JP6973551B2 - Game equipment and storage media - Google Patents

Description

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

Patent Document 1 discloses a game system that provides a player with a card that stores information so that it can be read / written by an RFID method. This game system provides the player with a card that stores information (user history) according to the game played by the player, and executes the game according to the information read from the card. A design based on the user history is printed on the card. In this game system, the use of the RFID method improves the handleability of the card when reading / writing information.

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

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-290469

The applicant of the present application has developed a game device capable of providing two types of cards, a card having a decorative portion and a card having no decorative portion, and has filed a patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-016678) relating to this. (Hereinafter, the above-mentioned game device developed by the applicant is referred to as a "first-to-file game device".)

The prior game device provides a card with a metal layer if the player is lucky or if certain conditions are met in the game. This can give players a sense of surprise and luck, and the first-to-file game device is gaining popularity in the market. However, in the prior application game device, the decorative portion is formed of a metal layer, and when the prior application game device adopts a reading / writing method using electromagnetic waves such as RFID, the metal layer shields the electromagnetic waves or the metal layer. Due to the eddy current induced in, there is a problem in the sensitivity of writing and / or reading. Therefore, it has been impossible or difficult to provide a glossy card using metal or the like, particularly a glossy card over a wide area of the card.

The present application discloses the inventions described in the following viewpoints.
<Viewpoint 1>
The means of executing the game and the means of executing the game
A means for providing a player with a storage medium that readablely stores game information using electromagnetic waves and that has the metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions.
It has a reading means for reading the game information of the recording medium using electromagnetic waves.
The game executing means is a game device characterized in that the reading means can execute the game by using the game information read from the storage medium.
<Viewpoint 2>
The game device according to viewpoint 1, wherein the metal layer is separated by a separation portion that crosses the metal layer.
<Viewpoint 3>
The game device according to viewpoint 1 or 2, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape.
<Viewpoint 4>
The game apparatus according to any one of viewpoints 1 to 3, wherein the recording medium further includes a metal layer forming means for forming the metal layer.
<Viewpoint 5>
The game apparatus according to viewpoint 4, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape having the smallest dimensions that the metal layer forming means can form.
<Viewpoint 6>
Further provided with a type determining means for determining the type of the storage medium,
The medium providing means is
When the type determining means determines the first type, the storage medium on which the metal layer is formed is provided to the player.
The game device according to any one of viewpoints 1 to 5, wherein the storage medium from which the metal layer is not formed is provided to the player when the type determining means determines the second type.
<Viewpoint 7>
Computer,
The means of executing the game and the means of executing the game
A means for providing a player with a storage medium that readablely stores game information using electromagnetic waves and that has the metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions.
A program that functions as a reading means for reading the game information on the recording medium using electromagnetic waves.
The game executing means is a program characterized in that the reading means can execute the game using the game information read from the storage medium.
<Viewpoint 8>
A storage medium that readablely stores game information using electromagnetic waves, and has a metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions.

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

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

The metal layer has a plurality of metal layer portions separated from each other. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of metal layer portions are electrically non-contact with each other. The metal layer portion can be separated by a separation portion. The separator can be insulating. Separations can be formed across the metal layer. The separator can extend from one end of the metal layer to the other end.

The metal layer portion may have an island-like shape (preferably a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape). The island-shaped metal layer portions can be arranged in a matrix or staggered pattern. By arranging them in a staggered pattern, it becomes easy to increase the area occupied by the metal layer portions without causing contact between the metal layer portions. The individual island-shaped metal layer portions are preferably as small as possible (the smallest size that can be formed). As a result, it is possible to make it appear that the metal layer is solidly formed, or it is possible to impart metallic luster to the entire formed region of the metal layer.

The game device may have a metal layer forming means for forming the metal layer. The island-shaped metal layer portion is preferably the smallest size that can be formed by the metal layer forming means.

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

The game executing means may be configured to be able to execute the game even when the game information is not read from the storage medium. For example, the game device may have a storage means for storing the game information, and the game execution means may be configured to be able to execute the game using the game information of the storage device. Alternatively, the game device may have an input means for receiving input of game information by the operation of a player, and the game execution means may be configured to be able to execute the game using the game information input from the input means.

The game device further comprises a type determining means for determining the type of storage medium, and may provide different types of storage media according to the determination of the type determining means. For example, it is preferable that the type determining means determines the first type when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game (for example, when the player wins). Alternatively, it is preferable to perform a lottery and determine the first type in the case of a win. It is possible to provide the player with a storage medium on which the metal layer is formed when the first type is determined, and to provide the player with a storage medium on which the metal layer is not formed when the second type is determined. preferable. The type of the storage medium that can be determined by the type determining means may be three or more.

FIG. 1 is an external view of the game device 1. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the inside of the card 30. FIG. 2B is an exploded side view of the card 30. 3 (A) and 3 (B) show an exemplary pattern formed on the card 30. FIG. 4A shows the card reader 13 from the front. FIG. 4B shows the card reader 13 from the rear. FIG. 5 shows the positional relationship and the size relationship between the antenna 32 of the card 30 and the antenna 52 of the card reader 13 with the card 30 inserted in the card accommodating portion 50. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a printing device 60 built in the game device 1. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the hardware of the game device 1. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the functions of the game device 1. FIG. 9 shows the patterns 44A to 44E of the metal layer 43 formed on the card 30. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an exemplary game process executed in the game device 1. FIG. 11 shows the patterns 44E to 44I of the metal layer 43 formed on the card 30. 12 (A) to 12 (C) show the results of experiments conducted to evaluate the effect of the pattern (shape) of the metal layer 43 on the reading sensitivity.

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

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

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

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

The card reader 13 reads information from the card 30, which will be described later, using electromagnetic waves.

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

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

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

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

The antenna 32 is preferably composed of a loop-shaped metal wire. In the illustrated example, the antenna 32 is a rectangular pattern arranged near the outer periphery of the base material 31. The antenna 32 preferably has a symmetrical and / or vertically symmetrical shape and is arranged in the center of the base material 31. The antenna 32 is not limited to the illustration, and may have an arbitrary shape and the number of loops suitable for communication by electromagnetic waves.

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

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

3 (A) and 3 (B) show an exemplary pattern formed on the card 30.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the patterns on the card 30 are symbols, characters, etc. 41 (hereinafter referred to as “character information 41”) and images 42 (hereinafter, “character information 41”) such as characters and backgrounds. , "Image 42"). The card 30 of FIG. 3B has a metal layer 43 in addition to the character information 41 and the image 42. The metal layer 43 is, for example, a thin layer of aluminum. Preferably, the metal layer 43 has a metallic luster. Preferably, the metal layer 43 is formed so as to cover almost the entire surface of the card 30, as shown in FIG. 3 (B). The card 30 of FIG. 3A does not have a metal layer 43. (Hereinafter, the card 30 having no metal layer 43 as shown in FIG. 3A is referred to as a “normal card”, and the card 30 having a metal layer 43 as shown in FIG. 3B is referred to as a “rare card”. In some cases.)

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

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

The card reader 13 is attached to the game device 1 so that the upper ends of the left plate 50c and the right plate 50d substantially coincide with the upper surface of the console 11. The height of the front plate 50a and the rear plate 50b is higher than that of the left plate 50c and the right plate 50d. Therefore, walls 50f and 50g protruding upward from the operation console 11 are formed in front of and behind the card accommodating portion 50 (see FIG. 1). Walls protruding upward from the operation console 11 are not formed on the left and right sides of the card accommodating portion 50. The bottom plate 50e is located at a height such that when the card 30 is inserted into the card accommodating portion 50, a predetermined portion (for example, the upper half) of the card 30 protrudes from the upper surface of the operation console 11. Therefore, the card 30 inserted in the card accommodating portion 50 can be supported in the upright direction by the walls 50f and 50g, and it is easy to put hands from the left and right, and it is easy to take out the card 30. In order to facilitate the insertion of the card 30 into the card accommodating portion 50, a slope descending toward the card accommodating portion 50 is formed on the upper portions of the front plate 50a and the rear plate 50b.

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

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

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

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

The antenna 52 has a height dimension H2 that is approximately half or slightly smaller than the height dimension H1 of the antenna 32. The antenna 52 faces the lower half of the antenna 32 of the card 30 inserted in the card accommodating portion 50. Therefore, the card reader 13 and the card 30 can communicate well regardless of whether the card 30 is inserted vertically into the card accommodating portion 50.

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

The height h2 from the bottom plate 50e of the card reader 13 to the lower end of the antenna 52 is higher than the height h1 from the lower end of the card 30 to the lower end of the antenna 32. Therefore, for example, even when the card 30 is inserted into the card accommodating portion 50 while being housed in the card sleeve for protecting the card 30, the card reader 13 and the card 30 can communicate well. ..

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

The printing device 60 includes a mount accommodating unit 61, a paper feeding unit 62, a printing head 63, a card reader / writer 66, and a paper ejection unit 67.

The mount accommodating unit 61 is a portion for accommodating a plurality of plain mounts 40 before printing. The mode of accommodating the mount 40 is arbitrary. The mount accommodating unit 61 of the present embodiment accommodates a plurality of mounts 40 in a stacked state.

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

The print head 63 is a device that prints on the mount 40 and the like. The print head 63 usually has a print head 64 and a metal layer forming head 65.

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

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

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

By having the metal layer forming head 65, it is possible to create two types of cards 30 using the same mount 40, a card having a metal layer (rare card) and a card having no metal layer (normal card). Therefore, it is possible to diversify the types of the cards 30 without preparing a plurality of types of mounts 40 in the mount accommodating unit 61 as in the prior application game device, and it is possible to reduce the cost related to the cards 30.

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

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

FIG. 7 shows the hardware configuration of the game device 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The game execution unit 84 executes the game. The content of the game is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of characters on the player side and a predetermined number (for example, 3) of characters on the computer side selected from a plurality of (for example, 50) characters prepared in advance. A battle game is played between. The character on the player side may be composed of a character specified by the identification information acquired from the card 30 by the card information acquisition unit 82 and / or a character whose selection is accepted by the initial information acquisition unit 83. Preferably, the battle game is played in a mode corresponding to the game information acquired by the card information acquisition unit 82 and the initial information acquisition unit 83. For example, a character having higher game information such as ability parameters and equipment parameters is more likely to win a battle game.

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

The card type determination unit 87 determines the type of the card 30 to be provided to the player. In the present embodiment, there are two types of cards 30, a rare card and a normal card, and the card type determining unit 87 determines one of them. It is also conceivable that the number of types of cards 30 is three or more, and the card type determination unit 87 determines any of them. The card type determination unit 87 notifies the print execution unit 93 of the determined type of the card 30.

The character selection reception unit 89 accepts a player's operation of selecting a character to be printed on the card 30. This operation can be performed using the operation button 12. In the present embodiment, it is possible to print a plurality of cards 30 for a plurality of characters each time a battle game is played, and in the character selection reception unit 89, the print execution unit 93 prints one card 30. A character selection operation is accepted each time printing is performed.

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

The text information generation unit 91a generates data for printing the character information 41 on the mount 40. The data includes the title of the game, the name of the character selected by the character selection reception unit 89, and the game information (hit point HP, power PW, speed SP, etc.) updated by the game information update unit 86 for the character. Capability parameters and equipment parameters such as head, hands, and feet) can be included. These information are generated based on the information stored in the initial game information storage unit 81c for the character selected by the character selection reception unit 89 and the game information updated by the game information update unit 86.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The card 30, which is printed by the print execution unit 93 and whose game information is written by the card writing execution unit 95, is provided to the player by the card supply unit 15.

FIG. 9 shows preferred patterns 44A-44D of the metal layer 43 formed on the card 30. In FIG. 9, the antenna 32 and the IC chip 33 inside the card 30 are shown by broken lines.

The pattern 44A has four metal layer portions 46 separated by four cross-shaped separation portions 45. The pattern 44B has eight metal layer portions 46 separated by eight radial separators 45. By reducing the width of the separation portion 45, it is possible to make the entire region of the metal layer 43 appear to have a uniform metallic luster.

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

The patterns 44C and 44D are composed of a plurality of island-shaped metal layer portions 46. Each metal layer portion 46 of the pattern 44C has a cross shape, and the metal layer portion 46 of the pattern 44D has an L shape. Other shapes are also possible. In the patterns 44C and 44D, each metal layer portion 46 is electrically separated by the presence of the separation portion 45 between the metal layer portions 46.

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

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

By separating the metal layer 43 into a plurality of metal layer portions 46 separated from each other as in the patterns 44A to 44D, information is read from the card 30 by the card reader 13 and / or by the card reader / writer 66. It is possible to reduce the eddy current induced in the metal layer 43 when writing information to the card 30. As a result, it is possible to both improve the luxurious feeling by forming the metal layer 43 in a wider area of the card 30 and prevent the reading / writing sensitivity of the card 30 from deteriorating.

The patterns 44C and 44D can achieve the improvement of the reading / writing sensitivity of the card 30, and also increase the area of the metallic luster portion, and further, the background print data (character information 41, image 42, etc.). It is particularly preferable because it can improve the visibility.

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

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary game process performed in the game device 1.

In step S1, the standby process for starting the game is performed. In the standby process, for example, a message may be output from the monitor 20, the speaker 21, or the like in order to invite the player to the game.

In step S2, the insertion of coins into the charge receiving unit 14 is awaited. That is, the coin insertion into the charge receiving unit 14 is determined by the signal from the coin detector 73, and if No (no insertion), the process proceeds to step S1, and if Yes (with insertion), the process proceeds to step S3. do.

In step S3, the card information acquisition unit 82 executes the first information acquisition process for acquiring predetermined information from the card 30. Specifically, a message prompting the player to insert the card 30 into the card reader 13 is output from the monitor 20, the speaker 21, and the like, and when the player inserts the card 30, game information is output from the IC chip 33 of the card 30. Read out.

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

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

In step S4, information acquisition for a total of three characters including the character for which information acquisition was performed in step S3 is repeatedly executed. For example, if there is only one character who has acquired information in step S3, in step S4, information acquisition for the two characters is executed, and in step S3, there are two characters who have executed information acquisition. In that case, in step S4, information acquisition about one character is executed.

In step S5, the game execution unit 84 executes the battle game. In the battle game, a battle is performed between the three characters (characters on the player side) for which information was acquired in steps S3 and S4 and the three characters on the computer side. The battle game proceeds in a manner corresponding to the game information acquired in steps S3 and S4. For example, a character having game information with high ability parameters and equipment parameters can perform an advantageous battle. Defeating all computer characters is a player's victory.

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

In step S7, the card type determination unit 87 determines the type of the card 30. The method of determination is arbitrary. For example, it is preferable to determine as follows (1) to (3).
(1) If the player wins in the battle game of step S5, a rare card is determined, and if the player is defeated, a normal card is determined.
(2) When the progress or situation of the battle game in step S5 meets the predetermined conditions, a rare card is determined, and in other cases, a normal card is determined.
(3) The lottery is executed at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing of execution of steps S7 and S17), a rare card is determined in the case of a win, and a normal card is determined in the case of a loss.

In step S8, the character selection receiving unit 89 accepts the selection of the character to be printed. In this step, the three characters (characters on the player side) for which information was acquired in steps S3 and S4 are displayed on the monitor 20 and the like, and the player can operate any of the three characters by operating the operation button 12. It is possible to select that character. As another example, not only the character on the player side but also the character on the computer side who fought in the battle game (step S5) may be selected as the selection target in step S8.

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

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

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

In step S14, the card writing execution unit 95 controls the card reader / writer 66 to execute a process of writing game information to the card 30. The game information written in step S14 can be the game information updated in step S6 for the character selected in step S8.

After that, in step S15, the card 30 is provided to the player from the card providing unit 15. In step S15, depending on the decision in step S7, a rare card may be provided or a normal card may be provided. Since the rare card has the metal layer 43, it has a luxurious feeling or a high-class feeling. Therefore, it is possible to stimulate the player's willingness to collect, and it is possible to increase the degree of utilization of the game device 1. By providing a rare card with a certain probability, it is possible to give a player a sense of surprise and luck.

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

If the determination in step S16 is unsuccessful (No), the process proceeds to step S17, and the card type determination unit 87 determines the type of the card 30. This process may be the same process as in step S7.

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

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

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

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

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

The pattern 44E does not have the metal layer 43. (That is, it is a pattern of a normal card.) In the pattern 44F, a solid metal layer 43 is formed on almost the entire surface of the card 30. In the pattern 44G, the solid metal layer 43 is formed only in the peripheral portion of the antenna 32, and the metal layer 43 is not formed in the central portion. In the pattern 44H, a solid metal layer 43 is formed so as to cover only the lower half of the antenna 32. In the pattern 44I, the metal layer portions 46 are arranged in a checkered pattern, and the metal layer portions 46 are arranged so as to be spaced by one pixel between the adjacent metal layer portions 46 so that the metal layer portions 46 do not come into contact with each other.

<Experiment 1>
On the lower side of the card reader 13 (the side closer to the antenna 52), 10 cards 30 having the metal layer 43 of any of the patterns 44A to 44I formed are set, and on the upper side (the side closer to the antenna 53). Thirty cards 30 without a metal layer (same as pattern 44E) were set, and a total of 40 cards were read by the card reader 13 to measure the number of cards that could be read. The average value when this measurement was performed 20 times was taken as the number of readable sheets. The results of Experiment 1 are shown in FIG. 12 (A).

According to Experiment 1, among the investigated patterns 44A to 44I, the number of readable patterns 44A to 44E and 44H is large, and in particular, the number of readable patterns 44C and 44D is the pattern 44E having no metal layer 43. It is almost the same. In patterns 44C and 44D, metallic luster was observed on almost the entire surface of the card 30. Moreover, the visibility of the background print data (character information 41 and image 42) was also excellent.

On the other hand, in the pattern 44G, the number of readable sheets is not so different from that of the pattern 44F, even though the area of the metal layer 43 is reduced. The same applies to pattern 44I. In the pattern 44I, the metal layer 43 is formed so as to leave a space of one pixel between the adjacent metal layer portions 46, but in reality, a conduction path is formed between the metal layer portions 46 in the invisible portion. It is probable that it was. Therefore, it is considered that the result is improved by increasing the distance between the metal layer portions 46. The number of readable patterns of the pattern 44H is about the same as that of the patterns 44A and 44B, but since the metal layer 43 is formed only on the lower half of the card 30, it may not be preferred due to the taste of the player or the like.

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

<Experiment 2>
On the lower side of the card reader 13, 20 cards 30 having a metal layer 43 of any of the patterns 44C to 44E formed are set, and 30 cards without a metal layer are set on the 20 cards, and the total of these is set. The 50 cards were read by the card reader 13, and the number of cards that could be read was measured. The average value when this measurement was performed 20 times was taken as the number of readable sheets. The results of Experiment 2 are shown in FIG. 12 (B).

According to Experiment 2, it was confirmed that even when the number of cards 30 was increased, the number of readable patterns 44C and 44D was almost the same as that of pattern 44E having no metal layer 43.

<Experiment 3>
Twenty cards 30 of the pattern 44C and 20 cards 30 of the pattern 44D are stacked and set in the card reader 13, and a total of 40 of these can be read by the card reader 13 and read. The number of cards was measured. The average value when this measurement was performed 20 times was taken as the number of readable sheets. The results of Experiment 3 are shown in FIG. 12 (C).

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

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

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

In the above embodiment, the case where the pattern of the metal layer 43 formed in step S13 is one has been described, but it is also possible to form a plurality of types of patterns. In this case, the game device 1 may further have a pattern selection means for selecting one from a plurality of types of patterns (for example, pattern C and pattern H). The pattern selection means may execute pattern selection for each execution of step S5 or each execution of step S13, for example. The pattern selection means may select a pattern according to the outcome, progress, situation of the game, or according to the result of the lottery. The pattern selection means can select a pattern having a larger area of the metal layer 43, for example, when the score or result of the game is good, or when the player performs an operation well.

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

In the above embodiment, the game device 1 in which the card reader / writer 66 writes the updated game information on the card 30 and provides it to the player has been described. This makes it possible to perform the current game processing (linking the game information) using the game information updated in the past game processing. In order to achieve the same purpose, the card (storage medium), the game device, and the game system of the following aspects may be used.

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

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

This makes it possible to use the game information updated in the past game processing in the current game processing (link the game information).

In the game device 1 and the game system of this form, the configuration, steps, and the like of the card reader / writer 66, the card writing execution unit 95, the step S14, and the like can be omitted. The card 30 does not have to store game information. The card ID reading means can be installed in the printing device 60.
The following are the inventions described at the time of filing the application of the present application.
<Claim 1>
The means of executing the game and the means of executing the game
A means for providing a player with a storage medium that readablely stores game information using electromagnetic waves and that has the metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions.
It has a reading means for reading the game information of the recording medium using electromagnetic waves.
The game executing means is a game device characterized in that the reading means can execute the game by using the game information read from the storage medium.
<Claim 2>
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the metal layer is separated by a separation portion that crosses the metal layer.
<Claim 3>
The game device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape.
<Claim 4>
The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recording medium further includes a metal layer forming means for forming the metal layer.
<Claim 5>
The game device according to claim 4, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape having the smallest dimensions that the metal layer forming means can form.
<Claim 6>
Further provided with a type determining means for determining the type of the storage medium,
The medium providing means is
When the type determining means determines the first type, the storage medium on which the metal layer is formed is provided to the player.
The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the type determining means determines a second type, the storage medium from which the metal layer is not formed is provided to the player. ..
<Claim 7>
Computer,
The means of executing the game and the means of executing the game
A means for providing a player with a storage medium that readablely stores game information using electromagnetic waves and that has the metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions.
A program that functions as a reading means for reading the game information on the recording medium using electromagnetic waves.
The game executing means is a program characterized in that the reading means can execute the game using the game information read from the storage medium.
<Claim 8>
A storage medium that readablely stores game information using electromagnetic waves, and has a metal layer separated into a plurality of metal layer portions.

1 ... Game device 10 ... Main unit 11 ... Operation console 12 ... Operation button 13 ... Card reader 14 ... Charge receiving unit 15 ... Card providing unit 16 ... Maintenance door 17 ... Monitor 18 ... Speaker 30 ... Card 31 ... Base material 32 ... Antenna 33 ... IC chip 40 ... Mount 41 ... Character information 42 ... Image 43 ...・ ・ Metal layer 44A to 44I ・ ・ ・ Pattern 45 ・ ・ ・ Separation part 46 ・ ・ ・ Metal layer part 50 ・ ・ ・ Card storage part 51 ・ ・ ・ Reader control part 52 ・ ・ ・ Antenna 53 ・ ・ ・ Antenna 54 ・・ ・ Condenser 60 ・ ・ ・ Printing device 61 ・ ・ ・ Mount storage unit 62 ・ ・ ・ Paper feeding unit 63 ・ ・ ・ Printing head 64 ・ ・ ・ Normal printing head 65 ・ ・ ・ Metal layer forming head 66 ・ ・ ・ Card reader Writer 67 ... Paper ejection unit 70 ... Processing device 71 ... CPU
72 ... Storage device 73 ... Coin detector 81 ... Information storage unit 81a ... Image storage unit 81b ... Layout storage unit 81c ... Initial game information storage unit 82 ... Card information acquisition Part 83 ・ ・ ・ Initial information acquisition part 84 ・ ・ ・ Game execution part 86 ・ ・ ・ Game information update part 87 ・ ・ ・ Card type determination part 88 ・ ・ ・ Card type notification part 89 ・ ・ ・ Character selection reception part 91 ・・ ・ Print information generation unit 91a ・ ・ ・ Text information generation unit 91b ・ ・ ・ Image acquisition unit 92 ・ ・ ・ Layout setting unit 93 ・ ・ ・ Print execution unit 94 ・ ・ ・ Additional print operation reception unit 95 ・ ・ ・ Card writing Included execution unit

Claims (7)

A metal layer forming means for forming a plurality of metal layer portions at intervals from each other in a storage medium that stores game information that can be read out using electromagnetic waves.
A reading means for reading the game information from the storage medium using electromagnetic waves, and
A game device having a game execution means for executing a game using the game information.
The metal layer portion has a convex portion and a concave portion, and has a convex portion and a concave portion.
The metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape having the smallest dimensions that can be formed by the metal layer forming means.
The metal layer forming means has the plurality of metal layers so that the convex portion of one of the metal layer portions of the pair of the metal layer portions adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction and the concave portion of the other metal layer portion face each other. A game device characterized by forming a portion. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape. The game device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage medium has an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves and an IC chip for storing the game information connected to the antenna. The metal layer forming means is such that the plurality of metal layer portions are arranged at intervals in the row direction and the column direction, and
Each said metal layer portion in one row is placed in the middle of the row direction position of the said metal layer portion in an adjacent row.
Each said metal layer portion of one row is placed in the middle of the columnwise position of the said metal layer portion of an adjacent row.
The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the plurality of metal layer portions are formed. Computer,
A metal layer forming means for forming a plurality of metal layer portions at intervals from each other in a storage medium that stores game information that can be read out using electromagnetic waves.
A reading means for reading the game information from the storage medium using electromagnetic waves, and
A program that functions as a game execution means for executing a game using the game information.
The metal layer portion has a convex portion and a concave portion, and has a convex portion and a concave portion.
The metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape having the smallest dimensions that can be formed by the metal layer forming means.
The metal layer forming means has the plurality of metal layers such that the convex portion of one of the metal layer portions of the pair of the metal layer portions adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction and the concave portion of the other metal layer portion face each other. A program characterized by forming parts. A metal layer forming means for forming a plurality of metal layer portions at intervals from each other in a storage medium that stores game information that can be read out using electromagnetic waves.
A reading means for reading the game information from the storage medium using electromagnetic waves, and
A storage medium used in a game device having a game execution means for executing a game using the game information.
The storage medium has a plurality of metal layer portions arranged at intervals from each other.
The metal layer portion has a convex portion and a concave portion, and has a convex portion and a concave portion.
The metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape having the smallest dimensions that can be formed by the metal layer forming means.
The plurality of metal layer portions are arranged so that the convex portion of one of the metal layer portions adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction and the concave portion of the other metal layer portion face each other. A storage medium characterized by. The means of executing the game and the means of executing the game
An antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, and a providing means for providing a player with a storage medium carrying an IC chip for storing game information connected to the antenna.
It has a reading means for reading the game information of the storage medium using electromagnetic waves.
The game executing means can execute the game by using the game information read from the storage medium by the reading means.
On the surface of the storage medium, a plurality of metal layer portions are arranged at intervals in the row direction and the column direction.
Each said metal layer portion in one row is placed in the middle of the row direction position of the said metal layer portion in an adjacent row.
Each said metal layer portion of a row is located in the middle of the columnwise position of said metal layer portion of an adjacent row.
The storage medium further has a metal layer forming means for forming the metal layer portion.
The game apparatus, wherein the metal layer portion has a cross-shaped or L-shaped shape having the smallest dimensions that the metal layer forming means can form.

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