KR0126919B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

None.

Description

Business game device

1 is a block circuit diagram of a most suitable embodiment of a business game device related to the present invention.

2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in the case where a plurality of game machines are connected in a loop shape in the present invention.

3 is a block circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of each game machine shown in FIG.

4 is a block circuit diagram of a specific configuration of the group setting unit shown in FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of a game machine controlled by a game ready mode.

6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the circuit shown in FIG.

7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit of each game machine when the present invention is applied to a drive game.

8 is an explanatory diagram of data transmitted and received as a group of transmission data.

9 is an explanatory diagram of transmission data of a car operated by a human being.

10 is an explanatory diagram of transmission data of a car operated by a computer.

11 is an explanatory diagram of data specifying a traveling position of a vehicle.

12 to 16 are explanatory diagrams of various network connections of a plurality of game machines.

17 and 18 are explanatory diagrams of a conventional multiplayer game machine.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

10: game machine 12: data transmission line

20: operation control unit 20-1: group setting unit

20-2: Game operation unit 22: Display unit

24: communication interface 60: memory

62: data determination unit 64: operation control unit

The present invention relates to a business game device, particularly a business game device in which a plurality of players can play simultaneously in the same game space.

With the spread of video games, various types of game machines have been developed and put into practical use today.

However, the conventional game machine is formed of a single player type, which is mostly played in an independent game space.

Therefore, even if a plurality of the same game machine was installed, each player could play a game against the computer by himself.

Therefore, for example, when a plurality of drive game machines are installed, there is a problem that a plurality of players cannot play games that drive drive techniques together in the same game space by using each of these game machines.

With this in mind, various multiplayer game machines have been developed in the past.

This multiplayer game machine is designed to allow multiple players to play together in the same game space at the same time, making the game even more gaming.

Fig. 17 shows an example of a conventional multiplayer game machine, and A, B, and C which are objects to be operated by a plurality of players are displayed on the same screen.

Each player can play together in the same game space by operating each of the operation units 100A, 100B, 100C provided on the panel.

Such multiplayer game machines include, for example, "Ganttlets" manufactured by Itari Corporation.

In addition, Fig. 18 shows an example of another multiplayer game machine, which has an independent display unit corresponding to each operation unit 100A, 100B, 100C, and displays a game screen showing a common game space on each display unit. It is formed to.

Such game machines include, for example, "VS Tennis" by Nintendo.

However, in such a conventional multiplayer game machine, each operation part 100A, 100B, 100C is integrated integrally in the same game machine.

Therefore, the number of people who can play in the same space is controlled according to the number of these operation sections 100A, 100B, 100C.

Thus, for example, in the above-described multiplayer game machines shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, only three players can play the game. As a result, more players cannot try to play in the same game space. There is.

In addition, such a conventional game machine is formed as a dedicated machine for a multiplayer game, and a plurality of operation units 100A, 100B, 100C and a display unit are provided in one game machine.

Therefore, the cost per unit is very high compared to the single player type game machine, there is a problem that can not simply increase the number of installation in the game site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to use a plurality of independent game machines that can play a single player game alone, and to play a multiplayer game in the same game space. The present invention provides a business game device capable of forming a group to play a multiplayer game for each group.

In order to achieve the above object, the business game device of the first invention associated with the present application is connected to a plurality of independent game machines including the components described in the following ac to indicate the game progress of each game machine. Each player forms an arbitrary group in the plurality of game machines by transmitting and receiving game data and data including a data identification code indicating a game machine corresponding to the game machine data. In this group, you can play games in the same game space at the same time.

a: Memory that stores the data identification code of all game machines in the group to which the group belongs before starting the game

b: Whenever the transmission data is sent after starting the game, the data identification code included in the data is compared with the code stored in the memory, and the data is transmitted from the group to which the group belongs. Data discrimination device to discriminate

c: Extension device for calculating and processing a game based on the situation data of the game when the transmission data belongs to the group to which it belongs

In addition, the business game device of the second invention related to the present application is connected to a plurality of independent game machines including the components described in the following ac through the data transmission line game status data and each game situation indicating the progress of each game machine Each player forms an arbitrary group in the number of game machines, and at the same time in the group, by sending and receiving data including the group code indicating the belonging group of the game machine to each other through the above-described data transmission line. A game is played in the game space.

a: Memory that remembers the group code that represents the group to which it belongs before starting the game

b: After the game starts, each time the transmission data is sent, the group code included in this data is compared with the group code stored in the memory to determine whether the data is the data of the group to which it belongs. Discrimination device

c: arithmetic unit that calculates a game based on the game's status data when the transmission data belongs to the group to which it belongs

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Hereinafter, the most suitable embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

2 shows the most suitable embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of independent game machines 10-a, 10-b,. 10-h is connected on the loop through the data transmission line 12 to each game machine 10-a or 10-b. From (10-h) it is transmitted in turn toward the other game machine 10 via the transmission line 12 corresponding to each game machine.

In the embodiment, this transmission data includes game situation data and data identification code, and transmits the loop-shaped transmission line 12 shown in FIG. 2 in a clockwise direction in the figure.

The game situation data transmitted here is data indicating the game progress of each game machine, and the data identification code is data specifying the game machine 10 corresponding to the game situation data.

In the present invention, each game machine 10-a (10-b). Each 10-h is formed to play a single player game independently of each other, and simultaneously exchanges game data with each other through the transmission line 12 to simultaneously play a multiplayer game in the same game space with the other game machines 10. It is formed to be enjoyed together.

3 shows a concrete configuration of the game machine 10 used in this embodiment.

The game machine 10 of the embodiment includes an operation control unit 20, a display unit 22, a communication interface 24, an I / O interface 26, a player input unit 28, and a coin input unit 30.

The communication interface 24 transmits and receives data to and from another game machine through the transmission line 12. In this embodiment, the communication interface 24 transmits data clockwise along the transmission line 12 shown in FIG. Formed.

In addition, the operation control unit 20 is a signal input through the I / O interface 26 from the player input unit 28, coin input unit 20, or game data transmitted and received between other game machines through the communication interface 24 The game screen is displayed on the display unit 22 by performing various calculations based on the above.

However, in order to play a multiplayer game using a plurality of independent game machines 10, it is necessary to set a group specifying game machines 10 participating in the multiplayer game before starting the game.

In this case, eight game machines 10-a and 10-b shown in FIG. If the group of three people comes to the game where (10-h) is located and the remaining five game machines are not available, the operation rate of the game machine is worsened and the operating efficiency of the game room is lowered.

It is a feature of the present invention that each player can form an arbitrary group in a plurality of game machines to play a multiplayer game for each group.

Therefore, the operation control unit 20 of the embodiment includes a group setting unit 20-1 for explaining the group as described above, and a game operation unit 20-2 for calculating the game after setting the group.

4 shows a specific configuration of the group setting unit 20-1. In the embodiment, the group setting unit 20-1 includes the first operating unit 40, the second operating unit 42, and the third operating unit 44. As shown in FIG. ), A fourth operation unit 46, a fifth operation unit 48 and a timer 50 are formed.

The timer 50 described above is formed by using a timer counter that counts down every predetermined time and times up at the time of ten counting.

In addition, the above-described first operation section 40 is formed to execute the flow 100-1 shown in FIG.

That is, the game operation unit 20-1 drives the timer 50 when a game start instruction signal is input from the player input unit 28 when the attract mode is set.

At the same time, the first operation unit 40 switches the operation mode of the game operation unit 20-2 from the attract mode to the game start mode, and simultaneously converts the game ready signal through the communication interface 24 and the transmission line 12 to another game machine. Transmit to (10).

In addition, the above-described second operation section 42 is formed to execute the flow 100-2 shown in FIG.

That is, when the timer 50 times up when the game operation unit 20-2 is set to the game start mode, the second operation unit 42 controls the operation mode of the game operation unit 20-2 to be changed from the game start mode to the game mode. do.

At the same time, the game start signal is transmitted to the other game machine 10 through the communication interface 24 and the transmission line 12.

In addition, the transferred third game calculating section 44 is configured to execute the flow 100-3 shown in FIG.

In other words, when the game operation unit 20-2 is set to the attract mode, the third operation unit 44 receives the operation mode of the game operation unit 20-2 from which the game ready signal is input from another game machine 10. The game is controlled by switching to the ready mode.

That is, when the game start instruction signal is input from the player input unit 280 when the game operation unit 20-2 is set as the game ready mode, the fourth operation unit 46 sends the game operation unit 20-2 game to the game ready mode. Switch to start mode.

In addition, the above-mentioned fifth operation unit 48 is formed to execute the flow 100-5 shown in FIG.

That is, when the game start signal is input from the other game machine 10 when the game operation unit 20-2 is set as the game start mode, the fifth operation unit 48 converts the operation mode of the game operation unit 20-2 to the game start mode. Control the transition from game mode to.

1, the specific circuit structure of the game calculating part 20-2 mentioned above is shown.

The game operation unit 20-2 of the embodiment includes a memory 60, a data determination unit 62, and an operation control unit 64.

The above-described memory 60 stores data identification codes of all game machines in the group to which it belongs, which are transmitted through the leaflet transmission line 12 at the start of the game.

Various data can be adopted as such data identification code. For example, the base number already assigned to the shipment stage of the game machine 10 can be used, and the group can be set by the random number generator built into the game machine. You can also use the narration that is output at

In addition, the above-described data discriminating unit 62 compares and contrasts the data identification code stored in the memory 60 with the data identification code included in this data every time transmission data is sent after the game starts, and the transmitted data belongs to the self. Whether the data of the group is determined or not is outputted to the calculation control unit 64.

In addition, when the above-mentioned calculation control unit 64 is the data of the group to which it belongs, the operation control unit 64 performs game operation processing based on the game situation data and transmits the transmission data through the communication interface 24 and the transmission line 12. Send to another game machine.

At this time, when the transmission data is the data of the game machine 10, the operation processing unit 64 processes the data based on the calculation result with respect to the game situation data and transmits the data to another game machine as new game situation data.

In addition, when the transmission data belongs to the own group but is not the data of the own game machine, it is formed so as to transfer the game situation data to the other game machine without performing arithmetic processing on the game situation data or this data according to the game contents.

As described above, the game machine 10 of the present embodiment transmits data including transmission data including game situation data indicating game progress of each game machine 10 and game identification code indicating game machine 10 corresponding to each game situation data. Transmitting and receiving to each other via (12).

This allows each game machine to play multiplayer games under the same conditions in its group.

In particular, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, eight game machines 10-a (10-b). Even if a plurality of groups are set within (10-h), multiplayer games can be played in a common game space for each group, and the utilization efficiency of the whole system can be greatly improved.

Next, a specific example of the case where the game device of the present invention is applied to a drive game will be described.

It is assumed here that the game system of the embodiment is set as follows.

In other words, the game apparatus of the embodiment is configured to be raced simultaneously by a maximum of eight players, and the display unit 22 of each game machine 10 also displays the difference operated by other players as shown in FIG.

In addition, each game machine 10 is provided with a start button, steering, a shift lever, an accelerator, a brake, and the like as the player input unit 28.

In addition, in the game space of the game machine 10, there are 16 cars operated by a computer in addition to eight cars operated by a player using each game machine.

And if this drive game is go-in within the time limit operated by the game machine 10 of a group, the time limit of the mode game machine which belongs to the same group as a game machine is extended.

In addition, the game is terminated by repeating such a time extension by repeating the coos for a predetermined number of times, and when the player of the same group fails to go in.

In addition, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the group of transmission data shown in FIG. 8 is collectively transmitted in the clockwise direction in the figure via the transmission line 12. FIG.

Since the transmission speed at this time is normally updated every 1/60 second of the video game, it is preferable that the transmission data is set at the speed of turning the transmission line 12 having a loop shape in synchronization with it.

However, the group of transmission data shown in FIG. 8 is composed of transmission data for eight cars operated by the player and transmission data for 16 cars operated by the computer.

In FIG. 9, the transmission data of the human-manipulated car among the group of transmission data shown in FIG. 8 is shown in detail. In the embodiment, the data includes the base number, the game status, the game group number, the command, the car status, the counter, and the checksum. Each data consists of

Here, the deposit number indicates the number of the game machine 10 and is given by a value output from the random number generator after power is turned on.

Each game machine 10 can distinguish data of each game machine by this deposit number.

Therefore, each game machine 10 should just write down the transmission data like this number as the data of its game machine, when the data came round.

Naturally, the game machine 10 memorizes this number.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the accession number is assigned by a random number, the probability is very small but the same value may occur.

Therefore, it is desirable to install a device that announces this or pre-program the ID code so that the value is different for each game machine.

In addition, the game status indicates which state the game machine 10 is currently in. For example, data such as an attract mode, a game ready mode, a game mode, a game over mode, and the like are given.

In addition, the game group number represents the base number of all game machines that started the game at the same time, and this data is given during the group setting operation of each game machine 10.

In addition, a command is various command data for synchronizing game states with other game machines in the same group. For example, when one car starts, another command in the same group may be started at the same time, or when one vehicle is extended for a time. Other orders are given to extend the time. In addition, the car status is data indicating the state of the car, for example, the driving position of the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the driving position according to the coarse is represented by the Z axis, and the driving position is orthogonal to the coarse. Is represented by the X-axis, and the direction of the vehicle with respect to the coarse is represented by the rotation angle as shown in the eleventh (b).

In addition, the counter is data that is counted up as data passes through each game machine and cleared when the transfer data passes through its game machine.

Therefore, for example, in the system shown in FIG. 2, the counter value reaches 8, and the value does not exceed 8 when all the game machines 10 are operating normally.

Therefore, for example, if an abnormality occurs in the game machine 10-a during the game, the count value included in the transmission data of the game machine 10 is not reset, and the value exceeds eight.

Therefore, a game machine having an abnormality can be detected by checking the count value of this counter.

In addition, the checksum indicates the total amount of data from the base number to the counter of each transmission data, and checks whether an error has occurred in each transmission data due to noise or the like during communication.

Fig. 10 also shows the structure of the transmission data of the car operated by the computer, which is composed of the base number, the caras data and the checksum.

In the present embodiment, among the group of transmission data shown in FIG. 8, data of 16 cars operated by a computer are calculated and output from the head of the game machine 10 operated by a human being.

Therefore, when the first game machine 10 is changed, the game machine 10 that calculates 16 pieces of data, which are computer operations shown in FIG. 8, is also changed.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the computer-operated car transmission data includes a base number and a counter as well as the car data transmitted by the player.

The present invention is configured as described above and the operation thereof is as follows.

First, each game machine 10-a (10-b) shown in FIG. When the power of (10-h) is turned on, each game machine 10 operates a self test program to inform other game machines through the transmission line 12 whether its own game machine is operable.

At this time, the game machine 10, which is broken or does not turn on, is automatically bypassed by the data input unit and the output unit by a switch not shown.

Even if there is a device which does not operate in this way, operation | movement becomes possible for the whole system.

Checking whether such an operation is possible is performed periodically even after the power is turned on.

Here, all game machines 10-a (10-b). It is assumed that (10-h) is in an operational state.

After the power is supplied to each game machine 10, three players come to the game machine 10-a (10-b). Consider the case of manipulating (10-h).

At this time, each of these game machines 10-a (10-b). All of 10-h are controlled by the attract mode, and the display unit 22 displays the arithmetic game screen by a computer as the attract game screen.

In this case, it is assumed that the player of the game machine 10-a inputs a coin and inputs a start instruction signal from the input unit 28.

The game machine 10-a then switches from the attract mode to the game start mode, and the timer 50 embedded in the game machine 10-a starts the counting operation.

The game start mode described above represents the standby state of the game start.

At the same time, the game Latti signal is output from the game machine 10-a through the transmission line 12 to the other game machine.

Therefore, all remaining game consoles 10-a (10-b)... (10-h) is controlled to switch from the attract mode to the game ready mode so that the display section 22 confirms whether or not to play a multiplayer game with the game machine 10-a as shown in FIG. The game ready screen is displayed.

Therefore, the remaining two players enter coins into their game machines 10-b (10-h) while the game screen is displayed, and input game start instruction signals from the input unit 28 to each of these game machines 10. -b) (10-h) is controlled to switch from the game ready mode to the game start mode so that the game can be played in the same game space as the game machine 10-a described above.

In addition, when the timer 50 of the game machine 10-a counts down to 0, the game is started. Therefore, the player of the game machine 10-b (10-h) injects a coin before the countdown ends and instructs the game to start. If no signal is input, multiplayer games cannot be played under the same conditions as game machine 10-a.

If the timer 50 of the game machine 10-a counts down to 0 after all the game machines 10-a, 10-b and 10-h are all set to the game start mode, the game machine 10-a at the same time. The gate start signal is transmitted from a) to another game machine.

As a result, each of these game machines 10-a, 10-b and 10-h starts a game at the same time.

At this time, the transmission data 12 of game machines 10-a, 10-b, and 10-h of the group of transmission data shown in FIG. 8 belong to the same group in the game group number area. Base numbers of (10-b) and (10-h) are assigned.

Therefore, in each memory 60 of each game machine 10-a, 10-b or 10-h, while the transmission data is transmitted through the transmission line, the base number of the game machine belonging to the same group is the data identification code. Is given as.

In this way, according to the present embodiment, game machines 10-a, 10-b, and 10-h operated by three players can start a multiplayer game under the same conditions in the same game space.

When the game is started, these three game machine game machines 10-a, 10-b and 10-h input data of FIG. 8 sent in synchronization with the update cycle of the video game screen.

Then, the game is processed on the basis of the game situation data (in the embodiment, the car status information shown in FIG. 9) included in the transmission data of the group to which the group belongs, and the game screen is displayed on the display unit 22.

Therefore, for example, if there is a car operated by game machine 10-b (10-h) in front of the car operated by game machine 10-a, all of these cars are displayed on the display screen of game machine 10-a.

Therefore, the three players can enjoy the game further by competing drive techniques with each other while watching the car of each player displayed on the display unit 22.

Next, while three game machines 10-a, 10-b and 10-h are in operation, three other players come and try to play the game using game machines 10-d, 10-e and 10-f. Consider the case.

At this time, for example, when a player of the game machine 10-d inputs a coin and inputs a start instruction signal from the input unit 28, the game machine 10-c (10-d) or 10-e (not currently used) ( The game ready screen as transmitted to the display unit 22 of 10-f) (10-g) is displayed.

Therefore, if a player of game machine 10-e (10-f) inputs a coin and inputs a start instruction signal, this time three game machines 10-d (10-e) and 10-f are in the same game space. Will start a multiplayer game under the same conditions.

At this time, in the game group number area of the transmission data corresponding to game machines 10-d, 10-e, and 10-f of the group of transmission data shown in FIG. 8, the base numbers of all of these game machines are data identification code. These three game machines 10-d, 10-e, 10-f are described as three game machines 10-a, 10-b,. In addition to the (10-h) group, a different group can be formed to play a multiplayer game.

In this way, in the game apparatus according to the present embodiment, different groups can play multiplayer games under the same conditions for each group in the same game system.

In addition, if the player who came alone afterwards starts the game with the empty game machine 10-c, he or she can play the single player game alone.

In this manner, the apparatus of the present embodiment can also play a single player game using only one game machine 10-c.

In addition, when the game of the game machine (10-a) (10-b) (10-h) which started a game initially is complete | finished, four game machines (10-a) (10-a) (10-b) (10-c) (10-h) In this case, the apparatus according to the present embodiment can play the game again using the empty game machine.

Thus, according to the apparatus of the present embodiment, the plurality of game machines 10-a, 10-b,... You can form any group in (10-h) to start a game in the same space in each group at the same time.

Therefore, the operation of the game machine 10 can be prevented from being lowered, and the game machines 10 in which the groups are created can be played simultaneously under the same conditions in the same game space. It can be raised further.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of independent game machines 10 are simply connected to each other via the transmission line 13.

Therefore, the number of game machines 10 can be arbitrarily increased or decreased as needed, so that a multiplayer game can be enjoyed by installing an appropriate number of game machines 10 in consideration of the size of the game room and other conditions.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the identification noses of all game machines in the group to which the game machine 10 belongs are written in the memory 60 shown in FIG.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be replaced with this data identification code so that a writing code indicating a group to which each game machine 101 belongs can be written.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, for example, when three players start a multiplayer game using game machines 10-a, 10-b and 10-h, each of these game machines 10-a ( The accession numbers 10-b) and 10-h are used as data identification codes.

However, this data identification code is replaced with, for example, game machines 10-a, 10-b, and 10-c, which are group A, and game machines 10-a, 10-e, and 10-f, which are group B. It can also be specified as a code.

Therefore, in such a case, a group code for specifying this group may be written in the memory 60 shown in FIG. 1 and the game group number area shown in FIG.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a plurality of independent game machines 10 are connected in the form of a loop through the transmission line 12 has been described by way of example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other transmission lines as necessary. Various networks can be configured using (12).

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of game machines 10 can be connected to each other via the central station 70 in a star shape.

In this case, each game machine 10-a (10-b). It is preferable to concentrate the game operation unit 20-2.

FIG. 13 shows a network in which a plurality of independent game machines 10 are connected in a triangular shape, FIG. 14 shows a network in which a plurality of game machines are connected in a mesh form, and FIG. A network in the case of connecting via a bus, and FIG. 16 shows an example of a network in a combination of a loop type and a star type.

In addition, the present embodiment has been described in the case of playing a drive game as a multiplayer game, for example, but the present invention is not limited to this, but can be applied to various other multiplayer games, a plurality of players cooperate or play each sport It can be applied to a variety of games, such as a multiplayer game to be configured to play, a roll flame game configured to chase, hide, or counterattack in a game space.

In this embodiment, another group of operation objects, for example, a vehicle, is displayed in the same game space as the own group.

In this case, for example, multiplayer games can be enjoyed for each group by extending the game time limit and ranking of players.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to such a game device, but may be formed such that, for example, an operation object of another group is not displayed in a game space of one group, and in this case, each group has an independent game space. Players in each group can enjoy multiplayer games without being affected.

As described above, according to the present invention, when a multiplayer game is performed in the same game space using a plurality of independent single player game machines, the data identification code or the group code of the group to which the game belongs is assigned to each game machine. A memory group to be stored, a data discriminating device for determining whether the transmission data belongs to the group to which it belongs, and an associating device for performing game operation processing based on the game situation data can be provided to form any plurality of groups among the plurality of game machines in the network. In addition, there is an effect that each group can enjoy a multiplayer game.

Claims (1)

A group setting unit which includes a plurality of independent game machines connected in a loop shape through a transmission line to transmit and receive data, wherein each game machine sets a group between a communication interface connected to the data transmission line and another game machine; And a game operation unit that performs a game operation, and transmits data including game state data indicating game progress of each game machine and identification data indicating game machines corresponding to each game situation data along the loop-shaped data transmission line. And a multi-player game operation for exchanging game status data between different game machines set in a group by transmitting. The game operation unit stores identification data for specifying game machines of the group to which the group belongs before the game starts. Memory, transfer data transfer Data discrimination means for combining the identification data included in the data with the identification data stored in the memory each time to determine whether the transmission data is the data of the own group, and the game situation data when the transmission data is the group of the own group. And computing means for playing the game and outputting the data as new game situation data to another game machine, and the game computing unit determines whether the game machine can be operated by operating a self test program. And when it is not possible, bypasses the data input unit and the data output unit of the communication interface, and plays a multiplayer game with the remaining game machines.

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