Game provision system utilizing rfid identification technology and game device used in the system

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a game providing system using RFID identification technology and a game device used in the system.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

In many game providing devices and game systems installed in conventional commercial game providing facilities, it is common that one game is prepared by one system. Those who want to enjoy the game need to go to the arcade game facility where the device is installed and search for the desired game device. If the game device has already been used by another person, the user must wait for the end of the use.

【0003】

In addition, coinless gameplay is now possible with prepaid cards, but when using prepaid cards, points cannot be added, so resources are wasted and a small amount of balance is generated. If this occurs, it will take time and effort to use it up. The shape is limited to a plastic card shape, and its dimensions (length, width and thickness) are also limited to one type with standardized standards.

【0004】

On the other hand, there are systems that use physical items to identify users. However, one identification item is limited to one series of dedicated game housings, and it cannot be used in a wide variety of ways such as other game housings.

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-169965 [0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

An object of the present invention is to receive and recognize physical items such as cards, coins, tags, and dolls having a built-in RFID identification technology (identification technology using wireless communication) transmitter, and information transmitted from the transmitter. By using a game providing terminal with a built-in RFID receiver that can identify an individual and obtain personal information, it is possible to provide multiple games even with one game providing device, and further LAN and An object of the present invention is to provide a game providing system in which a game usage right can be set in advance using a network technology such as the Internet, and a game device used for the system.

【0006】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an ID identification device that induces power supply power by receiving radio waves, activates a transmission unit by the power supply power, and transmits ID information, and transmits the radio waves. One or more game providing devices having a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, and having a mounting unit, an image display unit, a game executing means, and an operating means for mounting the ID identification device in the vicinity of the transmitting unit that transmits the radio wave. A game information storage unit that is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the one or more game providing devices and holds information about the game corresponding to the ID identification device, a communication unit that communicates with the game providing device, and management control of information about the game. A game management server device having a control means for performing the game, a game program storage means installed in the game providing device or the game management server device, and storing a game program provided for each entity providing the game. When the ID identification device is installed in the mounting unit, the game management server device is provided with a fee payment device for paying the fee, and ID information transmitted by the ID identification device is transmitted via the game providing device. The game management server device returns the information about the game stored in the ID correspondence to the game providing device, displays an image based on the information on the image display unit of the game providing device, and the player prepaid. When the player can start the game to be selected or restarted at a certain fee or the input fee, the game program to be selected or restarted is read from the game program storage means, and the game is started. To do. The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein one of the game providing devices is provided with Joyce Tech and a plurality of buttons as an operation unit, and can read and execute a game such as a battle system. Is equipped with a gun in the operation unit, and can read and execute games such as gun shooting, and the other one is a handle, accelerator pedal, etc. as the operation unit. It is equipped with a brake pedal and a shift knob, and is characterized by being able to read and execute games such as racing games. The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, because the ID identification device induces at least an IC memory for storing ID information, a communication circuit for communicating with the game providing device, and power supply power. It is characterized by being an RFID card having a small antenna of the above. The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 3, the RFID card is housed in a shape housing of a doll, an animal, a model or a stationery. The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, a game usage right selling device that pays a game fee in advance as the fee delivery device is connected to the game management server device. To do. The invention according to claim 6 has a server device for charge settlement in which charges are prepaid from a terminal device via a public line or a dedicated line in the invention according to claim 1, and the charge settlement server device is the game. When there is an access from the management server device, the charge information of the charge for each player is transmitted. The invention according to claim 7 is an RFID having at least an IC memory for storing ID information, a communication circuit for communicating with the game providing device, and a small antenna for inducing power supply power in the invention according to claim 1. Providing a game having a card, a transmitting unit and a receiving unit that emits the radio wave, and a mounting unit, an image display unit, a game executing means, and an operating means for mounting the ID identification device in the vicinity of the transmitting unit that emits the radio wave. It is characterized by being composed of a device. It is characterized by being housed in a model or stationery shape housing. The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, a game usage right selling device that pays a game fee in advance as the fee delivery device is connected to the game management server device. To do. The invention according to claim 6 has a server device for charge settlement in which charges are prepaid from a terminal device via a public line or a dedicated line in the invention according to claim 1, and the charge settlement server device is the game. When there is an access from the management server device, the charge information of the charge for each player is transmitted. The invention according to claim 7 is an RFID having at least an IC memory for storing ID information, a communication circuit for communicating with the game providing device, and a small antenna for inducing power supply power in the invention according to claim 1. Providing a game having a card, a transmitting unit and a receiving unit that emits the radio wave, and a mounting unit, an image display unit, a game executing means, and an operating means for mounting the ID identification device in the vicinity of the transmitting unit that emits the radio wave. It is characterized by being composed of a device. It is characterized by being housed in a model or stationery shape housing. The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, a game usage right selling device that pays a game fee in advance as the fee delivery device is connected to the game management server device. To do. The invention according to claim 6 has a server device for charge settlement in which charges are prepaid from a terminal device via a public line or a dedicated line in the invention according to claim 1, and the charge settlement server device is the game. When there is an access from the management server device, the charge information of the charge for each player is transmitted. The invention according to claim 7 is an RFID having at least an IC memory for storing ID information, a communication circuit for communicating with the game providing device, and a small antenna for inducing power supply power in the invention according to claim 1. Providing a game having a card, a transmitting unit and a receiving unit that emits the radio wave, and a mounting unit, an image display unit, a game executing means, and an operating means for mounting the ID identification device in the vicinity of the transmitting unit that emits the radio wave. It is characterized by being composed of a device.

【0007】

[Action]

According to the above configuration, the game providing device is installed in, for example, a business game providing facility or a game management server device installed in another place, and the game management server device installed in the same facility is installed in another place. If the game can be played by acquiring the game program and the play data, player data, etc. attached to the game program from the existing game management server device via the communication network and using the standard operation equipment of the game providing device, the player. By selecting, it is possible to play a plurality of games even though it is one game providing device. In addition, the game usage right can be set in advance.

【0008】

The game providing device in the present invention is installed in, for example, a commercial game providing facility, and incorporates a receiver using RFID identification technology. Then, the user of the game providing device has a physical item (ID identification device) corresponding to the commercial game providing system having a built-in transmitter using the RFID identification technology, and can be used by using the physical item. It is possible to obtain personal information necessary for a person's game use and use that information to provide various services. The contents of the service are, for example, (1) the latest played game can be restarted promptly from the interruption point, and (2) a billing system using the device usage right added in advance with a dedicated device is available. It becomes possible, (3) it becomes possible to provide various information processed from the play results in multiple games provided by this system, and (4) the identification number of each physical item corresponding to the commercial game providing system. Information can be provided, information can be updated, and game play can be performed using the password set by the user and various data corresponding to the identification number stored in the game management server device using the Internet. .. (Five) In addition, the commercial game providing facility is provided with a game usage right sales device capable of adding game usage rights to the physical items in the present invention, and the user attaches his / her own physical items to this sales machine. It is possible to add the desired amount of usage rights to physical items by paying the charges with cash or a card at the price corresponding to the desired usage rights.

【0009】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to the present invention, and is an example of installation in a virtual store. Game providing device A with A type standard operation equipment in the store₁ A_n And the game providing device B with B type standard operation equipment₁ B_n And a game providing device C with a special type of operation equipment₁ C_n Is installed. For example, game providing device A₁ A_n 10 units, game providing device B₁ B_n 3 units are installed, and a special type game providing device C₁ C_n A device that has been made coinless by attaching a network unit with a built-in receiver that uses the retrofit RFID identification technology, 2 shooting games, 4 crane games, 4 seal printing devices, and more. Two dance games will be installed.

【0010】

These game providing devices are connected to the game management server device 3 installed in the dedicated room 9 in the store facility or another place. In addition, in order to add the game usage right to the physical item (hereinafter referred to as "G parts") 1 corresponding to the commercial game provision system that has a built-in transmitter that uses RFID identification technology separately in the store 2. Game usage right sales device for deposit 4₁ ・・・4_n Is installed, which is also connected to the game management server device 3. The user can play the game of each game providing device by his / her own G part 1. As described above, all the game providing devices installed in the store 2 have been made coinless.

【0011】

Type A standard operating equipment is currently the most common commercial gaming enclosure consisting of one joystick and six operating buttons, and Type B it has handles, accelerators, brakes, shift knobs, and more. It consists of a number of operation buttons, which is also the most common commercial car racing game housing at present. In addition, there are games that can be unified to some extent, mahjong games, personal medal games that use monitors, and gun games that use gun-type controllers connected by cables.

【0012】

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the game providing device of FIG. 1, and is an example of the A type. The screen display unit 11 is arranged in front of the center of the game body 10, and the joystick 13 and the six button switches 15 are installed on the table. At the back of the right end of the table, there is a G-part mounting unit 14 for communicating with G-part 1 in close proximity. A coin slot 12 for inserting coins is installed at the right end of the front of the table. It is also possible to start the game without using G parts by inserting coins into the coin insertion unit 12 installed in the game providing device. The game can be played by obtaining the game usage right by the prepaid processing by the game usage right sales device 4, and the game can also be enjoyed by inserting coins in this way. When the game usage right of the prepaid amount is insufficient, the shortage can be compensated by the game usage right selling device 4.

【0013】

FIG. 3A is a circuit block diagram showing details of the ID identification device (G part) and the game providing device. The G part 1 includes a communication unit 22 including a transmission unit and a reception unit, a memory unit 20, and an induction unit 21 including a coil that induces electric power by receiving radio waves from a game providing device. Only the management number for identifying each G part 1 is recorded in the memory unit 20, and when this management number is sent to the game management server device 3 via the game providing device, the customer number is used as a verification key. All personal information such as PIN, customer name, and billing information is output from the game management server device 3. Therefore, G part 1 is the same as always sending only the control number to identify itself, recording other data on G part 1 itself, adding or changing data. There is no. As a result, there is a downside that information must be exchanged with the game management server device 3 when using G parts, but it is a big plus in terms of security enhancement and ease of selling the G parts themselves.

【0014】

The shape and material of G part 1 can be freely designed as long as it has a transmitter, inducer, etc. that use RFID identification technology inside. For example, it is possible to construct a mobile phone strap with a character figure or a character goods attached. It is also possible to construct a portable device (PDA, mobile phone, personal computer, etc.) to which a transmitter and an induction unit are added, or a card printed with a conventionally existing character or the like. It is not just a transmitter for identifying personal information, but it is also possible to add value as character goods, and by doing so, by acquiring a purchase purpose other than the original purpose such as a telephone card, It is also possible to increase the willingness to purchase.

【0015】

A-type information providing devices include communication unit 25, CPU26, RAM27, ROM28, operation unit 29, sound circuit 30, speaker 31, coin slot 32, coin detection unit 33, image processing unit 34, image display unit 11, and bus. It has 35. The communication unit 25 performs proximity wireless communication with the G parts placed on the G parts mounting unit 14, and further exchanges data with the game management server device 3 via the LAN. The ROM 28 stores programs and data that control the information providing device. The game program selected by the user sent from the game management server device 3 is stored in the RAM 27. It is also used as a work area for control. The CPU26 executes a game program and controls the whole. The image processing unit 34 performs image processing according to the instruction from the CPU 26, and displays the processed image on the image display unit 11.

【0016】

Signals such as back music during standby, background sound and voice during game execution are output from the sound circuit 30 according to the instruction of the CPU 26, and music and the like are output from the speaker 31. The user can play the game by using the joystick 13 of the operation unit 29 and the six button switches 15. When a coin is inserted into the coin slot 32, it is detected by the coin detector 33 and the information is sent to the CPU 26. Information providing devices of B type and special type other than A type basically have the same components as the above circuit, and the configuration of the operation unit 29 is different for B type. In addition, for the special type, the operation unit 29 is equipped with its own mechanical unit and the like.

【0017】

FIG. 3B is a circuit block diagram showing details of the game usage right sales device. Communication unit 4f that communicates with the game management server device 3, G parts mounting unit 4b that mounts the user's G parts in order for the user to obtain the game usage right, coin slot 4c that can insert coins, and charge card It has a card reader 4d that reads the contents. When the user mounts the G part on the G part mounting unit 4b and inserts a coin or inserts a cash card and reads it in order to obtain the usage right, the control unit 4a performs the case of inserting a coin. The coin detector 4e detects the amount of money inserted. In the case of a cash card, when a predetermined amount of payment is processed, the amount is read and the game usage right of the amount delivered to the management number corresponding to G parts is set. This information is sent to the game management server device 3 by the communication unit 4f.

【0018】

Next, the circuit configuration of the game management server device will be described. In the game management server device 3 of FIG. 1, only the circuit portion directly related to the present invention is described. The game management server device 3 includes a control unit 8, a communication unit 5, and a memory unit 6. The communication unit 5 communicates with the game providing device and the game usage right selling device 4 via the LAN under the control of the control unit 8. The memory unit 6 stores a game for business use provided to the game providing device, for example, a game program 6 of a game company A.₁ , Game program of game company n 6_n Are stored respectively. Further, as the management information, personal information such as a customer number, a password, a customer name, and billing information is stored as described above, and information about the game such as the game being interrupted is also stored. The game management server device 3 is connected to the Internet via a public line.

【0019】

Since the game management server device 3 is configured in this way, each game providing device can obtain and store all the programs and data necessary for executing the game from the game management server device 3. Moreover, since the game is created according to the specifications of the game providing device, the game program can be executed regardless of the software production company. This form is a system similar to that of a large number of companies supplying game software to a mobile phone, and the business game system of the present invention can also supply game software by the same method as that of a mobile phone. .. The control unit 8 processes this income format as follows, for example. If the user has a profit of 100 yen to use for one game, the system management company will distribute it at a rate of 10 yen, the game management facility will distribute it at 60 yen, and the game provider will distribute it at a rate of 30 yen. Then, the aggregated value is displayed on an output device (not shown) or output as data so that the aggregated value will be paid to each company next month.

【0020】

In the present invention, since the game machine itself is coinless, the game income can be easily calculated by the game management server device 3, and the efficiency of the collection method can be improved. In the above embodiment, an example of storing the game program of each software company in the memory unit 6 of the game management server device 3 has been described, but the game program and the data itself having a large capacity are stored in the game providing device as much as possible in advance. It is effective to keep it. However, in the case of such a configuration, in order to improve security, it is necessary to ask the game management server device that manages the game providing device for the approval act when starting each of these game programs.

【0021】

4A and 4B are flowcharts for explaining the operation and operation of the game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to the present invention. When a game facility user uses a game providing device equipped with standard operation equipment, it is stipulated by moving to a vacant game providing device and placing the brought G part 1 on the G part mounting part 14 of the game providing device. Bring it closer to a distance. The CPU 26 of the game providing device emits short-distance radio waves from the transmitting unit in the communication unit 25, and the G part 1 enters within the specified distance, and the management number unique to the G part is generated by the radio waves emitted. When (ID information) is sent, it is received. The management number is transmitted to the game management server device 3 (step (hereinafter referred to as "S") 001,002).

【0022】

The control unit 8 of the game management server device 3 returns the information of the G part 1 to the game providing device based on the management number (S003). Then, the game providing device displays a predetermined menu on the image display unit 11 and determines whether personal information is set by the CPU 26, that is, whether or not to use the game providing device for the first time (S004, S005). For the first time, a screen requesting password input is displayed (S006). When the user enters the password, a screen for selecting a game of each game company is displayed (S007, S008). When the user selects a game (S009), the next step is S012, which determines whether or not the usage fee for playing the game is charged.

【0023】

If this is not the first time the game has been used in S005, it is determined whether or not there is a game that was interrupted last time (S010). If there is no interrupted game, the screen shifts to S008, which displays the game selection screen. If there is an interrupted game, it is determined whether or not it is set that the game is desired to be restarted (S011). If the restart request is not set, the screen shifts to S008 which displays the game selection screen. If a request for resumption is set, the game shifts to S012, which determines whether or not the usage fee for playing the game is charged.

【0024】

In S012, the CPU 26 starts the selected game or the game desired to be restarted when the usage fee is charged (S015). If the usage fee is not charged, a screen instructing the fee to be charged is displayed (S013). When the user inserts coins as much as possible to play the game from the coin slot 12 or pays the fee by the game usage right selling device 4 (S014), the selected game or the game desired to be restarted is started. (S015). In this way, the items that should be checked initially are verified. While the game is being played, the CPU 26 determines at predetermined time whether or not the operation to end the game has been performed, and whether or not the game is over (S016, S017). If the operation to end the game is performed, or if it is determined that the game is over, the results during the game such as the highest score in the game are displayed on the screen (S018), and then whether or not communication with G part 1 is possible. Make a judgment (S022).

【0025】

On the other hand, if the game is continued, it is determined whether or not the operation to interrupt the game has been performed (S019). If the game is not interrupted, move to S016. When the game is interrupted, it is determined whether or not the operation for automatic restart is performed next (S020). When automatically restarting, the data is stored as management information 7 in the memory unit 6 of the game management server device 3 (S021). When it is stored as management information or when it is not automatically restarted next time, it shifts to S022 which judges whether it is possible to communicate with G part 1. If it is not possible to communicate with G part 1, the game ends processing as if the user had left the game providing device. If communication with G part 1 is still possible, the image display unit 11 displays a selection screen as to whether or not to play another game (S023). If no other game is played, the process of ending the game is performed. If you select another game, move to S010.

【0026】

As mentioned above, if you have just purchased the G part and personal information has not been set, you can move to the screen for entering personal information such as customer number and PIN, or if you do not have enough usage rights (charges), you can do so. Display a message to announce. Furthermore, if restart is set in the previous game, the game is restarted by acquiring the play result stored using the game program and personal information as a key from the game management server device. If it does not correspond to these, the currently executable game list produced and provided by multiple companies is acquired from the game management server device, the game selection and various data browsing screens are displayed, and the user operates. Execute the process of waiting for.

【0027】

FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram showing an example in which a device for setting usage rights is connected to the system of FIG. 1 in advance. Store 35 shown in Figure 1_A_, 35_B ・・・35_N The game management server device in the game is connected to the Internet 37 via the public line 36. A charge settlement server device 39 is connected to the Internet 37. As already explained, the fee settlement can be performed by the game usage right sales device 4 of each store. For example, it is possible to consume and pay an arbitrary amount of the game usage right recorded and deposited in the G parts by the game usage right sales device 4 in the store. The information from the game usage right sales device 4 is transmitted to the charge settlement server device 39 provided in another place via the game management server device in the store and via the public line and the Internet service. The charge settlement server device 39 integrates and manages the Internet service, and when the information is transmitted, the right to use the Internet charge service associated with the personal information of the G part is additionally added. Charges can be settled from a personal computer 38, and can also be settled using an ATM device 40 or the like, a cash card, a convenience store, or a bank transfer.

【0028】

Further, when a game providing device equipped with a network unit is used, basically only information related to payment of usage fees is managed, so that various effects enabled by the above-mentioned dedicated machine cannot be obtained. By using the game system in this way, usage information of various game machines is transmitted and accumulated at any time to the game management server device in the store, and the collected usage information is finally managed entirely. It is sent to the server device 41. Then, based on such information, various management actions such as collection of money, distribution of sales, and management analysis will be executed.

【0029】

In the present invention, the game usage right and the use of game data can be applied to a commercial game device having a dedicated operation device or capable of executing only a single game, and can be applied to a commercial game providing facility. Efficient store management will be possible by constructing a usage fee settlement system and an information collection system that integrate all the installed game devices. In addition, by standardizing the operation system of various commercial game providing devices, it is possible to realize cost reduction by sharing parts and mass production, reducing costs on the operating facility side, improving maintainability, and developing. Cost reduction can be expected.

【0030】

In the above embodiment, the example in which the game program storage unit is housed in the game management server device has been described, but the game program storage unit may be stored in each game providing device. In the case of such a configuration, it is necessary to obtain approval from the game management server device for all the selected game programs.

【0031】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the present invention, the game providing device installed in the commercial game providing facility is the game program and its attachments via the communication network by the game management server device installed in the same facility or in another place. If the game can be played by acquiring data such as play data and player data to be played and using the standard operation device of the game providing device, the player selects a game to play a plurality of games with one game providing device. Moreover, there is an effect that the usage fee can be settled without coins.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to the present invention.

2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the game providing device of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3A is a circuit block diagram showing details of an ID identification device and a game providing device.

FIG. 3B is a circuit block diagram showing details of a game usage right sales device.

FIG. 4A is a flowchart of the first half for explaining the operation and operation of the game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a flowchart of the latter half for explaining the operation and operation of the game providing system using the RFID identification technology according to the present invention.

5 is a circuit block diagram showing an example in which a device for setting a usage right is connected to the system of FIG. 1 in advance.

[Explanation of symbols]

A₁ , A₂ A_n A type game providing device B₁ , B₂ B_n B type game providing device C₁ , C₂ C_n C type game providing device 2 store 3 game management server device 4,4₁ ・・・4_n Game usage right sales device (charge delivery device) 5,22,25 Communication section 6,20 Memory section 7 Management information 6₁ ・・・6_n Game program of each game company 9 Dedicated room in store facility 10 Main unit 11 Image display unit 12 Coin insertion unit 13 Joystick 14 G parts mounting unit 15 Button switch 21 Induction unit 26 CPU27 RAM28 ROM29 Operation unit 30 Sound circuit 31 Speaker 32 Coin insertion slot 33 Coin detector