JP2009017921A - Graphic display device, and game user management system and game user management method using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game user management system for managing the health of a user not only by simple continuous using time but also by considering various factors affecting the health of the user. <P>SOLUTION: The game user management system 1 is composed of a graphic display device 10 and a game machine 20. The graphic display device 10 is composed of a graphic display part 11, a control part 12 and a memory part 13. The control part 12 of the TV receiver 10 has a function of managing the using situation of the game machine by each user. There are a plurality of game machines to be used, and the situations of using the respective game machines are integrally managed. The influence of the new history is large while the influence of the old history is small according to the weighting function A(t<SB>n</SB>) used in the management system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a video display device for displaying a game image in a game machine, a game user management system including the video display device and the game machine, and a game user management method.

  In recent years, home game machines have become widespread. When using this game machine, the game image on the game machine is output to a monitor (video display device) of a home television receiver, and the user operates the game machine while watching this to play various games. Enjoying is generally done.

  Such game machines are used by a wide range of age groups, and among them, the frequency of use by young people is particularly high. Various studies have been made on the adverse effects of the game on these users. In particular, it is well known that the eyes and other physical and mental adverse effects of using a game console for a long time are not negligible, especially to reduce adverse effects on young adults That is important. Therefore, many ideas for reducing such adverse effects are disclosed as conventional techniques.

  In addition, a large number of techniques for automatically disabling the use of a game machine in some form when the time of continuous use becomes long have been disclosed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a time in which a game machine can be used continuously is set in advance, and when the usage time approaches the set time, the brightness of the display is gradually reduced, and video output is stopped at this time. A video display device having a function is described. Similarly, Patent Document 2 describes a video display device that displays a message when a set time is approached and is turned off when the set time is reached. Further, Patent Document 3 describes a video display device in which a monitor is muted even when an image display of a game machine is selected again after a set time elapses and power is automatically turned off. Further, Patent Document 4 describes a video display device that displays a stronger message as the set time approaches. Further, Patent Document 5 describes a video display device in which a screen is automatically put into a dormant state at a set time instead of being turned off. In such an example, the video display device connected to the game machine is the main body that performs control.

  On the other hand, as an example in which the game machine side is a main subject of control, Patent Document 6 describes a game machine that generates an alarm and warns the user after a predetermined time has elapsed since the game was started.

JP 2005-205025 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-23485 JP 2004-235920 A JP 09-23391 A JP 07-299248 A JP-A-10-118335

  However, in any of the above-described technologies, only continuous use by a user for a long time is limited. The objective here is to eliminate adverse health effects on the user, but in reality the health effects are not simply determined by the continuous use time. For example, when restricting the use of 5 hours in a row, if you used 5 hours or more on the same day but did not use it for 6 days before that, if you used 4 hours every day in the week before that day In comparison, even if the continuous use time for one time is short, the latter has more adverse health effects. For example, in the case of playing a shogi game and in an action game, the latter has a greater influence on health even during the same usage time. Health effects depend on a variety of other factors.

  Therefore, a game management system for managing the health of users in consideration of various factors affecting health as well as management based on continuous use time is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an invention that solves the above problems.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configurations.
The video display device of the present invention is a video display device that is connected to a game machine and displays an image based on an output image from the game machine, comprising data when the game machine has been used in the past, The use history including at least the use start time and the continuous use time in the use as the data, the memory unit storing the management data collected for each use and each game user, and the operation of the game machine The management data is updated according to the game machine, and according to the user of the game machine, a value obtained by multiplying the continuous usage time by a weight function that is a monotonically decreasing function with respect to the elapsed time from each usage history A control unit that calculates an index added for each use history and generates a signal for controlling the game machine based on the index.
In the video display device of the present invention, the memory unit stores a plurality of types as the weight function, and the control unit calculates a plurality of types of indices corresponding to the plurality of types of weight functions. To do.
In the video display device of the present invention, the plurality of types of weighting functions include a first weighting function that depends only on the elapsed time as the weighting function, and the control unit includes the first weighting function. A corresponding first index is calculated.
The plurality of types of weight functions include a second weight function that also depends on time in the usage history, and the control unit calculates a second index corresponding to the second weight function. It is characterized by.
In the video display device of the present invention, the data in the usage history includes an amount calculated from the output of the video display device, and at least one of the plurality of types of weight functions is the video display device. It also depends on the amount calculated from the output of.
In the video display device of the present invention, the amount calculated from the output of the video display device includes the screen brightness of the display screen, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions also depends on the screen brightness. A third weighting function, wherein the control unit calculates a third index corresponding to the third weighting function.
In the video display device of the present invention, the amount calculated from the output of the video display device includes a screen luminance change amount of the display screen, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is the screen luminance change amount. And the control unit calculates a fourth index corresponding to the fourth weight function.
In the video display device of the present invention, the data in the usage history includes identification information of software operating on the game machine, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions operates on the game machine. It is a fifth weighting function that also depends on software, and the control unit calculates a fifth index corresponding to the fifth weighting function.
In the video display device of the present invention, the data in the usage history includes the number of inputs by the user at the time of execution of the game, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is the number of inputs. And the control unit calculates a sixth index corresponding to the sixth weight function.
In the video display device of the present invention, the control unit emits a signal for controlling the game machine based on a value obtained by weighting and adding the calculated types of the indexes.
In the video display device of the present invention, the game machine and the video display device are connected by HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface).
In the video display device of the present invention, the control of the game machine by the control unit is performed by CEC (Consumer Electronics Control).
The video display device of the present invention is a television receiver.
The game user management system of the present invention comprises the video display device and the game machine.
The game user management method of the present invention is a game user management method for managing and restricting the use of game machines for each user, comprising data when the game machine has been used in the past, and The usage history including at least the usage start time and the continuous usage time as the data stores management data compiled for each use and each game user, and is used when the game machine is used A user identification step of reading the identification information of the user, a management data reading step of reading the management data of the user, and a management for updating the management data of the user according to the use of the user A value obtained by multiplying a data updating step and a weight function that is a monotonically decreasing function with respect to the elapsed time from each usage history in the updated management data is assigned to each usage history. An index calculation step for calculating the added index, a determination step for determining the content for controlling the game machine based on the calculated index, and a control step for generating a signal corresponding to the content of the control. It is characterized by doing.
In the game user management method of the present invention, the game machine is connected to and used by a video display device, the management data is stored in the video display device, the user identification step, the management data update step, The index calculation step and the control step are performed by the video display device.
The game user management method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the index calculation step, a plurality of types are set as the weight function, and a plurality of types of the index corresponding to the plurality of types of weight functions are calculated. To do.
In the game user management method of the present invention, the plurality of types of weight functions include a first weight function that depends only on the elapsed time as the weight function, and corresponds to the first weight function. The first index is calculated.
In the game user management method of the present invention, the plurality of types of weight functions include a second weight function that also depends on time in the usage history, and a second weight function corresponding to the second weight function. It is characterized by calculating an index of.
In the game user management method of the present invention, the data in the usage history includes an amount calculated from the output of the video display device, and at least one of the plurality of types of weight functions is the usage. It also depends on the amount calculated from the output of the video display device in the history.
In the game user management method of the present invention, the amount calculated from the output of the video display device includes the screen brightness of the display screen, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is also applied to the screen brightness. A third weighting function depending on the third weighting function, wherein a third index corresponding to the third weighting function is calculated.
In the game user management method of the present invention, the amount calculated from the output of the video display device includes a screen luminance change amount of the display screen, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is the screen luminance. The fourth weighting function also depends on the amount of change, and a fourth index corresponding to the fourth weighting function is calculated.
In the game user management method of the present invention, the data in the usage history includes identification information of software that operates on the game machine, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions operates on the game machine. The fifth weighting function also depends on software, and a fifth index corresponding to the fifth weighting function is calculated.
In the game user management method of the present invention, the data in the usage history includes the number of inputs by the user when the game is executed, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is included in the number of inputs. And a sixth index corresponding to the sixth weighting function is calculated.
The game user management method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the control step, a signal for controlling the game machine is generated based on a value obtained by weighting and adding the calculated indexes of the plurality of types. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a game user management system that performs user health management in consideration of various factors that affect health as well as management based on continuous use time.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a game user management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The game user management system 1 includes a video display device 10 and a game machine 20. However, other game machines 30 are provided as game machines, and these are used by being appropriately exchanged by the user.

  The video display device 10 includes a video display unit 11, a control unit 12, and a memory unit 13. The video display unit 11 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display that displays an output image in a game machine, that is, an image of a game. The control unit 12 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer and controls the entire video display device 10. The memory unit 13 stores information used for this control and can hold the information even when the power is turned off. For example, the memory unit 13 includes a hard disk or a flash memory. Note that a television receiver can be used as this video display device, and the user can select an image signal / audio signal for watching TV and an image signal / audio signal for game by switching the input. In this case, a receiving circuit, a demodulation / decoding circuit, and the like are further provided in addition to the above, but these functions are omitted here because they are not directly related to the present invention. Further, hereinafter, even in this case, a case where an output image signal from the game machine is always selected will be described.

  The game machine 20 (30) includes a main body 21 (31) and a controller 22 (32). The user can play the game while viewing the output image of the video display unit 11 by operating the controller 21 (31).

  The game machine main body 21 (31) and the video display device 10 (control unit 12) are connected by an HDMI cable 14 via an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal. Thereby, an image signal / audio signal for a game and a control signal by CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) can be exchanged.

  Here, the control unit 12 in the television receiver 10 has a function of managing the usage status of the game machine for each user. Although there are a plurality of game machines to be used, the use situation of each game machine is comprehensively managed. Therefore, the memory unit 13 stores management data for each user. An example of the management data is shown in FIG.

  Here, the management data is created for each use history and for each user, and is updated from time to time while the game machine is being used. The management data in FIG. 2 relates to “user X”. The user is identified by inputting an ID number when the user starts using the game machine. The control unit 12 of the video display device 10 obtains this ID number from the game machine main body 21 (31) by a CEC signal, and the control unit 12 recognizes the current user.

  The usage history 1, the usage history 2, and the like are the history that the video display device 10 has been used in a game machine. In FIG. 2, the usage history 1 is the latest, and is older as the number increases. Therefore, if the user is currently playing a game, the data at that time is reflected in the usage history 1. The data stored in this history are “start time”, “end time”, “game machine”, “game software”, “screen brightness”, “screen brightness change amount”, and “number of inputs”.

  The “start time” and “end time” are the time when the use of the game machine is started and the time when it is ended in each use history. In the usage history 1 in FIG. 2, since the game machine is being used at this time, the end time is a provisional value (in parentheses) and is equal to the current time. In the usage history 2 and later, the actual use start time and use end time are these times. The use start time and use end time can be determined by the control unit 12 recognizing the time when the signal from the game machine is input and the time when the input is lost. It can also be obtained by transmitting the game machine main body 21 (31) to the control unit 12 using a CEC signal. Note that “use time” in FIG. 2 is continuous use time, and is the difference between “end time” and “start time”.

  “Game machine” is identification information of the game machine used, and in this example, is either the game machine 20 or 30. “Game software” is identification information of game software used by the user, and the user's desired information is selected each time. The control unit 12 can obtain such identification information by the CEC signal emitted from the game machine main body 21 (31).

  “Screen luminance” is an average luminance value of the output image in the video display unit 11 and is an average luminance value of all pixels between the start time and the end time of the video display unit 11. The expression method of this value is arbitrary, but can be defined as an analog value between 0 (in the darkest case) and 10 (in the brightest case), for example. The control unit 12 can calculate this value from the image signal input from the game machine or the output signal from the video display unit 11.

  The “screen luminance change amount” is an amount representing the degree of change in the average luminance value of all pixels between the start time and the end time at each time point, and is, for example, a standard deviation within this time. This value is also calculated by the control unit 12 in the same manner as the screen brightness.

  The “number of inputs” is the cumulative number of times that the user has operated the controller 22 (32) between the start time and the end time. This is obtained when the game machine main body 21 (31) emits a CEC signal each time an operation is performed, and the controller 12 measures the number of times. Note that, depending on the content of the operation, like a mouse operation, it may be difficult to define the number of operations because it is always a continuous operation. In such a case, for example, the number of times can be converted as the number of times by a definition such as converting the case where the continuous operation time is 1 second into one time.

  The usage history 1, usage history 2, and the like in the management data described above are updated every time a user uses a game machine connected to the video display device 10. In addition, the data of the usage history 1 representing the current state is updated while being used. Although the timing of this update is arbitrary, it can be made into 1 minute intervals, for example. That is, the data in parentheses in the usage history 1 in FIG. 2 is updated at this interval. Since the storage capacity of the memory unit 13 is limited, it is preferable to delete old usage history that has exceeded a predetermined period from the present time. For example, the usage history after one month can be set to be automatically deleted.

  Based on the management data, the control unit 12 issues a warning to the user in the video display unit 11 or controls the video display device 10 so that the game cannot be used. Hereinafter, this operation will be described.

  Similarly, in the prior arts in Patent Documents 1 to 6, a warning is issued or the game cannot be used, but the data used as the basis for this is only the continuous use time. On the other hand, in this game user management system 1, more appropriate measures are taken based on various data in the management data.

As a factor that affects the health of the user, first, as in Patent Documents 1 to 6, there is a continuous use time. This is calculated by the difference between the end time and the start time in each usage history in the management data. The sum of the continuous usage time in each usage history is the cumulative usage time, but it is clear that, for example, the former has a greater adverse health effect when used every day and once a week It is. Accordingly, here, the index for determining which T _A defined by Equation 1.

Here, n is a usage history number, T _n is a usage time in the usage history n, t _n is an elapsed time from the usage history n to the present, and here, from the start time in the usage history n to the present Elapsed time. The weight function A (t _n ) is a monotone decreasing function with respect to t _n . That is, T _A is an index corresponding to the accumulated usage time, but the influence of the new history is large and the influence of the old history is small due to the weight function A (t _n ). Thus, the use time is the same total is divided into multiple days it is T _A is reduced using, it is T _A larger spacing of the usage history is small. For example, when t _n is one month or more, A (t _n ) = 0 can be set, and in this case, the setting is such that the influence of the history of one month or more is not considered at all.

Here, t _n is the elapsed time from the start time to the present, but this elapsed time may be any elapsed time from the time representing each usage history to the present, as the elapsed time from the end time to the present. Also good. Moreover, it is good also as elapsed time from the time of the middle of start time and end time to the present.

Even when a game is being played in the same manner, the effect varies depending on the time of the day. For example, when going in the daytime or going in the night, the latter may have a greater adverse health effect. In this case, the index for determining which T _B defined by Equation 2.

Here, t _sn is a time in the usage history n (a time representative of the usage history n), and is a start time here. The weight function B (t _sn , t _n ) used here is an amount determined by this start time together with t _n , and is, for example, a small value in the daytime and a large value in the nighttime. It can also be larger on weekdays and smaller on holidays. That is, weighting by date and time can be performed by this. As the dependence on t _n , as with A (t _n ), the influence of the old history can be reduced by using a monotone decreasing function.

Here, t _sn is the start time, but the time used here may be a time that represents each usage history, and may be an end time. Moreover, it is good also as an intermediate | middle time of start time and end time.

  In addition, the parameters in the output (video, audio) of the video display unit 11 also affect the health of the user. Therefore, an amount calculated from the output of the video display device 10 can be used as this parameter, and the weighting function can be made to depend on this parameter.

For example, in general, a user who is watching a bright screen for a long time is more fatigued than a user who is watching a dark scene. Thus, the index for determining which T _C defined by Equation 3.

Here, I _n is the screen brightness in the use history n. As used herein, the weighting function _{C (I n, t} n) is assumed to be a monotonically increasing function with respect to _{I n.} That is, the higher the screen brightness, the higher the weight. The dependency on t _n is the same as A and B.

It is also clear that even with the same screen luminance, the rate of change in luminance is large, and the greater the variation in screen brightness, the greater the fatigue of the user. Thus, the index for determining which T _D defined by Equation 4.

Here, [Delta] I _n is the screen brightness variation. The weighting function D (ΔI _n , t _n ) used here is a monotonically increasing function with respect to ΔI _n . That is, the larger the screen luminance change amount, the higher the weight. Note that the dependency on t _n is the same as A, B, and C.

It is clear that the degree of fatigue of the user also depends on the type (content) of game software to be used. Therefore, T _E defined by Equation 5 is used as an index for determining this.

Here, K _n is the identification symbol of the game software used in the usage history n. That is, the weight function E (K _n , t _n ) used here depends on the type of game software. For example, this value (weighting) can be set large in a game with intense movement, and this value can be set small in a game with little movement, such as shogi. Note that the dependency on t _n is the same as A, B, C, and D.

It is clear that the degree of fatigue of the user also depends on the number of operations performed by the user. Therefore, _TF defined by Equation 6 is used as an index for determining this.

Here, L _n is the number of inputs in the usage history n. The weighting function F (L _n , t _n ) used here is a monotonically increasing function for L _n . Therefore, the greater the number of operations, the greater the weight. Note that the dependency on t _n is the same as A, B, C, and D.

In the above calculation, t ₁ , T ₁ , I ₁ , ΔI ₁ , and L ₁ that are values in the usage history 1 are provisional values at the time when the game is played. Therefore, T _{A to} T _F are also values at that time, and change while the user is playing the game. Therefore, T _{A to} T _F are calculated every time the management data is updated.

  The data of the weight functions A to F are set in advance and stored in the memory unit 13. The control unit 12 can perform the above calculation with reference to this. The weighting functions A to F may be set for each user according to the individuality of the user. In this case, the control unit 12 reads the data for each user from the memory unit 13 and performs the above calculation.

Therefore, the control unit 12 can perform various controls based on the values of T _{A to} T _F at the time while the user is playing the game. For example, to set the two thresholds for each T _A through T _F, because either T _A through T _F is "unhealthy to the video display unit 11 Once beyond the first threshold value, respectively, A message such as “I recommend to take a break” can be displayed. Further, when any of T _{A to} T _F exceeds a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value, a sleep mode is set in which a break for a certain time is forcibly set. When all of T _{A to} T _F exceed the first threshold value, the video display device 10 or the game machine main body 21 (31) can be forcibly turned off for a long time.

In this way, the control unit 12 can perform arbitrary control based on the values of T _{A to} T _F. In particular, it is easy not only to display a message on the video display unit 11 but also to control the game machine main body 21 (31) by CEC control.

Further, for this determination, considering all the above factors, it is also possible to use a T _S defined by Equation 7.

T _S is an index obtained by weighting N _{1 to} N ₆ and adding T _{A to} T _F. N _{1 to} N ₆ are constants, and are appropriately determined depending on which of the above factors is to be weighted. For example, in the case of a user with poor vision, the weights N ₃ and N ₄ of T _C and T _D can be increased. Further, in the case of a user with a handicapped hand, the weight N ₆ of _TF may be increased. Further, the N ₁ to N ₆ by gender and age of the user may be set as appropriate. In any case, N _{1 to} N ₆ can be set to different values depending on the user, and the memory unit 13 stores them. The control unit 12 reads these values from the memory unit 13 according to the user and performs the above calculation.

  In the game user management system 1, the video display device 10 performs management data creation, storage, and the above calculation. Therefore, even when the game machine is replaced and used, these processes can be performed stably and reliably.

Since the T _S contains all the elements of the above, the game user management system can perform health management of the user more appropriately. It is also easy to perform this management for each user.

  Next, the operation in the game user management apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of this game user management method. This flow can be executed while the power of the video display device 10 is turned on, for example, and can be executed at intervals of 10 minutes, for example.

Here, there are three types of usage restrictions performed by the control unit 12: (1) warning, (2) suspension, and (3) forced termination. Here, in the case of (1) warning, only the message is displayed on the screen of the video display unit 11 and the operation of the game machine 20 (30) is not affected. (2) In the case of suspension, the operation of the game machine 20 (30) or the video display device 10 is suspended for a predetermined time. (3) In the case of forced termination, the game machine 20 (30) or the video display device 10 is forcibly turned off, and the power cannot be turned on again after a predetermined time has elapsed. Accordingly, as the power mode of the game machine 20 (30), the operation is forcibly suspended for a predetermined time, and then the power is automatically restored, and then the power is forcibly turned off for a predetermined time. The forced termination mode is set in which the power cannot be turned on again until after the elapse of time. Which process is performed is appropriately determined according to the values of T _{A to} T _F or T _S. Here, as the determination criteria, when T _S2 > T _S ≧ T _S1 , (1) warning, when T _S3 > T _S ≧ T _S2 , (2) pause, and when T _S ≧ T _S3 (3) Force termination. However, for the convenience of the user, even if (2) and (3) are selected, (1) a warning is given at the same time. (2) In the case of (3), the game function is interrupted anyway. Here, T _S3 > T _S2 > T _S1 , which are set in advance and stored in the memory unit 13.

  First, it is determined whether or not the game mode is currently set (S1). In this determination, the control unit 12 determines whether the image signal currently output to the video display unit 11 is from a game machine or the other (a signal from a television receiver). Is done. In the former case, the game mode is recognized. If it is recognized that the game mode is not set, the process ends.

  When the game mode is recognized (S1), the control unit 12 controls the game machine main body 21 (31) by CEC control to output the ID number of the game user and receive it. (User identification step: S2). This ID number is entered by the user at the start of use of the game machine. At this time, the game machine identification information and game software identification information are also obtained.

  Next, the control unit 12 reads out the user management data from the memory unit 13 (management data reading step: S3). This management data has the contents shown in FIG. 2, for example.

  Next, the control unit 12 updates the management data (management data update step: S4). For example, immediately after the start of a new use by the user, the use history n in the read management data is changed to the use history n + 1, and a new use history 1 is created. After that, although the usage history 2 and later are not changed, the end time, screen brightness, number of inputs, etc. in the usage history 1 are updated, and the memory unit 13 stores them each time. At this time, the old usage history can be automatically deleted. For example, it may be set to delete the usage history n when n becomes larger than a set value, and the usage history exceeding a certain period, for example, one month after the start time is deleted. It can be set.

Next, the control unit 12, the updated management data, as described _above, to calculate the T A through T _F (index calculating step: S5). Here, as described above, N _{1 to} N ₆ are read from the memory unit 13 and T _S is also calculated. Note that if N _{1 to} N ₆ are zero, it is not necessary to calculate T _{A to} T _F corresponding thereto.

Next, the control unit 12 determines the use restriction as described above according to the values of these indices (determination step: S6). That is, for example, when T _S2 > T _S ≧ T _S1 , (1) a warning is selected, and when T _S3 > T _S ≧ T _S2 , (2) pause is selected, When T _S ≧ T _S3 , (3) forced termination is selected. When T _S <T _S1 (S7), the use restriction is not selected and the process returns to the initial state.

  When any one of (1) to (3) is selected (S7), a warning function is used (S8), and a message is displayed on the video display unit 11 (S9). This message can be set, for example, “It is not good for your health, so it is recommended to take a break.” Thereafter, when the function of automatically interrupting the game machine is not used, that is, in the case of (1), the process returns to the initial state (S10).

  When the function of automatically interrupting is used, that is, when (2) or (3) is selected (S10), a warning before the interruption is performed again (S11). That is, a message such as “I will forcibly stop soon” is displayed on the video display unit 11.

  Next, when the pause mode is used, that is, when (2) is selected (S12), the control unit 12 calculates the pause time and displays the result on the video display unit 11 (S13). The pause time is appropriately set according to the situation. For example, when the initial value is 1 hour and the stop treatment is performed many times, the stop time when the stop is performed for the Nth time can be set to N hours. In this case, the time (resumption time) after the suspension time elapses from the current time is displayed on the video display unit 11 as “pause. XX hours and XX minutes can be resumed”.

  Then, the control part 12 emits the signal which makes the game machine 20 (30) a dormant mode (control process: S14). As a result, the power is temporarily turned off, and this state is maintained until the restart time. When the game machine is paused, the control unit 12 controls the power supply circuit of the game machine body 21 (31) according to the CEC signal to put the game machine in a pause state. When the video display device 10 is set to the hibernation state, the power supply circuit of the video display device 10 is directly controlled to set the hibernation mode.

  When the remaining time until the restart time becomes zero (S15), the game machine 20 (30) automatically turns on the game machine 20 (30) or the video display device 10 again (S16). . Thereby, it will be in an initial state.

  Also when (3) forced termination is selected instead of pausing (S12), the control unit 12 issues a signal for setting the game machine 20 (30) to the forced termination mode (control process: S17). In this case, unlike the case of hibernation, the power is not automatically turned on again, and the user needs to turn on these power-on operations again. Even in that case, the forced stop time is set in the game machine 20 (30), and for example, the power cannot be turned on for 5 hours after the forced end.

With the above operation, a game management system capable of performing an operation in consideration of the health of the user can be obtained based on the values of T _{A to} T _F or T _S.

  In this game management system, management data is stored not on the game machine but on the video display device 10 side. The control unit 12 also performs overall control, and the control unit 12 performs control of the game machine side 20 (30) using a CEC signal. Therefore, even when a plurality of game machines are replaced and used, it is easy to perform management for each user.

  However, when only one game machine is used, the function of the control unit 12 described above can be realized on the game machine side.

Further, parameters T _{A to} T _F and T _S that are referred to when the usage is restricted can be appropriately determined according to the personal characteristics of the user. Therefore, the user's health management can be appropriately performed individually.

In the above example, T _C calculated from the weighting function which depends on the amount calculated from the output of the video display device _10, in the T _D, was based on the fluctuation of the luminance and the luminance of the screen, the setting Is not limited to this. Parameters relating to the output of this video display device that have a large effect on health can be used instead of luminance. For example, the signal intensity of the component having the greatest influence on fatigue among the RGB signals can be used. Also, parameters relating to the audio signal, for example, the average intensity of the audio signal and its variation can be used instead. When the values of these parameters have a particularly great effect on health, the values of the weight functions C and D may be set large. Therefore, the weight functions C and D do not necessarily need to be monotone functions, and can be set as appropriate according to the selected parameter.

Further, in the above example, when T _E is set to index calculated using the weight function E depends on the type of game software, for example, there is a difference in the health effects by the type of game machine, the weight The function E can also depend on the type of game machine.

In the above example, _TF is an index calculated using the weighting function F depending on the number of operations of the controller in the game machine. However, TF is a parameter related to the operation of the game machine and has a large effect on health. Can be used instead of the number of operations. For example, instead of a simple number of integration operations, a value obtained by weighting and integrating the operation contents may be used.

  In addition to the above, as long as it is an amount that can be stored as a usage history in the management data, the same operation can be performed using a weight function using an arbitrary parameter in the video display device or game machine.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the game user management system used as embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the management data used in the game user management system used as the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the game user management method used as embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game user management system 10 Video display apparatus 11 Video display part 12 Control part 13 Memory part 14 HDMI cable 20, 30 Game machine 21, 31 Game machine main body 22, 32 Controller

Claims (25)

A video display device connected to a game machine and displaying an image based on an output image from the game machine,
Consists of data used when the game machine has been used in the past, and a usage history including at least the use start time and continuous use time in the use as the data is summarized for each use and each game user. A memory unit for storing management data;
The management data is updated according to the operation of the game machine, and according to the user of the game machine, a weight function that is a monotonically decreasing function with respect to the elapsed time from each usage history is set as the continuous use time. A control unit that calculates an index obtained by adding the multiplied values for the respective usage histories, and that generates a signal for controlling the game machine based on the index;
An image display device comprising: The memory unit stores a plurality of types as the weight function,
The video display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates a plurality of types of indices corresponding to the plurality of types of weighting functions. Among the plurality of types of weight functions, a first weight function that depends only on the elapsed time is included as the weight function,
The video display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates a first index corresponding to the first weight function. Among the plurality of types of weight functions, a second weight function that also depends on time in the usage history is included,
The video display device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates a second index corresponding to the second weight function. The data in the usage history includes an amount calculated from the output of the video display device,
5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of weighting functions also depends on an amount calculated from an output of the video display device. 6. Video display device. The amount calculated from the output of the video display device includes the screen brightness of the display screen, and one type of the plurality of types of weight functions is a third weight function that also depends on the screen brightness,
The video display device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit calculates a third index corresponding to the third weight function. The amount calculated from the output of the video display device includes a screen luminance change amount of the display screen, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is a fourth weight that also depends on the screen luminance change amount. Function,
The video display device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit calculates a fourth index corresponding to the fourth weight function. The data in the usage history includes identification information of software operating on the game machine, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions depends on software operating on the game machine. A weight function,
The video display device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates a fifth index corresponding to the fifth weight function. The data in the use history includes the number of inputs by the user when the game is executed, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is a sixth weight function that also depends on the number of inputs. And
The video display device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates a sixth index corresponding to the sixth weight function.   The control unit generates a signal for controlling the game machine based on a value obtained by weighting and adding the calculated indexes of the plurality of types. The video display device according to claim 1.   The video display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connection between the game machine and the video display device is performed by a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI).   The video display apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control of the game machine by the control unit is performed by CEC (Consumer Electronics Control).   The video display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the video display device is a television receiver.   A game user management system comprising the video display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and the game machine. A game user management method for managing and restricting the use of game machines for each user,
Consists of data used when the game machine has been used in the past, and a usage history including at least the use start time and continuous use time in the use as the data is summarized for each use and each game user. Memorize management data,
A user identification step of reading identification information of the user when the game machine is used;
A management data read step for reading the management data of the user;
A management data update step for updating the management data of the user according to the use of the user;
An index calculating step for calculating an index obtained by adding a value obtained by multiplying a weight function that is a monotonically decreasing function to an elapsed time from each usage history in the updated management data, and for each usage history;
A determination step of determining content for controlling the game machine based on the calculated index;
A control step for generating a signal corresponding to the content of the control;
A game user management method characterized by comprising:   The game machine is used connected to a video display device, the management data is stored in the video display device, the user identification step, the management data update step, the index calculation step, and the control step include The game user management method according to claim 15, wherein the game user management method is performed by a video display device. In the index calculation step,
The game user management method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein a plurality of types are set as the weighting function, and the plurality of types of indices corresponding to the plurality of types of weighting functions are calculated.   The plurality of types of weight functions include a first weight function that depends only on the elapsed time as the weight function, and a first index corresponding to the first weight function is calculated. The game user management method according to claim 17.   The plurality of types of weight functions include a second weight function that also depends on time in the usage history, and a second index corresponding to the second weight function is calculated. The game user management method according to claim 17 or 18. The data in the usage history includes an amount calculated from the output of the video display device,
20. At least one of the plurality of types of weight functions also depends on an amount calculated from an output of the video display device in the usage history. The game user management method according to item 1. The amount calculated from the output of the video display device includes the screen brightness of the display screen, and one type of the plurality of types of weight functions is a third weight function that also depends on the screen brightness,
The game user management method according to claim 20, wherein a third index corresponding to the third weight function is calculated. The amount calculated from the output of the video display device includes a screen luminance change amount of the display screen, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is a fourth weight that also depends on the screen luminance change amount. Function,
The game user management method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a fourth index corresponding to the fourth weight function is calculated. The data in the usage history includes identification information of software operating on the game machine, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is a fifth weight function that also depends on the software operating on the game machine. And
The game user management method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein a fifth index corresponding to the fifth weight function is calculated. The data in the usage history includes the number of inputs by the user when the game is executed, and one of the plurality of types of weight functions is a sixth weight function that also depends on the number of inputs. ,
The game user management method according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein a sixth index corresponding to the sixth weight function is calculated. In the control step,
25. The signal for controlling the game machine is generated based on a value obtained by weighting and adding the calculated indexes of the plurality of types. Game user management method.

Images