JP2024115645A - Game system, computer program used therein, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system that can promote game play.SOLUTION: A server SV is connected to a game machine 3 installed in a store 6 and a user terminal 4 via a network, and provides a first permission service and a second permission service. When a ticket CK limited to use in an arcade game provided by the game machine 3 and an online game provided by the user terminal 4 is used in the game machine 3, the first permission service permits the use of the ticket CK for the arcade game on the basis of play data PD for managing whether or not the ticket CK can be used. When the ticket CK is used in the user terminal 4, the second permission service permits the use of the ticket CK for the online game on the basis of the play data PD.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a game system etc. that is connected via a network to a first system for providing a first game at a specified facility and a second system prepared separately from the first system as a system for providing a second game, and provides a specified service to each user of both systems via the two systems.

There exists a game system that is connected to a first system for providing a first game at a specific facility and a second system prepared separately from the first system as a system for providing a second game via a network, and provides specific services to users of both systems via the two systems. For example, a game device installed in a store and a game reservation device that uses a user terminal, respectively, are known as the first system and the second system (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2023-15267 A

The game reservation device of Patent Document 1 provides a service that receives the reservation status of a game device installed in a store and transmits it to a user terminal. This may improve the convenience of users of the game device. Meanwhile, the environment has changed in recent years in the field of game devices in stores. For example, the same game or games related to each other may be provided to multiple types of devices (platforms) such as game devices in a store and user terminals. Related games include games that have at least some of the elements related to the game, such as characters, game rules, game titles, and items used in the game, in common. For example, a video game and a prize game in which prizes related to characters that appear in the game are used can be said to be related games. Furthermore, there are cases in which a match or team play between a user of a game device and a user of a user terminal is realized via a device (system) connected to multiple platforms. When the environment changes, new needs may arise.

For example, in the past, facilities such as stores sometimes offered campaigns (services) to distribute tickets (rights to grant benefits to play on other game devices) that can be used on other game devices in the same store to users who played games on game devices installed there. If the user base of a store is independent of the user base of other platforms such as user terminals, a campaign similar to the past may be sufficient. However, it may not be sufficient when considering changes in the environment. For example, when games (including the same game) related to the game devices of a store and the user terminals are provided, those users are not necessarily independent, and even if they are independent, there is room for them to interact with each other. Also, when a match is played between a user of a game device and a user of a user terminal, there is a high possibility that those users are the same. For this reason, there is room to improve the services provided to users of each platform in accordance with changes in the environment.

The present invention therefore aims to provide a game system etc. that can promote game play.

The game system of the present invention is connected via a network to a first system for providing a first game in a specified facility and a second system for providing a second game, which is prepared separately from the first system, and provides a specified service to each user of both systems via the two systems. The game system includes a first permission means for providing a first permission service that permits the use of a special right limited to the first game and the second game in the first system based on rights information for managing the availability of the special right when the special right is used in the first system, and a second permission means for providing a second permission service that permits the use of the special right in the second game in the second system based on the rights information when the special right is used in the second system.

The computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to the first system and the second system via a network to function as each of the means of the game system described above.

The control method of the present invention causes a computer incorporated in a game system that is connected via a network to both a first system for providing a first game in a specified facility and a second system prepared separately from the first system as a system for providing a second game and provides a specified service to each user of both systems via the two systems to execute a first permission procedure for providing a first permission service that permits the use of a special right limited to the first game and the second game in the first system based on rights information for managing the availability of the special right when the special right is used in the first system, and a second permission procedure for providing a second permission service that permits the use of the special right in the second game in the second system based on the rights information when the special right is used in the second system.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system built into a game system. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of a ticket distribution service. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a procedure of a ticket distribution service. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of the server. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of a user terminal, a game machine, and a setting device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of setting data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of play data. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a ticket setting process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a ticket granting process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a first permission process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a second permission process.

(Overall composition)
An embodiment of a game system according to the present invention will be described below. First, the overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the game system 1 includes a server SV. A game machine 3, a user terminal 4, and a setting device 5 are connected to the server SV via a network NT.

As an example, the server SV is configured as a logical server system that combines multiple server units 2A, 2B, etc. (hereinafter sometimes represented by the reference symbol 2). The server units 2 may be installed collectively at a specific location on the network NT, or may be installed in a distributed manner on the network NT using cloud computing to configure a so-called cloud-type server system.

The network NT may be configured as appropriate so long as it can connect the game console 3, the user terminal 4, and the setting device 5 to the server SV so that they can communicate with each other. As an example, the network NT may include the Internet as a WAN, and various connection facilities or devices such as a LAN or an access point AP that connects the server SV, the game console 3, the user terminal 4, and the setting device 5 to the Internet.

The game machine 3 is a game device that provides games. The game machine 3 may include various game devices (computer devices) that provide games, but in the example of FIG. 1, it includes a video game machine 3A, a first prize game machine 3B, and a second prize game machine 3C. Various user terminals 4 including various home game machines such as portable game machines or stationary game machines may function as the game machine 3, but in the example of FIG. 1, the video game machine 3A, the first prize game machine 3B, and the second prize game machine 3C are all configured as arcade game machines. Arcade game machines are installed in appropriate facilities such as amusement facilities, and are commercial (commercial) game devices that allow multiple users to play games. If a separate revenue method is prepared, such as a fee being set for admission to the facility, the arcade game machine may provide games to each user free of charge, but generally provides games in exchange for the collection (consumption) of a predetermined fee.

The video game machine 3A is a type of game device that provides video games. The video games may include various games such as action games, simulation games, or role-playing games. The first prize game machine 3B and the second prize game machine 3C are both game devices that provide prize games (prize acquisition games). Prize games are games in which an operating means that changes the position of a physical player in a storage unit that stores the player is operated according to a play action input via an input device, and a prize is awarded to a user when the player moves to a predetermined position through the operation of the operating means. The operating means include various means such as a support that operates between a state in which the player is supported (supported so that the player does not fall) at an appropriate position such as the top of an opening and a state in which the support is released, and prize games are appropriately classified according to the type of operating means. The first prize game machine 3B and the second prize game machine 3C may be provided with appropriate operating means, but in the example of FIG. 1, a crane device CL and multiple belt conveyors BC are provided as operating means, respectively.

Specifically, the first prize game machine 3B is configured as a crane game machine that provides a crane game in which a crane device is used to capture a game object PS and transport it to an opening as a predetermined position. On the other hand, the second prize game machine 3C is configured as a type of game machine that transports a game object PS, which is arranged to straddle multiple conveyor belts BC, to an opening by designating the belt conveyor BC to be operated by lottery or the like. The game object PS is often the prize itself, but it may also be a substitute associated with the prize. In the example of FIG. 1, a substitute is used as the game object PS in the first prize game machine 3B, and the prize itself is used in the second prize game machine 3C.

The facility where the game machines 3 are installed may include various facilities as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 1, a store 6 and a center facility CF are shown. The store 6 is a facility that is open to each user mainly for visiting the store to play the game machines 3. On the other hand, the center facility CF is a facility where the game machines 3 are installed for each user in a remote location to play. The center facility CF may be open to the public, and for example, the store 6 may function as the center facility CF (in this case, for example, the game machines 3 in the store 6 are shared between visitors and users in a remote location at different times, such as during the day and at night), but as an example, it is prepared separately from the store 6 and is not open to the public. For this reason, in the center facility CF, each game machine 3 is installed exclusively for play from a remote location (remote play). The store 6 and the center facility CF may have any number of various game machines 3 installed, but in the example of FIG. 1, one video game machine 3A and one first prize game machine 3B are installed in the store 6, and one first prize game machine 3B and one second prize game machine 3C are installed in the center facility CF. The number of stores 6 and center facilities CF may also be any number, but in the example of FIG. 1, one of each is shown.

The setting device 5 is a computer device for making settings related to the ticket distribution service. The ticket distribution service is a service for distributing to each user a ticket that can be used on both the game machines 3 in the store 6 and the game machines 3 in the center facility CF. The ticket is a special right to obtain a specific benefit. Although its use is limited to the game machines 3 in the store 6 and the game machines 3 in the center facility CF, a specific benefit is granted when the ticket is used (the right is exercised) on either of them. The ticket distribution service will be described in detail later.

The setting device 5 may be installed in an appropriate location, for example, in a case where a single setting device 5 shared by multiple affiliated stores (multiple stores 6 having capital ties) is installed in a facility (for example, a main store) that integrates the affiliated stores, or in other cases, but in the example of FIG. 1, it is installed in the store 6. As the setting device 5, various devices such as a dedicated computer device, a mobile information terminal (for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal), or a game machine 3 may be used as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 1, a personal computer is used. A personal computer can provide various functions by executing a specific software (application), and such functions include a ticket setting function. The ticket setting function may be realized as appropriate, and may be realized through dedicated software, etc., but as an example, it is realized through a website. For this reason, well-known web browser software (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as browser software) for browsing various websites is installed in the setting device 5 as software for realizing the ticket setting function.

The user terminal 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is provided for the user's personal use. As the user terminal 4, various computer devices including, for example, a portable game machine and a portable tablet terminal device can be appropriately used, but in the example of FIG. 1, a stationary or notebook type personal computer 4A and a mobile phone (including a smartphone) 4B are shown. The user terminal 4 can provide the user with various services by implementing various computer software. The user terminal 4 can provide appropriate services, for example, an online game service and a membership registration service.

The online game service is a service that provides online games in cooperation with the server SV via the network NT. The online games may include various games as appropriate, but an example includes an online prize game that is played remotely on the first prize game machine 3B and the second prize game machine 3C at the center facility CF. The online prize game may be provided through appropriate software, for example, on a website viewed via browser software, but as an example, it is provided through a dedicated game application (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a game app). For this reason, the game app is installed on the user terminal 4.

The member registration service is a service for registering as a member of store 6. The member registration service may be implemented as appropriate, for example through a device prepared in store 6 (such as setting device 5 when used for member registration by the operator of store 6), but as an example it is implemented through user terminal 4. Also, member registration may be performed as appropriate, but as an example it is performed through a website for member registration (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a member registration site) prepared by store 6 (or the head store if there are multiple affiliated stores). For this reason, browser software for viewing the member registration site is also installed on user terminal 4.

When registering as a member, various pieces of information desired by store 6 may be requested as appropriate. For example, when registering as a member, information on member attributes (name, age, gender, etc.), contact information such as an email address, and information for authenticating each member (user) such as a password may be requested. Then, on the member registration site, this registered information may be associated with a member ID that is uniquely issued to each member to identify them, and managed as member information.

(System built into the game system)
Next, a system constructed in the game system 1 to realize the ticket distribution service will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of a system constructed in the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, an online system 10 and an arcade system 20 are constructed on the server SV of the game system 1. These systems 10 and 20 are systems realized by appropriately using a server unit 2A and the like included in the server SV. In the following, a case will be described in which the first prize game machine 3B is used as an example of the game machine 3 in the store 6 and the center facility CF, and a mobile phone 4B is used as an example of the user terminal 4. For this reason, the first prize game machine 3B and the mobile phone 4B are mainly illustrated as the game machine 3 and the user terminal 4.

The online system 10 is constructed as a system for providing various services to the user terminal 4, for example, using the server unit 2A and the database DB1 (one of the server units 2). The services provided to the user terminal 4 include, for example, the above-mentioned online game service and the membership registration service. In order to provide these services, various information (including data) is transmitted and received between the online system 10 and the user terminal 4. For this reason, a mobile phone 4B (user terminal 4) is connected to the online system 10. In addition, when an online prize game is provided as the online game service, the game machine 3 of the center facility CF is played via the mobile phone 4B. For example, when the first prize game machine 3B is played, the crane device CL of the first prize game machine 3B is operated via the mobile phone 4B. In this case, various information is also transmitted and received between the online system 10 and the first prize game machine 3B (game machine 3) of the center facility CF. For example, such information includes information necessary for providing the online prize game, such as information for operating the crane device CL (such as the results of operations performed on the mobile phone 4B) or information for displaying a video of the operation of the crane device CL. For this reason, the first prize game machine 3B of the center facility CF is connected to the online system 10.

The arcade system 20 is constructed as a system for providing various services to each device of the store 6, for example, using the server unit 2B and the database DB2 (one of the server units 2). The devices installed in the store 6 include, for example, the first prize game machine 3B (game machine 3) and the setting device 5. For this reason, the services provided by the arcade system 20 include game machine services for the first prize game machine 3B and member registration services for the setting device 5. The game machine services may include various services related to the first prize game machine 3B as appropriate, but include, for example, a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data via the network NT. The arcade system 20 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing the crane game to the first prize game machine 3B through such a distribution service. In order to provide the game machine services and member registration services, various information (including data) is transmitted and received between the arcade system 20 and the first prize game machine 3B or the setting device 5. For this reason, the arcade system 20 is connected to the first prize game machine 3B and the setting device 5 of the store 6.

The game machine services may include various services as appropriate, such as a matching service that matches with other users when a game that can be played together with multiple users is provided, an authentication service that receives user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticates the user, a service that receives data such as the usage history of the authenticated user from the game machine 3 and stores it, or provides the stored data to the game machine 3, and a billing service that collects fees from users.

The arcade system 20 and the online system 10 are connected to each other to cooperate with each other in their services. The services provided by the arcade system 20 and the online system 10 in cooperation with each other include a ticket distribution service. Appropriate information on the ticket distribution service can be shared between the arcade system 20 and the online system 10, and this information includes, for example, information on the usage status of the ticket. Specifically, one ticket for the ticket distribution service may be usable an appropriate number of times on the game machines 3 in both facilities, for example, once on the game machine 3 in the store 6 and once on the game machine 3 in the center facility CF (hereinafter, the game provided by the game machine 3 in the store 6 may be called an arcade game, and the game provided by the game machine 3 in the center facility CF may be called an online game, and the two may be distinguished from each other) (a total of two times), but as an example, when the ticket is used on either game machine 3, it is extinguished. In other words, one ticket is configured as a right that can be used only once in an arcade game or an online game. In this case, information on the usage status of the ticket is transmitted, received, and shared between the arcade system 20 and the online system 10.

The arcade system 20 and the online system 10 may be operated by different operators, but as an example, they are operated by the same operator. The store 6 and the center facility CF may also be operated by an appropriate operator, but as an example, the center facility CF is operated by the same operator as the arcade system 20, etc., and the store 6 is operated by a different operator. Various systems may be constructed in the game system 1 as appropriate, but as an example, it includes the arcade system 20 and the online system 10.

(Ticket distribution service)
Next, the ticket distribution service will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the ticket distribution service. As described above, the ticket distribution service is a service that distributes tickets that can be used in both arcade games and online games, and includes a part that distributes (grants) tickets and a part that permits the use of the tickets (grants benefits). Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the ticket distribution service includes a granting service and a permission service.

The granting service is a service that grants a ticket CK to a user who satisfies the granting conditions, and corresponds to the part of the ticket distribution service that distributes tickets. Various conditions may be used as the granting conditions as appropriate, such as membership registration through a membership registration service, use of a specific service such as playing an online game, a specific play result in a specific service (including, for example, a specific progress or a lottery result such as a so-called gacha), or visiting the store 6. In other words, the ticket CK may be granted to a user who has registered as a member, a user who has played a game, a user who has been granted a ticket CK as a lottery result, or a user who has visited the store 6. Alternatively, the granting conditions may be satisfied in an online game (a user of a user terminal 4 that remotely plays a game machine 3 in the center facility CF) in a similar case. In this way, the granting conditions can be satisfied as appropriate, but the following describes a case in which a condition related to playing an arcade game is used as the granting condition.

The conditions for granting are met when a predetermined play condition in the arcade game is met, such as playing a predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times), paying a predetermined amount or more, granting a predetermined development (including a lottery result) in the progress of the video game, playing before the number of tickets prepared for a predetermined period is reached (within the first-come, first-served order of a limited number of tickets), not winning a prize in a prize game, or winning a prize. When continuous play (use), such as playing a predetermined number of times, is required, the continuity may be recognized across multiple stores 6 (which may be limited to affiliated stores, etc., or may include stores 6 operated by different operators), but as an example, it is recognized only in the same store 6 (any one store 6). Then, a ticket CK is granted to a user who has fulfilled the predetermined play condition (meets the grant condition) through playing the arcade game.

The permission service is a service that authorizes the use of a ticket CK, and corresponds to the part that grants the benefit corresponding to the ticket CK. The permission service includes a first permission service and a second permission service. Specifically, the first permission service and the second permission service are services for authorizing the use of a ticket CK in an arcade game and an online game, respectively.

For example, when a ticket CK is used on a mobile phone 4B that provides an online game, the appropriateness of the ticket CK is determined via the online system 10. The appropriateness of the ticket CK includes various elements, such as whether or not it is unused, whether or not it is a usable game machine 3 (or game), whether or not it is an usable store 6, and whether or not it is within the usable period. If the use of the ticket CK is appropriate, the use of the ticket CK is permitted, and a benefit corresponding to the ticket CK is given to the online prize game (a prize game in which the first prize game machine 3B in the center facility CF is remotely operated) provided via the mobile phone 4B. Similarly, when the ticket CK is used on the first prize game machine 3B in the store 6, the appropriateness of the ticket CK is determined via the arcade system 20. If the use of the ticket CK is appropriate, the use of the ticket CK is permitted, and a benefit corresponding to the ticket CK is given to the crane game (prize game) of the first prize game machine 3B in which the ticket CK was used.

As the benefit corresponding to the ticket CK, various elements may be used appropriately. For example, elements after the start of play such as the granting of an item or the granting of a predetermined development (including a lottery for granting an item) may be used, but as an example, an element related to the start of play is used. Specifically, as the benefit corresponding to the ticket CK, a benefit that discounts the price for playing (including a full discount on the price, i.e., a free ticket that allows a predetermined number of plays, such as one time, to be free) is used. The degree of discount may differ between arcade games and online games, for example, a 100 yen discount for arcade games and a 10% discount for online games, but as an example, the same discount is applied to both. In addition, the ticket CK may include multiple types depending on the discount amount, such as a 100 yen discount ticket, a 200 yen discount ticket, or a 300 yen discount ticket, but as an example, it is composed of only one type that allows one play to be free. In other words, the ticket CK functions as a right to play an online game or an arcade game only once for free.

In the example of FIG. 3, the ticket CK functions as a special right of the present invention. And the granting service functions as a right granting service of the present invention. Also, the store 6, the arcade game, and the first prize game machine 3B of the store 6 function as a specified facility, a first game, and a first system of the present invention, respectively. Similarly, the online prize game and the mobile phone 4B function as a second game and a second system of the present invention, respectively. Furthermore, the first prize game machine 3B of the store 6 and the first prize game machine 3B of the center facility CF function as a prize game machine of the present invention and another prize game machine, respectively.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the procedure of the ticket distribution service. The ticket CK may be configured as appropriate, for example, as a physical ticket such as a paper ticket given to a user who visits the store 6, but the example of Figure 6 shows a case where it is configured as an electronic ticket. The ticket CK may be given in either an arcade game or an online game and can be used in either, but the example of Figure 6 shows a case where it is given in an arcade game and used in an online game (mobile phone 4B). In this case, as shown in Figure 6, the ticket distribution service includes 14 procedures from F1 to F14. The procedures from F1 to F14 may constitute the granting service and the permission service of the ticket distribution service, but for example, F1 to F7 constitute the granting service and F8 to F14 constitute the permission service. Below, each procedure will be explained in the order of the granting service and the permission service.

The granting service includes the steps F1 to F7 as described above, and in the example of FIG. 4, it is mainly provided by each device of the store 6 and the arcade system 20. Specifically, when the setting related to the ticket distribution service is performed using the ticket setting function of the setting device 5, the setting device 5 provides the setting to the arcade system 20 (F1). A website (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the setting site) for realizing the ticket setting function may be constructed in an appropriate server unit 2, but as an example, it is constructed in the arcade system 20. For this reason, the setting device 5 accesses the setting site via browser software (each accessor may be appropriately authenticated by ID, password, etc.), and provides the setting related to the ticket distribution service to the arcade system 20 through various inputs to the setting site. When the setting is performed via the setting site, the arcade system 20 saves the setting contents. This saving can be performed appropriately, but in the example of FIG. 4, it is performed via the setting data SD. Specifically, when the setting related to the ticket distribution service is performed via the setting site, the arcade system 20 generates and saves the setting data SD corresponding to the contents. Additionally, the arcade system 20 appropriately shares the setting data SD with other systems as necessary, such as the user terminal 4 when the determination of the granting conditions is performed by the user terminal 4.

At the setting site, various settings related to the ticket distribution service may be appropriately performed. For example, settings related to the game machines 3 that are the subject of the granting conditions (among the multiple game machines 3 in the store 6 and the multiple game machines 3 in the center facility CF, the game machines 3 to which the ticket CK is distributed) (when multiple types of games are provided by one game machine 3, the setting target may be the type of game) may be performed. Alternatively, when the ticket CK is granted on a store 6 basis, settings related to the store 6 that is the subject of the granting conditions may be performed. Also, settings related to the target (usable) game of the ticket CK (when each game machine 3 provides only one type of game, it may be the target game machine 3) may be performed. Similarly, settings related to the granting conditions, such as requirements to satisfy the granting conditions such as a predetermined number of times, a predetermined amount, or a predetermined development, may be performed. Furthermore, settings of the contents of the benefits to be granted when the ticket CK is used (the right is exercised) may be performed. Information related to these settings is appropriately described in the setting data SD. Details of the setting data SD will be described later. In this example, the setting site and the opportunity to set via the setting site function as the setting service and setting opportunity of the present invention, respectively.

Meanwhile, a user U who visits the store 6 plays a game machine 3 (e.g., a first prize game machine 3B) (F2). The game machine 3 requests the input of a user ID for identifying each user U when playing. The input of the user ID may be performed as appropriate, but as an example, it is performed by reading an ID card that records information about the user ID. For this reason, the game machine 3 is provided with a reader for reading the user ID on the ID card, and the user ID information is provided from the ID card via the reader. When the user ID is read, appropriate authentication may be performed using a password, etc.

Whether or not each first prize game machine 3B will grant a ticket CK (apply the ticket distribution service) may be set unilaterally by the arcade system 20 through settings on the setting site (the granting of a ticket CK may be enabled when the machine is set as a target on the setting site), but as an example, each first prize game machine 3B is provided with a ticket function for setting the enablement of granting. Then, among each first prize game machine 3B set as a grant target on the setting site, the first prize game machine 3B with the ticket function enabled grants a ticket CK, that is, determines whether or not the granting condition is met. If the first prize game machine 3B played by the user U is a target for the ticket distribution service and the ticket function is enabled in that first prize game machine 3B, that first prize game machine 3B transmits information about the play of the user U (information necessary to determine whether the granting condition is met) to the arcade system 20 (F3). It should be noted that other events may be applied as appropriate even to game machines 3 where the ticket function is not enabled, and for example, tickets that are limited to use in online games (and cannot be used on game machines 3) may be granted.

When the arcade system 20 obtains information about the play from the game machine 3, it determines whether the granting conditions are met based on the information. This determination may be performed in the game machine 3, but is performed in the arcade system 20 as an example. The arcade system 20 grants a ticket CK to the user U if the granting conditions are met (F4). The granting of the ticket CK (electronic ticket) may be performed via appropriate data (including a flag for determining the presence or absence of a ticket CK managed by an app or the like when the ticket CK is granted by the game machine 3), and may be performed via ticket management data that associates a store ID for identifying each store 6 with a ticket ID for identifying each physical ticket linked thereto when a physical ticket is distributed by the operator at the store 6 (in this case, the physical ticket may be granted on a store-by-store 6 basis, and the usability of the ticket may be determined on a store-by-store 6 basis), but in the example of FIG. 4, it is performed via the play data PD. The play data PD is data for managing various achievements related to the play of each user U. Therefore, the arcade system 20 grants the ticket CK by updating the play data PD to content that indicates possession of the ticket CK. The arcade system 20 then stores the play data PD after the update (including generation). Details of the play data PD will be described later.

The arcade system 20 transmits the result of the determination as to whether or not the conditions for granting are met to the game machine 3 (F5). The game machine 3 acquires the result, and if a ticket CK has been granted, notifies the user U of the grant (F6). Meanwhile, the arcade system 20 shares the result of granting the ticket CK with the online system 10 to enable the use of the ticket CK in online games. Specifically, the arcade system 20 transmits play data PD that manages the ownership of the ticket to the online system 10 (F7). When the online system 10 acquires the play data PD, it stores it. In this example, the user U to whom the ticket CK has been granted functions as the grant user of the present invention.

On the other hand, the permission service includes steps F8 to F14, and in the example of FIG. 4, it is provided mainly by the user terminal 4 and the online system 10. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, the permission service is provided to the user U via the mobile phone 4B (user terminal 4), and the user U first starts a game app on the mobile phone 4B and plays the online game via the game app. The game app requires the input of a user ID, etc. (e.g., an authentication password, etc.). This input may be performed via an appropriate reader from a specified recording medium (e.g., an ID card), etc., but as an example, it is performed directly by the user U. When the game app (mobile phone 4B) obtains the user ID information, it transmits it to the online system 10, and obtains the play data PD corresponding to the user ID from the online system 10 (F8).

The game app refers to the play data PD to determine whether or not there is a usable ticket CK, and if there is a usable ticket CK, it gives the user U a choice opportunity to choose whether or not to use the ticket CK (F9). If use of the ticket CK is selected in the choice opportunity (F10), the game app permits use of that ticket CK (F11) and grants a benefit corresponding to the ticket CK to the online game (F12). In other words, when the ticket CK is used, the game app provides an online game with a benefit. For example, if the ticket CK functions as a right to play once free of charge, the game app provides play of the online game free of charge (gratis) without requesting payment.

When the ticket CK is used, the game app reflects the result of the use in the play data PD, and transmits the reflected play data PD, that is, the play data PD indicating the content of the ticket CK that has been lost due to use, to the online system 10 (F13). When the play data PD is transmitted from the game app, the online system 10 acquires and stores it, and transmits it to the arcade system 20 to share (F14). The arcade system 20 stores the play data PD. When the permission service is provided to the user U via the mobile phone 4B (user terminal 4), it is provided in the above procedure as an example, but the same applies when it is provided to the user U of the game machine 3 of the store 6. For example, when the user U plays the game machine 3 of the store 6, the game machine 3 requests the user ID, and thereafter, the same procedures as F8 to F14 are executed between the game machine 3 and the arcade system 20 instead of the online system 10.

(Configuration of main parts of the control system)
Next, the configuration of the main parts of the control system of the game system 1 related to the ticket distribution service of the issuer privilege will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 are both diagrams showing an example of the main parts of the control system in the game system 1, and Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the control system of the server SV (including the online system 10 and the arcade system 20). Note that the configurations of Figures 5 and 6 are one specific example of the configuration of the game system 1 in Figure 2, and components corresponding to those in Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals as in Figure 2. Also, various input devices and output devices may be appropriately provided in the server SV (including the online system 10 and the arcade system 20), but they are not shown in the example of Figure 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the server SV is provided with a control unit SVC and a storage unit SVS. The control unit SVC is configured using computer hardware resources (e.g., CPUs, etc.) of one or more server units 2, and in the example of FIG. 5, includes a first control unit 11 and a second control unit 21. The storage unit SVS is configured by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array, and in the example of FIG. 5, includes a first storage unit 12 and a second storage unit 22. The storage unit SVS stores a computer program PG to be referenced by the control unit SVC and server data SVD. The computer program PG may include various computer programs (software) as appropriate, and in the example of FIG. 5, includes a first program PG1 and a second program PG2. Similarly, the server data SVD may include various data necessary for providing the service as appropriate, and in the example of FIG. 5, play data PD and setting data SD are shown.

In the server SV, the online system 10 and the arcade system 20 are constructed using various hardware resources including a control unit SVC and a memory unit SVS. For example, the online system 10 is provided with a first control unit 11 and a first memory unit 12. The first memory unit 12 can store a computer program PG and server data SVD as appropriate, and in the example of FIG. 5, the first program PG1 and play data PD are stored. In the first control unit 11, various logical devices are configured by combining the hardware resources constituting the first control unit 11 with the first program PG1, and in the example of FIG. 5, a game distribution unit 13 and a rights management unit 14 are shown as examples.

The game distribution unit 13 is a logical device that performs various processes for providing an online game to the mobile phone 4B (user terminal 4). When an online prize game is provided as an online game via the first prize game machine 3B, the processes of the game distribution unit 13 include, for example, operating the crane device CL of the first prize game machine 3B in response to an operation on the mobile phone 4B, and acquiring photographic results from a camera provided on the first prize game machine 3B to photograph the operating status, etc., and distributing the photographic results to the mobile phone 4B.

The rights management unit 14 is a logical device that performs various processes for managing tickets CK (rights to play a game for free). Such processes include various processes for realizing ticket distribution services such as granting services and permission services. The processes executed by the rights management unit 14 include, for example, updating the play data PD in response to the granting of a ticket CK, and sharing the updated play data PD with other systems such as the arcade system 20 (including various terminals of the user terminal 4). Specifically, the rights management unit 14 executes a second permission process as an example of a process for realizing a permission service. The procedure of the second permission process will be described in detail later.

The arcade system 20 is provided with a second control unit 21 and a second storage unit 22. The second storage unit 22 can store the computer program PG and server data SVD as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 5, the second program PG2, play data PD, and setting data SD are stored. The play data PD is also stored in the online system 10, but is also redundantly stored in the arcade system 20 separately. In the second control unit 21, various logical devices are configured by combining the hardware resources constituting the second control unit 21 with the second program PG2, but in the example of FIG. 5, a setting management unit 23 and a rights management unit 24 are shown as examples.

The setting management unit 23 is a logical device that performs various processes related to the setting of the ticket distribution service between the setting device 5 and the setting site. Such processes include processes for providing a setting site, processes for performing authentication and the like at the setting site, and the like. Also included is a process for generating setting data SD based on the setting results at the setting site. Specifically, the setting management unit 23 executes a ticket setting process as one of the processes related to the setting of the ticket distribution service. The procedure of the ticket setting process will be described in detail later.

The rights management unit 24 is a logical device that performs various processes for managing tickets CK (rights to play a game for free) in the same manner as the rights management unit 14 of the online system 10. Such processes include various processes for providing ticket distribution services such as a granting service and a permission service. The processes performed by the rights management unit 24 include, for example, updating the play data PD in association with the granting of a ticket CK, and sharing the updated play data PD with other systems such as the online system 10 (including various terminals of the user terminal 4). Specifically, the rights management unit 24 performs a ticket granting process as an example of a process for providing a granting service. The rights management unit 24 also performs a first permission process as an example of a process for providing a permission service. The details of the procedures for the ticket granting process and the first permission process will be described later.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of the mobile phone 4B (user terminal 4), the first prize game machine 3B (game machine 3), and the setting device 5. Between the first prize game machine 3B installed in the store 6 and the first prize game machine 3B installed in the center facility CF, there may be appropriate differences in input/output devices, etc., such as a camera being installed in the center facility CF while a camera is not required in the store 6, or conversely, a reader for reading ID cards being installed in the store 6 while such a reader is not required in the center facility CF, but the example in Figure 6 shows an example of a common configuration.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first prize game machine 3B is provided with a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, an input device IP, and a crane device CL. The memory unit 32, the input device IP, and the crane device CL are all connected to the control unit 31. The operation of the crane device CL is controlled by the control unit 31. Specifically, the crane device CL is provided with a drive source (motor) for executing a series of operations related to the capture of the game object PS, such as a moving operation for moving the game object PS to each position for acquiring the game object PS, a capturing operation for descending at each position and capturing the game object PS by pinching it, a transporting operation for transporting (conveying) the captured game object PS, and a releasing operation for releasing the captured game object PS at an opening (predetermined position). The drive source operates according to an output signal from the control unit 31. In other words, the crane device CL executes various operations through the control of the drive source by the control unit 31.

The input device IP is an input device for inputting the play action of the user U to operate the crane device CL. The play action to operate the crane device CL may be appropriately configured, and the input device IP has a configuration according to the content of the play action, for example, a direction operation unit for indicating the direction in the movement operation of the crane device CL, and a direction operation unit for determining the position where the capture operation should be performed in the movement operation. The direction operation unit and the operation on the direction operation unit are input to the input device IP as a play action. The input result to the input device IP, such as the operation on the direction operation unit and the decision operation unit, is output to the control unit 31 and used to control the crane device CL. In the case of an online game, since the mobile phone 4B is used as an input device instead of the input device IP, the input device IP may be omitted in the first prize game machine 3B of the center facility CF. In addition to the crane device CL (output device) and the input device IP, the first prize game machine 3B may be appropriately provided with input/output devices such as the above-mentioned camera, reader, or output device (for example, a display device or speaker) for notifying the granting of a privilege, but these are not illustrated.

The storage unit 32 is composed of a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 32 stores a computer program PGg to be referenced by the control unit 31. The storage unit 32 also stores game data to be referenced by the control unit 31. The game data may include various data related to the game, such as image data for displaying various images (including game screens) or sound data for playing various sounds such as background music, as appropriate, but the example in FIG. 6 shows play data PD and setting data SD. The game data also includes various management data related to the provision of games, such as the types of games provided by the first prize game machine 3B (self) and the store 6 in which the self is installed, but these are not shown in the figure.

The control unit 31 is configured as a computer unit including a microprocessor and the internal storage device required for its operation. Various logical devices are configured in the control unit 31 by combining the hardware resources that make up the control unit 31 with the computer program PGg, but in the example of Figure 6, a game control unit 33 and a bonus control unit 34 are shown as examples of logical devices.

The game control unit 33 is a logical device that performs various processes related to the provision of the crane game. For example, such processes include a process for causing the crane device CL to execute a series of operations, such as a movement operation, in response to the input results to the input device IP.

The bonus control unit 34 is a logical device that performs various processes related to the ticket distribution service, such as granting a ticket CK or using a ticket CK. The processes of the bonus control unit 34 include processes for providing the granting service or the permission service. For example, the bonus control unit 34 executes a ticket granting process in collaboration with the right management unit 24 of the arcade system 20 as one process for providing the granting service. Similarly, the bonus control unit 34 executes a first permission process in collaboration with the right management unit 24 of the arcade system 20 as one process for providing the permission service.

The mobile phone 4B includes a control unit 41 configured as a computer unit including a microprocessor and an internal storage device required for its operation. Various input devices and the like can be connected to the control unit 41, but in the example of FIG. 6, a touch sensor TS capable of detecting the position of a touch operation is connected as the input device, and a monitor MO is connected as the output device. The touch sensor TS and the monitor MO are both general-purpose hardware provided in an information and communication terminal such as a smartphone. Note that the mobile phone 4B can also be appropriately provided with other general-purpose hardware such as a speaker or a communication device that is provided in an information and communication terminal such as a smartphone, but these are not shown in the figure.

The control unit 41 is provided with a service management unit 45 as a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware and the computer program PGu. The service management unit 45 is a logical device that performs various processes to provide the mobile phone 4B with functions necessary for providing various services. The computer program PGu is recorded in a storage unit (not shown) that functions as an external storage device for the control unit 41, and includes a game application or a browser application. For this reason, the processes executed by the service management unit 45 include processes for realizing services provided in cooperation with the online system 10, such as an online prize game, a ticket distribution service, or a membership registration service. Specifically, the service management unit 45 executes the second permission process in cooperation with, for example, the rights management unit 14 of the online system 10.

The setting device 5 is provided with a control unit 51 and a storage unit 52. The storage unit 52 is configured with a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 52 stores computer programs PGs and data to be referenced by the control unit 51. Such data may include various types of data as appropriate, but the example in FIG. 7 shows setting data SD. The setting device 5 is provided with various input devices and output devices as appropriate, but these are not shown in the example in FIG. 6.

The control unit 51 is configured as a computer unit including a microprocessor and an internal storage device required for its operation. Various logical devices are configured in the control unit 51 by combining the hardware with the computer program PGs in the storage unit 52, and the example in FIG. 6 shows a setting management unit 53 as an example of a logical device. The setting management unit 53 is a logical device that performs various processes for executing settings related to the ticket distribution service via the setting site. The processes executed by the setting management unit 53 include, for example, accessing and displaying the setting site, and providing the contents of the settings that are requested there to the setting site (online system 10) when they are entered.

(Details of various data)
Next, the setting data SD and the play data PD will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the setting data SD. As shown in Figure 7, the setting data SD includes a setting record SDR for managing the setting contents for each store 6. Furthermore, in order to realize such management, the setting record SDR includes information on "store", "conditions to be granted", "condition target", and "target of use". In the setting record SDR, these pieces of information are recorded so as to be mutually associated.

The "store", "awarding condition", "condition target", and "usage target" are all information corresponding to the setting results set on the setting site. Specifically, "store" is information for identifying each store 6 when there are multiple stores 6 (facilities). Various information may be described in "store" as information for identifying each store 6, but as an example, information on a unique store ID for each store 6 is described. In addition, information on the store ID corresponding to the store 6 set through the setting site is described. The "awarding condition" is a condition for determining whether or not a ticket CK can be granted. When a play condition such as a specified number of times or a specified amount is used as the granting condition, information indicating the condition such as the specified number of times or the specified amount is described in the "awarding condition". In addition, when there is a limit to the period during which the granting condition is applicable, information on the applicable period is also described as the "awarding condition".

The "condition target" is information for identifying the game machine 3 (or type of game) that is the target of the awarding condition. The "condition target" may contain appropriate information capable of identifying the game machine 3 that is the target of the awarding condition, and information on a unique machine ID may be described for each game machine 3 (or each type of game machine 3, such as the first prize game machine 3B and the second prize game machine 3C) in order to identify each game machine 3. Alternatively, information on a unique game ID for each game may be described in the "condition target" in order to identify some of the games that are the target of the awarding among multiple games of different types. In addition, when a ticket CK whose use is limited to a prize game that awards a prize related to a specific character is distributed, information for identifying the specific character (for example, a character ID unique for each character or a prize ID unique for each prize. In this case, machine data that associates the character ID, etc. with the machine ID or game ID may be prepared separately) may be described in the "condition target". Furthermore, for example, when the awarding condition is applied to a store 6 unit among multiple stores 6, the "condition target" may include store ID information. In this example, the "condition target" information functions as the grant target information of the present invention. Note that if the game machines 3 in each store 6 are identified by a store ID via store data or the like, and the "condition target" store 6 matches the "store" store 6, the "condition target" information may be omitted. In this case, the "store" information functions as the grant target information of the present invention.

The "target of use" is information for identifying the game machine 3 (or type of game) on which the ticket CK can be used. The "target of use" may describe any suitable information that can identify the game machine 3 on which the ticket CK can be used. For example, as with the "condition target", the information described may be a machine ID, a game ID, a prize ID (in this case, information for managing the prize ID of the prize handled by the game machine 3, such as machine data, may be prepared in the game machine 3, and the availability of the ticket may be determined by comparing it with the prize ID. The prize ID may be managed, for example, by the prize game machine reading the prize ID information attached to the prize handled by the game machine. A character ID may be used instead of the prize ID.), or a store ID. In this example, the information on the "target of use" functions as the right target information of the present invention. Note that if the game machine 3 of each store 6 is identified by the store ID via store data or the like, and the "target of use" store 6 and the "store" store 6 are the same, the information on the "target of use" may be omitted. In this case, the information on the "store" functions as the right target information of the present invention.

"Benefit" is information indicating the content of the benefit granted when a ticket CK is used. For example, if a ticket CK functions as the right to play once for free, information indicating that content is described in "Benefit". If there are multiple types of tickets CK, such as a 100 yen discount, "Benefit" includes information such as the discount amount, and ultimately also functions as information indicating the type of ticket CK.

The setting data SD is not limited to these, and may include appropriate information related to the ticket distribution service. Alternatively, the above-mentioned information may be omitted as appropriate. For example, if the game machine 3 that is the target of the granting condition and the game machine 3 that can use the ticket CK are the same, the information on either the "condition target" or the "use target" may be omitted. Similarly, if the game machine 3 that is the target of the granting condition or the game machine 3 that can use the ticket CK is not specified, the information on the "condition target" or the "use target" may be omitted. On the other hand, for example, if multiple setting records SDRs corresponding to one store 6 (for example, setting records SDRs with different contents such as granting conditions, condition targets, use targets, or benefits when multiple granting conditions exist) are required, information for identifying each setting record SDR, such as a benefit ID, may be added.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of play data PD. As shown in Figure 8, the play data PD includes a play record PDR for managing game-related achievements for each user U. Furthermore, in order to realize such management, the play record PDR includes information on "user ID," "achievements," "tickets," and "usage items." These pieces of information are recorded in the play record PDR so that they are associated with each other.

"User ID" is information of a unique ID for each user U to identify each user U. "Achievements" is information indicating the details of each user U's achievements related to games. "Achievements" describes information about various achievements, such as the type of game played, the location (store), the date and time, the score obtained, and the items. Furthermore, if continuous achievements such as a specified number of plays or payment of a specified amount or more (cumulative payment over a specified period of time) are required as a condition for granting the bonus, "Achievements" includes information about the required achievements, such as the specified number of plays or the payment paid.

"Ticket" and "Usage" are information indicating whether or not a ticket CK is owned, and the game machine 3 (or type of game) that can be used, respectively. "Ticket" and "Usage" may be managed as part of "achievements", but in the example of Figure 8, they are shown separately from "achievements" for ease of explanation. If a user U owns a ticket CK, information indicating that ownership is described in "ticket". If there are multiple types of tickets CK, "ticket" includes information indicating the type of ticket CK owned.

On the other hand, the "target of use" describes information on the game machine 3 that can use the owned ticket CK (for each type if there are multiple types). For example, the "target of use" describes information such as the cabinet ID or game ID, just like the "target of use" in the setting data SD (example of FIG. 7). Furthermore, if the target of use of the ticket CK is limited to a portion of a plurality of stores 6, the "target of use" information includes store ID information indicating the stores 6 at which the ticket CK can be used. The portion of stores 6 may be set appropriately, and for example, in the case of a ticket CK issued at one of the affiliated stores, it may be set to all affiliated stores, but it is set to include at least the store 6 to which the ticket CK was issued. In other words, if the use of the ticket CK is limited to a portion of the stores 6, the "target of use" includes store ID information of the store 6 that issued the ticket CK.

In the example of FIG. 8, the play data PD functions as the rights information of the present invention. Furthermore, the "user ID" and "ticket" information functions as the user identification information and special rights information of the present invention, respectively. Similarly, the "object of use" information when it includes a game ID (when there is a one-to-one correspondence between the game machine 3 and the type of game, that is, when the game can be identified by the game machine 3, a cabinet ID may also be used) functions as the game type information of the present invention. Furthermore, the "object of use" information when it includes store ID information functions as the facility information of the present invention. And the play data PD functions as the rights data, facility data, and game type data of the present invention.

The play data PD is not limited to these, and may include appropriate information depending on the contents of the achievements or the convenience of managing the ticket CK. Alternatively, each of the above information may be omitted as appropriate. For example, if there is no limit to the game machine 3 (range) on which the ticket CK can be used, the "usage target" information may be omitted. In addition, the possession or non-possession of the ticket CK may be appropriately managed. For example, if a paper ticket is distributed as the ticket CK and the usable range is managed by ticket management data that associates the store 6 with the ticket CK, the "ticket" information may be omitted if it is not managed by the play data PD. If a paper ticket is distributed, the association between the ticket CK and the user may also be omitted, and therefore the ticket management data may not include user ID information. In other words, the ticket CK does not need to be managed in association with the user.

(Game System Processing)
Next, the ticket setting process, the ticket granting process, the first permission process, and the second permission process will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 12. The ticket setting process is a process for generating setting data SD based on the result of setting at the setting site. When a setting device 5 requests the display of the setting site via a browser application, the setting management unit 23 of the arcade system 20 starts the ticket setting process in Fig. 9, and first grants the setting device 5 a setting opportunity (step S101). The setting opportunity is realized, for example, through the setting site. For this reason, the setting management unit 23 realizes the granting of the setting opportunity by having the setting device 5 display the setting site via a browser application.

When an operation to end the setting is performed on the setting site (setting opportunity) (for example, clicking on an icon corresponding to the end of the setting), the setting management unit 23 acquires the setting result set on the setting site (step S102). Next, the setting management unit 23 generates (updates) the setting data SD based on the setting result acquired in step S102 (step S103). For example, the setting management unit 23 executes this generation by generating a setting record SDR in the setting data SD in which information such as the store 6 where the setting was performed on the setting site, the granting conditions set on the setting site, the target, the target for which the ticket CK can be used, and the benefits are described as information on "store", "granting conditions", "condition target", "target for use", and "benefit". After this generation, the setting management unit 23 terminates the current ticket setting process.

The procedure in FIG. 9 provides a setting opportunity (display of a setting site) in response to a request from the setting device 5, and generates setting data SD including a setting record SDR according to the setting results set there. More specifically, the procedure F1 in the example of FIG. 4 is realized. Note that the setting site may be provided with a function for modifying an existing setting record SDR (existing setting contents), in which case, instead of generation, in step S103 in the example of FIG. 9, the existing setting record SDR may be modified according to the modification results at the setting site.

The ticket granting process is a process for granting a ticket CK based on the granting conditions. The example in Figure 10 shows a case where the granting conditions are met in the game machine 3 of the store 6. The example in Figure 10 also shows a case where the granting conditions are applied on a store 6 basis. In the example in Figure 10, the process (procedure) executed mainly by the bonus control unit 34 of the game machine 3 is shown as the game machine 3, and the process (procedure) executed mainly by the rights management unit 24 of the arcade system 20 is shown as the arcade system 20. The example in Figure 11 is similar.

The game machine 3 (with the ticket function enabled) starts the ticket granting process of FIG. 10 each time it provides a play to the user U, and first transmits discrimination information for determining the granting conditions to the arcade system 20 (step S201). The discrimination information may include various information necessary for determining the granting conditions as appropriate, and includes, for example, user ID information, play result information, and attribute information of the game machine 3. The attribute information is information about the attributes of the game machine 3, and includes, for example, its own cabinet ID or the store ID of the store 6 to which it belongs. The discrimination information may include appropriate attribute information, and includes store ID information as an example. For example, the game machine 3 transmits information such as the user ID, play result, and store ID to the arcade system 20 as discrimination information.

When the discrimination information is transmitted from the game machine 3, the arcade system 20 starts the ticket granting process of FIG. 10 and first acquires the discrimination information (step S301). Next, the arcade system 20 determines whether the game machine 3 that transmitted the discrimination information in step S301 belongs to a store 6 that is the target of the granting condition (step S302). The arcade system 20 makes this determination by referring to the setting data SD. Specifically, the arcade system 20 refers to the "condition target" information in the setting data SD and determines whether a setting record SDR exists that includes the store ID information acquired as discrimination information in step S301.

If the user belongs to the target store 6 (store 6 included in the "condition target" of the setting data SD) (step S302: Yes), the arcade system 20 refers to the play result information in the discrimination information and determines whether the play result satisfies the grant condition (step S303). If the grant condition requires continuous achievement such as a predetermined number of plays or a predetermined amount of compensation (accumulated compensation), the arcade system 20 further refers to the "achievement" information in the play data PD based on the user ID in the discrimination information and determines whether the grant condition is satisfied by the current play result (achievement). Then, if the grant condition is satisfied (step S303: Yes), the arcade system 20 grants a ticket CK to the user U (step S304). Specifically, the arcade system 20 updates the play data PD of the current user U to content indicating the possession of a ticket CK. In other words, the arcade system 20 updates the "ticket" information in the play data PD to information indicating possession.

On the other hand, if the store does not belong to the target store 6 (store 6 is not included in the "condition target" of the setting data SD) (step S302: No), if the granting condition is not met (step S303: No), or after granting the ticket CK in step S304, the arcade system 20 transmits the result to the game machine 3 (step S305). After this transmission, the arcade system 20 ends the current ticket granting process. Note that the process in the example of FIG. 10 may include a process of transmitting the updated play data PD to the online system 10, such as transmitting it together with the game machine 3 in step S305, as appropriate, or the updated play data PD may be transmitted to the online system 10 by a separate process at an appropriate time after the process in the example of FIG. 10.

When the arcade system 20 transmits the results of the determination of the granting conditions, the game machine 3 acquires the results (step S202) and notifies the user U of the results (step S203). For example, if a ticket CK has been granted, the user U is notified of the results indicating the granting. If a ticket CK has not been granted, the notification may be omitted, but as an example, a notification is issued to the effect that a ticket CK will not be granted in the current play together with information regarding the granting of the ticket CK (for example, an advertisement regarding the granting of the ticket CK, or information regarding the achievements required to meet the granting conditions, etc.). These notifications are issued through an appropriate output device provided in the game machine 3, such as a display device or a speaker. Then, after this notification, the game machine 3 ends the current ticket granting process.

By the procedure in FIG. 10, a ticket CK is granted to each user U based on the play results (granting conditions) of the game machine 3. Furthermore, this granting is limited to the target store 6 (game machine 3) set on the setting site. Then, when a ticket CK is granted, the fact is notified via the game machine 3. More specifically, the procedure F2 to F6 (granting service) in the example of FIG. 4 is realized.

The first permission process and the second permission process are both permission processes for authorizing the use of a ticket CK when its use is appropriate. For example, the first permission process corresponds to the permission process when a ticket CK is used at a game machine 3 in a store 6. When an ID card is read at a game machine 3 in a store 6 to play a game, the game machine 3 starts the first permission process in FIG. 11 and first obtains user ID information from the ID card (step S401). The game machine 3 then requests play data PD corresponding to that user ID from the arcade system 20 (step S402). This request includes user ID information.

When a request is sent from the game machine 3, the arcade system 20 starts the first permission process of FIG. 11 and first acquires the request (step S501). Next, the arcade system 20 identifies the play data PD (play record PDR) corresponding to the user ID included in the request (step S502), and transmits the identified play data PD (including the corresponding play record PDR) to the game machine 3 (step S503). Then, after this transmission, the arcade system 20 ends this first permission process.

When the play data PD is transmitted from the arcade system 20, the game machine 3 acquires the play data (step S403). Next, the arcade system 20 refers to the acquired play data PD and determines whether or not there is a usable ticket CK (if an expiration date is set, a ticket CK that is within the expiration date) (step S404). For example, the game machine 3 refers to the "ticket" information in the play data PD and first determines whether or not there is a ticket CK owned by the user U. If there is an owned ticket CK, the game machine 3 further refers to the "usage target" information in the play data PD and determines whether or not the current store 6 (or game machine 3, etc.) falls within the range in which the ticket CK can be used. If there is no owned ticket CK, or if there is an owned ticket CK but it does not fall within the range in which the current store 6, etc. can be used, the game machine 3 determines that there is no usable ticket CK. In this case, the game machine 3 skips the subsequent processes and ends the current first permission process (step S404: No).

On the other hand, if a ticket CK is owned and the current store 6 etc. falls within the range in which the ticket CK can be used, the game machine 3 provides a selection opportunity to select whether or not to use the ticket CK (step S405). If the use of the ticket CK is not selected at that selection opportunity (the user U will not use the ticket CK) (step S406: No), the game machine 3 also skips the subsequent processing and ends the current first permission processing.

On the other hand, if the use of the ticket CK is selected at the selection opportunity (the user U uses the ticket CK) (step S406: Yes), the game machine 3 grants a benefit corresponding to the selected ticket CK (step S407). Furthermore, the game machine 3 updates the play data PD to reflect the use (consumption) of the ticket CK (step S408). Specifically, the game machine 3 updates the "ticket" information in the play data PD to non-owned information. After this update, the game machine 3 ends this first permission process. Note that the process in the example of FIG. 11 may include, for example, a process of transmitting the updated play data PD to the arcade system 20 as appropriate, or the updated play data PD may be transmitted to the arcade system 20 by another process at an appropriate time after the process in the example of FIG. 11. The same applies to transmission and reception between the arcade system 20 and the online system 10.

The procedure in FIG. 11 gives a user U who owns a ticket CK an opportunity to choose to use it, and through the giving of that opportunity, the use of the ticket CK is permitted. If the user chooses to use the ticket CK at that opportunity, the user is granted a benefit corresponding to the ticket CK (e.g., one free play). Specifically, the appropriateness of using the ticket CK is determined based on the presence or absence of the ticket CK and the store 6 where the ticket is to be played, and if the use is appropriate, the use of the ticket CK is permitted and the benefit is granted. This realizes the procedures F8 to F12 (permission service) in the example in FIG. 4 when the ticket CK is used at a game machine 3 in the store 6.

On the other hand, the second permission process corresponds to the permission process when a ticket CK is used on a user terminal 4 that provides an online game. The second permission process may be executed as appropriate and may be executed in a procedure different from that of the first permission process, but the example of FIG. 12 shows a case where the second permission process is executed in a procedure similar to that of the first permission process in the example of FIG. 11, although the processing entity is different. Note that in the example of FIG. 12, the process (procedure) executed mainly by the service management unit 45 of the user terminal 4 is shown as the user terminal 4, and the process (procedure) executed mainly by the rights management unit 14 of the online system 10 is shown as the online system 10.

As shown in FIG. 12, the second permission process includes steps S401 to S408 and steps S501 to S503 similar to the first permission process in the example of FIG. 11, but they are executed by the user terminal 4 and the online system 10, respectively. However, the conditions regarding whether or not the ticket CK can be used may differ appropriately between online games and arcade games. For example, in the case of an arcade game (when the ticket CK is used at the store 6), it is determined whether the store 6 where the ticket CK was used is within the usable range, but in the case of an online game (when the ticket CK is used at the user terminal 4), the conditions regarding the store 6 may be excluded from the determination of whether or not the ticket CK can be used. In other words, for example, in step S404 in the example of FIG. 12, the determination of the conditions regarding the store 6 may be omitted.

The procedure in FIG. 12 determines the appropriateness of using the ticket CK based on the presence or absence of the ticket CK, as in the procedure in FIG. 11, and if the use is appropriate, the use of the ticket CK is permitted and a benefit is granted; however, whereas the procedure in FIG. 11 realizes permission when the ticket CK is used at a game machine 3 in a store 6, the example in FIG. 12 realizes permission when the ticket CK is used at a user terminal 4. Specifically, the procedure in FIG. 12 realizes steps F8 to F12 (permission service) in the example in FIG. 4 when the ticket CK is used at a user terminal 4 that provides an online game.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the ticket CK distributed through the ticket distribution service is used on the game machine 3 of the store 6, it is permitted to be used in the arcade game via the first permission service, and when it is used on the user terminal 4 through the game app, it is permitted to be used in the online game via the second permission service. In other words, the use of the ticket CK is permitted on both the game machine 3 (arcade game machine) of the store 6 and the user terminal 4 via the first permission service and the second permission service. This allows the ticket CK to be shared by two separate devices (platforms), the arcade game machine and the user terminal 4. For this reason, for example, it is possible to guide the user U of the arcade game machine to the game app of the user terminal 4, or to guide the user U in the opposite direction. As a result, it is possible to promote the play of a game provided by one of the platforms of the arcade game machine and the user terminal 4 via another platform. Of course, it is also possible to expect a promotion effect on the use of the game by the user U of the arcade game machine, or the use of the online game by the user of the user terminal 4, for the user's own user base. In any case, the ticket CK can be used to promote the playing of games such as arcade games or online games. In particular, since the ticket CK has a limited use, it can promote the use of a specific game (or a specific game machine 3), such as the prize game of the first prize game machine 3B, compared to a general-purpose benefit such as points that can be used on any game machine.

In addition, the attractiveness (value) of the ticket CK can be improved compared to when it can only be used on either the arcade game machine or the user terminal 4. For example, since the ticket CK can be used on either an arcade game or an online game, the user U can decide where to use it by considering various factors such as whether the desired prize is available and whether the placement of the gaming device PS makes it easy to win a prize. As a result, by using the attractive ticket CK, it is possible to not only promote the use of arcade games and online games, but also to promote the introduction of arcade game machines to the store 6.

Specifically, for example, if the range in which the ticket CK can be used is limited to the store 6 to which the ticket CK was issued, or to stores affiliated with that store, the ticket CK can be used to promote the use of the game machines 3 at the store 6 to which the ticket CK was issued. Similarly, if the range in which the ticket CK can be used is limited to some games (or game machines 3), the ticket CK can be used to promote the use of those some games.

Furthermore, when the settings for the ticket distribution service are performed by the operator of the store 6 via the setting site (setting opportunity), the operator's intentions can be reflected in the contents of the ticket distribution service, such as the conditions for granting the ticket CK, its target, scope of use, or the contents of the benefits. This allows, for example, the conditions for granting the ticket CK to be set as playing a specific video game, and the scope of use to be set as a prize game in which the prize is goods related to the characters that appear in the video game. Users who play a specific video game are often very interested in the characters that appear in the game. This makes it possible to increase the utilization rate of the ticket CK and further increase its value. In addition, it is possible to induce the user base of video games to prize games (including both arcade games and online games), thereby expanding the user base and further promoting the utilization of prize games.

In the above embodiment, the rights management unit 24 of the arcade system 20 functions as the first permission means of the present invention by executing step S503 in FIG. 11. Similarly, the rights management unit 14 of the online system 10 functions as the second permission means of the present invention by executing step S503 in FIG. 12. Also, the rights management unit 24 of the arcade system 20 functions as the rights granting means of the present invention by executing step S304 in FIG. 10. Furthermore, the setting management unit 23 of the arcade system 20 functions as the setting providing means of the present invention by executing step S101 in FIG. 9.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be implemented in various modified or altered forms. The present invention may also be implemented in a form obtained by appropriately combining various technical means included in the above-mentioned embodiment and the following modified embodiment. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the granting condition is satisfied by playing an arcade game (arcade game machine), and a ticket CK is distributed. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, as described above, the granting condition may be satisfied by playing an online game (user terminal 4). Alternatively, the granting condition may be satisfied by using a membership service (membership registration). Furthermore, the granting condition may be satisfied through the provision of an auxiliary service at an auxiliary service terminal (device) that provides an auxiliary service that supplements various services of the game system 1, such as an arcade game or an online game, without being limited to a membership service. In other words, the granting condition may be satisfied by an appropriate service of various systems connected to the game system 1. Then, the ticket CK may be appropriately distributed as the granting condition is met in those services (target services that are the subject of the granting condition).

In the above embodiment, a single ticket CK that can be used in both online games and arcade games but is consumed when used in either one (not limited to once, but may be used a predetermined number of times) is distributed in the ticket distribution service. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, multiple tickets prepared for each service, such as a ticket for an online game and a ticket for an arcade game, may be distributed in response to the fulfillment of the granting conditions. Then, for example, the right to play either an online game or an arcade game once similar to the ticket CK may be realized by associating an extinction condition such that both tickets, the ticket for the online game and the ticket for the arcade game, are consumed when one of them is used. In other words, the ticket distribution service may distribute multiple tickets with associated extinction conditions as tickets CK that can be used in multiple services.

In the above embodiment, the ticket CK is granted by the arcade system 20, and the arcade system 20 is directly involved in granting the ticket CK in the granting service. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The granting service may include various procedures (including services), and the arcade system 20 (or the online system 10 in the case where the granting service is provided via the user terminal 4) may provide the granting service through providing all or a suitable part of the various procedures. For example, the ticket CK may be granted by the game machine 3 and managed in the game machine 3. In this case, the granting service includes a procedure for sharing the granting result or the use result of the ticket CK with the user terminal 4 (online game), and the arcade system 20 may be interposed between the game machine 3 and the user terminal 4 (other systems such as the online system 10 may also be interposed as appropriate) and provide the granting service through sharing the granting result, etc. In other words, the arcade system 20 may provide the granting service by taking on a part of the procedures in the granting service (for example, sharing the granting result) so as to indirectly realize the granting of the ticket CK.

The permission service is similar to the granting service. The permission service may include various procedures other than the permission to use the ticket CK and the granting of the associated benefits, and the arcade system 20 or the online system 10 may provide the permission service by providing all or a suitable part of them. For this reason, the permission to use the ticket CK and the granting of the associated benefits may be performed directly by the arcade system 20 or the online system 10. Alternatively, the arcade system 20 or the online system 10 may provide the permission service by sharing the permission of one with the other between the game machine 3 and the user terminal 4 (for example, in the case of the arcade system 20, the play data PD reflecting the consumption of the ticket CK on the game machine 3 is shared with the user terminal 4 via the online system 10).

In the above embodiment, the arcade system 20 executes the processes shown in Figs. 9 to 11, and the online system 10 executes the process shown in Fig. 12. As a result, the combination of the arcade system 20 and the online system 10, or the server SV including the server unit 2 that constitutes them, functions as the game system of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the online system 10 or another system such as the game machine 3 may execute all or part of the processes shown in Figs. 9 to 11 as appropriate. The same applies to the process shown in Fig. 12. For example, when the arcade system 20 plays all of the roles of the online system 10, the arcade system 20 alone (including the case where it is constructed by multiple server units 2) or the server SV including it may function as the game system of the present invention. The same applies when another system such as a game machine plays all of the roles of the arcade system 20 and the online system 10. On the other hand, when the roles of the arcade system 20 and the online system 10 are shared among various systems, a combination of those systems may function as the game system of the present invention.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications are described below. In the following description, the corresponding components shown in the attached drawings are noted in parentheses to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated forms.

The game system of the present invention is a game system (1) that is connected to both a first system (3) for providing a first game in a specified facility (6) and a second system (4) prepared separately from the first system as a system for providing a second game via a network (NT) and provides a specified service to each user (U) of both systems via the two systems, and is equipped with a first permission means (24) that provides a first permission service that permits the use of a special right (CK) limited to the first game and the second game in the first system based on rights information (PD) for managing the availability of the special right when the special right is used in the first system, and a second permission means (14) that provides a second permission service that permits the use of the special right in the second game in the second system based on the rights information when the special right is used in the second system.

According to the present invention, when a special right is used in the first system, its use in the first game is permitted through the first permission service, and when it is used in the second system, its use in the second game is permitted through the second permission service. That is, the use of the special right is permitted in both the first system and the second system through the first permission service and the second permission service. This allows the special right to be shared in two separate systems, the first system and the second system. For this reason, for example, it is possible to guide users of the first system to the second system, or vice versa. As a result, it is possible to promote the play of a game provided by one of the first and second systems through the other system. Of course, it is also possible to expect a promotion effect for the use of the first game by users of the first system, or the use of the second game by users of the second system, for the user's own user base. In any case, it is possible to promote the play of a game such as the first game or the second game by using the special right. In addition, since the attractiveness (value) of the special right can be improved compared to when it can be used only in one of the first system and the second system, it is also possible to promote the introduction of the first system to facilities by using the highly attractive special right. It is preferable that the first game and the second game are related to each other, but they do not have to be related.

The special rights may be appropriately granted to each user, and may be granted (distributed) manually at a specified facility, for example. In this case, the special rights may be granted via a physical medium such as paper. Alternatively, the special rights may be granted via various systems (including a standalone device) such as the first system, the second system, the game system, etc. In this case, the special rights may be granted electronically. For example, one aspect of the game system of the present invention may be one that includes a rights granting means (24) that provides a rights granting service that grants the special rights to a grantee user who meets specified granting conditions.

When a right-granting service is provided, the granting conditions may be met appropriately. For example, the conditions may be met in relation to the first system, such as playing the first game, or in relation to the second system, such as playing the second game. In addition, when other systems are connected to the game system, the conditions may be met in relation to the other systems, such as using services provided by the other systems. The other systems may provide various services, and may provide services related to the first system, such as the first game, or services related to the second system, such as the second game. For example, when a specific facility is recruiting members, a registration system for member registration and a member registration service may function as other systems and services provided by the other systems, respectively. Then, special rights may be granted to users who have registered as members through the member registration service. That is, for example, the granting conditions may be met by users who have registered as members through the member registration service of the registration system. In addition, the registration system may be used directly by users, or may be installed in a facility and used indirectly by the operator, etc. of the facility. That is, member registration may be performed by users, or may be performed by the operator, etc. of the facility. For this reason, a user terminal may function as a member system, or an appropriate computer device installed in the facility may function. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the granting condition may be satisfied in the target service as at least one of the first game, the second game, and an auxiliary service provided to assist the first game by an auxiliary service terminal (4) connected via a network (NT).

The entitlement service may include various procedures (including services). The entitlement means may provide the entitlement service through the provision of all or a suitable part of the various procedures. For example, a special right may be managed separately in the first system and the second system. In this case, the special right may be granted in the first system or the second system, or may be granted directly by the entitlement means. When a special right is granted in the first system or the second system, the granting result or the usage result may be shared with the first system or the second system as appropriate. In this case, the entitlement service may include a procedure for sharing the granting result, etc., and the entitlement means may be interposed between the first system and the second system and provide the entitlement service through the sharing of the granting result, etc. In other words, the entitlement means may provide the entitlement service by taking on a part of the procedures in the entitlement service (for example, sharing the granting result) so as to indirectly realize the granting of a special right.

The granting of special rights and sharing with other systems (such as a second system if granted in a first system, or vice versa) may also be achieved via appropriate rights management data that associates a user with the rights. In this case, the rights granting service may include a procedure for generating rights management data and a procedure for sharing the data between systems. The rights granting means may provide the rights granting service to grant rights directly through the generation of the data, or may provide the rights granting service to mediate the granting of rights through the sharing of the data between systems.

Similarly, the first permission service and the second permission service (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as permission services) may include various procedures (including services). The first permission means or the second permission means (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as permission means) may provide the permission service through the provision of all or an appropriate part of the various procedures. For example, permission to use a special right may be executed in the first system or the second system, or may be executed directly by the permission means. When permission to use is executed in the first system or the second system, appropriate information for determining the presence or absence of a special right or the possibility of use may be shared with other systems. In this case, the permission service may include a procedure for sharing information such as the presence or absence of a special right, and the permission means may be interposed between the first system and the second system and provide the permission service through the sharing of that information. In other words, the permission means may provide the permission service by taking on some of the procedures in the permission service (for example, sharing information such as the presence or absence of a right) so as to indirectly realize permission to use.

Specifically, for example, in an aspect of providing a right granting service, the right granting service may include generating right data (PD) that associates user identification information that identifies the granting user with the special right. Also, in this aspect, the right data may be used as the right information in the first authorization service and the second authorization service, and at least one of the first authorization means and the second authorization means may provide the first authorization service or the second authorization service by transmitting the right data to the first system or the second system so that use of the special right is permitted in the first system or the second system when the special right is available.

The settings related to the granting of special rights, such as the granting conditions, the target of the granting conditions (the system to which the special rights are granted) when there are multiple systems for granting special rights such as the first system or the second system, or the target of use that can use the special rights, may be fixed or variable. If the settings are variable, they may be performed by an appropriate setter, the facility operator, or other interested parties. In addition, the settings related to the granting of special rights may be performed via an appropriate device connected to the game system, for example, by the facility operator through a personal computer or the like installed in the facility. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, a setting providing means (23) is provided that provides a setting service that provides a setting opportunity to execute the setting related to the special rights in the target service to a specific setting device (5) connected via a network (NT), and the target service may be provided according to the setting result in the setting opportunity.

The settings related to the granting of special rights may include various settings as appropriate. For example, the settings may include settings such as the setting of grant conditions, the setting of the target of the grant conditions, the setting of the target of use, or the setting of the benefits associated with the exercise of the special rights. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the present invention in which a setting opportunity is provided via a setting device, the setting opportunity may include settings related to at least one of the settings of grant target information for identifying the system that is the target of the grant conditions when at least one of the first system and the second system includes multiple systems, the setting of right target information for identifying the system that is the target of the special rights, and the setting of the grant conditions.

In addition, when a rights granting service is provided, the granting of special rights may or may not be notified. If it is notified, the notification may be performed as appropriate. For example, in one aspect of the present invention that provides a rights granting service, the rights granting means may provide the result of the granting of the special rights to at least one of the first system and the second system, so that when the special rights are granted via the rights granting service, the granting of the special rights is notified via at least one of the first system and the second system.

The use of the special right may be restricted as appropriate. For example, the use of the special right may be restricted by various factors such as time, target, or location. For example, the use of the special right may be restricted to a particular location, such as a facility in the case where the right is granted at the facility, or to an affiliated facility in the case where the facility is one of an affiliated facility (multiple facilities with a capital relationship). In addition, if the target of use includes multiple elements such as multiple systems or multiple types of games (which may be considered to be each system if each system provides only one type of game), the use of the special right may be restricted to some of them.

Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the specified facility may include a plurality of facilities (6), the rights information may include facility data (PD) that associates the special right with facility information for identifying a portion of the facilities (6) among the plurality of facilities, and the first permission service may be provided such that permission to use the special right is limited to the portion of the facilities based on the facility data. Also, in this aspect, the portion of the facilities may include a facility (6) to which the special right has been granted in the case where the special right is granted at the specified facility. In this case, the special right can be utilized to promote the use of the first system in the facility to which the right has been granted.

Similarly, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, at least one of the first game and the second game includes a plurality of games of different types, the rights information includes game type data (PD) that associates the special right with game type information for identifying a portion of the plurality of games, and at least one of the first permission service and the second permission service may be provided such that permission to use the special right is limited to the portion of games based on the game type data. In this case, the special right can be used to promote use of the portion of games.

When the use of the special right is restricted, the restriction may be realized as appropriate. For example, the use of the special right may be executed by the first system or the second system, or may be executed by the game system via a permission means or the like. When the restriction on the use of the special right is executed by the first system or the second system, the game system may play an appropriate role in the restriction. For example, the game system may play a role of intervening between the first system and the second system and sharing with other systems information necessary to restrict the special right.

Specifically, for example, in a mode in which special rights are restricted based on facility data, the first permission means may transmit the facility data to the first system as at least a part of the first permission service so that restrictions on the portion of facilities are executed in the first system. Alternatively, in a mode in which special rights are restricted based on facility data, at least one of the first permission means and the second permission means may transmit the game type data to the first system or the second system as at least a part of the first permission service or at least a part of the second permission service so that restrictions on the portion of games are executed in the first system or the second system.

The first system and the second system may be configured appropriately. For example, the first system may be a system including a game machine (e.g., an arcade game machine) that provides the first game, and other appropriate devices. Alternatively, a single game machine may function as the first system. Similarly, the second system may be a system including a game machine that provides the second game, and other appropriate devices. Alternatively, a single game machine may function as the second system. However, it is preferable that the game machine of the second system is a computer device such as a user terminal of a different type from the game machine of the first system (a platform with a different operating system or functions). Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the first system may include a game machine (3) that is installed in the specified facility and provides the first game, and the second system may include a user terminal (4) of each user.

Various games may be provided as the first game and the second game as appropriate. For example, various video games such as action games, simulation games, or role-playing games may be provided as the first game or the second game. Alternatively, various prize games (prize acquisition games) such as a crane game using a crane device may be provided as the first game. Therefore, when the first system includes a game machine, the game machine may be configured as an appropriate prize game machine that provides various prize games such as a crane game. Similarly, the second game may be provided as an online prize game in which a prize game machine in a remote location is operated via a network. The first game and the second game may be the same type of game or different types of games. In addition, the games may be related to each other or unrelated to each other.

For example, in one aspect of the present invention in which the first system includes a game machine and the second system includes a user terminal, the game machine is configured as a prize game machine (3B, 3C) of a type that operates an operating means (CL) that changes the position of a physical game body (PS) in a storage unit that stores the game body in response to a play action input via an input device (IP), and the first game is a prize game in which a prize is awarded to a user when the game body moves to a predetermined position through the operation of the operating means, and the user terminal is connected to a prize game machine (3B, 3C) separate from the game machine via a network (NT), includes an input device (TS) for inputting a play action, operates an operating means (CL) provided in the separate prize game machine in response to the play action, and provides an online prize game as the second game in which a prize is awarded to a user when the game body moves to a predetermined position through the operating means.

The computer program (PG) of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (SVC) connected to the first system and the second system via a network to function as each of the means of the game system described above.

The control method of the present invention causes a computer (SVC) incorporated in a game system (1) that is connected to both a first system (3) for providing a first game in a specified facility (6) and a second system (4) prepared separately from the first system as a system for providing a second game via a network (NT) and provides a specified service to each user (U) of both systems via the two systems to execute a first permission procedure for providing a first permission service that permits the use of a special right (CK) limited to the first game and the second game in the first system based on rights information (PD) for managing the availability of the special right, and a second permission procedure for providing a second permission service that permits the use of the special right in the second game in the second system based on the rights information when the special right is used in the second system. The game system of the present invention can be realized by executing the computer program or control method of the present invention.

1 Game system 3 Game machine (first system)
4 User terminal (second system)
5 Setting device 6 Store (facility)
14 Rights management unit (second permission means)
23 Settings management section (settings provision means)
24 Rights management unit (first permission means, rights granting means)
3B First prize game machine (prize game machine, another prize game machine)
U User CK Ticket (special right)
PD play data (rights information, rights data, facility data, game type data)
PG Computer program NT Network SVC Control unit (computer)

Claims (17)

A game system connected to a first system for providing a first game in a specified facility and a second system for providing a second game, the second system being prepared separately from the first system, via a network, the game system providing a specified service to each user of the two systems via the two systems,
a first permission means for providing a first permission service for permitting use of a special right limited to the first game and the second game in the first system based on rights information for managing whether or not the special right can be used;
a second permission means for providing a second permission service that permits the use of the special right for the second game based on the right information when the special right is used in the second system;
A game system comprising: The game system according to claim 1, further comprising a right granting means for providing a right granting service that grants the special right to a grant user who satisfies a predetermined granting condition. The game system according to claim 2, wherein the granting condition is satisfied in at least one of the target services, which are the first game, the second game, and an auxiliary service provided by an auxiliary service terminal connected via a network to assist the first game. The game system of claim 3, wherein the right granting service includes generating right data that associates the special right with user identification information that identifies the granting user. The rights data is used as the rights information in the first permission service and the second permission service,
The game system described in claim 4, wherein at least one of the first authorization means and the second authorization means provides the first authorization service or the second authorization service by transmitting the rights data to the first system or the second system so that use of the special right is authorized in the first system or the second system when the special right is available for use. a setting providing means for providing a setting service for providing a setting opportunity for executing settings related to the special right in the target service to a predetermined setting device connected via a network,
The game system according to claim 5 , wherein the target service is provided according to a setting result at the setting opportunity. The game system of claim 6, wherein the setting opportunity includes setting of grant target information for identifying a system that is subject to the grant condition when at least one of the first system and the second system includes multiple systems, setting of right target information for identifying a system that is subject to the special right, and setting of at least one of the grant conditions. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the right granting means provides the result of granting the special right to at least one of the first system and the second system, when the special right is granted via the right granting service, so that the granting of the special right is notified via the first system or the second system. The predetermined facility includes a plurality of facilities,
the right information includes facility data associating the special right with facility information for identifying a portion of the plurality of facilities;
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first permission service is provided such that permission to use the special right is limited to the portion of facilities based on the facility data. The game system according to claim 9, wherein the part of facilities includes a facility to which the special right is granted when the special right is granted at the specified facility. The game system according to claim 10, wherein the first permission means transmits the facility data to the first system as at least a part of the first permission service so that restrictions on the portion of the facilities are executed in the first system. At least one of the first game and the second game includes a plurality of games of different types;
the rights information includes game type data associating the special rights with game type information for identifying a part of the plurality of games;
A game system described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the first permission service and the second permission service is provided such that permission to use the special right is limited to the certain games based on the game type data. The game system according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the first permission means and the second permission means transmits the game type data to the first system or the second system as at least a part of the first permission service or at least a part of the second permission service, so that the restriction on the part of the games is executed in the first system or the second system. the first system includes a gaming machine that is installed in the predetermined facility and provides the first game;
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second system includes a user terminal of each user. The gaming machine is configured as a prize game machine of a type in which an operation means for changing the position of a physical gaming object in a housing section that houses the gaming object is operated in response to a play action inputted through an input device, and a prize game is provided as the first game in which a prize is awarded to a user when the gaming object moves to a predetermined position through the operation of the operation means,
The game system according to claim 14, wherein the user terminal is connected to a prize game machine other than the game machine via a network, includes an input device for inputting a play action, operates an operation means provided in the other prize game machine in response to the play action, and provides, as the second game, an online prize game in which a prize is awarded to the user when a player moves to a predetermined position via the operation means. A computer program configured to cause a computer connected to the first system and the second system via a network to function as each of the means of the game system described in any one of claims 1 to 8. a computer that is incorporated in a game system that is connected to both a first system for providing a first game in a specified facility and a second system that is prepared separately from the first system as a system for providing a second game via a network and provides a specified service to each user of both systems via the two systems;
a first permission procedure for providing a first permission service that permits the use of a special right limited to the first game and the second game, when the special right is used in the first system, based on right information for managing whether or not the special right can be used; and
a second authorization procedure for providing a second authorization service that, when the special right is used in the second system, authorizes the use of the special right for the second game based on the right information;
A control method for executing the above.

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