JP2005073711A - Game provision system utilizing rfid identification technology and game device used in the system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game provision system capable of providing a plurality of games by one game provision device and presetting a game utilization right by using a LAN or the Internet or the like by using a physical item with a built-in transmitter for RFID identification and the game provision device with a built-in RFID receiver capable of receiving and recognizing information transmitted from the transmitter and obtaining individual information. <P>SOLUTION: Inside a shop, the game provision devices of an A type, a B type and a special type are installed. When a G part 1 is brought closer to the game provision device to be within a stipulated distance, the G part 1 is electrified and transmits unique ID information. The game provision device sends the ID information to a server unit 3 and reads management information from the ID information of the G part 1. The game provision device discriminates information of whether or not the individual information is set and whether or not it is game execution with the utilization right of the game or the like by the management information and executes the game restarted or selected by a user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game providing system using RFID identification technology and a game device used in the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In many game providing devices and game systems installed in conventional arcade game providing facilities, one game is generally prepared by one system.
Those who want to enjoy the game need to go to the arcade game facility where the device is installed and search for the desired game device. If the game apparatus has already been used by another person, the end of the use must be waited for.
[0003]
In addition, coin-less game play is now possible with prepaid cards, etc., but when using prepaid cards, you can not add points to use and it becomes disposable, resulting in waste of resources and a small balance If this occurs, it will take time and effort to use it up. The shape is limited to a plastic card, and the dimensions (vertical, horizontal and thickness) are also limited to one standard.
[0004]
On the other hand, there are systems using physical items for identifying users. However, one identification item is limited to one series of dedicated game housings, and cannot be used in a wide variety of other game housings.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-169965
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The object of the present invention is to receive and recognize physical items such as cards, coins, tags, and dolls with built-in RFID identification technology (identification technology using wireless communication) transmitters and information transmitted from the transmitters. By using a game providing terminal with a built-in RFID receiver that can identify an individual and obtain personal information, it is possible to provide a plurality of games while being a single game providing device. An object of the present invention is to provide a game providing system capable of presetting a game usage right using a network technology such as the Internet, and a game apparatus used in the system.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an ID identification device that induces power supply power by receiving radio waves, activates a transmitter by the power supply power and transmits ID information, and transmits the radio waves. One or more game providing devices each having a transmission unit and a reception unit, and a mounting unit, an image display unit, a game execution unit, and an operation unit that place the ID identification device in the vicinity of the transmission unit that transmits the radio wave; A game information storage unit that is connected to the one or more game providing devices wirelessly or by wire and holds information about the game corresponding to the ID identification device, a communication unit that communicates with the game providing device, and management control of information about the game A game management server device having a control means for performing a game, and a game management server device installed in the game providing device or the game management server device, A game program storage means for storing a game program to be provided; and a fee delivery device for delivering a fee; and when the ID identification device is mounted on the mounting portion, the ID identification device transmits ID information to be sent to the game management server device via the game providing device, the game management server device returns information relating to the game stored in correspondence with the ID to the game providing device, and an image based on the information is displayed. The game displayed on the image display unit of the game providing device and selected or restarted by the game program storage means when the player can start or restart the game selected or restarted at a fee prepaid by the player or charged. It is characterized in that the program is read and the game is started.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, one of the game providing devices includes a joystick and a plurality of buttons as an operation unit, and can read and execute a game such as a battle system. Is equipped with a gun in the operation unit and can read and execute games such as a gun shooting system, and the other has a handle, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal and a shift knob as the operation unit, and reads and executes games such as a racing system It is possible.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the ID identification device induces power supply power and an IC memory that stores at least ID information, a communication circuit that communicates with the game providing device, and the like. An RFID card having a small antenna.
A fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect of the invention, the RFID card is housed in a doll, animal, model, or stationery shaped housing.
The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, a game usage right selling device that pays a game fee in advance as the fee delivery device is connected to the game management server device. To do.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fee settlement server device in which charges are prepaid from a terminal device via a public line or a dedicated line in the first aspect of the invention, and the fee settlement server device includes the game When there is an access from the management server device, charge information of a fee for each player is transmitted.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an RFID including the IC memory for storing at least ID information, a communication circuit for communicating with the game providing device, and a small antenna for inducing power supply. A game provision comprising a card, a transmitting unit for transmitting the radio wave, and a receiving unit, and a mounting unit for mounting the ID identification device in the vicinity of the transmitting unit for transmitting the radio wave, an image display unit, a game execution unit, and an operation unit It consists of an apparatus.
[0007]
[Action]
According to the above configuration, for example, the game providing device is installed in an arcade game providing facility or elsewhere, and the game management server device installed in the facility is installed elsewhere. If the game management server device is a game that can be played using the standard operation equipment of the game providing device by acquiring data such as a game program and play data attached thereto, player data, etc. from the game management server device via the communication network By selecting, a plurality of games can be played while being a single game providing device. In addition, a game usage right can be set in advance.
[0008]
The game providing apparatus according to the present invention is installed, for example, in an arcade game providing facility, and has a built-in receiver using RFID identification technology. Then, the user of the game providing apparatus has a physical item (ID identification apparatus) corresponding to the business game providing system with a built-in transmitter using the RFID identification technology, and is used by using the physical item. It becomes possible to obtain personal information necessary for the game use of the user and provide various services using the information.
The contents of the service are for example
(1) The latest played game can be resumed immediately from the point of interruption.
(2) A billing system using the device usage rights added in advance by a dedicated device becomes possible.
(3) It becomes possible to provide various information that processed the play results in multiple games provided in this system,
(4) Various identification numbers corresponding to identification numbers stored in the game management server device using the Internet, the identification number of each physical item corresponding to the business game providing system, the password set by the user, and the Internet Data can be used to provide information, update information, and play games.
(5) In addition, the arcade game providing facility is provided with a game usage right sales device capable of adding a game usage right to the physical item in the present invention, and the user owns the physical item owned by the user to this vending machine. It is possible to add and add a desired amount of usage rights to a physical item by performing payment processing of charges with cash or a card at a price corresponding to the usage rights that are installed and desired.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to the present invention, which is an example installed in a virtual store.
Game providing device A with A type standard operation equipment in the store₁  ... A_n  And a game providing apparatus B having B type standard operation equipment₁  ... B_n  And a game providing apparatus C having a special type of operation equipment₁  ... C_n  Is installed. For example, game providing device A₁  ... A_n  10 units, game providing device B₁  ... B_n  Are installed, and a special type of game providing device C₁  ... C_n  As a device that has been made coinless by attaching a network unit that incorporates a receiver using an RFID identification technology attached later, two shooting games, four crane games, four sticker printing devices, Two dance games will be installed.
[0010]
These game providing devices are connected to the game management server device 3 installed in the store room dedicated room 9 or other places. Further, in the store 2, a game usage right is additionally added to a physical item (hereinafter referred to as “G parts”) 1 corresponding to an arcade game providing system incorporating a transmitter using an RFID identification technology. Game right sales device 4 for deposit₁  ... 4_n  Is also connected to the game management server device 3.
A user can play a game of each game providing device with his / her G parts 1. As described above, all the game providing devices installed in the store 2 are made coinless.
[0011]
The A type standard operation equipment is the most common arcade game case currently composed of one joystick and six operation buttons, and the type B type is a steering wheel, accelerator, brake, shift knob, etc. It is composed of individual operation buttons, which is also the most common commercial car racing game housing at present. In addition, there are games in which the operation system can be unified to some extent, mahjong games, personal medal games using a monitor, gun games using a gun-type controller connected by a cable, and the like.
[0012]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the game providing apparatus of FIG. 1, and is an example of the A type. A screen display unit 11 is arranged in the center front of the game main body 10, and a joystick 13 and six button switches 15 are installed on the table. A G parts mounting portion 14 for performing communication in proximity to the G parts 1 is provided at the back right end of the table. A coin insertion slot 12 for inserting coins is installed at the front right end of the table. It is also possible to start the game without using G parts by inserting coins into the coin insertion unit 12 installed in the game providing device. The game can be played by obtaining a game use right by prepaid processing by the game use right selling device 4, but the game can also be enjoyed by inserting coins in this way.
If the prepaid amount of the game usage right is insufficient, the game usage right selling device 4 can make up for the shortage.
[0013]
FIG. 3A is a circuit block diagram showing details of the ID identification device (G parts) and the game providing device.
The G part 1 includes a communication unit 22 including a transmission unit and a reception unit, a memory unit 20, and an induction unit 21 including a coil that induces electric power by receiving radio waves from the game providing device.
Only a management number for identifying individual G parts 1 is recorded in the memory unit 20, and when this management number is sent to the game management server device 3 via the game providing device, a customer number is used as a verification key. , All personal information such as personal identification number, customer name, and billing information is output from the game management server device 3. Therefore, it is the same as that G part 1 always transmits only the management number for identifying itself, and other data is recorded in G part 1 itself, or addition or change of data is performed. There is no. As a result, there is a downside that information exchange with the game management server device 3 is always required when using the G parts, but this is a big plus in terms of security enhancement and ease of sale of the G parts themselves.
[0014]
The G part 1 can be freely designed in shape and material as long as it incorporates a transmitter, an induction unit, and the like using RFID identification technology. For example, a mobile phone strap with a character figure or character goods can be configured. Further, it is possible to configure a portable device (PDA, cellular phone, personal computer, etc.) to which a transmitter and an induction unit are added, or a card on which a character or the like that exists in the past is printed. It is not limited to just a transmitter for identifying personal information, it is possible to give added value as character goods, and by acquiring purchase purposes other than the original purpose such as a telephone card, It is also possible to increase the willingness to purchase.
[0015]
The A type information providing apparatus includes a communication unit 25, a CPU 26, a RAM 27, a ROM 28, an operation unit 29, a sound circuit 30, a speaker 31, a coin slot 32, a coin detection unit 33, an image processing unit 34, an image display unit 11, and a bus. 35.
The communication unit 25 performs close proximity wireless communication with the G parts placed on the G parts mounting unit 14 and further exchanges data with the game management server device 3 via the LAN. The ROM 28 stores a program and data for controlling the information providing apparatus. The RAM 27 stores a game program selected by the user sent from the game management server device 3. It is also used as a work area for performing control.
The CPU 26 executes a game program and controls the whole. The image processing unit 34 performs image processing in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 26 and displays the processed image on the image display unit 11.
[0016]
From the sound circuit 30, a signal such as back music at the time of standby or background sound or sound at the time of game execution is output according to an instruction from the CPU 26, and music or the like is output from the speaker 31. The user can play a game using the joystick 13 and the six button switches 15 of the operation unit 29. When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 32, it is detected by the coin detector 33, and the information is sent to the CPU.
The information providing device of B type and special type other than A type also basically has the same components as the above circuit, and the configuration of the operation unit 29 is different for B type. For the special type, the operation unit 29 is equipped with its own mechanism.
[0017]
FIG. 3B is a circuit block diagram showing details of the game usage right selling device.
A communication unit 4f that communicates with the game management server device 3, a G parts mounting unit 4b that mounts the user's G parts in order for the user to obtain a game usage right, a coin insertion slot 4c that can insert coins, and a charge card It has a card reading unit 4d for reading the contents. When a user mounts a G part in the G parts mounting unit 4b to obtain a usage right and inserts a coin or inserts a cash card and reads the coin, the control unit 4a The amount of money inserted is detected by the coin detector 4e. In the case of a cash card, when a predetermined amount is paid, the amount is read, and a game usage right for the amount delivered to the management number corresponding to the G parts is set. This information is sent to the game management server device 3 by the communication unit 4f.
[0018]
Next, the circuit configuration of the game management server device will be described.
In the game management server device 3 of FIG. 1, only circuit portions directly related to the present invention are described.
The game management server device 3 includes a control unit 8, a communication unit 5, and a memory unit 6. The communication unit 5 communicates with the game providing device and the game usage right selling device 4 via the LAN based on the control of the control unit 8.
The memory unit 6 stores business games provided to the game providing device. For example, the game program 6 of the game company A is stored in the memory unit 6.₁  , ... Game program n of game company n_n  Are stored. In addition, as described above, personal information such as a customer number, personal identification number, customer name, and billing information is stored as management information, and information related to the game such as the game being suspended is also stored. The game management server device 3 is connected to the Internet via a public line.
[0019]
Since the game management server device 3 is configured as described above, each game providing device can obtain and store all programs and data necessary for executing the game from the game management server device 3. In addition, since it is created in accordance with the specifications of the game providing device, the game program can be executed regardless of the software production company. This form is a system similar to the case where a large number of companies supply game software to a mobile phone, and the arcade game system according to the present invention can also supply game software in the same manner as a mobile phone. .
The control unit 8 processes the income format as follows, for example. If the user has a profit of 100 yen to be used for one game, the system management company distributes it at a rate of 10 yen, the game management facility 60 yen, and the game provider company 30 yen. Then, the aggregated value is displayed on an output device (not shown) or output as data so that it is credited to each company in the next month.
[0020]
In the present invention, since the game machine main body is coinless, calculation of game revenue in the game management server device 3 is facilitated, and the efficiency of the money collection method can be improved.
In the above embodiment, the example in which the game program of each software company is stored in the memory unit 6 of the game management server device 3 has been described. However, the game program and data itself having a large capacity are stored in advance in the game providing device as much as possible. It is effective to keep it. However, in the case of such a configuration, in order to improve security, it is necessary to ask the game management server device that manages the game providing device about the approval action when each of the game programs is activated.
[0021]
4A and 4B are flowcharts for explaining the operation and operation of the game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to the present invention.
When a game facility user uses a game providing device having standard operation equipment, the game facility user moves to a vacant game providing device and places the brought G part 1 on the G parts mounting unit 14 of the game providing device. Move closer to the distance. The CPU 26 of the game providing device transmits a short-distance radio wave from the transmitter in the communication unit 25, and the G-part 1 management number is determined by the radio wave generated and generated when the G part 1 is within a specified distance. When (ID information) is sent, it is received. The management number is transmitted to the game management server device 3 (step (hereinafter referred to as “S”) 001, 002).
[0022]
The control unit 8 of the game management server device 3 returns the information of the G part 1 to the game providing device based on the management number (S003). The game providing device displays a predetermined menu on the image display unit 11 and determines whether personal information is set by the CPU 26, that is, whether or not the game providing device is used for the first time (S004, S005). In the case of the first time, a screen requesting password input is displayed (S006). When the user inputs a password, a screen for selecting a game of each game company is displayed (S007, S008). When the user selects a game (S009), the process proceeds to S012 in which it is determined whether or not a usage fee for playing the game is charged.
[0023]
If the use of the game is not the first time in S005, it is determined whether or not there is a previously interrupted game (S010). If there is no interrupted game, the process proceeds to S008 to display a game selection screen. If there is an interrupted game, it is determined whether or not it is desired to resume the game (S011). If the resume request is not set, the process proceeds to S008 to display a game selection screen. When the resumption request is set, the process proceeds to S012 in which it is determined whether or not the usage fee for playing the game is charged.
[0024]
In S012, if the usage fee is charged, the CPU 26 starts the selected game or the game desired to be resumed (S015). If the usage fee has not been charged, a screen for instructing the charging is displayed (S013). When the user inserts coins of a fee that is possible to play a game from the coin insertion slot 12, or pays a fee by the game usage right selling device 4 (S014), the selected game or the game to be resumed is started. (S015).
In this way, the items to be checked initially are verified.
While the game is being played, the CPU 26 determines whether or not an operation for ending the game has been performed and whether or not the game is over at predetermined time intervals (S016, S017). If it is determined that an operation for ending the game has been performed or that the game is over, the in-game score such as the highest score in the game is displayed on the screen (S018), and then whether or not communication with the G parts 1 is possible Is determined (S022).
[0025]
On the other hand, when the game is continued, it is determined whether or not an operation for interrupting the game has been performed (S019). If the game is not interrupted, the process proceeds to S016. When the game is interrupted, it is determined whether or not an operation for restarting next is performed (S020). In the case of automatic restart, the data is stored as management information 7 in the memory unit 6 of the game management server device 3 (S021). When it is stored as management information, or when automatic restart is not performed next time, the process proceeds to S022 for determining whether or not communication with the G part 1 is possible.
If communication with the G part 1 is not possible, it is assumed that the user has left the game providing apparatus, and a game end process is performed. If communication with the G part 1 is still possible, a selection screen as to whether or not to play another game is displayed on the image display unit 11 (S023). When no other game is played, a game end process is performed. If another game is selected, the process proceeds to S010.
[0026]
If you have just purchased the G-part as described above and personal information has not been set, you can move to the input screen for personal information such as a customer number or personal identification number, or if you do not have enough usage rights (fee) Display a message announcing. Further, if resumption is set in the previous game, a play result stored using the game program and personal information as a key is acquired from the game management server device, and the game is resumed. In addition, if it does not correspond to them, a game management server device obtains a currently executable game list produced and provided by a plurality of companies, displays a game selection and various data browsing screen, and performs user operations. Execute the process with the content of waiting.
[0027]
FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram showing an example in which a device for presetting usage rights is connected to the system of FIG.
Store 35 shown in FIG._A  ,  35_B  ... 35_N  The game management server device is connected to the Internet 37 via the public line 36. A charge settlement server device 39 is connected to the Internet 37. As described above, the charge settlement can be performed by the game usage right selling device 4 of each store. For example, it is possible to consume and pay an arbitrary amount of the game usage right recorded / paid into the G parts by the game usage right sales device 4 in the store. Information from the game usage right selling device 4 is transmitted to a charge settlement server device 39 provided elsewhere via a public line and Internet service via a game management server device in the store. The fee settlement server device 39 manages the Internet service in an integrated manner. When the information is transmitted, the usage fee for the Internet pay service associated with the personal information of the G part is additionally added.
Charge settlement can be performed from the personal computer 38, and further, settlement using an ATM device 40, a cash card, a convenience store, bank transfer, or the like is possible.
[0028]
In addition, when using a game providing device equipped with a network unit, basically only information related to payment of usage fees is managed, and thus various effects that can be achieved by the above-described dedicated machine cannot be obtained.
By using the game system in this way, usage information of various game machines is transmitted and accumulated at any time to the game management server device in the store, and the collected usage information is finally managed in the main. It is sent to the server device 41. Various management actions such as collection, sales distribution, and management analysis are executed based on the information.
[0029]
In the present invention, the game usage right and the use of the game data can be applied to a business game device having a dedicated operation device or capable of executing only a single game. Efficient store management becomes possible by constructing a usage fee settlement system and an information collection system that integrates all installed game machines.
In addition, by standardizing the operation system of various arcade game providing devices, it is possible to reduce costs by sharing parts and mass production, reducing operating expenses, improving maintainability, and developing Cost reduction can be expected.
[0030]
In the above embodiment, the example in which the game program storage unit is accommodated in the game management server device has been described. However, the game program storage unit may be stored in each game providing device. In the case of such a configuration, it is necessary to obtain approval from the game management server device for all selected game programs.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the game providing device installed in the arcade game providing facility is connected to the game program and the game program via the communication network by the game management server device installed in the same facility or elsewhere. If a game is a game that can be played using the standard operating device of the game providing device by acquiring data such as play data and player data to be played, the player selects a game and plays a plurality of games on one game providing device. In addition, there is an effect that the usage fee can be settled without a coin.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a game providing system using RFID identification technology according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the game providing apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3A is a circuit block diagram showing details of an ID identification device and a game providing device.
FIG. 3B is a circuit block diagram showing details of the game usage right selling device.
FIG. 4A is a flowchart of the first half for explaining the operation and operation of the game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to the present invention.
FIG. 4B is a second half flowchart for explaining the operation and operation of the game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram showing an example in which a device for presetting usage rights is connected to the system of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
A₁  , A₂  ... A_n    A type game providing device
B₁  , B₂  ... B_n    B type game providing device
C₁  , C₂  ... C_n    C type game providing device
2 stores
3 Game management server device
4, 4₁  ... 4_n    Game usage right sales device (fee delivery device)
5, 22, 25 Communication part
6,20 Memory part
7 management information
6₁  ... 6_n  Game programs of each game company
9 Private room in the store facility
10 Body
11 Image display
12 Coin slot
13 Joystick
14 G parts mounting part
15 button switch
21 Induction part
26 CPU
27 RAM
28 ROM
29 Operation unit
30 Sound circuit
31 Speaker
32 coin slot
33 Coin detector

Claims (7)

An ID identification device that induces power supply power by receiving radio waves, activates a transmission unit with the power supply power, and transmits ID information;
One or more games having a transmission unit and a reception unit for transmitting the radio wave, and having a mounting unit, an image display unit, a game execution unit, and an operation unit for mounting the ID identification device in the vicinity of the transmission unit for transmitting the radio wave A providing device;
A game information storage unit that is connected to the one or more game providing devices wirelessly or by wire and holds information about the game corresponding to the ID identification device, a communication unit that communicates with the game providing device, and management control of information about the game A game management server device having control means for performing
Game program storage means that is installed in the game providing device or the game management server device and stores a game program to be provided for each subject providing the game,
With a fee delivery device for delivering fees,
When the ID identification device is mounted on the mounting unit, the ID information transmitted from the ID identification device is sent to the game management server device via the game providing device, and the game management server device stores the ID information. Information relating to the game being played is returned to the game providing device, an image based on the information is displayed on the image display unit of the game providing device, and the player selects or A game providing system using RFID identification technology, wherein when a game to be resumed can be activated, a game program to be selected or resumed is read from the game program storage means and the game is started. One of the game providing devices includes a joystick and a plurality of buttons as an operation unit, and can read and execute a game such as a battle system.
One is equipped with a gun in the operation unit, can read and execute games such as gun shooting system,
The other one is provided with a handle, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a shift knob as an operation unit, and can read and execute a game such as a racing system, and provides a game using RFID identification technology according to claim 1 system. The ID identification device is an RFID card having at least an IC memory for storing ID information, a communication circuit for communicating with the game providing device, and a small antenna for inducing power supply power. A game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to Item 1 or 2. 4. The game providing system using RFID identification technology according to claim 3, wherein the RFID card is housed in a doll, animal, model, or stationery shaped housing. 5. A game providing system using RFID identification technology according to claim 1, wherein a game usage right selling device for paying a game fee in advance as said fee delivery device is connected to said game management server device. . A fee settlement server device in which charges are prepaid from a terminal device via a public line or a dedicated line, and the fee settlement server device is charged for each player when accessed from the game management server device; The game providing system according to claim 1, wherein the charge information is transmitted. An RFID card having at least an IC memory for storing ID information, a communication circuit for communicating with the game providing device, and a small antenna for inducing power supply power,
A game providing apparatus having a transmitting unit and a receiving unit for transmitting the radio wave, and a mounting unit for mounting the ID identification device in the vicinity of the transmitting unit for transmitting the radio wave, an image display unit, a game execution unit, and an operation unit;
The game device used in the game providing system according to claim 1, comprising:

Images