Store system

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a store system applied to a store such as a game cafe where both games and eating and drinking can be performed. Regarding the store system.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Normally, a large number of game devices are installed in an arcade, and each player who visits the arcade plays with the game device he / she wants to play. There are also game devices for two players and game devices that can be enjoyed by a large number of people, but basically each player plays with the game device.

【0003】

In recent years, technological innovations in game devices as image representation have been remarkable, and it has become difficult to distinguish between game devices installed in arcades and home-use game devices. In addition, a game device using a dedicated housing has a pleasure that cannot be experienced with a home-use game device because the housing moves according to changes in the displayed image and the operation of the player. However, the cycle of popular game machines is also getting shorter, and there is a problem in terms of profitability with respect to cost.

【0004】

On the other hand, there is usually no admission fee at an arcade, and basically, the player pays money each time he or she plays one game. Therefore, although there is a difference in play time depending on the skill of the player, the cost for playing for a long time is enormous. The arcade was not a place where customers could stay for a long time like fast food.

【0005】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

In this way, conventional arcades have lost their former attractiveness and are becoming less capable of attracting customers, and they are no longer able to expect large profits in terms of management. Therefore, it is desired that a new store with games will appear under a new concept.

【0006】

An object of the present invention is to provide a store system in which customers can easily communicate with each other, can be used for secondary purposes such as conversations other than games, and can propose advertisements and events to customers. is there.

【0007】

[Means for solving problems]

The object is connected to a control unit, a game circuit board connected to the control unit, an operation means connected to the control unit or the game circuit board, and the control unit and the game circuit board. Having a plurality of terminal devices having a monitor, a network connecting the plurality of terminal devices, and an event server having a common monitor and transmitting an event to the plurality of terminal devices via the network. Achieved by a store system characterized by.

【0008】

In the store system described above, the store system has a satellite broadcast receiving device that receives satellite broadcasting and distributes it to each terminal device via the network, and the terminal device is at least one of the displays based on an operation by the operating means. The received contents of the satellite broadcast may be displayed in the unit.

【0009】

In the store system described above, the store system has a download server that downloads a game program from the outside via a communication line, the terminal device stores the downloaded game program in the control unit, and the game circuit board controls the control. The game program may be read from the unit and executed.

【0010】

In the store system described above, the operating means may be connected to the control unit, and the operation of the game executed by the game circuit board may be operated by the operating means via the control unit.

【0011】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A store system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

【0012】

(Structure of store system) The configuration of the store system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire store system according to the present embodiment.

【0013】

The store system 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with as many as 40 terminal devices 12. The store system 10, the Internet Server 14 for connection to an external communication line 30, the chat server for conducting chats between the respective terminal devices 12 to download the server 16, a game program via an external communication line A game download server 18 for this purpose and an event server 20 for sending an event to each terminal device 12 are provided.

【0014】

The Internet server 14 is a proxy server that provides a connection environment to the Internet, and performs mail management and IP address management by a DHPC (Dynamic Host Cofiguration Protocol) server function.

【0015】

The chat server 16 manages customer information connected by the terminal device 12, for example, the current position on the virtual town, voice information, etc., notifies each terminal device 12 of necessary data, and notifies the terminal device 12. Provide an environment where 12 people can chat with each other.

【0016】

The game download server 18 stores and manages the game program distributed via the communication line 30, and notifies each terminal device 12 of the game program information.

【0017】

The event server 20 is one of the features of the store system 10 of the present embodiment, and is a server on which the store side sends an event to each customer via the terminal device 12. A plurality of large monitors 22 installed in an easily visible position in the store are connected to the event server 20.

【0018】

The terminal device 12, the Internet server 14, the chat server 16, the game download server 18, and the event server 20 are connected to the hub 24 to form a local network.

【0019】

The store system 10 is further provided with an antenna 24 and a CS distributor 26 in order to receive satellite broadcasting from the satellite 40. The satellite broadcast image received by the antenna 24 is distributed to each terminal device 12 via the CS distributor 26.

【0020】

The store system 10 is further provided with a reception device 28. The reception device 28 is also connected to the hub 24. The reception device 28 accepts customers who enter the store and allocates them to a predetermined terminal device 12.

【0021】

The store system 10 can be connected to other stores 32 and PCs 36 and game machines 38 of each home 34 via the Internet server 14 via the communication line 30.

【0022】

(Structure of Terminal Device) The terminal device in the store system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is an external view of the terminal device in the store system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the terminal device in the store system according to the present embodiment.

【0023】

As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 12 is provided with a dedicated stand 52 on the dedicated desk 50, and a monitor 54 with a touch panel is fixed on the dedicated stand 52. A game controller 56 is connected to the dedicated stand 52. A dedicated chair 58 is provided facing the dedicated desk 50. This dedicated chair 58 is loosely and widely formed so that two players can sit side by side.

【0024】

As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 12 of the present embodiment includes a PC / AT compatible machine 60 of a general-purpose computer which is a control unit and a game circuit board 62 which is a computer dedicated to games. It is provided in (dedicated desk 50), and the game circuit board 62 is provided as one of the peripheral devices of the PC / AT compatible machine 60.

【0025】

The PC / AT compatible machine 60 is provided with various external interfaces. As shown in Fig. 3, as various interfaces, input imaging signals such as video board 64a for outputting video signals, LAN board 64b for local network, sound board 64c for outputting audio signals, CCD camera, etc. A capture board 64d for interface, a CS tuner board 64e for receiving satellite broadcast signals, a general-purpose serial board 64f, and an IEEE1394 board 64g for high-speed data transfer are provided.

【0026】

The video board 64a is connected to the monitor 54 via the VGA selector 66. The VGA selector 66 switches between the video signal from the video board 64a and the video signal from the game circuit board 62 as necessary, and outputs the video signal to the monitor 54.

【0027】

A touch panel 68 is mounted on the screen of the monitor 54. The player operates by touching the touch panel 68. An audio signal is output from the PC / AT compatible machine 60 to the monitor 54 in addition to the VGA signal, and the PC / AT compatible machine 60 and the monitor 54 are controlled by inputting / outputting a serial signal.

【0028】

The LAN board 64b is connected to hub 24. A microphone 70 and two control pads 56 are connected to the sound board 64c. A CCD camera 74 is connected to the capture board 64d. The serial board 64f is connected to the ID card reader 76 and also to the game circuit board 62.

【0029】

The game circuit board 62 is provided with an IEEE1394 board 78 and a LAN board 80. The IEEE1394 board 78 is connected to the IEEE1394 board 64g of the PC / AT compatible machine 60, and the LAN board 80 is connected to the hub 24.

【0030】

The mouse 82 and keyboard 84 used in ordinary general-purpose computers can be connected to the PC / AT compatible machine 60, but they can be connected as needed for maintenance, or even if they are connected, they can be stored in the dedicated desk 50. Has been done.

【0031】

The functions of PC / AT compatibles 60 will be explained. The PC / AT compatible machine 60 controls communication data between each of the above-mentioned servers 14, 16, 18, 20 and the game circuit board 62, and controls and manages mini games on the PC / AT compatible machine 60. Controls CS broadcast viewing and various peripheral devices.

【0032】

The PC / AT compatible machine 60 also controls each peripheral device. The touch panel 68 analyzes the coordinate data input by the touch operation and notifies the game circuit board 62 as necessary. For the control pad 56, the operation input signal is notified to the PC / AT compatible machine 60 running the mini game or the game circuit board 62, if necessary. The CCD camera 74 captures a still image, processes the captured image, for example, changes the size and color tone, and registers the captured image in a database. For the ID card reader 76, input / output management of data to the ID card is performed.

【0033】

The PC / AT compatible machine 60 also performs other controls. For example, the PC / AT compatible machine 60 acquires the game program distributed from the game download server 18 and notifies the game circuit board 62. Further, the PC / AT compatible machine 60 has voice recognition software, recognizes the voice input from the microphone 70, and notifies the recognition result to the chat server 16 or the like.

【0034】

Further, the PC / AT compatible machine 60 controls the screen display of the monitor 54. As shown in Fig. 4 (a), a satellite broadcasting screen (CS screen) is incorporated as part of the display screen (PC screen) of the PC / AT compatible machine 60. This makes it possible to watch satellite broadcasts while operating the PC / AT compatible machine 60. The built-in CS screen can be enlarged or reduced as needed by the drag function of the touch panel 68, as shown in FIG. 4 (b).

【0035】

Further, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), even after switching from the PC screen to the game screen, the screen by satellite broadcasting (CS screen) can be incorporated as a part of the game screen by the game circuit board 62. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), the CS screen and the game screen can be incorporated into a part of the PC screen at the same time.

【0036】

The function of the game circuit board 62 will be described. The game circuit board 62 forms a three-dimensional 3D chat space based on the data received from the PC / AT compatible machine 60, and performs a process of displaying it on the monitor 54. Further, the game circuit board 62 executes the game downloaded from the game download server 18. When the execution of the game is completed, the PC / AT compatible machine 60 is notified to that effect.

【0037】

The function of the ID card reader 76 will be described. A membership card (ID card) is issued to the customer. User information such as ID is recorded on the membership card. The ID card reader 76 reads and writes information on the ID card and manages member information. Avatar information may be recorded on the ID card.

【0038】

The function of the touch panel 68 will be described. By reading the touched coordinates on the screen, the touch panel 68 performs an input operation for each screen, a key input operation by displaying a soft keyboard on the screen, an input operation in 3D chat, and the like.

【0039】

The function of the CCD camera 74 will be described. The face of the user is photographed by the CCD camera 74, and the face of the avatar and the face photograph of the user used for the business card are created.

【0040】

(Flow of Processing to Customer) The processing when a customer visits the store system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

【0041】

First, when a customer comes to the store, the reception device 28 performs reception processing (step S10). It is determined whether the customer is the first customer to visit the store (step S11), and if the customer is the first customer to visit the store, an ID card is issued (step S12). If the customer has already visited the store, the process proceeds to step S13.

【0042】

After that, the customer inserts the ID card into the ID card reader 76 for each terminal device 12 (step S13) (step S14). Determine if the customer is the first customer to visit (step S15), and if the customer is the first customer to visit, create the customer's avatar (incarnation) in the virtual space (step S16). For customers who have already visited the store, proceed to step S17.

【0043】

After that, when starting the event at this store, the opening screen is displayed first (step S17). The customer then spends time participating in various events such as 3D chat and games offered at this store (step S18).

【0044】

When the end of the play time offered at the time of reception is approaching, the end time is notified to the customer by displaying on the monitor 54 (step S19). The customer chooses to end or continue playing (step S20) and returns to step S18 to continue playing. To end the play, display the end screen (step S21) and eject the ID card (step S22).

【0045】

The customer performs an exit process by the reception device 28 (step S23), pays a play fee (step S24), and ends the process for the customer.

【0046】

(How to play in the store system) A wide variety of ways to play in the store system of this embodiment will be described.

【0047】

The store system of the present embodiment provides time-consuming play in which customers share and enjoy time. It is a different way of thinking from the conventional charge collection for game use in arcades, and is intended to give customers a sense of affordability.

【0048】

Avatar chat is provided as one of the games. Avatar chat is to generate one's own avatar (incarnation) in a virtual space for a customer and exchange conversations with other avatars. Create a virtual town in the virtual space, and while wandering around the town, exchange business cards, use the message board provided in the town, and send e-mails to other members.

【0049】

In addition, simple games such as rock-paper-scissors are played with other members, multiplayer games such as handkerchief dropping are played by recruiting members, and time event games that start at a predetermined time are played.

【0050】

In addition, the event server 20 may be used to propose events such as quizzes and games from the store side and invite customers to participate. At this time, the event is displayed on the large monitor 22 and the in-store broadcast is performed to invite the participation of a large number of members. Customers who wish to participate express their intention to participate using the terminal device 12. The event server 20 manages the participating members and executes the event.

【0051】

In the store system of this embodiment, a virtual city is generated in the virtual space. The city has a movie theater for showing movies, a music garden for playing music, a game lab for playing games, a sports stadium for playing sports, and a motor town where you can ride a car. Members move to places of interest and exchange information with other members gathered there. Operate your avatar and enjoy talking with other avatars (incarnations) of other members you like and acting together.

【0052】

A dedicated album is prepared for each customer, and when one's avatar meets or plays with another avatar, the profile of the participant is filed and accumulated in one's album. This album will be available for reference the next time you play. For the store side, it is possible to send an e-mail or the like to each customer to invite them to the event, and each customer's album can be used as market analysis data.

【0053】

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is easy for customers to communicate with each other, secondary use such as conversations other than games is possible, and it is possible to propose advertisements and events to customers.

【0054】

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways. The configuration and usage method of the store system described above are merely examples, and may have other configurations or other usage methods.

【0055】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is easy for customers to communicate with each other, secondary use such as conversations other than games is possible, and it is possible to propose advertisements and events to customers.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram which shows the whole store system by one Embodiment of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is external drawing of the terminal apparatus of the store system by one Embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 3]

It is a block diagram of the terminal apparatus of the store system by one Embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 4]

It is a figure which shows the screen display of the terminal apparatus of the store system by one Embodiment of this invention. [Fig. 5]

It is a flowchart of processing at the time of a customer visit by the store system by one Embodiment of this invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... store system 12 ... Terminal device 14 ... Internet server 16 ... chat server 18 ... Game download server 20 ... Event server 22 ... Large monitor 24 ... antenna 26 ... CS distributor 28 ... Reception device 30 ... communication line 32 ... other stores 34 ... home 36 ... PC 38 ... Game console 40 ... satellite 50 ... dedicated desk 52 ... Dedicated stand 54 ... monitor 56 ... Game controller 58 ... Dedicated chair 60 ... PC / AT compatibles 62 ... Game circuit board 64a ... video board 64b ... LAN board 64c ... Sound board 64d ... capture board 64e ... CS tuner board 64f ... serial board 64g ... IEEE1394 board 66 ... VGA selector 68 ... Touch panel 70 ... Mike 74 ... CCD camera 76 ... ID card reader 78 ... IEEE1394 board 80 ... LAN board 82 ... mouse 84 ... keyboard