JP6673513B1 - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To input a game command by voice in a game machine for a fee. A game support device stores a player ID for identifying a player and voice feature information, which is feature information of a player's voice, in association with each other. The game device 110 acquires the player ID (card ID) from the player and also acquires the voice instruction. The game support device 102 determines the compatibility between the voice feature information associated with the acquired player ID and the voice feature information of the voice instruction. The game device 110 executes the paid command specified by the voice instruction received during the execution of the game on condition that the audio feature information is matched, and executes the charging process when the paid command is executed. . [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for inputting voice commands in a computer game.

  Arcade game machines (business game machines) that charge a fee for each play have a history of more than 40 years. In recent years, fee collection methods using electronic money have become widespread in arcade game machines (see Patent Document 1).

  Also, a technique for changing the progress of a game by voice is widely known. For example, in Patent Literature 2 relating to a horse racing game, the normal live mode can be changed to the specific live mode by voice recognition (paragraph [0073]).

Japanese Patent No. 4631705 JP 2003-210832 A

  The present inventors consider that a mechanism capable of inputting various commands by voice instructions even when the player does not release his / her hand from the operation stick is a promising technique for expanding the possibility of a game. In recent years, with the improvement of voice recognition technology, “devices operated by using voices” such as smart speakers are also permeating society.

  The present inventors further studied a method of paying for execution of a command (hereinafter, also referred to as a “voice command”) by voice instruction. In this case, if the voice of another user around the player, not the player himself, is recognized as a voice command, it may be disadvantageous for the player.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above problem recognition, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a technology for realizing accurate execution of a voice command, particularly a paid voice command.

A game system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a game control unit that controls the progress of a game based on an operation performed by a player on an operation device, a player ID that identifies a player, and audio feature information that is feature information of a voice of the player. A player information storage unit that stores the information in association with the player, an ID obtaining unit that obtains a player ID from the player, a voice obtaining unit that receives a voice instruction from the player, and voice feature information and voice that are associated with the obtained player ID A voice checking unit that determines the suitability of the voice feature information of the instruction, and a cost processing unit that executes a billing process along with the execution of the command.
The game control unit executes the paid command specified by the voice instruction received during the execution of the game, even if the player is operating the operation device, on condition that the voice feature information matches. The cost processing unit executes a charging process when the paid command is executed.

A game system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a game control unit that controls the progress of a game, and a player information storage unit that stores a player ID for identifying a player and voice feature information that is feature information of a player's voice in association with each other. An ID acquisition unit that acquires a player ID from a player, a reception period setting unit that sets a reception period of a voice instruction, a voice acquisition unit that receives a voice instruction from a player during the reception period, A voice checking unit that determines compatibility between the voice feature information associated with the voice feature information and the voice feature information of the voice instruction, and a cost processing unit that executes a billing process along with execution of the command.
During the reception period, the voice acquisition unit receives a voice instruction from the player even when the player is using the game operation device. The game control unit executes the paid command specified by the voice instruction on condition that the voice feature information is matched. The cost processing unit executes a charging process when the paid command is executed.

A game system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a game control unit that controls the progress of a game, a voice acquisition unit that receives a voice instruction for designating a paid command from a player even while the game is being played, The system includes a cost processing unit that executes a billing process in accordance with the execution, and an intention confirmation unit that, when a voice instruction designating a paid command is received, presents a price associated with the execution of the paid command to a player.
The game control unit causes the paid command to be executed on condition that a confirmation instruction for the price has been received from the player.

  According to the present invention, it becomes easier for the player to more reliably execute a voice command, particularly a paid voice command, even while operating the operation unit of the arcade game machine.

It is a hardware block diagram of a game system. It is a functional block diagram of a game device and a voice input device. It is a functional block diagram of a game support device. It is a data structure figure of a voice information table. It is a data structure figure of an account table. It is a data structure figure of a consideration table. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a process until a game command can be received by executing a start command. It is a flowchart which shows the execution process of a game command. It is a screen figure of a command proposal screen.

  In the present embodiment, the player inputs a voice command while playing the game. That is, the player can control the progress of the game not only by limbs but also by voice.

  The voice commands in the present embodiment can be classified into “start commands” and “game commands”. The game command is a voice command related to the progress of the game, such as “request for help”, “replenish ammunition”, “purchase items”, and the like. The activation command is a voice command that is input as a signal prior to the input of the game command. The activation command is registered as a predetermined word or sentence such as “OK”, “Hello”, “I will give a command from now”. The player signals the game device by inputting the start command, and subsequently inputs the game command.

  Game commands can be further classified into “paid commands” and “free commands”. Paid commands are charged for execution. On the other hand, free commands can be executed without charging.

  The voice characteristics of the player (hereinafter referred to as "voice characteristic information") are registered in advance for each player. When the start command is input, the voice feature information of the uttered voice of the start command is compared with the voice feature information previously associated with the player, and it is confirmed whether or not the start command is uttered by the player. If it is a start command from the player himself, a game command subsequently input is accepted. If it is a start command by an utterance other than the player, the game command is not accepted. With such voice authentication, it is possible to reduce a risk that a voice of a third party near the game device is mistakenly recognized as a formal game command.

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of the game system 100.
In the game system 100, a plurality of stores 108a, 108b... 108n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “stores 108” when collectively referred to or not particularly distinguished) and a plurality of mobile terminals .. 104n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “portable terminals 104” when collectively referred to or when not particularly distinguished) are connected via the Internet. The game support device 102 is also connected to a settlement device 114. The settlement apparatus 114 is a server operated by a credit card company or a bank.

  The mobile terminal 104 in the present embodiment is assumed to be a smartphone. The mobile terminal 104 may be a tablet terminal or a laptop PC. The mobile terminal 104 and the Internet 106 are connected wirelessly, but may be connected by wire.

The store 108 is assumed to be an amusement park, a game center, or the like. In the store 108, a plurality of game devices 110a to 110f (hereinafter collectively referred to as "game devices 110" when collectively referred to or not particularly distinguished) and a relay device 112 are connected by a dedicated line. The game device 110 is an arcade game machine called a “satellite” for business use. The relay device 112 is called a “terminal” and is a device for supporting and assisting game play of one or more game devices 110. The relay device 112 and the Internet 106 are connected by wire, but may be connected by wireless.
The relay device 112 may be used in common with another type of game device via a router or the like, and may function as a store server device that communicates outside the store.

  Each game device 110 is connected to a voice input device 116. The voice input device 116 is a general smart speaker that supports interactive voice operation and interprets voice input from the player. The game device 110 may have the function of the voice input device 116, but in the present embodiment, the game device 110 and the voice input device 116 are described as being configured as separate devices.

  The relay device 112 provides known support such as replaying (playing a moving image) a game play result on the game device 110, creating a ranking from a plurality of game play results, and providing cards (items) usable in the game. Has functions. Generally, the relay device 112 executes a support process as a process for further enhancing the interest in game play in the game device 110, such as a game effect or analysis.

The player has a game card. A card ID (hereinafter, also referred to as “CID”) is registered in the game card in advance. In the game support device 102, a card ID is associated with a player ID (hereinafter, also referred to as “PID”). The card ID is an ID for identifying a game card, and the player ID is an ID for identifying a player. The relay device 112 can know who is playing on which game device 110 based on the card ID read by each game device 110.
Although the card ID and the player ID may be shared, the present embodiment is configured so that the player can be substantially identified by the card ID by associating the card ID with the player ID.

  The game support device 102 authenticates the player based on the voice feature information of the activation command of the player. In addition, the game support device 102 performs settlement of the usage fee of the game device 110 with the settlement device 114.

  There are two types of payment methods to the game apparatus 110: a prepaid method using a precharged IC card, and a postpay method using a credit card or direct debit. At the start of the game, the player selects one of a prepay method and a postpay method.

  When selecting the prepayment method, the player places a prepaid card (IC card) on a card reader of the game device 110 so that the payment can be made at any time.

  In order to use the post-pay method, the player contracts a credit card with the settlement device 114 in advance, and registers the player ID and the account number or the credit card number in the game support device 102 in advance. The game support apparatus 102 associates a player ID with an account number for each player and creates a list. Further, the player registers the card ID, the player ID, and the voice feature information in the game support device 102. Specifically, the player registers the player ID and the voice feature information in the game support device 102 by inputting the player ID and the voice from the portable terminal 104.

  When playing the game, the player holds the game card over the game device 110. At this time, the game device 110 reads the card ID from the game card using a known short-range communication technology such as NFC standard (Near Field Communication). The game device 110 includes a game ID (hereinafter, also referred to as “GID”), which is an ID for identifying the game to the game support device 102 via the relay device 112, a card ID, and a machine ID for identifying the game machine. Send

  When a start command (voice command) is input to the voice input device 116, the game device 110 transmits the voice feature information of the start command together with the card ID to the game support device 102 via the relay device 112. The game support apparatus 102 executes voice authentication (voice authentication) by comparing the received voice feature information with registered voice feature information linked to the card ID. When the voice authentication is successful, that is, when it is confirmed that the activation command is the player's own activation command, and when a paid command (game command) is subsequently input from the game device 110, the payment device 114 is settled for the value of the paid command. . Details of the charged command charging process will be described later. When the prepayment method is selected, the game device 110 adjusts the value of the paid command from the prepaid card (IC card).

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game device 110 and the voice input device 116.
Each component of the voice input device 116 and the game device 110 includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, a storage device such as a memory and a storage, and a hardware including a wired or wireless communication line connecting them. Is realized by software that is stored in a storage device and supplies processing instructions to a computing unit. The computer program may be configured by a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in an upper layer thereof, and a library that provides a common function to these programs. Each block described below is not a configuration in a hardware unit but a block in a functional unit.
The same applies to the functional blocks of the game support device 102 shown in FIG.

(Voice input device 116)
The voice input device 116 includes a voice acquisition unit 128, an interpretation unit 130, and a voice output unit 154.
The voice obtaining unit 128 obtains voice. The interpreting unit 130 interprets the acquired voice and converts the voice information into character information. Further, the interpretation unit 130 extracts voice feature information from the voice. Voice output unit 154 outputs character information designated by game device 110 as voice information.

(Game device 110)
Game device 110 includes a user interface processing unit 120, a data processing unit 122, a communication unit 124, and a data storage unit 126.
The user interface processing unit 120 accepts operations from the player via a joystick (control stick) and buttons, and is in charge of processing related to a user interface such as image display and audio output. The communication unit 124 handles communication processing with the game support device 102 and the like via the Internet 106. The data storage unit 126 stores various data such as a game program. The data processing unit 122 performs various processes based on data acquired by the user interface processing unit 120 and the communication unit 124, and data stored in the data storage unit 126. The data processing unit 122 also functions as an interface of the user interface processing unit 120, the communication unit 124, and the data storage unit 126.

The user interface processing unit 120 includes an input unit 132 and an output unit 134.
The input unit 132 receives various inputs from the player. The output unit 134 outputs various information such as audio and images.

The input unit 132 includes an operation unit 136, an ID acquisition unit 138, and a command acquisition unit 140.
The operation unit 136 receives a game operation from a player via an operation device such as a joystick. The ID acquisition unit 138 acquires a card ID from the game card. As described above, if the card ID can be obtained, the player ID can be specified. Therefore, obtaining the card ID is substantially the same as obtaining the player ID. The command acquisition unit 140 receives a voice command converted as character information from the interpretation unit 130 of the voice input device 116. Further, the command acquisition unit 140 also acquires voice feature information from the voice input device 116.

  The communication unit 124 includes a transmission unit 150 that transmits data to an external device such as the game support device 102, and a reception unit 152 that receives data.

The data processing unit 122 includes a game control unit 142, a cost processing unit 144, a command presentation unit 146, and an intention confirmation unit 148.
The game control unit 142 controls the progress of the game. The game control unit 142 may control the progress of the game in cooperation with an external game server. The cost processing unit 144 executes a charging process associated with the execution of the paid command in addition to the charging of the play fee. The command presenting unit 146 presents a voice command (game command) that can be selected by the player according to a game situation or a request from the player. The intention confirmation unit 148 confirms the intention of the player when executing the paid command.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the game support device 102.
The game support device 102 includes a communication unit 156, a data processing unit 158, and a data storage unit 160.
The communication unit 156 handles communication processing with the game device 110 and the like via the Internet 106. The data storage unit 160 stores various data. The data processing unit 158 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the communication unit 156 and the data stored in the data storage unit 160. The data processing unit 158 also functions as an interface between the communication unit 156 and the data storage unit 160.

  Communication unit 156 includes a transmission unit 162 that transmits data to an external device such as game device 110 and a reception unit 164 that receives data.

The transmission unit 162 includes a settlement request unit 166 and a permission / refusal notification unit 168.
The payment requesting unit 166 requests the payment device 114 to settle the fee by the post-pay method. The permission / refusal notification unit 168 notifies the game device 110 of whether or not the paid command can be executed.
Receiving section 164 includes settlement receiving section 170. The payment receiving unit 170 receives a notification of whether or not payment is possible from the payment device 114.

The data processing unit 158 includes a voice confirmation unit 172, a player management unit 174, and a payment processing unit 176.
The voice confirmation unit 172 performs voice authentication based on the voice feature information of the activation command (voice command). The player management unit 174 comprehensively manages various types of information about the player, including which player is playing what game at which store 108 at which store 108, for each store 108 and game device 110. Note that the player management unit 174 has information about which store 108 each game device 110 is installed in in advance. The payment processing unit 176 performs a post-pay charging process.

  The data storage section 160 includes a player information storage section 178. The player information storage unit 178 stores player information. The player information in the present embodiment includes information indicating attributes such as the age and gender of the player, information indicating a progress state of the game, voice characteristic information of the player, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of the audio information table 180.
The voice information table 180 is stored in the player information storage unit 178 of the game support device 102 as a part of the player information. In the audio information table 180, a card ID (CID), a player ID (PID), and an audio ID (hereinafter, also referred to as “VID”) for identifying audio feature information are associated with each other. Audio feature information is associated with each VID. The voice feature information is information indicating the personality of the voice of the player, and may be any known voice feature amount (feature vector) based on the frequency characteristics of the voice such as the pitch, loudness, and accent of the voice.

  When registering the player, the player management unit 174 registers the card ID (CID), the player ID (PID), and the voice ID (VID) of the voice feature information in the voice information table 180 in association with each other. In FIG. 4, a player (P03) having a game card with card ID = C01 (hereinafter, referred to as “game card (C01)”) has registered voice feature information (V03).

  When the player (P03) inputs the start command by voice, the game device 110 transmits to the game support device 102 the voice feature information extracted from the start command together with the CID. The voice checking unit 172 of the game support device 102 calculates the similarity between the voice feature information obtained from the start command and the voice feature information (master information) previously associated with the CID (PID). When the value is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the utterance is made by the player (voice authentication). Voice authentication is realized by applying an existing voice authentication technology.

FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram of the account table 182.
The account table 182 is stored in the player information storage unit 178 as a part of the player information. The account table 182 associates a player ID with an account number or a credit card number. The account number in the account table 182 is registered based on a report from the player when registering the player in the game system 100.

  When paying the game play fee by the post-pay method or charging the paid command by the post-pay method, the player management unit 174 specifies the usage fee. The settlement request unit 166 refers to the account table 182 and specifies an account number or a credit card number corresponding to the player ID, and requests the settlement device 114 to settle the usage fee. The settlement device 114 transmits a settlement confirmation to the game support device 102 when the settlement can be executed or when the balance of the usage fee can be confirmed. The payment receiving unit 170 receives the payment confirmation.

FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram of the consideration table 190.
The price table 190 is stored in the data storage unit 126 of the game device 110. The price table 190 associates a game command (voice command) with a price associated with the execution of the game command. The price table 190 shown in FIG. 6 shows, for a certain game executed on a certain game apparatus 110, the execution price of various game commands in the game.

  The game command is identified by a command ID (hereinafter, also referred to as “CMID”). The game command (CM01) means, for example, "change the magazine". The price of the game command (CM01) is “20 yen”. When the player speaks “change the magazine” during the execution of the game, the interpretation unit 130 of the game device 110 interprets this as “processing: exchange” and “target: magazine”. The command acquisition unit 140 of the game device 110 interprets that the game command (CM01) is voice-input based on the interpreted information.

  Next, the cost processing unit 144 refers to the price table 190 and specifies the price of the game command (CM01). When the player has selected the prepayment method, the command presenting unit 146 subtracts “20 yen” for the value from the prepaid card (IC card).

  When the post-pay method is selected, the cost processing unit 144 of the game device 110 instructs the payment processing unit 176 of the game support device 102 to withdraw the “20 yen” from the account. In any case, the game control unit 142 executes the game command (CM01) on condition that payment of 20 yen is possible.

Similarly, the price of the game command (CM02) is “10 yen”. The price of the game command (CM03) is “0 yen”. The game command (CM02) is a paid command, and the game command (CM03) is a free command. The price of the game command (CM04) is “three stones”. “Stone” here is a kind of in-game currency. As described above, the value of the paid command may be cash (real money), virtual currency, or in-game currency that can be used only in the game.
Note that the start command does not require a fee.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a process until a game command can be received by executing a start command.
At the start of the game, the player causes the CID to be read by the game card (S10). The ID acquisition unit 138 reads the CID, and the transmission unit 150 transmits the CID and the machine ID of the game device 110 to the relay device 112 (S12). The relay device 112 transmits the CID and the machine ID to the game support device 102 (S14). The player management unit 174 of the game support device 102 updates the player management information (S16). Here, the player management information is information for managing who is playing on which game device 110.

  In order to input a game command by voice during a game, the player inputs a start command by voice before inputting the game command (S20). The command acquisition unit 140 acquires a start command and its voice feature information from the voice input device 116 (S22). The transmitting unit 150 of the game device 110 transmits the audio feature information together with the CID to the relay device 112 (S24). The relay device 112 transmits the CID and the voice feature information to the game support device 102 (S26).

  The voice checking unit 172 of the relay device 112 specifies voice feature information (master information) associated in advance with the CID with reference to the voice information table 180, and compares the voice feature information with the voice feature information of the start command received in S26 ( S28). Here, it is assumed that the voice feature information matches and the identity has been confirmed.

  The permission / refusal notification unit 168 transmits a permission notification indicating that the identity has been confirmed by voice to the game device 110 via the relay device 112 (S30, S32). The command acquisition unit 140 of the game device 110 sets the game command reception state (S34). In the present embodiment, 5 seconds after the identity is confirmed by the start command is set as the reception period. The method of setting the reception period is not limited to this, but other methods will be described later.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of executing the game command.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is executed when a voice input is detected. The voice acquiring unit 128 of the voice input device 116 detects the voice instruction, the interpreting unit 130 analyzes the content of the voice instruction and extracts voice feature information, and the command obtaining unit 140 obtains the analysis result (S40). If it is a start command (Y in S41), the confirmation processing (S20 to S34) shown in FIG. 7 is executed (S58).

  If it is not a start command (N in S41), and if it is not a game command (N in S42), no special processing is executed. Even if the game command is not during the reception period (Y in S42, N in S44), the game command is not executed.

  If the command is a game command (Y in S42) and during the reception period (Y in S44), the game control unit 142 refers to the consideration table 190 to determine whether the command is a paid command or a free command (S46). ). If it is a free command (N in S46), the game control unit 142 immediately executes the free command (game command) (S56).

  In the case of a paid command (Y in S46), the intention confirmation unit 148 performs an intention confirmation display (S48). Specifically, the price of the paid command is displayed on the screen. The intention confirmation unit 148 may transmit the price of the paid command to the player by voice from the voice output unit 154 of the voice input device 116. The player gives a voice instruction of “approval” or “rejection” for the intention confirmation.

  When the player refuses the execution of the paid command (N in S50), in other words, when the player tries to execute the paid command but turns back, the paid command (game command) is not executed. In S50, it is also confirmed whether or not the payment can be made. If the payment is not possible, the paid command is not executed. In the case of the prepayment method, it is checked whether the IC card has been charged for the price. When using the post-pay method, check the account balance.

  When the player approves the execution of the paid command and the payment is possible (Y in S50), the game control unit 142 executes the paid command (S52). The cost processing unit 144 executes a billing process, which is a process of paying for the price accompanying the execution of the paid command (S54).

FIG. 9 is a screen diagram of the command proposal screen 200.
The command presenting unit 146 may propose one or more game commands to a player according to a game situation. For example, in a three-dimensional battle game, it is assumed that an enemy character goes behind a character operated by a player. When such a specific game condition is satisfied, the command presenting unit 146 displays the command proposal screen 200 to propose an action (game command) that can be selected by the player.

  The command presenting unit 146 requests “(A) request the rescue of the ally character A (paid: 20 yen)” and “(B) request the rescue of the ally character B (paid: 30) for the above game conditions. Yen), (C) Use smoke balls to create a smoke screen (paid: 50 yen), and (D) Prepare for interception (free). The player inputs the most appropriate game command by voice while comparing each game command (option). At this time, the game command is input by voice after the player once inputs the activation command. When the command suggestion screen 200 is displayed, the game command may be input by voice without inputting the activation command within a predetermined time after the command proposal screen 200 is displayed.

The game system 100 has been described above based on the embodiment.
According to the present embodiment, the player can input a game command by voice even when the player cannot release the hand by holding the joystick or the like. At this time, since the identity is confirmed based on the voice feature information of the start command (voice command), it is possible to prevent the speech of a third party around the player from being erroneously recognized as a game command and disturbing the progress of the game. be able to. In particular, when the game command is a paid command, it is highly necessary to prevent a situation in which a player is charged by a third party's remark.

  Since the player can control the progress of the game not only by limbs but also by voice, the interest of the game can be further enhanced. For example, in the case of a gun game in which guns are fired at each other, even when both hands are occupied, a request for “swap of magazines” or “supporting shooting by NPC (Non Player Character)” can be made. The player can issue various voice instructions while continuing the gun battle. At this time, the data processing unit 122 confirms the intention such as “The magazine exchange costs 20 yen”. Since the player executes the paid command after confirming the price of the paid command, the player can be charged for the paid command after being convinced by the player.

  In addition, the command presenting unit 146 proposes various game commands according to the game scene, so that the player can easily advance the game appropriately. In general, arcade game experts have increased their skills as a result of investing a lot of money in the game. For this reason, a game with a high degree of difficulty or a stage with a high degree of difficulty that can be satisfied by advanced users may have a high threshold for beginners. According to the game system 100 of the present embodiment, even a player who is not familiar with the arcade game can advantageously advance the game using the paid command. Even beginners can easily enjoy difficult games by using paid commands.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modified examples, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the gist. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications. In addition, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiment and the modified examples.

  Although the mobile terminal 104, the game support device 102, the voice input device 116, the relay device 112, and the game device 110 have been described as configuring the game system 100, a part of the functions of the game support device 102 is different from the game device 110 and the relay device. 112, or a part of the functions of the game device 110 and the relay device 112 may be assigned to the game support device 102. In addition, a third device other than the game support device 102, the game device 110, and the relay device 112 may take part of the functions of these devices.

  An aggregate of the functions of the game device 110, the voice input device 116, the relay device 112, and the game support device 102 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 can be globally understood as one “game system”. . How to allocate a plurality of functions necessary to realize the present invention to one or a plurality of pieces of hardware depends on the processing capability of each piece of hardware, the specifications required for the game system 100, and the like. It only has to be determined.

[Modification]
The game device 110 may include the function of the voice input device 116.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that the voice authentication is performed based on the voice feature information of the start command. The present invention is not limited to this, and voice authentication may be performed based on voice feature information of a game command, or voice authentication may be performed based on voice feature information of both a start command and a game command.

  Voice authentication may be performed for voice feature information of a paid command, and voice authentication may not be performed for voice feature information of a free command.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that the player inputs a start command by voice, and inputs a game command following the start command. The game command is not limited to the start command. For example, when the player presses a predetermined button of the game apparatus 110, or when the player recognizes that the player has performed a predetermined gesture by using a camera (not shown) of the game apparatus 110, the game command is input. The signal for voice input can be set arbitrarily. For example, when the player winks, a game command may be received within 5 seconds after the wink.

  The data processing unit 122 of the game device 110 may include a reception period setting unit (not shown) that sets a reception period according to the situation of the game. The reception period setting unit may automatically set the reception period when various game conditions such as “appearance of an enemy behind” and “the physical strength value of the character is reduced by half” are satisfied. The player voice-inputs an aim command on condition that it is within the reception period. By limiting the game command reception period, the risk of misunderstanding voices of other companies as game commands can be reduced.

  The output unit 134 of the game device 110 may include a reception period notification unit (not shown). When the reception period is set, the reception period notification unit displays text or a mark on the screen to notify the player that the reception period is in progress. The reception period notification unit may notify the player that the reception period is in progress by voice from the voice input device 116.

  When the reception period is set, the player voice-inputs the start command and then voice-inputs the game command. Alternatively, when the reception period is set, a game command may be input by voice without inputting a start command. In this case, voice authentication may be performed based on voice feature information of the game command.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that voice authentication is performed based on voice feature information such as a start command. As a modification, the voice authentication may not be performed. For example, when a paid command of “change magazine” is input by voice, the data processing unit 122 reconfirms the intention of the player to “change the magazine for 20 yen?”. At this time, if the player utters a predetermined word indicating the intention of consent, such as "OK" or "OK," the player executes the paid command assuming that the intention of the person has been confirmed without performing voice authentication. You may. The voice authentication may be performed again using the predetermined word itself such as “OK”.

  There are various game commands. For example, in the case of an action game that fights on the battlefield, the contents of the request and the request, such as "X unit (target word), assist (request)", "Y unit (target word), come to the right (request)" The game command may be input by specifying the target person.

  Further, an abstract game command of only the requested content, such as "support (request)", may be input. At this time, the game control unit 142 may select an NPC capable of assisting the player and cause the player to rush to the location point of the player.

  In the above situation, the command presentation unit 146 may present a plurality of NPCs that can support the player. For example, the price is charged according to the target to execute the request, such as "1,000 yen for air units", "300 yen for mortar units", "700 yen for missile units", and "200 yen for command suggestion screen for rescue helicopters". May be presented. In the above case, the command presenting unit 146 indicates that the unit or character that comes to the rescue, such as "Arrival first if the air unit arrives," "The mortar unit is powerful but arrives the latest," "If the rescue helicopter comes, you can leave the battlefield." May be explained to the player.

  An item such as a recovery drug may be purchased by a game command. In the case of a multiplayer game, a game command of “deliver recovery medicine to player B” is interpreted as “recovery medicine (target)”, “player B (target person)”, and “pass (request)”, and the Transactions may be made at The in-game currency is not limited to items such as the recovery medicine, and may be exchanged with other players.

  In a racing game, nitro (an item for temporary acceleration) may be purchased by a game command. Further, in the racing game, when the player's car is separated from the leading car by a predetermined distance or more, the command presenting unit 146 may suggest the use of nitro to the player. In this case, even a player who is inferior in race skill may be able to compete with an advanced player by purchasing nitro for a fee.

  The command presentation unit 146 may propose a game command when a player requests advice. For example, in a role playing game, when there is a left and right forked road, the player utters "Which road do you think is better?" At this time, the command presentation unit 146 may provide advice for a fee.

  Also, when a pinch occurs in an action game, the user is asked for advice such as "what to do", and the command presenting unit 146 can give advice based on the battle situation such as "should call for assistance" or "run right". Good. The command presenting unit 146 may propose an action that seems to be optimal for increasing a player's chances or reducing a risk in response to an ambiguous question such as “what to do”. In the case of the above example, for example, when the number of enemies in the right direction is the least for the character operated by the player, it may be advised that "run right". Also, the character operated by the player may be compared with the running ability of the enemy character, and when the running ability of the enemy character is higher than that of the player's character, an advice that “you should call for assistance” may be provided.

  In a crane game, usually, the crane can be moved in two directions, the x direction and the y direction, but the crane once moved cannot be returned. The player may provide a service of returning the crane a little (for example, 3 centimeters) at a low price of about 10 yen, for example, when the voice input of “pay back a little” is given as a paid command. According to such a control method, even if the player is unfamiliar with the crane game, it is possible to increase the chance of acquiring a prize by additionally charging a small amount. When the player asks, "Is this OK?", The command presenting unit 146 may give advice such as "Maybe OK" or "Is it better to return slightly?" The command presenting unit 146 may specify the positional relationship between the crane and the prize from above the prize placement area of the crane game, and propose a direction in which the positional shift between the crane and the prize can be corrected to the player.

  The billing process in the present embodiment has been mainly described as a process of paying money (real money) by a prepay method or a postpay method, but the billing process is not limited to this. Virtual currency may be paid for the paid command, or resources held by the player in the game, such as items and in-game currency, may be used as the price.

  The command presenting unit 146 does not need to present a plurality of game commands, and may present one game command. For example, the command presenting unit 146 may present only one game command such as “Do you want to call for help?” And let the player select it.

  In the present embodiment, the explanation has been given assuming that the player ID is associated with the card ID of the game card. As a modification, the biometric information of the player may be associated with the player ID. First, the player's face image is associated with the player ID and audio feature information in advance. When a player plays a game with the game device 110, the game device 110 captures a face image by photographing the player, and transmits the face image to the game support device 102. The player management unit 174 of the game support device 102 specifies the player ID based on the face image. The game support device 102 notifies the game device 110 of the specified player ID.

  When the player inputs the start command, the voice feature information is transmitted together with the player ID, and the game support device 102 executes voice authentication. According to such a control method, the player can execute the paid command without bringing the game card.

  The player ID may be specified based on both the player ID and the biological information. In addition to the face image, various information such as a voiceprint, a palmprint, a fingerprint, and an iris can be applied as the biological information.

  In the present embodiment, in the case of the post-pay method, it has been described that the play charge of the game and the value of the paid command are deducted every time. As a modification, these billing amounts may be collectively debited, for example, every month. Specifically, the settlement processing unit 176 of the game support device 102 registers the billing amount in the ledger data for each player every time billing occurs. Then, the total charge amount may be deducted from the player's account at the end of the month.

  A game command for canceling the execution of the paid command may be prepared. For example, when a player generates a predetermined word such as “now” or “cancel” immediately after an instruction to execute the game command (CM01), the game control unit 142 stops executing the game command (CM01). Is also good. At this time, the cost processing unit 144 may stop the charging process for the game command (CM01), or may return a part or all of the price of the game command (CM01) to the player when the charging process has been executed. Good.

  For example, assume that a player has requested a rescue helicopter. Immediately after that, when the player cancels, the rescue helicopter turns back without going to rescue. Also, suppose that you cancel immediately after purchasing and using the recovery medicine. At this time, the game control unit 142 may return the player's physical strength value to the state before the use of the recovery medicine.

  The player may set a charging limit in advance. For example, the charge limit is set so as to be up to 1,000 yen per month and up to 30,000 yen per month. The player management unit 174 registers a charging limit for each player. When the player executes the paid command, the settlement processing unit 176 may determine that the paid command cannot be executed when the total billing amount exceeds the billing limit.

  The charging limit may be set according to the attribute of the player. For example, a charging limit may be set for a minor player, and a charging limit may not be set for a minor player. In addition, the number of paid commands that can be executed per one play may be limited. According to such a control method, it is possible to control so that the charged amount does not become excessively large because the user is absorbed in the game and repeatedly issues the paid command.

  In the present embodiment, the description has been given of an arcade game. However, the game system 100 may be realized for home game machines, smartphones, personal computers, and the like.

  100 game system, 102 game support device, 104 portable terminal, 106 Internet, 108 store, 110 game device, 112 relay device, 114 settlement device, 116 voice input device, 120 user interface processing unit, 122 data processing unit, 124 communication unit , 126 data storage unit, 128 voice acquisition unit, 130 interpretation unit, 132 input unit, 134 output unit, 136 operation unit, 138 ID acquisition unit, 140 command acquisition unit, 142 game control unit, 144 cost processing unit, 146 command presentation Section, 148 intention confirmation section, 150 transmission section, 152 reception section, 154 voice output section, 156 communication section, 158 data processing section, 160 data storage section, 162 transmission section, 164 reception section, 166 settlement request section, 168 permission / refusal notification Department, 170 settlement Receiving unit, 172 voice confirmation unit, 174 player management unit, 176 payment processing unit, 178 player information storage unit, 180 voice information table, 182 account table, 190 consideration table, 200 command proposal screen

Claims (13)

A game control unit that controls the progress of the game based on an operation on the operation device by the player;
A player information storage unit that stores a player ID for identifying a player and voice feature information that is feature information of the voice of the player in association with each other;
An ID acquisition unit for acquiring a player ID from the player;
A voice acquisition unit that receives voice instructions from the player,
A voice confirmation unit that determines compatibility between the voice feature information associated with the acquired player ID and the voice feature information of the voice instruction;
A cost processing unit that executes a billing process along with execution of the game command ,
The voice acquisition unit can receive a game command by a voice instruction in parallel with the operation even when the player is operating the character using the operation device,
The game control unit executes a paid command, which is a type of game command specified by the received voice instruction, on condition that the voice feature information is matched,
The cost processing unit performs a billing process when the paid command is executed,
The game control unit may execute the paid command on condition that a confirmation instruction has been given from the player in addition to the matching of the voice feature information , or may input a cancel command from the player after the execution of the paid command is started. A game system for canceling the execution of the paid command when the game is executed. The voice acquisition unit receives a first voice instruction specifying a start command and a second voice instruction specifying a paid command,
The voice confirmation unit determines suitability based on voice feature information of the first voice instruction,
The game control unit may execute the paid command on condition that the voice feature information is appropriate and the second voice instruction is received after the first voice instruction is received. The game system according to claim 1, wherein: The voice acquisition unit receives a second voice instruction specifying a paid command and a third voice instruction specifying a free command,
The cost processing unit determines whether the game command accepted by the voice instruction is a paid command or a free command, and executes a charging process on condition that the paid command is executed. Item 3. The game system according to Item 1. A command presenting unit for presenting a plurality of types of game commands to the player,
The voice acquisition unit receives a voice selection from the player for the presented multiple types of game commands ,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game control unit executes the selected game command . 5. The game system according to claim 4, wherein the command presenting unit presents a price associated with execution of each game command when presenting the plurality of types of game commands . 6. The game system according to claim 4, wherein the command presenting unit presents the plurality of types of game commands to a player by screen display and / or audio output.   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game control unit determines that the confirmation instruction has been received from a player when an utterance of a predetermined word is detected by voice. The game is a multiplayer game executed by a plurality of players,
The paid command includes first information specifying another player, and second information indicating a process in the game,
8. The game control unit according to claim 1, wherein when executing the paid command, the game control unit executes a process specified by the second information for a player specified by the first information. A game system according to Crab. The paid command includes first information specifying a character and second information indicating a process in the game.
9. The game control unit according to claim 1, wherein when executing the paid command, the game control unit causes a character specified by the first information to execute a process specified by the second information. A game system according to Crab. 10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a command presenting unit that presents, to the player, a game command that can be selected by the player from among the plurality of game commands when a predetermined voice instruction for seeking advice is obtained from the player. The game system according to any one of the above. A game control unit that controls the progress of the crane game based on an operation on the operation device by the player;
A player information storage unit that stores a player ID for identifying a player and voice feature information that is feature information of the voice of the player in association with each other;
An ID acquisition unit for acquiring a player ID from the player;
A voice acquisition unit that receives voice instructions from the player,
A voice confirmation unit that determines compatibility between the voice feature information associated with the acquired player ID and the voice feature information of the voice instruction;
A cost processing unit that executes a billing process in accordance with the execution of the command,
The voice acquisition unit can receive a voice instruction in parallel with the operation even when the player is operating the crane with the operation device,
The game control unit returns the moved crane by a predetermined amount in the reverse direction as a paid command, on condition that the voice feature information is matched,
The cost processing unit performs a billing process when the paid command is executed,
The game control unit executes the paid command on condition that the confirmation instruction from the player is given in addition to the matching of the voice feature information, or a cancel command is input from the player after the execution of the paid command is started. A game system for canceling the execution of the paid command when the game is executed. A game control unit that controls the progress of the game based on an operation on the operation device by the player;
A voice acquisition unit that receives a voice instruction specifying a paid command, which is a type of game command, from a player;
A cost processing unit that executes a billing process along with execution of the paid command;
When a voice instruction designating the paid command is accepted, an intention confirmation unit that presents a price associated with execution of the paid command to a player,
The voice acquisition unit can receive a game command by a voice instruction in parallel with the operation even when the player is operating the character using the operation device,
The game control unit causes the paid command to be executed on condition that a confirmation instruction for consideration has been received from the player, and executes the paid command when a cancel command is input from the player after the execution of the paid command. A game system characterized by stopping. A function of acquiring a player ID from the player,
A function of receiving a game command by a voice instruction from the player in parallel with the operation even when the player is operating the character with the operation device;
A function of determining suitability between the voice feature information associated with the acquired player ID and the voice feature information of the voice instruction;
A function to control the progress of the game,
On the condition that the confirmation instruction from the player is given in addition to the matching of the voice feature information , the paid command, which is a kind of game command, specified by the received voice instruction is executed, or the paid command is A function for canceling the execution of the paid command when a cancel command is input from the player after the start of execution,
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a charging process when the paid command is executed without being stopped.

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