JP2006068141A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine in which recognition accuracy of a recording medium is improved.
A game machine 1 according to the present invention includes an upper surface 57a of a bottom portion 57 of a recess 54f of a holding frame 54 in which an IC chip 44 of a pedestal portion 41 of a figure 40 is accommodated, and a circuit surface 51a of an IC chip reader 51. The distance between is kept constant. For this reason, the upper surface 57a of the bottom 57 and the circuit surface 51a are parallel to each other. Therefore, when the pedestal portion 41 of the figure 40 is accommodated in the recess 54f of the holding frame 54, the IC chip 44 and the circuit surface 51a become parallel. Accordingly, a decrease in the strength of a signal such as a figure ID communicated between the IC chip 44 and the IC chip reader 51 is significantly suppressed, and the figure ID can be read from the IC chip 44 with high recognition accuracy.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which an object to be read such as a figure having a built-in recording medium is used.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine (so-called video game machine) that displays a character operated by a player on an image display means and operates the character to perform an image game is known. In such a gaming machine, a figure, a card, a coin, or the like containing a recording medium (object to be read) in which the character data of the player is stored is set in the reading unit of the gaming machine. There is a type of gaming machine that reflects character data in an image game (see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4).
JP 2002-273042 A JP 2001-63092 A JP 2003-340139 A Japanese Patent No. 2702858

  When the recording medium incorporated in the above-described figure or the like is a flat recording medium that transfers data in a non-contact manner, such as a non-contact IC chip, the data stored in the recording medium is the main surface of the recording medium. If the reader is inclined with respect to the reading surface of the reader, there is a problem that it becomes difficult for the reader to recognize the character data of the recording medium due to a decrease in the strength of the signal communicated with the recording medium. there were.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine in which the recognition accuracy of a recording medium is improved.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that includes a reading unit that reads identification information from an object to be read in which identification information is recorded, and that advances an image game using the identification information read by the reading unit. Includes a mounting portion in which a hole for receiving the object to be read is formed, a flat bottom portion of the hole, and a mounting surface on the bottom of the hole in the mounting portion opposite to the mounting surface on which the target object is mounted. And a circuit board on which a reading circuit capable of reading identification information from an object to be read is formed on a circuit surface facing the opposite surface, and mounting at the bottom of the hole of the mounting portion The distance between the surface and the circuit surface of the circuit board is kept constant.

  In this gaming machine, the distance between the mounting surface at the bottom of the mounting portion in which the object to be read is accommodated and the circuit surface of the circuit board that reads identification information from the object to be read is held constant. . Therefore, the bottom mounting surface and the circuit surface of the circuit board are parallel to each other. Therefore, when the object to be read is accommodated so as to be parallel to the mounting surface at the bottom of the mounting part, the object to be read and the circuit surface of the circuit board are also parallel. Therefore, a decrease in the intensity of the signal communicated between the object to be read and the circuit board is significantly suppressed, and the identification information can be read from the object to be read with high recognition accuracy.

  In addition, when the object to be read is accommodated in the bottom of the hole of the mounting part, the bottom of the mounting part and the circuit board are arranged such that the reading circuit of the circuit board can read the identification information from the object to be read. Are preferably held close to each other. In this case, since the intensity of the signal communicated between the object to be read mounted on the bottom of the mounting portion and the reading circuit of the circuit board is significantly improved, it is possible to realize better recognition accuracy.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the bottom part of a mounting part and the circuit board are directly contacting. In this case, excellent recognition accuracy can be obtained from the viewpoint of the separation distance between the object to be read and the reading circuit.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the bottom part of a mounting part and the circuit board are contacting indirectly through a thin film member. In this case, the thin film member can be used as a buffer between the bottom and the circuit board, or can be used for various marks by performing predetermined printing on the thin film member.

  Also, the mounting is arranged at a position facing the bottom of the mounting portion via the circuit board, and is connected to the mounting portion via the first connecting member and connected to the circuit board via the second connecting member. It is preferable to further include a part. When the mounting portion and the circuit board are close to each other, it is difficult to firmly fix the mounting portion and the circuit board using the first connecting member or the second connecting member. Even when the mounting portion and the circuit board are close to each other, the mounting portion and the circuit board can be fixed using the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine in which the recognition accuracy of a recording medium is improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments that are considered to be the best for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same or equivalent element, and the description is abbreviate | omitted when description overlaps.
(Overall configuration of game system)

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a game system 100 including a plurality of game machines 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of game machines 1 and a card vending machine 6. The game system 100 includes a total of three store servers 2 installed in one and two game stores A and B, respectively, and a plurality (in the present embodiment, communicatively connected via a dedicated line 3). 8) gaming machines 1 and card vending machines 6, in-store routers 7 installed in game stores A and B, in-store routers 7, communication line 4a, and center server group 5 connected via the Internet 4 And have.

  In each game store A, B, the store server 2, the game machine 1 and the card vending machine 6 are connected by a dedicated line 3 to form an in-store LAN (Local Area Network), and this in-store LAN is an in-store router 7 It is connected to the Internet 4 via

Each game machine 1 constituting the game system 100 is a gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, and each game machine 1 is assigned a machine ID unique to the game machine 1. This machine ID has a server ID unique to each store server 2 and an ID unique to each game machine 1. For example, in the case of each game machine 1 installed in the store A, A01, A02, A03 ... and so on.
(Game machine configuration)

  The game machine 1 has image display means for displaying a character image indicating a character (details will be described later) acting as a game image used for a game as a game image used for a game. An image game that causes the character to perform an action in accordance with the player's operation is configured. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the character moves in the labyrinth along the route selected by the player, while another character (a player character that performs an action according to the selection of another player, a game, A game in which the machine fights against a non-player character, scrambles for the items that the character has (jewels described later in this embodiment), collects all the items, and then defeats the final target character (hereinafter, "Maze match game"). In this labyrinth battle game, the score of each character (referred to as “life” in the present embodiment) moves up and down according to the match result and the progress of the game, and the character that has lost the score becomes a loser. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game machine 1 has a main display 11 having a liquid crystal display device on the front surface of the housing 10. In addition, the upper portion of the main display 11 has a sub-display 12 that is also provided with a liquid crystal display device, and speakers 13L and 13R that output sounds used for game effects are arranged on the left and right sides thereof.

  The main display 11 displays game images (for example, labyrinth images) according to each stage of the game. The sub display 12 displays an image (for example, a battle image) at a specific stage of the game.

  Further, the game machine 1 has an operation panel 14 below the main display 11, an authentication unit 15 is disposed on the left side of the operation panel 14, and coins (coins, games for playing) necessary for executing the game on the right side. A game slot such as a medal) and a card slot 18 into which an ID card 17 is inserted, and an operation unit 19 having operation buttons and the like.

  The authentication unit 15 mounts a later-described figure 40 corresponding to a plurality of characters appearing in the labyrinth battle game, and reads the figure ID (identification information) stored in the IC chip 44 (see FIG. 7) of the figure 40. Part.

  Here, the configuration of the authentication unit 15 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the authentication unit 15, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the authentication unit 15. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of the authentication unit 15 in FIG.

  The authentication unit 15 includes an IC chip reader (circuit board) 51 that reads the figure ID of the figure 40, a guide member 53 that is positioned above the IC chip reader 51, and has guide holes 52. A holding frame 54 that faces the holding frame 54 via the IC chip reader 51 and a base for attaching the holding frame 54 holding the IC chip reader 51 and the guide member 53 to the operation panel 14 (see FIG. 3). And a base (mounting portion) 55.

  The IC chip reader 51 is substantially flat and has a flat plate shape, and a reading circuit 56 including an antenna 56a and a control circuit 56b is formed on an upper surface (circuit surface) 51a. The IC chip reader 51 includes a square portion 51A in which a control circuit 56b and the like are formed and a protruding portion 51B that protrudes from one side of the square portion 51A and mainly has an antenna 56a. Then, the figure ID is read from an IC chip 44 described later built in the figure 40 by a reading circuit 56 formed on the IC chip reader 51. The IC chip reader 51 can read the figure ID even from the IC chip 44 located approximately 5 cm away.

  The IC chip reader 51 is mounted on the base 55 via four nut-like spacers 55a. The IC chip reader 51 cooperates with the screw hole 51b formed at a position corresponding to the spacer 55a and the spacer 55a. The reader 51 and the substrate 55 are fastened with screws (second connecting members) 61.

  The holding frame (mounting portion) 54 covering the IC chip reader 51 includes an annular frame 54b surrounding the guide member 53, a holding receiving portion 54a for holding the guide member 53 inside the frame 54b, and a holding receiving portion. A cylindrical depression (hole) 54f is provided at the approximate center of 54a. A part of the pedestal 41 of the figure 40 is accommodated in the recess 54f. The bottom portion 57 of the recess 54f is a flat flat plate with both the upper surface 57a and the lower surface 57b being flat and having a uniform thickness (several millimeters). The holding frame 54 is also fixed to the base 55 with screws (first connecting members) 62. The IC chip reader 51 and the holding frame 54 described above correspond to the reading means of the present invention.

  Then, when the holding frame 54 is fixed to the base 55, as shown in FIG. 5, the IC chip reader 51 and the holding frame 54 are formed of a protruding portion 51B of the IC chip reader 51 and a recess 54f of the holding frame 54. The bottom 57 is aligned so as to overlap. Therefore, the center of the antenna 56a formed on the protruding portion 51B of the IC chip reader 51 and the bottom portion 57 of the recess 54f on which the figure 40 is mounted substantially coincide with each other. When the holding frame 54 is fixed to the base 55, as shown in FIG. 6, the surface (circuit surface) 51a on which the reading circuit 56 of the IC chip reader 51 is formed and the bottom surface of the bottom 57 of the holding frame 54. 57b is in surface contact. In other words, the distance between the circuit surface 51 a of the IC chip reader 51 and the lower surface 57 b of the bottom portion 57 of the holding frame 54 is held constant, and the circuit surface 51 a of the IC chip reader 51 and the bottom portion of the holding frame 54 are maintained. The distance from the lower surface 57b of 57 is kept constant. The center of the antenna 56a of the IC chip reader 51 and the bottom portion 57 of the recess 54f on which the figure 40 is mounted do not necessarily coincide with each other, and may be appropriately shifted in a predetermined direction.

  The IC chip reader 51 and the base 55 are connected by screws 61, and the holding frame 54 and the base 55 are connected by screws 62, so that the IC chip reader 51 and the holding frame 54 are close to each other. Even in such a case, the holding frame 54 and the IC chip reader 51 can be firmly fixed via the base 55.

  The guide member 53 is made of a light transmissive member such as transparent urethane and has a substantially ring shape surrounding the edge of the recess 54 f of the holding frame 54. That is, a guide hole 52 having a circular cross section is provided in the approximate center of the guide member 53, and the diameter of the guide hole 52 gradually decreases as it approaches the holding frame 54. Therefore, the inner side surface 53e of the guide hole 52 is inclined. And the protrusion part 53a is provided in the near side (player side) of the guide member 53, and the wide parts 53b and 53b which became wide on the back side are provided. The guide member 53 is held with the lower surface of the projecting portion 53a assembled to the holding frame 54 and the wide portions 53b and 53b sandwiched therebetween.

  By adopting such a guide member 53, when the base portion 41 of the figure 40 is fitted into the recess 54 f of the holding frame 54 in order to set the figure 40 in the authentication unit 15, the bottom portion 45 of the figure 40 is fixed to the guide member 53. It reaches the depression 54f while being guided along the inclined surface 53e in the guide hole 52. Therefore, the player can easily set the figure 40 at the reading position of the authentication unit 15, and the trouble in starting a game using the figure 40 is reduced.

  A full color LED 59 is arranged on the base 55 located on the back side of the guide member 53 at a predetermined distance from the guide member 53. Further, a black light-shielding seal 58 is attached to a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the guide member 53 that is not surrounded by the holding frame 54. Therefore, when the full color LED 59 is supplied with power from a drive circuit (not shown) and emits light toward the guide member 53, the light transmitted through the guide member 53 is emitted from the inclined surface 53e.

In this case, when light is emitted from the full color LED 59, the light is transmitted from the inclined surface 53e where the light shielding seal 58 is not attached. Since the inclined surface 53e is in a position surrounding the figure 40 set at the reading position, it is possible to produce light associated with the figure 40 attached to the authentication unit 15. For example, it is alerting that the figure ID is being authenticated and preventing the figure 40 from being removed, and producing the figure 40 during the game.
(Figure structure)

  FIG. 7 is an exploded front view showing the configuration of the figure 40. The figure 40 has a pedestal 41 and a figure main body 42 representing the three-dimensional shape of each character appearing in the labyrinth battle game.

  The pedestal portion 41 is a hollow thick disc having a size corresponding to the recess 54 f of the holding frame 54. The pedestal portion 41 includes a bottomed cylindrical pedestal main body portion 43 having a zenith portion 43 a and an IC chip 44. A protrusion 43b is provided at the approximate center of the zenith portion 43a of the pedestal main body 43, and the IC chip 44 is fitted and fixed in the opening of the pedestal main body 43 so as not to block the opening. Yes. The IC chip 44 stores a figure ID (identification information) unique to the character corresponding to the figure main body 42.

  The figure main body 42 has a leg seat 46 having a recess 46a corresponding to the protrusion 43b, and a doll that is formed so as to stand upright with two legs from the leg seat 46 and shaped like a character appearing in a labyrinth battle game. 47. The figure 40 is assembled by fitting the projection 43b of the pedestal 41 into the recess 46a of the figure main body 42. The figure 40 has a size that can be accommodated in a capsule (not shown) having a diameter of about 7 cm, and is sold in a vending machine similar to the card vending machine 6 while being accommodated in the capsule.

  Each capsule contains a small portion of the monster figure, so that when using the figure 40, the monster figure can be used in some cases. Further, even for the same character, the uniqueness of the character is expressed by slightly changing the color or changing the figure information, and the player's willingness to collect is promoted.

  The figure 40 is distinguished by the player in terms of the appearance of the figure main body 42, and is distinguished by the game machine 1 by the figure ID. This figure ID is unique to each different figure 40, and multiple registration of the same figure in the game system 100 is prohibited.

  Next, the internal configuration of the game machine 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the game machine 1 mainly showing the internal configuration. The game machine 1 has a plurality of components centering on a microcomputer 31.

  The microcomputer 31 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34. The main CPU 32 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 34, and inputs signals from each component provided on the operation panel 14 via the I / O port 39, while receiving signals from other components. Input / output is performed to control the operation of the entire game machine 1. The RAM 33 stores data and programs (application data described later in the present embodiment) used when the main CPU 32 operates. The ROM 34 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 32 and permanent data.

  The game machine 1 also includes a random number generator 35, a sampling circuit 36, a clock pulse generation circuit 37, and a frequency divider 38. The random number generator 35 operates according to an instruction from the main CPU 32 to generate a certain range of random numbers. The sampling circuit 36 extracts an arbitrary random number from random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 32, and inputs the extracted random number to the main CPU 32. The clock pulse generation circuit 37 generates a reference clock for operating the main CPU 32, and the frequency divider 38 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock at a constant period to the main CPU 32.

  The game machine 1 further includes a touch panel 11a, a coin sensor 16a, a card reader 18a, a communication control unit 21 and a communication processing unit 22, and further includes an image control circuit 71 and a sound control circuit 72. ing.

  The touch panel 11 a is provided so as to cover the display screen of the main display 11, detects the position of the place touched by the player's finger, and inputs a position signal corresponding to the detected position to the main CPU 32. The player uses the touch panel 11a to input an operation for determining the character's movement. For example, in the touch panel 11a, a conductive material is applied to the surface of a rectangular transparent plate, a voltage is applied from the electrodes arranged on the squares of the transparent plate, and a slight current change caused by touching a player's finger is applied to the electrodes. Detect and detect the position of the part touched by the player's finger.

  The coin sensor 16a detects a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 16, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detection to the main CPU 32. The card reader 18 a reads card information such as a player ID recorded on the ID card 17 inserted into the card slot 18 and inputs the read card information to the main CPU 32.

  The communication control unit 21 operates according to an instruction from the main CPU 32 and controls connection and disconnection of a line for communicating with the store server 2. The communication processing unit 22 operates in accordance with an instruction from the communication control unit 21 and executes transmission / reception of data performed via the dedicated line 3.

  The image control circuit 71 controls image display on each of the main display 11 and the sub display 12 to display various images such as an image showing a character on the main display 11 and the sub display 12.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the image control circuit 71 includes an image control CPU 71a, a work RAM 71b, a program ROM 71c, an image ROM 71d, a video RAM 71e, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 71f. The image control CPU 71a is based on the parameters set in the microcomputer 31 and is stored in the main display 11 and the sub display 12 in accordance with an image control program (related to display on the main display 11 and the sub display 12) stored in advance in the program ROM 71c. Determine the image to be displayed. The work RAM 71b is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control CPU 71a executes the image control program.

  The program ROM 71c stores an image control program, various selection tables, and the like. The image ROM 71d stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM 71e is configured as a temporary storage unit when an image is formed by the VDP 71f. The VDP 71f has a control RAM 71g, forms images according to the display contents of the main display 11 and the sub display 12 determined by the image control CPU 71a, and outputs the formed images to the main display 11 and the sub display 12. .

  The sound control circuit 72 inputs sound signals for outputting sound from the speakers 13L and 13R to the speakers 13L and 13R. From the speakers 13L and 13R, for example, a sound for exciting the game is output at an appropriate time after the game is started.

The authentication unit 15 includes an IC chip reader 52 and a full color LED 58, and the IC chip reader 51 reads the figure ID of the figure 40 and inputs it to the main CPU 32. The full color LED 59 emits light in accordance with a light emission instruction from the main CPU 32.
(Configuration of store server, card vending machine, in-store router)

  As shown in FIG. 10, the store server 2 has a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, communication processing unit 204, communication control unit 205, and data storage unit 206 that stores application data. The CPU 201 operates while reading / writing data from / to the RAM 203 according to a program stored in the ROM 202, while the communication control unit 205 operates the communication processing unit 204 according to an instruction from the CPU 201. The store server 2 transmits and receives data to and from each game machine 1 installed in each game store A and B via the dedicated line 3, and transmits (downloads) application data to each game machine 1, Relay of data transmission / reception between the game machines 1 and the center server group 5 is performed. As application data, various data (game image data) used for execution of a labyrinth battle game performed on the game machine 1 and board data (operation buttons provided in the operation unit 19) correspond to the labyrinth battle game. Configuration program).

  The card vending machine 6 has an operation unit for a player to input personal information and a card issuing unit, and the card issuing unit performs a game unique to each player by a predetermined input operation using the operation unit. The card information including the person ID is stored and the ID card 17 is issued.

The in-store router 7 connects the in-store LAN formed in each of the game stores A and B and the LAN formed in the center server group 5 via the communication line 4 a and the Internet 4.
(Configuration of center server group)

  The center server group 5 includes a plurality of game servers (two game servers 101 and 102 in FIG. 1) installed corresponding to each game, and a database server 103, and each game server has a dedicated line 104. Are connected to each other to form a LAN, and the LAN is connected to the Internet 4 via a router (not shown).

  The game server 101 is installed to execute a labyrinth battle game, and includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication processing unit 304, a communication control unit 305, and a data storage unit 306 as shown in FIG. . In the game server 101, the CPU 301 operates while reading / writing data from / to the RAM 303 according to a program stored in the ROM 302, while the communication control unit 305 operates the communication processing unit 304 according to an instruction from the CPU 301.

  The game server 101 exchanges data with each store server 2 via the Internet 4. Then, entry data, which will be described later, transmitted from each game machine 1 is received, the player's participation (entry) entry into the labyrinth battle game is received and the player's participation information is updated, and the player who becomes the opponent is determined. The result is transmitted to the database server 103.

  The game server 102 is installed to execute another game, and has the same configuration although the stored data and programs are different from those of the game server 101.

  The database server 103 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a communication processing unit 404, a communication control unit 405, and a data storage unit 406. In the database server 103, the CPU 401 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 402 while reading / writing data from / to the RAM 403, while the communication control unit 405 operates the communication processing unit 404 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 401. Data is transmitted and received via the server 2 and the Internet 4. The data storage unit 406 stores a player ID, a password used for player authentication, a game type, and game data. The player ID is read from the ID card 17 by the game machine 1 and transmitted.

  Further, as described above, in the game machine 1, each player sets the figure 40 used by the player in the authentication unit 15 and reads the figure ID, so that the database server 103 reads the figure 40 that has been read. The corresponding figure ID is transmitted from the game machine 1. In the database server 103, an ID management file capable of storing a plurality of corresponding figure IDs in association with one player ID transmitted from the game machine 1 is formed in the data storage unit 406. This ID management file manages the player and the figure used by the player. This ID management file is used for player authentication and figure authentication described later.

The game data is the character-specific data that characterizes each character of multiple characters appearing in the labyrinth battle game (characters including costumes, costume colors, defense parameters, attack parameters, attack ranges, and special abilities for each character) Etc., hereinafter referred to as “figure information”), and data indicating the history of the labyrinth battle game by each player. This game data is transmitted from the database server 103 to the game machine 1 and used in the labyrinth battle game.
(Game machine operation details)

  Next, the operation content of the game machine 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In the following description, a case where four players out of the eight game machines 1 installed in the game store A are operated by the respective players to play the same labyrinth battle game is taken as an example. explain.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of game processing from the start to the end of the game in each game machine 1. Note that step is abbreviated as S in FIG. 12 and FIGS. In the following description, one game machine 1 out of four players is described as an example.

  The game machine 1 transmits a download request for application data to the store server 2 when power is turned on (step 100 to be described later). On the other hand, when the store server 2 receives the download request, the game machine 1 transmits the download request to the game machine 1 that has transmitted the download request. Application data is transmitted (see FIG. 15).

  When the game machine 1 receives the application data, the game machine 1 stores the application data in the RAM 33. In the game machine 1, when the main CPU 32 reads the application data, the labyrinth battle game is advanced according to the operation input of the player. Each game machine 1 displays a game image on the main display 11 while synchronizing with each other via the store server 2 and the center server group 5.

  At this time, when the game process is started, each game machine 1 proceeds to step 1 and performs a game start process described later including coin insertion, ID card insertion, and character generation process. In step 2, it is determined whether or not predetermined data is set in the figure present flag (set present) from the result of the game start process, and the process branches to steps 3 and 4 according to the determination result. (Step 3 if the figure present flag is set, Step 4 otherwise) After performing any of the processes, clear the figure present flag in Step 5 following Step 3, and then proceed to Step 6 for the competition results, etc. On the other hand, in order to update the game data in the database server 103, post-processing for transmitting the data indicating the competition results to the database server 103 via the store server 2 is performed, and the processing is terminated.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 can play the labyrinth battle game in any mode with or without the figure. However, in the mode with the figure, the game content is more beneficial to the player than in the mode without the figure (game start processing).

  The game start process of step 1 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the game start process, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the character generation process.

  When the main CPU 32 starts the game start process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 61, performs a message output process, instructs the image control circuit 71 to send a predetermined message (coin insertion request, ID card insertion request, and password input request) to the main display 11. ) Is displayed. Subsequently, steps 62 and 63 and processing are executed.

  In order to start the game, the player inserts a coin from the coin insertion slot 6, inserts the ID card 17 into the card slot 18, and inputs a password using the operation unit 19. Then, a detection signal of the inserted coin is input from the coin sensor 16a to the main CPU 32, and card information stored in the ID card 17 is input from the card reader 18a. Further, when the password is input from the operation unit 19 and all these inputs are made, the process proceeds to step 63, the main CPU 32 instructs the communication control unit 21 to operate the communication processing unit 22, and the read card information and the input The password is transmitted to the store server 2.

  The main display 11 is instructed to display a selection screen for selecting one of various selectable characters by distinguishing whether there is a figure or not and whether the response signal has been authenticated (registered) or not. In step 66, the process waits until there is a touch on the touch panel 11a. If there is a touch, the process proceeds to step 67, and it is determined whether or not the figure is selected in step 65. If the figure is selected, the process proceeds to step 68; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 69. In step 68, a character generation process to be described later is performed. In step 69, character generation instruction (non-figure character generation instruction) data by non-use of the figure is set in entry data to be described later. . Specifically, in step 67, when the figure is used for the first time and there is an already figure that has been authenticated, and when using a figure other than the figure that has already been authenticated, the player selects that figure is present, Proceeding to step 68, character generation processing is performed. Further, when the figure is not used from the beginning, or when there is an already authenticated figure and the figure is not used, the process proceeds to step 69 when the player selects no figure.

  In step 68, the main CPU 32 performs character generation processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When this process is started, the process proceeds to step 81 to perform a figure set request message output process. In this case, the main CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 71 to attach the figure 40 to the authentication unit 15 on the main display 11 and request a setting for reading the figure ID (for example, “display the figure pedestal on the operation panel”). When the figure authentication starts, the authentication unit will light up brightly, so do not remove the figure until the light goes off. ”) Is displayed, and in step 82, the figure ID is read. Wait until it finishes. When the figure 40 is set in the authentication unit 15 according to the message displayed by the player, the authentication unit 50 reads the figure ID stored in the IC chip 44 of the figure 40 and inputs it to the main CPU 32. Then, the process proceeds to step 71 where the character generation instruction data including the figure ID read by the main CPU 32 is set in the entry data, and in the subsequent step 84, the figure ID of the figure 40 is read (setting of the figure) by the authentication unit 15. When predetermined data (in this embodiment, “1”) is set in the figure presence flag indicating that the character has been broken, and step 84 is executed, the character generation process ends.

  As described above, the game machine 1 sets predetermined data in the figure presence flag when the figure is set. Once the figure is set, the entry data including the character generation instruction data is transmitted to the database server 103 via the store server 2, and the player ID unique to the player who has set the figure ID in the database server 103. It is stored in the ID management file in association with the ID, and is used to determine whether or not the figure has been authenticated. Further, the determination result of whether or not the figure has been authenticated by the ID management file is transmitted as a response signal from the database server 103, so that the player can select the character corresponding to the authenticated figure and play the labyrinth battle game. . However, if the figure is not set, the figure flag is not set. Therefore, even if the figure is already authenticated, the figure 40 is set in the authentication unit 15 in order to play the labyrinth battle game in the figure-equipped mode. It is necessary to read the figure ID. Then, when the setting is performed, the figure information corresponding to the read figure ID is generated by the database server 103 so that the labyrinth battle game can be played without repeating the setting of the figure 40.

  In step 68, the main CPU 32 instructs the communication control unit 21 to operate the communication processing unit 22, and transmits entry data to the store server 2. When step 68 ends, the game start process ends.

  On the other hand, in the game machine 1, the store server 2, and the center server group 5, the processing is executed in the order shown in FIG. 15 corresponding to the above-described processing. FIG. 15 is a sequence chart showing an operation sequence performed between the game machine 1, the store server 2 and the center server group 5.

  In the game machine 1, in step 100, a download request is transmitted to the store server 2 to download application data, and the card information and the like are transmitted in step 63 as described above. Then, in the center server group 5, the process proceeds to step 301, where the CPU 401 in the database server 103 refers to the ID management file using the card information and password transmitted from the game machine 1, and the player and the figure are registered. An authentication process is performed to determine whether or not it has been registered. If it has been registered, the process proceeds to step 302 as being authenticated, and a response signal indicating the authentication result is transmitted to the game machine 1. In this case, the database server 103 performs the same authentication process for eight game machines 1 installed in each store A and B.

  In addition, the game machine 1 transmits the entry data shown in step 68 described above. Then, in the center server group 5, the process proceeds to step 303, and the game server 101 accepts entry of the player using the entry data from each game machine 1. Further, in the subsequent step 304, a figure ID corresponding to the update of the player's participation information and the character generation instruction data (both the figure ID that has not been authenticated and the figure that has been authenticated and re-authenticated). The figure is registered or updated in the ID management file and the figure information is generated or updated, and in step 305, the players who are opponents (four in this embodiment) To decide. In step 306, the database server 103 extracts game data of each player who becomes an opponent and proceeds to step 307, and the extracted game data is transmitted to the store server 2. When the store server 2 receives the game data, it transmits it to each game machine 1.

  As described in detail above, in the gaming machine 1, the lower surface (opposite surface) 57b of the bottom portion 57 of the recess 54f of the holding frame 54 in which the IC chip 44 of the base portion 41 of the figure 40 is accommodated, and the IC chip reader 51, the distance between the circuit surface 51a of the IC chip reader 51 and the upper surface (mounting surface) 57a of the bottom portion 57 of the holding frame 54 are kept constant. It is held (see FIG. 6). That is, since the bottom surface 57b of the bottom portion 57 and the circuit surface 51a of the IC chip reader 51 are parallel to each other, and the bottom portion 57 is flat and uniform in thickness, the top surface (mounting surface) 57a of the bottom portion 57 and the IC. The circuit surface 51a of the chip reader 51 is also parallel. When the pedestal 41 of the figure 40 is accommodated in the recess 54 f of the holding frame 54, the IC chip 44 that forms the lower surface of the pedestal 41 is parallel to the upper surface 57 a of the bottom 57 of the holding frame 54, and the IC chip 44 And the circuit surface 51a of the IC chip reader 51 are parallel to each other. Accordingly, a decrease in the strength of a signal such as the figure ID communicated between the IC chip 44 and the IC chip reader 51 is significantly suppressed, and the figure ID can be read from the IC chip 44 with high recognition accuracy.

  Further, the bottom portion 57 of the holding frame 54 and the IC chip reader 51 are close to each other, and when the IC chip 44 is accommodated in the bottom portion 57 of the recess 54f of the holding frame 54, the reading circuit 56 of the IC chip reader 51 becomes the IC chip. Therefore, the figure ID of the IC chip 44 can be read with excellent recognition accuracy. Furthermore, since the lower surface 57b of the bottom 57 and the circuit surface 51a of the IC chip reader 51 are in direct contact, the figure ID of the IC chip 44 can be read with excellent recognition accuracy.

  It should be noted that when the IC chip 44 is accommodated in the bottom 57 of the recess 54f of the holding frame 54, the reading circuit 56 of the IC chip reader 51 can read the figure ID from the IC chip 44 within a range (5 cm) or less. If so, a thin film member 60 may be interposed between the bottom 57 and the IC chip reader 51 as shown in FIG. When the thin film member 60 is a buffering coating resin, the buffer between the bottom 57 and the IC chip reader 51 is achieved. Further, when the thin film member 60 is a printing sticker, it can be used for various marks such as alignment and identification.

  In the game machine 1, the figure 40 is described as an example of the object to be read, but the present invention is also applicable to the case where an object to be read that is different from the figure 40 is used. For example, a card-like game card or a cassette in which a picture or design corresponding to the character is described and ID information or the like is stored may be used. Further, although the game machine 1 capable of playing the labyrinth battle game has been described as an example, the present invention is also applicable to game machines capable of performing other image games. For example, in a game in which a plurality of players such as baseball and soccer appear, a game machine that can simulate team play using a figure or cassette corresponding to each player. Further, the game machine 1 includes the main display 11 and the sub display 12 for displaying game images, but the main display 11 and the sub display 12 may be provided separately.

  The reading means is not limited to a non-contact type IC chip reader, and may be a contact type. Further, the reading means is not limited to the case of reading the figure ID (identification information), but may be a read / writer type, that is, a structure in which information can be written in a recording device such as an IC chip.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a game system including a plurality of game machines according to the present invention. It is a perspective view showing a plurality of game machines and a card vending machine. It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of a game machine. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the authentication unit shown in FIG. 3. It is a disassembled perspective view of the authentication unit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the authentication unit shown in FIG. 4 taken along line VI-VI. It is a front exploded view which shows the structure of a figure. It is a block diagram of the game machine which mainly shows an internal structure. It is a block diagram which shows an example of an internal structure of an image control circuit. It is a block diagram which shows a store server. It is a block diagram which shows a game server and a database server. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the game process from the start of a game in a game machine to completion | finish. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a game start process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a character production | generation process. It is a sequence chart which shows the operation | movement sequence performed among a game machine, a shop server, and a center server. It is sectional drawing which showed the aspect from which an authentication unit differs.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2 ... Store server, 5 ... Center server group, 11 ... Main display, 11a ... Touch panel, 12 ... Sub-display, 15 ... Authentication unit, 17 ... ID card, 22, 204, 304, 404 ... Communication processing , 31 ... microcomputer, 32 ... main CPU, 33 ... RAM, 34 ... ROM, 40 ... figure, 44 ... IC chip, 51 ... IC chip reader, 51 a ... circuit surface, 54 ... holding frame, 54 f ... depression, 57 ... bottom part, 57b ... lower surface, 60 ... thin film member, 201, 301, 401 ... CPU, 101, 102 ... game server.

Claims (5)

A gaming machine comprising reading means for reading the identification information from an object to be read in which identification information is recorded, and using the identification information read by the reading means to advance an image game,
The reading means has a hole in which the object to be read is accommodated, a mounting portion where the bottom of the hole is flat, and the object to be read at the bottom of the hole of the mounting portion. And a circuit board on which a reading circuit capable of reading the identification information from the object to be read is formed on a circuit surface facing the opposite surface of the mounting surface. And
A gaming machine, wherein a distance between the mounting surface at the bottom of the hole of the mounting portion and the circuit surface of the circuit board is held constant. When the object to be read is accommodated in the bottom of the hole of the mounting portion, the reading circuit of the circuit board has a distance at which the identification information can be read from the object to be read.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the mounting portion and the circuit board are held close to each other.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the mounting portion and the circuit board are in direct contact with each other.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the mounting portion and the circuit board are in indirect contact with each other through a thin film member.   It is arranged at a position facing the bottom of the mounting part via the circuit board, and is connected to the mounting part via a first connecting member and also connected to the circuit board via a second connecting member. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a mounted portion.

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