DE10311664A1 - Operating games machine involves reader connected to games machine contactlessly reading game information from transponder card, determining parameter for game program corresponding to information - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves starting a game program, determining a parameter defining a game or game figure property and controlling the course of the game depending on the parameter. A transponder card (2) with a readable memory containing game information approaches a reader (4) connected to the games machine (1) that contactlessly reads the game information and determines a parameter for the game program corresponding to the game information. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a games machine (b) and the use of a transponder card that can be read from and/or written to contactlessly.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a game device and a game device according to the preamble of claim 1 or 10 and a use of a Transponder card for one A game apparatus.

With known game devices, especially portable game consoles such as the Nintendo Gameboy Advance, after inserting a game module with a game program started a game with a pawn, the pawn and the game have predetermined properties that affect the gameplay influence. The game properties can be framework conditions for the game concern, e.g. Time limits for certain levels or in team game simulations like baseball or soccer or Like the number of players in a club or available tactics etc. define. The game character properties can e.g. controllability, Strength, vulnerability, or certain objects about which has a pawn or dispose of can, e.g. Tools or weapons. However, only the game characters provided in the game module with the specified properties selectable. It is not possible, Figures to add easily or the framework to change a game. So-called cheat modules known to manipulate the game and game figure features enable. However, these are complex and complex to use.

The object of the invention is therefore based on a method for operating a game device and a Game device according to the preamble of claim 1 and 10 respectively switch, where game and game character features easier are manageable.

This task is carried out according to the Features of the claims 1 or 10 and 18 solved.

This creates a process for Operation of a game device created in which a game program started in a gaming device, a transponder card with a readable memory containing game information to a approximated reading device connected to the gaming device Game information read out contactless, one of the game information corresponding game parameter, which is a game or game character property specifies for that Game program determines and the course of the game depending of the game parameter is controlled. This allows single or multiple Characteristics of one or more characters, e.g. that of a team, and / or the general conditions of the Game in the simplest way by contactless reading of one Transponder card changed new characters can also be added.

Due to the low manufacturing cost of one Transponder card can e.g. a pawn, team or Framework conditions should be provided per transponder card, so that the user Reading in does not make a selection from different properties has, which further simplifies handling. The transponder card is appropriate for this labeled and may have a display on which the saved data can be displayed. This is conveniently a passive liquid crystal display used, their display after setting by the gaming device is maintained without further power consumption and thus a control the data stored on the transponder card even without a gaming device allows.

The game information can be used as a game parameter get saved. This allows the game program e.g. um not provided game pieces added or certain characteristics of intended characters can be added or changed become. An exchange of the game program, e.g. the game module, is not necessary for this.

It can also be provided depending on the game information one of several provided in the game program Game parameters. This reduces the storage space requirement on the transponder card and the time to read the game information. This is particularly so with data-intensive game parameters such as Regarding images the appearance of a pawn is an advantage.

It can also display multiple game information the transponder card can be read, some of which are direct be used as game parameters and activate partially specified game parameters can.

A writable transponder card is preferred approximated to a writing device connected to the gaming device, one of which Game information corresponding to game parameters from the writing device sent to the transponder card and into a non-volatile Memory of the transponder card written. This makes it easy Wise framework conditions or characters with certain characteristics permanently storable and can independently passed on by the gaming device.

The transponder card can be used for further writing especially irrevocably locked to the memory content against overwriting to secure.

It can be provided a game when approaching to interrupt the transponder card and after reading or writing to continue or restart the game parameter. hereby there is a simplified handling in which a game parameter change in response to the rapprochement largely automated and a previous menu selection is not required.

In particular, when a transponder card is approached during a game, the game information can be read out and evaluated without interrupting the game, only if it is there is a change, in particular "improvement" of a property, the game is interrupted and the user is asked to confirm the change. This can also be done analogously when a writable RFID transponder card is approached, depending on the current properties and that on the transponder card Stored game information can be accessed either reading or writing on the transponder card. This results in an intuitive operation. In addition, a used transponder card can remain adjacent to the read / write device, in particular inserted in a pocket or the like of the game device, the course of the game only then interrupted when the property has changed.

Furthermore, a corresponding game device created that can be portable and / or an integrated or solvable may have connected read / write device that the read device and includes the writing device.

In addition, the use of a Transponder card, in particular an RFID transponder card e.g. for the Operation at 125 kHz or at 13.56 MHz.

Further refinements of the invention are to the following description and the dependent claims remove.

The invention is illustrated below one in the attached Figure shown embodiment explained in more detail.

The game device shown in the figure 1 includes a writable transponder card 2 , a non-writable transponder card 3 , a reading device 4 for the transponder cards 2 . 3 and a writing device 5 for the transponder card 2 ,

The gaming device 1 can be a PC or a particularly portable game console, for example a gameboy, mobile phone, PDA or the like. In the gaming device 1 a game program is included, which is stored, for example, in a permanently installed ROM memory or by means of an exchangeable data carrier, for example in the form of a pluggable game module or a floppy disk, CD or DVD, or, if appropriate, via a network, in particular the Internet, or a cell phone connection, provided. To the gaming device 1 connectable or integrated into this are a display device, for example a flat screen or a television set, and a control device, for example a joystick or a keyboard.

The reading device 4 and the writing device 5 are preferably designed as an integrated read / write device which, as shown, is part of the game device 1 and can be controlled by this. However, the read / write device can also be in an interface connection of the game device 1 be releasably inserted and in particular contain its own control based on a microcontroller or the like. The read / write device is expediently an RFID read / write device designed for operation at 13.56 MHz.

The transponder cards 2 and 3 each have a coil and a non-volatile memory connected to it, which can be written to or read only. The memory is expediently part of an integrated chip which contains control logic. The transponder cards are preferably 2 . 3 RFID transponder cards designed for operation at 13.56 MHz.

To operate the game device will first the game program, e.g. from the jump-and-run or adventure genre, started and a character to be controlled by the user through the game certainly. The character can be fixed or from one Selectable list his. Properties are assigned to the character, e.g. concerning their looks, their strength and health or the like. The properties are controlled in the control of the The course of the game is taken into account by the game program and can change if necessary during the game. For example, it can be provided the strength upon reaching a certain score or a certain level to increase so that the further gameplay is simplified or even made possible. In the same way, certain characteristics are also assigned to the game.

The properties are in shape of game parameters stored in the game device. For this can a matrix e.g. in the memory of the game device or be provided in the read-only memory of the game module, with each a line of the matrix is assigned to a character or framework is and the entries define certain properties in the line. For example a first line of the matrix followed the name of a pawn of image data for contain their appearance and quantitative requirements for strength and endurance, while a second line is the name of a general condition, e.g. "Standard" or "Simple", followed by the Strength the opponent, of available ones Tactics, weapons, spells and the minimum and maximum health values of the characters contains.

One of the transponder cards is used to read in game or game character properties 2 . 3 approximated to the read / write device. In the memory of the transponder card 2 . 3 game information is included, which includes, for example, a complete game figure with all properties, corresponding to a row of the matrix. However, the game information may only consist of a single property or of several properties which are assigned to the current game character, a specific game character or several game characters. It can also be provided that the game information only denotes a property that is already present in the matrix but has not yet been activated and is therefore invisible to the user, and thus for the user Unlocks use.

It can be provided that the user first selects a corresponding menu option in order to call up a control program provided in the game program or the operating system of the game device, with which one on the transponder card 2 . 3 stored game information is read out. However, the control program is preferably in response to the approach of the transponder card 2 . 3 automatically called. This automatism can be deactivated during a game in order not to disturb the course of the game.

For saving game or game figure properties. If necessary, after selecting a corresponding menu option, corresponding game information, for example image information relating to the appearance of a game character or a line from the matrix, is written onto the writable transponder card which is approximated to the read / write device 2 written. In this case, the usual security queries are expediently to be provided in order to prevent accidental overwriting of game information which has already been stored.

It can be provided that the game system 1 when approaching a transponder card 2 . 3 automatically recognizes whether it is a writable or non-writable transponder card and, depending on this, taking into account that on the transponder card 2 . 3 saved game information and that currently in the game system 1 used or available game or game configuration properties recognizes whether and how the user wants to access the transponder card. For example, it is the writable transponder card 2 and are the data on the transponder card 2 '' worse "than in the game system, it can be suggested the" better "properties on the transponder card 2 save. Otherwise it can be suggested the "better" game information from the transponder card 2 read. With the non-writable transponder card 3 For example, read access can only be proposed if it is on the transponder card 3 stored game information lead to an "improvement" of the properties, in particular that of a game character.

Finally, on the writable transponder card 2 Further information is stored, in particular images, sound sequences and texts, which may be compressed and can be freely manipulated by the user.

Claims (18)

Method for operating a gaming device ( 1 ), in which a game program is started, a game parameter that defines a game or game character property is determined and the game process is controlled as a function of the game parameter, characterized in that a transponder card ( 3 ) with a readable memory, which contains game information, to a with the game device ( 1 ) connected reading device ( 4 ) approximated, the game information is read contactlessly and a game parameter corresponding to the game information is determined for the game program. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the Game information is saved as a game parameter. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, depending on the game information, one of several in the game device ( 1 ) provided game parameters for the game program is determined. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the game information during a game from the transponder card ( 3 ) read out and evaluated and, if the game information leads to a game parameter change, the game is interrupted and the user is asked to confirm the game parameter change. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a writable transponder card ( 2 ) to one with the gaming device ( 1 ) connected writing device ( 5 ) approximates game information corresponding to the game parameter from the writing device ( 5 ) to the transponder card ( 2 ) and sent to a non-volatile memory on the transponder card ( 2 ) is written. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the transponder card ( 2 ) is blocked for further writing after writing. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when a writable transponder card ( 2 ) the game information from the transponder card during a game ( 2 ) read out and evaluated and, if a game parameter corresponding to the game information is higher than the game parameter used in the game, the game is interrupted and the user is asked to confirm the game parameter change, and if a game parameter corresponding to the game information lower than the game parameter used in the game the game is interrupted and the user is asked to save the game parameter used during the game on the transponder card ( 2 ) to confirm. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a portable game device ( 1 ) is used. Method according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that a read / write device integrated in or detachably connected to the game device is used which the read device ( 4 ) and the writing device ( 5 ) includes. Gaming device ( 1 ) with a game program and a game parameter influencing the control of the course of the game by the game program, which defines a game or game mode characteristic, characterized in that a transponder card ( 3 ) with a readable memory containing game information and one with the game device ( 1 ) connected reading device ( 4 ) for contactless reading of game information when the transponder card approaches ( 3 ) are provided and the game device ( 1 ) is designed to determine the game parameter in accordance with the game information. Game device according to claim 10, characterized in that the game information is in the game device ( 1 ) is not saved game parameters. Game device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the game information is a reference to a in the game device ( 1 ) saved game parameters. Game device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a writable transponder card ( 2 ) and one with the gaming device ( 1 ) connected writing device ( 5 ) for writing game information corresponding to the game parameters into a non-volatile memory of the transponder card ( 2 ) are provided. Game device according to claim 13, characterized in that the transponder card ( 2 ) can be blocked for further writing. Game device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the game device ( 1 ) is portable. Game device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that a read / write device in the game device ( 1 ) is integrated or detachably connected to it and the reading device ( 4 ) and the writing device ( 5 ) includes. Game device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the transponder card ( 2 . 3 ) has a passive display. Use of a contactlessly writable and / or readable transponder card ( 2 . 3 ) with a coil and a memory connected to the coil, in particular an RFID transponder card for operation at 125 kHz or at 13.56 MHz, for a gaming device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the memory contains readable game information or can be written with game information.