JP6674627B2 - Card game system and card game program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a card game system and a card game program.

  2. Description of the Related Art A game device using a card as an information carrier such as a trading card and playing by inputting the card is used. In such a game device, information on an information carrier such as a card held by a player is read using, for example, a card reader or an infrared reader, and is used as information for specifying a player (user) and setting items and the like in a game. . In addition, the game device may be used as an online game device (for example, an online trading card arcade game device) in which a player moves a card by himself and bargains using various actions and strategies (real-time strategies). .

  In these card game devices, a new card may be issued each time a game is played. In the past, there was a game in which existing cards stored in advance were sequentially paid out, but in recent years, on-demand printing on a plain medium inside the device, and a type of arcade game that issues in-house manufactured cards each time Devices are also used.

  As a game device that prints a card on demand, there is a game device that plays a secondary game during a waiting time during card printing (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1, which discloses an invention relating to an arcade game device, discloses that the object is to reduce the waiting time until printing is completed, and the content to be printed is changed according to the result of the game. It also discloses that this may be done.

JP 2000-157721 A

  In general, in an arcade game device, an attempt has been made to shorten the time for which a player occupies the game device (except during game play) as much as possible and to increase the operating rotation rate of the game device. In this regard, in a game device such as that described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163, while taking care to prevent the player from feeling the waiting time, no attempt has been made to substantially reduce the occupation time of the game device.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a card game system and a card game program that do not lower the operating rotation rate of the card game device even when performing processing other than game play in the card game device.

A card game system according to the present invention, which has been made to solve such a problem,
Specifying means for specifying game-related information after game start information is input;
A printing device that prints on a medium print target information including a symbol associated with the specified game-related information,
A card game device including the printing device;
After payment of a play fee, a print control unit that causes the printing device to start printing and performs printing in parallel with game play;
Is provided.

  In this card game system, the start timing of card printing, which was conventionally started after the end of the game, is brought forward, and printing is executed in parallel with game play. According to this, it is possible to shorten the print waiting time possibly by moving forward, and in some cases, it is possible to issue a new card at the end of the game. Therefore, the occupation time of the game device by the player waiting for printing can be shortened.

  The specifying means of the card game system checks whether or not there is a print reservation as the game-related information, and if there is a print reservation, specifies information relating to the print reservation as the game-related information, and there is no print reservation. In this case, information obtained as a result of the lottery may be specified as the game-related information.

  The card game system includes: a determination unit configured to determine whether printing on the medium is completed during the game play and / or after the game play is completed; and printing to the player when the printing on the medium is completed. And notifying means for notifying completion.

  In the card game system, it is preferable that when the determination means determines that the game play has ended, the lock of the outlet for the printed material is unlocked.

  In the card game system, printing may be started by the print control unit before game play is started.

  The card game system may include a terminal device having a function of accepting the print reservation.

  The card game system may include a server to which a plurality of the game devices are connected via a network line.

  The print control means may cause the printer to print the number of additional printed materials according to the additional charge.

Further, the card game device according to the present invention,
Specifying means for specifying game-related information after game start information is input;
A printing device that prints on a medium print target information including a symbol associated with the specified game-related information,
After payment of a play fee, a print control unit that causes the printing device to start printing and performs printing in parallel with game play;
It is provided with.

Further, the card game program according to the present invention,
A computer for processing a card game in the card game device;
Specifying means for specifying game-related information based on a predetermined trigger;
After the payment of the play fee for the card game has been made, the printing device starts printing the print target information including the symbol linked to the specified game-related information, and performs printing in parallel with the game play. Printing control means for
This is a program for functioning as

  According to the present invention, even when processing other than game play is performed, the operating rotation rate of the game device is not reduced.

1 is a front view illustrating an example of an external structure of a card game device (satellite device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing an example of a card game device (satellite device). It is a perspective view showing an example of a satellite main part which constitutes a card game device (satellite device). It is a perspective view showing an example of a side cabinet which constitutes a card game device (satellite device). It is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal device. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a card game system. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a card game device (satellite device). FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a standard configuration example of a computer or the like used in the card game system. It is a block diagram explaining the function which a card game program realizes. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process. It is a figure which shows side by side the (A) conventional printing sequence in the card game device with an on-demand printing function, and (B) the printing sequence in one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a card game system and a card game device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The card game device 1 according to the present invention is a device that can be realized as a card game device with an on-demand printing function by itself, but is hereinafter incorporated in a card game system (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a game system) 100. The card game apparatus 1, the game system 100, and the like will be described (see FIGS. 1 to 9).

<Configuration of the game system 100>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a game system 100 including the card game device 1. In the game system 100, the card game device 1 is connected to a server 90 via a network such as the Internet. FIG. 6 shows only one representative game system 100. The card game device 1 and the terminal device 5 installed as needed in the game system 100 are typically installed in stores (amusement facilities) and the like in various places.

  The game system 100 includes a terminal device 5 serving as a terminal connected to a network, and a plurality of card game devices (hereinafter, also referred to as satellite devices) 1 connected to the terminal device 5. Each of the plurality of satellite devices 1 is connected to the server 90 via a network via the terminal device 5 (see FIG. 6). In addition to the terminal device 5 being connected to the server 90 via the network, a server (not shown) is provided for each store, and the terminal device 5 or the terminal device 5 and the satellite device 1 are connected thereto. Is also good.

<Configuration of satellite device>
The satellite device 1 is arranged so that a player can play a game on the device. In the present embodiment, the two satellite devices 1 and the billboard (decoration decorative body) 4 are configured to be integrated (see FIGS. 1 and 2), but this is only an example, and a single satellite device 1 is used. The specific arrangement, such as arrangement everywhere, is not particularly limited.

  Each satellite device 1 includes a satellite main body 2 and a side cabinet 3 (see FIGS. 3, 4 and the like).

<Satellite body 2>
The satellite main body 2 is a main body of the satellite device 1, and includes a satellite housing 20, a display 21, an input device 22, a game play panel 23, a card reader unit 24, a light 79 (see FIG. 7), and the like.

  The display 21 is installed at the back of the upper surface of the satellite housing 20, and displays, in addition to the game, various information before and after the start of the game, various information of the player, and the like.

  The input device 22 is a device that is used when a player selects or inputs necessary information and instructions at the time of starting a game and the like, and includes, for example, buttons to be pressed. The input device 22 and the card reader unit 24 are arranged on the left side of the satellite casing 20 when viewed from the player, and constitute a left control panel (left control panel).

  The game play panel 23 is formed of, for example, a rectangular panel provided on the upper surface of the satellite housing 20 so that a player can place a card on hand on the board and move (slide) the card on the board. Is formed. A predetermined code is printed on a card placed on the game play panel 23, and this information and the movement of the card on the board surface are determined by, for example, an infrared camera (shown in FIG. (Omitted). A video unit 64 to be described later may be provided on the game play panel 23.

  The card reader unit 24 has a built-in IC card unit 80 (see FIG. 7), and stores or links various information such as IC cards (player identification information and play data of various games) owned by the player. This is a device that performs reading and the like of a card. Note that the IC card records only the player identification information or the card identification information, transmits the read IC card information to the server 90 via the network, and performs verification of the IC card on the server 90 side. It may be configured to receive play data or the like of the corresponding corresponding player.

  The speaker unit 25 has a built-in speaker 67, and a pair of left and right is disposed above the display 21, for example.

<Side cabinet>
The side cabinet 3 is a device arranged on the side of the satellite device 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and includes a cabinet housing 30, a printer (printing device) 31, an ejection port 32 for a printed card, and an ejection door 33. , A coin slot 34, an input device 35, and the like.

  The cabinet housing 30 is a housing of the side cabinet 3 and includes a coin insertion slot 34 and an input device 35 arranged on the upper surface, and a card ejection slot 32 and an ejection door 33 arranged on the front side, as viewed from the player. It constitutes the right control panel (right-left control panel) located on the right side. Further, a printer 31 is installed inside the cabinet housing 30.

  The printer 31 is an apparatus that performs on-demand printing on a plain medium including a pattern (pattern, design) linked to game-related information specified by a computer (for example, a satellite computer 62). The printer 31 itself may be a known one (a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or another printer). In the present embodiment, a printer 31 for printing by laminating a plurality of layers on both surfaces of a medium is used.

  The ejection slot 32 ejects the printed card and temporarily holds the card. After the game is over, the player can take out the card from the take-out slot 32.

  The take-out door 33 is a lid member provided with an opening / closing mechanism and a lock mechanism, and prevents the card from being taken out from the take-out port 32 when locked, and allows the card to be taken out after the lock is released.

  The coin insertion slot 34 is an insertion slot for a player or the like to insert a play charge for a game, and incorporates a coin insertion unit 86 (see FIG. 7) connected to a satellite computer 62 described later.

<Internal configuration of satellite device>
The configuration of the satellite device 1 of the present embodiment will be described (see FIG. 7).

  The satellite device 1 includes a satellite computer 62 which is control means for controlling the entire device. The satellite device 1 also includes a video unit 64, a sound unit 68, and an IO board 70, each connected to a satellite computer 62. A side cabinet 3 is disposed on a side portion of the satellite main body 2 (for example, on the right side when viewed from a player). In addition, devices such as the printer 31, the card take-out door 33, and the input device 35 of the side cabinet 3 are also connected to the satellite computer 62 (see FIG. 7).

  The video unit 64 includes, for example, an LCD 64a and a touch panel 64b. That is, the player can perform an interactive operation by touching the touch panel 64b on the content displayed on the LCD 64a. The LCD 64a and the touch panel 64b are used in the display 21, the game play panel 23, and the like.

  The sound unit 68 is built in the speaker unit 25 and includes, for example, an amplifier 66 and a speaker 67. The sound unit 68 outputs a game sound to the operating player.

  Various lights 79 such as a cold cathode tube 72, a fluorescent lamp 74, an LCD lamp 76, and a housing lamp 78 are connected to the IO board 70. When the player operating the satellite device 1 wins, for example, in the battle game, the LCD lamp 76 and the housing lamp 78 perform predetermined lighting / flashing operations.

  The satellite device 1 also includes an IC card unit 80 and a coin insertion unit 86. The IC card unit 80 includes an IC card reader / writer 82 (information reading means, information writing means) for reading and writing information on an IC card as an information storage medium. A card lock mechanism 84 for locking the IC card may be provided in accordance with the mechanism of the unit. When the player in the satellite device 1 reads the card information by holding the IC card over the IC card unit 80 of the card reader unit 24, the satellite computer 62 authenticates, and upon successful authentication, logs the player on to the card game.

  The coin insertion unit 86 is a game play charge insertion mechanism.

  Further, the satellite computer 62 locks the take-out door 33 of the card take-out slot 32 until the game ends, for example, and releases the lock after the game ends.

<Configuration of computer etc.>
A standard configuration such as a main computer (e.g., a satellite computer 62; hereinafter, also simply referred to as a computer) used in the game system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  A computer having a standard configuration includes a game board 102 for totally controlling the entire apparatus, a video card 104 for displaying images, a sound card 106 for outputting sounds, an auxiliary memory 108, a DVD-ROM 110, and a data storage 112. , A PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) I / O card 114, a communication interface 116, a power supply 118, and a case 120.

  The game board 102 includes, for example, a motherboard 122, a CPU 124, a main memory (RAM) 126, and the like.

  The auxiliary memory 108 serving as a storage unit is configured by, for example, a ROM. The auxiliary memory 108 may be a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The auxiliary memory 108 stores, for example, an OS (Operation System) program 130, an application program 132, and the like, and is loaded into the main memory 126 as appropriate under the control of the CPU 124. The DVD-ROM 110 functions as an external storage device, and reads necessary programs and the like into the main memory 126 and / or the auxiliary memory 108.

  Further, the data storage 112 as a storage means is constituted by, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SDD) 134. The data storage 112 stores, for example, game data 136 and its backup data.

<Configuration of terminal device 5>
The terminal device 5 is a device including a terminal housing 50, a display 51, an input device 52, a card reader 53, and the like (see FIG. 5). The basic configuration of the devices such as the display 51, the input device 52, and the card reader 53 is not particularly different from that of the satellite device 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The terminal device 5 in the game system 100 of the present embodiment has a print reservation receiving function. This is a function that allows the player to make a request reservation in advance for a card to be printed by the printer 31 in the side cabinet 3 after playing a card game on the satellite device 1. Here, the cards are designed such that the parameters, attributes, patterns, etc. of the corresponding characters and items (if there is an item card) change by playing the game, and the value of the collection increases for the player. Therefore, the player prints a card with a changed pattern so that the card can be used in the next and subsequent games. In the case where there are a plurality of cards to be printed, selecting a card to be printed by the satellite device 1 playing the game requires a card to be printed by the terminal device 5 in advance because the operating rotation rate of the game device is reduced. Request. The request reservation information input by the terminal device 5 is stored as game-related information in the server 90 via a network line together with player identification information and the like. When the player starts a card game on one of the satellite devices 1 connected to the network, the computer of the satellite device 1 (satellite computer 62) checks whether there is stored information (game-related information) associated with the player on the server. 90, and reads the stored information, if any, and causes the printer 31 to print the print target information including the design linked to the game-related information. It should be noted that the print reservation may be made not only from the terminal device 5 but also from a terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone if the identification information of the player can be specified. In this case, a terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone has a function of reading the IC card electronically, or the identification information of the player is printed on the IC card with numbers, symbols, codes, or the like. .

  Since the terminal device 5 having the print reservation receiving function is installed, each player makes a print reservation in advance in the terminal device 5 instead of the satellite device 1, and then plays a game in a desired satellite device 1. It is possible to According to this, it is possible to reduce the occupation time of the satellite device 1 by the player (in other words, the ratio of the time during which the game is not actually played to the time during which the satellite device 1 is used).

<Configuration of server 90>
The server (server device) 90 manages the game data transmitted from the card game devices 1 installed in various places and the terminal devices 5 installed as needed. More specifically, the server 90 includes, for example, a database server 92 that stores and manages game data transmitted from the card game apparatuses 1 and the like in various places, a ranking server 94 that performs statistical processing such as various rankings, and the like. A web server 96 that connects personal information devices such as personal computers, game terminals, mobile phones, and smartphones owned by users (players) and provides a community between players, and comprehensively controls the processing of competitive games by multiple players. And a battle processing server 98.

<On-demand printing processing>
An example of the on-demand process in the game system 100 will be described (see FIGS. 9 to 11). When performing on-demand printing, the computer functions as a specifying unit A, a printing control unit B, a take-out door locking unit C, a printing completion determining unit D, and a notification unit E based on the instructions of the program as follows. (See FIG. 9).

  When game start information is input (YES in step SP1), the computer uses this as a trigger to specify game-related information. Here, various types of game start information can be set as a trigger, but as an example, in the present embodiment, information input of an IC card performed by the card reader unit 24 by the player at the start of the game is used as a trigger. However, this is only an example, and in a game device in which information is not input using an IC card or the like, for example, payment of a game play fee from the coin insertion slot 34 or input of a game start input from the input device 22 of the satellite housing 20. Such a trigger may be used.

  The specification of the game-related information is performed as follows. First, it is checked whether or not the reservation information of the print request made in advance via the terminal device 5 is stored in the server 90 (step SP2). If there is the reservation information (YES in step SP2), The reservation information is specified as the game-related information (step SP4).

  On the other hand, if there is no reservation information (NO in step SP2), game-related information is separately generated. Although a specific example of the generation in this case is not particularly limited, for example, in the present embodiment, the server 90 performs a random lottery (step SP3), and specifies information corresponding to the lottery result as game-related information (step SP4). ). According to this processing procedure, a procedure for causing the player to select game-related information in the satellite device 1 is not included. Therefore, the operating rotation rate of the satellite device 1 does not need to be reduced. The lottery may be executed in the satellite device 1.

  When the game-related information is specified, print target information including a pattern linked to the game-related information is determined, and the printer 31 starts printing the pattern (step SP5). The timing of printing start may be any timing as long as printing is performed in parallel with game play, for example, after payment of a play fee.

  When the printing is completed (YES in step SP6), the player or the like is notified that the printing is completed (step SP7). The notification may be made through a sound such as a voice or a melody, by turning on a lamp (not shown) arranged around the card slot 32, or by displaying a telop on the display 21. It may be performed by flowing.

  The new card printed on demand using the printer 31 is ejected from the card ejection slot 32. In the present embodiment, the ejection door 33 is locked using the lock mechanism during game play, and the game ends. Then (YES in step SP8), the lock of the take-out door 33 is released (step SP9). According to this, it is possible to prevent a person other than the player from carrying the new card ejected from the card ejection slot 32 during game play (storage by a third party).

  As described above, in the game system 100 of the present embodiment, by performing card printing in parallel with game play, the print waiting time can be reduced or set to 0 (zero). That is, in the related art, the start timing of card printing, which has been started after the end of the game (for example, after displaying the game result) (see FIG. 11A), is moved forward in this embodiment, and the game play is started. Execute printing in parallel. According to this, it is possible to shorten the print waiting time (probably to conceal the printing time), and to issue a new card at the end of the game in some cases (see FIG. 11B). According to this, the player can receive the card immediately after the end of the game, and does not have to wait for the card to be received from the end of the game.

  Although it depends on the performance of the printer 31, the design of the cabinet housing 30, and the like, it is more preferable that the player is not noticed that the printing is being performed during game play. Then, a new card can be provided to the player without realizing that the card has been printed on demand.

  Further, after inputting the game start information, the game-related information is specified by lottery in the server 90 (provided that there is no print request reservation information). The bias can be eliminated. In other words, in a card game device that performs a so-called physical lottery that sequentially discharges a predetermined amount of ready-made cards stored in advance, it is difficult to greatly differ the appearance probabilities of rare cards such as so-called rare cards. Since rare cards were mixed at a substantially constant ratio (for example, a ratio of 2 to 3 cards out of 100 cards), after the rare cards appeared fortunately, until a certain amount of cards were refilled, For a while (especially immediately after), the expected value of the next rare card had to be low. On the other hand, in the game system 100 in which a lottery is performed every time a game is played, since the probability of appearance of a rare card is always the same, the bias of the expected value can be eliminated.

  The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the medium to be printed on demand is mainly a paper medium in a blank state such as thick paper, but may be a medium made of a material other than paper such as resin. Alternatively, a card other than a card (for example, a prize of a game and printing according to game-related information (including a three-dimensional object such as a figure or a label print) or creation of a figure or the like by a 3D printer) is to be printed. May be included.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where printing is performed in parallel with game play has been described. However, “parallel” in the present specification does not require that all are performed at the same time. This also includes starting printing after a few seconds to tens of seconds have elapsed after the start of game play. Alternatively, printing may be started before starting game play. The point is that instead of starting printing after the end of game play as in the past, the print start timing is brought forward and printing is advanced during game play, thereby shortening the print standby time after the end of game play, or If the mode is (zero), it is not necessary that the printing and the game play are all in parallel.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the main computer for performing the print control and the like is the satellite computer 62 of the game system 100 (the satellite device 1 included therein) is described, but this is only a preferable example. In addition, printing control or the like may be performed by a computer installed in the terminal device 5, and printing control or the like may be performed by a server client computer using the server 90 computer.

  Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described embodiment, the game system 100 may have a game continuation function. For example, an inquiry is made to the player as to whether or not to continue the game (continuation) after the game is over, and the above-described print processing flow (see FIG. 10) is provided on condition that the player selects continuation and has paid a game play fee equivalent to the additional game. And the card printing is performed in parallel with the game. Although not shown, an option for additional card issuance may be provided in this case. When the player selects the option of additional card issuance and pays a fee (additional charge) equivalent to the additional card in addition to a game play fee equivalent to the additional game, the additional card is printed and issued together with a normal card. Such an option is available when multiple cards (for example, two cards) can be printed in one game, or when the creation of a value (premium value, collection value, etc.) corresponding to the payment of an additional card is expected. It is useful in such as.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is suitable for application to a card game apparatus and a card game program for providing a game medium such as a card created by on-demand printing on a medium for each game.

1. Satellite device (card game device)
2 satellite body 3 side cabinet 4 billboard 5 terminal device 20 satellite housing 21 display 22 input device 23 game play panel 24 card reader unit 25 speaker unit 30 cabinet housing 31 Printer (printing device)
32: Card (printed matter) take-out opening 33 ... Take-out door 34 ... Coin slot 50 ... Terminal housing 51 ... Display 52 ... Input device 53 ... Card reader 62 ... Satellite computer 64 ... Video unit 64a ... LCD
64b ... Touch panel 66 ... Amplifier 67 ... Speaker 68 ... Sound unit 70 ... IO board 72 ... Cold cathode tube 74 ... Fluorescent lamp 76 ... LCD side lamp 78 ... Housing side lamp 79 ... Lighting 80 ... IC card unit 82 ... IC card reader / writer 84 card lock mechanism 86 medal insertion unit 88 removal door 90 server 100 card game system (game system)
102 game board 104 video card 106 sound card 108 auxiliary memory 110 DVD-ROM
112 data storage 114 PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) I / O card 116 communication interface 118 power supply 120 case 122 motherboard 124 CPU
126: Main memory 128: ROM
130 operating system 132 application 134 hard disk / solid state drive 136 game data

Claims (9)

Specifying means for specifying game-related information after game start information is input;
A printing device that prints on a medium print target information including a symbol associated with the specified game-related information,
And Gate beam apparatus comprising the printing apparatus,
After payment of a play fee, a print control unit that causes the printing device to start printing and performs marking in parallel with game play;
With
The specifying unit checks whether or not there is a print reservation as the game-related information. If there is a print reservation, the information relating to the print reservation is specified as the game-related information. If there is no print reservation, the result of the lottery is determined. gate arm system for identifying information obtained as game-related information. Determining means for determining whether printing on the medium has been completed during and / or after the game play,
Notifying means for notifying the player of the completion of printing when printing on the medium has been completed,
Further comprising, Gate beam system according to claim 1. The determination means and the game play has ended unlocks the outlet of the medium in which the printing is completed if it is determined, Gate beam system according to claim 2. By the print control means to start printing before the start game play, Gate beam system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Including a terminal device having a receiving function of the print reservation, Gate beam system according to claim 1. Including a server where a plurality of the game apparatuses are connected via a network line, Gate beam system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The print control means to print the number of additional medium in accordance with the additional charging to the printing apparatus, Gate beam system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Specifying means for specifying game-related information after game start information is input;
A printing device that prints on a medium print target information including a symbol associated with the specified game-related information,
After payment of a play fee, a print control unit that causes the printing device to start printing and performs printing in parallel with game play;
With
The specifying unit checks whether or not there is a print reservation as the game-related information. If there is a print reservation, the information relating to the print reservation is specified as the game-related information. If there is no print reservation, the result of the lottery is determined. gate beam device identifying information obtained as game-related information. A computer for processing the Gate arm in Gate beam apparatus,
With identifying the Gate irrelevant information after game start information has been input, the print reservation as game-related information whether to confirm there, the game-related information information relating to the print reservation if there is a print reservation Specifying means for specifying information obtained as a result of the lottery as game-related information when there is no print reservation,
After the payment of the play charge of the Gate arm has been carried out, with respect to the printing device, said to start the printing of printed information, including the symbols with string to the specified game-related information, the parallel printing with the game play Printing control means to be performed,
Gate-time program to function as.

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