JP7751282B2 - Game device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game device.

Gaming devices incorporating various game mechanisms have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medal game device in which medals are inserted from an insertion device into a field on which a movable table is installed.

Patent No. 5751575

Beginners with little game experience may not be able to accurately grasp the situation of a game while they are playing. If explanations about the game are displayed, even beginners may be able to understand the situation. However, beginners tend to focus only on the game mechanics as the game unfolds, and it is anticipated that they may not notice the explanations even if they are displayed. In consideration of the above, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to make it easier for users to recognize explanations about the game.

To solve the above problems, a game device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a game mechanism for executing a game, a first display device for displaying an explanation of the game, and a movement mechanism for moving the first display device relative to the game mechanism.

1 is a plan view of a game device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram regarding the progress of the game. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game device. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line aa in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a specific example of guidance information. 3A and 3B are front and rear views of the display unit. 3A and 3B are front and rear views of the display unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control device. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of a progress control process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of a display control process. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a look-up table.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a gaming device 1 according to the first embodiment. The gaming device 1 is a computer system installed in, for example, a gaming facility. The gaming facility may be, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game arcade or casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The gaming device 1 provides games to users U (i.e., players) within the gaming facility. The gaming device 1 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game device 1 of the first embodiment includes four game units 11 and one central unit 12. The multiple game units 11 are arranged circumferentially around the central unit 12.

Each of the four game units 11 includes a plurality of stations 21 and a lottery unit 22. Each of the plurality of stations 21 is a unit used by a user U to play a game. The plurality of stations 21 are arranged in an arc shape with the lottery unit 22 at the center. One or more users U use one station 21 to play a game.

Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the progress of the game in the first embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 2, the game device 1 of the first embodiment executes a base game, a first lottery, and a second lottery. The base game is a game that each user U regularly plays using a station 21. The base game is executed in parallel at each of the multiple stations 21.

The first lottery is a lottery game that uses the lottery unit 22. For one station 21 where a predetermined condition is met in the regular game, the first lottery is held using the lottery unit 22 corresponding to that station 21. The first lottery is a lottery process that probabilistically determines whether user U will win or lose. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lottery unit 22 is a physical lottery mechanism that includes a playing surface 222 on which multiple pockets 221 are formed. A lottery ball B1 is dropped into the lottery unit 22. Whether user U will win or lose is determined based on which pocket 221 of the multiple pockets 221 the lottery ball B1 enters. If the result of the first lottery is a win, the game proceeds to the second lottery, and if the result of the first lottery is a loss, the game proceeds to the regular game. In this disclosure, "structure" means an object configured with a specific structure or shape.

The second lottery is a lottery game using the central unit 12. A second lottery is held using the central unit 12 for the station 21 of user U who won the first lottery. The second lottery is a lottery process that probabilistically determines whether the user wins or loses the special prize. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the central unit 12, like the lottery unit 22, is a physical lottery mechanism that includes a playing surface 122 on which multiple pockets 121 are formed. A lottery ball B2 is inserted into the central unit 12. Whether user U wins or loses is determined based on which of the multiple pockets 121 the lottery ball B2 enters. Specifically, if lottery ball B2 enters a specific pocket 121, it is determined that user U has won the special prize. The special prize is a prize (jackpot) that awards a large number of rewards to user U. The regular game resumes when the second lottery ends.

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game device 1. Note that the game device 1 of the first embodiment actually has four game units 11, but for convenience, only one game unit 11 is illustrated in Figure 3. As illustrated in Figure 3, the game unit 11 has a control device 23 and a memory device 24 in addition to multiple stations 21 and a lottery unit 22.

The control device 23 is composed of one or more processors that control the entire game unit 11. Specifically, the control device 23 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Some or all of the functions of the control device 23 may be installed in each station 21. Furthermore, one control device 23 may control multiple game units 11.

The storage device 24 is one or more memories that store the programs executed by the control device 23 and various data used by the control device 23. The storage device 24 is composed of a known storage medium, such as a magnetic storage medium or semiconductor storage medium, or a combination of multiple types of storage medium. Note that the storage device 24 may also be a portable storage medium that can be attached to or detached from the game unit 11, or a storage medium that can be written to or read from via a communication network (e.g., cloud storage).

Figure 4 is a plan view of any one of the multiple stations 21. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of one station 21 as viewed from diagonally above.

4 to 6 illustrate an X-axis and a Y-axis that are orthogonal to each other in a horizontal plane. The X-axis is an axis extending laterally across the station 21. The X-axis can also be described as an axis extending left-right from the user U, or an axis extending circumferentially around the central unit 12 in a plan view. In the following description, one direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X1 direction, and the direction opposite the X1 direction is referred to as the X2 direction. The X1 direction corresponds to the leftward direction as seen from the user U, and the X2 direction corresponds to the rightward direction as seen from the user U. On the other hand, the Y-axis is an axis extending in the front-to-rear direction (depth direction) of the station 21. The Y-axis can also be described as an axis extending forward-to-rear from the user U, or an axis extending radially around the central unit 12 in a plan view. In the following description, one direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite the Y1 direction is referred to as the Y2 direction. The Y1 direction is the direction from the central unit 12 toward the user U.

As illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the station 21 of the first embodiment comprises an operation panel 30, a game mechanism 40, and a display unit 50. The operation panel 30 comprises an operation device 31, a reception device 32, and a payout device 33. The operation device 31 is an input device that receives instructions from the user U. Specifically, the operation device 31 is an operator used by the user U to play the regular game. The reception device 32 accepts game media M inserted by the user U. The game media M is a disc-shaped tangible object such as a token (medal) used in the regular game. The payout device 33 pays out the game media M to the user U. Note that the game media M is not shown in Figures 5 and 6 for convenience.

The game mechanism 40 is a mechanism that executes a normal game under the control of the control device 23. The game mechanism 40 in the first embodiment includes a pusher game mechanism 41 and a display device 42. The pusher game mechanism 41 is a mechanism that provides a pusher game to the user U. The pusher game mechanism 41 includes a fixed table 411, a movable table 412, an insertion device 413, a fixed wall 414, a supply device 415, a detection device 416, and a detection device 417.

The fixed table 411 is a structure including an upper surface substantially parallel to the XY plane. The upper surface of the fixed table 411 is a substantially rectangular flat surface including a front edge 411a. The front edge 411a is a peripheral portion of the fixed table 411 located in the Y1 direction and extends along the X axis. The front edge 411a can also be described as the peripheral portion of the upper surface of the fixed table 411 on the side opposite the central unit 12. A long opening (hereinafter referred to as the "drop hole") O is formed along the X axis between the front edge 411a and the operation panel 30. The movable table 412 is a platform-shaped structure including an upper surface substantially parallel to the XY plane, and moves back and forth in the Y axis direction on the fixed table 411. Note that the upper surfaces of the fixed table 411 and the movable table 412 are not limited to planes substantially parallel to the XY plane. For example, the top surfaces of the fixed table 411 and the movable table 412 may be flat surfaces inclined with respect to the XY plane, or may be curved surfaces that are three-dimensionally curved. The fixed table 411 is an example of a "table," and the movable table 412 is an example of a "movable body."

A plurality of gaming media M are placed on the top surface of the fixed table 411 and the top surface of the movable table 412. The insertion device 413 supplies gaming media M to the top surface of the movable table 412 in response to instructions from the user U. The time and direction at which the insertion device 413 inserts the gaming media M is controlled in response to instructions from the user U via the operation device 31. The reception device 32 may also accept intangible gaming media such as electronic medals or credits from the user U. The insertion device 413 inserts the gaming media M onto the top surface of the movable table 412 in exchange for consuming the intangible gaming media accepted from the user U.

The fixed wall 414 is a structure that faces the upper surface of the movable table 412. The game media M placed on the movable table 412 are pressed in the Y1 direction by the fixed wall 414 as the movable table 412 moves in the Y2 direction. Pressed by the fixed wall 414, the multiple game media M on the movable table 412 move in the Y1 direction, and the game media M that reach the front edge of the movable table 412 fall from the movable table 412.

A number of lottery holes 412a are formed on the front surface of the movable table 412. Some of the gaming media M that fall from the movable table 412 enter the lottery holes 412a. A regular lottery is executed when a gaming medium M enters the lottery hole 412a. The regular lottery is a lottery process that determines whether a user U wins or loses by lottery. Specific examples of regular lotteries will be described later.

The supply device 415 supplies game media M or bonus balls B onto the fixed table 411. The bonus balls B are tangible objects with a different shape from the game media M. For example, a sphere is used as the bonus ball B. The bonus balls B move in the Y1 direction together with the game media M in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the movable table 412, and ultimately fall from the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411 into the drop hole O. The fall of the bonus ball B triggers the start of a first lottery using the lottery unit 22. Note that the bonus balls B are not shown in Figures 5 and 6 for convenience. The game media M and bonus balls B are examples of "game objects."

The detection device 416 detects the positions of multiple bonus balls B on the fixed table 411. For example, an optical sensor including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element installed on opposite sides of the fixed table 411 is used as the detection device 416. Specifically, the detection device 416 generates a detection signal for each bonus ball B on the fixed table 411 corresponding to its distance from the front edge 411a. On the other hand, the detection device 417 detects the drop of the bonus ball B from the fixed table 411. For example, an optical sensor installed inside the drop opening O is used as the detection device 417. Note that the detection device 416 is not limited to the optical sensor exemplified above. For example, the positions of multiple bonus balls B may be detected by analyzing images captured by an imaging device of the fixed table 411. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the bonus balls B are equipped with transmitters such as IC tags, a receiving device that receives radio waves from each bonus ball B to identify the position of that bonus ball B is used as the detection device 416.

In the above configuration, the multiple game media M on the fixed table 411 are pressed in the Y1 direction by the movable table 412 as the movable table 412 moves in the Y1 direction. Pressed by the movable table 412, the multiple game media M on the fixed table 411 move in the Y1 direction, and excess game media M that reach the front edge 411a fall from the front edge 411a into the drop opening O. Game media M corresponding to the number of game media M that fell into the drop opening O are dispensed from the payout device 33. As can be understood from the above explanation, the normal game is a game in which, when game media M are inserted, the game media M and bonus ball B move in the Y1 direction and fall from the front edge 411a, and a normal lottery is executed when the game media M falls into the lottery hole 412a. That is, the pusher game mechanism 41 of the first embodiment is a mechanism that drops multiple game media M placed on the upper surface of the fixed table 411 or the upper surface of the movable table 412 from the front edge 411a.

The display device 42 displays images under the control of the control device 23. The display device 42 displays the progress of games, including the normal game. The display device 42 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The display device 42 is located in the Y2 direction relative to the fixed table 411 in a plan view. In other words, the display device 42 is disposed on the rear side of the fixed table 411 as seen from the user U. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the display surface of the display device 42 is tilted diagonally upward at an angle α (0<α<90°) relative to the XY plane. However, the angle α may be set to 90°. The display device 42 is an example of a "second display device."

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the display device 42 of the first embodiment displays a screen 421 (hereinafter referred to as the "lottery screen") showing a regular lottery. The regular lottery is a video slot. A plurality of rotating parts 422 are displayed on the lottery screen 421. Each of the rotating parts 422 is a virtual cylinder. A plurality of different patterns are arranged circumferentially on the outer periphery of each of the rotating parts 422. In the regular lottery, each of the rotating parts 422 rotates and stops sequentially at a predetermined time. If the patterns on the rotating parts 422 form a predetermined combination when the rotation has stopped, it is determined that a win has been made, and if the predetermined combination is not formed, it is determined that a loss has been made.

The display unit 50 in Figure 4 displays information to assist the user U in parallel with the progress of the game. As illustrated in Figure 1, in two stations 21 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the positional relationship between the display unit 50 and the pusher game mechanism 41 is reversed. In the following explanation, for convenience, we will focus on the station 21 in which the display unit 50 is located in the X1 direction of the pusher game mechanism 41. In the station 21 in which the display unit 50 is located in the X2 direction of the pusher game mechanism 41, the configuration and operation of the display unit 50 are reversed from those in the following explanation.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the display unit 50 includes a display device 51 and a movement mechanism 52. The display device 51 displays an image under the control of the control device 23. The display device 51 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The size of the display device 51 is smaller than the size of the display device 42. For example, the width of the display device 51 is smaller than the width of the display device 42, and the height of the display device 51 is smaller than the height of the display device 42. However, a configuration in which the size of the display device 51 is the same as the size of the display device 42, or a configuration in which the size of the display device 51 is larger than the size of the display device 42 is also conceivable.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the display surface of display device 51 is tilted obliquely upward at angle β (0<β<90°) with respect to the XY plane. Angle β of display device 51 is less than angle α of display device 42 (β<α). In other words, display device 51 is tilted upward more than display device 42. Note that angles α and β may be equal (α=β), or angle β may be greater than angle α (β>α). Angle β may also be set to 90°. Display device 51 is an example of a "first display device."

The display device 51 displays an explanation about the game. Specifically, the display device 51 of the first embodiment displays guidance information G. The guidance information G is information that provides an explanation about the game and is expressed, for example, as a still image, a video, or a string of text. Figure 7 shows a specific example of guidance information G. As can be seen from Figure 7, the guidance information G includes information (G1, G2) for explaining the current play procedure to the user U, information (G3, G4) for explaining the current game situation to the user U, or information (G1, G4, G5, G6) for explaining future game procedures.

As can be understood from the above explanation, the information displayed on display device 42 (e.g., lottery screen 421) is essential information that is directly related to the progress of the game, whereas the guidance information G displayed on display device 51 is auxiliary information to assist user U in playing the game. From the perspective of user U's perception, the information displayed on display device 42 is information necessary for user U to understand the progress of the game, while the information displayed on display device 51 is not essential information for understanding the status of the game, but is auxiliary information that helps user U understand the situation.

The movement mechanism 52 in FIG. 4 is a mechanism that moves the display device 51 relative to the game mechanism 40 under the control of the control device 23. That is, the position of the display device 42 is fixed, while the position of the display device 51 is variable. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the movement mechanism 52 in the first embodiment moves the display device 51 in the X-axis direction between positions P1 and P2. Positions P1 and P2 are different points on the X-axis. For example, the movement mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 from position P1 in the X2 direction to position P2, and moves the display device 51 from position P2 in the X1 direction to position P1. The display device 51 displays guidance information G at position P2. Position P1 is an example of a "first position," and position P2 is an example of a "second position."

In the first embodiment, position P1 is a position spaced apart from the game mechanism 40 in the X1 direction. That is, when the display device 51 is at position P1, the range R1 of the display device 51 in the X-axis direction and the range R2 of the pusher game mechanism 41 in the X-axis direction do not overlap with each other. Note that range R1 is the range of the width of the display device 51, and range R2 is the range of the width of, for example, the fixed table 411 or the movable table 412. Note that when the display device 51 is at position P1, part or all of range R1 of the display device 51 may overlap with range R2 of the pusher game mechanism 41 in a planar view.

In the first embodiment, position P2 is closer to the pusher game mechanism 41 in the X-axis direction than position P1. Specifically, position P2 is inside the range R2 of the pusher game mechanism 41 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the display device 51 is in position P2, the range R1 of the display device 51 and the range R2 of the pusher game mechanism 41 overlap with each other. Specifically, the range R1 of the display device 51 is located inside the range R2 of the pusher game mechanism 41.

Figure 5 illustrates a state in which the display device 51 is at position P2. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the display device 51 at position P2 is located above the drop opening O. Therefore, as can be seen from Figure 4, the display device 51 at position P2 is located in the Y1 direction from the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411 in a planar view. In other words, when the display device 51 is at position P2, the fixed table 411 and the movable table 412 are located between the display devices 42 and 51 in a planar view. As can be understood from the above explanation, position P2 is a position on the front side of the fixed table 411 as seen from the user U.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the bottom surface of the display device 51 at position P2 is higher than the top surface of the fixed table 411. As can be understood from the above explanation, the display device 51 at position P2 is located between the user U and the game mechanism 40 (specifically, the fixed table 411 and the movable table 412). In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 5, position P2 is the position between the game mechanism 40 and the user U in a planar view.

During the normal game, the user U's line of sight L is often directed toward the fixed table 411 or the movable table 412, as illustrated in FIG. 5. When the display device 51 moves to position P2, the display device 51 is positioned on the line of sight L. In other words, the movement mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 to position P2 so that the user U's line of sight L, which is directed toward the pusher game mechanism 41, is blocked by the display device 51. As can be understood from the above explanation, position P2 can also be said to be the position where the user U's line of sight L toward the pusher game mechanism 41 is blocked by the display device 51.

Figures 8 and 9 are detailed structural diagrams of the display unit 50. Figure 8 is a front view and a rear view of the display unit 50 when the display device 51 is in position P1. Figure 9 is a front view and a rear view of the display unit 50 when the display device 51 is in position P2.

8 and 9, the movement mechanism 52 includes a support member 521, a guide member 522, a drive device 523, and a connecting mechanism 524. The support member 521 is a structure that supports the display device 51 and is movable in the direction of the X axis. In the first embodiment, the support member 521 includes a front portion 526, a rear portion 527, and a lower edge portion 528. The display device 51 is sandwiched between the front portion 526 and the rear portion 527. The front portion 526 is a frame-shaped flat plate member with a rectangular opening 526a formed therein, and is located on the front side of the display device 51. As illustrated in the front view of FIG. 8, the display surface of the display device 51 is exposed inside the opening 526a of the front portion 526. The rear portion 527 is located on the rear side of the display device 51. The lower edge portion 528 is an elongated member installed along the lower edge of the front portion 526 or the rear portion 527.

The guide member 522 is a mechanism that can expand and contract in the direction of the X-axis, and functions as a guide that restricts the movement direction of the support member 521 in the direction of the X-axis. For example, a slide rail in which multiple long members are slidably connected to each other is used as the guide member 522. The lower edge 528 of the support member 521 is fixed to the tip of the guide member 522, which is extended in the direction of the X-axis. Therefore, the support member 521 and the display device 51 can move in the direction of the X-axis as the guide member 522 expands and contracts.

The drive unit 523 is a motor that rotates the drive shaft under the control of the control unit 23. As shown in the rear views of Figures 8 and 9, the drive unit 523 rotates the drive shaft in one of the C1 and C2 directions. The C1 and C2 directions are opposite rotation directions. The connecting mechanism 524 is a link mechanism that mechanically connects the drive unit 523 and the support member 521. Specifically, the connecting mechanism 524 comprises a first member 524a and a second member 524b. The first member 524a is an elongated member including end portions E1a and E1b. The second member 524b is an elongated member including end portions E2a and E2b. The end portion E1a of the first member 524a is fixed to the drive shaft of the drive unit 523. The end E2a of the second member 524b is rotatably supported by the end E1b of the first member 524a. The end E2b of the second member 524b is rotatably supported by the support member 521 (specifically, the lower edge 528).

When the drive shaft rotates in the C2 direction while the display device 51 is at position P1 in the state shown in FIG. 8, the coupling mechanism 524 operates to increase the angle between the first member 524a and the second member 524b. Therefore, the support member 521 supporting the display device 51 moves in the X2 direction as the guide member 522 expands, eventually reaching position P2 as shown in FIG. 9. On the other hand, when the drive shaft rotates in the C1 direction while the display device 51 is at position P2 in the state shown in FIG. 9, the coupling mechanism 524 operates to decrease the angle between the first member 524a and the second member 524b. Therefore, the support member 521 supporting the display device 51 moves in the X1 direction as the guide member 522 contracts, eventually reaching position P1 as shown in FIG. 8.

Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the control device 23. The control device 23 realizes multiple functions (a progress control unit 231 and a display control unit 232) by executing programs stored in the storage device 24. The progress control unit 231 controls the progress of the game. The display control unit 232 controls the display unit 50. Specifically, the display control unit 232 controls the movement mechanism 52 to move the display device 51 and to display guidance information G on the display device 51.

Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the process Sa (hereinafter referred to as the "progress control process") in which the control device 23 functions as the progress control unit 231 to progress the game. The progress control process Sa is repeated, for example, at a predetermined interval. The progress control process Sa is executed individually for each of the multiple stations 21.

When the progress control process Sa is initiated, the progress control unit 231 determines whether or not gaming media M have fallen from the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411 (Sa1). If gaming media M have fallen (Sa1: YES), the progress control unit 231 causes the payout device 33 to pay out a predetermined amount of gaming media M (Sa2). If gaming media M have not fallen (Sa1: NO), the payout of gaming media M (Sa2) is not executed.

The progress control unit 231 determines whether the gaming medium M has fallen into the lottery hole 412a of the movable table 412 (Sa3). If the gaming medium M has fallen into the lottery hole 412a (Sa3: YES), the progress control unit 231 executes a regular lottery (Sa4). Specifically, the progress control unit 231 executes an electronic lottery that probabilistically determines whether user U will win or lose, and a process for displaying the lottery screen 421 on the display device 42. If the gaming medium M has not fallen into the lottery hole 412a (Sa3: NO), the progress control unit 231 transitions the process to step Sa7. In other words, a regular lottery is not executed.

The progress control unit 231 determines whether the winning conditions have been met in the normal lottery (Sa5). Specifically, the progress control unit 231 determines that the winning conditions have been met when the symbols on each spinning unit 422 stop in a predetermined combination (for example, a combination of the same symbols). If the winning conditions have been met (Sa5: YES), the progress control unit 231 executes processing according to the symbol combination (Sa6). For example, if specific symbols are arranged in a row, the progress control unit 231 controls the supply device 415 to supply bonus balls B onto the fixed table 411. If the winning conditions have not been met (Sa5: NO), the progress control unit 231 proceeds to step Sa7.

The progress control unit 231 determines whether the bonus ball B has fallen from the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411 (Sa7). If the bonus ball B has fallen (Sa7: YES), the progress control unit 231 starts the first lottery (Sa8). That is, the progress control unit 231 supplies a lottery ball B1 onto the playing surface 222 under the control of the lottery unit 22, and determines whether user U has won or lost based on which of the multiple pockets 221 the lottery ball B1 has entered. If the bonus ball B has not fallen from the fixed table 411 (Sa7: NO), the progress control unit 231 ends the progress control process Sa without executing the first lottery.

When the first lottery is executed, the progress control unit 231 determines whether the result of the first lottery is a win or not (Sa9). If the result of the first lottery is a win (Sa9: YES), the progress control unit 231 starts the second lottery (Sa10). That is, the progress control unit 231 supplies a lottery ball B2 onto the playing surface 122 under the control of the central unit 12, and determines whether user U has won or lost based on which of the multiple pockets 121 the lottery ball B2 has entered.

When the second lottery is executed, the progress control unit 231 executes processing according to the result of the second lottery (Sa11). For example, if the result of the second lottery is a win for the special prize, the progress control unit 231 controls the supply device 415 to supply a large number of gaming media M (i.e., the jackpot) onto the fixed table 411. If the result of the first lottery is a loss (Sa9: NO), the progress control unit 231 terminates the progress control processing Sa without executing the second lottery.

Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a process (hereinafter referred to as "display control process") Sb in which the control device 23 functions as the display control unit 232 to control the display unit 50. The display control process Sb is repeated at a predetermined interval, for example, in parallel with the progress control process Sa. The display control process Sb is executed individually for each of the multiple stations 21.

Each of the multiple stations 21 can transition from one of an active state and an inactive state to the other. The active state is a state in which a user U is playing a game using the station 21. On the other hand, the inactive state is a state in which game play using the station 21 is paused. The inactive state can also be expressed as a state in which no user U is playing a game at the station 21, or a state in which the station 21 is not being used.

When the display control process Sb begins, the display control unit 232 determines whether the station 21 being processed is in a dormant state (Sb1). For example, the display control unit 232 determines that the station 21 is in a dormant state when a predetermined time has passed since the last operation by the user U on the operation panel 30. An operation on the operation panel 30 is, for example, an operation performed by the user U on the operation device 31 to insert gaming media M. If the station 21 is in a dormant state (Sb1: YES), the display control unit 232 ends the display control process Sb without performing the following operations.

If the station 21 is in an operating state (Sb1: NO), the display control unit 232 identifies the current game status (hereinafter referred to as the "game status") Q (Sb2). Specifically, the display control unit 232 identifies the game status Q according to the state of the progress control process Sa by the progress control unit 231. For example, various game statuses Q are identified, such as a status where the first lottery draw starts or a status where the second lottery draw starts. The display control unit 232 also identifies the game status Q according to the detection result of the detection device 416 or the detection device 417 for the bonus ball B. For example, various game statuses Q are identified, such as a status where the bonus ball B is sufficiently separated in the Y2 direction from the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411, a status where the bonus ball B is sufficiently close to the front edge 411a, or a status where the bonus ball B has fallen into the drop hole O.

The display control unit 232 determines whether or not to display guidance information G corresponding to the current game situation Q (Sb3). Specifically, if guidance information G corresponding to the current game situation Q has already been displayed, the display control unit 232 determines that it is unnecessary to display the guidance information G again (Sb3: NO). If it determines that guidance information G should not be displayed (Sb3: NO), the display control unit 232 terminates the display control process Sb. On the other hand, if it determines that guidance information G should be displayed (Sb3: YES), the display control unit 232 executes the following process to control the display unit 50 according to the current game situation Q.

The display control unit 232 identifies guidance information G that corresponds to the current game situation Q (Sb4). To identify the guidance information G, for example, reference table T shown in Figure 13 is used. Reference table T is stored in the storage device 24.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , the reference table T is a data table in which guidance information G (G1, G2, ...) and movement information D (D1, D2, ...) are registered for each of a plurality of game situations Q (Q1, Q2, ...). The guidance information G corresponding to each game situation Q represents information to be presented to the user U in that game situation Q. The movement information D is information (e.g., a flag) that specifies whether the display device 51 should be moved from position P1 to position P2 when displaying the guidance information G. Among the plurality of guidance information G, guidance information G that needs to sufficiently attract the user U's attention is associated with movement information D that specifies movement of the display device 51. On the other hand, among the plurality of guidance information G, guidance information G that is less likely to attract the user U's attention is associated with movement information D that specifies stopping (not moving) the display device 51. The display control unit 232 identifies the guidance information G that corresponds to the current game situation Q and the movement information D that corresponds to that game situation Q from the plurality of guidance information G registered in the reference table T.

The display control unit 232 determines whether or not to move the display device 51 (Sb5). Specifically, the display control unit 232 determines whether or not to move the display device 51 by referencing movement information D determined from the current game situation Q. If it is determined that the display device 51 should not be moved (Sb5: NO), the display control unit 232 causes the display device 51 to display guidance information G determined from the current game situation Q while maintaining the display device 51 at position P1 (Sb6). In other words, the display control unit 232 does not issue an instruction to the movement mechanism 52 to move the display device 51.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, immediately after user U starts playing the game, guidance information G1 is displayed on the display device 51 while the display device 51 remains at position P1. Guidance information G1 is information that notifies user U that a regular lottery (slot game) will begin when game medium M falls into lottery hole 412a. Furthermore, when bonus ball B is sufficiently separated from the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411, guidance information G2 is displayed on the display device 51 while the display device 51 remains at position P1. Guidance information G2 is information that notifies user U that bonus ball B should be dropped from the fixed table 411.

The display of guidance information G by the display device 51 is maintained until a predetermined termination condition is met. An example of the termination condition is that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of display of guidance information G. When the termination condition is met, the display control unit 232 causes the display device 51 to terminate display of guidance information G (Sb7). That is, the display control unit 232 causes the display device 51 to erase guidance information G. The display control process Sb ends when guidance information G is erased. Note that the termination condition is not limited to the above example. For example, the termination condition for erasing guidance information G may be an operation by the user U on the operation device 31.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the display device 51 should be moved (Sb5: YES), the display control unit 232 instructs the movement mechanism 52 to move the display device 51 from position P1 to position P2 (Sb8). The movement mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 from position P1 to position P2 in accordance with the instruction from the display control unit 232. The display control unit 232 also causes the display device 51 to display guidance information G identified from the current game situation Q (Sb9). In the first embodiment, the display of guidance information G also begins when the display device 51 starts moving. In other words, with guidance information G displayed on the display device 51, the display device 51 moves from position P1 to position P2. As explained above, the movement mechanism 52 in the first embodiment moves the display device 51 when the display device 51 displays guidance information G.

7, when bonus ball B approaches the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411 sufficiently, the display device 51 moves from position P1 to position P2 while displaying guidance information G3. Guidance information G3 notifies user U that bonus ball B will soon fall. Furthermore, when bonus ball B falls from the fixed table 411 into the drop hole O, the display device 51 moves from position P1 to position P2 while displaying guidance information G4. Guidance information G4 notifies user U that bonus ball B has fallen and the first lottery (chance game) has begun. As shown in the above example, in the first embodiment, the display device 51 approaches the fixed table 411, which has the advantage of allowing user U to easily grasp the target that requires particular attention in the current game situation Q. In other words, by moving the display device 51 relative to the game mechanism 40, user U can easily grasp the location of the game mechanism 40 that is the subject of explanation by guidance information G.

When the first lottery begins, the display device 51 moves from position P1 to position P2 while displaying guidance information G5. The guidance information G5 is information that notifies the user U that if the lottery ball B1 enters a specific pocket 221 of the lottery unit 22, the game will transition to the second lottery (jackpot chance). When the second lottery begins, the display device 51 moves from position P1 to position P2 while displaying guidance information G6. The guidance information G6 is information that notifies the user U that a special prize (jackpot) will be awarded if the lottery ball B2 enters a specific pocket 121 of the central unit 12.

The display of guidance information G by display device 51 is maintained until the aforementioned termination condition is met. When the termination condition is met, the display control unit 232 causes display device 51 to terminate display of guidance information G (Sb10). That is, the display control unit 232 causes display device 51 to erase guidance information G. When guidance information G is erased, the display control unit 232 instructs the movement mechanism 52 to move display device 51 from position P2 to position P1 (Sb11). The movement mechanism 52 moves display device 51 from position P2 to position P1 in accordance with the instruction from the display control unit 232. The display control process Sb ends when display device 51 moves.

As explained above, in the first embodiment, the display device 51 that displays the guidance information G (i.e., explanations about the game) moves relative to the game mechanism 40. Therefore, the line of sight L of the user U, which is normally directed toward the game mechanism 40, can be shifted to the guidance information G displayed by the display device 51. In other words, the attention of the user U, which is focused on the game mechanism 40, is drawn to the guidance information G. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the user U to recognize the guidance information G.

However, a configuration (hereinafter referred to as the "comparative embodiment") in which guidance information G is displayed on the display device 42 of the game mechanism 40 is also envisioned. However, in the comparative embodiment, the content displayed by the display device 42 becomes complicated, making it difficult for the user U to grasp the progress of the game (e.g., the lottery screen 421). According to the first embodiment, guidance information G is displayed on the display device 51, and the progress of the game, such as the lottery screen 421, is displayed on the display device 42. Therefore, the user U can easily grasp the progress of the game by visually checking the display device 42, while easily checking the guidance information G on the display device 51, which is separate from the display device 42.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, because the display device 51 moves to position P2 when displaying guidance information G, there is an advantage in that it is easier to shift the user U's attention from the game mechanism 40 to the guidance information G on the display device 51 compared to a configuration in which the display device 51 is constantly located at position P2. In particular, in the first embodiment, the display device 51 displays the guidance information G at position P2, which is closer to the game mechanism 40 than position P1. Therefore, the effect of being able to easily shift the user U's attention from the game mechanism 40 to the guidance information G is particularly remarkable.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the display device 51 displays the guidance information G at position P2 between the user U and the game mechanism 40. Therefore, the user U can be effectively directed to focus on the guidance information G displayed by the display device 51. In the first embodiment, the display device 51, located at position P2 in front of the fixed table 411 as viewed from the user U, displays the guidance information G. Therefore, it is possible to effectively shift the user U's gaze, which would normally be focused on the fixed table 411, to the guidance information G displayed by the display device 51.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, in each of the following exemplary embodiments, for elements whose functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used, and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

As described in the first embodiment, each of the multiple stations 21 can be in either an operating state or an inactive state. In the first embodiment, a configuration was exemplified in which the display of guidance information G and the movement of the display device 51 by the movement mechanism 52 are not performed in the inactive state (Sb1: YES). In the second embodiment, the display control unit 232 displays guidance information G and moves the display device 51 in both the operating state and the inactive state. Specifically, in the second embodiment, step Sb1 in the display control process Sb illustrated in FIG. 12 is omitted. That is, the display control unit 232 performs step Sb2 and subsequent steps of the display control process Sb in both the operating state and the inactive state. That is, in both the operating state and the inactive state, the display device 51 displays guidance information G (Sb6, Sb9), and the movement mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 (Sb8, Sb11).

The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the display device 51 is moved and the guidance information G is displayed not only in an operating state in which the user U is playing a game, but also in a paused state in which game play is paused. Therefore, users U who are near the game device 1 but are not playing the game can easily notice the display on the display device 51. In other words, users U who are not currently playing the game can be given an incentive to play the game. On the other hand, compared to the second embodiment, the first embodiment does not display the guidance information G or move the display device 51 in a paused state. Therefore, compared to the second embodiment, there is an advantage in that the power required for controlling the display unit 50 can be reduced.

[Third embodiment]
In the first embodiment, an example has been given in which, if guidance information G corresponding to the current game situation Q has already been displayed (Sb3: NO), the guidance information G is not redisplayed. That is, the guidance information G is displayed immediately after a specific game situation Q is detected, and the guidance information G is not redisplayed while the game situation Q continues.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the display control unit 232 of the third embodiment causes the display device 51 to re-display guidance information G that was displayed on the display device 51 under a specific game status Q. Specifically, in the third embodiment, if the station 21 transitions to a dormant state after displaying guidance information G and then transitions from the dormant state to an operating state, the guidance information G that was already displayed is re-displayed on the display device 51. In other words, the guidance information G is re-displayed upon recovery from the dormant state. Note that the transition from the dormant state to the operating state means that game play is resumed.

For example, in step Sb3 of the display control process Sb, even if guidance information G corresponding to a specific game status Q has already been displayed, the display control unit 232 will re-display the guidance information G on the display device 51 if the transition from the paused state to the operating state has occurred and the game status Q has continued before and after the paused state. For example, if it is determined that the display device 51 should be moved after the transition from the paused state to the operating state (Sb5: YES), the display control unit 232 will move the display device 51 from position P1 to position P2 (Sb8) and display the guidance information G on the display device 51 (Sb9).

The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Incidentally, in the first embodiment, guidance information G displayed while a specific user Ua is playing a game is not displayed on the display device 51 if another user Ub starts playing the game after user Ua has finished playing. In contrast to the first embodiment, in the third embodiment, after guidance information G corresponding to a specific game status Q is displayed, if the game status Q continues even after the transition from a paused state to an active state, the guidance information G is redisplayed on the display device 51. Therefore, there is an advantage that user Ub, who starts playing the game after user Ua has played, can check the guidance information G.

[Modification]
The above-described embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that may be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

(1) In the above-described embodiments, an example has been given in which the display device 51 moves from position P1 to position P2 while displaying guidance information G on the display device 51. However, the temporal relationship between the movement of the display device 51 and the display of the guidance information G is not limited to the above examples. For example, the display device 51 may start displaying the guidance information G after the display device 51 moves from position P1 to position P2. Furthermore, the display device 51 may start displaying the guidance information G while the display device 51 is moving from position P1 to position P2. The display device 51 may start displaying the guidance information G before the display device 51 starts moving from position P1.

(2) In the above-described embodiments, the guidance information G on the display device 51 is erased before the display device 51 moves from position P2 to position P1. However, the temporal relationship between the movement of the display device 51 and the erasure of the guidance information G is not limited to the above examples. For example, the display device 51 may erase the guidance information G after the display device 51 moves from position P2 to position P1. Furthermore, the display device 51 may erase the guidance information G while the display device 51 is moving from position P2 to position P1.

(3) The configuration of the movement mechanism 52 that moves the display device 51 is not limited to the examples described above. For example, any structure that can move the display device 51 can be used as the movement mechanism 52, such as an actuator that moves the display device 51 using air pressure or hydraulic pressure, a mechanism that moves the display device 51 using the elastic force of an elastic member such as a spring, or a mechanism that moves the display device 51 using a solenoid that uses electromagnetic force.

(4) In the above-described embodiments, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 from one of position P1 and position P2 to the other, but the conditions under which the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 (hereinafter referred to as "movement conditions") are not limited to the above examples. The movement conditions include, for example, the movement direction, movement distance, or movement speed.

For example, the moving mechanism 52 may move the display device 51 in a variable direction depending on the game status Q. For example, when the bonus ball B is sufficiently close to the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 in a direction approaching the fixed table 411. When the first lottery is about to start, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 in a direction approaching the lottery unit 22. When the second lottery is about to start, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 in a direction approaching the central unit 12.

The moving mechanism 52 may also move the display device 51 a variable distance depending on the game status Q. For example, when the bonus ball B is sufficiently close to the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 to a position sufficiently close to the fixed table 411. When the first lottery is about to start, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 to a position sufficiently close to the lottery unit 22. When the second lottery is about to start, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 to a position sufficiently close to the central unit 12.

The moving mechanism 52 may move the display device 51 at a variable speed depending on the game status Q. For example, when the bonus ball B is sufficiently close to the front edge 411a of the fixed table 411, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 at a predetermined speed VL. When the first lottery is about to start, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 at a speed VM that exceeds speed VL. When the second lottery is about to start, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 at a speed VH that exceeds speed VM.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the moving mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 along a linear trajectory, but the trajectory along which the display device 51 moves is not limited to the above examples. For example, the display device 51 may move along a curved trajectory. For example, a form in which the display device 51 circles around the periphery of the game mechanism 40 is envisioned. Furthermore, the trajectory along which the display device 51 moves is not limited to a line parallel to the XY plane. For example, the display device 51 may move in the vertical direction in addition to the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

(5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the inactive state is determined based on whether or not the user U has operated the operation panel 30. However, the method for determining the inactive state is not limited to the above examples. For example, an imaging device is installed to capture images of the seats at each station 21. The display control unit 232 determines whether or not the user U is present by analyzing the images captured by the imaging device, and determines that the station 21 is in an inactive state if the user U is not present at the seat. Furthermore, in an environment in which placing a registered card in a state that allows communication with the game device 1 (for example, inserting the registered card into the insertion slot) is required to play the game, a state in which no registered card is placed may be identified as the inactive state.

(6) The specific content of the guidance information G is not limited to the examples of the above-mentioned forms. For example, in a form in which the first lottery or the second lottery is started when the number of times the bonus ball B has fallen from the fixed table 411 (hereinafter referred to as the "number of falls") reaches a predetermined value, guidance information G is displayed on the display device 51 to notify the user U of the number of times the bonus ball B has fallen.

(7) In the above-described embodiments, a pusher game mechanism 41 that drops game media M from a fixed table 411 is exemplified, but the type of game mechanism 40 is not limited to the above examples. In other words, the type of game that the game mechanism 40 executes is arbitrary. For example, the present disclosure also applies to a configuration that executes only a game (e.g., a roulette game) in which a lottery ball enters one of multiple pockets, such as the lottery unit 22 or central unit 12 exemplified in the above-described embodiments. For example, the reward that will be awarded to user U when the lottery ball enters a specific pocket out of multiple pockets is displayed as guidance information G on the display device 51.

For example, in a horse racing game in which multiple horse models simulating different racehorses race, the display device 51 displays information about the racehorses represented by the horse models as guide information G. The movement mechanism 52 moves the display device 51 in conjunction with the movement of the horse models. For example, the display device 51 moves so as to approach the horse models before or during a race. Note that the display device 51 may also be moved so as to approach a specific horse model, such as a racehorse that the user U has bet on, or a racehorse that the user U has bred.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the game mechanism 40 is exemplified as including a pusher game mechanism 41 and a display device 42, but the game mechanism 40 may be configured with only one of the pusher game mechanism 41 and the display device 42.

(8) The present disclosure also applies to a configuration in which a base game using the pusher game mechanism 41 and a second lottery using the central unit 12 proceed in parallel. For example, during execution of the base game, as in the above-mentioned embodiments, the display device 51 moves from position P1 to position P2 and displays guidance information G. Furthermore, when a second lottery starts in parallel with the base game, the display device 51 moves to position P2a and displays guidance information G regarding the second lottery at position P2a. Position P2a is closer to the central unit 12 than the initial position P1. In other words, the display device 51 moves between positions P1, P2, and P2a.

Similarly, the base game using the pusher game mechanism 41 and the first lottery using the lottery unit 22 may proceed in parallel. For example, during the base game, as in the above-mentioned embodiments, the display device 51 moves from position P1 to position P2 and displays guidance information G. Furthermore, when the first lottery starts in parallel with the base game, the display device 51 moves to position P2b and displays guidance information G regarding the first lottery at position P2b. Position P2b is closer to the lottery unit 22 than the initial position P1. In other words, the display device 51 moves between positions P1, P2, and P2b.

It is also possible to imagine a configuration in which the display device 51 moves between two of positions P1, P2, P2a, and P2b. As can be seen from the above examples, the display device 51 can move between any number of positions. However, it is not necessarily necessary for the display device 51 to be able to move between all possible combinations of two positions selected from a plurality of positions. In other words, it is also possible to imagine a configuration in which the display device 51 cannot move between two specific positions among a plurality of positions.

(9) In each of the above-described embodiments, guidance information G corresponding to the game status Q at each station 21 is displayed on the display device 51 of each station 21. However, guidance information G corresponding to the game status Q at another station 21 may also be displayed on the display device 51. For example, guidance information G indicating a station 21 among multiple stations 21 that is likely to start the first lottery or second lottery may be displayed on the display device 51 of each station 21. When the display device 51 displays guidance information G related to a specific station 21, the movement mechanism 52 may move the display device 51 in a direction approaching that station 21. With the above configuration, a user U of each station 21 can recognize stations 21 that offer better conditions than their own station 21.

(10) In each of the above-described embodiments, a gaming device 1 having multiple stations 21 has been exemplified, but a configuration having multiple stations 21 is not required. For example, the present disclosure also applies to a gaming device 1 (a so-called single-medal machine) that has only one set of an operation panel 30, a game mechanism 40, and a display unit 50. A single-medal machine can also be expressed as a gaming device consisting of one station 21 in each of the above-described embodiments. The central unit 12 or lottery unit 22 described above may be mounted in a single-medal machine. Any configuration exemplified in each of the above-described embodiments and modified examples can also be applied to a single-medal machine.

(11) The functions of the game device 1 in each of the above-described embodiments (progress control unit 231, display control unit 232) are realized through cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 23 and a program stored in the storage device 24. The above-described program can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and a good example is an optical recording medium (optical disc) 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 non-transitory recording media includes any recording medium excluding a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[Note]
From the above description, for example, preferred aspects of the present disclosure can be understood as follows: Note that, 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 1]
A game device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Supplementary Note 1) comprises a game mechanism (40) for executing a game, a first display device (51) for displaying an explanation of the game, and a movement mechanism (52) for moving the first display device (51) relative to the game mechanism (40). In the above configuration, the first display device (51) for displaying the explanation of the game moves relative to the game mechanism (40). Therefore, the line of sight (L) of a user (U), which is normally directed toward the game mechanism (40), is attracted to the explanation displayed by the first display device (51). In other words, it is possible to make it easier for the user (U) to recognize the explanation.

The type of "game" is arbitrary. Examples of "games" include a pusher game in which a game object (M, B) such as a medal (token coin) or a ball is dropped; a physical lottery in which a game object (M, B) such as a ball is placed into one of several pockets; a horse racing game in which several horse models simulating different racehorses race; or an electronic lottery in which one of several lottery elements is probabilistically selected through computation.

The game mechanism (40) is an element that executes various games. Specifically, the game mechanism (40) is a mechanical structure that executes games. Note that the type of game is arbitrary. Specifically, the game mechanism (40) executes a game using game objects (M, B). For example, assuming a pusher game in which game objects (M, B) such as medals (token coins) or balls are dropped, an example of the game mechanism (40) is a combination of a table (411) on which multiple game objects (M, B) are placed and a movable object (412) that moves back and forth on the table (411). Furthermore, assuming a physical lottery game in which game objects (M, B) such as balls enter one of multiple pockets, an example of the game mechanism (40) is a flat structure with multiple pockets formed therein. Furthermore, assuming a horse racing game in which multiple model horses race, an example of the game mechanism (40) is a mechanism that includes a field simulating a racetrack and a movement mechanism that moves the multiple model horses. Additionally, elements that execute games such as electronic lotteries are also included in the concept of "game mechanism (40)." The game mechanism (40) that executes games such as electronic lotteries includes, for example, a display device (such as the second display device described below) that displays the lottery results obtained through computational processing.

"Running a game" means progressing a game that can be played by a user (U), specifically, changing the game situation according to the user's (U's) play. Note that the game mechanism is not limited to a mechanism that runs one type of game, but may run multiple games. For example, it is conceivable that the game mechanism may run multiple games sequentially, or that the game mechanism may run multiple games in parallel.

"Game explanations" are information that notifies or guides the user (U) about various matters related to the game, and are expressed, for example, as images (still images or video) or text. "Game explanations" include, for example, explanations of the game situation and explanations of the game steps. Note that explanations of the game situation and explanations of the game steps are not necessarily clearly distinguishable. In other words, certain information may fall under both explanations of the game situation and explanations of the game steps.

An explanation of the game situation is an explanation of the situation that changes from moment to moment as the game progresses. In the case of the pusher game mentioned above, information that explains to the user (U) the status of a gaming object (M, B), such as a medal or ball, is an example of an explanation of the game situation. For example, an explanation of the situation when a gaming object (M, B) has fallen, or an explanation of the situation when a gaming object (M, B) is about to fall, is an example of an explanation of the game situation. Furthermore, in the case of a physical lottery game, an explanation of various situations, such as the pocket into which the gaming object (M, B) has entered, the number of the gaming object (M, B) that has been inserted, or the remaining number of gaming objects (M, B) that have not been inserted, is an example of an explanation of the game situation.

Furthermore, explanations of game procedures include, for example, explanations of the current procedure and explanations of future procedures. For example, in the aforementioned pusher game, information indicating that the current stage is one in which a gaming object (M, B) such as a medal is inserted, and that a lottery process is being executed as a result of the falling of the gaming object (M, B), is an example of an explanation of the current procedure. In a pusher game, information indicating that a special procedure (e.g., a special lottery) will begin if a gaming object (M, B) such as a ball falls from the table (411), and information indicating the reward that the user (U) can obtain if the lottery process is won, are examples of explanations of future procedures. In a physical lottery game, information indicating that the current stage is one in which the user (U) must use (e.g., bet) gaming value such as credits, and that multiple gaming objects (M, B) are being inserted sequentially are examples of information indicating the current stage. Additionally, in a physical lottery game, examples of explanations of future procedures include information indicating that if a gaming object (M, B) enters a specific pocket out of multiple pockets, a special procedure (e.g., lottery processing) will be performed, the content of the special procedure, and the procedure that will be followed when all gaming objects (M, B) have been inserted.

The "moving mechanism (52)" is any structure that moves the first display device (51). For example, any mechanism that moves the first display device (51) mechanically or electromagnetically is encompassed within the concept of the "moving mechanism (52)." The conditions under which the moving mechanism (52) moves the first display device (51) (hereinafter referred to as "moving conditions") are arbitrary. Examples of moving conditions include a moving direction, a moving distance, or a moving speed. The moving conditions may be fixed or variable. "Moving the first display device (51) relative to the game mechanism (40)" means moving the first display device (51) under moving conditions determined based on the game mechanism (40). For example, moving the first display device (51) in a moving direction based on the first display device (51) or a moving distance based on the first display device (51) is an example of "moving relative to the game mechanism (40)."

[Appendix 2]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the game mechanism (40) includes a second display device (42) that displays the progress of the game, and the position of the second display device (42) is fixed. In the above configuration, explanations about the game are displayed on the first display device (51), while the progress of the game is displayed on the second display device (42). Therefore, the gaze (L) of the user (U), who is focused on the second display device (42) or the game mechanism (40), can be moved to the explanation displayed on the first display device (51). Furthermore, in the above configuration, the position of the second display device (42) that displays the progress of the game is fixed. In other words, the location that the user (U) must check while playing the game is fixed. Therefore, the user (U) can easily check the progress of the game. As described above, the user (U) can easily grasp the progress of the game using the second display device (42) while checking the explanation of the game using the first display device (51).

It is also possible to envision a configuration in which explanations about the game are displayed on the second display device (42). However, in this configuration, the content displayed by the second display device (42) becomes complicated, making it difficult for the user (U) to understand the progress of the game. In the above configuration in which explanations about the game are displayed on the first display device (51) and the progress of the game is displayed on the second display device (42), the user (U) can easily understand the progress of the game by visually checking the second display device (42), while being able to check the explanations about the game on the first display device (51).

"Game progress" refers to changes in the game situation over time. Specifically, changes in the game situation in response to play by the user (U) are an example of "game progress." That is, the second display device (42) displays the game situation as it changes over time. For example, in the pusher game described above, the status and results of the lottery process (e.g., a slot game) that begins when the game objects (M, B) fall are displayed on the second display device (42). Also, in the physical lottery game described above, the type or result of the lottery process currently being executed is displayed on the second display device (42). As can be understood from the above explanation, the information displayed by the second display device (42) is information necessary for the user (U) to understand the game progress, while the information displayed by the first display device (51) is not essential information for understanding the game situation, but is supplementary information that assists the user (U) in understanding the situation.

[Appendix 3]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the movement mechanism (52) moves the first display device (51) when the first display device (51) displays an explanation about the game. In the above embodiment, since the first display device (51) moves when an explanation about the game is displayed, it is easy to shift the user's (U) attention from the game mechanism (40) to the explanation.

"Moving the first display device (51) when the first display device (51) displays an explanation about the game" means that the first display device (51) moves when an explanation about the game is displayed, and the first display device (51) is located in a predetermined position when no explanation is displayed. The relationship between the timing of the first display device (51) displaying the explanation and the timing of the first display device (51) moving is arbitrary. For example, the first display device (51) may move while an explanation is displayed, or the first display device (51) may start displaying the explanation when it has moved to a predetermined position.

[Appendix 4]
In any specific example (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, the moving mechanism (52) moves the first display device (51) from one of a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) to the other, and the first display device (51) displays an explanation about the game at the second position (P2), which is closer to the game mechanism (40) than the first position (P1). In the above configuration, the first display device (51) displays the explanation at the second position (P2), which is closer to the game mechanism (40) than the first position (P1). Therefore, the effect of easily shifting the user's (U) attention from the game mechanism (40) to the explanation on the first display device (51) is particularly remarkable. Specifically, as the first display device (51) approaches the game mechanism (40), the first display device (51) moves within the field of view of the user (U) who is viewing the game mechanism (40). Therefore, there is an advantage that the user (U) can easily notice the explanation displayed by the first display device (51).

The expression "displaying an explanation at the second position (P2)" does not intend to limit the position at which the first display device (51) displays the explanation to the second position (P2). For example, it does not matter whether the explanation is displayed at the first position (P1) or between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). Furthermore, the "first position (P1)" and the "second position (P2)" are not limited to a single point in space, but may be a specific range that exists on a plane or in space. Furthermore, one or both of the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) may be the endpoints of the range in which the first display device (51) can move, or may be points located within that range.

[Appendix 5]
In the specific example of Supplementary Note 4 (Supplementary Note 5), the second position (P2) is a position between the game mechanism (40) and the user (U) playing the game. In the above embodiment, the first display device (51) displays an explanation at the second position (P2) between the game mechanism (40) and the user (U). Therefore, the user (U) can be effectively directed to the explanation displayed by the first display device (51). Specifically, since the first display device (51) moves within the field of view of the user (U) viewing the game mechanism (40), there is an advantage in that the user (U) can easily notice the explanation displayed by the first display device (51).

The term "position between the game mechanism (40) and the user (U)" refers to, for example, the position between the position of the user's (U) eyes (both eyes or one eye) and any point on the game mechanism (40). In other words, the second position (P2) is a position on a line that passes through the position of the user's (U) eyes and any point on the game mechanism (40). For example, the second position (P2) is a position on a line that passes through the position of the user's (U) eyes and the center of gravity of the game mechanism (40). The position of the user's (U) eyes is defined as a point within a predetermined range based on the user (U). The predetermined range is, for example, the range of movement of the eye position linked to changes in the user's (U) posture. Similarly, the point on the game mechanism (40) is not a single point in space, but an arbitrary point within a predetermined range.

The second position (P2) can also be expressed as a point on a line that passes through any point within the range in which the game mechanism (40) exists in a specific direction and any point within the range in which the user (U) exists in that direction. The "specific direction" is, for example, the left-right direction of the user (U). In other words, the second position (P2) is, for example, a point on a line that passes through any point within the range of the width of the game mechanism (40) and any point within the range of the width of the user (U).

The second position (P2) is particularly a position between the game mechanism (40) and the user (U) in a planar view. "Planar view" means viewing from above in the vertical direction. The position of the user (U) in a planar view means the usual position of a single user (U) playing a game, for example, a position facing the game mechanism (40). In a configuration in which a second display device (42) is installed, it is assumed that the user (U) is located, for example, in the direction of a normal passing through the center of the display surface of the second display device (42).

Specifically, the "second position (P2)" can also be described as the position between the eyes of an average-sized user (U) and the game mechanism (40). In other words, when the first display device (51) crosses the line of sight (L) of the user (U) viewing the game mechanism (40), the first display device (51) can be interpreted as being at the second position (P2).

[Appendix 6]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 6) of Supplementary Note 4 or Supplementary Note 5, the game mechanism (40) includes a table (411) including a front edge (411a) located on the near side as seen from the user (U) playing the game, a movable body (412) that moves back and forth on the table (411), and a pusher game mechanism (41) that drops multiple game objects (M, B) placed on the top surface of the table (411) or the top surface of the movable body (412) from the front edge (411a), and the second position (P2) is a position on the near side of the table (411) as seen from the user (U). In the above embodiment, a first display device (51) located at the second position (P2) on the near side of the table (411) as seen from the user (U) displays an explanation. Therefore, it is possible to effectively shift the user's (U's) line of sight (L), which is normally focused on the table (411), to the explanation displayed by the first display device (51). Specifically, by moving the first display device (51) to the front side of the table (411), the user (U) can easily notice the explanation displayed by the first display device (51) even in a configuration in which the pusher game mechanism (41) is relatively large relative to the user's (U) field of vision.

"Game object (M, B)" is an object of any shape used in a pusher game. For example, a disk-shaped or spherical object of any shape (e.g., a medal or ball) is an example of a game object (M, B).

The planar shape of the table (411) is arbitrary. For example, a typical example of the planar shape of the table (411) is an approximately rectangular shape (rectangular or square), but a polygonal or circular shape (e.g., a perfect circle or ellipse) is also conceivable. Furthermore, the direction in which the movable body (412) reciprocates on the table is arbitrary. For example, in addition to a form in which the movable body (412) reciprocates along the front-to-back direction of the user (U) playing the game, a form in which the movable body (412) reciprocates along the left-to-right direction of the user (U) is also conceivable. In other words, it is sufficient that the movable body (412) moves so that the game objects (M, B) approach an opening into which the game objects (M, B) can fall.

[Appendix 7]
In any specific example (Supplementary Note 7) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, the first display device (51) displays an explanation about the game, and the movement mechanism (52) moves the first display device (51) both in an operating state in which the game is being played and in a paused state in which play of the game is paused. In the above configuration, the movement of the first display device (51) and the display of the explanation are executed not only in an operating state in which a user (U) is playing a game, but also in a paused state in which play of the game is paused. Therefore, users (U) located around the game device (1) can be given an incentive to play the game. In particular, because the first display device (51) moves even in a paused state, surrounding users (U) can easily notice the explanation displayed by the first display device (51). Therefore, the user (U) can be effectively given an incentive to play the game.

A "resting state" refers to a state in which no user (U) is playing a game. For example, the resting state begins when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation by the user (U) and ends when an operation by the user (U) is accepted. Note that operations by the user (U) include, for example, an instruction to consume (bet) game value, inserting a gaming object (M, B) such as a medal, or operating an operation device. A state in which a user (U) playing a game is not present may also be identified as a "resting state." The presence or absence of a user (U) is determined, for example, by analyzing an image captured by an imaging device. In addition, in an environment in which placing a registered card in a state in which communication with the game device (1) is possible (e.g., inserting a registered card into an insertion slot) is required to play the game, a state in which a registered card is not present may also be identified as a "resting state." On the other hand, an "operating state" refers to a state in which a user (U) is playing a game.
Even when operations by a user (U) are performed intermittently, a state in which the interval between successive operations is less than a predetermined time can be interpreted as an "operating state." The "operating state" may also be expressed as a state other than the "inactive state."

[Appendix 8]
In any specific example (Supplementary Note 8) of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, the first display device (51) displays the explanation when the game is in a predetermined situation, erases the explanation, and, after erasing the explanation, re-displays the explanation if the predetermined situation continues when play of the game is resumed from a paused state. In the above configuration, the explanation is displayed when the game played by the user (U) is in a predetermined situation, and the explanation is re-displayed if the situation continues when play of the game is resumed from a paused state. Therefore, a user (U) who resumes play of the game after a paused state can easily notice the explanation displayed by the first display device (51). Furthermore, other users (U) who start playing the game after the user (U) can confirm the explanation regarding the game. In the above aspect, it is preferable that, when play of the game is resumed from a paused state, not only the first display device (51) re-displays the explanation, but also the movement mechanism (52) moves the first display device (51).

A "predetermined situation" refers to a situation that arises and resolves as the game progresses. For example, in a pusher game, examples of "predetermined situations" include a situation in which the game object (M, B) is about to fall, or a situation in which the game object (M, B) is sufficiently separated from the front edge (411a). Furthermore, in a physical lottery in which a game object (M, B), such as a ball, is made to enter one of multiple pockets, examples of "predetermined situations" include a situation in which the game object (M, B) has entered one of the pockets, or a situation in which the game object (M, B) has not entered any of the pockets. Furthermore, in an electronic lottery in which one of multiple lottery elements is probabilistically selected through computational processing, an example of a "predetermined situation" would be a situation in which a specific lottery element has not been selected from among multiple lottery elements.

"Erasing the explanation" means that the first display device (51) changes to a state in which the explanation cannot be seen by the user (U). Specifically, in addition to literally erasing the explanation, "erasing the explanation" also applies to the first display device (51) making the explanation invisible by displaying an image other than the explanation. Furthermore, "resume game play" means transitioning from a paused state to an active state.

[Appendix 9]
The system includes a plurality of stations (21), each of which includes the game mechanism (40), the first display device (51), and the moving mechanism (52). According to the above aspect, since a first display device (51) is installed for each station (21), it is possible to display a unique explanation of the game for each station (21) on the first display device (51). Since the first display device (51) that displays the explanation of the game at each station (21) moves between the plurality of stations (21), users (U) at each station (21) can easily notice the explanation of the game they are playing.

1...Game device, 11...Game unit, 12...Central unit, 21...Station, 22...Lottery unit, 23...Control device, 231...Progress control unit, 232...Display control unit, 24...Storage device, 30...Operation panel, 31...Operation device, 32...Acceptance device, 33...Payout device, 40...Game mechanism, 41...Pusher game mechanism, 411...Fixed table, 411a...Front edge portion, 412...Movable Table, 412a...lottery hole, 413...insertion device, 414...fixed wall, 415...supply device, 416, 417...detection device, 42...display device, 50...display unit, 51...display device, 52...movement mechanism, 521...support member, 522...guide member, 523...drive device, 524...connection mechanism, 524a...first member, 524b...second member, 526...front portion, 527...back portion, 528...lower edge portion.

Claims (6)

A plurality of stations are provided,
Each of the plurality of stations
a game mechanism for executing a game;
a first display device that displays an explanation about the game;
a moving mechanism that moves the first display device from one of a first position and a second position to the other; and a second display device that displays the progress of the game and has a fixed position,
the first display device displays an explanation about the game at the second position;
The game mechanism includes:
a table including a front edge portion positioned on the front side as seen from a user playing the game;
a movable body that reciprocates on the table;
a pusher game mechanism that drops a plurality of game pieces placed on the top surface of the table or the top surface of the movable body from the front edge,
The second position is closer to the game mechanism than the first position, and when the first display device is in the second position, the line of sight of the user viewing the game mechanism while playing the game intersects with the first display device.
Game device. A plurality of stations are provided,
Each of the plurality of stations
a game mechanism for executing a game;
a first display device that displays an explanation about the game;
a moving mechanism that moves the first display device from one of a first position and a second position to the other; and a second display device that displays the progress of the game and has a fixed position,
the first display device displays an explanation about the game at the second position;
The game mechanism includes:
a table including a front edge portion positioned on the front side as seen from a user playing the game;
a movable body that moves back and forth on the table, and a pusher game mechanism that drops a plurality of game pieces placed on the top surface of the table or the top surface of the movable body from the front edge,
the second position is a position on the front side of the table as seen from the user,
A game device in which, when the first display device is in the first position, the range of the first display device in the horizontal direction of the user and the range of the pusher game mechanism in the horizontal direction do not overlap each other. A plurality of stations are provided,
Each of the plurality of stations
a game mechanism for executing a game;
a first display device that displays an explanation about the game;
a moving mechanism that moves the first display device from one of a first position and a second position to the other; and a second display device that displays the progress of the game and has a fixed position,
the first display device displays an explanation about the game at the second position;
The game mechanism includes:
a table including a front edge portion positioned on the front side as seen from a user playing the game;
a movable body that moves back and forth on the table, and a pusher game mechanism that drops a plurality of game pieces placed on the top surface of the table or the top surface of the movable body from the front edge,
the second position is a position on the front side of the table as seen from the user,
The second display device is a game device located on the far side of the table as seen from the user. The game device according to claim 1 , wherein the movement mechanism moves the first display device when the first display device displays an explanation about the game. In both an operating state in which the game is being played and a resting state in which play of the game is paused,
the first display device displays an explanation about the game;
The game device according to claim 1 , wherein the movement mechanism moves the first display device. The first display device is
displaying the explanation when the game is in a predetermined state, and erasing the explanation when a predetermined condition is met after the explanation is displayed;
5. A game device according to claim 1, wherein, after the explanation is deleted, when play of the game is resumed from a paused state, if the predetermined situation continues, the explanation is redisplayed.