JP2015104573A - Game device, 3d printing control method, and 3d printer control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output an object used in a game, as a three-dimensional object.SOLUTION: The game device comprises: game processing means which causes a game to progress while displaying plural objects on a game screen; object selection means for selecting an object; and 3D print processing means which outputs data for a 3D (3-dimensional) printer corresponding to the object selected by the object selection means, to execute 3D printing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device that executes a game using various objects, a 3D print control method, and a 3D printer control program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game system that can output a game scene displayed on a display screen in a computer game machine or the like as a reproduced image, preferably an image reproduced with high image quality, is known as a conventional technique (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the system described in Patent Document 1, a single image or a plurality of continuous images (moving images) that reproduces an arbitrary game scene during the execution of a game in a computer game machine, particularly a high-quality image or a high-quality image. As a moving image, for example, it is output as a print such as a photo print, a sticker print, a poster or an index print, or the image data of such an image is output to an image data recording medium or transferred via a communication network such as the Internet. Make it possible.

JP 2001-96063 A

  However, with the prior art described in Patent Document 1, it is only possible to output a game scene instructed to be output by the player as an image or a moving image, and to output specific objects used in the game individually. I could not. In addition, the system of Patent Document 1 can only output a game scene image or moving image, but cannot output a three-dimensional image.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a game device, a 3D print control method, and a 3D printer control program capable of outputting an object used in a game as a three-dimensional object. It is in.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a game device according to the present invention includes a game processing unit that progresses a game while displaying a plurality of objects on a game screen, an object selection unit that selects an object, and a selection by the object selection unit. And 3D print processing means for outputting 3D (3-dimensions) printer data corresponding to the object and executing 3D printing.

  According to the present invention, an object used in a game can be output as a three-dimensional object.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the system in this embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the management server 10. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the player data 31b memorize | stored in the memory | storage part. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of store system 14-1, ..., 14-x. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the game system 20 installed in the shop. The figure which shows an example of the operation surface of the console 62-1. The figure which shows the outline | summary of the game performed in the game system 20 in this embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing customization processing executed by the management server 10. The flowchart shown about the game control process performed by the game system 20. FIG. The flowchart which shows the game result determination process in step B12. 6 is a flowchart for explaining 3D print processing for changing an object in accordance with an instruction from a player. The flowchart shown about a game reproduction process. The figure which shows an example of the game screen performed in the game system. The figure which shows a mode that the battleship shown in FIG. 13 is printed (created) in 3D printer (during printing). The figure which shows the example printed 3D on the existing object. The figure which shows the example printed 3D on the existing object.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the system according to the present embodiment, the management server 10 includes a plurality of networks existing throughout the country via a network 12 including a public line network (wired and wireless), a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and the like. It is connected to store systems 14-1, ..., 14-x installed in the store.

  For example, in the store system 14-1, a plurality of game systems 20 are connected to the server 21 via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The plurality of game systems 20 are connected to the network 12 via the server 21. Therefore, the game system 20 can communicate with the management server 10 and can transmit and receive various data. A configuration in which the game system 20 can directly communicate with the management server 10 via the network 12 may be employed.

  The server 21 controls a plurality of game systems 20 included in the store system 14-1. The server 21 is connected to the management server 10 via the network 12 and can transmit and receive data related to the game and the player. The server 21 is connected to a 3D printer 22. The server 21 can generate a three-dimensional object that is used in the game by the 3D printer 22.

  The 3D printer 22 prints an object such as 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) data and 3DCG (Computer Graphics) data in a three-dimensional manner, while a general printer prints on a medium such as paper planarly. A three-dimensional object can be output. The 3D printer 22 may employ a method such as a hot melt lamination method, an ink jet method, or an optical modeling method. Other methods can also be adopted. In the present embodiment, the 3D printer 22 is provided, but other outputs that can create (output) a three-dimensional object (three-dimensional object) based on data equivalent to the data for the 3D printer. It is also possible to use a device.

  The store systems 14-2, ..., 14-x have the same configuration as that of the store system 14-1 (including one or more game systems 20). In the store systems 14-1,..., 14-x provided with the game system 20, in-store play can be played with the game systems 20 in each store, and with the game systems 20 in other stores. You can play against the store between them.

  The game system 20 of the store systems 14-1,..., 14-x stores game history data (including instructions from the player, game results, and the like) representing the game situation in the management server 10 when the game is executed by the player. Can be uploaded and stored. The game history data is downloaded, for example, by an electronic device (PC, portable terminal, etc.) that the player owns and is used to play (reproduce) the game.

  The management server 10 manages various data related to the game executed by the game system 20 in the store system 14-1, ..., 14-x. Details of the data managed by the management server 10 will be described later (FIG. 3). The management server 10 is connected to a 3D (3-dimensions) printer 10a, and can create (output) a three-dimensional object (three-dimensional object) under the control of a 3D printer control program. For example, the management server 10 can cause the 3D printer 10a to output an object used in a game executed in the store system 14-1, ..., 14-x. Similar to the 3D printer 22, the 3D printer 10a can create a three-dimensional object based on data for the 3D printer.

  The personal computer (PC) 16 is used, for example, at home by a player using the game system 20 in the store system 14-1,. The PC 16 can access the management server 10 through the network 12 and download game history data stored in the management server 10. A 3D printer 16 a is connected to the PC 16. The PC 16 can play a game executed in the game system 20 based on the game history data, and can create a three-dimensional object used in this game by the 3D printer 16a.

  The portable terminal 18 is used by a player who uses the game system 20 in the store system 14-1, ..., 14-x, for example. The portable terminal 18 is an electronic device provided with a touch screen as an input device operated by a player, for example, and is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a slate PC, a mobile phone, a portable game machine, or the like. The portable terminal 18 communicates with the management server 10 via the network 12 and receives an application program for functioning as a terminal for participating in the game in the game system 20 and game history data stored in the management server 10. Can be downloaded.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the management server 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the management server 10 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, and a communication interface 32.

  The control unit 30 controls the entire management server 10 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 31, manages data stored in the storage unit 31, and communicates with the game system 20 and the portable terminal 18. Various processes such as data transmission / reception via 32 are executed. The control unit 30 implements various functions by executing a game data management program 31a stored in the storage unit 31 by a processor (CPU (Central Processing Unit) or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)).

  The functions realized by the control unit 30 include, for example, a player data processing unit 30a and a game data processing unit 30b.

  The player data processing unit 30a processes various data related to the game executed by the player for each player ID presented to the game system 20 using a card (a recording medium issued to the player). The player data processing unit 30a is used in processing various data (player management data) set for each player ID, recording and updating data (game history data) received from the game system 20, and games. Various processing such as customization processing according to instructions from the player for the various objects is executed.

  The game data processing unit 30b is an application program for playing a game on the PC 16 or the portable terminal 18, data for playing (game history data), an application program for causing the portable terminal 18 or the like to function as an operation terminal in the game system 20. The object creation request using the 3D printer 10a from the PC 16 or the portable terminal 18 is processed. The game data processing unit 30b distributes application programs and data to the PC 16 and the portable terminal 18, and requests for creating objects (printing) from external devices such as the store systems 14-1, ..., 14-x, the PC 16, and the portable terminal 18. For example, data indicating the target object).

  The 3D printer control unit 30c controls creation (output) of an object by the 3D printer 10a. Generation of 3D print data based on data indicating an object to be printed is generated based on 3D print data. The output from the 3D printer 10a is controlled. The data indicating the object (object data) can be data representing the object in three dimensions, such as 3D CAD data, 3DCG data, and data used in the game. The 3D print data can be data in an STL (Stereolithography) format that is generally used as data for a 3D printer.

  Furthermore, by providing the 3D printer control unit 30c with a function (modeling function) for converting an object into a three-dimensional object in 3D graphics based on 2D object image data, the data indicating the object is converted into 3D data. Without limitation, it is possible to obtain two-dimensional object image data. In this case, 2D object image data is modeled by the 3D printer control unit 30c, and then converted into 3D print data (for example, STL format), and the object is printed (created) by the 3D printer 10a. Shall.

  The storage unit 31 stores a program and data for controlling the management server 10. The programs stored in the storage unit 31 include a game data management program 31a for managing various data for executing a game in the game system 20 in addition to a basic program (OS (Operating System)). The game data management program 31a includes a player data processing program 31a1 for realizing the player data processing unit 30a and a game data processing program 31a2 for realizing the game data processing unit 30b.

The data recorded in the storage unit 31 includes player data 31b and game data 31c.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the player data 31b stored in the storage unit 31. As illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the player data 31b includes data 41 to 4m for each player ID corresponding to each of the players 1 to m. In FIG. 3, for example, player management data 41a and game history data 41c are shown as data 41 corresponding to the player 1.

  The player management data 41a is data stored when the player executes a game by specifying a player ID, and includes various data related to the game set for each player ID. For example, the player management data 41a includes data such as a player ID (identification information), a store ID, a play area, a player name, a custom image, a player experience value, a class, a level, a title, an acquired item, a custom object, and a player performance record. It is.

  The player ID is used to identify the player. For example, the player ID is read from a game card (storage medium) owned by the player by the game system 20 and notified to the management server 10.

  The store ID is for identifying a store where the game system 20 is installed, and is set in advance in the server 21, for example. The management server 20 stores a store ID of each store and a machine number indicating a game system (or a server or a control unit) installed in each store in association with each other.

  The play area indicates an area including the store indicated by the store ID, for example, and is represented by a prefecture. The player name is used to identify the player, and is represented by, for example, a character string (for example, 8 alphanumeric characters) arbitrarily designated by the player when a new game card (player ID) is registered. The custom image is an image (avatar, character) representing the player created by the player, and is configured by combining background, symbol (mark, character), and effect (decoration) images, for example. Each part constituting the custom image can be acquired (purchased) by the player consuming points, or can be acquired as a prize of event play different from a normal game.

  The player experience value, class, level, title, acquired item, and player performance data are data updated based on the game results executed in the game system 20.

  The player experience value is a parameter added when the player executes the game. The player experience value is added according to the number of game executions, and is added according to the opponent and the battle result when the battle play is performed. For example, when a player wins against another player of a class or level higher than the player's class or level, more experience values corresponding to the difference in class or level are added.

  The level is a parameter acquired when the player experience value increases to a predetermined level. The class classifies the level of the player, and is classified into, for example, an elementary class, an intermediate class, an advanced class, and a master class. The class is defined to be promoted when an event or the like is cleared in a condition determined for each player level, for example, in a game of a predetermined difficulty level (mode).

  The title is obtained when a game result satisfying a specific condition is obtained or when the player consumes points, and is represented by a specific character string (for example, 15 characters). The title is used to identify the player together with the player name, and a plurality of levels are defined. The higher-level titles are rare and difficult to acquire. Game results that meet specific conditions for obtaining titles include the number of stages that have cleared the event stage of a given difficulty level, the total number of wins, and the top prizes of various rankings. Title levels are defined according to each condition. Has been.

  The acquired item indicates an item acquired by the player. Items can be acquired after the game ends or when the level is increased according to the game result. The item is used when the game is executed, and the content of the game can be changed to be advantageous by the player. For example, in a battle game, a weapon (equipment) with high attack power can be obtained.

  The custom object is an object that is used in a game executed in the game system 20 and is customized according to a player instruction by a customization process (see FIG. 8) described later. The custom object is provided to the game system 20 and can be used in the game when the player plays a game in the game system 20.

  The player record is a history of various data relating to each game executed by the player, for example, the game execution date and time, the event stage selected as a game target, the degree of difficulty, the ranking obtained as a game result, and the acquisition points.

  Each data included in the player management data 41a can be selected as an object to be printed by the 3D printer. For example, a character string representing a player name, an emblem or mark representing a title, an acquired item (for example, an object representing a weapon), and the like can be created (printed) by a 3D printer.

  The game history data 41c is data that is stored when the player executes the game by specifying the player ID, and is data that represents the game situation from the start to the end of the game executed by the player in the game system 20. The game history data 41c is uploaded after the game ends by the server 21 of the store system 14-1, ..., 14-x, and data indicating the date and time when the game is executed is added. The game history data 41 c is downloaded by the PC 16 or the portable terminal 18 used by the player, and can be used for playing the game on the PC 16 or the portable terminal 18.

  The storage unit 31 also stores 3D print data 31e for printing (creating) an object as a three-dimensional object by the 3D printer control program 31d for realizing the 3D printer control unit 30c and the 3D printer 10a. The 3D print data 31e may be data generated by the 3D printer control unit 30c, or may be received from an electronic device used by a player such as the store system 14-1, ..., 14-x, the PC 16, or the portable terminal 18. It is good as data.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the store system 14-1,..., 14-x. FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the store system 14-1, for example, and the other store systems 14-2,...

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the server 21 includes a processor 50, a display unit 51, an input unit 52, a communication interface 53, a storage device 54, and a printer interface 55.

  The processor 50 controls the server 21 and is realized by a CPU, a DSP, or the like. The processor 50 executes various processes based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 54.

The display unit 51 displays various information under the control of the processor 50.
The input unit 52 controls input from an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  The communication interface 53 controls communication with electronic devices (the management server 10, the PC 16, the portable terminal 18, etc.) connected via the network 12, and communication with a plurality of game systems 20 in the store system 14-1. .

  The storage device 54 stores programs and data, and includes a hard disk device, a semiconductor memory, and the like. The programs stored in the storage device 54 include a basic program (OS), a game control program for controlling the game system 20, a 3D printer control program 54a for controlling printing (creation) in the 3D printer 22, and the like. included. Further, the 3D printer control program 54a can realize the same function as that of the 3D printer control unit 30c described above (details are omitted). In addition to the data received from the game system 20 and the management server 10, the storage device 54 stores 3D print data 54b to be printed by the 3D printer 22.

  The printer interface 55 is an interface with the 3D printer 22.

  The game system 20 provides a game to a player, and includes a control unit 60 that controls the entire system, a plurality of consoles 62-1, ..., 62-n, and a speaker 63. In the game system 20 in the present embodiment, a plurality of players can participate in the same game at the same time, and the plurality of players can individually operate the consoles 62-1,. The game provided by the game system 20 includes various objects (people, animals, anime characters, polygon characters, avatars, structures, vehicles (cars, ships, spacecrafts), natural objects, characters, and figures depending on the game contents. Etc.). In the system according to the present embodiment, various objects used in the game can be output (created) by a 3D printer.

  The control unit 60 includes a processor 70, a display controller 71, an input unit 72, a communication interface 73, an input / output controller 74, a storage unit 75, a printer interface 76, a 3D printer 77, and a wireless communication interface 78.

  The processor 70 controls the entire game system 20 and is realized by a CPU, a DSP, or the like. The processor 70 executes various processes based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 75. Based on the game control program stored in the storage unit 75, the processor 70 executes the game in accordance with instructions from the player that are input through the consoles 62-1, ..., 62-n. In addition, the processor 70 executes processing for outputting (creating) an object used in the game by a 3D printer.

  The display controller 71 displays a game screen on the main displays 79 a and 79 b under the control of the processor 70. In the game system 20 of the present embodiment, since a plurality of players participate in the game simultaneously, a plurality of main displays 79a and 79b are combined to display a game image on a large screen. For example, a screen size of about 1 m × 4 m (landscape) is realized by combining the main displays 79a and 79b. One large screen display may be used, or three or more displays may be combined to form one screen.

  The input unit 72 controls input from an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  The communication interface 73 controls communication with the server 21 and other consoles 62-2, ..., 62-n.

  The input / output controller 74 is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the consoles 62-1,..., 62-n, outputting an audio signal to the speaker 63, and the like.

  The storage unit 75 stores programs and data, and includes a hard disk device, a semiconductor memory, and the like. The programs stored in the storage device 75 include a basic program (OS), a game control program for controlling the console 62-1, a 3D printer control program 75a for controlling printing (creation) in the 3D printer 77, and the like. Is included. The 3D printer control program 75a can realize the same function as the 3D printer control unit 30c described above. The storage device 75 stores 3D print data 75b to be printed by the 3D printer 77, in addition to data received from the server 21 and the consoles 62-1, ..., 62-n.

  The printer interface 76 is an interface with the 3D printer 77.

  Similar to the 3D printer 22, the 3D printer 77 can create a three-dimensional object based on data for the 3D printer.

  The wireless communication interface 78 controls communication with the portable terminal 18 having a wireless communication function. The portable terminal 18 can be used during the game in the same manner as the consoles 62-1,..., 62-n by executing an application program for functioning as a terminal. The wireless communication interface 78 controls wireless communication with the portable terminal 18 functioning as a terminal during the game execution.

  The consoles 62-1,..., 62-n are operated by players participating in the game, and provide a user interface necessary for progressing the game. As shown in FIG. 4, the console 62-1 includes a processor 80, a touch panel display 81, an input unit 82, an input / output controller 83, a storage unit 84, a printer interface 85, a 3D printer 86, and a speaker 87. The consoles 62-2,..., 62-n are not described in detail because they have the same configuration as the console 62-1.

  The processor 80 controls the entire console 62-1, and is realized by a CPU, a DSP, or the like. The processor 80 executes various processes based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 84. The processor 80 executes various processes for data input through the touch panel display 81 and the input unit 82 based on the game control program stored in the storage unit 84. Also, a process for outputting (creating) an object used in the game by the 3D printer 86 is executed.

  The touch panel display 81 is integrated by overlapping a touch panel on a display surface of a flat display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The touch panel display 81 displays an operation screen for accepting various instructions from the player to advance the game under the control of the processor 80, detects a touch operation on the operation screen by the fingertip or the like by the player, and notifies the processor 80 To do.

  The input unit 82 controls input from an input device provided in the console 62-1, for example, a card reader that reads data (player ID, etc.) recorded on a game card (recording medium) owned by the player. It controls the input of data from various sensors including buttons and levers operated by the player during the game, a camera capable of taking images of the player and objects brought by the player, and a coin insertion sensor.

  The input / output controller 83 is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the control unit 60 (input / output controller 74) and other consoles 62-1,.

  The storage unit 84 stores programs and data, and includes a hard disk device, a semiconductor memory, and the like. The programs stored in the storage device 84 include a basic program (OS), a game control program for controlling the console 62-1, a 3D printer control program 84a for controlling printing (creation) in the 3D printer 86, and the like. Is included. The 3D printer control program 84a can realize the same function as the 3D printer control unit 30c described above. Further, the storage device 84 stores 3D print data 84b to be printed by the 3D printer 86 in addition to data received from the control unit 60 and other consoles 62-2, ..., 62-n.

  The printer interface 85 is an interface with the 3D printer 86.

  Similar to the 3D printer 22, the 3D printer 86 can create a three-dimensional object based on data for the 3D printer.

  The speaker 87 outputs sound effects such as sound effects, BGM (back ground music), guide messages, and the like during game execution for the player who operates the console 62-1 under the control of the processor 80. The speaker 87 includes a plurality of speakers, for example.

  The speaker 63 outputs sound such as sound effects at the time of game execution, BGM, and a guide message by the control unit 60 (processor 70). The speaker 63 includes a plurality of speakers, for example.

  In the system shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a game using a 3D printer by each of the management server 10, the PC 16, the server 21 of the store system 14-1, the control unit 60 in the game system 20, and the console 62-1. The object used in the above can be printed (created) as a three-dimensional object, but it is sufficient that a 3D printer is installed in at least one of the places. That is, the object data used in the game of the game system 20 (or 3D print data generated based on the object data) may be transmitted to the 3D printer to execute printing. If 3D printers are installed at multiple locations, depending on the object to be printed (depending on differences in object size, object precision, time required for printing, the number of objects and parts, etc.) An appropriate 3D printer may be selected, and object data may be transmitted to the selected 3D printer to execute printing.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the game system 20 installed in the store.
As shown in FIG. 5, main displays 79a and 79b for displaying game images on a large screen are arranged in the store. In the game system 20 of this embodiment, ten consoles 62-1,..., 62-10 are arranged toward the main displays 79a and 79b. The consoles 62-1,..., 62-10 are arranged, for example, in two rows of five. The player sits on the consoles 62-1,..., 62-10 and is provided on the operation surface of the consoles 62-1,..., 62-10 while viewing the game screen displayed on the main displays 79a, 79b. An input operation can be performed on the touch panel display 81 or the input device. On the touch panel display 81, an image for providing various information to the player (including moving images), an operation screen for receiving an instruction from the player, and the like are displayed as appropriate according to the progress of the game. . The player can transmit various instructions to the control unit 60 by performing a touch operation on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel display 81.

  Further, around the consoles 62-1,..., 62-10, for example, four speakers 63a, 63b, so as to output sound in the direction in which the consoles 62-1,. 63c and 63d are arranged. This makes it possible to provide BGM, sound effects, and the like with a sense of presence during the game to the players who operate the consoles 62-1,..., 62-10.

  The four speakers 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d are used to output sound effects for the entire player. The speakers 87 provided individually for the consoles 62-1,..., 62-10 are speakers 63a, 63b, 63c, such as operation sounds according to the operation of the touch panel display 81 for the player and individual sound effects and messages. , 63d can be output. Also, different sound effects are output from the speakers 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d and the speakers 87 provided in the consoles 62-1,. It can be provided to a player.

  The portable terminal 18 can function in the same manner as the consoles 62-1,..., 62-10 by executing an application program for functioning as a terminal. That is, the portable terminal 18 wirelessly communicates with the control unit 60 of the game system 20, displays the same screen as the consoles 62-1,..., 62-10, and gives various instructions according to the touch operation by the player. 60 can be transmitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation surface of the console 62-1.
In the example shown in FIG. 6, a card reader 82a for reading data from a game card in which a player ID and the like are recorded is disposed in front of the right side of the operation surface. The player can read data such as the player ID by non-contact communication by bringing the game card close to the card reader 82a.

  A plurality of buttons 82b are provided on the left side of the operation surface. In addition to the touch panel display 81, the player can input various instructions by operating the plurality of buttons 82b.

  In addition, two 87a and 87b are disposed on the operation surface in the vicinity of the side surface end. As described above, 87a and 87b output sound effects, BGM, messages, and the like for the player who operates the console 62-1.

  The console 62-1 is also provided with a coin insertion slot (not shown) for inserting coins.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of a game executed in the game system 20 in the present embodiment.
The game system 20 of the present embodiment provides a game that aims to achieve a predetermined purpose while fighting with a space battleship or the like in outer space, for example. The player issues a command to the captains A, B, and C deployed on each of the plurality of battleships A, B, and C (the number of battleships is not limited), and acts as a commander who commands the battle. The player instructs the movement (movement, attack, etc.) of the flagship on which the commander is boarded, and issues a command to each of the plurality of captains to execute the battle action. The purpose of the game can be set arbitrarily, such as destroying enemy flagships (commanders), annihilating enemy fleets, destroying target fortresses, or reaching destinations while fending off enemy attacks. it can.

  The operation of the captain (battleship) is controlled in accordance with an instruction from the commander (player) according to an algorithm previously incorporated in the game control program. Each of the plurality of captains (battleships) is set with a parameter for defining an operation, and performs different operations in response to an instruction from the commander (player) according to the difference in the parameter setting contents. For example, in response to an attack instruction, attack from the front using the maximum firepower (weapon), attack with the minimum firepower due to surprise, or stop attacking when attacked with moderate firepower Retreat, etc. The commander (player) controls to achieve the purpose by giving instructions according to the characteristics (parameters) of each captain (battleship).

  In a battle game, for example, two commanders (players) not only battle one-on-one (each commander commands a plurality of battleships) but also one (one player) vs many (multiple players). ) Or, many (plural players) vs. many (plural players) may be used for battle. Furthermore, not only battles between players participating in one game system 20 but also battles between players participating in other game systems 20 in the same store, and also game systems 20 included in other store systems. In addition, it is possible to control the game. Note that when players using different game systems 20 participate in a game in cooperation with each other, a function that enables communication between the players, for example, messages (chat, text, voice), etc. can be transmitted / received to / from each other. The functions are realized by the server 21, the game system 20 (the control unit 60, the consoles 62-1,..., 62-n) and the like through the control of the game control program. In addition, the player can participate not only in the game as a commander but also in the game as a captain.

  In the system according to the present embodiment, various objects in the game executed in the game system 20 can be created (output) by the 3D printer. In the battle game executed by the game system 20, for example, battleships, weapons mounted on battleships, flying vehicles such as aircraft (airplanes), missiles, and various objects (base buildings, planets, satellites) arranged in the game space Etc.) can be selected as an output (creation) target by the 3D printer. Further, it is not limited to objects used during game execution (battle screen), and represents, for example, a custom image for each player, a player name, etc. used for display of a player, display of a battle result (ranking), etc. It may be a character string, an emblem representing a title given to the player, various symbols, a character, or the like.

  The objects used in the game are defined in advance in the game control program, and objects customized by the player registered in the management server 10 can be used. The object may be changed while the game is in progress. For example, in the case of a battleship in a battle game, new equipment (weapons or the like) is added or the paint color or mark is changed during the game. Moreover, it may be used in a game in a state destroyed by battle. In the system of the present embodiment, the object is not limited to the object defined in the game control program, and the changed object can be a target for 3D printing.

Next, the operation of the system in this embodiment will be described.
First, customization processing executed by the management server 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The customization process is a process for customizing (deforming etc.) an object used in a game executed in the game system 20 in accordance with an instruction from the player.

  It is assumed that a player who uses the game system 20 has registered in advance with the management server 10 and has issued a player ID. For example, the player registration can be performed in the game system 20 (console 62-1) or through a registration site provided by the management server 10 through the PC 16 or the portable terminal 18. The player ID issued to the player is recorded on the game card and provided to the player.

  When a player customizes an object used in the game system 20, the player accesses the management server 10 through the PC 16, for example. When there is an access from the player (step A1, Yes), the management server 10 requests input of the player ID (and password) and determines whether the player is a valid player (user) registered in advance. An authentication process is executed (step A2).

  If the authentication is successful, the management server 10 (player data processing unit 30a) provides the PC 16 with a screen for customization processing. The player can instruct customization of a game executed in the game system 20 through a customization screen displayed on the PC 16. In the case of the above-described battle game, the customization process includes, for example, deployment of the captain, enhancement of the captain (parameter change), purchase of the battleship, customization of the battleship, and change of the fleet organization. Here, a case where a battleship (object) used in a game is customized will be described. For battleships, for example, it is possible to change the shape (hull), add or change equipment (turrets, etc.), change the paint color or character strings (for example, ship names) written on the hull. The contents that can be customized may differ depending on the type of object.

  The management server 10 causes the PC 16 to display a list of objects that can be customized by the player, and causes the player to specify an object to be customized. For example, the management server 10 displays a list of battleships that have been purchased by the player.

  When any object is specified by the player, the management server 10 selects this object as a customization target (step A3), and displays a customization screen for customizing this object on the PC 16 (step A4). On the customization screen, a menu for specifying the contents of customization (shape, equipment, paint color, characters, etc.) and the like are displayed together with an image of the object to be customized. The player can customize the object by arbitrarily instructing the contents of customization by an instruction to the menu.

  When the customization content is instructed through the customization screen (step A5), the management server 10 changes the image of the object in accordance with the instructed content and displays it on the customization screen of the PC 16.

  Thus, as described above, the player can arbitrarily specify the contents of customization for the object to be customized and change the object (steps A3 to A6).

  When the customization completion instruction is input from the PC 16 according to the player's operation (step A6, Yes), the management server 10 generates customized object data (step A7) and associates it with the user ID of the player. Then, it is recorded as custom object data in the player data 31b (step A8). The object data can be data expressed in three dimensions such as 3D CAD data and 3DCG data, which can be processed by the game control program.

  Note that the result of customization processing other than object customization is recorded as player data in the management server 10 in association with the player ID of the player in the same manner as object data (custom object).

  Next, game control processing executed by the game system 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The game system 20 executes a game control program by a processor, whereby the control unit 60 and the consoles 62-1, ..., 62-n cooperate to realize the processing described below.

  When a player plays a game in the game system 20 (for example, using the console 62-1) and uses the contents of customization processing such as a custom object registered in the management server 10 in advance, the player records it on a game card. The console ID is read by the player 62-1. When the game card is brought close to the card reader 82a by the player, the processor 80 of the console 62-1 scans the game card by proximity wireless communication using the card reader 82a (step B1), and the card data (user ID) ) Is read (step B2).

  The processor 80 sends a player data download request corresponding to the user ID to the management server 10 through the control unit 60. The management server 10 outputs player data corresponding to the user ID to the game system 20 in response to a download request from the game system 20 (control unit 60). The control unit 60 of the game system 20 receives (downloads) player data from the management server 10 and displays a selection screen for objects used in the game on the touch panel display 81 of the console 62-1 based on the player data. .

  The processor 80 of the console 62-1 inputs an instruction to select an object through the object selection screen in accordance with the operation of the touch panel display 81 or the button 82b by the player (step B4). It should be noted that not only the object but also the customization contents (for example, deployment of the captain, formation of the fleet, etc.) previously registered by the player in the management server 10 through the customization process can be selected.

  When the player operation is instructed to confirm the selection of the object (step B5, Yes), the control unit 60 sets the game to use the selected object in the game in accordance with the object selection instruction or the like. Etc. It should be noted that when a match is made with another player, settings for the match are also made.

  When the game setting is completed (step B6, Yes), the game system 20 starts the game process (step B7). That is, the control unit 60 displays a game screen on the main displays 79a and 79b, and accepts various instructions from the player to advance the game to the console 62-1 or the like participating in the game. Display the operation screen. When a touch operation on the operation screen (touch panel display 81) by the fingertip or the like by the player is detected during the game process, the processor 80 of the console 62-1 notifies the control unit 60 of the content of the instruction by the touch operation. The control unit 60 advances the game in accordance with a player instruction input from the console 62-1 or the like.

  While the game process is continued, the console 62-1 or the control unit 60 stores an instruction (operation content) input from a player participating in the game, data indicating the game status, and the like as game history data ( Step B8). That is, various data necessary for reproducing the game after the game is finished are collected and recorded as game history data.

  Further, while the game process is continued, the player can arbitrarily select an object displayed on the game screen as a target for 3D printing. The console 62-1 or the control unit 60 records the selected object data when an object is selected as a 3D print target by a player operation while the game process is continued (step B9, Yes). (Step B10).

  Here, the object data indicates a state according to the object displayed on the game screen. That is, the object when the form is changed according to the game situation is set as a 3D print target. For example, in the case of a battleship in a battle game, after it has been deformed for attack, destroyed by attack, or after its exterior (painting color, mark addition, etc.) is changed as the game progresses There are forms.

  In this way, while the game process is continued, the console 62-1 or the control unit 60 records the game history data, and when there is an object selection instruction from the player, the object data to be 3D printed is recorded. Recording is performed (steps B7 to B11).

  When the game ends (step B11, Yes), the control unit 60 executes a game result determination process (step B12). In the game result determination process, in addition to determining whether or not the game has been won, update of the player experience value, determination of update of class and level, determination of assignment of title, update of acquired items and player results, and the like are executed. Data based on these game results is uploaded to the management server 10 and recorded as player data in association with the player ID.

  Further, in the game result determination process, a process related to 3D printing is executed. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the game result determination process in step B12.

  In the system according to the present embodiment, for example, all 3D printing of an object may be executed in response to a player's request, or whether or not 3D printing is to be executed can be determined according to a game result.

  When the control unit 60 determines whether or not to execute 3D printing according to the game result, for example, when the game is won (achieved purpose), when the level or rank is increased, or when a title is given. Whether or not to perform 3D printing is determined based on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied (step C1).

  If it is determined that 3D printing is to be executed (step C2, Yes), the control unit 60 selects an object to be 3D printed according to the game result (step C3). Here, the object may be selected by the player during the game process, or may be an object prepared in advance in the game control program according to the level, rank, title, or the like. When the player has selected a plurality of objects, the number of objects to be 3D printed may be changed according to the game result.

  The console 62-1 or the control unit 60 generates and records 3D print data based on the object data of the object to be 3D printed (step C4). For example, when generating 3D print data in the control unit 60, the processor 70 uses the function of the 3D printer control program 75a to generate an STL format for 3D printers based on, for example, object data defined by 3D CAD data or 3DCG data. Generate data for

  If the object data that can be processed by the game control program is data for a 3D printer (for example, data in the STL format), the process of generating 3D print data can be made unnecessary.

  When two-dimensional object image data is obtained for an object selected on the game screen, the object is displayed in the three-dimensional graphics based on the two-dimensional object image data provided in the 3D printer control program. It is also possible to generate 3D print data by the function of converting into a three-dimensional object (modeling function). In this case, the processor 70 models the two-dimensional object image data, and then converts it into 3D print data (for example, STL format).

  The generation of 3D print data is not executed in the game system 20 (console, control unit 60), but an electronic device to which a 3D printer that performs 3D printing is connected, such as the server 21, the management server 10, and the PC 16 You may make it perform in. In this case, object data to be subjected to 3D printing is transmitted to an electronic device (server 21, management server 10, PC 16) to which a 3D printer that executes 3D printing is connected, and 3D printer control executed in this electronic device. 3D print data may be generated by the function of the program.

  As a result of the game result determination process, when it is determined that 3D printing is to be executed (step B13, Yes), the control unit 60 or the console 62-1 executes the 3D print process (step B14). For example, when 3D printing is performed in the control unit 60, the processor 70 prints (creates) an object in the 3D printer 77 based on the 3D print data 75b stored in the storage unit 75 under the control of the 3D printer control program 75a. Out).

  In the 3D printing process according to the present embodiment, the object to be 3D printed can be changed according to an instruction from the player before the 3D printing is executed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining 3D print processing for changing an object in accordance with an instruction from the player.

  For example, the processor 80 of the console 62-1 selects an object to be subjected to 3D printing (step D1), and displays a plurality of parts constituting the object on the touch panel display 81. Here, when a part change instruction is input by a touch operation on the touch panel display 81 by the player (step D3, Yes), the processor 80 inputs an instruction to select a part to be changed according to the operation by the player. (Step D4). The processor 80 inputs the change contents of the parts instructed by the player (step D5).

  For example, when a battleship is selected as a target for 3D printing from the game screen, weapons (parts) equipped on the battleship are exchangeable. Then, when there is a part change instruction from the player, other replaceable parts prepared in advance are presented to the player for selection. It is also possible to change the paint color of the battleship and the marks added to the hull as replaceable parts.

  Furthermore, not only can a part (part) of an object be changed, but also a part can be added (synthesized). The processor 80 of the console 62-1 receives an instruction for selecting a part to be combined or object data for a combined part when a part combining instruction is input by a touch operation of the touch panel display 81 by the player (step D 6, Yes). Is input (step D7).

  For example, when a battleship is selected as a 3D print target from the game screen, a list of equipment (parts) that are not used in the game can be presented to the player for selection. When an animation character, a polygon character, an avatar, or the like appearing on the game screen is selected as a 3D print target, an image taken by the camera, for example, an image of clothes worn by the player is input through the input unit 82. Then, this image is corrected in accordance with an animation character, polygon character, avatar or the like (object) to generate composition part object data.

  The processor 80 updates the object data to be printed according to the object to be changed or the object to be combined (step D8), and converts the object data into 3D print data (step D9). ). In the processing described above, processing relating to input from the player may be executed by the processor 80 of the console 62-1, and processing such as data conversion may be executed by the control unit 60 or the server 21.

  Thus, when the change of the object to be subjected to 3D printing is completed, the control unit 60 or the console 62-1 executes 3D printing processing (step D10).

  Note that 3D printing can be executed not only in the control unit 60 and the console 62-1, but also in each electronic device such as the server 21, the management server 10, and the PC 16. In the system according to the present embodiment, any one of a plurality of electronic devices that can be printed can be selected in accordance with an instruction from a player or a determination by a 3D printer control unit.

  For example, the selection can be made according to the type of object to be printed, the number of objects to be output, the quality and size of the object after output, the time required for output, and the like.

  For example, when the time required for 3D printing is short and it is necessary to immediately pass the 3D printed object to the player, 3D printing is executed in the control unit 60 or the console 62-1. If 3D printing is required for each of a plurality of players participating in the same game, 3D printing can be executed in parallel on a plurality of consoles.

  Further, by executing 3D printing by the server 21, for example, it is possible to present to the other players in the store how the object is 3D printed, so that the game system 20 can also be encouraged to participate.

  Further, when the object is large and the time required for 3D printing is long, when a large number of objects need to be output, or when elaborate 3D printing (printing with a highly functional 3D printer) is required, the management server 10 3D printing is executed. An object 3D printed by the management server 10 is separately delivered to a delivery destination designated by the player. Further, when the object is 3D printable by the 3D printer 16a owned by the player, or when the player requests 3D printing at home, the object data (or 3D print data) is uploaded to the management server 10. So that it can be downloaded from the PC 16. As a result, the object can be printed (created) by the 3D printer 16 a owned by the player connected to the PC 16.

  The console 62-1, the control unit 60, the server 21, and the management server 10 are each configured with one 3D printer, but may be configured with a plurality of 3D printers. . In this case, for example, when an object to be printed is composed of a plurality of parts, a plurality of parts (objects) can be printed in parallel by a plurality of 3D printers. Furthermore, it is also possible to output a plurality of parts dispersed by a 3D printer connected to a plurality of different electronic devices. As a result, the time for 3D printing can be shortened, and an object that can be enjoyed by combining a plurality of parts can be created.

  For example, when a plurality of objects are output by a 3D printer in order to create a diorama of a game scene, the sizes in the diorama of the plurality of objects are adjusted and output in parallel by a plurality of 3D printers as described above. You may make it let it. For example, after adjusting the size ratio between the background and the background of each of the plurality of objects in accordance with the printed matter of the background for diorama (two-dimensional printing), printing of the plurality of objects is executed in parallel.

  In the description of the game control process described above, object data is recorded when an object to be 3D printed is selected from the player while the game process is continued. You may make it record object data automatically continuously, without inputting. That is, for example, for all objects displayed on the game screen, record object data at regular or characteristic timings (timing that appears first, timing when attacked, timing when form is changed, etc.) deep. When 3D printing is performed, for example, according to an instruction from the player, an arbitrary selection is made from a plurality of object data recorded during the game process. In this case, the recording location of the object data may be in the game system 20, or may be the server 21 or the management server 10. Alternatively, the object may be directly recorded in a 3D printer, and an object to be 3D printed may be selected in the 3D printer.

  In the above description, the object displayed in the game screen can be selected as a 3D print target by selecting the object during the game process. However, it is defined in advance in the game control program. It is also possible to select an object or a customized object registered in advance by the player as a target for 3D printing. For example, a list of objects that can be 3D printed or the like can be displayed on the touch panel display 81 of the console 62-1, before the game process is started or after the game ends, and can be arbitrarily selected by the player.

  In addition to selecting an object selected by the player as a 3D print target, for example, based on a game result, an object to be 3D printed is automatically selected randomly from a plurality of objects used in the game. You may do it. Thereby, since the user can obtain an unintended object by 3D printing, interest in the game is improved.

  In the above description, the 3D printing process is executed after the game process is completed. However, if an object to be 3D printed is specified during the game process, the 3D printing process is performed in parallel with the game process. (For example, the console 62-1 or the control unit 60) may be executed.

  Next, a game playback process that allows the player to select an object to be 3D printed at home will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the system according to this embodiment, when a player executes a game in the game system 20, game history data capable of reproducing the game is stored in the management server 10. The player can access the management server 10 through the authentication process using the player ID (and password) through the PC 16 and request download of the game history data. The management server 10 presents a list of game history data associated with the player ID in response to a game history data download request input through the PC 16 and allows the player to select it.

  The management server 10 selects any game history data in accordance with an instruction from the player, plays a game using the game history data, and displays a game playback screen on the PC 16 (step E2). The player can specify an object to be 3D printed in the same manner as the game processing described above while checking the game playback screen.

  When the object to be 3D printed is selected by the player (step E3, Yes), the management server 10 stores the object data of this object (step E4). The selection of the object can be arbitrarily executed while the game is being played (steps E3 to E5).

  When the game playback process ends (step E5, Yes), the management server 10 determines whether 3D printing can be performed on the object selected by the player, and if 3D printing is possible (step E6, Yes), A 3D printing process is executed (step E7).

  For example, the management server 10 may allow all objects selected by the player to be executed by the 3D printer, or may determine an object to be 3D printed based on the game result as in the game processing. good. Further, in the 3D printing process, the management server 10 outputs the data from the 3D printer 10a provided in the management server 10, or transmits object data (or 3D print data) to the PC 16, and the 3D printer 16a owned by the player. 3D printing may be used.

  Accordingly, the player can select an object to be subjected to 3D printing while checking the game contents at home, for example, at home after playing the game as well as when the game is executed in the game system 20. Is possible.

  In this manner, in the system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to output (create) an object used in a game executed in the game system 20 by 3D printing.

13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are diagrams showing specific examples of 3D printing.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen executed in the game system 20. The example shown in FIG. 13 is an example of a game image showing a situation where a battleship is fighting in outer space. When the player selects the battleship displayed on the game screen as the target of the 3D printer on the game screen, the object data of the battleship is stored and can be the target of 3D printing.

  FIG. 14 shows a state where the battleship shown in FIG. 13 is printed (created) in the 3D printer (during printing). As shown in FIG. 14, based on object data (3D print data), a model representing a battleship is formed, for example, while being sequentially stacked.

  15 and 16 show an example of 3D printing on an existing object. The example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is an example of 3D printing on a plastic card, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the card 91 to be printed is set in the 3D printer in advance, and as shown in FIG. 16, an object determined according to the game result, for example, a star mark 93 indicating the level acquired by the player. And a character string 92 representing the player's name is printed (created) by 3D printing. By performing 3D printing on an existing object, the time required for 3D printing can be shortened, and the printed matter can be delivered to the player in a short time after the game is finished.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, 3D printing is performed on a simple existing object such as a card. However, for example, a model obtained in the past by a 3D printer, such as a battleship, is further acquired in a game. It is also possible to perform 3D printing by adding equipment (weapons). In this case, after the print position is adjusted by the 3D printer with respect to the existing modeled object (battleship), 3D printing may be started.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  In addition, the method described in the embodiment is, for example, a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray (registered trademark)) as a program (software means) that can be executed by a computer. ), Etc.), a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.) or the like, or can be transmitted and distributed via a communication medium. The program stored on the medium side also includes a setting program that configures in the computer software means (including not only the execution program but also a table and data structure) that is executed by the computer. A computer that implements the present apparatus reads the program recorded on the recording medium, constructs software means by a setting program in some cases, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation by the software means. The recording medium referred to in this specification is not limited to distribution, but includes a storage medium such as a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory provided in a computer or a device connected via a network.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Management server, 10a, 16a, 22, 77, 86 ... 3D printer, 16 ... PC, 18 ... Portable terminal, 20 ... Game system, 21 ... Server.

Claims (10)

Game processing means for progressing the game while displaying a plurality of objects on the game screen;
An object selection means for selecting an object;
A game apparatus comprising: 3D print processing means for outputting data for a 3D (3-dimensions) printer corresponding to the object selected by the object selection means and executing 3D printing.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object selection unit selects an object displayed on the game screen.   2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object selection means inputs designation of an object displayed on the game screen and selects an object in response to the input. The game processing means changes the form of the object during the game,
2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the 3D print processing means outputs data for a 3D printer corresponding to the object after being changed by the game processing means.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the 3D print processing unit causes any one of a plurality of 3D printers to execute 3D printing according to the object selected by the object selection unit. The object is composed of a plurality of parts,
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the 3D print processing unit causes 3D printing to be executed on at least one part constituting the object selected by the object selection unit.   The 3D print processing means outputs data for a 3D printer in which the object selected by the object selection means and another object are combined, and executes 3D printing. Game device.   2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the 3D print processing means outputs data for a 3D printer for performing 3D printing on an existing object. A game processing step for advancing the game while displaying a plurality of objects on the game screen;
An object selection step for selecting objects;
A 3D printing control method comprising: 3D printing processing steps for outputting data for a 3D (3-dimensions) printer corresponding to the object selected by the object selection means and executing 3D printing. Computer
Game processing means for progressing the game while displaying a plurality of objects on the game screen;
An object selection means for selecting an object;
A 3D printer control program for outputting data for a 3D (3-dimensions) printer corresponding to the object selected by the object selection means to function as a 3D print processing means for executing 3D printing.

Images