JP6721659B2 - Server system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a server system that is communicatively connected to a player terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game that is enjoyed by connecting to a game server via a network such as the Internet has been known, and in recent years, a so-called social game provided on an SNS (Social Networking Service) has been remarkably popularized (for example, patents). Reference 1).

JP, 2007-206823, A

Most social games in recent years are designed on the assumption that they are executed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and one game is a relatively short game play so that the game can be easily played at a time convenient for the player. Often game specifications are adopted.

On the other hand, a commercial game device such as a crane game for acquiring a real prize, or a commercial medal game device in which a large number of real medals placed in the game space are pushed by a pusher mechanism to move. (Pusher game) is also popular. Therefore, when it is attempted to virtually realize the game play on such a business-use game device by the social game, it is considered that the repeated game play specifications may be suitable for the social game.

However, the game device for business use is interesting in that the game situation such as placement positions of prizes and medals changes with each game play, and an unspecified number of players can play, so that the game situation of the previous player remains unchanged. It is interesting that you can start game play. For this reason, if each gameplay is played from the initial state, or if the gameplay is saved and the previous continuation can be played at any time, the fun will be reduced by half compared to the actual commercial game device. ..

Further, in the case of an arcade game machine, an event such as being watched by another player or waiting in turn by another player occurs. While I want to get good results while I am playing the game, I will play the game while experiencing the pressure that the game situation will be taken over by other players if I fail. These phenomena are also one of the real pleasures of playing a game device for business use.

The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide the fun that can be enjoyed with an actual business game device in which the game situation such as a crane game or a pusher game changes. It is to propose a mechanism that can be realized by virtual game play. A second object of the present invention is to add to the interestingness unique to the virtual game play while keeping the fun of the actual game device for business.

The first invention for solving the above problems is
It is possible to communicate with a plurality of player terminals (for example, the player terminal 2000 in FIG. 1), change the game situation by game play each time according to an operation input on one player terminal, and change the game status to the previous game play time. A server system (for example, the game server 100 in FIG. 1) that controls the execution of a game that inherits the game situation,
Browsing for notifying the player terminal of the player who is playing the game that the viewing request has been made when a request to view the game status of the game is received from another player during the game play of one player. Request notification means (for example, the browsing management unit 226 in FIG. 13),
A game situation disclosure unit (for example, the browsing management unit 226 in FIG. 13) that publishes the game situation of the one player in response to the browsing request;
It is a server system equipped with.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a game in which the game situation changes with each game play, the game situation of each game play is carried over to the next game play. Further, when a browsing request is made by another player during the game play of one player, the fact is notified to the one player and the game situation of the game play of the one player is disclosed to the other player. .. In other words, I don't want to let other players take over the game situation that I created because it is publicly available and will recognize the presence of other players who are watching my gameplay. Then, it is necessary to continue playing the game. Such emotions are emotions close to those of game play on an actual arcade game device, and can make you feel as if you are playing a game in front of a spectator on an actual arcade game device. ..

Further, as a second invention, in the first invention,
The onlooker presence notifying unit causes the player terminal to display according to the number of viewed players.
A server system may be configured.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the display corresponding to the number of viewed players is performed on the player terminal of one player. Therefore, for one player, even if there are no other players around him in the real world, in addition to the presence or absence of an onlooker, the number of onlookers can be visually sensed. You can get the feeling as if you are playing an actual business game device, such as feeling the pressure one by one.

Further, as a third invention, in the first or second invention,
Reservation registration means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) for registering a reservation for the next game play of the one player by the other player while the one player is playing the game.
It may be configured to further include a server system.

According to the third aspect, it is possible for another player to make a reservation registration during the game play of one player. As a result, it is possible to simulate the event of waiting for the turn of game play in the arcade game device.

As a fourth invention, in the third invention,
Reservation registration notifying means for notifying the one player that the reservation registration has been made by the reservation registration means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13),
It may be configured to further include a server system.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the reservation registration is performed, the one player is notified. In other words, for one player, after the player's own game play, he/she recognizes that the other player is waiting for the turn. You can enjoy the feeling.

As a fifth invention, in the fourth invention,
The reservation registration notifying unit causes the player terminal to display a number of players who have made a reservation.
A server system may be configured.

According to the fifth aspect, the display corresponding to the number of reserved players is performed on the player terminal of one player. Therefore, from the perspective of one player, even though there are no other players around him in the real world, there is a wait after his or her game play, and even the number of people in that wait may increase. Also, since it is possible to visually feel, it is possible to obtain a feeling as if one is actually playing a game device for business use, such as feeling pressure on each game play.

A sixth invention is the server system according to any one of the third to fifth inventions,
After the game play of the one player is completed, a reservation fulfillment notification means (for example, reservation management in FIG. 13) that notifies the player terminal of the reserved player that the game can be played according to the registration order by the reservation registration means. Part 228),
You may comprise the server system further equipped with.

According to the sixth aspect, since the reserved player is notified that the game play is possible after the end of the game play of the one player, the reserved player can quickly start the game play. it can. This makes it possible to create a state such as an actual arcade game device in which after the game play is over, the player who has been waiting in turn is replaced and the next game play is started.

A seventh invention is the server system of the sixth invention,
During a given priority reception period from the game play of the one player, a priority reception unit (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) that preferentially receives the game play request from the one player is further provided.
The reservation fulfillability notification means notifies the player terminal of the reserved player that the game can be played after the priority reception period has elapsed.
You may comprise a server system.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, after the game play by the one player is completed, it is notified that the reserved player game play is possible after the lapse of the priority reception period.
That is, it is possible to decide whether or not to continue the next game play during the priority acceptance period in which the game play request is preferentially accepted after the end of the game play.

As an eighth invention, in the first to seventh inventions,
A virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game is executed as the game,
A server system may be configured.

According to the eighth aspect, a virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game is executed as the game. Such a game achieves the purpose of obtaining game media such as prizes and medals by playing the game multiple times in succession, and the game situation such as the arrangement position of the game media in the game space changes with time. The method of promoting game play by resetting effectively works effectively.

Further, as a ninth invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions,
The game execution control means causes the player terminal to execute the game,
A server system may be configured.

According to the ninth aspect, the game is executed on the player terminal. For this reason, since the process relating to the progress/situation change of the game can be executed on the player terminal side, the load on the server system can be dispersed/reduced.

The whole block diagram of a game system. An example of a player terminal. An example of a game screen. Explanatory drawing of taking over of a game situation. Explanatory drawing of browsing of a game situation. An example of the game screen when reserved. An example of the game end screen. An example of a game device list screen. An example of a browsing screen. An example of a browsing screen. An example of a browsing screen. An example of a browsing screen. The functional block diagram of a game server. A data structure example of player management data. 3 is a data configuration example of virtual game device management data. The functional block diagram of a player terminal. The flowchart of the browsing/reservation management process in a game server. The flowchart of the virtual game device management process in a game server. The flowchart of a process in a player terminal. Continuation of the flowchart of FIG. Another example of the game device list screen.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a case where a crane game is executed in a network game system will be described, but an applicable embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system according to this embodiment. The game system includes a game server 1000 connectable to the communication line 1 and a player terminal 2000 prepared for each player. The communication line 1 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 1 is meant to include a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, and a communication network such as the Internet. The communication method may be wired/wireless.

The game server 1000 is a server system configured to include a single server device or a plurality of server devices, a storage device, and the like, and provides various services for operating the network game of the present embodiment, and is necessary for executing the game. Client programs, data, etc. can be distributed.

The player terminal 2000 is a computer, and is an electronic device realized by, for example, a smartphone, a portable game device, a home game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, or the like. Then, the player terminal 2000 can connect to the communication line 1 via a mobile phone base station, a wireless communication base station, or the like, and can perform data communication with the game server 1000.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a smartphone which is an example of the player terminal 2000. The player terminal 2000 includes a direction input key 2002, a home key 2004, a touch panel 2006, a speaker 2010, a microphone 2012, a GPS antenna 2014, a control board 2018, and a memory card 2032 which is a computer-readable storage medium. And a memory card reader 2030 capable of reading and writing data. In addition, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, etc., which are not shown, are provided.

The control board 2018 includes various microprocessors such as CPU, GPU, and DSP, and various IC memories such as ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM. A wireless communication module 2020 for wirelessly communicating with a mobile phone base station and a GPS module 2022 are mounted on the control board 2018. Further, on the control board 2018, a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 2002 and the home key 2004, a driver circuit for the touch panel 2006, a circuit for generating a signal of a sound collected by the microphone 2012, a memory card reader 2030. The so-called I/F circuit (interface circuit) such as the signal input/output circuit of is mounted. The respective elements mounted on the control board 2018 are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be capable of reading and writing data and transmitting and receiving signals.

[Game overview]
In the game system of this embodiment, a crane game is played. This crane game has a configuration that virtually reproduces a crane game device that is an arcade game device installed in an actual game center or the like.

FIG. 3 is an example of the game screen W1 displayed on the player terminal 2000. On the game screen W1, a state of a game space (game space) in a virtual crane game device (hereinafter referred to as “virtual game device”) is displayed. On the field 12 in the game space, one large prize 14 is arranged substantially in the center, and a large number of small prizes 16 are arranged so as to fill the periphery of the large prize 14. A large prize 14 and a small prize 16 are collectively referred to as a prize. It can be said that these prizes are game media. In front of the field 12, a prize drop opening 18 which is an opening is formed, and the prize drop entrance 18 is provided with a chucker 20 for detecting a falling prize. However, the virtual chucker 20 is assumed to be detected by the chucker 20 when the prize passes through a predetermined position in the actual internal calculation.

At the top of the game space, a crane device 22 for holding a prize is provided. The crane device 22 has a main body portion 22a that is movable in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction, and a pair of arms 22b that are attached to the lower portion of the main body portion 22a and operate so as to be sandwiched from the left and right.

A roulette wheel 24 is provided at the back of the game space. When a falling prize is detected by the chucker 20, a lottery is performed by the roulette wheel 24. When all the outcomes are matched, the prize is won and a predetermined privilege is obtained. The privilege here is a content that is advantageous for obtaining a free gift. For example, the setting of the crane device 22 such that the force by which the arm 22b sandwiches the prize (arm force) is strengthened, the width (arm width) at which the arm 22b is closed is narrowed, and the width of the claw portion at the tip of the arm 22b is widened. Is.

An operation icon 30 for operating the crane device 22 is displayed at the bottom of the game screen W1. The player operates the crane device 22 by operating the operation icon 30 in the same manner as an actual crane game device to drop the large prize 14 into the prize drop opening 18 and aim to acquire the prize. For example, the first operation moves the main body portion 22a rearward to perform front-back positioning, and the second operation moves each of the left and right arms 22b toward the center to adjust the left and right widths of the left and right arms 22b. Decide The operations up to this point have been input by the player. Then, the main body portion 22a descends to a predetermined height, and the left and right arms 22b further close (move) toward the center by a predetermined width (a predetermined movement amount). Then, in a state where the space between the left and right arms 22b is maintained, the main body portion 22a rises, moves in the front direction and returns to the original position, and then a series of operations such as opening the arm 22b is automatically executed.

The operation of these game devices, especially the operation of the crane device 22 and the placement calculation of the prizes are executed as a virtual simulation. For example, a virtual weight is set in advance for each prize, and the arm forces of the left and right arms 22b are also set virtually. Then, by known physical calculation processing, gripping of the arm 22b, movement/fall of prizes, interference between prizes, and the like are calculated.

Further, on the upper part of the game screen W1, a viewpoint switching icon 32 for switching the viewpoint for viewing the game space and the number 34 of tickets held by the player are displayed.

As the viewpoints, for example, three viewpoints for viewing the game space of the virtual game device from the front, right, and left sides are set, and by operating the viewpoint switching icon 32, the game screen viewed from each viewpoint is displayed. The display switches to W1.

The number of tickets 34 is displayed together with the maximum number of tickets (MAX) that can be held. A ticket is a virtual game medium that can be used in a game, and one game can be played by using (consuming) one ticket. Every time a predetermined recovery time (for example, 60 minutes) elapses, the ticket is increased (recovered) by one with the predetermined upper limit being the upper limit. Further, it can be acquired by charging without waiting for recovery due to the passage of time, or can be acquired by using a predetermined charging item.

In the crane game of this embodiment, a plurality of virtual game devices are prepared (installed) like an actual game center, etc., and these are shared by a plurality of players. In other words, the player plays a game by selecting an empty virtual game device (no other player is playing the game) from the plurality of virtual game devices.

Further, the game situation at the end of the game play on a certain virtual game device is carried over to the next game play on the virtual game device. Here, the game situation represents the state of the game space, and more specifically, the placement position of each prize, the arm force and arm width of the crane device 22, the setting of the claw size, and the like. The game situation at the end of the game play is a state where the privilege is applied when the privilege by the roulette wheel 24 is acquired in the game play.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of handing over the game situation. As shown in FIG. 4, when the game play by the player 5a ends in a certain virtual game device, a priority reception period starting from the end point t2 is set. During the priority reception period, only the player who played the last game (final player) can play the game on the virtual game device. That is, in the priority reception period, when a play request is made by the final player, the game play is started, taking over the game situation at the time of ending the previous game play. On the other hand, if the priority acceptance period ends without the game play being started by the final player, the virtual game device becomes empty, and all players can play the game.

Further, a reset waiting period (reset time condition) starting from the end point t2 of the game play is set. This reset waiting period is defined as a period longer than the priority reception period and shorter than the recovery time required to increase (recover) one ticket. Then, when the reset waiting period ends without the game play being started by any player, the game situation of the virtual game device is reset to the initial state. By setting the reset waiting period as a time longer than the priority reception period, it becomes possible for players other than the final player to take over the game situation at the end of the last game play and start the next game play.

The game situation on the virtual game device is published so that it can be viewed by any player. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating browsing of the game situation. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a player 5c is playing a game on a virtual game device, and another player 5d is viewing the game status.

At this time, on the game screen W3 displayed on the player terminal 2000 of the player 5c who is playing the game, a browsing mark 36 indicating that another player is browsing is displayed together with a browsing number 37 indicating the number of players who are browsing. To be done.

Further, on the browsing screen W5 displayed on the player terminal 2000 of the player 5d (browsing player) who is browsing, a game space image 40 showing the game situation of the virtual game device being browsed is displayed. The game space image 40 is a still image that is updated every predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), but may be a moving image. A reservation icon 42 for instructing a reservation for the virtual game device is displayed at the bottom of the browsing screen W5. When the viewing player 5d selects the reservation icon 42 on the viewing screen W5, the viewing player 5d can make a reservation to play the game while taking over the game status when the virtual game device becomes empty. It should be noted that the viewing of the game status can be performed at any time regardless of the play status of the virtual game device such as during play and availability.

When a reservation is made, as shown in FIG. 6, on the game screen W7 of the player who is playing the game on the virtual game device, a reservation mark 38 indicating that the other player is reserved is displayed on the game screen W7. It is displayed together with the reserved number of people 39 indicating the number of people. This makes it possible to reproduce the situation where other players (observers) are watching the player who is playing, as in the actual crane game machine, and also the situation where they are waiting (reserving) in order. There is.

Then, when the game play on the virtual game device ends, a game end screen W9, an example of which is shown in FIG. 7, is displayed on the player terminal 2000 of the player 5c (final player) who performed the game play. On the game end screen W9, an image 50 of the game space at the end of the game play is displayed, and the remaining time 52 of the reset waiting period is countdown displayed. Further, at the bottom of the game end screen W9, a continuous play icon 54 for instructing continuous game play is displayed.

When the continuous play icon 54 is selected on the game end screen W9 before the reset standby time ends, that is, before the reset standby time remaining time display 52 reaches zero, the game situation indicated by the game space image 50, that is, immediately before. The next game play is started with the game situation at the end of the game play. However, even within the reset waiting period, if the priority reception period has ended and the game play by another player has already started, the subsequent game play cannot be performed.

The remaining time of the priority reception period may be displayed as a countdown on the game end screen W9. Moreover, the countdown display of the remaining time of the priority reception period may be displayed only on the player terminal 2000 of the final player. Since the remaining time of the priority reception time is displayed as a countdown, the final player is worried during the countdown whether the game situation created by his or her own game play may be released. become. In particular, when the browse mark 36 and the reservation icon 42 are displayed, another player is in the state of watching (browsing mark 36) or waiting for a turn (reservation icon 42). Taking this point into consideration, it is determined whether or not to continue the game play.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the priority reception period ends before the final player starts the next game play, the virtual game device becomes empty, and another player can play the game. That is, when the priority acceptance period of the virtual game device ends, if there is a reserved player, the game play by the reserved player is started taking over the game situation at the end of the last game play.

The player can freely select the virtual game device to browse. At this time, on the player terminal 2000, for example, a game device list screen W11, an example of which is shown in FIG. 8, is displayed. According to FIG. 8, each of the prepared virtual game devices 60 is displayed in a list on the game device list screen W11 together with the current game situation 62, the approximate remaining time 64 of the reset waiting period, the browse icon 66, and the like. ing.

The play status 62 indicates whether the player can play the game. For a virtual game device in which no player is playing the game and is in the priority acceptance period, if the player matches the final player of the virtual game device, it is considered that the game play is possible, and therefore it is considered to be empty. If they do not match, it is considered that the game is being played because the game cannot be played.

The remaining time 64 of the reset waiting period is displayed only for the virtual game device for which the reset waiting period has not ended. It should be noted that, for the virtual game device in which the player is the final player and the priority acceptance period has not expired, it may be displayed that the priority acceptance period is reached.

When the browse icon 66 of any virtual game device 60 is selected on the game device list screen W11, a browse screen for the virtual game device is displayed. Specifically, when another player is playing a game on the virtual game device, for example, a browsing screen W5 as shown in the lower right of FIG. 5 is displayed. Then, the browsing mark 36 is displayed on the game screen W3 of the other player who is playing the game (lower left of FIG. 5).

If the virtual game device is within the priority reception period, for example, a browsing screen W13, an example of which is shown in FIG. 9, is displayed. On the browsing screen W13, the game space image 40 at the end of the last game play is displayed together with the remaining time 46 of the reset waiting period as the current game situation of the virtual game device.

When the user makes a reservation by selecting the reservation icon 42 on the browsing screens W5 and W13, as shown in FIG. 10, a reserved mark 48 indicating that he/she has been reserved is displayed on the browsing screen W15, and A reservation cancellation icon 70 for instructing cancellation of the reservation is displayed.

Further, if the play status of the virtual game device is empty, for example, a browsing screen W17, an example of which is shown in FIG. 11, is displayed. On the browsing screen W17, a game space image 40 showing the current game situation of the virtual game device is displayed. Before the end of the reset waiting period, the state of the game space at the end of the last game play is displayed as a game space image 40 together with the remaining time 46 of the reset waiting period. After the end of the reset waiting period, the state of the game space reset to the initial state is displayed as the game space image 40.

Further, a play execution icon 72 for instructing the start of game play is displayed at the bottom of the browsing screen W17. In the case of an empty virtual game device, it is not necessary to make a reservation, and by selecting the play execution icon 72, the game play on the virtual game device can be started.

At this time, when the number of tickets held by the player is “0”, the play execution icon 72 is not displayed on the browsing screen W19 as shown in FIG. 12, and the game cannot be played. In such a case, it is possible to wait for the ticket time to recover, or select the ticket purchase icon 74 to move to a predetermined purchase site and purchase the ticket. In addition to tickets, this purchase site also allows you to purchase various items that can be used in the game.

[Function configuration]
(A) Game server 1000
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game server 1000. According to FIG. 13, the game server 1000 is functionally configured to include an operation unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, a server processing unit 200, and a server storage unit 300.

The operation unit 110 receives various operation inputs for managing the game server 1000, and outputs an operation signal according to the performed operation to the server processing unit 200. This function is realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

The display unit 120 displays various display screens based on the image signal input from the server processing unit 200. This function is realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a CRT, or a projector.

The communication unit 130 is connected to the communication line 1 and performs data communication with an external device (mainly, the player terminal 2000). This function is realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack of a cable for wire, its control circuit, or the like.

The server processing unit 200 centralizes the operation of the game server 1000 based on programs and data read from the server storage unit 300, data received from an external device (mainly the player terminal 2000) via the communication unit 130, and the like. To control. This function is realized by a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an arithmetic unit such as an ASIC, or its control program. In the present embodiment, the server processing unit 200 has a game management unit 210, an image generation unit 230, and a communication control unit 240.

The game management unit 210 includes a player management unit 212, a charging management unit 214, a ticket management unit 216, a virtual game device management unit 218, a game status reset unit 220, a game play management unit 222, and a lottery control unit 224. The browsing management unit 226 and the reservation management unit 228 manage the execution of the crane game of this embodiment.

The player management unit 212 performs processing relating to player registration and management for enabling game play according to this embodiment. Specifically, a process of receiving a player name, a password and the like from the player terminal 2000 and registering as a new player, a process of managing the player management data 320 which is information of these registered players, and a request from the player terminal 2000 A corresponding player authentication process is performed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the player management data 320. According to FIG. 14, the player management data 320 is generated for each registered player, the account information 321 for authenticating the registered player, and the acquired prize list 322 which is information on the prizes acquired by the game player in the game play. The number of tickets held by the player 323 and the play history data 330 are stored.

The play history data 330 is generated for each game play that has been performed so far, and the virtual game device No. that has performed the game play. 331, a game play start date/time 332, an end date/time 333, acquired prize information 334, and acquired privilege information 335 are stored. The acquired prize information 334 is information on whether or not a large prize has been acquired and the type of the acquired large prize. The acquired privilege information 335 is information on whether or not a privilege has been acquired by a lottery and the type of the acquired privilege.

The billing management unit 214 communicates with an external billing system to perform a billing process for paying a purchase amount of a billing item that can be used in a game including a ticket. Although the billing process is described as billing in real-world currency, it goes without saying that billing in game currency (points, etc.) or game site currency (billing equivalent process) may be used.

The ticket management unit 216 manages tickets held by registered players. Specifically, each time a game is played, one ticket is consumed (decreased) as a consideration. Also, each time a predetermined recovery time elapses, the ticket is recovered (increased) one by one with a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 5 or 20) as an upper limit. Further, the number of held tickets is increased according to the purchase of a ticket by charging or the acquisition of a ticket by using a predetermined charging item.

The virtual game device management unit 218 manages a plurality of prepared virtual game devices. Information about the virtual game device is managed as virtual game device management data 340.

FIG. 15 is an example of the data structure of the virtual game device management data 340. 15, the virtual game device management data 340 is generated for each virtual game device and is the identification number of the virtual game device No. 341, crane initial setting information 342 which is information on the initial state of the game situation, premium initial arrangement position information 343, initial game space image 344, premium information 345, priority reception time 346, and reset waiting time 347. , A play status 348, a final player name 349, a final play end date/time 350, a reset flag 351 indicating whether or not the game status is reset and in an initial state, and a crane setting which is information on the current game status. Information 352, prize arrangement position information 353, a game space image 354, a browsing player list 356, and a reserved player list 358 are stored.

The prize information 345 is information such as the type and model data of each prize (the large prize 14 and the small prize 16) arranged in the game space. The play status 348 is "playing" in which the game is being played by any player, "priority receiving" in which the game is not being played but is in the priority acceptance period, and the game is being played. However, the priority reception period has expired and is either "vacant".

The browsing player list 356 is a list of players who are browsing the game status on the virtual game device. There is no particular limitation on the number of viewing players.

The reserved player list 358 is a list of players who have reserved game play on the game device. The reserved players are given priorities, and in this embodiment, the priorities are higher in the order of earlier reserved dates and times. Further, the number of reserved players is not particularly limited, but may be limited.

The game situation resetting unit 220 resets the game situation to the initial state when the elapsed time from the end of the last game play reaches a predetermined reset waiting time without the game play being started by any player for each virtual game device. Reset.

The lottery control unit 224 controls the lottery by the roulette wheel 24 during the game play. Specifically, the lottery result (win/lose) of the roulette wheel 24 and lottery schedule information, which is information of the privilege obtained when the player wins, are generated. At this time, the winning probability for determining the lottery result is changed according to the game situation at the start of the game play. For example, when the position of the large prize 14 is likely to fall near the prize drop opening 18, the winning probability is set higher than usual. For example, it is assumed that the plane view distance (overhead view distance) between the prize drop opening 18 and the center position or the center of gravity position of the large prize 14 satisfies a predetermined proximity distance condition (for example, as a virtual distance within 3 cm). be able to. It should be noted that the lottery by the roulette wheel 24 is triggered by the detection of a falling prize by the chucker 20.

The game play management unit 222 controls each game play in the player terminal 2000. That is, when a play request is made from the player terminal 2000, game situation information including the crane setting information 352 and the prize arrangement position information 353 which are the game situation of the requested virtual game device, and lottery schedule information regarding lottery by the roulette 24. Is transmitted to the player terminal 2000. Further, when the game result information is received from the player terminal 2000, the play history data 330 (see FIG. 14) regarding the game play of the corresponding player is generated/updated based on the game result information, and the corresponding virtual The virtual game device management data 340 of the game device is updated.

The browsing management unit 226 manages browsing by the player in the virtual game device. Specifically, when a browsing request is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is added as a browsing player to the browsing player list 356 (see FIG. 15) of the virtual game device to be browsed. Further, when the browsing end notification is given from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is deleted from the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be browsed. In addition, for each virtual game device, a game space image indicating the current game situation of the virtual game device is transmitted to each browsing player.

The reservation management unit 228 manages a game play reservation of the player with respect to the virtual game device. Specifically, when a reservation request is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is added as a reservation player to the reservation player list 358 (see FIG. 15) of the reservation target virtual game device. Further, when a reservation cancellation request is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is deleted from the reservation player list 358 of the reservation cancel target virtual game device.

Returning to FIG. 13, the image generating unit 230 includes, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC and a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, It is realized by an IC memory or the like used for expanding texture data. Further, in the case where the game server 1000 provides the image to be displayed on the player terminal 2000, the image of the game screen can be generated.

The communication control unit 240 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 130.

The server storage unit 300 stores a system program for realizing various functions for the server processing unit 200 to integrally control the game server 1000, programs and data for realizing various functions of the present embodiment, and the like. To do. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200 and temporarily stores a calculation result executed by the server processing unit 200 according to various programs, data received by the communication unit 130, and the like. This function is realized by a storage device such as various IC memories, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or the like.
In the present embodiment, the server storage unit 300 stores a system program 310, a game management program 312, player management data 320, and virtual game device management data 340.

FIG. 16 is a functional configuration diagram of the player terminal 2000. According to FIG. 16, the player terminal 2000 functionally includes an operation input unit 612, an image display unit 614, a sound output unit 616, a communication unit 618, a terminal processing unit 700, and a terminal storage unit 800. Is configured.

The operation input unit 612 outputs an operation input signal to the terminal processing unit 700 according to various operation inputs made by the player. This function is realized by not only elements such as button switches and joysticks, touchpads and trackballs that are directly operated by the player's fingers, but also elements such as acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, tilt sensors, and geomagnetic sensors that detect movement and posture. Will be realized. In FIG. 2, the direction input key 2002, the home key 2004, and the touch panel 2006 correspond to this.

The terminal processing unit 700 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory, and is connected to each functional unit of the player terminal 2000 including the operation input unit 612 and the terminal storage unit 800. Controls data input/output. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 612, and the like to control the operation of the player terminal 2000. In FIG. 2, the control board 2018 corresponds to this. The terminal processing unit 700 also includes a game control unit 710, an image generation unit 722, a sound generation unit 724, and a communication control unit 726.

The game control unit 710 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 712, a game screen display control unit 714, and a game play execution unit 716, and performs various arithmetic processes for causing the computer to function as a terminal for game play. Execute.

The operation signal transmission control unit 712 executes processing for transmitting various data and request information to the game server 1000 according to the operation performed by the operation input unit 612.

The game screen display control unit 714 performs control for displaying a game screen based on various data received from the game server 1000. For example, if the online game of the present embodiment is realized as a web game, a web technology that actively controls screen display by using Java (registered trademark) or CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) with HTML based on a web browser. Alternatively, it can be realized by using a plug-in such as Adobe (registered trademark) Flash. Of course, other methods may be used.

The game play executing unit 716 controls execution of game play based on the game status information 826 and the lottery schedule information 828 received from the game server 1000. Specifically, the crane device 22 is set according to the crane setting information included in the received game situation information 826, and each prize is arranged according to the prize arrangement position information to set the game situation (configure the game space). Next, the crane device 22 is operated according to the operation instruction from the player. In addition, each prize is moved according to the operation of the crane device 22.

Then, if a drop of the prize is detected by the chucker 20 (specifically, if the prize passes the detection range of the assumed chucker 20), the roulette lottery process according to the lottery schedule information 828 is performed. That is, the rotation/stop of the roulette wheel 24 is controlled according to a given lottery result, and if the lottery result is a win, the predetermined privilege is applied.

When one game play ends, as the game situation at the end of the game play, position information of each prize, setting information of the crane device 22, and game result information including an image of the game space are generated, and the game server Send to 1000.

The image generation unit 722 is, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC, a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or a texture data expansion. It is realized by an IC memory or the like used for. The image generation unit 722 generates one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 seconds) based on the processing result by the game control unit 710, and outputs the generated image signal of the game screen to the image display unit 614. To do.

The image display unit 614 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 722. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In FIG. 2, the touch panel 2006 corresponds to this.

The sound generation unit 724 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing a voice file, and the like, and effects related to the game based on the processing result by the game screen display control unit 714. Sound signals of sounds, BGM, and various operation sounds are generated and output to the sound output unit 616. The sound output unit 616 is realized by a device that outputs a sound effect, BGM, or the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 724. In FIG. 2, the speaker 2010 corresponds to this.

The communication control unit 726 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 618. The communication unit 618 is connected to the communication line 1 to realize communication. This function is realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like. In FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 2020 corresponds to this.

The terminal storage unit 800 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the terminal processing unit 700 to integrally control the player terminal 2000, a program necessary for game play, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 700, and temporarily stores a calculation result executed by the terminal processing unit 700 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 612, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. In FIG. 2, the IC memory or the memory card 2032 mounted on the control board 2018 corresponds to this. In the present embodiment, in the terminal storage unit 800, the system program 810, the game client program 812, the player registration information 820, the number of owned tickets 822, the game device list information 824, the game status information 826, and the lottery schedule. Information 828 is stored.

The system program 810 is a program for realizing basic input/output functions of the player terminal 2000 as a computer. The game client program 812 is application software for realizing the function as the game control unit 710 by being read and executed by the terminal processing unit 700, but it may be configured as a part of the system program 810. good. The game client program 812 may be a dedicated client program according to a technical method for realizing an online game, or may be configured by a web browser program, a plug-in for realizing interactive image display, or the like.

The player registration information 820 is content registered in the game system, and is information such as a player name and a password. The number of owned tickets 822, the game device list information 824, the game status information 826, and the lottery schedule information 828 are temporary reception data from the game server 1000. The game device list information 824 is, for example, information for displaying a game device list screen W11, an example of which is shown in FIG.

[Process flow]
(A) Game server 1000
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing executed by the game server 1000 to manage browsing and reservation of the virtual game device.

According to FIG. 17, when the game device list request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A1: YES), the game device list information including the game space image showing the play situation and the current game situation of each virtual game device. 824 is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step A3).

When the browsing request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A5: YES), the detailed information of the requested virtual game device to be browsed is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step A7). Next, the requesting player is added as a browsing player to the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be browsed (step A9). Further, if the play status of the viewing target virtual game device is "playing" (step A11: YES), the viewing status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A13).

Further, if the browsing end notification is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A15: YES), the transmission source player is deleted from the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be browsed end (step A17). If the play status of the virtual game device to be browsed is playing (step A19: YES), the browse status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A21).

When a reservation request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A23: YES), the requesting player is added as a reservation player to the reservation player list 358 of the requested reservation target virtual game device (step A25). .. Next, if the play status of the reservation target virtual game device is "playing" (step A27: YES), the reservation status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A29).

When a reservation cancellation request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A31: YES), the requesting player is deleted from the reservation player list 358 of the reservation cancellation target virtual game device (step A33). If the play status of the reservation target virtual game device is "playing" (step A35: YES), the reservation status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A37).

When the game space image (game situation) is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A39: YES), the source player refers to the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device playing the game, and browses the player. The received game space image is transmitted to each player terminal 2000 (step A41). Then, it returns to step A1 and repeats the same processing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the game server 1000 to manage the game play of the virtual game device. Although FIG. 18 shows the process for one virtual game device, the same process is performed in parallel for all the virtual game devices.

According to FIG. 18, first, as an initial setting, the game situation of the target virtual game device is reset to the initial state (step B1). Then, when a play request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step B3: YES), the game play management unit 222 determines whether or not the game play by the requesting player is possible.

That is, if the virtual game device is being played by another player (step B5: NO) or the requesting player does not have a ticket (step B7: NO), it is determined that the game play is impossible, The play prohibition notification is transmitted to the corresponding player terminal 2000 (step B9).

On the other hand, if the game status of the virtual game device is empty (step B5: YES) and the requesting player holds the ticket (step B7: YES), the game play is possible, so that the requesting player One owned ticket is consumed (step B11). Then, the game situation information including the crane setting information 352 and the prize arrangement position information 353 which are the game situation of the virtual game device is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step B13). Further, assuming that the chucker 20 is detected, the lottery control unit 224 gives priority to the lottery result by the roulette wheel 24 in advance, determines lottery schedule information, and combines it with the game situation information. It is transmitted to the player terminal 2000.

After that, when one game play is completed in the player terminal 2000 and the transmitted play result information is received (step B15), the corresponding virtual game device management data 340 or The player management data 320 is updated (step B17).

If a large prize 14 has been obtained in the game play (step B19: YES), a new large prize is placed in the game space of the virtual game device and the game situation is reset (step B21). Then, the process proceeds to step B3.

If the large prize 14 has not been acquired (step B19: NO), information on the remaining time (remaining time information) of each of the priority reception period starting from the end of the game play and the reset waiting period is generated. , To the player terminal 2000 (step B23). Then, if a play request from the final player is received within the priority acceptance period (step B25: NO) (step B27: YES), the process moves to step B5 to start the game play by the player.

On the other hand, if the priority reception period ends without receiving the play request from the final player (step B27: NO) (step B25: YES), then it is determined whether or not there is a reserved player. If there is a reserved player (step B29: YES), the reserved player having the highest priority is notified that the reserved virtual game device can perform the succeeding play (step B31). Then, when a play request from the reserved player is received in response to this notification (step B33: YES), the process proceeds to step B5 to start the game play by the reserved player.

On the other hand, if the predetermined time limit has elapsed without receiving the play request from the reserved player, or if the non-execution notification indicating that the succeeding play is not performed is received from the reserved player (step B35: YES), the reserved player. Is deleted from the reserved player list 358 (step B37). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the reset standby period has ended. If the reset standby period has not ended (step B41: NO), the process returns to step B29, and the same process is performed for the remaining reserved players.

If there is no reserved player (step B29: NO), the player waits for play requests from all the players and receives a play request from any player within the reset acceptance period (step B41: NO). If so (step B39: YES), the process moves to step B5 to start the game play by the player. When the reset waiting period ends (step B41: YES), the game space of the virtual game device is reset to the initial state (step B43), and then the process returns to step B1.

(B) Player terminal 2000
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow in the player terminal 2000. According to FIG. 19, the player terminal 2000 first transmits a list request for virtual game devices to the game server 1000 (step C1). Then, the game device list information transmitted from the game server 1000 is received, and a list of virtual game devices is displayed based on the received game device list information (step C3).

Next, when the player performs a browsing instruction operation by selecting one virtual game device from the displayed virtual game devices (step C5: YES), a browsing request for the selected virtual game device is issued to the game server. 1000 (step C7). Then, the browsing information transmitted from the game server 1000 in response to this request is received (step C9), and a game space image or the like showing the game situation of the virtual game device is displayed (step C11).

When the play status of the virtual game device is playing (step C13: “playing”), the latest game status of the game space image is received from the game server 1000 (step C15: YES). The display is updated to the game space image (step C17). Then, if a reservation instruction operation is performed by the player (step C23: YES), a reservation request for the virtual game device is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C25). If the reservation cancellation instruction operation is performed by the player (step C27: YES), the reservation cancellation request of the virtual game device is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C29).

Further, if the player performs a browse end instruction operation (step C19: YES), after transmitting a browse end notification of the virtual game device to the game server 1000 (step C21), the process returns to step C3.

On the other hand, if the play status of the virtual game device is vacant (step C13: “vacant”), the player does not have a ticket (step C31: NO), and the ticket purchase instruction operation by the player. (Step C37: YES), the process proceeds to the predetermined purchase site and ticket purchase processing is performed (Step C39).

When the player holds the ticket (step C31: YES) and the player performs a play instruction operation (step C33: YES), the game server 1000 issues a request for game play on the virtual game device. (Step C35).

Then, in response to this request, the game situation information 826 transmitted from the game server 1000 is received (step C41), and the game play using the received game situation information 826 is started. That is, the crane device 22 is set according to the crane setting information 352 included in the received game status information 826, the prize is arranged according to the prize arrangement position information 353, and the game space is set (step C43). Next, the movement/operation of the crane device 22 according to the operation instruction of the player is started (step C45), and the movement of each prize along with the movement of the crane device 22 is started (step C47).

When the browsing status information is received from the game server 1000 (step C49: YES), the browsing display of the browsing mark 36, the browsing number of people 37, etc. is updated according to the browsing status information (step C51). When the reservation status information is received from the game server 1000 (step C53: YES), the reservation display of the reservation mark 38, the reservation number 39, etc. is updated according to the reservation status information (step C55). When the predetermined game situation notification timing comes (step C57: YES), the image of the current game space is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C59).

When the chucker 20 detects a prize falling in the prize drop opening 18 (step C61: YES), the lottery process according to the lottery schedule information 828 received together with the game situation information 826 is started (step C63). If the lottery result is a win (step C65: YES), the acquired privilege is applied (step C67). After that, if the game play has not ended (step C69: NO), the process returns to step C45 and the same processing is performed.

Then, when the game play ends (step C69: YES), in addition to the information on the arrangement position of each prize, which is the information indicating the game situation at the end of the game play, the setting information of the crane device 22, the image of the game space, Play result information including whether or not a prize is acquired and whether or not a prize is acquired by lottery is generated and transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C71).

If no prize has been obtained in the game play (step C73: NO), the remaining time information, which is the information about the remaining time of the priority reception period and the reset waiting period, transmitted from the game server 1000 is received. Then, based on the received remaining time information (step C75), the countdown display of the remaining time of the priority reception period and the reset waiting period is started (step C77).

After that, when the player performs a play instruction operation (step C79: YES), a play request is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C81), and the process proceeds to step C41.

[Effect]
As described above, according to the game system of the present embodiment, it is possible to take over the game situation and start the next game play, but within the priority reception period, only the player who made the last game play can play the game. You can start. Then, when the reset waiting period ends without the game play being started by any player, the game situation is reset.

Further, another player can view the game status of the virtual game device in which one player is playing the game, and can reserve the game play in the virtual game device. When the game status of the virtual game device is browsed, a browsing mark 36 indicating that the player is being viewed by another player is displayed on the game screen of the player playing the game on the virtual game device, together with the number 37 of the browsing players. It When a game play is reserved on the virtual game device, a reservation mark 38 indicating that the other player has made a reservation is displayed on the game screen of the player who is playing the game on the virtual game device, together with the reserved number of people 39. ..

Therefore, the player can reproduce a situation like an actual crane game device, in which the player feels the presence of another player (onlooker) watching his/her own game play and the presence of another player waiting in line. it can.

[Modification]
Note that the applicable embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(A) Reset Wait Time The length of the reset wait period (reset wait time) may be changed according to the game situation at the end of the game play. For example, in the case of a game situation in which the large prize 14 is close to the prize drop opening 18 and is likely to fall, it is possible to make a quick decision on the subsequent game play by shortening the reset waiting time. The final player can be urged. For example, when the planar view distance (overhead view distance) between the center position or the center of gravity position of the prize drop opening 18 and the large prize 14 satisfies a predetermined proximity distance condition (for example, when the virtual distance is within 3 cm), This can be the case of a game situation that is advantageous to the player.

(B) Recovery of game situation after reset Further, the game situation is reset after the reset waiting period elapses. However, even after the reset, if the game play by another player is not started, a predetermined charge is applied. It may be possible to recover the game situation before resetting.

(C) Application of Acquisition Privilege In applying the acquisition privilege by lottery, it is possible to set a frequency limit such that it is applied only to the next one game play or a time limit such as only 30 minutes. It should be noted that these restrictions may be invalidated by resetting the game situation even within the limited number of times or within the limited time.

(D) Game device list screen In the game device list screen W11 (see FIG. 8 ), as shown in FIG. 21, for a virtual game device whose play status is “playing”, within a predetermined past time (eg, past 10 minutes) It is also possible to display the total number of players 68 browsed by or the total number of reserved players 69. According to this, it is possible to know which virtual game device is in a game situation with a high degree of attention.

(E) Execution of Game Play In the above-mentioned embodiment, the player terminal 2000 executes the game play once, but the so-called browser game controlled by the game server 1000 according to the operation input of the player at the player terminal 2000. Also good.

(F) Kind of Game Although the crane game is played in the above-described embodiment, it is a game that the player plays independently, such as a medal game device such as a pusher game, and the game is performed once by the player's operation. It is applicable to any game as long as the game situation changes every time.

1000 game server 110 operation unit, 120 display unit, 130 communication unit 200 server processing unit 210 game management unit 212 player management unit, 214 billing management unit, 216 ticket management unit 218 virtual game device management unit, 220 game status reset unit 222 game Play management unit, 224 lottery control unit 226 browsing management unit, 228 reservation management unit 230 image generation unit, 240 communication control unit 300 server storage unit 310 system program, 312 game management program 320 player management data, 340 virtual game device management data 2000 Player terminal 612 Operation input unit, 614 Image display unit, 616 Sound output unit, 618 Communication unit 700 Terminal processing unit 710 Game control unit 712 Operation signal transmission control unit, 714 Game screen display control unit 716 Game play execution unit 722 Image generation unit , 724 sound generation unit, 726 communication control unit 800 terminal storage unit 810 system program, 812 game client program 820 player registration information, 822 holding ticket number 824 game device list information, 826 game status information, 828 lottery schedule information

Claims (4)

A game that is capable of communicating with a plurality of player terminals and enjoys moving the game elements arranged in the game space as if playing an actual arcade game machine such as a crane game machine or a pusher game machine on the spot. A server system for providing play to the player terminal,
The game play is performed by arranging positions of the game elements arranged in the game space by one-time game play based on an operation input on the player terminal (hereinafter, the game space in which the game elements are arranged at the arranged positions). The state is referred to as "game situation".), and the game play is related to a game in which the previous game situation is inherited by the next game play.
An acceptance unit that accepts a request for viewing the game situation being played from another player when the game play is being performed by one player;
Game situation display control means for controlling the player terminal of the other player to display the game situation being played in response to the browsing request;
Reservation registration means for registering a reservation for the next game play of the one player by the other player;
Reservation status display control means for controlling the display of the reservation status on the player terminal of the one player;
Server system with. The reservation status display control means controls to display on the player terminal of the one player a display according to the number of reserved players.
The server system according to claim 1 . After the game play of the one player is completed, reservation fulfillment notification means for notifying the player terminal of the reserved player that the game can be played according to the registration order by the reservation registration means.
Furthermore the server system according to claim 1 or 2 comprising a. During a given priority reception period from the game play of the one player, further comprising priority reception means for preferentially receiving a game play request from the one player,
The reservation fulfillability notification means notifies the player terminal of the reserved player that the game can be played after the priority reception period has elapsed.
The server system according to claim 3 .

Images