JP2008220599A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To seamlessly shift a game play with a mobile terminal to a game play with a satellite terminal. <P>SOLUTION: When all satellite terminals 400 are occupied, a game is played with the portable terminal 500 through access to a main game device 200 connected to a user management server 100 via the Internet 1 through a mobile phone base station. When a satellite terminal 400 is available after waiting, game data is passed from the portable terminal 500 to the satellite terminal 400, and the game is continuously played with the satellite terminal 400. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system, and more particularly to a game system for playing a game without using medals.

Conventionally, as a prior art for providing entertainment while waiting for a turn, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, a technique for providing a game between accepting a reservation and providing a service has been proposed.
In addition, as a prior art of the turn waiting reservation system, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, a turn waiting reservation for a gaming machine is performed using an ID card, and is called when the turn comes, and the ID card is inserted into the gaming machine. Then, a technique has been proposed that makes it possible to play a game.
Further, as a prior art using a mobile terminal as an operation means of an arcade game device, in the invention described in Patent Document 3, an operation of the arcade game device is performed by a mobile phone owned by a player, and a large number of players can play with no limit on the number of people. A technique that can be performed has been proposed.
In addition, as a prior art for automatically starting software of a mobile terminal, the invention of Patent Document 4 automatically transmits game software of the mobile terminal by transmitting a “game software start command” from the wireless tag reader / writer to the wireless tag. A starting technology has been proposed.

JP 2004-192360 A JP-A-8-164261 JP 2001-113051 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-038209

However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that there is no organic relationship between the provided service and the game, and the service is not continuous.
Further, the invention described in Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for making a waiting reservation for a gaming machine using an ID card, being called when the turn comes around, and enabling the game when the ID card is inserted into the gaming machine. However, there is no description about using a portable terminal.
Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 3, there is no idea of continuously shifting from playing on a mobile phone to playing on an actual gaming machine.
In the invention described in Patent Document 4, there is no idea of continuously shifting from playing on a mobile phone to playing on an actual gaming machine.

None of the above prior art discloses or suggests the following points.
1. There is almost no waiting time and you can enjoy the game immediately.
2. The number of virtual medals earned, points, electronic value such as electronic money, and games can be transferred seamlessly, and the game will not be interrupted, and it will be inconvenient for customers to play on mobile devices instead of luxurious and comfortable satellites. You may feel a sense of fairness and dissatisfaction, but because you have the premise that you can seamlessly transition to satellite play, you can reduce the resistance to playing on mobile devices.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and can participate in a game using a portable terminal, and when a vacancy occurs in a gaming machine, the game machine can be seamlessly played from the portable terminal. It is possible to shift to the play of, and to be able to take over the acquired medals.

  The game system according to claim 1 is a game system including a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, a reception terminal, and a mobile terminal, wherein the common game device is the individual game. A first game control means for controlling the progress of a game common to the terminal and the portable terminal; and a storage means for storing the game data, wherein the common game presentation device corresponds to the progress of the game. Presenting information, displaying an image generated by the image generating means, and the receiving terminal accepting an order waiting reservation based on the identification information of the portable terminal when the individual game terminal is full The individual game terminal includes a reading unit that reads the identification information of the portable terminal, and a play prohibition state when the seat is empty, and a notification by the notification unit When the received identification information of the portable terminal is read by the reading unit, the portable terminal includes a state setting unit that releases the play prohibition state, and a first receiving unit that receives game data from the common game device. Includes identification information holding means for holding identification information, second receiving means for receiving the game data from the common game device, second game control means for causing a game to proceed based on the game data, and the notification means. A game ending means for ending the game when receiving a notification by the electronic value receiving means for accepting an electronic value from the portable terminal, and when the vacant seat occurs in the individual game terminal, the portable terminal is notified An informing means is provided.

  The game system according to claim 2 is a game system including a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, and a reception terminal, wherein the common game device includes the individual game terminal and the mobile phone. First game control means for controlling the progress of a game common to the terminal, and storage means for storing the game data, the common game presentation device presents information corresponding to the progress of the game The reception terminal includes a waiting-for-waiting reception unit for receiving a waiting-for-order reservation based on the identification information of the mobile terminal when the individual game terminal is full, and the individual game terminal receives the identification information of the mobile terminal. The reading means for reading and the identification information of the portable terminal which has been in a play-prohibited state when in an empty seat state and received the notification by the notification means are read by the reading means. An electronic value receiving means for accepting an electronic value from the portable terminal, and an individual game terminal, comprising: a state setting means for releasing the play prohibition state; and a first receiving means for receiving game data from the common game device. And a notifying means for notifying the portable terminal when a vacant seat occurs.

The shared game device may further include image generation means for generating an image corresponding to the progress of the game, and the common game presentation device may display the image generated by the image generation means. it can.
In addition, the electronic value may be further transferred from the individual game terminal to the mobile terminal, and a second transfer means may be transferred from the mobile terminal to the individual game terminal. can do.
In addition, the individual game terminal can further include effect image generating means for generating an image that generates a transition with the portable terminal.
The portable terminal may further include an effect image generating means for generating an image for effecting a transition with the individual game terminal.

  The common game device according to claim 7 is a common game device in a game system including a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, and a reception terminal, wherein the individual game terminal and the portable terminal And a game control means for controlling the progress of the game in common, a storage means for storing the game data, and an image generation means for generating an image corresponding to the progress of the game.

  The reception terminal according to claim 8 is a reception terminal in a game system having a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, and a reception terminal, and is portable when the individual game terminal is full. It is characterized by comprising a turn waiting reception means for receiving a turn waiting reservation based on the identification information of the terminal.

  The individual game terminal according to claim 9 is an individual game terminal in a game system having a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, and a reception terminal, and reads the identification information of the portable terminal And a state setting means for releasing the play prohibition state when the reading means reads the identification information of the portable terminal notified by the notification means, and the common game device. Receiving means for receiving game data from.

  A game control method according to claim 10 is a game control method in a game system including a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, a reception terminal, and a portable terminal, wherein the common game device Comprises a first game control step for controlling the progress of a common game between the individual game terminal and the portable terminal, and a storage step for storing the game data, wherein the common game presentation device comprises the game The reception terminal includes a turn waiting reception step of receiving a turn waiting reservation based on the identification information of the mobile terminal when the individual game terminal is full, and the individual game terminal includes: A reading step for reading the identification information of the portable terminal, and the identification information of the portable terminal that has been informed of being in a play-prohibited state when vacant. Is read in the reading step, a state setting step for releasing the play prohibition state and a first receiving step for receiving game data from the common game device, wherein the portable terminal holds identification information An identification information holding step; a second receiving step for receiving the game data from the common game device; a second game control step for advancing a game based on the game data; and when the notification is received, the game An electronic value acceptance step for accepting an electronic value from the portable terminal, and a notifying step for notifying the portable terminal when a vacant seat is generated in the individual game terminal. To do.

  According to the game system of the present invention, even when there is no space in the individual game terminal, it is possible to participate in the game using the mobile terminal, and when there is a space in the individual game terminal, the individual game is seamlessly changed from the play on the mobile terminal. It shifts to the play on the terminal and can participate in the arcade game comfortably without waiting for the turn even when it is crowded.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment of an arcade game system to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the present embodiment displays a game image in accordance with the progress of the game under the control of the main game device 200 arranged in the game center and the main game device (common game device) 200. Main screen (common game presentation device) 600, terminal (reception terminal) 300 and satellite (individual game terminal) 400 connected to main game device 200 via LAN (Local Area Network), mobile phone base station 3 ( 6) and a mobile terminal (mobile terminal) 500 such as a mobile phone connected to the Internet 1 via FIG.

  The satellite 400 is configured as shown in FIGS. 2 is a perspective view of the satellite 400 as viewed from the right rear side, FIG. 3 is a left side view, and FIG. 4 is a plan view. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view (a perspective view of the satellite 400 as viewed obliquely from the front) showing the configuration of the upper part of the main body of the satellite 400 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the casing of the satellite 400 (hereinafter referred to as “game casing”) is roughly divided into a main body 11 and a display unit 12 (touch panel or the like) for displaying game images on the screen. And a seat 13 on which the player sits. As shown in FIG. 5, a coin insertion slot 11a into which a player inserts coins (coins), and a placement unit 11b on which coins are placed are placed above the front panel of the body 11 (lower part of the top surface of the body). However, it is provided side by side at a position where the player can reach the hand while sitting on the seat 13.

  In this example, the mounting portion 11b is provided adjacent to the charging port 11a so that the lower surface of the frame forming the charging port 11a and the mounting surface are continuous. The insertion slot 11a is sized so that a plurality of coins can be inserted simultaneously, for example, the width of the insertion slot is at least twice the diameter of the coin, or the height of the insertion slot is at least twice the thickness of the coin. It is formed in the shape which consists of the height of these, or both. Then, when the player inserts coins, as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 5, a configuration in which a plurality of coins can be simultaneously inserted by pushing the coin 1 on the placement portion 11b toward the insertion slot 11a. Yes. For example, the player can put a large amount of coins easily and in a short time by placing the coins in the container on the placement portion 11b and pressing the coins so as to collapse the pile of coins toward the insertion slot 11a. The shape of the insertion slot 11a is not limited to a rectangle, but may be any shape that allows a plurality of coins to be inserted simultaneously. That is, a shape formed by a curve or a shape formed by a combination of a curve and a straight line may be used. Moreover, it is good also as a form directly made to the insertion port 11a side, without providing the mounting part 11b. In this example, the main body 11 is configured in a shape inclined downward from the main body front portion toward the rear main body portion, and is provided with a table 11c protruding from the inclined portion. In addition, an operation portion 11d (see FIG. 4) including operation buttons for performing a coin betting operation, a payout operation, and the like is provided at an inclined portion between the insertion slot 11a and the table 11c.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the first embodiment of the arcade game system. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the arcade game system is connected to a user management server 100 managed by a game operating company connected to the Internet 1 and the Internet 1 via a LAN 2 in the store. The main game apparatus 200, a main screen 600 connected to the main game apparatus 200, a satellite 400, a terminal 300, and a mobile terminal 500 are configured. The mobile terminal 500 can be connected to the Internet 1 through the mobile phone base station 3. The main game device 200, the terminal 300, and the satellite 400 are connected to the LAN 2 in the store so that various data and commands can be exchanged. Further, it is also connected to the Internet 1 via the LAN 2 so that various data and commands can be transmitted to and received from the user management server 100 via the Internet.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the user management server 100, the main game device 200, and the terminal 300 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the user management server 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130. Each unit is connected via a bus 101 so that various data and commands can be exchanged. Further, it is connected to the Internet 1 via the communication unit 130.

  The control unit 110 includes a user management unit 111 and a ranking management unit 112. The storage unit 120 stores user data 121, ranking data 123, and a server program 122. The user data 121 includes a user ID (Identifier), a portable terminal ID, and game data.

  The main game device 200 includes a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 210, a storage unit 220, an image generation unit 230, an audio reproduction unit 240, and a communication unit 250. Each unit is connected via a bus 201 so that various data and commands can be exchanged. A display device (main screen) 600 and an audio output device (speaker) 610 are connected to the main game device 200. Further, it is connected to the LAN 2 in the store via the communication unit 250. The control unit 210 includes a game control unit 211. The storage unit 220 stores a control program 221 and game data 222. The image generation unit 230 generates a video signal corresponding to a predetermined video, for example, a game screen in progress, under the control of the control unit 210, and supplies the generated video signal to the display device 600. . The audio reproduction unit 240 reproduces audio corresponding to the video signal and supplies an audio signal corresponding to the reproduced audio to the audio output device 610.

  The terminal 300 includes a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, an image generation unit 330, a display unit (monitor) 340, an audio reproduction unit 350, an audio output unit (speaker) 360, a communication unit 370, and an IC card. A reader / writer 386, a wireless tag reader / writer 388, an operation input unit (such as a touch panel) 387, and the like are included. Each unit is connected via a bus 301 so that various data and commands can be exchanged. The terminal 300 is connected to the LAN 2 in the store.

  The control unit 310 includes a user authentication unit 311, a waiting / waiting registration / cancellation unit 312, and an actual condition display control unit 314. The storage unit 320 stores a control program 321, user data (user ID, portable terminal ID) 322, a waiting terminal list 323, and a satellite state table 324.

  The image generation unit 330 generates a transition effect image of a character from the terminal 300 to the mobile terminal 500 under the control of the control unit 310 and supplies the generated video to the display unit 340. The audio reproduction unit 350 reproduces audio corresponding to the video and supplies it to the audio output unit 360.

  The operation input unit 387 is configured by a touch panel or the like, and can input a predetermined command such as a game end instruction. The IC card reader / writer 386 communicates with the IC card 700 possessed by the player and the portable terminal 500 with a built-in wireless tag, and reads and reads the portable terminal ID recorded on the IC card and the wireless tag. The portable terminal ID is supplied to the control unit 310.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the satellite 400 and the mobile terminal 500. As shown in the figure, the satellite 400 includes a control unit 410, a storage unit 420, an image generation unit 430, a display unit (monitor) 440, an audio reproduction unit 450, an audio output unit (speaker) 460, The communication unit 470, an IC card reader / writer 486, a wireless tag reader / writer 488, an operation input unit (such as a touch panel) 487, a coin sensor 482, a coin storage unit 483, and the like. Each unit is connected via a bus 401 so that various data and commands can be exchanged. The terminal 400 is connected to the LAN 2 in the store.

  The coin sensor 482 is provided in the coin insertion slot 11 a and detects that a coin has been inserted and the number of coins inserted, and supplies the detection result to the control unit 410 via the bus 401. The coin storage unit 483 stores coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 11a.

  The control unit 410 includes a user authentication unit 411, a play permission / prohibition control unit 412, and a game control unit 414. The storage unit 420 stores a control program 421, user data (user ID, portable terminal ID) 422, and game data 423.

  The image generation unit 430 generates a game video and the like under the control of the control unit 410 and supplies the generated video to the display unit 440. The audio reproduction unit 450 reproduces audio corresponding to the video and supplies it to the audio output unit 460.

  The operation input unit 487 is configured by a touch panel or the like, and can input commands in accordance with the progress of the game. The IC card reader / writer 486 communicates with the IC card 700 possessed by the player, reads the mobile terminal ID recorded on the IC card, and supplies the read mobile terminal ID to the control unit 410. It has become.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 488 communicates with the portable terminal 500 having the wireless tag possessed by the player, reads the portable terminal ID recorded in the wireless tag, and sends the read portable terminal ID to the control unit 410. It comes to supply.

  The portable terminal 500 includes a control unit 510, a storage unit 520, a communication unit 530, an audio processing unit 540, a camera control unit 550, an image generation unit 560, an operation input unit 570, a wireless tag 590, and the like. Has been. Each unit is connected via a bus 501 so that various data and commands can be exchanged. The wireless tag 590 includes a wireless tag communication unit 593 that communicates with the wireless tag reader / writer 488, a wireless tag control unit 591 that controls the wireless tag communication unit 593 and the wireless tag storage unit 592, electronic money information, game data, and the like. The wireless tag storage unit 592 and the like are stored.

  A communication I / F (antenna, radio circuit, etc.) 581 is connected to the communication unit 530 so that various data and commands can be exchanged with the mobile phone base station 3. A speaker 582 and a microphone 583 are connected to the audio processing unit 540. A camera (comprising a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a lens, etc.) 584 is connected to the camera control unit 550. A display unit (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) 585 is connected to the image generation unit 560.

  Next, the processing procedure of each unit of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, when a player (user) brings the portable terminal 500 with a built-in wireless tag close to the wireless tag reader / writer 388 of the terminal 300 installed in the game center, the portable terminal ID recorded in advance on the wireless tag is read ( In step S301, a game activation command is transmitted to the portable terminal 500 (step S302). Thereafter, the mobile terminal ID is transmitted to the user management server 100 via the Internet 1 under the control of the control unit 310 of the terminal 300.

  The user management server 100 receives the mobile terminal ID transmitted from the terminal 300 (step S101), associates the mobile terminal ID and the number of medals, and stores them in the storage unit 120. Next, the portable terminal ID is registered in the waiting list of the satellite 400 (step S102).

  On the other hand, in the portable terminal 500, the game software is activated by receiving an activation command from the terminal 300 or by an operation of the player (step S501). Next, the mobile terminal ID and the game start request are transmitted to the user management server 100 (step S502).

  The user management server 100 receives the game start request transmitted from the mobile terminal 500 (step S103), and then transmits the number of people waiting for the satellite 400 and the game data of the user to the mobile terminal 500 (step S104). .

  When the portable terminal 500 receives the waiting number of satellites 400 and game data transmitted from the user management server 100, the portable terminal 500 then uses characters and figures representing the waiting number of satellites 400 under the control of the control unit 510. A satellite turn waiting number screen is generated by the image generation unit 560 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 585 (step S503). Next, under the control of the game control unit 511 of the control unit 510, the game is started based on the received game data (step S504).

  In the portable terminal 500, when the operation input unit 570 is operated by the player after the game is started (step S511), the operation input information is supplied to the control unit 510. Next, under the control of the control unit 510, the portable terminal ID of the portable terminal 500 is read from the storage unit 520, and the read portable terminal ID is supplied to the communication unit 530 along with the operation input information. The communication unit 530 transmits the mobile terminal ID and operation input information supplied from the control unit 510 to the user management server 100 via the mobile phone base station 3 via the communication I / F 581 (step S512).

  The control unit 110 of the user management server 100 receives the mobile terminal ID and the operation input information transmitted from the mobile terminal 500 via the communication unit 130 (step S111).

  On the other hand, in each satellite 400, when the operation input unit 487 is operated by the player (step S411), operation input information is supplied to the control unit 410. Next, operation input information is transmitted from each satellite 400 to the main game device 200 via the LAN 2 in the store (step S412).

  In the main game device 200, operation input information supplied from each satellite 200 is received through the communication unit 250 under the control of the control unit 210 (step S211). Next, operation input information transmitted from each mobile terminal 500 via the Internet 1 is received via the communication unit 250 (step S212).

  Thereafter, the game control unit 211 advances the game based on the operation input information supplied from each satellite 400 and each portable terminal 500, and the image generation unit 230 generates image signals and video signals according to the progress of the game. And supplied to the display device (main screen) 600. As a result, an image or video corresponding to the progress of the game is displayed on the screen of the display device 600. In addition, an audio signal corresponding to an image or video displayed on the display device 600 is generated by the audio reproduction unit 240 and supplied to the audio output device (speaker) 610. As a result, sound corresponding to the image or video displayed on the display device 600 is output (step S213).

  Next, the game control unit 211 of the main game device 200 stores information (game data) generated according to the progress of the game in the storage unit 220 and transmits the information to the terminal 300 and each satellite 400 via the LAN 2. To do. Further, it is also transmitted to the user management server 100 via the Internet 1 (step S214).

  When the control unit 110 of the user management server 100 receives the main game information transmitted from the main game device 200 via the Internet 1 via the communication unit 130 (step S113), the control unit 110 receives the received main game information from the mobile phone. It transmits to the portable terminal 500 via the base station 3 (step S114).

  In the terminal 300, the control unit 310 receives the main game information transmitted from the main game device 200 via the communication unit 370 (step S311). Next, under the control of the control unit 310, the game proceeds based on the information received from the user management server 100, and an advertised image is generated by the image generation unit and output to the display unit 340 (step S312).

  Each satellite 400 receives information on the main game transmitted from the main game device 200 under the control of the control unit 410 (step S413). Next, the game progresses based on the information received from the user management server 100, and an image is generated by the image generation unit 430 and output to the display unit 440 (step S414).

  Each mobile terminal 500 receives information on the main game transmitted from the user management server 100 under the control of the control unit 510 (step S513). Next, the game proceeds based on the information received from the user management server 100, an image is generated by the image generation unit 560, and is output to the display unit 585 (step S514).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a game played by the player using the portable terminal 500 is ended. When the player performs a game end operation from the operation input unit 570 of the portable terminal 500, operation input information corresponding to the game end operation is supplied to the control unit 510 via the bus 501 (step S521).

  Next, under the control of the control unit 510, the game data 523 of the game played on the mobile terminal 500 is stored in the storage unit 520 (step S523). Next, the mobile terminal ID and the game end request are transmitted to the user management server 100. Next, the game of the mobile terminal 500 ends.

  The user management server 100 receives the mobile terminal ID and game data transmitted from the mobile terminal 500 under the control of the control unit 110 (step S121). Next, the mobile terminal 500 is deleted from the satellite order waiting list. (Step S122). Next, game data of a game played from the mobile terminal 500 is stored in the storage unit 120. Next, the state of the mobile terminal 500 is updated to “game finished”. That is, the storage unit 120 stores game data and information indicating the state of the mobile terminal 500 (“game in progress”, “game end”, etc.) in association with the mobile terminal ID of each mobile terminal 500.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the order of the satellites 400 is turned while the player is playing a game using the mobile terminal 500. First, when another player playing a game on the satellite 400 performs a game end operation from the operation input unit 487 of the satellite 400, operation input information corresponding to the game end operation is supplied to the control unit 410 via the bus 401. (Step S441).

  Next, the control unit 410 records the game data in the wireless tag built-in portable terminal 500 via the wireless tag reader / writer 488 (step S442). Next, data indicating that the game has ended is transmitted to the terminal 300 via the LAN 2 (step S444). Next, the satellite 300 is put into a state where play is prohibited (waiting for seating) (step S445).

  On the other hand, under the control of the control unit 310, the terminal 300 receives data indicating that the game has ended transmitted from the satellite 400 via the communication unit 370 (step S341). Thereafter, the state of the satellite 400 is updated to “waiting for seating”, and the satellite state table 324 stored in the storage unit 320 is updated (step S342). That is, the satellite state table 324 stores data indicating the state (“sitting waiting”, “game in progress”, etc.) for each satellite 400.

  Next, the waiting terminal list 323 stored in the storage unit 320 is read, the first portable terminal ID of the read waiting terminal list is acquired, and the waiting terminal list 323 is updated (step S343). That is, the acquired portable terminal ID is deleted from the waiting terminal list 323.

  Next, the portable terminal ID is transmitted to the satellite 400 via the LAN 2 (step S344). Next, the guide information of the empty satellite 400 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 500 having the mobile terminal ID via the user management server 100 (step S345). For example, the number of the satellite 400 that has become free is transmitted. The mobile terminal 500 receives the guidance information of the vacant satellite 400 transmitted via the user management server 100 (step S541).

  The satellite 400 receives the mobile terminal ID transmitted from the terminal 300 (step S446). Next, the wireless tag built-in portable terminal 500 waits for the wireless tag reader / writer 488 to approach (step S447), and the wireless tag reader / writer 488 reads the portable terminal ID recorded in the wireless tag built-in portable terminal 500. The read portable terminal ID is supplied to the control unit 410 (step 448).

  Next, under the control of the control unit 410, it is determined whether or not the read mobile terminal ID matches the mobile terminal ID waiting for seating. Is not in this order ”is generated and displayed on the display unit 440 (step S449).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the read mobile terminal ID matches the mobile terminal ID waiting for seating, the play prohibition state is canceled (step S450). In addition, data indicating that the play prohibition state has been released is transmitted to the terminal 300. The mobile terminal ID that has been seated is transmitted to the user management server 100 via the Internet 1. However, if the authentication procedure (game start procedure) is not performed in the satellite 400 within a predetermined time, the reservation may be canceled (deleted) or may be controlled later.

  When receiving the data for canceling the play prohibition state transmitted from the satellite 400 via the LAN 2, the control unit 310 of the terminal 300 updates the satellite state table stored in the storage unit 320 (step S346). . That is, data indicating “playing” corresponding to the satellite 400 is stored.

  The user management server 100 receives the seated mobile terminal ID transmitted from the satellite 400 under the control of the control unit 110 (step S141), and transmits an end instruction to the mobile terminal 500 of the mobile terminal ID. (Step S142). Thereafter, game data of a game performed using the mobile terminal 500 is stored in the storage unit 120 (step S143).

  Next, game data corresponding to the mobile terminal ID is transmitted to the satellite 400 (step S144).

  When the control unit 510 of the mobile terminal 500 receives the end instruction transmitted from the user management server 100, the video or the like showing a transition from the state of playing using the mobile terminal 500 to the state of sitting on the satellite 400 and playing. Is displayed on the display unit 585 of the mobile terminal 500, the game using the mobile terminal 500 is ended (step S542), and data indicating the end of the game is transmitted to the user management server 100.

  When the user management unit 111 of the control unit 110 of the user management server 100 receives data indicating the end of the game transmitted from the mobile terminal 500, the mobile terminal state indicating the state of the mobile terminal 500 stored in the storage unit 120 The table is updated (step S145). That is, the state “game end” of the portable terminal 500 is stored in association with the portable terminal ID of the portable terminal 500. In the mobile terminal state table, “in game”, “game finished”, and the like are stored in association with the mobile terminal ID in accordance with the state of each mobile terminal 500.

  In the satellite 400, under the control of the control unit 410, a transition effect by a video or the like showing a transition from a state of playing using the portable terminal 500 to a state of sitting on the satellite 400 and playing is displayed on the display unit 440 (step 440). S451). Next, the game is started based on the game data received from the user management server 100 (step S452). Thereby, the player can sit and play the continuation of the game played using the portable terminal 500 at the satellite 400.

  Next, a procedure for participating in the arcade game system (operation procedure viewed from the user side) will be described (the flow viewed from the system side is as described above).

1. A user (player) enters a game center.
2. Head to the corner of the multi-player mass arcade game. If the satellite 400 has a vacant seat, the game is played with the satellite 400 as usual. At this time, the terminal 300 operates in the vacant seat mode.
4). When there is no vacant seat, the waiting registration of the satellite 400 is performed (the terminal 300 operates in the “full seat mode”). Then head to the “terminal” in the corner of the multi-player mass arcade game.
5. A portable terminal with a built-in wireless tag is brought close to the wireless tag reader / writer of the terminal 300. The portable terminal ID is read by the wireless tag reader / writer.
6). A multi-participation-type medals game application for the mobile terminal 500 is installed in advance or downloaded on the spot, and the multi-participation-type medals game application is activated.
7). Authentication of a portable terminal (such as a mobile phone / portable game device) 500 owned by the user 500 is performed via the terminal 300 (a specific example of authentication will be described later).
8). When authentication is completed, “Do you want to reserve a seat?” Is displayed on the display unit 340, and if “yes” is answered, it is registered in the “waiting list”. The portable terminal 500 displays “number of others” and the number of people waiting in turn. If “No” is answered, no reservation is made and only the game on the portable terminal 500 is played.

9. A game is played on the mobile terminal 500 using a virtual medal. The mobile terminal 500 can communicate with the main game device 200 via wireless communication means (mobile phone line 3, wireless LAN 2, Bluetooth, etc.) and participate in the main game displayed on the main screen 600 (mobile terminal). 500 may be nurtured endlessly).
10. If the user wants to end the game before his turn comes around, the mobile terminal 500 is again authenticated at the terminal 300 and the order waiting release procedure is performed.
11. When the satellite 400 is empty and one's turn turns, an instruction display is displayed on the portable terminal 500 as to which satellite 400 should be seated.
12 The player goes to the designated satellite 400.
13. The satellite 400 is prohibited from play so that other people do not interrupt. Authentication is performed by the satellite 400 and the portable terminal 500.
14 The play prohibition state at the satellite 400 is released, and the player plays comfortably.
15. When the player wants to end the game, the player performs a predetermined game end operation.
16. The satellite 400 is in a play prohibited state.

Examples of transition effects include the following.
A transition effect indicating that the game character of the mobile terminal 500 moves to the satellite 400. If this "character" is not a fixed character prepared in advance, but a character possessed by the player, customized and nurtured, and a character with a different appearance for each player, the unique character is transferred. This can give a greater sense of unity and continuity.
The game character displayed on the transfer source device disappears from the screen, and the game character appears on the screen of the transfer destination device. Since the screen resolution and display capability differ depending on the device, the display quality of the character varies somewhat.

Moreover, the following transition effects can also be performed.
Transition effect indicating that the application software of the mobile terminal 500 moves to the satellite 400.
The application software of the portable terminal 500 ends or the image is erased, and the game of the satellite 400 starts or the image appears.

  Various authentication methods of the arcade game system will be described. In this arcade game system, it is necessary to perform authentication between the mobile terminal 500 and the terminal 300, and between the mobile terminal 500 and the satellite 400. There are various authentication methods. This arcade game system may be originally any authentication method and does not limit the authentication method, but illustrates several patterns.

Example 1: Method using a game card (IC card / magnetic card).
Communication between the terminal 300 / satellite 400 and the portable terminal 500 is not performed, and authentication is performed using a separately prepared game card (a storage medium for storing game information).
If ID information (or information for specifying the portable terminal 500) is stored in advance in the game card, the terminal can be easily specified.
It is necessary to mount a card reader / writer on the terminal 300 / satellite 400.

Authentication procedure:
1. Insert the IC card into the terminal.
2. The IC card is read and the terminal obtains the ID information of the mobile device. Thus, the inserted medal and the portable terminal are linked.

Example 2: A method using a QR code (shooting with a mobile terminal).
Many mobile phones are supported.
Since it has directivity and the information transmission distance is short, the terminal can be specified.
No additional device (communication means) is required for the terminal 300 / satellite 400.

Authentication procedure:
1. Terminal 300 displays a (unique) QR code.
2. Read the QR code with the mobile device 500 to access the Web.
3. The Web server acquires the ID information (terminal ID, personal ID, nickname, etc.) of the mobile terminal 500 that has accessed the URL corresponding to the QR code, and is associated with the inserted medal. (If you can access the web, you have already been authenticated, so you can leave the satellite 400).

Example 3: A method using a QR code (displayed on a mobile terminal).
It can be executed on almost all mobile terminals, not just mobile phones.
Since it has directivity and the information transmission distance is short, the terminal can be specified.
It is necessary to mount an additional device (photographing means) on the terminal 300 / satellite 400.

Authentication procedure:
1. The mobile terminal 500 displays the ID information of the mobile terminal 500 as a QR code.
2. Read the QR code with the camera provided in the terminal to obtain the ID information of the mobile terminal 500. Thus, the inserted medal and the portable terminal 500 are linked.

Example 4: Method using RFID (wireless tag, FeliCa) technology.
Adoption to mobile phones is progressing.
If the output of the reader / writer is suppressed, the information transmission distance is short, so that the portable terminal 500 can be specified.
It is necessary to mount an additional device (wireless tag reader / writer) on the terminal 300 / satellite 400.

Authentication procedure:
1. The terminal and the mobile terminal 500 are connected by communication using RFID technology.
2. Using the RFID technology, the mobile terminal 500 transmits the ID information of the mobile terminal 500 to the terminal 300.
3. Using RFID technology, the terminal 300 acquires the ID information of the portable terminal 500. Thus, the inserted medal and the portable terminal 500 are linked.

Example 5: Method using infrared communication (communication medium is different, but almost the same procedure as RFID).
Many mobile phones are compatible.
Since it has directivity and the information transmission distance is short, the terminal can be specified.
It is necessary to mount an infrared communication device on the terminal 300 / satellite 400.

Authentication procedure:
1. The terminal 300 and the portable terminal 500 are connected for communication by infrared communication.
2. The mobile terminal 500 transmits the ID information of the mobile terminal 500 to the terminal 300 by infrared communication.
3. The terminal 300 obtains the ID information of the portable terminal 500 by infrared communication. Thus, the inserted medal and the portable terminal 500 are linked.

Example 6: Method using a cable such as USB / serial (communication medium is different, but almost the same procedure as RFID).
Many mobile phones are supported.
Terminals can be identified because they need to be physically connected.
Connection work is complicated, and there is a problem with the durability of the cable / connector.

Authentication procedure:
1. Communication connection between the terminal 300 and the portable terminal 500 via a cable.
2. The portable terminal 500 transmits the ID information of the portable terminal 500 to the terminal 300 via the cable.
3. Via the cable, the terminal 300 acquires the ID information of the portable terminal 500. Thus, the inserted medal and the portable terminal 500 are linked.

Example 7: Method using Bluetooth.
1. Mobile phones started to support.
2. The mobile terminal 500 needs to be identified because it is non-directional and has a certain information transmission distance. (If there are a plurality of portable terminals nearby, it is necessary to designate one. By using the terminal 300 for the designation, the portable terminal 500 is specified.)
3. It is necessary to mount a Bluetooth device in the terminal 300 (or its vicinity).

Authentication procedure:
1. The terminal 300 searches for nearby Bluetooth terminals and acquires ID information from the searched Bluetooth terminals.
2. On the screen of the terminal 300, a list of ID information of Bluetooth terminals that have been able to obtain ID information is displayed.
3. The user selects his / her own mobile terminal 500 from the list. Thus, the inserted medal and the portable terminal 500 are linked.

Example 8: Method using a wireless LAN (although the communication medium is different, the procedure is almost the same as the Bluetooth procedure).
Mobile phones began to support.
Since it is omnidirectional and there is a certain amount of information transmission distance, it is necessary to specify the mobile terminal 500 (if there are a plurality of mobile terminals 500 nearby, it is necessary to specify one. Use the terminal 300 for the specification. (The mobile terminal 500 is identified by this.)
It is necessary to mount a wireless LAN device on the terminal 300 (or its surroundings).

Authentication procedure:
1. The terminal 300 searches for a nearby wireless LAN terminal, and acquires ID information from the searched wireless LAN terminal (mobile terminal 500).
2. On the screen of the terminal 300, a list of ID information of wireless LAN terminals (portable terminals 500) that can obtain ID information is displayed.
3. The user selects his / her own mobile terminal 500 from the list. Thus, the inserted medal and the portable terminal 500 are linked.

  The mobile terminal 500 may be a mobile game machine or a mobile phone equipped with a wireless LAN or Bluetooth in addition to the mobile phone.

  The present embodiment is applied to an arcade game (other than a medal game) in which payment is made with electronic money. Arcade games that pay with electronic money (other than medal games) have the following differences from medal games.

1. A medal and a mechanism for that purpose (medal insertion mechanism, discharge mechanism) are unnecessary.
2. A portable terminal (equipped with a wireless tag) compatible with electronic money, a terminal equipped with a wireless tag reader / writer, and a satellite are required.
3. Since a mobile terminal (equipped with a wireless tag) compatible with electronic money is included in the configuration, it is not necessary to prepare a separate game card (IC card).
4). By transmitting a game activation command from the wireless tag reader / writer to the portable terminal, the game software in the portable terminal can be automatically activated.
5. It is also possible to charge points and play games using points instead of electronic money (a system that supports only points without using electronic money is also possible).
6). Since no actual medals are required, there is no need to go to the terminal for replenishment when there are not enough medals or to pay out medals (only when making a reservation, you need to go to the terminal).
7). With electronic money, you can charge for a smaller amount (in units of 1 yen) than medals (depending on the store, but about 10 yen per sheet). For example, within a range of Edy's charge limit (currently 50,000 yen), you can charge a certain amount of money. Thereby, it is possible to give a wide range to game contents and billing methods (item billing, time billing, metered billing, etc.).
8). Since a medal game may increase the medal, the game on the mobile terminal 500 can be treated as a front seat of a game on the satellite 400 (part of a continuous game), and even the same fee does not give much dissatisfaction. However, since electronic money does not increase in electronic money games, there is a possibility of dissatisfaction with the same fee.

One solution is to “service the game on the mobile terminal”. For example, the following method can be used.
(1) Provide premiums (trading cards, confectionery, toys, etc.).
(2) The play fee for the current play or the next play will be discounted.
(3) Provide free additional play. (One form of (2))
(4) Provide "points" (game play with points) that is not cash / electronic money.
(5) Make subsequent games advantageous (providing in-game items, changing parameters, etc.).

  However, if these methods are employed as they are, there may be an increase in the number of customers who play only on the mobile terminal 500, and there is a possibility that the unit price of the customer will decrease or the satellite will become vacant. Therefore, it is more preferable to provide some service “after shifting to the satellite” according to the play time (or turn waiting time) of the game on the mobile terminal 500. For example, it presents medals, improves parameters of games and characters, and provides points / events / items. Accordingly, it is possible to motivate the customer (player) to continue the game and to guide the mobile terminal 500 not to end the game.

9. In the medal game, medals can be increased according to the game result, but due to the legal system of the country or region, the arcade game cannot increase cash or electronic money depending on the game result. Therefore, arcade games cannot increase cash or electronic money depending on the outcome of the game,
(1) Provide premiums (trading cards, confectionery, toys, etc.).
(2) The play fee for the current play or the next play will be discounted.
(3) Provide free additional play. (One form of (2))
(4) Provide "points" (game play with points) that is not cash / electronic money.
(5) Make subsequent games more advantageous. (Provide in-game items, change parameters, etc.)
(6) Do not provide anything.
Will be adopted.
10. The medal is not only a game value but also a play equipment. In the “video medal” (game is developed in the display screen) targeted by the “seamless medal game system”, the medal is not a play equipment, but the game machine called “pusher medal” uses the medal itself. Then, the game is developed (by dropping or firing medals). Therefore, real medals are required for play with “Pusher Medals” (virtual medals, electronic money, etc. cannot be played). In a general medal game corner, “video medal” and “pusher medal” are mixed, and means for providing an actual medal is required. There is no such need for arcade games.

  In the medal game, medals can be increased according to the result of the game. However, as described above, the arcade game cannot increase cash or electronic money depending on the result of the game due to the legal system of the country or region. Therefore, in an arcade game, a method of “providing“ game points ”that can be used only for game play (not for cash / electronic money) but used for temporary entertainment)” is considered according to the result of the game. Specifically, the game can be played in the following procedure.

(1) Consuming electronic money and starting game play.
(2) If the result of the game is “failure / defeat”, nothing is provided. If the game result is “success / win”, game points are provided.
(3) If there are game points, use the game points preferentially and start playing the next game.
If there are no game points / less than the amount required for one play, the next game is started by consuming electronic money.
(4) Repeat (2) and (3).
By adopting this method, even a “video medal” (game is developed in the display screen) that simulates a gambling factor can be easily made compatible with electronic money settlement. If gambling is permitted by the legal system of the country or region, it is possible to control to increase cash and electronic money.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user management server 100 is provided. However, if data distribution, sharing / cooperation with other stores (a medal deposited at another store can be used), etc. are not necessarily provided outside the store. The user management function that the user management server 100 has performed may be substituted for the main game device 200 or the terminal 300.

  In the above embodiment, the game image is displayed on the main screen 200. However, the game image is not necessarily limited to “image”, and information corresponding to the progress of the game is stored in a race by a roulette, a slot, or a model horse. Etc., and may be presented mechanically.

  If each device of the portable game machine (portable terminal 500) / main game device 200 / terminal 300 / satellite 400 is in the same LAN, or if each device has a global IP address instead of a private IP address, it is portable Communication between the game machine and the main game device 200 / terminal 300 / satellite 400 can be performed without going through the user management server 100.

  In addition, in the case of a mobile phone equipped with a wireless LAN or Bluetooth, communication can be performed via a wireless LAN / Bluetooth access point provided in the store without using a line of a mobile phone company. As a result, the communication speed can be improved and the charge to the mobile phone company can be saved.

  The game card stores ID information (or information for specifying the mobile terminal), but the mobile terminal ID itself (telephone number, MAC address, etc.) may be stored, or the identification information of the game card itself may be stored. It may be stored and the identification information of the game card itself and the portable terminal ID may be associated with each other and stored in the user management server 100 or the game device.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although a medal was used, not only a medal but a pachinko ball, money, a banknote, etc. may be sufficient. The virtual medal can be the number of medals, the number of pachinko balls, points, electronic money, etc. as electronic value information.

  Further, the configuration and operation of the above-described embodiment are examples, and it goes without saying that they can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is an external view of an embodiment of the present invention. It is an external view of a satellite. It is a left view of a satellite. It is a top view of a satellite. It is an enlarged view of a satellite. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of each apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of each apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence until it starts a game with a portable terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in a game with a portable terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of terminating a game during a game with a portable terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when order turns around during a game with a portable terminal.

Explanation of symbols

100 User management server 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 Control unit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 Storage unit 130, 250, 370, 470, 530 Communication unit 200 Main game device 230, 330, 430, 560 Image generation Unit 240, 350, 450 audio reproduction unit 340, 440, 585 display unit 360, 460, 582 audio output unit (speaker))
300 Terminal 382, 482 Coin sensor 386, 486 IC card reader / writer 387, 487 Operation input unit 400 Satellite 500 Portable terminal 540 Audio processing unit 550 Camera control unit 600 Display device (main screen)
610 Audio output unit (speaker))

Claims (10)

A game system having a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, a reception terminal, and a mobile terminal,
The common game device includes:
First game control means for controlling the progress of a common game between the individual game terminal and the portable terminal;
Storage means for storing the game data,
The common game presentation device includes:
Presenting information corresponding to the progress of the game,
The reception terminal is
When the individual game terminal is full, it comprises a turn waiting reception means for receiving a turn waiting reservation based on the identification information of the mobile terminal,
The individual game terminal is
Reading means for reading identification information of the portable terminal;
A state setting means for releasing the play prohibition state when the reading means reads the identification information of the portable terminal that is in a play prohibition state when the seat is empty and has been notified by the notification means;
First receiving means for receiving game data from the common game device,
The portable terminal is
Identification information holding means for holding identification information;
Second receiving means for receiving the game data from the common game device;
Second game control means for progressing the game based on the game data;
A game end means for ending the game when receiving a notification by the notification means, and
Electronic value accepting means for accepting electronic value from the mobile terminal;
An informing means for informing the portable terminal when a vacant seat is generated in the individual game terminal. A game system having a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, and a reception terminal,
The common game device includes:
First game control means for controlling the progress of a common game between the individual game terminal and the portable terminal;
Storage means for storing the game data,
The common game presentation device includes:
Presenting information corresponding to the progress of the game,
The reception terminal is
When the individual game terminal is full, it comprises a turn waiting reception means for receiving a turn waiting reservation based on the identification information of the mobile terminal,
The individual game terminal is
Reading means for reading identification information of the portable terminal;
A state setting means for releasing the play prohibition state when the reading means reads the identification information of the mobile terminal that is in a play prohibition state when the seat is vacant and has been notified by the notification means;
First receiving means for receiving game data from the common game device,
Electronic value accepting means for accepting electronic value from the mobile terminal;
An informing means for informing the portable terminal when a vacant seat is generated in the individual game terminal. The shared game apparatus further includes image generation means for generating an image corresponding to the progress of the game, and the common game presentation apparatus displays the image generated by the image generation means. 3. The game system according to 1 or 2. First transfer means for transferring the electronic value from the individual game terminal to the mobile terminal;
The game system according to claim 1, further comprising: a second transfer unit that transfers the electronic value from the portable terminal to the individual game terminal. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the individual game terminal further includes effect image generation means for generating an image for effecting transition to and from the portable terminal. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the portable terminal further includes effect image generation means for generating an image for effecting transition to and from the individual game terminal. A common game device in a game system having a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, and a reception terminal,
Game control means for controlling the progress of a common game between the individual game terminal and the mobile terminal;
Storage means for storing the game data;
An image generation means for generating an image corresponding to the progress of the game. A reception terminal in a game system having a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, and a reception terminal,
A receiving terminal comprising: a turn waiting receiving means for receiving a turn waiting reservation based on identification information of a portable terminal when the individual game terminal is full. An individual game terminal in a game system having a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, and a reception terminal,
Reading means for reading identification information of the mobile terminal;
A state setting means for releasing the play prohibition state when the reading means reads the identification information of the portable terminal that is in a play prohibition state when the seat is empty and has been notified by the notification means;
An individual game terminal comprising: receiving means for receiving game data from the common game device. A game control method in a game system having a common game presentation device, a common game device, an individual game terminal, a reception terminal, and a mobile terminal,
The common game device includes:
A first game control step of controlling the progress of a common game between the individual game terminal and the mobile terminal;
A storage step for storing the game data;
The common game presentation device includes:
Presenting information corresponding to the progress of the game,
The reception terminal is
When the individual game terminal is full, a waiting order receiving step for receiving a waiting reservation based on the identification information of the mobile terminal comprises:
The individual game terminal is
A reading step of reading identification information of the mobile terminal;
A state setting step for canceling the play prohibition state when the identification information of the portable terminal that has been notified is read in the reading step when the seat is vacant,
A first receiving step of receiving game data from the common game device;
With
The portable terminal is
An identification information holding step for holding identification information;
A second receiving step of receiving the game data from the common game device;
A second game control step for advancing the game based on the game data;
A game ending step of ending the game when the notification is received, and
An electronic value acceptance step for accepting electronic value from the portable terminal;
A game control method comprising: a notifying step of notifying the portable terminal when a vacant seat occurs in the individual game terminal.

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