JP2004202106A - Game playing method of prize game machine using network - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game playing method for playing a game using an actual prize game machine by operating a game player terminal such as a computer at a remote place, dispensing with software dedicated to the game player terminal, displaying in real time by reducing the stop of an image in a game area, and simplifying the general circuit configuration and software. <P>SOLUTION: According to this game playing method for a prize game machine using a network, a game area 19 of the prize game machine 3 and an information display part 3E displaying monitor information are photographed by a video camera 4 and converted to video data, and the video data is transmitted to the game player terminal 2 through a network 7. In this game playing method, both the game area 19 and the information display part 3E are displayed on a terminal monitor 14 of the game player terminal 2, and the game player operates the prize game machine 3 while visually confirming the game area 19 displayed on the terminal monitor 14 and the information display part 3E. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game method for playing a game by operating a prize game machine such as a crane game machine at a remote location using a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional prize game machine needs to go to a game center or the like and play in front of the prize game machine. For this reason, those who cannot go to the game center, such as those who are medically treated due to illness, pregnant women, or those who are free to go to the game center by themselves cannot play. Furthermore, the game center is in an environment where the surrounding noise is large, and all players may not be able to play in a comfortable environment.
[0003]
In order to eliminate such harmful effects, a system has been developed in which unspecified users use simulation game software for pachinko machines and slot machines using the Internet. And slot machines, and because it relies on software for most of the game's series of operations, it can be abused and illegally played by computer system hackers, commonly known as hackers, etc. There is an adverse effect that is extremely high.
[0004]
The present inventor has developed a method of operating an actual pachinko machine or a slot machine machine using a network for the purpose of eliminating such drawbacks (see Patent Document 1). In this method, as shown in FIG. 1, a signal from a game field terminal 1 having a video camera 4 provided at a position where the status of the pachinko machine 13 can be confirmed is sent to a player terminal 2 via a network 7 such as the Internet. To transmit. From the player terminal 2, an operation signal for playing with the pachinko machine 13 of the game hall terminal 1 is transmitted to the game hall terminal 1 via the network 7. The player operates the player terminal 2 to transmit an operation signal from the player terminal 2 to the game hall terminal 1 via the network 7, and the game hall terminal 1 is caused to play a pachinko machine by the operation signal transmitted from the player terminal 2. The operation for playing the game on the machine 13 is controlled.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-286661 [0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
This method includes video data of a video camera 4 that projects a game area of a game machine such as a pachinko machine 13 from the game hall terminal 1 toward the player terminal 2, and prize acquisition information that informs the player from the game machine. Monitor information needs to be transmitted in time division. Therefore, when a game machine is remotely controlled from the player terminal 2 by this method, dedicated software is required for the player terminal 2 in order to display the monitor information transmitted to the player terminal 2 on the terminal monitor 14. And Further, since transmission of video data of the video camera 4 is interrupted when transmitting monitor information, there is an adverse effect that a video showing a game area is momentarily stopped. The reason why the player terminal 2 requires dedicated software is to monitor the monitor information transmitted from the game machine and display it on the terminal monitor 14. Moreover, the terminal monitor 14 of the player terminal 2 stops for a moment because the video signal and the monitor information are transmitted in a time division manner.
[0007]
The present invention was developed for the purpose of solving such drawbacks, and an important object of the present invention is to operate an actual prize game machine by operating a player terminal such as a computer at a remote location. In addition to being able to use and play games, the player terminal does not require dedicated software, and it can be displayed and used in real time with minimal image of the game area being stopped. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game method for a prize game machine using a network that can simplify software.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the gaming method of the prize game machine using the network of the present invention, the game area 19 of the prize game machine 3 is projected onto the video camera 4, and the video data of the video camera 4 is transferred from the game field terminal 1 to the network 7 such as the Internet. To the player terminal 2. In this gaming method, an operation signal for playing on the prize game machine 3 of the game hall terminal 1 is transmitted from the player terminal 2 to the game hall terminal 1 via the network 7, and the player operates the player terminal 2. Then, an operation signal is transmitted from the player terminal 2 to the game field terminal 1 through the network 7, and the game field terminal 1 performs an operation for playing the prize game machine 3 with the operation signal transmitted from the player terminal 2. Control. Further, in this gaming method, monitor information transmitted from the prize game machine 3 to the player terminal 2 is displayed on the information display unit 3E provided in the prize game machine 3 so that it can be visually confirmed. Accordingly, the game area 19 of the prize game machine 3 and the information display unit 3E for displaying monitor information are photographed and converted into video data, and the video data is transmitted to the player terminal 2 via the network 7. In this gaming method, both the gaming area 19 and the information display section 3E are displayed on the terminal monitor 14 of the player terminal 2, and the player confirms by viewing the gaming area 19 and the information display section 3E displayed on the terminal monitor 14. While operating the prize game machine 3.
[0009]
In the prize game machine gaming method of the present invention, the information display unit 3E can display monitor information which is one of the use possibility of the prize game machine 3, prize acquisition information, the remaining number of games available, or a charge. Further, according to the gaming method of the prize game machine of the present invention, the usage method of the prize game machine 3 is displayed on the information display unit 3E, and the information display unit 3E for displaying the usage method is projected by the video camera 4 and is used on the network 7. It can also be transmitted to the player terminal 2. Further, according to the gaming method of the prize game machine of the present invention, the prize game machine 3 is used as a crane game machine, and the video of the crane area as the game area 19 is displayed with the video camera 4 via the network 7 as the terminal of the player terminal 2. It can also be transmitted to the monitor 14.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment shown below exemplifies a game method for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention does not specify the game method as described below.
[0011]
Further, in this specification, in order to facilitate understanding of the scope of claims, the numbers corresponding to the members shown in the embodiments are referred to as “claims” and “means for solving the problems”. It is added to the member shown by. However, the members shown in the claims are not limited to the members in the embodiments.
[0012]
FIG. 2 shows a system used for a method of playing a prize game machine using a network. Hereinafter, although the prize game machine 3 will be described in detail as a crane game machine, the present invention does not identify the prize game machine 3 as a crane game machine. The prize game machine can be any game machine in which a prize is produced by playing, such as a throttle machine. The game system shown in FIG. 2 includes a game hall terminal 1 installed in a game center or a game arcade, and a player terminal 2 connected to the game hall terminal 1 via a network 7 such as the Internet.
[0013]
The game field terminal 1 is output from a prize game machine 3 that is a crane game machine, a video camera 4 provided at a position for confirming a crane area that is a game area 19 of the prize game machine 3, and the video camera 4. In order to transmit video data using the network 7 such as the Internet, the server 5 connected between the video camera 4 and the network 7 and the player game device 3 is connected to or built in the prize game machine 3 from the player terminal 2 to the network. And an operation mechanism 6 for controlling the prize game machine 3 with the operation signal transmitted in 7.
[0014]
The crane game machine which is the prize game machine 3 shown in the figure includes a crane 3A and a drive mechanism (not shown) of the crane 3A. The crane game machine moves the crane 3A in the horizontal plane, then descends, grabs the prize, and discharges it from the outlet 3B. There are a type in which the crane 3A is moved vertically and horizontally in a horizontal plane, and a type in which the crane is rotated in a horizontal plane and moved on a prize. The figure shows a type in which the crane 3A is moved vertically and horizontally in a horizontal plane. This crane game machine moves the crane 3A vertically and horizontally with a drive mechanism, then lowers it to grab the prize stored in the case, and then lifts it while grabbing the prize, moves vertically and horizontally, Is transferred to the outlet 3B. The drive mechanism includes a drive mechanism (not shown) that moves the crane 3A vertically and horizontally and vertically, and further opens and closes the crane arm. As shown in FIG. 3, the drive mechanism of the crane game machine includes a first switch 3C for moving the crane 3A in the horizontal direction and a second switch 3D for moving in the vertical direction. The first switch 3C and the second switch 3D are push button switches. The drive mechanism moves the crane 3A in the horizontal direction with the first switch 3C turned on, turns off the first switch 3C, and then moves the crane 3A in the vertical direction when the second switch 3D is turned on. When the second switch 3D is turned off, the crane 3A is lowered and operated so as to grab the prize with the arm. The crane 3A opens the arm when moved in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and operates to close the arm and grab a prize in the lowered state. If there is a prize at the close position, the prize is held by the arm. After the closed arm is lifted, it is moved vertically and horizontally to a position where the prize is discharged, so that when the arm is holding the prize, the prize is transferred to the discharge position. When the prize is transferred to the discharging position, the arm is opened and the prize is dropped to the discharging position. The dropped prize passes through the discharge path and is discharged to the discharge port 3B.
[0015]
The prize game machine 3 includes an information display unit 3E that displays the monitor information transmitted to the player terminal 2 so that the monitor information can be visually confirmed. The monitor information displayed on the information display unit 3E is information excluding a video showing a state in which the crane 3A of the prize game machine 3 grabs the prize, and is transmitted from the game ground terminal 1 to the player terminal 2, for example, Use possibility indicating whether or not the prize game machine 3 can be used, prize acquisition information indicating the type of the prize acquired using the prize game machine 3, and remaining game in which the prize game machine 3 can be used after paying a predetermined usage fee The number of possible times and the remaining fee. The information display unit 3E can also display the usage method of the prize game machine 3. For example, if the prize game machine 3 is a crane game machine, as a method of use, pressing the arrow key “→ or ←” on the keyboard 15 of the player terminal 2 moves the crane 3A in the horizontal direction, When “↓ or ↑” is pressed, it is displayed that the crane 3A is moved in the vertical direction. The crane game machine that rotates the crane in the horizontal plane can be used in the information display section by pressing the specified key to rotate the crane in the horizontal plane and pressing another specified key to move in the radial direction. indicate. The information display unit 3E that displays the usage method is projected onto the video camera 4 and displayed on the terminal monitor 14 of the player terminal 2 via the network 7.
[0016]
Although the monitor information and the usage method can be transmitted as a digital signal to the player terminal 2 via the network 7 without being displayed on the information display unit 3E, the present invention displays the monitor information and the usage method on the information display unit 3E. Then, this is projected by the video camera 4 and converted into video data, which is transmitted to the player terminal 2 together with the video data in the game area 19 as video data. The information display unit 3E displays, for example, information such as monitor information and usage on a display with characters and graphics, or displays a light source such as a light emitting diode, or displays it on a display panel.
[0017]
The video camera 4 captures the game area 19 of the prize game machine 3. In the system in which the prize game machine 3 is a crane game machine, the crane area where the crane 3A can grasp the prize is photographed as a game area 19. Furthermore, the video camera 4 is disposed at a position where the information display unit 3E for displaying monitor information is photographed, and photographs the information display unit 3E. 2 is provided with a video camera 4 for shooting the game area 19 and a video camera 4 for shooting the information display section 3E. As shown by the chain line in FIG. 3, the video camera 4 that shoots the crane area that is the game area 19 is fixed so as to move together with the crane 3A, and displays an image in which the crane 3A is seen from directly above and vertically downward. It can also be arranged in position. The second video camera 4A moves together with the crane 3A and can confirm a prize directly above the crane 3A. Therefore, when the video of the game area 19 photographed by the second video camera 4A is transmitted to the player terminal 2 and displayed on the terminal monitor 14, the player can move the crane 3A while confirming the position of the prize. In the game field terminal 2 shown in the figure, the game area 19 and the information display section 3E are photographed by separate video cameras 4, but both the game area and the information display section can be photographed by one video camera.
[0018]
The video camera 4 converts the projected image, that is, an image obtained by shooting the game area 19 and the information display unit 3E into video data, and transmits the video data to the player terminal 2 via the network 7. The video camera 4 converts the video data into a digital signal and outputs it to the server 5.
[0019]
The illustrated video camera 4 includes a microphone 8. The microphone 8 converts the sound of the prize game machine 3 captured by the video camera 4 or the sound in the vicinity of the prize game machine 3 into an electric signal which is a digital signal, and outputs it to the server 5. The video camera 4 provided with the microphone 8 transmits not only the image but also the sound of the prize game machine 3 together. Therefore, this gaming system can transmit ambient sounds together with the video of the prize game machine 3 to the player terminal 2. For this reason, the player can play in a state extremely close to a game center such as a game center.
[0020]
The player terminal 2 is a computer including a modem 9 that can be connected to a network 7 such as the Internet. The server 5 of the game hall terminal 1 is connected to the player terminal 2 via a network 7 such as the Internet, and transmits video data of the video camera 4 and an acoustic signal of the microphone 8 to the player terminal 2. Further, the server 5 of the game hall terminal 1 outputs an operation signal transmitted from the player terminal 2 via the network 7 to the operation mechanism 6.
[0021]
The operation mechanism 6 operates the player to operate the prize game machine 3 on behalf of the player. The operation mechanism 6 includes an actuator 10 that controls the operation unit of the prize game machine 3 with a signal output from the server 5, and a control circuit 11 that drives the actuator 10 with a signal from the server 5. The actuator 10 is mechanically mounted on the prize game machine 3 by a servo motor, a solenoid, a cylinder, or the like, and operates the prize game machine 3 in the same manner as the player directly operates. Since the operations operated by the player differ depending on the prize game machine 3, the actuator 10 is mounted on the prize game machine 3 so that each prize game machine 3 can be operated in the same operation as the player directly operates. The In the illustrated operation mechanism 6, the control circuit 11 and the actuator 10 are provided separately, but the control circuit and the actuator may be integrated. In addition, the operation mechanism does not necessarily include an actuator, and the first switch and the second switch of the prize game machine can be directly turned on and off with a control circuit. This control circuit is provided with a changeover switch in parallel with a first switch and a second switch which are push button switches provided in the prize game machine, and this changeover switch is controlled to be turned on and off by the control circuit. The changeover switch connected in parallel with the first switch is turned on, and the crane is moved in the lateral direction in the same manner as when the first switch is turned on. The changeover switch connected in parallel with the second switch is turned on, and the crane is moved in the vertical direction in the same manner as when the second switch is turned on.
[0022]
Further, in the gaming system shown in the figure, a player monitor 16 is connected to the server 5. The player monitor 16 displays a video signal transmitted from the player terminal 2, that is, a video of the player confirmation video camera 17 of the player terminal 2. In this system, the store clerk of the game hall can confirm the player by checking the player on the player monitor 16. Since this system can switch the prize game machine 3 to a state where it can be used on the network 7 after confirming the player, it can prevent unauthorized use. The gaming system can connect a plurality of prize game machines to one server. At this time, one server of the player terminals can be shared by a plurality of prize game machines.
[0023]
The player terminal 2 includes a modem 9 for connecting to a network 7 such as the Internet, a terminal monitor 14 that can capture images from the video camera 4, and a game for notifying the game terminal 1 of the person who is operating it. It is a computer provided with a person confirmation video camera 17. When the computer operates the keyboard 15 or the mouse, the computer outputs a signal for controlling the operation mechanism 6 that controls the operation for playing the prize game machine 3. The keyboard 15 and the mouse are operated to switch the first switch 3C and the second switch 3D on and off with the operation mechanism 6. However, the system of the present invention does not necessarily need to be provided with the player confirmation video camera 17.
[0024]
In the above gaming system, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the player uses the following method to play with the prize game machine 3.
[Step of n = 1]
A player who uses the game hall terminal 1 pays a usage fee required for playing the prize game machine 3 to the game hall.
[Step of n = 2]
The paid usage fee and the player specifying signal are stored in the game hall terminal 1. The player identification signal uses a name, ID, password, and the like. The paid usage fee and the player identification signal are stored in the server 5 of the game hall terminal 1.
[Step n = 3]
The player terminal 2 is operated, and the player terminal 2 is connected to the game hall terminal 1 via the network 7 such as the Internet.
[Step n = 4]
The player operates the keyboard 15 and mouse of the player terminal 2 to input a name, ID, password, and the like.
[Step n = 5]
A player identification signal such as name, ID, and password is transmitted from the player terminal 2 to the server 5 of the game hall terminal 1 via the network 7.
[Step n = 6]
The game hall terminal 1 checks a player identification signal such as a name, ID, and password transmitted from the player terminal 2 via the network 7 and determines whether or not the player is a registered player. At this time, the player's image can be transmitted from the player confirmation video camera 17 of the player terminal 2 to the player monitor 16 of the game hall terminal 1 to confirm the player.
[Step n = 7]
When it is determined that the player is not registered by the player identification signal such as name, ID, password, or when the usage fee paid by the player is insufficient, the fact is displayed on the information display unit 3E. The display of the information display unit 3E is displayed on the video camera 4 and transmitted to the terminal monitor 14 of the player terminal 2 via the network 7. Thereafter, the server 5 disconnects the network 7.
[Step n = 8]
The game hall terminal 1 is confirmed to be a player who has registered a player and paid a use fee for the prize game machine 3 with a player identification signal such as name, ID, and password. Then, the operation mechanism 6 is brought into a state where the prize game machine 3 can be controlled.
[Step n = 9]
The video camera 4 of the game hall terminal 1 transmits the crane area of the prize game machine 3 and the information display unit 3E to the player terminal 2 via the network 7 and displays them on the terminal monitor 14. At this time, both the signal of the video camera 4 and the sound signal of the microphone 8 are transmitted to the player terminal 2, the prize game machine 3 is displayed on the terminal monitor 14, and the sound around the game hall is reproduced from the speaker.
[Step n = 10]
A player operates the keyboard 15 or mouse of the player terminal 2 to control the prize game machine 3 to play a game.
[Step n = 11]
As the prize game machine 3 is used, the remaining usage fee decreases, so the game hall terminal 1 confirms the number of games that can be played with the remaining usage fee and displays it on the information display unit 3E. The number of possible games displayed on the information display unit 3E is captured by the video camera 4 and displayed on the terminal monitor 14 of the player terminal 2 via the network 7.
[Step n = 12]
When the number of possible games reaches 0, this is displayed on the information display unit 3E, transmitted as video data from the game terminal 1 to the player terminal 2, and then the network 7 is disconnected.
[Step n = 13]
It is determined whether the player continues to use or cancels. When not stopping, it jumps to the step of n = 11 and loops the step of n = 11-13 until it stops using the prize game machine 3.
[Step n = 14]
Since the acquired prize is discharged to the outlet 3B of the prize game machine 3, the prize is confirmed at the game hall.
[Step n = 15]
If there is a remaining usage fee, it is stored in the game terminal 1.
[Step n = 16]
The network 7 is disconnected.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
The game method using the network of the present invention does not require dedicated software for the player terminal, in addition to being able to play a game using an actual prize game machine by operating a terminal such as a computer at a remote location. . This is because the monitor information that needs to be transmitted from the game hall terminal to the player terminal is transmitted to the player terminal together with the game area image as video data that can be displayed on the terminal monitor. In the gaming method of the present invention, both the game area image and the information display unit image are transmitted together as video data from the game ground terminal to the player terminal. There is no need to interrupt the transmission of the video data, and the game area of the prize game machine can be smoothly displayed in real time without stopping the image of the game area. Further, since the monitor information is displayed on the information display section and transmitted as video data that can be displayed as an image on the terminal monitor, the player terminal does not require image processing for displaying the monitor information on the monitor. There is also an advantage that software and circuit configuration can be simplified without using dedicated software.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system used for a game method using a network previously developed by the inventor. FIG. 2 is used for a game method of a prize game machine using a network according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a prize game machine of the gaming system shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a state in which a game is played using the gaming system shown in FIG. ]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game field terminal 2 ... Player terminal 3 ... Prize game machine 3A ... Crane 3B ... Discharge port 3C ... 1st switch 3D ... 2nd switch 3E ... Information display part 4 ... Video camera 4A ... 2nd video camera 5 ... Server 6 ... Operation mechanism 7 ... Network 8 ... Microphone 9 ... Modem 10 ... Actuator 11 ... Control circuit 13 ... Pachinko machine 14 ... Terminal monitor 15 ... Keyboard 16 ... Player monitor 17 ... Player confirmation video camera 19 ... Game area

Claims (4)

The game area (19) of the prize game machine (3) is projected onto the video camera (4), and the video data of the video camera (4) is played from the game terminal (1) via the network (7) such as the Internet. To the user terminal (2)
From the player terminal (2), an operation signal for playing on the prize game machine (3) of the game field terminal (1) is transmitted to the game field terminal (1) via the network (7),
The player operates the player terminal (2) to transmit an operation signal from the player terminal (2) to the game place terminal (1) through the network (7), and the game place terminal (1) is connected to the player terminal. A game method using a network configured to control an operation for playing in a prize game machine (3) with an operation signal transmitted from (2),
The monitor information transmitted from the prize game machine (3) to the player terminal (2) is displayed on the information display section (3E) provided in the prize game machine (3) so that it can be visually confirmed.
With the video camera (4), the gaming area (19) of the prize game machine (3) and the information display section (3E) for displaying monitor information are photographed and converted into video data, and the video data is converted to the network (7). To the player terminal (2) and display both the game area (19) and the information display unit (3E) on the terminal monitor (14) of the player terminal (2). A game method of a prize game machine using a network for operating the prize game machine (3) while checking and confirming the game area (19) and the information display part (3E) displayed in (14). The information display unit (3E) uses the network described in claim 1 for displaying monitor information which is either the availability of the prize game machine (3), premium acquisition information, the number of remaining games or the charge. How to play a prize game machine. The usage information of the prize game machine (3) is displayed on the information display section (3E), the information display section (3E) for displaying the usage method is projected by the video camera (4), and the player terminal is connected to the network (7). A game method of a prize game machine using the network according to claim 1, which is transmitted in (2). The prize game machine (3) is a crane game machine, and the video camera (4) projects the crane area where the crane (3A) grasps the prize as the game area (19) to the player terminal (2). A game method for a prize game machine using the network according to claim 1, wherein the game is transmitted through the network (7).

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