JP2006068135A - Game machine, game system and terminal unit for game - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which reduces the burden of reading identification information to be stored in an object to be read such as a card or a figure. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal unit for a game of a game system performs a game by making an image game using an acting body image showing an acting body acting in accordance with the operation of a player progress, and has a reading means to read identification information from the read object storing identification information corresponding to the acting body, a detection means to output a detection signal indicating that the read object is installed in a reading position and a reading instruction means to instruct the reading means to read identification information on the basis of the detection signal of the detection means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a gaming system, and a gaming terminal device that advance a game using an image showing an action body such as a character appearing in a game.

  Conventionally, identification information is read from an object to be read such as a card, a figure, a coin or the like containing a recording medium such as an IC chip that stores identification information related to a character operated by a player, and a character used for a game is specified. There are gaming machines that perform the operation control (see, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4).

Among them, Patent Document 1 discloses that a reading device (reader / writer device) of a gaming machine detects identification information stored in a toy imitating a car, and causes a player to operate a car image based on the identification information. A gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “conventional machine”) that can perform a driving game is disclosed. In conventional machines, when a toy containing a non-contact IC card storing identification information is placed at a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as “detection position”) of the reader, the reader detects the identification signal of the non-contact IC card. Thus, the identification information is detected.
JP 2002-63092 A JP 2002-273042 A JP 2003-340139 A Japanese Patent No. 2702858

  By the way, in order to be able to detect identification information whenever a toy is placed at a detection position by a conventional machine, the reader must always transmit radio waves, and processing associated with transmission of radio waves is necessary. For this reason, if such processing is continued all the time, there is a possibility that the parts constituting the reading device are consumed and deteriorated earlier, resulting in a decrease in durability.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and a gaming machine capable of reducing the load on the reading device accompanying reading of identification information stored in an object to be read such as a card or a figure, It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming system and a gaming terminal device.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image display means for displaying an action body image indicating an action body that acts in response to an operation by a player, and a game progress control means for advancing an image game using the action body image. A reading unit that reads identification information from a reading target object that stores identification information corresponding to an action body, and the reading target object is installed at a reading position where the reading unit can read the identification information. Detection means for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read has been placed at the reading position, and a reading instruction means for instructing the reading means to read the identification information based on the detection signal of the detection means. It is characterized by having.

  In this gaming machine, when the object to be read is placed at the reading position, the reading means reads the identification information.

  In addition, a holding receiving portion having a recess corresponding to the outer shape of the read portion including a storage device storing the identification information is further provided, and the reading means can read the identification information when the read portion is placed in the recess. The light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are arranged at positions, and the detection means is arranged at a position sandwiching the entry path of the part to be read toward the depression, and the light emitted from the light-emitting part can be received by the light-receiving part You may be made to do.

  In this way, the light of the light emitting unit is blocked in the middle of the path where the bottom of the object to be read is provided with a storage device for storing the identification information, and the light is blocked. It is designed to detect that it has been installed.

  A holding receiving portion having a recess corresponding to the outer shape of the read portion provided with a storage device storing the identification information is further provided, and the reading means is in a position where the identification information can be read when the read portion is placed in the recess. Arranged and detecting means arranged in the traveling direction of the reflected light with respect to the incident light emitted from the light emitting part toward the reflecting part, and the light emitting part and the reflecting part arranged across the entry path of the read part toward the depression It is also possible that the light receiving unit is configured to receive reflected light.

  In this way, the reflected light is received in order to block the light emitted from the light emitting unit and to block the reflected light received by the light receiving unit in the course of the path where the bottom of the object to be read enters the depression. The detecting means detects that the object to be read has been read and placed at the position when the part has not been reached.

  In addition, the present invention provides a game system having an image display means for displaying an action body image showing an action body that behaves in response to a player's operation, and a game progress control means for advancing an image game using the action body image. When a reading unit that reads identification information from a reading target object that stores identification information corresponding to an action body and the reading target object is installed at a reading position where the reading of the identification information is performed by the reading unit. Detecting means for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read has been placed at the reading position, and reading instruction means for instructing the reading means to read the identification information based on the detection signal of the detecting means. You may make it feature.

  Furthermore, the present invention is a gaming terminal device of a gaming system that progresses an image game using an action body image showing an action body that behaves according to a player's operation, and executes the game. Reading means for reading the identification information from the object to be read in which the corresponding identification information is stored, and the object to be read is read when the reading object is placed at a reading position where the reading means reads the identification information. And a detection unit that outputs a detection signal indicating that the device is installed at a position, and a reading instruction unit that instructs the reading unit to read the identification information based on the detection signal of the detection unit. May be.

  In such gaming systems and gaming terminal devices, the reading means reads the identification information when the object to be read is placed at the reading position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the load on the reading unit accompanying the reading of the identification information stored in the object to be read.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is used for the same element and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
(Overall configuration of game system)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a game system 100 including a plurality of game machines 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of game machines 1 and a card vending machine 6. The game system 100 is a gaming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a total of three store servers 2 installed in one and two game stores A and B, respectively, and a dedicated line 3 A plurality of (in the present embodiment, eight) game machines 1 and card vending machines 6, a store router 7 installed in the game stores A and B, a store router 7, And a center server group 5 connected via a communication line 4 a and the Internet 4.

In each game store A, B, the store server 2, the game machine 1 and the card vending machine 6 are connected by a dedicated line 3 to form an in-store LAN (Local Area Network), and this in-store LAN is an in-store router 7 It is connected to the Internet 4 via.
(Game machine configuration)
(Game machine configuration)
The game machine 1 is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and as a game image used in the game, a character (corresponding to an “action body” in the present invention) that acts in accordance with the player's operation. Image display means for displaying a character image to be displayed (corresponding to the “behavior body image” in the present invention), and configured to allow the character to perform an action in accordance with the player's operation. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the character moves in the labyrinth along the route selected by the player, while another character (a player character that performs an action according to the selection of another player, a game, You can play a game where you can play against the non-player character that the machine will move, compete for the items that the character has, collect all the items and then defeat the final target character (hereinafter referred to as the “Maze Battle Game”) It has become. In this labyrinth battle game, the score of each character (called “life” in the present embodiment) moves up and down according to the match result and the progress of the game, and the character that has lost the score becomes a loser. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game machine 1 has a main display 11 having a liquid crystal display device on the front surface of the housing 10. In addition, the upper portion of the main display 11 has a sub-display 12 that is also provided with a liquid crystal display device, and speakers 13L and 13R that output sounds used for game effects are arranged on the left and right sides thereof.

  The main display 11 is an image display means in the present invention, and displays a game image (for example, a labyrinth image 150) corresponding to each stage of the game. The sub-display 12 displays a battle image at a specific stage of the game.

  Further, the game machine 1 has an operation panel 14 below the main display 11, an authentication unit 15 is disposed on the left side of the operation panel 14, and coins (coins, games for playing) necessary for executing the game on the right side. A game slot such as a medal) and a card slot 18 into which an ID card 17 is inserted, and an operation unit 19 having operation buttons and the like.

  The authentication unit 15 has a configuration in which a figure 40 (corresponding to the “read object” in the present invention) corresponding to a plurality of characters appearing in the labyrinth battle game can be mounted. As will be described later, the figure 40 has a pedestal portion 41 and a figure main body portion 42 (see FIGS. 11 and 12), and the bottom of the pedestal portion 41 is a bottom portion 45.

  The authentication unit 15 includes a base mounting unit 51, an IC chip reader 52 that reads the figure ID (identification information) stored in the figure 40, and the figure 40 is installed at a position where the figure ID can be read by the IC chip reader 52. A photo sensor 59A for detecting this is provided. Hereinafter, the authentication unit 15 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  4 is a perspective view showing the authentication unit 15, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the authentication unit 15, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG.

  The pedestal mounting portion 51 has a guide hole 54 on the inside, a guide member 53 made of a light transmissive member such as transparent urethane, a holding frame 55 that holds the guide member 53 from the periphery and below, and a guide for the holding frame 55. It has the base 56 fixed to the operation panel 14 (refer FIG. 3) with the member 53. FIG.

  The guide member 53 is formed in a generally circular shape having a guide hole 54 on the inner side, and a protruding portion 53a is provided on the front side (player side), and wide portions 53b and 53b having a wide width on the back side. Is provided. The guide member 53 has the lower surface of the protruding portion 53a assembled to the holding frame 55 and is held with the wide portions 53b and 53b sandwiched therebetween.

  The guide member 53 has a circular opening 53d on the side of the base 56 facing the guide hole 54 (side closed by the seat 55a of the holding frame 55) and a circular open end 53c on the open side. And the diameter of the open end 53c is larger than the diameter of the opening 53d, and the peripheral side surface between the open end 53c and the opening 53d is gradually reduced in diameter from the open end 53c toward the opening 53d. It becomes the mortar-like inclined surface 53e connected while being. The shape of the opening 53d corresponds to the shape of the bottom 45 of the figure 40 described later, and the bottom 45 can be inserted.

  The holding frame 55 has an annular frame 55b that surrounds the guide member 53, a recess that falls inside the frame 55b, and a step at a substantially inner center of the holding receiver 55a. And a cylindrical recess 55f formed with the same. The opening of the recess 55f is a concentric circle having the same diameter corresponding to the shape of the opening 53d of the guide member 53. The bottom of the recess 55f is a circular plane corresponding to the opening 53d, and the peripheral side surface of the recess 55f is a cylindrical surface corresponding to the opening 53d. Therefore, the recess 55f is configured in a shape that fits the bottom 45 corresponding to the outer shape of the bottom 45 of the figure 45.

  The IC chip reader 52 is a reading means in the present invention, and is provided with an antenna, a radio circuit, or the like on a convex substrate so that the figure ID can be read when the bottom 45 of the figure 40 is placed in the recess 55f. The antenna is fixed to the base 56 so as to be positioned near the center of the bottom of the recess 55f. When the bottom 45 is placed in the recess 55f, the figure ID can be read by the IC chip reader 52 at that position, so that position is the reading position in the present invention.

  The photosensor 59A is detection means in the present invention, and includes a light emitting unit 59a that emits light such as infrared rays toward the light receiving unit 59b, and a light receiving unit 59b that can receive light from the light emitting unit 59a. The light emitting portion 59a is provided on the mortar-like inclined surface 53e on the back side of the guide member 53, and the light receiving portion 59b is provided on the mortar-like inclined surface 53e at a position facing the light emitting portion 59a across the opening 53d. ing. Therefore, in the photosensor 59A, the light emitting portion 59a and the light receiving portion 59b are arranged so as to face each other across the approach path of the bottom portion 45 toward the recess 55f. When the bottom portion 55f is placed in the recess 55f, the photosensor 59A receives light. The light received by the portion 59b is blocked, and it can be detected that the figure 40 is installed at the reading position.

  A full color LED 58 serving as a light source is disposed behind the guide member 53 at a rear side of the guide member 53 with a certain gap L (about 5 mm). Further, a black light-shielding seal 57 is attached to a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the guide member 53 that is not surrounded by the holding frame 55 except for the mortar-shaped inclined surface 53e. The full color LED 58 is supplied with power from a drive circuit (not shown) and emits light toward the guide member 53. Then, the light transmitted through the guide member 53 is emitted from the mortar-shaped inclined surface 53e.

  Each game machine 1 constituting the game system 100 is assigned a machine ID unique to the game machine 100. This machine ID has a server ID unique to each store server 2 and an ID unique to each game machine 1. For example, in the case of each game machine 1 installed in the store A, A01, A02, A03 ... and so on.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the game machine 1 mainly showing the internal configuration. The game machine 1 has a plurality of components centering on a microcomputer 31.

  The microcomputer 31 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34. The main CPU 32 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 34, and inputs signals from each component provided on the operation panel 14 via the I / O port 39, while receiving signals from other components. Input / output is performed to control the operation of the entire game machine 1. The RAM 33 stores data and programs (application data described later in the present embodiment) used when the main CPU 32 operates. The ROM 34 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 32 and permanent data.

  The game machine 1 also includes a random number generator 35, a sampling circuit 36, a clock pulse generation circuit 37, and a frequency divider 38. The random number generator 35 operates according to an instruction from the main CPU 32 to generate a certain range of random numbers. The sampling circuit 36 extracts an arbitrary random number from random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 32, and inputs the extracted random number to the main CPU 32. The clock pulse generation circuit 37 generates a reference clock for operating the main CPU 32, and the frequency divider 38 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock at a constant period to the main CPU 32.

  Further, the game machine 1 includes a touch panel 11a, a coin sensor 16a, a card reader 18a, a communication control unit 21 and a communication processing unit 22, and further includes an image control circuit 71, a sound control circuit 72, and the above-described components. An authentication unit 15 is included.

  The touch panel 11a is an operation means and is provided so as to cover the display screen of the main display 11. The touch panel 11a detects the position of the place touched by the player's finger and outputs a position signal corresponding to the detected position. Input to the CPU 32. The player uses the touch panel 11a to input an operation for determining the character's movement. For example, in the touch panel 11a, a conductive material is applied to the surface of a rectangular transparent plate, a voltage is applied from the electrodes arranged on the squares of the transparent plate, and a slight current change caused by touching a player's finger is applied to the electrodes. Detect and detect the position of the part touched by the player's finger.

  The coin sensor 16a detects a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 16, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detection to the main CPU 32. The card reader 18 a reads card information such as a player ID recorded on the ID card 17 inserted into the card slot 18 and inputs the read card information to the main CPU 32.

  The communication control unit 21 operates according to an instruction from the main CPU 32 and controls connection and disconnection of a line for communicating with the store server 2. The communication processing unit 22 operates in accordance with an instruction from the communication control unit 21 and executes transmission / reception of data performed via the dedicated line 3.

  The image control circuit 71 controls image display on each of the main display 11 and the sub display 12 to display various images such as an image showing a character on the main display 11 and the sub display 12.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the image control circuit 71 includes an image control CPU 71a, a work RAM 71b, a program ROM 71c, an image ROM 71d, a video RAM 71e, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 71f. The image control CPU 71a is based on the parameters set in the microcomputer 31 and is stored in the main display 11 and the sub display 12 in accordance with an image control program (related to display on the main display 11 and the sub display 12) stored in advance in the program ROM 71c. Determine the image to be displayed. The work RAM 71b is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control CPU 71a executes the image control program.

  The program ROM 71c stores an image control program, various selection tables, and the like. The image ROM 71d stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM 71e is configured as a temporary storage unit when an image is formed by the VDP 71f. The VDP 71f has a control RAM 71g, forms images according to the display contents of the main display 11 and the sub display 12 determined by the image control CPU 71a, and outputs the formed images to the main display 11 and the sub display 12. .

  The sound control circuit 72 inputs sound signals for outputting sound from the speakers 13L and 13R to the speakers 13L and 13R. From the speakers 13L and 13R, for example, a sound for exciting the game is output at an appropriate time after the game is started.

The authentication unit 15 includes an IC chip reader 52, a full color LED 58, and the above-described photosensor 59A. The IC chip reader 52 reads the figure ID of the figure 40 and inputs it to the main CPU 32. The full color LED 58 emits light in accordance with a light emission instruction from the main CPU 32. The photo sensor 59A detects that the figure 40 is installed at the reading position.
(Configuration of store server, card vending machine, in-store router)
As shown in FIG. 9, the store server 2 includes a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, a communication processing unit 204, a communication control unit 205, and a data storage unit 206 that stores application data. The CPU 201 operates while reading / writing data from / to the RAM 203 according to a program stored in the ROM 202, while the communication control unit 205 operates the communication processing unit 204 according to an instruction from the CPU 201. The store server 2 transmits and receives data to and from each game machine 1 installed in each game store A and B via the dedicated line 3, and transmits (downloads) application data to each game machine 1, Relay of data transmission / reception between the game machines 1 and the center server group 5 is performed. The application data includes various data (game image data) used for execution of the labyrinth battle game performed on the game machine 1 and board data (operation buttons provided on the operation unit 19) corresponding to the labyrinth battle game. Configuration program).

  The card vending machine 6 has an operation unit for a player to input personal information and a card issuing unit, and the card issuing unit performs a game unique to each player by a predetermined input operation using the operation unit. The card information including the person ID is stored and the ID card 17 is issued.

The in-store router 7 connects the in-store LAN formed in each of the game stores A and B and the LAN formed in the center server group 5 via the communication line 4 a and the Internet 4.
(Configuration of center server group)
The center server group 5 has a plurality of game servers (two game servers 101 and 102 in FIG. 1) installed corresponding to each game, and a database server 103. Each game server has a dedicated line 104. Are connected to each other to form a LAN, and the LAN is connected to the Internet 4 via a router (not shown).

  The game server 101 is installed to execute a labyrinth battle game, and includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication processing unit 304, a communication control unit 305, and a data storage unit 306 as shown in FIG. . In the game server 101, the CPU 301 operates while reading / writing data from / to the RAM 303 according to a program stored in the ROM 302, while the communication control unit 305 operates the communication processing unit 304 according to an instruction from the CPU 301.

  The game server 101 exchanges data with each store server 2 via the Internet 4. Then, entry data, which will be described later, transmitted from each game machine 1 is received, the player's participation (entry) entry into the labyrinth battle game is received and the player's participation information is updated, and the player who becomes the opponent is determined. The result is transmitted to the database server 103.

  The game server 102 is installed to execute another game, and has the same configuration although the stored data and programs are different from those of the game server 101.

  The database server 103 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a communication processing unit 404, a communication control unit 405, and a data storage unit 406. In the database server 103, the CPU 401 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 402 while reading / writing data from / to the RAM 403, while the communication control unit 405 operates the communication processing unit 404 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 401. Data is transmitted and received via the server 2 and the Internet 4. The data storage unit 406 stores a player ID, a password used for player authentication, a game type, and game data. The player ID is read from the ID card 17 by the game machine 1 and transmitted.

  As will be described later, in the database server 103, each player sets the figure 40 used by the player in the game machine 1 in the authentication unit 15, and reads the figure ID. The figure ID corresponding to is transmitted from the game machine 1. In the database server 103, an ID management file capable of storing a plurality of corresponding figure IDs in association with one player ID transmitted from the game machine 1 is formed in the data storage unit 406. This ID management file manages the player and the figure used by the player. This ID management file is used for player authentication and figure authentication described later.

  The game data is the data unique to each character that characterizes each character that appears in the labyrinth battle game (cost, character color, defense ability, attack parameter, attack range, character ability value, special ability of each character, etc.) And the like, hereinafter referred to as “figure information”), and data indicating the history of the labyrinth battle game by each player. This game data is transmitted from the database server 103 to the game machine 1 and used in the labyrinth battle game.

  FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the figure 40. The figure 40 has a pedestal 41 and a figure main body 42 representing the three-dimensional shape of each character appearing in the labyrinth battle game.

  The pedestal portion 41 has a size corresponding to the pedestal mounting portion 51 and is formed in a hollow thick disk shape. The pedestal portion 41 has a bottomed cylindrical pedestal main body portion 43 having a zenith portion 43a and an IC chip 44, and a protrusion 43b is provided at substantially the center of the zenith portion 43a of the pedestal main body portion 43. An IC chip 44 is fitted and fixed to the open end of 43. In addition, an annular flange is formed on the outer periphery of the open end to constitute the bottom 45. The IC chip 44 corresponds to a storage device in the present invention, and stores a figure ID unique to the character corresponding to the figure main body 42. In the present embodiment, the figure ID corresponds to identification information corresponding to the character. Further, the bottom portion 45 into which the IC chip 44 is fitted corresponds to the read portion in the present invention.

  The figure main body 42 is formed to have a leg seat 46 having a recess 46a corresponding to the protrusion 43b, and to stand upright with two legs from the leg seat 46, and is a doll shaped like each character appearing in the labyrinth battle game The protrusion 47b is fitted into the recess 46a and is fixed to the zenith 43a of the pedestal 41. The figure 40 is housed in a capsule (not shown) having a diameter of about 7 cm and is sold in a vending machine equivalent to the card vending machine 6. Since only a part of the monster figure is stored in each capsule, the monster figure can be used when the figure 40 is used (the figure-with-figure mode described later). Further, even for the same character, the uniqueness of the character is expressed by slightly changing the color or changing the figure information, and the player's willingness to collect is promoted.

  The figure 40 can be distinguished by the player depending on the shape of the figure main body 42, and the game machine 1 can be distinguished by the figure ID. This figure ID is unique to each different figure 40, and multiple registration of the same figure in the game system 100 is prohibited.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes the photo sensor 59 </ b> A in the authentication unit 15. Since the photosensor 59A is provided on the mortar-shaped inclined surface 53e so that the light emitting portion 59a and the light receiving portion 59b face each other with the opening 53d interposed therebetween, when the bottom 45 of the figure 40 is placed in the recess 55f, the authentication unit 15 As shown in FIG. 12, which shows a state in which the figure 40 is attached, the pedestal 41 of the figure 40 blocks the light from the photosensor 59A. As a result, the photo sensor 59A detects that the figure 40 has been installed at the reading position, and outputs a detection signal to the main CPU 32. The main CPU 32 to which the detection signal is input instructs the IC chip reader 52 to read the figure ID.

On the other hand, since the IC chip reader 52 operates only after receiving an instruction from the main CPU 32 and performs processing for reading the figure ID, the load is reduced as compared with the case of always performing processing for reading. Parts consumption and deterioration can be suppressed.
(Game machine operation details)
Next, the operation content of the game machine 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In the following description, one of the four game machines 1 installed in the store A will be described as an example.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of game processing from the start to the end of the game in the game machine 1. In FIG. 18 and FIGS. 19 and 20 described later, step is abbreviated as S.

  The game machine 1 transmits a download request for application data to the store server 2 when power is turned on (step 100 to be described later). On the other hand, when the store server 2 receives the download request, the game machine 1 transmits the download request to the game machine 1 that has transmitted the download request. Application data is transmitted (see FIG. 21).

  When the game machine 1 receives the application data, the game machine 1 stores the application data in the RAM 33. In the game machine 1, when the main CPU 32 reads the application data, the game machine 1 operates as the game progress control means in the present invention, and advances the labyrinth battle game in accordance with the player's operation input. Each game machine 1 displays a game image on the main display 11 while synchronizing with each other via the store server 2 and the center server group 5.

  At this time, when the game process is started, each game machine 1 proceeds to step 1 and performs a game start process described later including coin insertion, ID card insertion, password input, and character authentication generation process. In Step 2, it is determined whether or not predetermined data is set in a figure present flag (set), which will be described later, from the result of the game start process, and the process branches to Steps 3 and 4 according to the determination result. (Step 3 when the figure present flag is set, Step 4 otherwise), and either process is performed.

  For example, in the game process with a figure in step 3, the image control circuit 71 is instructed to display a labyrinth image 150 as shown in FIG. 22 on the main display 11 and a character image 151 indicating a character acting in response to the player's operation. Then, an image game using these images is advanced by the main CPU 32. Note that the main CPU 32 may instruct a driving circuit (not shown) of the full-color LED 32 to emit light that enhances the effect of the game while the image game is in progress. For example, the full color LED 32 may be turned on according to the attack of the character operated by the player, or may be blinked when the attack is received.

  After clearing the figure present flag in step 5 following step 3, the process proceeds to step 6 to display game results (match results) such as match results while the database server 103 updates the game data. Is transmitted to the database server 103 via the store server 2, and the process ends.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 can play a labyrinth battle game in either the figure-with-figure mode or the figure-free mode. However, in the mode with the figure, the game content is more beneficial to the player than in the mode without the figure.
(Game start process)
The game start process of step 1 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the game start process, and FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the character authentication generation process.

  When the main CPU 32 starts the game start process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 61, performs a message output process, instructs the image control circuit 71 to send a predetermined message (coin insertion request, ID card insertion request, and password input request) to the main display 11. ) Is displayed. Subsequently, steps 62 and 63 and processing are executed.

  In order to start the game, the player inserts a coin from the coin insertion slot 6, inserts the ID card 17 into the card slot 18, and inputs a password using the operation unit 19. Then, a detection signal of the inserted coin is input from the coin sensor 16a to the main CPU 32, and card information stored in the ID card 17 is input from the card reader 18a. Further, when the password is input from the operation unit 19 and all these inputs are made, the process proceeds to step 63, the main CPU 32 instructs the communication control unit 21 to operate the communication processing unit 22, and the read card information and the input The password is transmitted to the store server 2.

  In the following step 64, the process waits until a response signal described later is received from the center server 5, and proceeds to step 65 when the response signal is received. In step 65, the display of the selection screen for selecting one of various selectable characters is performed by discriminating whether the figure is present or not and whether or not it has been authenticated (already registered by reading the figure ID). An instruction to be performed on the display 11 is given, and in the next step 66, the process waits until the touch of the touch panel 11a is reached. If the figure is selected, the process proceeds to step 68; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 69. In step 68, a character generation process to be described later is performed. In step 69, character generation instruction (non-figure character generation instruction) data by non-use of the figure is set in entry data to be described later. . Specifically, in step 67, when the figure is used for the first time and when there is an already-acquired figure and a figure other than the already-acquired figure is used, Proceeding to 68, character generation processing is performed. Further, when the figure is not used from the beginning, or when there is an already authenticated figure and the figure is not used, the process proceeds to step 69 when the player selects no figure.

  In step 68, the main CPU 32 performs character generation processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When this process is started, the process proceeds to step 81 to perform a figure set request message output process. In this case, the main CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 71 to attach the figure 40 to the authentication unit 15 on the main display 11 and request a setting for reading the figure ID (for example, “display the figure pedestal on the operation panel”). Please set it in the authentication unit.When the figure authentication starts, the authentication unit will light up brightly, so do not remove the figure until the light goes off. When the figure 40 is set in the authentication unit 15 in accordance with the message displayed by the player, the photo sensor 59A of the authentication unit 15 detects that the figure 40 is installed at the reading position, and outputs a detection signal to the main CPU 32. .

  In step 82, the main CPU 32 stands by until a detection signal indicating that the figure 40 has been installed at the reading position is input. When the detection signal from the photosensor 59A is input, the process proceeds to step 83.

  In step 83, the main CPU 32 operates as a reading instruction means in the present invention, and instructs the IC chip reader 52 to read the figure ID.

  The IC chip reader 52 operates to receive a reading instruction from the main CPU 32, and a controller (not shown) operates to perform processing for reading the figure ID from the IC chip 44. For example, processing for generating an induction electromagnetic field near the antenna of the IC chip reader 52, processing for transmitting a signal necessary for reading the figure ID to the IC chip 44, and the like are performed. The IC chip reader 52 outputs the figure ID read from the IC chip 44 to the main CPU 32.

  Thus, in the game machine 1, the IC chip reader 52 operates only after receiving the detection signal from the photo sensor 59A that detects that the figure 40 is placed at the reading position, and the figure stored in the IC chip 44 is stored. The ID is read. Therefore, the load applied to the IC chip reader 52 is reduced as compared with the case where the IC chip reader 52 is always operating, and consumption and deterioration of the components of the IC chip reader 52 are reduced.

  In step 84, the main CPU 32 stands by until the figure ID is input. When the figure ID is input from the IC chip reader 52, the process proceeds to step 85.

  In step 85, the character generation instruction data including the figure ID read by the main CPU 32 is set in the entry data, and in the subsequent step 86, it is confirmed that the figure ID of the figure 40 is read (setting of the figure) by the authentication unit 15. When predetermined data (“1” in the present embodiment) is set in the figure presence flag shown, and step 86 is executed, the character generation process ends.

  In step 70, the main CPU 32 instructs the communication control unit to operate the communication processing unit 22, and transmits entry data to the store server 2. When step 70 ends, the game start process ends.

  As described above, the game machine 1 sets predetermined data in the figure presence flag when the figure is set. Once the figure is set, the entry data including the character generation instruction data is transmitted to the database server 103 via the store server 2, and the player ID unique to the player who has set the figure ID in the database server 103. It is stored in the ID management file in association with the ID, and is used to determine whether or not the figure has been authenticated. Further, the determination result of whether or not the figure has been authenticated by the ID management file is transmitted as a response signal from the database server 103, so that the player can select the character corresponding to the authenticated figure and play the labyrinth battle game. . However, if the figure is not set, the figure flag is not set. Therefore, even if the figure is already authenticated, the figure 40 is set in the authentication unit 15 in order to play the labyrinth battle game in the figure-equipped mode. It is necessary to read the figure ID. Then, when the setting is performed, the figure information corresponding to the read figure ID is generated by the database server 103 so that the labyrinth battle game can be played without repeating the setting of the figure 40.

  On the other hand, in the game machine 1, the store server 2, and the center server group 5, processing is executed in the order shown in FIG. 21 corresponding to the above-described processing. FIG. 21 is a sequence chart showing an operation sequence performed between the game machine 1, the store server 2 and the center server 5.

  In the game machine 1, in step 100, a download request is transmitted to the store server 2 to download application data, and the card information and the like are transmitted in step 63 as described above. Then, in the center server group 5, the process proceeds to step 301, where the CPU 401 in the database server 103 uses the card information and password transmitted from the game machine 1 and refers to the ID management file to register players and figures. An authentication process is performed to determine whether or not it has been registered. If it has been registered, the process proceeds to step 302 as being authenticated, and a response signal indicating the authentication result is transmitted to the game machine 1. In this case, the database server 103 performs the same authentication process on eight game machines 1 installed in each store A and B.

  Further, the game machine 1 transmits the entry data shown in step 70 described above. Then, in the center server group 5, the process proceeds to step 303, and the game server 101 accepts entry of the player using the entry data from each game machine 1. Furthermore, in the subsequent step 304, the figure ID corresponding to the update of the player's participation information and the character generation instruction data (both the figure of the newly registered figure that has not been authenticated and the figure that has been authenticated and is authenticated again). The figure is registered or updated in the ID management file and the figure information is generated or updated, and in step 305, the players who are opponents (four players in this embodiment) are used. To decide. In step 306, the database server 103 extracts game data of each player who becomes an opponent and proceeds to step 307, and the extracted game data is transmitted to the store server 2. When the store server 2 receives the game data, it transmits it to each game machine 1.

  The game system 100 according to the above embodiment includes the main CPU 32 in which the game machine 1 operates as the main display 11 (image display means) and the game progress control means. However, devices that perform these functions may be provided as separate units. 13 is a system configuration diagram showing a game system 200 which is a modified example of the game system 100, FIG. 14 is a block diagram mainly showing the internal configuration of the game terminal device, and FIG. 15 is a block showing the internal configuration of the control device. FIG. Similar to the game system 100, the game system 200 is a game system in which an image game using a character image showing a character acting in response to a player's operation is advanced to execute the game, and an authentication unit 15 is provided. A game terminal device 80, a control device 90 functioning as a game progress control means, and a display device 81 are provided separately.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the game system 200 is for a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) games that are communicably connected to the store server 2 installed in the game stores A and B via the dedicated line 3. It has a terminal device 80 and a card vending machine 6, a control device 90 that is communicably connected to the store server 2, and a display device 81 that is communicably connected to the control device. The game terminal device 80 corresponds to the game terminal device according to the present invention, and its basic configuration is the same as that of the game machine 1, but there is no main display 11 and sub-display 12, and the main CPU 32 is used for game progress. The difference is that it does not operate as a control means.

  The control device 90 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, an image control circuit 71, and a communication processing unit 95 as shown in FIG. The CPU 91 operates as a game progress control means according to the present invention in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 92, and executes processing necessary for the progress of the game image. The RAM 93 stores data and programs used when the CPU 91 operates, and the ROM 92 stores control programs executed by the CPU 91 and permanent data. The communication processing unit 95 operates in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 91 and executes data transmission / reception with the store server 2. The image control circuit 94 has the same configuration as the image control circuit 71 in the game machine 1 described above, and controls image display on the display device 81 to display various images on the display device 81.

  The display device 81 has a large monitor screen that can be viewed by a plurality of players, and is connected to the plurality of game terminal devices 80 via the control device 90 and the store server 2. The display device 81 corresponds to the image display means in the present invention, and the display image is controlled by the control device 90.

  Next, another embodiment of the photosensor 59A corresponding to the detection means in the above embodiment will be described. 16 is a perspective view of the authentication unit 15 in which the reflective photosensor 59B is incorporated, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in FIG.

  The reflective photosensor 59B is disposed on the peripheral side surface of the depression 55f and is configured to irradiate light toward the central axis of the depression 55f, and the circumference facing the light emission section 59f across the depression 55f. A reflection part 59d arranged on the side surface and configured to reflect the incident light Ri from the light emission part 55f, and a position in the traveling direction of the reflection light Rr (in the present embodiment, adjacent to the light emission part 59) And a light receiving portion 59e configured to receive the reflected light Rr.

  Since the reflection type photosensor 59B has the above-described configuration, the light emitting part 59c and the reflection part 59d are arranged across the entry path of the bottom 45 (read part) of the figure 40, and the light emission part 59c is reflected to the reflection part 59d. A light receiving portion 59e is arranged in the traveling direction of the reflected light Rr with respect to the incident light Ri emitted toward the light receiving portion 59e, and the light receiving portion 59e can receive the reflected light Rr. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 59c of the photosensor 59B is blocked by the figure 40 in which the bottom portion 55f is housed in the depression 55f, and the reflected light Rr does not reach the light receiving portion 59b. It is designed to detect that it has been installed.

  The reflection part is provided in the figure 40, and the reflection type photosensor receives the reflected light reflected by the reflection part and the light emitting part that emits light toward the reflection part of the figure 40 installed at the reading position. It may be configured to include a light receiving unit, and when the reflected light is received by the light receiving unit, it may be detected that the figure 40 is installed at the reading position.

  As described above, in the game system 100 and the game system 200, the figure 40 is described as an example of an object to be read. However, the gaming machine, the gaming system, and the game terminal device according to the present invention are different from the figure 40 to be read. This also applies when using an object. For example, a card-like game card or a cassette in which a picture or design corresponding to the character is described and ID information or the like is stored may be used. Further, although the game machine 1 capable of playing the labyrinth battle game has been described as an example, the present invention is also applicable to game machines capable of performing other image games. For example, in a game in which a plurality of players such as baseball and soccer appear, a game machine that can simulate team play using a figure or cassette corresponding to each player.

  The reading means is not limited to a non-contact type IC chip reader, and may be a contact type. Further, the reading means is not limited to the case of reading the figure ID (identification information), but may be a reader / writer type, that is, a structure in which information can be written in a recording device such as an IC chip.

  Further, the detection means is not limited to an optical sensor such as a transmissive sensor, a reflective sensor, or a pressure sensor, and a magnetic sensor, a mechanical sensor, or the like may be used.

  Furthermore, the position where the detection means is provided is not limited to a part of the guide member, and may be, for example, in a recess. It is sufficient if it is possible to detect that the object to be read is installed at the reading position.

It is a system configuration figure of the game system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention provided with two or more game machines concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view showing a plurality of game machines and a card vending machine. It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of a game machine. It is a perspective view which shows an authentication unit. It is a top view of an authentication unit. It is VI-VI sectional drawing of FIG. It is a block diagram of the game machine which mainly shows an internal structure. It is a block diagram which shows an example of an internal structure of an image control circuit. It is a block diagram which shows a store server. It is a block diagram which shows a game server and a database server. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a figure. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounted | wore the authentication unit with the figure. It is a system configuration figure of the game system concerning a 2nd embodiment provided with two or more terminal devices for games concerning the present invention. It is a block diagram which mainly shows the internal structure of the terminal device for games in the game system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which mainly shows the internal structure of the control apparatus in the game system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the authentication unit which shows the other form of a photosensor. It is XVII-XVII sectional drawing of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the game process from the start of a game in a game machine to completion | finish. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a game start process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a character production | generation process. It is a sequence chart which shows the operation | movement sequence performed among a game machine, a shop server, and a center server. It is a figure which shows a labyrinth image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2 ... Store server, 5 ... Center server group 11 ... Main display, 15 ... Authentication unit 40 ... Figia, 41 ... Base part, 44 ... IC chip, 45 ... bottom 51 ... pedestal mounting part, 52 ... IC chip reader, 53 ... guide member 54 ... guide hole, 53c ... open end, 53d ... Opening 58 ... Full color LED
59A: Photo sensor 59B: Reflection type photo sensor 59a, 59c ... Light emitting part, 59b, 59e ... Light receiving part, 59d ... Reflecting part 100, 200 ... Game system 80 ... Game terminal device

Claims (5)

A gaming machine having an image display means for displaying an action body image indicating an action body acting in response to a player's operation, and a game progress control means for advancing an image game using the action body image,
Reading means for reading the identification information from the object to be read that stores the identification information corresponding to the action body;
Detecting means for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read is placed at the reading position when the object to be read is placed at a reading position where the identification information is read by the reading means; ,
A gaming machine comprising reading instruction means for instructing the reading means to read the identification information based on a detection signal of the detection means. A holding receiver having a recess corresponding to the outer shape of the read portion including the storage device storing the identification information;
The reading means is arranged at a position where the identification information can be read when the read portion is placed in the depression,
The detection means has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion arranged at positions sandwiching an entry path of the read portion toward the depression, and is configured so that light emitted from the light emitting portion can be received by the light receiving portion. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is provided. A holding receiver having a recess corresponding to the outer shape of the read portion including the storage device storing the identification information;
The reading means is arranged at a position where the identification information can be read when the read portion is placed in the depression,
The detection means has a light emitting part and a reflective part arranged across an entry path of the read part toward the depression, and a traveling direction of reflected light with respect to incident light emitted from the light emitting part toward the reflective part The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a light receiving unit disposed in the light receiving unit, wherein the light receiving unit is configured to receive the reflected light. A game system having an image display means for displaying an action body image indicating an action body acting in response to a player's operation, and a game progress control means for advancing an image game using the action body image,
Reading means for reading the identification information from the object to be read that stores the identification information corresponding to the action body;
Detecting means for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read is placed at the reading position when the object to be read is placed at a reading position where the identification information is read by the reading means; ,
A gaming system comprising: a reading instructing unit that instructs the reading unit to read the identification information based on a detection signal of the detecting unit. A gaming terminal device of a gaming system for executing a game by advancing an image game using an action body image indicating an action body acting in response to a player's operation,
Reading means for reading the identification information from the object to be read that stores the identification information corresponding to the action body;
Detecting means for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read is placed at the reading position when the object to be read is placed at a reading position where the identification information is read by the reading means; ,
A gaming terminal device comprising: a reading instructing unit that instructs the reading unit to read the identification information based on a detection signal of the detecting unit.

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