JPH08266746A - Communication type game system with money imposing system utilizing package media - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a game program with a large capacity at an appropriate price by releasing a protecting program in a terminal device after the rent- paying condition is checked in a communication type game system which provides a video game to a user in response to a requirement from a terminal device. CONSTITUTION: A number of terminal devices 3 are connected with a host computor 1 with a money imposing system by which money imposing and charging of rent to each user is performed based on data on rent of game programs through a telephone network 2. The terminal unit 3 has a CPU 30, a CD-ROM drive 31, etc., and a CD-ROM set in which a plurality of game programs delivered in advance and a protect program are recorded is set in the CD-ROM drive 31. Then, the host computor 1 at first checks the rent-paying condition of a terminal device 3 and then, releases the protector of the CD-ROM and allows use of the game programs.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication game system for operating a terminal to call a host computer via a communication line and receiving a desired video game for a fee, that is, a communication system having a charging system. Regarding game system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, video games have become extremely sophisticated and complicated, and moreover, a large amount of game software is provided. Since the data is transmitted from the database to the terminal device via the communication line, only the game program having a capacity of about 1 MB can be provided due to the restriction on the transmission time.

Therefore, such a conventional communication type game system has a problem that it cannot provide a highly developed game program recently developed. Large-capacity game programs that have recently been developed using CG, 3D, polygons, etc. are provided as package media such as CD-ROM and ROM cartridges, because communication costs will increase if an ordinary communication line is used to provide them. It is under consideration.

However, although this package medium can record a wide variety of game programs, it is expensive and therefore imposes a heavy financial burden on the user.
Ordinary users do not use all the data contained in the packaged media, but only a small part of them, and it is expensive packaged media to use only several kinds of games. There is a problem that it is difficult to buy one after another.

[0005] Further, the manufacturer side has to predict the production volume of each package media so as not to oversupply, but the sales trend of package media is often extremely biased to the one with high topicality, and this prediction is It is difficult and often causes a large amount of inventory to be generated unexpectedly. In such a case, there is a problem that the inventory management requires a great deal of cost.

Package media are often discounted in the market, and in such a case, there is a problem that the image of the manufacturer of the package media is impaired.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication type game capable of providing a user with a large-capacity game program at an appropriate price. To provide a system.

[0008]

The above-mentioned object consists of a host computer having a billing system and a large number of terminals connected to the host computer via communication lines, and the user can respond to requests from the terminals. In a communication game system that provides a video game to a user, a package medium in which a user has a plurality of game programs and a protect program in which the game programs cannot be read unless a predetermined release code is input from a host computer in a timely manner. In advance,
When the user uses the game program recorded on the package medium, the package medium is set in the terminal to call the host computer, and the called host computer identifies the terminal and the terminal machine. The usage fee of the game program is checked, and if there is no fact that should interfere with the use of the game program, the protection program release code is sent to the terminal, the package media is released from protection, and the game program is used by the user. And a communication game system having a billing system utilizing packaged media configured to collect usage data of already provided game programs.

[0009]

With the above-mentioned configuration, a wide variety of large-capacity games can be provided to all users, and the users can select and use a desired game program at a reasonable price.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network structure of a communication game system having a charging system using a package medium according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, FIG. 1 will be described. 1 in FIG.
Is a host computer, 2 is a public telephone network, and 3 is a terminal connected to the host computer 1 via the public telephone network 2. Although only one terminal 3 is shown in the figure, many other terminals 3 similar to the terminal 3 are connected to the host computer 1.

The host computer 1 has a charging system 10. This charging system 10 charges and charges a usage fee to each user based on the usage data of the game program, and also stocks the usage fee payment status data of the user for each terminal, and based on that data. It is to check whether there is a reason for suspension of use of the terminal such as delinquency.

The terminal 3 includes a CPU 30 and a CD-ROM.
The drive 31, the extension interface 32, the communication modem 33, the usage data RAM 34, and the sound reproducing unit 35.
A voice RAM 36, a speaker 37, a video reproduction section 38, a video RAM 39, and a CRT display 40.
And an I / O control unit 41 and a controller 42.

The CPU 30 has a CD-ROM drive 31.
, Extension interface 32, and use data RAM 3
4, the audio reproduction section 35, the video reproduction section 38, and the I / O control section 41, and controls their operations based on various information. CD-ROM drive 31
Is for setting a CD-ROM (not shown).

This CD-ROM is delivered to the user of the terminal 3 free of charge in advance.
In this area, a protect program that does not allow the game program to be read unless a plurality of game programs and a predetermined release code are input is recorded.

The expansion interface 32 converts the data to be sent to the host computer 1 into a communication signal and outputs it to the communication modem 33, and also converts the communication signal sent from the host computer 1 into a signal of an appropriate level. It is output to the CPU 30.

The communication modem 33 calls the host computer through the public telephone line network 2 and sends the signal converted by the extension interface 32 to the host computer 1 and also the host computer 1
It receives the data sent from the device and outputs it to the extension interface 32.

The usage data RAM 34 records usage data of the game program such as the name of the game used and the number of times it has been used since the protection of the CD-ROM set in the CD-ROM drive 31 was released. When the data is transferred to the host computer 1, the recorded contents are reset.

An audio RAM 36 and a speaker 37 are connected to the audio reproducing section 35, and audio data output from the CD-ROM drive 31 is recorded in the audio RAM 36.

The sound reproducing section 35 is output from the CD-ROM drive 31 based on the instruction of the CPU 30.
Alternatively, the audio data called from the audio RAM 36 is converted into a reproduction signal and output to the speaker 37.

A video RAM 39 and a speaker 40 are connected to the video reproduction section 38, and the video RAM 39 is connected to the video RAM 39.
The video data output from the CD-ROM drive 31 is recorded in.

The video reproducing section 38 is output from the CD-ROM drive 31 based on the instruction of the CPU 30.
Alternatively, the image data called from the video RAM 39 is converted into a reproduction signal and output to the CRT display 40. The I / O controller 41 has a controller 42
Are connected to convert the operation data of the controller 42 into a signal and output the signal to the CPU 30.

In this communication type game system,
Set the CD-ROM delivered free of charge to the terminal 3,
When the operation for using the CD-ROM is performed, the terminal 3
Automatically calls the host computer 1.

When the terminal 2 is connected to the host computer 1, the ID code assigned in advance for each terminal is automatically sent out, and when the usage data is recorded in the usage data RAM 34, the usage data is stored. Is transferred to the host computer 1, and its used data RAM3
The record of 4 is reset.

In the host computer, the terminal 3 is specified based on the ID code, and the billing system 10 checks the usage fee payment status of the terminal 3, and when the usage data is sent, the usage data is sent. The fee is recorded in the charging system 10, the usage fee is totaled, and the user is billed according to a predetermined program.

If there is no problem in checking the charging system 10, the host computer 1 directs the C toward the terminal 3.
The release code of the D-ROM protect program is sent.

In this way, when the release code is accepted by the terminal device 3, the protection of the set CD-ROM is released, and the plurality of game programs recorded therein can be read. CD-RO
A list of games recorded in M is displayed on the CRT display 40. When a desired game is selected from this list, the game name and the number of times of use 1 of the game are newly recorded in the usage data RAM 34.

When the game selected in this way is used and finished, the list of the above-mentioned games is again displayed on the CRT display 40, so that the desired game can be selected and used from the list, and at the same time as the selection of the game. The current use data is added to the use data RAM 34.

The recording in the use data RAM 34 is continued until the set CD-ROM is taken out or the power of the terminal 3 is turned off, and the next CD-RO is recorded.
When performing an operation for using M, it is transferred to the host computer 1 as described above.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the request for the release code of the protect program from the terminal 3 and the input of the release code from the host computer 1 and the transfer of the usage data are performed when the terminal is started and when the terminal is started. CD-
This is done when the ROM is replaced.

In the above communication type game system, the CD-ROM is delivered to all users at no cost or at a low price such as shipping cost without being sold, and therefore the production amount thereof is small. Since it depends on the number of users, it can be manufactured in a planned manner, so there is no fear that the manufacturer will have a large inventory, the CD-ROM will not be discounted, and the user can also pay various usage fees. You can enjoy the game as much as you like,
Furthermore, the system operator can continuously collect the usage fee according to the use.

Further, since the communication between the terminal and the host computer can be kept to a minimum, the line fee charged by the user can be reduced. Furthermore, by summarizing the usage data sent from each terminal to the host computer, it is possible to check the names of games that are frequently used and to find trends in popular games.The results can be used to develop new products. It can also be useful for

In this communication game system, if the host computer and the terminal have not communicated with each other for a predetermined period of time, for example, one month or more, or if the system operator side needs the terminal device from the host computer. It is recommended to be able to call and send its usage data.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the transfer of the usage data may be performed every time the terminal is started, or the predetermined cycle may be set. Or periodically, for example, when the power is turned on for the first time every month, and when the recording amount of the usage data in the usage data RAM reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. It may be performed at the first communication.

Further, the use data may be transferred by any of the above-mentioned systems, which are combined with each other. Also, each CD-ROM
The protection release recorded in is valid for a certain period, for example, until 24:00 on the last day of the month, during which the game can be continued without inputting the release code even when the terminal is turned off and then turned on again. You may

Further, the game program is divided into a plurality of groups on the CD-ROM, each group is recorded with a different recognition code and a protect program, and a release code capable of releasing the plurality of protect programs in the host computer. Make a note of
When requesting the release code from the terminal, the release code of the program corresponding to the identification code may be input from the host computer only when the user inputs the predetermined identification code.

In this way, a person who does not know the recognition code cannot use the game to which the recognition code is added, so that a new game offered to a specific monitor for market research or a minor. Will be able to deliver games that restrict available users such as adult games that cannot be provided along with regular games that can be used by anyone.

In addition, the host computer can access an arbitrary terminal at any time to send a CD-ROM protect signal to the terminal, and if there is a reason for suspension of use during use of the game program, the terminal can be stopped. The use of the game program in may be stopped at any time.

Further, a prepaid card type charge collection device is provided adjacent to the terminal device, and when a valid prepaid card is not inserted, the reading of the game program is stopped with the CD-ROM protected. Every
The reading may be started for a period corresponding to the remaining amount of the card when the card is inserted.

The line connecting the host computer and the terminal is a public line of any kind, such as IS.
A DN, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication / broadcasting network, an FM data communication network, an optical communication network or the like can be appropriately selected and used.

Further, it is recommended that the billing system be capable of directly transmitting information such as billing of usage fee and billing deadline to each terminal through a communication line.
The ROM can be replaced with any package medium such as a ROM cartridge and an optical disk, and the present invention covers all modified embodiments that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art from the above description.

[0042]

The communication type game system having the charging system using the package media according to the present invention is constructed as described above. Therefore, according to the present invention, CG, 3
A large-capacity game using D, polygons, etc. can be provided at an appropriate price.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network structure of a communication game system having a charging system using a package medium according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-Host computer 10-Billing system 2--Public telephone network 3--Terminal 30 CPU 31- CD-ROM drive 32..extension interface 33..communication modem 34..use data RAM 35..voice reproduction unit 36..voice RAM 37 .. ..Speaker 38 .. video reproduction unit 39 .. video RAM 40 .. CRT display 41 .. I / O control unit 42 .. controller

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location H04N 7/18 G06F 15/21 Z

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A host computer (1) having a charging system (10) and a number of terminals (3) connected to the host computer (1) through a communication line. In a communication game system that provides a video game to a user in response to the request of the user, the user is allowed to read the plurality of game programs and the game program unless a predetermined release code is input from the host computer (1) in a timely manner. When the package media recorded with the unprotected program is delivered in advance and the user uses the game program recorded on the package media, set the package media in the terminal (3) and call the host computer. And the called host computer (1) is a terminal In addition to identifying (3), check the usage fee payment status of the terminal (3), and if there is no fact that should interfere with the use of the game program, enter the protection program release code in the terminal (3). A communication system having a billing system using packaged media, which is configured to send out, unprotect the packaged media to allow the user to use the game program, and collect usage data of the already provided game program. Game system. 2. Claiming a cancellation code from the terminal (3),
The communication game system according to claim 1, wherein the input from the host computer (1) is performed each time the terminal is started. 3. Requesting a release code from the terminal (3),
The communication game system according to claim 1, wherein the input from the host computer (1) is periodically performed in a predetermined cycle. 4. Requesting a release code from the terminal (3),
The communication game system according to claim 1, wherein the input from the host computer (1) is performed every time the package media is exchanged. 5. The package medium has a game program divided into a plurality of groups and recorded with different recognition codes and protect programs for each group. The host computer (1)
5. The communication game system according to claim 1, wherein a cancellation code for canceling each of the plurality of protect programs is recorded on the computer. 6. The host computer (1) is configured to access any terminal at any time, and can send a protect signal to stop the use of the game program of the terminal (2). 5. The communication game system according to any one of 5. 7. The usage data R, which is started when the terminal device (3) starts recording the game program usage data when the protection of the package media is released, and is reset when the usage data is transferred to the host computer.
Having the AM (34), the user can repeatedly use the game program recorded in the package medium one after another until the use data RAM (34) is reset after the protection program is released. The communication type game system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein usage data for a period is recorded in a usage data RAM. 8. The communication game system according to claim 7, wherein the usage data is transferred each time the package medium is unprotected. 9. The communication game system according to claim 7, wherein the use data is transferred when instructed by the host computer (1). 10. The communication game system according to claim 7, wherein the usage data is transferred each time the terminal (3) is started. 11. The communication game system according to claim 7, wherein the usage data is transferred at a predetermined cycle. 12. A use data RAM for use data transfer.
The communication game system according to claim 7, which is performed when the recording amount of (34) reaches a predetermined value or more. 13. The communication game system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal (3) is provided with a prepaid card type charge collection device.