JP3671018B2 - GAME SYSTEM, GAME DEVICE, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a so-called network game that can be played online using a communication network such as the Internet, and more particularly to a server usage fee settlement method that is required at the time of play.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, network games are known in which a communication function is installed in a home game machine or the like and a battle game or the like can be played between a plurality of game machines via a communication network such as the Internet. Network games are generally games in which users of a plurality of game machines play the same game simultaneously under the control of a server. For this reason, a user who plays a network game plays a game by operating his / her own game machine while performing data communication between the game machine and the server.
[0003]
Here, when the user plays a network game, data communication is performed with the server as described above. Therefore, the user needs to pay a server usage fee to a server management company or the like. At this time, as a method for the user to pay the server usage fee, a payment method such as bank transfer, network payment using a credit card, or a payment method in which the server usage fee is paid in advance by purchasing a dedicated prepaid card is known. It has been. Paying the server usage fee with these methods gives the user a specific password, and the user pays the server usage fee by connecting to the server running the network game and entering the password. It is possible to play a network game using only the server.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a settlement method such as bank transfer requires a user to go to a financial institution to make a payment, which requires time and effort. Also, in the case of network payments, the user needs to send important personal information such as credit card numbers over the Internet, so that such personal information may be leaked and used illegally by a third party There is.
[0005]
In addition, the user needs to manually enter the password issued on the condition of payment of the server usage fee into his game machine and send it to the server, so he can see the document containing the password, The password may be leaked to a third party by checking the transmitted data after sending the password to. Such password theft can cause a user to suffer great damage.
[0006]
In addition, while playing a network game, a user connects to a server using a telephone line or other communication line to perform data communication. In fact, in addition to the usage fee for the server that operates the network game. In addition, a communication line usage fee, an internet service provider usage fee, and the like are charged. However, for users who do not have sufficient knowledge, it is difficult to distinguish between them and server usage fees, and there is also a problem that they are easily confused.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a game system, a game device, and a program capable of paying a server usage fee for playing a network game by a simple and safe method. With the goal.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In one aspect of the present invention, a game system includes a server and a game device that are communicably connected to each other via a network, and the server stores management information including a password and a server usable period corresponding to the password. Storage means for storing; receiving means for receiving a payment request including a password from the game device;When the password included in the received payment request is stored in the storage means, the payment is terminated, and the game device that has transmitted the payment request is allowed to execute a game involving communication with the server. A main storage medium storing a main program that is a base for executing the game, or an addition for providing an additional function for executing the game. One of an additional storage medium storing the program and the password is attached, and when the additional storage medium is attached, a reading unit that reads the password from the additional storage medium, and the additional storage medium is attached to the reading unit The payment request means for transmitting the payment request including the read password to the server, and the permission means of the server The game is executed while communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program when the execution of the online game is permitted, and the permission means of the server does not permit the execution of the online game Game execution means for executing a game without using the main program and the additional program to communicate with the server.
[0009]
According to the above game system, the game device can make a payment to the server using the password stored in the storage medium. The settlement here includes settlement of a server usage fee when a network game or the like is performed by connecting to a server through a game device, for example. The password can be a password uniquely assigned to each storage medium.In addition, the storage medium here stores a main storage medium that stores a main program that is a base for executing the game, and an additional program and a password for providing an additional function for executing the game. And an additional storage medium.
[0010]
In the settlement process, the game device reads the password from the additional storage medium, and transmits a settlement request including the password read when the additional storage medium is attached to the reading unit to the server via the network. The server receives the settlement request and determines whether or not the password included in the received settlement request is stored in the storage unit. If the password is stored in the storage means, the server ends the payment and permits the game device that has transmitted the payment request to execute the game. When the game execution permission is received from the server, the game apparatus executes the game while communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program stored in the storage medium. On the other hand, when the game execution permission is not received from the server, the game device executes the game without communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program stored in the storage medium. According to this, by inputting the password to the game device in the form of a storage medium, the user can settle the server usage fee necessary for executing the game in a simpler and safer method than in the past. . Even if payment is not performed and a game to be executed while communicating with the server is not permitted, the game device uses the main program and the additional program to execute the game without communicating with the server. be able to.
[0011]
In another aspect of the invention,Storage means for storing management information including a password and a server usable period corresponding to the password, receiving means for receiving a payment request including a password from a game device, and the password included in the received payment request being stored A game configured to be communicable via a server and a server comprising permission means for permitting execution of a game accompanied by communication to the game device that ends the settlement when stored in the means and transmits the settlement request. The apparatus stores a main storage medium that stores a main program that is a base for executing the game, or an additional program that provides an additional function for executing the game and an additional storage that stores the password. When one of the media is loaded and the additional storage medium is loaded, the path from the additional storage medium A reading means for reading a password, a payment requesting means for sending the payment request including the read password to the server when the additional storage medium is attached to the reading means, and the permission means of the server. When the execution of the online game is permitted, the game is executed while communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program, and when the permission means of the server does not permit the execution of the online game, the main Game execution means for executing a game without using the program and the additional program to communicate with the server.
[0012]
According to the above game device, the game device reads the password from the additional storage medium, and transmits a settlement request including the read password when the additional storage medium is attached to the reading means to the server via the network. The server receives the settlement request and determines whether or not the password included in the received settlement request is stored in the storage unit. If the password is stored in the storage means, the server ends the payment and permits the game device that has transmitted the payment request to execute the game. When the game execution permission is received from the server, the game apparatus executes the game while communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program stored in the storage medium. On the other hand, when the game execution permission is not received from the server, the game device executes the game without communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program stored in the storage medium. According to this, by inputting the password to the game device in the form of a storage medium, the user can settle the server usage fee necessary for executing the game in a simpler and safer method than in the past. . Even if payment is not performed and a game to be executed while communicating with the server is not permitted, the game device uses the main program and the additional program to execute the game without communicating with the server. be able to.
[0013]
In still another aspect of the present invention, storage means for storing management information including a password and a server usable period corresponding to the password, receiving means for receiving a payment request including a password from a computer, and the received payment request Via a network and a server comprising permission means for terminating the payment when the password included in the storage means is stored and permitting the computer that has transmitted the payment request to execute a game involving communication A program executed by the computer configured to be communicable includes a main storage medium storing a main program that is the basis for executing the game, or an additional program for executing the game. Additional program for providing function and additional storage medium storing password Reading means for reading the password from the additional storage medium when any one is attached and the additional storage medium is attached, and the settlement including the read password when the additional storage medium is attached to the reading means Payment request means for transmitting a request to the server, and when the permission means of the server permits the execution of the game, the game is executed while communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program, When the permission unit of the server does not permit execution of the online game, the server is caused to function as a game execution unit that executes the game without communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program. By executing this program on a computer, the above game device can be realized.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
[Network game environment]
FIG. 1 schematically shows a network game environment including a game device and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 1 and the server 5 are communicably connected via a network 2. A preferred example of the network 2 is the Internet, but a communication network other than the Internet can also be used.
[0017]
The game apparatus 1 is a game apparatus for home use, for example, and is used by a user at home or the like. The game apparatus 1 has a built-in communication function for communicating with the server 5 using the network 2 and performs data communication with the server 5 using a telephone line or other communication line.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 1 includes a game apparatus body 10. The game apparatus body 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a memory 12 mounted therein, and a drive device 13. The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the game apparatus 1 by executing a program prepared in advance.
[0019]
The drive device 13 is used to read a game program from a storage medium that stores a game program played by the user in the game device 1. Examples of the storage medium storing the game program include a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Video Disc-Read Only Memory), and a semiconductor memory. In the following embodiments, a disk-type storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM is used as a storage medium storing a game program, and this is hereinafter referred to as a “game disk”.
[0020]
The memory 12 temporarily stores a game program read from the storage medium by the drive device 13, and the game is executed by the CPU 11 executing the game program.
[0021]
In addition, the display device 16 and the controller 17 are connected to the game apparatus body 10, and a removable memory card 15 is further connected. The display device 16 has a function of displaying a game screen and displaying selections and instructions necessary for the user to play the game. As the display device 16, for example, a home television receiver can be used. Depending on the type of the game apparatus body 10, the display device 16 may be constituted by a liquid crystal display device integrated with the game apparatus body 10.
[0022]
The controller 17 is an input device operated by a user in playing a game, and includes a plurality of buttons. The memory card 15 is a card type storage medium for storing save data generated mainly when the user plays a game. The save data generally includes information indicating the progress status during the game, information indicating the ability of the character operated by the user, and the like.
[0023]
A game disc 20 is inserted into the drive device 13 of the game apparatus body 10. A game program is stored in the game disc 20. In the present embodiment, the game disk 20 is a concept including both the main disk 21 and the additional disk 25. The main disk 21 is a disk that is a base for playing a game, and the additional disk 25 is a disk that provides an additional function for playing the game. Basically, if the user does not have the main disk 21, the user cannot play the game, and even if the user has only the additional disk 25, the user cannot play the game. Therefore, the user can play the game only with the main disk 21, but by using the additional disk 25, additional functions can be used and characters can be added. For example, when the main disc 21 is a music game in which a user plays a song, the additional disc 25 may include another song that is not included in the main disc 21. Further, when the main disk 21 is a role-playing game or a battle game, it is possible to add a character with the additional disk 25, add an item, or play a stage that does not appear only on the main disk 21. .
[0024]
A main program 22 is stored in the main disk 21. On the other hand, the additional disk 25 stores an additional program 26, a settlement processing program 27, and a password 28. Processing of programs and data in each disk will be described later.
[0025]
On the other hand, the server 5 is a device that realizes a network game by performing data communication with a plurality of game devices 1. The server 5 is connected to a management information database (DB) 6. The management information DB 6 stores information for performing settlement processing of a server usage fee of a user who plays a network game using the game apparatus 1 and management of a usage period. The server 5 uses the information stored in the management information DB 6 to manage the server usage fee for each user and to determine whether to allow the user to play the network game. I do.
[0026]
[Function block]
Next, the functions of the game apparatus 1 and the server 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows functional blocks of the game apparatus 1 and the server 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the game apparatus 1 includes a game execution unit 30, a communication unit 31, and a settlement processing unit 32. In addition, the server 5 includes a game control unit 40, a communication unit 41, and a management unit 42. The game execution means 30 of the game apparatus 1 and the game control means 40 of the server 5 operate mainly for executing the network game. On the other hand, the settlement processing unit 32 of the game apparatus 1 and the management unit 42 of the server 5 settle the server usage fee (which is the usage fee of the server 5) required when the user plays the network game, and the subsequent network. Works for game play management.
[0027]
First, each function on the game apparatus 1 side will be described. The communication unit 31 transmits / receives necessary data to / from the server 5. The game execution means 30 is realized by the CPU 11 executing the main program 22 and the additional program 26, and advances the game. When the user plays a network game, the game execution means 30 is information input by the user by operating the controller 17 in the game apparatus 1 (selection or instruction made by the user during the game, and the character corresponding thereto). Information indicating behavior and the like, hereinafter referred to as “operation information”) is transmitted to the server 5 through the communication means 31. Further, the game execution means 30 receives the operation information of the other game transmitted from the server 5 and executes the network game by displaying the user's character using the other game device on the display device 16 according to the received operation information. To do.
[0028]
The settlement processing unit 32 is realized by the CPU 11 executing the settlement program 27, and is connected to the server 5 via the communication unit 31 to perform a server usage fee settlement process. Specifically, a settlement request including the password 28 stored in the additional disk 25 is transmitted to the server 5.
[0029]
Next, functions on the server 5 side will be described. The communication means 41 transmits / receives necessary data to / from the game apparatus 1. The game control means 40 receives operation information from the plurality of game devices 1, and controls each game device to execute a network game by synchronizing control. That is, by transmitting the operation information of each game device to another game device, the user who operates each game device performs control for simultaneously playing the same game.
[0030]
The management means 42 uses the management information 43 to manage the server usage fee of the user who plays the network game. Specifically, a payment request is received from the game device 1 of the user, and payment processing is performed using the password 28 and the valid password table 45 included in the payment request. When a network game play request transmitted by the user is received, the management information table 44 is viewed to determine whether the user has the right to use the server.
[0031]
[Management Information]
Next, the management information 43 will be described with reference to FIG. The management information 43 includes a management information table 44 shown in FIG. 3A and an effective password table 45 shown in FIG. The management information table 44 stores information related to server usage rights for individual users. That is, for each user who has completed the payment process, the user ID, the password used by the user, the use start date and time of the network game, the effective use period of the server, the use end date and time, etc. are stored.
[0032]
On the other hand, the valid password table 45 stores a password that is valid as a password used by the user at the time of payment processing, together with a valid use period corresponding to the password. Therefore, when the user requests a settlement process using a password, the management unit 42 refers to the valid password table 45 and determines whether or not the password is valid. If the password presented by the user is in the valid password table 45, the password is valid, and the management means 42 permits the user to use the server. On the other hand, if the password presented by the user is not in the valid password table 45, the password is invalid. The valid password table 45 is a list of passwords 28 stored in the additional disk 25 sold in the market. When the management unit 42 receives a valid password from a certain user, the valid password table 45 stores the password. The same password can be prevented from being used illegally multiple times by deleting it from.
[0033]
[Network game]
Next, the network game will be described. The game executing means 30 of the game apparatus 1 is realized by the CPU 11 and executes the main program 22 stored in the main disk 21 so that the user can play the game. In addition, the game execution means 30 executes the additional program 26 stored in the additional disk 25 together with the main program 22 so that the user can use the above-described additional functions. The game execution means 30 transmits / receives necessary data to / from the server 5 via the communication means 31 and plays a network game. That is, the game execution unit 30 transmits operation information to the server 5 via the communication unit 31.
[0034]
In the server 5, the game control means 40 receives the operation information transmitted from the game apparatus 1, and performs play control of the network game. The game control means 40 performs a process of receiving operation information from a plurality of game apparatuses 1 and transmitting each of the operation information to other game apparatuses 1. For example, assuming that three users A, B, and C are playing a network game, the game control means 40 transmits the operation information of the users B and C to the game device 1 of the user A, and the game of the user B The operation information of the users A and C is transmitted to the device 1, and the operation information of the users B and C is transmitted to the game device 1 of the user C. The game execution means 30 on the game apparatus 1 side receives operation information of a user who is playing the same game on another game apparatus from the server 5 via the communication means 31, and the game execution means 30 on the display device 16 of the game apparatus 1 Or display the user's character. In this way, the user can execute a network game with a user who uses another game device.
[0035]
[Settlement and management of server usage fees]
Next, the server usage fee settlement processing and the network game play management processing, which are the core of the present invention, will be described. The present invention is characterized in that a server usage fee required when a user plays a network game is settled by purchasing an additional disk. The additional disk 25 is a disk that provides an additional function to the main disk 21 and is sold at a predetermined price. The price of the additional disk 25 is set to a price including a server usage fee for a certain period in addition to the original fee of the additional program 26. Therefore, when the user purchases the additional disk 25, he / she has paid the server usage fee for a certain period attached thereto.
[0036]
First, the server usage fee settlement process will be described. The additional disk 25 stores a settlement processing program 27 and a password 28. When the CPU 11 of the game apparatus body 10 executes the payment processing program 27, the payment processing means 32 is realized, and the following payment processing is performed. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the settlement process. It is assumed that the main program 21 has been read from the main disk 21 to the game apparatus 1 before the user performs the payment process using the additional disk 25.
[0037]
First, when the user inserts the additional disk 25 into the game apparatus body 10 (step S1), the CPU 11 activates the payment processing program 27 and functions as the payment processing means 32. The settlement processing unit 32 is connected to the server 5 via the communication unit 31 and transmits a settlement request including the password 28 (step S2).
[0038]
The management unit 42 of the server 5 receives the settlement request via the communication unit 41 (step S3), refers to the valid password table 45, and determines whether or not the password 28 included in the received settlement request is valid. Judgment is made (step S4). If the password 28 is valid, the management means 42 registers management information about the user in the management information table 44 (step S5). That is, for the user ID of the user who made the payment processing request, the password used by the user, the use start date / time of the network game, the effective use period of the server, the use end date / time, etc. are registered in the management information table 44. Since the effective use period corresponding to each password is stored in the effective password table 45, the management means 42 determines the use end date and time based on the effective use period and the date and time when the user makes a settlement request. Calculate and store in the management information table 44. On the other hand, when the password 28 included in the settlement request is invalid, the management unit 42 does not perform management information registration processing.
[0039]
Then, when the management information is registered, the management means 42 notifies the game device 1 that the payment processing on the server 5 side is completed and that the network game can be played (step S1). S6). Thereafter, the user can execute the network game. On the other hand, if the password is invalid, the management means 42 notifies the game device 1 to that effect (step S6).
[0040]
In the game apparatus 1, the payment processing means 32 receives the notification from the server 5 via the communication means 31, displays the notification content on the display device 16 connected to the game apparatus body 10, and notifies the user. Thus, the settlement process is completed.
[0041]
Next, network game play management processing will be described. The play management process is a process in which the game control unit 40 of the server 5 determines whether the network game is permitted or not based on the management information stored in the management information table 44. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the play management process.
[0042]
After the payment processing is completed, when the user operates the game device 1 and inputs a play request for the network game, the game execution means 30 of the game device 1 transmits a play request including the user ID of the user to the server 5. (Step S11). The management means 42 of the server 5 receives the play request, looks at the user ID included in the play request and the management information table 44, and determines whether or not the user has the right to use the server (step S12). . That is, when the management means 42 receives a network game play start request from the game apparatus 1, the management means 42 refers to the management information table 44 to determine whether or not the use end date / time of the user has expired. If not, the game control means 40 is controlled to allow the user to execute the network game (step S14). And the game control means 40 of the server 5 transmits / receives operation information between the game execution means 30 of the game device 1, and performs a network game (step S15). When the user instructs the end of play (step S16), the game execution means of the game apparatus 1 and the game control means 40 of the server 5 end the network game of the user.
[0043]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the user's use end date / time has expired, the management unit 42 notifies the user (step S17) and controls the game control unit 40 to prohibit the execution of the network game. To do. As described above, whether or not to play the network game is managed based on the management information.
[0044]
[Modification]
In the above example, when the user inserts the additional disk 25 into the game apparatus body 10, the payment program 25 in the additional disk 25 is automatically activated to transmit a payment request. At this time, the settlement program 25 first detects information such as some code included in the main program 22 previously loaded in the memory 12 of the game apparatus body 10 and only when the code is obtained correctly, the server 5 It can be configured to send a settlement request to. According to this, the payment process cannot be performed only with the additional disk 25, and the payment process can be performed correctly only by combining with the main disk 21, so that the security of the payment process can be improved.
[0045]
If the server usage period expires after the payment process is performed using the additional disk, the user will not be able to play the network game. By performing the process, the network game can be played again. Further, even when the network game cannot be played due to the expiration of the server use period, the user can play the game offline with the additional program included in the additional disk.
[0046]
As described above, according to the present invention, the user can pay the server usage fee necessary for playing the network game by purchasing the additional disk, so that the user can go to a financial institution to perform the payment procedure. In addition, it is not necessary to input a credit card number or the like on the Internet, and the server usage fee can be settled easily and safely.
[0047]
In addition, when the user inserts the additional disk into the game device, the payment program is automatically started and a payment request including the password recorded on the additional disk is sent to the server, so the user inputs the password himself. There is no need to do. In other words, since the password is automatically transmitted without even the user knowing the password, the risk of a password leaking is reduced.
[0048]
Also, since it is clear that the server usage fee is included in the price of the additional disk, the communication line usage fee (for example, the service fee of the Internet service provider) required for the user to play the network game and the server usage It is possible to prevent confusion with the fee.
[0049]
Furthermore, since a user cannot play a network game after a predetermined server usage period has elapsed, the parent can limit the playable period and allow the child to play the network game.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, in the settlement process, the game device reads the password from the storage medium, and transmits a settlement request including the read password to the server via the network. The server receives the settlement request and determines whether or not the password included in the received settlement request is stored in the storage unit. When the password is stored in the storage means, the server permits the game device that has transmitted the settlement request to execute the game. Therefore, the user can settle the server usage fee necessary for executing the game by a simple and safe method by inputting the password into the game device in the form of a storage medium.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 schematically shows a network game environment including a game device and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows functional blocks of a game device and a server.
FIG. 3 shows an example of a management information table and an effective password table.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a server usage fee settlement process.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of network game play management processing;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Game device
2 network
5 servers
6 Management information DB
10 Game console
11 CPU
12 memory
13 Drive device
15 Memory card
16 Display device
17 Controller
20 game discs
21 Main disk
25 additional disks
27 Settlement processing program

Claims (3)

A game system comprising a server and a game device that are communicably connected to each other via a network,
The server
Storage means for storing management information including a password and a server usable period corresponding to the password;
Receiving means for receiving a payment request including a password from the game device;
When the password included in the received payment request is stored in the storage means, the payment is terminated, and the game device that has transmitted the payment request is allowed to execute a game involving communication with the server. And a permission means,
The game device includes:
Either a main storage medium that stores a main program that is a base for executing the game, or an additional storage medium that stores an additional program and a password for providing an additional function for executing the game Reading means for reading the password from the additional storage medium when the additional storage medium is mounted;
Payment request means for transmitting the payment request including the read password to the server when the additional storage medium is attached to the reading means;
When the permission unit of the server permits the execution of the game, the game is executed while communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program, and the permission unit of the server executes the game A game system, comprising: a game execution means for executing a game without communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program when permission is not permitted. Storage means for storing management information including a password and a server usable period corresponding to the password, receiving means for receiving a payment request including a password from a game device, and the password included in the received payment request being stored A server comprising: permission means for permitting execution of a game accompanied by communication to the game device that ends payment when stored in the means and that transmits the payment request; A game device configured to be communicable via a network,
  Either a main storage medium that stores a main program that is a base for executing the game, or an additional storage medium that stores an additional program and a password for providing an additional function for executing the game Reading means for reading the password from the additional storage medium when the additional storage medium is mounted;
  Payment request means for transmitting the payment request including the read password to the server when the additional storage medium is attached to the reading means;
  When the permission means of the server permits the execution of the game, the game is executed while communicating with the server using the main program and the additional program, and the permission means of the server A game device comprising: a game execution means for executing a game without using the main program and the additional program to communicate with the server when execution is not permitted. Storage means for storing management information including a password and a server usable period corresponding to the password; receiving means for receiving a payment request including a password from a computer; and the storage means including the password included in the received payment request A computer that is configured to be communicable via a network with a server that includes a permitting means for permitting execution of a game involving communication to the computer that terminates the payment and stores the payment request when stored in the network. A program to be executed, wherein the computer is
  Either a main storage medium that stores a main program that is a base for executing the game, or an additional storage medium that stores an additional program and a password for providing an additional function for executing the game Reading means for reading the password from the additional storage medium when the additional storage medium is mounted,
  Payment request means for transmitting the payment request including the read password to the server when the additional storage medium is attached to the reading means;
  The main program when the permission means of the server permits the execution of the game The game is executed while communicating with the server using the program and the additional program, and the main program and the additional program are used when the permission unit of the server does not permit the execution of the online game. A program that functions as a game execution unit that executes a game without communicating with the server.

Images