JP2016107018A - Game apparatus and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent deterioration in reading sensitivity when a metal layer is formed on a storage medium (a card 30) storing game information in such a manner as to read it using an electromagnetic wave.SOLUTION: A metal layer 43 of a card 30 is separated into a plurality of metal-layer portions 46. A game apparatus 1 includes: game execution means for executing a game; provision means for providing the card 30; and reading means for reading game information of a recording medium using an electromagnetic wave. The game execution means executes a game using the game information read from the card 30 by the reading means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus that provides a player with a storage medium having a metal layer, and a storage medium having a metal layer.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a game system that provides a player with a card that stores information so as to be readable / writable by the RFID method. This game system provides a player with a card storing information (user history) according to a game played by the player, and executes the game according to the information read from the card. A pattern based on the user history is printed on the card. In this game system, the handling of the card at the time of reading / writing information is improved by adopting the RFID system.

  Patent Document 1 does not describe a card and a description of the material and gloss of the printed layer formed on the card. Patent Document 1 does not describe the use of a plurality of types of cards having different materials, glossiness, or the like. Patent Document 1 does not disclose the use of a card having a metal layer, and does not describe a decrease in information reading sensitivity when a card having a metal layer is used or countermeasures.

JP 2004-290469 A

  The applicant of the present application has developed a game device that can provide two types of cards, a card having a decorative portion and a card not having a decorative portion, and has filed a patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-016678) related thereto. (Hereinafter, the game device developed by the applicant will be referred to as a “prior application game device”.)

  In the prior application game device, a card having a metal layer is provided when the player is lucky or when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game. As a result, the game player can be surprised and lucky, and the prior application game apparatus is gaining popularity in the market. However, in the prior application game device, the decoration portion is formed of a metal layer, and when the reading / writing method using electromagnetic waves such as RFID is adopted in the prior application game device, the electromagnetic wave is shielded by the metal layer or the metal layer. Due to eddy currents induced in the magnetic field, problems in writing and / or reading sensitivity occur. For this reason, it has been impossible or difficult to provide a glossy card using a metal or the like, particularly a card having a glossiness over a wide area of the card.

The present invention discloses the inventions described in the following aspects.
<Viewpoint 1>
Game execution means for executing a game;
Provided means for providing a player with a storage medium storing game information in a readable manner using electromagnetic waves, the storage medium having a metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions;
Having reading means for reading the game information of the recording medium using electromagnetic waves,
The game apparatus, wherein the game execution means is capable of executing the game using the game information read from the storage medium by the reading means.
<Viewpoint 2>
The game device according to aspect 1, wherein the metal layer is separated by a separation portion that crosses the metal layer.
<Viewpoint 3>
3. The game apparatus according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross shape or an L shape.
<Viewpoint 4>
The game apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising metal layer forming means for forming the metal layer on the recording medium.
<Viewpoint 5>
5. The game apparatus according to aspect 4, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape having a minimum dimension that can be formed by the metal layer forming means.
<Viewpoint 6>
A type determining means for determining the type of the storage medium;
The medium providing means includes:
Providing the player with the storage medium on which the metal layer is formed when the type determining means determines the first type;
The game device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein when the type determining means determines the second type, the storage medium on which the metal layer is not formed is provided to a player.
<Viewpoint 7>
Computer
Game execution means for executing a game;
Provided means for providing a player with a storage medium storing game information in a readable manner using electromagnetic waves, the storage medium having a metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions;
A program that functions as reading means for reading the game information of the recording medium using electromagnetic waves,
The game executing means can execute the game using the game information read from the storage medium by the reading means.
<Viewpoint 8>
A storage medium storing game information in a readable manner using electromagnetic waves, the storage medium having a metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions.

  In the present application, “electromagnetic waves” include radio waves. The game information in the storage medium can be read using electromagnetic waves. The game information can be read by a contact type or a non-contact type. In order to improve the handleability of the storage medium, a non-contact reading method such as RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) is preferable.

  The shape of the storage medium is arbitrary. The storage medium is preferably formed of a material that transmits radio waves, such as an insulating material. The storage medium can be flat. The storage medium can be, for example, in the form of a card. The storage medium may have a storage unit such as a wireless tag, IC memory, or IC chip for storing game information. The storage medium may have an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves. The antenna can be a loop antenna.

  The metal layer has a plurality of metal layer portions separated from each other. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of metal layer portions are not in electrical contact with each other. The metal layer part can be separated by a separation part. The separation part may be insulative. The separator can be formed across the metal layer. The separation portion may extend from the end of the metal layer to the other end.

  The metal layer portion may have an island shape (preferably a cross shape or an L shape). The island-shaped metal layer portions can be arranged in a matrix or a staggered pattern. By arranging in a zigzag pattern, it is easy to increase the area occupied by the metal layer portions without causing contact between the metal layer portions. Each island-like metal layer portion is preferably as small as possible (the smallest size that can be formed). Thereby, it can be seen that the metal layer is formed with solid, or a metallic luster can be given to the whole formation region of the metal layer.

  The game apparatus may include a metal layer forming unit that forms a metal layer. The island-shaped metal layer portion is preferably the minimum size that can be formed by the metal layer forming means.

  The game execution means can execute the game using the game information read from the storage medium. The game information can be, for example, information indicating the type of character appearing in the game, the level and growth level of the character appearing in the game, the progress of the game, and the like.

  The game execution means may be configured to be able to execute the game even when the game information is not read from the storage medium. For example, the game device may include a storage unit that stores game information, and the game execution unit may be configured to be able to execute a game using the game information stored in the storage device. Alternatively, the game apparatus may include an input unit that receives game information input by a player's operation, and the game execution unit may be configured to execute a game using the game information input from the input unit.

  The game apparatus may further include a type determining unit that determines the type of the storage medium, and may provide different types of storage media according to the determination of the type determining unit. For example, the type determination means preferably determines the first type when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game (for example, when the player wins). Alternatively, it is preferable to perform a lottery and determine the first type in the case of winning. When a first type is determined, a storage medium on which a metal layer is formed is provided to the player, and when a second type is determined, a storage medium on which no metal layer is formed is provided to the player. preferable. Three or more types of storage media may be determined by the type determining means.

FIG. 1 is an external view of the game apparatus 1. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the inside of the card 30. FIG. 2B is an exploded side view of the card 30. 3A and 3B show exemplary patterns formed on the card 30. FIG. FIG. 4A shows the card reader 13 from the front. FIG. 4B shows the card reader 13 from the rear. FIG. 5 shows a positional relationship and a size relationship between the antenna 32 of the card 30 and the antenna 52 of the card reader 13 in a state in which the card 30 is inserted into the card accommodation unit 50. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the printing device 60 built in the game apparatus 1. FIG. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram of the game apparatus 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the functions of the game apparatus 1. FIG. 9 shows patterns 44 </ b> A to 44 </ b> E of the metal layer 43 formed on the card 30. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an exemplary game process executed in the game apparatus 1. FIG. 11 shows patterns 44 </ b> E to 44 </ b> I of the metal layer 43 formed on the card 30. 12A to 12C show the results of an experiment conducted for evaluating the influence of the pattern (shape) of the metal layer 43 on the reading sensitivity.

  Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking as an example the case where the card 30 is used as a storage medium.

  FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the game apparatus 1. As illustrated, the game apparatus 1 includes a main body 10. The main body 10 includes output devices such as a monitor 20 and a speaker 21. As the monitor 20, a liquid crystal monitor, CRT, plasma display device or the like can be used.

  The main body 10 has a console 11. As shown in the figure, the console 11 may have an inclination that descends toward the front side (player side). On the console 11, appropriate types and numbers of operation members are arranged for the player to perform various operations. The type and number of operation members are arbitrary. The console of the present embodiment includes a single or a plurality of operation buttons 12, a card reader 13, a fee receiving unit 14, and the like.

  The operation button 12 is used, for example, for inputting a selection operation or a determination operation. In the present embodiment, two sets of operation buttons 12 are provided on the left and right positions of the console 11 in order to enable one player play and two player play. For example, in the case of single-player, one player can operate one set of operation buttons 12. In the case of a two-player game, one player can use the left operation button 12, and another player can use the other right operation button 12. The operation buttons 12 may be one set or three or more sets.

  The card reader 13 reads information from an after-mentioned card 30 using electromagnetic waves.

  The fee receiving unit 14 is for accepting a game fee. The type of game fee is arbitrary such as coins, bills, electronic money, points, and the like. The fee receiving unit 14 has an appropriate function and structure capable of accepting a game fee according to the type of game fee. In the example shown in the figure, a fee receiving unit 14 that can accept coins is shown. Coins inserted into the fee receiving unit 14 are detected by a coin detector 73 (see FIG. 7) installed in the main body 10.

  At the lower part of the main body 10, a card providing unit 15 for providing the card 30 to the player and a maintenance door 16 used for supplying the card 30 are provided.

  FIG. 2 shows an exemplary card 30 used in the game apparatus 1. FIG. 2A shows a state where the inside of the card 30 is seen through. FIG. 2B shows an exploded side view of the card 30.

  The illustrated card 30 has a structure in which an antenna 32 and an IC chip 33 connected to the antenna 32 are sandwiched between two base plates 31 each having a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. The base material 31 is preferably made of an insulating material such as cardboard or plastic.

  The antenna 32 is preferably made of a looped metal wire. In the illustrated example, the antenna 32 is a rectangular pattern disposed in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the base material 31. The antenna 32 preferably has a symmetrical shape and / or a vertically symmetrical shape, and is disposed in the center of the base material 31. The antenna 32 is not limited to the figure, and may have any shape and number of loops suitable for communication using electromagnetic waves.

  The IC chip 33 has a memory capable of storing information therein. The IC chip 33 performs a process of receiving information through the antenna 32 and writing it into the memory, a process of transmitting information stored in the memory through the antenna 32, and the like. The operating power of the IC chip 33 can be supplied by an induced current generated in the antenna 32 by an electromagnetic wave generated by the card reader 13 or a card reader / writer 66 described later.

  The memory of the IC chip 33 stores game information used for executing a game described later. The game information includes, for example, identification information for specifying a character appearing in the game, and progress information indicating the progress and contents of the game played by the player in the past. The progress information indicates, for example, ability parameters (hit points HP, power PW, speed SP, etc.) representing the ability of the character, equipment parameters (head, hand, foot, etc.) representing the equipment of the character, and the game stage. It can be information or the like.

  3A and 3B show exemplary patterns formed on the card 30. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pattern on the card 30 is a symbol or character 41 (hereinafter referred to as “character information 41”) and an image 42 such as a character or background (hereinafter referred to as “character information 41”). , "Image 42"). The card 30 in FIG. 3B has a metal layer 43 in addition to the character information 41 and the image 42. The metal layer 43 is, for example, a thin aluminum layer. Preferably, the metal layer 43 has a metallic luster. Preferably, the metal layer 43 is formed so as to cover almost the entire surface of the card 30 as shown in FIG. The card 30 in FIG. 3A does not have the metal layer 43. (Hereinafter, a card 30 having no metal layer 43 as shown in FIG. 3A is referred to as a “normal card”, and a card 30 having the metal layer 43 as shown in FIG. 3B is referred to as a “rare card”. There may be cases.)

  FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the card reader 13. 4A shows the card reader 13 from the front (front of the game apparatus 1), and FIG. 4B shows the card reader 13 from the rear. The card reader 13 is for reading information from the card 30 using electromagnetic waves. Reading of information on the card 30 by the card reader 13 can be performed according to RFID.

  The card reader 13 has a card storage unit 50 into which one or a plurality of (for example, 40) cards 30 can be inserted, and can read game information of the plurality of cards 30 simultaneously. The card accommodating portion 50 includes a front plate 50a, a rear plate 50b, a left plate 50c, a right plate 50d, and a bottom plate 50e. The upper part of the card accommodating part 50 is opened, and the card 30 can be inserted. In the present embodiment, the card 30 is inserted into the card accommodating portion 50 so that the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction.

  The card reader 13 is attached to the game apparatus 1 so that the upper ends of the left board 50c and the right board 50d are substantially coincident with the upper surface of the console 11. The height of the front plate 50a and the rear plate 50b is higher than that of the left plate 50c and the right plate 50d. Accordingly, walls 50f and 50g projecting upward from the console 11 are formed before and after the card accommodating portion 50 (see FIG. 1). Walls that protrude upward from the console 11 are not formed on the left and right sides of the card housing portion 50. The bottom plate 50 e is positioned at such a height that a predetermined portion (for example, the upper half) of the card 30 protrudes from the upper surface of the console 11 when the card 30 is inserted into the card housing portion 50. Therefore, the card 30 inserted in the card accommodating portion 50 can be supported in the upright direction by the walls 50f and 50g, and can be easily inserted from the left and right, and the card 30 can be easily taken out. In order to facilitate the insertion of the card 30 into the card accommodating portion 50, slopes that descend toward the card accommodating portion 50 are formed on the upper portions of the front plate 50a and the rear plate 50b.

  A reader control unit 51 and an antenna 52 connected to the reader control unit 51 are arranged on the rear side of the card storage unit 50 (see FIG. 4B). On the front side of the card accommodating portion 50 (see FIG. 4A), an antenna 53 and a capacitor 54 facing the antenna 52 are arranged. The antennas 52 and 53 are preferably made of loop-shaped metal wires. The antennas 52 and 53 may have a rectangular shape. The antennas 52 and 53 preferably have a symmetrical shape and a vertically symmetrical shape. The antennas 52 and 53 can have any shape and number of loops suitable for transmitting and receiving information.

  The antenna 53 and the capacitor 54 are resonance circuits that are tuned to the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna 52, and contribute to causing the antenna 32 of the card 30 to efficiently receive the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna 52. As a result, the card The reading sensitivity of information from 30 can be improved. The effect of such a resonance circuit is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-75269.

  The reader control unit 51 communicates with the card 30 by electromagnetic waves generated by energizing the antenna 52 and reads game information stored in the IC chip 33 of the card 30.

  FIG. 5 shows a positional relationship and a size relationship between the antenna 32 of the card 30 and the antenna 52 (or antenna 53) of the card reader 13 in a state where the card 30 is inserted into the card accommodating unit 50. (In the description of FIG. 5, the antenna 52 or the antenna 53 is referred to as “antenna 52”.)

  The antenna 52 has a height dimension H2 that is approximately half or slightly smaller than the height dimension H1 of the antenna 32. The antenna 52 faces the lower half of the antenna 32 of the card 30 inserted in the card accommodating unit 50. Therefore, the card reader 13 and the card 30 can communicate with each other satisfactorily regardless of whether the card 30 is inserted into the card accommodation unit 50 in the vertical direction.

  The width W2 of the antenna 52 is longer than the width W1 of the antenna 32. For this reason, even if the position of the card 30 in the card accommodating portion 50 is shifted in the left-right direction, the card reader 13 and the card 30 can communicate well.

  A height h2 from the bottom plate 50e of the card reader 13 to the lower end of the antenna 52 is higher than a height h1 from the lower end of the card 30 to the lower end of the antenna 32. Therefore, for example, even when the card 30 is inserted into the card storage unit 50 in a state of being stored in a card sleeve for protecting the card 30, the card reader 13 and the card 30 can communicate well. .

  FIG. 6 shows a printing device 60 built in the game apparatus 1.

  The printing apparatus 60 includes a mount storage unit 61, a paper feed unit 62, a print head 63, a card reader / writer 66, and a paper discharge unit 67.

  The mount accommodating unit 61 is a portion that accommodates a plurality of plain mounts 40 before printing. The mode of accommodation of the mount 40 is arbitrary. The mount storage unit 61 of this embodiment stores a plurality of mounts 40 in a stacked state.

  The paper feed unit 62 has a function of supplying the mount 40 of the mount storage unit 61 to the print head 63 one by one.

  The print head 63 is a device that performs printing on the mount 40. The print head 63 has a normal print head 64 and a metal layer forming head 65.

  The normal print head 64 can print characters, symbols, images, and the like on the surface of the mount 40. For example, the character information 41 and the image 42 shown in FIG. 3 are printed by the normal print head 64. Print information for printing the character information 41, the image 42, and the like is generated by a print information generation unit 91 described later. Printing may be single color or multicolor. The printing method is arbitrary such as a method using a color ribbon, an ink jet method, an electrostatic method, a sublimation type thermal transfer method, or the like.

  The metal layer forming head 65 can form (or print) the metal layer 30 on the mount 40. The metal layer forming head 65 is, for example, a melt type thermal transfer system. The metal layer forming head 65 may be a print head using a metal layer ribbon. Other methods may be used. The metal layer forming head 65 can form the metal layer 43 after information printing by the normal print head 64. The metal layer 43 can usually be formed on top of printing by the print head 64.

  It is also possible to use a single print head 63 having the functions of the normal print head 64 and the metal layer forming head 65. For example, it is possible to use a print head 63 that uses a single ribbon capable of transferring both color ink and a metal layer to the mount 40.

  By having the metal layer forming head 65, two types of cards 30, that is, a card having a metal layer (rare card) and a card not having a metal layer (normal card) can be created using the same mount 40. Therefore, the types of cards 30 can be diversified without preparing a plurality of types of mounts 40 in the mount accommodation unit 61 as in the prior application game device, and the costs associated with the cards 30 can be reduced.

  The card reader / writer 66 is for writing game information on the IC chip 33 of the card 30. The game information writing method is arbitrary. The game information can be written using electromagnetic waves (for example, according to RFID). The card reader / writer 66 can write game information updated in accordance with a game executed in a game process described later to the IC chip 33. The card reader / writer 66 may have a function of reading information from the card 30 in addition to a function of writing information to the card 30.

  The paper discharge unit 67 sends the card 30 printed by the print head 63 and written with game information by the card reader / writer 66 to the card providing unit 15.

  FIG. 7 shows a hardware configuration of the game apparatus 1.

  The game apparatus 1 includes a processing device 70 such as a computer having a CPU 71 and a storage device 72.

  The storage device 72 can be configured by a known storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, or the like alone or in combination.

  The storage device 72 stores various programs and data for realizing a functional configuration described later and executing a game process described later.

  The processing device 70 is connected to the operation button 12, the card reader 13, a coin detector 73 that detects coins inserted from the fee receiving unit 14, the monitor 20, the speaker 21, the printing device 60, and the like. The functional configuration described below is realized by exchanging signals with these devices.

  FIG. 8 shows a functional configuration of the game apparatus 1. The game apparatus 1 includes an information storage unit 81, a card information acquisition unit 82, an initial information acquisition unit 83, a game execution unit 84, a game information update unit 86, a card type determination unit 87, a character selection reception unit 89, and a print information generation unit 91. , A layout setting unit 92, a print execution unit 93, a card writing execution unit 95, and an additional print operation reception unit 94.

  The information storage unit 81 includes an image storage unit 81a, a layout storage unit 81b, and an initial game information storage unit 81c.

  The image storage unit 81a stores image data corresponding to each of the plurality of characters.

  The layout storage unit 81b stores a layout when printing information is printed on the mount 40. The layout storage unit 81b can store a plurality of types of layouts.

  The initial game information storage unit 81c stores initial values of game information for a plurality of characters.

  The card information acquisition unit 82 executes a first information acquisition process for acquiring game information from the IC chip 33 of the card 30 when the card reader 13 reads the card 30 at a predetermined timing. When a plurality of cards 30 are inserted in the card reader 13, the card information acquisition unit 82 can acquire game information from the plurality of cards 30 at the same time.

  The initial information acquisition unit 83 receives a character selection operation by the player, and executes a second information acquisition process of acquiring game information about the character selected by the operation from the initial game information storage unit 81c. The character selection operation can be performed using the operation buttons 12, for example.

  The game execution unit 84 executes a game. The content of the game is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, a predetermined number (for example, three) of player characters selected from a plurality of (for example, 50) characters prepared in advance and a predetermined number (for example, three) of characters on the computer side. A battle game is held between. The player-side character may be configured by either or either one of the character specified by the identification information acquired from the card 30 by the card information acquisition unit 82 and the character received by the initial information acquisition unit 83. Preferably, the battle game is played in a mode corresponding to the game information acquired by the card information acquisition unit 82 and the initial information acquisition unit 83. For example, a character having game information with a high ability parameter or equipment parameter is more likely to win a battle game.

  The game information update unit 86 updates the game information according to the content of the game executed by the game execution unit 84. For example, it is conceivable to increase the ability parameters and equipment parameters of each character won in the battle game and decrease the ability parameters and equipment parameters of each defeated character.

  The card type determination unit 87 determines the type of the card 30 to be provided to the player. In the present embodiment, there are two types of cards 30: a rare card and a normal card, and the card type determination unit 87 determines one of them. There may be a mode in which there are three or more types of cards 30 and the card type determination unit 87 determines one of them. The card type determination unit 87 notifies the print execution unit 93 of the determined type of the card 30.

  The character selection receiving unit 89 receives an operation for selecting a character to be printed on the card 30 by the player. This operation can be performed using the operation button 12. In this embodiment, each time a battle game is performed, a plurality of cards 30 can be printed for a plurality of characters, and the character selection receiving unit 89 has a print execution unit 93 that displays a single card 30. A character selection operation is accepted every time printing is performed.

  The print information generation unit 91 generates print information for printing the character information 41, the image 42, and the like on the mount 40, and includes a text information generation unit 91a and an image acquisition unit 91b.

  The text information generation unit 91 a generates data for printing the character information 41 on the mount 40. The data includes a game title (Title), a character name (Name) selected by the character selection receiving unit 89, and game information (hit points HP, power PW, speed SP, etc.) updated by the game information update unit 86 for the character. Performance parameters and equipment parameters such as head, hand, and foot). These pieces of information are generated based on information stored in the initial game information storage unit 81 c for the character selected by the character selection receiving unit 89 and game information updated by the game information update unit 86.

  The image acquisition unit 91b acquires image data corresponding to the character selected by the character selection reception unit 89 from the image storage unit 81a.

  The layout setting unit 92 creates print data by arranging the print information generated by the print information generation unit 91 according to the layout of the layout storage unit 81b.

  The print execution unit 93 executes the printing on the mount 40 and the formation of the metal layer by controlling the normal print head 64 and the metal layer formation head 65.

  Specifically, the normal print head 64 prints the print data created by the layout setting unit 92 under the control of the print execution unit 93. When the card type determination unit 87 determines a rare card, the metal layer formation head 65 causes the metal layer formation head 65 to form the metal layer 43 having a predetermined pattern under the control of the print execution unit 93. When the card type determining unit 87 determines a normal card, the metal layer 43 is not formed by the metal layer forming head 65.

  The additional printing operation reception unit 94 receives an additional printing operation of the card 30 by the player. This operation may be an operation on the operation button 12 performed at a predetermined timing, a coin insertion into the fee receiving unit 14, or the like.

  The card writing execution unit 95 controls the card reader / writer 66 to execute processing for writing game information to the IC chip 33 of the card 30. More specifically, the game information updated by the game information update unit 86 for the character selected by the character selection receiving unit 89 is written. This writing can be executed at any time before printing, during printing, or after printing by the printing execution unit 93.

  The card 30 printed by the print execution unit 93 and having the game information written by the card writing execution unit 95 is provided from the card providing unit 15 to the player.

  FIG. 9 shows preferred patterns 44 </ b> A to 44 </ b> D of the metal layer 43 formed on the card 30. In FIG. 9, the antenna 32 and the IC chip 33 inside the card 30 are indicated by broken lines.

  The pattern 44 </ b> A has four metal layer portions 46 separated by four cross-shaped separation portions 45. The pattern 44 </ b> B has eight metal layer portions 46 separated by eight radial separation portions 45. By reducing the width of the separation part 45, the entire region of the metal layer 43 can appear to have a uniform metallic luster.

  The separation part 45 is a part where a metal layer is not formed, and is electrically insulating. Each separation portion 45 is formed across the entire metal layer 43. That is, it extends from one end to the other end of a region where the metal layer 43 exists (a rectangular frame indicated by reference numeral 43). Thereby, each metal layer portion 46 is electrically separated.

  The patterns 44 </ b> C and 44 </ b> D are composed of a plurality of island-shaped metal layer portions 46. Each metal layer portion 46 of the pattern 44C has a cross shape, and the metal layer portion 46 of the pattern 44D has an L shape. Other shapes are also conceivable. In the patterns 44 </ b> C and 44 </ b> D, the metal layer portions 46 are electrically separated due to the presence of the separation portions 45 between the metal layer portions 46.

  Each metal layer portion 46 preferably has a minimum size that can be formed by the metal layer forming head 65. Thereby, uniform metal luster can be given to the whole area of the metal layer 43. The minimum size of the metal layer having a metallic luster that can be formed by the metal layer forming head 65 of this embodiment is a quadrangle of 2 pixels × 2 pixels. Each metal layer portion 46 of the pattern 44C is formed by arranging five square metal layers of 2 pixels × 2 pixels in a cross shape, and each metal layer portion 46 of the pattern 44D is 4 pixels of 2 pixels × 2 pixels. It is preferable to form three rectangular metal layers arranged in an L shape.

  In the patterns 44C and 44D, the metal layer portions 46 can be arranged in a staggered manner in order to maximize the area occupied by the metal layer portions 46 while electrically separating the metal layer portions 46. For example, each metal layer portion 46 in each row in the patterns 44C and 44D is arranged in the middle of the row direction position of each metal layer portion 46 in the adjacent row in the row direction, and each metal layer portion 46 in each column is arranged in the column. In the direction, each metal layer portion 46 in the adjacent row may be disposed in the middle of the row direction position. It is also conceivable to arrange the metal layer portions 46 in a matrix.

  As in the patterns 44A to 44D, by separating the metal layer 43 into a plurality of metal layer portions 46 that are spaced apart from each other, information is read from the card 30 by the card reader 13 and / or by the card reader / writer 66. Eddy currents induced in the metal layer 43 when writing information to the card 30 can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both improvement in luxury by forming the metal layer 43 in a wider area of the card 30 and prevention of deterioration in reading / writing sensitivity of the card 30.

  The patterns 44C and 44D can improve the read / write sensitivity of the card 30, and further increase the area of the metallic glossy portion. Further, the patterns 44C and 44D can further improve the print data (character information 41, image 42, etc.) of the background. It is particularly preferable in that it can improve the visibility.

  It is also possible to combine the patterns 44A to 44D. For example, it is conceivable to arrange island-like metal layer portions 46 such as patterns 44C and 44D in the region of the four metal layer portions 46 of the pattern 44A. Further, it is conceivable to arrange the metal layer portions 46 such as a cross shape and an L shape like the patterns 44C and 44D in a mixed manner.

  FIG. 10 shows an exemplary game process executed in the game apparatus 1.

  In step S1, a standby process for a game start operation is performed. In the standby process, for example, a message may be output from the monitor 20, the speaker 21 or the like to solicit players for the game.

  In step S <b> 2, the insertion of coins into the fee receiving unit 14 is awaited. That is, it is determined whether or not a coin has been inserted into the fee receiving unit 14 based on a signal from the coin detector 73. If No (no insertion), the process proceeds to step S1, and if Yes (with insertion), the process proceeds to step S3. To do.

  In step S <b> 3, the card information acquisition unit 82 executes a first information acquisition process for acquiring predetermined information from the card 30. Specifically, a message prompting the player to insert the card 30 into the card reader 13 is output from the monitor 20, speaker 21, etc., and when the player inserts the card 30, game information is received from the IC chip 33 of the card 30. Read out.

  When a plurality of cards 30 are inserted in the card reader 13, the card information acquisition unit 82 can simultaneously read game information from the plurality of cards.

  In step S4, the initial information acquisition unit 83 executes a second information acquisition process for acquiring predetermined information from the initial game information storage unit 81c. Specifically, when the character options are displayed on the monitor 20 or the like and the player selects a character by operating the operation buttons 12, the initial information acquisition unit 83 stores the selected character in the initial game information storage unit 81c. Get game information.

  In step S4, information acquisition for a total of three characters is repeatedly performed together with the characters for which information has been acquired in step S3. For example, if there is one character that has acquired information in step S3, information acquisition for two characters is executed in step S4, and two characters that have acquired information in step S3. In this case, in step S4, information acquisition for one character is executed.

  In step S5, the game execution unit 84 executes a battle game. In the battle game, a battle is performed between the three characters (player-side characters) whose information has been acquired in steps S3 and S4 and the computer-side three characters. The battle game proceeds in a manner corresponding to the game information acquired in steps S3 and S4. For example, a character having game information with high ability parameters and equipment parameters can perform an advantageous battle. If you defeat all the computer characters, you win.

  In step S6, the game information update unit 86 updates the game information for each character. The game information is updated in a manner corresponding to the content and result of the battle game in step S5. For example, if the player wins, the player's character's ability parameter is increased, and if the player cannot win, the player's character's ability parameter is not increased (or the increase is reduced, Alternatively, the game information is updated in a manner such as decreasing).

In step S <b> 7, the card type determination unit 87 determines the type of the card 30. The method of determination is arbitrary. For example, it is preferable to determine as follows (1) to (3).
(1) If the player wins the battle game in step S5, a rare card is determined, and if the player is defeated, a normal card is determined.
(2) A rare card is determined when the progress or situation of the battle game in step S5 satisfies a predetermined condition, and a normal card is determined otherwise.
(3) A lottery is executed at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing of execution of steps S7 and S17). If it is a win, a rare card is determined, and if it is off, a normal card is determined.

  In step S8, the character selection receiving unit 89 receives selection of a character to be printed. In this step, the three characters (player-side characters) whose information has been acquired in steps S3 and S4 are displayed on the monitor 20 or the like, and the player can select any of them by operating the operation buttons 12. This character can be selected. As another example, not only the player-side character but also the computer-side character or the like that has battled in the battle game (step S5) can be considered as the selection target in step S8.

  In step S9, the print information generation unit 91 generates print information based on the game information updated in step S6 for the character selected in step S8, and in step S10, the print information is printed by laying out the print information. Create data.

  In step S11, the print execution unit 93 controls the normal print head 64 to print the print data created in step S10 on the mount 40.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not a rare card is determined in step S7. If it is a rare card (Yes), the process proceeds to step S13, and the printing execution unit 93 controls the metal layer forming head 65 to print the metal layer 43 having a predetermined pattern on the mount 40. If a normal card has been determined in step S7 (No), step S13 is skipped.

  In step S <b> 14, the card writing execution unit 95 controls the card reader / writer 66 to execute processing for writing game information on the card 30. The game information written in step S14 can be the game information updated in step S6 for the character selected in step S8.

  Thereafter, in step S15, the card 30 is provided from the card providing unit 15 to the player. In step S15, depending on the determination in step S7, a rare card may be provided or a normal card may be provided. Since the rare card has the metal layer 43, it has a sense of luxury or luxury. Therefore, the player's desire to collect can be stimulated, and the usage of the game apparatus 1 can be increased. By providing a rare card with a certain probability, the player can be surprised and lucky.

  In step S16, it is determined whether a predetermined printing end condition is satisfied. The print end condition is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, an upper limit is set for the number of executions of step S15 (the number of cards 30 provided) for one battle game (step S5), and the number of executions reaches the upper limit (for example, three times). Is determined that the printing end condition is satisfied, otherwise, it is determined not to be satisfied. As another example, it may be determined that the print end condition is satisfied when the card is provided in step S15 for all the characters that can be selected in step S8.

  If the determination in step S16 is not established (No), the process proceeds to step S17, and the card type determination unit 87 determines the type of the card 30. This process may be the same process as step S7.

  Thereafter, in step S18, a coin insertion into the fee receiving unit 14 is awaited. That is, when coin insertion is detected by a signal from the coin detector 73 within a certain time (Yes), the process proceeds to step S8, and processing for providing the next card 30 (steps S8 to S15) is executed. In step S18, a message such as “Do you want to print another sheet?” Can be displayed on the monitor 20 or the like. Step S18 may be omitted and a plurality of cards 30 may be provided free of charge.

  If the determination in step S16 is true (Yes), and if coin insertion is not detected for a certain period of time in step S18 (No), one game process is completed, and the next game process is executed. The process proceeds to S1.

  Note that the above-described game processing is a case of one-player play, but in the case of two-player play, steps S3 and S4 and steps S7 to S18 can be repeatedly executed for each player.

  Hereinafter, experimental results performed to evaluate the influence of the pattern (shape) of the metal layer 43 on the reading sensitivity will be described.

  In the experiment, in addition to the patterns 44A to 44D shown in FIG. 9, a total of nine patterns 44E to 44I shown in FIG. 11 were used.

  The pattern 44E does not have the metal layer 43. (In other words, the pattern 44F has a solid metal layer 43 on almost the entire surface of the card 30.) In the pattern 44G, the solid metal layer 43 is formed only in the peripheral portion of the antenna 32, and the metal layer 43 is not formed in the central portion. In the pattern 44H, a solid metal layer 43 is formed so as to cover only the lower half of the antenna 32. In the pattern 44I, the metal layer portions 46 are arranged in a checkered pattern, and the metal layer portions 46 are arranged so as to have an interval of one pixel between adjacent metal layer portions 46 so as not to contact each other.

<Experiment 1>
On the lower side of the card reader 13 (side closer to the antenna 52), 10 cards 30 on which the metal layer 43 of any one of the patterns 44A to 44I is formed are set, and on that side (side closer to the antenna 53). Thirty cards 30 having the same metal layer (same as the pattern 44E) were set, the total of 40 cards were read by the card reader 13, and the number of cards that could be read was measured. The average value when this measurement was performed 20 times was defined as the number of readable images. The result of Experiment 1 is shown in FIG.

  According to Experiment 1, among the investigated patterns 44A to 44I, the patterns 44A to 44E and 44H have a large number of readable images. It is almost equivalent. In the patterns 44 </ b> C and 44 </ b> D, metallic luster was observed on almost the entire surface of the card 30. In addition, the visibility of the underlying print data (character information 41 and image 42) was also excellent.

  On the other hand, in the pattern 44G, although the area of the metal layer 43 is reduced, the number of readable images is not so different from the pattern 44F. The same applies to the pattern 44I. In the pattern 44I, the metal layer 43 is formed so as to leave an interval of one pixel between the adjacent metal layer portions 46. In practice, however, a conduction path is formed between the metal layer portions 46 in an invisible portion. It is thought that it was. Therefore, it is considered that the result is improved if the distance between the metal layer portions 46 is increased. The number of readable patterns 44H is the same as that of the patterns 44A and 44B, but the metal layer 43 is formed only on the lower half of the card 30 and may not be preferred due to the player's preference.

  From the above consideration, the patterns 44A to 44D are preferable, and the patterns 44C and 44D are most preferable.

<Experiment 2>
On the lower side of the card reader 13, 20 cards 30 each having the metal layer 43 of any one of the patterns 44C to 44E are set, and 30 cards 30 having no metal layer are set thereon, and the total of these is set. 50 cards were read by the card reader 13, and the number of cards that could be read was measured. The average value when this measurement was performed 20 times was defined as the number of readable images. The result of Experiment 2 is shown in FIG.

  According to Experiment 2, it was confirmed that even when the number of cards 30 was increased, the number of readable patterns 44C and 44D was almost the same as the pattern 44E without the metal layer 43.

<Experiment 3>
20 cards 30 of pattern 44C and 20 cards 30 of pattern 44D are set on the card reader 13 in an overlapping manner, and the card reader 13 can read and read these 40 cards in total. The number of cards was measured. The average value when this measurement was performed 20 times was defined as the number of readable images. The result of Experiment 3 is shown in FIG.

  According to Experiment 3, the number of readable images is 39.6, and even when 40 cards 30 with patterns 44C and 44D are stacked, most of the cards 30 can be read.

  Although the preferred embodiment has been described above, it is executed in the game device, the program, or the shape, size, material, function, operation mode, control mode, control parameter, operation mode, and various processes of the elements and members in the above-described embodiment. The types and order of the steps to be performed, the form of the storage medium, and the like are described as examples, and these can be arbitrarily added, changed, and deleted within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

  For example, the game apparatus 1 may notify the player of the type of the card 30 determined by the card type determination unit 87. The notification can be performed, for example, by outputting a predetermined message from the monitor 20, the speaker 21, or the like. If such notification is performed before step S8, the player can select which character to print in accordance with the type of card, and the convenience of the player is improved. If the notice is given before step S18, the player can decide whether or not to insert coins (step S18) according to the type of card 30, and the convenience of the player is improved. In particular, when the card 30 to be printed next is a rare card, an effect of prompting the player to insert coins (step S18) can be expected, and the profitability of the game apparatus 1 can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the pattern of the metal layer 43 formed in step S13 is one has been described, but a plurality of types of patterns can be formed. In this case, the game apparatus 1 may further include a pattern selection unit that selects any one of a plurality of types of patterns (for example, the pattern C and the pattern H). The pattern selection means can perform pattern selection every time step S5 is executed or every time step S13 is executed, for example. The pattern selection means can select a pattern according to the game win / loss, progress, situation, or according to the result of the lottery. The pattern selection means can select a pattern having a larger area of the metal layer 43, for example, when the score or result of the game is good, or when the player performs an operation well.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the character information 41, the image 42, and the like are printed using the normal print head 64 has been described. However, the card 30 on which the character information 41, the image 42, etc. are printed in advance is stored in the mount storage unit 61. The normal print head 64 may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the game apparatus 1 is described in which the card reader / writer 66 writes updated game information to the card 30 and provides it to the player. This makes it possible to perform the current game process (game information is linked) using the game information updated in the past game process. In order to achieve the same object, the card (storage medium), game device, and game system of the following modes may be used.

  The card 30 (memory of the IC chip 33) stores unique identification information (referred to as “card ID”) for each card 30, and the game apparatus 1 is connected to management means (for example, a server on the Internet). And a card ID reading means for reading the card ID from the card 30.

The game apparatus 1 reads the card ID from the card 30 before providing the card 30 in the game process (at some timing in steps S8 to S15), and the game information updated in step S6. Is transmitted to the management means. The game information may be game information of the character selected in step S8. The management means stores the card ID received from the game apparatus 1 in association with the game information.
In the game process when one or more cards 30 are read in the first information acquisition process in step S3, the game apparatus 1 reads the card ID from the card 30 in step S3, and uses this as management means. Send. The management means transmits game information associated with the received card ID to the game apparatus 1. The game apparatus 1 executes the game in step S5 using the game information received from the management means.

  Thereby, the game information updated by the past game process can be used by this game process (game information is linked | related).

  In the game apparatus 1 and the game system of this form, the configuration, steps, etc. of the card reader / writer 66, the card writing execution unit 95, step S14, etc. can be omitted. The card 30 may not store game information. The card ID reading unit can be installed in the printing apparatus 60.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game device 10 ... Main body 11 ... Console 12 ... Operation button 13 ... Card reader 14 ... Charge acceptance part 15 ... Card provision part 16 ... Door for maintenance 17 ... Monitor 18 ... Speaker 30 ... Card 31 ... Base material 32 ... Antenna 33 ... IC chip 40 ... Mount 41 ... Text information 42 ... Image 43 ··· Metal layers 44A to 44I ··· Pattern 45 ··· Separating portion 46 ··· Metal layer portion 50 ··· Card accommodating portion 51 ··· Reader control portion 52 ··· Antenna 53 ··· Antenna 54 .. Capacitor 60... Printing device 61... Mount unit 62 .. feed unit 63... Print head 64... Normal print head 65. Writer 67 · Discharge unit 70 ... processing device 71 ... CPU
72 ... Storage device 73 ... Coin detector 81 ... Information storage unit 81a ... Image storage unit 81b ... Layout storage unit 81c ... Initial game information storage unit 82 ... Acquisition of card information Unit 83 ... initial information acquisition unit 84 ... game execution unit 86 ... game information update unit 87 ... card type determination unit 88 ... card type notification unit 89 ... character selection reception unit 91 .. Print information generation unit 91a ... Text information generation unit 91b ... Image acquisition unit 92 ... Layout setting unit 93 ... Print execution unit 94 ... Additional print operation acceptance unit 95 ... Card Execution section

Claims (8)

Game execution means for executing a game;
Provided means for providing a player with a storage medium storing game information in a readable manner using electromagnetic waves, the storage medium having a metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions;
Having reading means for reading the game information of the recording medium using electromagnetic waves,
The game apparatus, wherein the game execution means is capable of executing the game using the game information read from the storage medium by the reading means.   The game device according to claim 1, wherein the metal layer is separated by a separation portion that crosses the metal layer.   The game device according to claim 1, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross shape or an L shape.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising metal layer forming means for forming the metal layer on the recording medium.   5. The game apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape having a minimum dimension that can be formed by the metal layer forming means. A type determining means for determining the type of the storage medium;
The medium providing means includes:
Providing the player with the storage medium on which the metal layer is formed when the type determining means determines the first type;
6. The game device according to claim 1, wherein when the type determining unit determines the second type, the storage medium on which the metal layer is not formed is provided to a player. . Computer
Game execution means for executing a game;
Provided means for providing a player with a storage medium storing game information in a readable manner using electromagnetic waves, the storage medium having a metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions;
A program that functions as reading means for reading the game information of the recording medium using electromagnetic waves,
The game executing means can execute the game using the game information read from the storage medium by the reading means.   A storage medium storing game information in a readable manner using electromagnetic waves, the storage medium having a metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions.

Images