JP2023080268A - Game machine, control method used therefor, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of reproducing a plurality of predetermined images associated with a plurality of players respectively, during the game so that handling of the images is different for each owner.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 acquires predetermined information for reproducing a card image KG during a game from a character card KC, and uses the card image KG reproduced on the basis of the acquired predetermined information for the progress of the game. The game machine 1 includes a barcode reader 10 that acquires information on the name of the player associated with the card image KG from the character card KC as information for identifying each player who plays the game. Then, the game machine 1 reproduces a plurality of the card images KG during the game on the basis of the predetermined information of each character card KC, and classifies respective card images KG reproduced during the game with information on the name of the player associated with the respective card images KG as a reference, into different classifications MC, SC that are handled differently in the game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

There is an application for the application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act. Announcement via telecommunication line Date of publication of website: January 13, 2012 Website address: http://www. konami. jp/products/am_orecabattle/index. html2. Released through exhibition Date of exhibition: January 15, 2012 Exhibition name: Next Generation World Hobby Fair 3. Announcement via telecommunication line Date of website publication: March 8, 2012 Website address: http://www. konami-digital-entertainment. co. jp/ja/news/release/2012/0308/ 3. Service provision to users Start date of service provision March 14, 2012 Location of service provision, etc. http://www. konami. co. jp/ja/tv/? mode=movie&page=detail&code=215 Stores equipped with arcade game machines that can play "Monster Retsuden ORECA BATTLE"

The present invention obtains predetermined information for reproducing a predetermined image during a game from a recording medium, and reproduces the predetermined image reproduced during the game based on the obtained predetermined information. It relates to a game machine etc. used for

A game in which predetermined information for reproducing a predetermined image during a game is obtained from a recording medium, and the predetermined image reproduced during the game based on the obtained predetermined information is used for progress of the game. machine exists. As one of such game machines, there is known a game machine that uses, as a recording medium, a character card on which a bar code containing predetermined information is printed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-301264 A

Contents such as predetermined images are printed in advance on character cards used in game machines such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1. In other words, in such a game machine, a character card, on which contents such as a predetermined image are printed in advance, and whose type is limited, is usually used. There are also game machines that output such character cards after the game is played. However, in any case, since the contents are printed on the character cards in advance, the variations of the cards that can be used are limited. In general, character cards with pre-printed content do not contain information for identifying the owner. Therefore, games using such character cards are generally not configured to use the owner's information. For this reason, even if a plurality of characters are reproduced in the game by a plurality of character cards, each character is normally handled uniformly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine or the like that can reproduce a plurality of predetermined images associated with a plurality of players during a game so that they are treated differently for each owner.

The game machine of the present invention obtains predetermined information for reproducing a predetermined image (KG) during the game from the recording medium (KC), and reproduces the predetermined image (KG) during the game based on the obtained predetermined information. A game machine that uses the predetermined image to progress the game, wherein player information is recorded on the recording medium as information for identifying each player playing the game and is associated with the predetermined image. from the recording medium; image reproduction means (15) for reproducing a plurality of predetermined images during the game based on the predetermined information of each recording medium; and the information acquisition Based on the acquisition result of the means, each predetermined image reproduced during the game by the image reproducing means based on the player information associated with each predetermined image is classified into each classification that is handled differently in the game. and an image classification means (15) for classification into (MC, SC).

According to the present invention, multiple predetermined images are reproduced during the game based on multiple storage media. Moreover, each of those predetermined images is classified into each classification based on the player information. That is, the player information can be used to determine the owner, and each predetermined image can be classified for each owner. Also, the classifications into which each predetermined image is classified are treated differently from each other. Therefore, using player information, a plurality of predetermined images associated with a plurality of players can be reproduced in the game so that they are treated differently for each owner. As a result, it is possible to expand the variation of the development of the game, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

In one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, the game is a game in which a predetermined range of play is possible in exchange for consumption of a predetermined consideration, and the image classification means targets the play in the predetermined range. The first player information that first acquires the predetermined information and the player information that corresponds to the same player as the first player information among the player information acquired after the first player information is classified into the same classification as the first player information. Each predetermined image is classified into each classification so that among the player information acquired thereafter, player information corresponding to a player different from the first player information is classified into another classification different from the same classification. may In this case, each predetermined image corresponding to the first player information is classified into the same classification, while each predetermined image corresponding to other player information is classified into another classification. That is, with the initial player information as a reference, each predetermined image corresponding to the initial player information can be classified into the same one category, and the other images can be classified into another category. As a result, the same single classification to which each predetermined image corresponding to the initial player information belongs can be treated differently from other classifications. Therefore, for example, each predetermined image belonging to the same category can be treated differently in the game, as an image of the player playing the game, and each predetermined image belonging to another category as another player's image. can. In other words, it is possible to change the handling of a given image according to the owner.

In one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, a post-reflection image in which a game result is reflected is used as the predetermined image, and post-reflection information for reproducing the post-reflection image is used as the predetermined information. data generation means (15) for generating output data including the post-reflection information in a data output means (16) for outputting the output data to a recording medium so that the post-reflection information is recorded as the predetermined information; ) and . In this case, it is possible to generate a recording medium on which post-reflection information for reproducing a post-reflection image reflecting the game result is recorded as predetermined information. Further, the post-reflection information on the recording medium is used as predetermined information for reproducing the post-reflection image in the next game. In other words, the post-reflection image in which the game result is reflected can be reproduced in the next and subsequent games via the recording medium.

The treatment of each category can be any different. For example, in a mode in which a recording medium for recording post-reflection information as predetermined information is generated, the data generating means limits the target of generating the output data in units of classification, and each classification determines whether or not the output data is generated. They may be treated differently depending on whether or not they are restricted. In this case, for example, a recording medium capable of reproducing a post-reflection image in which a game result is reflected can be generated for a predetermined image owned by a player who is playing a game, while a predetermined image owned by another player can be generated. The production of such recording media can be restricted.

Any information may be used as the player information. For example, in one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, player name information set by each player may be used as the player information.

Any medium may be used as the recording medium. For example, in one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, even if a medium displaying at least one of an image corresponding to the predetermined image and information corresponding to the predetermined information is used as the recording medium. good. Alternatively, a print medium on which at least one of an image corresponding to the predetermined image and information corresponding to the predetermined information is printed may be used as the recording medium. In these cases, an image corresponding to a predetermined image or information corresponding to predetermined information can be visually recognized.

Moreover, the predetermined information may be recorded in any recording medium. For example, in one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, the predetermined information is a code (NB) created in compliance with a predetermined standard so as to include the predetermined information, or a code (NB) for expressing the code as an image. It may be recorded on the recording medium as data. Furthermore, in this aspect, a two-dimensional bar code (NB) may be used as the code.

The control method of the present invention acquires predetermined information for reproducing a predetermined image (KG) during the game from the recording medium (KC), and reproduces the image reproduced during the game based on the obtained predetermined information. A game machine using the predetermined image for progress of the game, wherein information acquisition for acquiring player information associated with the predetermined image as information for identifying each player playing the game from the recording medium. an image reproducing step of reproducing a plurality of predetermined images during the game based on the predetermined information of each recording medium in a computer (15) incorporated in the game machine provided with the means (10); Based on the acquisition result of the means, each predetermined image reproduced during the game by the image reproducing step based on the player information associated with each predetermined image is classified into each classification that is treated differently in the game. and (MC, SC) image classification process.

Further, the computer program for the game machine of the present invention acquires predetermined information for reproducing the predetermined image (KG) during the game from the recording medium (KC), and based on the acquired predetermined information, A game machine that utilizes the predetermined image reproduced during the game to progress the game, wherein player information associated with the predetermined image is recorded as information for identifying each player playing the game. Image reproduction in which a computer (15) incorporated in a game machine equipped with information acquisition means (10) acquired from a medium reproduces a plurality of predetermined images during the game based on the predetermined information of each recording medium. each predetermined image reproduced during the game by the image reproducing means based on the player information associated with each predetermined image, based on the result obtained by the information obtaining means; It is configured to function as image classification means for classifying images into classifications (MC, SC) that are treated differently from each other. The game machine of the present invention can be realized by executing the control method or computer program of the present invention.

In the above description, the reference numerals of the attached drawings are added in parentheses for easy understanding of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of predetermined images are reproduced during a game based on a plurality of storage media, and classified into respective categories based on player information. That is, the player information can be used to determine the owner, and each predetermined image can be classified for each owner. Also, the classifications into which each predetermined image is classified are treated differently from each other. Therefore, using player information, a plurality of predetermined images associated with a plurality of players can be reproduced in the game so that they are treated differently for each owner.

1 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Functional block diagram of the game machine. The figure which shows an example of the character card produced with a game machine. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the classification method of a player card and a participation card. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a reproduction processing routine. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a card|curd classification processing routine. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a data generation processing routine.

One form of the game machine according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game machine 1 has a housing 2 . A control panel 3 , a monitor 4 , and a speaker 5 are provided on the top of the housing 2 . A monitor 4 is arranged above the control panel 3 . Also, the speaker 5 is arranged above the monitor 4 . The game machine 1 is configured as a commercial game machine. That is, the game machine 1 provides a predetermined game that can be played within a predetermined range in exchange for consumption of a predetermined price. Also, as an example of a predetermined game, the game machine 1 provides a monster breeding game. In addition to the control panel 3, the game machine 1 is provided with various input devices and output devices such as a volume operation switch, a power switch, and a power lamp, which are provided in ordinary commercial game machines. , are omitted in FIG.

The control panel 3 is provided with a direction selection operation section 8 capable of selecting a direction, a button 9 that can be used for determination, a bar code reader 10 as information acquisition means, and a coin slot 11 . The barcode reader 10 is configured to be able to read a two-dimensional barcode and output a signal according to the reading result. A character card KC as a print medium is inserted into the barcode reader 10 . A two-dimensional barcode including information for defining a character is printed on the character card KC. The barcode reader 10 reads the two-dimensional barcode of the character card KC as an example, and acquires the information of the character which the character card KC defines from the two-dimensional barcode. A card ejection port 12 and a coin ejection port 13 are provided on the front surface of the housing 2 . The card ejection port 12 is used to eject the character card KC printed inside the housing 2 . The control panel 3 is also provided with various operation units such as buttons that can be used for determining operations, etc., but these are omitted from the drawing.

The configuration of the game machine 1 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game machine 1. As shown in FIG. Inside the housing 2 of the game machine 1, a control unit 15 as a computer and a printer 16 as data output means are provided. A printer 16 is used to print the character card KC. The printer 16 is configured to be capable of color printing.

Monitor 4 , control panel 3 , speaker 5 , barcode reader 10 and printer 16 are all connected to control unit 15 . The control unit 15 includes a game control section 17 as a controlling entity, a display control section 18 and an audio output control section 19 that operate according to outputs from the game control section 17 . The game control section 17 is configured as a unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (eg, ROM and RAM) required for the operation of the microprocessor are combined.

The display control unit 18 draws an image corresponding to the image data given from the game control unit 17 in the frame buffer, and outputs a video signal corresponding to the drawn image to the monitor 4, thereby displaying a predetermined image on the monitor 4. display an image. The audio output control unit 19 generates an audio reproduction signal corresponding to the audio reproduction data given from the game control unit 17, and outputs the audio reproduction signal to the speaker 5, thereby reproducing predetermined audio (including music, etc.) from the speaker 5. Let

An external storage device 21 is connected to the game control unit 17 . As the external storage device 21, a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk, an optical storage medium such as a DVDROM, a CDROM, or a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM, which can retain data without power supply, is used. .

A game program 22 and game data 23 are stored in the external storage device 21 . The game program 22 is a computer program necessary for executing a monster breeding game on the game machine 1 according to a predetermined procedure.

When the game machine 1 is activated, the game control unit 17 executes the operation program stored in the internal storage device to execute various processes necessary for the game machine 1 to operate. Subsequently, the game control section 17 sets the environment for executing the monster breeding game according to the game program 22 . A reproduction unit 25 and a data generation unit 26 are generated in the game control unit 17 by executing the game program 22 in the game control unit 17 . The reproduction unit 25 and the data generation unit 26 are logical devices realized by combining computer hardware and computer programs.

The reproduction unit 25 executes processing for reproducing the character during the game based on the information contained in the two-dimensional barcode read by the barcode reader 10 . The data generation unit 26 executes processing for generating data necessary for printing a new character card based on the game play result. The game program 22 includes various modules, and the game control unit 17 controls the reproduction unit 25 and the data generation unit 26 as well as various logical devices necessary for executing the game based on these modules. are generated, but their illustration is omitted.

The game data 23 includes various data to be referred to when executing the monster breeding game according to the game program 22 . For example, the game data 23 includes image data 28 and sound effect data 29 . The sound effect data 29 is data in which a plurality of types of sound effects to be output from the speaker 5 according to the player's operation or game situation are recorded in association with a unique code for each sound effect.

The image data 28 is data for displaying on the monitor 4 a background image in the game screen, various objects, icons, characters to appear in the game, and the like. The data for displaying each character or the like contained in the image data 28 is associated with a unique code for each icon, character or the like. Furthermore, the image data 28 also includes format data for expressing the format of the character card KC. The character card KC includes a fixed part that is fixedly arranged as a format and a variable part that changes according to the game result. Format data is data necessary to express fixed portions of these.

Next, a monster breeding game executed on the game machine 1 will be described. In the game, the player breeds monsters. Specifically, monsters are raised by making them fight against other monsters and responding to events during the game. As the monster grows, it grows stronger and its characteristics change. Also, by synthesizing a plurality of monsters, a new monster having new characteristics and the like is generated.

A monster to be raised can be selected in the game. By reading the information of the character card KC into the game machine 1 through the barcode reader 10, the monster (character) printed on the character card KC and the card image showing the characteristics of the monster are displayed during the game. The card image reproduces the character card KC as an image. Also, a monster corresponding to this card image, that is, a monster defined by the character card KC is reproduced during the game. A monster of the character card KC reproduced during the game can be selected as a training object. A card image or a monster image reproduced during the game functions as the predetermined image of the present invention.

The player can print the monster trained through the game as a new character card KC. In other words, a monster that has grown through battles with other monsters or the like, or a monster that has been newly synthesized can be created as a new character card KC. This character card KC can be used in the next game. Therefore, the character card can be used as a record of training results, and one character (monster) can be continuously trained.

In this way, the character card KC can be used to continuously train monsters or create new monsters. Since the result of the game is reflected in this character card KC, it is difficult for other characters with the same contents to occur. Therefore, an original character card KC that does not exist elsewhere can be created. In addition, each character card KC displays player name information for identifying each player. That is, each character card KC is configured so that the owner can be distinguished based on the information of the player's name. Details of the character card KC will be described later.

Furthermore, in the monster breeding game, a plurality of character cards KC can be reproduced during the game. As such a plurality of character cards KC, character cards KC having different owners can be used. In other words, in the monster breeding game, characters of other players can be used together with your character. However, each character corresponding to each character card KC is classified into either a player card or a participation card based on the owner in the monster breeding game. Each character classified into player cards can be selected as a training target. In other words, as described above, the character can grow through battles in the game, etc., and the result can be turned into a character card KC. As a result, the character (the character on which the training result is reflected) can be used as a training object from the next time onward. That is, continuous training is possible through the character card KC.

On the other hand, each character classified as a participation card can participate in battles with other monsters or the like or participate in events during the game together with the characters on the player card. However, it cannot be carded as a character card KC after playing. In other words, even if each character on the participation card possesses an item or grows as a result of the game, it cannot be handed over to the next game. Each character on the participation card is only used temporarily (within one play area) to assist the character on the player card. That is, other players' character cards KC are used with restrictions. In this way, each character in the participation card category is treated differently in the game than each character in the player card category in that there are restrictions on carding. Also, the classification of participation cards may limit other options in the game, such as, for example, not being trained when played. In other words, the difference in handling between player card and participation card classifications is not limited to carding. The classification of player cards and participation cards will be described in more detail below.

Next, the character card KC created by the game machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the character card KC created by the game machine 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the composite image GG is printed on the character card KC. The synthesized image GG is formed by synthesizing the format formed by the format data and the game result information arranged in the variable portion of the format. More specifically, the composite image GG includes a basic information area SI, a barcode information area BI, a character image area CI, and a characteristic information area FI. During the game, an image corresponding to the synthesized image GG is reproduced as a card image.

The basic information area SI includes player name information as player information, character name information defined by each card, and the character's hit points (HP), attack points (AT), special points (SP), and the like. contains status information indicating A character image KG defined by each card is displayed in the character image area CI. In the characteristic information area FI, when the character defined by each card is used in the game, information on options (techniques) that can be executed in the game, information on special techniques, and card numbers indicating the ID of each card. Contains information.

As an example, a two-dimensional barcode NB as predetermined information is displayed in the barcode information area BI. The two-dimensional barcode NB is used to reproduce the character defined by each card during the game. Specifically, the two-dimensional barcode NB is used for reading by the barcode reader 10 of the game machine 1 . Therefore, the information indicated by the two-dimensional barcode NB includes each information for defining the character included in the character card KC. Specifically, the two-dimensional barcode includes each information in each area of basic information area SI, character image area CI, and feature information area FI. As the information of the character image KG in the character image area CI, information such as a unique number indicating this image KG may be used. The game machine 1 displays the character images KG using, for example, a table that associates the unique numbers with the character images KG represented by the image data 28 .

Each information in each area of the basic information area SI, the character image area CI, and the feature information area FI changes according to the game play result, that is, the breeding result. For example, a character's hit points increase, or options that can be executed in the game increase or change depending on the game play result. That is, each information in each area of the basic information area SI, the character image area CI, and the characteristic information area FI is associated with the game result so as to change based on the content of the game play.

As described above, each information in each area of the basic information area SI, the character image area CI, and the feature information area FI changes according to the game result. Similarly, the two-dimensional barcode NB in the barcode information area BI also changes according to each of these pieces of information. That is, each information included in the basic information area SI, the character image area CI, the feature information area FI, and the barcode information area BI corresponds to the variable portion of the character card KC. On the other hand, the extent and number of these regions do not change. In other words, a fixed portion (format) of the character card KC is formed by boundary lines for defining these areas.

Next, the classification of player cards and participation cards will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method of classifying player cards and participation cards. The example of FIG. 4 shows a mode in which three character cards KC are read in order of card A, card B, and card C for one play. Also, the example of FIG. 4 shows a case where a method of sorting based on the order of reading is adopted as the sorting method. In this case, the card image KG corresponding to each character card KC is displayed on the game screen GS of the monitor 4 based on the information of each character card KC read through the bar code reader 10, as shown in FIG. The card image KG is an image corresponding to the composite image GG printed on the character card KC. Each card image KG is classified into a player card classification MC and a participating card classification SC. More specifically, in the game screen GS in the example of FIG. 4, the card image KG of the card A read first is classified as the player card class MC, and the card images of the cards B and C read after that are classified as MC. KG is classified into the participation card classification SC.

In the classification method of this example, the first read character card KC is first classified into the player card classification MC. Each character card KC read after that is classified based on the name of the player of the first character card KC. Specifically, when the player name of each of the second and subsequent character cards KC is different from the player name of the first character card KC, the second and subsequent cards KC are classified into the participating card classification SC. be done. Conversely, when a character card KC having the same player name as the first character card KC is read second or later, the card KC is classified into the player card classification MC. Thus, when a plurality of character cards KC with different owners are read, the card image KG (or character) of each character card KC is based on the name of the player of the character card KC read first. are classified into the respective classifications MC and SC.

In the example of FIG. 4, the name of the player whose card A is read first is "Shoji". On the other hand, the player names of the second card B and the third card C are "Taro" and "Hanako" respectively. That is, the player name of the first character card KC is different from the name of the subsequent character cards KC. Therefore, the character of card A read first is classified into the player card class MC, and the characters of cards B and C read after that are classified into the participation card class SC. Note that the classification method is not limited to such a form. For example, it may be classified for each player name based on the player name. Then, the category with the most belonging characters (or card images KG) may be treated preferentially as an owner's category in options or the like over other categories. Alternatively, the player's name that should belong to the player card may be selected by the player. In this case, multiple names may be designated as the player names that should belong to the player card.

Next, reproduction processing, card classification processing, and data generation processing will be described. The reproduction process is executed to reproduce the character (or card image KG) defined by the character card KC during the game. The card classification process is executed to classify each character corresponding to each character card KC having a different owner when each character card KC is read. The data generation process is executed to create a character card KC corresponding to the character trained based on the game result (or to generate data for expressing the composite image GG). In addition, the game control unit 17 also executes various well-known processes necessary for executing the above-described monster breeding game, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a reproduction processing routine. As an example, the routine of FIG. 5 is executed each time the barcode reader 10 reads the character card KC. The routine of FIG. 5 is executed by the game control unit 17 as processing necessary for realizing a monster breeding game, for example. Further, the game control unit 17 executes the routine of FIG. 5 through the reproducing unit 25 as an example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a reproduction processing routine. The routine of FIG. 5 is executed to reproduce the character defined by the character card KC during the game. For example, the reproduction unit 25 is executed at a predetermined cycle during a predetermined period from after the instruction to start reading the information of the two-dimensional barcode to the instruction to start the game. Alternatively, it may be executed based on an operation of inserting a card into the barcode reader 10, an operation of instructing reproduction, or the like.

5 is started, the reproduction part 25 will acquire the information for defining the character contained in the character card KC first in step S1. Specifically, based on the signal output from the barcode reader 10, the information defining the character included in the two-dimensional barcode NB of the character card KC, that is, the basic information area SI, the character image area CI, the feature information area Acquire each information in each area of FI.

In the next step S2, the reproduction unit 25 acquires from the image data 28 the data for displaying the image of the character corresponding to the character defined by the character card KC. Specifically, based on the information in the two-dimensional barcode NB acquired in step S1, the image of the character corresponding to the character defined in the character card KC from among the images of each character that can be displayed by the image data 28 is displayed. identify. This identification is realized, for example, by a unique number and a table that associates this number with the image of the character. Data for displaying the image of the specified character is obtained from the image data 28 . When displaying the card image KG, a process similar to the data generation process described later may be executed. However, in this process, each piece of information included in the two-dimensional barcode NB may be used as information corresponding to the game result.

In subsequent step S3, the reproduction unit 25 generates reproduction data used to reproduce the character defined by the character card KC during the game. The reproduction data includes data for displaying the image of the character obtained in step S2. The reproduction data also includes each information acquired in step S21.

In the next step S4, the reproduction unit 25 outputs the reproduction data generated in step S3 to a predetermined storage area, and ends the current routine. As the predetermined storage area, an area, such as the internal storage device of the game control unit 17 or the external storage device 21, in which various data that can be used in the game is at least temporarily stored may be used. The reproduction data is stored in a predetermined storage area and used appropriately according to the situation such as the development of the game. As a result, the character having the characteristics defined by the character card KC is reproduced during the game in the same image (card image or character image) as displayed on the character card KC.

On the other hand, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a card classification processing routine. The routine of FIG. 6 is executed by the game control unit 17 as processing necessary for realizing a monster breeding game, for example. Further, the game control unit 17 executes the routine of FIG. 5 through the reproducing unit 25 as an example. The routine in FIG. 6 is executed, for example, each time the routine in FIG. 5 ends.

When the routine of FIG. 6 is started, the reproduction unit 25 first refers to the output signal from the barcode reader 10 in step S11, and acquires the information of the name of the player of the character card KC read by the barcode reader 10. . In the subsequent step S12, the reproduction unit 25 determines whether or not there is already a read character card KC in the game. If the determination result is negative, that is, if there is no read character card KC and the current character card KC corresponds to the first card KC, the reproducing unit 25 proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the reproducing unit 25 classifies the character of the current character card KC into the player card classification MC, and ends the current routine.

On the other hand, if the determination result of step S12 is affirmative, that is, if there is already read character card KC, the reproducing unit 25 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the reproduction unit 25 determines whether or not the name of the player of the character card KC read first among the character cards KC that have already been read is the same as the name of the player of the character card KC read this time. This determination is performed, for example, as follows. First, the reproduction unit 25 specifies the name of the player of the character card KC read first among the character cards KC that have already been read. The characters of the character card KC read first are already classified as player cards. Therefore, this identification is realized by, for example, obtaining the name of the player of the character card KC classified into the player card classification MC. Then, the reproduction unit 25 compares the name of the identified first player and the name of the current player acquired in step S11, and determines whether or not they are the same. As an example, the determination of step S14 is realized in this way.

When the determination result of step S14 is a positive result, that is, when the name of the player of the character card KC read first and the name of the player of the character card KC this time are the same, the reproduction unit 25 proceeds to step S13. . Then, in step S13, the reproducing unit 25 classifies the character of the current character card KC into the player card classification MC as described above, and ends the current routine.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S14 is negative, that is, if the name of the player of the character card KC read first and the name of the player of the character card KC this time are not the same, the reproduction unit 25 performs step S15. proceed to In step S15, the reproducing unit 25 classifies the character of the current character card KC into the participating card classification SC, and ends the current routine. As a result, the character on the character card KC having the same name as the player on the character card KC read first is classified into the player card classification MC. On the other hand, a character on the character card KC that is different from the name of the player on the character card KC read first is classified into the participation card classification SC. That is, based on the name of the player of the character card KC read first, the characters of each character card KC read after that are classified.

Moreover, FIG. 7 is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a data generation processing routine. The routine of FIG. 7 is executed by the game control unit 17 as processing necessary for realizing a monster breeding game, for example. Further, the game control unit 17 executes the routine of FIG. 7 through the data generation unit 26 as an example. The routine of FIG. 7 is executed, for example, based on a predetermined instruction from the player such as a character card print instruction. Note that the predetermined instruction may include an operation of selecting a character for which the character card KC should be created from among the characters present in the game. Also, for example, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed each time the game ends.

When the routine of FIG. 7 is started, the data generation unit 26 first determines in step S21 whether or not the current target character (for example, the character selected as the character for which the character card KC is to be created) is the target for data generation. discriminate. This determination is performed based on the classification to which the current target character belongs. Specifically, a character belonging to the player card classification MC is subject to data generation, and a character belonging to the participation card classification SC is not subject to data generation. That is, it is determined whether or not the target character of this time belongs to the play card classification MC, thereby determining whether or not data is to be generated. If the determination result is a negative result, that is, if the data is not to be generated (if the play card does not belong to the MC classification), the data generating unit 26 skips the subsequent processing and terminates the current routine. . Moreover, at this time, a notification that the character card KC cannot be generated may be given.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S21 is affirmative, that is, if the card is an object for data generation (if it belongs to the play card classification MC), the data generator 26 proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the data generator 26 acquires the game result corresponding to the current character. The game result includes, for example, information such as characteristics that have grown and changed through breeding, that is, each information of the basic information area SI, the character image area CI, and the feature information area FI that have changed through the game.

In the next step S23, the data generation unit 26 acquires the image data 28 required to generate the character card KC corresponding to the character corresponding to the game result acquired in step S22. This image data 28 also includes format data. In subsequent step S24, the data generator 26 generates image data as output data required for printing the character card KC. The image data also includes bar code data for expressing a two-dimensional bar code NB configured to include information necessary for reproducing the character this time. Furthermore, the image data includes the game result obtained in step S22 and the image data 28 obtained in step S23. More specifically, as the image data for expressing the composite image GG, variable portions (each information of the basic information area SI, the characteristic information area FI, the character image area CI, and the barcode information area BI) are changed according to the game result. In order to display more specific information, data for expressing a synthesized image GG is generated by synthesizing the format represented by the format data and each information corresponding to the game result to be displayed in the variable portion. This composite image GG also includes a display of the two-dimensional barcode NB. Then, the two-dimensional barcode NB after the game result has been reflected functions as post-reflection information of the present invention.

In the next step S25, the data generator 26 outputs the image data generated in step S24 to the printer 16 so that the composite image GG represented by this image data is generated as the character card KC. Then, the printer 16 executes printing based on the image data so that the composite image GG is printed on the character card KC. After completing the process of step S25, the data generator 26 ends the current routine. As a result, the character card KC of the character belonging to the player card classification MC, which has grown according to the game result, is printed through the printer 16 and ejected from the card ejection port 12 . On the other hand, generation of image data is restricted for each character belonging to the participation card category SC. In other words, card conversion is managed in units of classification, and each character belonging to the participation card classification SC cannot be converted into a character card KC. In this way, there is a difference in handling regarding the generation of the character card KC between the respective classifications MC and SC of the player card and participation card.

As described above, according to this embodiment, through the game machine 1, the character card KC reflecting the game result is generated. That is, the content printed on the character card KC changes according to the game result. This makes it possible to provide a wide variety of cards. Also, a plurality of characters (monsters) can be reproduced during the game by a plurality of character cards KC. Therefore, for example, it is possible to realize an event using a plurality of characters, such as team competition and team training. As a result, it is possible to expand the variation of the development of the game, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

Also, the generated character card KC contains information on the name of the player. Thereby, the owner of the character card KC can be identified. Further, the player name information included in the character card KC is used to classify the characters (monsters) reproduced during the game via the two-dimensional bar code NB. In other words, each character can be classified according to the owner based on the player's name information. Each classification has a difference in handling in terms of training restrictions or creation of character cards KC. In other words, each character associated with a plurality of players can be reproduced in the game so that each character is treated differently for each owner. For this reason, even if the monsters owned by other players can be reproduced during the game, those monsters are not treated in the same way as the player's own monsters. As a result, it is possible to promote acquisition of one's own character card KC, that is, play of the game machine 1 while expanding variations in game development.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 15 functions as image reproduction means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. Also, the control unit 15 functions as the image classification means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. Further, the control unit 15 functions as data generating means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. 7 through the data generating section 26. FIG.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described forms, and can be implemented in any suitable form. In the above embodiment, a card-shaped paper member is used as the print medium. However, the print medium is not limited to such a form. For example, each member such as a plastic member or a metal member may be used as the print medium as long as it can be printed by a printer.

Further, in the above embodiment, the print medium is used as the recording medium. However, the recording medium is not limited to such forms. For example, as the recording medium, a storage unit of a device having a display unit such as a mobile phone and a personal computer may be used. In this case, the composite image GG (or the card image KG) can be displayed through the display section. Furthermore, the recording medium is not limited to a medium capable of displaying these images. That is, as a recording medium, a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk, an optical storage medium such as a DVDROM or a CDROM, or a storage medium such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

Furthermore, data output means is not limited to the printer 16 . For example, various communication devices that output image data using a network such as the Internet or communication means such as infrared rays may be used as the data output means. Moreover, in the above-described form, the predetermined information is converted into a two-dimensional barcode and printed on the character card KC. However, the form in which the predetermined information is recorded is not limited to such a form. The predetermined information may be barcoded and printed on the recording medium, for example. Alternatively, data for expressing codes created in compliance with predetermined standards, such as two-dimensional barcodes or barcodes, may be stored in the storage medium as predetermined information. Furthermore, the given information is not limited to such coded forms either. For example, predetermined information itself may be stored in the storage medium as data for reproducing a predetermined image stored in the storage medium. Therefore, for example, the image data itself in the form described above may function as predetermined information.

In the above-described form, the player name set by the player is used as the player information. However, player information is not limited to such a form. For example, as player information, a unique player ID (user ID) may be used for each player. A player ID may be given through a game service provided via a network such as the Internet, for example. The game service is provided by a server device connected via a network to setting devices such as mobile phones and personal computers. Also, the player ID may be input by the player each time the game is played, for example.

Alternatively, a storage medium capable of storing various information such as the player ID may be used to acquire the player ID. Furthermore, as such a storage medium, a card that stores a predetermined consideration and is used for payment of the predetermined consideration may be used. A unique card ID may be assigned to each such card. In this case, for example, the player ID may be identified based on ID management data that associates the card ID and the player ID with each other. Such ID management data or data for managing a player corresponding to a player ID is provided, for example, from a server device via the network when the game machine is connected to the network, and may be stored in the machine.

In the above-described mode, the difference in handling between classifications is the difference in whether or not they can be made into cards, and the difference in whether or not they can be designated as operation objects (or training objects) in the game. However, the difference in treatment between classifications is not limited to such forms. For example, cards other than those classified as player cards may be rejected from playing in the game. In other words, there may be a difference in handling between classifications depending on the manner in which cards other than those classified as player cards cannot be used in the game. Further, in the above-described mode, the game machine 1 is running a monster breeding game. However, games executed on the game machine 1 are not limited to such games. For example, various games such as action games and role-playing games may be executed. As the game machine, various game machines such as business use, home use, stationary type, and portable type, personal computers, mobile phones, and the like may be used.

1 game machine 10 barcode reader (information acquisition means)
15 control unit (computer, image reproduction means, image classification means, data generation means)
16 printer (data output means)
KC character card (recording medium, printed medium)
KG card image (predetermined image)
NB two-dimensional barcode

Claims (1)

A game in which predetermined information for reproducing a predetermined image during a game is obtained from a recording medium, and the predetermined image reproduced during the game based on the obtained predetermined information is used for progress of the game. machine and
information acquisition means for acquiring player information associated with the predetermined image as information for identifying each player who plays the game from the recording medium;
image reproduction means for reproducing a plurality of predetermined images during the game based on the predetermined information of each recording medium;
Based on the acquisition result of the information acquiring means, each predetermined image reproduced during the game by the image reproducing means based on the player information associated with each predetermined image is treated mutually in the game. an image classification means for classifying into different classifications;
A game machine.

Images