JP2004147901A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system in which the effect of performance can be enhanced. <P>SOLUTION: The communication system comprises prescribed game terminals and a portable communication terminal communicable with the game terminals. Each game terminal comprises a first optical signal communication means, a performance control information output means and a performance control information fetching means. Furthermore, the portable communication terminal comprises a second optical signal communication means and a performance control information storing means. Then, in the communication system like this, it is preferable to utilize an infrared ray as an optical signal, to share performance control information provided by the portable communication terminal among the plurality of game terminals connected through a prescribed network to make performance of the same contents, or to make performance reflecting the performance control information provided by the portable communication terminal and the progress of the contents of a game at one's and the other's game terminals among the plurality of game terminals connected through the prescribed network. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication system, and is suitably applied to, for example, a case where a game is played on a slot machine or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, when playing a game with a pachinko machine or the like, the basic operation of the pachinko machine is a game field in which a number of nails are arranged according to a player's handle operation etc. After the mechanical interaction between the game ball and the nail in the game field, a predetermined amount of prize balls are paid out, if necessary, according to the hole into which the game ball is finally input. Things.
[0003]
In the case of pachinko machines, the mechanical interaction between the game ball and the nail can also be considered as a part of the effect that excites the game. In many cases, a mechanism is provided to further enhance the effect by the stimulation.
[0004]
For example, a display screen using a liquid crystal or the like is arranged at a position easily viewable by a player on the pachinko machine, and a character or item displayed on the display screen can enhance a staging effect. Has also appeared. In this case, unlike simple lamps and sounds, it is possible to freely express fairly subtle and complicated expressions according to the movement and type of the character, which may greatly contribute to the improvement of the production effect. is there.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with conventional pachinko machines, there is no mechanism to confirm the identity of the player, so the player sits in the seat in front of the pachinko machine and starts the game, then finishes the game and wins the prize ball obtained by the game The maximum time (recognition time) that can be recognized by the pachinko machine is the time until the user leaves the seat with (or does not have anything).
[0006]
In reality, it is difficult to detect that a player has sat in or left the seat in front of a pachinko machine. (These sensors are equipped with sensors that detect the presence or absence of a human body. However, since a normal pachinko machine does not have such a sensor), this recognition time is even shorter, and when one small hit occurs or when one big hit occurs, It is generally considered that the period during which payout continues is the recognition time.
[0007]
Since the effect can only be performed within the range of the recognition time, for example, even if the player who has hit the jackpot the day before starts playing with the same pachinko machine, the effect starts from a completely initial state, and the pachinko machine It is not possible to provide an effect with the same content as that provided to a player who plays a game for the first time on a machine, and the effect is not continuous and has no individuality. For this reason, even if the display screen having a high expressive power is provided, it is difficult to link the expressive power to the improvement of the effect.
[0008]
Here, a pachinko machine is taken as an example, but similar problems also exist in various gaming terminals such as pachislot machines and slot machines.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system having a predetermined game terminal and a portable communication terminal capable of communicating with the game terminal, wherein: First optical signal communication means for communicating with the portable communication terminal, and (2) effect control information indicating a transition of the content of the game or the content of the effect in the game when at least one game is completed. (3) when playing a new game, the portable communication terminal is transmitted to the portable communication terminal by the first optical signal communication means. (4) the portable communication terminal includes an effect control information fetching unit that fetches the effect control information from the device, and continues an effect of a new game from a past effect specified by the effect control information. A second optical signal communication unit that communicates with the gaming terminal by a signal; and (5) the effect control information from the gaming terminal is captured and stored via the second optical signal communication unit, and stored. Effect control information storage means for transmitting the effect control information being transmitted to the transmission source or another game terminal.
[0010]
Further, in the second invention, in a communication system for playing a game via a network using a predetermined game terminal, a place where the game terminal is arranged is connected to a place where a player is located, and at least the game Multimedia communication means for transmitting the appearance of the terminal to a player is provided.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(A) Embodiment
Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with an example in which the communication system according to the present invention is applied to a game system including a game arcade where a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, and the like are installed.
[0012]
(A-1) Configuration of the embodiment
FIG. 8 shows an example of the overall configuration of the game system 10 of the present embodiment.
[0013]
8, the gaming system 10 includes a server group 11, the Internet 12, hall networks 13 and 14, and a hall 15.
[0014]
Of these, the hall 15 is an independent game hall (hall) not connected to the Internet 12, and the hall networks 13 and 14 are LANs (local area networks) built in each hall and connected to the Internet 12. . Therefore, the hole accommodating the hole network 13 and the hole accommodating the hole network 14 are separate.
[0015]
FIG. 6 shows components of the gaming system 10 related to the hall networks 13 and 14 in more detail.
[0016]
6, the hall network 13 includes gaming machines 20A to 20C and a computer 21.
[0017]
The computer 21 is a communication device having a relay function such as a router, and the gaming machines 20A to 20C are provided in the hall network 13 in addition to the essential functions of the gaming machine essential as pachinko machines, pachislot machines, slot machines, and the like. It has a communication function for functioning as a communication terminal.
[0018]
The gaming machines 20A to 20C also have wireless functions 20AW to 20CW, respectively. This wireless function is a function for performing, for example, short-range wireless communication with the PDA terminal 24, the mobile phone 25, or the like. In this short-range wireless communication, game information PL is exchanged. The game information PL is information determined according to the content of the game that each player has experienced so far, and may include, for example, the number of inserted medals, the number of paid outs, and the number of winnings such as big hits.
[0019]
The PDA terminal 24 and the mobile phone 25 are carried by players U1 and U2 who play a game with one of the gaming machines 20A to 20C.
[0020]
As the short-range wireless communication, a communication using radio waves such as Bluetooth can be used. In the present embodiment, a case using infrared rays is assumed.
[0021]
The use of wireless communication has an advantage that it is not necessary to attach and detach a connector and has high operability as compared with wired communication using a cable or the like, but a great advantage is obtained particularly by using infrared light.
[0022]
For example, in the case of a radio wave, it is not known to the player U2 carrying the mobile phone 25 or the like how far the radio wave reaches due to a diffraction phenomenon or the like, and the game information PL communicating by short-range wireless communication is transmitted to a third party. Although the danger of being intercepted is not small, in the case of infrared light, communication can be established only with a communication partner who can obtain a line of sight between the infrared ports, so that it is easy to physically prevent eavesdropping by a third party. . In particular, this advantage is important because an unspecified number of players are usually distributed at high density within a limited area inside a hall. Since the game information PL can be regarded as a kind of personal information of each player (for example, U2), the necessity of concealment from a third party is not small.
[0023]
In addition, when radio waves are used for short-range wireless communication, in environments where players carrying short-range wireless communication with mobile phones, etc., are distributed at high density, such as a hall, the influence of interference between radio waves Therefore, there is a possibility that the number of players who can perform short-range wireless communication at the same time may be limited. However, in the case of infrared communication, there is no such possibility, and the affinity with the hall environment is high. This is because in the case of infrared communication, communication is performed only between the infrared ports closest to each other, and diffraction does not occur, so that interference does not occur between short-range wireless communication.
[0024]
The mobile phone 25 for performing such infrared communication has, for example, an appearance as shown in FIG.
[0025]
In FIG. 13, the mobile phone 25 has a body 80 having a substantially thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. On the body 80, an operation button group 81 including about 20 operation buttons, and a liquid crystal or the like are used. A display screen 82 for performing screen display, an external antenna 83, and an infrared port 84 are provided.
[0026]
The specific structure of a cellular phone as a product varies internally and in appearance, and varies depending on the manufacturer of the cellular phone, and also varies depending on the model of the cellular phone manufactured by the same manufacturer.
[0027]
The major difference in appearance is a folding type in which the body 80 can be folded, for example, near the boundary between the display screen 82 and the operation button group 81, and a fixed type in which such folding is not possible. The folding type is folded down when not in use to make it compact, but when used, it is unfolded to a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape almost equivalent to the fixed type.
[0028]
The dimensions of the body 80 also vary from model to model in detail, but when not in use, the user (player) carries it in his / her pocket or the like, and when in use, holds the user's hand to carry a call. Due to the nature of the telephone, its dimensions are also limited to some extent, the height (ie, the dimension in the arrow X direction) is, for example, about 140 mm, the width (ie, the dimension in the arrow Y direction) is, for example, about 50 mm, and the thickness (ie, , The dimension in the direction of the arrow Z) is, for example, about 20 mm.
[0029]
Whether or not the infrared port is arranged depends on the model, and even if it is arranged, the arrangement position differs depending on the model. For example, some models are located at the highest position of the body 80, such as the infrared port 84, and other models are, for example, the infrared port 84A shown by the dotted line in FIG. It may be located in.
[0030]
The internal configuration of such a mobile phone 25 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0031]
(A-1-1) Internal configuration example of mobile phone
14, the mobile phone 25 includes a remote communication unit 90, a local communication unit 91, a control unit 92, a storage unit 93, a display unit 94, and an operation unit 95.
[0032]
The remote communication section 90 is a section for performing communication via a mobile phone network (or via the Internet), that is, remote communication, using the external antenna 83 or a built-in antenna (not shown). Such remote communication is, for example, communication for performing an original telephone telephone call, sending and receiving e-mail, browsing a Web page, and the like.
[0033]
On the other hand, the local communication unit 91 uses the infrared port 84 (84A depending on the model) to execute local communication with a predetermined communication partner (for example, the wireless communication function 20AW of the gaming machine 20A) without passing through a network. This is the part to do. In order to perform normal infrared communication, it is not sufficient to simply mount an infrared port. The communication protocol of the local communication unit 91 physically and logically corresponds to the communication protocol of the gaming machine 35. It is only necessary to have something.
[0034]
When local communication is performed, the infrared port of the facing communication terminal (for example, the wireless communication function 20AW of the gaming machine 20A) and the infrared port 84 need to accurately face each other. If the pointing directions and positions of the two infrared ports are shifted, the infrared communication is not normally established.
[0035]
Note that the longest distance that infrared communication can be performed between the infrared ports depends on the output of the infrared light and the transparency of a transmission path (usually a space where air exists) through which the infrared light is transmitted. In many cases, the distance is about several tens cm. Of course, infrared rays can be easily shielded using synthetic resin, metal, or the like, like ordinary visible light.
[0036]
The storage unit 93 is a storage device for accumulating and storing the game information PL regarding the player U2 who carries the mobile phone 25. The storage unit 93 may include a memory (RAM or the like) as a work storage device, but preferably includes a hard disk or the like as a non-volatile storage device in order to reliably store the game information PL. .
[0037]
The control unit 92 corresponds to the central processing unit (CPU) of the mobile phone 25 in terms of hardware, and includes an OS (operating system), a mailer, a Web browser, and an application (here, AP1) in terms of software. It is a part equivalent to the above.
[0038]
At the start of the game or the like, the game information PL is read from the storage unit 93 and supplied to the infrared port of the gaming machine (for example, 35), or conversely, at the end of the game or the like, from the infrared port of the gaming machine 35 The function of receiving the supply of the new game information PL and writing it in the storage unit 93 may be the function of the application AP1.
[0039]
The application including the application AP1 is generally a program transmitted via the Internet 12 when a user (player) U2 having the mobile phone 25 performs a predetermined operation when browsing a Web page or the like. By using such an application, a mobile phone can be equipped with a new function that was not installed at the time of manufacture.
[0040]
Of course, if necessary, if the function of exchanging the game information PL described above via the infrared port is installed in the mobile phone 25 at the time of manufacture, the function can be used without using the application AP1. It is possible.
[0041]
The application AP1 is functionally positioned in the control unit 92 similarly to the above-described software such as the OS, the mailer, and the Web browser, but is naturally stored in the storage unit 93.
[0042]
The display unit 94 is a part that performs screen display on the display screen 82. For example, a screen displayed by the Web browser while browsing the Web page is also displayed on the display screen 82 by the display unit 94, and is visually recognized by the user U2.
[0043]
The operation unit 95 is a part operated by the user U2 to transmit an instruction to the control unit 92. The operation button group 81 and the like are included in the operation unit 95.
[0044]
Since the mobile phone 25 is wirelessly connected to a base station in a mobile phone network (not shown), it is possible to perform remote communication using the mobile phone network even from inside the hall. Therefore, if the mobile phone 25 is a type in which, for example, the mailer is installed in the control unit 92, it is also possible to send and receive electronic mail to and from a communication device on the Internet 12 by wireless communication via a mobile phone network. Of course there is.
[0045]
The configuration of the hall network 14 in FIG. 8 may be the same as that of the hall network 13, but in the example of FIG. 6, the hall network 14 includes a gaming machine 22A and a computer 23. This gaming machine 22A is a gaming machine similar to the gaming machines 20A to 20C, and has a wireless function 22AW. The computer 23 is a communication device having a relay function such as a router, like the computer 21.
[0046]
Except for the personal computer 32, the other components 26 to 31 on FIG. 6 correspond to the server group 11 on FIG.
[0047]
That is, the server group 11 includes a ranking display contest system 26, a point exchange system 27, a point management center 28, an effect recording unit 29, a game information recording unit 30, and a game server 31. I have.
[0048]
Among these, the effect recording means 29 and the game information recording means 30 are functions that can be realized by using, for example, a so-called online storage server, and store the effect definition information AD and the above-described game information PL on the Internet 12, respectively. .
[0049]
The effect definition information AD is information that defines the contents of effect elements (character image, item image, music, voice, sound effect, etc.) that can be used in the effect.
[0050]
The game information PL stored in the game information recording means 30 and the game information PL exchanged by the above-mentioned portable telephone 25 or the like with the wireless function (for example, 20 AW) of the gaming machine by infrared communication are stored. The information itself is the same, except for the location where it is located.
[0051]
It is clear that the game information PL belongs to the personal information of the player, since the information is determined according to the content of the game that the individual player has experienced so far. It is foreseeable that property value will be created if is actually operated. Therefore, the game information PL of a certain player (for example, U2) is basically kept secret from other players (for example, U1), and is prevented from being acquired by another player without the permission of the player U2. It is desirable to do.
[0052]
The effect is information provided by each gaming machine to the five senses of the player in order to excite the player's game, but the specific effect of the effect is defined by, for example, effect definition information. The effect element may be formed by, for example, displaying a screen or outputting a sound according to a scenario (SN) according to game information.
[0053]
FIG. 9 shows a data format in which all information elements that affect the content of the effect are put together.
[0054]
In FIG. 9, in addition to the characters, items, music, sound effects belonging to the effect definition information AD, the number of inserted medals, the number of paid-out medals, the number of games, the number of games, and the jackpot, the scenario SN, A gaming machine model TP indicating a model of a gaming machine (for example, 35 (see FIG. 1)), and progress information of a game currently in progress in the gaming machine of the gaming machine model TP (for example, the number of inserted medals by the player, The content of button operation on the gaming machine by the player, the number of payouts to the player, the gaming machine is in the process of paying out with a jackpot, etc.) IG, the value MT of one or more parameters defined for each game, the data The type FM of the format itself is included.
[0055]
The outline of the scenario SN is determined by the scenario SN in the data format of FIG. 9, and the values of a plurality of branches included in the outline are specified by the game information PL. It may be determined.
[0056]
Of course, the effect definition information (the effect element definition itself) AD may be changed according to the game information PL. As a result, for example, as in a training game, it is possible for a player to change the definition of a character or the like by growing his / her gaming experience and grow the character or the like.
[0057]
Although it is possible in principle to perform the above-mentioned effects for all of the five senses, in reality, the specific gravity of sight and hearing is large, and in particular, the effect of visual effects is high. Some of the visual effects are performed using lamps or the like arranged inside or around the gaming machine, but in the present embodiment, predetermined characters and items are displayed through a sub-monitor device having a liquid crystal display screen or the like. Pay attention to the screen display.
[0058]
The function of the sub-monitor device may be the same as that of a normal liquid crystal display device mounted on a notebook computer or the like, except that the size of the device itself is slightly smaller. Therefore, it is possible to realize high image quality close to that of a photograph, and if necessary, for example, it is possible to faithfully express even a subtle change in the facial expression of a human face. Of course, the sub-monitor device actually mounted on the gaming machine does not have the image quality as high as a photograph, and it is also free to reduce the expression ability to, for example, a character of a TV animation. The image displayed on the sub-monitor device may be a still image with no motion of a character or the like, or may be a moving image with motion of a character or the like.
[0059]
The sub-monitor device is disposed on a part of the front surface 36 of the gaming machine (here, 35), as in a sub-monitor device 37 shown in FIG. 1, or is disposed on the side of the gaming machine 35, as in a sub-monitor device 38. Or it is possible. For one gaming machine 35, two of the sub monitor devices 37 and 38 may be arranged, or only one of them may be arranged.
[0060]
By arranging in such a position, the screen of the sub-monitor device 37 or 38 naturally appears in the field of view of a player who sits in a seat in front of the gaming machine 35 and plays a game using the gaming machine 35. Will enter.
[0061]
In the case of a pachislot machine, the main monitor device 36A is provided with three reels each having a pattern, a number, and the like. B) When three are completed, a big hit is made and a large amount of medals (or prize balls) are paid out to the player.
[0062]
Although not shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the sub-monitor devices 37 and 38, a speaker or the like may be arranged in or around the gaming machine 35. This makes it possible to output the sound of the character while displaying the image of the character on the sub-monitor devices 37 and 38, etc., and it is possible to further enhance the staging effect by the synergistic effect of visual and auditory senses.
[0063]
The gaming machine 35 of FIG. 1 is used in the halls 13 and 14 (the external appearance of the gaming machines 20A and 22A may be the one shown in FIG. 1), and is also used in the hall 15. The gaming machine 35 has a function of performing short-range wireless communication with the mobile phone 25 using infrared rays, and has a medium read / write device 39 having a portable insertion port 39A (this device 39 corresponds to the wireless function (for example, 20 AW)). It has. The portable insertion slot 39A of the medium reading / writing device 39 is provided with infrared ports at a plurality of internal positions so that the size of the mobile phone 25 of the player U2 and the arrangement position of the infrared port can be accommodated. Is provided. In the example of FIG. 2, two infrared ports 84R and 84RA are provided.
[0064]
The necessity of the medium read / write device 39 having the portable insertion slot 39A depends on the frequency and the number of infrared communication performed between the mobile phone 25 and the medium read / write device 39.
[0065]
For example, if the infrared communication between the mobile phone 25 and the medium read / write device 39 is performed only at the start and end of the game and ends in a very short time (for example, about several seconds), the player U2 Although it is possible to hold the mobile phone 25 with his / her own hand, the necessity of the portable insertion slot 39A is low, but when the communication time at the start and end of the game is long, or when the infrared communication is performed during the game, When it is necessary to perform the portable insertion, the need for the portable insertion slot 39A is high.
[0066]
As described above, if the pointing directions and positions of both infrared ports for communication are shifted, infrared communication is not normally established, so it is assumed that the pointing directions and positions are adjusted before performing infrared communication. However, in order to eliminate the necessity of re-adjusting the pointing direction and the position many times during the game, and to eliminate the burden on the player for maintaining the pointing direction and the position, the mobile phone 25 is inserted into the mobile insertion slot 39A. This is because it is easy to insert.
[0067]
Note that the operation of inserting the mobile phone 25 into the portable insertion slot 39A is similar to the operation of inserting a card 40 to be described later into a card slot from the viewpoint of a player (here, U2). There is a great difference in that there is no need to maintain mechanical contact between the infrared port (for example, 84R) of the mobile phone and the infrared port (for example, 84) of the mobile phone, and the degree of mechanical freedom is high.
[0068]
For example, even if a distance of, for example, about several cm to several tens of cm exists between the infrared port (for example, 84R) on the portable insertion slot 39A side and the infrared port (for example, 84) on the mobile phone side, there is no problem. It is possible to perform communication.
[0069]
Therefore, even if the shape and dimensions of the body (80) and the arrangement position of the infrared port are different for each model, a structure capable of performing infrared communication with all (or many) types of mobile phones is provided. It is relatively easy to design a portable insertion port (39A) to have.
[0070]
Hereinafter, description will be given of an example in which the medium reading / writing device 39 having the portable insertion slot 39A is used.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 2, when the mobile phone 25 is moved in the arrow DX direction in the illustrated posture and inserted into the mobile insertion slot 39A, the pointing direction and position of the infrared port 84 correspond to the infrared port 84R. The direction and position of the port 84A correspond to the infrared port 84RA.
[0072]
Therefore, regardless of the arrangement position of the infrared port of the mobile phone 25 at 84 or 84A, the player U2 only needs to insert the mobile phone 25 in the arrow DX direction without being conscious of the arrangement position.
[0073]
Further, by using the portable insertion slot 39A having such a structure, it becomes impossible for a third party communication device to see through the infrared port 84 or 84A (or 84R or 84RA) during infrared communication. It can also contribute to the secrecy of the game information PL described above. If necessary, the size of the portable insertion slot 39A is set to be able to completely accommodate the mobile phone 25, and an opening / closing door for blocking infrared rays is provided in the portable insertion slot 39A, and the portable phone 25 is inserted into the portable insertion slot. By closing the opening / closing door when inserted into the mouth, infrared rays may be completely shielded.
[0074]
The gaming machines in the halls connected to the Internet 12 such as the halls 13 and 14 can acquire the game information PL from the server group 11 on the Internet 11 in addition to the mobile phone (for example, 25). However, in a gaming machine in a hall that is not connected to the Internet 12 as in the hall 15 described above, it is impossible to obtain the game information PL from the server group 11, so that the mobile phone 25 is the only game machine. A source of information PL.
[0075]
The internal configuration of the gaming machine (including the wireless function) 35 that performs short-range wireless communication with the mobile phone 25 using infrared rays and reads and writes the gaming information PL may be, for example, the one shown in FIG.
[0076]
(A-1-2) Example of internal configuration of gaming machine
In FIG. 4, the gaming machine 35 includes a main control unit 45, the sub monitor screen 46, a liquid crystal display circuit 47, a liquid crystal image control circuit 48, the read / write unit 49, a read / write control unit 50, an input / output control unit 51, an input / output device 52, an image RAM 53, an image ROM 54, a ROM 55, and a RAM 56.
[0077]
The sub-monitor screen 46 and the liquid crystal display circuit 47 are parts corresponding to the sub-monitor device (for example, 37).
[0078]
The main control unit 45 is a CPU of the gaming machine 35 as an information processing device.
[0079]
The liquid crystal image control circuit 48 is a circuit for directly controlling the image display state such as the color of characters and items displayed on the sub-monitor screen 46, the movement, the expression, and the like. The basic information that forms the basis of this control is the game information PL and the above-described progress information IG supplied from the main control unit 45 (including other information included in the data format of FIG. 9 as necessary). However, since the game information PL itself is not information (image display control information) that can control an image display state as it is, it is necessary to convert the game information PL into the image display control information. .
[0080]
This conversion is executed by the liquid crystal image control circuit 48 under the control of the main control unit 45 by using the contents stored in the image RAM 53, the image ROM 54, and the like.
[0081]
The image ROM 54 stores an image display program for controlling the image display state and image data (data (a part of the effect definition information AD) defining basic images such as the characters and items). The image display program mainly determines the contents of the conversion.
[0082]
The image RAM 53 is a work storage area for the image display program, and stores information defining an image currently displayed on the sub-monitor screen 46 at the present time. When determining the contents, the contents stored in the image RAM 53 are referred to together with the game information PL and the progress information IG.
[0083]
If the image display program or image data has versatility that can be used with various types of gaming machines, it is possible to equip the same image display program and image data even if the manufacturer and model of the gaming machine are different. .
[0084]
Even if an equivalent image display program or image data is installed, the contents of specific effects (images) are determined in accordance with the game machine model TP indicating the model of the game machine (this also determines the model of the sub-monitor device 37 and the like). May be different, but in order for the player to feel the continuity of the effect, such differences should be suppressed as much as possible, or It is also desirable to have uniformity in the presentation expression.
[0085]
The game information PL read from the mobile phone 25 may also be stored in the image RAM 53.
[0086]
In addition, the effect definition information AD such as music, voice, sound effect, etc. is not limited to the image, because it is the same as the data on the effect, and may be stored in the image ROM 54 or the image RAM 53. It is a matter of course that the data relating to these sounds, the image data and the like may be compressed and stored.
[0087]
The ROM 55 stores a program (main program) and data for controlling the operation of the entire gaming machine 35, including the sub monitor screen 46. The RAM 56 provides a working storage area for the main program.
[0088]
For example, the information such as the gaming machine model TP, the game signal information IG, the game parameter MT, and the scenario SN may be stored in the ROM 55 or the RAM 56 as data or a program.
[0089]
The input / output device 52 is a device that executes mechanical input (insertion) and output (discharge) of the mobile phone 25 to the insertion slot 39A, and performs input and output of the mobile phone 25 according to the control of the input / output control unit 51. Output. For example, when the player indicates the intention to end the game, for example, by operating a button (not shown) provided on the gaming machine 35, the input / output control unit 51 sends the input / output device 52 to the input / output device 52 through the mobile insertion slot 39A. 25 may be output (discharged).
[0090]
However, when the player manually inputs and outputs the mobile phone 25 to the mobile insertion slot 39A, the input / output device 52 and the input / output control unit 51 can be omitted.
[0091]
The read / write unit 49 is a portion corresponding to the local communication unit 91, and has the infrared ports 84R and 84RA so as to be compatible with any type of mobile phone. When the gaming machine 35 is a gaming machine (for example, 20A or 22A) in the hall networks 13 and 14 connected to the Internet 12, the read / write unit 49 automatically communicates with the server group 11 via the Internet 12. If a remote communication function is provided, the game information can be exchanged by communicating with the game information recording means 30 and the like.
[0092]
The read / write control unit 50 controls the read / write of the game information PL (PL1 or PL2) to / from the storage unit 93 performed by the read / write unit 49 in cooperation with the application AP1 included in the control unit 92 in the mobile phone 25. It is.
[0093]
When the mobile phone 25 is inserted into the mobile insertion slot 39A or when communication is started, the read / write control unit 50 controls the read / write unit 49 to check the arrangement position of the infrared port of the mobile phone 25. A response from the infrared port 84 or 84A of the mobile phone 25 may be confirmed using the infrared ports 84R and 84RA.
[0094]
If a sensor for inspecting whether or not the inserted state of the mobile phone 25 is maintained in the mobile insertion slot 39A is provided, a certain inserted state is maintained in the inspection of the arrangement position of the infrared port of the mobile phone 25. It is necessary to carry out the inspection only once during the communication. However, when such a sensor is not provided, it is necessary to perform an inspection every time communication is performed.
[0095]
Before the input / output control unit 51 causes the input / output device 52 to output (discharge) the mobile phone 25 from the mobile insertion slot 39A, writing (updating) of new game information PL2 to the storage unit 93 of the mobile phone 25 is performed. Since the processing has to be completed, information for timing adjustment is exchanged between the read / write control unit 50 and the input / output control unit 51.
[0096]
The read / write unit 49, the read / write control unit 50, the input / output control unit 51, and the input / output device 52 may be included in the medium read / write device 39.
[0097]
On the other hand, the ranking display contest system 26 shown in FIG. 6 included in the server group 11 is configured to play the game information PL and the effect definition information AD (according to the game information PL) of each player stored in the game information recording means 30. By concentrating and compiling a competition between the effect definition information AD and the game information PL, a ranking (priority ranking) indicating the result is obtained by, for example, a Web page or an electronic device. This makes it possible to easily inform each player in the form of e-mail or the like.
[0098]
Even if the ranking is disclosed on the Web or notified by e-mail, it will increase the pleasure of the player and stimulate each player's willingness to play the game. It may be.
[0099]
The point is an index that is more useful to the player as the value is larger.For example, if the prize ball acquired in the game is exchanged for points, the accumulated point value increases, and the accumulated point value is increased. If a part of is exchanged for a ball or the like in order to play a game, the accumulated point value decreases. If you lose the ball after losing the game, the point value will continue to decrease, but if you win a game and acquire many balls, you can accumulate a large point value by exchanging the ball for points . The point value can be partially or entirely exchanged for a prize of a price corresponding to the value.
[0100]
The points of each player are centrally managed in the point management center 28. In this management, it is necessary to manage points by clearly distinguishing the points for each player.
[0101]
In addition, exchange of points is not limited to exchange between prize balls and premiums, but is managed and controlled by the point exchange system 27.
[0102]
For example, in a case where new points are given to each player according to the ranking, the ranking display contest system 26 cooperates with the point management center 28 via the point exchange system 27 to easily rank each ranking. This can be reflected in the player's points. This can further stimulate the player's willingness to play the game.
[0103]
For example, a higher value player may be given a higher value point in the ranking, or the third party may use the game information PL of the higher player with the consent of the player. Good. If the effect provided by the gaming machine 35 or the like with respect to the game information PL of the upper-level player is attractive, there are not few other players who desire to use the effect. When the game information PL of the upper player is used by another player, the game information PL may be stored on the game information recording means 30 or may be stored on the mobile phone of another player. However, in order to perform reliable management, it is considered that it is more advantageous to accumulate the information on the game information recording means 30 and manage it centrally.
[0104]
Further, when the game information PL of the upper player is used by another player, a charge may be made or an expiration date may be set.
[0105]
If necessary, a present or an additional game available privilege may be given to the top prize winner in the ranking independently of the point.
[0106]
The game information PL to be entered in the ranking includes the game information PL stored on the game information recording means 30 from the beginning and the application AP1 of the mobile phone (for example, 25) transmitted to the read / write unit 49 of the game machine 35 by the read / write unit 49 of the game machine 35. The information may be supplied to the game information recording unit 30 or the ranking display contest system 26 via the Internet 12 via the read / write unit 49 or the router (for example, 21).
[0107]
Whether or not to supply own game information PL to the game information recording means 30 or the like is determined by the function of the application AP1 or the function of the gaming machine 35 by confirming the intention to the player U2, and the player U2 indicating the intention of consent. Only when the game is performed, the game information PL of the player U2 may be transmitted to the game information recording means 30 or the ranking display contest system 26.
[0108]
The game server 31 is a server for a network game. For example, when playing a network game on a personal computer 31 at a player's home or playing a network game on a game machine at a game center (not shown), A game client mounted on a game machine or the like plays a network game by accessing the game server 31.
[0109]
The method of realizing the game server 31 can be roughly divided into a case where one of the information processing apparatuses (for example, personal computers) of the participants who participate in the game also has a function as a game server, and a case where a dedicated In some cases, a game server is used.
[0110]
In addition, if the effect recording means 29 is used, the effect definition information AD in the gaming system 10 can be centrally managed, so that the individual gaming machines (for example, 35) as in the gaming machine 35 do. It is easier to manage and maintain the effect definition information AD than to manage the effect definition information AD.
[0111]
Further, when the manufacturer and model of the gaming machine are different, it is relatively easy to make the effect definition information AD consistent by sharing the effect recording means 29 on the Internet 12 with each gaming machine. Can be done.
[0112]
As a mobile communication terminal that stores the game information PL of each player and exchanges the game information PL with the gaming machine, a dedicated card 40 can be used instead of the mobile phone 25.
[0113]
The internal configuration of the card 40 may be, for example, that shown in FIG.
[0114]
(A-1-3) Internal configuration example of card
5, the card 40 includes a memory 41 and a control unit 42.
[0115]
The memory 41 is a storage device for storing and storing the game information PL. The memory 41 is preferably a nonvolatile storage device.
[0116]
The game information PL stored in the memory 41 is the same as the game information stored in the game information recording means 30 included in the server group 11, but the hole 15 is not connected to the Internet 12 and Since the information recording unit 30 cannot be accessed, the game information PL needs to be stored in the memory 41 in the card 40.
[0117]
The control unit 42 is a CPU of the card 40, and is a functionally corresponding part to the application AP1. However, in the case of a card, infrared communication is not normally performed as in the case of the mobile phone 25.
[0118]
When the card 40 is inserted into a predetermined card slot of the gaming machine at the start of the game or the like, the game information PL is read from the memory 41, and a predetermined portion of the gaming machine (for example, the read / write unit 49 in the gaming machine 35) is read. The game information PL is supplied to the portion corresponding to ()) by the function of the control unit 42.
[0119]
Before the card 40 is removed from the card slot at the end of the game or the like, the new game information PL received from the gaming machine is written into the memory 41 (or the game information already stored in the memory 41). Update of the contents of the PL) also depends on the function of the control unit 42.
[0120]
The card 40 may be a smart card equipped with a general-purpose operating system (OS). In the case where the card 40 is a non-contact type smart card, an operation of mounting the card 40 in a predetermined card slot to secure contact and components for the operation (for example, the card slot) can be omitted. is there.
[0121]
However, in the case of a card, generally, the communication procedure between the card (for example, 40) and the gaming machine, the data structure of the gaming information PL, and the like are determined for each company that issued the card or for the manufacturing of the gaming machine. Since it is different for each trader, a player who plays a game in the halls of many businesses must carry a large number of cards and use them for each hall, which is bothersome.
[0122]
Therefore, if the application AP1 mounted on the mobile phone 25 is provided with a function corresponding to a plurality of communication procedures and data structures, the player U2 can be operated by many different businesses using only one mobile phone 25. It is possible to play the game of the present embodiment using a gaming machine manufactured by a different manufacturer in the hall where the game is performed.
[0123]
In the case where a plurality of applications can be simultaneously mounted on the mobile phone 25, a plurality of applications are mounted on the mobile phone 25 instead of one application AP1, and each application has a communication procedure and data of each company. A function corresponding to the structure may be provided.
[0124]
Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described.
[0125]
(A-2) Operation of the embodiment
The overall operation of this embodiment is shown in the operation sequence of FIG. The operation sequence includes steps S10 to S32. In the above, the case where a game is played using a gaming machine arranged in a hall is mainly described as an example, but the present invention uses a dedicated gaming machine or a personal computer (for example, 31) in a home or a game center. Such a case is also included in the operation sequence of FIG. Note that a case where a game is played at a home or a game center using a dedicated game machine or a personal computer includes a so-called network game.
[0126]
FIGS. 10A and 10B are operation sequences showing details of step S25 in FIG. 12, and are composed of steps S40, S41, S45, and S46.
[0127]
(A-2) Operation of the embodiment
In FIG. 12, when a game (or a game) is completed, the game information PL is determined according to the result of the game and stored in a predetermined place.
[0128]
The content of the game information PL may be substantially the same whether it is a gaming machine, a game dedicated machine, or a game using a personal computer. Differs from case to case.
[0129]
In the case of using a mobile communication terminal (here, the mobile phone 25), the mobile phone 25 becomes a storage location (S11), and in the case of using the card 40, the card 40 becomes a storage location (S10). In the case where the game information is connected to the Internet 12 like the hall 13, the game information recording means 30 on the Internet 12 can be a storage location (S12).
[0130]
In the case where the mobile phone 25 is the storage location, the infrared port 84 (or 84A) of the mobile phone 25 and the side of the gaming machine 35 and the like are inserted in a state where the mobile phone 25 is inserted into the mobile insertion slot 39A of FIG. The application AP1 stores new game information PL in the storage unit 93 in the mobile phone 25 by performing infrared communication with the medium reading / writing device 39 infrared port 84R (or 84RA). If necessary, in the infrared communication at this time, only the difference information between the game information PL already stored in the storage unit 93 and this new game information PL may be transmitted.
[0131]
When the storage of the game information PL in the storage unit 93 is completed, the mobile phone 25 is ejected from the mobile insertion slot 39A and returns to a state where the mobile phone 25 is carried by the player U2.
[0132]
In any case where the storage location of the game information PL is the mobile phone 25, the card 40, or the game information recording means 30, the next game is started at home, in a game center, or in a hall whenever the player desires. (S13, S14, S15).
[0133]
In the case where the mobile phone 25 is used, when the player U2 performs an operation of inserting the mobile phone 25 into the mobile insertion slot 39A shown in FIG. 2 and starting a game (S17), the player U2 performs the operation via the infrared communication or the like. The gaming machine 35 (or a game machine or a personal computer having a function equivalent to the gaming machine 35) reads out the game information PL stored in the mobile phone 25 from the read / write unit (or reader) 49. Then, the game can be started (S24). If the player U2 starts a game in this state, a continuous effect is also started.
[0134]
If the storage location is the game information recording means 30 on the Internet 12, the game information PL is read from the game information recording means 30 (S19), and if the storage location is the card 40, the game information PL is read from the card 40. (S16, S21, S23). Unlike the case where the information is stored in the card 40 or the mobile phone 25 carried by each player, when the information is stored in the game information recording means 30, the game information PL of a large number of players is stored in the same game information recording means 30. Therefore, when reading or writing the game information PL, it is necessary to perform processing for specifying the corresponding game information PL using player identification information for uniquely identifying a player.
[0135]
This player information identification information is stored in advance in the mobile phone 25 or the like, and is transmitted to the wireless function (for example, 20 AW) of the gaming machine every time the player U2 starts or ends a game with a new gaming machine. Then, the game information may be supplied to the game information recording means 30 on the Internet 12 via the wireless function or the computer (for example, 21).
[0136]
Alternatively, a mechanism for inputting a personal identification number (corresponding to the player identification information) is provided in a gaming machine or the like, and whenever a player starts or ends a game and needs to read or rewrite the game information PL, a manual operation is performed. The password may be input.
[0137]
The function of transmitting the player identification information may be installed in the above-described mobile phone 25 in a form of a new application or the like different from the AP1. Of course, it is also possible to provide the AP 1 with a function of transmitting player identification information.
[0138]
Further, in a state where the game information PL of the player U2 is stored in the mobile phone 25, the game is performed using the game information PL stored in the game information recording means 30 instead of the game information PL. If the player U2 desires, a function for receiving the selection may be installed in the gaming machine or the application AP1 so that such a selection can be made.
[0139]
In the case of the network game, a step S17 of accessing the game server 31 is required before the step S24, and the game server 31 acquires the game information PL.
[0140]
In this case, the process (S18) for accessing the game information recording means 30 and acquiring the game information PL may be performed in response to an explicit operation of the player, and the game server 31 or the like may perform the process. It may be performed automatically.
[0141]
In step S25 after the start of the game, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, for example, in the case of using the game information PL stored in the mobile phone 25, the read / write unit 49 stores the game information PL in the case. The data is read from the mobile phone 25 and supplied to the liquid crystal image control circuit 48 and the main control unit 45 (S40).
[0142]
In response to the supply, the main control unit 45 and the liquid crystal image control circuit 48 change the image displayed on the sub-monitor screen 46 and the information of the sound output from the speaker or the like to execute the effect (S41). .
[0143]
If only the liquid crystal image control circuit 48 directly controls the effect (including the sound effect), it is not always necessary to supply the game information PL itself to the main control unit 45, but depending on the implementation, the progress information (medal) It is highly likely that the timing at which the game information PL has been supplied needs to be transmitted in relation to the output timing of the IG.
[0144]
When the game is over, the game information PL according to the content of the game is written and stored in the respective storage locations, similarly to the steps S10 to S12 (S26 to S28).
[0145]
Thereafter, the same operation is repeated (S29 to S32, S20).
[0146]
However, in this repetition, the same player plays a game in a hall (for example, 14 or 15) at one time, and at another time, plays a game using a game machine or a personal computer at home. Each player can change freely.
[0147]
Then, when a game is changed by changing the gaming machine inside the same hall, or when a game is performed by moving the hall in the gaming system 10 (for example, from the gaming machine 20A in the hall network 13 to the gaming machine in the hall network 14). Also in the case of moving to 22A and playing a game, etc.), the game information PL indicating the content of the previous game is inherited, so that a continuous effect can be executed.
[0148]
Also, compared to the case where a card 40 whose communication procedure and the data structure of the game information PL may be different for each game machine manufacturer or publisher is used, the application AP1 mounted on the mobile phone 25 has: In the case where a function corresponding to a plurality of communication procedures and data structures is provided, only one mobile phone 25 can be used by a gaming machine manufactured by a different manufacturer in a hall operated by many different businesses. You can receive the provision of continuous performance.
[0149]
Since the contents of the game information PL are different for each player, this effect has continuity as well as individuality.
[0150]
(A-3) Effects of the embodiment
According to the present embodiment, the effect provided by the gaming machine has continuity and individuality for each player, so that the sub-monitor device (for example, 37) having a high expressive power is effectively used to reduce the effect of the effect. Can be enhanced.
[0151]
Further, in this embodiment, by using a mobile communication terminal (for example, mobile phone 25) equipped with an infrared port, the operability is improved because the connector is not required to be attached and detached, and the confidentiality of the game information (PL) is improved. It is possible to realize many practical advantages such as high affinity with the hall environment, and improvement in convenience by mounting an application (for example, AP1) having a function corresponding to a plurality of communication procedures and data structures. .
[0152]
(B) Other embodiments
Note that the medium reading / writing device 39 having the portable insertion port 39A provided in the gaming machine 35 in the above embodiment can be provided in a place other than the gaming machine, and can also be linked to devices and systems other than the gaming machine.
[0153]
For example, the medium read / write device 39 is provided on a structure (sand) between adjacent gaming machines arranged in a hall, or a POS (Point of Sales System) system and the medium read / write device 39 are linked. You may. Further, the medium read / write device 39 may be detachable instead of being fixedly provided. By being detachable, an interface for infrared communication can be provided between the mobile phone 25 and another device (for example, a game machine).
[0154]
Further, these POS systems and gaming machines may be centrally managed by a common server provided in a hall or the like.
[0155]
Furthermore, since the structure of the portable insertion slot 39A shown in FIG. 2 is only an example, various modifications are possible. In the case where not so high confidentiality is required, as shown in FIG. 2, it is not necessary to have a structure in which the body 80 of the mobile phone 25 is spatially covered from many directions such as up, down, left, and right in the inserted state. .
[0156]
The number of infrared ports (84R, 84RA) on the medium reading / writing device 39 may be three or more.
[0157]
Further, it is natural that the mobile phone 25 can be replaced with another mobile communication terminal. For example, the PDA terminal 24 or a PHS terminal (not shown) can be used.
[0158]
The infrared light can be replaced with another optical signal. For example, it can be replaced with visible light.
[0159]
In the above-described embodiment, when the storage location of the game information PL is the game information recording unit 30 on the Internet 12, the storage of the game information PL is performed via the hall network 13. For example, FIG. As shown in steps S50 and S51 of A), the game information PL may be stored in the game information recording unit 30 on the Internet 12 by using the function of the mobile terminal via the mobile terminal.
[0160]
In this case, if the mobile terminal is, for example, a mobile phone equipped with the above-described mailer, the game information PL can be transmitted to the game information recording unit 30 using an electronic mail.
[0161]
Further, in the above embodiment, since the game information PL is the number of medals inserted, the number of payouts, the number of winnings such as big hits, etc., the data is extremely small in size, and there is an advantage that the storage capacity required for its storage can be saved. On the other hand, since it is not image display control information that can control the image display state as it is, there is a disadvantage that a process of converting the game information PL to the image display control information is required, but if the storage capacity of the storage location is If it is sufficiently large, the image display control information itself may be stored in a storage location. In that case, the conversion process can be omitted.
[0162]
In the above-described embodiment, a unique and continuous effect is performed only by storing the game information PL. However, the latest effect displayed on the actual sub-monitor image 46 (not only the image) By storing the end-of-production designation information that indicates the sound (including sound) in detail together with (or instead of) the game information PL, it is possible to ensure more strict continuity.
[0163]
As described above, the content of the effect is determined based on the progress information IG and the game information PL, so that the player who has played a game at a certain gaming machine PA moves to another gaming machine PB and Is started, the game information PL reflecting the content of the game in the immediately preceding gaming machine PA can be stored, but since the game in the gaming machine PB has just started, the content of the progress information IG differs. In some cases, it may be difficult to execute a strictly continuous effect at the beginning of the game machine PB for the last part of the effect performed on the gaming machine PA.
[0164]
However, as shown in FIG. 10 (B), if the effect end designation information is stored, the game machine PB executes a completely continuous effect from the beginning to the last effect of the game machine PA. It becomes possible. For example, an image exactly the same as the one displayed last on the sub-monitor device 37 of the gaming machine PA is first displayed on the sub-monitor device 37 of the gaming machine PB, and a new effect is continuously developed from the image. Will be possible.
[0165]
In the above embodiment, the main monitor device 36A and the sub monitor device (for example, 37) are provided separately. However, the function of the main monitor (display of the progress of the game itself (display of the pattern and numbers)) is provided on one monitor device. ) And a sub-monitor function (display of a game effect). In addition, it goes without saying that a monitor device such as a sub-monitor device may display an image by a method other than liquid crystal.
[0166]
In the above-described embodiment, the game information PL stored in the mobile phone 25 or the like is basically information determined according to the content of a game actually experienced by each player. Alternatively, it may be possible to exchange or sell and buy between players separately from individual players. This may be performed independently of the results of the contests already described.
[0167]
For example, even if the staging offered to a player who has experienced a jackpot several tens of times is very attractive, a player with little experience in playing a game usually takes a long time to receive such a staging. It takes a long time. Therefore, if the game information PL itself can be independently exchanged or traded, even a player with little experience of the game can immediately receive the effect.
[0168]
The exchange and trading of the game information PL may be performed via a network, or an information processing device for that purpose may be installed in each hall or the like, and may be performed by the information processing device. The information processing apparatus may be composed of, for example, a read writer 61, a CRT 62, a personal computer main body 63, etc., like an information processing apparatus 60 shown in FIG.
[0169]
A mobile phone (for example, 25) of a replacement source and a replacement destination is inserted into the read writer 61, and a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like (not shown) are visually observed while viewing the CRT 62 by a function of dedicated software mounted on the personal computer body 63. By operating (or a touch panel device may be used), the game information PL itself can be exchanged.
[0170]
The read writer 61 may be equipped with an infrared port corresponding to the local communication unit 91 of the mobile phone 25.
[0171]
Further, such exchange of the game information PL is not limited to between the mobile phones, but may be performed between the mobile communication terminals for each storage location, inside the game information recording means 30 or a plurality of the game information recording means 30. May be performed between the game information recording units 30 when the game information exists in the game system 10.
[0172]
In addition to the exchange between the storage locations of the same type, the exchange of the game information PL between the storage locations of different types (for example, between the mobile phone 25 and the game information recording means 30) can be performed. It is.
[0173]
Note that the exchange of the game information PL may be used to play a game with the same effect as another player. Further, the target of the exchange is not limited to the game information PL, but may be the effect tail designation information or the like.
[0174]
Further, regardless of the above embodiment, a system configuration as shown in FIG. 7 can be adopted.
[0175]
In FIG. 7, a personal computer 72, a gaming machine 73, and a computer 69 arranged at the home of the player U4 are connected to the Internet 71.
[0176]
Among them, the computer 69 is disposed in the same hall as a number of gaming machines such as the gaming machine 66, and has a camera 67 for photographing the gaming machine 66, and a microphone for collecting sounds output from the gaming machine 66. 68 are connected. The computer 69 may have a network function and a multimedia function, and may be a personal computer equipped with dedicated software.
[0177]
A store staff terminal 70 is connected to the computer 69.
[0178]
In the gaming system 65 having such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 11B, the player U4 accesses a gaming facility in the hall from the Internet 11 using the personal computer 72 to play a gaming machine (for example, 66). It is possible to listen to the sound collected by the microphone 68 while viewing the image selected and photographed by the camera 67, and play the game remotely outside the hall while enjoying the atmosphere of the hall (S56).
[0179]
If necessary, a game is performed so that the player U4 can experience the operational feeling corresponding to the insertion of a medal into the gaming machine 66 by the player U4 or the operation of the button on the gaming machine 66 by the player U4. The device 66 may be connected to the personal computer 72 via the computer 69.
[0180]
According to the gaming system 65, it is easy to prevent the illegal act of the player U4, and the player U4 and the store clerk S1 of the hall can communicate with each other through the store staff terminal 70.
[0181]
Regarding the selection of gaming machines, images of a large number of gaming machines in the hall can be obtained by arranging a large number of cameras 67 and microphones 68 in the hall or by switching the directions of the cameras 67 and microphones 68. The sound may be transmitted to the player U4 so that the player U4 can select a gaming machine to be used for the game based on the video and the sound.
[0182]
Further, if necessary, a camera or a microphone may be provided on the player U4 side so that information on video and sound of the player U4 side can be transmitted to the store clerk S1.
[0183]
In the gaming system 65, the gaming information PL may be transmitted to the gaming machine 66 or the like via the Internet 71, or may be used independently of the gaming information PL.
[0184]
Although the Internet has been used in the above description, the Internet can be replaced with another network. For example, a LAN may be used instead of the Internet.
[0185]
Further, regardless of the above embodiment, the game information recording means 30 may be installed inside each hole forming a closed LAN.
[0186]
In this case, only in that hall, the player can be provided with a continuous effect.
[0187]
Apart from point management and the like, at least as far as production is concerned, when the storage location of the game information PL is the mobile phone 25 or the card 40, in the above embodiment, it is not necessary to identify each player, but it is unique to each player. In the case of performing an effect using a character, an item, or the like, a player ID similar to the player identification information is provided together with the game information PL or the like so that a gaming machine or the like can identify an individual player. You may save it.
[0188]
It should be noted that some of the components of the game system 10 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 may be partially omitted or partially replaced with another subsystem.
[0189]
For example, the point management center 28 and the point exchange system 27 in FIG. 6 may be omitted, and a system configuration in which point management and exchange are not performed may be performed. Alternatively, the hole 15 may be omitted. The hole networks 13 and 14 may be omitted. Further, the game system 65 shown in FIG. 7 may be configured as a part (sub system) of FIG.
[0190]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a game such as a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, and a slot machine has been mainly described. However, the present invention can be applied to other games such as a role playing game. As an example, it is also desirable to provide a system in which a game in a different situation is developed immediately after the start of the game in the initial state, depending on the game experience and performance of the player up to that time.
[0191]
In the above embodiment, the present invention is mainly realized by hardware, but the present invention can also be realized by software.
[0192]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the effect can be given continuity and individuality, so that the effect of the effect can be enhanced.
[0193]
In addition, in the present invention, by using a portable communication terminal provided with the second optical signal communication means, it is possible to improve the operability, the confidentiality, the high affinity for the hall environment, the convenience, etc. Many advantages can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of a medium reading / writing device used in the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an information processing apparatus used in another embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a gaming machine used in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a card used in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a part of the gaming system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a main part of a game system according to another embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a gaming system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an example of a data format in which information elements that affect the contents of the effect are summarized.
FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram of the embodiment and another embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram of the embodiment and other embodiments.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an example of the appearance of a mobile phone used in the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a mobile phone used in the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10: gaming system, 11: server group, 12: Internet, 13, 14: hall network, 15: hall, 20A to 20C, 22A, 35: gaming machine, 24: PDA terminal, 25: mobile phone, 26: ranking display Contest system, 21 point exchange system, 28 point management center, 29 effect recording means, 30 game information recording means, 31 game game server, 36A main monitor device, 37, 38 sub monitor device, 40 card 45, a main control unit, 46, a sub monitor screen, 49, a read / write unit, 53, an image RAM, 54, an image ROM, 80, a body, 81, an operation button group, 82, a display screen, 83, an external antenna, 84, 84A, 84R, 84RA: infrared port, 90: remote communication unit, 91: local communication unit, 92 Control unit, 93 ... storage unit, 94 ... display unit, 95 ... operation unit, PL, PL1, PL2 ... game information, AD ... production definition information.

Claims (10)

A communication system having a predetermined gaming terminal and a portable communication terminal capable of communicating with the gaming terminal,
The gaming terminal,
First optical signal communication means for communicating with the portable communication terminal by an optical signal;
Effect control for causing the first optical signal communication means to transmit, to the portable communication terminal, the effect control information indicating the transition of the content of the game or the effect in the game when at least one game is completed. Information output means;
When performing a new game, the first optical signal communication means captures the effect control information from the portable communication terminal, and continues the effect of the new game from the past effect specified by the effect control information. Effect control information capturing means,
The mobile communication terminal,
A second optical signal communication means for communicating with the gaming terminal by an optical signal;
The effect control information for causing the effect control information from the gaming terminal to be captured and stored via the second optical signal communication means, and for transmitting the stored effect control information to the transmission source or another gaming terminal. A communication system comprising storage means. The communication system according to claim 1,
A communication system using infrared light as the optical signal. The communication system according to claim 1,
A communication system wherein a plurality of gaming terminals connected via a predetermined network share the same content by sharing the effect control information provided by the portable communication terminal. The communication system according to claim 1,
Between a plurality of gaming terminals connected via a predetermined network, effect control information provided by the portable communication terminal, and performing an effect reflecting the transition of the content of the game in the own and other game terminals, Communication system. The communication system according to claim 1,
Online storage means connected to the gaming terminal via a predetermined network,
The mobile communication terminal transmits the effect control information to the online storage means and stores the information, and after the storage, the gaming terminal communicates with the online storage means in place of the mobile communication terminal and performs remote communication via the network. The communication system obtains effect control information by performing the following. The communication system according to claim 5,
The online storage means,
A communication system comprising: an information content notifying unit that notifies a player of all or a part of the stored effect control information in response to an inquiry from the player. The communication system according to claim 5,
The online storage means or effect control information collecting means for collecting effect control information stored in the mobile communication terminal is provided in the communication system,
A communication system, wherein the effect control information collected by the effect control information collecting means is statistically processed. In a communication system that performs a game via a network using a predetermined game terminal,
A communication system comprising: a multimedia communication unit that connects a place where the gaming terminal is arranged and a place where a player is located, and that transmits at least an appearance of the gaming terminal to the player. The communication system according to claim 8,
The multimedia communication means,
A gaming terminal selection interface unit for the player to select a gaming terminal to be used for a game, or
A communication system comprising: a communication interface unit for communicating with a game terminal manager at a place where the game terminal is arranged by the player. In the communication system according to claims 1 to 9,
The gaming terminal is a slot machine, a pachislot machine, or a pachinko machine,
The effect control information does not affect the hitting operation of the gaming terminal for determining the payout amount for the player, and controls the effecting operation of performing an effect related to the game in order to make the player sense through the five senses. A communication system, comprising:

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