JP2009000568A - Game machine and information storing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which realizes collection of character information via a portable information storing device and the comfortable play of network games, and its information storing medium. <P>SOLUTION: By inserting a portable information storing device (a memory card or personal data assistant) 54 into a slot of a game machine after paying the price for it, randomly selected character information is written, or character information stored in the portable information storing device is printed in a print matter 58. Then the character information that has not yet been stored in the portable information storing device is made to be written in there. Based on the combination of a plurality of stored characters and player's personal information (on the number of played games), character information is selected. By utilizing the time when a player has to wait during the writing process and the printing process, this machine allows the player to play a secondary game. Depending on the game result, the character information to be written or printed is changed. After the business-use game device is connected to a network, the information is communicated with a home-use game device by using the portable information storing device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device and an information storage medium.

  In recent years, cards printed with monster pictures and ability data (hereinafter referred to as monster cards) are on the market. According to this monster card, it is possible to enjoy a monster-to-monster battle game with friends without choosing a place, so it is gaining popularity mainly among young people.

  Now, this monster card is usually sold as a set of a plurality of cards. Children will purchase these sets of monster cards from time to time to collect monster cards that they have not yet owned. However, the manufacturer has no way of knowing which child has which monster card. Therefore, a set of these monster cards includes any kind of monster cards. For this reason, the player cannot know what kind of monster card is contained unless the package of the set is opened. Therefore, it is difficult to collect all the monster cards, and there is a problem that it takes a lot of time and money.

  In addition, in the arcade game apparatus installed in the game facility, how to bring the player to the game facility is a big issue. However, in recent years, the performance of home game devices has been remarkably improved, and in particular in terms of image generation, the performance of home game devices and arcade game devices are almost equal. For this reason, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract players to the game facility, motivated by the high performance of the arcade game device. Therefore, it is desired that the arcade game device has various selling points other than high performance for attracting players to the game facility.

  In recent years, an attempt has been made to spread a game using a network such as the Internet by connecting home game devices via a network. However, in order to connect the home game device to the network, initial investment is required and the communication cost is high, so there is a wall in connecting the home game device to the network. Therefore, the current situation is that games using the network are not as popular as expected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game device and an information storage medium capable of collecting character information using a portable information storage device. It is in.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device and an information storage medium capable of attracting many players to a game facility where an arcade game device is installed.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device and an information storage medium capable of realizing a comfortable game play of a game using a network.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a game device for selling character information, a means for accepting payment of the price, and the character information in the portable information storage device when the price is paid. Writing processing means for performing processing for writing, wherein the writing processing means selects at least one character information randomly selected from a plurality of character information or randomly under a given condition, as portable information A process for writing data in a storage device is performed.

  According to the present invention, when the player pays for the price, the character information selected randomly or under a given condition is written to the portable information storage device. Accordingly, the player can obtain a way of enjoying a game that cannot be obtained by a conventional game device by purchasing and collecting character information. In particular, in the present invention, character information selected randomly (or randomly under a given condition) is written in the portable information storage device. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation that character information that has not been collected yet will be written. For this reason, it is possible to obtain the fun of the game that cannot be obtained by a device that simply sells data by the player's selection.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that character information to be written to the portable information storage device is selected based on information already stored in the portable information storage device. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to write the character information according to the information already stored in the portable information storage device to the portable information storage device. As a result, an interesting game that cannot be obtained with a so-called monster card or the like can be obtained.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the character information is selected so that character information that has not yet been stored in the portable information storage device is written. By doing in this way, the situation where only the character information which the player already possesses and does not want can be solved. Note that character information already possessed may be written to the portable information storage device with a given probability.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the character information is selected based on a combination of a plurality of character information already stored in the portable information storage device. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to raise the variety degree and the unexpectedness of the character information written in a portable information storage device.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the character information is selected based on the personal information of the player. In this way, character information corresponding to the personal information of the player can be written in the portable information storage device, and the portable information storage device can have individuality.

  In the present invention, the personal information is player play count information. In this way, it is possible to give preferential treatment to a player who plays a large number of times, and the player can be encouraged to continue playing.

  The present invention is also a game device for printing character information, a means for receiving payment of a price, and for reading character information written in a portable information storage device when the price is paid. The image processing apparatus includes a read processing unit that performs processing and a print processing unit that performs processing for printing the read character information on a printed matter.

  According to the present invention, when the player pays the price, the character information written in the portable information storage device is written on the printed matter. In this way, the player can enjoy a game using a printed matter in which character information is written. In addition, by printing character information that is electronic information and making it visible to the player, it is possible to satisfy the player's desire to own.

  Further, the present invention provides means for performing a game calculation for causing a player to play a given game using the character information writing processing time in the portable information storage device or the character information printing processing time on the printed matter. It is characterized by including. By doing so, the player's sensational waiting time can be reduced, and the player's comfortable game play can be realized.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the character information written in the portable information storage device or the character information printed on the printed matter is changed according to the game outcome of the player. In this way, it is possible to give the character information written in the portable information storage device or printed on the printed matter unique, and the degree of immersion in the game play of the player can be increased.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the game device is connected to a network, and the portable information storage device is an information storage device capable of exchanging information with a home game device. In this way, information can be exchanged between the network and the home game device using the portable information storage device. Therefore, the player can substantially enjoy the game using the network without connecting the home game device to the network.

  The present invention also relates to a business game device installed in a game facility, which is a portable device capable of exchanging information between a communication means for communicating information via a network and a home game device. Write processing means for performing processing for writing information sent over the network to the portable information storage device, and processing time for writing the information received via the network to the portable information storage device And means for performing a game calculation for causing the player to play a given game.

  According to the present invention, a player can read information from a network into a home game device via an arcade game device and a portable information storage device, and enjoy a game using information from the network. Will be able to. Moreover, according to the present invention, the player can play a given game during the process of writing information to the portable information storage device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the player's sensational waiting time and to realize a player's comfortable game play.

  The present invention also relates to a business game device installed in a game facility, which is a portable device capable of exchanging information between a communication means for communicating information via a network and a home game device. A portable information storage device based on information already stored in the portable information storage device and a writing processing means for performing processing for writing information sent over the network to the portable information storage device And sorting means for sorting information to be written into the apparatus.

  According to the present invention, a player can enjoy a game using information from a network without connecting a consumer game device to the network. Moreover, in the present invention, information to be written in the portable information storage device is selected based on information already stored in the portable information storage device. Accordingly, information that is not yet stored in the portable information storage device is written, or information to be written is selected based on a combination of a plurality of information already stored in the portable information storage device or personal information of the player. It becomes possible to do.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Overall Configuration of Game System FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a game system including the game device of the present embodiment. The arcade game devices 10-1 to 10-N installed in the game facility are connected to the host device 14 via the network 12. In this case, the connection may take any form such as a direct connection using an I / O port, a connection through a small network such as a LAN (local area network), or a connection through a wide area network such as the Internet. Can do. In addition, the network structure can take various structures such as a bus type, a ring type, a tree type, and a star type. For example, when connecting according to IEEE 1394 or USB standards, a tree-type network structure is desirable. Note that a server may be provided between the arcade game device and the host device to distribute the processing. Further, one of the connected arcade game devices may function as a host device. Further, the connection to the network may be performed using a telephone line when necessary, or may be always connected.

  A portable information storage device (for example, a memory card, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)) 54 can exchange (exchange) information with the arcade game device 10, and Exchange of information is also possible. Therefore, information obtained by game play or the like on the home game device 18 can be transmitted to the arcade game device 10 via the portable information storage device 54. In addition, information obtained by game play or the like on the arcade game device 10 can be transmitted to the home game device 18 via the portable information storage device 54.

  Information exchange between the portable information storage device 54 and the arcade game device 10 is realized by mounting the portable information storage device 54 in a slot or the like provided in the arcade game device 10. Alternatively, it may be realized by using radio waves such as radio waves and infrared rays. The exchange of information between the portable information storage device 54 and the home game device 18 is the same.

  As described above, it is necessary to make an initial investment in order to connect a home game device to the network, and communication costs are high, so there is a wall in connecting the home game device to the network. On the other hand, in the arcade game apparatus, there is an operating profit due to payment of the player's coin (price). Therefore, if the sales increase due to the connection to the network, it is easier to introduce the network than the home game device.

  In the present embodiment, paying attention to this point, as shown in FIG. 1, not the home game device 18 but the arcade game device 10 is connected to the network. Then, using the portable information storage device 54 that can exchange information not only with the arcade game device 10 but also with the home game device 18, between the network and the home game device 18. Realizes the exchange of information. By doing so, the player can substantially enjoy the game using the network even if the home-use game apparatus 18 is not connected to the network (may be connected). That is, the player can capture information from the host device 14 into the home game device 18 via the arcade game device 10 and the portable information storage device 54. In addition, information on the home game device 18 can be sent to the host device 14 via the portable information storage device 54 and the arcade game device 10.

2. Configuration of arcade game device FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of an arcade game device. The game device includes a processing unit 20, an operation unit 30, a storage unit 32, an information storage medium 40, an image generation unit 42, a display unit 44, a sound generation unit 46, a sound output unit 48, a communication unit 50, and a portable information storage device. 54 includes an I / F (interface) unit 52 and a printing unit 56 for printing a printed matter 58.

  Here, the processing unit 20 performs various processes such as control of the entire game apparatus, instruction instruction to each block in the game apparatus, game calculation, and the like, and its functions are CPU (CISC type, RISC type). ), DSP, ASIC (gate array, etc.), etc., and a given program (game program). The processing unit 20 includes a price receiving unit 22, a writing processing unit 23, a selection unit 24, a reading processing unit 25, a print processing unit 26, and a game calculation unit 27.

  The price receiving unit 22 performs a process for receiving the price of coins paid by the player. The price payment in the present invention includes not only payment of money such as coins but also payment by electronic money, prepaid card, post-pay card, credit card or the like. When game devices are connected via a network, it is desirable to pay for such charges using electronic money or the like.

  The writing processing unit 23 performs processing for writing the character information in the portable information storage device 54 when the price is paid. In this case, character information selected randomly (or randomly under a given condition) from the plurality of character information is written in the portable information storage device 54. Here, the character information includes various information related to various characters (monsters, robots, creatures, fighters, athletes, cars, tanks, airplanes, space ships, etc.) appearing in the game (name, information about images, Information on sound, level, physical strength, attack power, defense power, magic power, ability, special ability, parts used, weapon, technique, special skill, skill, speed, maximum speed, acceleration power, etc.). Further, instead of directly writing the character information in the portable information storage device 54, it may be written via radio waves or infrared rays as described above.

  The selection unit 24 performs processing for selecting character information to be written in the portable information storage device 54 based on information (character information, personal information, etc.) already stored in the portable information storage device 54.

  The reading processing unit 25 performs processing for reading the character information written in the portable information storage device 54 when the price is paid. Note that the character information may not be read directly from the portable information storage device 54, but may be read via radio waves or infrared rays as described above.

  The print processing unit 26 performs processing necessary for printing the character information read from the portable information storage device 54 on the printed matter 58.

  The game calculation unit 27 performs a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a process for determining the position and direction of a moving object such as a character, a process for determining a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction, a process for reproducing the motion of the moving object, an object space Various game calculation processes such as an object placement process, a hit check process, and a game result (score) calculation are performed based on operation data from the operation unit 30, a game program, and the like.

  The operation unit 30 is used by the player to input operation data and insert coins (in the broad sense, a price). The functions of the operation unit 30 include, for example, a lever, a button, a coin slot, a hopper, a coin counter, and the like. It can be realized by hardware.

  The storage unit 32 serves as a work area such as the processing unit 20, the image generation unit 42, the sound generation unit 46, the communication unit 50, the I / F unit 52, the printing unit 56, and the function thereof is based on hardware such as a RAM. realizable. The character information storage unit 34 included in the storage unit 32 stores character information downloaded from the host device 14 in FIG. 1 and character information read from the portable information storage unit 54.

  An information storage medium (storage medium from which information can be read by a computer) 40 stores information such as programs and data, and functions thereof are an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), and a magnetic field. This can be realized by hardware such as a disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, and a semiconductor memory (ROM). The processing unit 20 performs various processes based on programs and data stored in the information storage medium 40.

  Part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 40 is transferred to the storage unit 32 when the apparatus is powered on. The information stored in the information storage medium 40 includes program code, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, list data, player information for realizing the processing of the present invention, and processing of the present invention. Including at least one of information for instructing and information for performing processing in accordance with the instruction.

  The image generation unit 42 generates various images in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 20 and outputs them to the display unit 44. The functions of the image generation unit 42 include hardware such as an image generation ASIC, CPU, and DSP, This can be realized by a given program (image generation program) and image information.

  The sound generation unit 46 generates various sounds according to instructions from the processing unit 20 and outputs them to the sound output unit 48. The function of the sound generation unit 46 includes hardware such as a sound generation ASIC, CPU, and DSP. It can be realized by a given program (sound generation program) and sound information (waveform data, etc.).

  The communication unit 50 performs various types of control for exchanging information with the host device, and functions thereof are hardware such as a communication ASIC and CPU, and a given program (communication program). realizable.

  Information for realizing the processing of the present invention may be distributed from the information storage medium of the host device to the information storage medium of the game device via the network and the communication unit 50. Such use of the information storage medium of the host device and use of the information storage medium of the game device are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The I / F unit 52 serves as an interface for exchanging information with the portable information storage device 54 in accordance with an instruction from the processing unit 20 or the like. This can be realized by a slot into which the storage device 54 is inserted or a controller IC for data writing / reading controlled by a command from the CPU. Note that when the exchange of information with the portable information storage medium 54 is realized using radio waves such as infrared rays, the function of the I / F unit 52 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor. .

  The printing unit 56 prints various information such as characters and images on the printed matter 58 in accordance with an instruction from the processing unit 20, and the function is realized by hardware such as a printing controller IC and a print header. it can.

  FIG. 3A shows an example of an external view of the game apparatus of FIG. The player inserts coins into the coin insertion slot 60 and starts game play. Then, the player operates the lever 64 and the button 66 while watching the image displayed on the display unit 62 to perform various operations relating to the game. When the player inserts a memory card (portable information storage device in a broad sense) 68 into the slot 70, character information selected randomly (or randomly under a given condition) is stored in the memory card 68. Written. It is also possible to read character information already stored in the memory card 68 and print the read character information on a card (printed matter in a broad sense) 72.

  As the portable information storage device, for example, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant or portable game device) 74 as shown in FIG. 3B can be used in addition to the memory card. The PDA 74 has a display unit 76 and an operation unit 78 (buttons, cross keys), and can enjoy game play by itself. Further, it can be inserted into a slot of an arcade game device or a home game device. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C, information can be exchanged with other PDAs, arcade game devices, and home game devices via wireless such as infrared rays and radio waves.

3. Configuration of Home Game Device and Host Device FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a home game device.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the home game device includes a processing unit 220, an operation unit 230, a storage unit 232, an information storage medium 240, an image generation unit 242, a display unit 244, a sound generation unit 246, a sound output unit 248, An I / F unit 252 is included. The game calculation unit 227 included in the processing unit 220 performs a game calculation based on operation data from the operation unit 230, a game program, data, and the like from the information storage medium 240. Based on the result of the game calculation, a game image and a game sound are generated and output from the display unit 244 and the sound output unit 248. The player plays the game while watching the game image or listening to the game sound. The character information and the like obtained by the game play is written in the portable information storage device 54 and can be read out by the business game device of FIG. Conversely, character information and the like obtained by game play on the arcade game device is written in the portable information storage device 54 and can be read out by the home game device of FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the host device.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the host device includes a processing unit 320, an operation unit 330, a storage unit 332, an information storage medium 340, an image generation unit 342, a display unit 344, and a communication unit 350. The function of the operation unit 330 is realized by hardware such as a keyboard. The operator operates the operation unit 330 to perform network management and the like. Various information such as character information and management information is exchanged with the arcade game apparatus of FIG. 2 via the communication unit 350 and the network.

  4 and 5 have substantially the same functions as the components of the same name in FIG. 2 and can be realized by substantially the same hardware, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

4). Characteristic of this embodiment A first characteristic of this embodiment is that character information selected randomly (or randomly under a given condition) from a plurality of character information when a player pays a coin (cost). Is written in a memory card (portable information storage device). In this way, it is possible to give the player a way of enjoying a game that cannot be obtained by a conventional game device in which character information is purchased and collected.

  For example, as a comparative example of the present embodiment, what is called a game program sales apparatus can be considered. However, in this game program sales apparatus, the player himself selects and purchases a game program desired by the player. Therefore, its character is no different from what is called a vending machine.

  On the other hand, in the game device of the present embodiment, character information selected at random is written to the memory card. Therefore, the player cannot know what character information is written until the writing is completed. For this reason, the player is looking forward to what character information is written while expecting that character information that has not yet been collected is written. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an interesting game that cannot be realized by a simple game program sales apparatus.

  The character information need not be completely random, and may be randomly selected under given conditions. For example, it may be selected randomly under the condition that specific character information is selected with a given probability. The character information to be written may be downloaded from the host device via the network of FIG. 1 or may be stored in advance in the storage unit of the game device.

  In this embodiment, character information is written to a memory card that can be read by a computer. Therefore, by inserting this memory card into, for example, a consumer game device, it becomes possible to enjoy a game using this character information. That is, using the purchased character information, it is possible to play a battle game between characters or play a character breeding game on a consumer game device. It is also possible to enjoy exchanging character information between friends. Such exchange of character information is realized by inserting two memory cards into the home game device or using an infrared communication function as shown in FIG.

  Also, with conventional monster cards, the manufacturer has no means of knowing what monster cards each player has. Therefore, it is impossible to have a correlation between the monster card possessed by the player and the monster card included in the set. For this reason, every time a set is purchased, only the number of monster cards that the player does not want to have increases, and it takes a lot of time and money to collect all the monster cards.

  In contrast, in this embodiment, character information is written to a memory card that can be read by a computer. Therefore, it is possible to read information already stored in the memory card and to select character information to be written to the memory card based on the read information.

  For example, if character information is selected so that character information that is not yet stored in the memory card is written, it is possible to eliminate a situation in which only character information that the user does not want to have increases. That is, in FIG. 6A, information on characters A, B, and C is stored in the memory card. Therefore, in this case, information of characters D, E, F... That has not been written yet is written. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the information of the characters A, B, and C from being written on the memory card redundantly.

  In the case of FIG. 6A, not only the information of the characters D, E, F... Is always written, but the information of the characters A, B, C is also given a certain probability ( The information may be written with a probability lower than the probability that the information of the characters D, E, and F is written. In this way, if the luck is good, the player can obtain character information that has not yet been collected, and if the luck is bad, the player cannot obtain the character information. Thereby, a lottery element can be added to the game, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

  Further, the character information may be selected based on a combination of a plurality of character information already stored in the memory card. That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the information on the characters A and B is stored in the memory card, the information on the character (A + B) obtained by the combination of the characters A and B is written. . Taking a monster as an example, information on a monster (A + B) composed of monsters A and B is written. By doing so, it becomes possible to increase the variety and unexpectedness of the character information written to the memory card, and to further increase the fun of the game.

  It is also possible to select character information based on the player's personal information. Here, as personal information, for example, various information such as player ID (identification number), name, date of birth, blood type, password, ranking of game results so far, number of times played, etc. can be considered. For example, when the personal information is player count information (information indicating how many times the player has played the game device), it is possible to provide a service corresponding to the number of plays to the player. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, information on special characters that are difficult to obtain is written in a memory card of a player who plays many times. Alternatively, the selection probability of character information that has not yet been collected may be increased. In this way, preferential treatment of a player with a large number of plays can encourage the player to continue playing, and the operating rate of the game device can be increased.

  In the game device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the character information written in the memory card 68 is printed on a card (printed material in a broad sense) 72 for a fee and discharged. That is, when the player pays a coin, the character information written in the memory card 68 is read, and the read character information is printed on the card 72.

  FIG. 7 shows a print example of the card 72. Character information such as a character name, image, special ability, HP (hit point), and MP (magic point) is printed on the card 72.

  In this way, if the card 72 on which the character information is printed is issued for a fee, the player can enjoy the contents of the collected character information with his / her eyes or enjoy a card battle game using the card 72 with friends. It becomes possible to do.

  That is, the character information written on the memory card according to the present embodiment is electronic information. Therefore, the player can enjoy a game using the character information for the first time by reading the character information into the consumer game device. However, such a game can be enjoyed only in a house where a home game device is placed.

  On the other hand, if character information is printed on a card for a fee as in the present embodiment, a player can play a game using the character information (for example, on a table) (for example, on a table) (for example, on a table). Card battle game) can be easily enjoyed.

  Furthermore, by printing character information owned by the player on a card so that the player can see it, it is possible to satisfy the player's desire for ownership and collection.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, if an arcade game device for printing a card is connected to a network, for example, a card (a place / time limited card) that can be obtained only at a specific place or at a specific time is issued. And the player's desire for collection and ownership can be further stimulated.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the character information writing processing time to the memory card (including the download time when downloading from the host device) is used to give the player a secondary information. The next game (for example, a battle game between characters) is played. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8B, the player is caused to play a secondary game using the print processing time of the character information on the card.

  That is, the character information writing processing time and printing processing time are usually very long, and the player simply has to wait until the writing or printing ends. In particular, when downloading character information from the host device, when the memory built in the memory card requires a long time to write, such as flash memory, when there is a large amount of character information to be written, or when printing character information When there is a large amount of player, the waiting time of the player is further increased. Such prolonged waiting time causes problems such as a decrease in the player's willingness to play.

  According to the present embodiment, the player can enjoy a secondary game by using a waiting time such as the writing processing time and the printing processing time. Therefore, even if it takes a long time to download, write, print, etc., the player enjoys playing the game during that time, so the perceived waiting time is almost equal to zero.

  Note that the writing process, the printing process, and the game calculation process may be performed by one CPU by multitasking, the game calculation process is performed by the CPU, and the writing process and the printing process are performed by another device. Also good.

  In addition, when using a waiting time for writing or printing to cause a player to play a secondary game, the character information written on the memory card or the character information printed on the card is changed according to the result of the game. It may be changed. For example, when the game result of the player is very good, special character information with a low appearance probability is written to the memory card. Alternatively, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the probability that character information not possessed by the player or the combination character information is written is increased. In this way, the player's enthusiasm for game play can be further increased.

  In FIG. 7, unlike the latter half 80 of the card 72, the first half 82 is printed with character information (HP, MP) that changes according to the game result. In this way, the game result of the player can be reflected in the strength of the card, the variety of cards can be increased, and the individuality of each card can be increased. As a result, it is possible to encourage the player to continue playing.

5). Processing of this embodiment Next, detailed processing examples of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9, 10, 11 </ b> A, 11 </ b> B, 12 </ b> A, and 12 </ b> B.

  9 and 10 are flowcharts relating to the writing process of character information to the memory card.

  In the coin insertion process of FIG. 9, it is first determined whether or not a coin has been inserted (step S1), and if it has been inserted, a screen prompting the player to insert a memory card is displayed (step S2). Then, it is determined whether or not a memory card has been inserted (step S3). If it has been inserted, play count information and possessed character information are read from the memory card (step S4).

  Next, based on the possessed character information read from the memory card, it is determined whether or not all the characters are possessed (step S5). If so, the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if not possessed, a process of randomly selecting a character (possibly possessed character X) from among the possessed characters of the player, and a random character (non-possessed character Y) from among the non-possessed characters of the player (Yes) is selected (step S6).

  Next, based on the number-of-plays information read from the memory card, it is determined whether or not the number of times the player has played is M or more (step S7). If it is less than M times, a character (character Z) is randomly selected so that the selection probability of the possessed character X is 0.5 and the selection probability of the non-possessed character Y is 0.5 ( Step S8). On the other hand, in the case of M times or more, a character (character Z) is randomly selected so that the selection probability of the possessed character X is 0.3 and the selection probability of the non-possessed character Y is 0.7 ( Step S9). That is, when the number of times the player plays is large (M or more times), the probability that the non-owned character Y is selected increases, and the player who has played many times becomes preferential.

  Next, the character information download & write process is started (step S10). Then, a secondary game, that is, a game to be played by the player during the waiting time for downloading and writing the character information is started (step S11).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the download & write process. This download & write process is executed in parallel with the game process started in step S11 of FIG. 9 (see FIG. 8A).

  First, character information is downloaded from the host device (step T1). Then, the downloaded information is temporarily stored in the character information storage unit 34 of FIG. 2 (step T2). Next, the number-of-plays information read out in step S4 in FIG. 9 is updated (1 is added to the number of plays) (step T3). Then, the updated play count information is written in the memory card (step T4). Next, the character information that has been downloaded and stored in the character information storage unit 34 (here, for example, information on the character Z in steps S8 and S9 in FIG. 9) is written into the memory card (step T5).

  As described above, the writing of the character information to the memory card is completed.

  FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B are flowcharts relating to the printing process of character information on a card.

  In the coin insertion process of FIG. 11A, first, it is determined whether or not a coin has been inserted (step U1), and if it has been inserted, a screen prompting the player to insert a memory card is displayed (step S1). U2). Then, it is determined whether or not a memory card has been inserted (step U3). If it has been inserted, possessed character information is read from the memory card (step U4).

  Next, the player is caused to select character information desired to be printed from possessed character information using a selection screen or the like (step U5). Then, based on the selected character information, printing of the first half 80 of the card 72 in FIG. 7 is started (step U6). Then, a secondary game, that is, a game to be played by the player during the waiting time for printing the character information is started (step U7).

  When the above secondary game ends, the game end process of FIG. 11B is performed. That is, first, HP and MP are calculated from the game result (step V1). Next, printing of the second half 82 of the card 72 in FIG. 7 is started (step V2). Then, the process waits until the card is ejected (step V3).

  12A, the character information read from the memory card in step U4 in FIG. 11A and selected by the player in step U5 is displayed on the card 72 as shown in FIG. Processing for printing on the first half 80 is performed (step W1). That is, the character name, image, special ability, etc. are printed here.

  On the other hand, in the card second half printing process of FIG. 12B, the HP and MP calculated in step V1 of FIG. 11B are printed on the second half 82 of the card 72 (step W2), and printing is performed. The discharged card is discharged (step W3).

  As described above, the card on which the character information is printed is issued to the player for a fee.

  The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, the configuration of the game device of the present invention is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2, and various modifications can be made. Further, the character information writing processing and printing processing may be distributed and processed together with the host device, the server, and the like.

  In FIG. 3A, both the writing of the character information to the portable information storage device (memory card) and the printing of the character information to the printed matter (card) are possible. In the device, only one of them may be possible.

  Further, the method for writing character information into the portable information storage device and the method for printing on printed matter are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 6 (A), (B), (C), and FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the present invention, a secondary game is played to the player using the processing time for writing to the portable information storage device and the processing time for printing on printed matter. Although it is particularly desirable to perform this, it may not be performed.

  In addition, the game device shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 (A) is an invention in which information is communicated via a network and the player is allowed to play a game by using information writing processing time to the portable information storage device. However, the present invention can be applied to various game devices. For example, when it is applied to a game device that can play an item collection game, it is as follows.

  That is, in the home game device, the player plays a game whose purpose is to collect items. There are many items that can be collected, but there are items that are extremely difficult to find and items that cannot be found by game play of home game devices.

  The arcade game device connected to the network uses the items collected by the home game device to play against other players or computers that play on other game devices connected to the network. In this case, the person who possesses strong or good items can advance the battle more advantageously.

  And while playing a game, the information downloaded via a network is written in a portable information storage device. For example, event information expressed in the form of character information, new key information for advancing a game played on a home game device, and the like are downloaded and written in a portable information storage device. Since the player is playing the game during the writing process (including the download process), the waiting time for the experience is almost zero.

  When a battle is won, the player can obtain items that are not available on the home game device. The item may be an item downloaded via a network, or may be an item prepared in advance in a storage unit of the apparatus.

  When the player inserts the written portable information storage device into the consumer game device and starts the item collection game, the event information is viewed based on the character information written during the game play in the arcade game device. be able to. In addition, when new key information is written by the arcade game machine, an event that has not occurred so far occurs and a new development of the game occurs. In addition, items acquired by the arcade game device can be used in game play of the home game device.

  The invention for performing information communication via a network and selecting information to be written in the portable information storage device based on the information already stored in the portable information storage device is also shown in FIGS. The present invention is not limited to the game device shown in A), and can be applied to various game devices.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the game system containing the game device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the game device of this embodiment. FIG. 3A is an example of an external view of the game apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIGS. 3B and 3C are diagrams for explaining PDA and infrared communication. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a household game device. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a host apparatus. 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams for explaining a method of writing character information to a memory card. It is a figure for demonstrating the printing method of the character information to a card | curd. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining a technique for causing a player to play a secondary game using the writing processing time and the printing processing time. It is an example of the flowchart which shows the detailed process example of this embodiment. It is an example of the flowchart which shows the detailed process example of this embodiment. FIGS. 11A and 11B are also an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the present embodiment. 12A and 12B are also an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 (10-1 to 10-N) arcade game device 12 network 14 host device 18 home game device 20 processing unit 22 price receiving unit 23 writing processing unit 24 sorting unit 25 reading processing unit 26 print processing unit 27 game operation unit 30 Operation unit 32 Storage unit 34 Character information storage unit 40 Information storage medium 42 Image generation unit 44 Display unit 46 Sound generation unit 48 Sound output unit 50 Communication unit 54 Portable information storage device 56 Printing unit 58 Printed matter 62 Display unit 64 Lever 66 Button 68 Memory card 70 Slot 72 Card 74 PDA
76 Display unit 78 Operation unit

Claims (16)

A game device for selling character information,
A means of accepting payment for the price,
Write processing means for performing processing for writing character information to the portable information storage device when the price is paid;
The write processing means
A game device that performs a process for writing at least one character information randomly selected from a plurality of character information items under a given condition into a portable information storage device. In claim 1,
A game apparatus characterized in that character information to be written to a portable information storage device is selected based on information already stored in the portable information storage device. In claim 2,
A game apparatus characterized in that character information is selected so that character information not yet stored in a portable information storage device is written. In claim 2 or 3,
A game device characterized in that character information is selected based on a combination of a plurality of character information already stored in a portable information storage device. In any of claims 2 to 4,
A game device, wherein character information is selected based on personal information of a player. In claim 5,
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the personal information is player play count information. A game device for printing character information,
A means of accepting payment for the price,
Read processing means for performing processing for reading character information written in the portable information storage device when the price is paid;
A game apparatus comprising: print processing means for performing processing for printing the read character information on a printed matter. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
Characterized in that it includes means for performing a game operation for causing a player to play a given game, using the processing time for writing character information to the portable information storage device or the time for printing character information on printed matter. Game device to play. In claim 8,
A game device characterized in that character information written in a portable information storage device or character information printed on a printed matter is changed in accordance with a game result of a player. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
A game device, wherein the game device is connected to a network, and the portable information storage device is an information storage device capable of exchanging information with a home game device. An arcade game device installed in a game facility,
A communication means for communicating information via a network;
Write processing means for performing processing for writing information sent via a network to a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with a home game device;
A game apparatus comprising: means for performing a game operation for causing a player to play a given game using a time for writing information received via a network to a portable information storage device. An arcade game device installed in a game facility,
A communication means for communicating information via a network;
Write processing means for performing processing for writing information sent via a network to a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with a home game device;
A game apparatus comprising: sorting means for sorting information to be written in the portable information storage device based on information already stored in the portable information storage device. An information storage medium that can be read by a computer and used in a device for selling character information,
Information to accept payment for the price,
Information for performing processing for writing character information to the portable information storage device when the price is paid;
Information for performing processing for writing at least one character information randomly selected from a plurality of character information or under a given condition into a portable information storage device, Information storage medium. An information storage medium that can be read by a computer and used in an apparatus for printing character information,
Information to accept payment for the price,
When the price is paid, information for performing processing for reading the character information written in the portable information storage device,
An information storage medium comprising: information for performing processing for printing the read character information on a printed matter. An information storage medium that can be read by a computer,
Information for communicating information over the network;
To perform processing for writing information sent via a network to a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information not only with an arcade game device but also with a home game device Information and
And information for performing game calculation for causing a player to play a given game by using the processing time for writing information received via the network to the portable information storage device. Storage medium. An information storage medium that can be read by a computer,
Information for communicating information over the network;
To perform processing for writing information sent via a network to a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information not only with an arcade game device but also with a home game device Information and
An information storage medium comprising: information for selecting information to be written to the portable information storage device based on information already stored in the portable information storage device.

Images