JP7752200B2 - Computer system, server system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a computer system that draws a lottery to select game objects to be awarded to users.

Video games are known that provide a chance to draw a game object to be awarded to the player, and this is one of the important elements that make up the enjoyment of the game.

There are various types of lotteries. For example, in a typical lottery machine known as "gacha" or a lottery format that imitates it, one winning item (a prize awarded to the user) is selected from a pool of prizes and awarded to the user. The same applies to formats in which multiple lotteries are held for a single payment.

A variant of "gacha" is the so-called "select gacha." "Select gacha" is a format that allows users to choose (select) the prize that will ultimately be awarded to them. Specifically, from a pool of prizes, multiple candidates are initially selected by lottery and presented to the user. The user can then select the prize they will ultimately win from the presented candidates. Because users have the freedom to choose, select gacha tends to result in higher user satisfaction than regular gacha, and is therefore popular (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-047100 A

The lottery associated with a game is an important element that makes the game appealing. Furthermore, the market is always demanding more attractive lotteries.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an attractive new lottery technology.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a computer system for drawing a game object to be awarded to a user, the computer system comprising:
a number-of-game objects setting means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 8, the lottery management unit 220, the number-of-game objects setting unit 222, the lottery management data 750 in FIG. 13, the user-selected number of game objects 764, and steps S40 to S42 in FIG. 15) that sets the number of game objects to be awarded to the user (hereinafter referred to as the "number of game objects") based on an operational input by the user;
A candidate number determination means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 8, the lottery management unit 220, the candidate number determination unit 228, the candidate number 772 in FIG. 13, step S44 in FIG. 15) for determining a number of candidates greater than the number of awards;
a candidate lottery means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 8, the lottery management unit 220, the candidate lottery unit 234, the candidate list 776 in FIG. 13, and step S54 in FIG. 16) for drawing game object candidates by lottery;
a grant game object determination means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1 , the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 8 , the lottery management unit 220, the grant game object determination unit 238, the grant target item list 778 in FIG. 13 , and step S64 in FIG. 16 ) that determines the number of game objects to be granted from the candidates selected by the candidate selection means;
granting control means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 8, the lottery management unit 220, the granting control unit 240, step S74 in FIG. 16) that controls granting to the user the game object determined by the granting game object determination means;
A computer system comprising:

The term "computer system" as used here refers to not only a single computer, but also to a system realized by multiple computers working together.

The first invention provides a new computer-implemented lottery in which, when playing a lottery in which game objects are prizes, the user can set the number of prizes that can ultimately be won (award number) based on their own selection.

A second invention is a computer system according to the first invention, in which the game object determination means determines the number of game objects to be granted based on the user's operational input (e.g., step S64 in Figure 16).

The second invention provides a new select gacha that allows the user to set the number of prizes (awarded number) that can ultimately be won based on their own selection.

A third invention is a computer system according to the first or second invention, further comprising a bonus number setting means (e.g., the control board 1150 of FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 8, the lottery management unit 220, the bonus number setting unit 230, the population initial setting data 520 of FIG. 10, the bonus definition data 540, the performance bonus definition data 542, and step S14 of FIG. 15) for setting a given bonus number based on information about the user related to game play, and wherein the awarded game object determination means determines the number of game objects to be awarded and the number of game objects to be awarded from the candidates selected by the candidate selection means.

The "user information related to game play" referred to here is, for example, information related to game usage and game results. More specifically, it is information about the player level (or the player character's level), game progress, game results, number of items owned, cumulative number of plays, cumulative play time, type of character used as the player character, etc.

According to the third aspect, the number of game objects ultimately awarded to a user can be increased based on user information related to game play. This can improve user satisfaction with the lottery.

A fourth invention is a computer system according to the first or second invention, further comprising a first upper limit number of awards change means (e.g., the control board 1150 of FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 8, the lottery management unit 220, the first upper limit number of awards change unit 224, the first upper limit number of awards definition data 532 of FIG. 10, or step S16 of FIG. 15) that changes the upper limit of the number of awards that can be set by the award number setting means based on information about the user related to game play.

According to the fourth invention, the upper limit on the number of points a user can set per lottery opportunity can be changed depending on the user's game usage and game performance. For example, if the upper limit is set higher the more frequently the user plays the game or the better the game performance, this can encourage the user to play the game more aggressively. In other words, the lottery opportunity can be used as a chance to increase the user's motivation to play the game.

A fifth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, further comprising a second upper limit grant number changing means (e.g., the control board 1150 of FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 8, the lottery management unit 220, the second upper limit grant number changing unit 226, the second upper limit grant number definition data 534 of FIG. 10, or step S16 of FIG. 15) that changes the upper limit of the grant number that can be set by the grant number setting means based on the user's payment instruction operation to pay value points or consume a value item.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, if the user agrees to pay an additional fee, the upper limit on the number of awarded items can be changed. For example, if the amount of reward points and the increase in the upper limit are set to be positively correlated, the user can be given the opportunity to increase the number of game objects that can be acquired in that lottery by paying a fee. This can further enhance the appeal of the lottery and improve user satisfaction with the lottery.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a candidate addition means (e.g., the control board 1150 of FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 8, the lottery management unit 220, the candidate addition unit 236, the combination bonus definition data 560 of FIG. 11, or step S56 of FIG. 16) that adds a game object corresponding to a given combination condition as a new candidate if the candidate selected by the candidate selection means satisfies the given combination condition.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when a specific combination is formed from the lottery candidates, the number of candidates can be increased. This can further enhance the appeal of the lottery and improve user satisfaction with the lottery.

A seventh invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, in which the award control means controls the awarding of a game object to the user according to a given combination condition when the candidate selected by the candidate selection means satisfies the given combination condition (e.g., the control board 1150 of FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s of FIG. 8, the selection management unit 220, the candidate addition unit 236, the combination bonus definition data 560 of FIG. 11, and step S60 of FIG. 16).

According to the seventh aspect, if a specific combination is formed from the lottery candidates, additional game objects can be awarded. As a result, the number of game objects that the user ultimately receives will be greater than the number of awards set by the user, further increasing the appeal of the lottery and improving user satisfaction with the lottery.

An eighth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, further comprising a population setting means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 8, the lottery management unit 220, the population setting unit 232, the applicable population item list 774 in FIG. 13, step S12 in FIG. 15, and step S52 in FIG. 16) that sets a population for the lottery by the candidate lottery means.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, a population of game objects that users can obtain can be set by lottery.

A ninth invention is a computer system according to the eighth invention, in which the population setting means sets the population based on the number of grants (for example, the "grant number range" of the adjustment setting data 550 and adjustment application requirements 551 in FIG. 10).

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the population of game objects that a user can obtain by lottery can be set based on the number of awards. This means that the type of population can change depending on the number of awards selected and set by the user themselves, diversifying the content of the lottery and increasing the interest in the lottery.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a computer system according to the eighth or ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the population setting means sets the population based on information about the user related to gameplay (for example, the "Level range" of the adjustment setting data 550 and adjustment application requirements 551 in FIG. 10).

According to the tenth aspect, the type of lottery that results can change depending on how the user plays the game, diversifying the content of the lottery and increasing interest in the lottery.

An eleventh invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to tenth inventions, wherein the candidate number determination means determines the number of candidates so that the number of assignments and the number of candidates have a positive correlation (e.g., the graph in FIG. 4 and the assignment number/candidate number rate definition data 536 in FIG. 10).

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, as the number of awards increases, the options for selecting one game object (the number of candidates per award) also increases, so the more awards are given, the more advantageous it is for the user, thereby increasing the interest and satisfaction associated with the lottery.

A twelfth invention is a server system that is a computer system according to any one of the first to eleventh inventions, and that communicates with the user terminal of the user.

According to the twelfth aspect, a server system can be realized that provides the same effects as any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

A thirteenth invention is a program for causing a computer system to draw lots for game objects to be awarded to a user, the program causing the computer system to function as: a number-of-game objects to be awarded to the user (hereinafter referred to as the "number of game objects to be awarded") setting means for setting the number of game objects to be awarded to the user based on the user's operational input; a number-of-candidate determination means for determining a number of candidates greater than the number of game objects to be awarded; a candidate lottery means for drawing game object candidates equal to the number of candidates; an award game object determination means for determining the number of game objects to be awarded from the candidates drawn by the candidate lottery means; and an award control means for controlling the awarding of the game objects determined by the award game object determination means to the user.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the computer system can be made to perform the same functions as the first aspect.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a lottery preparation screen for setting up preparations for a lottery. 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the number of granted points and the rate at which the number of candidates is determined based on the number of granted points. 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between user information related to game play and the upper limit of the number of points that can be awarded. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a process related to the execution of a lottery. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a grant item selection screen. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in a server storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of population initial setting data. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of combination bonus definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of user management data. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of lottery management data. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the server system in the first embodiment. 16 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 15. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in a terminal storage unit according to the second embodiment.

The following describes one example of an embodiment of the present invention, but it goes without saying that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiment.

First Embodiment
1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system. The game system 1000 includes a server system 1100 and a user terminal 1500, which are connected to each other via a network 9 so that data communication is possible between them. The game system 1000 is a computer system that provides a game provision service that provides an online game to a user 2 using the user terminal 1500, a lottery provision service that provides a lottery opportunity to win items related to the online game, and an online shopping service that allows the user 2 to purchase items related to the online game. Of course, the game system 1000 may also provide other services in addition to the above.

Network 9 refers to a communication path over which data communication is possible. In other words, network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), as well as communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, regardless of whether the communication method is wired or wireless.

The server system 1100 has, for example, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140, and the main unit is equipped with a control board 1150.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or SoC (System on a Chip).

The server system 1100 realizes the functions of providing a game provision service, a lottery provision service, and an online shopping service by having the control board 1150 perform calculations based on predetermined programs and data. This includes providing programs that can be executed on the user terminal 1500 and various data required to run the programs, which are related to the provision of these services.

Note that although Figure 1 shows only one user terminal 1500, in actual system operation, multiple user terminals 1500 can access the server system 1100 simultaneously.

Furthermore, although server system 1100 is depicted as if it were a single server device, it may be configured to be realized by multiple devices. For example, server system 1100 may be configured to include multiple blade servers that share various functions and are connected to each other via an internal bus so that they can communicate data with each other. Furthermore, the location of the hardware that makes up server system 1100 does not matter. It may also be configured so that multiple independent servers installed in remote locations communicate data over network 9, and function as server system 1100 as a whole.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 1500.
The user terminal 1500 is a computer system used by a user who has completed a registration procedure to use the game system 1000 of this embodiment, and is an electronic device (electronic device) that can access the server system 1100 via the network 9. Note that the user terminal 1500 of this embodiment is a device known as a smartphone, but it may also be a computer such as a wearable computer such as a smartwatch or smartglasses, a portable game device, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. When multiple electronic devices are organically linked to perform a single function, such as a combination of a smartphone and a smartwatch connected to the smartphone, these multiple electronic devices can be considered as a single user terminal 1500.

The user terminal 1500 is equipped with directional input keys 1502, button switches 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as both an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540, which is a computer-readable storage medium. Other features include a power button, volume control button, etc., not shown. It may also be equipped with an IC card reader that can contactlessly read and write data from IC card-type credit cards or prepaid cards that can be used to pay for use of the game system 1000.

The control board 1550 is equipped with (1) a CPU 1551 and various microprocessors such as a GPU and DSP, (2) various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, (3) a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with mobile phone base stations and wireless LAN base stations connected to the network 9, and (4) an interface circuit 1557.

The interface circuit 1557 includes (1) a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, a circuit for receiving signals from the directional input keys 1502 and button switches 1504, (2) an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to the speaker 1510, (3) an input signal generation circuit for generating audio signals collected by the microphone 1512, and (4) a signal input/output circuit for the memory card reader 1542.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via bus circuits or the like, enabling the reading and writing of data and the sending and receiving of signals. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of the user terminal in IC memory 1552.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download programs and various setting data from the server system 1100, but it may also be configured to read them from a storage medium such as a separately obtained memory card 1540.

Next, the lottery providing service will be described.
The lottery offered is in the form of what is known as "select gacha."
There are lottery opportunities when the user is logged in but not playing the game, and when the user is playing the game. The former is provided as a lottery that can be executed at any time by the user. The latter is provided as an event during game play. For example, if the game playable through the game provision service is an RPG, a lottery is executed once a day each time the player character visits the village amusement park, and a game object is awarded to the user. If the game is a racing game, the lottery is provided as a lottery to select a prize for winning a race. In addition, depending on the content of the game, lottery opportunities can be provided as appropriate as an opportunity for the user to acquire game objects that can be used in the game.

In the following, items that can be used and utilized in the game will be used as examples of game objects that are selected by lottery and awarded to users, but game objects other than items can also be used as prizes in the lottery as appropriate.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery preparation screen for setting up preparations for a lottery.
When a lottery opportunity arrives, the lottery preparation screen W3 is displayed on the user terminal 1500. The lottery preparation screen W3 includes an award number selection unit 10, an additional payment instruction operation unit 14, an additional payment premium notification unit 16, a usage bonus notification unit 20, a performance bonus notification unit 22, an applied lottery setting notification unit 24, and a candidate lottery execution operation icon 26.

The grant number selection unit 10 accepts the user's selection and setting of the number of game objects (granted number) to be granted to the user in the current lottery opportunity, in other words, the number of game objects the user wishes to receive in the current lottery opportunity.

Specifically, the grant number selection unit 10 includes different grant number options 12. Each grant number option is presented to the user in association with a grant number, a candidate number, and a corresponding value (standard value: 100P, 200P, ... in FIG. 3). The candidate number is the number of candidates for the item that the user will ultimately select and acquire, and is a value greater than the grant number. For example, if the candidate number is "2" and the grant number is "1," this means that after "two" items are selected by lottery as grant candidates, the user can select and acquire "one" item from these two candidates.

In the example of Figure 3, the unit of payment for the lottery is payment points (for example, points awarded based on game performance, points that can be purchased online, or other electronic payment media), but real currency or items (game objects) used in the game may also be used as units. Of course, the payment can also be "0", meaning the lottery is free.

Each grant number option 12 displays a corresponding grant number and a candidate number determined based on that grant number. Each grant number option 12 also serves as an operation icon for selecting the corresponding grant number, and the user touches one of the grant number options 12 to select the desired grant number (the number of game objects they wish to receive in this lottery).

Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the grant number and the rate (grant number candidate rate) of the number of candidates determined based on the grant number. Each grant number option 12 is set so that there is a positive correlation between the grant number and the number of candidates overall. That is, for the grant number option 12 of "Grant 1:Candidate 2" in Figure 3, the rate is "1:2." However, when the grant number increases by "1," the rate increases to "1:2.5" for the grant number option 12 of "Grant 2:Candidate 5." Furthermore, when the grant number increases by "1," the rate increases to "1:2.67" for the grant number option 12 of "Grant 3:Candidate 8." In other words, the more grant numbers are increased, the more candidates the user can select and acquire their preferred item (game object).

Note that the rate relationship is not limited to this example and can be set as appropriate. For example, it may be a direct proportional relationship, a logarithmic function relationship, an exponential function relationship, or a step-wise relationship.

In addition, the number of points to be awarded presented in the award number options 12 is limited by an upper limit (maximum award number). The maximum award number is determined based on the user's gameplay information and the user's payment instruction operation.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between user information related to game play and the maximum number of points that can be awarded.
Here, "user information related to game play" includes information related to playing results and information related to the degree of game use.
Examples of the former include, for example, in an RPG, the player level (or the player's character level), the number of kills, the number of items owned, and the number of stages cleared. In a racing game, the number of fastest laps, in-game match results, and race rankings are examples of the former. Examples of the latter include, for example, play frequency, cumulative play time, the number of items purchased through online shopping, and lottery execution outside of game play. The maximum number of points to be awarded is set to have a positive correlation with "user information related to game play."

Returning to Figure 3, the additional payment instruction operation unit 14 is an operation input icon that accepts operation input to set an amount to be added to the standard amount associated with the grant quantity option 12.

The initial state of the additional payment is "0", and it is set so that a predetermined amount (20 P in the example in Figure 3) is paid additionally each time the additional payment instruction operation unit 14 is operated. In other words, the additional payment instruction operation unit 14 also serves as one of the operation icons used by the user to input a payment instruction operation to instruct the user to consume points or other amounts that serve as payment.

The additional payment premium notification unit 16 indicates the premium to be given to the user in response to an operation input to the additional payment instruction operation unit 14. Specifically, the additional payment premium notification unit 16 indicates the increment to be added to the number of candidates in the selected grant quantity option 12. The amount of addition to the number of candidates is determined in a given relationship, for example, so as to have a positive correlation with the additional payment.

The usage bonus notification unit 20 displays the content of the bonus (usage bonus) that is added based on "user information related to game play," particularly information related to the degree of use of the game provision service (e.g., play frequency, cumulative play time, number of items purchased through online shopping, lottery execution outside of game play, etc.).

In the example of Figure 3, the usage bonus is an increase in the number of awards, but it may be something else (for example, an increase in the number of candidates). Furthermore, the usage bonus is set to have a positive correlation, so that the value of the usage bonus increases the more the game provision service is used.

The performance bonus notification unit 22 displays the content of the bonus (performance bonus) that is added based on "user information related to game play," particularly information related to play performance (e.g., player level, number of kills, number of items owned, number of stages cleared, fastest lap times, in-game match results, race ranking, etc.).

In the example of Figure 3, the performance bonus is an increase in the number of candidates, but it may also be something else (for example, an increase in the number of bonuses awarded). The performance bonus is set to have a positive correlation, so that the higher the game performance, the higher the value of the usage bonus. Note that the positive correlation here can be set in ways other than those shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The applicable lottery setting notification unit 24 notifies the lottery settings to be applied to this lottery opportunity, taking into account the grant number option 12 selected by the grant number selection unit 10, the premium notified by the additional payment premium notification unit 16, the usage bonus, and the performance bonus.

If the user agrees with the settings shown in the application lottery setting notification section 24, the user touches the candidate lottery execution operation icon 26 to execute the lottery.
Since the execution of the lottery involves the payment of a fee, the candidate lottery execution operation icon 26 also serves as one of the operation icons for inputting a payment instruction operation instructing the user to consume points or the like as a fee.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the process relating to the lottery execution.
A plurality of different types of lottery populations 4 (4a, 4b, ...; collection of contents in the lottery box) with different contents are prepared in advance. For example, an early game population 4a is prepared for use in the early stage of the game, a mid-game population 4b is prepared for use in the middle stage of the game, and an end-game population 4c is prepared for use in the end stage of the game. In addition, a non-game population 4d is prepared for use in lottery opportunities other than game play. Of course, the configuration of the populations 4 (4a, 4b, ...) can be set to other configurations as appropriate.

When the server system 1100 detects a touch operation on the candidate lottery execution operation icon 26, i.e., a lottery execution operation input, it selects a population 4 that is appropriate for the current situation and adjusts its contents.

Adjustments to the population 4 to be used (population 4a for the opening stage in the example of Figure 6) are performed based on the selected adjustment setting data 550 that is appropriate for the current situation. The adjustment setting data 550 is data that indicates how the population 4 to be used is customized for the user.

The adjustment setting data 550 includes "exclusion requirements."
The "exclusion requirements" are requirements for selecting items to be excluded from the list of items that make up the population 4 to be used. The requirements are defined, for example, using pre-set rarity, grantability requirements, usability requirements, etc. for each type of item (game object) that makes up the population.

"Grantability requirements" are conditions that a user must meet in order to receive the item, and parameters corresponding to user information related to gameplay, such as "clearing five stages," can be used to describe the requirements.
The "usability requirements" are the conditions that the user must meet when using the item, and parameters corresponding to user information related to gameplay, such as "player level is Lv5 or higher," can be used to describe the requirements.

Adjustments based on exclusion requirements are made by excluding from the composition of population 4 items that do not meet the requirements.

Furthermore, the adjustment setting data 550 includes a "target probability distribution" and a "target rarity distribution."
The "target probability distribution" specifies what type or category of item should have what lottery probability, or what proportion of each type or category makes up the population 4.

"Target rarity distribution" focuses on the rarity of items and specifies what lottery probability items of each rarity should have. Alternatively, it specifies what proportion of items of each rarity make up Population 4.

Adjustments based on the target probability distribution and target rarity distribution are performed after adjustments based on the exclusion requirements, and are achieved by selecting items from a pre-prepared group of adjustment items 6 and adding them to the population 4.

It should be noted that instead of selecting and adding an item from the group of items for adjustment 6, it is also possible to copy and add an item that remains in the population 4 after adjustment based on the exclusion requirements.
In addition, the exclusion requirements, target probability distribution, and target rarity distribution of the adjustment setting data 550 may not be set.

FIG. 7 shows a display example of the lottery result of the candidates and the grant item selection screen W7 for selecting the item (grant target item) that the user will ultimately acquire.
The grant item selection screen W7 is displayed on the user terminal 1500 when the lottery is executed. The grant item selection screen W7 includes an effect display unit 40 in which the lottery device moves, a candidate display unit 42, an information display unit 44, a grant item display unit 46, and a grant execution operation icon 48.

The candidate display unit 42 displays standard candidate displays 43a (in the example of Figure 7, the lottery machine is likened to a gacha, so capsule-shaped displays are used) representing the selected candidates, the number of which is equal to the number of candidates. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the standard candidate displays 43a and the selected candidate items.

In addition, bonus candidate display elements 43b may be displayed in the candidate display unit 42. If the selected candidate satisfies a given combination condition, a "bonus candidate" corresponding to the combination is added to the candidates. Bonus candidate display elements 43b have a different design from the standard candidate display elements 43a, and are associated one-to-one with the bonus candidate.

The standard candidate display element 43a and the bonus candidate display element 43b function as icons for selecting the target for information display in the information display unit 44. When the user touches either the standard candidate display element 43a or the bonus candidate display element 43b to perform a selection operation, information about the candidate or bonus candidate associated with that display element is displayed in the information display unit 44.

The candidate display unit 42 may be a list display that combines images of the selected candidate items with information display. In this case, the standard candidate display unit 43a, bonus candidate display unit 43b, and information display unit 44 may be omitted.

The grant item display section 46 is provided for the total number of grants. The total number of grants is the sum of the number of grants associated with the option selected by the user from the grant number options 12 (user-selected number of grants) and the additional number of grants granted as additional payment premiums, usage bonuses, and performance bonuses.

The initial state of each grant item display section 46 is an empty frame with "no setting." This is the state shown in Figure 7. The user can determine the item they want from the candidate display section 42 using the information from the information display section 44, and then drag and drop the standard candidate display 43a or bonus candidate display 43b for that item onto the grant item display section 46, thereby associating the desired item with the grant item display section 46 and setting it as the item to be granted.

Then, the granted item display unit 46 will display an image of the item (game object) associated with the dragged-and-dropped display object. In other words, one item that the user will ultimately acquire (the item that will ultimately be granted) has been set. Note that the setting can be swapped by associating a different display object with the granted item display unit 46 that is displaying the image of the item.

When the user touches the grant execution operation icon 48, the candidate item associated with the grant item display section 46 is granted to the user.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100.
The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server. This corresponds to the keyboard 1106 in Figure 1.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by electronic components such as processors that serve as arithmetic circuits, such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, as well as IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit, including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. It then performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the server system 1100.

The server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 202, an online shopping management unit 204, a game management unit 210, a lottery management unit 220, a timing unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, other functional units may also be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 handles processes related to user registration procedures and stores and manages various information linked to user accounts. Specifically, the user management unit 202 (1) assigns unique user accounts to registered users, (2) manages registration information by registering and managing personal information for each user account, (3) manages play history by managing login and logout history, (4) manages owned items, (5) manages purchase history of items and other items purchased through online shopping, and (6) manages lottery usage history outside of game play. Of course, it can also include management functions for other data linked to accounts as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 also includes an electronic payment information management unit 203. The term "electronic payment information" as used here refers to information used to pay for services provided by the game system 1000 via electronic payment. For example, in a configuration that employs electronic payment using a credit card, playpaid card, or membership card, this would include the card number, PIN, etc. Furthermore, in a configuration that employs payment by consuming virtual currency, virtual items, or points that the user has registered in advance through a purchase procedure, this would include the balance of that virtual currency, virtual items, or points.

The online shopping management unit 204 is responsible for controlling online shopping. This can be achieved by appropriately utilizing known online shopping technologies. In this embodiment, players can purchase items (game objects) that can be used in the game through online shopping. Items for sale in online shopping can also be set to be other than these as appropriate.

The game management unit 210 performs various controls related to online games.

The lottery management unit 220 executes various controls related to the lottery process. Specifically, the lottery management unit 220 has a number-of-award setting unit 222, a first upper limit number-of-award changes unit 224, a second upper limit number-of-award changes unit 226, a candidate number determination unit 228, a bonus number setting unit 230, a population setting unit 232, a candidate lottery unit 234, a candidate addition unit 236, a game object-to-be-awarded determination unit 238, and an award control unit 240.

The grant number setting unit 222 sets the number of game objects to be awarded to the user in the lottery (user-selected grant number) based on the user's operational input. Specifically, the grant number setting unit 222 sets the grant number associated with the grant number option 12 selected by the user from among the grant number options 12 displayed in the grant number selection unit 10 of the lottery preparation screen W3 (see Figure 3) as the user-selected grant number.

The first upper limit of the number of points to be awarded change unit 224 changes the upper limit of the number of points to be awarded that can be set by the number of points to be awarded setting unit 222 based on user information related to game play.

The second upper limit of the number of points to be awarded change unit 226 changes the upper limit of the number of points to be awarded that can be set by the number of points to be awarded setting unit 222 based on the user's payment instruction operation to instruct the payment of value points or the consumption of value items. Specifically, the second upper limit of the number of points to be awarded change unit 226 determines the final consumption amount based on the selection result of the number of points to be awarded option 12 and the operation result of the additional payment instruction operation unit 14, and changes the upper limit of the number of points to be awarded based on that consumption amount (see Figure 3).

The candidate number determination unit 228 determines the number of candidates so that the number of candidates is greater than the number of awards, specifically, so that the ratio of the number of candidates to the number of awards has a positive correlation with the number of awards. More specifically, the candidate number determination unit 228 determines the number of candidates based on a predetermined rate determination function (or rate determination table) (see Figure 4). That is, it uses the number of candidates associated with the award number option 12 selected by the user from among the award number options 12 displayed in the award number selection unit 10 on the lottery preparation screen W3 (see Figure 3).

The bonus number setting unit 230 sets a given bonus number based on user information related to game play. Specifically, this includes usage bonuses and performance bonuses (see Figure 3).

The population setting unit 232 sets the population 4 for the lottery by the candidate selection unit 234 based on the number of awards and information about the user related to game play.

The candidate selection unit 234 selects the number of candidates for the game object to be granted by lottery.

When a candidate selected by the candidate selection unit 234 satisfies a given combination condition, the candidate addition unit 236 adds a game object corresponding to the combination condition as a new candidate. The bonus candidate display 43b (see Figure 7) represents the added candidate.

The granted game object determination unit 238 determines the number of game objects to be granted from among the candidates selected by the candidate selection unit 234. Specifically, from among the candidate display objects displayed in the candidate display unit 42 of the granted item selection screen W7 (see FIG. 7), the unit uses the candidate item (game object) associated with the candidate display object set by the user in the granted item display unit 46.

In other words, the awarded game object determination unit 238 determines, from among the candidates selected by the candidate selection unit 234, the game objects corresponding to the number of awarded game objects and the number of bonuses determined by the bonus number setting unit 230, based on the user's operational input.

The granting control unit 240 controls the granting of the game object determined by the grant game object determination unit 238 to the user. Furthermore, if the candidate selected by the candidate selection unit 234 satisfies a given combination condition, the granting control unit 240 controls the granting of the game object according to the combination condition to the user.

The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limit, etc.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates and decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds, sound effects, and background music related to system management and games of the server system 1100. Audio signals related to system management are then output to the sound output unit 390s.

The sound output unit 390s emits an audio signal. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided on the main device or touch panel 1108.

The image generation unit 292s generates images, combines images, and outputs image signals to display them on the image display unit 392s. In this embodiment, it is responsible for part of the function of generating images such as images related to system management of the server system 1100, game screens, the lottery preparation screen W3, and the grant item selection screen W7 (or data for displaying them on the user terminal 1500).

The image display unit 392s is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

The communication control unit 294s performs data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394s.

The communication unit 394s connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, this is realized by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to the communication device 1153.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs and various data to realize the various functions that allow the server processing unit 200s to comprehensively control the server system 1100. It is also used as a working area for the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the server processing unit 200s in accordance with the various programs. This function is realized, for example, by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, online storage, etc. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to storage media such as IC memory 1152 and hard disks installed in the main unit, and storage 1140.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in this embodiment. The server storage unit 500s in this embodiment stores a server program 501, a distribution client program 503, and game initial setting data 510. The server storage unit 500s also stores user management data 600, play data 700, lottery management data 750, and current date and time 800 as data that is generated and managed sequentially. The server storage unit 500s also stores other programs and data (e.g., timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

The server program 501 is a program that is read and executed by the server processing unit 200s to realize the functions of the user management unit 202, online shopping management unit 204, game management unit 210, and lottery management unit 220.
The distribution client program 503 is an original client program provided to the user terminal 1500 .

The game initial setting data 510 includes various initial setting data necessary for controlling the execution of the game. The game initial setting data 510 includes, for example, game space initial setting data 511, character initial setting data 512, item initial setting data 513, population initial setting data 520, and combination bonus definition data 560. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

Game space initial setting data 511 stores the initial settings for various game objects (e.g., fields, buildings, backgrounds, vehicles, background characters used as galleries, etc.) that make up the virtual world of gameplay (game world).

The character initial setting data 512 is prepared for each game object classified as a character appearing in the game (e.g., a character that the player can select as a player character, an enemy character, etc.), and stores various initial setting data related to that character.

Item initial setting data 513 is prepared for each game object that will become an item usable in the game, and stores various initial setting data related to that item. For example, one item initial setting data 513 includes information such as the item name, classification, rarity, ability parameter values that represent the item's effects in the game, grantability requirements, and usability requirements.

The population initial setting data 520 is a collection of game objects equivalent to lottery boxes used for lotteries, and is prepared for each content and usage condition. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, one population initial setting data 520 includes a population type 521, which is identification information for the population, usage requirement definition data 523, an initial population item list 525, an initial upper limit on the number of awards 527, an award number option list 530, a standard compensation rate 531, a first upper limit on the number of awards definition data 532, a second upper limit on the number of awards definition data 534, additional payment premium definition data 535, candidate number of award number rate definition data 536, usage bonus definition data 540, performance bonus definition data 542, an adjustment item list 544, and adjustment setting data 550. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The usage requirement definition data 523 defines the requirements for the population to be used in the lottery. For example, it can be set as appropriate, such as "early game," "mid game," "late game," "non-game play," "for stage X (X is a natural number)," or "for clearing the boss."

The initial population item list 525 is a list of identification information for the items (game objects) that make up the population. Even if the same type of item is included in the population, if multiple items are included, they are each registered as separate items.

The grant quantity option list 530 is a list of grant quantities initially presented to the user, and determines the type of grant quantity presented in the grant quantity option 12 (see Figure 3).

The standard compensation rate 531 is data prepared when the lottery is implemented as a valuable lottery, and sets the standard compensation rate for the number of awards associated with each of the award number options 12.

The first upper limit of the number of points that can be awarded definition data 532 is data that defines how the upper limit of the number of points that can be awarded is changed based on the user's information about game play (see Figure 5). For example, the first upper limit of the number of points that can be awarded definition data 532 is realized by a predetermined function or table data that uses as variables numerical values representing the user's information about game play that has been stored for the user (such as past play results, current play results, and level of use).

The second upper limit of the number of points to be awarded definition data 534 is data that defines how the upper limit of the number of points to be awarded is changed based on the user's payment instruction operation to instruct the payment of value points or the consumption of value items (see Figure 5). For example, the second upper limit of the number of points to be awarded definition data 534 is realized by a predetermined function or table data that uses the total value to be paid in connection with the current lottery as a variable.

The additional payment premium definition data 535 is data that defines the premium granted to the user in accordance with the additional payment made in addition to the standard payment. The premium is, for example, an increase in the number of candidates added to the number of candidates determined based on the number of options (user-selected number of options) selected from the number of options 12 for each range of additional payment. Of course, the content of the premium is not limited to this, and could be, for example, an increase in the user-selected number of options, an increase in the maximum number of options, etc.

The grant number candidate number rate definition data 536 is data that defines the relationship for determining the number of candidates based on the grant number (see Figure 4).

The bonus usage definition data 540 defines the bonus to be awarded depending on the user's level of game usage. For example, it defines the bonus award number to be added to the award number selected from the bonus number options 12 (user-selected bonus number), the number of bonus candidates to be added to the number of candidates determined based on the bonus number candidate rate definition data 536, etc.

The performance bonus definition data 542 defines the bonus to be awarded based on the user's playing performance (for example, in the case of a lottery opportunity during game play, the playing performance at that time). For example, it defines the number of bonuses to be awarded to be added to the number of bonuses selected by the user, the number of potential bonuses to be added to the number of candidates determined based on the potential number of bonuses rate definition data 536, etc.

Adjustment setting data 550 is prepared for each pattern of how the initial population item list 525 is changed or adjusted prior to the lottery being held, and stores various data defining the pattern. One adjustment setting data 550 stores, for example, adjustment application requirements 551 indicating the requirements for applying the data, exclusion requirements 553 specifying items (game objects) to be excluded from the composition of the population 4, target probability distribution 555, and target rarity distribution 557. Of course, data other than these may also be stored as appropriate. Adjustment application requirements 551 can be described as a single or multiple combinations of, for example, the range of the number of items to be awarded, the range of player levels, the range of total compensation, etc.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of combination bonus definition data 560. One or more types of combination bonus definition data 560 are prepared. One set of combination bonus definition data 560 stores a candidate combination pattern 561 and a bonus content 563 that is awarded when the combination can be achieved with the configuration of the selected candidate, in association with each other. The bonus content 563 stores, for example, a bonus candidate 564 that is added to the selected candidate, and a bonus item 565 that is awarded in addition to the item to be awarded that the user selected from the candidates. Note that combination bonus definition data 560 may be prepared in which either the bonus content 563 or the bonus item 565 is "not set."

Returning to Figure 9, user management data 600 is prepared for each user who has completed the required registration procedures, and stores various data related to that user. As shown in Figure 12, for example, one piece of user management data 600 includes a unique user account 601, electronic payment information 603, billing history data 605, play history data 607, owned item management data 610, and game save data 612. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

Charging history data 605 is created for each charge (payment of a fee) made by the user. One piece of charging history data 605 stores information indicating, for example, the charging history, the charged amount, and the reason for the charge (what the fee was paid for), in association with each other.

Play history data 607 is created each time a game is played. Each piece of play history data 607 stores, for example, the play date and time and the play results in association with each other.

Owned item management data 610 is prepared for each type of item owned by the user (for which the user has the right to use the item's data). One owned item management data 610 stores, for example, the item type, item control parameter values (e.g., parameter values describing the latest status of the item), quantity, etc., in association with each other.

Returning to Figure 9, play data 700 is created for each game play and stores various data describing the latest progress and latest play results for that game play.

The lottery management data 750 is created for each lottery opportunity and stores various data for managing the lottery associated with that opportunity. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, one lottery management data 750 stores a unique lottery ID 751, a lottery drawer account 752, a usage population type 754, a maximum grant number 756, an applicable usage bonus 758, an applicable performance bonus 760, grant number option setting data 762, a user-selected grant number 764, a user-selected standard consideration 766, an additional consideration 768, an additional payment premium 770, a total grant number 771, a candidate number 772, an applicable population item list 774, a candidate list 776, and a grant target item list 778. Of course, other data may also be stored as appropriate.

The population type 754 used is information indicating the population 4 to be used for the lottery opportunity, and indicates one of the population types 521 in the population initial setting data 520.

The maximum number of allotted items 756 is the upper limit of the number of allotted items presented as the number of allotted items option 12, and is the maximum number of allotted items that the user can select from the number of allotted items option 12. The initial value of the maximum number of allotted items 756 is the initial maximum number of allotted items 527 of the population 4 indicated by the used population type 754, and is changed based on the first maximum number of allotted items definition data 532 and the second maximum number of allotted items definition data 534 of the population 4 being used.

The grant number option setting data 762 is prepared for each grant number option 12 and stores a unique option ID, the grant number (presented grant number) and the number of candidates (presented candidate number) associated with that option. The presented grant number is the value set in the grant number option list 530 for the population 4 being used. The number of candidates being presented is determined based on the grant number candidate number rate definition data 536 for the population 4 being used.

The user-selected grant number 764 is initially set to a predetermined value (e.g., "1") and stores the grant number associated with the option selected by the user from grant number options 12.

User-selected standard consideration 766 stores the standard consideration associated with the award quantity option 12 when a value lottery is used. Examples of this include "100P", "200P", etc. in Figure 3.

The additional payment amount 768 is initially set to "0", and when the user voluntarily issues an instruction to pay the additional payment amount, the instruction is stored. Specifically, the result of the operation input on the additional payment instruction operation unit 14 (see Figure 3) is stored.

The additional payment premium 770 stores the content of the premium granted to the user in accordance with the additional consideration 768 (specifically, the increase added to the candidate number determined by the grant number candidate number rate).

The total number of grants 771 is the sum of the user-selected number of grants 764, the applied usage bonus 758, the applied performance bonus 760, and the increase in the number of grants set by the additional payment premium 770.

The number of candidates 772 indicates the set value for the number of candidates to be drawn. Specifically, the initial value of the number of candidates 772 is determined and set to a value corresponding to the initial value (e.g., "1") of the total number of awards 771 by referencing the award number candidate number rate definition data 536 (see Figures 10 and 4) in the population initial setting data 520 for population 4 indicated by the used population type 754. Thereafter, when the user determines the user-selected award number 764 by selecting an award number option 12, the number of candidates 772 is changed to the number of candidates corresponding to the value indicated by the total number of awards 771 based on the award number candidate number rate definition data 536, and further the increase in the number of candidates set by the applied usage bonus 758, applied performance bonus 760, and additional payment premium 770 is added.

The applicable population item list 774 describes the composition of the population 4 that is applied to the lottery. Specifically, the initial population item list 525 (see Figure 10) of the population initial setting data 520 for the population 4 indicated by the used population type 754 is copied. Adjustments (removal or addition of constituent items) are then made based on the contents of the adjustment setting data 550 that is applied at that time.

The candidate list 776 is a list of identification information for items (game objects) that are candidates selected by lottery. Bonus candidates 564 based on the bonus combination definition data 560 (see Figure 11) are also added to the candidate list 776.

The list of items to be awarded 778 stores the candidate selected by the user from among the candidates, i.e., the identification information of the item that the user will ultimately acquire. Bonus items 565 based on the bonus combination definition data 560 (see FIG. 11) are also added to the list of items to be awarded 778.

Figure 14 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500 in this embodiment. The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs operation input signals to the device processing unit 200 in response to various operation inputs made by the user. This can be realized, for example, by a push switch, joystick, touchpad, trackball, acceleration sensor, gyro, CCD module, etc. Examples of this include the directional input keys 1502, button switches 1504, and touch panel 1506 in Figure 2.

The device processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as microprocessors such as a CPU or GPU, and IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit, including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. It controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 by executing various arithmetic processes based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the server system 1100. This corresponds to the control board 1550 in Figure 2.

In this embodiment, the device processing unit 200 has a user terminal calculation unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, and a communication control unit 294.

The user terminal calculation unit 260 controls the user terminal 1500 to function as a client device that communicates with the server system 1100. Specifically, the user terminal calculation unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 261 and an image display control unit 262.

The operation signal transmission control unit 261 performs processing to transmit various data and requests to the server system 1100 in response to operations performed on the operation input unit 100.

The image display control unit 262 controls the display of game screens, various operation screens, etc. based on various data received from the server system 1100. It then generates and outputs image signals for displaying these images to the image display unit 392.

The image display unit 392 displays various images based on image signals input from the image display control unit 262. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In this embodiment, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506 in Figure 2.

In this embodiment, images of game screens and screens related to various lotteries are generated by the server system 1100, but they can also be generated by the user terminal 1500. In this case, the image display control unit 262 will perform various controls for generating the screens, such as controlling objects placed in a virtual three-dimensional space to generate 3DCG.

The timing unit 280 uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limit, etc.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing audio files, and generates sound signals for music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 390.

The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs (emits) sound based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. This corresponds to the speaker 1510 in Figure 2.

The communication control unit 294 performs data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394.

The communication unit 394 connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, this is realized by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc., and corresponds to the wireless communication module 1553 in Figure 2.

The device storage unit 500 stores programs for enabling the device processing unit 200 to perform given functions, various data, etc. It is also used as a work area for the device processing unit 200, temporarily storing the results of calculations executed by the device processing unit 200 in accordance with various programs, and input data entered from the operation input unit 100. These functions are realized, for example, by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. Examples of these are the IC memory 1552 and memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 in Figure 2. A configuration using online storage is also possible.

Specifically, the terminal storage unit 500 records a client program 502 for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the user terminal computing unit 260, operation input data 690, and the current date and time 800. Of course, other data can also be stored as appropriate.

Next, the operation of the game system 1000 of this embodiment will be described using an example in which a lottery opportunity occurs during game play.
15 and 16 are flowcharts for explaining the processing flow of the server system 1100 in the first embodiment. The processing flow described here is realized by a user terminal 1500, on which a client program 502 is running, connecting for communication to the server system 1100, on which a server program 501 is running. When user 2 operates the user terminal 1500, the operation input is sent to the server system 1100. It is assumed that the login process has already been completed.

As shown in FIG. 15, the server system 1100 first prepares for game play (step S6). The server system 1100 references the user management data 600 of the player, user 2, and the game save data 612 and owned item management data 610 to construct a game space in a virtual three-dimensional space and place game objects such as the player character and items. Of course, the server system 1100 also performs other initial settings.

Next, the server system 1100 starts the game (step S8). Then, until the game ends, steps S10 to S74 (see Figure 16) are repeatedly executed as lottery management processing for each lottery opportunity.

Specifically, the server system 1100 determines whether a lottery opportunity has arrived (step S10). For example, in an RPG, lottery opportunities can be set when the player character discovers a treasure chest, when a reward is received for defeating a boss character, when the player character gambles or draws lots in a town they visit, etc.

If it is determined that the lottery opportunity has arrived (YES in step S10), the server system 1100 prepares lottery management data 750 and selects the population 4 to use (step S12).

Next, the server system 1100 determines the applicable usage bonus 758 and the applicable performance bonus 760 based on the usage bonus definition data 540 and the performance bonus definition data 542 of the population 4 to be used (step S14).

The server system 1100 also determines the applicable upper limit of the number of points to be awarded 756 (see FIG. 13) (step S16). Specifically, the server system 1100 references the user management data 600 of the player user and the first upper limit of the number of points to be awarded definition data 532 of the population 4 being used, and increases the upper limit of the number of points to be awarded 756 from its initial value based on the user's information related to game play.

Next, the server system 1100 sets the grant number options 12 (step S18). Specifically, the server system 1100 creates grant number option setting data 762 (see FIG. 13) for each grant number equal to or less than the current maximum grant number 756 from the grant number option list 530 (see FIG. 10) of the population 4 being used. In doing so, the server system 1100 determines the number of candidates (number of presented candidates) to be associated with each grant number option 12 based on the grant number candidate rate definition data 536 (see FIGS. 10 and 4) of the population 4 being used.

Next, the server system 1100 displays the lottery preparation screen W3 (see Figure 3) on the user terminal 1500 (step S20). While the lottery preparation screen W3 is displayed, the server system 1100 sequentially updates the applied lottery setting notification unit 24 to the latest state based on the lottery management data 750.

Then, if an operation input to the additional payment instruction operation unit 14 is detected on the lottery preparation screen W3 (YES in step S30), the server system 1100 changes the upper limit of the number of awards 756 based on the second upper limit of the number of awards definition data 534 (step S32), and determines the additional payment premium 770 based on the additional payment premium definition data 535 (step S34). The server system 1100 then resets the number of awards option setting data 762 (step S36), returns to step S20, and updates the number of awards options 12 to match the changed upper limit of the number of awards 756.

If an operation to select one of the award number options 12 is detected on the lottery preparation screen W3 (YES in step S40), the server system 1100 sets the value associated with the selected award number option 12 to the user-selected award number 764 and updates the total award number 771 (step S42).

Then, the server system 1100 determines the number of candidates 772 (step S44). Specifically, the server system 1100 changes the number of candidates 772 to the number of candidates corresponding to the value indicated by the total number of awards 771 based on the award number candidate number rate definition data 536, and further adds the increase in the number of candidates set in the applied usage bonus 758, applied performance bonus 760, and additional payment premium 770.

The server system 1100 repeats steps S20 to S44 until a lottery execution operation is detected (NO in step S50).

When a lottery execution operation is detected (YES in step S50), the process moves to FIG. 16, and the server system 1100 adjusts the population 4 to be used (step S52: see FIG. 6).
Specifically, the server system 1100 selects any setting data that satisfies the adjustment application requirement 551 from the adjusted setting data 550 (see FIG. 10 ) of the population initial setting data 520 of the population 4 to be used. Then, items that satisfy the exclusion requirement 553 are excluded from the applicable population item list 774 (which, before adjustment, is a copy of the initial population item list 525 of the population 4 to be used), and items are added from the adjustment item list 544 to the applicable population item list 774 so as to realize the target probability distribution 555 and the target rarity distribution 557.

Next, the server system 1100 performs a lottery for candidates equal to the number of candidates 772 using the adjusted applicable population item list 774 (step S54). The lottery results are stored in the candidate list 776.

The server system 1100 then compares the selected candidates with the bonus combination definition data 560 (see FIG. 11) and adds the bonus candidates 564 corresponding to the combinations that can be achieved with the candidates to the selected candidates (step S56). In other words, it adds them to the candidate list 776.

Next, the server system 1100 adds the bonus item 565 (see Figure 11) of the combination that is formed from the selected candidates to the list of items to be awarded 778 (step S60).

The server system 1100 then displays the grant item selection screen W7 on the user terminal 1500 (step S62) and accepts the selection operation of the item (game object) to be granted (step S64; see Figure 7). The result of the selection operation is stored in the grant item list 778.

If the grant execution operation is input (YES in step S70), the server system 1100 collects the total amount (= user-selected item 766 + additional amount 768) from the user (step S72) and executes the process of granting the grant target item to the user (step S74). This completes the process related to lottery management for the arrival of 11 lottery opportunities.

When the game has ended (YES in step S80), the server system 1100 executes a data save process (step S82) and ends the series of processes.

If the lottery opportunity is held outside of game play, steps S12 to S74 can be executed.

As described above, this embodiment provides a new computer-implemented lottery in which, when playing a lottery in which items (game objects) are awarded as prizes, the number of prizes that can ultimately be won (awarded number) can be set based on the user's own selection.

Furthermore, the number of items ultimately awarded to a user can be increased based on user information related to game play, thereby improving user satisfaction with the lottery.

In addition, the upper limit on the number of points a user can receive per lottery opportunity can be changed depending on the user's game usage and game performance. The upper limit is set higher the more frequently a user plays the game or the better their game performance, which encourages users to play the game more aggressively. In other words, the lottery opportunity can be used to increase users' motivation to play the game.

Furthermore, if the user agrees to pay an additional fee for the lottery, the upper limit can be changed. For example, the increase in the upper limit is set so that there is a positive correlation between the amount of reward points and the amount of increase in the reward point. Therefore, by paying an additional fee, the user can be given a special chance to increase the number of items they can win in that lottery. This can improve user satisfaction with the lottery.

In addition, if a specific combination is formed from the lottery candidates, the number of candidates can be increased. Furthermore, if a specific combination is formed from the lottery candidates, a separate game object can be awarded. This can improve user satisfaction with the lottery.

The composition of the population 4 can also be set based on user information related to the number of points awarded and gameplay. This means that the type of lottery that results can change depending on the number of points selected or set by the user themselves and how they play, diversifying the content of the lottery and increasing interest in the lottery.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Comparing the second embodiment with the first embodiment, the first embodiment realizes the functions of user management, game management, and lottery management in the server system 1100, whereas the second embodiment realizes these functions in the user terminal 1500. Note that hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components similar to those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

Figure 17 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500B in this embodiment. The user terminal 1500B in this embodiment has a user management unit 202, a game management unit 210, a lottery management unit 220, and an image generation unit 292, instead of the user terminal calculation unit 260 in the first embodiment.

The image generation unit 292 generates images, combines images, and outputs image signals that display them on the image display unit 392.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, the terminal storage unit 500 of this embodiment stores a game program 504 for realizing the functions of the user management unit 202, game management unit 210, and lottery management unit 220, as well as game initial setting data 510, user management data 600, play data 700, and lottery management data 750, and the client program 502 and operation input data 690 of the first embodiment are omitted.

The game initial setting data 510 may be referenced each time the user terminal 1500B accesses the server system 1100, or may be downloaded from the server system 1100 at a given time and a copy stored in the terminal memory unit 500 for reference.

The processing flow of the user terminal 1500B in this embodiment is the same as the flowcharts shown in Figures 15 and 16. That is, in the flowcharts of Figures 15 and 16, the entity that executes various processes and controls can be replaced by the user terminal 1500 from the server system 1100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[Modification]
Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described forms, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

(Variation 1)
For example, in the first embodiment, an example was given in which the game system 1000 was realized by a client-server computer system, but the server system 1100 may be omitted and the game system 1000 may be realized by a computer system in which multiple user terminals 1500 are connected in a peer-to-peer manner. In this case, one of the user terminals 1500 is made to perform the functions of the server system 1100 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the functions of the game management unit 210 and the lottery management unit 220 are shared among multiple user terminals 1500.

Similarly, from the perspective of sharing the functions of the game management unit 210 and the lottery management unit 220, it is also possible to use the first embodiment as a base and have some or all of the functions of the game management unit 210 and the lottery management unit 220 realized and shared by the user terminal 1500.

(Variation 2)
In addition, in the above embodiment, items are used as examples of game objects that can be used as prizes in a lottery, but other game objects, such as game objects defined by the game space initial setting data 511 or the character initial setting data 512, can also be used as prizes in a lottery as appropriate.

(Variation 3)
In the above embodiment, the user selects the item to be awarded from among the candidates, but automatic selection is also possible. In this case, step S62 (see FIG. 16 ) does not accept the selection operation of the item to be awarded, and step S70 is omitted. Instead, an automatic lottery step may be added in which an item to be awarded is randomly selected from the candidates up to the total number of items to be awarded (771).

(Variation 4)
In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the candidate number determination unit 228 determines the number of candidates so that the number of assigned numbers and the number of candidates have a positive correlation (for example, the graph in Figure 4), but they may also be determined so that they have a negative correlation.

2...User 4...Position 12...Number of award options 20...Used bonus notification section 22...Achievement bonus notification section 26...Execution operation icon 42...Candidate display section 46...Awarded item display section 48...Award execution operation icon 200s...Server processing section 220...Lottery management section 222...Award number setting section 224...First upper limit of number of awards change section 226...Second upper limit of number of awards change section 228...Candidate number determination section 230...Bonus number setting section 232...Position setting section 234...Candidate lottery section 236...Candidate addition section 238...Awarded game object determination section 240...Awarding control section 500s...Server memory section 501...Server program 504...Game program 520...Position initial setting data 525...Initial population item list 530...Award number option list 532...First upper limit of number of awards definition data 534...Second upper limit of grant number definition data 536...Grant number candidate number rate definition data 540...Use bonus definition data 542...Performance bonus definition data 550...Adjustment setting data 560...Combination bonus definition data 750...Lottery management data 754...Type of used population 756...Upper limit of grant number 758...Applied use bonus 760...Applied performance bonus 762...Grant number option setting data 764...User-selected grant number 768...Additional consideration 770...Additional payment premium 771...Total grant number 772...Number of candidates 774...Applicable population item list 776...Candidate list 778...Grant target item list 1000...Game system 1100...Server system 1150...Control board 1500, 1500B...User terminal W3...Lottery preparation screen W7...Grant item selection screen

Claims (12)

A computer system that draws a lottery for a game object to be granted to a user,
a grant number setting means for setting the number of game objects to be granted to the user (hereinafter referred to as the "grant number") based on an operation input by the user;
a candidate number determination means for determining a number of candidates greater than the given number;
a candidate selection means for selecting candidates for the number of game objects by lottery;
an award game object determination means for determining the number of game objects to be awarded by automatically selecting the game objects from the candidates selected by the candidate selection means through a predetermined automatic selection process;
an assignment control means for controlling the assignment of the game object determined by the assignment game object determination means to the user;
Equipped with
the granting game object determination means, as the automatic selection process, performs a selection process based on an automatic lottery from among the candidates selected by the candidate selection means to determine the number of game objects to be granted;
Computer system. a bonus number setting means for setting a given bonus number based on the user's information regarding game play;
Further provided with
the awarding game object determination means determines the award number game object and the bonus number game object from among the candidates selected by the candidate selection means;
10. The computer system of claim 1 . a first upper limit change means for changing the upper limit of the number of points to be awarded that can be set by the number setting means based on information of the user relating to game play;
10. The computer system of claim 1 further comprising: a second upper limit grant number changing means for changing the upper limit of the grant number that can be set by the grant number setting means based on a payment instruction operation by the user instructing payment of value points or consumption of value items;
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising: a candidate addition means for adding, when the candidate selected by the candidate selection means satisfies a given combination condition, a game object corresponding to the combination condition as a new candidate;
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising: the granting control means performs control to grant to the user a game object according to a given combination condition when the candidate selected by the candidate selection means satisfies the given combination condition;
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . a population setting means for setting a population of candidates to be selected by the candidate selection means;
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising: The population setting means sets the population based on the number of allocations.
8. The computer system of claim 7 . the population setting means sets the population based on information of the user relating to game play;
9. A computer system according to claim 7 or 8 . the candidate number determination means determines the number of candidates so that the assigned number and the number of candidates have a positive correlation.
The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . A server system that is a computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , which communicates with the user terminal of the user. A program for causing a computer system to draw a game object to be given to a user,
a grant number setting means for setting the number of game objects to be granted to the user (hereinafter referred to as the "grant number") based on an operation input by the user;
a candidate number determination means for determining a number of candidates greater than the number of assigned candidates;
a candidate selection means for selecting candidates for the number of game objects by lottery;
an award game object determination means for determining the number of game objects to be awarded by automatically selecting, through a predetermined automatic selection process, from the candidates drawn by the candidate drawing means;
an assignment control means for controlling the assignment of the game object determined by the assignment game object determination means to the user;
causing the computer system to function as
the granting game object determination means, as the automatic selection process, performs a selection process based on an automatic lottery from among the candidates selected by the candidate selection means to determine the number of game objects to be granted;
program.