JP2810658B1 - Communication game system - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] Even if a game has a large amount of data as well as a pachinko machine, there is no time difference between the monitor image of the game situation and the game situation of the player, and a person who has a game contract with a game store Provides a communication game system in which a game can be enjoyed whenever desired. A game recording medium for recording game contents.
And a communication computer which reads information from the game recording medium 10 and proceeds with the game, and a communication line connecting the game computer 20 and the game store. Transmitting / receiving apparatuses 401, 402,... Having the same number of transmitting / receiving channels as the gaming computer 20 existing in
., 40n.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for enjoying a game using a computer network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In games, such as roulette and slot machines, where the data capacity required for computer graphics is small, it is easy to distribute game software from a virtual game center using a communication line. Also, games with a large data capacity have been distributed with the speeding up of communication lines. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei.
In FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 6, a personal computer user operates a predetermined pachinko machine provided in a pachinko parlor on the personal computer while watching a video of the pachinko machine transmitted via the network, and plays. The technology is disclosed, and according to the small technology, the sound effect can be applied to the personal computer side, so that the user can easily obtain the sound effect without actually going to the pachinko parlor.
You can enjoy pachinko for realism anytime for 4 hours.

[0003]

However, in the prior art, the image of the game console selected by the player is taken by the monitor camera and displayed on the display of the player's personal computer via the communication line. However, since the capacity of the communication line is limited, it is not possible to monitor the rapid movement of pachinko balls in real time like a TV broadcast, and there is a time lag between the monitored image and the playing situation of the player. However, there was a disadvantage that the ball was hard to hit.

[0004] Further, in the prior art, even if a game contract is made with a pachinko parlor, if players are concentrated on a pachinko machine of a popular model, the line is not connected and it is impossible to enjoy the game at all. There were also disadvantages.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention does not produce a time lag between a monitor image of a game situation and a game situation of a player even in a game having a large amount of graphic data such as a pachinko machine. If you have a play contract,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication game system in which a game can be enjoyed whenever desired.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game recording system for recording game contents.
Recording medium, and reading the information on the game recording medium to play the game.
A game computer for proceeding, and the game computer
A transmitting and receiving device having the same number of transmitting and receiving channels as
A communication system having a nucleation server;
Having a Kuarei Lud - data processing systems and, and communication management shea
A game store consisting of a stem and a game computer
A communication game system that has a communication line for connecting amusement shops
When a power failure signal is received, the
Instantaneous interruption management utility that issues a power-off command signal to the application server
When the unit and the power failure signal are received, the communication line is closed,
Then, within the predetermined time, the communication server
Save your game data to the disk array,
When a power recovery signal is received, the communication
Power on the server and then evacuate to the disk array.
Game data returned to the communication server
And wait for the return of the game data to complete and release the communication line.
And a communication management system .

[0007]

[0008]

[0009]

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The system of the present invention is different from the prior art in that it allows a player to run package software on a player's computer and compete for results.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the present invention. The system of the present invention includes a game recording medium 10, a game computer 20 having a transmission / reception device 30, a communication line, and a game store.

As the game recording medium 10 in FIG.
A CD-ROM or the like is preferably used. Although the capacity of the CD-ROM is 640 MB, assuming that the capacity of a game that requires large-capacity data such as pachinko is 40 MB, the CD-RO
M can record up to 16 types of games. Here, the capacity of the game is composed of a data portion composed of computer graphics and audio and a program portion.For example, in the case of a game such as a pachinko machine in which a large number of balls are disturbed and the direction changes rapidly, a data portion that can be reduced to the capacity of the game. Ratio increases. Since the capacity of the game varies depending on the type and content of the game, if the types and content of the game are mixed on one CD-ROM, the choices of the player are dramatically increased.
You. It is not realistic to store a large capacity game on a floppy disk. In the case of pachinko, CD
The information recorded in the ROM relates to installers, dial-ups, logins, amusement store entrances, amusement store interiors, amusement stands, gift exchanges, ticket vending machines, etc.

Next, the game computer 20 having the transmission / reception device 30 in FIG. 1 is operated by the player. Incidentally, the transmitting / receiving device 30 is usually built in the game computer 20. In the present invention, the game computer 20
A mouse is suitably used as an input means to the computer.

Next, the communication lines 351 and 35 in FIG.
The 2,35 m may be analog or digital. Depending on the regional distribution of players, all existing communication lines, including the telephone network, can be used.

Next, the amusement store in FIG.
01, 402, 40n, a communication system 50, a data processing system 60, an instantaneous interruption processing system 70, and a communication management system 80. Each transceiver has m channels that accept m communication lines from m players. Since n such receiving devices are installed, the total number of channels is m × n, and m × n simultaneous access is possible. If the number of channels m is 3
If the amusement store has 10 transmission / reception devices such as 2 in the amusement store, it can meet the demand of 320 people. When the communication line is analog, the transmitting and receiving device uses MODEM,
Use a terminal adapter when digital. In addition, MO
The DEM partially demodulates a digital signal of the game computer 20 or a game store into an analog signal of 0.3 to 3 Khz. When the communication line is digital, communication between the game computer 20 and the game store is performed by high-speed packet transmission.

Next, the communication system 50 in FIG. 1 handles transmission and reception of data. In the case of a pachinko machine, information transmitted and received by the communication system 50 includes a dial-in service,
Login checker, store opening / closing management, game console management, setting information management, usage information management, pachinko card management, payout management, winning situation management, premium information management, premium order reception, game console information totaling, membership fee management, etc. It will be.

Next, the data processing system 6 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 0 denotes a system that receives and recognizes data of the communication system 50 and records an operator, a game progress / result, and the like.
Also, the data processing system 60 asks the player himself,
Or command. In the case of a pachinko machine, the information processed by the data processing system 60 includes logging records, security, business hours management, announcement management, general management of setting information, general management of usage information, total management of payout ratio, central management of game console operation, It relates to usage statement issue management, membership registration management, membership fee management, backup, maintenance, system operation management, and the like.

Next, the instantaneous interruption processing system 70 in FIG.
Is to save the game situation when the power of the amusement store is momentarily interrupted, and to continue the game without failure after recovering from the momentary interruption.

Finally, the communication management system 8 in FIG.
0 is monitoring other than the data processing system 60 in the amusement store
Perform management. That is, a line failure signal from all communication lines is monitored, and a command to close or release the communication line is issued as necessary. Also, a failure of the communication system 50 itself is monitored.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of an amusement store according to the present invention, and is a diagram for clarifying connections of various devices.

The multiplexers 451 and 45 in FIG.
2, 45n are connected one-to-one with the channels of the transmitting / receiving apparatuses 401, 402, and 40n, and convert communication data of each transmitting / receiving apparatus into serial data in time. The multiplexers 451, 452, and 45n are connected to the communication servers 851, 852, and 85n in a one-to-one relationship. When each multiplexer receives serial data from each communication server, the multiplexer converts the serial data into parallel data. And send it to the sending and receiving device. Due to such a connection, the communication system 50 in FIG. 1 includes n multiplexers and n communication servers.

The network server 90 in FIG.
Reference numerals a and 90b denote computers supporting one of them in preparation for one of the failures. Necessary to avoid interruption of play. These pairs store the same data at predetermined addresses of the disk array 100, respectively. Assuming that the amusement store can register 320 people, the disk array 1
The capacity of 00 is assumed to be about 10 GB. Further, each network server and each communication server can preferably communicate with each other via a local area network (LAN) or the like. Because of such a connection, FIG.
Is a system in which a network server is connected to a local area network or the like.

The emergency power supplies 70a and 70b in FIG. 2 are storage batteries that can keep the network server running even during a power failure. Assuming that such a network server is operated for about one hour after a power outage, the capacity of each storage battery is about 20 KVA. Further, the instantaneous interruption management unit 70c transmits an instantaneous interruption signal to each communication server simultaneously and in parallel when receiving a power failure signal. Since a this connection, the instantaneous interruption processing system in Figure 1 consists of a emergency power 70a, 7 0 b and interruption management unit 70c. The instantaneous interruption management unit 70c
Are powered by the emergency power supplies 70a, 70b.

The communication management console 80 shown in FIG.
a and the multiplexer 80b make up the communication management system 80 of FIG.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flow charts for performing a power-off process and a power-on process at the time of a power failure or momentary interruption, respectively. The instantaneous interruption management unit 70c includes the emergency power supplies 70a, 7
After a predetermined time δt from the reception of the power failure signal from 0b, a power-off command signal is issued to each communication server. Within this predetermined time δt, each communication server performs a save operation of the game data with the remaining power of each communication server. The remaining power within the predetermined time δt is supplied by discharging a large-capacity capacitor attached to the stabilized power supply of each communication server.
However, the discharge time constant of the capacitor is generally about 100 ms.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing a process from power-off of an amusement store to power-off of a communication server. The power failure signal transmitted in step S1 is also delivered to the communication management console 80a, and the communication management console 80a instructs each communication server in step S2 to block all communication lines. Next, the communication server saves the game data held in step S4 to the disk array 100.
The shelter is waiting step S5 to end within a predetermined time .DELTA.t, interruption management unit 70c in step S6 is emanate simultaneously in parallel to all the communities Keshi Yonsaba the power-off command signal.

The period from step S1 in FIG. 3A to power recovery in step S1 in FIG. 3B is an instantaneous interruption period or a power outage period.
The instantaneous interruption period is usually 100 to 500 ms, but the remaining power supply from the communication server is 100 ms.
Only about mS. Therefore, the saving of the game data needs to be completed in a sufficiently short time. Assuming that the data processing speed of the communication server is about 100 MHz of the CPU clock frequency, if the game data is 128 bytes, the time required for the saving operation is about 10 μS. However, the saving operation is also limited by the writing time of the disk array 100. Considering comprehensively, for example, the configuration of the game data suitable for pachinko is,
A total of about 64 bytes is appropriate as bytes, line identification number 10 bytes, communication server identification number 2 bytes, player identification number 20 bytes, number of balls held 10 bytes, and other 17 bytes. As a result, assuming that the evacuation operation of each communication server requires an average of 10 μS, and assuming that the number of communication servers is 10, the above-mentioned predetermined time δt is 100 μS. The timing at which the power supply 70c sends the power-off command signal is determined to a predetermined value based on such a reference.

On the other hand, FIG. 3B is a flow chart showing a process from the restoration of the power supply of the amusement store to the release of the communication line. Power recovery signal transmitted in step S1 is delivered to communications management console 80a, communication management console 80a is processed to power of all communication servers in step S2, i.e. perform the launch. Then, in step S4, the evacuation data in the disk array 100 is sequentially returned to the corresponding communication server via a local network (LAN) or the like.
Then, after waiting for step S5 at which the return is completed, the communication management console issues an instruction to release all communication lines in step S6.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the game progress in the present invention. A person who wants to play the game accesses the game store in step S1 using functions such as installer, dial-up, and login in the CD-ROM. Then, when the access is completed and the type of game is selected in step S2, the game can be started. Here step S
The selection of the game in 2 means that the game is selected from different types, such as pachinko and roulette, depending on the contents of the CD-ROM, and is different from the same type of game, such as pachinko. is there. From step S2 for selecting the type of game to step S3 for declaring the start of the game, the appearance of entering the amusement store is displayed on the display of the game computer 20 operated by the player. A scene where you can see the situation of other players
It is displayed according to the graphic data and program data. In addition, at the time of such display, the communication system 50 of the amusement store transmits the congestion status of the amusement store and the like to the player including sound, and assists the display on the CD-ROM. Step S4 for playing a game
After the progress of the game, if the requirement for continuing the game is not satisfied, for example, if the number of pachinko balls is reduced, the game is communicated with the amusement shop in step S5 for finding a game ticket, and the step is performed under inspection of predetermined conditions. In step 6, a game ticket can be received. Here, the game ticket referred to in steps S5 and S6 may be, for example, a virtual card for giving a predetermined number of pachinko balls to the player, or such a virtual card is issued but not delivered. Is also good. Thus, the game ends with step S7 declaring the end of the game. After that, the game result is transmitted from the data processing system 60 of the game store to the player. Here, the game result refers to the player's performance itself, the performance ranking of a plurality of players, and other data processing results.
In step S8 of displaying the game result, the CD-R
The award ceremony and the like can be performed on the player's display according to the data and program of the OM and / or the amusement store, accompanied by sounds.

FIG. 5 is a display example of a game situation according to the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a pachinko machine displayed as graphic data on a CD-ROM. Although this is a diagram depicting a game table of a player, various parameters, icons, and the like are also displayed on the display of the game computer 20 using margins of the display screen, but are not shown. In addition, all displays including the pachinko machines reflect one-way or two-way communication contents between the player and the amusement store. For example, it is a display of a remaining ball to a player. Furthermore, the player can select a display such as viewing the next game situation or walking around the game store with the mouse as appropriate.

The pachinko ball shooting device A in FIG. 5 is operated with a mouse. In the game step S4 of FIG. 4, the player clicks a marker or icon (not shown) of the pachinko ball firing device A with a mouse and instructs a firing speed, a firing frequency, ON / OFF of firing, and the like.

The ball lending section B in FIG. 5 is also operated with a mouse. When a game ticket is found in step 6 in FIG. 4, an operation such as refilling a ball by clicking the icon with a mouse can be performed.

[0033]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, computer graphics for a game are performed mainly with data of a CD-ROM and information of a game store, so that a real game can be performed. In addition, since the CD-ROM is used, there is no need to send graphic data, and no unduly heavy load is imposed on the communication line. Further, since each player has a dedicated one of the plurality of transmission / reception channels of the amusement store, the game can be started whenever desired. Also,
According to the invention of claim 2, even if the power supply of the amusement store is momentarily interrupted, the amusement data saving operation is performed, so that the amusement can proceed as it is. According to the third aspect of the present invention, a powerful game can be enjoyed in the virtual reality space. At the same time, for example, in the case of a pachinko machine, the firing speed can be set with a mouse and a small random change can be given to the setting from an amusement store.
It also simulates firing speed fluctuations due to humidity and other factors, so that you can enjoy the feeling of a real machine itself. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, all necessary player actions during the game can be performed by clicking a predetermined marker or icon with a mouse, so that the speed of progress is high and a complicated game can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of an amusement store according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart of instantaneous interruption processing according to the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a flowchart of instantaneous interruption processing according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a game progress according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a display example of a game situation according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram of a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game recording medium 20 Game computer 30 Transmission / reception device 351,352,35m Communication line 401,402,40n Transmission / reception device 451,452,45n Multiplexer 50 Communication system 60 Data processing system 70 Instantaneous interruption processing system 70a, 70b, Emergency power supply 70c Instantaneous Disconnection management unit 80 Communication management system 80a Communication management console 80b Multiplexer 851, 852, 85n Communication server 90a, 90b Network server 100 Disk array

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A game recording medium for recording the contents of a game, a game computer for reading information from the game recording medium and proceeding with the game, and having the same number of transmission / reception channels as the game computer.
And a communication device having a communication server.
Communication system and data processing system having a disk array
In a communication game system having a game store including a game system and a communication management system, and a communication line connecting the game computer and the game store, when a power failure signal is received, communication is performed after a predetermined time.
Instantaneous interruption management unit that issues a power-off command signal to the server
When a power failure signal is received, the communication line is closed,
Plays held by the communication server within the specified time
Save data to disk array and restore power
When a signal is received, the power of the communication server is turned off.
Game, and then the game
Data to the communication server and play the game data.
Communication pipe that commands the release of the communication line after the return of data
Communication game system characterized in that it comprises a management system.