CN111587136A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

A game device (20) connected to a server (10) and another game device (20) via a communication network (2), comprising: a storage unit (22); a display unit (24); a receiving unit (293) that receives a video generated by capturing the surroundings of another game device (20); a storage processing unit (294) that stores the video received by the receiving unit (293) in the storage unit (22); a display processing unit (295) for displaying the video received by the receiving unit (293) on a display unit (24); a determination unit (296) that determines whether or not a predetermined video transmission condition is satisfied; and a first transmission unit (297) that transmits at least a part of the video stored in the storage unit (22) to the server (10) when the determination unit (296) determines that the predetermined video transmission condition is satisfied.

Description

game device

technical field

The present invention relates to game devices.

Background technique

Currently, a so-called online game in which a plurality of players compete against each other by operating a game device using a server and a plurality of game devices connected via a network is prevalent. Among such online games, there are known devices in which, for reasons such as preventing cheating by players, a plurality of game devices that compete against each other transmit video (including images) generated by photographing players to each other, and display each game device from the opponent's game. The video received by the device.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a game device including an imaging unit, a transmission/reception unit, and a display unit. The transceiver unit transmits the video of the player himself captured by the imaging unit to the opponent game device, and receives the video of the opponent player from the opponent game device. The display unit displays the received video of the opponent player.

prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2015/173962

However, in general, since the video data capacity is large, in the configuration in which video is transmitted from the game device of the client to the other game device of the other client via the server, a delay occurs and the real-time performance of the game is impaired. Therefore, in the above-mentioned online games, many game devices perform P2P (Peer to Peer) communication with each other, and the game devices transmit and receive video with each other.

However, in the case of adopting such a P2P communication structure, when a player in a disadvantageous situation resorts to cheating such as cutting off the communication to end the game by cheating, the data that becomes the evidence does not remain on the server side, so it is difficult to verify whether it is cheating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is made in order to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game device that can reliably preserve and verify cheating behavior when there is a possibility of cheating by a player while avoiding video delay by using P2P communication. evidence data.

The game device according to the present invention is a game device connected to a server and other game devices via a communication network, and is characterized by comprising: a storage unit; a display unit; a receiving unit for receiving a video generated by photographing the surroundings of the other game device; a processing unit that stores the video received by the receiving unit in the storage unit; a display processing unit that displays the video received by the receiving unit on the display unit; a determining unit that determines whether a predetermined video transmission condition is satisfied; and a first transmitting unit that is in the determining unit When it is determined that a predetermined video transmission condition is satisfied, at least a part of the video stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the server.

Invention effect

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device that can reliably preserve evidence data for verifying cheating when a player has a possibility of cheating while avoiding video delay by using P2P communication.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram showing an example of a game system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic external view showing the game device 20 .

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game device 20 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an action sequence related to matching processing and game progression processing performed by the game system 1 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow related to video transmission processing performed by the game device 20 .

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends over the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

(1) Configuration of the game system 1

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram showing an example of the game system 1 . The game system 1 is a system for executing a dart game as an example of an online game. The game system 1 includes a server 10 and a plurality of game devices 20 connected to each other via a communication network 2 such as the Internet. The plurality of game devices 20 are installed in different stores, for example. In addition, a plurality of game devices 20 may be installed in the same store.

(2) Configuration of each device

(2-1) Configuration of Server 10

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10 . The server 10 is an information processing device for executing processing related to matching of players and processing related to progress of a dart game. The server 10 includes a server communication unit 11 , a server storage unit 12 , and a server processing unit 13 .

The server communication unit 11 includes a communication interface circuit for connecting the server 10 to the communication network 2 , and communicates with the communication network 2 . The server communication unit 11 supplies the data received from the game device 20 and the like to the server processing unit 13 . Further, the server communication unit 11 transmits the data supplied from the server processing unit 13 to the game device 20 and the like.

The server storage unit 12 includes, for example, at least one of a tape device, a magnetic disk device, or an optical disk device. The server storage unit 12 stores operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, data, and the like used for processing in the server processing unit 12 . For example, the server storage unit 12 stores, as an application program, a program for executing a matching process for matching a plurality of players as opponents, a program for playing a dart game, and the like. The computer program can be installed in the server storage unit 12 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM using a known installer or the like. Alternatively, the computer program may be installed in the server storage unit 12 by being downloaded from another information processing apparatus via the communication network 2 or the like.

The server processing unit 13 includes one or more processors and peripheral circuits thereof. The server processing unit 13 is, for example, a CPU, and integrally controls the overall operation of the server 10 . The server processing unit 13 controls the operations of the server communication unit 11 and the like so as to execute various processes of the server 10 in an appropriate order based on a program or the like stored in the server storage unit 12 . The server processing unit 13 includes a matching processing unit 131 , a game progress unit 132 , and a video reception unit 133 . The matching processing unit 131 executes, for example, a matching process of matching a plurality of players as opponents. The game progression unit 132 executes, for example, processing related to the progression of the dart game. The video accepting unit 133 accepts, for example, a video transmitted from the above-described game device 20 .

(2-2) Configuration of Game Device 20

FIG. 3 is a schematic external view of the game device 20 . FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game device 20 . The game device 20 is a game device for a player to play a dart game. The game device 20 includes a game device communication unit 21, a game device storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a card slot CS, a card RW unit 25, a dart board DB, a detection unit 26, a coin insertion unit 27, an imaging unit 28, and the game device processing unit 29 . In the dart game, the player throws darts at the dart board DB from an appropriately set area in front of the game device 20 .

The game device communication unit 21 includes a communication interface circuit for connecting the game device 20 to the communication network 2 , and communicates with the communication network 2 . The game device communication unit 21 supplies the data received from the server 10 and other game devices 20 to the game device processing unit 29 via the communication network 2 . In addition, the game device communication unit 21 transmits the data supplied from the game device processing unit 29 to the server 10 and other game devices 20 and the like via the communication network 2 .

The game device storage unit 22 includes, for example, at least one of a tape device, a magnetic disk device, or an optical disk device. The game device storage unit 22 stores operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, data, and the like used for processing in the game device processing unit 29 . For example, the game device storage unit 22 stores a program or the like for playing a dart game as an application program. Further, for example, the game device storage unit 22 stores video received from other game devices 20 via the communication network 2 or the like. The computer program can be installed in the game device storage unit 22 using a known installer or the like from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM, for example. Alternatively, the computer program may be installed in the game device storage unit 22 by being downloaded from the server 10 or other information processing device via the communication network 2 or the like.

The operation unit 23 is used by the player to perform various operations, and is realized by, for example, operation buttons or the like provided on the operation panel. The operation unit 23 receives the operation of the player, and transmits a signal corresponding to the operation to the game device processing unit 29 and the like.

The display unit 24 may be any device as long as it can display a video, an image, or the like, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like. The display unit 24 may be integrated with the operation unit 23 through a liquid crystal touch panel display. The display unit 24 displays an image or video corresponding to the data supplied from the game device processing unit 29 .

The card slot CS is an insertion slot for the player to insert a game card owned by the player. Four card slots CS are provided in the game device 20 so that a maximum of four players can compete in a game. In addition, more than four card slots CS may be provided, so that more than four people can compete in the game.

The card RW unit 25 can read the card ID or the like recorded in the game card owned by the player, or can write the information obtained in the game result or the like on the game card.

The dart board DB is a dart board that becomes the target of the dart game. The dart board DB is divided into a plurality of target areas, and each of the target areas is provided with a plurality of narrow holes. The leading end of the dart thrown by the player is received by any one of a plurality of holes provided in the target area.

The detection unit 26 includes a membrane switch provided corresponding to each target area in order to detect that the dart has hit the target area, and a vibration sensor provided to detect that the thrown dart leaves the target area. The detection unit 26 detects where the dart hits the target area or does not land on the target area based on the signals of the membrane switch and the vibration sensor, and transmits the detection signal to the game device processing unit 29 .

The coin insertion unit 27 is provided with an insertion slot into which coins are inserted, and a sensor for detecting coins inserted from the insertion slot. In the game device 20, the game can be played only by inserting a predetermined number of coins from the coin slot by the player. In addition, in the game device 20, the game may be played without inserting coins from the coin slot.

The imaging unit 28 is constituted by, for example, a camera, and generates a video by imaging the surroundings of the game device 20 , and outputs the video to the game device processing unit 29 . Here, a video refers to at least one image that is consecutive in time series, and is used as an image including a single image. The imaging unit 28 images the surroundings of the game device 20 , for example, a player, an area of a dart game, the game device 20 , and the like. The photographing unit 28 may perform photographing while zooming or panning under the control of the game device processing unit 29 .

The game device processing unit 29 includes one or more processors and peripheral circuits thereof. The game device processing unit 29 is, for example, a CPU, and collectively controls the overall operation of the game device 20 . The game device processing unit 29 controls the operation of the game device communication unit 21 and the like so as to execute various processes of the game device 20 in an appropriate order based on a program or the like stored in the game device storage unit 22 .

The game device processing unit 29 includes a matching request unit 291, a game progress unit 292, a reception unit 293, a storage processing unit 294, a display processing unit 295, a determination unit 296, a first transmission unit 297, a second transmission unit 298, and an instruction reception unit 299. Each of these units is a functional block realized by a program executed by a processor included in the game device processing unit 29 . Alternatively, these parts may be installed in the game device 20 as firmware. The matching request unit 291 transmits, for example, the matching request from the player accepted by the game device 20 to the server 10 via the communication network 2 . The game progression unit 292 executes, for example, processing related to the progression of the dart game. The receiving unit 293 receives, for example, video received from another game device. The storage processing unit 294 stores, for example, the video received by the receiving unit 293 in the game device storage unit 22 . The display processing unit 295 , for example, synthesizes the data and/or other video related to the progress of the dart game received by the receiving unit 293 and displays it on the display unit 24 . The determination unit 296 determines, for example, whether or not a predetermined video transmission condition is satisfied. The predetermined video transmission condition means, for example, that video reception by the receiving unit 293 is cut off. The first transmission unit 297 transmits, for example, at least a part of the video stored in the game device storage unit 20 to the server 10 . The second transmitting unit 298 transmits, for example, the video generated by the imaging unit 28 to another game device. The instruction accepting unit 299 accepts, for example, an instruction from the user.

(3) Action of the game system 1

Next, the operation of the game system 1 will be described. Hereinafter, player A and player B become opponents by matching, and the game device operated by player A is referred to as game device 20A, and the game device operated by player B is referred to as game device 20B. In addition, the symbol "A" is attached to the end of each structure with which the game device 20A is equipped, and the symbol "B" is attached to the end of each structure with which the game device 20B is equipped.

(3-1) Matching processing and game progress processing

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an action sequence related to matching processing and game progression processing performed by the game system 1 . This action sequence is based on the programs stored in advance in the server storage unit 12, the game device storage unit 22A, and the game device storage unit 22B, and is mainly performed by the server processing unit 13, the game device processing unit 29A, and the game device processing unit 29B, It is executed in cooperation with each element of the server 10 , the game device 20A, and the game device 20B.

(step S101)

First, the operation unit 23A of the game device 20A accepts the operation of the matching request by the player A. FIG. For example, the player A inputs information such as the ID of the player A, or the genre of the desired game as the information included in the matching request.

(step S102)

Next, the matching request unit 291A of the game device 20A transmits the matching request accepted in step S101 to the server 10 .

(step S103)

The operation unit 23B of the game device 20B accepts the operation of the matching request by the player B in the same manner as in step S101 .

(step S104)

Next, the matching request unit 291B of the game device 20B transmits the matching request accepted in step S103 to the server 10 .

(step S105)

Next, the matching processing unit 131 of the server 10 performs matching processing. Here, through this matching process, player A and player B are matched to become opponents of each other.

(step S106)

Next, the matching processing unit 131 of the server 10 transmits, to the game device 20A and the game device 20B, information indicating that the player A and the player B are each other's opponents, that is, a battle determination notification.

(step S107)

Next, the server 10, the game device 20A, and the game device 20B execute the progress processing of the dart game. At this time, data (game data) related to the progress of the score, the number of rounds, and other dart games are transmitted and received between the server 10 , the game device 20A, and the game device 20B. Furthermore, the respective video data of the game device 20A and the game device 20B are transmitted and received between the game device 20A and the game device 20B.

Specifically, the game progress unit 292A of the game device 20A transmits data indicating the score of the player A and the like to the server 10 and the game device 20B based on the detection signal generated by the detection unit 26A when the player A throws darts. Further, the imaging unit 28A of the game device 20A captures the surroundings of the game device 20A (player A, the area of the dart game, the game device 20A, etc.) to generate a video, and outputs it to the game device processing unit 29A. Then, the second transmitting unit 298A of the game device processing unit 29A transmits the video of the surrounding of the game device 20A to the game device 20B. In addition, the display processing unit 295A of the game device 20A synthesizes the data related to the progress of the dart game received from the server 10 and the game device 20B, and the video received from the game device 20B that captures the surroundings of the game device 20B, and displays it on the display The section 24A displays a game screen to be described later.

Similarly, the game progress unit 292B of the game device 20B transmits data indicating the score of the player B and the like to the server 10 and the game device 20A based on the detection signal generated by the detection unit 26B when the player B throws darts. In addition, the imaging unit 28B of the game device 20B captures the surroundings of the game device 20B (player B, the area of the dart game, the game device 20B, etc.) to generate a video, and outputs it to the game device processing unit 29B. Then, the second transmission unit 298B of the game device processing unit 29B transmits the video of the surroundings of the game device 20B to the game device 20A. Further, the display processing unit 295B of the game device 20B synthesizes the data related to the progress of the dart game received from the server 10 and the game device 20A, and the video received from the game device 20A that captures the surroundings of the game device 20A, and displays it on the display The unit 24B displays a game screen to be described later.

Here, an example of the game screen 500 displayed on the display unit 24A of the game device 20A and the display unit 24B of the game device 20B will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . As shown in FIG. 6, the game screen 500 includes a game data area 501, a video area 502A, and a video area 502B. The game data area 501 displays the player A's and player B's respective scores, the number of rounds, and data related to the progress of other dart games. In the video area 502A, a video generated by capturing the surroundings of the game device 20A (the player A, the game device 20A, etc.) by the imaging unit 28A is displayed. In the player B video area 502B, a video generated by capturing the surroundings of the game device 20B (the player B, the game device 20B, etc.) by the imaging unit 28B is displayed.

(3-2) Video transmission processing

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow related to video transmission processing performed by the game device 20 . This operation flow is mainly executed by the cooperative operation of the game device processing unit 29 and each element of the game device 20 based on a program pre-stored in the server storage unit 12 . In this operation flow, the determination unit 296 of the game device 20 determines whether or not the video received by the receiving unit 293 and transmitted from another game device is cut off. Then, when it is determined that the video is disconnected, the first transmitting unit 297 of the game device 20 transmits at least a part of the video to the server 10 .

Hereinafter, when a dart game is executed between the game device 20A and the game device 20B, the game device 20A transmits a video of the surroundings of the game device 20B to the server 10 and the like.

(step S201)

First, the determination unit 136 of the game device processing unit 29A resets the count value N (N→0) when the dart game starts.

(step S202)

Next, the determination unit 296A determines whether or not the reception unit 293A has received video from the game device 20B.

(step S203)

In step S202, when it is determined that the receiving unit 293A has received the video from the game device 20B (step S202; YES), the determination unit 296A resets the count value N (N→0).

(step S204)

Next, the storage processing unit 294A stores the video received by the reception unit 293A from the game device 20B in the game device storage unit 22A. Then, the process returns to step S202.

(step S205)

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that the receiving unit 293A has not received the video from the game device 20B (step S202; NO), the determination unit 296A increments the count value N by 1 (N→N+1).

(step S206)

Next, the determination unit 296A determines whether or not the count value N is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined in step S206 that the count value N is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (step S206; NO), the process returns to step S202. Here, the predetermined threshold value can be arbitrarily set. By setting a predetermined threshold, it is possible to set the game device 20A to transmit the video to the server 10 when the receiving unit 293A continues the state in which the video is not received for a predetermined time.

(step S207)

When it is determined in step S206 that the count value N is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (step S206; YES), the first transmission unit 297A transmits at least a part of the video around the game device 20B stored in the game device storage unit 22A sent to server 10. At this time, the first transmission unit 297A may transmit all the videos stored in the game device storage unit 22 to the server 10 . Alternatively, the first transmission unit 297A may transmit a part of the video stored in the game device storage unit 22 to the server 10 . At this time, a part of the video transmitted by the first transmission unit 297A may be the latest part in time series among the videos stored in the game device storage part 22, or may not be the latest part. Furthermore, the first transmitting unit 297A may transmit at least a part of the video around the game device 20B stored in the game device storage unit 22A to the server 10 when the instruction accepting unit 299 accepts the user's instruction. The above completes the video transmission process.

As described above, the determination unit 296 of the game device 20 determines whether or not the reception of the video transmitted from the other game device by the reception unit 293 has been interrupted. Then, when it is determined that the video is cut off, the first transmitting unit 297 of the game device 20 transmits at least a part of the video to the server 10 . Furthermore, the server 10 accepts the video transmitted from the game device 20 via the video accepting unit 133 and the like. The server 10 can determine the cause of the communication failure based on the video. Therefore, with this configuration, when video delay is avoided by using P2P communication, evidence data for verifying cheating can be reliably preserved when there is a possibility of cheating by the player.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the predetermined video transmission condition determined by the determination unit 296 is that the video reception by the reception unit 293 is cut off, but the present invention is not limited to this. The predetermined video transmission condition may be, for example, that the video received by the receiving unit 293 includes a predetermined cheating act performed by the player. Here, the predetermined cheating behavior and the configuration included in the determination unit 296 for determining the predetermined cheating behavior are not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined cheating act includes an act of obstructing photographing, such as covering the photographing unit 28 with the player's hand or the like. In this case, the determination unit 296 may have an arbitrary structure for determining that the obstructive behavior is included in the video received by the reception unit 293 . For example, the judging unit 296 may be provided with a pre-registered predetermined object (player's hand, fingerprint, face, and other player's body parts, or a special or general-purpose ornament worn by the player, etc.) that recognizes and judges the recognized predetermined object. Whether the size of the image frame constituting the video is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, or whether the predetermined object is unrecognizable in the video. With this configuration, the game device can transmit a video to the server device when the player approaches the capture unit 28 to a distance unpredictable in a normal game in order to prevent the capture unit 28 from capturing a video. A situation or a situation where a player does not exist in a place where a player should exist in a normal game. Alternatively, the determination unit 296 may include means for calculating information representing the brightness of an image frame constituting a video (may be information calculated based on information such as the brightness of each pixel included in the image frame, including information based on a predetermined period of time) information calculated from a plurality of image frames included), and it is determined whether the calculated information indicating the brightness is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. With this configuration, the game device can transmit the video to the server device when the video is darkened to a certain extent, such as when the player covers the imaging unit 28 with his hand or the like.

In addition, the predetermined video transmission condition may be, for example, a case where the video received by the receiving unit 293 does not include a predetermined normal game action performed by the player. Here, the predetermined normal game behavior can be arbitrarily set according to the type of game. For example, in the case of a dart game, the predetermined normal game behavior may be an behavior such as throwing darts by the player. In addition, the determination unit 296 may include means for determining whether or not the predetermined normal game behavior is included in the video received by the receiving unit 293 based on the form of the predetermined normal game behavior. For example, when the predetermined normal game behavior is throwing darts, the determination unit 296 may include means for detecting the speed of the player's hand or darts by analyzing the video, and determining if the detected speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Throwing darts for existence as a normal game behavior. Further, the determination unit 296 may include means for calculating a period during which a predetermined normal game action is not recognized, and determining whether the calculated period is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. With this configuration, the game device can transmit the video to the server device when the player does not perform the normally expected behavior during the game at least for a predetermined period of time.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in other various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are mere examples in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. For example, the above-described respective processing steps may be arbitrarily changed in order within the range that there is no conflict in the processing contents, or may be executed in parallel. In addition, other steps may be added between the respective processing steps. In addition, a step described as one step may be divided into a plurality of steps and executed, or a step described as a plurality of steps may be regarded as a single step.

Description of reference numerals

1 game system; 10 server; 11 server communication part; 12 server storage part; 13 server processing part; 131 matching processing part; 132 game progress part; 133 video reception part; 20, 20A, 20B game device; 22 Game device storage part; 23 Operation part; 24 Display part; 25 Card RW part; 26 Detection part; 27 Coin insertion part; 28 Shooting part; 294 storage processing part; 295 display processing part; 296 judgment part; 297 first sending part; 298 second sending part; 299 instruction receiving part; CS card slot; DB dart board.

Claims (6)

1. A game device connected to a server and another game device via a communication network, comprising:

a storage unit;

a display unit;

a receiving unit that receives a video generated by capturing an image of the periphery of the other game device;

a storage processing unit that stores the video received by the receiving unit in the storage unit;

a display processing unit that displays the video received by the receiving unit on the display unit;

a judgment unit that judges whether or not a predetermined video transmission condition is satisfied; and

and a first transmission unit that transmits at least a part of the video stored in the storage unit to the server when the determination unit determines that the predetermined video transmission condition is satisfied.

2. Gaming apparatus according to claim 1,

the predetermined video transmission condition is that the reception of the video by the receiving unit is interrupted.

3. Gaming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the predetermined video transmission condition is that the video received by the receiving unit includes a predetermined cheating action performed by the player, or the video received by the receiving unit does not include a predetermined normal game action performed by the player.

4. A game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

an imaging unit that images the periphery of the game device; and

and a second transmission unit that transmits, to the other game device, a video image generated by the image pickup unit picking up an image of the periphery of the game device.

5. Game apparatus according to claim 4,

the display processing unit displays, on the display unit, a video image generated by the imaging unit capturing an image of the periphery of the game device.

6. Game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the game device further comprises an instruction receiving unit for receiving an instruction from a player,

the first transmission unit transmits at least a part of the video stored in the storage unit to the server when the instruction accepting unit accepts an instruction from a player.

Images