for determining whether or not the use of the game medium is permitted. Therefore, the user (H) does not need to possess a dedicated authentication medium.

[Appendix B9]
In one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix B9), a method of operating a game system (100) includes a gaming system (11) including a game device (30) that provides a game within a facility (F), and when a terminal device (70) is located within the facility (F), the gaming system (11) provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70), and a control system (40) that communicates with the game device (30) provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70) that is located outside the facility (F).

[Appendix B10]
A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix B10) causes a computer system to function as a gaming system (11) that includes a game device (30) that provides a game within a facility (F), and that provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to a terminal device (70) when the terminal device (70) is located within the facility (F), and a control system (40) that provides a game corresponding to the operation of the game device (30) to the terminal device (70) located outside the facility (F) through communication with the game device (30).

100...game system, 200...game facility, 300...communication network, E...registration card, 11...game system, 12...information system, 110...in-house network, 20...first management system, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71...control device, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72...storage device, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73...communication device, 24, 351, 74...display device, 25, 35 2, 75...operation device, 26, 353...reading device, 27, 36, 76...imaging device, 28, 355...payout device, 30...game device, 34...lottery unit, 341...lottery field, 342...supply device, 343...pocket, 35...station, 354...reception device, 37...lottery ball, 40...control system, 50...second management system, 60...third management system, 70...terminal device.

Claims (8)

a first management system that manages, for each user, a first game medium used to play a game using a game device that operates under a first business mode;
a second management system that manages, for each user, a second game medium used to play a game using the game device that operates under a second business mode different from the first business mode, separately from the first game medium;
the first business form is a form of providing the game to users in a facility in which the game device is installed,
The second business form is a form in which the game is provided to users outside the facility. In the first business mode, the game device progresses a game in response to instructions from users in the facility;
The game system of claim 1, further comprising a control system that, in the second business mode, displays a game screen including a video generated by imaging the game device on a terminal device of a user outside the facility, and progresses the game in accordance with instructions from the user to the terminal device. the first business format is a format in which a game is provided using the game device during business hours of the facility,
The game system according to claim 1 , wherein the second business mode is a mode in which games are provided using the game devices outside the business hours. the first gaming medium is available for purchase within the facility;
The game system according to claim 1 , wherein the second game medium is purchaseable by electronic payment using a terminal device. The first management system manages the first game medium of each of the users for each facility;
The game system according to claim 1 , wherein the first game medium of the facility is used to play a game using the game device in the facility. The second management system manages the second game medium of each of the users for each facility,
The game system according to claim 1 , wherein the second game medium of the facility is used to play a game using the game device in the facility. The game system is
A first game medium used to play a game using a game device operated under a first business form is managed for each user,
managing a second game medium used for playing a game using the game device operated under a second business form different from the first business form for each user separately from the first game medium;
the first business form is a form of providing the game to users in a facility in which the game device is installed,
The second business form is a form of providing the game to users outside the facility. a first management system that manages, for each user, a first game medium used to play a game using a game device that operates under a first business mode; and
a second management system that manages, for each user, a second game medium used to play a game using the game device that operates under a second business mode different from the first business mode, separately from the first game medium;
A program for causing a computer system to function as
the first business form is a form of providing the game to users in a facility in which the game device is installed,
The second business form is a form of providing the game to users outside the facility.

Images