JP7039230B2 - Game server, crane game equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game server and a crane game device.

Crane game equipment installed in amusement facilities, etc., has prize products (prize) placed in the field provided inside the housing so that prizes can be obtained by a crane arm (catcher) operated from outside the machine. It is configured in. The player can move the crane arm in the vertical / horizontal direction, for example, by operating a button, move it to the upper part where the target prize is placed, and cause the crane arm to perform an operation of grabbing the prize. can. In order to move the crane arm to the target position, the player changes the direction of looking inside the housing (head position) and operates the buttons while grasping the positional relationship between the moving crane arm and the prize. ..

By the way, in recent years, a game service (hereinafter, may be referred to as an online crane game) in which a crane game device can be used through a network has been provided. In this type of game service, images of a crane game device are provided to electronic devices such as personal computers and smartphones used by players through a network. Then, the player can control the crane arm by transmitting an operation instruction to the crane game device to be photographed through the network by performing a predetermined input operation to the electronic device while watching the video. As a result, the player can use the crane game device installed in a remote place through the network.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-193243

In the conventional online crane game, since the crane game device is photographed by a monocular camera, stereoscopic perception by binocular disparity is not possible in the photographed image, and it is difficult to recognize the space. Further, since the camera position for shooting the crane game device is fixed, the direction of looking inside the housing cannot be changed. Therefore, in the conventional online crane game, it is difficult to grasp the positional relationship between the moving crane arm and the prize, and it is difficult to position the crane arm as intended by the player.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game server and a crane game device that facilitate the positioning of a crane arm in an online crane game.

In order to solve the above problems, the game server of the present invention includes a video input means for inputting a first video of a crane game device that moves a crane arm in a housing according to operation data, and the crane arm. A compositing means for synthesizing a predetermined additional image with respect to the first image taken while being moved to the background of the crane arm in a specific range corresponding to the housing of the crane game apparatus. Depending on the transmission means for transmitting the second video in which the additional image is synthesized to the electronic device connected through the network and the operation data for operating the game device received from the electronic device through the network. It has a game control means for operating the crane arm of the game device .

Further, the crane game device of the present invention is a crane game device that moves a crane arm in a housing to acquire an article placed in the housing, and responds to operation data received through a network. The game control means for controlling the operation of the crane arm, the video input means for inputting the first image of the housing taken while the crane arm is being moved, and the first image . It has a compositing means for synthesizing a predetermined additional image on the background of the crane arm in a specific range corresponding to the housing, and a video output means for outputting the combined image of the additional image through the network. ..

According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the positioning of the crane arm in an online crane game.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the game system in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the game server in this embodiment. The perspective view which shows the appearance structure of the game apparatus in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game apparatus in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the game server 6 in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the game apparatus in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the image composition processing for game viewing of the game apparatus in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image taken by the front camera of the game apparatus in this embodiment. The figure which shows the display example of the screen for game execution in the electronic device based on the image shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the screen for game execution which displayed the image for a game. The figure which shows an example of the screen for game viewing which displayed the image for viewing a game. The figure which shows an example of the screen for game execution which changes the stage back area 10DP. The figure which shows an example of the screen for game execution which changes the stage back area 10DP.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game system 5 in the present embodiment. The game system 5 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for providing a network game service to electronic devices 2 (2-1, ..., 2-m) connected via a network 4 including the Internet and the like. .. The electronic device 2 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a television, or the like used by a player who uses a network game service.

The game system 5 includes a game server 6 and at least one game device 10 (10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-n).
The game server 6 is connected to the network 4 and transmits / receives data to / from the electronic device 2. Further, the game server 6 is connected to at least one game device 10 (10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-n) installed in the facility through a network 8 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). , Operation control of the game device 10, data transmission / reception, and the like are executed.

The game server 6 provides a network game service capable of playing a game device 10 through the network 4 to an electronic device 2 connected through the network 4. The game server 6 receives a game execution request from the electronic device 2 connected through the network 4, and in response to the game execution request, plays a game by a specific game device 10 selected from a plurality of game devices 10. Make it feasible. The game server 6 outputs the operation data received from the electronic device 2 to the game device 10, and operates according to the operation data. The game server 6 transmits a video of the game device 10 to the electronic device 2 that has requested the execution of the game. The player who operates the electronic device 2 can perform an input operation for controlling the game device 10 while confirming the operating state of the game device 10 by the video received from the game server 6.

The game server 6 in the present embodiment has a predetermined pattern image for facilitating an input operation while checking a video for the electronic device 2 that has requested the execution of a game, an image for producing a game, and the like. Alternatively, an image such as an advertisement that is not directly related to the play of the game transmits an image included in a specific range corresponding to the housing of the game device 10.

Further, the game server 6 receives not only the game execution request from the electronic device 2 but also the video viewing request of the game device 10, and the game server 6 receives the video viewing request from the plurality of game devices 10 in response to the video viewing request. An image of the selected specific game device 10 is transmitted. The video to be viewed may be not only the game device 10 in which the game is being executed by another player, but also the game device 10 in which the game is not being executed.

In the game server 6 of the present embodiment, an image for producing a game or an image such as an advertisement that is not directly related to the play of the game is stored in the housing of the game device 10 with respect to the electronic device 2 that has requested to view the video. The video included in the specific range corresponding to is transmitted.

The game device 10 executes a game under the control of the game server 6. The game device 10 receives the operation data output in response to the input operation of the player in the electronic device 2 through the game server 6, and executes control according to the operation data. In the game system 5 of the present embodiment, the game device 10 is realized as, for example, a crane game device. In the crane game device, a prize (prize product) is placed on a prize stage provided inside the housing, and the movement of the crane arm (catcher) is controlled according to an input operation by the player to move the prize to the outside of the housing. It is structured so that it can be paid out.

In the plurality of game devices 10 provided in the game system 5, for example, different prizes are placed, and the state in which the prizes on the prize stage are placed is different. The player who operates the electronic device 2 can confirm the type and state of the prize mounted on each of the plurality of game devices 10 and arbitrarily select the game device 10 to be played.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 6 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the game server 6 includes a CPU 6a, a RAM 6b, a storage device 6c, an input device 6d, a display device 6e, and a communication device 6f.

The CPU 6a controls the entire game server 6 based on the programs and data stored in the RAM 6b, manages the data stored in the storage device 6c, processes for providing a network game service, and controls the game device 10. / Perform various processes such as management.

The RAM 6b stores various programs executed by the CPU 6a, data executed by various processes, and the like. The program stored in the RAM 6b includes a basic program (OS (Operating System)) and a management program for controlling / managing a plurality of game devices 10.

The storage device 6c stores various programs, data, and the like. The storage device 6c can store video data input from the electronic device 2.

The display device 6e displays a screen corresponding to the processing by the CPU 6a on a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
The input device 6d inputs data and instructions corresponding to various processes by the CPU 6a through an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.
Under the control of the CPU 6a, the communication device 6f controls communication with the electronic device 2 via the network 4 and communication with the game device 10 which has solved the network 8.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the game device 10 (crane game device) in the present embodiment.
It is assumed that the game device 10 shown in FIG. 3 is realized by one of two game units (left side unit and right side unit) mounted on one housing (left side unit in FIG. 3). The game device 10 may have one game unit mounted on one housing.

The game device 10 is composed of an upper housing and a lower housing. In the upper housing, the front surface and the side surface of the outer peripheral surface of the housing are covered with a transparent plate so that the inside of the housing can be visually recognized through the transparent plate.

A crane arm 10A whose operation is controlled according to operation data input from the game server 6 is provided in the upper part of the upper housing (game space). A crane mechanism portion (not shown) for moving the crane arm 10A in, for example, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) is provided on the upper portion of the upper housing. The crane mechanism unit is driven according to, for example, operation data indicating each of horizontal movement, vertical movement, and descent. An arm (grasping claw) for gripping a prize is provided at the tip of the crane arm 10A, and the operation is controlled so as to close (grip an object) at a position where the crane arm 10A is lowered and reaches the prize. ..

A front camera 12A supported by the camera stand 12B is installed on the front surface of the game device 10, and a side camera 14A supported by the camera stand 14B is installed on the side surface. The front camera 12A and the side camera 14A capture an image including the crane arm 10A and a prize in the upper housing with at least the upper housing as the shooting range.

The game device 10 is provided with a prize stage 10B on which the prize is placed in the upper housing. Although the prize stage 10B of the game device 10 shown in FIG. 3 is configured in a plane shape, it may be configured in a shape other than the plane shape so that the prize can be placed in various states. For example, the prize stage 10B may be configured to have a step such as a staircase, or a plurality of rod-shaped members may be hung across the prize stage 10B.

A prize drop opening 10C is partially formed on the prize stage 10B. The prize drop opening 10C is communicated with the prize outlet provided on the front surface of the lower housing through the prize guidance space provided in the lower portion of the prize stage 10B. The prize dropped to the prize drop opening 10C by the operation of the crane arm 10A is guided to the prize outlet through the prize guidance space.

The front camera 12A photographs the upper housing from the front of the game device 10 to capture the crane arm 10A and a prize against the background of the stage back surface 10D and the stage side surface 10E (partition plate with the right unit) of the upper housing. Take a picture including. Similarly, the side camera 14A captures an image including the crane arm 10A and a prize by photographing the upper housing from the side surface of the game device 10 against the background of the stage back surface 10D and the stage side surface 10E of the upper housing. do.

In the game system of the present embodiment, the video captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A of the game device 10 is transmitted to the electronic device 2 that has requested the execution of the game and the electronic device 2 that has requested the viewing of the video. It is distributed through the game server 6. In the video delivered to the electronic device 2, a specific range corresponding to, for example, the back surface 10D of the stage and the side surface 10E of the stage (which may further include the prize stage 10B) of the housing of the game device 10 is an input operation. Predetermined pattern images for facilitating, images for game production, or images such as advertisements that are not directly related to game play are included. Hereinafter, an image in a specific range will be described as an additional image.

The additional image may be combined with, for example, the images taken by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A in the game device 10 (hereinafter referred to as the first additional processing), or combined in the game server 6. It may be included in the image captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A in advance (hereinafter referred to as the third additional process).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game device 10 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, a control PCB (Print Circuit Board) 68 on which various units are mounted is provided inside the housing of the game device 10. The units mounted on the control PCB 68 include a CPU 70, a RAM 71, a storage device 72, an input / output processing unit 73, a camera control unit 74, a sensor control unit 75, a motor drive unit 76, an arm drive unit 77, a communication control unit 78, and The display control unit 79 is included.

The CPU 70 controls the entire game device 10 by executing a control program or a game program stored in the RAM 71 or the storage device 72. The CPU 70 controls the motor drive unit 76 and the arm drive unit 77 to operate the crane arm 10A according to the operation data from the game server 6 input through the communication control unit 78. Further, the CPU 70 controls video processing for the video captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A, output of the video captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A to the game server 6, and the like. In order to include the additional image in the video output to the game server 6, the first additional process or the third additional process is executed (details will be described later).

The RAM 71 temporarily stores various programs such as a control program and a game program, as well as various data for controlling a game associated with processing executed by the CPU 70. The data recorded in the RAM 71 includes, for example, position data indicating the position (X position, Y position) of the crane arm 10A, and image data of an image to be added to the image taken by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A (for example, a grid). Pattern data) and the like are included.

The storage device 72 stores programs and data in a non-volatile storage medium such as a ROM or a hard disk. The storage device 72 stores, for example, image data of an image to be added to the image taken by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A, and reads out the image data as needed.

The input / output processing unit 73 is an interface with various input / output devices provided outside the control PCB 68. For example, a prize sensor 84 is connected to the input / output processing unit 73. The prize sensor 84 detects the prize that has fallen into the prize drop opening 10C, and outputs a detection signal to the input / output processing unit 73.

The camera control unit 74 controls shooting by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A in response to an instruction from the CPU 70. The sensor control unit 75 controls the 3D scan sensor 85 under the control of the CPU 70. The 3D scan sensor 85 is installed in the upper housing, for example, and detects the positions of various objects including the crane arm 10A and prizes in the upper housing in real time.

The motor drive unit 76 controls the drive of the motor 82 provided in the mechanism unit 69 (movement control in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction). The arm drive unit 77 controls the drive of the arm motor 83 for opening and closing the arm provided on the crane arm 10A.

The motor 82 is driven by the motor drive unit 76, and is an X-axis motor that moves the crane arm 10A in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction), a Y-axis motor that moves the crane arm 10A in the Y-axis direction (longitudinal direction), and a Z-axis direction. Includes a Z-axis motor that moves (up and down). The arm motor 83 is driven by the arm drive unit 77, and opens and closes the crane arm 10A.

When the operation data (operation data indicating descent (“done”) that causes the crane arm 10A to execute the prize acquisition sequence is received from the game server 6, the motor drive unit 76 and the arm drive unit 77 perform the prize acquisition sequence. The motor 82 lowers the tip of the crane arm 10A to a position where it reaches the prize, and the arm motor 83 causes the arm to grab the prize, and then raises the crane arm 10A.

The communication control unit 78 controls communication with the game server 6 under the control of the CPU 70.
The display control unit 79 controls the display of the rear display 86 and the side display 87 under the control of the CPU 70. The rear display 86 and the side display 87 are used to include the additional image by the third additional process in the images captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A. The rear display 86 is provided on the back surface 10D of the stage, and the side display 87 is provided on the side surface 10E of the stage. When the first addition process or the second addition process is used, the rear display 86 and the side display 87 are not provided.

When the first addition process or the second addition process is used, the back surface 10D of the stage and the side surface 10E of the stage (furthermore, the prize stage 10B) have a specific color for chroma key (for example, blue) for image composition by the chroma key. , Green).

Next, the operation of the game system 5 in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the game server 6 in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation (second additional processing) of the game device 10 in the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the game viewing image composition process of the game device 10 in the present embodiment.

The game server 6 discloses a site (hereinafter referred to as a game site) for providing a network game service via the network 4. The game server 6 provides the electronic device 2 that has accessed the game site with a game device list screen for selecting a game device 10 to execute a game or browse a game.

When using the network game service provided by the game server 6, the player needs to register as a member in advance and purchase points. The point purchase shall be executed, for example, at a site for point purchase by performing a predetermined procedure through the electronic device 2. The game server 6 stores and manages the points held by each player registered as a member. In addition to purchasing points in advance, the network game service may be made available by paying with a credit card or an electronic money card.

The game server 6 inputs images taken by, for example, the front camera 12A from each of the plurality of game devices 10 (10-1, ..., 10-n) installed in the game system 5. The game server 6 displays images received from the plurality of game devices 10 on the game device list screen.

The player who operates the electronic device 2 refers to the images of the plurality of game devices 10 displayed on the game device list screen, and for example, a desired prize is placed on the prize stage 10B as a game execution target, or It is possible to select the game device 10 in a state in which the prize can be easily obtained (a state in which the prize can be easily dropped into the prize drop opening 10C).

Further, the player who operates the electronic device 2 may refer to the images of the plurality of game devices 10 displayed on the game device list screen and select, for example, the game device 10 being executed by another player as a viewing target. can. For example, by browsing the game device 10 on which the desired prize is placed, the prize can be acquired by another player, learning how to acquire the prize (operation method of the crane arm 10A), or by playing by another player. It is possible to wait for the game to be moved to a state where it is easy to drop (a state where it is easy to drop it into the prize drop opening 10C).

When the game server 6 (CPU 6a) receives an instruction to select one of the game devices 10 from the electronic device 2 and a game execution request is input (steps A1, Yes), the selected game device 10 is selected by another player. Determine if the unused game is free.

If the game device 10 is free (step A2, Yes), does the game server 6 hold the points necessary for playing the target game device 10 by the player (points have been purchased)? To confirm. It is assumed that the points required for playing are set in each of the plurality of game devices 10 according to the types of prizes placed therein.

When it is confirmed that the selected game device 10 holds the available points (steps A3, Yes), the game server 6 requests the player of the electronic device 2 to confirm the point consumption. When the game server 6 receives an approval response for point consumption by the player operation of the electronic device 2 (steps A4, Yes), the game server 6 executes the game process described below (step A5).

The game server 6 outputs a game execution request to the game device 10 selected as the game execution target, and transmits the video output from the game device 10 in response to the game execution request to the electronic device 2. Display the screen for executing the game. On the screen for executing the game, an image of the game device 10 taken in the frame for playing the game is displayed.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an image taken by the front camera 12A of the game device 10 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, an image including the prize OB, the crane arm 10A, and the like mounted on the prize stage 10B in the upper housing is photographed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen for executing a game in the electronic device 2 based on the image shown in FIG. The screen for executing the game shown in FIG. 9 shall be used in common at the time of executing the game and at the time of viewing the game. It should be noted that a frame for game play having a different design at the time of executing the game and at the time of viewing the game may be used.

In the frame for game play shown in FIG. 9, for example, a game information area 2A1 for displaying game information, a button area 2A2 for displaying a button for controlling the operation of the game device 10, and a viewer make a reservation for the next game. A reservation button 2A3 for displaying an advertisement area 2A4 for displaying information (images, characters, etc.) such as an advertisement is provided.

In the game information area 2A1, for example, the current number of viewers, the number of reservations, the number of points required for one play, the number of remaining points held by the player, and the like are displayed. In the button area 2A2, a "horizontal" button 2A21 for moving the crane arm 10A in the horizontal direction, a "vertical" button 2A22 for moving the crane arm 10A in the vertical direction, and a prize acquisition sequence are executed. Buttons 2A23 are included.

The player of the electronic device 2 can easily operate the crane arm 10A on the stage rear area 10DP, the stage side area 10EP, and the prize stage 10BP corresponding to the prize stage 10B shown in FIG. Patterns BP1, SP1, and FP1 (additional images) are added to each of the patterns. The additional image shown in FIG. 9 shows an example of a grid pattern, in which parallel straight lines are arranged at equal intervals along the vertical / horizontal direction of the housing. The details of the process of adding the patterns BP1, SP1, FP1 (additional image) (first addition process, second addition process) will be described later.

The game server 6 receives the operation data corresponding to each button in response to the input operation for the button area 2A2 in the electronic device 2, and outputs the operation data to the game device 10. The game device 10 operates the crane arm 10A according to the operation data. The player of the electronic device 2 can confirm the movement of the crane arm 10A based on the crane arm image 10AP of the image displayed on the screen for executing the game shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the pattern BP1 is displayed in the stage back area 10DP corresponding to the stage back 10D, and the pattern FP1 is displayed in the prize stage area 10BP. Therefore, when the crane arm 10A is moved laterally, the current position of the crane arm 10A (crane arm image 10AP) and the prize OB (prize image OBP) are relative to each other with reference to the patterns BP1 and FP1. The positional relationship can be easily grasped. Therefore, the lateral positioning of the crane arm 10A can be facilitated.

Further, FIG. 9 shows an example of displaying an image taken by the front camera 12A. For example, when the "vertical" button 2A22 is operated, the vertical positioning of the crane arm 10A is facilitated. Therefore, the display is switched to the image displayed by the side camera 14A. In this case, the crane arm 10A (crane arm image 10AP) is based on the pattern SP1 displayed on the stage side area 10EP and the FP1 displayed on the prize stage 10BP in the same manner as when the crane arm 10A is moved laterally. The relative positional relationship between the current position of the crane and the prize OB (prize image OBP) can be easily grasped. Therefore, the vertical positioning of the crane arm 10A can be facilitated.

It is said that the image is switched when the "vertical" button 2A22 is operated, but the image displayed by the front camera 12A and the image displayed by the side camera 14A are switched according to the operation of the player on the electronic device 2. It may be possible to switch arbitrarily.

Further, the vertical and horizontal movement operations for the crane arm 10A may be executed once each, or may be executed a plurality of times within a preset time, for example. The player of the electronic device 2 aims at the crane arm 10A based on the pattern added to a specific range (stage rear area 10DP, stage side area 10EP, prize stage area 10BP) corresponding to the housing of the game device 10. It can be easily positioned at the position to be. When the crane arm 10A can be positioned in the vertical and horizontal directions, the player instructs the execution of the prize acquisition sequence by operating the "done" button 2A23.

When the game server 6 receives the operation data instructing the prize acquisition sequence from the electronic device 2, the game device 10 causes the game device 10 to execute the prize acquisition sequence. The game device 10 causes the crane arm 10A to execute the operation of the prize acquisition sequence. As a result, when the prize OB is dropped into the prize drop opening 10C, it is detected by the prize sensor 84. The game device 10 notifies the game server 6 of the acquisition of the prize in response to the detection signal from the prize sensor 84. The game server 6 executes the game result processing in response to the notification of the prize acquisition from the game device 10 (step A6). For example, in game result processing, a game acquisition message screen (for example, a "Congratulations on winning a prize" message) is displayed on the electronic device 2 instead of the game execution screen, and is associated with a player registered as a member. Record the data of the prizes that have been won. If the prize cannot be acquired by the prize acquisition sequence in the game device 10, the game server 6 executes other game result processing.

Here, when the player instructs the end of the game, the game server 6 ends the process. Further, if the player has points at which the game can be further executed, the game can be continuously executed. When the electronic device 2 instructs the game server to continue the game (steps A7, No), the game server 6 consumes points to execute the game process (steps A4 to A6) in the same manner as described above. Therefore, the player can repeatedly execute the game a plurality of times in order to obtain one prize OB.

By the way, when the game browsing request is input from the electronic device 2 together with the instruction to select any game device 10 in the game device list screen (steps A8, Yes), the game server 6 executes the game browsing process. (Step A9). In the game browsing process, the game server 6 outputs a game browsing request to the game device 10 selected as the game browsing target, and the video output from the game device 10 in response to the game browsing request is output to the electronic device 2. To display the screen for viewing the game. Similar to FIG. 9, the screen for viewing the game displays an image of the game device 10 taken in the frame for playing the game. The game server 6 does not accept an input operation for the button area 2A2 in the game browsing process, but reserves the next game according to the operation for the reservation button 2A3. The game server 6 records the player in the reservation list according to the operation for the reservation button 2A3, and adds the number of reservations in the game information area 2A1. After the game is completed by the current player, the game server 6 notifies the players recorded in the reservation list of the game execution confirmation in order. When the game execution request is made for the game execution confirmation, the game server 6 executes the game processing for the electronic device 2 for which the game execution request is made in the same manner as described above.

The game viewing request by the electronic device 2 is not limited to the game device 10 in which the game is being executed, but can be targeted to the game device 10 in which the game is not executed for the purpose of confirming the state of the prize.

When the electronic device 2 instructs the game server 6 to end the game viewing (steps A10, Yes), the game server 6 ends the process.

Next, the game processing by the game device 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, a case will be described in which the game apparatus 10 performs the first additional process of synthesizing an additional image with respect to the images captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A.

When the CPU 70 of the game device 10 receives the game execution request from the game server 6 (steps B1, Yes), the CPU 70 performs a game image composition process for synthesizing an additional image with the images captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A. This is executed (step B2), and the game video generated by the game image composition process is output to the game server 6 (step B3).

As a result, the game server 6 can transmit the video to which the additional image is added to the game device 10 of the player who executes the game.

For example, when the additional image is combined by the first addition process, the stage back surface 10D, the stage side surface 10E, and the prize stage 10B of the game device 10 are formed by specific colors (blue, green) for chroma key. The game device 10 synthesizes an additional image prepared in advance, for example, a pattern representing a grid shown in FIG. 9, with respect to the images taken by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A. The installation position of the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A is fixed, and the position of the range to which the additional image to be added in the image captured by each is fixed is fixed. Therefore, by preparing a pattern (image data) that matches the shape of the range to which the additional image should be added, the additional image can be chroma key-combined.

The additional image (lattice pattern) shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and any pattern can be used as long as it is a pattern that can be used as a reference for positioning the crane arm 10A. Further, not only a pattern formed only by lines such as a grid pattern but also a pattern using a plurality of colors may be used.

When the game device 10 receives the operation data from the game server 6 (step B4), the game device 10 controls the operation of the crane arm 10A according to the operation data (step B5). While the game is being executed (steps B6, No), the game device 10 executes game image processing and continues to output the video to which the additional image is added to the game server 6. When the game is finished (step B6, Yes), the game device 10 ends the process.

On the other hand, when the CPU 70 of the game device 10 receives the game viewing request from the game server 6 (steps B7, Yes), the game viewing image synthesizes an additional image with the images taken by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A. The compositing process is executed (step B8), and the game browsing video generated by the game browsing image compositing process is output to the game server 6 (step B9).

As a result, the game server 6 can transmit the video to which the additional image is added to the electronic device 2 of the player who browses the game. When there are a plurality of players viewing the game, the same video can be distributed to the plurality of electronic devices 2 .

As described above, the same additional image is added to the game video and the game viewing video, but in the game device 10 of the present embodiment, different additional images are added for the game and the game viewing. It is also possible to add.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game execution screen on which a game video is displayed, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game viewing screen on which a game viewing video is displayed.

In the game image shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the grid pattern similar to that in FIG. 9, an image for giving advice on a target position, which is useful for positioning the crane arm 10A, for example, is added. In the example shown in FIG. 10, an arrow indicating a target position with respect to the prize OB and a character image SP2 for calling attention to the player are added. The additional image shown in FIG. 10 is an example, and another image may be added.

The game viewing video shown in FIG. 11 shows an example in which an image for advertisement is added, for example. For example, the advertising images BP2 and BP3 are added to the stage back area 10DP, and the advertising images SP3 and SP4 are added to the stage side surface area 10EP. Since the video for viewing the game does not require a grid pattern for positioning the crane arm 10A, it is possible to advertise the product or the like to the viewer by adding, for example, an image for advertisement instead. ..

Further, in the game device 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to change the additional image added to the video captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A during the game execution. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image composition process for viewing a game that changes an additional image.

In this case, the game device 10 operates the 3D scan sensor 85 under the control of the sensor control unit 75. The CPU 70 of the game apparatus 10 inputs data from the 3D scan sensor 85 (step C1) and detects the positions of an object in the upper housing (game space), that is, the crane arm 10A and the prize OB (step C2). ..

The CPU 70 calculates a range to which an additional image should be added, which corresponds to the current positions of the crane arm 10A and the prize OB. When the range to which the additional image should be added is changed due to the change in the position of the crane arm 10A or the prize OB, the CPU 70 determines that the display needs to be changed (steps C4, Yes) and adds the additional image. An additional image is added to the range to be added. Thereby, the display corresponding to the stage back area 10DP or the stage side area 10EP (furthermore, the prize stage area 10BP) in the video captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A can be changed.

12 and 13 are diagrams showing an example of a screen for executing a game for changing the stage back area 10DP.

FIG. 12 shows a state in which the position of the crane arm 10A is changed and the prize OB is moved by, for example, operating the crane arm 10A. In this case, the advertisement images BP2 and BP3 added to the stage back area 10DP are hidden by the crane arm image 10AP and the prize image OBP. In this case, the CPU 70 determines that the display needs to be changed, and calculates the range in which the advertisement images BP2 and BP3 are not hidden with respect to the current positions of the crane arm 10A and the prize OB as the range in which the additional image should be added. Then, an additional image (advertising image BP2, BP3) is added to this range.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the advertising images BP2a and BP3a whose display positions (additional positions) are changed according to the positions of the crane arm 10A and the prize OB. In this way, by moving the position where the advertisement images BP2 and BP3 are added according to the moving object in the game space, the viewer can always visually recognize the advertisement image during the execution of the game. When the advertisement images SP3 and SP4 added to the stage side surface area 10EP are hidden, the display position (additional position) can be changed in the same manner.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 13, since the additional image is an advertisement image, it is not hidden by the crane arm image 10AP and the prize image OBP, but when an image other than the advertisement image, for example, for game production is added. May change the additional position so as to follow the crane arm image 10AP and the prize image OBP. For example, when the image for game production is an image showing the background of the crane arm image 10AP, the additional position is changed so that the image is always located on the back side of the crane arm image 10AP.

The image for game production is not limited to the image, but may be a text message or the like for enlivening the game.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, the position where the additional image is added to the game viewing video is changed, but the position where the additional image is added is also changed in the game video according to the change in the position of the object in the game space. It is also possible to change or change the pattern to be added. Further, the fluctuation of the position where the additional image is added is not only based on the position of the object detected by the 3D scan sensor 85, but also the operation data for moving the crane arm 10A, the execution time of the game, and the identification by the player for the electronic device 2. It is also possible to change it according to the input operation of.

In this way, by changing the position where the additional image is added during the execution of the game, the images captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A can be used more effectively.

Next, the second additional process in this embodiment will be described.
In the first additional process described above, the game device 10 adds an additional image to the images captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A, but in the second additional process, the additional image is added to the game server 6. Is added.

In this case, the game device 10 outputs the video captured by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A to the game server 6. Further, the game device 10 uses the position data indicating the position of an object (crane arm 10A, prize OB) in the upper housing (game space) detected based on the data from the 3D scan sensor 85 as the game server 6. Output to. The game server 6 inputs video data and position data from the game device 10, adds an additional image to the video in the same manner as described above, and is an electronic device 2 for executing the game and an electronic device 2 for viewing the game. A video is sent to each and displayed. As for the specific processing, detailed description will be omitted as it is executed in the same manner as the first additional processing.

In this way, by executing the process of adding the additional image on the game server 6, it is possible to reduce the processing load on each of the game devices 10.

Next, the third additional process in the present embodiment will be described.
In the first addition process and the second addition process described above, an additional image is added to the images taken by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A, but in the third addition process, it corresponds to the additional image. An image including an image is taken by the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A.

When the third additional process is used, the game apparatus 10 is provided with a rear display 86 and a side display 87 (a display corresponding to the prize stage 10B may be provided). In order to output a game image when the game is executed, the game device 10 has a predetermined pattern (in the first additional process described above) for facilitating an input operation on the rear display 86 and the side display 87. Display the same pattern as the additional image). Since the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A take pictures including the display contents of the rear display 86 and the side display 87, they are specified in the range corresponding to the stage back area 10DP and the stage side area 10EP in the shot image. Pattern is included.

Further, the rear display 86 and the side display 87 may display an image showing the current position of the crane arm 10A in addition to the specific pattern. For example, the CPU 70 determines the position of the crane arm 10A according to the amount of drive of the motor drive unit 76 with respect to the motor 82, and indicates the current position of the crane arm 10A on the rear display 86 and the side display 87 according to the position. Display marks, etc. Thereby, the relative positional relationship between the crane arm 10A and the prize OB can be easily grasped by the patterns and marks displayed on the rear display 86 and the side display 87.

Further, the crane arm 10A may be provided with a laser pointer that irradiates a laser on the back surface 10D of the stage or the side surface 10E of the stage so that the current position of the crane arm 10A is indicated by the pointer. Similarly, the relative positional relationship between the crane arm 10A and the prize OB can be easily grasped from the pattern displayed on the rear display 86 and the side display 87 and the pointer position by the laser pointer.

When the third additional process is used, the game device 10 displays an advertisement image on the rear display 86 and the side display 87, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 described above, when instructed to be viewed. .. As a result, by shooting the game device 10 with the front camera 12A and the side camera 14A, it is possible to distribute the video including the advertisement image displayed on the rear display 86 and the side display 87 to the electronic device 2 . ..

The pattern added to the stage back area 10DP, the stage side area 10EP, and the prize stage area 10BP for facilitating the input operation may be fixed in the game device 10, or may be fixed to the type (size, etc.) of the prize OB. It may be changed accordingly. Further, the pattern is not always added, and there may be a period in which the pattern is added and a period in which the pattern is not added in one game. Further, it is also possible to add a pattern according to the number of continuous plays, for example, when the number of consecutive plays is equal to or more than a predetermined number. Further, as a privilege service, a pattern may be added only when a specific game is executed to a player who has achieved a predetermined condition.

Further, the method described in the embodiment is, as a program (software means) that can be executed by a computer, for example, a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, Blu-ray (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, Blu-ray). It can also be stored in a recording medium such as a registered trademark), a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), or transmitted and distributed by a communication medium. The program stored on the medium side also includes a setting program for configuring the software means (including not only the execution program but also the table and the data structure) to be executed by the computer in the computer. A computer that realizes this device reads a program recorded on a recording medium, constructs software means by a setting program in some cases, and executes the above-mentioned processing by controlling the operation by the software means. The recording medium referred to in the present specification is not limited to distribution, and includes storage media such as magnetic disks and semiconductor memories provided in devices connected inside a computer or via a network.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment as it is, and at the implementation stage, the components can be modified and embodied within a range that does not deviate from the gist thereof. In addition, various inventions can be formed by an appropriate combination of the plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the embodiments. In addition, components across different embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

2 ... Electronic equipment, 6 ... Game server, 6a ... CPU, 10 ... Game device, 10A ... Crane arm, 10B ... Prize stage, 10C ... Prize dropout, 10D ... Stage back, 10E ... Stage side, 12a ... Front camera, 14a ... Side camera, 85 ... 3D scan sensor, 86 ... Rear display, 87 ... Side display, OB ... Free gift.

Claims (9)

A video input means for inputting a first video of a crane game device that moves a crane arm inside a housing according to operation data, and a video input means.
A predetermined additional image is combined with the background of the crane arm in a specific range corresponding to the housing of the crane game device with respect to the first image taken while the crane arm is being moved . Synthetic means and
A transmission means for transmitting a second image in which the additional image is synthesized to an electronic device connected via a network, and a transmission means.
A game control means for operating the crane arm of the crane game device according to operation data for operating the crane game device received from the electronic device through the network.
Game server with. The video input means inputs the first video in which the background of the crane arm in the specific range is a specific color for chroma key.
The game server according to claim 1, wherein the synthesizing means synthesizes the additional image with respect to the specific range made into the specific color. The game server according to claim 1, wherein the synthesis means changes the additional image according to a control status by the game control means. A crane game device that moves a crane arm inside a housing to acquire an article placed inside the housing.
A game control means that controls the operation of the crane arm according to the operation data received through the network, and
An image input means for inputting a first image of the housing taken while the crane arm is being moved , and
A compositing means for synthesizing a predetermined additional image with respect to the first image on the background of the crane arm in a specific range corresponding to the housing.
A crane game device having a video output means for outputting a video obtained by synthesizing the additional image through the network . The video input means inputs a video in which the specific range is set to a specific color for chroma key.
The crane game device according to claim 4, wherein the image output means synthesizes the additional image on the background of the crane arm in a range of the specific color of the image. The crane game device according to claim 4 , wherein the video output means changes the additional image according to a control status by the game control means. The display arranged in the housing and
The crane game device according to claim 4, further comprising a display control means for displaying a predetermined pattern for positioning the crane arm on the display. The crane game device according to claim 7, wherein the display control means changes the pattern according to a control status by the game control means. The crane game device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the display control means adds a display indicating the position of the crane arm to the pattern in accordance with the movement of the crane arm.

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