JP3866264B2 - GAME DEVICE, GAME UPDATE METHOD, GAME UPDATE PROGRAM, AND GAME SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes a monitor that displays an image that can be viewed from the outside, and is connected to be able to communicate operation signals necessary for the progress of the game via a communication line and can communicate with a server device via a communication line. The present invention relates to a game device, a game update method, a game update program, and a game system connected to.

  Conventionally, various types of video game apparatuses performed between a plurality of players have been proposed or already used. For arcade games, a plurality of video game devices (game terminal devices) of the same model are arranged in a game center or the like, and a plurality of video game devices are connected via a network (and server device) such as a LAN and the Internet. There is a known video game apparatus in which a plurality of players can play a game in the same game space. In such a video game apparatus, table games such as mahjong and shogi, and games such as sports and martial arts are performed.

A game program, which is a program that is installed in the video game device and executes a game, is upgraded for the purpose of correcting bugs, modifying functions, and the like. When the video game device is connected to the server device via a network, the version of the game program is downloaded by downloading the upgraded game program from the server device via the network and installing the game program. Can be performed (Patent Document 1). In addition to the version upgrade, other game programs can be downloaded from the server device and installed.
JP 2003-288225 A

  On the other hand, game centers such as game centers in which video game devices are installed are increasingly operating 24 hours from the viewpoint of convenience for users. In order to install a new game program such as the above, it is necessary to stop the operation of the game program for a predetermined period. During this period, the game cannot be executed, which may impair the convenience of the user. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game device, a game update method, a game update program, and a game system that suppress the loss of user convenience during the installation of a game program. It is said.

The game apparatus according to claim 1 includes a monitor that displays an image so as to be visible from the outside, and is connected to be able to communicate operation signals necessary for the progress of the game via a communication line, and via the communication line. The game device is connected to the server device in a communicable manner, and is a game program that is different from a first program that is a game program installed in an execution directory that is executed at the time of startup by the operation system of the game device . A program storage means capable of storing two programs, a date storage means for storing update date / time information that is a date and time for performing installation of the second program, and a game by the first program is being executed at the update date / time. First determination means for determining whether or not the second program is stored in the program storage means A second determination means for determining whether the stored, by said first determining means, when the game is determined not to be running, said second program stored in said program storage means It is determined that the second program is not stored by the installation means for deleting the second program from the program storage means after the installation of the second program after installing the execution program and the second determination means. In such a case, an operation prohibiting unit that prohibits the operations of the first determination unit and the installation unit is provided.

The game update method according to claim 9 is provided with a monitor that displays an image so as to be visible from the outside, and is connected to be able to communicate operation signals necessary for the progress of the game via a communication line. A game update method for a game device that is communicably connected to a server device via a game device, and is different from a first program that is a game program installed in an execution directory that is executed at startup by the operation system of the game device. Program storage means capable of storing a second program which is a game program, wherein the date and time storage means of the game device stores update date and time information which is a date and time for performing installation processing of the second program, and the game device first determination means of, the update date and time in the game by the first program execution Determines whether Luke, second judging means of the game device determines whether the second program in said program storage means is stored, the installing unit of the game device, the first determination When the means determines that the game is not being executed, the second program stored in the program storage means is installed in the execution directory, and the second program is installed after the second program is installed. While deleting the program from the program storage means, when the operation prohibiting means of the game device determines that the second program is not stored by the second determining means, the first determining means and the installing means It is characterized by prohibiting operation.

The game update program according to claim 10 includes a monitor that displays an image so as to be visually recognizable from the outside, and is connected to be able to communicate operation signals necessary for the progress of the game via a communication line. A game update program for a game device that is communicably connected to a server device via the game device, and is installed in an execution directory that is executed at startup by the operation system of the game device . the second program and the program storage means capable of storing a game program is different from the first program, and the date and time storing means for storing the update date information is time to perform the installation of the second program, the update date, the first-size determines whether a game is executed by the first program Means, a second determination unit for determining whether or not the second program is stored in the program storage unit, and the program when the first determination unit determines that the game is not being executed. An installation means for installing the second program stored in the storage means in the execution directory, and erasing the second program from the program storage means after the installation of the second program; and the second determination When it is determined by the means that the second program is not stored, it is functioned as an operation prohibiting means for prohibiting the operations of the first determining means and the installing means.

According to the above invention, the program storage means stores a second program that is a game program different from the first program that is a game program installed in an execution directory that is executed at the time of startup by the operation system of the game device. The date and time storage means stores update date and time information that is the date and time when the second program is installed.

Then, the first determination means determines whether or not the game by the first program is being executed at the update date and time stored in the date and time storage means, and the first determination means indicates that the game is not being executed. If it is determined, the installation unit installs the second program stored in the program storage unit.

Therefore, when it is determined that the game is not being executed , installation is performed in the execution directory of the second program, which is a game program that is different from the installed game program. It is suppressed that convenience is impaired.

  In addition, when the second determination unit determines whether or not the second program is stored in the program storage unit, and the second determination unit determines that the second program is not stored, the operation prohibiting unit The operations of the first determination unit and the installation unit are prohibited.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the second program is not stored, the operations of the first determination unit and the installation unit are prohibited, so that the load on the CPU is reduced.

  Further, after the installation of the second program, the second program is deleted from the program storage unit by the installation unit.

  Accordingly, since the installed second program is erased from the program storage means, it is reliably prevented that the installed second program is installed again, and the load on the CPU is further reduced.

  The game device according to claim 2 compares the first program with a third program that is a game program stored in a predetermined area of the server device, and determines whether or not they are different from each other. And a program acquisition means for acquiring the third program from the server device and storing it in the program storage means as the second program when the comparison means determines that the two are different. It is a feature.

  According to said structure, a comparison means compares the 1st program with the 3rd program which is a game program stored in the predetermined area | region of the server apparatus, and determines whether both differ. When the comparison unit determines that the two are different, the program acquisition unit acquires the third program from the server device and stores the third program as the second program in the program storage unit.

  Therefore, when a game program different from the installed game program is stored in the server device, the game program is acquired from the server device and stored in the program storage means as the second program to be installed. Therefore, the program to be installed is surely acquired.

  The game apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising version storage means capable of storing version information of the first program, wherein the installation means stores the version information of the second program when the second program is installed. The information is stored in the version storage means, and the comparison means determines by comparing the version information stored in the version storage means with the version information of the third program.

  According to the above configuration, the version information of the first program is stored in the version storage unit, and the version information of the second program is stored in the version storage unit when the second program is installed by the installation unit. Is done. Then, the comparison is made by comparing the version information stored in the version storage with the version information of the third program.

  Therefore, when installing the second program, the version information of the second program is stored in the version storage means, so that the version information of the installed game program is stored in the version storage means.

  Therefore, the version information of the installed game program and the version information of the game program stored in the predetermined area of the server device are compared to determine whether or not the two game programs are different. Is easily done.

  5. The game apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising warning display means for displaying warning information on the monitor indicating that the game cannot be continued at the update date and time during a predetermined period before the update date and time. Yes.

  According to the above configuration, warning information indicating that the game cannot be continued on the update date and time is displayed on the monitor by the warning display means in a predetermined period before the update date and time.

  Accordingly, warning information indicating that the game cannot be continued at the update date and time is displayed on the monitor in a predetermined period before the update date and time, so that the player knows in advance that the game cannot be continued at the update date and time. And convenience is improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a predetermined game situation, a continuation permitting unit that permits continuation of a game being executed only when coin insertion is accepted, and a predetermined period from the update date and time. It is characterized by comprising reception prohibition means for prohibiting the reception of coins within the prohibited period.

  According to the above configuration, the continuation permitting unit permits the continuation of the game being executed only when a coin insertion is accepted in a predetermined game situation. The acceptance prohibiting means prohibits the acceptance of coins within a prohibition period that is a predetermined period from the update date and time.

  Therefore, since coins are not accepted within the prohibition period that is a predetermined period from the update date and time, continuation of the game is not permitted when a predetermined game situation occurs.

  Accordingly, the game is surely terminated when the game situation is such that the continuation of the game being executed is permitted only when the insertion of coins is accepted, so that the second program is surely installed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the prohibition period includes at least a period from the update date and time until the installation is completed by the installation unit.

  According to the above configuration, the prohibition period includes at least the period from the update date and time until the installation is completed by the installation unit.

  Accordingly, since at least the period from the update date and time until the installation of the second program is completed, no coins are accepted, so that the acceptance of coins is surely prevented until the game can be executed by the second program. .

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the game apparatus includes a date setting unit that receives the update date based on an external operation and stores the received update date in the date storage unit.

  According to the above configuration, the date and time setting unit accepts the update date and time based on an external operation, and the received update date and time is stored in the date and time storage unit.

  Accordingly, since the update date and time is set based on an external operation, it is possible to set the update date and time desired by the operator and the like, and it can be further suppressed that the convenience for the user is impaired.

  For example, when eight game devices are installed in a store, the update date and time of four devices are set to 5:00 am on a predetermined day, and the update date and time of the remaining four devices are set to 6:00 am on the same day. Since the game device can be played even during installation by replacing the game device to be played (moving to another game device), the user's convenience is further prevented from being impaired.

  The game device according to claim 8 is characterized by comprising a date and time setting means for acquiring the update date and time information from the server device and storing the acquired update date and time in the date and time storage means.

  According to said structure, the update date information is acquired from a server apparatus by a date setting means, and the acquired update date is stored in a date storage means.

  Accordingly, since the update date and time is set based on the update date and time information from the server device, it is possible to set the update date and time of the game devices connected to the server device in a lump, which impairs the convenience for the user. This can be further suppressed.

  For example, even if it is impossible to execute a game between game programs of different versions, it is installed on all server devices by setting the update date / time of the game device connected to the server device to the same date / time. Since the versions of the game programs being made are the same, the user's convenience is further prevented from being impaired.

The game system according to claim 11 includes a plurality of game devices including a monitor that displays an image so as to be visually recognized from the outside, and each of which is connected to be able to communicate operation signals necessary for the progress of the game via a communication line. A game system having a server device communicably connected to the plurality of game devices via a communication line, wherein the server device is installed in an execution directory executed at startup by an operation system of each game device. Server-side program storage means for storing a third program that is a game program that is different from the first program that is a game program that is different from the first program, and the game device includes a second program that is a game program that is different from the first program Storeable program storage means, the first program, and the server The third program, which is a game program stored in a predetermined area of the device, and a comparison means for determining whether or not they are different from each other, and when the comparison means determines that the two are different The program acquisition means for acquiring the third program from the server-side program storage means of the server device and storing it in the program storage means as the second program, and the update date and time for performing installation processing of the second program Date and time storage means for storing information, first determination means for determining whether or not the game by the first program is being executed at the update date and time, and the second program is stored in the program storage means When it is determined by the second determination means for determining whether or not the game is not being executed by the first determination means Performs the installation to perform the directory of the second program stored in said program storage means, after installation of the second program, and installation means for erasing the second program from the program storage means, said first And an operation prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the first determining means and the installing means when the second determining means determines that the second program is not stored.

  The game system according to claim 12, wherein the server-side program storage means is a version of a game program to be installed in association with version information of a first program that is a game program installed in each game device. A third program is stored, and the game device stores version information of the first program and version information of the third program stored in the first program and the server-side program storage means. And when the comparison means determines that the two are different from each other, the program acquisition means sends the third program to the server of the server device. Obtained from the side program storage means and the previous as the second program It is characterized in that stored in the program storage means.

  The game system according to claim 13 is characterized in that the installation means of the game device stores version information of the second program in the version storage means at the time of installation of the second program.

  According to the first, ninth, and tenth aspects of the invention, when it is determined that the game is not being executed, the second program that is a game program different from the installed game program is installed. It is possible to prevent the user's convenience from being impaired.

  Further, when it is determined that the second program is not stored, the operations of the first determination unit and the installation unit are prohibited, so that the CPU load can be reduced.

  Furthermore, since the installed second program is erased from the program storage means, it is reliably prevented that the installed second program is installed again, and the load on the CPU can be further reduced.

  According to the second and eleventh aspects of the present invention, when a third program different from the installed game program is stored in the server device, the third program is acquired from the server device and installed. Since it is stored in the program storage means as the target second program, it is possible to reliably acquire the program to be installed.

  According to the third, twelfth, and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, the version information of the installed game program is compared with the version information of the game program stored in a predetermined area of the server device, so that both game programs are Since it is determined whether or not they are different, the determination can be easily performed.

  In addition, since the version of the game program (third program) to be installed, which is set corresponding to the version information of the installed game program (first program), is acquired from the server device and installed, The version of the game program to be installed can be surely installed.

  In addition, since the version information is updated by the installation means, it is possible to more surely install the version of the game program to be installed, which is set corresponding to the version information of the installed game program.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, warning information indicating that the game cannot be continued at the update date and time is displayed on the monitor in a predetermined period before the update date and time, so that the player continues the game at the update date and time. Can be known in advance, and convenience can be improved.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the game is surely terminated when the game situation in which the continuation of the game being executed is permitted only when coin insertion is accepted, the second program Installation can be performed reliably.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, since coins are not accepted from the update date and time until the installation of the second program is completed, until the game can be executed by the second program, It is possible to reliably prevent the acceptance of coins.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the update date and time is set based on an external operation, it becomes possible to set the update date and time desired by the operator and the like, and the convenience for the user is impaired. Can be further suppressed.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, since the update date and time is set based on the update date and time information from the server device, it is possible to collectively set the update date and time of the game devices connected to the server device. Thus, it is possible to further suppress the loss of convenience for the user.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a game system according to the present invention. The game system is communicably connected to a client terminal device 1 (corresponding to a game device) 1 associated with identification information and a plurality (eight in this case) of client terminal devices 1 via a dedicated line 5. A center for managing a game played by a plurality of players using the client terminal device 1, which is connected to the client terminal device 1 through a network including a hub (HUB) 2, a HUB 2, a communication line 4 and a WWW. And a server device 3 (corresponding to a server device).

  The client terminal device 1 accepts a predetermined operation performed by the player referring to the game screen displayed on the monitor, and receives instruction information transmitted from the center server device 3, operation signals from other client terminal devices 1, and the like. Based on the game progress.

  The identification information associated with the client terminal device 1 includes the identification information of the store in which the client terminal device 1 is disposed and the client terminal device 1 in the store in which the client terminal device 1 is disposed. Identification information (terminal number). For example, when the identification information of the client terminal device 1 in the store A is 4, the identification information of the client terminal device 1 is a4.

  The hub 2 is connected so as to be able to communicate with a plurality (eight in this case) of the client terminal device 1 and the center server device 3, and performs data transmission / reception between the client terminal device 1 and the center server device 3. . The hub 2 is provided for each store, and the identification information of the hub 2 provided in the store A is the hub A.

  The center server device 3 is connected to the client terminal device 1 that receives an operation from the player so that operation signals necessary for the progress of the game can be communicated with each other via the communication line 4 (and the hub 2). It is something to manage.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an embodiment of the client terminal device 1. In the following description, a business video game apparatus in which a monitor is integrated as an example of a client terminal apparatus will be described. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this example, and a home video game machine is a home television. The present invention can be similarly applied to a home video game apparatus configured by connecting to John, a personal computer functioning as a video game apparatus by executing a video game program, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the game performed using the client terminal device 1 according to the present invention is a mahjong game that simulates mahjong, and a player who operates the client terminal device 1 and other client terminal devices 1 The player to be operated or the CPU player plays a battle. In the case of playing against a player who operates another client terminal device 1, data is transmitted / received between the client terminal devices 1 via the hub 2 or the like.

  The client terminal device 1 determines which button is instructed from the monitor 11 that displays the game screen, the address of the button that prompts the selection displayed on the game screen of the monitor 11, and the pressed position by the player. And a speaker 12 that outputs sound, a card reader 13 that reads information such as a user ID stored in a personal card, and a coin reception unit 15 that receives coins inserted by the player.

  The monitor 11 is, for example, a thin liquid crystal display that displays an image. The speaker 12 outputs a predetermined message or BGM. The coin accepting unit 15 includes a coin discharge port 151 that is discharged when the inserted coin is a defective coin or the like. The personal card is a magnetic card or IC card in which personal information such as a user ID is stored. Although not shown in the figure, the card reader 13 can read the personal information from the inserted personal card. is there. At an appropriate location of the client terminal device 1, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14 in which predetermined image information and a game program, which will be described later, are stored in advance, and a micro that outputs a detection signal from each unit and a control signal to each unit. A control unit 16 (see FIG. 3) composed of a computer or the like is provided.

  FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of the client terminal device 1. The control unit 16 controls the overall operation of the client terminal device 1 and includes an information processing unit (CPU) 161 and a RAM 162 that temporarily stores information being processed.

  The external input / output control unit 171 converts a detection signal into a digital signal for processing and detects command information between the control unit 16 and the detection unit including the card reader 13, the touch panel 11a, and the coin receiving unit 15. For example, the signal processing and the input / output processing are performed in a time-sharing manner. The external device control unit 172 performs a control signal output operation to each device of the detection unit and a detection signal input operation from each device of the detection unit within each time division period.

  The drawing processing unit 111 displays a required image on the monitor 11 in accordance with an image display instruction from the control unit 16, and includes a video RAM and the like. The sound reproducing unit 121 outputs a predetermined message, BGM, or the like to the speaker 12 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 16.

  The touch panel 11a is a thin layered body having a rectangular shape, and is configured by covering a pressure-sensitive material made of a linear transparent material at predetermined pitches in the vertical and horizontal directions with a transparent cover. Affixed on top. As the touch panel 11a, a known one can be used. The touch panel 11a can determine which button has been instructed from the address of the button prompting the selection displayed on the screen of the monitor 11 and the pressed position.

  The HDD 14 stores mahjong tile objects, background images, various screen images, and the like. A mahjong tile object or the like is composed of a required number of polygons constituting the mahjong tile object so that it can be three-dimensionally drawn, and the drawing processing unit 111 is based on a drawing instruction from the CPU 161 from a position in the three-dimensional space. Performs calculation for conversion to a position in the pseudo three-dimensional space, light source calculation processing, etc., and writing of image data to be drawn into the video RAM based on the calculation result, for example, designated by polygons The texture data is written (pasted) to the video RAM area.

  Here, the relationship between the operation of the CPU 161 and the operation of the drawing processing unit 111 will be described. The CPU 161 reads images, sounds, control program data, and game program data from the HDD 14 based on an operating system (OS) recorded in the HDD 14. Some or all of the read image, sound, control program data, and the like are held on the RAM 162. Thereafter, the CPU 161 is based on a control program stored in the RAM 162, various data (image data including other character images such as polygons and textures of display objects, audio data), a detection signal from the detection unit, and the like. Processing proceeds.

  Of various data stored in the HDD 14, data that can be stored in a removable recording medium may be readable by a driver such as an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, a cassette medium reader, etc. In this case, the recording medium is, for example, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

  The network communication unit 18 is for transmitting and receiving various event information and the like generated during the execution of the mahjong game to and from the center server device 3 via a network or the like. Note that the game update program of the present invention is recorded on the HDD 14, loaded onto the RAM 162, and the game update program on the RAM 162 is sequentially executed by the CPU 161, whereby a first determination unit 161b, which will be described later, is stored in the program. The respective functions of the unit 162a and the like are realized.

  Here, an example of the personal authentication method in the client terminal device 1 will be described. In the personal authentication, it is confirmed that the player recognized by the client terminal device 1 (or the center server device 3 connected via the network communication unit 18 and the network) and the player actually playing are the same. It is to confirm. When the player plays the client terminal device 1 for the first time, user ID data (identification information) is read from the personal card inserted by the card reader 13. Then, the user ID data is transmitted to the network communication unit 18 and the HUB 2 connected via the network, transmitted from the HUB 2 to the center server device 3 via the communication line, and stored in a player information storage unit 362a described later. . In this way, the player is registered in the center server device 3.

  When a player registered in the center server device 3 plays on the client terminal device 1, the user ID data is read from the personal card inserted by the card reader 13. Then, the user ID data is transmitted to the center server device 3 connected via the network communication unit 18 and the network, and the user ID data is stored in the player information storage unit 362a described later by the center server device 3. A determination is made as to whether or not it matches any of the existing user IDs. If this determination is affirmed, the player is allowed to play, and if this determination is denied, play is rejected (for example, An error message is displayed on the monitor 11 of the client terminal device 1 to prompt the player to register).

  FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an example of the control unit 16 of the client terminal device 1. The CPU 161 of the control unit 16 receives the operation from the player and determines whether or not the game is being executed with a game progress control unit 161a that controls the progress of the game according to the instruction from the center server device 3 and the mahjong rules. A first determination unit 161b (corresponding to a first determination unit), a second determination unit 161c (corresponding to a second determination unit) that determines whether or not a game program is stored in a program storage unit 162a described later; , An operation prohibition unit 161d (corresponding to an operation prohibition unit) that prohibits the operation of the first determination unit 161b and an installation unit 161e described later, and an installation unit 161e that installs a game program stored in a program storage unit 162a described later. (Corresponding to installation means).

  Furthermore, the CPU 161 of the control unit 16 continues the game being executed only when a warning display unit 161f (corresponding to a warning display unit) that displays warning information on the monitor 11 and coin insertion is accepted. Whether or not there is a program to be acquired in the center server device 3, a continuation permission unit 161 g (corresponding to a continuation permission unit) that permits, a reception prohibition unit 161 h (corresponding to a reception prohibition unit) that prohibits the acceptance of coins A comparison unit 161i (corresponding to a comparison unit) for determining the program, a program acquisition unit 161j (corresponding to a program acquisition unit) that acquires a game program from the center server device 3 and stores it in a program storage unit 162a described later, Update date information is acquired from the server device 3, and the acquired update date information is stored in a date storage unit 162c described later. And a setting unit 161k (equivalent to the date and time setting means).

  The RAM 162 of the control unit 16 includes a program storage unit 162a (program storage unit) that stores a game program different from the installed game program, and a version storage unit 162b that stores version information of the installed game program. (Corresponding to version storage means) and a date and time storage unit 162c (corresponding to date and time storage means) for storing update date and time information, which is the date and time when installation processing is performed.

  In the following description, a game program installed in the control unit 16 of the client terminal device 1 and functioning as the game progress control unit 161a is referred to as a “first program” and is stored in the program storage unit 162a. The program is referred to as a “second program”, and the game program stored in the center server device 3 is referred to as a “third program”.

  The game progress control unit 161a receives an operation from the player via the touch panel 11a and the like and controls the progress of the game according to the instruction from the center server device 3 and the mahjong rules.

  Here, the mahjong game executed by the game progress control unit 161a is a game consisting of four stations in the east field. When three coins are inserted into the coin receiving unit 15, the game can be started, and the game starts. The point of time (the origin of the arrangement) is 20000 points. If the score at the end of East 4 is 35000 points or more, the game can be continued without inserting coins, and if it is 25000 points or more and less than 35000 points, a coin is accepted. The game can be continued by inserting one coin into the section 15, and when it is 15000 points or more and less than 25000 points, the game can be continued by inserting two coins into the coin receiving section 15, If the number is less than 15,000, the game can be continued by inserting three coins into the coin receiving unit 15.

  The first determination unit 161b determines whether or not the game is being executed by acquiring the game execution status from the game progress control unit 161a at the update date and time stored in the date and time storage unit 162c.

  Specifically, not only during the battle, the game progress control unit 161a performs processing from reception of the personal card to transmission of the battle end information to the center server device 3 (steps S11 to S11 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 described later). When the process in any one of S33) is being executed, the first determination unit 161b determines that “the game is being executed”.

  The second determination unit 161c determines whether there is a game program (second program) stored in the program storage unit 162a.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the program acquisition unit 161j causes a game program (here, an update program to be described later: a third program) stored in the center server device 3 to be stored in the program storage unit 162a. From the time when the program is stored, the installation unit 161e until the program is deleted from the program storage unit 162a, the game program (second program) stored in the program storage unit 162a is present.

  In addition, after the game program (second program) is deleted from the program storage unit 162a by the installation unit 161e, a game program (here, an update program described later) stored in the center server device 3 by the program acquisition unit 161j. : The third program) is stored in the program storage unit 162a as the second program, and there is no game program (second program) stored in the program storage unit 162a.

  The operation prohibition unit 161d prohibits the operations of the first determination unit 161b and the installation unit 161e when the second determination unit 161c determines that the second program is not stored in the program storage unit 162a. .

  When the first determination unit 161b determines that the game is not being executed, the installation unit 161e displays the countdown screen illustrated in FIG. 17 on the monitor 11 for a predetermined period (here, 1 minute), and then the program storage unit The second program stored in 162a is installed, and when the second program is installed (here, after the installation is completed), the second program is erased from the program storage unit 162a. The installation unit 161e stores version information of the second program in the version storage unit 162b when the second program is installed (that is, updates the version information stored in the version storage unit 162b). ).

  Here, for the sake of convenience, the installation of the second program means copying the second program stored in the program storage unit 162a (here, the temporary directory) to another area (hereinafter referred to as an execution directory: not shown). It means that. That is, the game program stored in the execution directory is stored in the execution directory in an executable file format (for example, an EXE file), and is executed by the operating system (OS) at startup.

  The warning display unit 161f displays the game at the update date and time during a predetermined period (here, 30 minutes, that is, from 5:30 am to 6:00 am) before the update date and time (here, 6:00 am on the predetermined date). Warning information indicating that continuation is impossible is displayed on the monitor 11 (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

  The continuation permission unit 161g is limited to a case where coin insertion is accepted through the coin acceptance unit 15 in a predetermined game situation (here, a situation where the score is less than 35,000 at the end of the East 4th station). The continuation of the running game is permitted.

  The reception prohibition unit 161h prohibits the coin reception unit 15 from accepting coins (turns on the coin blocker) within a prohibition period that is a predetermined period from the update date and time. Specifically, all the coins inserted into the coin accepting unit 15 are not accepted, and all the coins are ejected to the coin outlet 151 (see FIG. 2). However, the prohibition period is a period including a period from the update date and time until the installation of the second program by the installation unit 161e is completed. Here, the prohibition period is a period from the update date and time until the installed second program is started. (See FIGS. 11 and 12).

  In addition, the reception prohibition unit 161h prohibits the game progress control unit 161a from continuing and starting the game regardless of the points and the number of coins inserted within the prohibition period that is a predetermined period from the update date and time. Accordingly, the game continuation condition and the start condition are changed.

  The comparison unit 161 i determines whether or not a game program (third program) different from the first program is stored in the center server device 3. Specifically, the version information of the first program stored in the version storage unit 162b is transmitted to the center server device 3, and the file name of the game program (here, an update program described later) is received from the center server device 3. It is determined by whether or not.

  That is, when a file name of an update program to be described later is received, it is determined that a game program different from the first program is stored in the center server device 3, and a file name of an update program to be described later is not received. In this case, it is determined that a game program different from the first program is not stored in the center server device 3.

  The program acquisition unit 161j determines that the second determination unit 161c determines that the second program is not stored in the program storage unit 162a, and the comparison unit 161i generates a game program (third program) that is different from the first program. A program corresponding to the version information of the first program among the third programs stored in the center server device 3 (a program storage unit 362c described later) when it is determined that the program is stored in the center server device 3 (here. Then, the update program is acquired and stored in the program storage unit 162a as the second program.

  The date and time setting unit 161k acquires update date and time information from the center server device 3 (a date and time storage unit 362d described later), and stores the acquired update date and time in the date and time storage unit 162c. Here, when the program acquisition unit 161j acquires the third program, the date and time setting unit 161k acquires the update date and time information, and when the program acquisition unit 161j stores the third program in the program storage unit 162a, The date setting unit 161k stores the update date information in the date storage unit 162c.

  The program storage unit 162a stores a third program (here, an update program described later) acquired from the center server device 3 (a program storage unit 362c described later) by the program acquisition unit 161j as a second program. . As described above, the second program stored in the program storage unit 162a is deleted by the installation unit 161e after the installation is completed.

  The version storage unit 162b stores version information of an installed game program (first program). Further, as described above, the installation unit 161e updates the version information of the second program when the second program is installed.

  The date and time storage unit 162c stores update date and time information acquired from the center server device 3 (a date and time storage unit 362d described later) by the date and time setting unit 161k in an update manner.

  FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of the center server device 3. The control unit 36 controls the overall operation of the center server device 3 and includes an information processing unit (CPU) 361 and a RAM 362 for temporarily storing information during processing.

  Of various data stored in the HDD 34, data that can be stored in a removable recording medium may be readable by a driver such as an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, or a cassette medium reader. In this case, the recording medium is, for example, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

  The network communication unit 38 is for transmitting / receiving various data to / from a plurality of client terminal devices 1 via a network such as WWW.

  FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an example of the control unit 36 of the center server device 3. The CPU 361 of the control unit 36 includes a participation reception unit 361 a that accepts participation in the battle game from the client terminal device 1, and a data communication unit 361 b that transmits and receives data to and from the client terminal device 1.

  The RAM 362 of the control unit 36 includes a player information storage unit 362a that stores the level of each player in association with player identification information (user ID data), and update file name information to be installed for each version of the first program. And the like, and a program storage unit 362c (corresponding to a program storage unit) for storing a game program to be installed in the client terminal device 1 (here, an update program to be described later: a third program). A date storage unit 362d for storing update date information.

  The participation acceptance unit 361a accepts participation in the battle game from the client terminal device 1, and specifically accepts player identification information necessary for personal authentication from the client terminal device 1 to perform personal authentication. Is. In addition, the participation reception unit 361a selects another client terminal device 1 to be an opponent and transmits player information of the opponent to the client terminal device 1 that has been accepted to participate.

  The data communication unit 361b transmits / receives data to / from the client terminal device 1. Specifically, the data communication unit 361b receives the version information of the first program from the client terminal device 1, and receives the received version information. The file name information and address information of the third program (in this case, the update program) that is a game program corresponding to is read from the address storage unit 362b and transmitted to the client terminal device 1, and the update program is transmitted from the client terminal device 1. When the request is received, the corresponding update program is read from the program storage unit 362c and transmitted to the client terminal device 1.

  The player information storage unit 362a stores the level of each player in association with the player identification information (user ID data).

  The address storage unit 362b associates, for each version of the game program (first program) installed in the client terminal device 1, the update file name information to be installed and the address information in which the update file is stored. To store.

  The program storage unit 362c associates the version information of the first program that is a game program installed in the client terminal device 1 with a third program (here, an update program) that is a version of the game program to be installed. To store.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the address storage unit 362b of the center server device 3. In the left column, the version VER of the game program (first program) installed in each client terminal device 1 is displayed, and in the center column, the update program to be installed in the client terminal device 1 for each version VER. The file name PGM of (third program) is displayed, and the address ADR in the program storage unit 362c in which the update program is stored is displayed in the right column.

  Here, the update program stored in the program storage unit 362 c is the difference between the latest game program stored in the program storage unit 362 b and the first program that is a game program installed in the client terminal device 1. Update data. That is, the latest game program is installed in the client terminal device 1 by copying the update program PGM from the temporary directory of the client terminal device 1 to the execution directory.

  For example, when the version VER of the game program installed in the client terminal device 1 is “1.1”, the file name PGM of the update program to be installed is “PGM11”, and this update program is a program The address ADR in the storage unit 362c is stored in the area “ADR11”.

  Further, for example, when the game program installed in the client terminal device 1 is “3.0” of the latest game program version VER, there is no update program to be installed. In the file name PGM and the update program, “blank” is stored in the address ADR in the program storage unit 362c (that is, the file name PGM is not stored).

  The date / time storage unit 362d stores update date / time information of the game program (in this case, update program: third program) stored in the program storage unit 362c. Here, it is assumed that an operation from the outside is accepted via an input means such as a keyboard (not shown), and the update date / time information of the game program is set and updated in the date / time storage unit 362d.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game process performed by the client terminal device 1. Unless otherwise specified, the following processing is performed by the game progress control unit 161a. First, it is determined whether or not a coin has been received via the coin receiving unit 15 (step S10). Then, personal information such as user ID data is read from the personal card inserted by the card reader 13 (step S11) and transmitted to the center server device 3 (step S13). Next, opponent information such as the name, rank and title of another player (competitor) who plays the game in the same game space is received from the center server device 3 (step S15). Next, the instruction information for executing the game is received from the center server device 3, the game is started, and the place and the parent are determined (step S17). Then, the battle is started (step S19).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the battle has ended (step S21). If it is determined that the battle has not ended (NO in step S21), the process returns to step S19, and the battle is continued. If it is determined that the battle has ended (YES in step S21), the reception prohibition unit 161h determines whether or not the update date has passed (step S22). If it is determined that the update date has passed (YES in step S22), the game over screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the monitor 11, and then the process proceeds to step S33.

  If it is determined that the update date has not passed (NO in step S22), a screen (not shown) for confirming continued participation in the next game is displayed on the monitor 11 and an operation input is accepted. Then, it is determined whether or not the player continues to participate in the next game (step S23). If it is determined not to continue participating (NO in step S23), the process proceeds to step S33. If it is determined to participate continuously (YES in step ST23), an operation input is accepted, and the player's score at the end of the game is obtained (step S25).

  Next, the player's continuation condition for the next game is set based on the obtained score of the score (step S27). It is determined whether or not the player's points after the game is over a predetermined score SL (here, 35,000 points) (step S29). If it is determined that the score is greater than or equal to the score SL (YES in step S29), the process is returned to step S13, and the processes after step S13 are repeatedly executed. If it is determined that the score is not equal to or greater than the score SL (less than the score SL) (NO in step S29), the number of coins based on the continuation condition corresponding to the score value at the end of the game of the player is coined. It is determined whether or not it has been received by the receiving unit 15 (step S31).

  If it is determined that a coin has been accepted (YES in step S31), the process returns to step S13, and the processes after step S13 are repeatedly executed. If it is determined that no coin is accepted (NO in step S31), battle end information indicating that the game has ended is transmitted to the center server device 3 (step S33), and the process is ended.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game program acquisition process in the client terminal device 1. This process is performed as an interrupt process that is forcibly executed by the client terminal device 1 every predetermined time (for example, every 10 minutes). First, the second determination unit 161c determines whether there is a second program stored in the program storage unit 162a (step S101). If it is determined that the second program is present (YES in step S101), the process is terminated. If it is determined that there is no second program (NO in step S101), the comparison unit 161i reads the version information of the first program from the version storage unit 162b and transmits it to the center server device 3 ( Step S103).

  Then, the comparison unit 161i determines whether or not the file name and address of the update program have been received from the center server device 3 (step S104). If it is determined that it has not been received (NO in step S104), the process is set to a standby state. If it is determined that the update program has been received (YES in step S104), the comparison unit 161i determines whether or not there is an update program depending on whether or not the file name of the update program is “blank” ( Step S105). That is, if the file name of the update program is not “blank”, it is determined that there is an update program.

  If it is determined that there is no update program (NO in step S105), the process ends. If it is determined that there is an update program (YES in step S105), the program acquisition unit 161j transmits information to the center server device 3 (data communication unit 361b) to request transmission of the update program and update date and time. (Step S107).

  Then, the program acquisition unit 161j determines whether or not the update program and the update date / time have been received from the center server device 3 (step S109). If it is determined that it has not been received (NO in step S109), the process is set to a standby state. When it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S109), the program acquisition unit 161j stores the update program and the update date / time in the program storage unit 162a and the date / time storage unit 162c, respectively (step S111), and the process ends. Is done.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing on the side of the center server device 3 performed in correspondence with the program acquisition processing shown in FIG. This processing is all performed by the data communication unit 361b. First, it is determined whether or not the version information of the first program has been received from the client terminal device 1 (step S301). If it is determined that it has not been received (NO in step S301), the process is set to a standby state. If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S301), the file name and address of the update file corresponding to the version information are read from the address storage unit 362b (step S303). Then, the file name and address of the update file are transmitted to the client terminal device 1 (step S305).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the client terminal device 1 has received information requesting transmission of the update program and the update date and time (step S307). If it is determined that the information requesting transmission has not been received (NO in step S307), the process enters a standby state. If it is determined that the information requesting transmission is received (YES in step S307), the update program corresponding to the version information of the first program is read from the program storage unit 362c, and the date and time storage unit 362d. Update date information is read (step S309). Next, the update program and the update date / time information are transmitted to the client terminal device 1 (step S311), and the process ends.

  FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the program update process in the client terminal device 1. This process is performed as an interrupt process forcibly executed by the client terminal device 1 every predetermined time (for example, every 5 minutes). First, the second determination unit 161c determines whether or not a game program is stored in the program storage unit 162a (step S201). If it is determined that no game program is stored (NO in step S201), the process ends. If it is determined that the game program is stored (YES in step S201), the warning display unit 161f reads the update date / time information from the date / time storage unit 162c, and the current date / time is a predetermined time ΔT ( Here, it is determined whether or not 30 minutes have passed (step S203).

  If it is determined that the predetermined time ΔT before the update date has not passed (that is, the predetermined time ΔT has not been reached before the update date) (NO in step S203), the process ends. If it is determined that the predetermined time ΔT before the update date has passed (YES in step S203), the first determination unit 161b determines whether or not the game is in progress (step S205). When it is determined that the game is in progress (YES in step S205), the warning display unit 161f displays warning information on the game screen as shown in FIG. 13 (step S207), and it is determined that the game is not in progress. If this is the case (NO in step S205), the warning display unit 161f displays warning information on the demo screen as shown in FIG. 14 (step S209).

  Then, the reception prohibition unit 161h determines whether or not the current date / time has become the update date / time (step S211). If it is determined that the update date / time has not been reached (NO in step S211), the process returns to step S205, and the processes after step S205 are repeatedly executed. If it is determined that the update date / time has come (YES in step S211), the coin acceptance unit 15 prohibits the acceptance of coins based on the instruction from the acceptance prohibition unit 161h, and the game progress control unit 161a The game continuation condition and the start condition are changed so that the game cannot be continued and started (step S213).

  Next, the first determination unit 161b determines whether or not a game is in progress (step S215). If it is determined that the game is in progress (YES in step S215), the game progress control unit 161a displays the game screen shown in FIG. 15 on the monitor, and determines whether or not the game has ended ( Step S217). If it is determined that the game has not ended (NO in step S217), the process is set to a standby state. If it is determined that the game has ended (YES in step S217), the game end control unit 161a displays the game end screen shown in FIG. (Step S219).

  When the process of step S219 is completed and when NO in step S215, the installation unit 161e displays the countdown screen shown in FIG. 17 on the monitor 11 and starts the countdown (step S221). Then, the installation unit 161e determines whether or not the countdown is finished (step S223). If it is determined that the countdown has not ended (NO in step S223), the process is set to a standby state. If it is determined that the countdown has ended (YES in step S223), as shown in FIG. 12, the installation unit 161e restarts (step S225), and the second program in the program storage unit 162a is installed. Is started (step S227).

  Next, the installation unit 161e determines whether or not the installation of the second program has been completed (step S229). If it is determined that the installation has not been completed (NO in step S229), the process is set in a standby state. If it is determined that the installation is complete (YES in step S229), the installation unit 161e updates the version information in the version storage unit 162b to the version information of the installed second program, and the second program is updated. It is erased from the program storage unit 162a (step S231). Then, the installed game program is activated by the OS (step S233). Based on an instruction from the reception prohibition unit 161h, the coin reception unit 15 cancels the prohibition of coin reception, and the game progress control unit 161a allows the game continuation condition and The start condition is returned to the normal condition (step S235), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 13 is a screen diagram showing an example of the game screen displayed on the monitor 11 of the client terminal device 1 in step S207 of the flowchart shown in FIG. On the game screen 600, the player's hand 601 is displayed on the lower side of the screen so that the type of heel can be seen, and the opponent's hand 602 is displayed on the upper and left and right sides of the screen so that the type of heel is not visible. A mountain 603 including a dora display ridge in the approximate center of the screen, a discard ridge 604 is displayed around the mountain 603, and various buttons 605 pressed by the player are displayed at the bottom of the screen. The game proceeds by the player pressing the button 605 as appropriate while looking at the game screen 600.

  In addition, the game screen 600 has a first warning display unit 606 for displaying detailed information of warning information indicating that the game cannot be continued on the upper side of the screen, and that the game cannot be continued in the upper left part of the screen. A second warning display unit 607 for displaying the summary information of the warning information and a time display unit 608 for displaying the current time are displayed in the lower left part of the screen.

  The first warning display unit 606 scrolls a character string (referred to as a display character string) of a predetermined number of characters (here, about 25 characters) from a right side to a left side of the figure at a predetermined speed. It will be displayed here, “You will not be able to continue from 6:00 due to system maintenance soon. <Note> You will not be able to play with the inserted coins. The detailed information of the warning information “Please thank you.” Is displayed repeatedly. This display shows that 6:00 is set as the update date and time.

  The second warning display section 607 displays summary information of warning information that “system maintenance and continuation will soon be impossible”. Further, “5:50” is displayed on the time display unit 608, and it can be seen that the current time is 5:50.

  FIG. 14 is a screen diagram showing an example of a demonstration screen displayed on the monitor 11 of the client terminal device 1 in step S209 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In the demo screen 610, a warning display unit 611 that displays warning information that the game cannot be continued is displayed in the center of the screen, and a time display unit 612 that displays the current time is displayed in the lower left part of the screen. Yes.

  In the warning display 611, “Soon, due to system maintenance, Mahjong ABCD4 will automatically restart at 6:00. <Note> You will not be able to play with the inserted coins. "Please refrain from" "." Is displayed, and you can see that the update date and time is set to 6:00. Further, “5:52” is displayed on the time display unit 612, and it can be seen that the current time is 5:52.

  FIG. 15 is a screen diagram showing an example of the game screen displayed on the monitor 11 of the client terminal device 1 in step S217 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Similar to the game screen 600 shown in FIG. 13, the game screen 620 displays a player's hand 621, an opponent's hand 622, a mountain 623, a throwing pad 624, and a button 625.

  Further, the game screen 620 has a first warning display unit 626 for displaying detailed information of warning information indicating that the game cannot be continued on the upper side of the screen, and that the game cannot be continued on the upper left portion of the screen. A second warning display unit 627 that displays the summary information of the warning information and a time display unit 628 that displays the current time are displayed in the lower left part of the screen.

  The first warning display unit 626 scrolls a character string (referred to as a display character string) of a predetermined number of characters (here, about 25 characters) from a right side to a left side of the figure at a predetermined speed. Here, the detailed information of the warning information is displayed repeatedly, "Thank you for your patronage of Mahjong ABCD4." . From this display, it can be seen that the update date and time of 6:00 has passed.

  The second warning display section 627 displays summary information of warning information that “System maintenance is in progress… cannot continue”. In addition, “6:00” is displayed in the time display unit 628, and it can be seen that the current time is 6:00 (= update date and time).

  FIG. 16 is a screen diagram showing an example of the game end screen displayed on the monitor 11 of the client terminal device 1 in step S219 of the flowchart shown in FIG. On the game end screen 630, a warning display unit 631 that displays detailed information of warning information that the game cannot be continued is displayed on the upper side of the screen, and warning information that the game cannot be continued is displayed in the upper left part of the screen. The second warning display unit 632 for displaying the summary information of the game, the point display unit 633 for displaying the points at the end of the battle on the left side of the screen, and the number of coins necessary for continuing the play on the right side of the screen A continuation condition display unit 634 that displays a continuation condition for notifying the player, and a time display unit 635 that displays the current time are displayed in the lower left part of the screen.

  The first warning display unit 631 repeatedly displays the detailed information of the warning information in the same manner as the first warning display unit 626 of the game screen 620 shown in FIG. Further, similar to the second warning display unit 627 of the game screen 620 shown in FIG. 15, the second warning display unit 632 displays summary information of warning information. The time display unit 635 displays “6:06”, which indicates that the current time is 6:06 (= the update date has passed).

  The continuation condition display unit 634 displays a first continuation condition display unit 634a that displays a continuation condition when the score is 35,000 or more, and a continuation condition when the score is 25000 or more and less than 35000. 2nd continuation condition display part 634b, 3rd continuation condition display part 634c which displays continuation conditions when the number of points is 15000 points or more and less than 25000 points, and continuation conditions when the number of points is less than 15000 points are displayed The fourth continuation condition display section 634d is displayed.

  The first continuation condition display unit 634a to the fourth continuation condition display unit 634d are all displayed as “GAME OVER”, and since the update date has passed, the game cannot be continued even if coins are inserted. I understand that. Until the update date and time, the first continuation condition display unit 634a can continue the game without inserting coins, and the second continuation condition display unit 634b includes 1 in the coin reception unit 15. When the coins are inserted, the game can be continued, and in the third continuation condition display unit 634c, the game can be continued when two coins are inserted into the coin receiving unit 15, and the fourth continuation condition display unit The display 634d indicates that the game can be continued when three coins are inserted into the coin receiving unit 15.

  FIG. 17 is a screen diagram showing an example of a countdown screen displayed on the monitor 11 of the client terminal device 1 in step S221 of the flowchart shown in FIG. On the countdown game screen 640, a warning display unit 641 that displays warning information indicating that the game cannot be continued is displayed in the center of the screen, and a time display unit 642 that displays the current time is displayed in the lower left part of the screen. ing. The warning display section 641 displays the remaining countdown seconds. The time display unit 642 displays “6:07”, and it can be seen that the current time is 6:07 (= the update date has passed).

  The warning display section 641 displays “Mahjong ABCD4 has been discontinued due to system maintenance. It will automatically restart after 52 seconds. <Note> Coins cannot be inserted.” It can be seen that the restart is started after 52 seconds.

  As described above, when the first determination unit 161b determines that the game is not being executed, the installation unit 161e installs the second program, which is a game program different from the installed game program. Therefore, it is suppressed that the convenience of the user is impaired during the installation of the game program.

  Further, when the second determination unit 161c determines that the second program is not stored in the program storage unit 162a, the operation prohibition unit 161d prohibits the operations of the first determination unit 161b and the installation unit 161e. Therefore, the load on the CPU is reduced.

  Furthermore, since the installed second program is deleted from the program storage unit 162a by the installation unit 161e, it is reliably prevented that the installed second program is installed again, and the load on the CPU is further reduced. .

  In addition, warning information indicating that the game cannot be continued at the update date and time is displayed on the monitor 11 by a warning display unit 161f as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 during a predetermined period (30 minutes here) before the update date and time. Since it is displayed above, the player can know in advance that the game cannot be continued at the update date and time, and convenience is improved.

  In addition, when the game situation is allowed to continue the game being executed only when the coin insertion is accepted (here, the East 4 stations are finished and the points are less than 35,000 points) Since the game is reliably ended by the prohibition unit 161h, the second program is surely installed.

  Further, since the coins are not accepted during the period from the update date and time until the installation of the second program is completed by the acceptance prohibition unit 161h, the coins are not accepted until the game can be executed by the second program. It is surely prevented.

  In addition, when a game program different from the installed game program is stored in the server device, the program acquisition unit 161j acquires the game program from the center server device 3 and becomes a target to be installed. Since the two programs are stored in the program storage unit 162a, the program to be installed is surely acquired.

  Further, based on whether or not the file name of the update program is received from the center server device 3 by the comparison unit 161i, a game program (here, an update program) that is different from the installed game program (first program). : The third program) is stored in the center server device 3, so that the determination is easily performed.

  In addition, since the update date and time is set based on the update date and time information from the center server device 3 by the date and time setting unit 161k, the update date and time of the client terminal device 1 connected to the center server device 3 is collectively set. It is possible to further reduce the user's convenience.

  In addition, the program acquisition unit 161j acquires the version of the game program to be installed, which is set corresponding to the version information of the installed game program, from the program storage unit 362c of the center server device 3, and performs installation. Therefore, the version of the game program to be installed is surely installed.

  In addition, this invention can take the following aspects.

  (A) In the present embodiment, the case where the game is a mahjong game has been described. However, other games may be used. For example, in a Go game that simulates Go, a Shogi game that simulates Shogi, a chess game that simulates chess, a card game that simulates playing cards, cartas, and flower cards, a sports game that simulates tennis, baseball, table tennis, volleyball, badminton, etc. A certain form may be sufficient.

  (B) In this embodiment, although the case where there is one game program that operates on the client terminal device 1 has been described, a form in which a plurality of game programs can operate may be employed. For example, a mode in which a mahjong game and a go game can be selected and played by one client terminal device 1 may be used.

  In this case, the installation unit 161e may be configured to update any of the installed programs, or may be configured to newly add another game program (in this case, the program storage unit). 162a stores a game program of another game).

  (C) In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the first determination unit 161b determines whether or not the game is running from the update date and time until the game is ended. Any form may be used. For example, it may be determined whether or not the game is being executed only once at the update date and time. In this case, the process is simplified.

  (D) In the present embodiment, the case where the second program (game program stored in the program storage unit 162a) is acquired (downloaded) from the center server device 3 has been described. However, from a recording medium such as a CD or DVD It may be in the form of being read.

  (E) In the present embodiment, the case where the warning display unit 161f continuously displays the warning information on the monitor 11 for a predetermined period (here, 30 minutes) before the update date and time has been described. The warning information may be displayed on the monitor 11 one or more times before the previous predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes before). Further, instead of displaying the warning information on the monitor 11 (or in addition), it may be notified by voice.

  (F) In the present embodiment, the case where the date / time setting unit 161k acquires the update date / time information from the center server device 3 and sets the update date / time has been described. However, the date / time setting unit 161k is set based on an operation input from the outside. But you can. In this case, the update date and time is freely set for each store where the client terminal device 1 is disposed, and the degree of freedom is increased.

  (G) In this embodiment, the comparison unit 161i is different from the installed game program (first program) based on whether or not the file name of the update program is received from the center server device 3. Although the case where it is determined whether or not the program (here, the update program: the third program) is stored in the center server device 3 is obtained, the version information of the third program is acquired from the center server device 3, It may be determined based on whether or not it differs from the version information of the first program.

  (H) In the present embodiment, the case where the installation unit 161e installs the update program has been described. However, a form in which a game program, an image file used for the game, an audio file, and the like are installed may be used.

  (I) Although the case where the update program is stored in the program storage unit 362c of the center server device 3 has been described in the present embodiment, the game program itself may be stored. In this case, the process is simplified because the game program stored in the program storage unit 362c may be acquired and installed regardless of the version of the game program installed in the client terminal device 1.

It is a lineblock diagram showing an example of a game system concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of one Embodiment of a client terminal device. It is a hardware block diagram which shows one Embodiment of a client terminal device. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the control part of a client terminal device. It is a hardware block diagram which shows one Embodiment of a center server apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the control part of a center server apparatus. It is a figure explaining an example of the data stored in the program storage part of a center server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the game process performed by a client terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the game program acquisition process in a client terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process by the side of the center server apparatus performed corresponding to the program acquisition process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program update process in a client terminal device (first half part). It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program update process in a client terminal device (second half part). It is a screen figure which shows an example of the game screen displayed on the monitor of a client terminal device by step S207 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a screen figure which shows an example of the demonstration screen displayed on the monitor of a client terminal device by step S209 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a screen figure which shows an example of the game screen displayed on the monitor of a client terminal device by step S217 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a screen figure which shows an example of the game end screen displayed on the monitor of a client terminal device by step S219 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a screen figure which shows an example of the countdown screen displayed on the monitor of a client terminal device by step S221 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Client terminal device 15 Coin reception part 16 Control part 161 CPU
161a Game progress control unit 161b First determination unit (first determination unit)
161c 2nd determination part (2nd determination means)
161d Operation prohibition unit (operation prohibition means)
161e Installation section (installation means)
161f Warning display section (warning display means)
161g Continuation permission section (continuation permission means)
161h Reception prohibition section (reception prohibition means)
161i Comparison unit (comparison means)
161j Program acquisition unit (program acquisition means)
161k Date and time setting part (Date and time setting means)
162 RAM
162a Program storage unit (program storage means)
162b Version storage unit (version storage means)
162c Date and time storage unit (date and time storage means)
3 Center server device

Claims (13)

Provided with monitors that display images so that they can be viewed from the outside, they are connected to each other via a communication line so as to be able to communicate operation signals necessary for the progress of the game, and are also connected to be able to communicate with the server device via a communication line A game device,
Program storage means capable of storing a second program which is a game program different from the first program which is a game program installed in an execution directory executed at startup by the operation system of the game device ;
A date and time storage means for storing update date and time information which is a date and time for performing the installation process of the second program;
First determination means for determining whether or not the game by the first program is being executed at the update date and time;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the second program is stored in the program storage means;
When the first determination means determines that the game is not being executed, the second program stored in the program storage means is installed in the execution directory, and the second program is installed. Installation means for erasing the second program from the program storage means later;
A game apparatus comprising: an operation prohibiting unit that prohibits the operation of the first determining unit and the installing unit when the second determining unit determines that the second program is not stored. Comparing means for comparing the first program with a third program, which is a game program stored in a predetermined area of the server device, to determine whether or not they are different;
And a program acquisition unit that acquires the third program from the server device and stores it in the program storage unit as the second program when it is determined by the comparison unit that the two are different. The game device according to claim 1. Version storage means for storing version information of the first program;
The installation means stores version information of the second program in the version storage means when installing the second program,
3. The game apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the comparison unit makes a determination by comparing the version information stored in the version storage unit with the version information of the third program.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising warning display means for displaying warning information on the monitor indicating that the game cannot be continued at the update date and time during a predetermined period before the update date and time. The game device described. A continuation permission means for permitting continuation of a game being executed only when coin insertion is accepted in a predetermined game situation;
The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reception prohibition unit that prohibits reception of coins within a prohibition period that is a predetermined period from the update date and time.   The game apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the prohibition period includes a period from the update date and time until the installation is completed by at least the installation unit.   7. The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a date setting unit that receives the update date and time based on an external operation and stores the received update date and time in the date and time storage unit.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a date setting unit that acquires the update date information from the server device and stores the acquired update date in the date storage unit. Provided with monitors that display images so that they can be viewed from the outside, they are connected to each other via a communication line so as to be able to communicate operation signals necessary for the progress of the game, and are also connected to be able to communicate with the server device via a communication line A game update method for a game device,
Comprising a program storage means capable of storing a second program that is a game program different from the first program that is a game program installed in an execution directory that is executed at startup by the operation system of the game device ;
The date and time storage means of the game device stores update date and time information that is a date and time for performing installation processing of the second program,
The first determination means of the game device determines whether or not the game by the first program is being executed at the update date and time;
A second determination unit of the game apparatus determines whether the second program is stored in the program storage unit;
When the installation means of the game device determines that the game is not being executed by the first determination means , the game device is installed in the execution directory of the second program stored in the program storage means, After the installation of the second program, the second program is erased from the program storage means,
A game update characterized in that the operation prohibiting means of the game device prohibits the operations of the first determining means and the installing means when the second determining means determines that the second program is not stored. Method. Provided with monitors that display images so that they can be viewed from the outside, they are connected to each other via a communication line so as to be able to communicate operation signals necessary for the progress of the game, and are also connected to be able to communicate with the server device via a communication line A game update program for a game device, wherein the game device is
Program storage means capable of storing a second program which is a game program different from the first program which is a game program installed in an execution directory executed at startup by the operation system of the game device ;
A date and time storage means for storing update date and time information which is a date and time for performing the installation process of the second program;
First determination means for determining whether or not the game by the first program is being executed at the update date and time;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the second program is stored in the program storage means;
When the first determination means determines that the game is not being executed, the second program stored in the program storage means is installed in the execution directory, and the second program is installed. Installation means for erasing the second program from the program storage means later;
A game update program that functions as an operation prohibiting unit that prohibits the operations of the first determining unit and the installing unit when the second determining unit determines that the second program is not stored. A plurality of game devices that are provided with a monitor that displays images so that they can be viewed from the outside, and that are connected to each other so that operation signals necessary for the progress of the game can be communicated with each other via a communication line; A server system that is communicably connected to the server system,
The server device
Server-side program storage means for storing a third program that is a game program different from the first program that is a game program installed in an execution directory that is executed at startup by the operation system of each game device;
The game device includes:
Program storage means capable of storing a second program which is a game program different from the first program;
Comparing means for comparing the first program with a third program, which is a game program stored in a predetermined area of the server device, to determine whether or not they are different;
A program acquisition unit that acquires the third program from the server-side program storage unit of the server device and stores the third program in the program storage unit as the second program when the comparison unit determines that the two are different;
A date and time storage means for storing update date and time information which is a date and time for performing the installation process of the second program;
First determination means for determining whether or not the game by the first program is being executed at the update date and time;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the second program is stored in the program storage means;
When the first determination means determines that the game is not being executed, the second program stored in the program storage means is installed in the execution directory, and the second program is installed. Installation means for erasing the second program from the program storage means later;
A game system comprising: an operation prohibiting unit for prohibiting the operation of the first determining unit and the installing unit when the second determining unit determines that the second program is not stored. The server-side program storage means stores a third program that is a version of the game program to be installed in association with version information of the first program that is a game program installed in each game device,
The game device includes:
Version storage means capable of storing version information of the first program;
Comparing means for comparing version information of the first program and the third program stored in the server-side program storage means to determine whether they are different;
When it is determined by the comparing means that they are different from each other, the program acquisition means acquires the third program from the server-side program storage means of the server device and stores it as the second program in the program storage means. The game system according to claim 11. 13. The game system according to claim 12, wherein the installation unit of the game device stores version information of the second program in the version storage unit when the second program is installed.

Images