JP4710912B2 - Information display system and information display system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for displaying information registered in a database on a computer terminal via a computer network, and in particular, a display when a virtual space that can be shared by a plurality of users is displayed on the computer terminal screen of each user. Regarding the method.

  Among large game apparatuses installed in game centers and the like, there is known a horse racing game apparatus in which a miniature racetrack is provided in the center, and a mini racehorse voted by each player on this course actually runs. . In addition, with the advancement of computer graphics technology, there are some that display and display the race contents on a huge monitor screen. Unlike other competitive games, these horse racing games, in addition to the fun of inferring the winning horse from the given information and voting, in the race the race that you voted while watching the competition on the miniature racetrack and the competition screen on the monitor screen It is configured to be as close to actual horse racing as possible, such as being able to support horses and the payouts vary greatly, so that it is stable and popular, and a high coin recovery rate is expected from the game center side Has been treated as.

  Recently, many game softwares that deal with horse racing have been put on the market so that such a horse racing game can be easily enjoyed even on a home game machine. So-called racehorse breeding games that earn medals are also commercially available and gaining popularity.

  Conventionally, in an electronic device including a game device including a horse racing game device and an information terminal device that provides a content service, as a method of charging a user using these devices, charging is performed by cash, medal, prepaid card, or the like. It was generally done.

  As described above, most of the existing horse racing game devices cause the player to infer and vote the winning horse based on the information of the given running horse, and the player is regarded as a simple voter. is there. Accordingly, although each horse racing game device has a different number of runners and different courses, the game form itself is not much different, and it does not mean that a specific model has an explosive popularity by overwhelming others.

  In addition, the conventional billing method requires possession of cash, medals, prepaid cards, and the like, which has been an obstacle for users to easily use electronic devices. Further, the unit of billing is determined by the billing method, and accurate billing according to the usage amount of the service or the like cannot be performed.

  In recent years, a virtual space shared by computer users has been provided on a computer network. When the virtual space is accessed from the computer terminal via the network, the virtual space is displayed on the terminal screen. In the virtual space, for example, a town is formed, and a three-dimensional model that is a substitute for a user registered in advance exists. The model may be, for example, a human shape or a favorite animal shape.

  The user can move his / her model in the virtual space by operating his / her terminal while viewing the screen. Then, when the model of the user comes into contact with another model in the virtual space, the user can communicate with the user of the other model using chat, e-mail, or the like. Thus, using the virtual space, the user can meet and communicate with an unknown user.

  However, users who met in the virtual space by chance do not always have a common hobby or interest. In other words, it is very difficult to find such a user when the user wants to get acquainted with a user who has a common hobby or interest.

  In a so-called medal game device that plays a game using medals, a medal is purchased at a store, and the game is played using the purchased medal. Purchased medals are valid only in the store. Dividends and prizes obtained according to game results in a horse racing game or the like may be received as medals every time they win, or may be accumulated in the game device without being discharged as medals and the game may be continued. However, at the end of the game, it is necessary to discharge all accumulated medals.

  From the player's point of view, it is very convenient if accumulated dividends and prizes are accumulated and can be used at a later date. It is also convenient for the store if it is easy to acquire fixed customers if it accumulates the dividends and prizes it has earned. Considering this, some game centers provide a special service for storing discharged medals for each player, but there is a problem that medal management is difficult.

  On the other hand, mobile information terminals such as mobile phones and PHSs are rapidly spreading and are becoming indispensable as personal information terminals. As described above, various games and games using a portable information terminal have been proposed. However, it is desired to realize a new game method using a variety of functions of the portable information terminal. In addition, a new billing method suitable for a new service such as a game using a portable information terminal is desired.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information display method for displaying in a virtual space displayed on a terminal information for making it easy to find a partner user that matches the user's access purpose, and a system for implementing the information display method. It is to provide.

The object is to display information about a plurality of users registered on a server on a terminal of a first user of the plurality of users via a communication network. A transfer step of transferring from the server to the terminal of the first user, and a display step of displaying information on the user based on the registered content of the information on the first user on the terminal of the first user. The information about the user includes a file for describing a model as a substitute for each user in a virtual space shared by the plurality of users, and a user's interest level for at least one item, and the display step Then, a virtual space where a model corresponding to each user exists is displayed on the terminal of the first user, and On the basis of the interest level of the first user, the information display method is characterized in that the model of each user is displayed in a form corresponding to the interest level.

In the information display method described above, at least one virtual character model prepared by the server may exist in the virtual space .

In the information display method described above, information on the plurality of users may be searched according to the setting of a predetermined extraction condition by the first user, and users satisfying the extraction condition may be extracted .

In the information display method described above , the extracted information about the user may be displayed as a list .

In the information display method described above , the extraction condition may be set when the first user is a user who has received specific permission from the server administrator in advance .

In the information display method described above , the extraction condition can be set when the first user is a user who has previously received permission for sales activity in the virtual space from the administrator of the server. You may do it.

The object includes a server that stores information on a plurality of users registered in the server, and at least one terminal connected to the server via a communication network, and the information on the plurality of users is transmitted to the plurality of users. In the information display system for displaying on the terminal of the first user, information transfer means for transferring information on the plurality of users from the server to the terminal of the first user, and information on the first user Information display means for displaying information on the user based on the registered content on the terminal of the first user, and the information on the user is a substitute for each user in a virtual space shared by the plurality of users. and files for describing one model, and a user's interest level for at least one item, the information Display means, to a terminal of the first user, to display the virtual space model corresponding to each user is present, based on the interest level of the first user for the item, the model for each user This is achieved by an information display system characterized in that a figure is displayed according to the level of interest .

 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the user with the same hobby and interest from the many users who have entered the virtual space, or the user who becomes a sales object can be found easily and in a short time.

[First Embodiment]
A horse racing game apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of a horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

(Configuration of horse racing game device)
The horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment only discharges a predetermined number of medals as a payout when a voting such as a single win type, a double win type, a frame series, or a horse series voted (bet) by a player participating in the game is hit. In addition, it is a so-called horse owner participation type horse racing game apparatus in which each player can own a horse that the player owns in the game, and a considerable number of medals are provided depending on the arrival order.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 2 of the horse racing game apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a fan shape as a whole, and a huge game screen that outputs a common game screen to the player is provided in the vicinity of the fan-shaped converging portion of the housing 2. An integrated display 3 is provided. On both sides of the large display 3, speakers 8 for outputting game sounds are provided. On the other hand, there are a plurality of individual displays (satellite monitors) 4 that output video images of game screens centered on their own horses or voting racehorses in the vicinity of the fan-shaped outer periphery of the housing 2. Buried.

  Each satellite 5 provided for each player is provided with an insertion slot 6 for inserting medals to bet around the individual display 4, and on the outer periphery of the housing 2 near the player's knee, A medal discharge port 7 is provided for discharging medals corresponding to dividends and prizes.

  In the present embodiment, a touch panel 9 is provided on the individual display 4, and each player operates the game with the touch panel 9. For example, as the game progresses, the individual display 4 is appropriately displayed with a command key shaped as an operation button each time, and the player directly touches the touch panel 9 on the command key with various hands so that various command signals are displayed. It is input to a game control circuit described later.

  In the horse racing game apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a socket 10 is provided for each satellite 5. For example, a storage medium such as a memory or an external device such as a mobile phone can be connected to the socket 10. When the memory is installed, the own horse produced (formed) / bred up is used as it is in other game machines, for example, home video game apparatuses and other arcade horse racing game apparatuses described later. The horses produced (formed) and nurtured by other game devices can also be used as horses owned by players in the horse racing game device 1 of the present embodiment. Data linkage with the recording medium attached to the socket 10 and other game devices via this will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the configuration of the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment has a main game board 11 at the center, and the main game board 11 has a game board 12 of each satellite 5 via an arc net hub 13. Is connected. The main game board 11 mainly controls the horse racing game apparatus 1 as a whole, and the game board 12 controls individual players in each satellite 5.

  A large display 5 and a speaker 8 are further connected to the main game board 11. From the main game board 11, an image signal is output to the large display 3, an audio signal is output to the speaker 8, and a game image and sound are output.

  The game board 12 of each satellite 5 is connected to the individual display 4, the touch panel 9, and the socket 10, and further connected to a medal discharge mechanism 14 that discharges medals. The game board 12 drives a medal discharge mechanism 14 provided corresponding to each satellite 5 and discharges medals as dividends and prize money to each player.

(Outline of horse racing game program)
In order to execute a horse racing game, the main game board 11 is provided with a memory (not shown) for storing a horse racing game program. The horse racing game program is initialized by initially setting the racehorse character and its ability data, for example, the speed value a and the stamina value b, based on the racehorse formation command signal input from the player via the touch panel 9. A racehorse breeding program including an arithmetic expression for updating the ability data of the racehorse character according to the racehorse breeding command signal input from the player via the touch panel 9, and the ability data of each racehorse character It has a conversion formula for converting into ability parameters, and is composed of a racehorse race program for outputting a comparison result between ability parameters to the large display 3 in the form of a racehorse race.

The ability parameter conversion formula for comparison is composed of, for example, the following formula, where A is the value of the ability parameter of a racehorse.
A = Csp · a ′ + Cst · b ′ + Cun (1)
However, Csp: Speed coefficient (decreasing tendency as the race distance increases)
Cct: Stamina coefficient (Increased as the race distance increases)
Cun: Uncertain coefficient (random number)
a ': Current speed value of the horse b': Current stamina value of the horse That is, in this embodiment, the arithmetic expression for quantifying the ability of the racehorse is random for each racehorse for each race. The uncertain coefficient Cun that is set to 2 is included, and depending on the value of Cun, consideration is given to the possibility that the superiority / inferiority relationship of the two racehorses is reversed. This is an algebraic version of the “luck” in the game, which gives the possibility of a so-called hole betting ticket and gives the game a fun.

  Prior to executing the racehorse race program, the main game board 11 may take in the racehorse character and ability data stored in the attached recording medium from the outside via the socket 10. In this case, the ability data of the racehorse written on the recording medium is loaded onto the main game board 11 via the game board 12 and the arc net hub 13.

  When the memory is not attached to the socket 10, a racehorse training command signal is input to the main game board 11 based on the training menu selected by the player, and the internal memory is used as capability data of the racehorse running in the horse racing game. Set to The main game board 11 calculates the value of the performance parameter of each racehorse based on the racehorse race program including the conversion formula (1) stored in the internal memory and the development command signal input from the touch panel 9. The racehorse race is configured based on the comparison result, and an image is displayed on the large display 3 and the individual display 4.

  At the end of the race, the main game board 11 and each game board 12 calculate and set a dividend, prize money or medal for each player according to the race result, and drive the medal discharge mechanism 14 to discharge a corresponding number of medals. . Further, the ability data of each racehorse, such as a speed value and a stamina value, are sequentially updated in accordance with the race result. When a recording medium is mounted on the socket 10, the updated capability data is written to the recording medium.

  As a result, the player can finish the horse racing game at any time and take out the racehorse information having new ability data as a recording medium. For example, the recording medium can be used by data-compatible horse racing training game software. If set to a driven home video game, the racehorse capability data at the end of the game can be used as racehorse capability data for the home video game.

(Flow of horse racing game)
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the flow of the horse racing game in the horse racing game apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be schematically described. Each step of the routine described below is executed by the main game board 11 or the game board 12. When the game is not started, a customer standby screen is output like other game machines. The game is started when the player operates the touch panel 9 or when a memory or the like is attached to the socket 10 in order to easily explain the flow of the game.

  When the game starts, it is determined whether or not the player has a horse, that is, whether or not the player has inserted a recording medium into the socket 10 (step S1). If the recording medium is inserted in the socket 10, the name and ability data of the player's horse is read from the recording medium in the subsequent step S 2, and temporarily stored in the internal memory of the main game board 11 via the game board 13. The process proceeds to step S4.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the recording medium is not inserted into the socket 10, the process proceeds to step S3, where a mode for newly creating (producing) a racehorse is started. As described above, this racehorse creation mode is executed by the game board 12 of each satellite 5 as part of the racehorse training program.

  As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a predetermined number of horses clearly specifying speed and stamina, for example, about 20 real horses are presented in order to the player, and the player has a favorite horse by purchasing with a set number of medals. The horse is determined.

  As another specific example of determination of possession, the player is presented with one breeding mare belonging to each satellite 5 and selected one of several tens of horses, and a predetermined number of medals are inserted. It is also possible to determine a new horse by seeding.

  When the horses of each player are determined in this way, the process proceeds to the next step S4, and the mode is shifted to a mode in which the horses are trained and trained for the race to run. In this racehorse training training mode, for example, in the training process, the entire stable is shown on the large display 4 as shown in FIG. 5A, and the individual display 4 of each satellite 5 has a scene of each stable including a horse. Is output.

  In the stable scene, the player can control the operation of the horse with the touch panel 9. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the horse H is fed by touching a bucket B on the screen.

  Also, in the training process, as shown in FIG. 7, a training menu is first output, and after the player selects the training content via the touch panel 9, a corresponding number of medals are inserted, depending on the training, Update capability data.

  When the training menu is determined, as shown in FIG. 8, the training scene of the horse H is video-outputted on the individual display 5 of each satellite. The player can train with the whip of the horse by touching the horse H through the touch panel 9.

  In this way, when the training of the horses by each player is completed, the process proceeds to step S5, and the horses are finally running in the actual race. The specific processing contents of this race mode are executed by the main game board 11 based on the racehorse race program.

  First, as a pre-race stage, a race program guide that can be run is presented to the player on the individual display 4 in accordance with the current ability data of the player's horse. On the other hand, after selecting a race to be started via the touch panel 9, the player inserts a number of medals corresponding to the start registration. The race program is configured so that horses having the same ability can easily be registered in the same race with a predetermined number of horses. If horses of the same ability level are not available or there is an idle satellite without a player, a racehorse prepared in advance on the horse racing game apparatus side starts instead.

  Regarding the establishment of this program, if there is a large difference in the ability between racehorses registered by the player, it is called a handicap so that the weight is changed and the registered race is changed to a separate weight competition on the game device side. Also good.

  Thus, when the race registration of each player is completed, the horse racing game is finally started.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the flow of the horse racing game executed in step S5. First, in step S5-1, each player is given an opportunity to vote for a betting ticket for a predetermined time, for example, about 1 minute, as in the conventional horse racing game apparatus. At this time, the individual display 4 of each satellite has each running horse table (horse column) and JR (Japan Central Horse Racing Association) type voting tickets, and if necessary, single-winning type, double-winning type, frame series, horse series, Wide odds are displayed. When a player expects a winning horse, he touches a predetermined part of the touch panel 9 to vote for a desired betting ticket from a single winning type, a double winning type, a frame series, a horse series, or a wide. Note that this betting ticket voting is not compulsory for the player, and he / she can freely enjoy the race of his own horse without aiming for a betting ticket, aiming only at the winnings of the race.

  Next, in step S5-2, it is determined whether or not the player has voted based on the presence or absence of input from the touch panel 9. In the case of Yes, the bet content is read in the following step S5-3, and in the case of No, step S5-3 is skipped.

  Subsequently, in step S5-4, it is determined whether or not the player of the satellite 5 has a horse to determine the situation where each player is placed toward the start of the race. This can be determined by checking the presence / absence of a racehorse formation command from the touch panel 9 or the input status from the memory socket 10.

  If it is determined in step S5-4 that there is a horse (Yes), the process proceeds to step S5-5, where it is determined whether the horse is registered in the current race. If YES in step S5-4, that is, if the player's horse is running, then in step S5-6, the middle display standby straight line, the rear standby straight line game, escape, And the like so that the player can issue a race development instruction to the jockey.

  If it is determined in step S5-4 that the player does not have a horse (No), the process proceeds to step S5-7, where a horse creation screen is output to the satellite monitor 4 while another player is instructing to deploy. Encourage horse creation.

  If you have a horse in step S5-5 but do not register this time (No), you can proceed to step S5-8 and train the satellite monitor 4 for the upcoming race while instructing other players to deploy. Or output an image for instructing the next race registration.

  Note that when outputting an image in step S5-8, a retirement key may also be displayed to instruct whether or not to retire his own horse. Horses with excellent results, such as those who have won the G1 (Grade One) competition in their retirement, are used as stallions and breeding mares for racehorse creation (production) along with their results, as well as at the computer registration site. As such, it may be stored in the internal memory of the main game board 11.

  In step S5-9 following step S5-6, it is determined whether or not the player has instructed the deployment to the jockey based on the presence / absence of input from the touch panel 9, and if yes, the instruction content is captured in step S5-10. This affects the subsequent ability parameter calculation and image output.

  When the race preparation is completed as described above, in step S5-11, on the main game board 11, based on the acquired ability data of each running horse and the input expansion command signal, Various calculations for determining superiority or inferiority and displaying a race image are performed. In step S5-12, a race screen corresponding to the calculation results is output to the large display 3. At this time, each individual display 4 may output the same image as that of the large display 3, or the position of the player's horse may be displayed by an arrow or the like. Further, the race development may be displayed from the viewpoint of the jockey riding on the horse.

  In this way, the characteristics of each racehorse and the unfolding command input by the player are displayed in the form of race development, and the superiority or inferiority of each racehorse's ability parameter is expressed in the form of race arrival order. A winning horse and a hitting ticket are determined accordingly. Subsequently, in step S5-13, the number of payout medals is calculated according to the order in which the player's horse is placed and whether the voted betting ticket is hit or wrong, and the medal discharging mechanism 14 is driven to give a medal as a prize or a payout. Is provided to the player. In case of inconvenience, the bet medals are collected.

  In the horse racing game apparatus of the present embodiment, a program that allows the player to communicate with his / her own horse via the touch panel 9 is received in the racing horse race program via the touch panel 9. .

  In subsequent step S5-14, it is determined again whether or not the player's horse has started running this race. If the player has started (Yes), whether or not the horse has won in subsequent step S5-15 ( 1st) is determined.

  If the horse has won (Yes), the process proceeds to step S5-16, and it is determined whether or not the player has touched the horse H on the screen. If it is determined that the screen is touched, the process proceeds to step S5-17. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the horse H switches to an image that shakes his / her head in response to it, as if the owner gave up the horse. The player is given a feeling that he / she is struggling.

  If the horse does not win (No), the process proceeds to step S5-18 to determine whether or not the player has touched the horse H on the screen. If it is determined in step S5-18 that there is a touch, the player may be discouraged and beating the horse H, so the process proceeds to step S5-19, and the horse H touches as shown in FIG. In response to the above, the image is switched back and the player feels as if the owner is scolding the horse.

  If the touch is not confirmed in steps S5-16 and S5-18, skip steps S5-17 and 519, respectively, and output a normal image, for example, an image of finishing the race and returning to each stable, This routine ends.

  If it is determined in step S5-14 that the horse is not in the current race at the time of the player, the current horse image is output to the individual display 4 in step S5-20, and the next race Processing such as prompting for preparation is performed.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 3, when the series of race processes in step S5 is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step S6, and the process of updating the performance data of each racehorse that has started based on the current race result is performed. Done.

  Note that the process of step S6 is performed together with the process of step S5, specifically, step S512, which calculates and determines the superiority or inferiority of the racehorse based on the input data of each horse and outputs a race screen according to the calculation. It is also possible.

  In subsequent step S7, a screen asking whether or not to continue the game as it is to each player is output to the individual display 4 of each satellite 5. If the operation on the touch panel 9 determines Yes in step S7, that is, if it is determined that the player still wants to play the game, the process returns to step S4, and the player's horse is trained for the next race entry. The screen to be trained is displayed again, and the processes in steps S4 to S6 are repeated.

  If No in step S7, that is, if it is determined that the player does not continue the game, the process proceeds to step S8, where it is determined whether or not the recording medium is mounted in the socket 10 provided in the satellite 5. If the recording medium is loaded, the process proceeds to step S9 to perform processing for writing the updated capability data of the horse on this recording medium, and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that there is no memory device, step S9 is skipped and this routine is terminated.

(Horse racing game system)
The racehorse character created and updated in the horse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment and its ability data can be taken out via a recording medium, and can be used as it is as existing racehorse data in another horse racing game system. It is.

  FIG. 12 is an external view of a memory device as a recording medium that can be attached to the horse racing game apparatus 1. The memory device 15 includes a small LCD (liquid crystal display unit) 17 and various operation buttons 18 such as a cross key on the surface of the case 16, and a lower end portion for connecting to the memory socket 10 of the game device 1. A connector 19 is provided. In order to protect the terminal portion of the connector 19 from dust and the like, it is covered with a removable cap 20.

  Inside the memory device 15, a memory (not shown) for storing the inputted name and ability data of the racehorse and the racehorse can be cultivated with the memory device alone, or the current ability data is visually displayed on the LCD 17. Or confirm.

  FIG. 13 shows a horse racing game system including the horse racing game apparatus 1, the home video game apparatus, and the arcade game apparatus via the memory device 15, and the racehorse data sharing relationship between these apparatuses. Is shown.

  The home video game apparatus 21 has a control circuit 25 and is operated by a controller 23. A horse racing game is executed by mounting the CD-ROM racehorse breeding game software 22. The home video game device 21 is provided with a socket 24 for mounting the memory device 15.

  The arcade game machine 30 is a player-participating arcade game apparatus that is installed in a game center or the like and races with a racehorse prepared by the apparatus side by direct operation of the player, with the player regarded as a jockey. The arcade game machine 30 has a control circuit 33 and is operated by the operation unit 32. The arcade game machine 30 is also provided with a socket 31 for mounting the memory device 15.

  In this game system, the player produces and nurtures his own horse with the home video game apparatus 21 and stores the nurturing data in the memory device 15 via the interface 24. There is an entertainment in which this is attached to the memory socket 10 of the horse racing game apparatus 1 and a prize (medal) is obtained with the own horse by competing with the racehorse carried by other players. On the other hand, there is an entertainment in which the memory device 15 is mounted in the socket 31 of the arcade game device 30 and the player becomes a jockey and races with the racehorse set by the control circuit 33 via the operation unit 32.

  In addition, the player improves his horse's ability by racing or training in the horse racing game apparatus 1, stores the ability data in the memory device 15 via the socket 10, and takes it home. It is also possible to set it on the video game apparatus 20 and further train its own horse. In addition, it is possible to use this ability data to attach to the socket 31 of the arcade game apparatus 30 and to become a jockey and race with the racehorses on the apparatus side for further career advancement.

  The player stores the race result in the arcade game device 30, that is, the development / arrival order, etc. in the memory device 15 via the socket 31, and serves as a reference for the training menu in the home video game device 20, It may be attached to the socket 10 and used as a reference for development on the race.

  As described above, according to the horse racing game system described above, the memory device 15 can be attached and detached in both the horse racing game apparatus 1 and the arcade game apparatus 30, and the racehorse training data in the home video game apparatus 21 is stored in the horse racing game apparatus 1. Since it can be used in the arcade game device 30, in addition to the pleasure of producing and cultivating his own horse as a “trainer” in the home video game device 21, in the horse racing game device 1, “horse owner” and “trainer” The arcade game apparatus 30 can be enjoyed to control his own horse as a “Jockey”.

[Second Embodiment]
A horse racing game apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Basic configuration of horse racing game machine)
In this embodiment, the configuration of each horse racing game apparatus installed in a game center or the like is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but each horse racing game apparatus 1 is connected to a communication line such as the Internet. 40 is connected to a main server 41 that manages horse racing game apparatuses nationwide. The main server 41 comprehensively accumulates and manages game data in each horse racing game apparatus 1, for example, various horse data and player data. By using such a horse racing game apparatus of the present embodiment, a player can start a horse that he has raised and accumulate a career even if it is a horse racing game apparatus connected to the main server. Can do. This will increase your attachment to your horse and increase your love for the game.

(Information basic screen)
FIG. 15 shows a satellite information basic screen 50 that is initially displayed on the individual display 4 of each satellite 5. It is a display screen in the initial state of the satellite.

  The name of the race (Kyoto Grand Prix (GII)) is displayed at the top left of the basic information screen 50. Below that is the racetrack (Kyoto Racecourse), distance (2400m), weather (weather: rain), course The status (turf: defective) is displayed.

  In the upper left part of the information basic screen 50, a bet unit change button 50a for changing the bet unit is displayed. By touching the bet unit change button 50a, the bet unit changes from 1 → 5 → 10 → 1 → 5. On the right side of the bet unit change button 50a, a remaining bet time button 50b is displayed.

  In the upper center of the information basic screen 50, the name of the selected horse (horse weight), the horse weight (456 kg), and the horse weight increase / decrease value (+4) are displayed together with the horse picture.

  The selected horse racing newspaper name is displayed in the upper right part of the information basic screen 50, and the anticipation person of the horse racing newspaper is displayed therebelow. A newspaper selection button 50c is displayed on the left side of the expected person display. The horse race newspaper can be changed by touching the newspaper selection button 50c.

  Various buttons 50d to 50j are arranged across the center upper portion of the information basic screen 50. From left to right, a win / double win bet item display button 50d, a wide bet item display button 50e, a horse bet item display button 50f, and an odds display button 50g are arranged. A button 50i and a help button 50j are arranged.

  On the basic information screen 50, in the area from the bottom to the bottom of the various buttons 50d to 50j, detailed information on the horses that have run this race (horse name, foot quality, jockey, predictions, previous run results, winning odds, condition) ) Etc. are displayed.

  The current state (BET WIN PAID CREDITS) is displayed across the bottom of the basic information screen 50.

(Stable basic screen)
FIG. 16 is a stable basic screen 51 displayed on the individual display 4 of each satellite 5. By touching the stable display button 50i on the information basic screen 50, the stable basic screen 51 is displayed.

  A stable image is displayed on the entire stable screen 51, and a horse 51a, a bucket 51b, and a stable door 51c are displayed in the stable. Various types of information are displayed superimposed on the stable image.

  Touching the head of the horse 51a makes a gesture that pleases, but if you touch the head too much, you may get angry. Sometimes touching the neck of the horse 51a may make a gesture of joy. When the leg of the horse 51a is touched, the operation may scratch the ground. When the bucket 51b is touched, the horse 51a eats food. The horse 51a has a hungry parameter, and will eat happily when hungry, and “no” when full. The stable door 51c can be opened and closed.

  The name of the race (Kyoto Grand Prix (GII)) is displayed at the top left of the stable basic screen 51, and the racetrack (Kyoto Racecourse), the distance (2400m), etc. are displayed below it. Below that, a remaining bet time button 51d is displayed.

  Various buttons 51e to 51j are arranged across the center upper portion of the stable basic screen 51 in a transverse manner. From the left, a registration button 51e, a retirement button 51f, a grazing button 51g, and a training button 51h are arranged, and a return button 50i and a help button 50j are arranged after leaving a certain area.

  Under the registration button 51e and the retirement button 51f on the stable basic screen 51, a biorhythm 51k indicating the current horse state is displayed by the facial expression of the horse. The biorhythm 51k represents “superbly good”, “perfect”, “upward”, “normal”, “downward”, and “abnormal” by the expression of six kinds of horses.

  At the time of first entry, the same 20% probability will be “excellent”, “upward”, “normal”, “downward”, “abnormal”. As for “superbly good”, it becomes “superbly good” with a probability of 1/100 regardless of the current state.

  If the current situation is “very good”, the rank is lowered by 30% and the current state is maintained with a probability of 70%.

  If the current condition is “excellent”, the rank is lowered by 1 with a probability of 45%, down by 2 with a probability of 5%, and the current status is maintained with a probability of 50%.

  If the current position is “upward”, the rank is increased by 1 with a probability of 30%, down by 1 with a probability of 30%, and the current status is maintained with a probability of 40%.

  If the current is “ordinary”, rank up by 30%, rank down by 30%, rank up by 5%, rank down by 5%, rank 2 down, The current status will be maintained with a probability of 30%.

  If the current position is “downward”, the rank is increased by 1 with a probability of 30%, down by 1 with a probability of 30%, and the current state is maintained with a probability of 40%.

  If the current state is “abnormal”, the rank is increased by 1 with a probability of 45%, increased by 2 with a probability of 5%, and the current status is maintained with a probability of 50%.

  When the horse 51a is touched or the horse 51a is fed, the state of the horse changes with a certain probability, and the display of the biorhythm 51k changes.

  In the lower left corner of the stable basic screen 51, the total results (10.6.8.8.4), winnings (420), WBC (World Breeders Cup) availability, number of weeks until retirement (25 weeks) are displayed. The

  In the lower right corner of the stable basic screen 51, the latest winning race grade (GI, GII, GIII, GII) is displayed. Up to 20 races can be displayed. If the displayed race portion is touched, the name of the winning race (for example, Arima Memorial) is displayed.

  The current state (BET WIN PAID CREDITS) is displayed across the bottom of the stable basic screen 51.

(Creating horses, rearing, nurturing, starting)
When the registration button 51e is touched on the stable basic screen 51 shown in FIG. 16, the registration process of his own horse is started. If the player has a horse, the process of registering the current race as it is is performed, but if the player does not have a horse, a new horse is created. A process for creating a new owned horse will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the player does not have a horse, first, the screen shown in FIG. 17A is displayed. “You don't have a racehorse yet. You can create a new horse with 20 medals. ”Will guide the new horse creation.

  When the player touches the new horse creation button at the upper left of the screen, the screen shown in FIG. 17B is displayed, and the introduction of the medal is guided by the message “It takes 20 medals to create a new horse. Are you sure?” A Yes button and a No button are displayed at the bottom of the screen. When the return button is touched on the screen shown in FIG. 17A, the screen returns to the stable basic screen shown in FIG.

  The player inserts a predetermined number of medals and touches the Yes button on the screen of FIG. If the number of inserted medals is insufficient, the screen shown in FIG. 18A is displayed to prompt the user to insert medals with a message “Not enough medals”. If the number of inserted medals is sufficient, the screen of FIG. 18B is displayed, and a message “Please select a stallion (father)” is prompted to select a stallion.

  Next, in order to determine the stallion, a screen close up to the stable shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 19 (a) and 19 (b), the name of the horse is displayed at the top of the screen, a decision button is displayed below it, and an explanation about the horse at the bottom of the screen, “Speed lined by pedigree and “Excellent game root” and “Known reading sire” are displayed. The player can operate the camera movement of the horse in the stable by touching the arrow buttons shown on the left and right of the screen. The player touches the decision button on the screen displaying the desired stallion to select the stallion.

  In FIGS. 19 (a) and 19 (b), when the horse is touched, the horse makes a joyful motion and makes a cry, and when it touches the bucket, the horse eats food.

  Subsequently, the mare (skin horse) is sequentially displayed on the screen in the same manner as the stallion, and the mare (skin horse) is determined by the enter button.

  When the stallion and skin horse are determined, the stallion and skin horse are closed up in sequence, then the camera is pulled to show the two together. Then the stallion and mare face each other and fade out.

  After a while, the image of the stable shown in FIG. 20 (a) is displayed. The born foal stands up, and then the mother horse is projected to look worried while crouching.

  Next, a name registration screen shown in FIG. 20B is displayed. Input is possible by touching the displayed characters. The number of characters that can be input is limited to nine characters, and inappropriate names such as broadcast-prohibited terms, existing horse names, and registered horse names cannot be registered. When the automatic button is touched, names automatically created by a predetermined algorithm are sequentially displayed. For example, if the name is “McHeaven”, touch the OK button.

  After the naming, the ranch scene shown in FIG. The chief commented on the born foal. For example, “Mach Eleven seems to be good at short distances. You should speed up.” Or “Mach Eleven will be molding at night.” Or a comment suitable for the nature of the foal. The characteristics of the foal are inherited from the characteristics of the selected stallion and mare, and are determined by randomly adding predetermined characteristics.

  When the next button on the screen shown in FIG. 21A is touched, the screen shown in FIG. 21B is displayed, and the player is asked about the educational policy. Along with the message “What is the educational policy of McHeaven?”, Buttons of educational policies such as stamina focus, speed focus, competitiveness focus, temper correction, well-balanced, etc. are displayed at the bottom of the screen. The player determines the educational policy and touches the button.

  When the educational policy is determined, the screen of FIG. 21 (b) fades out, and the screen of FIG. 22 (a) is displayed to indicate that time has elapsed. Thereafter, a training scene, a foal growing state, and an education state image are displayed over a certain period of time.

  Next, when the horse grows up after a certain period of time, the screen shown in Fig. 22 (b) is displayed, along with the message "Machine Eleven has grown up!" Message and an OK button are displayed.

  When the player touches the OK button on the screen of FIG. 22 (b), race candidates (new horse 1000m (short distance), new horse 1600m (medium distance), new horse 2000m ( Long distance)) is displayed. Thereafter, the image of FIG. 23B showing the result of the race in which the horse runs is displayed. Note that this new horse race is performed independently in each satellite, and is completely separate from the race executed in the horse racing game apparatus 1.

  When you have entered the predetermined number of races, the screen shown in Fig. 24 will be displayed, and with the message "McH. ! "Message and an OK button are displayed.

  Through a series of steps so far, the player is caused to transfer his / her feelings to his / her own horse, so that his / her own horse will definitely win.

(Horse running in this race)
When the OK button is touched on the screen of FIG. 24, the running process of the horse to the race is started. As shown in FIG. 25 (a), when the registration button 51e is touched, the jockey is automatically determined, and a message “Machine Eleven will run for today's Arima Memorial. Jockey asked Mr. Taketoyo”. indicate. After a predetermined time, the message window is closed, and as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the stable door 51c is opened, and an image of the horse walking is displayed.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 26 (a), a picture of the walking horse is displayed and a message “I am a little nervous. Please encourage me.” Is displayed. At this time, by touching the body of the horse, it is possible to give a feeling to the horse. When the spirit is entered, as shown in FIG. 26 (b), the owner's horse performs a motion in which the spirit enters, and a message “I feel energized!” Is displayed.

  After that, a race involving horses will be held. At the end of the race, a video of his horse returning to the stable is shown. When the owner's horse wins, a message “Machine Eleven has won!” Is displayed as shown in the screen of FIG. 27A to prompt the owner to touch. As shown in the screen guide of FIG. 27 (b), the user strokes his / her neck when he / she wants to praise his / her horse and hits his / her hind legs when he / she wants to beat the horse. If you want to ignore your horse, do nothing.

  When the player strokes his head to praise the winning horse, the horse raises and lowers his neck and makes a happy gesture, saying, “Machine Eleven is delighted!” Display a message.

  The horse's gesture and message are determined by the race order and the location of the horse touch. This decision also includes horse biorhythms.

  If you stroked your neck when wearing the 1st or 2nd clothes, the message “I am delighted!” Or “I am in tune” is displayed by biorhythm, and I do the gesture accordingly.

  If you stroked your neck when you are 3 or less, you will see a message that says “It ’s safe because I ca n’t be beaten” or “I want you to beat me” by biorhythm, To do.

  If you hit the back foot when hitting the 1st or 2nd wear, the message “I feel enthusiastic!” Or “I've been messed up” is displayed by biorhythm, and the gesture is done accordingly.

  If you hit the hind legs when you are under 3rd, you will see the message “I feel like this time” or “I wanted you softly” by biorhythm and do the gesture accordingly. .

  If you don't do anything when you wear it in the first or second place, the message “I was relieved not to be beaten!” Or “I wanted you to praise me” is displayed by biorhythm, and I do the gesture accordingly.

  If you don't do anything when you are 3 or less, and you are ignored by biorhythms, you will see the message “I was relieved to be beaten” or “I wanted you to hit me” and do the gesture accordingly.

  As a horse gesture, raise and lower your neck when you're happy, move backwards when you're messing, move to skip when you're on track, and stop and look at this when you're comfortable.

(Management of horse data / restriction of horse data)
As shown in FIG. 14, the horse racing game apparatus according to this embodiment is connected to a main server 41 that manages horse racing game apparatuses nationwide via a communication line 40 such as the Internet. The main server 41 comprehensively accumulates and manages game data in each horse racing game apparatus 1, for example, various horse data and player data.

  When the horse racing game of this embodiment is operated for a long time, a large amount of horse data is accumulated in both the horse racing game apparatus 1 and the main server 41. Since there is a limit on the memory capacity, it is necessary to delete it as necessary, but certain rules are set for the deletion method at that time.

  The accumulated horse data is classified as follows. Considering the frequency of use, (1) horse data frequently used by players playing games, (2) moderately used horse data, and (3) not used at all within a predetermined period There is horse data. Considering the contents of the horse data, there are (4) extremely weak horse data, (5) horse data obtained by digesting a predetermined number of games, and (6) old horse data. Regardless of these classifications, there are (7) horse data with problematic names including broadcast-prohibited terms and personal information.

  Among the horse data described above, (3) horse data that is not used at all within a predetermined period is automatically deleted. Further, (4) extremely weak horse data, (5) extremely strong horse data, and (6) old horse data are automatically deleted by the horse racing game apparatus 1 or the main server 41. Among the horse data described above, (7) horse data with problematic names including broadcast-prohibited terms, personal information, and the like is found and deleted as appropriate by the operator.

  Of the horse data to be deleted, (5) horse data that has digested a predetermined number of games is not simply deleted, but is handled as horse data of a stallion or skin horse, and part of the horse data for the foal that is born For example, data continuity is provided by leaving a part of ability parameters such as face, horse skin color and leg quality, such as personality, speed, and stamina.

(Life of horse data)
In the horse racing game apparatus of this embodiment, the concept of forced retirement is introduced to prevent an increase in horse data.

  The first mode of forced retirement is life. A horse has a life because it is a living creature. In the present embodiment, the concept of life is introduced into a horse, and a horse staying for a certain period of time is terminated as a racehorse in the form of forced retirement.

  For example, the condition of forced retirement is 80 stables stay races. When the player interrupts the game and saves the horse data, the stable stay period stops. When the saved horse data is read and participated in the game, the stable stay period resumes. Whether or not a race starts is not a condition. Therefore, it is a stable stay period while the player participates in the game without running his horse.

  In the horse racing game apparatus of the present embodiment, since it takes about 3 hours to execute 40 races, 80 races staying in a stable takes about 6 hours.

  The second aspect of forced retirement is the elimination of horses that are too strong. The strength of the horse varies depending on how the player is raised and how to play. Horse data can be strengthened by skilled players. However, it is not desirable to have a horse that is too strong when considering the balance of the game. This is because a player other than the player cannot win even if he / she participates in the game, and the attractiveness of the game is lost.

  Moreover, if strong horse data information is leaked, there is a possibility that a player who participates in a horse racing game using the horse data and makes an unfair profit will appear.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, horse data that is too strong above a certain level is deleted. However, simply deleting strong horse data detracts from the motivation of the player who raised the strong horse. Therefore, the horse is a stallion or skin horse, and the horse racing game device automatically selects a partner to generate a foal so that the foal has continuity of horse data of the horse. For example, parameters such as the color, shape, strength and personality of the famous horse are taken over.

  In addition, if the maximum value of the ability value when a horse is born is determined and the retirement is not performed until the maximum value is exceeded, it is not necessary to forcibly exclude a horse that is too strong as described above.

  It is also possible to delete horse data by retirement arbitrarily instead of forced retirement. Arbitrary retirement means that the player arbitrarily retires his horse. If you are dissatisfied with the strength of your horse, you can retire without waiting for the life of the horse, and then you can create a new horse and participate in the race.

(How to retrieve horse breeding data)
As shown in FIG. 14, the horse racing game apparatus according to this embodiment is connected to a main server 41 that manages horse racing game apparatuses nationwide via a communication line 40 such as the Internet. The player can take out the horse data from the horse racing game apparatus 1 and play with the horse data in other horse racing game apparatuses in the whole country, and can also play in the home video game apparatus 21.

  When taking out data from the horse racing game apparatus 1, a password is issued from the horse racing game apparatus side to the player in order to ensure that the data of the player is not known to other players. In addition, if the data is simple, the data itself may be issued to the player from the horse racing game apparatus instead of the password.

  In order to issue a password or data while ensuring a certain level of security for all unspecified players, not limited members, as in a horse racing game apparatus, special measures are required.

  As types of passwords, there are a password that is valid only within the game center (house password) and a password that is valid for all horse racing game apparatuses connected to the main server (global password). The range of target players varies depending on the type of password.

  As a method of issuing a password or data from the game device side, the following method has been proposed.

  For example, there is a method in which a password or data is displayed on a game screen and recorded by a player writing it on paper. This method has a security problem because the player does not always have paper and writing instruments and is also seen by other players.

  As another method, the game device is provided with a slot for a recording medium such as a magnetic card, an IC card, or a portable memory, and the player inserts the recording medium into the slot. And there is a way to record passwords or data. In this method, the player has to have a recording medium, and who can participate is limited.

  Thus, as a method of issuing a password or data from the game device side, a method that has high security and can be used by many people is required.

  The inventor of the present application pays attention to mobile phones and PHS having a holding ratio exceeding 1/3 of the public now, and devised a method of issuing a password or data from the game device side using these mobile phones and PHS.

  Mobile phones and PHS have a high penetration rate even from a national perspective, and the penetration rate of generations who particularly like games is very high. Cellular phones and PHS are equipped with a memory function such as an incoming call history and a phone book as standard regardless of the model. In addition, the cellular phone and PHS are unlikely to be lent to other users by the user, and higher security than that of a credit card can be expected. Therefore, the mobile phone and the PHS are very excellent media for issuing passwords or data from the game device side.

  Hereinafter, a method for issuing a password or data from the game device side using a mobile phone or PHS will be described.

(How to display on the screen)
The first method is a method in which a password or data is displayed on a screen and input to a mobile phone or PHS. At this time, as shown in FIG. 29, the password or data is set to 11 digits of 3 digits—4 digits—4 digits (for example, 123-4567-8900) according to the mobile phone and PHS numbering system. The message “It is convenient to record on the mobile phone / PHS” is displayed.

  The player himself inputs the password or data displayed on the screen into the mobile phone or PHS. Using the phone book function of a mobile phone or PHS, a password or data may be registered with a name such as a game center location or date. When the password or data input is completed, the screen is immediately turned off.

  In the case of a player who is not able to input data on a mobile phone or PHS, in order to prevent the password from being displayed on the screen for a long time, it is recorded on paper for the time being and then input to the mobile phone and PHS later. You may make it do.

  An aspect of what is displayed on the screen in this method will be described.

  1st aspect: It is an aspect which displays password (data) itself. Although it is inferior in security, there is an advantage that it is convenient without further operation.

  Second mode: a mode for displaying a key for notifying a password (data). By inputting this key, the password (data) can be retrieved.

  Third aspect: A mode in which a key for notifying a password (data) is used as a telephone number of a game organizer such as a manufacturer. When the player calls the displayed telephone number and operates according to a predetermined procedure, a password (data) is sent from the organizer and is automatically recorded in the memory of the mobile phone or PHS.

  Fourth aspect: an aspect in which a key for notifying a password (data) is used as an e-mail address of a game organizer such as a manufacturer. When the player sends an e-mail to the displayed address, an e-mail notifying the password (data) is sent from the organizer and is automatically recorded in the memory of the mobile phone or PHS.

  In the third aspect and the fourth aspect described above, the organizer side associates the player who sent the telephone or mail with the data and specifies the player so that the player can specify the telephone number, the mail address, and the specific key. May be used. Generally, since the password itself has several tens of digits, the player is specified by a simpler one.

  Fifth mode: a mode in which a password (data) or a telephone number including a personal identification number is displayed. The player inputs a password, and displays the password (data) or telephone number that should be presented by including the password.

  Note that the phone number and password in a mobile phone and PHS are similar to the relationship between the credit number and password of a credit card. If the phone number is known but the password is not known, the same level of security as a credit card can be secured.

  The method proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-171281 by the applicant of the present application can be applied to a method of including a personal identification number in data to be originally presented and determining the authenticity of the included data.

  On the device side that provides the password (data), a first check character string corresponding to the horse breeding data is calculated by a predetermined arithmetic expression, and the first check character string is added to the breeding data as code-added data. provide. When determining the authenticity of the code-added data, the provided code-added data is decomposed into a data part and a first check character string part, and then a second check corresponding to the data is performed from the data part using a predetermined arithmetic expression. The authenticity of the provided data is determined by calculating the character string for use and comparing the decomposed first check character string and the second check character string.

  The limitation of what is displayed on the screen in the first method will be described. In the present embodiment, 11 digits of 3 digits—4 digits—4 digits (for example, 123-4567-8900) are set in accordance with the mobile phone and PHS numbering system. There is a possibility. For this reason, for example, the first three digits are set to 999, and the number is not used in an actual mobile phone or PHS.

  In the above embodiment, the password is provided to the player from the device side, but the password input by the player may be used as the password. For example, the player may input his / her mobile phone number and record it as a password on the device side. This method is practical because the player never forgets the password.

(How to connect a mobile phone directly)
The second method is a method of connecting a mobile phone and a PHS to the connector 10 of the horse racing game apparatus 1 shown in FIG. As a connector 10 of the horse racing game apparatus 1, a socket that is compatible with a mobile phone or PHS of each company is prepared, and the mobile phone or PHS is directly connected thereto.

  As a password or data output method, data is directly sent from the horse racing game apparatus 1 to the mobile phone or PHS via the connector 10. At this time, the mobile phone directly connected by the horse racing game apparatus 1 and the phone number of the PHS may be automatically acquired.

  In order to authenticate the user by this method, for example, when data is extracted, a sentence “extract” may be inserted to prompt the player for consent.

(How to call or email a mobile phone)
The third method is a method in which the horse racing game apparatus 1 calls or mails a mobile phone. FIG. 30 shows a configuration of the horse racing game apparatus 1 that implements the third method. A telephone transmission / reception unit 60 and an antenna 61 are provided to perform transmission / reception with the mobile phone and the PHS. The telephone transmission / reception unit 60 is connected to the main game board 11.

  When the player instructs to take out horse data from the horse racing game apparatus 1, the screen shown in FIG. 31 is displayed. The message “Please enter your mobile phone / PHS number” is displayed, prompting you to enter your mobile phone and PHS number. Numbers are entered by displaying a soft keyboard on the screen and touching it.

  When the player inputs a mobile phone or PHS number, the horse racing game apparatus 1 calls the input number. At that time, the horse racing game apparatus 1 transmits the password to the player in the form of a telephone number notification. As a result, the password provided from the device side to the player's mobile phone and PHS is stored as a communication history.

  In consideration of a player who does not have a mobile phone or PHS, a message “People who do not have it should proceed” is displayed, and passwords or data are transmitted to the player by other methods. To do.

(How to read horse data)
When horse data stored in the horse racing game apparatus 1 is used, a password provided to the player from the apparatus side at the end of the previous game is used. The horse racing game apparatus 1 displays a password input screen, reads horse data specified by the password, and starts playing as horse data of the player.

  In addition, you may load directly from a mobile telephone or PHS as a reading method of horse data.

(Contact from horse to player)
In the horse racing game apparatus according to this embodiment, each horse racing game apparatus 1 is connected to a main server 41 that manages horse racing game apparatuses nationwide via a communication line 40 such as the Internet. The player registers the horse data that he has cultivated in the horse racing game apparatus 1, the main server 41, and the like, and reads out and uses the registered horse data when playing next time. In the present embodiment, the player contacts the player as necessary from the horse registered in the horse racing game apparatus 1, the main server 41, or the like. This makes the player think as if the horse is actually raised in the game device.

  In order to contact the player from the horse racing game apparatus 1, the player is caused to register a contact address such as a mobile phone / PHS number or an e-mail address when saving the horse data. As shown in FIG. 32 (a), a password or data is displayed on the screen and input to a mobile phone or PHS. As in Fig. 29, the password or data is set to 3 digits-4 digits-4 digits to 11 digits according to the mobile phone and PHS numbering system, and the message "It is convenient to record the password on the mobile phone / PHS" is displayed. indicate.

  As shown in FIG. 32A, for example, an OK button is provided at the lower right of the screen. When the player finishes recording the password, the player touches this OK button. Thereby, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 32 (b), and the contact address such as the player's mobile phone / PHS number and e-mail address is registered. An input window for telephone numbers and mail addresses is provided on the screen of FIG. 32B, and a soft keyboard for inputting alphanumeric symbols and the like is displayed. The player touches a key on the soft keyboard to input.

  The data format of horse data is shown in FIG. The horse data is composed of the date of saving and registration, user ID, password, user phone number or mail address, horse data body, communication log, and the like. Communication between the horse and the player is recorded in the communication log. For example, notifications such as medal deposit notifications from game devices, event notifications, data expiration date notifications, start race notifications from horses, race participation reservations from players, and the like are recorded.

Various notifications are given from the horse to the player. For example, there are a start notification, a medal custody deadline notification, an event notification, and the like. In the case of a start notification, for example, the following mail is sent to the user. “I ’m the horse you made. I feel like I ’m sure I ’ll win the next race. Come to the store as soon as possible.” Such an email is sent to the user. "I'm XXX. I'm almost a week away from my password. If you don't come to the store, I won't disappear. "
When the user replies to the mail from the horse, the horse data processing is changed according to the reply or the reply content. For example, when the user replies to a mail from a horse, the medal custody deadline is extended for a certain period regardless of the contents of the reply. Further, the processing content may be changed according to the reply content. Automatically analyzes the contents of reply emails from users, and conforms to conditions such as emails containing words, words such as "I'll go next", "I'll go to the store" Depending on whether or not the medal deposit period is extended.

  Until now, even if you received a medal, the medal was invalid if the user did not go to the location and renew it within a certain period of time, but according to this method, just replying an email The custody deadline can be extended and the user can be attracted.

  You may make it reply from a horse further with respect to the reply mail to the horse from a user. When a mail is sent from the user to the horse, the contents of the mail are automatically analyzed, and a mail corresponding to the keyword is returned. For example, when the user sends an e-mail “I'm going next” to the horse, the e-mail sends back an e-mail “I ’m really sure? The user seems to be exchanging mail with the horse, and his friendship with his horse is further increased.

  An operator may be arranged so that the operator replies to a mail from the user on behalf of the horse.

[Third Embodiment]
A network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the virtual space is constructed on the Internet and is described by so-called VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language). VRML is a standardized language for describing a three-dimensional model, and VRML having a multi-user function in which a virtual space can be shared by a plurality of users and a plurality of users can enter the VRML has been proposed. ing.

(Network configuration)
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a computer network in the present embodiment. In FIG. 34, the server 110 and the plurality of client terminals 120 are connected to the Internet through a telephone line, for example. The server 110 stores a VRML file in which a virtual space is described and various files described below. Each terminal 120 is, for example, a computer game device installed in a personal computer, a game center, or the like, and includes a control device including a CPU, a display device such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. Is provided.

  The terminal 120 has an internet browser and a VRML browser 121 installed. The VRML browser 121 displays the virtual space described by the VRML file sent from the server 110 on the display device of the terminal 120.

(Virtual space)
FIG. 35 is an example of a virtual space image displayed on the display device of the terminal 120. As shown in FIG. 35 (a), the display device of the terminal 120 displays an image of the virtual space viewed from the viewpoint of a model that is a substitute for the user of each terminal 120 in the virtual space. In the case of FIG. 35A, the image of the own model itself is not displayed, and the model of the other user (the model of the other party) is displayed in the virtual space. However, the viewpoint may be switchable. For example, when the viewpoint is switched to the back of the own model, the rear view of the own model is also displayed as shown in FIG. Various towns are configured in the virtual space, and for example, an area such as a shopping mall is also configured. The user can also perform so-called Internet shopping by making a model go to a shopping mall.

  The VRML browser 121 has a navigation control function so that the model of the user of the terminal 120 can move in any direction in the virtual space. Further, the VRML browser 121 has a multi-user function for a plurality of users to share the same virtual space. With this multi-user function, each of a plurality of users can enter the same virtual space as a model. And when models contact in virtual space, users can communicate, such as chat, in virtual space. The contact is recognized by the VRML browser 121 when the coordinates of the two models in the virtual space overlap or the distance between the two models falls within a predetermined distance. When the VRML browser 121 recognizes the contact, the VRML browser 121 informs the user that communication is possible by displaying information (for example, name) of the model of the contacted partner. The user can call the other user via the Internet using a chat window or the like.

(Server configuration)
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server 110. The control device 111 is composed of a CPU and the like. The control device 111 performs data read / write control, data transfer control, control of each device in the server 110, various arithmetic processes, temporary storage of data, and the like. The communication device 112 controls data transmission / reception. For example, the communication device 112 receives data from the terminal 120, transfers it to the control device 111, and transmits data transferred from the control device 111 to the terminal 120. The following files are stored in a predetermined storage device in the server 110.

  The main program file 113 includes a program for reading various files and transferring them to the terminal 120, a program for processing data from the terminal 120, a program for searching for files, and the like.

  The VRML file 114 is a file describing a virtual space in VRML having a multi-user function.

  The user registration file 115 is a database for registering information on users who access the virtual space. As shown in the figure, the user information for each user includes basic information such as a user ID, a password, an e-mail address, etc., and a visual level, an icon position, an icon type, a sales level, etc. for each item registered by each user. Have The user information will be described in detail below along with the registration procedure. Note that the control device 111 creates VRML model information corresponding to each user based on the user information registered in the user registration file 115 and stores the model information in the VRML file 114.

(User information registration screen)
37 to 40 show examples of user information registration screens. First, each user accesses the Internet and opens a user information registration initial screen shown in FIG. 37 via, for example, the top screen of a company homepage that provides a virtual space. In FIG. 37, the user selects “general registration” when registering for the first time. When the registered user updates the registration information, the user selects “Update registered” and inputs the registered ID and password, and proceeds to the next screen. As will be described later, when using the virtual space of the present embodiment for sales (commercial), “sales registration” described later is selected.

  First, when a user name, e-mail address, etc. are registered according to the screen, a user ID and a password are given. Subsequently, the item setting screen shown in FIG. 38 is displayed. Items are finely classified according to the user's hobbies and fields of interest. FIG. 38 is an example of a screen showing large items, and the large items are classified into, for example, “fashion”, “sports”, “car, motorcycle”, “food”, and the like. For example, when “fashion” is selected from the large items, the small item screen shown in FIG. 39 is displayed. 39 are classified into, for example, “bag”, “clothes”, “trousers, skirt”, “decoration”, and the like. When one of the small items (for example, “bag”) is selected, the visibility level setting screen in FIG. 40 is displayed.

(Visibility level setting)
In FIG. 40A, the “visible level” is characteristic of the present invention, and models corresponding to other users in the virtual space are displayed differently according to the visible level. The visibility level is a level indicating the degree of interest in the selected item, and is divided into, for example, six levels in this embodiment. Level 0 indicates the least interest and level 5 indicates the most interest. In the initial setting, the visibility levels for all items are set to “0”.

  In addition to the visibility level described below, the user can make various settings such as model clothes according to the registration screen.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining the visibility level. FIG. 41 shows an example of the model in the virtual space according to the visibility level. In FIG. 41, the visibility level for the item “bag” will be described as an example. First, when the user (self) looking at the virtual space displayed on the terminal screen has a visibility level of “0” for “bag” (when there is no interest in bags), the other party in the virtual space Regardless of the visibility level of the “bag” of each model of the user (whether the visibility level of the “bag” is “0” or “5”), it is displayed on the terminal screen of the user. The appearance of the model remains normal (for example, the appearance of a person). As described above, when the visibility level of the self {bag] is “0”, the appearance of the model of the partner user displayed on the screen is unchanged with respect to “bag”.

  When the self-visible level is “1” or “2”, as shown in FIG. 41, when the visible level of the partner user's model is “0” or “1”, the model of the partner user is It looks like a normal figure. Since the model of the visibility level “0” has no interest in “bag”, the model does not change as described above. The model with the visible level “1” is a level when the “bag” is slightly interested, but the other user does not want to know it, and the model with the visible level “1” remains the normal figure. Is displayed.

  Further, if the visibility level of the model of the other user is “2”, “3” or “4”, for example, the model is displayed with the head replaced with an item icon with a bag. . Further, if the visible level of the partner user's model is “5”, which is the highest level, for example, a bag replaced with a head is lit and displayed. Thus, when the viewing level of the viewing side (self side) is “1” or “2”, the visibility level of the displayed (viewed) partner user model is “2” or higher. If there is, the appearance of the model changes, and if the visibility level is “5”, which is the highest level, the changed appearance is further emphasized.

  When the self-visible level is “3”, “4” or “5”, and when the visible level of the other user's model is “0” or “1”, the visible level is “1” or “2” As with, the model is displayed in its normal form. If the visibility level of the partner user's model is “2” or “3”, the model is displayed with the head replaced with the item icon with the bag. Further, when the visibility level of the model “bag” of the partner user is “4” or “5”, for example, the bag replaced with the head is illuminated and displayed. That is, when the visible level of the viewing side (self side) is “3”, “4” or “5”, the visible level of the displayed (viewed) partner user model is “2”. If it is above, the appearance of the model changes in the same way as when the viewing level is “1” or “2”, but when the viewing level is “1” or “2” In contrast, when the visibility level is “4” or “5”, the changed appearance is further emphasized.

  At the visibility levels “1” and “2”, the other user's model looks the same, but the other user sees it differently. That is, as shown in the figure, when the self-visibility level is “1”, the appearance of the self-model does not change from the other users of any visibility level “0” to “5”, and the normal view is seen. It is done. On the other hand, when the self-visible level is “2”, it can be seen in the normal appearance model from the other users with the visible level “0”, but from other users with the visible levels “1” to “5”. Is seen in a changed form. That is, the visible level “2” is a level when the interest level is substantially the same as the visible level “1”, but it is desired to inform the other party that the person is interested.

  Furthermore, when the self visibility level is “3”, “4”, and “5”, the partner user's model looks the same, but the partner user sees his model differently. That is, when the self-visibility level is “3”, it can be seen from the other user of the visibility level “0”, but from other partner users of the visibility levels “1” to “5”, Seen in a changed form. Note that the visibility level “3” is the same as the visibility level “2”, but the visibility level is different as described above. This is because the interest level of the visibility level “3” is higher than that of the visibility level “2”, so that the model “4” having a relatively high visibility level can be seen in an emphasized and changed form. This is to make it easier to find a model of a partner user who has a relatively high interest.

  Further, when the self-visibility level is “4”, it is seen in the normal appearance from the partner user of the visibility level “0”, and the appearance is changed from the partner users of the visibility levels “1” and “2”. In addition, from the other users of the visibility levels “3”, “4” and “5”, they are seen in an emphasized and changed form. Therefore, the visibility level “4” can more strongly appeal that the “bag” is interested in the model having the visibility level “3” or higher with a relatively high interest in the “bag”.

  Furthermore, when the self-visibility level is “5”, it can be seen from a partner user with a visibility level “0” in a normal form, but from other partner users with visibility levels “1” to “5”, It can be seen in a stressed and changing form. Therefore, the visibility level “5” can widely appeal to the other users of the visibility level “1” or higher who are interested in “bags” even if they are interested in “bags”. .

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the appearance of the model in the virtual space for an item is displayed differently according to the visibility level set for the item. In other words, the appearance of the model differs depending on the degree of interest of the user for the item. Specifically, if there is an interest in an item, whether the model displayed on the screen is interested in that item is displayed. Then, as the degree of interest is higher, the degree of interest of the model that is interested in the item is displayed more finely. Further, when there is no interest in a certain item, information on whether or not the displayed model is interested in the item is not displayed.

  Therefore, the user can easily find a model having similar interest from a plurality of models in the virtual space displayed on the screen. Then, the user can make his / her model in the virtual space approach the found model and communicate with the model user by chat or the like.

  Note that how the model is viewed is uniquely determined by determining how it is viewed. According to the present embodiment, the higher the visibility level of the model, the stronger the appeal that the item is interested. On the other hand, by determining how the model is viewed, the appearance of the model is uniquely determined.

  The display control based on the setting of the visibility level described above is executed by the VRML browser 121 of the terminal 120. FIG. 42 is a flowchart of display control of the present embodiment by the VRML browser 121. 42, the VRML browser 121 receives a VRML file from the server 110 (S10). The VRML browser 121 analyzes the information of the user (self) who is looking at the screen of the terminal 120, and acquires the set visibility level for each item (S11). Further, the VRML browser 121 analyzes the information of each model user (hereinafter referred to as a partner user) existing in the display range, and acquires the visibility level set in the model of the partner user for each item ( S12). Then, the VRML browser 121 displays the appearance of the model corresponding to the visible level of the partner user for each item according to FIG. 41 based on the visible level of the own model (S13).

  Note that if your model is displayed on the screen by switching viewpoints, your model is at its own visibility level, and the way you see it when the viewing side is the same as the viewing side. appear. For example, when the visibility level of the own model is “2”, the model with the visibility level “2” looks as if viewing the model with the visibility level “2”.

  Returning to FIG. 40A, the user sets the visibility level for the item “bag” according to the above description. Furthermore, when the visibility level is set to “2” or higher, the user selects “icon position” in the figure, and selects the position where the bag icon is displayed. When the “icon position” is clicked, the window of FIG. 40B is displayed. When “hold with left hand” or “hold with right hand” in FIG. 40B is selected, a bag icon is displayed as if it is held in the left hand or the right hand of the own model. If you select “Replace with the head”, the head of your model will change to a bag icon.

  Further, the type of bag may be selectable. When “select bag” in FIG. 40A is clicked, the window in FIG. 40C is displayed. In FIG. 40C, a plurality of types of bags such as a handbag, a shoulder bag, and a Boston bag can be selected. In this way, it is possible to tell the other party what kind of bag you are interested in.

  Further, a bag brand may be selected. When the “affiliated brand” in FIG. 40C is clicked, the window in FIG. 40D is displayed. In FIG. 40 (d), brand names associated with a virtual space on the Internet are displayed. The user selects a favorite brand. Thereby, the bag of the pattern of the selected brand can be displayed. When a brand is selected, the user may be charged as will be described later.

  Also, in FIG. 40A, when “Hide Bag” is selected, even if the bag is originally displayed while being selected, it can be hidden.

  In the above description, the case where the item of interest or interest is “bag” has been described as an example, but the same applies to other items. For example, when the item is “tennis”, a model having a tennis racket is displayed according to the visibility level. When the item is “ramen”, a model in which the head is replaced with ramen bowl is displayed. Of course, a model having a ramen bowl in the left or right hand may be displayed.

(sales)
Next, “sales” in the virtual space will be described. Users with various purposes participate in the virtual space. It is assumed that a user (hereinafter referred to as a salesman) who intends to sell some product or service to the user he / she visits is not limited to simply finding an opponent with the same hobby or interest. The Therefore, in the present embodiment, the virtual space is made a space that can be sold in advance, and various services for sales are provided.

  As a general visitor, the salesman may search for a model of a user who is interested in the sales target (hereinafter referred to as a sales target user) while moving in the virtual space. Usually, a salesman desires to find as many sales target users as possible in a short time. However, since the virtual space is large, it is difficult to meet many sales target users in a short time.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the extraction means described below is provided as a service for the salesman. By using the extracting means, only the sales target model is extracted, and only the extracted model is displayed in the virtual space of the screen viewed by the salesman. Further, by using the extracting means, the sales target user is extracted, a list of the extracted users is created, and the list is displayed. Then, by designating one of the listed users by a predetermined operation, it is possible to communicate with the designated user (for example, chat, e-mail).

  On the other hand, as a service for a general user who receives sales from a salesman, the user can set a sales level. The sales level is a level related to whether or not the contact from the salesman is permitted, and is set for each item. The The sales level is set on the screen of FIG. The initial setting is “0”.

(Sales level)
Sales levels are classified into, for example, the following six levels.

  Sales level 0 is a level of “unconditional sales”. Sales level 1 is a level of “margin required for contact and listing”. Sales level 2 is a level of “margin required for contact”. Sales level 3 is a level of “margin required for listing”. Sales level 4 is a level of “Unconditional reception for sales”. The sales level 5 is a level of “contact hope”.

  The sales level “0” is a level when sales from a salesman are completely rejected. For example, even when a certain user sets the visibility level of the item “bag” to be relatively high, if the sales level of the item “bag” is set to “0”, the salesman of the bag uses the extraction means. When a model with a high visibility level of a bag is extracted and displayed, the model of the user is not displayed on the screen viewed by the salesman. Also, it is not listed when creating a list.

  The sales level “1” permits contact with a salesman and listing on the condition that the general user receives a margin from the salesman when the salesman uses the extraction means. It is the level when you do.

  The margin is, for example, a point (point) that is valid in the virtual space. General users and salesmen (that is, all users) can purchase an arbitrary number of points in advance. The number of points owned by each user is registered as user information in the user registration file 115 of the server 110 for each user. The points can be used, for example, as money when the user shop in a shopping mall in the virtual space. The points may be exchangeable.

  In this way, by giving an incentive to the general user to obtain money by becoming a salesman's sales target, it can be encouraged to become a sales target. This can be expected to increase the number of sales targets. In addition, since the salesman can meet a large number of sales target users in a short time, the salesman can be sold efficiently even with a small expense.

  When the salesman contacts a general user with a sales level of “1” or is listed by the extraction means, the server 110 subtracts a predetermined number of points from the salesman's points and adds them to the general user's points. For example, the number of points drawn by one contact is the number of points equivalent to 10 yen, and the number of points drawn by one list-up is the sales level “1” among the listed general users. The number of points corresponding to the number of general users × 1 yen. In the case of listing, the number of points corresponding to 1 yen is added to each user.

  The sales level “2” is a level when a margin is required only for listing. The sales level “3” is a level when a margin is required only for contact. Furthermore, the sales level “4” is a level when accepting sales unconditionally. The salesman can contact or list general users with a sales level of “4” without paying a margin. Furthermore, the sales level “5” is a level when a general user actively desires contact with a salesman. This sales level “5” also requires no margin payment.

(Sales registration)
Next, sales registration will be described. In order to perform sales activities using extraction means in a virtual space, it is necessary to register for sales in advance. First, when “sales registration” on the screen of FIG. 37 is clicked, a sales registration screen of FIG. 43 is displayed. In the registration screen of FIG. 43, a trader (company) that desires sales is registered. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent inconvenience to general users due to unscrupulous sales in the virtual space, the affiliated company that is the identity of the salesman is registered in advance. In the registration screen of FIG. 43, the company name, address, telephone number, representative name, sales target item, and the like are input, and the input data is transmitted to the server 110. The input data is subjected to a predetermined examination by an administrator who manages the server 110. If the examination is passed, an ID and password for the company are issued, and these are notified to the company by mail or the like. The sales manager of the company transmits the notified ID and password to each salesman. Thus, the salesman can use the extraction means described below in the sales activity in the virtual space.

  In sales registration, the visibility level is set in the same manner as in general registration. Thereby, the display which the salesman is viewing is also controlled based on the above-described visibility level. However, in order to distinguish between the general user model and the salesman model in the virtual space, for example, the salesman model is limited to the business suit, and the general user model and the salesman model May be identified.

(Sales extraction)
The salesman selects, for example, “extraction display” from the “sales” pull-down menu on the menu bar of the virtual space screen of FIG. Note that “sales” in the menu bar is active only on the virtual space screen corresponding to the ID and password registered for sales. When “extraction display” is selected, an extraction level setting window shown in FIG. 44 is opened on the virtual space screen.

  In the extraction level setting window of FIG. 44, the salesman inputs the sales target item and the extraction level. All or some of the items registered in advance are input to the sales target items.

  The extraction level is the visible level of the model that is to be displayed on the screen. The extraction levels that can be set are “1” to “5”. For example, if the extraction level is set to “3” for the item “bag”, only models whose visibility level for “bag” is “3” are displayed. A plurality of extraction levels can be selected. For example, when extraction levels “3”, “4”, and “5” are selected, models with a visual level “3” or higher are displayed.

  In the extraction level setting window of FIG. 44, the sales level of the sales target model can be set as the extraction condition. As an initial setting, for example, all sales levels are set in the extraction range. For example, when the salesman does not want to contact the sales target user who is charged for contact, the sales levels “1” and “3” are excluded from the extraction conditions. Thereby, it is possible to display only models of sales target users who are not charged.

  The above extraction display control is executed by the VRML browser 121 of the terminal 120. FIG. 45 is a flowchart of extraction display control by the VRML browser 121. In FIG. 45, when the extraction conditions such as the extraction level for a predetermined item are set (S20), the VRML browser 121 searches the VRML file and extracts users that match the extraction conditions (S21). Then, the VRML browser 121 displays only the extracted user model in the virtual space without displaying the user model that does not match the extraction condition (S22). Further, when the above setting is canceled in step S23, the screen returns to the original screen (screen on which all models existing in the display range are displayed) (S24).

  Therefore, the salesman can save the trouble of searching for a sales target user from many models existing in the virtual space, and can meet many sales target users in a short time.

(Create list)
Furthermore, when “Create List” is selected from the “Sales” pull-down menu on the menu bar of the virtual space screen in FIG. 35, a list creation window in FIG. 46 opens on the screen.

  In the list creation window of FIG. 46, sales target items, extraction levels, and sales level ranges are set in the same manner as the extraction level setting window of FIG. In order to exclude sales target users who need a margin for listing, sales levels “1” and “2” may be excluded from the extraction conditions.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart for creating a list by the VRML browser 121. When an extraction condition such as an extraction level for a predetermined item is set (S30), the VRML browser 121 of the terminal 120 searches and extracts information on all models included in the VRML file as in “extraction display control”. A user that matches the conditions is extracted (S31). Then, the VRML browser 121 creates a list of the extracted user information and displays it on the user information list window (S32).

  FIG. 48 shows an example of a user information list window. 48, in the user information list, names (model names), visibility levels, sales levels, and the like in the extracted user virtual space are displayed. The salesman designates the user who wants to contact by a predetermined operation (S33). Then, a communication method for the designated user is selected. For example, if it is desired to make contact within the virtual space, “warp” is clicked (S34). Then, the VRML browser 121 moves the coordinate position of the salesman model in the virtual space to the coordinate position where the designated user model exists (or a position adjacent thereto) (S35). Thereby, the salesman can communicate with the designated user by chat or the like.

  Further, when the salesman clicks “write mail” (S36), a mail window in which the mail address of the designated user is input is opened (S37). The salesman fills in and sends an email for sales.

  In this way, it is possible to meet a large number of sales target users in a short time by making it possible to extract a model that matches a predetermined extraction condition from a large number of models existing in the virtual space. It becomes like this. Further, the salesman uses the above-mentioned extraction means for a fee, and for example, every time the extraction means is used, a predetermined number of points is subtracted from the points of the salesman. Alternatively, a predetermined amount may be withdrawn from a predetermined deposit account.

(priority)
In this embodiment, each user can set a visibility level for a plurality of items. For example, a user sets the visibility level for a bag, ramen, and tennis, and sets the display position (icon position) of these item icons to hold the bag on the right hand and the tennis racket on the left hand. Suppose you want to replace the head. The user model set as described above can be seen as shown in FIG. 49 (a) from another model in which a visual level of “1” or higher is set for all the above three items. Displayed on the terminal screen you ’re viewing). As described above, when the display positions of the item icons corresponding to the respective items do not overlap, the item icons of all the items can be displayed, but it is assumed that the display positions overlap. For example, the bag and the tennis racket are both set to be held with the left hand.

  In such a case, it is necessary to give a vertical relationship to the overlap between the bag and the tennis racket. In order to determine the vertical relationship in the depth direction of overlapping item icons, the VRML browser 121 obtains the priority P for each item using, for example, the following arithmetic expression.

P = (Visible level of self) × 10 + (Visible level of opponent)
According to the above formula, items with high mutual visibility levels are displayed preferentially, and (self visibility level) is more specific than (partner visibility level). Yes. Then, the vertical relationship of the item icons is determined in descending order of the priority P obtained by the above-described arithmetic expression. The item icon with the higher priority P is displayed above the item icon.

  For example, the priority P under the following conditions is shown.

<Example 1>
Item “Tennis” Visibility Level Self “4”, opponent “2”
P = 42
Item “bag” visibility level Self “3”, opponent “5”
P = 35
Accordingly, the tennis racket is displayed above the bag (see FIG. 49B). Thus, when the self visibility level is different, the vertical relationship is determined by the magnitude of the self visibility level regardless of the visibility level of the other party.

<Example 2>
Item “Tennis” Visibility Level Self “2”, opponent “3”
P = 23
Item “Bag” visibility level Self “2”, opponent “4”
P = 24
Accordingly, the bag is displayed above the tennis racket (see FIG. 49C). Thus, when the self visibility level is the same, the vertical relationship is determined by the size of the other party's visibility level.

  The arithmetic expression for the priority P is not limited to the above expression. The multiple to be multiplied by (self-visible level) may be a number sufficient to increase the specific gravity of the self-visible level (for example, about 5 is sufficient). Furthermore, an arithmetic expression with the same specific gravity may be used for (the self-visible level) and (the other's visible level), or an arithmetic expression in which the specific gravity of (the other's visible level) is increased. In any case, by calculating the above-described priority P, it is possible to display item icons that are more interested in both in order from the top. If priority P matches, random display is performed.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, when the terminal 120 is a computer game device of a game center, the user can enter the virtual space for a predetermined time by inserting coins into the game device. Moreover, you may enable it to use the prepaid card which recorded the point mentioned above. The user inserts a prepaid card into the game device instead of a coin. The game device permits entry into the virtual space for a time corresponding to the number of points read out. Therefore, the user can increase the number of points by recording the points acquired by receiving sales from the salesman on the prepaid card while entering the virtual space.

  Moreover, although the above-mentioned embodiment demonstrated the case where the VRML browser 121 of each terminal 120 performed display control based on a visibility level, you may perform the control apparatus 111 of the server 110. FIG. In this case, the control device 111 generates an individual VRML file for each user and transmits it to each user. The VRML browser 121 of the terminal 120 displays the received VRML file as it is.

  In the above-described embodiment, the extraction unit is not limited to a salesman who has received permission, but may be provided to a user who has received specific permission from the server. For example, a user who has received a specific permission other than a salesman is a user who is looking for people to recruit members of a circle.

  Furthermore, in the virtual space, there may be a model other than the model that is substituted for the user. That is, at least one model corresponding to the virtual character provided by the server exists in advance in the virtual space. The virtual character is, for example, a policeman or a pet animal that guides the road.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a love simulation game using a model of a virtual character (provided by a server) existing in a virtual space is provided.

  FIG. 50 is a schematic flowchart of the game flow in the present embodiment. The virtual character in the virtual space (city) is, for example, a girl. There is at least one girl model. In step S40, the user searches for a model of the virtual character in the virtual space, contacts his model with the model, and communicates with the virtual character. The virtual character is, for example, a girl, and the user picks up a girl model in the virtual space. When the virtual character holds a favorable parameter for the user and contacts the user's model, the virtual character authenticates the user ID and presents an option group corresponding to a conversation with the user.

  FIG. 51 shows an example of the screen of step S40 “Nampa in town”. The user has a conversation by selecting the presented option group for the contacted virtual character. The virtual character returns a reaction corresponding to the selected item.

  When the conversation ends, the preference parameter of the virtual character varies depending on the content of the item selected by the user in the conversation. This fluctuating favorability parameter is not presented directly to the user. Based on the amount of change, the likability of the character for the user is determined, and an e-mail corresponding to the character is automatically generated and transmitted to the user. In step S41, if the favorable sensitivity is high, the user can receive an OK e-mail and proceed to the next step S50. If low, the user receives an NG e-mail and starts again from step S40.

  In step S50, based on the reaction returned by the virtual character in the conversation with the virtual character in step S40, the user selects an arbitrary item from the presented option group (date plan) and creates a date plan. To do.

  52 and 53 are screen examples of step S50 “date plan creation”. Then, when the date plan as shown in FIG. 52 is created, the user again contacts the virtual character and presents the date plan. Then, when the date plan is presented, the screen of FIG. 53 is displayed. The date plan is created within the range of money in the currency that is valid in the virtual space owned by the user. Further, the screen of FIG. 53 is an example when the user terminal is a mobile phone capable of Internet communication.

  The virtual character changes the favorable parameter for the user based on the item contents of the presented date plan. Based on the fluctuation amount, a date OK / NG reply mail is automatically generated for the user and transmitted to the user. In step S51, if the reply mail is OK, the user can proceed to step S60. If NG, the user starts again from step S40. Note that, in the case of NG, the virtual character may hold the preference parameter for the user so far or may delete it.

  In step S60, the user practices a date with the virtual character. The server generates a date scenario based on the date plan in step S50 and presents it to the user.

  FIG. 54 is a screen example of step S60 “Date Practice”. The user advances the date by selecting an arbitrary item from the option group presented along the scenario. The option group is presented a plurality of times during the date, and the preference parameter of the virtual character varies with each selection. Then, in step S61, when the likability parameter becomes less than the predetermined value, the progress of the scenario is interrupted and the process from step S40 is started again. In the case of a scenario interruption, the virtual character may hold the preference parameter for the user so far or may delete it.

  If the scenario has progressed to the end, in step S70, the user can “confess” to the virtual character. FIG. 55 is a screen example of step S70 “confession”. The date ends with the user's “confession”. The virtual character holds the user's preference parameter at the end of the date.

  In step S <b> 80, the server totals the likability parameters for each user held in the virtual character every predetermined period (for example, one week). In step S81, the server generates and sends an OK e-mail to “confession” to the user with the highest likability parameter, and NG e-mail to the other users. Send.

  Thus, in the game of the present embodiment, a plurality of users can contact one virtual character. The virtual character holds parameters for each user. Then, according to the progress of the game with each user, the parameters of each user are varied, the parameters of each user are compared for each predetermined period, and the user having the highest value parameter becomes the winner.

  In the above-described embodiment, the virtual character may be displayed on the terminal display device as being present in the virtual space, or a planar image of the virtual character may be displayed on the terminal display device.

  In addition, the user terminal in the above-described embodiment is, for example, a mobile phone terminal capable of Internet communication, and various information related to the virtual character and the game may be displayed on the display device (liquid crystal monitor).

  For example, FIG. 56 shows a specific example in which a home game device is used as a user terminal. A television monitor 132 is connected to the home game device main body 130 in order to display a game screen. A controller 134 for operation by the player is connected to the game apparatus main body 130. A memory card 136 with a display screen 138 is attached to the controller 134.

  While watching the TV monitor 132, the player operates the controller 134 to advance the game. The television monitor 132 displays, for example, a virtual character confession screen for the user, and the controller 134 is operated while viewing this screen. Since the memory card 136 attached to the controller 134 is provided with a display screen 138, the contents that are desired to be displayed directly only to the player, such as words of confession, are displayed only on the display screen 138 of the memory card 136. It may be.

  As described above, the virtual character changes the favorable parameter for the user based on the item contents of the presented date plan. Based on the fluctuation amount, the date is put into practice for the user. Since the character is a virtual character, when there are a plurality of users whose preference parameters are equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the date can be practiced simultaneously with the plurality of users. In this way, a large number of users may be allowed to participate, but as in the real world, the virtual character may be able to date only one user at a time.

  The virtual character schedules dates with a plurality of users who are going to date and practice dates in order. If an attempt is made to access a virtual character that is dating another player, it is determined as “inaccessible”.

  If you want to make it inaccessible, depending on the character setting of the virtual character and the familiarity parameter with the player, you can honestly display “Dating with other players” or send an answering machine message, Make sure that you have a variety of behaviors, such as whether you want your parents to respond.

  Also, when a user tries to date a virtual character, as in the real world, another event such as a virtual character becoming suddenly ill or an urgent request from a friend with the same surname is generated. You may make it impossible to make a scheduled date.

[Fifth Embodiment]
A game system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 57 is a diagram showing the appearance of the game device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 58 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device of the present embodiment.

(Configuration of game device)
The game apparatus according to the present embodiment only discharges a predetermined number of medals as a payout when a player who participates in the game has voted (bet) a single win type, a double win type, a frame series, a horse series, or the like. In addition, it is a so-called horse owner participation type horse racing game device in which each player can own a horse that the player owns in the game, and a considerable number of medals are provided depending on the arrival order.

  As shown in FIG. 57, the entire case 202 of the game apparatus 201 of the present embodiment has a fan shape, and a huge game screen is output in the vicinity of the fan-shaped converging portion of the case 202 for the player. An integrated display 203 is provided. Speakers 208 are provided on both sides of the large display 203 to output game sounds. On the other hand, a plurality of individual displays (satellite monitors) 4 that output video images of game screens centered on their own horses or voting racehorses correspond to each player in the vicinity of the fan-shaped outer periphery of the housing 202. Buried.

  Each satellite 205 provided for each player is provided with a medal insertion slot 206 for inserting a medal to bet around the individual display 204, and on the outer periphery of the casing 202 near the player's knee. A medal discharge port 207 is provided for discharging medals corresponding to dividends and prizes.

  In the present embodiment, a touch panel 209 is provided on the individual display 204, and each player operates a game using the touch panel 209. For example, as the game progresses, the individual display 204 appropriately displays a command key shaped as an operation button each time, and the player directly touches the touch panel 209 portion on the command key so that various command signals are displayed. It is input to a game control circuit to be described later.

  In the game device 201 of the present embodiment, a socket 210 is provided for each satellite 205. For example, a storage medium such as a memory or an external device such as a mobile phone can be connected to the socket 210. When the memory is installed, the own horse produced and bred here can be used as it is in other game machines, for example, home video game devices and other arcade horse racing game devices described later, Horses formed and nurtured by other game devices can also be used as horses for players in the horse racing game device 201 of the present embodiment.

  In addition to the satellite 205, the game apparatus 201 of the present embodiment participates in the game using a mobile information terminal such as a mobile phone or PHS, or an external terminal such as a communication information terminal such as a personal computer. Can do. For example, as shown in FIG. 57, the player can stand in the vicinity of the game device 201 with the mobile phone 20 and participate in a horse racing game using the mobile phone 20 while looking at the integrated display 203 of the game device 201. it can. Details of the operation will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 58, the configuration of the game device of the present embodiment has a main game board 211 at the center, and the game board 212 of each satellite 205 is connected to the main game board 211 via an arc net hub 213. It is connected. The main game board 211 mainly controls the entire horse racing game apparatus 201, and the game board 212 controls individual players in each satellite 205.

  A large display 203 and a speaker 208 are further connected to the main game board 211. From the main game board 211, an image signal is output to the large display 203, an audio signal is output to the speaker 208, and a game image and sound are output.

  An individual display 204, a touch panel 209, and a socket 210 are connected to the game board 212 of each satellite 205, and further, a medal discharge mechanism 214 for discharging medals is connected. The game board 212 drives a medal discharge mechanism 214 provided corresponding to each satellite 205, and discharges medals as dividends and prize money to each player.

  An external terminal satellite unit 215 is connected to the main game board 211 in order to participate in a game from an external terminal such as a portable information terminal or a communication information terminal other than the satellite 205. A telephone transmission / reception unit 216 and a line connection unit 218 are connected to the external terminal satellite unit 215 to communicate with an external terminal. The telephone transmission / reception unit 216 is provided with an antenna 217, and transmits / receives data to / from the portable information terminal 220 such as a mobile phone or PHS via the antenna 217. The line connection unit 218 is connected to the public line network using, for example, a telephone line. Even a player in a remote place participates in the game by connecting to a public network from a portable information terminal 220 such as a mobile phone or PHS, or a wired telephone 22 provided at home or the like.

  By connecting the game device of the present embodiment to the Internet, information and data can be transmitted / received to / from an external terminal such as a portable information terminal and a communication information terminal and other game devices via the Internet. For example, as shown in FIG. 59, the server 231 of the game machine 230 installed in the store A is connected to the Internet via the telephone line 232. The game machine 233 installed in the store B and the game machine 234 installed in the store C are connected to a high-speed communication line 235 such as an optical fiber. The high-speed communication line 235 is connected to a server 236 that manages the high-speed communication line 235, and the server 236 is connected to the Internet. A portable information terminal 237 such as a mobile phone, a PHS, or a portable personal computer is connected to the Internet via the base station 38 and can access the game machines 230, 233, and 234.

(Play method)
When playing with the game device of this embodiment, the player sits on the satellite 205 and inserts a medal to participate in the game. Dividends and prizes obtained according to the game result may be received as medals every time they win, or may be accumulated in the game device without being discharged as medals and the game may be continued.

  In the game device of this embodiment, the acquired medal can be stocked as an electronic medal. When the player finishes the game, the player is made to select how to handle the acquired medal.

  At the end of the game, a screen as shown in FIG. 60A is displayed on the individual display 204 of the satellite 205. A game continuation button 241, a payout button 242 and a logout button 243 are displayed on the screen, and a guidance message “Please touch the screen and select from the top” is displayed. The game continuation button 241 is a button for instructing to continue the game as it is. The payout button 242 is a button for discharging the accumulated medals from the medal discharge port 207. The logout button 243 is a button for once stopping the game and leaving.

  When the logout button 243 is selected, medals are stored as electronic medals that can also be used from an external terminal. Subsequently, an access method for resuming the game using the accumulated electronic medals is displayed on the screen shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 60B, a user name and password input window 244 is displayed on the screen to prompt the player to input a user ID and password. This user ID and password are required when accessing the game device from an external terminal and using an electronic medal. An access method 245 from the external terminal to the game device is displayed below the input window 244. The URL address (www.sega.co.jp) and game machine code (HARDWARE # R & D) for access are shown.

  When the player inputs a user name and password in the input window 244, an electronic medal is stored in the game device with the user name. When the player leaves the satellite 205, another player can start the game using the satellite.

  When the player who has left his / her seat wants to play the game again, the game can be restarted by inputting the user ID and password from any of the satellites 205. In the game device of this embodiment, it is possible to participate in the game using an external terminal using the accumulated medals. An electronic medal is used by inputting a URL address and a game machine code from an external terminal to access the game device, and then entering a user ID and password.

  As shown in FIG. 60B, an end button 246 is displayed below the access method 245 displayed on the individual display 204. By touching the end button 246, the medal accumulation process is ended.

  FIG. 61 is a diagram showing another specific example of the individual display 204. The satellite 205 is provided with buttons 247 to 249 on the right side of the individual display 204. The call button 247 is a button for calling a store clerk, the payout button 248 is a button for discharging the accumulated medals from the medal outlet 207, and the mobile button 249 can be used from the external terminal. It is a button for accumulating as a simple electronic medal.

  A user name and password input window 244 is displayed on the individual display 204 to prompt the player to input the user name and password. An access method 245 from the external terminal to the game device is displayed below the input window 244.

  In the game device of this embodiment, it is possible to participate in the game using an external terminal using the accumulated medals. An electronic medal is used by accessing a game device from an external terminal and inputting a user name and a password.

  A method of participating in a game using a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or PHS will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a predetermined URL address (for example, http://www.sega.co.jp) is input from the portable information terminal to access a specific homepage managing the game device (FIG. 62 ( a)).

  When the home page is accessed, the game device to participate in is subsequently selected. The game machine code (for example, HARDWARE R & D) described in the case of the game device is directly input or selected from the menu (FIG. 62 (b)). This allows access to the game device page.

  When the game device page is accessed, the already registered user name (user ID) and password are input (FIG. 62 (c)). Thereby, it is possible to enter the main menu screen of the game as shown in FIG.

  The feature of this embodiment is that the race information displayed here is a race that is actually being executed by a game device installed in the store. In the game device of the store, a player participates from the satellite 205 and executes a horse racing game. In this horse racing game, it is possible to participate in a race that is currently in progress.

  In the main menu screen of the game shown in FIG. 62 (d), there are 1) information, 2) voting, and 3) refund menu.

  When the information menu is selected, as shown in FIG. 63 (a), various information such as the day's race and horse training conditions can be viewed.

  When a voting menu is selected, a race can be voted as shown in FIGS. First, the race number to be voted is input and the type of betting ticket is selected (FIG. 63 (b)). Here, the 125th race is selected and the horse race betting ticket is selected. The number of owned medals (999) is displayed at the lower right of the screen. Next, a betting ticket to vote is selected from the list (FIG. 63 (c)). Here, 1-4 betting tickets are purchased. Next, the number of medals to vote is input (FIG. 63 (d)). Here, 99 medals are voted.

  When the refund menu is selected, the result of the voted race is displayed as shown in FIG. Depending on the result of the race, the total number of medals owned will increase or decrease.

  When a game using a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or a PHS is ended, the acquired medal is stocked as an electronic medal by inputting a user name and a password as in the case of ending the game in the satellite 205. Can be kept.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to participate by an external terminal from the vicinity of the game apparatus using the own medal stocked in the game apparatus, or to participate by an external terminal even from a place away from the game apparatus. You can also. Thereby, even when there is no space in the seat of the satellite 205, it is possible to participate in the game, and it is possible to participate in the game even from a remote place. Even when taking out medals outside the store where the game device is installed is restricted, the medals stocked in the game device are used, so that it is possible to play without restriction from the outside.

[Sixth Embodiment]
A game system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A feature of the game device of the present embodiment is that it can be controlled not only from an operation panel provided in the game device but also using a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or a PHS. In order to realize such control of the game device, it is necessary to establish a charging system when a portable information terminal is used as the game device.

(Billing system)
A billing system in the game system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  A first specific example of the accounting system will be described with reference to FIG. First, a player accesses a server 251 of a company that manages a game machine using a portable information terminal 250 such as a mobile phone or PHS, and registers his name, phone number, password, and billing account. Instead of registering a billing account, a billing deduction method may be registered. Instead of registering with the portable information terminal 250, a charging account registration machine (not shown) may be provided in the amusement space where the game machine is installed, and the charging account may be registered therefrom.

  Thus, when the player plays a game using the portable information terminal 250, preparations for charging the player from the registered charging account are completed. That is, by registering a billing account in the server 251 of the game machine management company, when the player plays a game using the portable information terminal 250, the billing information is transmitted from the server 251 to the financial institution 252. A charge is sent to the user of terminal 250. When the user deposits into the financial institution 252, the financial institution 252 pays the billing amount to the game machine management company.

  In this billing system, a telephone number is assigned to each game machine 253. When playing with the game machine 253, the player calls the telephone number of the game machine 253 from the portable information terminal 250. This connects to the server 251 of the game machine management company. Therefore, if a billing account number, a user name, and a password are input, a game using the billing account can be performed. When the player transmits a control command for an operation instruction from the portable information terminal 250 to the game machine 253, the control command is transmitted to the server 251, and the operation command is transmitted from the server 251 to the game machine 253. In this way, the player can control the game machine 253 using the portable information terminal 250.

  Conversely, when a control signal is sent from the game machine 253 to the player, the game machine 253 sends a control signal to the server 251, and the server 251 sends a control signal to the portable information terminal 250. In this way, a control signal can be sent from the game machine 253 to the portable information terminal 250.

  A second specific example of the billing system will be described with reference to FIG. This specific example is different from the first specific example in that a telephone number is assigned to the server 54 of each store. Each game machine 253 is assigned a game machine number in the store 254.

  As in the first specific example, the player can control the game machine 253 using the portable information terminal 250 by registering his / her billing account in the server 251.

  In this billing system, when playing with the game machine 253, the player first calls the telephone number of the server 54 of the store from the portable information terminal 250. This connects to the server 251 of the game machine management company. Therefore, the game machine number is input and the game machine 253 is specified. Subsequently, when the player inputs a billing account number, a user name, and a password, play using the billing account becomes possible. When the player transmits a control command for an operation instruction from the portable information terminal 250 to the game machine 253, the control command is transmitted to the server 251, and the operation command is transmitted from the server 251 to the game machine 253 via the store server 54. . In this way, the player can control the game machine 253 using the portable information terminal 250.

  Conversely, when a control signal is sent from the game machine 253 to the player, the game machine 253 sends a control signal to the server 251 via the store server 54, and the server 251 sends a control signal to the portable information terminal 250. In this way, a control signal can be sent from the game machine 253 to the portable information terminal 250.

  A third specific example of the billing system will be described with reference to FIG. This specific example is characterized in that the player calls the game machine 253, and the game machine 253 is directly and automatically connected to the server 255 of the mobile phone company without going through the server.

  In the case of playing with a game machine, the player calls the telephone number of the game machine 253 from the portable information terminal 250 or connects the portable information terminal 250 to a socket (not shown) of the game machine 253, The portable information terminal 250 is connected to the game machine 253 by wireless or wired. The player plays the game by controlling the game machine 253 using the portable information terminal 250.

  When the game ends, the game machine 253 to which the portable information terminal 250 is connected automatically connects to the mobile phone company server 255 and charges such as the telephone number of the portable information terminal 250, the ID of the game machine 253, and the game fee. Send information. The mobile phone company pays the game fee to the game machine 253 based on the transmitted billing information. The mobile phone company charges the user a usage fee including a game fee, and the user pays the usage fee to the mobile phone company.

  Note that when the player connects to the game machine 253, as in the first and second specific examples, a user ID, a password, and the like may be input to separately register a billing account dedicated to the game.

(Play method)
In the game system of the present embodiment, the game apparatus can be controlled using a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or PHS. A playing method in the game system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  A first specific example of the playing method will be described with reference to FIG. In this specific example, the prize acquisition game machine 261 is controlled by the portable information terminal 260. In the prize acquisition game machine 261, a large number of prizes (not shown) are stored in the space inside the housing 262. In the housing 262, a crane unit 263 that is movable in the vertical and horizontal directions is provided. The prize grabbed by the crane unit 263 is thrown into the slot 264 inside the housing 262, and the prize is taken out from the prize outlet 265. An operation panel 266 is provided on the front surface of the housing 262. The crane unit 263 is operated by the operation button 267 of the operation panel 266.

  In this specific example, the prize acquisition game machine 261 can be operated by the portable information terminal 260. First, the player connects to the prize acquisition game machine 261 by making a telephone call or the like from the portable information terminal 260 in accordance with the billing system described above. The crane unit 263 is operated using the portable information terminal 260 in the connected state.

  For example, the operation is performed using the dial key 60a. Centering on 5 dial keys, 2 dial keys upward, 8 dial keys downward, 4 dial keys left, 6 dial keys right, 7 dial keys forward, 3 A backward function is assigned to the dial keys, and the direction in which the crane unit 263 is moved is instructed by the dial keys 60a.

  Further, it may be operated by the function key 60b above the dial key 60a. The function key 60b is a key that allows various functions to be selected by pressing the vertical and horizontal positions. The direction in which the crane unit 263 is moved is instructed by the function key 60b.

  Moreover, you may operate by voice input. When the player utters “up!”, “Done!”, “Hidari!”, “Migi!”, “Mae!”, “Ushiro!” To the portable information terminal 260, the crane unit 263 is selected according to the recognition result of the voice. Instruct the direction to move.

  Also, various information can be transmitted from the prize acquisition game machine 261 to the portable information terminal 260 by synthetic voice. For example, when operating by voice input, the game may be progressed so as to assist the player with synthetic voices such as “a little more!” And “a little more right!”. In addition, the presence of a specific prize may be taught by a synthesized voice such as “There is a XX prize at the back right”.

  A second specific example of the playing method will be described with reference to FIG. This example is a watermelon splitting game by a robot. The robot 271 is operated by the portable information terminal 270. The robot 271 can move back and forth and left and right by an external operation. If the watermelon 272 can be divided within the time limit by operating the robot 271, a prize can be obtained.

  In this specific example, the robot 271 is operated by the portable information terminal 270. First, the player connects to the robot 271 by making a phone call or the like from the portable information terminal 270 in accordance with the billing system described above. In the connected state, the robot 271 is operated using the portable information terminal 270.

  For example, the robot 271 is operated by voice. When the player utters voices “mae!”, “Back!”, “Hidari!”, “Migi!” To the portable information terminal 270, the robot 271 is controlled according to the recognition result of the voice. The robot 271 moves steadily in response to a voice instruction, and finally swings down the stick 71a with a voice of “Take!”. If you hit the watermelon 272 well within the time limit and break it, you are successful.

  In addition, various information can be transmitted from the robot 271 to the portable information terminal 270 by synthetic voice. For example, “I'll start a watermelon split game now.” “Operate the robot with the front, back, right, and left voices. You may be made to give guidance to a game by the synthetic | combination voice with "Ne." Further, when operating by voice input, the robot 271 may have a conversation with the player by a synthesized voice such as “Where are you?”.

  Further, instead of voice input, the movement of the robot 271 may be operated by dial keys or function keys as in the first specific example.

  A third specific example of the playing method will be described with reference to FIG. This example is a game in which a quiz is answered using a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or PHS. A quiz is distributed from the game machine to the portable information terminal, and the player answers the quiz using a button of the portable information terminal.

  A player who intends to participate in the game connects to the game machine by making a telephone call or the like from the portable information terminal in accordance with the billing system described above. Join the quiz with that connection. A large number of players can participate at once.

  A problem is distributed from the game machine to each portable information terminal. For example, as shown in FIG. 69 (a), the code number (# 12345) of the game machine is first displayed on the screen of the portable information terminal. The quiz genre (music) and the number of participants (123 people) are displayed. As shown in FIG. 69 (b), the problem is distributed and displayed from the game machine. For example, an option “1 Beethoven, 2 Bach, 3 Mozart” is displayed together with a question sentence “Who is said to be the father of music in classical music?”. When answering by pressing the button of the portable information terminal within the time limit, as shown in FIG. 69 (c), the answer distribution (Ping Pong!) And the answer distribution (1:10, 2:90, 3:21) are shown. Is displayed.

  A fourth specific example of the playing method will be described with reference to FIG. In this specific example, a game device installed in a game center is remotely controlled using a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or PHS.

  The game device 282 installed in the game center 280 is provided with a plurality of satellites 284 for the player. Each satellite 284 is provided with a dedicated monitor 286. The game device 282 is provided with a large monitor 288 common to each player. The game device 282 is provided with a game server 290, and each satellite 284 is connected to the game server 290. The game server 290 is connected to the Internet 292. A player 294 who wishes to participate in the game apparatus 282 sits on the satellite 284 and participates in the game while watching the common large monitor 288 and his own dedicated monitor 286.

  On the other hand, even a player 296 who does not sit at the satellite 284 can participate in the game using his / her mobile phone, PHS or other portable information terminal 298. The player 296 participates in the game while viewing the display screen of the portable information terminal 298 and the large monitor 288. When the player 296 transmits information from the portable information terminal 298, the player 296 is connected to the Internet 292 via the base station 300 and the telephone station 302, and can access the game server 290 of the game device 282 via the Internet 292.

  The game apparatus 282 recognizes both the player 294 seated in the satellite 284 and the player 296 operating the portable information terminal 298 as the same game participant, and proceeds with the game. However, since the dedicated monitor 286 of the satellite 284 and the display screen of the portable information terminal 298 have different characteristics such as the size of the screen and whether it is color or black and white, a game screen that takes this into consideration is created and displayed. To do.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, a game device can be operated using a small portable information terminal. In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the game apparatus by key operation or voice input by using a familiar personal digital assistant. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to charge the user appropriately and reliably for a usage fee for a game or the like.

[Seventh Embodiment]
A game center system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 71 and 72. FIG. 71 is a block diagram of the game center system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 72 is a block diagram of a game apparatus installed in a game center or the like in the game center system according to the present embodiment.

(Configuration of game center system)
As shown in FIG. 71, the game center system of this embodiment is provided with a host server 370 of a game company that controls the entire system. A game center 372 is connected to the host server 370 by an optical fiber capable of high-speed communication. The host server 370 is connected to a game center 372 where a large number of game devices are installed, a store 372A such as an Internet cafe or a convenience store provided with terminal devices such as game devices and computers, and personal The home 372B may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 71, a game center 372 is provided with a server 374, and a plurality of game devices 380 are connected to the server 374 by optical fibers capable of high-speed communication. Each game device 380 can also be connected to the public line network 376 via, for example, a telephone line. The public line network 376 is connected to a telephone company 378 that controls the public line network 376. As shown in FIG. 71, the player's mobile phones or PHSs gathered at the game center 372 are also connected to the same public line network 376. The public line network 376 is not limited to a conventional telephone line network, but may be another network such as the Internet or a CATV cable network.

  In the game center system of the present embodiment, as will be described later, a new billing method using a mobile phone or PHS is performed. For this reason, in this embodiment, an optical fiber or a telephone line is connected between the telephone company 378 that controls the public line network 376 used by the mobile phone or PHS and the host server 370 of the game company that controls the entire game center system. It is connected by a line such as. Needless to say, it is not necessary to connect the telephone company 378 and the game company via a direct line as long as charging data can be exchanged.

(Configuration of game device)
As shown in FIG. 72, the game device 380 in the present embodiment has a game board 382 at the center thereof, and the game board 382 has an operation panel 384 provided with operation buttons and the like operated by a player, A coin mechanism 386 for receiving and processing coins to be inserted is connected. A display 388 and a speaker 390 are further connected to the game board 382.

  In addition, the game device 380 is provided with a telephone transmission / reception unit 392 and an antenna 394 to perform transmission / reception with a mobile phone or PHS. The telephone transmission / reception unit 392 is connected to the game board 382.

  Further, the game device 380 is provided with a socket 396. For example, a storage medium such as a memory, or an external device such as a mobile phone or a PHS can be connected to the socket 396. These external devices are connected to the game board 382 via the socket 396. The socket 396 is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) in order to prevent an external device connected during the game from being inadvertently removed. The game device 380 can lock or release the lock mechanism.

  Note that the telephone transmission / reception unit 392 and the socket 396 are not necessarily provided in the game device 380, and either one or both of them may not be provided depending on the billing method described later.

(Outline of billing method)
The inventor of the present application pays attention to mobile phones and PHS, which have a holding ratio exceeding 1/3 of the national population, and devised a method of charging a game fee using a phone obtained by adding a general telephone to these mobile phones and PHS. did.

  General phones, mobile phones, and PHS have a high penetration rate even from a national perspective, and mobile phones and PHS have a particularly high penetration rate for generations who prefer games. Cellular phones and PHS are equipped with a memory function such as an incoming call history and a phone book as standard regardless of the model. In addition, it is unlikely that the user can lend a mobile phone or PHS to another person, and higher security than a credit card and a specific function of an individual can be expected. Furthermore, in order to collect call charges, mobile phone and PHS users have contracts for payment of charges with telephone companies, and credit is guaranteed and provided in advance.

  Hereinafter, a method for charging a user from a game device side using a telephone, particularly a mobile phone or PHS, will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Usage rights that can be enjoyed by paying a usage fee include a right to use an electronic device such as a game device for a predetermined time, a right to use an electronic device a predetermined number of times, and a predetermined time zone, for example, 8 am The right includes the right to use the electronic device from 8:00 to 8:00 pm, and the right to use the electronic device under predetermined usage conditions.

  In the following explanation, it is assumed that a mobile phone is used. However, this mobile phone may be a PHS, and depending on the billing method, the same billing may be used even if other phones such as a regular phone, a public phone, and an extension phone are used. A method is possible.

(Billing method: Part 1)
A first billing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The first charging method is to connect a mobile phone to the game device, make a call from the mobile phone connected to the game device with a specific phone number, and charge the game fee to the user as a call charge to that phone number. is there. This specific telephone number is a predetermined telephone number prepared by a telephone company or a game company as information necessary for using the electronic device.

  First, a display about a game method is performed on the display 388 of the game device 380 (step S110). A display prompting the user to connect to the mobile phone is displayed on the socket 396 of the game apparatus 380.

  Next, it is detected whether or not a mobile phone is connected to the socket 396 of the game apparatus 380 (step S111). If the mobile phone is not connected, the process returns to step S110 to display a game method.

  When the mobile phone is connected to socket 396 of game device 380, a call is made from the user's mobile phone to which game device 380 is connected to a specific phone number for game billing (step S112). When it is confirmed that a specific telephone number is connected (step S113), the game is started (step S114).

  During the execution of the game, it is monitored at certain time intervals whether or not the mobile phone has been removed from the socket 396 of the game apparatus 380 (step S115), and if removed, the game is interrupted (step S116). After the game is interrupted, the process proceeds to step S120 described later.

  Note that during the game, the mobile phone may not be removed by the lock mechanism of the socket 396 until the game is over.

  When the game is over (step S117), the game device 380 hangs up the phone to the specific telephone number (step S118) and displays the game end (step S119). The game end display prompts the user to remove the user's mobile phone from the socket 396 of the game apparatus 380.

  The telephone company charges the call charge to the user according to the telephone usage time that the game device 380 places on the specific telephone number using the mobile phone (step S120). This call charge includes a game usage fee in addition to a normal line usage fee. A part of the call charge collected from the user is paid as a game usage fee from the telephone company to the game company.

(Billing method: 2)
A second billing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the second billing method, the game device is notified of the user's mobile phone number, the game device makes a call from its own phone with a specific phone number, and notifies the telephone company of the user's phone number and game usage fee. The telephone company charges the game fee to the user as a call fee based on the data.

  First, a display about the game method is performed on the display 388 of the game device 380 (step S130). A display prompting the game device 380 to inform the user of the telephone number is displayed. As a method for informing the game device 380 of the telephone number, a method of directly reading the mobile phone by connecting it to the socket 396 of the game device 380, or a method of obtaining by calling the mobile phone from the telephone transmission / reception unit 392 of the game device 380 Alternatively, there is a method in which the user himself / herself inputs a telephone number using an operation panel.

  When game device 380 obtains the user's phone number (step S131), game device 380 calls a specific phone number, informs the telephone company of the obtained user's phone number, and conducts a credit check (step S132). ). If you conduct a credit check, you may hang up the phone or connect as it is. If the input telephone number can be trusted, step S132 may be omitted.

  Subsequently, the game device 380 executes the game and counts the execution time for later billing (step S133).

  When the game ends (step S134), the game device 380 displays a game end display (step S135). When the game is over, the game company uses the game device 380 or other telephone or personal computer to notify the telephone company of the user's telephone number and game usage time (step S136). Note that step S136 may be performed every time the game ends, or data may be accumulated on the game device 380 or game center 372 side and collectively notified to the telephone company.

  The telephone company charges a call charge according to the game usage time to the user's telephone number notified from the game company (step S137). This call charge includes a game usage fee in addition to a normal line usage fee. A part of the call charge collected from the user is paid as a game usage fee from the telephone company to the game company.

(Billing method: Part 3)
A third billing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the third billing method, when a user calls a specific phone number, a password for a right that allows game play for a predetermined time is issued and charged to the user's account, and the user enters the password into the game device and obtains it. The game for the right that was done.

  First, the game method is displayed in the store or on the display 388 of the game device 380 (step S140). A specific telephone number dedicated to the game is displayed on the display 388 in the store or on the game device 380 together with the message “Call me when playing the game”.

  Next, when the user calls a specific phone number with a mobile phone (step S141), the user's mobile phone account is charged with a play fee for a predetermined time and a password is issued (step S142). The password is recorded in the memory in the mobile phone, and a message indicating that a game can be played for a predetermined time, for example, 1 hour is displayed on the screen of the mobile phone together with the password (step S143).

  Next, a display about the game method is performed on the game device 380 (step S144). A display prompting the game device 380 to notify the password is performed. As a method for notifying the game device 380 of the password, a method of reading the password from the mobile phone by directly connecting the mobile phone to the socket 396 of the game device 380, or calling the mobile phone from the telephone transmission / reception unit 392 of the game device 380. There are a method of acquiring a password and a method of inputting a password by the user using an operation panel.

  Next, after confirming with the telephone company whether the acquired password is valid (step S145), the game device 380 executes the game and counts the execution time for later billing (step S146).

  During the execution of the game, it is monitored whether the game execution time has reached a predetermined time at regular intervals (step S147). If the predetermined time has been reached, the fact that the predetermined time has ended is displayed and the game is interrupted (step S148).

  Subsequently, when the game is over (step S149), the game device 380 displays a game end (step S150). When the game is over, the game company uses the game device 380 or another telephone, a personal computer, or the like to inform the telephone company of the game usage time for the password right. The telephone company subtracts the game use time from the predetermined time of the right of the password (step S151).

  The telephone company collects a fee for the right to play the game for a predetermined time together with a normal usage fee from the user. The game usage fee collected from the user is paid as a game usage fee from the telephone company to the game company.

  The user may arbitrarily use a plurality of game devices by using one right that allows a game play for a predetermined time, or an electronic device such as an electronic terminal other than the game device may be used. May be.

  In addition, when the right to use is used and the right to use is insufficient while using a game device or the like, the user may be notified that additional purchase of the right to use is necessary.

(Billing method: 4)
A fourth billing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In a fourth billing method, when a user calls a specific phone number, a virtual currency is issued to the mobile phone and the user's account is charged, and the user plays a game while connecting the mobile phone to the game device. Is to deduct the game usage fee from the virtual currency.

  First, the game method is displayed in the store or on the display 388 of the game device 380 (step S160). A specific telephone number dedicated to the game is displayed on the display 388 in the store or on the game device 380 together with the message “Call me when playing the game”.

  Next, when the user calls a specific phone number with a mobile phone (step S161), a virtual currency is issued to the user's mobile phone (step S162). The virtual currency is stored in a memory in the mobile phone, and a message indicating that a game for a predetermined time, for example, one hour can be played with the virtual currency is displayed on the mobile phone screen.

  Next, a display about the game method is performed on the display 388 of the game apparatus 380 (step S163). A display prompting the user to connect a mobile phone to the game apparatus 380 is displayed. As a method of connecting a mobile phone to game device 380, there are a method of directly connecting a mobile phone to socket 396 of game device 380, a method of calling game device 380 from the mobile phone, and the like.

  Next, after confirming that valid virtual currency is accumulated in the mobile phone, the game device 380 executes the game (step S164). The elapsed time of the game is counted, and the game fee for the elapsed time is deducted from the virtual currency of the mobile phone.

  During the execution of the game, it is monitored whether the virtual currency of the mobile phone has reached zero at regular time intervals (step S165). When the virtual currency reaches zero, the game is interrupted by displaying that the virtual currency has run out (step S166).

  Subsequently, when the game is over (step S167), the game device 380 displays a game end (step S168).

  The telephone company collects the fee for the virtual currency issued to the user together with the normal usage fee from the user. The game usage fee collected from the user is paid as a game usage fee from the telephone company to the game company.

  Note that a virtual currency issued to a mobile phone may be used to receive services other than games, such as a juice vending machine that can be connected to a mobile phone.

  According to this billing method, since the mobile phone is simply a virtual currency storage device, a call can be made without any problem even if a call is received during the game. In addition, a virtual currency can be purchased from a home or the like and stored in a mobile phone to play a game.

(Billing method: Part 5)
A fifth billing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the fifth billing method, when a user calls a specific phone number, a virtual currency and a password are issued to the mobile phone and the user's account is billed, and the game device authenticates the virtual currency reported by the user and The game is allowed to be executed and the game usage fee is deducted from the virtual currency.

  First, the game method is displayed in the store or on the display 388 of the game device 380 (step S170). A specific telephone number dedicated to the game is displayed on the display 388 in the store or on the game device 380 together with the message “Call me when playing the game”.

  Next, when the user calls a specific telephone number with a mobile phone (step S171), the user is charged a play fee for a predetermined time and issues a virtual currency to the user's mobile phone account (step S172). ). A password is issued for virtual currency authentication and stored in a memory in the mobile phone. It is displayed on the screen of the mobile phone that the game can be played for a predetermined time, for example, 1 hour, using this virtual currency.

  Next, the display about the game method is performed on the display 388 of the game device 380 (step S173). A display prompting the user to take action to authenticate the virtual currency is performed. As an action for authenticating the virtual currency to the user, a method of authenticating by temporarily connecting a mobile phone to the socket 396 of the game device 380 or a method of authenticating by temporarily calling the game device 380 from the mobile phone Alternatively, there is a method in which the user inputs a password through the operation panel 384 and performs authentication.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the game device 380 is authenticated as a virtual currency user (step S174). If authenticated, a message to that effect is displayed on the display 388 of the game apparatus 380, and the subsequent action is notified (step S175). The notification includes prompting the user to remove the mobile phone from the game device when the mobile phone is temporarily connected to the game device, and calling the game device from the mobile phone when temporarily calling the game device. When the password is entered, no notification is required.

  When the authentication is completed, the game device 380 executes the game (step S176). The elapsed time of the game is counted, and the game fee for the elapsed time is deducted from the virtual currency of the mobile phone.

  During the execution of the game, it is monitored whether or not the virtual currency has reached zero every certain time (step S177). When the virtual currency reaches zero, the game is interrupted by displaying that there is no virtual currency (step S178).

  Subsequently, when the game ends (step S179), the game device 380 displays a game end display (step S180).

  The telephone company collects the fee for the virtual currency issued to the user together with the normal usage fee from the user. The game usage fee collected from the user is paid as a game usage fee from the telephone company to the game company.

  Note that a virtual currency issued to a mobile phone may be used to receive services other than games, such as a juice vending machine that can be connected to a mobile phone.

  According to this billing method, since the mobile phone becomes a simple virtual currency purchasing device, a call can be made without any problem even if a call is received during the game. In addition, it is possible to play a game by purchasing a virtual currency by calling from home or the like.

(Billing method: 6)
A sixth billing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the sixth billing method, the user informs the game device of the telephone number, the game device calls a specific phone number dedicated to game billing, notifies the user of the telephone number of the user, and the game device calls the specific phone number. The game fee for the time connected to the number is charged to the user's account.

  First, a display about a game method is performed on the display 388 of the game device 380 (step S190). A display prompting the game device 380 to inform the user of the telephone number is displayed. As a method for informing the game device 380 of the user's telephone number, a method of reading the telephone number by directly connecting the mobile phone to the socket 396 of the game device 380 or calling the game device 380 from the mobile phone to obtain the telephone number. And a method in which the user himself / herself inputs a telephone number using an operation panel.

  When game device 380 obtains the user's phone number (step S191), game device 380 calls a specific phone number dedicated to game billing and notifies the user of the phone number (step S192).

  Next, the game device 380 executes the game, but while the game is being executed, the game device 380 is connected to a specific telephone number (step S193).

  Subsequently, when the game ends (step S194), the game device 380 displays a game end display (step S195).

  The telephone company grasps the game usage time based on the time when the game device 380 is connected to a specific telephone number, and collects the game usage fee from the user together with the normal usage fee. The game usage fee collected from the user is paid as a game usage fee from the telephone company to the game company.

(Billing method: Part 7)
A seventh billing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The seventh billing method is a game in which the user notifies the game device of a telephone number, the game device calls a specific phone number dedicated to game billing, notifies the user of the phone number of the user, and the game device counts the game The game company notifies the telephone company of the usage time at a later date, and the game fee for the usage time is charged to the user's account.

  First, the game method 380 is displayed on the display 388 of the game device 380 (step S200). A display prompting the game device 380 to inform the user of the telephone number is displayed. As a method for informing the game device 380 of the user's telephone number, a method of reading the telephone number by directly connecting the mobile phone to the socket 396 of the game device 380 or calling the game device 380 from the mobile phone to obtain the telephone number. And a method in which the user himself / herself inputs a telephone number using an operation panel.

  When game device 380 obtains the user's phone number (step S201), game device 380 calls a specific phone number dedicated to game billing, notifies the phone company of the user's phone number, and hangs up (step S202). ).

  Next, the game device 380 counts the game usage time while executing the game (step S203).

  Subsequently, when the game ends (step S204), the game device 380 displays a game end display (step S205).

  The game company informs the telephone company of the game usage time together with the user's telephone number (step S206). The telephone company charges the user according to the game time. The game usage fee collected from the user is paid as a game usage fee from the telephone company to the game company.

(Billing method: 8)
The eighth accounting method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the eighth billing method, a game maker manufactures a game device and lends the game device to a game company that operates a game center or the like that has signed a contract. When a user plays a game device at a rented facility, the user calls the game device with a mobile phone and plays the game device. The usage fee corresponding to the number of times of play is charged to the user from the mobile phone company in a month-end. The telephone company automatically pays the fee collected from the user between the operator who installs the game device at a certain ratio and the manufacturer who owns the game device. This is a system that should be called rental of a game device including a game usage fee based on charging by a mobile phone. This improves the convenience of the user and eliminates the need to put coins into the game device, so that a fine charge of less than 100 yen is possible. This billing method is also effective as a consumption tax countermeasure in game centers and the like.

  First, the display about the game method is performed on the display 388 of the game device 380 (step S210). A telephone number unique to the game apparatus 380 is displayed, and a display for prompting the user to make a call to the game apparatus 380 is performed.

  Next, the user calls the telephone number of game device 380 from his / her mobile phone (step S211). Thereby, the telephone company knows the telephone number of the mobile phone of the user who made a call to the game apparatus 380.

  Next, the user's telephone is disconnected from the game device 380 (step S212), and the execution of the game is started (step S213).

  When the game ends (step S214), a game end display is performed (step S215).

  The telephone company can know the total number of times that the game apparatus 380 has been used, the telephone number of the user who has used the total number of times, and the details of the number of times of use for each user. The user is charged based on the number of uses for each user (step S216). The telephone company distributes the fee collected from the user to the manufacturer and the operator based on the total number of times that the game device 380 is used. The distribution is a lease fee for the manufacturer and a profit for the operator. Sales are also made to the telephone company as a fee collection fee.

(Other billing methods)
Note that since the coin mechanism 386 for accepting a fee is provided in the game device 380, when coins are inserted in the coin mechanism 386, collection by coins may be given priority as a game usage fee. When the inserted coins are exhausted, the above charging method is applied to charge.

[Modified Embodiment]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the horse racing game apparatus and the horse racing game system using the horse racing game apparatus have been described. However, a horse racing game system that allows data exchange only between the horse racing game apparatus 1 and the home video game apparatus 21 may be used. Further, a horse racing game system that enables data exchange only between the horse racing game apparatus 1 and the arcade game apparatus 30 may be used.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a horse racing game, but is not limited to a horse racing game, and can be applied to other competitive games and general games. For example, the present invention can be applied to a bicycle race game and a boat race game, and can also be applied to a game in which a virtual life form is used to compete.

  Further, the method for extracting data from the game device can be applied to any type of game device, regardless of the type of game. In addition to game devices, electronic devices such as personal computers that distribute general software and music software, for example, electronic devices that provide content services such as games, programs, and music by user operations The present invention can also be applied to data retrieval methods.

  Further, the charging method is not limited to the game device, but in an electronic device such as a personal computer that distributes game software or music software, for example, an electronic device that provides a content service such as a game or music by a user operation. It is also effective as a billing method. The present invention can also be applied to the purchase of goods in a vending machine or the like incorporating an electronic device. Furthermore, the present invention is also promising as a billing method for issuing electronic money or the like. The billing method of the present invention can be applied to any money exchange that does not involve cash exchange.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a medal game device using medals. However, a game device using a currency functioning as a distribution means and a payment means may be used, or a game apparatus using a virtual currency other than medals. But you can.

  The protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but covers the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

[Appendix]
(Appendix 1) A data issuing method for issuing data or a password of the data from an electronic device used by a participant,
A method of issuing data, characterized in that the data or password is displayed on a display so as to match a mobile phone or PHS numbering system.

(Appendix 2) In the data issuance method described in Appendix 1,
The data issuing method, wherein the data or password displayed on the display is a number other than an existing mobile phone or PHS number.

(Appendix 3) A data issuance method for issuing data or a password of the data from an electronic device used by a participant,
A data issuing method, wherein a password is a mobile phone or PHS number entered by a participant.

(Supplementary Note 4) A data issuing method for issuing data or a password of the data from an electronic device used by a participant,
Show the organizer's phone number on the display,
A method of issuing data characterized by waiting for a participant to make a call and issuing the data or the password to the call made by the participant.

(Supplementary Note 5) A data issuing method for issuing data or a password of the data from an electronic device used by a participant,
A method of issuing data, characterized in that the organizer's telephone number is displayed on a display, and the data or the password is issued to a call made to the organizer's telephone number.

(Appendix 6) A data issuance method for issuing data or a password of the data from an electronic device used by a participant,
Show the organizer's email address on the display,
A method of issuing data characterized by waiting for a participant to send an email and including the data or the password in the email that responds to the email.

(Appendix 7) A data issuance method for issuing data or a password of the data from an electronic device used by a participant,
A data issuance method, comprising: displaying an email address of an organizer on a display; and including the data or the password in an email responding to an email sent to the email address of the organizer.

(Appendix 8) A data issuance method for issuing data or a password of the data from an electronic device used by a participant,
Enter the mobile phone or PHS number used by the participant,
A data issuance method characterized by issuing the data or the password to a mobile phone or PHS used by a participant by calling the entered number.

(Supplementary Note 9) A data issuance method for issuing data or a password of the data from an electronic device used by a participant,
Enter the email address used by the participant,
A data issuance method, comprising: sending an e-mail including the data or the password to an inputted e-mail address.

(Supplementary Note 10) In an information display method for displaying information on a plurality of users registered in a server on a terminal of a first user among the plurality of users via a communication network.
Transferring information about multiple users from the server to the terminal of the first user;
An information display method, wherein the display contents of the information related to each user displayed on the terminal of the first user are displayed differently based on the registered contents of the information related to the first user.

(Supplementary note 11) In the information display method according to supplementary note 10,
The information about each user includes a file for describing a model that is a substitute for each user in a virtual space shared by the plurality of users,
A virtual space where a model corresponding to each user exists is displayed on the terminal of the first user.

(Supplementary note 12) In the information display method described in supplementary note 11,
Information about each user includes each user's level of interest for at least one item;
An information display method comprising: displaying a model of each user at a different level based on the level of the first user regarding the item.

(Supplementary note 13) A server for storing information on a plurality of users registered in the server and at least one terminal connected to the server via a communication network, wherein the information on the plurality of users is sent to the plurality of users. In the information display system displayed on the terminal of the first user,
Information about the plurality of users is transferred from the server to the terminal of the first user;
An information display system characterized in that display contents of information regarding each user are differently displayed on the terminal of the first user based on registered contents of information regarding the first user.

(Supplementary note 14) In the information display system according to supplementary note 13,
The information about each user includes a file for describing a model that is a substitute for each user in a virtual space shared by the plurality of users,
A virtual space where a model corresponding to each user exists is displayed on the terminal of the first user.

(Supplementary Note 15) In a game method for communicating with a virtual character provided by a server via a communication network,
Preparing parameters for each of a plurality of users communicating with the virtual character;
As each user communicates with the virtual character, the parameters of each user are changed,
A game method, wherein a response from a virtual character corresponding to a parameter is notified to each user by e-mail at a predetermined timing.

(Supplementary Note 16) The telephone number owned by the user is notified to the electronic device, and the electronic device notifies the telephone company of the telephone number of the user and the usage fee of the electronic device. In the billing method that charges the user for the usage fee,
The electronic apparatus has its own telephone set, and uses the telephone set to notify the telephone company of the telephone number of the user and the usage amount of the electronic apparatus.

(Supplementary note 17) The telephone number owned by the user is notified to the electronic device, and the electronic device notifies the telephone company of the telephone number of the user and the usage fee of the electronic device. In the billing method that charges the user for the usage fee,
The electronic device is connected to a telephone company via a network, and the telephone company is notified of the telephone number of the user and the usage amount of the electronic device via the network.

(Supplementary Note 18) Use obtained by a billing method in which a password for a predetermined use right is issued to a user who calls a specific telephone number presented to the user in order to use an electronic device and the user is charged In the method of exercising the usage right by entering a password in the electronic device,
A method wherein a user can arbitrarily use a plurality of electronic devices by exercising the use right.

  (Supplementary note 19) Use obtained by a billing method in which a password for a predetermined use right is issued to a user who calls a specific telephone number presented to the user in order to use an electronic device and the user is charged A method of notifying the user that additional purchase of the usage right is necessary when the usage right is insufficient while using the right.

  (Supplementary note 20) A virtual currency acquired by a billing method for issuing a virtual currency to a user's mobile phone or PHS and charging the user as a consideration for the virtual currency to a user who has called a specific telephone number A method of notifying a user that additional virtual currency issuance is necessary when the virtual currency is insufficient while using the electronic device.

  (Supplementary note 21) A billing method for issuing a virtual currency and password to a user's mobile phone or PHS and charging the user as a price for the virtual currency and / or password to a user who has called a specific telephone number A method in which a user inputs a password to an electronic device and uses the virtual device using the virtual currency with respect to the virtual currency acquired by the method.

  (Supplementary note 22) When a user makes a phone call to an electronic device, the telephone company counts the usage amount of the electronic device for each user, and the telephone company uses a charging method for charging the user based on the counted value. According to a predetermined ratio for a service provider that provides services to the user with the electronic device and a lender that lends the electronic device to the service provider. A method characterized by distributing.

  (Supplementary note 23) The method according to any one of supplementary notes 16 to 22, wherein the usage fee is collected from a user by a telephone company.

  (Supplementary note 24) The method according to any one of supplementary notes 16 to 22, wherein the electronic device has a separate billing means such as cash, medal, prepaid card or the like.

  (Supplementary note 25) The method according to supplementary note 24, wherein the electronic device prioritizes charging by the separate charging means.

(Supplementary Note 26) In a game system having a game device for playing a game using currency or virtual currency and discharging the currency or virtual currency acquired according to the game result,
A game system, wherein a game device is accessed by an external terminal, and a game is played by the game device by the external terminal using a currency or virtual currency acquired according to a game result.

(Supplementary note 27) In the game system according to supplementary note 26,
A game system for participating in the same game from an operation console provided in the game device and the external terminal.

(Supplementary note 28) In the game system according to supplementary note 26 or 27,
A game system that accumulates currency or virtual currency acquired according to the game result in a manner that can be used at a later time.

(Supplementary note 29) In a game device that plays a game using currency or virtual currency and discharges the currency or virtual currency acquired according to the game result,
A game system comprising a game participation means that is accessed from an external terminal and participates in a game using the external terminal.

(Supplementary Note 30) In a game device that plays a game using currency or virtual currency and discharges the currency or virtual currency acquired according to the game result,
A game device, wherein the currency or virtual currency is stored in the game device in a manner that can be used at a later opportunity.

  (Additional remark 31) The game method characterized by accessing a game device with a portable information terminal and controlling the game device with the portable information terminal.

(Supplementary Note 32) In the game method according to Supplementary Note 30,
The portable information terminal is connected to the game device by calling the telephone number assigned to the game device from the portable information terminal, and the game device is controlled by the portable information terminal in a connected state. How to play games.

(Supplementary note 33) In the game method according to supplementary note 30,
The portable information terminal is connected to the game device by accessing an address assigned to the game device from the portable information terminal, and the game device is controlled by the portable information terminal in a connected state. Game method.

(Appendix 34) In the game method according to any one of appendices 31 to 33,
A game method, wherein the game device is controlled by key input or voice input of the external terminal.

  (Supplementary Note 35) When using an electronic device using an external terminal, the electronic device is used by accessing a pre-established charging account, and the usage fee of the electronic device is charged to the charging account. Billing method to do.

  (Supplementary Note 36) When using an electronic device using an external terminal, if the external terminal accesses and uses the electronic device, the electronic device charges the usage fee to the billing account of the external terminal. A billing method characterized by the above.

(Supplementary Note 37) A common screen of a plurality of game operation units operated by a player, a game control unit that controls a horse racing game based on an operation signal from the game operation unit, and a horse racing game controlled by the game control unit A game device having an integrated display for displaying
The game operation unit includes an individual display for displaying an individual screen of a horse racing game, and a touch panel provided on the individual display, and the game operation unit is operated by touching the touch panel by a player. A game device.

(Supplementary note 38) In the game device according to supplementary note 37,
A game device, wherein a stable including a horse and a bucket is displayed on the individual display, and when the bucket image is touched, the horse performs an operation of eating a fodder in the bucket.

(Supplementary note 39) In the game device according to supplementary note 37,
The game machine, wherein a racehorse is displayed on the individual display, and the racehorse performs different operations depending on a part touching the racehorse.

(Supplementary Note 40) A game device having a plurality of game operation units operated by a player and a game control unit for controlling a horse racing game based on an operation signal from the game operation unit,
The game control unit generates a horse for each player who operates the game operation unit, trains it as a racehorse, registers the trained racehorse, and starts running in a predetermined horse race. A game apparatus comprising: executing a racehorse and a horse race.

(Supplementary note 41) In the game device according to supplementary note 40,
When the racehorse won in the horse racing race is owned by any player, the game control unit gives a medal or a prize to the owner horse based on the result of the race. A game device characterized by the above.

(Supplementary Note 42) A plurality of game operation units operated by a player, a game control unit that controls a horse racing game based on an operation signal from the game operation unit, and a common screen for horse racing games controlled by the game control unit A game device having an integrated display for displaying
The game apparatus includes an individual display that displays an individual screen of a horse racing game, and displays the current state of the horse selected by the player with a facial expression of the horse and displays the display on the individual display.

(Supplementary Note 43) A game device having a plurality of game operation units operated by a player and a game control unit for controlling a horse racing game based on an operation signal from the game operation unit,
The game control unit
Generating a horse for each player operating the game operation unit, storing the generated horse data;
When the horse data is accumulated in a predetermined amount or more, the horse data that is not used within a predetermined period and / or the data of a horse having a strength of a predetermined value or higher are deleted preferentially. A game device characterized by that.

(Supplementary Note 44) A game device having a plurality of game operation units operated by a player and a game control unit for controlling a horse racing game based on an operation signal from the game operation unit,
The game control unit
For each player who operates the game operation unit, a horse is generated, trained as a racehorse, the trained racehorse is registered, and raced in a predetermined horse race to race with other racehorses Run
A game apparatus, comprising: when a predetermined number of horse racing races have been played by registering a horse as a racehorse, retire the racehorse and delete horse data.

(Supplementary Note 45) In the game device according to Supplementary Note 43 or 44,
The game apparatus, wherein the game control unit reflects the attribute of the possessed horse data to be deleted on the data of a new owned horse generated by the player having the owned horse.

  (Additional remark 46) The game method performed in the game device of any one of additional remarks 37 thru | or 45.

(Supplementary Note 47) In a game method for communicating with at least one virtual character existing on a network server via a communication network,
The virtual character has at least one parameter corresponding to at least one player communicating with the virtual character;
At least one of the parameters varies due to communication between the player and the virtual character,
In the game method of proceeding with the game by notifying the player of a response according to the change in the parameter,
A notification is provided from the virtual character to the player to provide information different from the progress of the game;
The information different from the progress of the game is arbitrary information that the server management side or the like wishes to provide to the user, for example, store event information or advertisements.

1 is an external view of a horse racing game apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a horse racing game apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a general | schematic flowchart about the flow of the horse racing game in the horse racing game apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the horse racing game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing racehorse information output on an individual display. In the horse racing game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing a stable scene that is output to an individual display. In the horse racing game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a stable scene that is output to an individual display, and is a diagram illustrating the operation of a horse according to a touch panel operation. In the horse racing game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing each training menu of a racehorse output on an individual display. In the horse racing game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a training scene of a racehorse output to an individual display, and is a view showing the operation of a horse according to a touch panel operation. It is a flowchart which shows the specific processing content of the racing process of the horse racing game in the horse racing game apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the horse racing game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a stable scene that is output to an individual display, and is a diagram illustrating the operation of a horse according to a touch panel operation. In the horse racing game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a stable scene that is output to an individual display, and is a diagram illustrating an operation at the time of defeat of a horse according to a touch panel operation. It is a figure which shows the memory device as a recording medium of the horse racing game apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of a horse racing game system using a horse racing game apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a horse racing game system using a horse racing game apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the information basic screen displayed on an individual display in the horse racing game apparatus by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the stable basic screen displayed on an individual display in the horse racing game apparatus by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In the horse racing game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram (No. 1) showing a screen for a new creation process of a owned horse displayed on an individual display. (2) which shows the screen of the new creation process of the own horse displayed on a separate display in the horse racing game device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram (No. 3) illustrating a new horse creation process screen displayed on an individual display in the horse racing game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; (4) which shows the screen of the new creation process of the own horse displayed on a separate display in the horse racing game device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram (No. 5) illustrating a screen for newly creating a owned horse displayed on an individual display in the horse racing game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. (6) which shows the screen of the new creation process of the own horse displayed on a separate display in the horse racing game device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (7) which shows the screen of the new creation process of the own horse displayed on a separate display in the horse racing game device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 18 is a view (No. 8) showing a screen for a new creation process of a owned horse displayed on the individual display in the horse racing game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the horse racing game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram (No. 1) showing a screen of a running process for a race of a owned horse displayed on an individual display. In the horse racing game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram (No. 2) showing a screen of a running process for a race of a owned horse displayed on an individual display. In the horse racing game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram (No. 3) showing a screen of a running process to race a owned horse displayed on an individual display. In the horse racing game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram (No. 4) showing a screen of the running process to race the own horse displayed on the individual display. It is a figure which shows the screen which displays a password or data, in order to make a mobile phone and PHS input in the horse racing game device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of a horse racing game device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the screen which guides the number input of a mobile telephone and PHS in the horse racing game apparatus by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the screen which displays a password or data in order to make a mobile phone and PHS input in the horse racing game device by 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the screen which guides the number input or e-mail address input of a mobile phone and PHS. It is. It is a figure which shows the data format of horse data in the horse racing game apparatus by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a display example of the virtual space in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the server in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the user information registration initial screen in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example (the 1) of the item registration screen in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example (the 2) of the item registration screen in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the visibility level setting screen in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the visibility level in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the display control in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the sales registration screen in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the extraction level setting window in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of extraction display control in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the list creation window in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of list preparation in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the model information list in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the display of the several item icon in the computer network by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the flow of the game in the computer network by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen of "a pick-up in a town" in the flow of the game in the computer network by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a screen example (the 1) of the "date plan creation" in the flow of the game in the computer network by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a screen example (the 2) of the "date plan creation" in the flow of the game in the computer network by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen of "date practice" in the computer network by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen of "confession" in the computer network by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example using the consumer game device as a user's terminal in the computer network by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the game device by 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game device by 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game system by 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) of the game method by 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) of the game method by 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 3) of the game method by 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 4) of the game method by 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 1st specific example of the charging system by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 2nd specific example of the charging system by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 3rd specific example of the charging system by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 1st specific example of the game method by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 2nd specific example of the game method by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 3rd specific example of the playing method by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 4th specific example of the playing method by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the game center system by 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the game device installed in the game center etc. in the game center system by 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st charging method in 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd charging method in 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd charging method in 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 4th accounting method in 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 5th charging method in 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 6th charging method in 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 7th charging method in 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 8th charging method in 7th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Horse racing game device 2 ... Converging part 3 ... Large display 4 ... Individual display 5 ... Satellite 6 ... Medal insertion slot 7 ... Medal discharge slot 8 ... Speaker 9 ... Touch panel 10 ... Memory socket 11 ... Control circuit 12 ... Individual control circuit 13 ... Memory 14 ... Medal ejection mechanism 15 ... Memory device 16 ... Case 17 ... LCD
18 ... Operation button 19 ... Connector 20 ... Cap 21 ... Home video game device 22 ... CD-ROM
23 ... Controller 24 ... Input / output interface 25 ... Control circuit 30 ... Arcade game device 31 ... Input / output interface controller 32 ... Controller 33 ... Control circuit 34 ... Memory 40 ... Communication line 41 ... Main server 50 ... Information basic screen 51 ... Stable basic Screen 60 ... Telephone transceiver 61 ... Antenna 110 ... Server 111 ... Control device 112 ... Communication device 113 ... Main program file 114 ... VRML file 115 ... User registration file 120 ... Client terminal 121 ... VRML browser 130 ... Home game device main body 132 ... TV monitor 134 ... Controller 136 ... Memory card 138 ... Display screen 201 ... Game device 202 ... Housing 203 ... Large display 204 ... Individual display 205 ... Satellite 206 ... Medal insertion 207: Medal discharge port 208 ... Speaker 209 ... Touch panel 210 ... Socket 211 ... Main game board 212 ... Game board 213 ... Arc net hub 214 ... Medal discharge mechanism 215 ... Satellite unit 216 for external terminal ... Telephone transmission / reception unit 217 ... Antenna 218 ... Line connection unit 220 ... portable information terminal 230, 233, 234 ... game machine 231 ... server 232 ... telephone line 235 ... high-speed communication line 236 ... server 237 ... portable information terminal 241 ... game continuation button 242 ... payout button 243 ... logout button 244 ... input window 245 ... access method 246 ... end button 247 ... call button 248 ... payout button 249 ... mobile button 250 ... mobile information terminal 251 ... server 252 ... financial institution 253 ... game machine 254 ... store 255 Server 260 ... portable information terminal 261 ... prize acquisition game machine 262 ... housing 263 ... crane unit 264 ... inlet 265 ... prize outlet 266 ... operation panel 267 ... operation button 270 ... portable information terminal 271 ... robot 272 ... watermelon 280 ... Game center 282 ... Game device 284 ... Satellite 286 ... Dedicated monitor 288 ... Large monitor 290 ... Game server 292 ... Internet 294 ... Player 296 ... Player 298 ... Mobile information terminal 300 ... Base station 302 ... Telephone station 370 ... Host server 372 ... Game Center 372A ... Store 372B ... Home 374 ... Server 376 ... Public network 378 ... Telephone company 380 ... Game device 382 ... Game board 384 ... Control panel 386 ... Coin mechanism 388 ... Display 390 ... Speaker 392 ... Telephone transceiver 3 94 ... Antenna 396 ... Socket

Claims (7)

In an information display method for displaying information on a plurality of users registered in a server on a terminal of a first user among the plurality of users via a communication network,
A transfer step of transferring information about a plurality of users from the server to the terminal of the first user;
Displaying information on the user based on the registered content of the information on the first user on the terminal of the first user,
The information about the user includes a file for describing a model that is a substitute for each user in a virtual space shared by the plurality of users, and a user's interest level for at least one item,
In the display step,
A virtual space in which a model corresponding to each user exists is displayed on the terminal of the first user, and based on the level of interest of the first user about the item, the model of each user is displayed in the interest. An information display method characterized by displaying the figure according to the level. The information display method according to claim 1,
In the virtual space, there is at least one virtual character model prepared by the server. The information display method according to claim 1,
An information display method, wherein information relating to the plurality of users is searched according to setting of a predetermined extraction condition by the first user, and users who satisfy the extraction condition are extracted. The information display method according to claim 3,
An information display method comprising displaying the extracted information about the user as a list. The information display method according to claim 3,
The information display method, wherein the extraction condition can be set when the first user is a user who has received specific permission from an administrator of the server in advance. The information display method according to claim 3,
The information display is characterized in that the extraction condition can be set when the first user is a user who has received sales activity permission from the server administrator in advance in the virtual space. Method. A server for storing information on a plurality of users registered in the server; and at least one terminal connected to the server via a communication network; In an information display system for displaying on one user's terminal,
Information transfer means for transferring information on the plurality of users from the server to the terminal of the first user;
Information display means for displaying on the terminal of the first user information on the user based on the registered content of the information on the first user;
The information about the user includes a file for describing a model that is a substitute for each user in a virtual space shared by the plurality of users, and a user's interest level for at least one item,
The information display means includes
A virtual space in which a model corresponding to each user exists is displayed on the terminal of the first user, and based on the level of interest of the first user about the item, the model of each user is displayed in the interest. An information display system that displays information according to the level.

Images