JP7845016B2 - Game device and program - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a game device and program.

Traditionally, a type of game machine known as a "pusher game" has been used, employing tokens as the game medium. This machine typically comprises a field on which multiple tokens are placed, and a pusher that moves back and forth across the field. In a pusher game played on this machine, the user inserts tokens into the field, which are then pushed by the pusher and dropped into a payout slot, where they are dispensed to the user.

Regarding the game device in question, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a method for dispensing a predetermined number of tokens purchased with cash into the game device.

Patent No. 6234050

In the game device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a predetermined number of tokens are dispensed into the game device, similar to how a standard token dispenser located outside the game device dispenses a predetermined number of tokens to the player based on the amount of cash received. Therefore, there is a problem in that it fails to provide the added value of dispensing tokens into the game device compared to dispensing tokens from a standard token dispenser.

This invention has been made in view of these problems, and aims to provide a game device and program that can enhance the added value of dispensing game media into the game device itself, compared to dispensing game media using a conventional medal dispensing machine.

A game device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a game device that includes a game field on which game media can be placed, and dispenses game media to a player at a predetermined payout rate, comprising: a calculation means for calculating an internal payout number indicating the number of game media to be dispensed into the game device based on the amount of money inserted into the game device and setting parameters based on the payout rate; and a dispensing means for dispensing the internal payout number of game media into the game device.

In the game device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the setting parameter is the payout rate or a setting value associated with the payout rate.

In the game device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the calculation means calculates a standard number indicating the number of game media corresponding to the amount of money inserted, based on the unit price of the game media, and calculates the internal payout number based on the standard number and the setting parameters.

In the game device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the calculation means calculates the number of internal payouts such that the number of internal payouts is greater than the reference number, and the number obtained by multiplying the number of internal payouts by the payout rate is less than or equal to the reference number.

In the game device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the calculation means calculates a larger number of internal payouts as the payout rate decreases.

In the game device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the calculation means calculates the number of internal payouts based on the progress of the game.

In the game device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the dispensing of game media by the dispensing means includes accumulating the game media in the internal memory of the game device. When a predetermined amount of money is inserted into the game device, the game media stored in the internal memory by the dispensing means cannot be dispensed outside the game device.

The program according to the eighth aspect of the present invention causes a computer, which is a game device equipped with a game field on which game media can be placed and which dispenses game media to the player at a predetermined payout rate, to function as a calculation means for calculating the number of game media to be dispensed into the game device based on the amount of money inserted into the game device and setting parameters based on the payout rate, and as a dispensing means for dispensing the number of game media to be dispensed into the game device.

According to this invention, compared to dispensing game media with a conventional medal dispensing machine, the added value of dispensing game media into the game device itself can be enhanced.

This is a perspective view of the external appearance of the game device according to this embodiment. This is a magnified view of the game machine shown in Figure 1. This is a conceptual diagram to explain the characteristics of pusher games. This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the game device. This is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of a game device. This table illustrates an example of the number of internal payouts calculated when the setting parameter is FPO. This table illustrates an example of the number of internal payouts calculated when the setting parameter is set to 1.5 times the FPO value. This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow during game execution in a game device.

The embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the explanation, the same reference numerals are used for identical components and steps in each drawing whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

<Overall Structure>
Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the game device 10 according to this embodiment.

As shown in Figure 1, the game device 10 executes a medal game, known as a pusher game, using, for example, identically shaped disc-shaped medals M as the game medium. This embodiment describes the case where the game medium is medals M, but the game medium may also be balls B, coins, chips, pieces, trading cards, etc.

The game device 10 comprises a rectangular prism-shaped enclosure 12 and multiple game stations 10A and 10B positioned on the front side of the enclosure 12. Multiple speakers 14 are mounted on the ceiling of the enclosure 12 to output game sounds to the outside of the game device 10. The game stations 10A and 10B are designed to allow multiple players to play medal games simultaneously. Figure 1 shows two game stations 10A and 10B, but the number is not limited to these. Since each game station 10A and 10B has the same configuration and plays the same medal game, the following description will focus on game station 10A, omitting the description of game station 10B.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the game machine 10A in Figure 1.

The game machine 10A comprises a field F (game field), a control panel 18, a pusher 20, a drop-off opening 22, a display panel 24, a lottery machine 26, a timing detection machine 28, a field payout opening 30, a player payout opening 32, a medal reservoir 34, and a prize entry opening 36. Hereinafter, the direction in which the game machine 10A and the player face each other will be referred to as the front-back direction, with the player side being the front and the direction away from the player being the rear. Furthermore, the direction intersecting the front-back direction will be referred to as the left-right direction, with the player's left hand side facing the game machine 10A being the left side (one end) and the player's right hand side being the right side (the other end).

Field F is located approximately in the center of the game machine 10A in the front-to-back direction. Field F is a placement area where medals M and balls B can be placed. In this embodiment, one or more medals M and balls B are placed on Field F before the game starts. Field F is also the area from which medals M and balls B are dispensed. Note that balls B may not be placed beforehand; for example, they may only be dispensed onto Field F when a medal M passes through the prize slot 36 and enters the prize slot.

The control panel 18 is located at the very front of the game machine 10A. The control panel 18 is the control input unit that the player operates to start and advance the game. The player plays the medal game by operating the control panel 18 while visually observing the field F through a transparent panel (not shown) located between the control panel 18 and the field F.

The control panel 18 includes, for example, a coin slot 18A, a medal slot 18B, an operating lever 18C, a push button 18D, and a push button 18E.

The coin slot 18A is located, for example, on the left side of the control panel 18. The coin slot 18A is the part where the player inserts coins and serves as a money receiving section. Note that the money receiving section may accept electronic money, not just cash. For example, the control panel 18 may have, in addition to or instead of the coin slot 18A, a money receiving section that accepts payments of a predetermined amount from a charged app or electronic card.

The medal slots 18B are, for example, provided in two locations on either side of the medal reservoir 34, separated by the medal holder 34. The medal slots 18B are the parts where the player inserts medals M, and serve as the medal receiving area.

Two operating levers 18C are provided, for example, positioned near each medal slot 18B. The operating levers 18C are operation reception units for adjusting the dispensing position on the field F, where medals M are dispensed from the corresponding field dispensing outlets 30, in response to player operations.

The push buttons 18D are located on the left, center, and right sides of the control panel 18. The push buttons 18D are input buttons for controlling the progress of the game displayed on the display panel 24.

Two push buttons 18E are provided on the right side of the control panel 18. The push buttons 18E are operation reception units for players to perform operations such as dispensing medals M from the player payout slot 32.

The pusher 20 is positioned at the rear of the field F. The pusher 20 reciprocates in the forward and backward direction on the field F. This reciprocating motion of the pusher 20 slides the medals M and balls B placed on the field F forward, allowing them to fall into the drop-off opening 22.

The drop-off opening 22 is located in front of the field F and adjacent to the field F. Medals M and balls B fall into the drop-off opening 22. In this embodiment, a prize is awarded when a predetermined number of balls B fall into the drop-off opening 22; therefore, the drop-off opening 22 also functions as a prize-winning opening.

The display panel 24 is positioned behind field F. The display panel 24 displays various game images, including lottery images for executing slot machine draws on the display panel 24.

The lottery machine 26 is a device that performs a physical lottery using a roulette wheel with multiple holes, and is located to the right of the display panel 24. The lottery machine 26 is located approximately in the center of the game device 10 and is shared by game tables 10A and 10B. The holes in the roulette wheel include winning holes and losing holes. The lottery machine 26 performs the roulette wheel lottery by rolling a ball B in the roulette wheel, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, determining whether the hole in which the ball B lands and stops is a winning hole or a losing hole.

The timing detector 28 is located below the display panel 24. The timing detector 28 has a wavy passage and two drop-off openings 28A. The timing detector 28 detects the timing at which the ball B, sent into the passage, falls into one of the two drop-off openings 28A.

The field payout ports 30 are, for example, two located above the field F. The field payout ports 30 dispense medals M onto the field F according to the player's actions and the progress of the medal game.

The player payout port 32 is located in front of the field F and above the medal reservoir 34. The player payout port 32 dispenses the medals M that fall into the drop-off port 22 to the player. The balls B that fall into the drop-off port 22 are not dispensed to the player but are stored inside the game machine 10A.

The medal reservoir 34 is located in front of the field F, approximately in the center in the left-right direction. The medal reservoir 34 is where medals M dispensed from the player payout opening 32 are stored. In the case of a credit-play system, where medals M are not physically inserted by the player but are instead accumulated in the credits, the medals M are not dispensed to the player but are instead accumulated in the credits.

The prize slots 36 are, for example, two of them provided on field F. The prize slots 36 are configured so that medals M moving on field F pass through them. When a medal M passes through at least one of the two prize slots 36, it is detected as a prize, and the lottery is executed.

<Game Overview>
In the game device 10 according to this embodiment, the game device 10 is configured to dispense medals M to the player at a predetermined payout rate (dispensing rate) in accordance with the progress of the game. Hereinafter, the payout rate will be referred to as "PO". PO is an indicator of the expenditure of medals M. The number of medals M inserted into the game device 10 by the player is called the "IN number", and the number of medals M dispensed from the game device 10 to the player is called the "OUT number". PO is defined, for example, by the following formula (1). Note that the following formula (1) shows PO as a ratio. To express PO as a percentage, multiply the right-hand side of the following formula (1) by 100.

(PO) = (Number of OUTs) ÷ (Number of INs) ... (1)

The medal game according to this embodiment is a pusher game in which medals M are dispensed onto the field F in response to the player's operation. Furthermore, when the medals M pass through the prize slot 36 or other lottery conditions are met, a lottery is conducted. If the player wins the lottery, a number of medals M and balls B corresponding to the type of win are dispensed onto the field F. As medals M and balls B are dispensed onto the field F in this way, any medals M already placed on the field F are pushed out by the pusher 20 and fall into the drop slot 22, where they are dispensed to the player.

Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the characteristics of a pusher game. Figure 3 shows a conceptual diagram of field F viewed from above.

As shown in Figure 3, multiple medals M and balls B are placed on the field F. On both sides of the field F, along the front-to-back direction, are provided lateral openings 23, which are medal collection mechanisms for collecting the medals M dispensed onto the field F into the game device 10, and covers 21 for concealing the lateral openings 23. Furthermore, the drop-off opening 22 provided on the front side of the field F may include drop-off openings 22A, 22B, and 22C. At least one of each drop-off opening 22A, 22B, and 22C (for example, drop-off openings 22B and 22C) may be configured to function as a medal collection mechanism for collecting the medals M into the game device 10.

In a pusher game, a portion of the medals M dispensed onto the field F are collected into the game machine 10 by flowing into a medal collection mechanism such as the side holes 23. In other words, in a pusher game, not all medals M dispensed onto the field F are given to the player; only a percentage of the medals M dispensed onto the field F are given to the player. The payout rate, which represents the ratio of the number of medals M dispensed onto the field F to the number of medals M dispensed to the player from the player payout opening 32, is called the field payout rate.

Hereafter, the field payout rate will be referred to as "FPO". FPO is a payout rate specific to pusher games, taking into account the characteristic of pusher games in which, when a win occurs, medals M are not directly paid out to the player but are paid out to the field F. FPO is an indicator of how easily medals M fall from the field F to the drop-off point 22. The larger the FPO, the more medals M are paid out to the player, and the smaller the FPO, the fewer medals M are paid out to the player. Hereafter, the number of medals M paid out to the field F will be referred to as "F_IN number", and the number of medals M that fall from the field F to the drop-off point 22 and are paid out to the player from the player pay-out point 32 will be referred to as "F_OUT number". In this case, FPO is defined by, for example, the following formula (2). Note that the following formula (2) shows FPO as a percentage, and to express FPO as a percentage, you can convert it by multiplying the right side of the following formula (2) by 100.

(FPO) = (Number of F_OUTs) ÷ (Number of F_INs) ... (2)

The game device 10 is designed by its designers, etc., so that it results in a predetermined PO and FPO. For example, the game device 10 collects the medals M dispensed into the field F by a medal collection mechanism such as a side hole 23, so that medals M are dispensed to the player at a predetermined FPO. For example, by adjusting the amount of medals M collected inside the game device 10 by the size and inclination of the side hole 23, the game device 10 is set to dispense medals M to the player at a predetermined FPO. Alternatively, among the drop-off openings 22A, 22B, and 22C, for example, drop-off openings 22B and 22C may function as medal collection mechanisms, and medals M that fall into drop-off openings 22B and 22C may be collected without being dispensed to the player, thereby adjusting the amount of medals M collected inside the game device 10 so that medals M are dispensed to the player at a predetermined FPO. Furthermore, PO and FPO may be automatically adjustable by varying the size and inclination of the horizontal hole 23, or by selectively varying the drop-off openings 22A, 22B, and 22C that function as medal collection mechanisms. It should be noted that PO and FPO are statistical probabilities that converge over the long term, and the actual value resulting from the game's expenditure does not necessarily correspond to these values.

<Hardware Configuration>
Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of the game device 10.

As shown in Figure 4, in addition to the various hardware configurations described above, the game device 10 includes a computing device 200 that comprehensively controls the game device 10.

The computing device 200 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203, a storage device 204, an audio processing unit 205, an image processing unit 206, a communication interface 207, a peripheral device interface 208, and a system bus 210 connecting these components.

The CPU 201 executes the game program deployed on the RAM 202, causing the computing device 200 to implement the functional configuration described later. That is, the computing device 200, under the control of the CPU 201, executes the game program and, in cooperation with other hardware components, realizes the medal game. The RAM 202 functions as the main memory of the CPU 201. The ROM 203 stores the boot program, etc. The storage device 204 consists of a hard disk or the like and stores various programs including the game program, various data, and processing results.

The audio processing unit 205 performs various sound processing under the control of the CPU 201. The sound generated by the sound processing performed by the audio processing unit 205 is output by the speaker 14. The image processing unit 206 performs various graphics processing under the control of the CPU 201. The image generated by the graphics processing performed by the image processing unit 206 is output to the display panel 24. The communication interface 207 is an interface that enables communication with other game devices, servers, and other external devices. The peripheral device interface 208 is an interface that enables communication with peripheral devices such as the control panel 18.

<Functional Configuration>
Figure 5 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the game device 10.

As shown in Figure 5, the game device 10 comprises, functionally, a storage means 40, a detection means 42, a progress means 44, a calculation means 46, and a payout means 48.

The storage means 40 is implemented by one or more storage devices 204. Functional configurations other than the storage means 40 are implemented by the CPU 201 executing the game program stored in the storage devices 204, etc. The game device 10 only needs to be connectable to the storage means 40; it may be connected to the storage means 40 internally or externally. In other words, the game device 10 itself does not need to have the storage means 40; the storage means 40 may be provided in an external server device, etc.

The memory means 40 stores, for example, the setting parameter 40A and the unit price 40B.

The setting parameter 40A is a setting value based on the FPO, specifically the FPO itself, or a setting value associated with the FPO. A setting value associated with the FPO is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the FPO by a predetermined number, or a value obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined number from the FPO. The setting parameter 40A is set, for example, within the range of 0 to 1, by the designer of the game device 10, or by the staff or manager of the store where the game device 10 is installed. The unit price 40B is the amount per medal M, and is set by the designer of the game device 10, or by the staff or manager of the store where the game device 10 is installed.

The detection means 42 has the function of detecting player operations and predetermined objects (coins, medals M, balls B, etc.). The detection means 42 is implemented by switches, optical sensors, etc. (not shown) located inside the game device 10. For example, the detection means 42 detects player operations on the operation lever 18C and push buttons 18D, 18E on the control panel 18. The detection means 42 also detects coins inserted into the coin slot 18A and medals M inserted into the medal slot 18B. Furthermore, the detection means 42 detects medals M that have passed through the prize slot 36. The detection means 42 also detects which hole in the lottery machine 26 the ball B has entered (stopped in). Finally, the detection means 42 detects the ball B that has fallen into the drop-off slot 22. The detection results detected by the detection means 42 are output to the progress means 44, calculation means 46, payout means 48, etc.

The progression means 44 has the function of advancing the medal game based on player operations detected by the detection means 42. For example, when the detection means 42 detects an operation of the operation lever 18C or push button 18D, the progression means 44 executes a lottery event. Furthermore, when the detection means 42 detects a medal M that has passed through the prize entry opening 36, the progression means 44 considers the lottery conditions to be met and executes a lottery event. Also, when the detection means 42 detects a predetermined number (e.g., 10) of balls B that have fallen into the drop-off opening 22, the progression means 44 considers the lottery conditions to be met and executes a lottery event. When a lottery event is executed by the progression means 44, information indicating this execution is output to the calculation means 46.

The progress mechanism 44 executes a slot machine lottery using the display panel 24 or a roulette lottery using the lottery machine 26 during the execution of the lottery event. The progress mechanism 44 also determines whether the result of these lotteries is a win or a loss. This determination may be made based on the timing detected by the timing detection device 28. If the progress mechanism 44 determines a win, it also determines the type of win. Information indicating whether the result is a win or a loss, and information indicating the type of win, as determined by the progress mechanism 44, is output to the calculation mechanism 46 and the payout mechanism 48.

The calculation means 46 has the function of calculating the internal payout number, which indicates the number of medals M to be dispensed into the game device 10, based on the amount of money inserted into the game device 10 and the setting parameter 40A. The internal payout number is the number of medals M dispensed into the game device 10 in response to the money inserted into the game device 10, instead of being dispensed outside the game device 10, i.e., to the player.

As a specific calculation method, the calculation means 46 first calculates a standard number of medals (reference number) that indicates the number of medals M corresponding to the amount inserted, based on the unit price 40B of the medals M. The standard number of medals corresponds to the number of medals M dispensed according to the amount inserted, based on the same set unit price as 40B, by a standard medal dispensing machine installed outside the game device 10. The standard number of medals is calculated, for example, by dividing the amount inserted by the detected coin (when the detection means 42 detects a coin inserted into the coin slot 18A) by the unit price 40B. Then, the calculation means 46 calculates the internal payout number based on this standard number of medals and the set parameter 40A.

For example, the calculation means 46 calculates the number of internal payouts such that the number of internal payouts is greater than the standard number of medals, and the number obtained by multiplying the number of internal payouts by the FPO (the number of internal payouts returned to the player at the FPO's return rate) is less than or equal to the standard number of medals. Furthermore, the calculation means 46 calculates a larger number of internal payouts as the FPO decreases. More specifically, the calculation means 46 calculates the number of internal payouts using the following formula (3).

(Internal payout) = (Standard medal count) ÷ (Setting parameters) .... (3)

Figure 6 is a table illustrating an example of the number of internal payouts calculated when the setting parameter 40A is FPO. Table 300A in Figure 6 shows the correspondence between the unit price of medals, the amount inserted, and the base number of medals. This indicates that if the unit price 40B stored in the memory means 40 is "5 yen," and the amount inserted by the coins inserted into the coin slot 18A is "100 yen," then dividing the amount inserted by the unit price 40B calculates the base number of medals as "20."

In Table 300B of Figure 6, FPO, internal payouts, and player payouts are mapped. In Table 300B, FPO values are shown in increments of 0.1, ranging from 0.1 to 1. The internal payouts in Table 300B represent the number of internal payouts calculated using formula (3) above when the setting parameter is FPO. The player payouts in Table 300B represent the number of medals M returned to the player at the FPO payout rate, calculated using formula (4) below.

(Number of funds dispensed on hand) = (FPO) × (Number of funds dispensed internally) .... (4)

As shown in Table 300B, the number of internal payouts increases as the FPO decreases, and in all cases where the FPO is between 0.1 and 0.9, the number of internal payouts is greater than the standard number of medals. In contrast, the number of medals dispensed to the player is the same as the standard number of medals. Therefore, when the FPO is between 0.1 and 0.9, it is shown that by calculating the number of internal payouts using the above formula (3), it is possible to make the number of internal payouts greater than the standard number of medals and the number of medals dispensed to the player less than or equal to the standard number of medals (in this case, the same as the standard number of medals).

When more medals M are dispensed onto the field F than the standard number of medals, the medals M and balls B placed on the field F slide more easily, making it easier for lottery events to occur. In other words, for the player, a situation is created where they can potentially acquire more medals M, making it appear as if they are gaining an advantage. In contrast, the number of medals dispensed to the player is the same as the standard number of medals, meaning the player receives the same number of medals M as would be dispensed by a normal medal dispensing machine based on the amount inserted. Therefore, for the store, the value of medals M can be effectively maintained at the same level as when dispensing medals M through a normal medal dispensing machine, allowing them to maintain profitability.

Figure 7 is a table illustrating an example of the number of internal payouts calculated when the setting parameter 40A is set to 1.5 times the FPO value. Table 400A in Figure 7 is the same as Table 300A in Figure 6, so its explanation is omitted.

Table 400B in Figure 7 corresponds to Table 300B in Figure 6. The FPO in Table 400B, like the FPO in Table 300B, represents values in increments of 0.1 within the range of 0.1 to 1. The internal payout number in Table 400B represents the internal payout number calculated using formula (3) above when the setting parameter is set to 1.5 times the FPO value. The player-received payout number in Table 400B represents the number of medals M returned to the player at the FPO's payout rate from the internal payout number, and is calculated using formula (4) above, similar to the player-received payout number in Table 300A.

As shown in Table 400B, the number of internal payouts increases as the FPO decreases, and in all cases where the FPO is between 0.1 and 0.6, the number of internal payouts is greater than the standard number of medals. In contrast, the number of medals dispensed to the player is less than the standard number of medals. Therefore, when the FPO is between 0.1 and 0.6, it is shown that by calculating the number of internal payouts using the above formula (3), it is possible to make the number of internal payouts greater than the standard number of medals and the number of medals dispensed to the player less than or equal to the standard number of medals (in this case, less than the standard number of medals).

In the case shown in Table 400B, although the number of medals dispensed to the player's hand is less than the standard number of medals, more medals M are dispensed to the field F than the standard number of medals. Therefore, similar to the case shown in Table 300B, a situation is created where the player can ultimately acquire more medals M. Thus, the player is less likely to feel a sense of unfairness regarding the smaller number of medals dispensed to their hand compared to the standard number of medals.

Returning to Figure 5, the calculation means 46 calculates the internal payout amount based on the game's progress. For example, the calculation means 46 changes the calculated internal payout amount according to the execution status of the lottery event. The execution status of the lottery event includes whether or not the lottery event is performed, the number of times it is performed, the frequency of performance, and the result of the win or loss determination.

For example, the calculation means 46 calculates a larger internal payout number than when the lottery event is not being executed, while the lottery event is being executed by the progress means 44. More specifically, when the lottery event is being executed, the calculation means 46 calculates the internal payout number using the FPO itself as the setting parameter (corresponding to Table 300B). In contrast, when the lottery event is not being executed, the calculation means 46 calculates the internal payout number using a predetermined multiple of the FPO as the setting parameter (corresponding to Table 400B). Furthermore, the calculation means 46 may also change the calculated internal payout number depending on whether the lottery event is won or lost, in the same manner as described above. That is, when the lottery event is won, the calculation means 46 calculates a larger internal payout number than when it is lost.

Furthermore, the calculation means 46 may change the number of internal payouts calculated in the same manner as described above, for example, according to the number of times the lottery event is executed within a predetermined period (e.g., one day). For example, the calculation means 46 may calculate a larger number of internal payouts as the number of lottery events executed within the predetermined period increases. Also, the calculation means 46 may calculate a larger number of internal payouts when the number of lottery events executed within the predetermined period is equal to or greater than a threshold (e.g., 10 times) compared to when the number of executions is less than the threshold. The calculation result of the number of internal payouts calculated by the calculation means 46 is output to the payout means 48.

The dispensing means 48 has the function of dispensing medals M into the game device 10. For example, when the dispensing means 48 detects medals M inserted into the medal slot 18B by the detection means 42, it dispenses the number of medals M inserted into the game device 10. Also, when the dispensing means 48 detects coins inserted into the coin slot 18A, it dispenses the number of medals M calculated by the calculation means 46 according to the amount of money inserted by the coins into the game device 10. Furthermore, if a winner is selected in a lottery event executed by the progress means 44, the dispensing means 48 dispenses a number of medals M or balls B corresponding to the type of win into the game device 10.

The dispensing of medals M into the game device 10 by the dispensing means 48 includes dispensing medals M onto the field F from the field dispensing port 30 and accumulating medals M as stored medals in the RAM 202, which is the internal memory of the game device 10. Whether the dispensing of medals M into the game device 10 is done by dispensing onto the field F or by accumulating them in the RAM 202 can be selected based on the player's operation, etc. Furthermore, when medals M have been accumulated in the RAM 202, the dispensing means 48 will dispense one or more of the stored medals M onto the field F from the field dispensing port 30, depending on the player's operation, etc. The medals M dispensed onto the field F from the field dispensing port 30 may be the medals M directly inserted by the player, or they may be medals M that are pre-stored inside the game device 10 and circulate only within the game device 10.

Here, when medals M are directly inserted into the game device 10 (when medals M are inserted into the medal slot 18B), the medals M stored in the RAM 202 by being dispensed by the dispensing means 48 can be dispensed outside the game device 10. For example, in response to the player's operation on a push button 18E, etc., medals M can be dispensed from the player's dispensing port 32. In contrast, when a predetermined amount of money is inserted into the game device 10 (when coins are inserted into the coin slot 18A), the medals M stored in the RAM 202 by being dispensed by the dispensing means 48 cannot be dispensed outside the game device 10. That is, when a predetermined amount of money is inserted into the game device 10, the dispensing of medals M is only possible inside the game device 10, and the medals M cannot be used for anything other than dispensing onto the field F.

<Processing Flow>
Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow during game execution in the game device 10. The process shown in Figure 8 is repeated, for example, until the power to the game device 10 is turned off. Note that the order or content of the following processes can be changed as appropriate.

(Step SP10)
The progress mechanism 44 determines whether the player has inserted a medal M into the medal slot 18B. Specifically, the progress mechanism 44 determines whether the detection mechanism 42 has detected the medal M inserted into the medal slot 18B. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP12; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP22.

(Step SP12)
The dispensing means 48 dispenses the number of medals M inserted in step SP10 into the game device 10. Specifically, the dispensing means 48 dispenses the medals M onto the field F from the field dispensing port 30. As a result, the medals M dispensed onto the field F and those already placed on the field F can slide across the field F by being pushed by the pusher 20 which moves back and forth across the field F. Alternatively, the dispensing means 48 may store the medals M in the RAM 202 and dispense the stored medals M onto the field F one or more at a time in response to player operations. In this case, the medals M stored in the RAM 202 can be dispensed outside the game device 10 in response to player operations. The process then proceeds to step SP14.

(Step SP14)
The progress mechanism 44 determines whether the medal M pushed out by the pusher 20 has passed through the prize slot 36. Specifically, the progress mechanism 44 determines whether the detection mechanism 42 has detected the medal M that has passed through the prize slot 36. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP16; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP22.

(Step SP16)
The progress mechanism 44 executes a lottery event. Specifically, the progress mechanism 44 executes a slot lottery or a roulette lottery. Then, the process moves on to the process of step SP18.

(Step SP18)
The processing means 44 determines whether the result of the lottery performed in step SP16 is a win or a loss. If the determination is positive, the process moves on to step SP20; if the determination is negative, the process moves on to step SP22.

(Step SP20)
The processing means 44 determines the type of winning result from the lottery performed in step SP16. Subsequently, the dispensing means 48 dispenses a number of medals M or balls B corresponding to the type of winning, based on this determination, from the field dispensing port 30 onto the field F. Then, the process moves on to step SP22.

(Step SP22)
The progress mechanism 44 determines whether the player has inserted a coin into the coin slot 18A. Specifically, the progress mechanism 44 determines whether the detection mechanism 42 has detected the coin inserted into the coin slot 18A. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP24; if the determination is negative, the series of processes shown in Figure 8 is terminated.

(Step SP24)
The calculation means 46 calculates the number of internal payouts. Specifically, first, the calculation means 46 calculates the number of standard medals based on the amount of money inserted by the coins inserted in step SP22 and the unit price 40B of the medals M stored in the storage means 40. Next, the calculation means 46 calculates the number of internal payouts using the formula (3) above, based on the calculated number of standard medals and the setting parameter 40A stored in the storage means 40. At this time, the calculation means 46 may calculate the number of internal payouts based on the progress of the game. For example, if the number of times the lottery event has been executed on the day is 10 or more, the setting parameter may be set to FPO, and if the number of executions is less than 10, the setting parameter may be set to a predetermined multiple of FPO to calculate the number of internal payouts. Then, the process moves on to the process of step SP26.

(Step SP26)
The dispensing means 48 dispenses the number of medals M calculated from the processing in step SP24 into the game device 10. Specifically, the dispensing means 48 dispenses the number of medals M from the field dispensing port 30 onto the field F. As a result, the medals M dispensed onto the field F and the medals M previously placed on the field F are pushed by the pusher 20 which moves back and forth on the field F, allowing them to slide along the field F. The dispensing means 48 may also store the number of medals M in the RAM 202 and dispense the stored medals M onto the field F one or more at a time according to the player's operation, etc. In this case, the medals M stored in the RAM 202 cannot be dispensed outside the game device 10. Then, the process moves on to the processing in step SP28.

The processing in steps SP28 to SP34 is the same as that in steps SP14 to SP20 described above, so the explanation is omitted. This completes the series of processes shown in Figure 8.

<Effects and Effects>
As described above, the game device 10 according to this embodiment is a game device 10 that includes a field F on which medals M can be placed and dispenses medals M to the player at a predetermined FPO, and includes a calculation means 46 that calculates an internal payout number indicating the number of medals M to be dispensed into the game device 10 based on the amount of money inserted into the game device 10 and a setting parameter 40A based on the FPO, and a dispensing means 48 that dispenses the internal payout number of medals M into the game device 10.

In the game device 10 according to this embodiment, medals M are dispensed to the player at a predetermined FPO (Feedback Process) as the game progresses. Utilizing this game characteristic, the game device 10 dispenses an internal payout number calculated considering not only the amount of money inserted into the game device 10 but also the predetermined FPO. By calculating the internal payout number considering the predetermined FPO in this way, for example, the internal payout number can be increased above the standard number of medals, while keeping the number of medals returned to the player at the FPO return rate equal to or less than the standard number of medals (the number of medals M dispensed by a normal medal dispenser). This allows the game device 10 to appear to have a larger number of medals M dispensed internally, making it seem advantageous to the player, while maintaining the actual value of the medals M by keeping the number of medals M dispensed to the player equal to or less than the standard number of medals. Therefore, compared to dispensing medals from a normal medal dispenser, the added value of dispensing medals M internally into the game device 10 can be increased.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the setting parameter is either FPO or a setting value associated with FPO.

This configuration allows for the calculation of internal payouts that directly consider the FPO by setting the FPO parameter, or to calculate internal payouts that indirectly consider the FPO by setting the FPO parameter to a corresponding setting value.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the calculation means 46 calculates a standard number of medals M corresponding to the amount of money inserted, based on the unit price of the medals M, and calculates the number of internal payouts based on the standard number of medals M and the set parameters.

With this configuration, the number of internal payouts can be calculated based on the standard number of medals and the set parameters, for example, using the above formula (3), thereby effectively achieving the above-mentioned effects.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the calculation means 46 calculates the number of internal payouts such that the number of internal payouts is greater than the standard number of medals, and the number of medals dispensed to the player (obtained by multiplying the number of internal payouts by the FPO) is less than or equal to the standard number of medals.

This configuration allows the apparent number of medals M dispensed into the game machine 10 to be higher than the standard number of medals, making it appear advantageous to the player, while keeping the actual value of the medals M below the standard number of medals. Furthermore, by reducing the number of medals dispensed to less than the standard number of medals, the store's profits can be improved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the calculation means 46 calculates a larger number of internal payouts as the FPO decreases.

With this configuration, the smaller the FPO (Functional Point Operated), the fewer tokens are dispensed to the player. Therefore, by dispensing a larger number of tokens internally, the above effect is effectively achieved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the calculation means 46 calculates the number of internal payouts based on the progress of the game.

This configuration allows for variations in the internal payout amount depending on the game's progress, such as increasing the payout amount when a player wins a lottery, thereby enhancing the game's appeal.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dispensing of medals M by the dispensing means 48 includes accumulating the medals M in the RAM 202, which is the internal memory of the game device 10. The medals M accumulated in the RAM 202 by being dispensed by the dispensing means 48 when a predetermined amount of money is inserted into the game device 10 cannot be dispensed outside the game device 10.

In this configuration, if the medals accumulated in RAM 202 (more than the standard number of medals) when a predetermined amount is inserted were to be dispensed externally, the player would receive more medals than would be dispensed by a normal medal dispensing machine, creating a sense of unfairness. Therefore, by making it impossible to dispense the internally dispensed number of medals M accumulated in RAM 202 when a predetermined amount is inserted externally, this sense of unfairness can be corrected.

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

The calculation means 46 can calculate the number of internal payouts using various calculation methods based on the amount of money invested and the set parameters, not limited to the value calculated by the formula (3) above. For example, the calculation means 46 may calculate the number of internal payouts by adding or subtracting a predetermined number (for example, 1 to 10) to the value calculated by the formula (3) above. Specifically, when the set parameter 40A is FPO and the FPO is "0.5", the number of internal payouts calculated by the formula (3) above is "40" (see Table 300B), but the number of internal payouts may be "50" by adding "10" as a predetermined number to this value. In this case, the number of medals dispensed on hand calculated by the formula (4) above (hereinafter referred to as the "theoretical number of medals dispensed on hand") will be "25", which is slightly more than the standard number of medals. Here, as mentioned above, since FPO is merely a statistical probability that converges when viewed over the long term, the actual number of medals dispensed on hand is not necessarily the same as the theoretical number of medals dispensed on hand. Considering this, even if the theoretical number of medals dispensed increases or decreases relative to the standard number of medals, within a small range, the actual number of medals dispensed can be considered to be approximately the same as the standard number of medals, thus avoiding a decrease in the actual value of the medals M. Therefore, the calculation means 46 does not necessarily have to calculate the number of internal payouts so that the theoretical number of medals dispensed (the number obtained by multiplying the number of internal payouts by FPO) is less than or equal to the standard number of medals.

Furthermore, the setting parameter 40A is not limited to those described above. For example, setting parameter 40A may be a value obtained by multiplying FPO by a predetermined number, or by adding or subtracting a predetermined number. Alternatively, setting parameter 40A may be a setting parameter based on PO, such as PO or a value associated with PO. By using a setting parameter based on PO instead of FPO, it is possible to calculate the internal payout number considering the expenditure of medals M, including the lottery, rather than the ease with which medals M fall from Field F. That is, even considering the number of medals M paid out due to winning the lottery, the internal payout number may be calculated so that the number of medals M dispensed to the player is roughly equal to or less than the standard number of medals (without harming the store's profits). More specifically, if the setting parameter is PO and PO is "0.8", the internal payout number can be calculated as "25" using the above formula (3).

Furthermore, the calculation method is not limited to the formula described above; the number of internal payouts may be calculated using a different formula. Alternatively, for example, artificial intelligence may be used to analyze or calculate the number of internal payouts such that the number of medals M dispensed to the player is equal to or less than the standard number of medals, based on the amount of money inserted and the setting parameter 40A.

Furthermore, the game device 10 may include a display control means that displays the number of internal payouts calculated by the calculation means 46 on the display panel 24. In this case, the display control means may display the number of internal payouts together with the reference number of medals, allowing the player to visually compare the two. This allows the player to realize that more medals M than the reference number have been dispensed to the field F.

Furthermore, when dispensing medals M into the game device 10, the dispensing means 48 may dispense them not only onto the field F but also onto the pusher 20. The dispensing position by the dispensing means 48 may be adjustable according to the player's operation, and when the dispensing position is adjusted according to the player's operation, the number of internally dispensed medals calculated by the calculation means 46 may be smaller than when the dispensing position is not adjusted. In other words, instead of reducing the number of internally dispensed medals into the game device 10, it may be possible to adjust the dispensing position of the medals M.

Furthermore, the dispensing means 48 may be able to select, depending on the player's operation, whether to dispense a predetermined number of medals M into the game device 10 when a predetermined amount is inserted into the game device 10, or to dispense medals M corresponding to the predetermined amount to the outside of the game device 10 (to the player). In this case, the number of medals M dispensed can be selectively changed depending on whether they are dispensed to the outside or inside of the game device 10. For example, if the number of medals M dispensed to the outside of the game device 10 is 20, but if the number of medals M dispensed to the inside of the game device 10 is 40, the number of medals M dispensed to the inside of the game device 10 can be set so that the number of medals M dispensed to the inside is greater than the number of medals M dispensed to the outside, thereby increasing the options available to the player. In this way, players can use the game device 10 like a normal medal dispenser by selecting to dispense medals externally, or they can enjoy the game with an apparent number of medals M by selecting to dispense medals internally.

Furthermore, the game device 10 may calculate the number of internal payouts based on the amount of money inserted into it, not limited to cash such as coins, but also using electronic money. The calculated number of medals M may then be dispensed into the game device 10. In this case, the number of internal payouts may be greater than that for cash. Also, balls B do not necessarily need to be placed on the field F, and balls B do not need to be dispensed. Moreover, the game device according to the present invention is not limited to the game device 10 of the above embodiment; it may be any device equipped with a game field on which game media can be placed and which dispenses game media to the player at a predetermined payout rate. The game executed by the game device is not limited to a pusher game. Furthermore, the game may not be limited to being executed on a physical game device 10, but may be executed online using a terminal device such as a smartphone or personal computer owned by the player.

10: Game device (computer), 46: Calculation means, 48: Payout means, F: Game field (field)

Claims (8)

A game device that includes a game field on which game media can be placed, and dispenses game media to the player at a predetermined payout rate for game media inserted or dispensed onto the game field,
A calculation means for calculating the number of internal payouts, which indicates the number of gaming media to be dispensed into the game device, based on the amount of money inserted into the game device and the setting parameters based on the payout rate,
A dispensing means for dispensing the aforementioned number of game media into the game device,
A game device equipped with the following features. The setting parameter is the payout rate or a setting value associated with the payout rate.
The game device according to claim 1. The calculation means calculates a standard number indicating the number of gaming media corresponding to the amount of money inserted, based on the unit price of the gaming media, and calculates the internal payout number based on the standard number and the setting parameters.
The game device according to claim 1 or 2. The calculation means calculates the number of internal payouts such that the number of internal payouts is greater than the standard number, and the number obtained by multiplying the number of internal payouts by the payout rate is less than or equal to the standard number.
The game device according to claim 3. The calculation means calculates a larger number of internal payouts the smaller the payout rate.
The game device according to claim 1 or 2. The calculation means calculates the number of internal payouts based on the progress of the game.
The game device according to claim 1 or 2. The dispensing of game media by the dispensing means includes storing the game media in the internal memory of the game device.
When a predetermined amount of money is inserted into the game device, the game media stored in the internal memory by being dispensed by the dispensing means cannot be dispensed outside the game device.
The game device according to claim 1 or 2. A computer as a game device that includes a game field on which game media can be placed, and dispenses game media to the player at a predetermined payout rate in response to the game media inserted or dispensed onto the game field ,
A calculation means for calculating the number of internal payouts, which indicates the number of game media to be dispensed into the game device, based on the amount of money inserted into the game device and the setting parameters based on the payout rate.
Dispensing means for dispensing the aforementioned number of game media into the game device,
A program that makes it function as such.