JP2003144761A - Virtual game system, virtual game control method, game server, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system convenient for both of an owner and players of a game parlor. SOLUTION: This game system 1 is provided with a VR game server 10 providing an execution environment of a virtual game (for example, a VR pachinko) increasing a prescribed number of game point to a fan terminal 40 (for example, a personal computer) operated by the player, and a game point control system 30 recording a game point obtained for being used for a virtual game and a game point obtained as a result of the virtual game, reading the number of game points specified by the player from a memory, and outputting it for the game or the exchange with a prize of the virtual game. This system enables the player to play the virtual game from an arbitrary place at an arbitrary time by an own personal computer under the conditions close to the actual game.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a virtual game mechanism which enables a virtual game whose game points increase and decrease as the game progresses on a communication network such as the Internet. The "virtual game" referred to here is, for example, a game machine such as a pachinko machine, a pachi-slot machine, a sparrow ball machine, an arrangement ball machine, a smart ball machine, or a card game machine that is actually installed in a game hall such as a pachinko hall. This is a game that is virtually realized by the image processing technology and a computer program, which is the same game that is performed in.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a game arcade where a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is installed, a ball or medal (hereafter
"Balls, etc." will be rented out to play games, and as a result of the game, the fans will be returned to the amusement hall to give the fans the right to exchange for prizes. There is. A wide variety of game machines are prepared according to the fashion, and the taste of fans is also diversifying recently, so there is a tendency for many kinds of game machines to be installed in the hall. is there. Also, game machines are replaced in a short cycle. However, if a large number of gaming machines are installed, a space for that is required, which increases the cost of operating a game hall. This leads to a reduction in the premium redemption rate for fans. In addition, in order to keep costs down, there are cases where a game hall is set up in the suburbs, which inconveniences fans.

For the fans, the game can be played only during the business hours defined by the game hall, and after the business hours, the balls must be exchanged for prizes to finish the game. If the game can be continued at your own home even after the opening hours of the game arcade, you can continue to have a desire to play. Also, it would be convenient if the acquired balls could be used for games at any time without being exchanged for prizes.

The present invention has been devised under such a background, and its main object is to provide a new game mechanism which is convenient for both the manager of the game hall and the fans.

[0005]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a virtual game system and its components that allow a fan (who is interested in a game and a player, the same applies hereinafter) to perform a virtual game through a fan terminal connected to a communication network. , Provides a virtual game management method. The virtual game system of the present invention includes a first means for providing a fan terminal operated by a fan with a virtual game execution environment for increasing or decreasing a predetermined number of game points, and the above-mentioned means acquired for use in the virtual game. The game points and the game points obtained as a result of the virtual game are recorded in a predetermined memory for each fan, and the number of game points designated by the fan is read out from the memory and used for the game of the virtual game. The second means for outputting to the information processing system of the corresponding output destination for the game of the game machine provided in the game hall or the exchange of the prize.

[0006] The first means is configured to include, for example, a game server provided on a communication network, for example, the Internet, to which a plurality of fan terminals each operated by a fan registered as a member can be connected at the same time. The game server is
The server main body having a communication function reads out and executes the game computer program to execute the authentication means for authenticating the fan, the game execution management means, and the instruction content from any fan terminal to the second means. Two
Game point management means for transferring game points to and from the means is formed in the server body. The game execution management means forms a virtual game hall in which a plurality of virtual game machines are arranged in a logical space accessed by a plurality of fan terminals, and the virtual game hall is provided to the fan terminal operated by the fan authenticated by the authentication means. In addition to enabling the virtual game machine selected by the fan in, the game status of all the virtual game machines deployed in the virtual game arcade is monitored, and is visually recognized by each fan terminal based on the monitoring result. The status information of the virtual game arcade is updated at any time. More specifically, the game execution management means acquires the number of game points requested by the authenticated fan through the fan terminal from the second means, and determines the number of acquired game points according to the progress of the virtual game. It is configured to increase or decrease and send the number of game points at that time to the second means at any time instructed by the fan, and stop the virtual game when the number of game points decreases to a predetermined number. To be done. The unit value of the game points acquired by the second means can be changed according to the type of the virtual game machine.

From the viewpoint of increasing the tension of the fans with respect to the game, the winning rate adjustment means for causing the game execution management means to dynamically change the occurrence probability of the winning game in which the game points increase for each virtual gaming machine. Equipped with. When a plurality of service time zones of the virtual game are prepared in one day, the winning rate adjustment means can change the probability of occurrence of the winning game for each service time period pattern. To do. From the viewpoint of fairing the winning rate, the winning rate adjusting means is configured to be operable on the condition that the authentication code is received from the third party institution system connected to the game server.

From the viewpoint of the convenience of the fans, the game server is provided with a special service management means for receiving a special service prepared in advance for a specific virtual game machine by the fan authenticated by the authentication means. This special service management means, for example, while accepting a game reservation or a break during the game for the specific virtual gaming machine as one of the special services,
When the game is not executed even after a lapse of a predetermined time from the reception time, the reception of the special service is forcibly canceled. When the special service is accepted, the special service management means causes the second means to deduct a predetermined number of game points of the fan requesting the special service.

In order to bring the contents of the virtual game closer to the contents of the real game, the game server reserves the game of the specific virtual game machine by the fan authenticated by the authentication means and cancels it autonomously. While accepting, if the game is not executed even if a predetermined time has elapsed from the reserved time, it may be configured with a reservation management means for forcibly canceling the reservation, or the probability of occurrence of a winning game in which game points increase You may make it the structure provided with the winning rate adjustment means which adjusts dynamically for every virtual game machine.

From the viewpoint of preventing fraud in a virtual game, a program management mechanism is connected to the server main body of the game server, and the program management mechanism stores an original storage means for storing the original of the game computer program and a copy from the original. And a program monitoring means for remotely monitoring the identity of the supplied gaming computer program and the gaming computer program stored in the original storage means. To From the viewpoint of ensuring fairness, the program management mechanism should be installed in a third-party management institution other than the institution that manages the member-registered game hall or another game hall associated with the game hall.
Preferably, the game point management system is also installed in a third-party management institution other than the institution that manages the member-registered game hall or another game hall associated with the game hall.

When the membership registration of the fan is performed at a predetermined game hall, the prize is, for example, a tangible object that can be exchanged at the game hall or another game hall that is associated with the game hall. When an information processing system for accepting an instruction for exchanging game points and prizes is provided in these amusement halls, the second means outputs the number of game points instructed by the fan to this information processing system. To do. The prize may also be a tangible item that can be exchanged at a partner store that is affiliated with the registered game hall. When the information processing system for accepting the instruction to exchange the game points and the prize is provided at the affiliated store, the second means outputs the number of game points designated by the fan to the information processing system.

The second means comprises, for example, a memory having a data recording area prepared for each fan registered as a member, and a memory control means for recording data in the memory and reading the recorded data. It is composed of a game point management system with a communication function. The memory control means records the game points acquired by each fan in the data recording area for the fan, and reads the number of game points designated by the fan from the data recording area and outputs them to the game server. Composed. The data recording area includes a first recording area for recording the game points newly purchased by the fan and a second recording area for recording the game points acquired by the game. The game points recorded in the first recording area are not limited to the use destination (for example, they can be used in any virtual game hall or a real game hall), and the game points recorded in the second recording area are The use destination is limited (for example, limited to use in the acquired virtual game arcade).

As the game point management system, a system in which a point selling mechanism for selling game points at a predetermined place is connected can be used. in this case,
The game point management system is configured to acquire the number of game points purchased by the fan at the point sales mechanism and receive the acquired number of game points as the game points to be increased by the fan. The point sales organization can also be connected to a financial institution system that provides fans with a financial value equivalent to cash,
In this case, the fan is configured to be able to purchase the game points by financial value. As the game point management system, a game hall management system connected to a member-registered hall or another hall associated with the hall can be used. In this case, the game point management system receives the results obtained by the fans playing at any of the playgrounds through the playground management system installed in the playground, and increases the number of the received game points by the fan. The game points are recorded in the memory as the game points to be played, and the game points acquired by the fan by the virtual game can be used for the game at any of the game halls. From the viewpoint of ensuring fairness, the game point management system should be installed in a third-party management institution other than the institution that manages the amusement hall in which the fan has registered as a member or another amusement hall that interacts with the amusement hall. To do so.

According to the virtual game management method of the present invention, a game server is provided on a communication network to which a plurality of fan terminals operated by registered fans can be connected, and predetermined game points can be fanned to the game server. A step of connecting a game point management system which records each time, and the game server provides a virtual game execution environment for increasing or decreasing the number of the game points to the fan terminal in response to a request from any of the fan terminals And when the point management system obtains the game points earned by the fan, the number of the game points of the fan is increased, and the fan is instructed to use the game point for the virtual game. Instructed to use it as a gift or as a replacement for a free gift It can is characterized by having the steps of reducing the number of the indicated number of game points of the fan, the.

The computer program of the present invention causes a computer to operate as a game server. That is, a plurality of fan terminals each operated by a fan registered as a member are provided on a communication network that can be connected at the same time, and on a computer to which a game point management system for recording predetermined game points for each fan is connected. In addition, the above-mentioned authentication means, game execution management means, and game point management means are formed.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a game system according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. This game system 1 is a virtual (hereinafter referred to as “VR”) game server 10 that can be connected to the Internet N, which is an example of a communication network, and a game hall management connected to the VR game server 10 via a dedicated line. The system 20 and the game point management system 30 are provided.

The VR game server 10 builds a VR game execution environment for increasing or decreasing game points on a fan terminal 40 that has accessed via the Internet N. The “VR game” is, for example, a game machine (pachinko machine, which is installed in a game hall such as an existing pachinko hall.
A game similar to that of a pachi-slot machine or the like) is virtually realized by a server body that operates according to a computer program for a game table (hereinafter abbreviated as "game table software"). Hereinafter, a game hall virtually realized by game console software is referred to as a "VR hall", and game machines provided in the VR hall are collectively referred to as a "VR machine", and it is necessary to particularly distinguish between a game and a game machine type. If there is, a "VR" is added in front of the game or gaming machine. For example, a pachinko machine (pachinko machine) is a “VR pachinko machine (VR pachinko machine)” and a pachi-slot machine (pachi-slot machine) is a “VR pachi-slot machine (VR pachi-slot machine)”.

To the Internet N, for example, a plurality of fan terminals 40, which are operated by a plurality of fans registered as members at a certain game arcade at home or the like, can be connected. The fan terminal 40 is a general-purpose personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) to which a display device including a display and an operating device such as a mouse are connected and which has a communication function and a Web browser function. In addition, the game hall management system 20 and the game point management system 30 are
The VR game server 10 may be connected to each other via the Internet N instead of the dedicated line.

The game hall management system 20 is installed in the game hall and manages various information and controls related functions for allowing the fans to play a game with the game machine in the game hall, and controls the VR game. As a result, the exchange of the game points won by the fans and the prizes prepared in the game hall is accepted. For example, the operation status of each gaming machine is monitored, the result of playing on each gaming machine is replaced with a prize on the spot, or the prize corresponding to the game point read from the game game point management system 30 is provided to the fan. The game points purchased by the fan are output to the game point management system 30 as the game points usable in the VR game.

The game hall management system 20 is provided with a point-sale terminal 21 for selling game points used for VR games, and allows the person in charge of the game hall to input game points in response to a fan request. Input terminal 22 for, a ball management terminal 23 for outputting the counting result of balls or the like acquired as a result of a fan playing on a game machine in a game hall, and member management for managing personal information of registered fans The system 24 is connected.
For members registered in the member management system 24, for example, I
A user card UC composed of a C card is issued.
In this user card UC, the personal information (ID, password, key information when using the VR game server 10, etc.) of the fan that can be uniquely identified in the game system 1 of this embodiment, the registered game hall. Information or the like for identifying is recorded. Note that, among the personal information, high security information such as a password may be recorded in the game point management system 30.

The game point management system 30 manages the game points for each fan registered as a member (initial record, increase / decrease record, etc.), and transfers the game points between the VR game server 10 and the game hall management system 20. To do. Usually, it is arranged at a predetermined site inside or outside the game hall. In FIG. 1, only one VR server 10 and one game hall management system 20 are shown, but the number of these may be plural. The game point management system 30 sends game points to the game hall management system 20 of another game hall related to the game hall or vice versa according to an instruction from the game hall management system 20 of the illustrated game hall. You can receive it.

Management of game points in the game point management system 30 is performed by a hard disk having a data recording area and a control unit (a function implemented in the system by software) for controlling reading and writing of the hard disk. 2 data recording areas for each fan ID
Types are available. That is, a purchase point area for recording the newly purchased game points by the fan and an acquisition point area for recording the game points acquired by the VR game or the game at the playground are prepared for each fan ID. ing. The game points recorded in the purchase point area are not limited in the use destination, and can be used in any VR hall or game hall as long as they are connected to the game point management system 30. On the other hand, with respect to the game points recorded in the earned point area, the use destination thereof is limited to, for example, the VR hole or the game hall of the earning source. This makes it possible to objectively grasp the input and output of the game points.

The control unit analyzes, for example, from where the game points acquired by the individual fans are sent, the address at the time of communication and the type information of the game points (the header attached to the head of the data is analyzed, , It is determined whether the game point is a newly purchased game point or a game point acquired by a game, and the game point is added and recorded in the purchase point area or the acquired point area of the data recording area, and the history thereof is recorded as described above. Hard disk history file (prepared for each fan)
To record.

When using the game points, the fan terminal 40 (via the VR game server 10) or the game hall management system 20 is used to specify the fan ID, the purchase point area or the earned point area, the number of game points and the destination thereof. Specify and issue a read request.

The control section reads out a specified number of game points in response to the read request for the game points, and subtracts and records them from the corresponding data recording area. Also,
The game points are sent to the specified destination and the history is recorded in the history file. By performing such management, the input status (IN) and the output status (OUT) of the game points are completely digitally managed, so that the balance is clear.

Here, the VR game server 10 will be described in detail. The VR game server 10 is configured to include a server main body having a communication function and the above game table software, and provides the fan terminal 40 with a VR game execution environment.
The game table software is divided into main software in the VR game server 10 and sub software distributed to the registered fans.
The main software forms an authentication function for authenticating a fan accessed through the fan terminal 40, a game execution management function, a special service management function, and a game point management function in the server body. The game point management function is a function as an interface with the game point management system 30. For example, the content of the instruction from one of the fan terminals 40 is set to the game point management system
Game point management system 30
Transfer game points to and from.

The contents of the game execution management function are specifically as follows. That is, an image simulating an actual game hall, such as the entrance and interior of a VR hall, an image of an individual VR machine, an operating status of each VR machine, etc., can be accessed by a plurality of fan terminals 40 at the same time. A VR machine formed in a logical space on the game server 10 and operated by an authenticated fan enables the VR machine selected by the fan in the VR hall to be played, and
The gaming status of all VR machines deployed in the VR hall is monitored, and each fan terminal 4 is monitored based on this monitoring result.
The state information of the VR hole visually recognized at 0 is updated at any time.

In addition, the authenticated fan is the fan terminal 40.
The number of game points requested through the game point management system 30 (through the game point management function)
The game point management system 30 further obtains the game point management system 30 to increase or decrease the number of the acquired game points according to the progress of the VR game, and at any time when the fan instructs, the number of the game points at that time (through the game point management function). Send to. Then, the VR game is stopped when the number of the game points decreases to a predetermined number.

In the game execution management function, the condition of each VR machine on that day (in the case of a VR pachinko machine, the state of nails,
It also includes a winning rate adjustment function of changing the setting in the case of a VR pachi-slot, and dynamically changing the probability of occurrence of a winning game in which game points increase for each VR machine. Adjustment of winning rate and payout rate / sales
The profit rate is related to the fact that the higher the winning rate, the higher the payout rate, but the lower the sales and the profit rate. At the playground,
We have installed multiple pachinko machines of the same model with different winning rates, and we have set up sharply, and we set sales and profit margin targets for the entire amusement park and each model and operate it. There is. Even on a business day basis, the business will be interwoven with days when the winning rate is low (sales / profit margin is set high) and days when it is high (sales / profit margin is set low) (sometimes in the red). To do. Also in this embodiment, just like in the case of such a real game hall, for example, VR
The winning rate is dynamically adjusted by changing the state of nails on the pachinko machine. An authentication code is required to adjust the winning rate. This authentication code is managed by the person who operates the VR hall. If the operator of the VR hall and the game hall are the same,
The authentication code is managed by the game hall management system 20 and is input to the VR server 10 as needed. The winning rate can be adjusted for each service period. For example VR
The game service hours are 0:00 to 13:00, 12:00 to the next day 1
In the case of two patterns of time, while the VR game service is being performed in one pattern, the above winning rate is adjusted in the other pattern, and after the adjustment is completed, the service is switched to the service in the other pattern. The VR hall and VR machine images are the same, so even if the patterns change, the VR doesn't know that the winning rate has been adjusted.
The game will be continued. As a result, the fans can play the game with a sense of tension, and it becomes possible to enhance the playability.

The game points are purchased by the fans,
Although it increases or decreases depending on the VR game, its unit value is automatically converted according to the type of VR machine. Even if the game points are the same, for example, model A
For example, the unit price is 4 yen, and for model B, the unit price is 3 yen.

The special service management function is a function of accepting a special service prepared in advance for a specific VR machine by an authenticated fan. Special services include game reservations for specific VR machines, breaks during games, and eye-catching services. Regarding game reservations and breaks, if the game is not executed within a predetermined time from the time of reception, the reception of the service is forcibly canceled. Such a special service may be free of charge or may be paid, that is, an operation that requires game points can be performed. In the latter case, that is, when a fan requests a special service, the game points of the fan can be deducted from the game point management system 30 by a predetermined number.

The subordinate software is a change situation of the VR machine in which the winning rate is adjusted as described above, for example, in the case of a VR pachinko machine, a ball is moved on the board surface, and a special symbol displayed on the center accessory is displayed. This is for displaying the variation status such as the variation display on the browser of each fan terminal 40 and appropriately reflecting this variation status to the VR game server 10 (main software). The sub-software is usually provided to each fan at the time of membership registration, and the fan installs it in his / her own fan terminal 40 so that VR pachinko can be performed in cooperation with the main software. "Constructing a VR game execution environment" means that a fan operates a computer environment for allowing a fan to operate a VR machine by the cooperation of such main software and sub-software. Formed on 40.
The main software alone does not prevent the fan terminal 40 from forming a VR game execution environment. That is,
A dedicated program for starting and executing only on the server side is prepared in the game server 10, and when the fan terminal 40 accesses, VR is displayed in the browser of the fan terminal 40.
You may make it build the execution environment of a game.

The game console software can be upgraded appropriately. The management at that time is performed by, for example, a manager (“owner”) of the game arcade equipped with the game arcade management system 20, and the unauthorized modification by the intermediary company is eliminated. The owner is
A game table software maker stores a master of the game table software, and the master is recorded in the game hall management system 20. Then, the software of the VR game server 10 is replaced through the game hall management system 20, and the consistency of the replaced game table software is checked by random communication with time (compare with the master software). If an error occurs in this compare, it is regarded as software that does not match the master (unauthorized modification software or software that has not been properly copied), and at that moment, the contents of the VR game server 10 are automatically restored to the contents of the master. When this is repeated a certain number of times, the continued use of the game console software is forcibly restricted. In other words, no matter how much the software is illegally rewritten, it is automatically repaired in the same way as the master, so that there is no motivation to illegally rewrite even at risk, and the occurrence of illegal acts can be suppressed.

The hardware configuration of the VR game server 10 equipped with the above-mentioned gaming machine software (main software) is as shown in FIG. That is, the VR game server 10
The CPU 11 as a main processor, the RAM 12 functioning as a main memory of the CPU 11, and the ROM 13 storing a control program such as BIOS are connected to each other via an internal bus B. The internal bus B is further provided for bidirectional communication with the storage device 14 such as a hard disk, the Internet N (fan terminal 40), or a dedicated line (game hall management system 20, game point management system 30, etc.). The communication device 15, the display device 16, and the input device 17 are connected to each other via an interface mechanism (not shown).

The storage device 14 stores various kinds of information necessary for playing the above game table software (main software) and VR games. The information stored in the storage device 14 includes VR hall inside / outside image data, VR machine image data, hall operation information, machine attribute information, and the like. Information other than image data is updated at any time. The image data of the inside and outside of the VR hole is data required to display the image of the entrance of the VR hole and the image of the inside thereof on each fan terminal 40, and the image data of the VR machine is provided in the VR hole. It is data required to display the attribute of each VR machine and its operating status on the fan terminal 40.

The hall operation information is various information necessary for fans to play games and collect information in the VR hall, and is a "menu screen" on the browser of the fan terminal 40.
The information is displayed as, and is selected at any time. An example of the menu screen is shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 3, "game table selection / status of game room in store", "remaining ball inquiry", "game table information", "ball-out / big hit information", "waiting for empty table",
"Reservation", "Hall information", "Amusement table selection / status of the amusement hall in the store", "Remaining ball inquiry", "Amusement table information", "Distribution /
"Big hit information", "Event information", "Waiting for empty space",
“Reservation” and “hall information” are illustrated.

"Selection of game table / status of game hall in store" is
This is for displaying the game machine division for each VR machine / island. The gaming table classification is information such as operating, in the middle of a while, empty table, event table, and currently being adjusted. When an empty stand is selected, a game can be played, and when the "stand history" is selected, the payout status and the big hit history are displayed retroactively from the present. The "remaining ball inquiry" is information on the current game point of the user, the "gaming table information" is the specifications of each VR machine, and the "ball payout / Ototo information" is table history information. The “event guide” is information indicating special events such as newly opened store guides and Thanksgiving, and can be used by the owner for advertising. "Waiting for empty space" is information indicating that there is no empty space, and "reservation" is information indicating that the VR machine to be played can be reserved from the next opening. The "hole information" is, for example, link information of information on the homepage of the VR hole.
In addition, information such as condition information at the time of playing a game in the hall and prize exchange rate is also included in the “hall operation information”, and is appropriately stored in the storage device 14 and read out. The machine attribute information is information indicating the attributes of each VR machine. In the case of VR pachinko machines, the machine attribute information is the layout image of the pachinko board surface, the variation pattern of the special symbols displayed on the center accessory, the specification information such as probability calculation data that determines the jackpot probability, and the number of jackpots for each VR pachinko machine. -Data such as the number of balls thrown out and the ball transition graph, and information referred to when selecting a VR pachinko machine such as nail data (good or bad nails) are included.

The CPU 11 properly reads the game table software and the necessary information recorded in the storage device 14 into the RAM 12 according to the control program stored in the ROM 13 and the like, and thereby the functions necessary for executing the VR game, for example, The above-mentioned authentication function, game execution management function, and game point management function are formed in the server body. The display device 16 is V
Used to monitor R game status, input device 1
7 is also used for additionally inputting hall management information.

<Operational Form> Next, a procedure for a fan to enjoy VR pachinko at home by the game system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the procedure in this case. The game point is a ball for VR pachinko. When the fan performs VR pachinko, for example, he / she goes to the game hall, completes membership registration in the game hall management system 20, and receives the user card UC (S101). Age confirmation etc. can be performed at the time of this member registration. After the membership registration, the fan registers at least the number of balls to be used in the game point management system 30 (S10).
2). Initially, the ball is registered by, for example, a fan coming to the game hall and purchasing the ball at the point-selling terminal 21 (recorded in the purchase point area). If the game point management system 30 has usable balls for the fan, step S102 is unnecessary. As for usable balls, for example, the number of winning balls obtained as a result of a fan playing a pachinko machine or the like existing in a game hall is input by the input terminal 22 or the ball management terminal 23 (recorded in the earned point area). Alternatively, it is carried out by inputting a winning ball, which is obtained as a result of the player playing a game with VR pachinko, from the VR game server 10 (recorded in the earning point area).

The fan returning to his home starts the fan terminal 40 and connects it to the VR game server 10 via the Internet N. When normally connected to the VR game server 10, the authentication screen as a member is displayed on the fan terminal 40, and the authentication function is executed. As a result of the authentication, when it is confirmed that the user is a registered fan, the execution environment of the VR pachinko machine as described above is constructed in the fan terminal 40 (S103). At the start of VR pachinko, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the browser of the fan terminal 40 (S104). On the menu screen, fans can play games in the VR hall,
It is referred to in order to collect information. In the example of FIG. 4, "selection of game table / status of game room in store", "remaining ball inquiry", "game table information", "ball-out / big hit information", "waiting for empty space", "reservation", ""Hallinformation","Amusement platform selection / status of the amusement park in the store", "Remaining ball inquiry", "Amusement table information", "Domestic / big hit information", "Event guide",
“Waiting for empty space”, “Reservation”, and “Hall information” are displayed.

When the fan clicks "selection of game table / status of the game room in the store" by the input device of the fan terminal 40, as shown in FIG. 5, game machines (VR machines) / islands classified by the game status. Is displayed. The gaming table category includes operating, jackpot, vacant table, event table, and currently adjusting. Seeing this, the fan determines which VR machine to select.

When the fan clicks on an empty VR machine, he / she can play the VR machine. Further, when the machine history of the VR machine is selected, it is possible to display the payout status and the jackpot history of the VR machine, which is traced back from the present to the past. Click "Remaining Balls Inquiry" and enter the PIN number assigned at the time of membership registration. The current remaining balls of the fan (the number of game points recorded in the purchase points area and the points earned area are recorded. The total number of game points) can be confirmed (the VR game server 10 accesses the game point management system 30 and reads it). Clicking on "Game table information" will display the specifications of each game table. If you click on "Symbol / Big hit information",
You can display the platform history without going through the game hall. Click "Event Information" to check special events such as new store opening and Thanksgiving. For owners, it can be a promotional display. “Waiting for empty space” can wait for an empty space when there is no empty space. There are free space priority and model priority. When the number of remaining balls is 0, it is not possible to wait for an empty seat. One fan can be reserved for one fan, and cancellation of it is also possible. "Reservation" allows you to reserve a game table from the next opening. One fan can be reserved for one fan and can be canceled. If the game is not started within 10 minutes from the opening of the store, the reservation is canceled and the table is automatically vacated. “Hall information” is for browsing information on the entrance / homepage.

VR that is "vacant" by the fan
When the pachinko machine is clicked, VR game server 10
Reads the current number of managed balls of the fan from the game point management system 30, and reads the information of the read balls,
It is sent together with the machine information of the VR hall and the VR pachinko machine. As a result, the VR pachinko game screen selected by the fan is displayed on the browser of the fan terminal 40. FIG. 6 shows that the VR pachinko machine with the machine number “777” is selected. In FIG. 6, when “reference to the machine” is selected, the VR game server 10 sends the V to the fan terminal 40.
Data such as the number of jackpots, the number of coins, and a coin transition graph for each VR pachinko machine during a predetermined period including the day of the R pachinko machine are displayed on the browser of the fan terminal 40. When the game is started by the fan, the VR game server 10
Sends machine information (eg nail data that determines the winning rate determined in the service time period) to the fan terminal 40. As a result, in the browser of the fan terminal 40,
A screen for VR pachinko is displayed, and preparations for VR pachinko are completed on the fan terminal 40.

The fan operates the fan terminal 40 to play the specified number (or the amount of money) of balls in the VR game server 10.
Through the game point management system 30 and further change the strength of the ball launching handle to start VR pachinko (S106: Yes, S1).
07). FIG. 7 is a VR pachinko game screen on which an image of the board surface of the VR pachinko machine displayed on the browser of the fan terminal 40 at the start of the game and the information display portion such as the current ball held are formed. If there is a prize during the game, the number of balls held increases and the number of balls displayed on the information display unit increases. If you do not win the prize, the number of balls will decrease. When the number of balls becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, for example, 0, the V
The game of R pachinko is over. When the fan continues to play the VR pachinko game, he / she should read out the VR game balls within the range of the number of balls managed by the game point management system 30 and use them. You can That is, the specified number of balls can be received from the game point management system 30 through the VR game server 10 and the VR pachinko can be continued.

During the game, the fan can pay a game point and take a break at any time. However, the time for a break is set to a fixed time, and if the game is not restarted within the time, the break ends. If the VR pachinko is not restarted after a certain period of time, the VR pachinko is forcibly terminated (S108: Yes, S109: No). During the break, the browser screen changes as shown in FIG. During the break, when the VR pachinko machine finishes the game by the intention of the fan, the fan clicks "game end" in FIG. Thereby, the game on the VR pachinko machine can be finished at any time. When the game on the VR pachinko machine is forcibly terminated, or when the fan finishes the game on the VR pachinko machine at a break or at any time during the game, the browser screen of the fan terminal 40 is shown in FIG. And the number of balls at that time is displayed (S10
8: No, S109: No, S110). At this time, the game result information (information about the number of balls received, the number of increase / decrease, the number of jackpots, etc.) is transmitted from the fan terminal 40 to the VR game server 10 (S111).

When the VR game server 10 receives the notification of the game end and the game result information, the VR game server 10 performs the game end processing (S112). That is, the VR pachinko used by that fan is returned to a state in which it can be used by other fans, and the machine information of the VR pachinko used based on the transmitted information (the number of coins and the coin transition graph). Etc.) are updated. Further, when the number of balls held increases as a result of the game, the increase data is notified to the game point management system 30 together with the fan identification information. The game point management system 30 updates the number of balls managed for the fan based on this notification information. Fans can go to the playground at an appropriate time and exchange their present balls for prizes.

The fan terminal 40 does not have to be constantly connected to the VR game server 10 while the fan is playing a VR pachinko machine. Normally, while connecting only while receiving the information necessary to select a VR pachinko from the VR game server 10, and after determining the VR pachinko to play, when performing the remaining ball inquiry or passing it,
Connect only when you have a break, when you finish a game, or when you get a big jackpot. In other words, the fan performs VR pachinko offline, while not considering which VR pachinko machine is used to play the game and while passing necessary information. As a result, it is possible to prevent the expansion of the communication capacity when a large number of fans play VR games at the same time. For fans, there is an advantage that communication costs can be reduced.

Thus, the game system 1 of this embodiment
Then, the fans changed the style of conventional games that they had to go to the game hall during business hours to play, so that they could play as much as they like at home at any time. So popularize this kind of game,
It will be possible to revitalize the gaming industry. The balls when not playing are always stored in the game game point management system 30, and there is no need to exchange the prizes on the day of the game, so the trouble of exchanging the prizes each time the game is finished is avoided. It can be avoided. Even for VR hall managers, it is not necessary to secure a large space for installing a large number of gaming machines or to secure a large number of staff, as in an actual amusement arcade, so the cost for that amount is a fan. It will be possible to return to the winning rate of.

As a result, it is possible to realize a game system which is convenient for both the fan and the manager of the VR hall.

<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of the game system 2 according to the second embodiment. Most of the components of this game system 2 (communication network N, various systems 1
0, 20, 30, 40) and the operation thereof are almost the same as those of the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, and a credit company system 50, which is an example of a financial institution system, is connected, a VR hall manager or a game. It is possible to purchase game points at an affiliated store terminal 60, which is an information processing system provided in an affiliated store affiliated with the owner of the venue, and notify the game point management system 30 of the game points. The difference is that the gifts can be exchanged at the partner store terminal 70, which is an information processing system provided in the partner store that handles the gifts. The affiliated store terminal 70 may be an actual store or a virtual store held on the Internet N.

A fan can contact the credit company system 50 through the VR game server 10, whereby an arbitrary number or amount of balls used for VR pachinko can be purchased. When the balls are thus purchased, data representing the number of the purchased balls is input from the credit company system 50 to the game point management system 30 together with the fan ID. The game point management system 30 updates (adds) the data (the number of balls) of the purchase point area for the fan based on the input data. The procedure when using game points is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

When a fan purchases a ball used for VR pachinko through the credit company system 50, V does not go through the game point management system 30.
The balls may be directly taken into the R game server 10 (increase the number of balls actually displayed), and the game point management system 30 may be notified after the game ends. In this case, the ball is treated as a winning ball and recorded in the earned points area.

When the fan purchases the balls at the affiliated store terminal 60, the number of purchased balls is notified to the game point management system 30 together with the ID of the purchased fan, and is recorded in the purchase point area as the purchase balls of the fan. To be done.

In the case of exchanging with the prize, the fan goes to the game hall and requests the game point management system 30 through the game hall management system 20 to output a part or all of the remaining balls for the prize exchange. . The game point management system 30 outputs the requested number of remaining balls to the game hall management system 20 of the request source. This allows fans to
You can receive a given free gift (tangible). The fan can also receive the gift at the affiliated store terminal 70. In this case, a prize exchange instruction accompanied by the address of the affiliated store terminal 70 is output to the game point management system 30 through the game hall management system 20. The game point management system 30 outputs the designated number of balls to the affiliated store terminal 70. As a result, the fan can receive the desired gift at the affiliated store terminal 70. An operation mode in which the fan terminal 40 directly requests the game point management system 30 to output balls for exchanging prizes is also possible.

<Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram of the game system 3 according to the third embodiment. Most of the components of this game system 3 (communication network N, various systems 1
0, 20, 30, 40) and the operation thereof are almost the same as those of the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, and the VR game server 10, the game hall management system 20, and the game point management system 30 are installed in a third party organization. The first point is that it is connected to the established third-party management system 80.
Different from the case of the embodiment.

The third party institution management system 80 manages the originals of the above-mentioned game software (main software, slave software), and distributes the duplicates to the VR game server 10 and the fans. Therefore, in the third-party institution management system 80, the master of the game console software entrusted by the game console software maker is recorded, and the software of the VR game server 10 is installed or replaced by the third-party institution management system 80. Try to do it through. In addition, consistency check (compare with master software) is performed by random communication with respect to the game console software that has been introduced or replaced. If an error occurs in this compare, it is regarded as software that does not match the master (unauthorized modification software or software that has not been properly copied), and at that moment, the contents of the VR game server 10 are automatically restored to the contents of the master. In this way, not only fraud by the fan but also fraud by the owner is effectively prevented. Any or all of the management of the authentication code for adjusting the winning rate, the management of the game hall management system 20 and the ball management in the game point management system 30 described above is performed by the third party institution management system 8.
You may make it 0. The management of the game hall management system 20 and the ball management in the game point management system 30 are preferably dual management. Thus, V
By interposing the third party institution management system 80 in the management related to the R game, fraud during the operation of the VR hall can be suppressed, and fair and sound VR hall operation can be expected.

As is clear from the above-described first to third embodiments, the VR game server 10 provides a virtual game execution environment for the fan terminal 40 to increase or decrease the number of game points such as balls, and The game points acquired for use in the game and the game points acquired by the fans as a result of the virtual game are managed by the game point management system 30 for each fan, and this can be output at any time for re-play or prize exchange. Therefore, the fan can operate the fan terminal 40 to experience amusement similar to a game in an actual game arcade, regardless of location.

In addition, the VR game server 10 enables a function to authenticate a fan and a VR pachinko machine selected by the authenticated fan, and plays all VR machines installed in the VR hall. A game execution management function that monitors the situation and updates the status information of the VR hall visually recognized in the fan terminal 40 as needed based on this monitoring result, and transmits the instruction content from the fan terminal 40 to the game game point management system 30. In addition, the game point management system 30 is configured to have a game point management function for transferring game points to and from the game game point management system 30. Therefore, it is possible to virtually realize the same state as when a fan plays in an actual game hall. Like

The VR game server 10 has a winning rate adjusting function for dynamically adjusting the probability of occurrence of a winning game in which game points increase, for each VR machine.
For VR game operators, VR should be considered after considering profits.
It is possible to host a game, and it becomes possible for fans to play a tense VR game. Although the present invention is applied to pachinko as an example of VR game in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention can be similarly applied to other games. In the case of the VR pachi-slot and VR sparrow ball, the management form is the same as that of the ball, except that the game point is changed to the medal instead of the ball. Further, in the case of VR pachislot, as the above-mentioned special service, the "pushing service" which is often performed in actual amusement halls can be adopted. Also in this case, it is possible to operate for free or for a fee (requires game points).

[0060]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel game mechanism that is convenient for both owners and fans in the game arcade. In particular, the following unique effects, which are not found in conventional games, can be obtained. (1) The VR game server is configured with the server main unit and the game console software, and the game console software is supplied afterwards to achieve VR.
Unauthorized modification of the terminal operated by the game server or the fan can be suppressed. In other words, even if the game software is illegally rewritten, it will be automatically repaired, so there is no point in illegally rewriting, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of illegal acts. (2) The balance is clear. VR game entry (IN)
Since the output (OUT) is completely digitally managed by, for example, the game game point management system, it is not possible to cheat the balance. (3) Opportunities for exchanging prizes can be reduced, and replays can be suppressed. (4) By applying the technical standards of relevant laws and regulations to a VR machine and making it a VR machine having the same rules as an actual gaming machine, it is possible to suppress the improvement of gambling spirit. (5) The effects of not producing industrial waste, reducing the number of people who access casino servers overseas from Japan to play, and reducing the number of children who die when left in the car in the summer etc. . The reason for such a man-made disaster is because of family circumstances such as "I have to take care of my child." As a result, I can not leave my child at home, so I brought it to the amusement park and brought it inside the car. It leads to the act of leaving it alone. In addition, if you go to the game hall late at night, the game time will be shortened due to the business hours, so you will have to come to the game room during the daytime, "just by force." However, if the child can play at home after the child has fallen asleep, the actions described above are extremely reduced, and it is possible to suppress the development of a tragic event as much as possible. (6) Reduction of development cost-For a research game machine maker, by simultaneously developing an actual machine and game machine software, for example, the development cost of the liquid crystal part (sub-board) can be divided into costs. With the opposite idea, it is possible to develop game console software, conduct market needs research, and then develop the actual machine. (7) Free competition will be possible. When the VR game server is configured with the server main body and the game console software, a software maker, which was a subcontractor of the actual machine maker until now, can also become a maker in the VR game market. Even if it is a small company (software maker), there is a chance of entry if it is a company that has the technical ability and the ability to conform to the rules. (8) Technological development can be expected. If the VR game market is opened, the technologies and ideas will grow because they will be able to compete more for each other's technical capabilities and ideas. VR
Since the machine can be easily replaced, it is easy to apply the same to an actual game machine after grasping the fan's preference by the VR game.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a VR game server according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a procedure explanatory diagram of a VR game according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on a browser of a fan terminal according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an internal state of a VR hole displayed on a browser of a fan terminal according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a screen of a browser when a specific VR pachinko is selected according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen example of a browser when VR pachinko becomes playable according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a screen of a browser when a fan takes a break during a VR pachinko game in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a browser when playing a VR pachinko game in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a game system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram of a game system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2 and 3 game system 10 VR (virtual) game server 20 game hall management system 30 game point management system 40 fan terminal 50 credit company system 60 partner store terminal (terminal placed in a store where game points can be purchased) 70 Partner store terminals (terminals installed in stores where prizes can be exchanged) 80 Third-party institution management system

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Ishii             7-1-1, Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo             Tomo Gotanda Building Japan Network Sys             Inside Tem Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Satoshi Kawada             7-1-1, Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo             Tomo Gotanda Building Japan Network Sys             Inside Tem Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C001 AA02 BA08 CB01 CB03 CB04                       CB08                 2C088 AA71

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A first means for providing a fan terminal operated by a fan with a virtual game execution environment for increasing or decreasing a predetermined number of game points, the game points acquired for use in the virtual game, and The game points obtained as a result of the virtual game are recorded in a predetermined memory for each fan, and the number of game points designated by the fan is stored.
A second read from the memory and output to an information processing system of a corresponding output destination for a game of the virtual game, a game of a game machine provided in a predetermined game hall, or a prize exchange. A virtual game system comprising means and. 2. The first means includes a gaming server arranged on a communication network to which fan terminals operated by a plurality of registered fan members can be connected at the same time. Yes, the game server forms a virtual game hall in which a plurality of virtual game machines are arranged in a logical space accessed by the plurality of fan terminals, and an authentication unit that authenticates each fan. A virtual terminal that is selected by the fan in the virtual game arcade can be played on a fan terminal operated by an authenticated fan, and the gaming statuses of all virtual game arcades installed in the virtual gaming arcade. The status information of the virtual game hall visually recognized by each fan terminal is updated based on the monitoring result. A game execution management means for updating, and a game point management means for transmitting the instruction content from any one of the fan terminals to the second means and for delivering the game points to the second means. The virtual game system according to claim 1, characterized by having. 3. The game execution management means acquires the number of game points requested by the authenticated fan through the fan terminal from the second means, and the acquired number of game points is used to advance the virtual game. The number of game points at the time point is sent to the second means at any time point instructed by the fan, and
The virtual game system according to claim 2, wherein the virtual game is configured to stop when the number of the game points decreases to a predetermined number. 4. The game execution management means is configured to be able to change the unit value of the game points acquired from the second means according to the type of virtual gaming machine. The virtual game system according to item 3. 5. The game execution management means is provided with a winning rate adjustment means for dynamically changing the probability of occurrence of a winning game in which the game points increase for each virtual gaming machine. The virtual game system described in 2. 6. A plurality of service time zones of the virtual game are prepared in one day, and the winning rate adjusting means changes the probability of occurrence of the winning game for each service time period pattern. The virtual game system according to claim 5, wherein the virtual game system is configured to be capable of playing. 7. The winning rate adjusting means is operable on the condition that an authentication code is received from a third party institution system connected to the game server. Virtual game system. 8. The game server is provided with a special service management means for receiving a special service prepared in advance for a specific virtual game machine by a fan authenticated by the authentication means. Virtual game system. 9. The special service management means accepts a game reservation or a break during a game for the specific virtual gaming machine as one of the special services, and the game is executed even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of acceptance. 9. The virtual game system according to claim 8, wherein the virtual game system is configured to forcibly cancel the reception of the special service if not performed. 10. The virtual machine according to claim 8, wherein the special service management means is configured to allow the second means to deduct a predetermined number of game points of a fan requesting the special service. Gaming system. 11. The game server comprises a server main body having a communication function and a game computer program executed in the server main body, and a program management mechanism is connected to the server main body. The program management mechanism includes an original storage means for storing an original copy of the game computer program, a program supply means for supplying the game computer program copied from the original copy to the server body, and the supplied game computer 3. The virtual game system according to claim 2, further comprising: a program monitor means for remotely monitoring the identity of the program and the game computer program stored in the original storage means. 12. The program management mechanism is installed in a third party management institution other than an institution that manages the member-registered game hall or another game hall that is associated with the game hall. The virtual game system according to claim 11. 13. A member registration of a fan is carried out at a predetermined game hall, and the prize is a tangible object which can be exchanged at a game hall where the fan has registered as a member or another game hall which is associated with the game hall. An information processing system for receiving an instruction for exchanging the game points and the prizes is provided in these amusement halls, and the second means stores the number of game points instructed by a fan as the information. The virtual game system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual game system is configured to output to a processing system. 14. The prize is a tangible object that can be exchanged at a partner store that is affiliated with the game arcade, and the partner store is provided with an information processing system for receiving an instruction to exchange the game points and the prize. The virtual game system according to claim 1, wherein the second means is configured to output the number of game points designated by the fan to be exchanged to the information processing system. 15. The second means comprises a memory having a data recording area prepared for each fan registered as a member, and a memory control means for recording data in the memory and reading the recorded data. A game point management system having a communication function is included, and the memory control unit records the game points acquired by each fan in a data recording area for the fan, and 2. The virtual game system according to claim 1, wherein the specified number of game points are read from the data recording area and output to the first means. 16. The data recording area comprises a first recording area for recording game points newly purchased by a fan and a second recording area for recording game points acquired by a game. The use points of the game points recorded in the first recording area are not limited, and the use points of the game points recorded in the second recording area are limited. 16. The virtual game system according to claim 15. 17. The game point management system is connected to a point selling mechanism for selling game points at a predetermined place, and the game point managing system allows the game to be played by fans at the point selling mechanism. Get points,
16. The virtual game system according to claim 15, wherein the number of acquired game points is received as the game points to be increased by the fan. 18. The point selling mechanism is connected to a financial institution system that gives a fan a financial value equivalent to cash, and the fan is configured to purchase the game points by the financial value. The virtual game system according to claim 17, wherein the virtual game system is provided. 19. The game point management system is connected to a game hall management system installed in a game hall in which a fan has registered as a member or in another game hall which is associated with the game hall, and the game point management system The system should accept the results obtained by the fans playing at any of the playgrounds through the playground management system installed at the playground, and increase the number of game points received by the fan. 16. The game point is recorded as the game point in the memory, and the fan can use the game point acquired by the virtual game for a game at any one of the game halls. Virtual game system. 20. The game point management system,
20. A third-party management institution other than an institution that manages a game hall that a fan has registered as a member or another game hall that is associated with the game hall, characterized by being installed in a third party management organization. Virtual game system described in the section. 21. A game point management system in which a game server is provided on a communication network to which a plurality of fan terminals operated by fans who are registered as members can be connected, and predetermined game points are recorded in this game server for each fan. Connecting the system, the game server providing a virtual game execution environment for increasing or decreasing the number of the game points to the fan terminal in response to a request from any of the fan terminals, and the point management When the system obtains the game points earned by the fan, the number of the game points of the fan is increased, and when the fan instructs the use of the game points for the virtual game or the exchange of the prize. When asked to use as a game point for that fan And having the steps of reducing the number of the indicated number of the virtual game management method. 22. A plurality of fan terminals each operated by a fan registered as a member are provided on a communication network connectable at the same time, and a game point management system for recording predetermined game points for each fan is connected. A gaming server for certifying a fan registered as a member in a predetermined game hall, and a virtual game hall in which a plurality of virtual game machines are arranged in a logical space accessed by the plurality of fan terminals. Then, the virtual terminal can be played by the fan terminal operated by the fan authenticated by the authenticating means on the virtual game machine selected by the fan in the virtual game room, and all the virtual terminals provided in the virtual game room can be operated. The gaming status of the virtual gaming machine is monitored, and each fan terminal is monitored based on this monitoring result. Between the game execution management means for updating the status information of the virtual game hall visually recognized as needed, and the game point management system while transmitting the instruction content from any of the fan terminals to the game point management system. A game server, comprising: game point management means for delivering and receiving the game points. 23. A plurality of fan terminals operated by fans who are registered as members are provided on a communication network that can be connected at the same time, and a game point management system for recording predetermined game points for each fan is connected. An authenticating means for authenticating a member-registered fan in a predetermined game area on a computer, and a virtual game area in which a plurality of virtual game machines are arranged in a logical space accessed by the plurality of fan terminals is formed. All virtual games installed in the virtual amusement center that enable a fan terminal operated by a fan authenticated by the authentication means to play a virtual game machine selected by the fan in the virtual amusement area. Monitor the gaming status of the machine and check each fan terminal based on the monitoring result. Game execution management means for updating the visually recognized state information of the virtual game hall at any time, and transmitting the instruction content from any one of the fan terminals to the game point management system, and also between the game point management system and the game point management system. A computer program for forming game point management means for delivering and receiving game points.