JP2001276412A - Game device, its control method, control server and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device, its control method, a control server and its control method capable of ending a pay game in the middle, preserving it, and resuming the preserved game. SOLUTION: This game device is provided with a removable memory 18, a reading/writing means 11 reading and writing game information, an apparatus ID, and charge information, an apparatus ID judging means 12 judging whether the above apparatus ID coincides with the apparatus ID of the game device or not, a charge information judging means 13 judging whether to charge a player or not based on the charge information, a game control means 14 controlling the play of the game based on the judged result of the charge information judging means and the game information, an apparatus ID issuing means 16 issuing the apparatus ID of the game device, and a charge information issuing means 17 issuing charge information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, a control method therefor, a management server, and a control method therefor. The thing which can record the progress of a game.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, home-use game machines have become widespread. In such game machines, it is necessary to end and save a game in the middle of the game, and to resume playing the game from the saved scene at a later date. Can be.

[0002]

However, in a so-called arcade game machine in which a player plays a game for a fee by inserting coins, when the game is completed halfway, the game is resumed from the scene where the game ended at a later date. There was a problem that you can not.

[0003] The present invention has been made in view of such a problem. Even when a player plays a game for a fee, the game can be terminated and saved halfway, and at a later date,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a game device, a control method thereof, a management server, and a control method thereof capable of restarting the play of a game from the saved place.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, a game device according to the present invention is a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee. And billing information indicating whether or not it is necessary.

[0005] Further, according to the game apparatus of the present invention, in a game apparatus in which a player plays a game for a fee, game information including game type information and game progress information is identified on a removable recording medium. Reading and writing means for reading and writing the device ID and the billing information, and device ID determining means for determining whether the device ID read from the recording medium by the reading and writing means matches the device ID of the game device. Charging information determining means for determining whether or not charging to a player is necessary based on the charging information read from the recording medium by the read / write means; a determination result of the device ID determining means; Game control means for controlling game play based on the game information read from the recording medium, It issues a device ID to another,
It is characterized by comprising: a device ID issuing means for outputting to the reading / writing means; and a charging information issuing means for issuing charging information and outputting to the reading / writing means.

[0006] Further, according to the game apparatus of the present invention, in a game apparatus in which a player plays a game for a fee, game information including game type information and game progress information and game play are recorded on a removable recording medium. Reading / writing means for reading / writing a play ID for specifying, game control means for controlling play of a game by the game information read from the recording medium by the reading / writing means,
A play ID issuing unit that issues a play ID and outputs the play ID to the read / write unit, the game control unit, a device ID issuing unit that issues a device ID for identifying a game device, and an issuance of the device ID issuing unit Communication means for transmitting the device ID and the play ID input from the game control means.
Further, in the game device of the present invention, the game control means may include:
It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the player needs to be charged using the play ID.

[0007] Further, according to the game apparatus of the present invention, in a game apparatus in which a player plays a game for a fee, read / write means for reading / writing a play ID for specifying game play on a removable recording medium, Information including information and game progress information, play I
D, and the number of devices indicating the number of device IDs recorded in the management server that manages the game device, and receives the game information, the play ID, the device ID for identifying the game device, and the charge to the player. Communication means for transmitting billing information indicating necessity, game control means for controlling game play based on the number of devices and game information received by the communication means, a play ID issued, the read / write means and the game control Means for issuing a play ID to the means, means for issuing a device ID of the game device, and outputting to the communication means, means for issuing charge information, and means for issuing charge information to the communication means. , Are provided.

Further, according to the game apparatus of the present invention, in a game apparatus in which a player plays a game for a fee, a personal ID for specifying the player is determined from a removable recording medium.
Readout means, game information including game type information and game progress information, a play ID for specifying game play, and a device representing the number of device IDs recorded in a management server for managing the game device Communication means for receiving a number, and transmitting a personal ID, game information, a play ID, a device ID for identifying the game device, and charging information indicating whether charging to a player is necessary, A game control unit for controlling game play based on the received number of devices and the game information, a play ID issuing unit for issuing a play ID and outputting to the game control unit, and issuing a device ID of the game device; Device ID issuing means for outputting to communication means, and charging information issuing means for issuing charging information and outputting to the communication means. It is intended.

In the game apparatus according to the present invention, the communication means may receive billing information instead of the number of devices, and the game control means may manage billing to the player using the billing information. It is a feature.

[0010] Further, according to the game apparatus of the present invention, in a game apparatus in which a player plays a game for a fee, a personal ID for specifying the player from a removable recording medium is provided.
, Game information including game type information and game progress information, and a play ID for specifying game play, and identifying a personal ID, game information, a play ID, and the game device. Communication means for transmitting a device ID for performing the charging, and charging information indicating whether charging to the player is necessary or payment of the game price, and a game control means for controlling game play based on the game information received by the communication means. A play ID issuing unit that issues a play ID and outputs the play ID to the game control unit; a device ID issuing unit that issues a device ID of the game device and outputs the device ID to the communication unit; And a billing information issuing means for outputting to the player, the player can pay for the game with a credit card or a debit card. The one in which the features.

In the game apparatus according to the present invention, in a game apparatus in which a player plays a game for a fee, a personal ID for specifying the player is determined from a removable recording medium.
, Game information including game type information and game progress information, and a play ID for specifying game play, and identifying a personal ID, game information, a play ID, and the game device. Communication means for transmitting a device ID for performing the charging, and charging information indicating whether charging to the player is necessary or payment of the game price, and a game control means for controlling game play based on the game information received by the communication means. A play ID issuing unit that issues a play ID and outputs the play ID to the game control unit; a device ID issuing unit that issues a device ID of the game device and outputs the device ID to the communication unit; Charging information issuance means for outputting to the management server which manages the game device by the player in advance. Is shall.

Further, in the game apparatus according to the present invention, the communication means further receives game price shortage information indicating that the game price paid by the player is insufficient, and the communication means receives the game price shortage information. In this case, the game control means does not execute the game play.

Further, in the game apparatus according to the present invention, the game control means has a game program.

[0014] In the game apparatus according to the present invention, the communication means also receives a game program, and the game control means executes a game using the game program.

Further, the game device of the present invention is characterized in that the same device ID is used in a plurality of game devices.

The management server according to the present invention is a management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, and includes a play ID for specifying game play and a game device from the game device. A data receiving unit for receiving a device ID for identification, a data holding unit for holding the play ID and the device ID received by the data receiving unit, and a game price using the device ID held by the data holding unit. And a data management means for performing the settlement process.

Further, the management server of the present invention is a management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, and identifies a play ID for specifying game play and a game device from the game device. Device information, game information including game type information and game progress information, and billing information indicating whether billing to a player is required in the game device. A data transmission / reception unit that transmits a play ID, game information, and the number of devices representing the number of device IDs recorded in the management server, and holds a play ID, a device ID, and game information received by the data transmission / reception unit. Managing the play ID, the device ID, the billing information, and the game information received by the data transmitting / receiving means. The data transmission / reception means, when receiving billing information indicating that billing is required, comprises a data management means for performing a game price settlement process using the device ID held by the data holding means. It is characterized by the following.

The management server according to the present invention is characterized in that the transmitting / receiving means further receives a personal ID for specifying a player, and the data holding means holds the personal ID. .

Further, in the management server according to the present invention, the data holding means further holds billing information, and the data transmitting / receiving means transmits the billing information instead of the number of devices.

Further, the management server of the present invention is a management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, and identifies a play ID for identifying game play and a game device from the game device. Device information for performing the game, game information including game type information and game progress information, necessity of charging a player with the game device or charging information indicating payment of a game price, and an individual for specifying the player. Data transmission / reception means for receiving an ID and transmitting a play ID and game information to the game apparatus; credit card information or debit card information of a player; and a play ID received by the data transmission / reception means; A data holding unit for holding a device ID, game information, and a personal ID; Manages the received play ID, device ID, billing information, game information, and personal ID. When the data transmitting / receiving means receives billing information indicating that billing is required, the data holding means Data management means for performing a game price settlement process using the device ID held by the personal ID.
, The credit card information or the debit card information corresponding to the player is specified, and the collection of the game fee to the player is performed by the credit card or the debit card.

Further, the management server of the present invention is a management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, and identifies a play ID for identifying game play and a game device from the game device. Device information for performing the game, game information including game type information and game progress information, necessity of charging a player with the game device or charging information indicating payment of a game price, and an individual for specifying the player. Data transmission / reception means for receiving an ID and transmitting a play ID and game information to the game device; prepaid information indicating a game price paid by a player in advance; and a play ID received by the data transmission / reception means; Device ID, game information, and individual I
D, and a play ID, a device ID, billing information, game information, and a personal ID received by the data transmitting / receiving means are managed, and the data transmitting / receiving means requires charging. And data management means for performing a payment process for the game price using the device ID held by the data holding means, wherein the data management means collects the game price to the player. By subtracting a required game price from the prepayment information.

In the management server according to the present invention, when the data management means cannot subtract the game price from the prepayment information, the data transmission / reception means transmits game price shortage information indicating that the game price is insufficient. It is characterized by doing.

In the management server according to the present invention, the data holding means further holds a game program, and the transmitting / receiving means also sends the game program to the game device.

Further, the method of controlling a game device according to the present invention comprises:
In a control method of a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, a game information including game type information and game progress information, a device ID for identifying the game device, and a player are provided from a removable recording medium. A first step of reading billing information indicating whether billing is necessary,
A second step of determining whether or not the game can be played from the game scene indicated by the game progress information read out in the first step, and a case where it is determined that the game can be executed in the second step A third step of executing and controlling game play; a fourth step of recording billing information on the recording medium; and a fifth step of recording game progress information on the recording medium. It is characterized by including.

Further, the method of controlling a game device according to the present invention comprises:
In the fourth step, the accounting information is recorded on the recording medium after the game has been played.

Further, the method of controlling a game device according to the present invention comprises:
In a control method of a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, a first method of reading game information including game type information and game progress information and a play ID for specifying game play from a removable recording medium. And a second step of judging whether or not the game can be played from the game scene indicated by the game progress status information read in the first step; and
If it is determined that the execution is possible in the step of
And a device ID for identifying the game device, to a management server that manages the game device, to execute and control game play, and a third step of the game in the third step. A fourth step of transmitting the play ID to the management server when the play is over the game and deleting the play ID from the recording medium, and a fifth step of recording game progress information on the recording medium And the following.

Further, the method of controlling a game device according to the present invention comprises:
It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the player needs to be charged using the play ID.

Further, the control method of the game device according to the present invention comprises:
In the fifth step, when the play of the game is over, and the player has indicated the intention to save the progress of the game, or when the play of the game is terminated halfway, the game progress information It is characterized by recording on a recording medium.

Further, the control method of the game device according to the present invention comprises:
In a method of controlling a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, a first step of reading a play ID for specifying game play from a removable recording medium, and managing the play ID with the game device A second step of transmitting to the management server, a game ID including a play ID, game type information and game progress information from the management server, and a device number indicating the number of device IDs recorded in the management server. A third step of receiving, a fourth step of determining whether a game can be played from a game scene indicated by the game progress information received in the third step, and the fourth step A fifth step of executing and controlling game play when it is determined that the game can be executed, and a game play in the fifth step. The game is over, and if the player has the intention to save game progress, or when aborting play games, game progress status information, charging information, device ID, and play I
D to the management server, and if the play of the game in the fifth step is a game over and the player does not indicate intention to save the progress of the game, the charging information, the device ID, and the play And a sixth step of transmitting an ID to the management server.

Further, the method for controlling a game device according to the present invention
In a method of controlling a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, a first step of reading a personal ID for specifying a player from a removable recording medium, and managing the personal ID by managing the game device A second step of transmitting to the server; a game ID including a play ID, game type information and game progress information from the management server; and a device ID recorded in the management server.
A third step of receiving the number of devices representing the number of game machines; a fourth step of executing and controlling game play from a game scene indicated by the game progress information; and a fourth step of controlling the game in the fourth step. Play becomes game over,
And, when the player indicates intention to save the progress of the game, or when the game is ended halfway, the game progress information, billing information, device ID, play ID, and personal ID are stored in the management server. When the game is over in the fifth step and the player does not indicate the intention to save the game progress information, the charging information, the device ID, the play ID, and the personal ID are transmitted. A fifth step of transmitting to the management server.

Further, the control method of the game device according to the present invention is as follows.
It is characterized in that charging information is received from the management server instead of the number of devices, and charging to the player is managed based on the charging information.

Further, the control method of the game device according to the present invention comprises:
The game is executed by a game program of the game device.

Further, the control method of the game device according to the present invention comprises:
A game program is also received from the management server, and the game is played using the game program.

Further, the control method of the game device according to the present invention is as follows.
When ending the game, the game play scene is returned to a suitable point, and the game progress information is recorded or transmitted.

Further, the method for controlling a game device according to the present invention comprises:
It is characterized in that the same device ID is used in a plurality of game devices.

Further, the control method of the management server of the present invention is as follows.
A control method for a management server that manages a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, the method including receiving a play ID for specifying game play on the game device and a device ID for identifying the game device. And determining whether or not the play ID has already been recorded in the data holding means of the management server. If the play ID has been recorded, one is added to the number of devices corresponding to the play ID. If not, a step of creating a new record, and changing the device ID to the play ID
And recording the data in the data holding means.

The control method of the management server according to the present invention is as follows.
A method of controlling a management server that manages a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, the method comprising: receiving a play ID for specifying game play on the game device; Executing the payment process with reference to the data held by the data holding means of the management server; and erasing a record including the play ID from the data holding means. Things.

Further, the control method of the management server of the present invention is as follows.
A method of controlling a management server that manages a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, the method comprising: receiving a play ID for specifying game play on the game device; and a game type corresponding to the play ID. Reading out the game information including the information and the game progress information from the data holding means of the management server and transmitting the read out game information.

Further, the control method of the management server of the present invention is as follows.
A method of controlling a management server that manages a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, the method including receiving a device ID for identifying the game device and a personal ID for identifying a player of the game device. And reading game information including game type information and game progress information corresponding to the personal ID from data holding means of the management server, and transmitting the game information to the game device. Things.

Further, the control method of the management server of the present invention is as follows.
In addition to the game information, a game program held by the data holding means is transmitted to the game device.

The control method of the management server according to the present invention is as follows.
A control method of a management server that manages a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a play ID for identifying game play on the game device; a device ID for identifying the game device; Receiving data including charging information indicating whether charging to a player is necessary in the game device; and determining whether or not the play ID has already been recorded in data holding means of the management server, and recording the data. If so, one is added to the number of devices corresponding to the play ID, and if not recorded, a step of creating a new record, and storing the data by associating the device ID with the play ID Means for storing the game information including the game type information and the game progress information in the received data. Recording information in the data holding means, and determining whether or not charging is necessary based on the charging information.If charging is necessary, a game price settlement process is performed. Erasing the corresponding device ID to reduce the number of devices to zero.

The control method of the management server according to the present invention is as follows.
A personal ID for specifying a player of the game device is also received.

[0043]

Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, a game device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the game device according to the first embodiment, a player plays a game for a fee.
The progress of the game and information on the charge to the player can be recorded in a memory that can be attached to and detached from the game device, and the game can be resumed from the scene of the progress of the game recorded in the memory.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device according to the first embodiment. The game apparatus 10 includes a read / write unit 11, a device ID determining unit 12, a charging information determining unit 13, a game control unit 14, a coin receiving unit 15, a device ID issuing unit 16, and a charging information issuing unit 1.
7 is provided.

The read / write means 11 comprises a removable memory 1
8, the device ID, the charging information, and the game information are read, the device ID is determined by the device ID determining unit 12, the charging information is determined by the charging information determining unit 13, and the game information is determined by the game control unit 1.
4 is output. The device ID input from the device ID issuing unit 16, the charging information input from the charging information issuing unit 17, and the game information input from the game control unit 14 are recorded in the memory 18. Here, the device ID is
An identifier for identifying the game device 10.
The billing information is used when resuming the game play based on the game information recorded in the removable memory 18.
This is information indicating whether a new charge to the player is required. The game information is information related to the game being played, and includes game type information indicating the type of the game and game progress information indicating the progress of the game.

The device ID judging means 12 comprises the reading / writing means 1
1 and the device I recorded in the memory 18
It is determined whether D matches the device ID of the game apparatus 10 and the result is output to the game control means 14. The charging information determining unit 13 determines whether the charging information input from the reading / writing unit 11 is “charging not required” or “charging required”, and outputs the result to the game control unit 14.

The game control means 14 includes the read / write means 11
, The device ID determination result from the device ID determination unit 12, and the result of the billing information from the billing information determination unit 13. The game information input from the read / write unit 11 is stored in a buffer (not shown) of the game control unit 14. Then, game play is controlled based on the information, the determination result, and the like. That is, the game program held by the game control means 14 is executed, and controls such as charging to the player and ending the game play are performed. The game control means 14 outputs a command to issue a device ID to the device ID issuing means 16, outputs a command to issue charging information to the charging information issuing means 17, and outputs a game information to the read / write means 11. Is output.

The coin receiving means 15 outputs payment information to the game control means 14 when a coin is inserted from the player. Here, the deposit information is information indicating that a coin has been inserted into the coin receiving means 15. Equipment I
When the game control unit 14 inputs an instruction to issue a device ID, the D issuing unit 16
The device ID of the game device 10 is output to the device. When the game control unit 14 inputs that charging is required, the charging information issuing unit 17 outputs “charging required” as charging information.
Is output to the read / write unit 11, and when there is an input indicating that charging is unnecessary, “charging unnecessary” is output to the read / write unit 11 as charging information.

Next, the operation of the game device 10 will be described. FIG. 2 and FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the game device 10 from the insertion of the character to the end of the game play. In step S101, the player inserts the memory 18 into a slot (not shown) of the game device 10.

In step S102, the read / write means 11 determines whether game information is recorded in the memory 18. If it is recorded, the process proceeds to step S103. If it is not recorded, the process proceeds to step S1.
Proceed to 08. The information used in the determination in step S102 may be any of game information, billing information, and device ID, or may be a combination thereof.

In step S103, the reading / writing means 11 reads the game information, the device ID, and the billing information recorded in the memory 18, and outputs the game information to the game control means 14, the device ID to the device ID determining means 12, The billing information is output to the billing information determining means 13. Then, the device ID determination unit 12 determines whether or not the device ID matches the device ID of the game device 10, and if they match, it indicates that they match, and if they do not match, it indicates that they do not match. Output to the game control means 14. The charging information determining means 13 determines whether the charging information is “charging required” or “charging not required”, and determines the result as the game control means 14.
Output to The game control means 14 stores the game information in a buffer (not shown).

In step S104, the game control means 14 determines whether or not the type of the game included in the game information input from the read / write means 11 matches the type of game that can be executed by the game device 10. And
If they match, the process proceeds to step S105. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S105, the game control means 14 determines whether or not there has been an input from the device ID determination means 12 indicating that the device ID matches the device ID of the game device 10, and has received an input indicating that the match has occurred. Sometimes, the process proceeds to step S106. If there is an input indicating that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S106, the game control means 14 reads out and analyzes the game progress information from the game information stored in the buffer. Then, the game can be started from the scene indicated by the game progress information.

In step S107, the game control means 14 determines whether or not a charge is necessary based on the information on the charge input from the charge information determination means 13. When there is an output from the billing information determining means 13 indicating that billing is required, the process proceeds to step S108.
If no billing is required, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S108, the game control means 14 requests the player to insert coins into the coin receiving means 15 by using, for example, a monitor or a speaker (not shown).

In step S109, in response to the coin insertion request, the player inserts a coin into the coin accepting means 15, and if the game control means 14 receives the deposit information from the coin accepting means 15, the process proceeds to step S110. move on.
If the game control means 14 has not received the deposit information for a certain period of time or more, the process ends.

In step S110, the game control means 14 outputs the game contents to, for example, a monitor (not shown). Then, the player plays the game using operation means (not shown). At this time, step S
When the game progress information stored in the memory 18 is read out at 106, the player plays the game from a scene corresponding to the progress. If the game progress information has not been read, the player plays from the beginning of the game.

In step S111, the game control means 14 determines whether or not the game is over during the execution of the game. If the game is over, the process proceeds to step S115. If the game is not over, the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the game control means 14 determines whether or not there is a game termination request from the player during execution of the game. If there is a game end request, the process proceeds to step S113. If there is no request to end the game, the process returns to step S110,
Continue running the game.

In step S113, the game control means 14 outputs to the charging information issuing means 17 that charging is unnecessary. Then, the charging information issuing unit 17 outputs “charging unnecessary” to the reading / writing unit 11 as charging information. Then, the reading / writing means 11 records the billing information in the memory 18.

In step S 114, the game control means 14 outputs a command to issue a device ID to the device ID issuing means 16 and outputs game information to the read / write means 11. Then, the device ID issuing unit 16 outputs the device ID of the game device 10 to the read / write unit 11. Then, the read / write means 11 records the device ID and the game information in the memory 18 by overwriting. Note that the game progress information is recorded in a scene in which the game being played is returned to a sharp point. Also, when recording game information, etc.,
When recording data corresponding to the game information or the like for the first time, a new record is created and the game information or the like is recorded in the memory 18.

In step S115, the game control means 14 asks the player to determine whether or not to play the over-game. If the player has expressed a will to continue, step S
Returning to 108, if the intention to continue is not expressed, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S116, the game control means 14 informs the charging information issuing means 17 that charging is necessary.
Output to Then, the charging information issuing unit 17 outputs “charging required” to the reading / writing unit 11 as charging information. Then, the reading / writing means 11 stores the accounting information in the memory 18.
To record.

In step S117, the game control means 14 requests the player to determine whether or not to save the progress of the game in which the game is over in the memory 18. Then, when the player has expressed an intention to save the data in the memory 18, the process proceeds to step S114. If the intention to save is not expressed, the process ends.

Next, the operation of the game apparatus 10 will be described using a specific example. First, an operation in which a player starts playing a game will be described. The player inserts the memory 18 into the game device 10 (step S10
1). The game information is recorded in the memory 18 (step S102), the game type of the game type information matches the game that can be played on the game device 10 (steps S103 and S104), and the device ID is also changed to the game device 10 (Step S1)
05), the player can resume playing the game from the game scene indicated by the game progress information stored in the memory 18 (steps S106 and S11).
0). However, if the charging information in the memory 18 is “charging required”, it is instructed to insert coins into the coin receiving means 15 before resuming the game play (step S10).
8) After the coin is inserted, the game can be played (steps S109 and S110).

If the game information recorded in the memory 18 owned by the player cannot be played on the game device 10 (step S104), or if the device ID recorded in the memory 18 is If it does not match the device ID (step S10)
5) It is requested to insert a coin (step S10)
8) When a coin is inserted into the coin receiving means 15, the game can be played from the beginning (step S109,
S110).

Next, a case where the game played by the player is over the game will be described. When the game played by the player is over the game, for example, a character such as “Do you want to continue the game?” Is displayed on the monitor, thereby confirming the player's intention to continue the game ( Step S115).
When the player indicates by a not-shown operation means that the game is to be continued, a request is made to insert coins into the coin accepting means 15 (step S108). When coins are inserted, the game can be continued further (step S108). S
109, S110).

On the other hand, when the player indicates by the operating means (not shown) that he / she will not continue the game, the billing information “Charging required” for the later play is stored in the memory 1.
8 (step S116). Then, for example, by displaying characters such as "Do you want to save the progress of the game?" On the monitor, the player's intention to save the progress of the game is confirmed (step S117). When the player selects to save, the game information including the progress of the game in which the scene of the game in which the game is over is returned to a sharp point and the device ID are recorded in the memory 18 (step S114). ). Here, returning the scene of the game to a point where the game is well cut means, for example, if the player has cleared the third stage of the game and has just entered the fourth stage and the game is over, the third stage The clear scene is saved. And
When the player starts the game by inserting the memory 18 into the game device 10, the game can be restarted from the scene of the third stage clear, that is, from the beginning of the fourth stage. On the other hand, if the player selects not to save, the game ends.

Next, a case will be described in which the player has input to the game apparatus 10 by the operating means (not shown) that he or she wishes to end the game in the middle of the game. For example, the game device 10
It is assumed that the player has expressed his / her intention to end the game halfway by pressing an "intermediate end button" (not shown) (step S112). Then, the game control means 14 returns the scene of the game being played at that time to a point where the game is easy to cut, and the game information including the game progress status information indicating the scene of the game and the billing information “Charging unnecessary”. And the device ID are recorded in the memory 18 (steps S113 and S114).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data recorded in the memory 18. As shown in FIG.
8 stores the device ID, the billing information, the game type information included in the game information, and the game progress information for each game played by the player.

As described above, according to the game device 10 and the control method thereof according to the first embodiment, the progress of the game can be stored in the memory 18, so that even if the game is ended halfway, When the game is restarted, the play of the game can be restarted from the scene where the game was terminated halfway. Further, if the game is not ended due to game over in the previous game play, the game can be played without being charged when the game is restarted. In addition, since the device is specified by the device ID, the game can be prevented from being played without paying the game price by using the memory 18 in which the game information is recorded in another store. further,
By storing the game progress information in a situation where the game progresses well, the capacity of the game progress information recorded in the memory 18 can be reduced.

Although the first embodiment has not described the case where a plurality of pieces of game information are recorded in the memory 18, the case where a plurality of pieces of game information are recorded in the memory 18 is not described. A list of games that can be executed by the device 10 may be displayed to the player so that the player can play the selected game.

Regarding the recording of the device ID in step S114, once the device ID has been recorded in the memory 18, the device ID is no longer overwritten and is recorded only in the game information or in the game information. Only the game progress information to be recorded may be recorded.

(Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, a game device, a control method thereof, a management server, and a control method thereof according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the game device according to the second embodiment, the player plays the game for a fee, the progress of the game can be recorded in a removable memory, and the game is restarted from the scene recorded in the memory. The charging information relating to the game play includes a play ID.
Is managed in the management server using the FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game device according to the second embodiment.

The game device 20 includes a read / write unit 21,
The game device includes a game control unit 22, a device ID issuing unit 23, a play ID issuing unit 24, a communication unit 25, and a coin receiving unit 15. Note that the coin receiving means 15 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

The read / write means 21 is provided in the removable memory 2.
6 to read the game data and output it to the game control means 22. Also, the play ID input from the game control means 22 or the play ID issuing means 24 and the game information input from the game control means 22 are stored in the memory 26.
To record. Here, the game data refers to game information and a play ID as data recorded in the memory 26. The play ID is an identifier for specifying the game play of the player, and the same play ID is used from the start of the game until the game is over.

The game control means 22 includes the read / write means 21
, And stores the data in a buffer (not shown) of the game control means 22. Then, game play is controlled based on the game data. That is, a list of games that can be executed by the game device 20 is created, and a game program held by the game control unit 22 is executed to perform control such as charging a player and ending a game play. The game control unit 22 outputs a command to issue a device ID to the device ID issuing unit 23, outputs game information and a play ID to the read / write unit 21, and outputs a play ID to the communication unit 25. further,
If necessary, the new play I
An instruction to issue D is output.

The device ID issuing means 23 outputs the device ID of the game device 20 to the communication means 25 when the game control means 22 inputs an instruction to issue a device ID. The play ID issuing unit 24 issues a play ID and outputs the play ID to the read / write unit 21 and the game control unit 22 when an input to issue a new play ID is received from the game control unit 22. Since the play ID is an identifier for specifying a game played by the player, the same identifier is not allowed to be issued repeatedly. Therefore, as the play ID, for example, a code obtained by encoding the date, month, day, hour, minute, and second when the play ID is issued and the device ID of the game device 20 added thereto is used.

The communication means 25 transmits the play ID input from the game control means 22 and the device ID input from the device ID issuing means 23 to the management server via a communication line. As the communication line, for example, a telephone line or the like is used. Further, the management server is a server that manages charging for playing a game using a play ID. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management server.

The management server 30 includes a data receiving unit 31
And a data management unit 32 and a data holding unit 33. The data receiving unit 31 receives the play ID and the device ID transmitted from the plurality of game devices 20, and outputs the play ID and the device ID to the data management unit 32. The data management unit 32 stores the play ID and the device ID input from the data reception unit 31 in the data holding unit 33 and manages them. In addition, the payment processing related to the game price is performed based on the play ID. The data holding unit 33 holds a play ID and a device ID.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of the game data recorded in the memory 26. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the memory 26 stores a play ID,
And game information. As can be seen from the game data shown in FIG. 7, the play ID may be recorded or may not be recorded.
If the play ID is not recorded, the game is over and the player needs to be charged,
When the play ID is recorded, it is not necessary to charge the player. As described above, whether or not billing is necessary can be determined based on whether or not the play ID is recorded. Also, INDE
For X, an integer starting from 1 is used.
, An even number, or a number or symbol that changes according to a certain rule may be used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data recorded in the data holding means 33 of the management server 30. As shown in FIG. 8, the data holding means 33 includes a play ID.
, The number of devices, and the device ID are recorded. Here, the number of devices is the number of recorded device IDs.
The device ID is recorded in order from the column of “device ID1”. That is, the device ID recorded in the column of the device ID1 is the device ID recorded for the first time. The device ID is recorded as it is even if it is duplicated. Therefore, a plurality of the same device IDs may be recorded in the same record. Until the record is deleted, the device ID is recorded in the data holding unit 33, so that each record of the data holding unit 33 has a variable length. Here, the record is data in one horizontal row in the data shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the game device 20 will be described. 9 and 10 show that the game device 20 has the memory 2
6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device 20 from the insertion of the game device 6 to the end of the game play. In step S201, the player inserts the memory 26 into the game device 20. In step S202,
The read / write unit 21 determines whether game information is recorded in the memory 26. If it is recorded, the process proceeds to step S203. If it is not recorded,
Proceed to step S210. The information used in the determination in step S202 may be a play ID, or may be both game information and a play ID.

In step S 203, the read / write means 21 reads the game data recorded in the memory 26 and outputs it to the game control means 22. The game control means 22 stores the game data in a buffer (not shown). That is, the data stored in the buffer is the same as the game data stored in the memory 26 shown in FIG.

In step S204, the game control means 22 creates a list of games that can be played on the game device 20, based on the game type information included in the game information. The details of the list creation processing are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In step S205, the game control means 22 determines whether or not a playable game list has been created in step S204. When the list is created, the process proceeds to step S206. When the list is not created, that is, when the game device 20
If there is no game that can be played with, the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S206, the game control means 22 displays the list on a monitor (not shown) or the like, and requests the player to select a game to be played from the list.

In step S207, the game control means 22 determines whether or not the player has selected a game. If the player has selected, step S
Proceed to 208. If there is no selection for a fixed time or more, the process ends.

In step S208, the game control means 22 stores the game information of the game selected by the player,
Read from buffer and analyze. Then, the game can be started from the scene indicated by the game progress information.

At step S209, the game control means 22 determines the play ID corresponding to the read game information.
Is determined with reference to a buffer (not shown). If the play ID exists, the process proceeds to step S214. If the play ID does not exist, the process proceeds to step S214.
Proceed to 210.

In step S210, the game control means 22 requests the player to insert coins into the coin receiving means 15 by using, for example, a monitor or a speaker (not shown).

In step S211, the player inserts coins into the coin receiving means 15 in response to a coin insertion request, and sends the deposit information from the coin receiving means 15 to the game control means 2.
If No. 2 has been received, the process proceeds to step S212. If the game control unit 22 has not received the payment information for a certain period of time or more, the process ends.

In step S212, the game control means 22 sends a new play ID to the play ID issuing means 24.
Is output. Then, the play ID issuing unit 24 creates a new play ID and outputs it to the read / write unit 21 and the game control unit 22. The game control means 22 stores the input play ID in a buffer (not shown).

In step S 213, the read / write unit 21 stores the play ID input from the play ID issuing unit 24 in the memory 26.

In the storage of the play ID in the buffer or the memory 26 in steps S212 and S213, when the game is selected in step S207 or when the game is played in step S215, A play ID is stored in association with the information, and when there is no such game information, a new record is created and only the play ID is stored therein.

[0097] In step S214, the game control means 22 outputs the play ID to the communication means 25.
An instruction to issue a device ID is output to the device ID issuing unit 23. Then, the device ID issuing unit 23 issues the device ID of the game device 20 and outputs it to the communication unit 25.
The communication unit 25 transmits the play ID and the device ID to the management server 30.

In step S215, the game control means 22 outputs the game contents to, for example, a monitor (not shown). Then, the player plays the game using operation means (not shown). At this time, when the game progress information recorded in the memory 26 is read out in step S208, the player plays the game from a scene corresponding to the progress. If the game progress information has not been read, the player plays from the beginning of the game.

In step S216, the game control means 22 determines whether or not the game is over during the execution of the game. When the game is over, the process proceeds to step S219. If the game is not over, the process proceeds to step S217.

In step S217, the game control means 22 determines whether or not there is a game termination request from the player during execution of the game. If there is a game end request, the process proceeds to step S218. If there is no request to end the game, the process returns to step S215,
Continue running the game.

In step S218, the game control means 22 outputs to the read / write means 21 game information corresponding to the game played in step S215. Then, the read / write means 21 records them in the memory 26 by overwriting. Note that the game progress information is recorded in a scene in which the game being played is returned to a sharp point. In the recording of the game information, when the game type information has already been recorded, only the game progress information may be recorded.

In step S219, the game control means 22 determines the play ID of the game in which the game is over.
Is output to the communication means 25. Then, the communication means 25
The input play ID is transmitted to the management server 30.

In step S220, the game control means 22 outputs a command to the read / write means 21 to delete the play ID of the game over the game. Then, the reading / writing means 21 stores the play ID in the memory 2.
Delete from 6.

In step S221, the game control means 22 requests the player to determine whether or not to play the over-game. If the player has expressed a will to continue, step S
Returning to 210, if the intention to continue is not expressed, the process proceeds to step S222.

In step S222, the game control means 22 requests the player to determine whether or not to save the progress of the game in which the game is over in the memory 26. Then, when the player has expressed an intention to save the data in the memory 26, the process proceeds to step S218. If the intention to save is not expressed, the process ends.

Next, the list creation processing in step S204 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the list creation processing by the game control means 22. In the description of the flowchart of FIG. 11, all the processes are executed by the game control unit 22. In step S301, the control variable i is set to i = 1. In step S302, it is determined whether game information corresponding to the i-th INDEX exists in the game data stored in a buffer (not shown) of the game control unit 22. When the game information exists, the process proceeds to step S303. When the game information does not exist, the process ends.

In step S303, the ith INDE
The game information of X is read from the buffer. Step S
At 304, it is determined whether or not the game type information included in the read game information is one that can be executed by the game device 20. Then, when it can be executed, step S30
Proceeding to 5, the game type and the game progress status included in the game information are registered in a list. If not, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, i is incremented by one, and the process returns to step S302.

Next, the operation of the management server 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 and FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 30. Steps S401 to S405 shown in FIG.
Is a process executed by the management server 30 when the game device 20 transmits the play ID and the device ID to the management server 30 in step S214 in FIG. In addition,
The processing is performed by the data management means 32 unless otherwise specified. In step S401, the data receiving unit 31 receives the play ID and the device ID transmitted from the game device 20. Then, they are output to the data management means 32.

In the step S402, the data holding means 3
It is determined whether or not the play ID input from the data receiving unit 31 has been registered with reference to the data held by the data receiving unit 3. If it has been registered, step S403
If not, the process proceeds to step S405.

At step S403, the data holding means 3
In the data held by 3, add 1 to the number of devices corresponding to the input play ID.

At step S404, the data holding means 3
In the data held by No. 3, a device ID is added in correspondence with the input play ID. In the data shown in FIG. 8, the device ID is added left-justified.

At step S405, the data holding unit 3
A new record corresponding to the input play ID is created in the data held by No.3. The number of devices in the new record is set to 1 in advance.

Steps S406 to S409 shown in FIG. 13 are processing executed by the management server 30 when the game device 20 transmits the play ID to the management server 30 in step S219 of FIG. Unless otherwise stated, the processing is performed by the data management unit 3
2 is performed.

In step S406, the data receiving means 31 receives the play ID from the game device. Then, the play ID is output to the data management means 32.

At step S407, the data holding unit 3
It is determined whether or not the play ID input from the data receiving unit 31 has been registered with reference to the data held by the data receiving unit 3. If it has been registered, step S408
If not, the processing is abnormal.

In step S408, a settlement process for adjusting the price of the game is performed. An example of the settlement process is shown in a flowchart of FIG. Step S4
At 09, the record corresponding to the input play ID is deleted from the data holding unit 33.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the settlement process in step S408. This settlement process distributes the sales of the game price according to the total number of game devices. In the flowchart of FIG. 14, all the processes are executed by the data management unit 32. The following processing is executed using the number of devices and the device ID corresponding to the play ID received in step S406.

In step S410, the distribution price is defined as a value obtained by dividing the game price inserted in the coin receiving means 15 when the player plays the game by the number of devices recorded in the data holding means 33.

In step S411, a game fee is collected from a store or a company that owns the game device 20 of the device ID registered in "device ID1".

In step S412, a product obtained by multiplying the distribution ID by the number of device IDs belonging to the store or company is distributed to the store or company that owns the game device having the registered device ID.

Next, the operation of the game device 20 will be described using a specific example. First, an operation in which a player starts playing a game will be described. The player inserts the memory 26 into the game device 20 (step S20).
1). Here, it is assumed that the game data shown in FIG. Then, the read / write means 21 reads the game data and outputs the game data to the game control means 22 (step S203).
A list of executable games is created (step S20)
4).

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a list of games presented by the game control means 22 to the player. Assuming that the game device 20 can execute only the game A, the list shown in FIG. 15 is presented to the player, and the player selects one of the two games.

If the player selects, for example, "game A, third stage clear" (step S207), the game control means 22 reads out the corresponding game information from the buffer (step S208). Then, since the play ID exists (step S209),
The game device 20 transmits the play ID and the device ID to the management server 30 (Step S214). In this way, the player can play the game A from the scene where the third stage is cleared (step S215).

It should be noted that, for a specific example in which the game played by the player is over the game or when the player ends the game halfway, the charging information and the device ID are written into the memory 18. The process is the same as that in the first embodiment except that the process is eliminated and the process of deleting the play ID from the memory 26 and the process of transmitting the play ID to the management server 30 are added, and the description is omitted.

As described above, according to the game apparatus 20, the control method thereof, and the management server 30 according to the second embodiment, the play ID is managed in the management server 30, and the billing is managed using the play ID. In addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the player can use the game data recorded in the memory 26 with any game device 20 connected to the management server 30. There is an effect that the game can be played with more game devices 20.

[0126] Also, the store that owns the game device 20 that has not received the coin directly from the player can receive the distribution money fairly by the settlement process of the management server 30.

In the second embodiment, the charging is managed by the play ID. However, similarly to the first embodiment, the charging may be managed by using the charging information.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, data is recorded in the memory 26 in correspondence with the INDEX. However, the memory 26 does not have the INDEX, and the game control means 22 does not have the INDEX. May store the data in the memory 26 in the buffer in correspondence with INDEX.

(Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, a game device, a control method thereof, a management server, and a control method thereof according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the game device according to the third embodiment, a player plays a game for a fee, and only a play ID is recorded in a detachable memory, and the progress of the game is determined.
Information on charging for playing a game is managed by the management server.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to the third embodiment. The game device 40
Reading / writing means 41, game control means 42, charging information issuing means 43, communication means 44, coin receiving means 15
Device ID issuing means 23 and play ID issuing means 24
And Note that the coin receiving unit 15, the device ID issuing unit 23, and the play ID issuing unit 24
The description is omitted.

The read / write means 41 comprises a removable memory 4
The play ID is read from 6 and output to the game control means 42. The game control means 42 or the play I
The play ID input from the D issuing unit 24 is stored in the memory 46.
To record. In the third embodiment, from the start of the game play to the end of the game play, that is,
Until the game is completed, the same play I
D is used.

The game control means 42 includes a read / write means 41
Accepts a play ID. In addition, game data is received from the communication unit 44 and stored in a buffer (not shown) of the game control unit 42. Then, game play is controlled based on the stored game data. That is, a list of games that can be executed by the game device 40 is created, and a game program held by the game control means 42 is executed to perform control such as charging a player and ending a game play. The game control unit 42 outputs a command to issue a device ID to the device ID issuing unit 23, outputs a command to issue charging information to the charging information issuing unit 43, and outputs a play ID to the read / write unit 41. And outputs a play ID and game information to the communication means 44. Further, if necessary, the play ID issuing means 24
, An instruction to issue a new play ID is output. In the third embodiment, the game data refers to game information, a play ID, and the number of devices.

When the game control means 42 receives an input indicating that charging is required, the charging information issuing means 43
"Charging required" is output to the communication means 44 as charging information, and when there is an input indicating that charging is unnecessary, "charging unnecessary" is output to the communication means 44 as charging information. The communication unit 44 receives the game data transmitted from the management server and outputs the game data to the game control unit 42. The communication unit 44 further includes a play ID input from the game control unit 42, game information,
The device ID input from the device ID issuing unit 23 and the charging information input from the charging information issuing unit 43 are transmitted to the management server via the communication line.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server. The management server 50 includes a data transmission / reception unit 51
, A data management unit 52, and a data holding unit 53. The data transmitting / receiving means 51 includes a plurality of game devices 40
Receives the play ID, the game information, the device ID, and the billing information, and outputs the information to the data management unit 52.
The game data input from the data management unit 52 is transmitted to the game device 40.

The data management means 52 stores the data input from the data transmission / reception means 51 in the data holding means 53 and manages the data. Further, it reads data from the data holding means 53 and outputs it to the data transmitting / receiving means 51. further,
Based on the billing information, the device ID, and the like, a payment process for the game price is performed. The data holding means 53 includes a play ID,
The game information, the number of devices, and the device ID are stored.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of data recorded in the memory 46. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, a play ID is recorded in the memory 46. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of game data recorded in the data holding unit 53 of the management server 50. As shown in FIG.
The data holding unit 53 records a play ID, game information, the number of devices, and a device ID. Note that the device I
D is recorded in order from the column of “device ID1”.
That is, the device ID recorded in the column of device ID1
Is the device I recorded for the first time corresponding to the play ID.
D. Further, until the device ID is deleted, the device ID is recorded in the data holding unit 53, so that each record of the data holding unit 53 has a variable length.

Next, the operation of the game device 40 will be described. FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are flowcharts showing the operation of the game device 40 from when the memory 46 is inserted into the game device 40 to when the game has ended.
Processing other than steps S230 to S237 is as follows.
Game device 20 according to Embodiment 2, read / write means 2
1, the game control means 22 and the memory 26 are respectively a game device 40, a read / write means 41, and a game control means 4.
2 and the memory 46 are the same as in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0138] In step S230, the read / write means 41 determines whether or not the play ID is recorded in the memory 46. And if recorded, the memory 4
Then, all the play IDs recorded in No. 6 are read and output to the game control means 42, and the flow advances to step S231. If not, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0139] In step S231, the game control means 42 outputs the play ID input from the read / write means 41.
Is output to the communication means 44. The communication unit 44 transmits the play ID to the management server 50.

At step S232, the communication means 44
Receives the game data transmitted from the management server 50 and outputs the game data to the game control means 42. Game control means 4
2 stores the game data in a buffer (not shown). In the storage, the game control means 42 stores the data corresponding to the INDEX starting from 1 like the data shown in FIG.

In step S233, the game control means 42 determines that the number of devices corresponding to the read game information is 0.
Is determined with reference to a buffer (not shown). Then, when the number of devices is 0, step S2
Proceed to step 10; if not 0, proceed to step S215. By determining whether or not the number of devices is 0, it is possible to determine whether or not the player needs to be charged. When the number of devices is 0, the game is over, and the player needs to be charged. When the number of devices is not 0, the player does not need to be charged.

At step S234, the game control means 42 outputs to the billing information issuing means 43 that billing is unnecessary. Then, the charging information issuing unit 43 outputs “charging unnecessary” to the communication unit 44 as charging information. The communication unit 44 temporarily stores the input billing information.

In step S235, the game control means 42 outputs the game information of the game played in step S215 and the play ID to the communication means 44, and issues a command to issue a device ID to the device ID issuing means 2.
Output to 3. Then, the device ID issuing unit 23 issues the device ID of the game device 40 and outputs it to the communication unit 44. The communication unit 44 includes the game information, the play ID, the device ID, the step S234, or the step S23.
The accounting information received in step 6 is transmitted to the management server 50. When a play ID or the like is already stored in the management server 50, the game type information need not be transmitted.

In step S 236, the game control means 42 informs the charging information issuing means 43 that charging is required.
Output to Then, the charging information issuing unit 43 outputs “charging required” to the communication unit 44 as charging information. The communication unit 44 temporarily stores the input billing information.

At step S237, the game control means 42 outputs the play ID of the game played at step S215 to the communication means 44, and outputs a command to issue a device ID to the device ID issuing means 23. Then, the device ID issuing means 23 outputs the device I of the game device 40.
D is issued and output to the communication means 44. Communication means 44
Transmits the play ID, the device ID, and the accounting information received in step S236 to the management server 50.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are flowcharts showing the operation of the management server 50.

Steps S501 to S501 in FIG.
503 is a process executed by the management server 50 when the game device 40 transmits the play ID to the management server 50 in step S231 in FIG.

In step S501, the data transmission / reception means 51 sends the play ID transmitted from the game device
And outputs it to the data management means 52.

In step S502, the data management means 52 refers to the data held in the data holding means 53, and determines whether the play ID received in step S501 includes a play ID registered in the data holding means 53. Judge. If it is included, step S
Proceeding to 503, if not included, abnormal processing is performed.

[0150] In step S503, the data management means 52 determines the game data corresponding to the play ID included in the data holding means 53 among the play IDs received in step S501, that is, the game information and the play I
D and the number of devices are output to the data transmitting / receiving means 51. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 51 transmits the input game data to the game device 40.

Steps S504 to S513 in FIG. 23 correspond to step S235 or step S237 in FIG.
D, etc., when transmitted to the management server 50.
0 is a process to be executed. The processing is performed by the data management means 52 unless otherwise specified.

In step S 504, data transmission / reception means 51 receives the data transmitted from game device 40 and outputs the data to data management means 52.

In the step S505, the data holding means 5
It is determined whether or not the play ID included in the input data has been registered in the data holding unit 53 with reference to the data held by the third data. If it has been registered, the process proceeds to step S506, and if it has not been registered, the process proceeds to step S513.

In the step S506, the data holding means 5
In the data held by 3, add 1 to the number of devices corresponding to the input play ID.

In step S507, the data holding means 5
In the data held by No. 3, a device ID is added in correspondence with the input play ID. In the data shown in FIG. 19, the device ID is added left-justified.

In step S508, step S507
It is determined whether or not the game information is included in the data received in. If it is included, the process proceeds to step S509. If it is not included, the process proceeds to step S510.

In step S509, the data holding unit 5
In the data held by No. 3, the input game information is overwritten and recorded in correspondence with the input play ID.

At step S510, it is determined whether or not the input billing information requires billing. When it is determined that billing is required, the process proceeds to step S511, and when it is determined that billing is not required, the process ends.

In step S511, a settlement process for the input play ID is executed. Note that this settlement process is the same as the settlement process shown in FIG. 14 of the second embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

In the step S512, the data holding means 5
In the data held in No. 3, all device IDs corresponding to the input play ID are deleted, and the number of devices is set to 0.

In the step S513, the data holding means 5
A new record corresponding to the play ID received in step S504 is created in the data held by No.3. The number of devices in the new record is set to 1 in advance.

Next, the operation of the game device 40 will be described using a specific example. First, an operation in which a player starts playing a game will be described. The player inserts the memory 46 into the game device 40 (step S20).
1). It is assumed that three play IDs shown in FIG. 18 have been recorded in the memory 46. Then, the reading and writing means 4
1 reads the play ID and outputs it to the game control means 42. The game control means 42 outputs the three play IDs to the communication means 44, and the communication means 44 transmits them to the management server 50 (steps S230, S23).
1).

The management server 50 receives the play ID
Then, it is determined whether or not the play ID recorded in the data holding means 53 is included (step S502). It is assumed that the data shown in FIG. 19 has been recorded in the data holding unit 53. Then, the management server 50 transmits game data corresponding to the ID codes 1 to 3 to the game device 40 (Step S503).

The game device 40 receives the game data, adds INDEX thereto, stores it in a buffer (not shown) (step S232), and creates a list of games that can be executed by the game device 40 (step S204). Assuming that the game device 40 can execute only the game A,
The list shown in FIG. 15 is presented to the player, who will select one of the two games.

If the player selects, for example, "game A, third stage clear" (step S207), the game control means 42 reads the corresponding game information from the buffer (step S208). Since the number of devices is not 0 and billing is not required (step S233), the player can play the game A from the scene of the third stage clear (step S21).
5).

[0166] For a specific example in which the game played by the player is over the game or when the player finishes the game halfway, the charging information, the device ID, the game information, and the like are stored in the memory 18. Is transmitted to the management server 50 instead of writing the billing information, the device ID, the game information, and the play ID, and the game played by the player becomes a game over and the game information is not stored. Charging information in the management server 50;
Except for the addition of the process of transmitting the device ID and the play ID, this is the same as the description of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

As described above, according to the game device 40, the control method thereof, and the management server 50 according to the third embodiment, the play ID and the game information are managed by the management server 50. In addition to similar effects,
Further, since the data to be recorded in the memory 46 is only the play ID, the effect that the memory 46 with a small capacity can be used is obtained.

In the third embodiment, the game device 4
0, the game control means 42 holds the game program. However, after the management server 50 also holds the game program and selects a game to be played by looking at a list of executable games for the player, the game device 40 The game program may be downloaded from the management server 50. With such a configuration, the player can play a wider range of games on the same game device 40.
Can be played. Other configurations in this case are the same as those in the third embodiment. A frequently downloaded game program, that is, a popular game program may be stored in the program storage means instead of being downloaded each time. As a result, in the case of a popular game, the time required for downloading can be reduced, and the load on the management server can be reduced.

(Embodiment 4) Hereinafter, a game device, a control method thereof, a management server, and a control method thereof according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the game device according to the fourth embodiment, a player plays a game for a fee, a detachable memory holds only a personal ID, and game information and billing information related to game play include: It is managed by the management server.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to the fourth embodiment. The game device 60
Reading means 61, game control means 62, communication means 63, play ID issuing means 64, coin receiving means 15
And a device ID issuing unit 23 and a billing information issuing unit 43. The coin receiving unit 15, the device ID issuing unit 23, and the billing information issuing unit 43 are the same as those in the third embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The reading means 61 comprises a removable memory 6
Then, the personal ID is read from 5 and output to the game control means 62. Here, the personal ID is an identifier for identifying the player who is the owner of the memory 65.

The game control means 62 includes a reading means 61
Accepts a personal ID. Also, from the communication means 63,
The game data and a list of games that can be executed on the game device 60 are received. Then, the game data is stored in a buffer (not shown) of the game control means 62.
In addition, game play is controlled based on the game data. That is, the game program stored in the game control means 62 is executed, and controls such as charging to the player and ending the game play are performed. The game control means 62
Outputs a command to issue a device ID to the device ID issuing unit 23, outputs a command to issue charging information to the charging information issuing unit 43, and outputs a play ID to the communication unit 63.
, Game information, and a personal ID. Further, if necessary, a command to issue a new play ID is output to the play ID issuing means 64. In the fourth embodiment, the game data refers to game information, play I
D and the number of devices. In the fourth embodiment, the same play ID is used from the start of the game play to the end of the game play, that is, until the game is cleared.

The communication means 63 includes a play ID, game information, a personal ID,
The device ID input from the device ID issuing unit 23 and the charging information input from the charging information issuing unit 43 are transmitted to the management server via the communication line.

The play ID issuing means 64 is provided in the third embodiment.
This is the same as the play ID issuing means 24 of the third embodiment except that the game control means 42 of the third embodiment becomes the game control means 62 and does not output the play ID to the reading means 61.

The removable memory 65 holds only the personal ID of the player who is the owner of the memory 65. Therefore, the memory 65 may be a read-only memory, for example, a read-only IC card.

In the management server according to the fourth embodiment, the data management means 52 has a buffer (not shown) for storing game data, creates a list of games that can be executed by the game device 60, The third embodiment is the same as the management server 50 according to the third embodiment except that the personal ID is recorded in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of game data recorded in the data holding means 53. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, the data holding unit 53 records a personal ID, a play ID, game information, the number of devices, and a device ID. Note that the device ID is recorded in order from the column of “device ID1”. That is, the device ID recorded in the column of the device ID1 is the device ID recorded for the first time. Further, until the device ID is deleted, the device ID is recorded in the data holding unit 53, so that each record of the data holding unit 53 has a variable length.

Next, the operation of the game device 60 will be described. FIGS. 26 and 27 are flowcharts showing the operation of the game device 60 from when the memory 65 is inserted into the game device 60 to when the game has been played.
Processing other than steps S240 to S244 is as follows.
Game device 40 and read / write means 4 according to Embodiment 3
1. The game control means 42, the communication means 44, the play ID issuing means 24, and the memory 46
0, a readout unit 61, a game control unit 62, a communication unit 63, a play ID issuing unit 64, and a memory 65.

[0179] In step S240, the reading means 61 reads the personal ID from the memory 65 and outputs it to the game control means 62. The game control means 62 controls the individual I
D is output to the communication means 63, and an instruction to issue a device ID is output to the device ID issuing means 23. Then
The device ID issuing unit 23 issues a device ID of the game device 60 and outputs the device ID to the communication unit 63. And communication means 6
3 transmits the personal ID and the device ID to the management server 50.

In step S241, the communication unit 63
Receives the game list executable by the game device 60 transmitted from the management server 50 and the game data corresponding to the game list, and outputs the game data to the game control means 62. The game control means 62 stores the game data in a buffer (not shown).

In step S242, the game control means 62 determines whether the list input from the communication means 63 includes one or more selectable games.
If it is included, the process proceeds to step S206. If not included, the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S243, the game control means 62 outputs the personal ID, the play ID of the game played in step S215, and the game information to the communication means 63, and issues a command to issue a device ID. Device ID
Output to issuing means 23. Then, the device ID issuing means 2
3 issues a device ID of the game device 60,
Output to 3. The communication means 63 includes a personal ID, game information, a play ID, a device ID, a step S234,
Alternatively, the accounting information received in step S236 is transmitted to the management server 50.

In step S244, the game control means 62 outputs the personal ID and the play ID of the game played in step S215 to the communication means 63.
An instruction to issue a device ID is output to the device ID issuing unit 23. Then, the device ID issuing unit 23 issues the device ID of the game device 60 and outputs it to the communication unit 63.
The communication means 63 includes a personal ID, a play ID, and a device ID.
And the accounting information received in step S236 are transmitted to the management server 50.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server. The flowchart shown in FIG.
This is a process executed by the management server 50 when the game device 60 transmits the personal ID and the device ID to the management server 50 in step S240 of FIG.

[0185] In step S601, the data transmitting / receiving means 51 transmits the personal ID transmitted from the game device 60.
And the device ID, and outputs the data to the data management unit 52.

At step S602, the data management means 52 refers to the data held by the data holding means 53 and reads out the data corresponding to the personal ID received at step S601. Then, the data is stored in a buffer (not shown) of the data management means 52 in correspondence with INDEX starting from 1 like the data shown in FIG.

[0187] In step S603, the data management means 52 creates a list of games that can be executed by the game device 60. When the list is created, it is possible to know which game can be executed on the game device 60 by using the device ID input from the data transmission / reception unit 51. Note that the data management means 52 includes a device ID,
A correspondence table with a game executable by the game device 60 having the device ID is stored in advance. Also, the list creation processing is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S604, the data management means 52 outputs the list created in step S603 and the game data of the games listed in the list to the data transmission / reception means 51. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 51 transmits the list to the game device 60.

In step S243 or S244 in FIG. 27, the game device 60
Etc. to the management server 50 when the
Is performed by the management server 50 except that the personal ID is also received and the personal ID is also held in the data holding unit 53.
This is the same as the flowchart in FIG. 23, and the description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the game device 60 will be described using a specific example. First, an operation in which a player starts playing a game will be described. The player inserts the memory 65 into the game device 60 (step S20)
1). The memory 65 stores “ID code P” as a personal ID.
It is assumed that "1" has been recorded. Then, the reading means 6
1 reads out the “ID code P1”,
Output to 2. The game control means 62 outputs the personal ID to the communication means 63, and outputs the device ID issuing means 23
, An instruction to issue a device ID is output. And
The communication unit 63 transmits the personal ID and the device ID to the management server 50 (Step S240).

The management server 50 reads out the data corresponding to the received personal ID from the data holding means 53 (step S602). Then, INDEX is added and stored in a buffer (not shown). Data holding means 53
It is assumed that the data shown in FIG.
Then, the data management means 52 sets the ID codes 1 to I
The game data corresponding to the D code 3 is read and stored in a buffer.

Assuming that the game device 60 can execute only the game A, the management server 50 determines the fact based on the received device ID, and determines from the game data stored in the buffer, a game executable by the game device 60. Is created (step S603). And with the list,
The game data of the games listed in the list are transmitted to the game device 60 (step S604).

The game device 60 receives the list and the game data, and presents the list shown in FIG. 15 to the player. The player will select one of the two games.

The processing up to the start of the subsequent game is the same as in the specific example of the third embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated. For a specific example in which the game played by the player is over the game or when the player ends the game halfway, instead of writing the charging information, the device ID, and the game information to the memory 18, To
The personal ID, the billing information, and the device ID are stored in the management server 50.
, The game information and the play ID, and the game played by the player is over, and the personal information is stored in the management server 50 even when the game information is not stored.
Except for adding processing for transmitting D, billing information, device ID, and play ID, this is the same as the description in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

As described above, according to the game device 60, the control method thereof, and the management server 50 according to the fourth embodiment, the management server 50 manages personal IDs, play IDs, and game information. In addition to the same effect as in the third embodiment, since the data to be recorded in the memory 65 is only the personal ID, the memory 65 having a smaller capacity than the memory of the third embodiment can be used. 65 can be used.

Also, the management server 50 sends the game device 60
Since the list of games that can be executed by the game device 60 is transmitted, there is no need to create a list of games that can be executed by the game device 60, so that the load on the game control unit 62 can be reduced.

In the fourth embodiment, the game device 6
0, the game control means 62 holds the game program. However, after the management server 50 also holds the game program and selects a game to be played by looking at the list of executable games for the player, the game device 60 The game program may be downloaded from the management server 50. With such a configuration, the player can play a wider range of games on the same game device 60.
Can be played. Other configurations in this case are the same as those of the above-described fourth embodiment. A frequently downloaded game program, that is, a popular game program may be stored in the program storage means instead of being downloaded each time. As a result, in the case of a popular game, the time required for downloading can be reduced, and the load on the management server can be reduced.

Also, the personal ID held by the memory 65 is
For example, the game price may be collected from a credit card, a debit card, or a prepaid card by being incorporated into a credit card, a debit card, a prepaid card, or the like. In this case, the player accepts the coin every time charging is performed.
The game can be continued even if the player does not enter the game.

When the player pays the game price with a credit card, the credit card information of the player is registered in advance in the management server 50 in association with the personal ID, and the game device 60 requests the game price from the player. At this time, charging information indicating payment of the game price is transmitted to the management server 50. Then, when the management server 50 receives the billing information indicating the payment of the game price, the management server 50 requests the credit card for the required game price to be paid by the player. In this way, the player can execute the game play by paying the game price with the credit card. The management server 50
Instead of holding the credit card information, the credit card information may be transmitted to the management server 50 or a credit card company when the player pays for the game. When the management server 50 setstle the game price, instead of collecting the game price from the store or the company that owns the game device 60, the management server 50 reads the credit card information corresponding to the personal ID transmitted from the game device 60. Alternatively, the game card may be collected by the credit card. Further, at the end of the game, all the game charges for the game play may be transmitted to the game server 50 together with the billing information indicating whether billing is necessary. Further, a debit card may be used instead of a credit card. Here, the debit card is a cash card having an immediate settlement function for a commodity price.

[0200] Further, the player may pay the game price in advance to the management server 50 so that the player can play the game within the limit of the paid game price. In this case, the data holding means 53 of the management server 50 holds prepayment information indicating the game price paid by the player in advance in association with the player's personal ID. When the charging information indicating the payment of the game price from the game device 60 is received, the game price required for the game play is subtracted from the prepaid game price recorded in the prepayment information to reduce the game price. Collect from the player. At this time, if the prepaid game price recorded in the prepaid information is less than the required game price,
The management server 50 transmits to the game device 60 game shortage information indicating that the game price is insufficient.
Then, the game control means 62 of the game device 60 does not execute the game play. In this way, the player can execute the game play by paying the game price in advance.

In step S240, instead of transmitting the device ID to the management server 50, the game device 6
The type of game that can be executed with 0 may be transmitted to the management server 50.

Further, in Steps S243 and S244, if the personal ID has already been registered in the management server 50, the personal ID may not be transmitted to the management server 50.

In the fourth embodiment, the game list is created by the management server 50.
May be transmitted to the game device 60, and the game device 60 may create a game list.

The memory 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments
For example, rewritable nonvolatile memories can be used as 8, 26, 46, and 65. Also, instead of the memories 18, 26, 46, 65, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk,
A recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk and a DVD-RAM may be used. In addition, the reading / writing means 11, 21, 41 or the reading means 61 can contact the memories 18, 26,
Data may be read from or written to 46, 65 or a recording medium.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the same device ID may be used for a plurality of game devices. For example, by using the same device ID for the same type of game device in one store or affiliated store, in the first embodiment, the game is played on more game devices using the data recorded in the memory. can do.
Further, by using the same device ID in a plurality of game devices, in the second to fourth embodiments, the accounting process performed by the management server becomes simpler.

Also, in the first to fourth embodiments, when the progress of the game is saved, the scene of the game is saved back to a point where it can be cut easily. However, this is only an example. When a game termination request is issued from the player, the player may be allowed to proceed to a point where the game is well cut, and then the termination processing may be executed. In the case where the capacity of the game information stored in the memory or the management server may be increased, the game progress may be saved just at the time when the game is over or a termination request is received from the player. .

[0207] The flowcharts showing the control method of the game device and the control method of the management server in the first to fourth embodiments are not limited to the description in each of the above embodiments. For example, in the flowcharts of FIG. 2 and FIG.
The process in step S116 may be immediately after the determination process in step S107.
May be interchanged.

In the first to third embodiments, the memory may have prepaid information. This allows
The player can play the game without cash.

In the second to fourth embodiments, when starting a game by inserting a memory in which game information that can be played on the game device is recorded, one of the recorded games can only be selected. Even when game information is recorded, it may be possible to select to play the game from the beginning.

Also, in the second to fourth embodiments, the management server 30 or 50 stores the play ID or the number of devices as charging information related to the game play by the game device 20 or 4.
0, 60, and the game apparatuses 20, 40, 60 determine whether or not the player needs to be charged based on the play ID or the number of devices. However, this is only an example. Data holding means 3 possessed by
3, 53 hold billing information or play ID
Alternatively, charging information is calculated from the number of devices, and the management server 30, 50 transmits the charging information to the game devices 20, 40, 60, and the game devices 20, 40, 60 charge the player based on the charging information. May be determined.

The game devices according to the first to fourth embodiments, the game control means of the management server, the charging information determining means, the device ID determining means, the charging information issuing means, and the device ID
The issuing unit, the play ID issuing unit, and the data management unit may be configured by hardware, or may be configured by software under program control.

The game device according to the first to fourth embodiments cannot start the game if it does not have a memory, but can play without ending or saving the game when the memory is not inserted. Good.

Further, a recording medium storing a program for implementing the control method of the game device and the control method of the management server according to the first to fourth embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the CPU of the system or the apparatus is provided. The same effects as those described in the above embodiments can also be obtained by the main processing unit such as reading and executing the program stored in the recording medium.

The recording medium for recording the program is, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk,
A CD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a punch card, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.

[0215]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the game apparatus and the control method thereof of the present invention, in the game apparatus in which the player plays the game for a fee, the progress of the game is recorded on a removable recording medium. By recording the game information and the charging information indicating whether or not the player needs to be charged, even if the game is terminated halfway, if the game play is resumed at a later date, the game play is resumed from the scene where the game was terminated halfway be able to. Further, if the game is not ended due to game over in the previous game play, the game can be played without being charged when the game is restarted. Further, by storing the game progress in a neat scene, the capacity of the game progress information recorded on the recording medium can be reduced.

[0216] Also, by managing the play ID in the management server and managing the billing using the play ID, the player can transfer the game data recorded on the recording medium as long as the game device is connected to the management server. Any game device can be used, and the effect of playing a game with more game devices can be obtained.

[0217] Further, by managing the play ID and the game information in the management server, the data to be recorded on the recording medium is only the play ID, and an effect that a recording medium with a small capacity can be used is obtained.

By managing the personal ID, the play ID, and the game information in the management server, the data to be recorded on the recording medium is only the personal ID, and a recording medium with a smaller capacity can be used. A read-only recording medium may be used. Further, when a list of games that can be executed on the game device is transmitted from the management server, it is not necessary to create a list of games that can be executed on the game device, so that the load on the game control unit can be reduced. it can.

Further, by adopting a configuration in which the game program is downloaded from the management server, it is possible to obtain an effect that more types of games can be executed on the game device.

Further, according to the management server and the control method thereof of the present invention, the data holding means for holding the device ID and the device ID held by the data holding means are used.
By providing a data management unit that performs a game price settlement process, a store that owns a game device that has not received coins directly from the player can even distribute the distribution money fairly by the settlement process performed by the management server. Can receive. Further, the player can use the game data recorded on the recording medium on any game device connected to the management server, and can play the game on more game devices. effective.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a game device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data recorded in a memory according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management server according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of data recorded in a memory according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data recorded in a data holding unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of the management server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of the management server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of the management server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a game list according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management server according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of data recorded in a memory according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of data recorded in a data holding unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an operation of the management server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation of the management server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of data recorded in a data holding unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an operation of the game device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operation of the management server according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 20, 40, 60 Game device 11, 21, 41 Reading / writing means 12 Device ID determining means 13 Billing information determining means 14, 22, 42, 62 Game controlling means 15 Coin receiving means 16, 23 Device ID issuing means 17, 43 Billing information issuing means 18, 26, 46, 65 Memory 24, 64 Play ID issuing means 25, 44, 63 Communication means 30, 50 Management server 31 Data receiving means 32, 52 Data management means 33, 53 Data holding means 51 Data transmission / reception Means 61 Readout means

Claims (40)

[Claims] 1. A game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, wherein a game progress state and charging information indicating whether charging to the player is necessary are recorded on a removable recording medium. . 2. A game apparatus in which a player plays a game for a fee, game information including game type information and game progress information on a removable recording medium, a device ID for identifying the game apparatus, and Reading and writing means for reading and writing charging information indicating whether charging to the player is necessary, and a device I read from the recording medium by the reading and writing means
Device ID determining means for determining whether or not D matches the device ID of the game device; and charging information for determining whether charging to a player is necessary based on charging information read from the recording medium by the read / write means. A game controller that controls game play based on a determination result of the device ID determination unit and the charging information determination unit and game information read from the recording medium by the read / write unit; A game device comprising: a device ID issuing unit for issuing a device ID for performing the operation and outputting the device ID to the read / write unit; and a charge information issuing unit for issuing charge information and outputting the charge information to the read / write unit. 3. In a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, game information including game type information and game progress information and a play ID for specifying game play are stored in a removable recording medium. A read / write unit for reading / writing; a game control unit for controlling a game play based on the game information read from the recording medium by the read / write unit; and a play ID issued to the read / write unit and the game control unit. Play ID issuing means, and device I for issuing a device ID for identifying the game device
A game device comprising: a D issuing unit; and a communication unit that transmits a device ID issued by the device ID issuing unit and a play ID input from the game control unit. 4. The game device according to claim 3, wherein the game control means determines whether or not a charge to a player is necessary using the play ID. 5. A game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, a read / write means for reading / writing a play ID for specifying game play on a removable recording medium, a game type information and a game progress information. Receiving the game information, the play ID, and the number of devices indicating the number of device IDs recorded in the management server that manages the game device, the game information, the play ID, the device ID for identifying the game device, Communication means for transmitting charging information indicating whether charging to the player is necessary, game control means for controlling game play based on the number of devices and game information received by the communication means, and issuing a play ID, A play ID issuing unit for outputting to the read / write unit and the game control unit; and a device ID for issuing the device ID of the game device. And the device ID issuing means for outputting to a game device which issued the charging information, characterized in that and a charging information issuing means for outputting to said communication means. 6. A game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, a reading means for reading a personal ID for specifying a player from a removable recording medium, and a game including game type information and game progress information. Information, a play ID for specifying game play, and a device I recorded on a management server that manages the game device.
Communication means for receiving the number of devices indicating the number of D, and transmitting a personal ID, game information, a play ID, a device ID for identifying the game device, and charging information indicating whether charging to the player is necessary. A game control means for controlling game play based on the number of devices and game information received by the communication means; a play ID issuing means for issuing a play ID and outputting the play ID to the game control means; A game device comprising: a device ID issuing unit that issues an ID and outputs the same to the communication unit; and a billing information issuing unit that issues billing information and outputs the billing information to the communication unit. 7. The game device according to claim 5, wherein the communication unit receives billing information instead of the number of devices, and the game control unit manages billing to a player using the billing information. A game device characterized by performing: 8. A game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, a reading means for reading a personal ID for specifying a player from a removable recording medium, and a game including game type information and game progress information. Information, and a play ID for specifying a game play, and a personal ID, game information, a play ID, a device ID for identifying the game device, and whether or not to charge a player or a game price. Communication means for transmitting billing information indicating payment; game control means for controlling game play based on the game information received by the communication means; play ID issuing means for issuing a play ID and outputting the play ID to the game control means; Issuing a device ID of the game device and outputting the device ID to the communication device; And a charging information issuing means for outputting to the communication means, wherein the player pays for the game by a credit card or a debit card. 9. A game apparatus in which a player plays a game for a fee, a reading means for reading a personal ID for specifying a player from a removable recording medium, a game including game type information and game progress information. Information, and a play ID for specifying a game play, and a personal ID, game information, a play ID, a device ID for identifying the game device, and whether or not to charge a player or a game price. Communication means for transmitting billing information indicating payment; game control means for controlling game play based on the game information received by the communication means; play ID issuing means for issuing a play ID and outputting the play ID to the game control means; Issuing a device ID of the game device and outputting the device ID to the communication device; And a charging information issuing means for outputting to the communication means, wherein the player pays in advance the game price to a management server for managing the game device. 10. The game device according to claim 9, wherein said communication means further receives game price shortage information indicating that a game price paid by a player in advance is insufficient, and said communication means outputs said game price shortage information. A game device, wherein the game control means does not execute the game play when the game device receives the game device. 11. The game device according to claim 5, wherein said game control means has a game program. 12. The game device according to claim 5, wherein the communication means also receives a game program, and the game control means executes a game using the game program. Characteristic game device. 13. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the same device ID is used by a plurality of game devices. 14. A management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a play ID for specifying game play and a device ID for identifying the game device from the game device. Data receiving means for receiving, data holding means for holding the play ID and device ID received by the data receiving means, and data management for performing a game price settlement process using the device ID held by the data holding means Means, and a management server. 15. A management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a play ID for specifying game play; a device ID for identifying the game device; Game information including type information and game progress information,
And charging information indicating whether charging to a player is required in the game device, and a device representing a play ID, game information, and the number of device IDs recorded in the management server for the game device. Data transmitting / receiving means for transmitting the number, a play ID received by the data transmitting / receiving means, and a device I
D, a data holding unit for holding game information, a play ID received by the data transmitting / receiving unit, and a device I.
D, charging information, and game information, and when the data transmission / reception unit receives charging information indicating that charging is required, a game is performed using the device ID held by the data holding unit. A management server, comprising: data management means for performing a payment settlement process. 16. The management server according to claim 15, wherein said transmission / reception means further receives a personal ID for specifying a player, and said data holding means also holds said personal ID. server. 17. The management server according to claim 15, wherein the data holding unit further holds charging information, and the data transmitting / receiving unit transmits the charging information instead of the number of devices. Management server. 18. A management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a play ID for identifying a game play; a device ID for identifying the game device; Game information including type information and game progress information,
The game device receives billing information indicating whether billing is required to the player or payment of the game price, and a personal ID for specifying the player. Further, the game device transmits a play ID and game information to the game device. Data transmitting / receiving means to be transmitted; credit card information or debit card information of the player;
D, a device ID, game information, and a personal ID, a data holding unit, a play ID received by the data transmitting / receiving unit, and a device I.
D, charging information, game information, and personal ID, and when the data transmitting / receiving means receives charging information indicating that charging is necessary, the device ID held by the data holding means is changed. Data management means for performing payment processing of the game price using the personal ID, the data management means specifies credit card information or debit card information corresponding to the player by the personal ID, and collects the game price to the player. A management server, wherein the credit card or the debit card is used. 19. A management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a play ID for specifying game play; a device ID for identifying the game device; Game information including type information and game progress information,
The game device receives billing information indicating whether billing is required to the player or payment of the game price, and a personal ID for specifying the player. Further, the game device transmits a play ID and game information to the game device. Data transmission / reception means to be transmitted, prepayment information indicating a game price paid by the player in advance,
A play ID received by the data transmitting / receiving means, and a device I
D, game information, and a data holding unit that holds a personal ID; a play ID received by the data transmitting / receiving unit;
D, charging information, game information, and personal ID, and when the data transmitting / receiving means receives charging information indicating that charging is necessary, the device ID held by the data holding means is changed. Data management means for performing a game price settlement process using the data management means, wherein the data management means performs collection of the game price to the player by subtracting a required game price from the advance payment information. server. 20. The management server according to claim 19, wherein when the data management means cannot subtract the game price from the advance payment information, the data transmission / reception means transmits the game price shortage information indicating that the game price is insufficient. A management server, which transmits the management server. 21. The management server according to claim 15, wherein the data holding unit further holds a game program, and the transmission / reception unit also sends the game program to the game device. Characteristic management server. 22. A method of controlling a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a game information including game type information and game progress information from a removable recording medium; and a device for identifying the game device. A first step of reading an ID and charging information indicating whether charging to the player is necessary, and whether or not the game can be played from the game scene indicated by the game progress information read in the first step A third step of executing and controlling the game play when it is determined that the game can be executed in the second step; and a fourth step of recording billing information on the recording medium. And a fifth step of recording game progress information on the recording medium. 23. The control method according to claim 22, wherein, in the fourth step, the charging information is recorded on the recording medium after the game has been played. Method. 24. A method for controlling a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a game information including game type information and game progress information from a removable recording medium; and a play for specifying the game play. A first step of reading an ID; a second step of determining whether or not a game can be played from a game scene indicated by the game progress information read in the first step; If it is determined in the step that the game device can be executed, a play ID and a device ID for identifying the game device are transmitted to a management server that manages the game device, and the game is executed and controlled. Transmitting the play ID to the management server when the play of the game in the third step is a game over,
A control method for a game device, comprising: a fourth step of deleting the play ID from the recording medium; and a fifth step of recording game progress information on the recording medium. 25. The control method for a game device according to claim 24, wherein the necessity of charging to the player is determined using the play ID. 26. The control method for a game device according to claim 22, wherein in the fifth step, the game play is over, and the player intends to save the progress of the game. A method of controlling a game device, comprising: recording game progress information on the recording medium when a display is made or when a game is to be played halfway. 27. A method of controlling a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a first step of reading a play ID for specifying game play from a removable recording medium; A second step of transmitting to a management server that manages the game device; a game ID including a play ID, game type information and game progress information from the management server; and the number of device IDs recorded in the management server. A third step of receiving the number of devices representing the following, and a fourth step of determining whether or not the game can be played from the game scene indicated by the game progress information received in the third step; A fifth step of executing and controlling game play when it is determined that the game can be executed in the fourth step; In the case where the play of the game in the game is over and the player has indicated intention to save the progress of the game, or when the play of the game is terminated halfway, the game progress information, the billing information, the device ID, and A play ID is transmitted to the management server, and when the play of the game in the fifth step becomes a game over and the player does not indicate intention to save the progress of the game, charging information, device ID, and A sixth step of transmitting a play ID to the management server. 28. A control method of a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, a first step of reading a personal ID for specifying a player from a removable recording medium, and A second step of transmitting the information to the management server that manages the device; and, from the management server, a play ID, game information including game type information and game progress information, and the number of device IDs recorded in the management server. A third step of receiving the number of devices to be represented, a fourth step of executing and controlling game play from the game scene indicated by the game progress information, and a game play in the fourth step. Is over and the player has indicated that he / she wants to save the progress of the game, or the game is over In this case, the game progress information, the billing information, the device ID, the play ID, and the personal ID are transmitted to the management server, and the play of the game in the fifth step becomes a game over, and the player If you do not indicate your intention to save the information,
A fifth step of transmitting a D, a play ID, and a personal ID to the management server. 29. The method of controlling a game device according to claim 27, wherein charging information is received from the management server instead of the number of devices, and charging to a player is managed based on the charging information. A game device control method. 30. The control method for a game device according to claim 27, wherein a game program is executed by a game program of the game device. 31. The control method for a game device according to claim 27, wherein a game program is also received from the management server, and the game is played using the game program. A game device control method. 32. The method of controlling a game device according to claim 22, wherein when ending the game, the scene of the game play is returned to a sharp point to record the game progress information, or A method for controlling a game device, characterized by transmitting. 33. The control method for a game device according to claim 22, wherein the same device ID is used by a plurality of game devices. 34. A control method of a management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a play ID for specifying game play on the game device; and a play ID for identifying the game device. Device ID
And determining whether or not the play ID has already been recorded in the data holding means of the management server. If the play ID has been recorded, one is added to the number of devices corresponding to the play ID. A method of creating a new record if not recorded, and a step of recording the device ID in the data holding unit in association with the play ID. . 35. A control method of a management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: receiving a play ID for specifying game play on the game device; Executing a payment process for a game play corresponding to the above with reference to data held by a data holding unit of the management server; and erasing a record including the play ID from the data holding unit. A method for controlling a management server, characterized in that: 36. A control method of a management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: receiving a play ID for specifying game play on the game device; Reading out the game information including the game type information and the game progress information corresponding to the above from the data holding means of the management server, and transmitting the read out game information. 37. A control method of a management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a device ID for identifying the game device; and an individual for identifying a player of the game device. Receiving an ID, and reading game information including game type information and game progress information corresponding to the personal ID from data holding means of the management server, and transmitting the game information to the game device. A method for controlling a management server, characterized in that: 38. The control method of a management server according to claim 36, wherein a game program held by the data holding means is transmitted to the game device together with the game information. Method. 39. A control method of a management server for managing a game device in which a player plays a game for a fee, comprising: a play ID for specifying game play on the game device; and a play ID for identifying the game device. Receiving data including a device ID and charging information indicating whether charging to a player is required in the game device; and determining whether the play ID has already been recorded in data holding means of the management server. And if it has been recorded, add 1 to the number of devices corresponding to the play ID, and if not, create a new record; and correspond the device ID to the play ID. Recording the data in the data holding means, and the received data includes game information including game type information and game progress information. Recording the game information in the data holding means, and determining whether or not charging is necessary based on the charging information. If charging is necessary, executing a game price settlement process, Erasing the device ID corresponding to the play ID from the means to reduce the number of devices to zero, and controlling the management server. 40. The control method according to claim 39, further comprising receiving a personal ID for specifying a player of the game device.